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

Times and Places 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 Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 6th March Church Anniversary, Sunday 15th March Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th March SHELL for children and young people aged 7+ Roman Catholic Churches Changed Contact Details Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals John Frederick Knights Biddy Lane Janet Frances Cheslyn (Jane) Robinson Obituaries Kate Jones Janet Frances Cheslyn Robinson The Memorial Book Repton Benefice A Centenary to Celebrate ~ Foremark and Repton united Benefice Services Groups Lent Collections St Wystan's News Easter Lilies for St Wystan's Church Lent Course at St Wystan's Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds St Mary's News Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Sunday 12th April Local Diary Event Details Lent Lunches, every Wednesday to 1st April Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 7th March A Murder Mystery Evening, Saturday 7th March Repton School Concert, Chetham's School of Music, Wednesday 11th March Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 19th March A Friendly Bridge Day, Thursday 19th March Coffee Morning, Saturday 21st March Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 21st March Easter Eggcitement at Messy Church, Sunday 22nd March Go Ukulele Crazy, Friday 17th April St George's Day Celebration, Friday 24th April The Great War Commemorated 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Repton Neighbourhood Development Plan Repton Village and History Repton Rags, Fridays 6th and 20th March Planning the Village Party More from Repton Rags Crossing the High Street NGS Open Garden, Sunday 29th March BBC ~ Books, Browse and Coffee Repton Open Gardens, Friday 12th - Sunday 14th June Metal Recycling Test your Smoke Alarm when the clocks change Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton W.I. Scouts Temporary Road Closure Repton Road Club Repton Hash House Harriers Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane Repton Parish Council Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Village Hall Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 5th September 2015 Newton Solney Parish Council News Environment Matters Keep feeding the birds! Neighbourhood Watch Gardening Notes

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Times and Places

Wendy and I were in Manchester this weekend. On the Sunday evening we attended a concert and on the Monday went to the Lowry Gallery, somewhere I had wanted to see for a long time.

I was born in Salford, in Ordsall, near the docks which have now been transformed into Salford Quays. My mother's side of the family worked in the cotton mills, so Lowry's paintings evoke family memories. My father was a Bolton Wanderers supporter throughout his life, and Lowry's painting 'Going to the Match', which is of the Wanderers ground at Burden Park, reminds me of him, particularly his steadfast support, even when they went down to the fourth division!

As we were leaving I saw a sign for St Clement's Church in Ordsall, where my mother and father were married and I was christened - a very significant place in my memories.

I have been thinking about this today and the importance of place and memories. They link us to our roots and places where important events have taken place. The places in Salford remind me of stories told to me of past family members and their lives. Not always happy events but important none the less.

Christians have always recognised the importance of places and their links to important events in the story of Jesus. It has been my privilege to visit Bethlehem where Jesus was born, Nazareth where he was brought up by Mary and Joseph, the Sea of Galilee where he called his first disciples, and Jerusalem where he was greeted as the great leader on Palm Sunday and only a week later was crucified. To visit these places makes the stories more real.

For those who are not able to visit the Holy Land, you can still travel in thought through the events leading up to Good Friday and Easter. At the beginning of February we completed our journey through the Christmas story, from the angel telling Mary that she was to have a son, through the birth of Jesus and the coming of the Wise Men, to the presentation of Jesus in the temple by Mary and Joseph, which we call Candlemas.

Now we are in the season of Lent, the time when we journey with Jesus and the disciples towards Jerusalem. We know the story of his triumphal entry on Palm Sunday riding on a donkey, his arrest and crucifixion, and his rising again on the third day.

Rather than just looking on it as a story, journey with us as we remember the places where Jesus went and the people he met. Think how the disciples would have felt when Jesus was arrested and they ran away. Feel their despair and their subsequent joy. Be with us as we shout on Easter morning 'He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!'

Make his story part of your story and you will realise that the story of events 2,000 years ago has meaning today and helps you to understand who you are and your place in the world.

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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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Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 6th March at 7.15 pm

This service, which has been prepared by Christian women of The Bahamas, is for everyone. Its theme is 'Jesus said to them: "Do you know what I have done to you?"' Come and join with Christian men and women from every corner of the world.

The Church in The Bahamas was founded by the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and there are now more than ten Christian denominations in most of the inhabited islands. In these densely populated islands women tend to have the poorly-paid jobs in hotels and restaurants. Though many islanders are prosperous, there are also many areas of deprivation, and the Church does a great deal to help the most deprived people. Nassau, the capital, hosts many migrants and single-parent families, and those with cancer and Aids have new centres in which to be treated. Many tourists enjoy the turquoise waters and the friendly people.

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Church Anniversary, Sunday 15th March at 11 am

The Congregational Church in Pinfold Lane opened on 15th March 1837, later becoming the United Reformed Church in 1972. This year celebrates 178 years of its Christian witness in the village. This year the service will also celebrate Mothering Sunday. Come and join the celebration!

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th March at 10.30 am

It's Mothers' Day weekend; come and have a coffee with friends, have a go on the tombola, and browse the cards and stationery on sale. You will be very welcome!

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SHELL for children and young people aged 7+

. . . meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. This month's activities include making Mothering Sunday gifts, Easter Cooking, an Easter Quiz, art and games. New members are always welcome.

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Roman Catholic Churches

Changed Contact Details

Father Richard Hardstaff should now be contacted at The Presbytery, 125 Alexandra Road, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE15 OJD; t: 01283 564814; . The website (which still carries the old address) is swadrcc.info.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

John Frederick Knights of 1 West Lodge, Newton Solney, died on Tuesday 20th January aged 84. A funeral service at St Mary's Church on 4th February was followed by burial in St Mary's churchyard.

Biddy Lane, formerly of Brookside Close, Repton, died in Woodville Care Home on Friday 23rd January aged 90. A private cremation at Bretby on 4th February will be followed shortly by interment of ashes at Newton Solney.

Janet Frances Cheslyn (Jane) Robinson of Letcombe Regis, Wantage, and formerly of Cornergates, The Pastures, Repton, died on Saturday 31st January aged 89. A funeral service at the South Oxfordshire Crematorium, Abingdon, on 7th February was followed by cremation.

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Obituaries

Kate Jones
Died 12th January 2015

Kate was a popular member of staff at the Lewis Charlton School in Ashby where she worked with children with learning difficulties, but her principal concern was for her family, and when times were tough, she took on extra work to support them.

She had a strong faith and worked tirelessly for the Church. Already sacristan and Communion server, in 2014 Kate was elected churchwarden at St Mary's. She helped to collate the Parish Magazine, organized a Teddy Bear Trail for St Mary's Midsummer Church Picnic, and helped to raise money for Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Trust. She was also a member of the bell ringing team in Repton.

Nothing was ever too much trouble for her, whether it was lending a helping hand, caring for someone who was sick or simply sitting with someone who was lonely. She found great happiness in helping others, and her infectious laugh and sense of fun adventure captivated all who knew her. Her death was unexpected, and a church packed to capacity for her funeral showed the deep affection in which she was held.

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Janet Frances Cheslyn Robinson
Died 31st January 2015 aged 89

Jane was born in Wallasey where her father was an engineer on the Birkenhead docks. She spent much of her childhood in Southampton, but was sent to boarding school in North Wales, from where she went on to read medicine at Girton College, Cambridge. It was whilst there that she met Ken who was also studying medicine. She completed her medical training at the Royal Free Hospital in London, and after qualifying worked briefly in paediatrics.

Jane married Ken in 1950, and with the birth of their three children, she devoted her time and energy to them, the dachshunds, and to supporting Ken in general practice here in Repton where they lived for over fifty years. Theirs was a very happy home, and many friends recall the warmth with which they were welcomed and the afternoon tea and cakes. Walking the dogs after Sunday lunch was compulsory.

Jane was widely read and enjoyed exercising her mind; until very recently she still completed the daily crossword. For many years she was involved in voluntary work and village life, notably with the care of residents at The Dales, and her beautiful garden was long the star of Repton Open Gardens. Outside the village she served for many years as a member and eventually chair of the Board of Visitors (now the Independent Monitoring Board) at Sudbury Prison; with her penetrating intelligence and direct manner, very little escaped her notice.

Jane and Ken both loved wild life and bird watching, and they made memorable visits to Africa and India.

Jane adored her family, and holidays together had always been a special time for everyone. As she grew frail, a move to Wantage in 2013 allowed her to be closer to them, which was a great comfort to her.

Jane made an indelible mark on Repton; she will be long remembered.

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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

A Centenary to Celebrate

It is 100 years since the parishes of Foremark and Repton were first united in the one living. In the Parish Magazine of March 1915, Rev'd Stephen Selwyn, then vicar of Repton, wrote:

"At the suggestion of the Bishop of the Diocese, the Lord Chancellor has offered me the living of Foremark, to be held in conjunction with Repton, and I have accepted it. I am glad to be able to do so, as it was a sad pity to see the little church there lying derelict. Mr. Surtees* will be mainly responsible for the services there, and I do hope Milton people will make an effort to use the church as much as possible, and help with Ingelby to form a regular congregation. The income of Foremark is not very large - £98 a year - but it will enable me to make some slight return to Mr. Surtees for his valuable assistance. Strange to say, as far as I know, Foremark has never hitherto, at least since the Reformation, been coupled with Repton."

*   Charles Henry Surtees, previously a churchwarden at St Wystan's, was ordained Deacon in 1913.

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Benefice Services

Sunday 15th March, Mothering Sunday

At St Wystan's: Everyone is welcome to come along to Worship Together at 9.45 am to give thanks for our mothers and motherhood in all its forms. As usual there will be posies of flowers to give to those who attend or perhaps take away to give to a neighbour and show we are thinking of them. If you wish to take Communion on Mothering Sunday you can do so at the 8 am service.

At St Mary's: Our service of Worship Together at 10 am will celebrate Mothering Sunday.

Wednesday 25th March

There is a service of Prayer for Christian Healing at St Wystan's Church at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome either for prayer and the laying on of hands, or simply to be part of a special service.

Sunday 29th March, Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As it falls on the fifth Sunday of the month, there is only one service, a Communion service at 9.45 am for the whole benefice at St Wystan's. Come and join in the procession from the lychgate to the church entrance, carrying our palm crosses and singing songs of praise as we recall the Gospel story before joining together in Communion. We hope the procession will be led by two donkeys again this year. Children are welcome; there will be books and quiet toys available for supervised young children at the back of church while Sunday Club welcomes older children in the vestry.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday is followed immediately by Holy Week. We recall the events leading up to the Last Supper, which we remember on Maundy Thursday, the crucifixion on Good Friday, and the resurrection on Easter Day.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, 30th & 31st March, 1st April

Each morning at 10 am: Holy Communion at St Wystan's.

Each evening at 7.30 pm: Compline, a delightful monastic service for the end of the day.

Thursday 2nd April, Maundy Thursday

7.30 pm at St Wystan's: A service for Maundy Thursday.

Good Friday 3rd April

2 pm at St Wystan's: The Last Hour at the Cross

4 pm at St Mary's: A service for Good Friday.

Full details of these and other services during Holy Week and at Easter will be on the website and in the April Magazine.

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Groups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 2nd March.

The Bible Study Group studying the Acts of the Apostles will next meet after Easter at 7.30 pm on Thursday 23rd April at 28 The Pastures. Please see Stephen Longden if you are interested in joining in.

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Lent Collections

Lent collections for the Padley Centre and the Derby City Mission are in full swing. Both are very grateful for cash donations, but a detailed 'wish' list of goods 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

Easter Lilies for St Wystan's Church

At Easter, churches are decorated once again after the austerity of Lent. Lilies at St Wystan's celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his promise of everlasting life.

Many of you value the opportunity to contribute towards their purchase in memory of loved ones, to celebrate special events or simply to help make the church look beautiful. If you would like to make such a donation, please contact Frances Wimbush as soon as possible; she has to order flowers well ahead. Call her on 01283 703180.

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Lent Course at St Wystan's

Although these courses started in the last week of February, it's not too late to sign up.

'Praise Him' has five sessions, covering: Gratitude, Image of God, Humility, New Birth, and Word made Flesh. Each lasts about one and a half hours. 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.

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

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting
St Mary's Church, Sunday 12th April at 11.30 am

Parishioners are warmly invited to attend this meeting, which will begin after the morning service and a pause for coffee. At the opening Vestry Meeting, elections will be held for churchwardens, with elections to the Parochial Church Council during the main meeting which follows. Church Officers will also report on the events and finances of the past year.

Nomination slips for election candidates will be found at the back of the church during the week before the meeting and should be returned to Jennifer Haynes, PCC Secretary, by Easter Day, 5th April. Anyone resident in Newton Solney parish has the right to elect the churchwardens; however, only those whose names are listed on the church's electoral roll are eligible to stand for election and to nominate or vote for PCC candidates. Application forms for those wishing to have their names added to the Electoral Roll can be found at church and need to be submitted to Graham Plowman by Sunday 8th March.

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Lent Lunches Every Wednesday to 1st April, 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th March & 1st April Home-made Soup, Bread & Cheese, Coffee and a Chat! No charge but donations invited for Charity Everyone welcome. Do come!

Children's Nearly New Sale Saturday 7th March, 10 am - 12 noon at Repton Village Hall Including Children's Clothes, Toys, Books, Nursery Equipment and Maternity Wear Entrance 50p, children free. Refreshments on sale. For further details please call: 07982 781936. Hosted by Repton Primary School PTA

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

Repton School Concerts Society Pupils from Chetham's School of Music Wednesday 11th March at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall Chetham's is the largest specialist music school in the North of England.   Young musicians are auditioned and accepted there on musical potential alone, not on social background or financial circumstances.   We are delighted to welcome back some of their pupils who will perform as soloists and in ensembles. Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 19th March, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. Meat pie with fruit crumble and custard for dessert! £5. Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Thursday 19th March 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

Coffee Morning Saturday 21st March, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm Jan & David Roberts invite you to 'Morning Coffee' at 37 High Street, Repton Books and Raffle        £2.50 including coffee & cakes Weather permitting, a chance to look round the garden

Repton Pre-school Children's Nearly New Sale Saturday 21st March, 1.30 - 3.30 pm at The Den, Mitre Drive, Repton Children and babies' toys, clothes and equipment Entry 50p, children free       Refreshments available Tables available to sell your wares £5 a small table, £7 a large table For more information contact Karen Davies on 07535 688823

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

Go Ukulele Crazy at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney Friday 17th April at 7.30 pm Tickets £10 to include a glass of wine and refreshments from Hazel Ward, 701244, or Kay Stanley, 703153 In support of St Mary's Church

St George's Day Celebration with 40's Music and Songs from the Shows led by '3 Singers and a Pianist' Friday 24th April at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Tickets £15 including Bangers and Mash Supper Paid Bar and Raffle Complimentary Flags and Song Sheets Tickets from , 702410. In aid of The Repton Village Hall Appeal

The Great War Commemorated

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Dear Friends
Although the latest threat of the enemy to let loose unbridled piracy on the high seas, and against all laws of God and man to sink merchant vessels at sight, has left the English people quite unmoved, yet undue optimism as to the course and length of the war is quite out of place. I venture to prophesy that people who think that the enemy will be beaten by the Autumn are entirely wrong. There are immense resources still left in Germany. One part of the war has not been at all satisfactory to the Allies, and we cannot leave out of sight the immense factor of disciplined determination and even despair.

It is the plain duty of those who can fight for England to do so at once, and for those who cannot to make any preparation for a prolonged course of self-denial and sacrifice, coupled with all the aids of religion. Lent this year ought to be a fruitful time.

Your faithful friend and Vicar, Stephen Selwyn

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

In 2015 we have something for everyone. Some events are fully organised, others are still being planned.

March and April

Saturday 7th March: A 'Murder Mystery Evening' with a 3 course supper, paid bar and raffle in Repton village hall. Tickets are going fast. See the advert above.

Thursday 19th March: A Friendly Bridge Day in Repton village hall. There are a few tickets still - £15 including refreshments throughout the day. Details are in the advert above.

Saturday 4th April: Easter Egg Treasure Hunt. Afternoon. Details to follow.

Sunday 19th April: The first of the Repton History Walks organised by Repton Village History Group. Details to follow.

Friday 24th April: St George's Evening at 7.30 pm in Repton village hall, with a Bangers & Mash supper, appropriate music and songs. See the advert above.

Further Ahead

May has another Repton History Walk on Sunday 10th, and the Repton Village Society is organising a Jazz Evening in Pear's School on Saturday 23rd, very similar to the one two years ago for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Events later in the year include several History Walks, a Ghost walk, an Antiques Evening and a Halloween Party. They are all listed in the village diary on page 36.

A huge 'thank you' to everyone who is helping to make them happen, but don't leave it to somebody else. We need any help you can offer. Please ring Adrian on 01283 538222 or Carol, 01283 702410. And if you can't help with organisation, do note the dates in your diary, and come and support. It's YOUR Village Hall!

EasyFundraising

Just 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. 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, the 'Donation Reminder' is great. 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 to 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 all costs you nothing!

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Neighbourhood Development Plan for the Parish of Repton

If you want your views on local issues to be heard, then here is your chance to influence how the Parish of Repton will develop over the next 15 years.

Why is a Neighbourhood Development Plan so very important?

The plan is a community-led process which WILL guide the future development, regeneration and conservation of the Parish.

It is an opportunity to put forward ideas on how we all want to see our locality develop. Once adopted it becomes part of the statutory development plan for the area, and therefore MUST be considered during the planning process. Its statutory status gives it much greater weight than previous local plans such as village design statements.

The information needed to produce it MUST come from YOU

The Parish Council has agreed to provide monetary support and a Steering Committee, but throughout the process of developing the plan, it is essential to ensure that parishioners are fully involved and engaged. That will ensure that it reflects your views, and also maximises the chances of its being adopted.

What are the Issues?

Here are just some of the things that other parishes have thought important and that we could also consider. You may wish to add other ideas.

•	Where new homes should be built in order to preserve the village atmosphere for future generations whilst considering the housing needs of the local community.
•	The scale of development to be in keeping with the village.
•	The preservation of open country between adjacent villages.
•	The protection of green open space used for sport and recreation.
•	The protection of locally important landscapes, buildings and existing community facilities.

Next Steps

The process includes a number of opportunities for everyone to be involved including:

•	Membership of the working group.
•	Questionnaires and meetings to identify the issues.
•	Comments on the draft plan.
•	A local referendum on the final version of the plan.

Public Meeting, Tuesday 28th April

A flyer enclosed with the April magazine will explain Neighbourhood Development Plans in more detail, and on Tuesday 28th April (7.30 pm in Repton village hall) there will be a public meeting, leading to the formation of a working group to produce a plan for Repton. Note the date and come along!

More Information

A website is under construction with more information, a progress list of all the processes involved, and links to other websites. Follow the link.

Get involved!

If you would like to be involved, we would love to hear from you.

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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 March, 6.30 to 8 pm   £1 a head Friday 6th March Visit to Derby County Ipro Stadium Friday 20th March 6.30 - 8 pm at the Den More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852 or . Come along and have fun!

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Planning the Village Party
Saturday 2nd May 2015

May sounds a long way ahead, but plans for the Village Party are well under way. The maypole teams at Repton Primary and St Wystan's Schools will start practising soon after half term, a poster competition will be announced in each of the schools, and raffle tickets will be on sale from the middle of March!

We really hope that you too will support this lovely, very popular village event. Volunteers will be needed to help in lots of ways, so please let me know if you would like to be involved.

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Repton Rags

We would like to thank Jill from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust who spent a wonderful evening with us last month looking at owl pellets and identifying the contents! Also those who helped with our first aid refresher, passing on valuable and helpful knowledge that we can all use.

On Friday 6th March we have our visit to the Derby County Ipro stadium. We need to meet at the stadium's main entrance at 6 pm.

We are still looking to arrange something for our following meeting on 20th March; see our facebook page or our notice board for updates.

In April we are taking a break for Easter, but are back again for our 'RAGS Have Talent' night on the 17th April; that gives you all plenty of time to think about your act. We will be selling tickets to parents at 50p each, so, parents, please encourage your children to have a go at singing, joke telling, playing an instrument, dancing - whatever they like. There will be judges, and prizes!

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Crossing the High Street

In 2012 St Wystan's School applied for a High Street crossing from the top of Askew Grove to the jitty between Repton School Art School and the Priory. Following two traffic surveys, DCC concluded that there already is a controlled crossing at the church, and that funding for an additional crossing could not be justified.

Julie Groom, who runs the local RAGS youth club, says that for most children going to the Den, the Mitre Field or Broomhills, the church crossing is irrelevant. She is now campaigning for a crossing further along the High Street, between Matthew's Jitty and The Pastures. This is a primary pedestrian route from most of the east side of the village, including the Primary School and all the new and proposed housing developments, to the Mitre playing field and the Den to the west of the High Street, and a route for some to Broomhills playing field, which is also to the west of the High Street.

Julie points out that since 2012 there has been a marked increase in traffic. The new housing developments will bring further increases, as will the rail interchange at the A38 roundabout. It is a major area of concern for both children and parents.

She has contacted DCC and the Parish Council, as well as our MP Heather Wheeler who has told Councillor Dean Collins, the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure at DCC, that we are raising the issue again. She has also sent him information about recent car crashes, and asked him to investigate.

If you support Julie, .

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NGS Open Garden ~ Jan and David Roberts
37 High Street Sunday 29th March, 2 - 5.30 pm

Repton Brook meanders through this garden of over an acre of herbaceous, shrubs and woodland. If you have not visited before, come and enjoy the spring plants and brookside walk. If you are a regular visitor you will notice changes this year with a new woodland garden and walk.

Admission is £3 in aid of the National Gardens Scheme, with accompanying children free. There will be plants for sale and teas in aid of church funds.

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Repton Evergreens need help and new blood

Started in May 1959, Repton Evergreens has provided a very welcome meeting point for the elderly in our village community. Now though, it is now struggling, and we are appealing for new members to come along to our meetings in the village hall. We meet at 2 o'clock on the last Thursday of every month. You will be made most welcome.

We are also looking for leaders to help with the challenge of reviving the club. For more information on what we do, please phone me.

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BBC ~ Books, Browse and Coffee

The mobile library no longer visits most of the local villages, and although it will still be visiting Repton, it offers a much reduced service. To bridge the gap, we are planning to hold a book swap 'n sale in St Wystan's Church, both on the first Wednesday in the month when we already have a Soup & Cheese lunch, and also at a Books, Browse and Coffee morning on the third Wednesday of the month. The sessions will be open to all. We hope to begin on the 20th May, and would be very pleased to hear from anyone who could help in any way. Ring Carol Lloyd on 702410, or .

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Repton Open Gardens
Friday 12th - Sunday 14th June

With spring round the corner, this is a good time to think of joining in our village Open Gardens. Last year we were delighted to welcome three new gardens with a total of 16 opening, but there is always room for more!

Almost everyone who opens his garden for the first time needs his arm twisting. After all, unlike show gardens, our gardens have to earn their keep throughout the year, but visitors know that, and that is one of the reasons why they come from far and wide; they enjoy a relaxed afternoon and pick up ideas for their own gardens.

On the Friday the weekend will begin with an evening of wine and music, the gardens open on Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm till 6, and we usually finish off with a spot of conviviality. For the gardeners, it is a thoroughly enjoyable weekend; they unfailingly comment on the friendliness of the visitors and the pleasure of showing them around.

If you would like to give it a go, please contact Tom Hyde on 703662.

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Metal Recycling

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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Test your Smoke Alarm when the clocks change

British Summer Time begins on Sunday 29th March, and if you have been paying attention so far, that will be the trigger to test your smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family the time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. You are four times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have a working alarm.

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Repton Village Society
Repton village hall, 7.30 pm

A letter has been received thanking all those members who volunteered to help with stewarding and catering for the Saxon Hoard exhibition at St Wystan's Church.

The Society continues to object to the applications to build houses on land between Repton and Milton on the grounds of traffic congestion, lack of amenities, and sprawl that will eventually result in the merging of the two settlements. We have also objected to the latest plans for the Longlands development on the grounds of a reduction in the play area, removal of the initially promised public art and timber play area, and a new implied linkage to future development.

In February, Professor Marilyn Palmer gave a concise, well illustrated talk about Stoneywell, a National Trust property in Leicestershire which had been the holiday home of the Gimson family who owned a large engineering company in Leicester. The house was designed in the Arts and Craft style by one of the family, and Marilyn described their association with William Morris and Rosetti that resulted in a fascinating, simple, small building. It is open every day until November. Admission is by ticket; pre- booking is recommended.

Thursday 5th March: 'Cook's Tours - the story of Thomas Cook and Son' with Danny Wells. Thomas Cook was born eight years into the 19th century and died eight years before its end. When he was born, the words 'tourism' and 'sightseeing' were unknown, yet by the time of his death in 1892, both he and his son had played key roles in opening up the world to popular tourism. The father was strong in temperance reform and was the more idealistic whereas the son had greater business acumen and organisational skills. They operated in a dynamic and turbulent age, and the relationship between father and son was not plain sailing either. The AGM and cheese and wine will follow.

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Repton Village History Group

In January, Brian Stone explained the background and politics of the English Civil War and recounted many of the incidents that took place in Derbyshire - particularly near us. He was clearly extracting a set of local items from an extensive understanding of the war as a whole. While the alignment of Newton Solney and Bretby is understood, Repton's position is unknown. This would really have depended on the loyalties of the significant local families about 1645 and may be a good local topic for research.

At our meeting on Tuesday 17th March, Shirley Horton will give an illustrated talk entitled 'Just another one for the road', a history of pubs from Roman times onwards. Repton village hall at 7.30 pm, members £2, visitors £3 including tea and biscuits. All are very welcome. For further information, please contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton W.I.

At our February meeting we celebrated the Chinese New Year. The hall was bright with red cloths and lanterns and we were welcomed by terracotta warriors. A short introduction and film by Lynne was followed by groups taking turns at making prawn wantons in the kitchen with Holly, tea-tasting including Green Tea and Lapsang Souchong, solving a quiz about China organised by Audrey, discovering with Linda what Chinese sign they were born under and whether they were compatible with their partners (some found they were not!), and exercising their brains with Chinese tangrams. Refreshments included spring rolls and a selection of dim sum with cakes decorated with fortune cookies. There were lots of memorabilia to peruse and everyone had a good evening. Many thanks to Lynne and Linda who spent a lot of time organising the evening, and to Lynne's neighbour, Holly, who showed us how to make wantons.

Next month's meeting is on Tuesday 10th March when Pauline Budzynski will talk about Childline. Visitors are always welcome to join us in the village hall at 7.15 pm on the second Tuesday of the month.

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Scouts

During February Scouts had a visit to Rollerworld. As part of the Global Challenge badge they have also been looking at Global Poverty and the work of some of the charities that work to improve the lives of people, mainly in Africa. During March the Scouts will be selecting a global issue to talk to the other Scouts about.

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

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Temporary Road Closure

Mount Pleasant Road and Pinfold Lane, Repton, will be closed 'in their entireties' from Monday 9th to Friday 13th March 'to facilitate carriageway patching'. The recommended diversion is via High Street, Brook End, Milton Road and Main Street, Milton, although as far as possibly, access will be maintained. The road will re-open as soon as the work is finished, which may be before the 13th. If you need further information, ring Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.

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Repton Road Club

If your determination to maintain a good level of fitness into the new year is beginning to fade, then why not try cycling? Repton Road Club meets every Sunday at 9 am at The Cross for rides of approximately two hours' duration. Full details of the proposed routes can be found at reptonroadclub.com, along with plans for a monthly longer ride complete with cafe stop. The club welcomes riders of all abilities, there is no joining fee, and you can also introduce yourself at The Red Lion, every third Monday in the month, after 8 pm. For further details, contact Neil on 703363.

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Calling all runners and joggers! Repton Hash House Harriers

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 (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's free to join, 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. Our next runs are on Sunday 1st March, as well as the Easter hashes on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Find us on Facebook (try this link: bit.ly/1BufOyh), or feel free to contact David on 07891 391351.

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Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
8th	10.30 am	Repton Casuals Youth	Rolleston
15th	10.30 am	Repton Red Lion	Linton FC

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Repton Parish Council

Parish Councillors Needed! Elections for the Parish Council will take place on Thursday 7th May, the same date as the UK Parliamentary Elections. There are eleven seats available for Repton and Milton. Parish Councillors hold office for four years, and in this parish they work on a non-political unpaid basis.

Parish Councils make decisions on the provision of local amenities including playing fields, recreation areas, allotments, burial grounds and arboretums, and are consulted about planning applications, traffic management and parking issues. Services such as village maintenance and the upkeep of public footpaths are also the responsibility of a Parish Council. Village improvement projects are sometimes undertaken as well. To finance these activities money is raised by a precept as part of the Council Tax.

Training courses enable new Councillors to gain familiarity with Council powers, procedures and regulations; they are usually held in the evenings.

If you want to help improve the community, are aged between 18 and 80, and are on the local electoral roll, you can stand for election. For more details contact the Clerk to Repton Parish Council, Susan Reilly, on 701309, or the Elections Office at SDDC on 595723 or 595875 without delay. The closing date for receipt of nominations is Thursday 9th April 2015.

Facebook: Repton Parish Council's Facebook page gives up to date information on a wide variety of subject such as local roadworks, police notifications, council consultations, neighbourhood meetings and other topics of general interest. You do not have to be a Facebook user to view the page, just visit Facebook.com; alternatively there is a link on the parish council website.

Allotments: The Parish Council has amended the rental agreements regarding the allotments on Monsom Lane, and new contracts have been issued to existing holders. The new contract has strengthened the existing rules over the upkeep of the plots. A waiting list is maintained in the Parish Council office. If you are interested in adding your name to this list please contact the office. Some plots may be returned over the new few weeks. Next meeting: Monday 9th March 2015 in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. Parish Meeting at 7 pm followed by the Parish Council Meeting at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

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

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall

Our Folk and Rock music evening was a wonderful success, with the band Stargazy and supporting act Annette playing to a near capacity audience. There was dancing in the aisles as well as on the dance floor, and the band were called back for several encores!

The re-decoration of the village hall was completed just in time for the event, and looked marvellous on the night. Gleaming new paint, together with new ceiling fans and stage lighting complemented the refurbished stage area.

Those who have not visited Milton village hall for a while will have a pleasant surprise. With its modern kitchen, equipped with a commercial dishwasher, and the newly completed re-decoration, the hall is perfect for parties or small gatherings. To view or book it, call Polly on 01283 703436.

Milton Lunch Club takes place in the village hall on the third Thursday of each month. Everyone in the wider local community is welcome, not just those who live in Milton. It costs just £5 for a delicious hot meal with no washing up! See above for details.

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Milton W.I.

Yet again, the Parish Magazine deadline comes ahead of our monthly meeting.

A reminder for members, that our Annual Dinner is to be held at Littleover Lodge on Wednesday 4th March, 7 for 7.30 pm. In the spring we are planning a group visit to Snibston and The Century Theatre in Coalville. Details will announced shortly.

Next meeting: Mark Newbold will talk to members about his return trip to the Falklands. Refreshments will be served by Roz Baker and Margaret Connelly. You are all very welcome.

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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 in the school hall. The next two will be on 5th March and 7th May. You are most welcome to join us.

Coffee & the Community

None in March, but we look forward to seeing you again on Friday 24th April, 9 - 10 am in the school hall.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 3rd March, 2.30 pm

A business meeting will be followed by a by a talk on Spring Gardening by Peter Smith from Findern Garden Centre.

Tuesday 17th March: A trip to Stoke Museum and Art Gallery

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

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.

Mark Newbold, our February speaker, treated us to a very enjoyable talk. Entertaining anecdotes about his time as a diver serving on the Royal Yacht Britannia were followed by a very personal description of his experiences aboard HMS Coventry during the Falklands conflict, some amusing but also some very poignant and moving.

During the business section of the meeting, Margaret Acford requested photographs or literature from W.I. events and trips over the last couple of years to add to our archive. A programme planning meeting for 2016 will be held at the end of March; members are encouraged to pass any ideas or suggestions to a committee member.

The meeting on Tuesday 10th March at 7.30 pm in the village hall will be a members' social evening on the successful theme of 'Bubbles, Bites & - this time - Bingo!' Refreshment hostesses will be Tricia Rees and Kay Stanley. Gail Cotton will provide flowers.

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

Newton Solney Horticultural Show 5th September 2015 Themes for Photographs Adults: 'Look to the Hills', 'Winter Trees', 'A Bridge' Juniors: (7 - 10 years): 'Shadows' : (11- 16 years): 'Sporting Scene' For information, contact Chris Freestone, 701147

Newton Solney Parish Council News

Parish Council Elections: Elections to Newton Solney Parish Council will be held on 7th May 2015 for the seven positions available. The role of a Parish Councillor involves trying 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 in what's happening in your village.

To stand for election you must be a British subject, 18 years of age or older, and a local government elector in this area. The nomination period closes on 9th April 2015. For more information, come to one of our monthly meetings on the second Friday of the month or contact the Clerk, Ron Parker, on 07863 359129.

Potholes: To receive prompt attention, all pot holes in the roads should be reported direct to Derbyshire County Council online (search for 'Derbyshire CC potholes'), or call 01629 533190. This should ensure a quicker response than going through the District or Parish Council. Don't wait for somebody else to report the problem.

Security: Safer Homes South Derbyshire offers a free service to improve security in the homes of older (aged 60+) and vulnerable South Derbyshire residents. The scheme involves installing security equipment free of charge, including door chains, window alarms and spy holes. In addition the Safer Homes operative will give free crime prevention advice. For more information or an application form, contact Safer Homes South Derbyshire on 01283 219761, or the Parish Council Clerk, Ron Parker, on 07863 359129.

Parish Precept 2015/2016: After careful consideration the Parish Council has set the precept for the next financial year at £4,400. This maintains the figure that is at present in place for the year 2014 / 2015.

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

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Environment Matters

Keep feeding the birds!

We all recognise that birds need more energy in winter, but even now that spring is coming, it is much too early to leave them to look after themselves. By continuing to feed them regularly, you'll help them get through what can still be a tough time of year.

Different species eat different things. Sparrows and finches like seeds; tits like fat; thrushes and robins like fruit and worms; starlings will eat just about anything.

Some of our own food is equally good for birds, dried fruit for example, fruit cake, unsalted nuts, or apples and pears. Try sprinkling grated mild cheese under trees and bushes for more timid birds like wrens and dunnocks.

However, avoid soft fat, which will stick to birds' feathers, as well as anything mouldy or salty; too much salt is poisonous to small birds.

If you want to avoid unwanted visitors like rats, only put out what will be eaten during the day.

Birds need to drink and bathe every day; even an upturned bin lid or plant saucer can give birds the water they need.

Dirty bird feeders and bird tables can spread disease. Clean them regularly to keep your visitors healthy and happy. And always wash your hands after feeding the birds!

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Neighbourhood Watch

Remember

• Secure your door chain.
• Make absolutely sure a caller is genuine before you let him in.
• Staff from utility companies carry an identification card. Always ask to see it. If in any doubt, contact their company for verification.
• Don't give them any personal or bank details.
• If they have a vehicle, take down the registration number, make and model.

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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Gardening Notes

I always feel that March is the beginning of the gardening year; the days are getting longer and the soil warmer.

Start with herbaceous plants; cut any stems down really low - the earlier you do it, the easier it is; once the new foliage starts to grow it can be a tedious job. Time spent weeding now also will be a good investment. My favourite weeding tool is a swoe which quickly cuts through the roots. For smaller areas a hand fork is easier. Don't forget to deal with self-sown plant seedlings too. Without significant editing my garden would be over-run with foxgloves, hellebores, geraniums, silver birches, forget-me-nots, aquilegias, phlomis and angelica. On the other hand, seedlings of cotoneaster, salvia, acer, hazel and eryngiums can be carefully transplanted. To suppress regrowth, when the soil is moist and warm enough, apply a mulch thick enough to keep out the light that weed seeds need to germinate. Any weeds that grow through can easily be removed. An organic mulch such as compost or leaf mould will also add to the soil's fertility. Shredded waste from a tree surgeon provides a good weed free mulch if you can get it. Ideally stack it for a few months before use.

At this time of year it is a good idea to apply a general fertiliser to your borders. You can use bonemeal or blood fish and bone, but Growmore is an economical, non-organic alternative. Vitax Q4 is very good. It was developed as an alternative to John Innes Base and contains many trace elements; use it for roses and clematis which are both heavy feeders.

The soil temperature needs to reach 6°C before seed sowing and planting can take place. Covering soil with cloches or plastic can speed things up. Towards the end of the month we should be able to sow hardy annuals directly outside` to provide patches of colour in bare places. Try godetia, marigolds, poppies, nigella, cornflower and clarkia which will all grow easily. (If you are not sure what their seedlings look like, sow a few in a well labelled pot and sink it into the ground next to the main sowing.) You will have better plants and a better display if you thin the seedlings to about 6" apart. Cutting the flowers or deadheading will prolong the display.

If it is too cold to sow outside, crops such as onion sets, beetroot and broad beans can be started in modules in a cold greenhouse. It is important to transplant them as soon as the modules are full of roots.

You can sow annuals such as French marigolds and cosmos in a cold greenhouse but don't be in too much of a hurry; it's still nearly three months before the danger of frosts passes and you will probably get better results from a later sowing.

You will get the earliest potatoes by chitting them. Place potatoes in egg boxes, pointed end up, and the eyes will send out shoots. Keep them in a cool, light place, and they should be ready to plant out in a few weeks. The shoots are quite delicate so don't let them get too long. The earliest potatoes need to be started off in pots in the greenhouse. Plant the sprouted tubers towards the bottom of your largest pot and cover with a layer of potting compost. Once the shoots have reached the surface, cover them up and repeat until the pot is full. Frosts will damage but not kill them. Potatoes are greedy feeders and need lots of water to crop well.

Complete pruning roses, and tidy up grasses. Deciduous ones should have the remaining flower stalks and dead leaves removed. Evergreen grasses may only need a trim, but are often better given a really good haircut every few years.

The range of Hydrangea Paniculata varieties has increased in recent years. They have the advantage that they flower on new growth so can be pruned hard in spring, keeping them smaller and less vulnerable to frost damage. Hydrangeas like plenty of moisture but do not need too much sun. The Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas flower on shoots that emerge from last year's growth, so plants need little pruning. Aim principally to stimulate new growth, if they get too big you can cut them right down but you will not get any flowers that year, a better alternative is to cut out some old growth each year.

Happy gardening - spring is on its way.