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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
January 2015

Looking Forward ~ Welcome to 2015! 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 Church Unity in Repton New Year Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th January SHELL for children and young people aged 7+ Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes None! The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Services Groups St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Flooding in the Crypt Service Round up A bit of a do ~ PCC social events in the second half of 2014 Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 7th January Repton Ghost Walk, Friday 9th January Repton School Concerts Society, Wednesday 14th January Jazz Legend Art Themen in Repton, Friday 23rd January Messy Church ~ Joseph, and God's plan, Sunday 25th January Baked Potatoes & Pancakes, Tuesday 17th February The Great War Commemorated 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village and History Repton Rags Repton Sale of Work & Fun Day 2014 Repton & District Poppy Appeal An Evening with Cantata, Saturday 21st February Scouts A Murder Mystery, Friday 7th March Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton W.I. Repton Village Hall receives Planning Permission Planning the Village Party Live and Local: Lady Maisery in Concert, Saturday 28th February Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters NS Quiz ~ A Fun Night Out, Saturday 28th February Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Willington Calling New Artists ~ Willington Arts Festival Environment Matters Recycle at Christmas Police Wildlife Co-ordinator appointed You and your Pet Why microchip your cat? Neighbourhood Watch Gardening Notes

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Looking Forward ~ Welcome to 2015!

This year on the 15th of June we will mark the 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo, 700 years, possibly to the day, after the signing of the Magna Carta. Do we really want to celebrate the restriction of the powers of King John by his barons in 1215 or the defeat of the French by the Duke of Wellington in 1815?

I love history and since I retired I have enjoyed many new books and TV programmes about the Tudors and the Plantagenets. At the same time I can see the danger of dwelling too much on the past.

Admittedly, as we were reminded in November, we do need to remember the two World Wars and all who gave their lives so that we might be free. I was pleased to see that in December a new memorial was unveiled in London, dedicated to all who died in the Korean War. More soldiers died in that conflict than in all the fighting in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, New Year's Day 2015 gives us a chance to look forward rather than back. Perhaps you are glad that Christmas is now over: no more cards, trees dropping needles, no more turkey or mince pies. As Christians we can now look forward to Easter when we remember that Jesus died for us all. Having risen from the dead he is always with us.

The first Christians kept Sunday, the first day of the week, as a new beginning, a day of rejoicing because Jesus had risen from the dead. We, like them, should be joyful as we praise and thank God Sunday by Sunday.

But if you are a realist, you may ask how can we help feeling gloomy as we think of the state of the world? Think of the economic situation, terrorism and wars, global warming, floods and typhoons. We need to remember the words of Jesus to his followers: "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." When he rose from the dead, he knew his little band of followers would be facing a hostile world, so he said to them: "Peace be with you." He enabled them to face the future with faith and hope. He has given us his peace so that we can do the same.

A happy and blessed New Year.

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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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Church Unity in Repton

Two services this month emphasise and celebrate the work that our two churches do together. The first, at St Wystan's, reinforces the Covenant we have made to work together whenever possible, and the second, at the United Reformed Church on the following Sunday, reinforces the steps made towards unity among churches throughout the world. The theme this year is 'Is Christ divided?' and the service has been written by the churches of French Canada. You are most welcome at both of these services.

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New Year Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th January at 10.30

Now that the cake is almost eaten, and the mince pies but a distant memory, it's time to replenish your treats and have a coffee with friends - and, of course, to browse the Webb Ivory and Phoenix cards and stationery. Everyone is very welcome!

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SHELL for children and young people aged 7+

. . . will recommence on Monday 12th January at 6.30 pm. New members are welcome!

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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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Repton Benefice

Services

New Year's Eve Wednesday Communion

On New Year's Eve there will be a service at St Wystan's as usual at 10 am.

New Year's Eve Watch-night Service: St Wystan's at 11.30 pm

Come and welcome the New Year at St Wystan's. The Watch-night Service is followed by bell-ringing, bring and share refreshments and fireworks.

The Epiphany: Worship Together, Sunday 4th January

The arrival of the Wise Men - Magi or Kings - to worship the new born Jesus is for many people the final act in the Christmas story. Everyone is very welcome to join in Worship Together in St Wystan's at 9.45 and celebrate their mysterious yet joyous appearance. There are many questions about who these travellers were and why they came, as well as about the political storm their arrival created in Herod's Palace. Come and explore a few answers as we continue to celebrate the new born King of all creation.

The Covenant Service: Sunday 11th January, 10.30 am at St Wystan's

Each year the United Reformed Church, Roman Catholics in Repton and St Wystan's congregation hold a joint service renewing our covenant to work together as Christians. Do note the time. Every year somebody gets it wrong! The service is based on the Methodist Covenant Service, which has its origins in one created in 1755 by John Wesley. We celebrate all that God has done for us, and affirm that we give our lives and choices to God. Whatever church you belong to, you are most welcome to come along and join in this special celebration.

The Epiphany: Choral Service, Sunday 11th January

Our Epiphany celebration continues with a special Choral Service at 6.30 pm in St Wystan's. The Wystan Singers will lead our worship as we pause to contemplate the mysteries around the appearance of those Wise Men at the crib of Jesus. All are most welcome.

Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 18th January, 6.30 pm at the U.R.C.

We join the congregation of the United Reformed Church in Pinfold Lane for a service to start the national week of prayer for Christian Unity which runs from the 18th to the 25th January.

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Groups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 12th January.

The Bible Study Group studying the Acts of the Apostles will meet at 7.30 pm on Thursdays 8th January, 22nd January and 5th February at 28 The Pastures. We will then not meet until after Easter so that members can join the Lent Study groups. Please see Stephen Longden if you are interested in joining in.

There is a service of Prayer for Christian Healing at St Wystan's Church at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 28th January. 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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St Wystan's News

9.45 am at St Wystan's Church - EVERY Sunday EXCEPT the 1st Sunday of the month when we all 'Worship Together' Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Join us for Bible stories, craft & games. All are most welcome! Ring Jane Griffiths for more details: 01283 559390

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Flooding in the Crypt

In early December the crypt was found to be flooded up to two feet deep in places due to a broken water main under the School yard. The leak was quickly repaired and the water pumped out, but the crypt had to remain closed as more water gradually seeped in over the next few days and then during the drying out process. However, as the magazine is printed, the electrics - the wiring and lighting - have been passed, and following an inspection by the architect just before Christmas, we hope that the crypt will be open once again by the time you read this.

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Service Round up

The Advent Candlelight Service marked the start of the Advent season that leads up to Christmas. The promise of God to send his Son, Jesus Christ to live among us and to return a second time was illustrated in hymns, anthems and readings. The service began in darkness and was gradually lit, first with candles and then with lights in different parts of the church, creating a meditative atmosphere to start our preparations to worship the new born Jesus at Christmas. Thank you to all those who contributed to this special service.

District Guides Carol Service: In early December, about 160 Guides, Brownies and Rainbows from Etwall and Repton District held their annual carol service in St Wystan's Church. The Rainbows sang the first verse of Away in a Manger, the Christmas story was read by Guides and Brownies, the talk was given by Ruth Attwood, and everyone joined in the carols. It was all together a lovely occasion.

School Carol Services: Key Stage 2 children from Repton Primary School delighted parents as they led their carol service, and with hats and balloons the Rev'd Adam Watkinson really got the party going to remind us all that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. A few days later the church was filled once again when the children of St Wystan's School celebrated the Christmas story with their parents through carols, readings, prayers and the lighting of Christingles. It was lovely to welcome them all into St Wystan's.

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A bit of a do ~ PCC social events in the second half of 2014

For the first time, we held our BBQ in the churchyard after Messy Church. We were jolly lucky with the weather, and anyone looking over the churchyard wall would have seen around 100 people including over 30 children having a splendid time.

The Mad Hatter's Tea Party at the home of Frances and Martin Wimbush was also great fun. The weather again was beautiful, and so were the hats and the cakes. Wendy and Steve Longden had a coffee morning in August, where we all became rather good at cheating over the gardening quiz and laughing at our wild guesses. The garden looked lovely in the sunshine, and most of us took the opportunity to see round.

In September Frances and Martin Wimbush organised a very successful barn dance. The village hall was full, and the children showed how much better than the rest of us they are at following instructions. Money raised by the raffle went to the Repton Village Hall Appeal.

A busy and mouth-watering Harvest Festival lunch in October was followed by the annual quiz in November. More teams than ever took part, and Audrey Morris showed her usual flair in question setting; the only surprise was the ignorance of Tolkein's Lord of the Rings. Thanks to Jan Gilham for organising the teams and the food.

A lunch time concert by Foremarke Hall in September was as good as ever with an excellent standard from the young performers. Thank you to them all and to Susan Bloor for organising it; also to the cooks and servers who provided the lunch that followed, and to everyone who came.

Date for your Diary

Baked Potatoes & Pancakes at 1 Milton Road, Tuesday 17th February, noon to 2 pm.

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Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 7th January 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!

Friday 9th January, 7.15 - 8.30 pm Repton Ghost Walk A light hearted introduction to the Sad, the Bad and the Good Ghosts of Repton and surrounding areas by Howard G. Awbery Start from The Grange front garden, Main Street, Repton Mince pies and warming refreshments TICKETS ESSENTIAL from 76 High Street (9am - 5pm), 01283 703828 Adults £20 ~ (Not suitable for Children) In aid of Repton Village Hall Appeal

Repton School Concerts Society Repton School Music Department Wednesday 14th January at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall Following last year's excellent Shakespeare concert, the Music Department will present an evening to celebrate the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.   With an exciting and varied programme, this should be one of the highlights of this series of concerts. Tickets cost £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Jazz Legend Art Themen in Repton Robert Beldam Hall, Friday 23rd January at 8 pm British jazz legend, Art Themen, will be accompanied by the astonishingly talented saxophonist Dave O'Higgins and his London trio of Garth Williams, piano, Arnie Somogyi, bass, and Warren Clifford on drums. This is a great opportunity to see one of the true legends of the British Jazz scene. Art Themen's career stretches over 50 years. As well as fronting his own band he has played with artists such as Stan Tracey, Jack Bruce, Alexis Korner and George Coleman. The Robert Beldam Hall is part of the Repton School Music School on Burton Road, entry from the field side. Tickets at £10 are now on sale from the Lodge - to the right, just inside the Arch - and also the Bursary, or ring 01283 559 214. All are welcome

Messy Church ~ Joseph, and God's plan Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 25th January, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Baked Potatoes & Pancakes Carol and Chris would be delighted if you could join us for lunch on Tuesday 17th February, noon to 2 pm 1 Milton Road, Repton Raffle & Book Stall £5 including lunch and coffee     Proceeds to St Wystan's Church

The Great War Commemorated

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Dear Friends

The old year is going out amidst all the terrors and horrors of the war, but still we can sincerely wish one another a happy New Year - happy in the hope that 1915 will see the end of this war, and, we may even dare to pray, of all wars. Surely the world after this will have had its fill of war, and we shall begin to see not only its dreadfulness but also its supreme folly. Nevertheless there can be no peace except on the Allies' terms - these surely will not be humiliating and devastating, as would be those of our enemy if victorious; but they will certainly be sufficient to see that the deadly menace of Prussian militarism is crushed for ever.

The time is fast approaching when the great majority of those who enlisted for the war will go out. Then hundreds and thousands of homes at present personally untouched will begin to know what war means in all reality. But those who have enlisted represent very largely the cream of our English youth, and will be sure to give a good account of themselves. May God be with them.

Christmas has been shadowed o'er by the thought of so many of our bravest having laid down their lives - darkened too by the fact of the atrocity committed by the German fleet on our defenceless towns; yet still we can rejoice in Him who is our Peace and who gives us that which no foe can take away.
On 16th December 1914, an attack by the German Navy on the coastal towns of Scarborough, Hartlepool, West Hartlepool, and Whitby resulted in 137 fatalities and 592 casualties, many of them civilians. Editor

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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 Friday 9th January   Visit to Derby University Friday 23rd January   at the Den More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852 or . Come along and have fun!

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Repton Sale of Work & Fun Day 2014

A huge thank you to everyone who attended this year's School and Village Sale of Work, especially in the face of such a poor weather forecast. The day was a great success with Pears School and the School grounds busy throughout the afternoon. Over £9,000 was raised on the day, and we expect that when the amounts raised by the boarding houses are added, the total sum should be over £20,000.

The meeting to decide on applications for donations will take place in late January. Anyone who has already been in touch should expect to hear the decisions by letter by mid-February.

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Repton & District Poppy Appeal

This year's Poppy Appeal has reached a new record total of £10,183.10, a figure never achieved before and a fantastic effort, outstripping last year's total by almost £1,500. We will of course gladly welcome further monies until 30th September when we finally close the books.

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Repton Rags

By now, you should all have picked up a newsletter detailing activities for 2015, and asking you to put your name on our list to help out for an evening. If you haven't already received a letter, please make sure you do.

RAGS has gone from strength to strength this year. A huge thank you to all the children who have come along, the parents who have helped out, and the guests who have come to see us, all of whom have given up their own time. In 2015 we are going out on some visits too, and again, thank you to those places for allowing us to come.

In January we have a visit to Derby University on the 9th; see the newsletter for details. Then on the 23rd at the Den, a visitor from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust will give us top tips to protect wildlife and tell us what to look for in our gardens and round about.

Hope to see you all after Christmas - have a good one everybody!

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An Evening with Cantata
Saturday 21st February, Repton village hall, 7.30 pm

Since their formation in 1992, Cantata have performed regularly at private parties, Rotary events and Masonic Lodge dinners, as well as in Derby Cathedral and many churches and other venues throughout the East Midlands. An ensemble of about 14 very talented musicians, their programme includes West End and Broadway musicals, popular hits and movie classics as well as tributes to the Rat Pack and Glenn Miller.

Repton Village Society has already raised over £2,500 for the village hall appeal, and we have now agreed to find £2,000 to fund the cost of new projection equipment. The proceeds from this event will help.

Bring your own food, drink and glasses and be prepared for a great evening. Either make up a table with friends or leave it to us to place you - it has worked well over many years. Tickets are needed in advance to help table seating: £7 from 701838. All are very welcome.

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Scouts

Thank you to everyone who used the Scouts Stamp and Deliver service for local Christmas cards. Scout Groups funds are boosted each year by an amount based on the number of cards posted in the village.

Several Scouts completed their Emergency Aid badge in December after demonstrating they could deal with a variety of scenarios ranging from sunburn to severe bleeding and resuscitation. Following on from our successful night of camping at The Den in November, twenty Scouts are going in January to Wintercamp, a multi-activity camping weekend at Scout Headquarters, Gilwell Park, on the edge of Epping Forest.

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

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A Murder Mystery
Friday 7th March, 7 for 7.30 at Repton Village Hall

Murder Mystery evenings are great fun and hugely popular. We all have our favourite detectives on television and in literature - Poirot perhaps, or Vera Stanhope, Dalgleish or Rebus - and we are all familiar with solving crimes. Now is your chance to prove that you can do it too in a Murder Mystery set against the background of 'Black Monday', the stock market crash of October 1987.

But what happens at a Murder Mystery evening?

When you arrive you encounter a team of actors, already in character, and they will remain in character throughout the evening; you need to keep your wits about you and listen out for incriminating conversations or actions. During a three course supper - 1980s-style! - the crime begins to unfold; clues are uncovered and you will be invited to identify and question the suspects. Then, towards the end of the evening, you are asked to identify the guilty party before finally the killer is unmasked.

Tickets costing £15 from Frances Wimbush, 01283 703180, will be available from early January. Numbers are limited so please book early. If you would like to bring your friends, tables of up to eight may be reserved. The event is in support of the Village Hall Appeal.

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Repton Village History Group

On Tuesday 20th January, Brian Stone will talk to us about the Civil War in Derbyshire. All are very welcome. Repton village hall at 7.30 pm, members £2, visitors £3 including tea and biscuits. For further information, please contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton Village Society

Our next meeting will be a talk by Colin McShane, 'Desert Birding - Hard Work but Worth it', on Thursday 8th January, the second Thursday. In January last year Colin talked about bird ringing in Rybachy, a small village in the Kaliningrad region of Russia. In this talk he will be highlighting the wide range of birds, both resident and migratory, to be found in the deserts of Tunisia, as well as covering the journey, the places and the people involved.

Thursday 5th February: 'Stoneywell: a gem in Charnwood Forest' with Prof. Marilyn Palmer

Stoneywell has recently been acquired by the National Trust as a rare example of a simple Arts and Crafts house built by a local architect, Ernest Gimson.

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Repton W.I.

Our Dabble Day in November was very successful, enjoyed by visitors from far and wide. Then, at the December meeting, members and visitors enjoyed an insight into past and present Russian Christmases with Cathy McAteer, along with hot mulled drinks (non-alcoholic!), mince pies and shortbread. We learnt that Christmas festivities were banned during the post-revolutionary era until Stalin eventually agreed that fir trees could be brought back, as long as they were decorated with whatever the Communists were promoting at the time. Members looked forward to the Group carol service at Foremark Church, and went home with a gift from our usual gift exchange.

Some of us have also visited the W.I. headquarters to learn more about the work of ACWW, with projects in Third World countries funded by our donations. It made us more determined to raise funds to help women in poorer parts of the world earn money to help to feed their families and pay for their children's education.

On 13th January everyone is welcome to attend our meeting at 7.15 pm in the village hall; Cheryl Finch will speak on Aromatherapy. We meet each month on the second Tuesday, and visitors and new members are always welcome.

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Repton Village Hall receives Planning Permission

At the beginning of November, South Derbyshire District Council granted planning permission to demolish the existing village hall in Askew Grove and to construct a new hall to replace it. This permission lasts for three years.

Fundraising continues and will determine the date of commencement, but in the meantime, specifications are being prepared to invite tenders for the work so that we can obtain accurate costings.

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Planning the Village Party ~ Saturday 2nd May 2015

The next planning meeting is on Tuesday 20th January, 7.30 at the Red Lion. Do come along and join in. It's a great opportunity to get involved in a real village event.

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Lady Maisery in Concert ~ Live and Local
Repton Village Hall, Saturday 28th February at 7.30 pm

This young female trio burst onto the folk scene in 2011 with their debut album, 'Weave and Spin'. They were nominated for the best new act in BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and are considered one of the finest folk groups today. All three are musicians as much as singers, which can be seen in their intelligent, striking arrangements on fiddle, banjo, harp and accordion. They have also reintroduced the tradition, now rare in England, of 'diddling' or singing with sounds rather than words. Be prepared to be enchanted by their rich, spine-tingling harmonies. It promises to be a terrific night of irrepressible energy.

The latest in a long line of tremendous 'Live and Local' shows from The Old Rope String Band to last year's Kel Eliot Band, we confidently expect another wonderful evening. Tickets at £10 should be available later in the month from Chris Carpenter 702370, Pat Court 702599 and Repton Post Office.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

New Housing Applications: The Parish Council has lodged an objection with South Derbyshire District Council to an outline planning application for 75 dwellings and associated infrastructure at land off Mount Pleasant Road, Repton. If approved, the development would bring the total number of new houses in this part of the village to 148 with at least another 58 in the application pipeline.

The main objections are: the Parish Council believes further development would be disproportionate to the size of the village; the site is outside the village development boundary and would further reduce the separation between Repton and Milton; there would be additional strain on the local infrastructure; Mount Pleasant Road is unsuitable for additional traffic; there would be an adverse effect on local wildlife.

Repton Cross: The Parish Council has noticed and reported cracks in the structure of The Cross to English Heritage. Whilst these are only minor, detailed photographs have been sent to English Heritage to ascertain if remedial work should be carried out. Due to budget restrictions they are unable to undertake their own survey, but after studying the photographs they can make observations and suggestions for repair and conservation work.

Parish Council Elections: Elections to Repton Parish Council will be held on the 7th May 2015, at the same time as the UK parliamentary elections. The role of a Parish Councillor involves striving to improve the quality of life in this area, representing the local community, and delivering services to meet local needs. Parish Councils are the most local part of our democratic system and are closest to the public. As a Councillor you can become a voice for your community.

To stand for election you must be a British subject, 18 years of age or over, and a local government elector in this area. The nomination period closes on the 9th April 2015. If you have any further questions regarding eligibility or the role of a Parish Councillor, please contact the Parish Council office as below, or come along to one of our monthly meetings. These are held on the second Monday of each month at 7.30 pm in the Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton.

Dog Fouling: There have been reports of increased dog fouling on the footpath from Well Lane to The Pastures, behind the Bulls Head. SDDC have said they will increase their patrols in the area to deter offenders and try to catch those responsible. They will also erect new signs in the area reminding people of their responsibility to clear up after their pets and use the bins provided. Please cooperate to make sure that the footpaths can be enjoyed by everyone.

Extreme Weather / Snow Conditions: You are reminded that the most up-to-date information about the weather, gritting activities, road and school closures can be found at derbyshire.gov.uk/snow.

Next meeting: Monday 12th January in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton, at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar

On behalf of St Saviour's PCC, thank you to everyone who contributed to our Christmas Bazaar in Milton Village Hall. Thank you to those who organised the morning, set up the hall and tidied away afterwards, as well as those who generously produced items for sale, contributed to the raffle and made donations. Finally, but not least, thank you to everyone who popped in throughout the morning to support us.

Despite competition from several other events, the bazaar raised altogether an incredible £1,445 from the morning itself and from donations received beforehand.

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Milton W.I.

While we still making our preparations for the Mercia Group Carol Service and our own Christmas Bring and Share meeting, the deadline for the January Parish magazine slipped by.

The New Year starts with our Group business meeting on Monday 5th January, 7.30 pm at The Swan Inn in Milton. We also need to start thinking of venues for our annual dinner on Wednesday 4th March. Milton W.I. will host the Mercia Group Spring meeting on Monday 24th March in Repton village hall.

Next meeting: Pearl Mulholland will demonstrate 'hands on' arts and crafts in Milton village hall on Wednesday 21st January at 7.30 pm. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

A Fun Night Out
Saturday 28th February, 7.30 pm, Newton Solney Village Hall

Come and demonstrate your genius next month at our fun quiz in Newton Solney. It costs only £12 for a team of 4 people to include finger-food refreshments, but please bring your own drinks - glasses can be provided. Contact Kay Stanley on 703153 or sign up on the list in St Mary's Church. All proceeds to St Mary's Church.

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Newton Solney W.I.

In the New Year, Sue Hyde will be our speaker with 'How to Dress your Shape' on Tuesday 13th January. Whist drives resume on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the village hall. New players are very welcome.

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Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Community Collective Worship for parents, carers and local residents is held on the first Thursday morning of the month at 9.15 in the school hall. The next will be on 8th January. Other dates for the Lent term are 5th February and 5th March. You are most welcome to join us.

Coffee & the Community, Friday 30th January, 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.

Christmas Fair

Thank you to everyone who joined us to support our Christmas Fair organised by FoNSS (Friends of Newton Solney School). We had a lovely festive afternoon whilst also raising funds for the school.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our most recent trip to Trentham was well attended with lots of Christmas shopping!

At the December meeting June Scott shared her experiences of her visit to the Holy Land. The mixture of faiths and churches, and the complex religious and political history of this part of the world were evident from the pictures she had taken. Hazel thanked her for giving us an insight into recent conflicts and the differing perspectives of religious groups living side by side in an area important to them all.

Tuesday 6th January, 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a pictorial diary of Tuesday Club activities in 2014, presented by Dennis Ward.

Tuesday 20th January: Trip to Dobbies near Atherstone

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

Please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520 if you would like any details of Tuesday Club activities

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Willington

Calling New Artists ~ Willington Arts Festival

Plans are underway for our next 'Arts in Willington' weekend on 16th and 17th May with workshops and gallery displays on both days.

We would like to welcome new local artists to take part in the event, so if you are interested, please contact Sue Gent on 07777 604279 for more information.

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Environment Matters

Recycle at Christmas

Christmas Trees

Although, once again, SDDC has not yet published information for this Christmas, it has usually been possible to recycle Christmas trees in early January at the recreation ground car park on Twyford Road in Willington, the road that goes out towards the power station. Other sites include Rosliston Forestry Centre, Ticknall Village Hall, and the football ground in Sandypits Lane, Etwall.

Christmas Cards

The Woodland Trust has been planting, restoring and protecting woodland for 40 years, deriving part of the charity's income from recycling Christmas cards. Over the years, they have recycled over 600 million cards, funding more than 200,000 trees.

In January 2014 Marks & Spencer, one of their supporters, collected a staggering 8.1 million cards enabling 8,135 trees to be planted. Collection boxes will be in M&S stores again this January, from the 2nd to the 31st. For every 1,000 cards recycled, M&S will plant a tree in the UK.

Sainsbury's are also recycling Christmas Cards and wrapping paper in support of the Forest Stewardship Council UK (FSC). Collection boxes will be in their stores until the 14th January.

Clothes

If you have had new clothes for Christmas, perhaps it's time for a clear-out. Things you no longer want can be donated to the Salvation Army and many other charities, either through the charity banks in car parks or through their shops. You will be helping those in need as well as protecting the environment.

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Police Wildlife Co-ordinator appointed

Each year, police receive hundreds of calls from the public relating to wildlife offences, and as part of PCC Alan Charles' pledge to make the matter an area of focus, a dedicated co-ordinator has now been appointed to help crack down on wildlife crime.

Her role includes increasing awareness, identifying problem hotspots, helping run the Farm Watch scheme and organising further training for police officers. The aim is to cut crime such as poaching, badger baiting and sett destruction, shooting or poisoning birds of prey, disturbing bat roosts, taking wild bird eggs, fishing without a licence and uprooting protected plants.

Meanwhile, posters urge all of us to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. They also remind people of the consequences of taking part in wildlife crime, which can include fines of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.

To find out more about wildlife crime, visit www.derbyshire.police.uk.

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You and your Pet

Why microchip your cat?

Recently we had a call from a farm in Derbyshire to help control their growing feral cat population, so off went the volunteer fieldworkers with humane traps and food.

While surveying the job, one cat caught a trapper's eye. It sat somewhat apart from the rest of the pack and she just had a feeling that it didn't 'belong'. When she approached it, it didn't run away - completely uncharacteristic behaviour for a feral cat. She was able to lift it into a cat basket and take it to the vet where it was checked for a microchip, always the first thing they do. As it turned out, it had been chipped, it belonged to someone half an hour's drive away, and it had been missing for 13 months. The owners were more than delighted to get her back.

The moral of this story? Do have your cats microchipped! And if you have lost or found a cat, look at 'Lost & Found' on our website at derbydistrict.cats.org.uk.

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Neighbourhood Watch

The next Safer Neighbourhoods Meeting is at Findern village hall on Tuesday 3rd February. It starts at 6.15 pm with tea and coffee available from 5.45. The meeting is your opportunity to influence local policing priorities.

Online safety is too easily neglected. Update anti-virus systems daily, use a personal firewall and a spyware inhibitor, and check for system updates regularly. Subscribe to the Open University's 'safe computing' service at safecomputing.open.ac.uk; it is a fantastic, free source of advice, keeping us up to date with current threats.

Freezing Weather: Check on your vulnerable and older neighbours to ensure that they have sufficient heat and food. If you are worried about them, please contact the police who will ensure the appropriate people are told. If you yourself are feeling vulnerable in any way as a result of the bad weather, please tell your neighbours, friends, relatives, or the police.

Children and Frozen Ponds: Please do not walk or allow your children to play on frozen water. No matter how thick it looks, ice is never safe and the water underneath is very cold.

Weather Disruption: For gritting activity, school and road closure updates, published at 7 am, 2 and 9 pm daily during snow and ice, see derbyshire.gov.uk/snow. Contact derbyshire.gov.uk/gritbin for information on your nearest grit bin or to report an empty, vandalised or missing bin.

Driving in Snow and Ice: Unless your journey is absolutely essential, stay indoors. If you must travel, make sure you are well prepared. Take a shovel with you and pack warm clothes, food and drink. Make sure you take a mobile phone.

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

The weather in January is very variable, but there is work to be done in the greenhouse where broad beans, onions, leeks and small round carrots can all be sown. We have been enjoying winter salad crops of mustards, pak choi and other orientals which all grow very well in the shelter of the winter greenhouse.

An increase in pigeon numbers over the last few years means we now have to net all brassicas; if we did not, we would lose our purple sprouting broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Pigeons are a nuisance but not very agile so it is fairly easy to keep them out with coarse netting. We have constructed a number of frames using poles and wires over blackcurrants, and also some using plastic piping pushed onto bamboo canes. In the summer we use fine netting closely draped over the crops and well secured at the bottom to keep out cabbage white butterflies.

Blueberries are becoming more popular. They need damp, very acid soil but can be grown successfully in pots. We use sulphur chips and pine needles to acidify a small raised bed and have had some success, but we are still waiting for a really big crop - so far we have 'grazed' rather than picked the berries. At this time of year, prune mature blueberry plants by removing weak shoots and cutting the oldest shoots close to the base; aim to reduce the size of the bush by about a quarter.

Continue to plant bare-root deciduous trees and hedging plants. These are available from on-line suppliers and you often see adverts at this time of year in gardening magazines. They are very much cheaper than their pot-grown equivalent, and plants grow more quickly as they have a relatively larger root system. They may need watering in the first year but otherwise require very little attention and can be planted quite roughly; the trees you see beside motorways are each planted in about 30 seconds! If the site is exposed a tree guard is useful as it protects the young plants; the growth will also be faster as the temperature is raised by a degree or two. However, do not use them on beech as it will encourage white fly. Some conifers also dislike tree guards due to the reduced light.

Winter pruning of apples, acers, catalpa and wisteria can be done in late January or February and many shrubs can be propagated by layering; camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, cornus, cotinus, lilac, magnolias and some viburnums are all suitable. Forsythia, like blackberry, often tip-roots by itself, but layering is simple: take a long, whippy stem close to the ground, and peg it into a shallow trench some 9 -12 inches from the tip of the stem; carefully bend the tip to point upright and tie it to a cane. Bending may be enough to stimulate root growth, but it may help to make a slanting cut on the underside of the buried section. Fill the trench and water well. Roots should form by next autumn, but it may be wise to leave for another year before severing from the parent plant.