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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
May 2016

A Pilgrimage 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 Sunday 29th May: Morning Worship led by Rev Graham Maskery Friday 6th May at 7.30 pm: Concert by the Burton Accordion Group Saturday 14th May, 10.30 - 11.30 am: Coffee Morning Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Mike Malloy Quinn Tiger Peach Henry Peter Forbes Dawson Rory William Falconer Marriages Simon Joseph Jarvis and Sophie Laura Louise Woolnough Nicholas Paul Tucker and Rebecca Prime Andy Brown and Joanne Evans Marriages in May Georgina Argyle and Gary Ellis Clare Hollinshead Charlotte Richardson and Andrew Astle Funerals and Burial of Ashes George Howard Guest Shelagh Maureen Evans The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Ascension Day Service The Queen's Birthday Groups Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter St Wystan's News Easter Breakfast Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds St Mary's News Newton Solney PCC Local Diary Event Details Afrique Classique, Saturday 30th April Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th May David Briggs : Silent Film Organ Improvisation, Wednesday 11th May Milton Plant Swap and Sale, Saturday 14th May The Helix Ensemble: Symphonic Strings, Saturday 14th May Willington Arts Festival, Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th May Books, Browse and Coffee, Wednesday 18th May Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 19th May Newton Solney Plant Sale, Saturday 21st May Milton Village Spring Walk, Sunday 22nd May Messy Church, Sunday 28th May One Fine Day, Saturday 4th June Sunday Lunch on The Paddock, Sunday 3rd July The Great War Commemorated 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrations Sunday 12th June Repton Village Hall Appeal Thank you, Louise 30th APRIL: Afrique Classique Sunday Lunch on The Paddock The 100 Club Repton Neighbourhood Development Plan Repton Village and History Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills The Last Post Christian Aid Week, 15th - 21st May Scarecrows for Repton Open Gardens, 18th - 19th June ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 22nd May Scouts challenged! Repton Village History Group Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Mobile Library Gibson Technology Repton Parish Council Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News South Derbyshire The National Forest Walking Festival, 14th - 26th May Help is at hand Environment Matters Thank you, Kay! Swifts in Repton Spare a thought for the birds You and your Pet Ticks, a danger to you and your pet! Charities Padley4000 Neighbourhood Watch Repton Crime Wave Cars vandalised Gardening Notes Computer Security

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A Pilgrimage

'When the sweet showers of April have soaked the dry March plants to the roots, and brought new life to all the flowers, then the forces of nature stir all our hearts to go on pilgrimages.'

So Geoffrey Chaucer began his collection of stories that a group of pilgrims told each other on the long journey to Canterbury to thank God for the end of winter and the stirring of new life.

How do you fancy a pilgrimage – not to Canterbury, but somewhere much closer to home, on the newest pilgrim trail.

The Peak Pilgrimage was launched last summer. Devised by the benefice of Eyam (pronounced 'eem') and Baslow', it stretches 39 miles, mostly by public footpath, from Ilam in Staffordshire to Eyam in Derbyshire. There's a bus from Ashbourne to the Church of the Holy Cross at Ilam, where the trail begins. The trail takes in thirteen churches, and you can collect a sticker from each to put in your official guide. It includes the chapel of St Peter where the Duke of Devonshire worships and where you can examine the ghoulish, life-size skeleton of the first Earl in flesh-coloured marble.

But it is the plague-village of Eyam which is unforgettable. The plague struck in 1665. It is thought that it arrived in the village courtesy of some fleas nesting in a bundle of cloth sent from a shop in London, a shop later visited by the plague. The self-sacrifice of the villagers was awesome. While victim after victim was struck down by the bubonic plague, the Rector of the village, William Mompesson, persuaded his parishioners to cut themselves and the village off from the world outside in order to contain the disease. Local tradespeople left food and essentials on a stone slab outside the boundary, and money for payment was placed in a bowl of vinegar.

Pilgrimages traditionally took place after Easter, to symbolise our chance for a fresh start in life: a walk along this latest pilgrim trail will be an unforgettable experience.

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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
Frances Wimbush, 703180

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Brasses
Sue Parker, 702550

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Altar Flowers & Cleaning at St Saviour's
Ann Redfern, 01332 862350

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The United Reformed Church

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Sunday 29th May: Morning Worship led by Rev Graham Maskery

Before moving to York, Graham was Interim Moderator here at Repton and minister at the Central, Ashbourne Road and Alvaston churches in Derby. He and his wife Vera are firm friends of all the Derby United Reformed Churches. His visit will be memorable – don't miss it!

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Friday 6th May at 7.30 pm: Concert by the Burton Accordion Group

The group's first concert here was sensational – make sure you don't miss this one! Tickets at £5 per person are available from church members or you can pay at the door; they include a buffet supper to be served at the close of the concert. Everyone is welcome!

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Saturday 14th May, 10.30 - 11.30 am: Coffee Morning

A chance to chat over coffee with friends with the usual array of delectable goodies on sale! Come and join us!

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SHELL Group: for young people aged 7 and over

. . . meets on Mondays 9th, 16th and 23rd May from 6.30 to 7.30 pm.  New members are always welcome!

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Baptisms

Mike Malloy of Brook House Mews, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 27th March at St Wystan's Church, Repton.

Quinn Tiger Peach, son of Duncan Peach and Josephine Bell of Bothy Cottage, Newton Solney, was baptised on Sunday 3rd April at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Henry Peter Forbes Dawson, son of Paul and Moira Dawson of 47 Merlin Way, Woodville, Swadlincote, was baptised on Sunday 3rd April at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Rory William Falconer, son of Angus and Gemma Falconer of 4 Trent lane, Newton Solney, was baptised on Sunday 10th April at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

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Marriages

Simon Joseph Jarvis and Sophie Laura Louise Woolnough of 4 Tudor Lodge, Stanton Road, Burton-on-Trent, were married on Saturday 19th March at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Nicholas Paul Tucker and Rebecca Prime of 34 Beech Lane, Stretton, Burton-on-Trent, were married on Saturday 26th March at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Andy Brown and Joanne Evans of 3 The Cross, Repton, were married on Saturday 16th April at St Wystan's Church, Repton.

Marriages in May

Saturday 21st May	Georgina Argyle and Gary Ellis	St Wystan's Church
Sunday 29th May	Clare Hollinshead and James Couchman	St Wystan's Church
Wednesday 1st June	Charlotte Richardson and Andrew Astle	St Wystan's Church

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

George Howard Guest of Newton Park, Newton Solney, died on Thursday 10th March aged 93. A funeral service at St Mary's, Newton Solney, on 4th April was followed by burial at St Mary's.

Shelagh Maureen Evans of High Street, Repton, died on Sunday 27th March aged 85. A funeral service at St Wystan's, Repton, on 7th April was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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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 contact us.

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Repton Benefice

Ascension Day Service

On Thursday 5th May at 7.30 pm, Rev'd Adam Watkinson joins us to preach the address. At the end of this term, Adam will be leaving Repton for Charterhouse, and this will be his final office at a main service at St Wystan's. We hope that you will join us at the service to wish him well.

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The Queen's Birthday

On Sunday 12th June, all the services in our benefice will mark the Queen's official birthday. Details will be in the June Magazine.

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Groups

The Intercessory Prayer for Healing Group next meets at Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 10th May.

House Groups: A group has been meeting for about two years now to study Acts. With more people wishing to join, we are now creating a second group. One, led by Stephen Longden, meets at Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street, while the other, led by Ruth Atwood and Julia Stentoft, will meet at the home of Sarah and Ian Tennant. Dates for May have not yet been decided. Contact Stephen or Ruth for further details.

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Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter

Our journey through the Easter story began on Palm Sunday with Gerald Gibbs bringing his donkeys to lead us into church.

This started off a week when we joined with Jesus at the different stages the story, from his arrival as a king in Jerusalem, through our re-enactment of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, to walking the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at noon, the time Jesus was crucified. Then we gathered again to mark the time He died and was buried. On Easter Day we celebrated his resurrection to new life with services across the benefice, and many visitors joined together with the regular congregations to sing enthusiastic 'Alleluias'.

Many thanks to everyone who helped us to celebrate Easter. Our churches looked, and continue to look, wonderful.

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St Wystan's News

Easter Breakfast

It was lovely that so many people were able to join us for breakfast in St Wystan's Church on Easter Sunday, a happy way to celebrate on such a special day. There was just enough time between the two services to enjoy orange juice, croissants and coffee. A particular thank you to those who set everything up.

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

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney PCC

The Annual Meeting marked a turning point for the church and for Jennifer Haynes who, after many years as churchwarden and as secretary, has stepped back from being an officer of the church, although her involvement will continue in several ways. We are greatly in her debt and will mark her 'retirement' with a social gathering in the near future. Graham Plowman was re-elected as churchwarden, Chris Woodland is the new treasurer and Cathy Fergus the new parish secretary.

Afrique Classique with Dana de Waal, Anne Bollen de Waal & Xephni de Waal Saturday 30th April, 7.30 pm at Repton Village Hall Baritone Dana de Waal has wowed audiences far and wide with his vocal agility and technical abilities. Accompanied by his wife Anne on the piano, and daughter Xephni on the Djembe, he blends together an eclectic mix of songs and styles from the countries of their heritage. Weaving the songs around stories and anecdotes, he keeps the audience laughing and crying – and thinking they have never heard it quite like that before. Licensed Bar : Cabaret Tables : Raffle Tickets £10 from Repton Post Office, Rosie Carpenter, 01283 702370, and Caroline Jerram, 01283 704546, Supporting Repton Village Hall Appeal

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th May from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread, cheese, a chance to borrow books - and chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Repton School Concerts Society David Briggs : Silent Film Organ Improvisation Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1920) Wednesday 11th May at 7.45 pm in REPTON SCHOOL CHAPEL David Briggs is among the most important British exponents of the art of improvisation. Following his spell-binding performance last year, we have invited him back for another chance to experience his incredible playing. Live musical accompaniment was the norm in the early days of the cinema and, thanks to David Briggs, events such as this have become very popular. The film itself is an adaptation of 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. In the 1920 silent film version, John Barrymore stars as the doctor testing his new potion that can unleash people's inner demons. As there will be no interval, you may want to bring a cushion! Wine and soft drinks will be available from 7 pm. Tickets are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR

Milton Plant Swap and Sale Saturday 14th May, 10 am - 2 pm at Milton Village Hall Bring your surplus plants, rooted cuttings, seedlings, divisions; swap them for free! Plants should be a reasonable size, at least a 3" pot, healthy, potted and clearly labelled. If you're not sure what it is, we may be able to help. Bedding plants for sale. Donations of plants for sale would be greatly appreciated. £1 entry inc tea / coffee          Refreshments available Contact Carl on 07527 700308 or via miltonmatters.org.uk

The Helix Ensemble, Musical Director and Leader: Clare Bhabra Symphonic Strings Saturday 14th May, 7.30 pm at St Wystan's Church Mendelssohn, String Symphony no.1 : Grieg, Holberg Suite Holst, St Pauls's Suite : Finzi, Romance : Shostakovich, Chamber Symphony Tickets £10 (under 18 £5) from Richard Finch

Willington Arts Festival Saturday 14th May (12 - 6pm) & Sunday 15th (10.30 am - 4.30 pm) Art & Crafts Trail Willington Gallery, Mercia Marina Competition, 3D Studio and Canal Craft Boat Demonstrations and Workshops (for all ages) Spinning & Weaving, Bead Jewellery, Jumping Clay, Circus Skills Photo Studio & Pottery The Big Picture 3 Entry to all venues by wrist band, £3. Free entry to under 16s. A small charge may be made at workshops for any materials used.

Books, Browse and Coffee Wednesday 18th May, 11 am - noon in St Wystan's Church and every 3rd Wednesday in the month Coffee and biscuits £1.50 A chat and a chance to borrow books and jigsaws Loans are free Also at the first Wednesday 'Soup, Cheese and Chat'

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 19th May, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Pork steak in red wine gravy followed by bread and butter pudding Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Plant Sale Saturday 21st May, 10 am - noon, Newton Solney Village Hall Lots of varied plants for sale including larger specimen plants at very reasonable prices and a few trays of vegetables ready for you to grow on Book Stall     :     Cake stall run by the W.I.     :     Raffle Refreshments by Jane and Rachel

Milton Village Spring Walk Sunday 22nd May leaving Milton Village Hall at 11 am Enjoy a gentle ramble in the countryside followed by a two-course meal at around 2 pm at the village hall. Everyone welcome. Please contact Sue, 01283 701978, or Polly, 01283 703436, to book lunch or advise if a vegetarian meal is needed. £5 per person. You are welcome to bring your own tipple to the hall.

Messy Church Another Messy Journey Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 28th May, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it!

A Northeast Producers Travelling Theatre Company Production One Fine Day Saturday 4th June, 7 pm at Newton Solney Village Hall A sing along and theatre show combined, packed with all the 60s' best tracks including 'Build me up Buttercup', 'I got you babe' and 'We're all going on a Summer Holiday'. Enjoy the laughs, enjoy the banter and have a good sing song at the same time! Tickets £10 including a ploughman's supper and wine from Vanessa Archer, 707263, and Annie Topliss, 703411.

Repton Village Hall Appeal Sunday Lunch on The Paddock with The Swing Commanders The Grand Marquee, Repton School Sunday 3rd July, 1.30 for 2 pm A glass of Bubbly on Arrival             Buffet by The Winery Auction with Charles Hanson Tickets £50: Tables of 10 and individual bookings available For enquiries & bookings, contact Carol Lloyd or Frances Wimbush

The Great War Commemorated

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Dear Friends

The notable success of the capture of Trebizond1 by Russia has heartened us all up. It is, we may hope, a prelude to one at least of our foes, Turkey, being completely knocked out. It is true that . . . the Turks have fought against us much more decently than any other enemy, but we cannot forget the hideous massacres of the Armenians. If it had not been for our own ghastly mistake in the Crimean war, and later on for nearly half a century, in consistently thwarting Russia, a Christian power would be ruling in Constantinople today. As the great Lord Salisbury said, "We backed the wrong horse then, and now we are suffering for past mistakes."

Since writing the above, the news of a sad blow has come in the fall of our gallant force at Kut2. But although this is depressing, yet we must not exaggerate its importance; after all, it is but an episode, however painful, in the great world struggle. Things will right themselves in the east as well as the west.

1.	The Battle of Trebizond led to Russian capture of the greater part of Armenia.
2	Following a four month siege of Kut Al Amara, 100 miles south of Baghdad, an 8,000 strong British-Indian garrison was forced to surrender to the Ottoman Army in April 1916.

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The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrations

Sunday 12th June

Yes, we will be celebrating the Queen's birthday – in and around Repton village hall. We would like it to be a really memorable occasion, so any ideas or help you could give us would very welcome, from making a cake, putting up a gazebo, to manning a stall, assembling the Pageant or just joining in. What we have planned so far includes:

'Bring and Share Lunch' in the village hall at 12 noon

For a Bring & Share, everyone who attends brings a dish, sweet or savoury, enough for six people, as well as your own drink and glasses. Contact Carol Lloyd to sign in and discuss dishes; as ever we need to ensure that we don't end up eating snowy eggs or banoffee pie for all three courses!

Stalls

. . . will be set up outside the hall by some of the groups and organisations in the village, raising funds for individual organisations including Repton Village Hall Appeal.

Save up your pennies!

With your help, the Village Hall Appeal Committee will be creating a large figure '90' with coins. Bring lots of loose change!

A Treasure Hunt

. . . around the village.

A Pageant

. . . will assemble at The Crescent at 2.45 pm, followed by a procession down Askew Grove to the village hall. We propose to represent each decade of the Queen's life and would like as many people as possible to be involved. We are inviting various groups and organisations to 'adopt' a decade. If you would like to take part or have any ideas to share, costumes, props, or even vehicles to offer, please let me know as soon as possible. Frances Wimbush

A FREE Children's Tea Party

. . . at 3.30 pm in the village hall. Contact Frances Wimbush.

And finally

As you can see, there is still lots more detail to emerge over the coming weeks and in the next Parish Magazine. Meanwhile, if you can help in any way, we would be delighted to hear from you!

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

Living up to its name, a Friendly Bridge Day in mid-April was a relaxed occasion, well supported and much enjoyed, raising £900. Particular thanks to Louise Chilton.

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30th APRIL: Afrique Classique

On Saturday 30th April, Afrique Classique features baritone Dana de Waal accompanied by his wife Anne on the piano, and daughter Xephni on the Djembe, blending together an eclectic mix of songs and styles from the countries of their heritage with stories and anecdotes which will have you both laughing and crying. You will need to move quickly though. For details of an enjoyable evening, see above.

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Sunday Lunch on The Paddock

Finally, before it all goes quiet for the summer, you are invited to join us on Sunday 3rd July for 'Sunday Lunch on the Paddock' with entertainment by The Swing Commanders, a buffet by The Winery, and an auction with Charles Hanson. Not cheap, but worth every penny. You can book as individuals, couples or small groups, but if you want to get together a table, you might want to start well ahead! For details see below.

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The 100 Club

. . . has now held its first draw and seen its first winners, but you can join in at any stage – contact Adrian Argyle for an application form and copy of the club rules. The quarterly subscription is £12.50 and each month there are four equal prizes totalling half the subscriptions. The rest all goes to the appeal. Who knows – it might be you!

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Neighbourhood Development Plan for the Parish of Repton

The Neighbourhood Plan working group is making good progress on a document to put before the parish for further consultation this summer. Repton and Milton village halls have been booked for Tuesday 28th June and Wednesday 29th June respectively.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
1st	10.30 am	Repton Red Lion	Alrewas RBL
11th	6.15 pm	Repton Red Lion	Linton FC
22nd	10.30 am	Repton Red Lion	Donisthorpe FC

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The Last Post

From Monday to Friday, the last collection from the Post Office box is now at 4.30 pm. Weekend arrangements are unchanged.

Christian Aid Week
15th – 21st May

Christian Aid focuses on projects supporting communities around the world. Help is offered not only to enable people to survive emergencies but also to help them to thrive in everyday life. Health programmes combat HIV and malaria; emergency aid programmes support people caught up in catastrophe, plague and war; lives are changed by tackling poverty and helping people to become self-sufficient. Christian Aid also campaigns throughout the developing world on social issues such as sexual violence and gender equality.

In Foremark, Milton and Repton we do not organise a house-to-house collection. However, there will be envelopes and a collecting tin at Repton Post Office and Redshaws Butchers, and envelopes will be available at the back of St Wystan's Church. Donations can also be brought to a church service or left clearly marked in an envelope in the donations box next to the church door. To send your donation direct to Christian Aid or to sign up to regular giving via direct debit, see christianaid.org.uk or call 0207 523 2046.

At Newton Solney, envelopes are being distributed with the Parish Magazine.

Use Gift Aid

However you give, remember that if you are a UK taxpayer, the value of your donation can be increased by 25% under the Gift Aid scheme without costing you a penny more. Download a Gift Aid form from christianaid.org.uk. You don't need to fill in your phone number and email unless you are happy for them to contact you.

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Scarecrows Repton Open Gardens
18th - 19th June

Even if you don't have a garden, you can join in the Scarecrow Trail. It's fun coming up with clever or amusing figures, so we hope that this year you too will be inspired to take part. Cash prizes will be given for the winning entries, but it isn't all about winning!

Entry is free. There are entry forms at Repton Post Office, or contact Jan and David Roberts as below. You are asked to return them by 11th June, to allow time to compile the trail.

It's never too early to start planning and collecting materials: stuffed bin bags for a body; a coat-hanger for shoulders; a balloon, an old football or anything round for a head; carrots for noses and bottle tops for eyes; a mop head for hair, or a hat to disguise it. Old shoes and gloves come in handy as well, as does lots of parcel tape to stick it all together and a strong stake to hold it up!

Animals and birds are fun, or why not a Dalek? There are lots of tips and ideas on the internet; some sites even have instruction sheets – try makescarecrows.com.

We hope that lots of you, as well as our schools, societies and businesses, will join in the fun to make this a very special weekend. For more information, please contact Jan and David Roberts on 702159.

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ngs Open Gardens
Sunday 22nd May, 1.30 - 5.30 pm

Every year, National Garden Scheme gardens across England and Wales, most privately owned, welcome three quarters of a million visitors, and raise more than £2.5 million to support charities including Hospice UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Carers Trust.

For the first time, four of Repton's 'Yellow Book' gardens – Askew Cottage at 23 Milton Rd, 10 Chestnut Way, Holme Point on Mitre Drive, and 22 Pinfold Close – are to open as a group with a combined admission price of £6.

Holme Point is new to the scheme this year, although it has previously opened – and will open again next month – under the auspices of Repton Open Gardens. It is a beautiful small formal garden with lush plantings of trees, shrubs, roses, clematis and perennials. The rear garden has raised beds for fruit and vegetables, mini woodland and water feature. It is a garden for all seasons with full wheelchair access and many seats.

Homemade teas will be available at 10 Chestnut Way.

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Scouts challenged!

The Expedition Challenge badge requires Scouts to plan a route and organise camping and food for a two day hike, which can include some public transport. Sophie, Felicity, Danny, Barney, Tom and Sam completed the challenge just after Easter. Despite some navigation problems, they did really well considering their age and limited experience.

This term, Scouts are going to doing their Adventure Challenge, which involves four different activities. Some will be doing some of these on a weekend camping trip to Windermere.

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

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Repton Village History Group

On Tuesday 17th May, Arnold Burston will tell us about 'One leg Paget', a hero of Waterloo and an interesting character once accused of 'Dangerous conversation with a Lady'. This will be followed by our AGM.

Meanwhile, members of the group will be doing further geophysical work on the Upper Paddock at Repton School. Resistivity surveys on the Lower Paddock at half term started to build a picture that we hope may eventually help us determine where the medieval, possibly Anglo-Saxon mill was situated. In the process we surveyed an area on the Upper Paddock that corresponded with a tiny unlabelled rectangle on the very large scale OS map of 1881. This turned out to contain very high resistances and some areas of very low resistance, so we are fairly confident that we have found again the medieval tile kiln first discovered when scholars were levelling the area in 1866. Hopefully, specialist resistivity surveys across the area will help us understand the structure of whatever is still there. The kiln was open for some time in the 1800s before being covered by wooden planks, but it proved a hazard in the small cricket field outfield and was turfed over.

All are welcome to our meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at 7.30 pm in the village hall in Askew Grove – members £2, visitors £3, tea and biscuits provided.

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Repton W.I.

The April meeting enjoyed a wonderful lesson in flower arranging when Marilyn Ottewell showed us how to produce displays using garden flowers, leaves, twigs and just a few bought blossoms. The arrangements were raffled and several homes – including the President's – are now graced by the lovely arrangements.

Social activities were arranged including a theatre visit, walks, afternoon tea at Brook Farm Tearooms, and an evening meal in May at the Mulberry Restaurant. The Open Gardens Scarecrow Trail will have a W.I. entry as volunteers took on the challenge. At the forthcoming Group meeting, which we are hosting, the speaker will be from Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

Members were saddened to hear of the death of a long standing member, Shelagh Evans, and of Lucine McLean's stay in hospital.

At next month's meeting on Tuesday 10th May we welcome Cheryl Finch to talk about aromatherapy, and Tamara will tell us about Betty's Farm at the June meeting. We meet in the village hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15 pm. Visitors are always welcome.

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Repton Village Society

In his talk on 'John Claudius Loudon – the Father of Modern Gardening', Simon Gulliver gave a comprehensive account of a remarkable man. Loudun designed the Derby Arboretum and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, wrote many books about horticulture, travelled widely across Europe and developed the gardenesque style of planting that defines the design of our modern gardens.

Thursday 12th May: 'A Dinosaur from the Antarctic'

Between 1955 and 1981, Professor Rainer Goldsmith travelled to Antarctica three times with various expeditions. He will talk about the purpose of these journeys, the people who choose to work there, and the animals and landscapes that make the region so fascinating.

Saturday 25th June, a great day out: Trip to Arley Hall Garden Festival

Arley Hall, near Northwich, is the Jacobean home of Lord and Lady Ashbrook. In the grounds there will be many stalls selling plants, horticultural accessories, crafts and food, as well as an exhibition of classic cars and a large Floral Marquee. Lord Ashbrook and the Head Gardener will conduct guided tours of the renowned gardens. The town band will perform in the bandstand, and a jazz band will be wandering amongst the stalls. The Hall will be open (with entrance fee included in the cost) and there is a restaurant.

The coach leaves Repton Church at 8.30 am and sets off back at 3 pm to arrive in Repton at about 5. Cost £22. The Society went to this event in 2015 and it really was a great day out – a country atmosphere and not too crowded. Tickets are available now. All are welcome.

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Mobile Library
Tuesday 3rd & 31st May: Repton village hall, 10.15-11.30 : The Square, 11.35-1

The library has a four-weekly timetable, so this month there are two visits. The June date is not yet available. The contact number for the base at Long Eaton is 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405.   For the genuinely housebound who have no one to visit the library for them, there is also a home library service. If you think you might qualify, ring Kirsty on 01629 539 140 to arrange an assessment of your needs.

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Gibson Technology

Formerly Zytek, Gibson Technology manufactures and supplies high-performance engines for racing cars in all the feeder series up to Formula 1, which means that superstars such as Nigel Mansell and Felipe Massa have at one time or another driven cars powered by engines made here in Repton. In 1983, one of the first to use its engine management systems was Ayrton Senna.

Now the company has been chosen by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as the single engine supplier for the LMP2 sports car class from 2017 to 2020. At its base in Main Street, Repton, Gibson Technology will develop and manufacture a new 4.2 litre V8 engine to be used by teams in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series. Production and testing will begin before the end of the year.

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Can you help trace Beatrice Collier?

"I have fond memories of Repton dating back to 1949 when, as a painter, I painted the terrace in Pinfold Lane and met Beatrice Collier who became my dance partner at the village hall dances for about 18 months. During this time I played football for Repton boys – not the Casuals. We played on the top school football pitches except when we had semi-finals when we played on the pitch by the baths.

"It was at this time I met a wonderful family, the Colliers of Milton Road, the last house on the right leaving the village. They had a son, Gerald, plus two brothers. Other people I recall are Bill, who lived in cottages opposite the Swan – I think he became a herdsman for a Willington farmer, and Janet Woodward whose father had lorries in a small holding in Pinfold Lane. Alan Young was another l recall. Fond memories for an 82 year old.

"I am still trying to trace Beatrice. If anyone can help, I would be pleased to hear from them."

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Repton Parish Council

Repton Village Hall: The Parish Council is pleased to be able to continue providing financial support for the renovation of the village hall. At the end of the financial year Councillors voted to donate a further £10,000, bringing the Council's total donation to £73,000. Repton Village Hall Company has expressed their gratitude for our continuing assistance.

Litter Picking Group: In recognition of the Queen's 90th birthday, this year has been designated the year of the litter pick, and we have been invited to join a local litter picking group which usually meets for a couple of hours on a Saturday morning to collect rubbish. Some of the Parish Councillors have already volunteered to collect litter from the side of the road between Milton and Ticknall. All the equipment required, including jackets and bags, is provided and it is hoped that more local residents will come forward and join in. If you would like to take part please contact the Parish Council office for details of the next event.

Allotments Available Now! The Parish Council still has a few plots available and hopes keen gardeners will soon come forward. This is an ideal time to start cultivating a plot, with the whole gardening season ahead. 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 me at the office and I can show you the plots available. To qualify, allotment holders should be residents of Repton or Milton.

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

Parish Council Office, 40 High Street

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Once again the Parish Magazine deadline comes before our monthly meeting. At our meeting on Wednesday 18th May, members will have the opportunity to discuss and choose between this year's resolutions on dementia and food waste. There will, of course, be plenty of time for members to chat and enjoy the refreshments provided by the committee. New members and visitors are 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 of the month at 9.15 am; please join us in the school hall on 5th May. Further dates for your diary are 9th June and 7th July.

Our Summer Fair, organised by the Friends of Newton Solney School (FoNSS), will take place in the school grounds on Saturday 2nd July from 12 to 2.30 pm. All are very welcome. More details to follow.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

In March we visited the Transport Museum in Coventry, which has recently been updated following a large grant from the National Lottery. The museum illustrates the history of the transport industry and vehicle manufacture in Coventry, moving on from bicycles, then tanks and military vehicles during the war years, and to modern cars. The exhibits are very extensive and well worth a visit, provoking memories and nostalgia for a bygone era of motoring.

Our most recent talk was given by Tamara, a young member of the staff at Betty's Farm Shop at Willington. The farm is mainly noted for egg production. It has 22,000 hens, all free range, supplying many local supermarkets. They also keep sheep and other animals and produce honey. The shop is open to the public and, besides eggs, sells a range of locally sourced products. After the talk, members and friends were able to purchase the items that Tamara had brought along.

Tuesday 3rd May: 2.30 pm in Newton Solney village hall

AGM followed by afternoon tea.

Tuesday 17th May: A trip to Renishaw Hall.

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton by about 3 pm. The cost of £22 includes entry to the house.

Do come along!

We often have spare places on our coach trips, so are always happy for anyone who likes the sound of a trip to contact us. The meetings too are open for anyone to just come along. You will be most welcome.

Anyone who would like further information on Tuesday Club activities, is invited to contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney W.I.

April's meeting, 'Bubbles Bites and Bingo', proved a pleasant social occasion, and President Vanessa Archer outlined a busy season of events.

The recent Spring walk around Branston Water Park, followed by an excellent lunch at the Bridge at Branston, had been thoroughly enjoyed. Members are now looking forward to a May outing to Stoneywell, a National Trust property. They were asked for their baking support for a cake stall at a plant sale in aid of the village hall on 21st May.

Vanessa, 707263, and Annie, 703411, are selling tickets now for 'One Fine Day' on 4th June The price of £10 includes wine and supper. Do come along for a good evening of theatre and song. Details are opposite on page 10.

On Tuesday 10th May at 7.30 pm in the village hall, our meeting will choose which W.I. resolution to support. Members will also have a short talk on New Start charity shops by Anita Middleton. The Craft Cup competition will take place, to make a 90th birthday card for the Queen using any type of materials! Tea hostesses will be Jane Kitto and Linda Brown, Jill Parker is to provide flowers. There is no whist drive in April but there may be one in May.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Planning Application for Bladon Fields: A decision on the appeal is expected on 26th April.

Himalayan balsam: The Parish Council has chosen 30th May for a day of action to deal with some or all of the Himalayan balsam in evidence on the banks of the Trent, and is appealing for volunteers to help. Please contact the Clerk on 0786 335 9129 or any of the Parish Councillors.

Litter: In order to maintain the Parish in a neat and tidy condition, the Parish Council is appealing to all parishioners to be aware of litter on footpaths and in hedgerows, pick it up and dispose of it in the proper manner.

The Queen's 90th birthday: Newton Solney Sports Club, supported by the Parish Council, is to hold a celebration of the Queen's 90th birthday on the Recreation Field on 11th June from noon to 4 pm. It will include numerous activities; for details see the village website, Newton Solney Events website or posters. Any volunteers to help should contact Angus and Gemma Falconer.

Trim trail: A group has been put in place to consider and select equipment for the Recreation Field. Recommendations will be reported when a scheme is ready for consideration.

A new notice board has been ordered and, by kind permission of the landlord and brewery, will be located on the gable wall of the Brickmakers. The existing notice board is to be relocated by the entrance to the Recreation Field.

Next Parish Council meeting: Friday 13th May at 7.30 pm in the village hall, immediately following the Annual Parish meeting which starts at 7.15. All are welcome.

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South Derbyshire

The National Forest Walking Festival
14th - 26th May

This year's National Forest Walking Festival features a variety of walks for all ages, tastes and abilities, ranging from gentle strolls to strenuous rambles. They include routes for seasoned walkers as well as pushchairs, wheelchairs and family groups.

The Festival opens on Saturday 14th May with the 'Three Marinas Charity Walk', which starts at Willington's Mercia Marina and will raise money for Rainbows Hospice and SSAFA – charities chosen by SDDC Chairman, Councillor Neil Atkin.

After that, you can get involved in Nordic walking, educational strolls and history walks, to pick out just a few of the walks in the programme.

Every walk is graded for difficulty. Guided walks will be led by an experienced leader with local knowledge. Health walks, which are also led by trained volunteers, are suitable for all ages, as well as those recovering from illness.

Copies of the Festival brochure can be picked up from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre, based at Sharpe's Pottery Museum, or you can download a copy from www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk.

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Help is at hand

When in debt, many will turn first to companies who charge for their services, which only adds to the problem. Instead, if you are faced with money worries, South Derbyshire District Council wants you to get in touch either with its own debt management team or with experts at Citizens Advice South Derbyshire, for free, impartial, confidential and independent advice – the earlier, the better.

SDDC also has a tenancy support service which offers help with money management and budgeting. Contact them on 01283 595795

Citizens Advice has a self-help website at citizensadvice.org.uk where you can find information on sorting out debt, dealing with urgent debts, disputing a credit debt, dealing with creditors and changing a court order.

For a personal service, go to Citizens Advice South Derbyshire who can help you through all the stages of the debt management process, working with you to maximise income and helping to work out a budget, all the way through to negotiating repayments with creditors or assisting with applications for bankruptcy or debt relief orders. As a charity, they never charge clients for help and advice. Contact them between 10 am and 1 pm on weekdays on 01283 210109.

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Environment Matters

Thank you, Kay!

After several years contributing regularly to the Parish Magazine on environmental affairs, Kay Stanley has stepped down. We are very grateful to her for all she has done. If anyone would like to pick up the baton – or to discuss it, please get in touch. There are lots of topics to go at.

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Swifts in Repton

Last summer, volunteers carried out the first survey of swifts in Repton. A small colony was found around the paddock in Repton School, and another single nest site at the rear of St Wystan's School. We aim to repeat the survey this year, both to monitor the sites found last year and to establish if there are other nest sites in the parish. As part of that we would like to know if you have seen swifts flying at roof height that might indicate a nest nearby.

Swifts are supreme aerialists, spending almost all their time on the wing. There they feed, drink, mate and sleep, only landing to breed right here amongst us, under the eaves, tiles or sometimes in the loft space of our houses, though they make no mess and cause no damage. Watching them scythe through the air and listening to their distinctive screams on a warm sunny evening is one of nature's delights. Unlike swallows and house martins, swifts are all black and have long scimitar-shaped wings. However they are in trouble; we are losing them fast!

The Derbyshire Swift Project is run jointly by the Derbyshire Ornithological Society and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. The aim is to survey and monitor the number of Swifts across Derbyshire in order to help conserve the birds, and to offer advice and support to householders, local groups and interested members of the public.

How you can help

If you think you may have swifts nesting in your house or have seen swifts flying low around buildings, please contact us at swifts@derbyshirewt.co.uk. And if you enjoy watching the swifts, have some spare time, would like to find out more and possibly get involved, please get in touch too – the more the merrier!

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Spare a thought for the birds

As migrant birds return from their wintering grounds, the song of warblers and the sight of swallows, house martins and swifts skimming through the air bring confidence that summer is here at last. But all these migrants have suffered huge declines over recent decades. Some populations have fallen by as much as half. In part the problem lies in their winter haunts and migration routes, but locally too, a combination of climate change, modern farming practices and building development has led to the loss of suitable habitat and places to breed.

If swallows, house martins or swifts nest around your home, you will be seeing them already. They often start in late April, although activity usually peaks in May and June. So if you are planning maintenance work, spare a thought for the birds and do it when they are not here, between September and April. If you can't avoid removing nests, then replacing them with artificial ones, which are readily available, would help to encourage the return of these wonderful birds next year.

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You and your Pet

Ticks, a danger to you and your pet!

Many of you will have seen these awful little critters highlighted in the media recently. It is not so much ticks themselves that are the problem, but the diseases they carry, including Lyme disease, a bacterium that can affect the nervous system and heart, and babesiosis, a disease that causes fatal anaemia. The latter is transmitted by a species of tick new to the UK, though likely to become resident.

Ticks are prevalent between March and November. They are very common in grassland with high densities of sheep and deer, waiting to hop on board any creature that passes.

So how can we prevent a problem?

Ideally we need to stop them attaching in the first place. This is best done either by avoiding affected areas (which is very difficult if you're a keen dog walker!) or treating the pet for ticks. There is a variety of spot-ons, collars and tablets available, some working more quickly or effectively than others. If your dog is not treated and you do find a tick, be very careful how it is removed: it is essential that no body parts are left behind. Tick removers cost less than £5 and are very effective.

In countries where ticks are more common, they cause many more severe illnesses. If you take pets abroad, use continued tick protection, even though it is sadly no longer a Pet Travel Scheme requirement. Lyme disease also causes a severe illness in people, so protect yourself as well. When walking in areas of high tick prevalence, use insect repellent, wear a long-sleeved shirt, and tuck trousers into your socks.

If you would like any further advice, speak with your veterinary surgeon. I will be looking very closely at any ticks bought into the practice to see if any are of the newly arrived species!

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Charities

Padley4000

When Derby City Council cut its financial support for the Padley Group in 2013, it left a £100,000 funding gap and there was a real danger that the centre would have to close, sending many homeless people back on to the streets.

However, thanks to the generosity of individual donors, the PADLEY 4000, it remains open, providing accommodation and support to help people rebuild their lives. In the course of a year, the Hostel helps more than 100 people with a short stay, advice, support and then sustainable tenancies, and the Day Centre receives more than 24,000 visits from people who are destitute, homeless or in desperate need.

But more support is still needed to secure the Homeless Centre's future. Can YOU help, whether by making a regular donation, running a fund raising event, donating clothes to Padley's shop, or organising your company to implement payroll giving?

For just £2 a month, £24 a year, you too could become one of PADLEY4000, helping to keep the Homeless Centre open so that people can move on in their lives. Download the form at padleygroup.com.

Help Padley support the homeless and vulnerable.
You can make a difference.

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Neighbourhood Watch

A Repton Crime Wave: There have been at least five burglaries in the last month, as well as a number plate stolen and sheds broken into. Burglars are targeting houses, at weekends mainly, when people are out, forcing windows and doors. Check your alarms, security lights, door and window locks. Inform your neighbours when you are away and have someone check your house. Contact me to join Neighbourhood Watch!

Cars vandalised: These extracts are from emails received in April:

1. "My car was vandalised last night whilst parked on Main Street, Repton. A long scratch along the nearside was made using a sharp instrument. The car is new so it may be a case of jealousy, but it will be costly to repair. This is the second car of mine that has been damaged in this way whilst parked in the village."

2. "All the cars in the square have been badly scratched and the police do nothing about it. My car has numerous scratches on it and these will cost about £750 to put right. My wife's car is about the same. My next door neighbour's girlfriend's car cost about £1,000 to repair recently. . . . I have given up repairing my car now. It is pointless!"

Police reply: "Parking issues in Main Street and High Street are looked at each time we visit Repton. Although it is a busy area, most cars are not parked illegally. If we do see any parked illegally or dangerously we deal with it at the time. We have also been patrolling the area of Well Lane regularly after receiving reports of anti-social behaviour from people in vehicles attending the area."

This is something everyone should be alert to. If you see or hear of anything suspicious, please report it. As well as the numbers below, you can contact the police via derbyshire.police.uk. There is also a twitter account @merciasnt.

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.

Adrian Gillham, Chairman, Repton Neighbourhood Watch

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Gardening Notes

Daffodils have lasted well this year. They started very early due to the mild winter and have kept going in the cool damp spring. You can have daffodils flowering for 100 days by choosing the appropriate selection. Start with Jetfire and February Gold, then large trumpets such as King Alfred, Carlton and the fragrant Cheerfulness and Thalia, and finally Actea. Daffodils in the border should last for ten years or more. The main problem occurs when you dig what seems a suitably sized hole and then ram the whole packet in; it's much better to space them very generously and give them room to expand. Daffodils planted in our lawn over twenty years ago are still flowering very well. This may be because we tend to plant bulbs in the lawn individually, so further apart.

At this time of year you need to think about next spring and where you can usefully put spring bulbs – and then write it down! Every aspiring gardener should have a notebook. I have used a notebook for lists of jobs for decades. Plants I have bought are on a database, but then, I have a lot of plants.

Labelling plants, particularly those that disappear in winter, can prevent loss, but permanent markers are often far from permanent. I use Staedtler lumocolour permanent markers which have a fine point for white labels; they last for many years. I also have a dymo label printer which makes lovely labels for trees and shrubs, but the tape is quite expensive. For vegetables, Sharpie permanent markers are OK but only last for a year if they are in the sun. A soft HB pencil often lasts longest but can be quite faint to read.

At this time of year, greenhouses can overheat very quickly. Automatic window openers are easy to fit and available from about £20. We have used them for years.

It is a great time to buy fuchsias from supermarkets and budget stores. Cut them back and use the trimmings as cuttings. The same applies to geraniums and argyranthemums

Jobs for May

•	Thin out seeds sown outside, both flowers and vegetables.
•	Harden off tender annuals and vegetables.
•	Deadhead daffodils and let the foliage die back naturally.
•	Cut back penstemons. If there is new growth at the bottom of the plant, cut the old shoots back to the base. If there are no new shoots at the base, cut just above the lowest set of leaves.
•	Trim lavenders; they will shoot from old wood. Grab the plant in your hand and cut off to that level.
•	Keep on top of the weeding.
•	Spray lilies at the first sign of lily beetles with Provado ultimate bug killer.
•	Remove forget-me-nots before they set too much seed. They make good compost, especially if mixed with grass.
•	Use excess grass as a mulch, provided it has not been treated with weedkiller.

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Computer Security

A new type of phishing email claims you owe money to a firm. So far, so familiar, but the difference with this one is that it knows your home address, and not as it might be written by a foreign crook, but exactly as you write it yourself. Security experts believe that the email bears the hallmark of previous phishing attempts from gangs in Eastern Europe and Russia, and strongly warn against opening it. Clicking on the enclosed link would install malware such as Cryptolocker, ransomware that encrypts your files and demands a fee to unlock them. If you receive such an email, delete it and report it to Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.

With so much of our sensitive data and so many of our memories now stored on computer, it is more important than ever to protect them. The good news is that you can do this very effectively, but it does require work on your part to keep your system secure.

Help from the Open University

The Open University advice service at safecomputing.open.ac.uk is invaluable, and free.

• Install a personal firewall, an anti-virus system and anti-malware software; keep them up to date;
• Use Microsoft Windows Update system routinely to ensure that the latest security patches are installed and working properly;
• Update all installed software to the latest version;
• Check your computer regularly for malware and spyware;
• Choose an alternative web browser such as Firefox or Safari rather than Explorer;
• Backup important files to disk or CD, preferably using software to do it automatically;
• Learn to recognise and avoid malicious emails;
• Beware of what you do on social networks.

If you are starting from scratch, it does seem a lot to take in, but once you are organised, most of it becomes second nature. And the effort you make now is much less than the problem of dealing with a compromised computer.