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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
January 2017

Death, taxes and change! 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 8th January SHELL Group for young people aged 7+ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Hector John William Steele Scarlett Rose Funerals and Burial of Ashes David Lumsden Dick Falder The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Housegroups Safeguarding and Risk Assessment Our Deanery St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Visitors from St Chads St Wystan's Church What's behind that door? Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th January Repton Activity Day & Fitness Fest, Sunday 8th January Books, Browse and Coffee, Wednesday 18th January Repton School Concert, Wednesday 18th January Messy Church: Listening to God, Sunday 22nd January Blair Dunlop: The Re-Gilded Tour, Saturday 28th January An Evening with Adam Peaty and Guests, Friday 3rd February A Murder Mystery Evening, Saturday 25th February The Great War Commemorated 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Thank you! Repton Activity Day & Fitness Fest Repton Activity Day Family Fun Swim and Swim Fit A Quiz at the Constitutional Club For your diary Repton Village Hall Appeal 100 Club Repton Village and History Repton Village Party Planning Meeting Maypole Dancing at Repton Village Party Scouts Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society 'Another Evening with Cantata' A Special Guest for Repton Baby and Toddler Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Repton W.I. Mobile Library, Tuesday 17th January Repton Parish Council Milton & Foremark Village Matters Hickory Dickory Murder, Saturday 11th February St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar - Thank you! Milton Village Hall Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Churchyard - A Bush and two Yew Trees Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council South Derbyshire Volunteering: the new wonder drug? Support for young sporting talent Host Families Wanted Cash Prizes for recycling electrical items Nature Notes Feeding Garden Birds Neighbourhood Watch Gardening Notes

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Death, taxes and change!

It used to be said that there are only two certainties, death and taxes, but today we would add a third, change.

During recent months, a new senior executive has been appointed where I work, and inevitably there has been reorganisation and restructure. People have left, relationships that have been built up over several years have come to an end. Although there has been consultation, many still doubt that they have really been heard and their views considered. We talk of what 'they' are doing without consulting 'us'.

I have been wondering why we have such a reaction to change and why the first casualty so often seems to be trust. The result is frequently a loss of energy and a sense of losing control. Change is about loss, about giving up the familiar, and trusting that the future will be OK or at least bearable.

In the Bible a story in the book of Ezra captures these feelings very well. In 587 BC Jerusalem had fallen to the Babylonians and the great temple built by King Solomon was destroyed along with the city walls and the great houses. All the leaders, craftspeople and merchants were deported to Babylon leaving only the poor behind. Today's pictures of Aleppo perhaps give some idea of such devastation. 49 year later when the Persian empire conquered the Babylonians, the exiles were allowed to return. One of the first things people did was to start to rebuild the temple. Ezra reported the laying of the foundations:

'And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of families, old people who had seen the first house on its foundations, wept with a loud voice when they saw this house, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people's weeping, for the people shouted so loudly that the sound was heard far away.'     Ezra 3: 11 - 13

Some were joyful for the new beginnings but others wept because they remembered how things had been. It would be too easy to say: 'Typical – that's how the old always react!' But what was needed was tolerance and understanding. The people who had seen the previous temple had to grieve before they could move on. To them it was a loss.

Another image which comes to mind is a picture from the chapel at Taizé in France which depicts Isaac with his father, Abraham. The boy is holding his father's hand, but his father has his right hand behind him encouraging him to move forward. The boy's face is full of wonder and hope.

Maybe this is an image for us in the New Year, of being perhaps fearful of change, of needing to hold on to some thing or some one we can trust, but having hope and confidence to move forward into the future.

With best wishes for the New Year

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers
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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Coffee morning: Saturday 8th January, 10.30 - 11.30 am

A chance to restock with home-made cakes and preserves, to have coffee with friends, and to try your luck on the tombola! Everyone welcome.

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SHELL Group for young people aged 7+

. . . starts the new season on Monday 16th January, 6.30 - 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 18th - 25th January
'Crossing Barriers'

This is the time when we give thanks for the faith we share and renew our commitment to work together in the mission of the Church across the world. This year we will worship together on Sunday 15th January at St Wystan's and on Sunday 22nd at the United Reformed Church. You will be most welcome to join us at both these services.

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Baptisms

Hector John William Steele, son of Holly and Richard Steele, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 3rd December.

Scarlett Rose, daughter of Stephanie and Samuel Burdon of Westgreen Avenue, Allenton, was baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Sunday 18th December.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

David Lumsden of 5 Mercia Court, Repton, died on Friday 25th November aged 70. A service at St Wystan's Church on 14th December was followed by cremation at Bretby.

Dick Falder, of Twin Oaks, Newton Lane, Newton Solney, died on Tuesday 6th December aged 90. A funeral service at St Mary's Church on19th December was followed by interment in Newton Solney cemetery.

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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

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Each year, churches that have vowed to work in unity renew their covenants to share in mission, and give thanks for the work and witness of the wider Christian community across the world.

At both the beginning and the end of the week, on Sunday 15th January at 10.30 am at St Wystan's, and on Sunday 22nd at 6.30pm at the United Reformed Church, the parish church and the U.R.C. will worship together. We will also have a short act of worship followed by a soup lunch on Wednesday 18th at 12.30 pm in St Wystan's. Everyone is most welcome to join us at all the services.

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Housegroups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 3rd January at 3 Richmond Court. If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, please contact Wendy Longden on 703259.

'An Ordinary day with Jesus' is a scripture-based course which helps us to integrate our faith with our daily lives. In January, the groups meet at 7.30 pm on Thursdays 12th and 26th. Wendy and Stephen Longden's group at 134 Main Street is full, but please contact either Ruth Attwood on 702804 or Julia Stentoft, 704436, for more details of their group at 28 The Pastures.

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Thank you!

Once again, Advent and Christmas at the three churches of the Benefice saw many special events, services and concerts. On behalf of us all I would like to thank everyone who gave their time and worked hard to make them so successful, the congregations, the churchwardens and many members of our local community who have helped out in one way or another. Finally I would like to thank all of you who have supported these occasions. I don't know how many people found their way into our churches to share and enjoy the splendid things on offer, but it was a great many, for which we are grateful.

I am also aware of a great number who use our churches for a brief time of quiet in God's presence, finding space for reflection and prayer amid the busy-ness of life. It is just one of the benefits of our churches being open every day.

Thank you one and all.

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Safeguarding and Risk Assessment

We have always taken very seriously the need to ensure the safety of those who visit and worship in our benefice churches, as well as those we seek to serve in the community. Those responsible for working with children and vulnerable adults are checked for criminal records, and schools and other organisations visiting the churches are asked to complete a risk assessment, using if required a draft we can provide.

However, what has always been encouraged as good practice is no longer enough. All churches in the Church of England must now put in place policies and procedures to ensure that safeguarding and risk assessment take the highest priority. Over the next 12 months our PCCs and Church Officers will have a lot of work to do to comply with new regulations and expectations. While this will take time and energy, it is very important that we give the highest weight to the protection of those we work with and also the volunteers who do the majority of the Church's work.

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Our Deanery

Deaneries are part of the structure of the Church of England; under the overall authority of the Diocesan Synod and the General Synod of the Church, each has its own Synod and responsibilities. Until recently the churches of our benefice formed part of the Repton Deanery, joining together with many other local parishes. Earlier this year, however, the deanery was enlarged, taking in half of what used to be Melbourne Deanery, and at our first meeting, we chose a new name for it, the Mercia Deanery. This harks back to Anglo-Saxon times and is a reminder that for the whole of the Midlands, Christianity had its birthplace in Repton in 653. May our new Mercia Area Deanery continue that pioneering work of over 1360 years ago!

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St Wystan's News

Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds
9.45 am at St Wystan's Church

Sunday Club meets 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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Visitors from St Chads

In November a group of refugees visited St Wystan's from 'Upbeat Communities', a Derby charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers in the city. Based on St Chad's Centre, it offers advice, guidance and practical support. The group that visited us represented several different nations. They learned a little bit about Anglo-Saxons and St Wystan, and also about how as a church we are seeking to 'be Christian' in our daily life. The visit may have seemed a small thing to us but their 'thank you' email suggests it helped them in more ways than we might imagine.

'Thank you so much for hosting our visit yesterday. Everyone who came had a wonderful time and felt so welcomed. I think they've all fallen in love with St Wystan's and were still talking about it when we arrived back! They were captivated by both the beauty of the church and also its history. Thanks also for the tea and cakes which really hit the spot, delicious.'

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St Wystan's Church

What's behind that door?

Last September the chancel of St Wystan's Church was re-roofed: the tiles had begun to slip as the nails rotted. The church is very grateful to the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund and Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Preservation Trust for grants towards the cost of £10,000 and £2,000 respectively.

With scaffolding in place and the roof open, we were able at last to answer one question that intrigues every visitor to the church: 'Where does that door go?'

The door in question is an oak door high above the chancel arch, a modern replacement for an earlier door, installed when the archaeologists left in 1988 after an archaeological survey and 'dig' that had lasted for 15 years. There had been suggestions that the door led to a room above the chancel which was now inaccessible. Sadly, the answer is more prosaic; it leads only to a roof space. Behind it the inner stonework of the chancel rises a couple of feet above the bottom of the door, and a massive oak timber blocks its bottom half.

Nowadays the chancel ceiling is about a third of the way up the door, but that was not its original height. Post holes in the chancel clearly show supports for an earlier floor, about level with the tops of the north and south lancets. So originally there was a chamber with access not through the door but through a much larger opening. The door jamb to the south and matching stonework to the north – laid in characteristic Anglo-Saxon 'long and short' work with large stones set alternately upright and flat – indicate a squarish opening about 8ft wide.

But how was it reached? It is important here to note that when the chancel was built, its arch was much lower, not much more than head height, and possibly much narrower; otherwise such a large opening would have been a major structural weakness. Also, the Findern chapel to the south – where the organ now stands – was smaller; the stonework at the angle of the chancel and choir shows clearly a window that has been stoned up, and above it, another doorway, now open. Finally, beneath the chamber entrance, a line of different mortar shows evidence of a rood-loft*, now demolished.

Putting all this together, it appears that access to the upper chamber was originally from outside the church, probably by a ladder leading up to the doorway. From there, stone steps projecting from the chancel wall led to a gallery and gave access.

But even though one question has been answered, another remains: what was the chamber for?

* Rood-lofts were generally balconies carrying the rood itself, a large cross. Sometimes the priest preached from there and singers sometimes sang there too.

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Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th January 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!

Sunday 8th January at Repton Village Hall Repton Activity Day & Fitness Fest Start the New Year as you mean to go on! Each session £5; choose as many as you like. 9.30 Intervals Body Workout 10.30 Yoga or Nordic Walking 11.30 Zumba 1.00 Xpress 1.30 Pilates 2.30 Tai Chi 3.30 Strictly Dancing 4 pm & 5 pm Swimming sessions at Repton Pool Healthy Snacks available at our Health Café and an opportunity to have a Body MOT as well Tickets from Lynne Skeith, Mulberry Beauty Salon and Repton Post Office

Books, Browse and Coffee Wednesday 18th January, 11 am - noon in St Wystan's Church and every 3rd Wednesday in the month Coffee and biscuits £1 A chat and a chance to borrow books and jigsaws Loans are free Also at the first Wednesday 'Soup, Cheese and Chat'

Repton School Concerts Society The Natural World with Repton Music Department Wednesday 18th January at 7.45 pm in the 400 Hall Following 'L'Entente Cordiale' last year, the Music Department has devised an evening to celebrate nature in all its guises. It is sure to be an exciting and varied programme and is usually one of the most popular concerts of the year. Tickets £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR

Messy Church Listening to God How do we do that? What does it mean? Games and activities all about listening. Find out about the boy Samuel in the Bible. Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 22nd January, 4.00 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it!

Blair Dunlop in Concert: The Re-Gilded Tour In 2016 Blair Dunlop, acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and Old Reptonian, released his third full-length album, Gilded, to rave reviews. A busy summer on the festival circuit included Glastonbury, where he performed on the Acoustic Stage, Bluedot, Cornbury and How The Lights Get In. His latest single, The Egoist, was playlisted on BBC Radio 2 as was the second, 356. Saturday, 28th January, 7.30 pm in The 400 Hall, Repton School We are delighted to welcome Blair and his band, with support from Kitty Macfarlane, back for an exclusive preview of his new headline tour which embarks in February. "Dunlop brings an air of tenacity while displaying a fine repertoire of well-crafted songs spanning traditional and contemporary." The Independent "Gorgeously gifted" Fabulous Magazine Tickets: Advance £12 / Standard Full £15 / Concessions £10. All seats unreserved. Contact: theatres@repton.org.uk / blairdunlop.com / 01283 559200

Repton School presents An Evening with Adam Peaty and Guests Olympic Gold Medallist & World Record Holder Friday 3rd February in Repton School 400 Hall, doors open 7 pm Tickets from £18, theatres@repton.org or 01283559200 All proceeds to charity – Sport in Action and Foundation Derbyshire

A Murder Mystery Evening Saturday 25th February, 7 for 7.30 at Repton Village Hall Book your tickets early as numbers are limited. If you would like to come with a group of friends, let us know and we will reserve tables accordingly. Raffle and licensed bar Tickets: £15 including a 3 course supper from Frances Wimbush

The Great War Commemorated

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

A happy New Year as far as it can be so in these sad times. May 1917 bring with it peace, based on honour and right, which can only come about by the success of us and our Allies. Our new Government has all the outward signs of strength and determination, and it is for us to give it all the support in our power.

Christmas passed very quietly, and sickness greatly depleted the number of communicants; the services were very well rendered by the choir. It seems very strange that the beautiful carols we sing are apparently so slightly appreciated, as was also the effort we made to provide an evening service at the Courtroom during Advent.

Our motto for 1917 must be Patience and Economy.
R.I.P. The war has claimed another of our Repton lads, again from stricken Brook End. A bright, pleasant lad, Hugo Pinkerton joined the Highlanders on his 18th birthday. His short life was ended on the glorious field of Right, but our sympathies will go forth to his parents, who have now lost their sole surviving son.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

Thank you!

Although December's Ghost Walk was billed as 'the very last', it is hard to believe it. Apart from introducing us to some of the less known figures from Repton's history, they are such fun and convivial occasions that there will undoubtedly be a clamour to repeat them. Thanks once more to Howard Awbery, a master story-teller, for his amusing account and most generous hospitality.

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Repton Activity Day & Fitness Fest, Sunday 8th January

A programme of activities will propel you into the New Year! Classes timetabled throughout the day will include Pilates, Tai Chi, Yoga, Nordic Walking, and Strictly Come Dancing. There will be Body MOTS, a Healthy Snack Bar and lots more. See page ??? for details and timings.

Repton Activity Day Family Fun Swim and Swim Fit

The last sessions of our Activity Day on the 8th January will be in Repton School Swimming Pool on the Tanyard. (For newcomers to Repton, that's the first turning on the right as you approach Repton from Willington.) From 4 - 5 pm there will be a Family Fun Swim, with a family ticket for up to 4 people costing £10. Children under 8 must be accompanied by a guardian over the age of 16. Each younger child of 0 - 3 years must be accompanied individually by an adult; for 4 - 7 year-olds, the ratio can be one or two to each adult. From 5 - 6 pm there is a Swim Fit session for more serious swimmers, and the pool will be laned. Cost £5. A great way to round off an exhilarating day!

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A Quiz at the Constitutional Club
150 High Street, Burton upon Trent on Friday 10th February

Not merely an entertainment in its own right, but for many of us an introduction to one of the town's most interesting buildings. Built originally as a post office, it was bought by the then Lord Burton and others in 1905 to create a gentleman's club, taking five years to renovate and rebuild the interior, with elegant fireplaces, and oak panelling throughout. It also boasts very fine art deco glazing.

We play in teams of 4, and now is the time to get yours together – only£6 per team. There will also be a bar and a raffle. To book a table contact Carol Lloyd.

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Coming up

On Saturday 25th February there is a Murder Mystery Evening in Repton village hall followed on Saturday 4th March by An evening with Cantata, organised by Repton Village Society in Repton village hall; details of both are on pages ??? and ????

Then later this year we will have Afternoon Tea with Charles Hanson, a Fun Dog Walk, a BBQ at the Red Lion, another Pig Racing Evening, a Bridge Day, and a Children's Halloween Party.

We would be delighted if you could join us at these events, have fun and support the Village Hall Appeal. The basic details are shown in the Diary overleaf and more will appear in the Parish Magazine in the month(s) beforehand.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal 100 Club

Winners in November were Mrs. PM Welch, Mr. RA Russian, Mrs. MP Evans, and Mr. Ronald Carter. Monthly draws take place at the Boot. Contact Adrian Argyle for an application form and copy of the club rules. The quarterly subscription is £12.50.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Village Party 2017

Planning Meeting, Wednesday 18th January

Volunteers, ideas and enthusiasm are all especially welcome at our next planning meeting in The Red Lion. Please come and join us!

Volunteering is really enjoyable, rewarding, and a great way to meet people. Everyone has fresh ideas and different skills to offer, and everyone is welcome! Contact Frances Wimbush.

Maypole Dancing at Repton Village Party
Boys and Girls aged 7 and upwards

The Maypole display at the Village Party on Saturday 29th April will feature a village team of dancers. Although January might not seem an obvious time to be thinking of it, we will need to get started soon!

We are looking for lots of volunteers to put on a really good display. We are very keen to encourage new recruits, and would also be delighted to welcome back those who have taken part in previous years to return as 'experts'.

Practices will be held as an after-school activity on Wednesday afternoons, starting on 22nd February in the village hall. Children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Refreshments will be provided! For more information, please contact Frances Wimbush.

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Scouts

To complete their Creative Challenge Badge, Scouts had an evening making paper aeroplanes and rockets. The term ended with a session of trampolining and other bouncing fun in Derby. After Christmas, Scouts restarts on Wednesday 11th January, 7.30 pm at The Den. If you would like more information, please contact Mike Knowles.

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Repton Village History Group

On Tuesday 17th January, Shirley Horton is coming back to talk to us, this time on 'Street Names and Chimney Pots'.

This year has been one of considerable interest with access for the first time in maybe 400 years to the roof space above the chancel in St Wystan's church (see page 28), a promising dig in the vicarage garden, exhaustive documentary research and archaeological surveying of Repton School paddock with promising leads to the location of the medieval Priory mill and tile kiln, and further work at 22 Milton Road, strongly suspected to be the location of a medieval Tithe Barn.

The programme for 2017 is now complete, in the Diary, and will soon be on the village website. We meet in the village hall at 7.30 on the third Tuesday of the month, except for July and August when we visit somewhere of historical relevance.

Membership costs £4 per year and runs from the start of the calendar year. If you are interested, please contact Andy Austen.

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Repton Village Society

On Thursday 5th January – Repton village hall at 7.30 pm – Richard Spowage of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust will talk about Willington Nature Reserve. The flooded former gravel pits form an important wetland habitat in the Trent Valley, attracting many rare birds as well as a variety of more common species. The site also attracts dragonflies, damselflies and otters.

Saturday 4th March, 7.30 pm at Repton village hall
'Another Evening with Cantata'

Back by popular request for their third visit to Repton, this ensemble of 14 wonderfully talented singers and instrumentalists has raised over £55,000 for charity with a programme of songs from Broadway and West End shows, the Rat Pack and Glen Miller, as well as a capella songs, popular hits and movie classics.

So bring your own food, drink and glasses and prepare for another great evening. You can either make up your own table with any number of friends or leave it to us to place you – the system has worked well over many years now. Tickets are required in advance though, to help arrange table seating: £7. Proceeds to the Village Hall Appeal. All are welcome. Phone me on 01283 701838.

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A Special Guest for Repton Baby and Toddler

A huge thank you to Kimble's Parties and, of course, to Santa who made a special guest appearance at Repton Baby and Toddler in December. The children got stuck into the Christmas crafts and thoroughly enjoyed the party atmosphere. As we settle into January we would like to wish everyone involved a happy New Year say thank you to all who have helped run the session and fundraise during 2016. We meet every Wednesday at the village hall, from 9.45 to 11.45 am, for everyone from 0 to school age. Just turn up, find us on Facebook or contact Natalie Matthews.

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Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
8th	10.30 am	Youth	Newhall Tigers
	2.00 pm	Under 16	Winshill Gold
15th	10.30 am	Under 13	Anglesey Swifts
	2.00 pm	Under 16	Belvedere Park Juniors Blue
22nd	10.30 am	Youth	Rolleston

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Repton W.I.

For our December meeting members were asked to bring food as part of our Christmas celebrations, and what an effort everyone made. It was like a banquet! Wine and soft drinks were served, Christmas songs played in the background and it all made for a lovely festive evening.

Before we ate, Pat Hassall demonstrated how to make a Christmas table decoration. Members brought greenery from their garden and Pat provided the rest. Afterwards members put together their own table decorations, resulting in some very impressive arrangements. There was also an opportunity for members to buy scarves with proceeds donated to Macmillan Cancer Relief.

In December Repton W.I. hosted the Group carol service at St Wystan's Church. The service was taken by Rev'd June Scott, and afterwards we all enjoyed homemade mince pies, shortbread and mulled wine.

At our next meeting on Tuesday 10th January Maxine Silk will be talking about and demonstrating holistic therapies. If you are new to the village or want to try something new, do come along, everyone is welcome to all our meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.15 pm in Repton village hall. For more details of all our events, see Repton W.I. Facebook page.

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Mobile Library, Tuesday 17th January
Repton village hall, 10.15-11.30 : The Square, 11.35-1.00

Having skipped back a week at Christmas, the mobile library reverts to its usual four-weekly timetable (not monthly), so the following visit will be on 14th February. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405.

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Repton Parish Council

The Arboretum: Councillor McGahan is currently contacting people who during 2016 requested the dedication of a tree in memory of a loved one. Once the current planting is finished the Arboretum will be full. Since its inauguration there has always been a strong demand, and the Parish Council is to liaise with South Derbyshire District Council to investigate the possibility of providing a further site. Further details will follow next year.

Planning Application for 25 houses between Burdett Way and Askew Hill: The Parish Council has objected to this application which has been received by South Derbyshire District Council. It contradicts the policies in the draft Neighbourhood Development Plan and is outside the existing village development boundary. The Parish Council has also asked that the application is reviewed through a site visit and that the application be referred to the planning committee.

Cash Prizes for recycling broken or unwanted electrical items: Until 19th February, local residents can take advantage of a scheme organised by Derbyshire County Council to recycle electrical items in exchange for a chance to win cash prizes. For details see below.

Adverse Weather Conditions: A reminder that over the coming weeks you can find up to date information regarding the weather, gritting activity, road and school closures at derbyshire.gov.uk.

Dog Fouling: We continue to receive complaints that the dog waste bins are not being emptied, and also that irresponsible dog owners allow their pets to foul public places, without clearing up after them, in particular, near to children's play areas. The Parish Council is to ask SDDC to empty the bins more regularly and also to consider installing more bins in this area. However, we would again ask local dog walkers to clear up after their pets and use the bins provided. Please help to ensure that public open spaces can be enjoyed by everyone.

Further information can be obtained from Environmental Health, South Derbyshire District Council, 01283 595795 or environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk.

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

Parish Council Office, 40 High Street

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Hickory Dickory Murder
Saturday 11th February at 8 pm

You are cordially invited to join us in Milton village hall for an evening of intrigue, deception, betrayal, secret identities and lost gemstones (or other things entirely!) as the Dead Secrets Theatre Group gently sends up the golden age of detective fiction, using audience suggestion to propel a world of untrustworthy characters through implausible plots towards the mystery's thrilling, unbelievable conclusion!

The Dead Secrets are a young award-winning comedy troupe acclaimed for delightfully bonkers shows, a wealth of jokes and breakneck slapstick, so prepare for high-quality, entertaining comedy-theatre with friends and family in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Tickets at £12 are available from the Swan Inn, Milton, or call 01283 703075.

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St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar - Thank you!

The members of St Saviour's PCC would like to thank everyone who helped make our Christmas bazaar in aid of St Saviour's Church, Foremark, such an unforgettable occasion, raising a staggering £2,200.

We would very much like to thank all the people who helped make the day such a success: those who sold raffle tickets; made cakes; donated prizes; ran stalls; served refreshments; set up the hall and tidied up afterwards; and especially to all who made the effort to attend on the day. We would also like to thank the many people who gave generous donations before and during the event. We are extremely grateful for your thoughtfulness and feel very well supported by the community.

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Milton Village Hall

The Village Hall Committee holds regular fundraising events to preserve and maintain Milton village hall, although, with a building that dates back to 1890, that can be a challenge. Original timbers on the southern elevation have recently been replaced, the exterior of the hall has been re-painted in a different shade of green, and other timbers around the exterior of the hall have been repaired. Thank you to everyone who supported our fund raising events during 2016; please do come along to our events this year to see what has been achieved thanks to your support.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Milton W.I.

Our first meeting of the New Year is on Wednesday 18th January when Sue Tattershill will talk to us about Rainbow Children's Hospice. Visitors and guests are always very welcome to join us – 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. The programme for 2017 is now available, listing forthcoming speakers and dates of meetings. For members' diaries, our Annual Dinner will be on Wednesday 1st March, venue to be advised.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Churchyard - A Bush and two Yew Trees

Removal of a bush: Towards the back of the churchyard, in line with the north aisle of the church and near the second of two yew trees, is a large rounded shrub. This is getting larger and spreading over a bench and neighbouring graves. Family members of the neighbouring graves have asked us to trim the shrub but I believe it would be best removed entirely. However, I don't want to do that immediately in case it was planted in someone's memory. If you know or suspect that that is the case, please contact me before the end of February.

Two yew trees endangered: On the north / river side of the churchyard are two yew trees. For a very long time, excess soil from burials, branches and grass clippings have been dumped around their base. These piles are now very substantial and are, I believe, the reason why one of the trees is suffering badly, and indeed showing signs of dying.

We hope to remove any burnable material and have a bonfire, but removing the soil is quite a task. Not only do we need somewhere to put it but we need help in transporting it as well. Although a small excavator might find a route there among the graves, I don't think we can get a trailer very close, and there is a huge number of wheelbarrow loads to remove. Is there anyone who may be able to help us, or do you have any ideas of how we might get it removed without breaking either the bank or our backs?

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Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Community Collective Worship for parents, carers and local residents is on the first Thursday of the month, so do join us in the school hall at 9.15 am on Thursday 5th January. You will be very welcome. Subsequent dates are Thursdays 2nd February and 2nd March.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Thank you all for your support in 2016. We look forward to seeing you again this year.

Tuesday 3rd January, 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a 'Pictorial Diary' of Tuesday Club activities during 2016, presented by Dennis Ward.

Tuesday 17th January: A trip to Masson Mill near Matlock

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and will be returning to Newton by about 3 pm. Cost £10.

Tuesday 31st January: Whist Drive, 7 pm in Newton village hall. All welcome.

Please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520 if you would like to know more about Tuesday Club.

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Newton Solney Parish Council

Parking on Pavements: The Parish Council would like to remind parishioners not to park on pavements in order to allow space for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Calling all Dog Walkers! The Parish Council are considering purchasing extra dog litter bins. Would these be useful? Where should they be sited? Please could you call Ron Parker with your comments, 07863 359129.

Delay to New Bus Shelter: The County Council has said that it may require the Parish Council to extend the length of the bus stop to meet new regulations, so the purchase of a new bus shelter has been delayed. We await further information from the County Council.

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

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South Derbyshire

Volunteering: the new wonder drug?

January, a fresh start, a time to take stock, to try something new. And instead of all those New Year's resolutions, so easily made, so rapidly forgotten, to exercise, to run, to cycle, to diet, why not try something that is really good for you – to volunteer?

Volunteers play a huge role in society. Their impact is immense. Some studies have put their economic value at over £50bn, making the voluntary sector as big as the energy industry.

But it is a two-way street. Research clearly shows that volunteering is good for your health, particularly mentally. It helps bring stability, improves self-esteem, reduces social isolation and helps you learn new skills. For some, it can be a gateway to paid employment, which in turn has its own benefits.

There are many ways to volunteer, and lots of calls to join in locally and more widely. People often become involved when they retire, but you really don't have to leave it till then. Young people have a great deal to offer, and those who are older will always recognise that the young have busy lives. You don't need specialist knowledge or background: ideas, muscle, skills and enthusiasm all find their niche.
Here the village party, the village hall appeal, the village hall committee, the luncheon club, the wider scouting movement and the churches – and doubtless many more – would all be glad to hear from you. Don't be afraid to put yourself forward. There is one thing for sure – you will be welcome!

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Support for young sporting talent

A Sports Pass and Grant Scheme which played a part in setting Paralympic medallist Lewis White on the road to success is inviting promising young athletes to submit bids. The scheme offers them help to realise their potential at county, regional, national and international levels. Those who successfully apply receive free use of facilities at a number of Leisure Centres Green including Etwall. Athletes could also get a small financial grant towards training expenses, travel and the cost of specialist equipment.

The next round of applications closes on 1st February. More information is available at south-derbys.gov.uk, where you can also download application forms. Alternatively, request a form from laura.winter@south-derbys.gov.uk.

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Host Families Wanted

Would you like to host an international pupil at a local boarding school? Do you have a spare room in your home for occasional weekends and half term holidays?

Pippa's Guardians is a family run company, established 19 years ago. We are the educational guardians for our students and recruiting the right host families is vital.

As a host family you will have the opportunity to make a real difference to a student studying here in the UK, often a very long way from home. It is a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and form friendships across the world.

There is no ideal host family profile – we have all kinds of families and retired couples. The main qualification is that you are caring and patient and enjoy spending time with children and teenagers. We pay attractive daily rates. Contact Imogen on 01684 25275, or Imogen@pippasguardians.co.uk. www.pippasguardians.co.uk.

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Cash Prizes for recycling electrical items

For a chance to win cash prizes, local residents can take broken or unwanted electrical items to one of South Derbyshire County Council's household waste recycling centres. The closest to us is at Newhall, postcode DE11 0TP. There you can exchange them for a golden ticket which could win you one of fifteen £100 prizes.

From hair-dryers to hedge-trimmers, fairy lights to fridges, toasters to televisions, there's a wide range of household appliances you can dispose of. Further details can be found at derbyshire.gov.uk/electric.

The scheme, organised by Derbyshire County Council to promote the recycling of electrical items runs until Sunday 19th February.

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Nature Notes

Feeding Garden Birds

Many of us feed birds throughout the year, but it is in the cold of winter that they really need our help. An epidemic of trichomonosis that has caused a rapid decline in finch flocks throughout Europe means that nowadays when we feed, we need to be particularly conscious of hygiene.

Trichomonosis is spread by a parasite and causes disease at the back of the throat and gullet. Birds have difficulty swallowing and become lethargic with fluffed up plumage. Typically, they sit on the bird table because they are hungry but can't eat, and they don't fly away when approached. When they die, they are often very thin or emaciated. Greenfinches and chaffinches are the species most frequently affected, but the disease has also been found in other garden bird species, including sparrow, dunnock, great tit, siskin, goldfinch and bullfinch. The parasite is transmitted between birds via food or drinking water contaminated by an infected bird.

Although you may be tempted to stop feeding altogether if you find sick birds, the reality is that if you do, the birds may just end up visiting another feeding station where no hygiene measures are in place.

So follow sensible precautions. Rotate the positions of feeders in the garden to prevent the build up of contamination in any one area. Empty and air dry bird baths regularly. Similarly, clean and disinfect feeders and feeding sites with a suitable disinfectant such as a weak solution of domestic bleach. Always rinse feeders thoroughly and dry them before using them again.

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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.

Adrian Gillham, Chairman, Repton Neighbourhood Watch

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Gardening Notes

January's here with its associated New Year resolutions. Mine are to garden in two hour sessions for maximum efficiency and to keep track of my secateurs. Days are very short in January but it really does make you feel better to be outside for a couple of hours, even in the cold.

Hellebores will soon be in flower. On those cultivars that produce flowers on bare stems you can cut off the surrounding leaf stalks to show off the blooms much better. It is also a good way to control hellebore leaf spot which creates black and brown blemishes on the foliage.

When a tree or shrub is leafless, it is often easier to see how its shape can be improved. Most deciduous trees and large shrubs that need major pruning can be tackled now although you may miss a season's flowering. However, don't prune prunus (cherry, almond or plum) in the dormant period as the tree can die.

If your beech hedge has outgrown its site, January is a good month to cut it back hard. It will remain bare until early summer but then sprouts very readily from old wood and should result in a more compact hedge that is easier to manage. It is best to deal with each side in different years.

Cut back perennials that have gone over. Some of the grasses still look attractive, but once a plant has turned brown and flopped it is best cut down before the slugs and snails move in.

Plants for winter containers are available at garden centres through the winter, and it is so cheering to see colour in the garden. As long as we do not have prolonged cold periods, pansies and violas will continue to flower. Winter shrubs and evergreen grasses are also on offer and can be planted out in the garden once they have outgrown their container.

I am pleased to say that we have had a good crop of leeks with no allium leaf miner – the fine mesh really worked. Not so good is the broccoli which the pigeons have all but destroyed – we didn't secure the protective netting well enough.