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

The Significance of the Easter Story 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 11th April Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Beatrice Rose Thorpe Funerals and Burial of Ashes Evelyn Oldham Obituaries James Rattray Cownie The Memorial Book Derby Diocese and the wider Church Farewell to Bishop Humphrey Derby Cathedral closes midweek for refurbishment Repton Benefice Services at Holy Week and Easter Groups St Wystan's News Easter Day Breakfast Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds St Saviour's News Foremark Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 20th April St Mary's News St Mary's at Easter Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Sunday 12th April Local Diary Event Details Lent Lunch, Wednesday 1st April Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 16th April Go Ukulele Crazy, Friday 17th April Repton History Walks, Sunday 19th April Repton School Music Competition Final, Wednesday 22nd April St George's Day Celebration, Friday 24th April Messy Church, Sunday 26th April Repton Neighbourhood Development Plan, Public Meeting, Tuesday 28th April Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May Milton Plant Swap and Sale, Saturday 9th May St Mary's Church Spring Lunch, Sunday 10th May Barbara and All That Jazz, Saturday 23rd May The Great War Commemorated 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal It's YOUR Village Hall! Event Roundup Repton Village and History Repton Rags Repton Casuals Fixtures Repton Village Party needs You! Children's Fancy Dress Parade Great Prizes in the Village Party Raffle! Why not book the Den? NGS Open Garden, Sunday 19th April Make a Scarecrow for Repton Open Gardens, 12th - 14th June We want a Safer High Street Scouts Girlguiding Memories of Repton Bingo supports Hospice Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Repton Hash House Harriers Repton Village History Group Repton Road Club Dog Muck in Matthews' Jitty ~ A parent's plea! Repton Parish Council Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Milton Village Hall Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council News South Derbyshire What's On in South Derbyshire and The National Forest Walking for Health Safer Homes South Derbyshire Chinese lanterns banned Environment Matters Carrier Bags Wanted Neighbourhood Watch Gardening Notes

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The significance of the Easter story

Let's first demystify the word 'Easter'. Just as the Anglo-Saxons took their word for Spring, 'Lent', for the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, so they took the name of the Spring Goddess, Eastre, for the celebration of the new life in the risen Christ.

Now we can think what Easter might mean for us.

For the Jews, centuries before the time of Jesus, death was a passage into another sphere. They believed that for three days after earthly life was over there was the possibility that the deceased could communicate with their loved ones – mainly in the form of dreams, but sometimes in a physical presence. It was a chance for a message to be passed across from one sphere of life to those left behind, and is frequently attested to.

Science tells that our physical bodies are renewed every seven years: cells don't last a lifetime, but they are renewed so that they continue to function correctly. In a lifetime, our material identity is changed and revivified. Christians believe that once our earthly life is over, our body will be rewoven into a spiritual body, and we will be reunited with those we lost in our earthly life.

Don't dismiss this as unnatural; don't forget the story of evolution, which chronicles the re-emergence of new life and new life-forms out of apparent death. The emphasis in the Gospels is not just on personal resurrection, but on the survival of the community of Christian believers. As Paul wrote in his letter to the little church he had founded in Corinth: "We know that the physical frame that houses us today will be demolished: but we will possess a building which God will provide – eternal and in heaven."

When Hamlet tells his fellow-student of philosophy, Horatio, that he has communicated with his late father, Horatio scoffs at such wishful thinking, but Hamlet reminds him: "There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in your philosophy, Horatio."

And indeed there are!

Happy Easter!

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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 11th April,
10.30 - 11.30 am in the Schoolroom

Easter will be over, but the goodies will still be on sale for those who may have missed out! Have a coffee, chat with friends and have a few goes on the tombola!

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SHELL for young people aged 7+

. . . recommences on Monday 20th April and meets every Monday at 6.30 pm for craft, games and a Christian message. New members are always welcome.

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Baptisms

Beatrice Rose Thorpe, daughter of Henry and Angela Thorpe of 30 Oriel Road, Portsmouth, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 8th March.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Evelyn Oldham of Oakland Village, formerly of The Dales, died on Monday 9th March aged 92. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 26th March was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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Obituaries

James Rattray Cownie
12th November 1928 - 8th January 2015

Jim was born in Cardiff, moved to South Africa when he was six, but returned to England when he was seventeen to start an aircraft engineering degree course and apprenticeship with Handley Page. Through this he met and later married Jill, a nurse and sister of his best friend; they were married for fifty eight years. After various headquarters jobs in Rolls Royce which he joined in 1961, they settled in Repton in 1968.

Jim travelled widely both for Rolls Royce and the aviation magazine 'The Aeroplane'. Retiring from Rolls Royce as Public Relations manager, he undertook a variety of freelance publishing jobs, particularly for the then British Oxygen Company.

In the autumn of 2012 he and Jill moved to a retirement village in Bristol to be nearer to their eldest son, their other two sons now living in the United States.

Jim had a kind, gentle nature and sense of humour, never raising his voice. He loved words, art and above all aeroplanes of all vintages. He was a keen gardener and grew unnecessarily large amounts of runner beans and other vegetables each year! He was an active member of Derby Rotary Club and of the Burton Art Club, a hobby he continued after the move to Bristol, where he enjoyed a happy retirement chatting with many new friends.

Although he suffered from increasing health problems, his death on a long awaited Christmas cruise was unexpected but peaceful.

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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

Farewell to Bishop Humphrey

At the start of April, Bishop Humphrey - The Rt Rev'd Humphrey Southern, Suffragan Bishop of Repton - will take up his new post as Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon, just outside Oxford.

With about seventy full-time students, fifty part-time ordinands, and other programmes for those interested in theology and ministry, the college is the largest ministry training institution in the Church of England. It also hosts a research centre for practical theology and is the headquarters of the Bloxham Project, which aims to promote Christian education in schools.

In his new appointment, Humphrey will have an influential role in shaping the next generation of Church leaders. Notable alumni of Cuddesdon include numerous bishops and archbishops, among them the Lord Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1961to 1974, who was a pupil at Repton School from 1918 to 1922, members of parliament, both commons and lords, senior academics, and - last but not least, Adam Smallbone and Roland Wise, the fictional vicars in 'Rev'!

We wish him well. The PCC contributed to his leaving present and wrote to thank him for his support, not least as Patron of our Heritage Appeal.

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Derby Cathedral closes midweek for refurbishment

Derby Cathedral is to close midweek for more than four months as it undergoes its first refurbishment for 40 years. The cathedral was given a grant of £500,000 to spend on heating and electrics and has raised another £170,000 for decorating, but still needs to find almost £20,000. The funding for the boiler has come from the government's First World War Centenary Fund.

Work will start in April with midweek services held in St Mary's Roman Catholic Church and the Chapel of St Mary on the Bridge until August.

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Repton Benefice

Holy Week and Easter ~ at St Wystan's except where shown

In Holy Week we recall the events leading up to the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. As the gospel writers make clear, the 'Great three Days' - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day - initiate, create and constitute our Christian faith. As we celebrate them together, so we rediscover every year what it means to be Christian. Whether regular worshipper or enquirer, we invite you to join with us during this wonderful week.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 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.

Maundy Thursday, 2nd April

7.30 pm at St Wystan's: Holy Communion.
In the re-enactment of the Last Supper, we follow the events of Jesus' final meal with his disciples, including the washing of the disciples' feet; anyone who wishes is invited to have a foot washed by one of the clergy. Then we share the Last Supper as we remember what took place on the night of Jesus' arrest.   At the end of the service we traditionally strip the church bare for Good Friday. This is followed by a vigil, the opportunity for us to remember how Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemene. We sit in silence in church to meditate. You can stay for just a short while or until we end the vigil at 10.30 pm.

Good Friday, 3rd April

2 pm at St Wystan's: The Last Hour at the Cross
We gather in front of the Cross remembering what took place on this day, at this hour. Hymns, readings, an address and prayers mark this most special time.

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

Easter Day, 5th April

Easter Day is the great affirmation of victory over the powers of darkness and death which Jesus made possible through his death on the Cross and His Resurrection from the tomb.

8 am: Holy Communion.
9 am: Easter Communion at Foremark.
9.45 am: Parish Communion for Easter.
10 am: Easter Communion at Newton Solney

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Groups

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

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

There is no service of Prayer for Christian Healing at St Wystan's Church in April.

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St Wystan's News

Easter Day Breakfast

This is a new venture for us. From 8.45 to 9.15, between the two morning services, we will be having an Easter Sunday breakfast in St Wystan's Church with orange juice, croissants and coffee. £2.50. Please contact Carol Lloyd, 702410, or Jan Gillham, 703340, by Wednesday 1st April if you would like to join us.

Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds 9.45 am at St Wystan's Church - EVERY Sunday EXCEPT (this month) 12th April 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 Saviour's News

Foremark Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Library, Foremarke Hall, Monday 20th April at 7 pm

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Saviour's Church, Foremark, is to be held in the library at Foremarke Hall, by kind invitation of the Headmaster.

All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens, and those on the electoral roll are welcome to attend the APCM afterwards, where there will be elections for PCC members, the Electoral Roll Officer and the Independent Examiner.

For an application form to join the electoral roll, please pick up a form in St Saviour's Church and leave it for collection. Forms have to be in by Wednesday 15th April.

A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow the APCM.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's at Easter

The Church will be decorated on Saturday 4th April; help would be welcome that morning from 9.30 am. Also appreciated would be contributions of fresh foliage (which could be left in the baptistry from Wednesday onwards) and donations for flowers, perhaps given in memory of family members or friends now departed.

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

A reminder that the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will follow the morning service after a brief interval for coffee. Copies of the annual accounts and other reports will be available in the church for a few days before the meeting, so that they can be read in advance. Nominations for the various elections should reach Jennifer Haynes, Secretary, by the previous Sunday, Easter Day.

Anyone resident in Newton Solney parish has the right to elect the churchwardens, but only those whose names are already on the church electoral roll are eligible to stand for election and to nominate or vote for PCC candidates.

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Lent Lunch Wednesday 1st April, 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 Everyone welcome. Do come!

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 16th April, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Fillet of salmon followed by fruit salad! Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

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

Sundays 19th April, 10th May, 7th June, 5th July and 13th September Repton History Walks Leaving St Wystan's Church at 2 pm followed by tea & cake in Repton Village Hall Learn from a village guide about the history of this unique village £6.    Booking essential Phone 01283 704034 / 702702 or . Jointly organised by Repton History Group and Repton W.I. in support of Repton Village Hall Appeal

Repton School Concerts Society Repton School Music Competition Final Wednesday 22nd April Annual General Meeting (for subscribers only) at 6.30 pm in the Snooker Room, Repton Music School Subscribers are invited to the AGM to receive a financial update, a review of the current season, and plans for next season's programme. ~ ~ ~ followed by ~ ~ ~ Repton School Music Competition Final at 7.30 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall, Repton School This is the climax of Repton's annual music competition at which prize winners from the various classes, held throughout the year, compete in a grand final to decide the Senior and Junior Young Musicians of the Year. This is open to all, and free. Further information from Sue Parker, 01283 702550 or the Music School, 01283 559319

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 with Apple Pie Paid Bar and Raffle Complimentary Flags and Song Sheets Tickets from , 702410. In aid of The Repton Village Hall Appeal

Come and see what it's all about! Messy Church Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 26th April, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Repton Neighbourhood Development Plan Public Meeting leading to the formation of a working group to produce a plan for Repton Tuesday 28th April, 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Note the date and come along!

Repton Village Party Saturday 2nd May, 2 - 5.30 pm The Den and Mitre Field, Mitre Drive, Repton Fancy Dress Parade The Parade leaves The ARCH at 1.30, led by 'The Pied Piper', to arrive at the Mitre Field at 2 pm. All children are welcome to join the parade but must be accompanied by an adult. * HOG ROAST *    * PUNCH and JUDY *    * TUG of WAR * * Crafts *    *Face Painting*    * Displays * * STEAM TRAIN *   Traditional Games and Races   * FOOTBALL SKILLS * *Tai Chi*    ** MAYPOLE DANCING **    * Greasy Pole * * Teas & Home-Made Cakes *       *Cubs and Beavers BBQ* * Music and singing from local school children* Something for everyone!    NO charge for entry!    Come and enjoy the fun!

Milton Plant Swap and Sale Saturday 9th May, 10 am - 2 pm at Milton Village Hall Bring your surplus plants, rooted cuttings, seedlings, divisions; swap them for free! Plants should be of a reasonable size, at least a 3" pot, healthy, potted and clearly labelled. If you are not sure what it is, we may be able to help. Donations of plants for sale would be greatly appreciated. £1 entry per person. In support of Milton Village Hall. Refreshments available. Contact Carl on 07527 700308 or via miltonmatters.org.uk

St Mary's Church invites you to join us for a Spring Lunch to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of VE Day Sunday 10th May at 1.30 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Please bring your own drinks (glasses available) and if possible, dress in red, white or blue. Adults £8, Children under 12 £5 Tickets from Hazel Ward, 21 Blacksmith's Lane, tel. 701244

Barbara and All That Jazz Saturday 23rd May, 7.30 pm in Pears School Prepare for a great evening! Bring your own food, drink, glasses and friends. Table of 10 available. Tickets £10 from Alan Webster, 701838, and Linda Shortt, 702702 Repton Village Society in support of Repton Village Hall Appeal

The Great War Commemorated

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Dear Friends

I think the story of the fight at La Neuve Chapelle, with all its record of wonderful heroism, is nevertheless a grave warning to our nation of what the war will mean. A distinct success, three-quarters of a mile gained, but at what a cost! And this process will apparently have to be repeated time after time until the foe is forced to sue for peace. What, then, about us at home? Anyone who shirks responsibility, who considers his own comfort or pleasure before his duty is a traitor not only to the State but to the men who are laying down their lives for us. What we need now chiefly is Organisation for Production. I heard yesterday of a firm employing 5,000 men who were quite 2,000 short, and they are making shells and ammunition so direly needed. Consider, then, how many there are in this country who create nothing for the State machine. . . . They preach, or teach, or write, but they do not produce. How much better, then, for them to lay by their intellectual labours for a while and shovel slag into a wheelbarrow, or unload grain from a steamer! There is no glory in this, but we don't want glory, we want to win the war and have peace again.

. . .   Against us is a nation organised to the hilt, and absolutely determined. In this day's newspaper there are two German speeches from two very opposite sources, the one a great Socialist leader, in which, he says: "Today we defend our land, our life, our independence. To-day the Army is the people, and the people the Army. . . . Our duty, then, is to provide all useful means of defence. The fighting men are our own brothers, and by equipping them we are protecting our own flesh and blood." The other is from the Cardinal Archbishop of Cologne, in which he begs the children of his diocese to do all they can to help the country by their prayers, by sacrifice of the pleasures, &c. There is a Latin proverb which we English would do well to remember: "It is useful to learn from the enemy."

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

It's YOUR Village Hall!

Following the Village Society's delightful evening of 'Cantata in Concert' (see below) we had two very successful events in March, which between them raised £3,300.

The Murder Mystery was sold out. I'm not sure many of us actually worked out who the murderer was, but it was fun trying, and we thoroughly enjoyed the food and the company. Thank you to Frances Wimbush for her organisation, to Liz Plant for the very tasty casserole, but above all to Margaret Emuss and the actors, who took to their roles with relish.

Ten days later the hall was again packed and buzzing for a Bridge Day. It was really enjoyable, its success assured by friendly bridge and good food. Kiki Muir and Louise Chilton did a great job in masterminding everything; thank you also to everyone who supported and helped so well.

In April we have the first of the Repton History Walks on Sunday 19th, and a celebration of St George's Day on Friday 24th. Details are in the adverts above and on page 29. Unfortunately the Easter Egg Hunt on 4th April has been cancelled.

May sees another History Walk on Sunday 10th, and Repton Village Society is organising a Jazz Evening in Pears School on Saturday 23rd. See page 35.

Further Ahead

Friday 19th June: Ladies Pamper Night, Repton village hall, 7.30 pm

Be pampered with a glass of bubbly, a selection of therapies and choice of lovely things to buy. Contact or .

Sunday 6th September: Your Village Hall - Where We Are

Repton village hall, 2 - 4 pm. An opportunity to see the results of the tender and the plans for the new hall, to discuss future events and to make sure your views are heard.

Saturday 12th September: Antiques Event with Hansons Auctioneers

Currently being planned.

Once again, a huge 'thank you' to everyone who is helping to make things 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.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Rags Boys & girls aged 7 to 14 Fun and games, indoors and out; plenty of time to chat with your friends Friday 17th April: Rags have Talent! (No meeting on the 3rd!) 6.30 to 8 pm at the Den      £1 a head More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852 or . Come along and have fun!

Repton Rags

Because of the Easter break we just have one date in April; on the 17th we are holding our Rags Have Talent evening. The children can perform an act of around two minutes - anything they like, music, singing, jokes, dancing, magic - whatever they want. If your child wants to take part, please email me beforehand with their name and type of act, so that I can put a schedule together. There will be independent judges and prizes.

If parents want to stay and watch, there will be a small charge, 50p per adult, which will go into our funds for our end of summer party bbq.

We will be organising fun and games as part of the village fete, so all children from RAGS are welcome to come and help out. As we have to miss our normal date of 1st May due to preparation for the village fete, we will run RAGS the following week on 8th May, and meet and have a play at the Den and on the field. Times as normal.

On 15th May Derbyshire Wildlife are coming to us again. This time we will be using bat detectors. As the bats won't be flying until about 9.20 pm, we will start our meeting that night at 7, with our guest speaker coming at 8.30. Any child who wants to stay later and join in the bat watch is more than welcome. There is no extra cost.

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Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
12th	2.00 pm	Repton Casuals U14	Marlborough Rovers Black

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Repton Village Party needs You!
Saturday 2nd May, Mitre Field

We reply totally on volunteers to run this great event. Could you help? Could you, for example:

Offer to make a cake

Help with selling programmes & raffle tickets

Look after a display

Help with putting up and / or taking down tents

Blow up balloons

Help on the day?

If you can help in these or any other ways, please contact, Frances Wimbush, 703180, .

Children's Fancy Dress Parade

To kick-off the Village Party, all children are invited to dress up in their favourite fancy dress costume and join a parade through the village. It will leave The Arch at 1.30 pm and, led by a Pied Piper, make its way along the High Street to the British Legion, through the Pastures and up to the Mitre Field to announce the start of the festivities. All children should be accompanied by a responsible adult. To help ensure everyone's safety, we need volunteers to marshal the parade. If you are able to help, please contact Frances Wimbush as above.

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Great Prizes in the Village Party Raffle!

The raffle is the only fundraising we do to fund the Village Party so please be generous! Tickets are on sale around the village, and there are wonderful prizes to be won including a Family Pass for Repton School Swimming Pool, as well as generous vouchers from The Bull's Head, The Mount Pleasant, The Boot and Mulberry.

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Why not book the Den?

From 1st August, the Den in Mitre Drive can take bookings for morning activities on weekdays as well as most weekday afternoons, and at weekends. Some evening slots are also available. All the sessions are available for regular booking or for one-off events. There is parking and a fully equipped kitchen.

It costs just £11 an hour, and is ideal for classes, committee meetings, birthday parties, family gatherings and much more. For more information or to view the facilities, contact Carol Hickebottom on 703991.

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NGS Open Garden, Sunday 19th April
Pauline and Robert Little, 10 Chestnut Way 1.30 - 5.30 pm

This is a large garden packed with colourful and unusual plants. There will be lots of tree blossom, spring flowers, bulbs and rare woodland plants.

Entry £3. Homemade teas and a plant stall with a great selection available at this time of year. All proceeds go to NGS charities.

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Make a Scarecrow for Repton Open Gardens, 12th - 14th June

Last year we had a very successful Scarecrow Trail as part of the Open Gardens Weekend and we hope to do even better this year.

It's still a bit early for entries - forms will be available in the May magazine and at the May Day Village Party - but it's never too early to start thinking and collecting materials. You can find lots of information and ideas online, including advice on how to weatherproof your scarecrow! I particularly like makescarecrows.com, but other sites even have instruction sheets!

So if you didn't enter but thought about it, do give it a try. If you want to know more, contact Jan and David Roberts on 702159. It would be great to give other villages a run for their money.

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We want a Safer High Street

Last month's magazine described how Julie Groom, who runs the local RAGS youth club, is campaigning for a High Street crossing 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.

A crossing is needed now because of the recent marked increase in traffic, and the prospect of further increases in the near future. The campaign was picked up in the Burton Mail with an article on 6th March, which is not surprising as it is an area of major concern for both children and parents.

Now Julie's petition is up and running, with forms in shops and businesses around the village, as well as copies at schools and clubs. If the campaign is going to be successful, it needs as much support as possible, including yours! To make our busy High Street safer for children, please sign up or email .

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Scouts

We have had a very varied March starting with presentations from more Scouts on global issues such as climate change, Water Aid, trade in wild animals and even the risk of running out of chocolate! In the second half of the month we have had an evening of circus skills and a visit to Derby Astronomical Society's telescope.

During April we are going to practise our survival skills with another hike where Scouts will have to build their shelter to spend the night. Bear Grylls would be proud of us.

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

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Girlguiding

Repton Rainbow Guides are looking to recruit an Assistant Leader, to start as soon as possible. If you have a couple of hours a week to spare and would like a new challenge, please phone Carol / Tigger on 703991. We cannot offer wages, but promise a lot of fun, and a chance to learn new skills. Rainbows are aged 5-7 and love craft, art, games, meeting up with their friends, outings and songs.

Repton Guides have closed, but can open again with a new Leader, so this is another great opportunity to do something exciting in the community; no experience necessary. Guides are aged 10-14 and have a wide range of interests. Please phone Carol on 703991. Full training and local support is in place to help new Leaders. A Girlguiding UK Qualification will be given when training is completed.

For further details of both these Guiding Sections, see the Girlguiding UK website.

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Memories of Repton ~ Repton Village History Group

Our latest publication, 'A Stroll through Repton of Yesteryear', is currently being printed and will shortly be on sale. The booklet builds on the reminiscences and memories of some of our senior village residents, and, together with pictures from our archives, takes us on a lovely, gentle, historic stroll through the Repton of yesteryear.

Come and see us on 2nd May at the Village Party, and if you too can share any memories, photos or documents with us, we would love to add them to our archives. We are happy to scan any photos or documents and return your originals. In years to come all our memories will also be part of the village history.

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Bingo supports Hospice

In March, a charity Bingo night at the Legion Club raised £525 for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice; this is a charity which cares for local people living with life limiting illness, mainly cancer. It was an enjoyable evening and a great result.

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Repton W.I.

In March, members heard about the history of ChildLine and the work of a volunteer counsellor. ChildLine was founded by Esther Rantzen nearly 30 years ago following a report on the TV programme, That's Life. The organisation now works with the NSPCC and has centres all over the country. Nottingham was the second city to open a centre, which is where our speaker, Pauline Budzynski, volunteers to man a phoneline. We were staggered to learn of the huge number of calls received each week, some of them nuisance calls but most needing advice, a sympathetic ear, or a referral to someone with greater expertise. All calls are confidential and free, so the young people are not put off calling if help is needed. The NSPCC and ChildLine now have a programme to take into schools, advising years 5 and 6 about abuse and grooming.

Jenny reported on the Council Meeting attended by four members in Chesterfield where the main speaker was Peter Snow. Those interested entered a draw for a ticket for the Royal garden party in June to mark the centenary of the W.I. Others expressed an interest in bowling at Willington. W.I. members are serving refreshments for the Village History Group walks in aid of the Village Hall Appeal Fund, and at the May Day party.

Next month's meeting is on Tuesday 14th April. Graham White will tell us about designing his NGS garden in Uttoxeter. All are welcome in the village hall at 7.15 pm.

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Repton Village Society

'Cantata in Concert' was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of convivial company, amazing voices and splendid singing of songs from the shows and movies, with tributes to the Rat Pack and Glenn Miller. Every ticket was sold, and the event raised £800 for the Village Hall Appeal.

At our monthly meeting, Danny Wells spoke on Thomas Cook & Sons. In his usual well researched, clearly delivered manner he traced their very rapid growth from the initial organised excursion from Leicester to Loughborough to a worldwide travel firm. At the Annual General Meeting which followed, all the officers and committee were re-elected.

Thursday 9th April ~ the 2nd Thursday! 'South Derbyshire - the Earth, our Wealth' with Tony Hurrell, Chairman of Sharpe's Pottery Trust. South Derbyshire has always had riches in its soil, and in this talk Tony travels through the local heritage of how that has been exploited, leaving a scarred landscape but also a public health legacy which stretches across continents. From 'pits, pots and pipes' through to the prospering National Forest, South Derbyshire has a rich story to tell.

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Repton Hash House Harriers

Hashing is a great way to enjoy running. Similar to a paper chase, two 'hares' with a five minutes' start lay a flour trail that the pack has to chase. Using dead ends and multiple paths, 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; if you're interested, just come along! This is as much a social as a running group; we set off at midday from The Bulls Head 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 Good Friday and Easter Monday. Find us on Facebook or contact David on 07891 391351. On On!

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Repton Village History Group

In February, Janet Spavold and Sue Brown told us about the latest results of the pottery excavations in Ticknall and the pieces of pot found. They have now identified a host of kiln sites and have surprisingly early samples of pottery including Cistercian ware. There is a strong suspicion that there was a link with the medieval tile kiln at Repton Priory, which is possibly where the expertise came from. They also described the setting up of the Ticknall Archaeological Research Group; in addition to carrying out the full range of archaeological activities, they also provide courses on documentary research, geophysical surveying, test pit digging and recording, and finds drawing.

In March, Shirley Horton presented a talk on the development of pubs and similar establishments from the Roman times onwards. In fact, in both Neolithic Europe and in ancient Egypt there is clear evidence of brewing from 3,000 years BC. An informal process of brewing at home and selling the surplus gradually developed and was regularised by the state. Regulation of measures was introduced by King Edgar with the use of drinking pegs in drinking vessels. Inevitably the church managed to exert considerable control and derive income from brewing and from the inns and taverns. Shirley noted the damaging rise in drinking cheap gin and the subsequent recovery of beer drinking, encouraged as being less dangerous. She concluded by recognising the decline of the public house, noted the loss of 28 pubs a week, and recalled Samuel Pepys' comment that with the end of the pub comes the end of England.

At our next meeting on Tuesday 21st April, Catherine Cartwright will tell us about the Gresley Pioneers. 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, 702448, or .

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Repton Road Club

Repton Road Club meets every Sunday at 9 am at The Cross for rides of approximately two hours. 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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Dog Muck in Matthews' Jitty ~ A parent's plea!

"There has been a noticeable increase in dog muck in and around Matthew's Jitty, which is used by lots of parents and small children on the way to and from school. Please think of their health and the health of all young people in the village. If you are exercising your dog, please clean up after it. All you have to do is remember to take a plastic bag with you."

South Derbyshire's Dog Control Order makes it illegal for an owner not to pick up after their dog in all public open land. Safer Neighbourhood Wardens are instructed to investigate all complaints about dog fouling. People failing to clean up after their dogs may be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75 or face a fine of up to £1,000. To report an offence, note the time and location it is committed, as well as descriptions of both the animal and owner, and email neighbourhood.wardens@south-derbys.gov.uk.

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Repton Parish Council

Parish Council Elections: Elections for Repton Parish Council will take place on Thursday 7th May, the same date as the UK Parliamentary Elections. Eleven seats are available for Repton and Milton. If more candidates apply than the number of seats, the election is contested and a poll will be held; in that case the Returning Officer will publish notice of the poll, stating full details of the candidates, no later than 1st May.

If you are aged between 18 and 80, and are on the local electoral roll, you can stand for election. Parish Councillors hold office for 4 years, and, as a number of existing Councillors are not seeking re-election, there is every opportunity to be a voice for your local community at what could be a critical time in the life of our village. Training courses are available for new Councillors to gain familiarity with Council powers, procedures and regulations; these are usually held in the evenings.

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.

Allotments Available Now! The Parish Council has renewed the existing contracts, but there are a few plots still available for immediate use. With the whole gardening season ahead, this is an ideal time to start cultivating a plot; later this year you would be able to reap the rewards of all your hard work. If you are interested in renting a plot or would like further information please contact the Clerk (see below) who will show you the plots available.

Repton Cross: The Parish Council is continuing in its efforts to gain support for the restoration of Repton Cross. Its poor condition has been brought to the attention of English Heritage, Derbyshire County Council and South Derbyshire District Council. The Parish Council is striving to gain support for this vital work and will keep you updated on any progress made.

Facebook: Repton Parish Council's Facebook page gives up to date information on a variety of subjects including roadworks, police notifications, council consultations and neighbourhood meetings. 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.

Next meeting: Monday 13th April 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

Milton W.I.

March was a busy month for us as it was our turn to host the Group meeting at Repton village hall. We also held our Annual Dinner at Littleover Lodge. A lovely, cheeky waiter entertained our ladies, and at the end of the evening played Jerusalem for us.

One of our members, Roberta Higson, is organizing a group visit to the Century Theatre in Snibston on 15th May.

Our March speaker, Mark Newbold, gave a very interesting talk about returning to the Falkland Islands years after serving there. Delicious refreshments were served by Margaret Connelly and Roz Baker.

Next meeting: Wednesday 15th April, 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. A representative from Collective Legal Solutions will talk about 'Tax, Care and Toy Boys'. Visitors are most welcome.

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Milton Village Hall

Thank you to everyone who has supported Milton village hall over the past year! At the AGM, held on 19th March, Carl Avery was elected Chairman, James Le Flock, Secretary, Gary Steel, Treasurer and Polly Faulkner, Bookings Secretary. The meeting heard that the year's activities had been successful both socially and financially. With its improved facilities and redecoration, use of the hall has increased, and it has proved a popular venue for parties, band practices and community groups.

Plant Swap and Sale: Saturday 9th May. Details in the ad above.

Village Walk and Lunch: Sunday 17th May

A gentle walk in the countryside followed by a hot lunch in good company at the village hall. Contact Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436.

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

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

Bingo, a glass of fizz and a bite to eat added up to an enjoyable social at the March meeting, with lots of chocolate for prizes! Several new and prospective members discovered what NSWI has to offer.

With several events marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the W.I. in the UK, including an Eisteddfod in Derbyshire and a Royal Garden Party, it promises to be a busy year. We have our trip to Denby Pottery this month and a walk around Calke Abbey in April.

The April meeting is on Tuesday 14th at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Heather Harrington will talk about the filming of 'The Duchess' at Kedleston Hall. Marion Cooper will provide the flowers, Margaret Acford and Carolyn Steele are tea hostesses. Whist drives are on the last Tuesday of every month at 7 pm in the village hall; new players are very welcome.

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Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Community Collective Worship for parents, carers and local residents is held on the first Thursday morning of the month at 9.15 am in the school hall. The next will be on 7th May, after the Easter holiday. Please note the date.

Coffee & the Community, Friday 24th April, 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

We started this year with two very successful trips. In January we went to Dobbies near Atherstone and had a good response from our members and friends. In February, it was a meal at the Bentley Brook Hotel near Ashbourne. Our coffee stop was at Denstone Hall Farm Shop, where many people purchased goods. At the hotel we enjoyed an excellent meal in very pleasant surroundings. It was a lovely sunny day, and our driver took us through some wonderful Derbyshire countryside, enjoyed from the warmth and comfort of our coach. A lovely day out!

Our speakers too have been most entertaining. In January, Peter Wood returned to give a talk and demonstration of willow weaving, and we had the chance to try our hands at making his demonstration piece, a fish. The speaker in March was Peter Smith from Findern Garden Centre. Peter has spoken to us previously, and has always provided useful tips. His visit this time was no exception; he gave advice on how to prepare the garden for the coming spring season, and responded to many questions from the floor. He also brought lots of plants, some familiar, some more unusual. During our tea break at the end of the talk people were able to purchase the plants and chat with him.

Tuesday 7th April: 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a talk from a member of the 'Safer Homes South Derbyshire' team.

Tuesday, 21st April: A trip to Tamworth

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

If you would like to know more about Newton Tuesday Club or come on any of our trips, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

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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, contact the Clerk, Ron Parker, on 07863 359129.

Village Signs: In order to tidy up the signs in the village, it is proposed to refurbish the 'Best Kept Village' plaques on the wall opposite Blacksmiths Lane. In addition there is a suggestion that the 'Medium Village Winner' sign on a vertical post set in the verge opposite The Green, which is very badly corroded and rusty with some of the wording obliterated, should be removed. Comments from villagers on this suggestion are requested and should be forwarded to the Clerk as above, or to any Parish Councillor before the next meeting.

Next Meeting: Friday 10th April at 7.45 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

Annual Parish Meeting: Friday 15th May at 7.15 pm in the village hall. All are welcome. The May Parish Council meeting will follow at 7.45 pm.

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South Derbyshire

What's On in South Derbyshire and The National Forest

Download the latest edition of 'What's On' from the SDDC website - search for 'What's On in South Derbyshire' - or collect it from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre at Sharpe's Pottery. To keep up with the latest news, visit their Facebook page at 'Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre'.

Highlights this summer include a gamekeepers fair, horse trials, well dressings, Swadlincote Festival of Transport, The National Forest Walking Festival and Derbyshire County Show, but from bushcraft to Teddy Bear walks there is so much more for you and your family to enjoy during the coming months.

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Walking for Health

Would you like to start walking regularly? 'Walking for Health' walks take place weekly; they are led by trained volunteer leaders, and usually last between 30 minutes and an hour. The groups are very social and end up with a hot drink in a local pub or cafe. There is no need to book, just turn up on time. Below is a selection of the more local walks.

Mondays, 10.30 - 11.30 am: Hilton Health Walk. (Meet at Hilton Brook pub)

Mondays 2 - 3 pm: Calke Abbey Health Walk

Mondays 2.30 - 3.30 pm: National Memorial Arboretum Walk (meet in cafe area)

Tuesdays 10.30 - 11.30 am: Pushchair Health Walk, at Rosliston Forestry Centre

Wednesdays 2 pm, (every 3rd Wednesday of the month): Calke Abbey long walk

Thursdays 1.30 - 2.30 pm: Willington Health Walk (meet at the canal car park)

If you would like more information, contact Tor Adams on 01283 563483.

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Safer Homes South Derbyshire

If you feel that you are vulnerable, would like assistance or help, you can benefit from having free security measures installed at your home. The Safer Homes Scheme aims to improve security in the homes of vulnerable people and those over 60 who live in South Derbyshire. It is funded by the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership and operated by South Derbyshire CVS. Security equipment fitted can include door chains, window alarms and spy holes. In addition, the Safer Homes operative will give free crime prevention advice. Ring Amanda Elliott at South Derbyshire CVS, 01283 219761.

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Chinese lanterns banned

In February South Derbyshire District Council banned the sale and release of Chinese lanterns from any SDDC property. The ban came shortly after a Chinese lantern was blamed for a house fire in Hilton, and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service asked people to refrain from using what it described as 'flying flames'.

The lanterns are small, hot air balloons often powered by a candle. The Council is urging people not to use them anywhere in South Derbyshire. 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, to human life.

Repton Parish Council banned their release from its land in April 2010.

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Environment Matters

Carrier Bags Wanted

If you have any spare carrier bags, the South Derbyshire CVS want them for their food bank; they are running low on bags for food parcels. Oh! and donations of food or cash are very welcome too! Carrier bags and food donations can be dropped off at reception at South Derbyshire CVS, 46 - 48 Grove Street, Swadlincote DE11 9DD, or contact Eileen Banton on 01283 219761.

South Derbyshire CVS also runs a volunteer matching service. Whatever your skills, it is likely that somebody wants them. So if you would like to challenge yourself, try something different and make new friends, contact Imogen Gallop, Volunteer Centre Coordinator, on 01283 550163, or use the widget on the 'volunteering' page of South Derbyshire CVS website.

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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

Most gardens are ready to wake up in April, early bulbs are finishing and the fleeting woodlanders are at their peak. Each year I admire the trilliums, erythroniums, anemones and other small bulbs; it pays to mark them well to keep them going.

Once the grass starts growing, you know that summer is on its way. This year has been the worst year I remember for moss, particularly in the borders; you may need to reseed bare patches in the lawns. April is the best time to apply weed and feed and moss killer, once the grass gets growing. If you have an area of poor grass, pelleted chicken manure is a great source of nitrogen, which is what grass needs.

April is a good time to sow annuals such as cosmos and marigolds. I always use modules, preferring 12 modules in a standard seed tray. A pair of old containers for bedding plants is ideal as this gives the plants enough space to grow on without repotting before planting out. Sow two seeds per module in any compost; annual seeds do not require much nutrient - think ballerina, not weightlifter. Germination will be quickest if the plants have heat and are covered with dark plastic but this also provides ideal conditions for fungus and bacteria. It's safer to leave the plants uncovered and use minimal watering; some of the peat free composts appear dry on top when they are actually quite damp underneath. Once the seedlings have come up, remove the weaker one so that there is just one seed per module; gardeners find it very hard to throw surplus plants away, but to be a good gardener you need to be ruthless.

April is a good time for sowing brassicas such as cabbages, broccoli and radish; they will all grow without additional heat but, as with flowers, benefit from starting in modules. If your ground is too wet or cold for onion sets start them off in small modules, planting out once the roots fill the module. I am going to try beetroot in modules as well. Radishes should be sown direct into the ground and are usually the fastest to germinate; I find they grow well early and late season but in the heat of summer they tend to go to seed or go woody. Sow parsnips soon as they benefit from a long season (even though the packets may show the sowing season into June). It is always worth reading seed packets for information such as the ideal germination temperature and whether the seeds should be put in the light or the dark, but I am not overly concerned about the 'sow by' date; many seeds will keep for a decade provided they are cool and dry, the exceptions are the apiaceae - peppers, carrots, fennel, parsnips and parsley, which are only viable for 2 or 3 years.

I am often asked how to grow Agapanthus. They are tolerant of a wide range of soils: I find they will grow almost anywhere if they have good light, but avoid planting them in shade as they will either grow poorly or develop a mass of lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Clumps need space; they must not be crowded by other herbaceous plants or weeds. They tolerate poor drainage, although tender plants often fall victim to winter cold if the soil is not well drained. Soil that is water retentive yet well drained is ideal.

Agapanthus are easy to propagate by division, but avoid splitting plants too often as this will reduce flowering. Divide between spring and early summer, or in early autumn when plants have finished flowering. Ensure there are a couple of growing points in each division.

I do not stake my agapanthus. If a few inflorescences droop gently across the lawn, it might even add to their attraction! I would rather cut away a few horizontal flowers and put them in a vase than use stakes.

Evergreen agapanthus are even more magnificent than the deciduous types. However, they may not be sufficiently hardy to overwinter in open ground. Grow them in tubs which can be shifted in winter to a protected and almost frost free place. In a normal winter an unheated greenhouse is sufficient.

Don't let anyone tell you that agapanthus flower better in pots. They don't. Although they like to be cosy in the pot, and flower poorly when over-potted or over-divided, they also flower poorly when excessively pot-bound. To improve flowering, repot, water and feed in spring. Too much shade, cold weather and lack of winter protection are also common reasons for agapanthus to fail to flower. For impressive displays use large pots of about 40 cm and John Innes compost 2 or 3. I think that what makes them flower well in pots is good nutrition, a light open position and skilled watering; give them plenty of water when they need it. Knowing when to water is a hugely significant gardening skill. In hot, windy weather, you might need to water generously every day; in dull, wet weather, it might be as little as once a week. Some gardeners make the mistake of thinking that because it has rained they do not need to water at all! In winter only minimum water is required.

On our 'Levada walk' in Madeira this January, loose white evergreen agapanthus roots were for sale at a wayside table. I potted up the chunky bulbs that looked like overgrown leeks to start with; thankfully they now have some leaves. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends Agapanthus africanus agm, which is half hardy and evergreen, and Agapanthus 'Loch Hope' agm, which is hardy and deciduous. Finally, remember: 'Sometimes you don't have to get it right, you just have to get going'.