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

See things for what they truly are 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 Shell (for children aged 7+) Coffee Morning: Saturday 14th October The Leprosy Mission Service: Sunday 8th October The Leprosy Mission Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Amelia Grace Haddon Marriages Rebecca Anne Cluer and Steven John Hood Marriages in October Maureen Evans and Michael Kuhn Funerals and Burial of Ashes Christopher John Cook Ron Carter Obituaries Michael Raymond Hickebottom The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Healing and Bible Study St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Into the light! Our 1st World War Memorial is 100 years old Re-dedication and Remembrance, 1st November 2017 October Worship arrangements during the closure St Mary's News Workshops for St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival of Light Local Diary Event Details St Wystan's Church Harvest Lunch, Sunday 1st October Milton Harvest Supper, Friday 6th October Sunday Lunch, Sunday 8th October Table Top Sale, Saturday 14th October Family Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg, Saturday 14th October A fun Wine Tasting Evening, Saturday 14th October Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 19th October Messy Church, Sunday 22nd October Children's Halloween Party, Saturday 28th October Soup, Cheese and Chat! resumes on Wednesday 1st November Repton School Concert, Konstallation, Wednesday 1st November Repton Sale of Work and Fun Day, Saturday 4th November Books, Browse and Coffee resumes on Wednesday 15th November Christmas Bazaar, Saturday 18th November The Great War Remembered 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Appeal Events Repton Village Hall Appeal 100 Club Repton Village and History St Wystan's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 1st October Family Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg, Saturday 14th October Repton & District RBL Poppy Appeal Scouts Repton Baby and Toddler Quiz Night, Saturday 18th November Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane Mobile Library - Tuesday 24th October 3, 2, 1 - Blast Off!    Sunday 26th November How about a chat? Repton Village History Group Church Graffiti Repton Village Society Molly Maids - Domestic Cleaning Wood End Repton Village Show 2017 Repton Parish Council Milton & Foremark Village Matters Dog fouling at St Saviour's Church Milton Village Hall Milton WI Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney WI Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Open Horticultural Show 2017 Newton Solney Parish Council Willington Surgery Seasonal Influenza Vaccines at Willington Surgery Pneumococcal Vaccine NHS Shingles Programme 2017/2018 South Derbyshire Photography Walk, Sunday 8th October Discover flower power, Saturday 7th October Maintaining our local footpaths Wider Interest Singing for the Brain Neighbourhood Watch Halloween Fire! Trick or Treat Safer Neighbourhood Meeting Scams Awareness Gardening Notes Trees for small gardens

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See things for what they truly are

I was recently reminded of a nursery rhyme:

Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?
I've been to London to look at the queen.
Pussycat, pussycat, what saw you there?
I saw a little mouse under her chair.

Steven Verney, a former Bishop of Repton used it to remind us that we often miss out on things because we do not really see what we are looking at: even with the Queen seated in majesty on her throne, it is the mouse that catches the cat's eye.

When I am on a shopping trip I am a man on a mission. I know what I want, and I want to get in and out as quickly as possible. All I see is the shop fronts, the other shoppers I need to avoid bumping into, and my watch as I run out of time in the car park. But sometimes I stop and force myself to look. And then I see. I see a wonderful array of material blessings with so much in the shops for us to enjoy. I see the other shoppers in a different light: the mother laughing with her children; the older person struggling with heavy bags; the teenagers on their phones; one person rushing, another with time weighing heavily. Occasionally, I lift my gaze and look at the architecture of the buildings above the shop fronts. Many of the older buildings have some truly beautiful features – have a look for yourself. We miss so much because we look but fail to see.

Sadly the consequences can be more serious than just missing what's around us. Those who see the growing mole or the shaking hand but don't see what they might imply may be putting their health at risk. The husband and wife who see the unhappiness on each other's face but fail to see where they are heading can end up apart. The person who sees that last drink on the bar but fails to foresee the drunken crash that follows may spend the rest of their life knowing they have killed a child for the sake of 'one for the road'. Our failure to see can have dire consequences.

Joyously the reverse is equally true. Once we really see, there is a richness, a fullness and a wealth of things that can bring such joy and wholeness to our lives: the sunlight speckling through the leaves of the trees; the scurrying ant on its search for food; the toddler reaching out for support from mother's hand; the marvel of skyping Australia.

See things for what they truly are and you reach a deeper understanding. If you see the church as a building, it's like seeing a stadium and thinking that that's football. See the Bible as a history book and you miss out on the way it can bring a whole new meaning to life. See Jesus as a good man who long ago did good things, and you won't get to know him as He truly is now. See God as some divine being who punishes the wicked and you can fail to see his love for each one of us. We can look and still miss the essential. The cat did, it failed to see the Queen for her pet mouse.

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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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SHELL Group: for young people aged 7 and over

. . . meets on Mondays 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th October, 6.30 to 7.30 pm. Activities this month include Art, 'Scattergories', making gift tags and cards to sell at the Christmas Mini Market, and baking! New members are always welcome!

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Coffee Morning: Saturday 14th October, 10.30 – 11.30 am

Come and join us for coffee, chat with friends and enjoy the home made cakes and preserves on sale. Everyone is very welcome!

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The Leprosy Mission: Sunday 8th October

We will be joined by members of St Wystan's Church at a special family service led by Helen Walton, Community Development Manager for the Leprosy Mission, and Natalie Gibbs, Graduate Trainee, hoping to learn more about the mission and how we can support the work they do. We do hope that you will be able to join us! The service will be followed by lunch with all proceeds going to The Leprosy Mission. If you would like to stay for lunch, please contact Christine Gibbs on 701581, as numbers are limited.

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The Leprosy Mission

. . . is an international Christian development organisation that diagnoses, treats and offers specialist care, including reconstructive surgery, to leprosy patients. Our aim is to transform and empower the lives of people affected by leprosy.

Leprosy is unfortunately not a disease of the past. The World Health Organisation finds that there are more than 200,000 new cases diagnosed globally each year – and these are just the cases that are found!

Leprosy is a disease of poverty, so as well as providing healthcare, The Leprosy Mission offers rehabilitation, education, vocational training, small business loans, housing, fresh water supplies and sanitation to tens of thousands of people each year. We provide a springboard to restored health, self-sufficiency and renewed hope. Our services are provided regardless of religion or ethnicity, promoting equality and social justice.

The Leprosy Mission England and Wales currently works in 11 countries across Africa and Asia (Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar) striving towards our vision of 'Leprosy Defeated, Lives Transformed'.

To see more about the Leprosy Mission and our work, visit leprosymission.org.uk.

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Baptisms

Amelia Grace Haddon, daughter of Kayleigh and Gregory Haddon of Hillside, Findern, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 27th August.

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Marriages

Rebecca Anne Cluer and Steven John Hood, both of Shepshed, Leicestershire, were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 16th September.

Marriages in October

Saturday 21st	St Wystan's Church	Maureen Evans and Michael Kuhn of Monsom Lane, Repton

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Christopher John Cook, born in Repton on 30th January 1932, the son of the late Lammas and Amy Cook of Burton Road and brother of Alan Cook, died on Saturday 26th August aged 85. He had been living in Nantwich, Cheshire, where he moved with his wife and young family in 1966. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 18th September was followed by cremation.

Ron Carter of Boot Hill, Repton, died on Sunday 27th August aged 78. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 11th September was followed by cremation.

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Obituaries

Michael Raymond Hickebottom
15th July 1951 – 6th August 2017

Mick to his friends, Michael to his family, a giant of a man with a huge personality, he was genuine, kind and always willing to help, possessed of a zest for life and great sense of fun.

Michael was born and grew up in Birmingham, where in 1970 he met Carol, a 'Saturday girl' at the local supermarket where he was relief store manager. They married at Quinton Parish Church in June 1973.

1974 was the year of IRA bomb scares and the horrendous Birmingham pub bombing, and when visiting friends in Repton, they decided to 'go rural', moving in 1975 to Monsom Lane and subsequently to Brook End. Michael, who had started in 1974 with the West Midlands police, managed with much difficulty to transfer to the Staffordshire force where he spent the rest of his career.

In 1980 he joined the CID. His 'clear-up' rate was always very high, peaking in in one year when he cleared up 240 crimes, for which he received a commendation. In 1996 he became the Local Intelligence Officer, and subsequently the Force Intelligence Officer until his retirement in 2006.

As a policeman Michael was no easy touch: on one occasion he arrested a coachload of football supporters after an assault and affray in a pub. When nobody owned up he brought the whole coach back to the station and waited till one confessed some six hours later. However, he took a real interest in young offenders, often visiting them at home in his own time. When he retired, some of those he had arrested over the years sent cards; he was respected even if he was a copper!

Michael's own sports were snooker, bowls, crib and dominoes, and for over 25 years he wrote the weekly snooker column in the Burton Mail – this in addition to the Crimestoppers column, which he wrote for almost as long. But he loved the excitement of sport and his interests were wide-ranging, whether it was the World Snooker championships in Sheffield, or a season ticket at Derby County, having transferred allegiance from Birmingham City to accompany his children to the Baseball Ground.

In 1999, as a dare, Michael started a police quiz in the social club. It was very successful and continued until the club closed, when it transferred to the Constitutional Club in Burton, where Michael was a stalwart. He served on the committee for over 20 years, and was chairman for 13. Quick-witted and full of humour, cracking jokes along the way, and with a deep knowledge of popular music and culture, Michael was a natural quizmaster. The monthly quizzes that he organised together with Carol were always popular, raising over £60,000 for a long string of charities that included guiding and scouting groups, pre-schools, Burton YMCA, Marie Curie, MacMillan Cancer Relief, the BHF, Arthritis Research, South Staffs Deaf Children, CLIC Sargent, Rainbows Hospice, Repton Village Hall, and many, many more.

Police Officer, quiz master, fundraiser, funny man, snooker player, bowls player, but above all a family man who was intensely proud of Carol and his children, both Matthew, who followed him into the police, and Kate – a man who brought much joy, fun and love to all those around him. He will be deeply missed.

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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

Healing and Bible Study

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

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Bible Study Groups

28 The Pastures: This autumn we are looking at passages from the Gospels on the theme of 'Meeting Jesus'. Our next meeting is on Thursday 12th October from 7.30 to 9 pm. New members are welcome. Please contact Julia Stentoft on 704436 or Ruth Attwood, 702804.

Woodend Cottage: We will meet on Thursdays 12th and 26th October, both at 7.30 pm. Having completed the Bible Course which gave an overview of the whole Bible, we are studying Luke's Gospel, looking at who wrote it, when and where, and for whom. We will then look at the picture of Jesus as portrayed by Luke.

Newton Solney: We meet in St Mary's Church on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 2 pm, looking at the Prophet Isaiah. All are very welcome!

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St Wystan's News

Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds - October

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Into the light!

On the 21st October when the electrics have been replaced and new lighting installed, we are all anticipating being allowed back into St Wystan's Church – no-one more keenly than Maureen and Michael who are due to be married that day!

Then, if all goes to plan, our Sunday worship on the 22nd will begin with a traditional said Holy Communion at 8 am, followed at 9.45 by a celebration communion, when we shall also give thanks for the new lighting and electrics.

Until then, our weekly worship continues as shown on page 6. We are particularly looking forward to sharing our worship on the 8th with the URC, when Helen Walton and Natalie Gibbs will tell us about the work of the Leprosy Mission. There will be no Sunday Club, but the vestry can be used as a crèche for the very young. After the service you are invited to stay for lunch, but please contact Christine Gibbs on 701581 as numbers are limited.

Our visit to the URC reminds us that although it may seem unusual to be worshipping in the village hall, worship often took place in private houses before churches were built. Indeed, the URC itself, which started life in Repton in 1780 as an offshoot of Victoria Street Congregational Church in Derby, held services for many years in Acton Cottage in the High Street, the home of church members.

Our 1st World War Memorial is 100 years old

100 years ago on 1st November 1917, All Saints' Day, the War Memorial in the porch of St Wystan's Church was dedicated by the Bishop of Derby, following its unveiling by Mrs. G.F. Fisher, the wife of Geoffrey Fisher, then Headmaster of Repton School and subsequently Archbishop of Canterbury.

Although this was a year before the end of the war, the casualties had been so high that it was obviously felt that a memorial was urgently needed. The cost was raised by public subscription with roughly half the parish contributing.

Re-dedication and Remembrance, 1st November 2017

This year on 1st November, a Wednesday, members of the British Legion will join the vicar for a short act of re-dedication and remembrance at 10.40 am. You are most welcome to be part of this; simply turn up at 10.35, or, if you wish to take Communion you can come first to the regular 10 am service that takes place in church.

The lychgate War Memorial

In 1917, the vicar himself did not expect the memorial in church porch to be the final word, foreseeing "what I hope will be erected – a much larger village memorial of this great war." Yet it was not until 1999 that a memorial to the 49 villagers who lost their lives in two world wars was erected by the lychgate. Following a proposal by Colin Kitching, it formed a central part of events in Repton to mark the Millennium. Made of Derbyshire stone from a quarry near Wingerworth, it was unveiled on Remembrance Sunday, 14th November.

October Worship arrangements during the closure

Services not listed below will not take place
Sunday 1st	9.45	Worship Together	Repton Village Hall
	10.00	Parish Communion	St Mary's, Newton Solney
Wednesday 4th	10.00	Holy Communion	URC
Sunday 8th	8.00	Holy Communion	St Mary's, Newton Solney
	10.00	Worship Together	St Mary's, Newton Solney
	11.00	Joint Service	URC
	6.30	Harvest Festival	St Saviour's, Foremark
Wednesday 11th	10.00	Holy Communion	URC
Sunday 15th	9.45	Holy Communion	Repton Village Hall
	10.00	Parish Communion	St Mary's, Newton Solney
Wednesday 18th	10.00	Holy Communion	URC
The church opens and normal routine resumes on Saturday 21st October

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St Mary's News

Workshops for St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival of Light
Friday 8th - Sunday 10th December

This year's Festival will include ready planted mini-trees supplied with battery lights. They cost £20 and will be available during the last week in November, to be decorated and returned to church by 6th December. Trees can be collected after the festival and taken home for Christmas.

Workshops in church, 5th, 6th and 7th December, 10 am - 3 pm

These will offer an opportunity for us to work socially together (refreshments provided) to decorate and display the trees.

We hope you will join in to make this a village community event. Proceeds from the festival will be divided between a church project and the pre-school new building fund. As in the past we look forward to your support, working together to make it a village success. To book your tree contact Hazel Ward on 701244 or Carolyn Steele, 07779601774.

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Soup, Cheese and Chat! resumes on Wednesday 1st November

St Wystan's Church Harvest Lunch Repton Village Hall.   Sunday 1st October at 12.30 pm £1.   Everyone welcome.   Bring your own drink & glasses. Bring & Share - Every adult brings a dish for 6 No tickets, but it does need coordination to make sure we don't end up with only pork pie and chocolate pudding for all 3 courses! Contact Carol Lloyd for details and to discuss dishes.

Milton Harvest Supper Friday 6th October at 7 pm in Milton Village Hall Families welcome Tea and coffee included, but please bring your own tipple Vegetarian meals available, please mention when booking Tickets £8, under 12s £3 from Sue, 01283 701978, or Polly, 01283 703436

Sunday Lunch with the Leprosy Mission Sunday 8th October in the United Reformed Church Pinfold Lane DE65 6GH Tickets £5 and further info from Christine Gibbs, 01283 701581

Table Top Sale Willington Village Hall, Saturday 14th October, 10 am - 1 pm All tables are now booked but come along to see what's on offer! In support of St Michael's Church

Family Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg Repton Village Hall Saturday 14th October, 6.30 - 10 pm Led by Mike Gentles, the most entertaining caller in the business Infectious music, full of life and energy Adults £10, £5 for children under 14, including baked potato supper £25 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) Raffle and paid bar with very reasonable prices Tickets from Frances Wimbush and Janette Goudge

A fun Wine Tasting Evening Saturday 14th October at 7.30 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall An informal, tutored tasting of a range of wines by wine Diploma holders Denise & Steve Parker With a buffet supper    Booking essential    Tickets £15 from Annie Topliss, 01283 703411, or Vanessa Archer, 01283 707263 Hosted by Newton Solney WI to raise funds for improvements at Newton Solney Village Hall

Books, Browse and Coffee resumes on Wednesday 15th November

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 19th October, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Cottage Pie + Bread and butter pudding! Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Messy Church The Man who wanted bigger barns! St Wystan's Church, Sunday 22nd October, 4.00 to 5.30 pm Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday th October, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it! ~ ~ ~ ~     Extra special – Messy Cathedral!     ~ ~ ~ ~ at Derby Cathedral on Saturday 21st October Contact Ruth as above for more details and to book

Repton Village Hall Appeal Children's Halloween Party for children up to 11 Saturday 28th October, 5.30 - 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Halloween games, Halloween treasure hunt, Fancy Dress Competition Hot dogs, tricky treats and refreshments available This is always very, very popular – you are advised to book up quickly Tickets (including hot dog & cup of squash) £5 per child up to age 11 from Elaine Newbold

Repton School Concerts Society Konstallation – Clara Schumann and friends Wednesday 1st November at 7.45 in the Robert Beldam Hall Konstallation was founded in 2013 by pianist Libby Burgess to explore the intersection of song and chamber music.   Drawing together her expertise in song and in working with instrumentalists, Libby constructs programmes where the sung and instrumental soundworlds contrast and complement, and brings in the crème of her colleagues to perform them. Tonight Konstellation will present an attractive and broad programme of Romantic repertoire which includes Clara Schumann's spectacular Piano Trio in G Minor, as well as works by Brahms and Robert Schumann. Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). Tickets for the whole season cost £75. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR

Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day Saturday 4th November from 2.30 pm in the grounds of Repton School Entry FREE of charge Stalls for every taste       Fun activities for children of all ages Refreshments       Competitions and prizes A spectacular fireworks display at 5.30 pm! All money raised is donated to local, national and international charities, including a number of village organisations Everyone welcome – Do come along and join us

Christmas Bazaar Saturday 18th November, 10 am - noon Milton Village Hall Entry £2 includes Tea / Coffee and Mince Pie Gift and Cake Stalls : Fantastic Raffle : Tombola Proceeds to St Saviour's Church, Foremark

The Great War Remembered

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Although the late summer and early autumn have been marked by very heavy rain, yet the respite granted for about a fortnight has been sufficient to gather in the greater proportion of the corn harvest. It is a great pity that with so wonderful a harvest of fruit as we have had there should be so great difficulty in obtaining the necessary sugar for preserving it. But in any case we have every good reason once more for our grateful thanksgiving [the Harvest Festival]. The alms will be for the RABI [Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution] one half and for the Church Army War Work the other half. Although the Church Army work is not quite so much in the public eye as that of the YMCA, yet it is doing immense and noble work for our sailors and soldiers, for prisoners of war, and in a hundred other ways.

The dedication of the War Memorial will take place on All Saints' Day, November 1st. The Lord Bishop of Derby has kindly consented to dedicate it, and Mrs G.F. Fisher to unveil it. I hope that the service will be attended by representatives from every home in the parish, so as to make our solemn act of dedication an act of the whole of Repton, and one worthy of those whose names are to be recorded on the Memorial.

Meanwhile I have, alas! to record two more names of the fallen – Reginald Astle and Howard Massey. All who knew Reginald Astle had the keenest regard for his many kindly and noble characteristics, and Howard Massey was one of the little band of Territorials who marched forth from Repton on that great day, August 5th, 1914.

Also news has now definitely arrived that Haydn Pattison, reported missing a year ago, has been killed. Another Repton lad of singularly bright promise and charming disposition. To the relatives of these I tender my own and I know also the sympathy of all the parish.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

Details of all our events are on the village hall website.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal 100 Club

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

St Wystan's Harvest Lunch
Sunday 1st October, 12.30 pm

We would be delighted if you could join us at the Harvest Lunch in Repton village hall. It is a chance to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. The lunch is 'bring and share' – every adult brings a dish for 6 people – and remember also your own drink and glass! As it needs coordination to make sure we don't end up with only snowy eggs and trifle, please contact Carol Lloyd for details and to discuss dishes.

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Family Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg
Repton village hall, Saturday 14th October, 7 - 10.30 pm

Once again, we are fortunate to have Mike Gentles and his band, Bonnyrigg, to lead our Barn Dance. Nobody does it better so we know we are in for a really good time. Anyone and everyone can barn dance, young and old, and the music is infectious, full of life and energy – you just have to join in!

The ticket price remains the same at £10 for adults, £5 for children under 14, and £25 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) with a Baked Potato Supper included. There will also be a raffle and you pay for the bar, but the prices are very reasonable.

So book your tickets early; they always sell quickly – and it helps the caterers! And then prepare for a really fun evening. Contact Frances Wimbush or Janette Goudge.

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Repton & District RBL Poppy Appeal

The 2016 / 2017 Poppy Appeal ends this month with the Repton & District Branch having raised a new record total of £14,841.67, a truly a magnificent amount for our rural community.

Plans are well ahead for the 2017/18 campaign with orders already placed for all the merchandise we need. Whilst the collecting period is almost twelve months, the main push is at the end of this month and the beginning of next – the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

In Repton we try to carry out street collections, but in some areas we are short of collectors. If you could help, please give me a ring on 07704 585653.

The streets where help is most needed are: High Street : Main Street : Pinfold Lane and Mill Hill : Pinfold Close and St Wystan's Court : Longlands, Hill View and Meadow Close : Clayfields : Holloway.

Help in these areas would be greatly appreciated.

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Scouts

We have started on a new term with ten new beginners. Some have come up from Cubs and some are completely new to Scouting. The first week back was basically playing games and getting to know each other. It was a fun night, and we had twenty-two Scouts attend. Next week we have a challenge night, and then the following week we shall be rock climbing at Alter Rock, the climbing centre in Derby.

A week on Saturday, we shall be camping out again in the grounds of Alton Towers. We can access the park before and after the public to use the rides and facilities.

With all the new starters we are not far off full capacity now, but if you are interested in joining Scouts, contact Jason Large.

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Repton Baby and Toddler

The children have made the most of a typical British summer by playing in the local parks and building sand castles at Swarkestone and Bretby Garden Centres, but now we are back to meeting in the village hall and looking forward to stories and rhymes, autumn crafts and jumping clay.

We meet every Wednesday at Repton 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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Quiz Night, Saturday 18th November
7.15 for 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall

Do come and join in our annual village quiz; it costs just £5 per person. Proceeds will go towards Repton Village Hall Appeal.

We play in teams of four, and now is the time to be getting your together, but if you haven't got a team, get in touch anyway and we can help. Between the rounds there is a break for light refreshments and stand-up bingo. It is always an evening of friendly rivalry, frustration and fun, with a wide range of questions to prod your brain into action. Don't forget to bring your own drink and glasses too for that extra bit of stimulation. Contact Jan Roberts or Carol Lloyd.

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Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
1st	10.30 am	Under 13 Blue	Marlborough Rovers Yellow
8th	10.30 am	Under 14	Woodville Rangers
8th	10.30 am	Under 13 Blue	Alrewas Colts
15th	10.30 am	Under 13 White	Willington
22nd	10.30 am	Under 14	Outwood Hawks
22nd	10.30 am	Under 13 Blue	Hatton United

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Mobile Library - Tuesday 24th October
Repton village hall, 10.15-11.30 : The Square, 11.35-1.00

The library has a four-weekly timetable, not monthly. In October it will be here on the 24th. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405. There is also a home library service for the genuinely housebound who have no one to visit the library for them. If you think you might qualify, ring Kirsty on 01629 539 140.

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3, 2, 1 - Blast Off!    Sunday 26th November
11 am & 2 pm in Repton village hall

Did you see 'The Marvellous Machine' in March? In a packed village hall, Quite Remarkable Productions' show was a huge success.

"What a fantastic show! A truly multi-sensory experience. It was full of fun, the songs were really catchy and there was so much going on. The hour flew past. My daughter didn't stop laughing from start to finish. Can't wait for the next production."

Well, now the next has arrived. 3, 2, 1 - Blast Off! offers a 'sensory-swamped galactic voyage with puppetry, live music, magic and mayhem' for 2-6 year olds – and their families –promising another great hour of fun, giggling and excitement.

In the spring we had to disappoint late-comers, so this time there will be two performances. Even so. you would be well advised to book early. Tickets cost £5 for adults and for children, and there will be refreshments on sale before the show.

For the 11 am show, contact Jo Hinton, and for the afternoon show at 2 pm, contact Jo Bamford. Tickets also from Mulberry Beauty Salon, Repton.

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How about a chat?

We have lovely facilities in St Wystan's Church and would like to share them you.

Soup & Cheese Lunch, 12.30 – 1.30 pm on the first Wednesday of the month, has been going now for some years and has a good following, with frequent visitors as well. Lunches cost only £4; the delicious home-made soup, selection of cheeses, and a sweet (but not a pud!) to go with your coffee is very moreish.

Books, Browse & Coffee (BBC), 11.00 – noon on the third Wednesday, offers an excellent selection of both fiction and non-fiction books as well as jigsaws. Coffee and biscuits are just £1

Both offer a chance to meet, chat and get to know one another. If you like reading you can also borrow FREE books or a jigsaw.

Both stopped while the church is closed for electrical work, but will start again in November – the Soup and Cheese lunch on the 1st November and 6th December and BBC on 15th November and 20th December. We would be delighted to see you there.

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Repton Village History Group

At our October meeting on Tuesday 17th, Richard Stone will tell us about the Luttrell Psalter. This wonderful and truly beautiful illuminated book of psalms and other items dates from around 1330 and, as well as decorated texts, contains many illustrations of rural life at that time. It is considered by many to be the richest source of information on everyday rural life in medieval England.

We are still processing the finds from the test pits we dug last month, and will be taking items to Derby Museum to be looked at. We would not expect many items to have great age, but you never know!

Other activities have included geophysics work in the vicarage garden to augment the radar and magnetometry work done by Bristol University. It is clear that the site of the ancient Viking mound was covered with spoil from the dig that took place in the 1980s. A different technique is planned to see through this material.

All are welcome to our meetings at 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. Members £2, visitors £3. For further information on the History Group, please contact Andy Austen.

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Church Graffiti

Next month you have an opportunity to pick up a new skill – spotting and interpreting church graffiti. There is currently a huge rise in research into medieval graffiti in churches and other buildings of great age – not all graffiti is modern! At St Wystan's a lot of modern and Victorian graffiti and some medieval 'scratchings' have been spotted but not properly recorded.

On Thursday 2nd November, a group is coming from Southwell to undertake a full survey of the church. If they don't complete it on the 2nd, they will return a week later on the 9th. In return for lottery funding, part of their remit is to train local people who are interested. You could then work alongside them to record all the graffiti we have, before moving on to other buildings. Wouldn't it be marvellous to find Viking runes scratched into the stonework by 'Herleif the Bored' during the occupation by the Great Viking Army! The findings from St Wystan's will be published on the web.

The day begins at 10.30. We will supply coffee and biscuits, but do bring a packed lunch. Places are limited; contact the vicar to book yours.

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Repton Village Society

In September Philip Heath, was intending to speak on Weston and Swarkestone Halls. However, computer problems which also delayed his arrival (but arrive he did, much to our relief!) meant that he spoke instead on Melbourne Castle and Hall and Swarkestone Hall. Philip has carried out considerable research, and with a wealth of knowledge delivered a lively, wide-ranging and informative talk.

The history of Melbourne Castle, of which very little now exists, was tied up with the fortunes of its owners, the Earls of Lancaster. It was one of the castles looked at by Elizabeth I to house Mary, Queen of Scots, before Tutbury Castle was chosen instead. At the time of the Black Death it was also used for Derby Assizes.

Philip covered Melbourne Hall's history, from the earliest times when it belonged to the Bishops of Carlisle, through many developments both to the Hall and garden: roads were closed or moved, the lake was dredged and landscaped views were developed, before it arrived at its current state.

Swarkestone Hall was the Harpur family estate before they moved to Calke Abbey in the 17th century. The Pavilion is now owned by the Landmark Trust and can be rented as a holiday 'cottage'. It should be noted, however, that access to the bathroom requires climbing one of towers before crossing the open roof area to the bathroom in the other tower! Philip's research indicates that the current Farm House was in fact the impressive stables for the Hall.

Thursday 5th October, 7.30 pm at Repton village hall

Sue Fraser of the National Trust will speak on 'Sudbury Hall and its People'. The Hall has a high reputation, not least for its museum, so we look forward to hearing about what is happening there.

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Molly Maids - Domestic Cleaning

If you have been trying to contact Gill Dawson at Molly Maids, note that the phone number in her advert on page 37 has been corrected. It is 01283 351770, not as previously published.

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Wood End

Among current planning applications is one to build three largish houses on land beside the road at Zytek. This plot marks the dividing line between the ancient and self-contained hamlet of Wood End (also known as Park End) from the parish of Repton, into which it has now been absorbed. There are still folk around in the village who remember growing up there. They had shops, a pub, and a chapel, and rarely came to 'Top Repton' save for the schools.

Development on this site will obscure part our heritage. (The row of modern houses from Bank Farm to this plot were not in themselves an encroachment as they replaced old houses.) Our history is a continuum and this probably medieval hamlet is just as much part of our heritage as the Anglo-Saxon Monastery or the Viking attack.

If you wish to view the proposal, search for South Derbyshire Planning, and use the planning reference 9/2017/0797. It is now too late to comment.

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Repton Village Show 2017

On the first Saturday in September, Repton's gardeners displayed some fantastic fruits and vegetables for the annual Village Show. The bakers, photographers and handcrafters added their expertise to ensure all the exhibits were of a very high standard. Although entry numbers were down, the show was still a success. Congratulations to all the prize winners.

Winners of the special prizes and cups
Robert Crockett	Boot Trophy	Best vegetable exhibit
Robert Crockett	John Crockett Trophy	Most points in the vegetable section
Gordon Johnson	Argyle Trophy	Best fruit exhibit
Frances Wimbush	Marjorie Boddice Trophy	Best flowering pot plant
Robert Crockett	McLean Cup	Best rose exhibit
Sian Ryalls	Silver Tray	Best produce exhibit
Ewan Thompson	Photographic Shield
Alan Peach	Cup	Best flower exhibit
Sylvia Thomas	Handicraft Plate
Robert Thompson	Zak's Cup	Most points in the children's section
Sian Ryalls	Young Baker

Thank you to all who came to see the show and who took part in an excellent auction afterwards, with special thanks, once again, to our auctioneer, Adrian Argyle.

Please remember, the show is open to all, and we really do welcome new people. There would be no show without you, the competitors, so do think about entering something next year. Look out for the schedule. It will be in the Parish Magazine in the spring – in plenty of time for you to choose your targets.

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Repton Parish Council

The rebuilding of Repton Village Hall was again discussed at the Parish Council's meeting in September. The Council continues to work with Repton Village Hall Management Committee to develop a public consultation on helping to fund a new hall through a public works loan.

Parking: The Council receives frequent complaints about parking. The main responsibility for parking lies with Derbyshire County Council CEOs (civil enforcement officers). They can enforce waiting restrictions, loading restrictions, parking in front of dropped kerbs, disabled parking bays, double parking and similar restrictions. Contact them through parksmarter.org.uk. Local police only deal with more serious offences. They can be contacted on 101.

For a detailed breakdown of responsibilities, search for 'civil parking enforcement derbyshire'.

The Parish Council keeps a record of local complaints; please copy any email complaints to the Parish Council office.

Safer Neighbourhoods Meetings provide an opportunity to meet local police officers. You might raise the question of parking there. See below.

Repton Neighbourhood Development Plan has now entered the formal publicity period organized by SDDC, which will be completed on 26th October. Depending on the outcome, the next stage is to gain full Council approval by SDDC who will then appoint an Examiner. We will keep you updated on progress.

Next meeting: Monday 9th October 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

Dog fouling at St Saviour's Church

When you visit St Saviour's, please keep your dog on a lead and clear away any mess. There is a black bin in the churchyard for dog bags. Fouling is unpleasant for other visitors and for those who mow.

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Milton Village Hall

Over the last two years, the hall has been extensively refurbished outside and in, with a new kitchen and heating system. To hire the hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Milton WI

As I write, we are still looking forward to our September meeting and Jill Barker's talk on The Runneymede Chairs. I can however remind members that our Annual General Meeting is on Wednesday 18th October at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. The tea hostesses are Sue Goodwin and Avril Skipper.

At our November meeting we will be collecting items for South Derbyshire CVS food bank. Non-food items such as toiletries, toothbrushes and cutlery would be gratefully received.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney WI

The well attended September meeting contained a very full business section. Members were updated on forthcoming events; the wide variety on offer includes an autumn walk, a skittles evening and a cinema visit. Vicki Oldknow explained that NSWI now has a facebook page; members can post and check out what's happening in our group. President Vanessa Archer thanked David and Joan Buchanan for hosting a very enjoyable summer social in their garden.

The evening's speaker was Cathy McAteer on 'All things Russian'. After a fascinating introduction on Russian history, Cathy went on to explain how past events have very much shaped opinions and beliefs in Russia today.

NSWI are hosting a 'Wine Tutorial' on Saturday 14th October – see our notice above for details. Please support our evening to raise funds for village hall improvements.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 10th October at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Barbara Daykin with 'Oh Mum, what have you done?' is the speaker. Lesley Oldknow is to provide flowers, Linda Williams and Hylda Wilson will act as tea hostesses.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

It seems such a long time since our last trip out, our visit to Worcester in July, although, as I write, we are looking forward to lunch at the Bentley Brook Hotel later in September.

Tuesday 3rd October at 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a talk by Colin Bagshaw on the Shetland Isles.

Tuesday 17th October: A trip to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton by about 5 pm. Cost £10. There will be the usual pick-up points at Dalebrook, Newton, Repton and Willington.

Tuesday 31st October: Whist Drive starting at 7 pm in the village hall.

For further information regarding any of the above events, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520. We are always happy to welcome anyone on our trips when there are spare seats.

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Newton Solney Open Horticultural Show 2017

This year's show was very successful. Thank you to everyone who exhibited and to helpers on the day.

Winners of the annual awards
Garden News Shield	Flowers, Fruit & Vegetables	A Peach
J. Bailey Cup	Flowers	G Morley
Newton Solney Challenge Cup	Fruit & Vegetables	A Peach
T. Vaughan Trophy	Best Vegetable exhibit	A Peach
Ray Massey Memorial Cup	Best Onions	A Peach
Floral Arrangements Shield		J Buchanan
Produce Cup		B Falder
Handicraft Trophy		A Herbert
Vera Robinson Art Trophy		V Hollands
Sheila Freeman Photograph Trophy		S Van Dijk
Junior Trophy under 7 years		Pippa Russell
Junior Trophy under 11 years		Isabelle Russell
Junior Trophy 11 - 16 years		no entries
Presidents Choice	Flowers	J Wheeldon
People's Choice	Flowers	J Wheeldon
Novice Trophy		no entries

Congratulations to everyone.

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Newton Solney Parish Council

Dog fouling: Complaints are regularly received by the Parish Council. Please refer any nuisance behaviour to the Safer Neighbourhood Team. A £1,000 fine can now be imposed for not cleaning up after a dog. A patrol team will be checking the site on a regular basis. Security: Following a number of incidents, the Council has decided to review the security arrangements of Newton Solney's Recreational Field and the land by Trent Lane. Recreational Field: The Council has applied to Tesco's 'Bags of Help' scheme for the creation of the trim trail on the Recreational Field. The vote is now being counted.

Planning permission granted

Alterations and extensions to the Lodge adjacent to the hotel
Play equipment at Newton Solney School
Listed building consent at The Lodge

Other planning applications

Installation of an agricultural shed in 2 Newton Mount. Rejected.
150 houses in Sales Lane, Winshill. NSPC objects to proposed plans.
Felling of oak tree at 22 Main Street. NSPC objects to plans.
Demolition of 22 Main Street and construction of a new dwelling. NSPC objects to the application.

Next meeting: Friday, Friday 11th October at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Willington Surgery

Seasonal Influenza Vaccines at Willington Surgery

If you are 65 or over, or a carer, or pregnant, or suffer from a chronic disease such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease, asthma (if you have received medication within the last 12 months), immunosuppression, and / or are morbidly obese BMI 40+, it is recommended that you have an annual influenza injection.

Saturday clinics to book now: 7th and 28th October.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Patients aged 65 and over are entitled to a pneumococcal vaccine which could be administered at the same time as the flu vaccine. It can prevent some cases of pneumonia. If you would like to receive a pneumococcal vaccine, please ask when booking your influenza appointment.

NHS Shingles Programme 2017/2018

This year we are able to vaccinate anyone who at the time of vaccination is aged 70 or 78. In addition, patients who were eligible for immunisation in the first three years of the programme but have not yet been vaccinated remain eligible until they are 80 – i.e. patients now aged 70 to 73 and those aged 79. Patients aged 80 or over are no longer eligible for the vaccine due to its reducing efficacy as age increases.

Please book appointments with reception, 01283 703318.

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South Derbyshire

Get Active in the Forest at Rosliston Forestry Centre

Photography Walk, Sunday 8th October at 9.30 am

This walk of 1½ hours round Rosliston Forestry Centre will be led by a professional photographer. Bring your own camera and learn how to get the best from your photos. The walk of about one mile may take you through long grass, so sturdy footwear is advised. £2.50. Meet in the foyer at 9.15. For more information, call 01283 563483.

Discover flower power, 2 - 4 pm, Saturday 7th October

Rosliston Forestry Centre is also hosting a session on wildflower identification, and offers a beginner's guide to creating a wildflower meadow. No charge, but booking is essential. Call 01283 535039 or email rosliston@south-derbys.gov.uk

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Maintaining our local footpaths with Melbourne Footpaths Group

Melbourne Footpaths Group maintains, repairs and promotes the local footpath network. We also inform the County Council when paths are obstructed or not restored after ploughing. Several of the footpaths in Melbourne parish which couldn't be walked for years because of neglect and obstruction are now very popular with locals and visitors alike.

We maintain paths in all our local villages. Over the past five years, monthly parties have cleared paths and installed waymark posts, gates, stiles and steps in the parishes of Melbourne, Foremark, Ingleby, Ticknall, Repton and Swarkestone.

Recently we have been re-painting the yellow markers we installed along Warsick Lane, Ingleby, and clearing the little footpath from the Ingleby Toft back lane to the bridleway between Ticknall and Ingleby. We have also revealed several bridleway signs that had become overgrown.

The footpath at Ingleby Toft, known as Ingleby FP9, is not easy to spot as the wooden waymarker sign was stolen within a week of the County Council installing it a few years ago. We have put waymarker discs by the gap into the path three times in the last four years but they keep on being removed. We have also cleared the first 20 metres of the path and will get it restored again through the crop beyond that. By encouraging local walkers and joggers to use it, we hope that it will become re-established.

We need your help!

If you find a problem with a footpath or bridleway please contact DCC: search for 'derbyshire rights of way' and look for the link to report a problem. Alternatively, let us know through our website or Facebook page, @MelbourneFootpathsGroup. We are all volunteers; if you would like to join us, please get in touch.

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Wider Interest

Singing for the Brain needs Volunteers Alzheimer's Society are looking for volunteers to support our Singing for the Brain group in Burton-on-Trent Tuesday afternoons, 1.30 - 3 pm at Brook House, Shobnall Road, DE14 2BA Singing for the Brain uses singing to bring people together in a friendly and stimulating social environment. For more information please contact Hayley Page on 01543 573936, volshropstaff@alzheimers.org.uk or visit alzheimers.org.uk/volunteers

SnapBox

. . . was launched in August by SDDC together with its 'Waste less, Save more' partner, Sainsbury's. The idea is to make it easier when we eat out to take our leftovers home with us. Lots of people already do ask for their leftovers, but it seems that around 40% of diners don't feel comfortable asking for doggy bags.

The SnapBox name comes from the 'snap' lunch tins formerly used by South Derbyshire miners. Free, flat-pack SnapBoxes can be collected from Sharpe's Pottery Museum in Swadlincote, but most places will supply you with a box, bag or foil if necessary. SnapBox posters will be displayed in participating restaurants, which include The Bull's Head at Hartshorne, Repton Tea Rooms, The Board Walk at Willington, The Bulls Head in Repton, and The Mill Wheel at Hartshorne. However, whether you use a SnapBox or ask for a doggy bag, don't be shy to ask for your leftovers anywhere.

The 'Waste less, Save more' campaign is about changing attitudes. If requesting leftover food becomes part of dining out, it will have immediate environmental benefits.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Halloween

With pumpkin carving more popular than ever and candles adding drama, do take care, and in particular, keep children and fancy dress costumes away from naked flames − tea lights in pumpkins and electric, gas and open fires. Children should always be supervised near flames as long hair and clothing, especially fancy dress costumes, are very flammable.

Fire! Stop, drop and roll!

If the worse does happen and clothing catches fire, it can be very frightening, but don't panic. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service advises 'stop, drop and roll'. Stop! Don't run - it will only make the fire worse! Protect your face. Drop! Get down onto the floor. Roll! With your arms above your head, roll over and over to put out the flames!

Trick or Treat

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Please remind them that some people, especially the elderly or more vulnerable, may not want strangers knocking at their door, and respect 'No Trick or Treat' notices.

If you don't want a visit from 'trick or treaters', you can download a display poster from Derbyshire Police; search for 'derbyshire police trick or treat'.

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The next Safer Neighbourhood Meeting

. . . is on Tuesday 10th October at 6.15 pm at Stenson Fields Primary School, DE24 3BW. These meetings allow you to have a say on policing priorities locally.

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Scams Awareness

Our District Councillors have asked us to draw attention to scams current in this area, and in particular a Council Tax scam whereby residents are called by a company claiming Council Tax payment on behalf of SDDC. Reputable financial organisations will never contact you by phone, only by letter. Do not give out any financial details. Please report suspected scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Were you caught by the council tax scam?

Or an HMRC tax demand or repayment? Or BT bill fraud? Or the credit card fraud? Have you followed a facebook link and downloaded ransomware? . . . The list is endless. 'The Little Book of Big Scams' – search for it – has 52 pages of scams and advice, both how to avoid them, and what to do if you are caught out.

With so much sensitive data and so many of our memories 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.

Install a firewall, anti-virus system and anti-malware software and use them!

Keep all installed software up to date;

Check your computer regularly for malware and spyware;

Backup important files to disk or CD, preferably automatically;

Create a strong, unique password for each site;

Learn to recognise and avoid malicious emails;

Be particularly careful of what you do on social networks.

But nothing will protect you if you . . .

give out personal or access details out to unsolicited callers, particularly details relating to bank accounts and credit cards.

allow anyone online to download software to connect to your computer, unless you initiated the contact.

download software from suppliers you can't be sure of.

Getting it wrong can become very expensive. Banks are getting tougher.

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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

Trees for small gardens

Choosing a tree for a small garden can be a challenge. Even a 'small' tree can grow to 8 to 10 metres; you only have to visit front gardens on a 10 year old housing estate to see many that have outgrown their allotted space. Here are a few suggestions.

Amelanchier lamarckii has early flowers in spring, good autumn colour, and fruit which the blackbirds love. They are often naturally multi-stemmed and easily thinned by removing a few branches at the base.

Cornus controversa variegata, known as the wedding cake tree, is multi-layered and beautiful all year round. There are many other good cornus trees such as 'Eddie's White Wonder', and 'China Girl'. They are very hardy once established but can struggle in the first year.

Robinia 'Lace Lady' is a very small tree with fresh green, lacy leaves spilling down like ringlets from twisted branches. People always ask about it.

Most of the Acer palmatums are really too small to be classed as trees but Acer truncatum, Acer griseum and Acer micranthus reach 6 foot in a few years, remaining small trees. The snake bark maples such as Acer hersii and Acer 'George Forrest' are attractive throughout the year and can be pruned in winter.

I have two Sorbus (Rowans) that are truly small trees, Sorbus vilmorinii with blue tinged delicate foliage and pinkish berries, and Sorbus koehneana (white fruited Chinese rowan) which has white waxy berries. I have a few more that are much too big for a small garden.

Hawthorn is naturally quite a small tree and has handsome flowers and berries. Generally they are not very prickly when grown as trees; there are double ones by St Wystan's Church lychgate. Look out for 'Paul's Scarlet' a double red. Crataegus persimilis 'Prunifolia', which has good autumn colour and wonderful berries, looks much like a child's drawing of a tree.

Crab apples are generally quite small, I have a wonderful Malus 'John Downie' that is nearly 30 years old and still a small tree. Another good crab is Malus 'Red Sentinel'.

A good tree will probably cost you £30 - £50 so you need to look after it well. Plant it to the same depth as in the pot, in a square hole, give it some sort of support (current thinking is that a short diagonal post is best) and ensure it is well watered in the first year. Finally, keep it free of grass and weeds around the trunk.

Whatever you plant, large or small, but particularly if you do decide to put in a larger tree such as a silver birch, do give some thought to its position. Trees can take up a huge amount of water, impoverish the soil, and cast unwelcome shade on your garden or your neighbour's.

Much of central Repton is a conservation area where all trees are protected, limiting what you can do to them. In short, think before you plant – a tree is not just for Christmas but for life!