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

What a lovely community it is! We will remember them! 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+) Christmas Mini-Market: Saturday 11th November Junior Church Prize Giving and Child Friendly Church Award Thank you for supporting the Leprosy Mission Advent Carol Service, Sunday 3rd December Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Niya Marie Rose Waddell Marriages Michael Kuhn and Maureen Evans Marriages in November Katie Gooding and Thomas Hunt Funerals and Burial of Ashes Gillian Wheeldon Davinia Guyler Bishop Henry Richmond The Memorial Book Derby Diocese and the wider Church 90th Anniversary of Derby Diocese Repton Benefice Groups A Harvest Thank You! St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Electrics and lighting St Mary's News St Mary's Garden of Remembrance Christmas Tree Festival Workshops, 5th, 6th or 7th December Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 1st November Repton School Concert - Konstallation, Wednesday 1st November Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day, 4th November At Home, Wednesday 8th November Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 11th November Books, Browse and Coffee, Wednesday 15th November Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 16th November Christmas Bazaar, Saturday 18th November Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 18th November 3, 2, 1 Blast Off! Sunday 26th November Messy Church, Sunday 26th November MusSocK Haydn & Handel, Sunday 26th November Repton School Concert - Charles Owen, Wednesday 29th November Concert with Soup & Sweet, Friday 1st December Repton Christmas Tree Festival, 8th - 10th December Pot Pourri of Entertainment, Friday 8th December St Mary's Festival Concert, Saturday 9th December The Great War Remembered 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Events Appeal 100 Club Repton Village and History A step forward in saving our Village Hall Repton Village & School Sale of Work & Fun Day Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane Repton Casuals Secretary 3, 2, 1 - Blast Off! Calling young musicians to Carols on the Green Can you help?   Repton & District RBL Poppy Appeal Recycle and help Repton RBL Club Repton Baby and Toddler Another fantastic result for Sue! Scouts have fun at Alton Towers Repton Christmas Tree Festival Soup, Cheese & Chat and Books, Browse & Coffee Repton WI Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Hockey Club Repton Parish Council Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Village Hall Milton WI Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney WI Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council Willington Surgery Audiology Services South Derbyshire Derby & District Scouts deliver your Christmas mail Nordic Walking Taster Session, Sunday 5th November You and your Pet Brachycephalic? Neighbourhood Watch Gardening Notes

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What a lovely community it is!

For me the idea of community is deeply ingrained, one of the most important things in my ministry. Before I left teaching to become a priest, I joined the Y.M.C.A. and worked for a time as a Youth and Community Leader. While at theological college, on placement with the Diocese of Southwark, I was asked to assess how churches there engaged with their local communities. Experiences such as these have fed into my ministry in many different settings.

When I was appointed vicar to this benefice one of the things that was stressed to me was the opening up of our churches to the local community. One way this can be done is by making our church buildings available to as many groups as possible. Historically speaking, churches were always at the heart of their community. Other than barns they were often the only places for communal meals, markets and celebrations. Only now are they beginning once again to accommodate activities that, before the introduction of pews, took place in their naves and aisles

Redevelopment at St Wystan's and St Mary's has helped, but a lack of parking at either site does make a difference, perhaps especially in Repton. The lack of a church hall in any of our parishes also means that we are reliant on the availability of other halls and facilities. To be able to worship in Repton village hall whilst St Wystan's has been closed has proved invaluable, and many in the congregation have found it both revealing and rewarding. In the same way at St Saviour's and St Mary's we have Milton and Newton Solney village halls available when required.

Village halls were often built to celebrate jubilees, as memorials to those who died in war, or simply in response to local need. As I write villagers are being asked to approve an increase in the parish precept to help replace our village hall in Repton. To me this is a no-brainer. In my short time here we have lost The Dales, the bank and much of our open space. To lose our village hall would further diminish Repton as a community.

Everyone who moves here says 'what a lovely community it is', a community formed of churches and pubs, the shops and Post Office, the clubs and societies, the schools and pre-schools, but also of the network of support and caring, the way people look out for their neighbour and are generous in lending a hand. And a part of the community is and should continue to be the village hall.

The plans to replace the village hall are modest and offer very good value for money. People have not been tempted to create a complex with sporting facilities, a dedicated day care centre, a library or even a museum. The planning group has worked hard on our behalf. Now they need our full support to ensure that future generations too will enjoy a facility flexible enough to accommodate all the different activities that currently take place in the village hall, as well as many more as yet unimagined.

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Remembrance at Foremark, Newton Solney and Repton

Please join us this month to remember those who gave their lives in war.

Wednesday 1st November, 10.45 at the memorial in St Wystan's Church porch

Following our 10 am communion service we will gather for a brief act of remembrance and re-dedication, marking exactly 100 years since the dedication of the war memorial in 1917.

Saturday 11th November at 10.50 at Repton war memorial by the lych gate

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month we gather together for this act of remembrance.

Remembrance Sunday, 12th November

At St Wystan's Church we gather at 10.45 for our annual Service of Remembrance. All are most welcome. The service is arranged jointly by the Royal British Legion, the United Reformed Church and St Wystan's Church.

The Parade, including the Scout and Guide movements, will form up outside the Royal British Legion Club at 10.30 and process to the Parish Church at 10.35.

The service in church will begin at 10.50, so that the Act of Remembrance can take place at 11. A collection is taken at the service; 60% goes to the British Legion Poppy Appeal, the rest being divided between the parish church and the United Reformed Church.

After the service wreaths will be laid at the war memorial by representatives of the County, South Derbyshire and Repton Parish Councils, the President of the Repton Royal British Legion, cadets from Repton School, and children from the Scouting movement, Repton Primary and St Wystan's Schools. After the ceremony the parade will process back to the Legion Club.

At St Mary's the annual Service of Remembrance will take place at 10.30 on Sunday 12th November. A wreath will be laid at the Village Memorial in the church baptistry. All are most welcome.

At St Saviour's the Roll of Honour will be read during the evening service, which starts at 6.30 pm. All are most welcome.

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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 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th November from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. Activities this month include making sweets to sell at the Christmas Mini-Market, making pom-poms, games, and decorating the room for Christmas. New members are always welcome!

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Christmas Mini-Market: Saturday 11th November, 10.30 am – 12 noon

Make sure you don't miss this festive treat: home-made cakes and preserves, Christmas cards, wrapping paper, tombola, raffle and games for all the family, as well as coffee and mince pies to enjoy! Come and join us!

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Junior Church Prize Giving and Child Friendly Church Award

On Sunday 26th November a special family service will be led by the URC Children and Youth Development Officer for the East Midlands Synod, Jane Henderson. Jane will present the church with its 'Child Friendly Church' award, and each child with their Junior Church prize. Everyone welcome.

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Thank you

. . . to everyone who supported the Leprosy Mission at the service last month. Thanks to your generosity we have been able to send £633.40 to support the construction of the new Outpatients' Department for the Leprosy Hospital in Purulia, West Bengal. The department is no longer fit for purpose with up to 300 patients a day queuing in overcrowded conditions to see two doctors. You can see more about their work at leprosymission.org.uk.

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For your Diary

Sunday 3rd December at 6 pm: Advent Carol Service for South Derbyshire Association of United Reformed Churches, to be held at Alvaston United Reformed Church. Everyone is invited to join us to celebrate the beginning of Advent.

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Baptisms

Niya Marie Rose Waddell, daughter of Stacey and Scott Waddell of Peter's Court, Hatton was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 8th October.

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Marriages

Michael Kuhn and Maureen Evans of Monsom Lane were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 21st October.

Marriages in November

Friday 1st December

St Mary's Church

Katie Gooding and Thomas Hunt

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

The ashes of Gillian Wheeldon of 44 Malvern Avenue, Stapenhill, who died on 14th August 2017, were interred in Newton Solney churchyard on Sunday 1st October.

The ashes of Davinia Guyler of Findern were interred with her parents in St Wystan's churchyard on Tuesday 3rd October.

The ashes of Bishop Henry Richmond who died on 16th March were interred in St Wystan's churchyard on Sunday 22nd October.

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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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Derby Diocese and the wider Church

90th Anniversary of Derby Diocese

All Saints, Derby, was hallowed as the cathedral on the 28th October 1927, and the next day Edmund Pearce was enthroned as the first bishop. Although a separate diocese only since 1927, the county has a long Christian history, nowhere longer than in Repton.

The diocese covers the whole of Derbyshire as well as a few parishes on the fringes in Cheshire and Staffordshire. With over 330 churches, 220 licensed clergy and over 300 lay readers it serves a population of just over a million, almost a quarter of them in Derby itself.

In 1977, to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee and the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese, floodlighting was installed at St Wystan's Church. It is not in operation at the moment: one of the bulbs has failed and can't be replaced. However, the PCC is looking into the possibility of a new LED set up. It will be good to see it back in action.

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Repton Benefice

Groups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 7th November. If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, please contact Wendy Longden on 703259.

Woodend Cottage Bible Study group will meet on Thursdays 9th and 23rd November, both at 7.30 pm, to continue our study of Luke's Gospel and the picture of Jesus as portrayed by Luke. We are not meeting in December.

Christian Nurture will meet on Wednesday 8th November, 7.30 pm at Janette's home. This is a PCC working group, addressing the spiritual formation and Christian education of congregations within the benefice. The main focus of the meeting will be the next Lent Study Course.

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A Harvest Thank You!

Thank you for the many gifts you so generously brought to Harvest Festivals across the benefice, with special mentions to Repton Primary School, Newton Solney Infants and Pre-school, and Messy Church. Not only did we send a lot of stuff to the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission, but also over £300 to the Bishop's Harvest Appeal.

Thank you too to those who arranged our Harvest Lunches and the Family Barn Dance. They were really enjoyable and sociable occasions.

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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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Electrics and lighting

The works have been completed and we have moved back into St Wystan's Church. It is open again for visitors during daylight hours, and, if it is murky, lights now come on automatically to welcome those who visit to view or to pray.

When you come into church, not only will you appreciate the new lighting – we can actually read small print at evening services – but also the new feel of the church. Removing the hanging lamps appears to have changed its proportions. Do come and see!

We are particularly grateful to Mary and Ken Vincent for their legacy which made the whole thing possible.

Thank you to Benedict Cadbury who designed and managed the scheme, and to Melvin McCullam and his team from the contractors Walter Miles of Leicester, who completed a complicated project on time. We are also grateful to those who worked so hard to oversee the project, right through from the early explorations of what had been done at other churches to finally ensuring the work had been completed satisfactorily. Those on the 'team' were Virginia Davis, Richard Finch, Peter Court, Fred Hill, John Perks, David Roberts, Simon Mann and Martin Wimbush. Thank you one and all.

Thank you also to our friends at the URC for accommodating our mid-week services, to everyone who helped with furniture removal, and to those who contributed to the cost of employing professional cleaners.

As you pass the church at night you will notice that there is now low level lighting for security and safety, up the main path and around the building. In time the exterior flood lighting, which has failed and needs replacing, will be renewed. We look forward to the day when the spire in all its glory once again stands proud against the night sky.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's Garden of Remembrance

In the past several plots were reserved by individuals and families. Unfortunately accurate records were not kept, and a couple of plots remain that we are still unsure about. Please contact me if you believe you have a plot reserved, or if you are aware of a family member or someone who has moved away who might have a plot reserved.

This notice was first published in February. We believe that by the year's end, everyone will have had a chance to confirm their reservation. The Parochial Church Council decided a couple of years ago that it would no longer reserve plots. We believe we have more than enough space for years to come.

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Christmas Tree Festival Workshops, 5th, 6th or 7th December
Festival Friday 8th - Sunday 10th December

Come along to St Mary's to decorate a tree at one of our workshops between 10 am and 3 pm. (However, if you prefer to decorate one at home, just let Hazel, 701244, or Carolyn, 07779 601774, know and we will make arrangements for their collection.) Remember to bring scissors, decorations and something to cover the plant pot, though some decorations will be available to buy. Refreshments will be provided. The trees can be ordered from Hazel or Carolyn. They cost £20 and will be supplied with battery lights. After the Festival you will be able to take them home.

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Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 1st November from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread, cheese, a chance to borrow books - and chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Repton School Concerts Society 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

Frances, Martin and the Jigsaw At Home at 27 Chestnut Way, Repton, Wednesday 8th November, 10.30 am - 6 pm £5 entry in cludes tea / coffee, biscuits, and a piece of the puzzle Jigsaw Puzzle swap         Usborne Books Cards by Flamingo Papiery         Phoenix Jewellery All Welcome!         In aid of Repton Village Hall Appeal

Christmas Mini-Market Saturday 11th November, 10.30 am - noon at the URC Coffee and Mince Pies Home-Made Cakes and Preserves, Christmas Cards, Wrapping Paper lots of goodies for you to treat yourselves Tombola, Raffle and Games for all the Family All proceeds to the United Reformed Church

Books, Browse and Coffee Wednesday 15th November, 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'

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 16th November, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Stew and Dumplings + Treacle Tart! Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

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

Repton Quiz Night Saturday 18th November, 7.15 for 7.30 start Repton Village Hall We play in teams of four, but if you haven't got a team, please get in touch anyway. Contact Jan Gillham or Carol Lloyd Do join us for a fun evening ~ £5 per person with light refreshments Finger food provided, but bring your own drinks and glasses

Quite Remarkable Productions 3, 2, 1 Blast Off! A sensory-swamped galactic voyage with puppetry, live music, magic and mayhem for 2-6 year olds – and their families! Refreshments on sale before the show Sunday 26th November, 11 am & 2 pm, Repton Village Hall £5 adults, £5 children Tickets: 11 am: Jo Hinton : 2 pm: Jo Bamford Tickets also from Mulberry Beauty Salon, Repton Raising funds for Repton Village Hall

Messy Church Ready, steady, Advent! Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 26th November, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it!

Repton School Music Society directed by Oliver Walker Haydn, Nelson Mass : Handel, Zadok the Priest Sunday 26th November at 7.45 pm in Pears School, Repton School Tickets £12, from Repton School Lodge, just inside the Arch, or Rosie Carpenter on 01283 702370

Repton School Concerts Society Charles Owen, piano: Bach meets the Romantics Wednesday 29th November at 7.45 in the Robert Beldam Hall Described by Gramophone magazine as 'one of the finest British pianists of his generation', Charles Owen has enjoyed an extensive international career performing a wide-ranging repertoire to outstanding critical acclaim.   He has appeared at the Barbican and Queen Elizabeth Hall and gives regular recitals at the Wigmore Hall. His programme will include works by J.S. Bach, Brahms, Liszt and Chopin. 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

Concert with Soup & Sweet A concert by pupils from Foremarke School followed by home-made soup and a sweet St Wystan's Church, Friday 1st December at 12 noon Produce Stall Tickets £5 from Carol Lloyd or Jan Roberts This is a really lovely event; all are welcome. All proceeds to St Wystan's Church.

Repton Christmas Tree Festival St Wystan's Church, 8th - 10th December Friday 11 am to 5 pm : Saturday 11 am to 6 pm : Sunday 1 to 6 pm £2 entrance, children free Saturday 3 pm - Christmas Carols Sunday 2 pm - Bell ringing Sunday 3 pm - Novice musicians entertain Saturday & Sunday 4 pm - Children's Christmas Story Refreshments and Craft & Produce Stall

Short Pot Pourri of Entertainment followed by mulled wine and mince pies St Wystan's Church, Friday 8th December at 6.30 pm Tickets £2.50, children free, from Morag Hill or Jan Roberts

St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Newton Solney Festival Concert with Derby a Cappella & Alex White Saturday 9th December at 7.30 pm Derby a Cappella is a small male voice chorus performing a variety of songs arranged in the Barbershop-style of close harmony. Their repertoire includes pop songs recent and not so recent, songs from stage and screen, and the more traditional Barbershop songs from America. Alex White is a talented local singer. Tickets : Adults £10, Children £5 from Sue Elson, 703604, Hazel Ward, 701244, or in church Proceeds will be split between Newton Solney Pre-school new build, and on-going maintenance at St Mary's Church

The Great War Remembered

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

By the time this has been published our War Memorial will, I hope, have been dedicated. I am glad to think that so large a proportion of the families of the village have subscribed. You should bear in mind that this is distinctly a Church memorial, and should not militate in the future against a much larger village memorial of this great war.

I have again to record the death in action of two more Repton men. It is only a few months ago that news came of the death of Harold Eaton; now, alas! his brother Albert has also fallen. Reginald Hooker of High Street, although not born or brought up in Repton, resided here for several years. He has also given his life for his country. While I greatly fear that Henry James Bamford of Milton, whose younger brother, Fred, fell in 1915, has also been killed. To the relatives of all these brave men I tender my own, and I am sure your, most sincere sympathy.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

What a good time we had at the Pig Racing Evening! See the photos on reptonvillagehall.uk or Facebook. All tickets were sold well ahead and the village hall was packed, with lots of excited children too. Thank you so much to everyone involved for all your hard work, particularly Adrian, Kyran, Carol, Frances and Jo. You all did an amazing job. Thank you too to everyone who came, placed bets, and cheered the pigs on. The event raised £880, and was again so popular that there is already talk of a repeat next year.

What next?

By the time you read this, we will have had the Children's Halloween Party, and then on Sunday 26th November, Quite Remarkable Productions will bring us "a sensory-swamped galactic voyage for 2 - 6 year olds with puppetry, live music, magic and mayhem!" In other words 3,2,1, Blast Off! Their last production, The Marvellous Machine, was hugely popular, so popular that this time there will be two performances.

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

We would be delighted if you could join us to have fun and support the Village Hall Appeal, even more delighted if you could offer to help! For more information contact Carol Lloyd.

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.

Easyfundraising

In the run-up to Christmas, many of us shop online. If you do too, please remember to use Easyfundraising on behalf of Repton Village Hall Appeal. It's surprising how seemingly small amounts soon add up.

It costs you nothing and is very easy to do. Go to easyfundraising.org.uk and search for Repton Village Hall Appeal. Create an account with your name, email address and password, and you can then choose whether you wish to use gift aid; if you do, HMRC adds 25% to any money the retailer donates. As simple as that!

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Repton Village & History

A step forward in saving our Village Hall

Following two structural surveys, one in March 2006, the second in January 2015, it is plain that the situation urgently needs a solution. We are delighted that Repton Parish Council has decided, subject to the result of a Parish Referendum, to raise a substantial loan to provide the additional funding still needed to rebuild the village hall.

The referendum is a legal requirement as taking out a loan will mean increasing the parish precept. Although the percentage increase is large, the actual amount is small.

You should already have received two information leaflets, one from the Parish Council and the other from the village hall committee. Our thanks go to everyone who helped distribute them to 1,200 homes.

The Parish Council leaflet provides the necessary objective facts. The leaflet from the village hall committee adds in the background to this long-running story and hopes to share our enthusiasm. If we are asking everyone to pay a little more to build a new hall, we need to set our stall out fully. It was difficult to compress a complex tale and the leaflet is quite long, but please do read it.

With the Parish Council leaflet you will receive a voting slip, one per dwelling. It has been individually numbered and marked. No duplicates can be issued so please don't lose it! The numbering is random; your vote cannot be identified. Official voting boxes, provided by South Derbyshire District Council, will be open until 12.00 noon on Wednesday 15th November. In Repton they are at the Post Office, Mulberry and Samaras, and in Milton at the Swan Inn. A huge thank you goes to them and to SDDC for their help.

This project has given the Parish Council a lot of work and may continue to do so. We are very conscious of this and grateful for their input.

Grill the village hall committee, Saturday 4th November

There will be a chance to come and grill the village hall committee about the proposal. Drop in to the village hall on Saturday 4th November between 2 and 5 pm.

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Repton Village & School Sale of Work & Fun Day
Saturday 4th November, 2.30 in the grounds of Repton School

This year will be the 140th anniversary of the Sale of Work, an event that raises huge sums for a range of local and national charities. Alongside the entrepreneurial activities of the pupils' stalls, we are including some popular external small business sellers, including: Phoenix Greetings Cards, Candles by Louise Higgins, Forteys of Melbourne and Colenso Chocolates. So whether it's the ducking stool, tea and cake, games and activities for children, artisan items and crafts that take your interest, we hope that you will come along and enjoy the day!

Who benefits?

Last year more than £17,000 was raised by events associated with the day. We always try to distribute a large proportion of funds to charities and organisations within 5 to 10 miles of Repton, including St Wystan's Church, Repton Lunch Club, Repton Casuals, Repton Village Hall, Repton Primary School and Newton Solney Infant School.

Charitable Suggestions

We welcome suggestions and requests for charitable donations. They can be made on the day to stalls or via boarding houses. Alternatively, please contact me by letter to me at Repton School or by email – see below.

We need your help!

We are always so grateful for the help and generous contributions you give. The stallholders would greatly welcome gifts direct to them or to Pears School on the day.

Repton Village Market Stall

We welcome any contributions of any suitable items such as home-baked goods, home-made preserves, pickles and chutneys, and anything in a bottle or jar, savoury, sweet, scented or decorative. Please contact Frances Wimbush on 703180. Alternatively, please drop any items in to Pears School on Saturday morning before 11 am. Then do come and find us on the day!

Raffles

Several of the school boarding houses put on raffles and tombolas, with tickets on sale beforehand and on the day. We will be holding the raffle draws at about 4.15 on the Saturday. All the Houses would welcome prize donations including wine and bubbly, hampers, chocolate, gift sets, vouchers, and other items befitting a raffle by Wednesday 2nd November. Please contact me – see below.

Extra pairs of hands are always welcome, so anyone who is willing to be involved on the day should also contact me.

Fireworks Display!

In the evening, the school will be hosting a Fireworks display, and we hope that you will join us once again this year. The display will start around 5.30 pm, with warm and delicious refreshments on offer, and a retiring collection for charity. Do look out for posters and flyers in the village!

(The fireworks display is due to last for approximately 15 minutes.
Pet owners may want to keep animals indoors.)

Do join us in raising a significant sum for charity – and perhaps to get ahead with some Christmas gift purchases! – on what we hope will be a very enjoyable afternoon.

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Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
12th	10.30 am	Under 14	Blackfordby FC Hawks
12th	10.30 am	Under 13 Blue	TS Sports Rams
19th	10.30 am	Under 13 White	Winshill
26th	10.30 am	Under 14	TS Sports Titans
26th	10.30 am	Under 13 White	TS Sports Claret

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Repton Casuals

Please note that Bob Errington has replaced Sarah Baker as Secretary to Repton Casuals junior teams. The entry on the magazine back cover will be changed in the New Year.

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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 a packed village hall last March? Quite Remarkable Productions' show was a huge success.

"What a fantastic show . . . 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."

And here it is, 'puppetry, live music, magic and mayhem' for 2-6 year olds – and their families – another great hour of fun, giggling and excitement.

This time there are two performances but 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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Calling all young musicians!
Carols on the Green

On Friday 22nd December from 6 to 6.30 pm we will once again be carolling on the Crescent. Everyone is welcome and there will be hot drinks and mince pies afterwards. If you play an instrument please contact me for a copy of the music and information about rehearsals. If you would like to sing, you can just turn up on the night – words will be provided. We hope to see you all there.

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Can you help?   Repton & District RBL Poppy Appeal

The Poppy Appeal, which is at its height in the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday, enables the Royal British Legion to provide lifelong support for serving men and women, veterans, and their families. Last year the Repton & District Branch raised the magnificent total of £14,841.67.

In Repton, however, we need more collectors. The streets where help is most needed are: High Street, Main Street, Pinfold Lane and Mill Hill, Pinfold Close, Longlands, Hill View and Meadow Close, Clayfields, Holloway. If you could help, please ring me on 07704 585653.

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Recycle and help Repton RBL Club - Are you clearing out that shed or outhouse?

We have now started work to install a disabled toilet and refurbish existing facilities.

Assorted scrap metal – brass, copper, stainless steel or aluminium – and electric cable and plugs can provide us with much needed income for this development. No quantity is too small. We are also able to recycle small electrical appliances.

If you are able to support us, please contact me to arrange collection.

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Ladybird, ladybird ~ Repton Baby and Toddler

Autumn crafting has been a firm favourite this month, with children making leaf crowns and spiky hedgehogs. They thoroughly enjoyed their jumping clay experience and created some beautiful ladybirds.

The library will be paying us a visit next month, for story time and rhymes. We hope you can join us. We meet every Wednesday at Repton village hall, from 9.45 to 11.45, for everyone from 0 to school age. Just turn up. Find us on Facebook or contact Natalie Matthews.

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Another fantastic result!

A very big 'thank you' to all who helped to make my coffee morning such a great success once again. It raised £1,121.50 for MacMillan Cancer Relief. And a very special 'thank you' to Mary, Gwen, Sheena, Lil, Rachel, Kirsty, Lesley, Ralph, Janet, Sue and Richard – thank you to you all!

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Fun at Alton Towers

Alton Towers was a great success. We camped by the lake in the main part of the park and enjoyed the water park in the evening as well as early access into the main park and rides before the public were allowed in.

For the last few weeks we have been covering the athletics badge, including a timed obstacle course and also some fitness routines.

Unfortunately Scouts is now full, but I am starting a reserve list in case anyone drops out. If you are interested, please let me know and I will add you to the list. Please contact me.

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Repton Christmas Tree Festival Friday 8th - Sunday 10th December, St Wystan's Church

With new lighting in church, the Christmas trees will look spectacular this year. Do come and see them. There will be refreshments – yet more cake! – and a Craft and Produce stall throughout.

On the Friday evening there will also be entertainment, a short 'Pot Pourri' at 6.30 pm followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets at £2.50 (children free) are available from Morag Hill, 702799, or Jan Roberts.

Over the weekend there will be also carol singing, bell ringing, music and a children's Christmas story. For timings, see the ad above.

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Soup, Cheese & Chat and Books, Browse & Coffee

. . . are back! Lunches on the first Wednesday of the month cost just £4 with home-made soup, a selection of cheeses, and a sweet (but not a pud!) to go with your coffee.

Books, Browse & Coffee offers an excellent selection of books that you can borrow for free, and an opportunity for a chat over coffee and biscuits for just £1.

'Chat' figures strongly in both. These are great chances to meet new people, and for us it is always nice to welcome new faces. Do join us.

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Repton WI

At our Annual Meeting in October there were no changes to the committee. In the Secretary's absence, Ann Davidson read her report detailing the many and varied activities we had had during the year. Afterwards there was an Indian themed evening with food and quizzes. Our Indian member let us display three splendid outfits that she wore at her recent wedding, and another member brought a sari for us to see.

The next meeting – on Tuesday 14th November at 7.15 pm in the village hall – promises to be entertaining. Graham Keal, an ex 'celebrity journalist', will speak on 'Oprah Winfrey touched my elbow'. We have welcomed quite a few new members during the year, and are always pleased to see visitors. If you want to give it a try, do come along. Find us also on Facebook.

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A boy scrumping cherries - Repton Village History Group

In October Richard Stone brought slides of pages and details of the Luttrell Psalter. It is a book of psalms and prayers intended, most probably, for use in a church, but also to be seen and admired by others.

This richly embellished manuscript was commissioned about 1330 by Geoffery Luttrell (sic), Lord of the Manor of Irnham near Grantham. It is valuable as a rare document that has survived in surprisingly good condition, as a beautiful book in itself, and as a rich source of illustrations of medieval life before country was ravaged by plague. Some of the lively and often humorous images reveal very human scenes such as a boy scrumping cherries, a wife berating her husband, two men arguing with one smashing a pitcher over the other's head. Some illustrations explain how things were done – the harvest, the design of ploughs, how bullocks and horses were harnessed, and the importance of bee hives. There are also many strange and terrifying beasts.

At our next meeting on Tuesday 21st November, Colin Stewart from Calke Abbey will talk on 'Calke Park and Estate – The Archaeology'. All are welcome to our meetings at 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. Members £2, visitors £3. For further information, please contact Andy Austen.

See the psalter and other wonderful books online.

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Repton Village Society

In October Sue Fraser of the National Trust told us about the history of Sudbury Hall and the many George and Henry Vernons involved in its history. The first George Vernon inherited the place in 1660 and, having married well, proceeded to rebuild the existing hall to his own design. Family connections with wealthy families in London and elsewhere gave him contacts to the best craftsmen to embellish the hall in the latest style. The prize exhibits are the wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons; in the event of a fire these head the list of items to be rescued! In 1967 it was passed to the National Trust, who are now celebrating their fiftieth year there, and in the 1995 television version of Pride and Prejudice, the hall was used for the interior scenes at Pemberley.

Thursday 2nd November, 7 30 pm at Repton village hall

Danny Wells' talk on 'The Art of Christmas Cards' will be followed by Wine & Cheese – and chat!

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Repton Hockey Club

We are currently recruiting players in the U10 and U12 age groups. Everyone is welcome from beginner up. All training times are on the club website, but the beginner's sessions are:

• U10s: Sundays 9 - 10 am (pay and play, £5 per session - no joining fee)
• U12s: Sundays 10.15 - 11.15 am

We also have opportunities for adult players in three categories: beginners; back to hockey / social hockey; ladies' and men's league hockey. Adult social and beginners session are on Thursdays from 8 - 9 pm (pay and play, £5 per session – no joining fee.) Other age groups operate on a season subscription.

Repton Hockey Club was established last year. Adult teams along with boys' and girls' U14s, U16s and U18s compete in the England Hockey leagues: The men's 1st team is in the East Midlands Premier division, and the Ladies 1st in Derbyshire Division 1. Adults and juniors in these groups should contact the Head Coach to discuss if it would be suitable for them.

In our first season we performed well on the national stage. Teams won Indoor National gold and silver medals and competed in the England Hockey outdoor finals, where our mixed adult team won gold. As well as developing and stretching players with high performance potential, we cater for beginners in the early junior and senior sections.

In its second year, the Club is expanding and can offer an introduction to hockey for boys and girls of any ability or experience in the U10 and U12 age groups. The adult section also runs 'Back to Hockey' for players looking to return to playing after absence, and 'Get into Hockey' for beginners.

The Club uses local facilities, training and playing home matches at Repton School's first-class facilities, and hosting visitors in the Bulls Head, one of our local sponsors. A strong team of coaches operates under the watchful eye of Head Coach and ex England international Martin Jones.

For further information please see reptonhockeyclub.com.

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Repton Parish Council

Rebuilding Repton Village Hall: The Parish Council has now resolved to ask local residents for permission to apply for a Public Works Loan from the Government to help fund a new village hall. Information packs are being distributed to each household; they contain a leaflet showing full details of the rebuilding costs and the effect of loan interest repayments on Council Tax, together with one voting slip for each household. Please read the information carefully before casting your vote. Votes can be cast until 12 noon on Wednesday 15th November. The voting boxes will be at Repton Post Office, Mulberry Beauty Salon and Samaras in Repton, and at The Swan Inn in Milton. Voting slips can also be returned in a sealed envelope to the Parish Council Office, 40 High Street, Repton. Please mark the envelope 'ballot paper' so that it is not opened until the count. If you would like further information please contact the Parish Council office at the address below.

Audiology Services: On 1st January the Audiology Services at Willington Surgery are to move to the Wellbrook Medical Centre in Hilton. This will mean that no Audiology service can be reasonably accessed by bus from Repton. The Parish Council objects and is contacting the NHS authorities and Heather Wheeler, our MP.

Parking & Noise Complaints: The Parish Council receives many complaints, and (unlike others) keeps records. Please let us know at the address below.

The main responsibility for parking falls with DCC Civilian Enforcement Officers. They supervise waiting and loading restrictions, parking in front of dropped kerbs, disabled parking bays, double parking and similar. The local police only deal with more serious offences. At parksmarter.org.uk you can check exactly who does what and contact the CEOs. They can also be contacted on 01629 538671.

For pavements blocked so that a wheelchair cannot pass, parking over dropped kerbs or too near a corner, please email mike.ashworth@derbyshire.gov.uk. Attach a photograph if possible with copies to the Parish Council and to Martyn Ford, the Derbyshire County Councillor for this area, martyn.ford@south-derbys.gov.uk.

For noise complaints, particularly about public houses, email environmental.health @south-derbys.gov.uk with copies to the Parish Council and to Mark Lomas, the Licensing Manager at SDDC, mark.lomas@south-derbys.gov.uk.

Autumn Parish Meeting: In future the autumn Parish Meeting, traditionally held in Milton, will take place in October rather than September. In recent years fewer Councillors have been able to attend the September meeting; changing the date to October should allow a greater number of Councillors to meet with local residents.

Village Litter Pick: Councillor McArdle is to organize another litter picking group for early in the New Year. The last pick was very successful. If you would like to take part and help improve our environment, please contact either Councillor McArdle or the Parish Council office.

Next meeting: Monday 13th November 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

Milton Village Hall

Milton annual Harvest Supper was a friendly and sociable evening with a tasty buffet, a children's competition, stand-up bingo and a raffle. The profits will be put towards the upkeep and ongoing refurbishment of the village hall.

Turning on the lights!

On Friday 1st December the lights on the Christmas Tree outside the village hall will be switched on at 6 pm. Mulled wine and mince pies will be on hand to mark the occasion and villagers and friends of Milton are very welcome to come along.

Milton Christmas Party
Friday 8th December in the village hall

Our Christmas Party is a family event. Between 7 and 7.30 there will be a children's playtime, followed by a hot meal between 7.30 and 8.30. Afterwards we can enjoy festive games and a short mini-sketch performed by local residents and friends of Milton.

The hall will be decorated for the occasion, so do come along and enjoy good food and good company. A vegetarian option will be available if pre-booked. Everyone is welcome. There is no bar so remember to bring your own tipple. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children from Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Milton WI

At our AGM in October, we formed a committee and re-elected Linda Murray as President. The treasurer's report and financial statement was approved and Secretary Roberta Higson reported on our activities over the past year. Delicious refreshments were served by Avril Skipper and Sue Goodwin.

At our next meeting on 15th November, 7.30 pm in Milton village hall, we will be musically entertained by Geoff Deighton. We will also be collecting items for South Derbyshire CVS food bank. Non-food items such as toiletries, toothbrushes and cutlery would be gratefully received. New members and guests are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney WI

Members thoroughly enjoyed the talk at the October meeting. Barbara Daykin's "Oh Mum, What have you done?" produced laughter as well as tugging at a few heartstrings.

A big thank you to Denise and Steve Parker for their wine tutorial, a very successful and enjoyable evening that raised funds for village hall improvements.

Members are reminded about the Birthday Meal at 6.30 pm on Thursday 9th November at The Winery, and are encouraged to reserve a place if they have not already done so.

On Tuesday 14th November – 7.30 pm in the village hall – we have an open meeting. Mark Newbold has spoken to NSWI previously, and his talk on 'Back to the Falklands' promises to be informative and interesting to men and women alike. Please come along and bring a friend; a glass of wine and nibbles will be served. Marion Cooper has volunteered to provide flowers for the evening.

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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. The next is on Thursday 2nd November at 9.15 am, and we would be very pleased if you could join us in the school hall. Subsequent dates are 7th December and 4th January.

A reminder that our Open Morning for prospective parents for the reception class intake in September 2018 is on Thursday 9th November from 9.30 - 11am. As well as seeing the school in action, you will have an opportunity to talk to staff and governors. Applications are welcome from both Derbyshire and Staffordshire children. For further details, please contact the school, info@newtonsolney.derbyshire.sch.uk, or on 01283 703461.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

In September we went to the Bentley Brook Hotel for lunch with a coffee stop at Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne, on the way. We were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a great meal in very pleasant surroundings, giving us plenty of time afterwards to relax, chat and enjoy our coffee. The weather was lovely and a number of us sat outside to enjoy the sunshine before getting back on the coach.

At our October meeting we had two speakers. A representative of the SDDC Environmental Team discussed cutting down on food waste, especially when eating out. 'Snap' boxes were distributed to take home any food not consumed at a restaurant, for us to eat at home later. The scheme is now in full operation locally. The boxes and information leaflets on how to reduce household food waste are available free of charge from the Council offices in Swadlincote.

Our advertised speaker, Colin Bagshaw, gave an entertaining presentation on the Shetland Isles, the history of its inhabitants and culture up to the present day. Colin was thanked by Maggie Reeves with warm applause from those present. The afternoon concluded in sharing tea and cake with Hazel Ward and Geoff Wilson, who are both celebrating special birthdays.

Tuesday 7th November at 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a cookery demonstration and tasting with Jenny West.

Tuesday 21st November: A trip to Dobbies

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

Tuesday 28th November: Whist Drive starting at 7 pm in the village hall.

For further information regarding any of the above, please contact our Secretary, Jane on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney Parish Council

Bonfire Night: Newton Solney's popular fireworks event is back with a bang on Saturday 4th November on the common ground near the River Trent. Materials for bonfire must NOT include rubble, metal work or toxic materials. A donation from the proceeds will be made to the pre-school project.

Dog fouling: Parishioners should note any nuisance behaviour to the Safer Neighbourhood Team. £1,000 fine can now be imposed for not cleaning up after a dog. A patrol team will also be checking the site regularly to catch offenders.

Halloween Party: Youngsters are set for a 'spook-tacular' time as the village hall hosts a Halloween party on Saturday 28th October from 4 to 6.30 pm. All the money raised with go towards the new pre-school building. Those wanting to get in the groove are urged to contact Catherine, 07855 257854, or Debbie, 07761 248210.

Recreational Field: The Parish Council has received £1,000 grant from Tesco's 'Bags of Help' scheme. Following a number of incidents, the Parish Council decided that a locked gate should be erected at the Recreational Field to strengthen its security.

The speed activated sign, which has been inactive for a number of months, will be examined over the next few weeks.

Planning applications

• 150 houses in Sales Lane, Winshill. NSPC objects.
• Demolition of 22 Main Street and construction of new dwelling – awaiting decision. NSPC objects.
• Felling an oak tree at 22 Main Street – awaiting decision. NSPC objects.
• Pruning of trees at Bladon House – awaiting decision.

Next meeting: Friday 10th November, 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Willington Surgery

Audiology Services

From 1st January 2018, Burton Hospital will no longer provide an audiology service at Willington Surgery. The nearest centre for hearing aid appointments is now Wellbrook Medical Centre at Hilton. For further information, contact Burton Hospitals on 01283 511511 x 5188.

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South Derbyshire

Stamp & Deliver!
Derby & District Scouts deliver your Christmas mail

For 35 years, Stamp & Deliver, run by Derby & District Scouts, has been delivering your Christmas mail, and during that time has raised over £1 million for local charities.

The service starts on Monday 4th December, with the last collection at 2 pm on Tuesday 19th. Stamps cost only 30p, about half the price of the Royal Mail! By law, we can only deliver greetings cards - definitely no cash enclosures.

Details of outlets where you can buy stamps and post your cards locally – but not all 200 of them! – will be in next month's Parish Magazine. Meanwhile, look out for the yellow leaflet through your letter box. In general the delivery area will include all of Derby, and 85 of its suburbs and surrounding villages, extending to Breaston in the east, Belper to the north, Hatton and Hilton to the west and Ticknall and Melbourne to the south. Cards can't be delivered or forwarded to other areas.

Where last year's money went

In 2016 Stamp & Deliver raised £5,000 split between two local charities, Umbrella and Children First Derby. Umbrella supports disabled children, young people and their families, whilst Children First Derby provides supervised contact, support and mentoring services for local children and families.

This year's charities

. . . are The Children's Air Ambulance and Derby Mountain Rescue Team.

The Children's Air Ambulance acts as a flying intensive care unit to transport critically ill children to the specialist care they need. It receives no government funding.

Derby Mountain Rescue Team responds to emergency callouts from police across the East Midlands. Incidents range from crag rescue to missing person searches through to water rescue. All the team, which is on call 24 / 7 / 365, are unpaid volunteers.

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Get Active in the Forest at Rosliston Forestry Centre
Nordic Walking Taster Session, Sunday 5th November

Nordic walking burns 46% more calories than normal walking and has less impact on your joints than running. This taster session, led by a qualified instructor, will introduce you to the basics. Meet at 9.45am for a 10am start in the foyer at Rosliston Forestry Centre. £1.50 if you bring your own poles, or £3 if hiring poles. Places are limited so booking is essential; call 01283 563483.

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You and your Pet

Brachycephalic?

As vets we are urged to speak out about potential health problems in pets, so here goes. Dogs which are brachycephalic have a short, broad head. In Britain we are seeing an increasing number, including pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus, and French bulldogs. There are various ways in which dogs with an extremely short face are at a disadvantage. They can have narrowed wind pipes, overlong soft palates that block air exchange and cause 'snoring', and narrowed nostrils. These can obstruct breathing and cause dogs to struggle particularly on warm days. Some dogs may have one or two of these problems, some sadly may have them all.

Unlike humans, dogs can't sweat. The only way they can lose heat is through breathing and panting. Their body has an excellent system of heat loss through the nose and mouth – but the shorter it is, the less room for heat exchange, and therefore the less effective. The large head also makes it difficult to give birth; many brachycephalic dogs need a Caesarean section.

We do need to think about the pets we are breeding. These dogs are often very lovely and have huge personalities, but their welfare is compromised. It sickens us as vets to see pugs on YouTube fainting because they can't oxygenate themselves.

For those affected there are some effective surgical treatments to help open the airways, but if you are considering getting a new dog, please drop in and quiz your veterinary staff about breeds first – we do see them all!

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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

We rarely get hard frosts before the middle of November, but after that it's downhill all the way! Dahlias and other tender plants tend to go black or turn to mush, and those wonderful summer hanging baskets become limp and sad. However, it is worth leaving dahlias to overwinter in the ground; many will survive if they are protected with a good shovel full of something organic such as compost. They tend to get bigger over a few years and then go into fairly swift decline as they get tired and overcrowded, a signal to replace them.

In November many gardeners give up till the spring, but your garden will look tidier and save you work next year if you cut down herbaceous plants except those that are tender (such as penstemons), grasses and those with interesting seed heads like phlomis.

Most plants for winter interest are at their best after Christmas, but November is a really good month for Mahonia with its scented yellow flowers; they can be pruned hard in early summer to keep them to a reasonable size. There are lots of good stems such as cornus and willow which intensify in colour as the winter progresses; they can be pruned hard in spring. When they eventually become a bit ugly at the base, willows are very easy to propagate from hardwood cuttings. Many gardens are too small to include separate areas for winter interest, but a container with winter flowering heathers will give colour for many months, and if you have space they can then be planted in the garden.

Early November is the traditional time to sow broad beans and early peas; Aquadulce Claudia is the best bean for overwintering. If you plan to grow runner beans next year, why not dig a trench now and gradually fill it with kitchen vegetable waste over the winter instead of using your valuable garden compost.

Be careful when watering greenhouse plants. With reduced light and temperatures, most plants need much less water, and botrytis (grey mould) is often a problem. Remove all affected leaves and ventilate the greenhouse whenever possible. Remember, in winter if you aren't sure whether a plant needs water, it probably doesn't.

This autumn we have removed an old honeysuckle. I have replanted a small part of it in a shady, unoccupied spot – even an old honeysuckle is pretty indestructible! This has allowed us to train branches of a red climbing rose 'Danse de feu' horizontally, so that we should actually see the flowers at eye level rather than ten foot up. As part of the same project we have removed two apple trees that produce a small, rather unappetising crop and always disappoint. It is all part of my drive to 'grow less but grow it better'. Oh, and I have my eye on that scruffy old hawthorn in the corner . . .