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

The Loss of Lack 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 14th February Shell (for children aged 7+) Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 6th March Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Robert Blanshard and Susan Anne Warner Funerals and Burial of Ashes John Anthony Spencer John Arthur Gallimore James Rattray Cownie Chris Lunn Maurice Laurence Reginald Isaac Kathleen (Kate) Jones of Winshill Obituaries John Anthony Spencer The Memorial Book Derby Diocese and the wider Church Lent Shrove Tuesday Repton Benefice Lent Collections St Wystan's News Sunday Club Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 16th February Lent Course Christmas Round up Home Start says Thank you! St Wystan's History Repton's Oldest Bell St Mary's News Lent Course Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th February Folk and Rock in Milton, Saturday 7th February Baked Potatoes & Pancakes, Tuesday 17th February Lent Lunches, Wednesdays from 18th February to 25th March Repton School Concert, Apollo5, Wednesday 18th February Community Luncheon Club, Thursday 19th February Cantata in Concert, Saturday 21st February Messy Church, Sunday 22nd February Newton Solney Quiz Night, Saturday 28th February Live and Local, Lady Maisery in Concert, Saturday 28th February A Murder Mystery Evening, Saturday 7th March A Friendly Bridge Day, Thursday 19th March The Great War Commemorated 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Thank you Events this spring Repton Village and History Repton Rags Repton Council on YouTube Scouts Repton Rags Acronyms are nothing new! Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton W.I. Calling all runners - and joggers!  ~   Repton Hash House Harriers Mobile Library Royal British Legion Club Scrap Metal Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Gertrude Morley 1891 Milton W.I. Milton Village Hall Community Luncheon Club Thank you to the Luncheon Club Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Willington Arts in Willington ~ 16th -17th May Further Afield Sunset Boulevard ~ Burton & District Operatic Society Environment Matters Leave your cap on! Charities Padley 'Good as New' Clothes Sale, 20th & 21st March Neighbourhood Watch Safer Neighbourhood Meeting, Tuesday 3rd February Chinese Lanterns Keep your car secure on icy mornings Direct Selling of Monitored Alarms Gardening Notes

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The Loss of Lack

Before February is over, the season of Lent will have begun. Traditionally in Lent we give up something we regard as a treat, chocolate perhaps, and pledge to give the money we save to a good cause.

The name, Lent, is an Anglo-Saxon word that means Spring, the season when new life is seen in our gardens, when the weather shows some promise of summer. In our Church Year, Lent is the time when we remember that Jesus went into the desert waste to sort out his future, a rite of passage that all young men in Jesus' day were encouraged to take as a step on the journey to manhood. For Jesus, this started after his cousin, John, had baptised him in the river Jordan and Jesus had seen a dove descending in a shaft of sunlight, as if to confirm his mission in life, to teach people how best to fulfil God's plan for a harmonious world.

The desert was a place of silence, but in our world silence is an increasingly rare phenomenon. We are never alone if our mobile gadgets are with us, in our pockets or our handbags. We adults are the last generation that will remember the uses of silence, a time to reflect and take stock of where we are and where we want to get to in life. Michael Harris in his fascinating book 'The End of Absence' refers to the older generation as digital immigrants, the last generation that will remember the world before the internet, a time when we were not constantly connected. He says: "We have in this brief historical moment a time when we can still remember the before and after. The single difference that we will feel most keenly, and it's the difference that younger generations find hardest to grasp: that is, the end of absence – the loss of lack. The daydreaming silences in our lives are filled: the burning solitudes are extinguished."

I spent 44 years teaching youngsters how to use the English language. It grieves me that in the texting world spelling has gone and acronyms rule; that paying attention is now a dual function, attention to those speaking to us, and those who are texting us. The quiet pleasures of pondering, of reflecting, of looking where we are heading to in the future – all that Jesus did in the wilderness – are increasingly rare. But these are the things that we treasure in the silences of Lent.

I'll close with five acronyms; four are regularly used by 'texters'. Can you spot the odd one out?

BRB   LOL   WUU2   TTFN   CU

If you don't recognise them the answers are below in the section on Repton Village and History.

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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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Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th February at 10.30 am

Time to treat yourselves before you give up all treats for Lent! Home-made cakes, jam and marmalade and maybe some Valentine's Day goodies, a tombola, greeting cards and stationery, and time to chat with friends over coffee - don't miss it!

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SHELL for children and young people aged 7+

. . . meets on Mondays at 6.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Women's World Day of Prayer

This year's service will be held on Friday 6th March; details in next month's magazine.

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Marriages

Robert Blanshard and Susan Anne Warner of Milton were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 28th December.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

John Anthony Spencer of Monsom Lane, Repton, died on Wednesday 3rd December aged 85. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 22nd December was followed by cremation at Bretby.

John Arthur Gallimore of Repton Road, Newton Solney, died on Tuesday 16th December aged 77. On 2nd January a service of commemoration at St Mary's Church followed cremation at Bretby.

James Rattray Cownie of Westbury-onTrym, Bristol, and formerly of Mill Hill, Repton, died on Thursday 8th January aged 86. His funeral service on 20th February at Cranford crematorium, Westbury-on-Trym, will be followed by cremation.

Chris Lunn of Teignmouth, Devon, and formerly of Repton, died on Friday 9th January aged 59. A funeral service at St Michael's Church, Teignmouth, on 27th January was followed by burial. Chris, whom many of you will also remember as the husband of Lorraine (née Atter), was for 18 years chef at The Cross. A memorial service will be held in St Wystan's Church on Saturday 7th February at 12 noon.

Maurice Laurence Reginald Isaac, recently of Askew Grove, Repton, died at Hoar Cross Nursing Home on Sunday 11th January aged 86. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 24th January was followed by cremation. From 1971 to 1988 Maurice was Head of Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith.

Kathleen (Kate) Jones of Winshill, formerly of both Newton Solney and Repton, died on Monday 12th January. A funeral service at St Mary's Church on 26th January was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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Obituaries

John Anthony Spencer
6th March 1929 - 3rd December 2014

Although born in London, John grew up with foster parents in Appleby Magna and attended school at Smallwood Manor and Denstone College. With his school certificate but no clear idea as to his future, he left Denstone at 16 and did a variety of jobs, including bread delivery in Newhall, before joining the RAF on national service. Most of his two years was spent in Ceylon, a posting he thoroughly enjoyed.

Returning to the United Kingdom in 1948, John met Dell Whitfield, who was training at Bedford Froebel College to be a teacher. Although their relationship rapidly deepened, Dell's mother would not allow her daughter to marry before John had a job that could support them both. Mrs. Whitfield helped John to decide on his future, encouraged him to return to education and put him up whilst he studied, first for his Higher School Certificate at Derby Tech, and then as a pharmacist at Leicester.

On qualification in 1953, John took a job with Boots in Burton and then Tamworth before coming to Repton in 1956 as manager of the High Street pharmacy owned by Mr. Parkinson, who had another shop in Melbourne that he ran himself. With the future now secure, John and Dell married in 1957, moving into the shop where they spent the next 35 years and raised their family. Dell resigned from her post as a teacher at the village school in Bretby to work with her husband in the shop, which they were finally able to buy in 1969. During John's working life pharmacy changed considerably: nowadays medicines and creams generally come pre-packed, but in the early years most had to be mixed by hand. It was very precise work that he enjoyed.

In 1991 John and Dell retired and moved to Monsom Lane. It was a sad day for Repton: not merely had we lost our pharmacy, but also a chemist who was widely liked and respected, not least because of his willingness to help; if people had no money to pay for their prescription, he would often give it to them without.

Away from work, John loved shooting. At Denstone he had shot for the school and taken part in the Ashburton Shield, the public schools rifle competition at Bisley. Now he regularly got up early on Sundays to spend the morning with Tom Redfern, the gamekeeper at Foremark, helping to control the pheasants.

He was a sidesman at St Wystan's Church, and enjoyed swimming with his daughters. In Ceylon he had learned to sail, and loved his regular holidays in Cornwall where he could sail and swim with his family.

Diagnosed in 2008 with dementia, John spent his last three and a half years at Cedar Court in Bretby, where he received wonderful, compassionate care.

He was always a true gentleman, always careful, but calm and tolerant. He will be remembered with great affection.

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The Memorial Book

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

Please use the website contact page to contact the vicar.

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Derby Diocese and the wider Church

Shrove Tuesday

Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday have a much longer history than turkey and mince pies at Christmas. But there's more to Shrove Tuesday than panting in a pancake race or pigging out, and the pancakes themselves are part of an ancient custom with deeply religious roots.

Shrove Tuesday is the day before the start of Lent, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The date moves with that of Easter, and to be exact falls 47 days before Easter Sunday. It's a day of penitence, a day to clean the soul - but also a day of celebration.

The name comes from the ritual of shriving that Christians would undergo in the past. In shriving, people confess their sins and receive absolution - forgiveness and release from their guilt and pain.

But Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence. Historically it was the last chance to indulge yourself and to use up the foods that weren't allowed during Lent; there are foods such as meat and fish, fats and eggs that some Christians don't eat during Lent even today. So that no food was wasted, families would finish off all the foods that wouldn't keep, and pancakes were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats and milk in the house.

Many countries take celebrations much further than we do. Mardi Gras carnivals in New Orleans and Rio are famously exuberant, and Germans really let their hair down for the whole period from Epiphany to Lent with carnivals, beer festivals and lots of parties. British contributions to the day are a bit more sober if more energetic: pancake racing - including the Parliamentary Pancake Race with teams from the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the press - and Shrovetide football, with the most famous game taking place locally in Ashbourne.

Our own celebrations are not at all energetic, just baked potatoes, pancakes, and lots and lots of chat. Come and join us. See below for details.

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Repton Benefice

Lent

Ash Wednesday begins with our regular service of Holy Communion at St Wystan's at 10 am. At 7.30 in the evening there will then be an opportunity to join with Repton School in the school chapel in a service of Holy Communion with imposition of ashes. This is the traditional service to mark the beginning of Lent, when the sign of the Cross is made in ashes on our foreheads, just as we were signed with the Cross at our baptism.

In Lent we seek to grow closer to God through learning and consideration of our spiritual life, whether by taking part in the Lent course or by coming to the regular Wednesday service of Holy Communion.

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Lent Collections

During Lent, all our Anglican churches invite donations for the Padley Centre. St Mary's also collects gifts and money for the Derby City Mission.

The Padley Centre is very grateful for cash donations, but it also has a detailed 'wish' list, which is on display in church. If in doubt, non-perishable foods such as tinned soup meat, fish, vegetables and puddings, and packeted tea, sugar, flour and rice are a safe bet, as are personal items such as disposable razors, toothbrushes, paste, shampoo, and similar. They cannot use items that are out of date.

Please leave goods in any of the churches.

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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

St Wystan's Annual Parochial Church Meeting & Supper
Monday 16th February at 7 pm in Repton Village Hall

The meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. Supper tickets at £6 are available from Virginia Davis, 702762, and Richard Finch, 701245; you don't need one if you just want to attend the meeting.

All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens which precedes the APCM.

To propose or second a candidate or to vote or stand for the PCC, you need to be on the church Electoral Roll. Nomination papers for the election of churchwardens and members of the PCC are available from Karen Perks.

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Lent Course

'Praise Him' is this year's Lent Course at St Wystan's. For the Lent Course at Newton Solney, see below. 'Praise Him' is produced by York Courses and follows a well tested format. There are five sessions, each lasting about one and a half hours. They cover: Gratitude, Image of God, Humility, New birth, and Word made Flesh. Everyone is welcome to join one of the three groups which will meet on Monday afternoons, Wednesday afternoons and Thursday evenings, starting during the week beginning 23rd February. Please sign up at the back of St Wystan's Church. A course booklet is available if you would like to know more.

Contact George Johnson on 01283 703079 if you have any questions or would like more information.

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Christmas Round up

At the Gift Service in December, Sue Parker told us about her work as a volunteer with Homestart South Derbyshire, visiting and supporting families who for many different reasons are finding it difficult to cope with everyday life. Gifts to support the training of new volunteers amounted to £282. Thank you to all who gave so generously.

About 60 children came along with their parents to Messy Christingle to make their own Christingles and join in the craft activities before taking part in the celebration, which was followed by a delicious tea. Traditionally, funds raised prior to and during the service go to the Children's Society; this year we are sending about £117.

Carols on the Green: We had been looking nervously at the weather, but at 6 o'clock the rain stopped, just in time for the Children's Christmas Orchestra and a group of about 35 others to assemble at the Crescent on Askew Grove to play and sing carols. The singing was followed by hot chocolate and mince pies by torchlight in the open air, creating a very festive atmosphere. Thank you to those who played so well in the windy conditions and to Rebecca Auterson who organized the event.

The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols followed the traditional pattern in the wonderful atmosphere of the candlelit church. Lessons were read by representatives of both adult and young people's organizations from the Repton community as well as the church. Thank you to them all.

Crib Service: On Christmas Eve the church was full of excited children with their families. The younger ones were able to sit in front of the pews so they could see what was going on, and the new sound system made it possible for everyone to hear the Nativity story. Children brought up the figures as the story was read and we joined in the carols. It was lovely to see the children engrossed in the service as they watched the crib scene being created. The collection raised £137 for the work of the Church Army, which introduced this type of service and works with disadvantaged people.

The Midnight Eucharist, the first communion of Christmas, in the candlelit church provides a very special atmosphere in which to celebrate Christ's birth. At the end of the service the final white candle of the Advent wreath is lit as we were able to say 'Christ is born today'.

The Family Carol Service on Christmas Day is always one of the best attended services of the year and this was no exception. Well over 200 people including over 50 children joined together to remember that at the heart of Christmas is the birth of Jesus.

Watchnight Service: On New Year's Eve we gathered to give thanks for God's blessings on the past year and to ask Him to be with us in all we do in 2015. At midnight the bells rang out and there was a splendid fireworks display with refreshments to celebrate the passing of the old year and the beginning of the new.

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Thank you!

Many thanks to everybody who contributed so generously to the fantastic total of £282 raised at the Christmas gift service in aid of Home Start South Derbyshire. The amount raised will go towards the expense of training volunteers. Contact Home Start on 01283 225586 if you too would like to know more about their work, or to volunteer.

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St Wystan's History

Repton's Oldest Bell

2013 could have been a good excuse for a 500th birthday celebration in the village, for Repton's oldest bell.

Guide books show the date of St Wystan's Church sixth bell as 1513. (Sixth in terms of pitch, not of date.) The bell itself does not carry the date or the name of its founder but, like all bells, it does have inscriptions and the bell founder's mark. The three classic books on Repton's history - by Bigsby, Hipkins and MacDonald - all identify the founder as Richard Brasyer, and the date of the bell as not later than 1513, for this is when Richard Brayser died. He has been identified by a mark cast into the surface of the bell - a shield with three bells, a crown and twigs with leaves.

In fact this is believed to be an earlier mark than the one that Richard was using at the time; he used a similar mark but with little ermine tails in place of the twigs. It is thought that the change was made when Richard's father (also Richard) retired. The twigged mark was certainly being used by them in their Norwich foundry as early as 1469. So our bell could be from that period.

However, when Richard Brasyer junior died without children, his will directed his executors to let a young bell founder have the use of the premises for a year and a day. If they hadn't sold the place by then, it was to be let for another year and a day. In fact the foundry didn't last much longer, giving way to a brewery, so it is perhaps not surprising that the bell mark turned up in the Leicester Foundry of the Watts family. The twigged shield appears on a bell at Evington near Leicester, inscribed 'Hugh Watts made me 1605'. Hugh Watts' father, Francis, seems to have started operations about 1564 and could have bought equipment from the Brasyer foundry. So there is a possibility that our bell came from the Watts' foundry in Leicester and is later than 1513. This was the view of Patricia Halls when she co-authored 'Church Bells of Derbyshire'. Based on an entry in St Wystan's churchwarden's accounts, she gives a date of 1583: it would certainly have been a problem to carry a 9 cwt bell all the way from Norwich.

However, in Dove's Guide, a reference book used by modern bell ringers, the archivist from Loughborough bell foundry, takes a different line. Although agreeing that our bell is a Leicester bell, he states that it is not a Watts' bell but was produced by Thomas Bett, another Leicester bell founder, and should be dated from 1520 to 1530.

Anyone who is considering writing the next definitive history of Repton will have plenty to think about.

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St Mary's News

Lent Course at St Mary's

At St Mary's, this year's Lent Course is 'From Slavery to Salvation, The Way of the Cross'. It uses Matthew's Gospel and Mansfield Park by Jane Austen to explore the issue of slavery as both a spiritual and material condition. The course will run on Wednesday afternoons at 32 Hillcrest Avenue, starting on Wednesday 25th February at 2.30 pm.

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Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th February 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! Lent Lunches start on Wednesday 18th February.   See below.

Folk and Rock in Milton Stargazy with supporting act Chloe and Ellie Milton Village Hall, Saturday 7th February at 7.30 pm A five piece multi-instrument group from the wilds of south Derbyshire, Stargazy play a varied mix of folk and rock covers and original material. There may be dancing! Chloe and Ellie are up and coming. Fuelled by a mutual liking of singer Ed Sheeran, they play acoustic rock with a few covers thrown in. Tickets £8 from The Swan Inn, committee members, or miltonmatters.org.uk

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

Lent Lunches Every Wednesday from 18th February to 25th March 18th & 25th February, 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th March 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Home-made Soup, Bread & Cheese, Coffee and a Chat! No charge but donations invited for Charity

Repton School Concerts Society Apollo5 Wednesday 18th February at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall Formed in 2010, Apollo5 is a British vocal jazz and classic a cappella ensemble which has been praised for its engaging and entertaining performances. Their repertoire ranges from retro jazz, pop and classical arrangements to Christmas a cappella, performed on the concert platform, at festivals and private parties. Apollo5 has also broadcast live on Resonance FM and Radio 2. "A stunning, beautiful sound"     Simon Vivian, BBC 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.

Community Luncheon Club Thursday 19th February, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall Meat pie with rice pudding for dessert! £5. Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Cantata in Concert Saturday 21st February, 7.30 pm at Repton Village Hall Music from the Shows, Movie Classics and tributes to the Rat Pack and Glenn Miller Make up a table with friends or leave it to us Bring your own food, drink & glasses Tickets £7 (in advance, please, to help table seating) from Alan Webster 01283 701838 Sponsored by Repton Village Society in aid of Repton Village Hall Appeal

Messy Church Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 22nd February, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Newton Solney Quiz Night Newton Solney Village Hall Saturday 28th February, 7 pm for 7.30 start £12 for a team of 4 people to include finger-food refreshments Please bring your own drinks but glasses can be provided. Contact Kay Stanley on 703153 or sign the list in St Mary's Church.

Live and Local Lady Maisery in Concert Repton Village Hall, Saturday 28th February at 7.30 pm 'One of the finest folk groups today' Nominated in 2012 for the best new act in BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. All three are musicians as much as singers, which can be seen in their intelligent, striking arrangements on fiddle, banjo, harp and accordion. Be enchanted by their rich, spine-tingling harmonies. 'a terrific night of irrepressible energy' Paid Bar and Raffle. Tickets £10 from Repton Post Office, Pat Court, 702599, and Chris Carpenter, 702370.

A Murder Mystery Evening Saturday 7th March, 7 for 7.30 at Repton Village Hall An evening of intrigue and entertainment set against the background of 'Black Monday', the stockmarket crash of October 1987. Enjoy a 3 course supper - 1980s-style! - as you help to solve the murder. Book your tickets early as numbers will be limited. If you would like to bring your friends, tables of up to eight may be reserved. Tickets £15 from Frances Wimbush, 01283 703180. Proceeds to Repton Village Hall Appeal

Thursday 19th March 2015 at Repton Village Hall A Friendly Bridge Day 10.30 am   Coffee and registration 4.00 pm   Tea and cake and finish Tickets £15 including, coffee & biscuits, soup & sweet lunch & glass of wine, tea & cake from Kiki Muir, 01283 702350, Louise Chilton, 01283 701855 or Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410 Proceeds to Repton Village Hall Appeal

The Great War Commemorated

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

As I write we are all rejoicing over the signal victory won by our Fleet over the enemy, sneaking forth, as it was, on a mission of destruction for defenceless towns and women and children. The atrocities committed in December have been avenged in January, and, despite all their vain boasting, I do not think we shall have another raid. The lesson of the clear superiority of British seamen, ships, and guns at the Falklands and the Dogger Bank has now been learnt by the German Admiralty.

On land everything seems very fairly satisfactory. We have to wait patiently, and by the end of the summer I expect things will be very different to what they are now. It has been a pleasure to meet men returned from the front and note their cheerfulness and pluck in all the hardness and dismalness of the winter war.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

'Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen,
others make it happen.'

First of all, a huge 'thank you' to those who are helping to make it happen, and in particular this month to Howard Awbery, whose Ghost Walks just before and after Christmas were greatly enjoyed and raised £800 for the appeal.

Before this year's events get under way, it is worth remembering the events of 2014 that altogether raised over £20,500: the Launch raised £600; Sunday Lunch on the Paddock, £15,000; the Fashion Show, £1,000; Quiz at the Constitution Club, £230; a Halloween Party, £300: the Christmas Fair, £650; and the Beatus Concert, £1,000. Donations and money raised through 'easyfundraising' are also playing a significant part.

In 2015 we would be very grateful for more help
both to organise and to support. It's YOUR Village Hall!

For the coming year we have an exciting programme; if you are able to help, please ring Adrian on 01283 538222 or Carol, 01283 702410. If you can't help with organisation, do come and support the events.

Saturday 21st February: 'Cantata in Concert' is organised by Repton Village Society. Cantata is an ensemble of 14 very talented musicians whose programme includes West End and Broadway musicals, popular hits and movie classics as well as tributes to the Rat Pack and Glenn Miller. Bring your own food, drink and glasses and be prepared for a great evening. The proceeds will go towards the purchase of projection equipment for the village hall. For details, see the advert overleaf.

Saturday 7th March: A 'Murder Mystery Evening' with a 3 course supper in Repton village hall will be great fun. The thespians are already organising their parts and will give you plenty to think about. There will be a paid bar and raffle. Details are on page 23.

Thursday 19th March: A Friendly Bridge Day is being organised in Repton village hall. Tickets cost £15 per person including refreshments throughout the day. Details are on page 35.

Friday 24th April: St George's Evening with Bangers & Mash supper. Details follow.

Support the Appeal through EasyFundraising

Go to easyfundraising.org.uk and click on 'support a good cause'. Find 'Repton Village Hall Appeal' and click 'support this cause'. Create an account with your name, email address and password. Then you can choose whether you wish to use gift aid; if you do, HMRC adds 25% to any money the retailer donates.

If you use a PC you can install the 'Donation Reminder'. (It isn't yet available on Apple.) It's free to download and use, and there are no ads. However, the reminder is actually a toolbar, so once installed, you may want to spend a few minutes sorting it out and reduce it to an unobtrusive button. That done, it works very well; we are told that people who install it raise five times more. And it costs you nothing!

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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 Fridays 6th and 20th February       £1 a head Friday 6th February   6.30 - 8 pm at the Den: come ready for a walk! Friday 20th February   Visit to Tara Buddhist Centre More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852 or . Come along and have fun!

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Repton Council on YouTube

The January meeting of Repton Parish Council was videoed by a local journalist and has been uploaded to the internet. On YouTube search for 'Repton Parish Council'; you don't have to sign in. Having received very little notice, it is evident that Councillors were initially surprised by the filming, but they quickly settled to business as usual. Apart from a recording of the whole meeting, a separate section shows councillors discussing the latest planning application.

Sadly but perhaps inevitably, the video attracts ill informed comment, some of it spiteful, but as you watch, you will recognise the seriousness with which councillors tackle matters and the good work they do on our behalf, despite the constraints that restrict their powers and the frustrations that we share. On YouTube there is also a video of Newton Solney Parish Council.

The right to record meetings using modern technology was granted to any member of the general public by the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014. They allow members of the public including citizens and professional journalists to use modern technology and methods of communication such as filming, audio-recording, blogging and tweeting to report the proceedings of the meetings of councils and other local government bodies, "enabling members of the public to know how decisions are made".

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Scouts

On the 9th to the 11th of January, Repton Scout Group went to Wintercamp at Gilwell Park in Essex. The mums were worried about the long journey in horrible weather conditions; we arrived late evening and had to put up our tents in really windy weather. The hot chocolate settled us down for the night but the Scouts did not get to sleep very early, as usual at the start of camps. When we woke in the morning we saw how muddy it really was - the mud was up to our ankles and for those wearing trainers it seeped into our socks. Despite the mud we trudged to the mess tent for breakfast as we were very hungry.

The activities included a fair; there were dodgems and one ride was a roller coaster called Turbo, which was favoured by the boys. The tuck shop was very comforting with hot chocolate, warm doughnuts and chips. We had a ball and enjoyed all of the activities which also included 4x4 rides, quad bikes, high ropes, 3G swing, Segway, simulators, cinema, a disco and lots more.
If you would like more information about Scouts, please contact Mike Knowles on 07989 990119.

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Repton Rags

Our Christmas party was great fun with the wonderful magician, Duncan Williams, entertaining us. Now we look forward to an exciting year in 2015. Please remember to look at our notice board when you come to the Den, and to check our facebook page.

We have no final plans yet for the 6th February, but come prepared for a walk as we may do a letter hunt again in the village. On the 20th we are visiting the Tara Buddhist centre; details are on our newsletter so please contact me if you need one.

In March we are visiting Derby Ipro stadium on the 6th, but we have nothing planned for the 20th, so if you have something you can talk to the kids about, please get in touch!

As an extra event, on March 25th we have been invited to Willington youth club for an inter-village rounders event for all six South Derbyshire youth clubs. Please could you let us know if your child is able to come along. This an excellent opportunity to meet children from other villages and form good relationships with those around us. It should also be great fun!

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Acronyms are nothing new!

Did you recognise the texting acronyms on page 3 all of them? They stand for: 'Be Right Back'; 'Laugh out loud'; 'What you up to?' and 'See you!'

The odd one out is TTFN - 'Tata for now!' - the farewell from the end of Jimmy Young's radio show. But the acronym predates even that. It was used by the military during the Second World War, and popularised in 1940 in the weekly radio comedy 'It's That Man Again' where Mrs. Mopp ended every scene with it. During the second series, the show's name was shortened to ITMA. Only the oldies will remember that!

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Repton Village History Group

Having celebrated the Christmas season with a social quiz evening, we started the New Year with a talk by Brian Stone on the Civil War in Derbyshire.

On Tuesday 17th February, Janet Spavold and Sue Brown are coming to talk about the Ticknall Archaeology Research Group and its projects, and to bring us up to date on the pots that they have unearthed from Ticknall potteries. 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

Colin McShane returned in January to deliver another excellent talk with a birdwatching theme, centred this time on the Tunisian desert. It is the combination of expert description and images of the birds he encounters, together with his travel experiences, that makes his talks so interesting.

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, who also went on to found an important furniture workshop in the Cotswolds. The Gimson family retained Stoneywell for three generations and many of the original contents can still be seen in the house, which seems to grow out of its rocky landscape in the centre of Charnwood Forest.

'Cantata in Concert' on Saturday 21st February, 7.30 pm in the village hall.

For more on this, see the advertisement above.

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Repton W.I.

We were disappointed that the planned speaker was unable to join us as she was having an operation, but delighted to welcome Sue Watkins from Derbyshire County Federation to talk about ACWW, Associated Country Women of the World. Sue was wearing African dress with a papier mâché water pot on her head, demonstrating the distances women in third world countries have to walk to in order to obtain fresh water. She told us we should appreciate how lucky we are to have clean water so easily available - literally on tap. Many of the projects funded by ACWW involve water - creating wells, pipes, storage tanks and so on. One recent project brought clean water to a school, improving the health of the children and their families as well. We were inspired by the work done to make women's lives better and hope to raise funds to help finance Derbyshire's latest project, to help women in Tanzania who grow mushrooms.

A lunch is planned for Thursday 5th February at the Mulberry Restaurant in Burton and members signed up for the Group meeting on 23rd March, hosted by Milton W.I. This will be in Repton village hall at 7.30 pm. The County Quiz is on 30th April and at least one team is hoping to take part.

Our Next meeting on Tuesday 10th February will be a celebration of the Chinese New Year; we invite visitors and potential new members to join us in the village hall at 7.15 pm.

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Calling all runners - and joggers!    Repton Hash House Harriers

Recently featured on BBC News, hashing is a great way to enjoy running. Similar to a paper chase, our hash group involves two runners (the hares) with a head start of five minutes laying a trail in flour that the pack of runners (the hounds) have to chase. Using checkbacks (like dead ends) and checks (like cross roads where multiple paths are laid, only one of which is the real trail), the hares are able to keep one step ahead, and the faster runners are kept from leaving the slower ones behind; so far there have been over forty hashes and the pack hasn't caught both hares yet!

It costs nothing, so if you're interested, just come along! This is as much a social as a running group, so we set off at midday from our Hash Kennel (The Bulls Head in Repton) and go back there afterwards for a well deserved drink.

We meet on the first weekend of every other month as well as on bank holidays, and our next run is on Sunday 1st March. Find us on Facebook, or feel free to contact David on 07891 391351. On On!

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Mobile Library

Despite vigorous protests by Repton Parish Council and many others, from the start of this year the mobile library service has been greatly reduced locally and throughout the county. It now operates a four-weekly (N.B. not monthly) timetable, stopping at Repton village hall. There are no other calls along the way, and there will be no visit to Foremark, Milton or Newton Solney. Repton is the first stop of the day; from us the van drives on to Aston on Trent - a bit far to run after it if you turn up late! The library's next three visits will be on Tuesdays 3rd February, 3rd March and 31st March from 10.15 am to 1 pm.

The van operates from Long Eaton. If you need to contact them, call 01629 531398. To contact the van, call 0780 904 4405.

Derbyshire operates a home library service for the genuinely housebound who have no one to visit the library for them. If you think you might qualify, ring Kirsty on 01629 539 140 to arrange an assessment of your needs.

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Royal British Legion Club

The Royal British Legion Children's Christmas party was a great success with twenty children attending to enjoy face painting, games, a party tea and a visit from Santa. Thank you to everyone who helped to organise it.

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Scrap Metal

My metal recycling efforts raised £469 for St Wystan's Church funds during 2014. Many thanks to all of you who supported this scheme.

If you have any scrap metal, particularly brass, copper, lead or aluminium, and including car batteries and disused cable and wire, please either leave it in the bins provided by the church porch or by the back door at 37 High Street. Alternatively you can ring me on 702159 and I can arrange to collect. If you are leaving cans, it is a great help if they are squashed flat.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

Parish Precept 2015 / 2016: After careful deliberation the Parish Council has set the precept for the next financial year at £14,746, which represents a 1.9% increase reflecting the guidance issued by central Government, which states that any increase should be limited to below 2%. For a band D property this means an increase of 33 pence per household per annum to £14.64, which the Parish Council believes is the minimum required to provide the same level of services next year. Whilst careful budgeting has been maintained, the cost of the services we provide has increased, resulting in this extremely modest rise in the precept.

Neighbourhood Plan for the Parish of Repton: The Parish Council has resolved to support the production of a Neighbourhood Plan for the parish. This is an opportunity to influence future planning and development in the parish for the benefit of all local residents. Planners are required to take the Neighbourhood Plan into account when making decisions. This is different from the documents previously prepared by the village or parish, which have only received lip service from planners. The process of consultation, approval, and the required referendum prior to the plan's adoption will ensure that it reflects the interests of the parish of Repton as a whole. The Parish Council will continue to update you on the progress of the Neighbourhood Plan and would ask as many local residents as possible to participate, in order to ensure that all views are represented.

Planning: A fourth planning application on land between Repton and Milton was discussed. It was agreed to object on grounds used previously, as well as traffic issues and the negative impact on the entrance to Repton.

Further Rebuilding Grant for Repton Village Hall: Councillors have approved a further grant of £20,000 towards rebuilding the village hall. The Parish Council has now donated £63,000 to this fund since 2011 and is pleased to support a local initiative which will benefit many local residents in future years.

Facebook: The Parish Council now has its own Faceboook page! Sign in to Face-book to find it.

Next meeting: Monday 9th February 2015 in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Parish Council Office, 40 High Street, t: 01283 701309, reptoncouncil@btinternet.com

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Gertrude Morley 1891

In an old Bible from Foremark Church, there was a small certificate stating that Gertrude Morley aged 10 of 10 Woodland Road signed up to the Temperance Society on 12th October 1891. If you are a member of her family and would like this historical document, contact the vicar .    If no one claims it, it will go to our local history group.

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Milton W.I.

At the beginning of January we held our Group business meeting in the very warm and cosy lounge of the Swan Inn and discussed arrangements for our Spring Group meeting on Monday 24th March in Repton village hall.

Our January meeting comes after this month's magazine deadline, but I will take the opportunity to remind members of our forthcoming annual dinner on Wednesday 4th March. The choice of venue will be discussed at the January meeting.

Next meeting, Wednesday 18th February, 7.30 in Milton village hall: Jill Baker will talk on the Marie Rose. The tea hostesses are Roz Baker and Margaret Connelly. Visitors and new members are very welcome.

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Milton Village Hall

In November, Live and Local brought us Juliet Kelly singing in a 'glam jazz' style to celebrate the Divas of Jazz. Thank you to Dawn for all her work in organising a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Then came in December the annual village Christmas party. Everyone enjoyed a hot supper in good company, with a quiz and stand up bingo adding to the fun of the evening. Many thanks to the ladies who prepared such a lovely meal.

Community Luncheon Club

At 12.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month, a group of ladies organise a community Luncheon Club. It is a chance to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy a hot meal in good company with no washing up! This month on the 19th we shall enjoy Meat Pie with Rice Pudding for Dessert. It costs just £5. The lunch is for everyone in all our local villages including Repton, Willington and Newton Solney as well as Milton; it is also popular with people who have lived locally but have now moved further afield. Everyone is welcome, so do contact us and come along: ring Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436. If transport is a problem, please let us know and we may be able to assist.

Milton village hall is the perfect size for small gatherings or children's parties. To view or book it, please contact Polly on 01283 703436.

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Thank you to the Luncheon Club

At the December meeting of the Luncheon Club I enjoyed a superb traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and mince pies, all washed down with a glass of wine or fruit juice with tea or coffee to follow. The tables were dressed with white tablecloths, shining cutlery and glasses, with colourful serviettes and crackers. It had all been prepared, cooked and served by the five ladies who run the Club, who then changed into costume to enact a brilliant short sketch that one of them had written. The proceedings concluded with a visit from Santa Claus.

It was a wonderful event. I enjoyed meeting so many people I knew, some of whom I seldom see these days, and am very grateful to these ladies who do so much to foster community spirit in Milton.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

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 am in the school hall. The next two will be on 5th February and 5th March. You are most welcome to join us.

Coffee & the Community, Friday 27th February, 9 - 10 am in the school hall

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

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our Christmas celebrations went well with around fifty members attending Christmas lunch at the Newton Park Hotel. As usual the staff looked after us really well and all had a good time. It all seems a long time ago now!

At our first meeting of 2015 Dennis Ward presented a pictorial diary of our activities last year. This was very much enjoyed by those present, but as some of our members missed the meeting though illness, there will be another opportunity to see the pictures at some point during this year.

Tuesday 3rd February, 2.30 pm

A business meeting will be followed by a talk and demonstration of willow weaving by Peter Wood.

Tuesday 17th February: A meal at the Bentley Brook Hotel near Ashbourne.

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton by about 3 pm. The cost of the coach and meal will be £24 for two courses or £27 for three.

If you would like more information on any of the Tuesday Club activities, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney W.I.

2015 got off to a great start with Sue Hyde's talk giving us inspiration on 'How to Dress your Shape'. Her advice was that scale and proportion were the important factors and, together with a sense of individual style, we could all look our best and feel confident, a real justification to examine our wardrobes and head for the shops!

Members then voted on which Resolution they would like Derbyshire Federation to endorse this year. A visit to Denby Pottery in March and a spring walk and lunch in April are planned.

Our next meeting on 10th February at 7.30 pm in the village hall will be open to all. Members are invited to bring a guest to hear Mark Newbold speak on 'The Royal Yacht Britannia and The Falklands'. Carolyn Steele and Hylda Wilson will be refreshment hostesses for the evening and Diane Tidy will provide flowers. Whist drives take place on the last Tuesday in the month at 7 pm in the village hall. New players are very welcome.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Parish Council Elections: Elections to Newton Solney Parish Council will be held on the 7th May, at the same time as the UK parliamentary elections. The role of a Parish Councillor involves striving to improve the quality of life in the area, representing the local community and delivering services to meet local needs. This is a great opportunity to get involved with what's happening in your village.

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. For more information, come along to one of our monthly meetings on the second Friday of the month or contact the Clerk, Ron Parker, on 07863 359129.

Recreation Field: We have now received confirmation that the Recreation Field has been approved as a Field in Trust and will be protected in perpetuity for the village.

Retaining Wall: Great progress is being made and work should be completed by the end of January.

Next meeting: Friday 13th February at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Willington

Arts in Willington ~ 16th -17th May

In addition to our exhibition space for artists we can now offer further opportunities to show and sell your work:

Public Gallery: Exhibit up to three pieces of artwork over the festival weekend at a cost of only £3 per item.

Artists' & Artisans' Marketplace: An opportunity for both artists and makers to display and sell at the Saturday marketplace. £15 per table.

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Further Afield

Sunset Boulevard
Burton & District Operatic Society

Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Discarded by tinsel town with the advent of 'talkies', Norma Desmond, a faded star of the silent movie era, lives in the past in her decaying mansion on the fabled Los Angeles street. When young screenwriter Joe Gillis accidentally crosses her path, she sees in him an opportunity to make her comeback. Romance and tragedy follow.

The Operatic Society is delighted to have been granted a licence to perform the show from the 17th to the 21st February in its UK Mainland amateur premiere.

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Environment Matters

Leave your cap on!

SDDC is encouraging us to recycle the aluminium screw tops from glass bottles such as wine, spirits and cooking ingredients, along with the glass bottles on which they came.

Thanks to modern recycling methods, aluminium bottle tops are easier to recover when they are collected with the glass, so it is now possible to recycle and continue re-using the metal over and over again. Just screw the tops back onto the empty glass bottles before putting them in the bin.

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Charities

Padley 'Good as New' Clothes Sale
Derby University, 20th & 21st March

Their 'Good as New' clothes sale at Derby University is a major fundraiser for Padley, who are once asking you to support them by Spring cleaning your wardrobes and encouraging your friends to do the same.

What is wanted are good quality clothes and accessories including designer and vintage clothes, evening wear, wedding dresses and outfits, coats, suits, jackets, trousers, skirts, blouses, jumpers, denims, boots, shoes, handbags, hats, scarves, jewellery, children's and men's clothes.

Do you know anyone connected with a shop or boutique who might donate slow moving or last season lines? Padley are looking for at least 3,000 items for the sale, so your help would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Kerry Collyer on 01332 774480 to arrange collection - even better if you can take them in yourself - preferably this month so they have plenty of time to look through and get organised.

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Neighbourhood Watch

There has been some confusion as to the date and place of our next Safer Neighbourhood Meeting, but I am assured that it will be in Findern village hall on Tuesday 3rd February at 6.15 pm, followed by a Repton Area Forum at 7.30 pm. Refreshments will be available. All are welcome.

Chinese Lanterns: After a Chinese Lantern was blamed for a house fire in Hilton in January, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service asks people to exercise common sense and refrain from using what it describes as 'flying flames'. Once a lantern has been set off, you can have no control over where it lands. There is a threat to farm animals, to property, or even, in the worst case scenario, to human life.

Keep your car secure on icy mornings: Please don't leave your car unlocked with the engine running while it is defrosting, even on your own driveway; it makes it easy for an opportunist thief and could invalidate your car insurance. You may also put your own safety at risk if you try to stop someone from stealing your car.

Direct Selling of Monitored Alarms: You are advised not to deal with anyone who cold calls by telephone or at the door and never provide personal information or bank details to cold callers. However, you may be tempted, and Trading Standards are currently concerned about unsolicited calls persuading you to buy a monitored security system and to agree to a visit by a salesman. Think very carefully before agreeing to a contract, and look carefully for any hidden costs, such as annual maintenance fees.

If you agree any contract in your own home costing more than £42, you are legally entitled to a 14 day cancellation period during which you can change your mind. However, this changes if you make a request in writing for the service to begin within the 14 day period. Refuse to sign anything which allows the installation or contract to start immediately, unless you are absolutely sure it is what you want. If you are concerned that you may have entered into such an agreement, call Citizens Advice as soon as possible. They provide free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Visit adviceguide.org.uk or call on 03454 04 05 06.

If you do want an alarm system for your home, shop around for at least three different quotes from reputable local businesses. Derbyshire Trading Standards Service can help: to find a 'Trusted Trader', visit derbyshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader, or call 08456 058058.

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

According to Bowden Hostas, who grow some of the wonderful hosta specimens that are displayed at top shows such as Chelsea, we should start our slug and snail control on Valentine's Day, 14th February. They recommend using small quantities of slug pellets spread sparsely around the base of hostas and other vulnerable plants. They also use a garlic spray to deter slugs and snails.

There are many methods of controlling molluscs but underlying soil conditions are probably the most important factor. They like damp conditions; you will find them under pots and stones where it is cool and damp, so if your soil is cool and damp rather than dry and well drained you will have more slugs and snails. My clay compost-rich soil is manna to them; I find that planting vulnerable plants less densely can be helpful. Although slugs and snails have a bad reputation, they eat a lot of dead material; without them we would be swamped with it.

We tend to get quite a lot of moss in the garden, it can be a nuisance on the flower beds; at this time of year it is quite effective to use a springbok rake to remove it. Don't bother to put it on the compost heap as it lasts for ages.

If you have not yet removed the leaves from hellebores and epimediums, it is still worth doing so as the flowers will be better displayed. Because the leaves tend to cover the flowers, people sometimes think that their epimediums do not flower.

Many of the flowers of early spring are highly scented; I especially enjoy viburnums and daphnes which have flowers with many florets. It is worth picking some flowers and bringing them indoors. The evergreen viburnums such as viburnum tinus will even continue to grow in shady conditions.

If you have had pots of hyacinths or other bulbs inside the house, it is well worth planting them in the garden. Gently tease the bulbs apart and plant them a lot further apart than they were in the pot.

Enjoy the early bulbs at this time of year - snowdrops are so uplifting - and do not be tempted to sow seeds too early, there is plenty of time next month.