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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
January 2018

A Post-truth World? Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Coffee Morning: Saturday 13th January SHELL Group for young people aged 7 and over Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 18th - 25th January Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Katie Gooding and Thomas Hunt Issy Bucknall and Thomas Higgs Funerals and Burial of Ashes Michael Peter Tate John Dryden (Jack) Scott Thelma Marshall The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Christingle £1,900 for a shave! St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Advent Candlelight Service Pubs Pilgrimage Social Round-up Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 3rd January Books, Browse and Coffee, Wednesday 17th January Repton School Concert: National Youth Jazz Orchestra Ambassadors Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 18th January Messy Church, Sunday 28th January The Great War Remembered 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Events and report 100 Club Repton Village and History Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane Repton Christmas Tree Festival Repton Primary School PTA - Thank you! Repton Village History Group Baby boom for Repton Baby and Toddler Scouts Repton Village Society Repton WI Mobile Library, Tuesday 23rd January An unsatisfactory situation - Parking in Repton RVHG: Samuel Hanson, Parish Clerk Repton Parish Council Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar Milton Christmas Party Milton Christmas Tree Milton WI Milton Village Hall Newton Solney & St Mary's Church Newton Solney Pre-school Appeal Jack Scott St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival Our Big Summer Festival Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney WI Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council Willington Surgery If it's a stroke, act FAST South Derbyshire Nordic Walking, Thursday 4th January Derbyshire Connect You and your Pet Alabama Rot Neighbourhood Watch Preparing for Floods Your new mobile Gardening Notes Flowers in mid-winter Rejuvenate your hedges Don't neglect your lawn Early rhubarb, sweet and tender

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A Post-truth World?

The truth used to be plain and simple. Now we live in a world where false news – surely a contradiction in terms – appears to dominate the media.

We used to believe that knowledge was fixed and immutable: Paris is the capital of France, George Washington was the first president of the United States, the chemical formula for water is H₂O. The wisdom of the generations was timeless and true.

The truth is no longer plain or simple. It has been undermined by various causes. Science shows us that much of what we have believed to be true is open to doubt or to differing interpretations. It is not uncommon to hear the claim that "What is true for you is not true for me."

The pace of scientific development has left many of us bewildered.

The media make us aware how we are often deceived.

A popular Gospel verse used on evangelical posters is John, chapter 14, verse 6, where Jesus is quoted as saying: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life."

The Gospel truth will guide us. We see truth in the words of Jesus. His words are the truth that can transform our lives. May we seek that truth and follow the way of Jesus in the year ahead.

Lord, may we seek your truth and follow in your footsteps.
Speak to us, guide us in the ways of truth, and transform our lives.

Gerald Gibbs

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers
Frances Wimbush, 703180

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Brasses
Sue Parker, 702550

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

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The United Reformed Church

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Coffee Morning: Saturday 13th January, 10.30 – 11.30 am

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

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SHELL Group for young people aged 7 and over

. . . starts the new season on Monday 15th January, 6.30 – 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 18th - 25th January

This is the time when Christians give thanks for the work and witness we share together, and renew our covenant to share in the mission of the wider Christian community across the world. This year we will worship together on Sunday 14th January at the United Reformed Church and on Sunday 24th at St Wystan's.

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Marriages

Katie Gooding and Thomas Hunt of Burton Road, Midway, were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Friday 1st December.

Issy Bucknall and Thomas Higgs of Melody Road, London SW18, were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton on Saturday 16th December.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Michael Peter Tate of Burton upon Trent and previously of Repton died on Tuesday 21st November aged 74. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 5th December was followed by interment at Repton Cemetery alongside his wife, Janet, who grew up in Repton, worked in the School shop, and died in 2,000.

John Dryden (Jack) Scott died on Wednesday 29th November aged 79. A private committal on 20th December was followed by a memorial service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Thelma Marshall, lately of Sherwood Forest Care Centre, Derby, and formerly of Askew Grove, Repton, died on Friday 1st December aged 82. A service at Bretby Crematorium on 11th December was followed by cremation.

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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

Christingle

Snow prevented Rev'd David Fergus from making it to Newton Solney for St Mary's Christingle Service: he lives at the top of a steep hill. So no minister, and no organist either! It didn't look good for those who had arrived. But then Liz Parker turned up – she can play the organ – and, accompanying a couple who are getting married next year, were their parents who just happen to be a priest and a reader. They all mucked in, and with just the right number of oranges, a wonderful service was enjoyed by all. Mysterious ways!

Unfortunately, however, the terrible driving conditions forced us to cancel the service at St Saviour's.

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£1,900 for a shave!

At the Rainbows Carol Concert in St Wystan's Church, the vicar 'Braved the Shave!', sacrificing his beard and hair to raise money for Rainbows Children's Hospice. The deed was done by Belinda Robinson who recently married at and is now a member of St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Despite the bitter cold, Martin is determined to keep the hair off for a while: "It may encourage one or two more people to give something to Rainbows."

Rainbows hospice is a place where wonderful staff care for life-limited children and their families, relieving symptoms, improving the quality of life, and supporting parents and siblings to care for children until the end, and then through their bereavements.

On the evening it was announced that Martin had raised £1,900. With temperatures below freezing, bravely done!

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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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Advent Candlelight Service

This service of candlelight and soft illuminations is always special, but with our new, controllable lighting system, it was even more atmospheric than before. With well-known Advent carols and hymns sung by the congregation, together with motets and anthems sung by the Wystan Singers, it was a musical feast and at the same time food for the soul. Thank you to Terry Bennett and the Wystan Singers for their lead.

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Pubs Pilgrimage

In the run-up to Christmas, members of St Wystan's Church and the vicar led early evening customers at the Red Lion in some carol singing. Moving on to the parish church the vicar led a service of carols, prayers and thoughts based on the Christmas story and the Christmas tree. Thank you to Ruth and Sarah Attwood and the Rev'd Stanley Morris for leading the singing with their guitar, trumpet and organ.

Then we processed by lantern light to The Boot where a warming drink awaited everyone. The evening continued with a variety of singing, from Silent Night to Rockin' around the Christmas Tree. Thank you to the Red Lion and The Boot. It was a very good evening.

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Social Round-up

St Wystan's Church social events this year have been fun, and many have become annual fixtures. We are pleased to welcome such a wide range of people.

After a 'Potato and Pancake' lunch on Shrove Tuesday, there was an organ recital by pupils of Repton School in March, and in May Bishop Jan and her husband joined us for a shared lunch. In June we finished the summer season in fine style with an 'Evening of Wine and Music' for the Open Gardens. The music here was provided by the stunning young musicians of Foremarke Hall, who performed again with great confidence for our Soup and Sweet Lunch in December. Between these two events, we celebrated the harvest with a lunch in October, a Barn Dance also in October sold out, as did Repton Quiz Night in November. The year finished on a high with Repton Christmas Tree Festival.

Raising money

Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make these events such a success, and to all who supported us. Apart from raising money for the church, we also raised over £1,000 for Repton Village Hall Appeal.

For your diary: Soup, Cheese & Chat and Books, Browse & Coffee

Alongside the more spectacular events we have Soup and Cheese lunches from 12.30 to 1.30 on the first Wednesday in the month, and Books, Browse and Coffee from 11 to 12 on the third. The dates for spring 2018 are below.

Soup and Cheese lunches (3rd January, 7th February, 4th April) cost just £4 with home-made soup, a selection of cheeses, and a sweet to go with your coffee. On Wednesdays in Lent (14th February - 31st March) there is a weekly Lent Lunch instead.

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. Spring dates are 17th January, 21st February, 21st March and 18th April.

Our events are open to everyone

. . . and a great opportunity to meet new people. For us too it is always a pleasure to welcome new faces. Do join us.

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Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 3rd January from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread, cheese, a chance to borrow books - and chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Books, Browse and Coffee Wednesday 17th January, 11 am - noon in St Wystan's Church and every 3rd Wednesday in the month Coffee and biscuits £1, and a chance to borrow books and jigsaws Chat and loans are free! Also at the first Wednesday 'Soup, Cheese and Chat'

Repton School Concerts Society National Youth Jazz Orchestra Ambassadors Wednesday 17th January at 7.45 in THE 400 HALL The NYO Ambassadors are five members of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the UK's premier youth jazz orchestra, led by Artistic Director and trumpeter Mark Armstrong. The NYJO promotes jazz as an exciting, engaging and inspirational art form through world-class performances and education work, helping to launch the careers of many of our most renowned musicians including Amy Winehouse, Mark Nightingale and Laura Jurd. Join the NYJO ambassadors, performing alongside Repton School students, for a night of classic jazz standards and cutting edge compositions written by members of the band. Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). Season tickets £75. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 18th January, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. Steak pie and chips + Rice pudding!   £5. Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Everyone is welcome at Messy Church Past, Present and Future The sequel to the Christmas story – when two old and wise people met the baby Jesus and his parents Join in with activities, craft celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 28th January, 4.00 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it!

The Great War Remembered

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Once again our Christmas and New Year is clouded o'er by the terrible fact of the war, but once again we must look forward to the coming year with calm resolution and undiminished hope. The end of 1917 has seen one great and undoubted success in the capture of Jerusalem, which may have a very marked effect in the future, while the magnificent resistance of the Italian army after its grave reverse has heartened us all enormously. May 1918 see final victory and peace.

But we need now every help that our religion has to give, so I hope you will one and all try to keep the national day of Intercession on January 6th in the best way possible by coming to God's house to beseech His aid and guidance. In the words of the King's proclamation, "With hearts grateful for the Divine guidance which has led us so far towards our goal, let us seek to be enlightened in our understanding and fortified in our courage in facing the sacrifices we may yet have to make before our work is done."

In December we had our Confirmation, twenty-four candidates being presented from our parish, two wounded soldiers from Egginton, and other candidates from Newton Solney.

With very great regret I have to announce that in future the price of this Magazine must be 1½d per month; the cost of production has increased so very greatly since the war began that it is now a question as to whether we can continue its publication. The extra ½d will only just cover the extra expense. P.S. The services on Christmas Day were exceedingly well rendered by the choir, considering our very depleted sources, and the church was brightly decorated. We had also a jolly party for the school children in the Rink. Many thanks to subscribers and helpers.

The post of Organist [at Foremarke Church] will be vacant early in January. Salary £5 per annum, one service on Sundays. Harmonium and small, untrained choir.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

As predicted, '3, 2 1, Blast Off!' was a stunning success. Well done to Jo Hinton who organised it.

Our next event is a Beetle Drive on Sunday 18th February, hopefully followed by an Oompah evening in March. It would be really great if you could join in and support us on our final lap. For more information contact Carol Lloyd.

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

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Repton Village Hall Appeal 100 Club

Winners in November were Jane Hawkins, Jennifer Thompson, Adrian Gilham and Jonathan Sheldon.

Monthly draws take place at the Boot. Members and spectators are welcome! Contact Adrian Argyle for an application form and copy of the club rules. The quarterly subscription is £12.50.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
7th	10.30 am	Under 13 Blue	Belvedere Park Juniors Blue
14th	10.30 am	Under 14	Marlborough Rovers
21st	10.30 am	Repton Royals	Rolleston FC
21st	10.30 am	Under 13 White	Abbots Bromley
28th	10.30 am	Under 14	Anglesey Swifts

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Repton Christmas Tree Festival

42 trees filled the church this year. Creativity and ingenuity were abundant, and under the new lighting system St Wystan's Church looked lovelier than ever.

A 'Pot Pourri' of entertainment on the Friday evening was an enjoyable way to start the weekend. Thank you to Morag Hill and to everyone who performed or helped.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons there were live carols and Christmas music for an appreciative audience; a big 'thank you' to all the performers, and to Wendy Longden and Sarah Lloyd who masterminded the events. The children too enjoyed Wendy Mann reading them Christmas Stories as they sat in a circle surrounded by Christmas Trees.

Congratulations to Adrian Argyle and Lynn Baker who won hampers in the raffle.

Mince pies and mulled wine, tea and cakes, hugely talented entertainers, beautiful craft work and inspired Christmas tree decorations, it was a real treat. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and made such an effort in so many ways – so many that it is impossible to name you all – and to everyone who came. Despite the poor weather, the Festival was a great success, and raised £650 for Repton Village Hall Appeal.

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Repton Primary School PTA

. . . would like to thank all the parents, family, friends and community who shared our festivities at the school Christmas Fayre in December. With your support we raised over £1,700!

We are planning many more exciting events throughout the coming year, and hope that you can join us in raising money for things such as football kits for the children, outdoor play equipment and a sandpit for the reception class. Thank you for your amazing support throughout 2017. Now for 2018!

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Repton Village History Group

In November, Colin Stewart, a volunteer at Calke Abbey, spoke to us about the archaeology there. In a voluntary capacity he had been commissioned to assess the state of all archaeology on the estate. There are an astonishing 400 or so buildings, earthworks and features, ranging from abandoned small barns built by Sir Vauncey Harpur-Crewe and fitted out with partitions and racking for animals, to tunnels and largely invisible ha-has. There is the deer house and water supply system. as well as the remains of brickworks and at least 42 known lime kilns. Associated with them are hundreds of bell-pit coal mines and the trackways and tunnels to get lime out and coal in. New items are found every year. A children's archaeology club has an ongoing dig exploring the remains of a summerhouse. Some interesting areas of the estate are out of bounds except by guided tour.

Monthly Meetings

We have now discontinued our monthly public meetings but will instead arrange talks of local historical interest and visits for members as the occasion arises. They will be less frequent and less regular, often 'open forums' to catch up on projects and discuss plans. We will be using smaller venues, so they will usually be limited to members and invitees. We are likely to take up Colin Stewart's invitation for a guided tour of archaeologically interesting parts of the Calke Estate and have a trip to Knowle Hill in mind as well.

For further information, please contact Andy Austen.

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Baby boom - Repton Baby and Toddler

We are very happy to have seen so many beautiful new-born babies join Repton Baby and Toddler. It's a great place to have a cuppa and chat to new faces.

We hoped you liked our entry in Repton Christmas Tree Festival. The children had great fun making their paper straw decorations and they really brightened up our little corner of St Wystan's.

Our Christmas party had a huge turnout, with forty children crafting, dancing, playing and enjoying the delicious party food. Many thanks to Santa for paying us a special visit and giving every child a gift.

In the New Year we hope to have our child free night out. Repton beware!

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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Scouts

In the last few weeks we have covered knot tying, flag folding and grid references. We also had a night making Christmas decorations for the tree that went into Repton Christmas Tree Festival. In mid-December we played wide games outdoors with glow sticks, and the following week it was our Christmas Party with food.

If you would like to know more about Scouts, do get in touch. If you are interested in joining, please let me know and I will add you to the waiting list.

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Repton Village Society

Our programme for the coming year is now complete. Events can be found in the Village Diary. On Thursday 4th January, 7.30 pm at Repton village hall, we reconvene after Christmas to hear Dave Hollis talking on 'A Year in the Woods', a look at the woodlands of lowland Britain, featuring badgers, red squirrels, deer, butterflies and rare orchids.

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Repton WI

We were sorry that bad weather and illness prevented a few members coming to the Christmas meeting, but those of us who were able to make it shared a copious festive fuddle, made Christmas cards, did quizzes and enjoyed a chat, collecting a Secret Santa gift as we left.

We are looking forward to a packed programme of speakers and activities in 2018. The meeting on Tuesday 9th January will be about 'A Taste of Bavaria', and in February, Dawn Thornton from Waitrose is coming to talk about the John Lewis and Waitrose Partnership. We are always pleased to see visitors of all ages. If you would like to give it a try, do come along.

2018 — Our Centenary Year

2018 will be a milestone in the history of the village as Repton WI celebrates its centenary. Our first meeting took place on Thursday 20th June 1918. The founding President was Rosamund Fisher, the wife of Rev'd Geoffrey Fisher, the then Headmaster of Repton School, who went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury. (He was the Archbishop who presided over the Queen's coronation.)

The weekend of 23rd / 24th June has been set aside as a focus for our celebrations, when we will be inviting the village to help us celebrate.

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Mobile Library Tuesday 23rd January
Repton village hall, 10.15-11.30 : The Square, 11.35-1.00

Although the library generally has a four-weekly timetable, it has a break over Christmas so in February it should be here on the 20th. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405. There is a lift for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems. If you are genuinely housebound there is also a home library service. If you think you might qualify, ring Kirsty on 01629 539 140 to arrange an assessment.

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An unsatisfactory situation - Parking in Repton

As advised by an article in November's Parish Magazine, a reader sent photos of cars blocking the pavement outside the Bulls Head and nearby properties to Mike Ashworth of DCC Traffic and Safety Team at derbyshire.gov.uk. This is the reply:

"Although we do sympathise with your predicament, increases in car ownership mean increases in the demand for spaces on streets across the country. . . . The police are able to take action when a vehicle parked on the pavement is deemed to be causing an obstruction or is parked dangerously. The obstruction offence is covered by Section 137 of the Highways Act 1980 which states that it is an offence 'if a person, without lawful authority or excuse, in any way wilfully obstructs the free passage along a highway . . .' This applies to the whole width of the highway including pavements and verges.

"There is currently no national legislation banning the parking of vehicles on the pavement. . . . Although a few local authorities have introduced by-laws banning pavement parking this is something which DCC currently has no plans to do.

"We do not have the authority to control the type of parking that you describe and intervention on our part would only be in circumstances where the safe use of the highway was being undermined. However, if any parked vehicles were to be causing an obstruction then this can be addressed by the police. . . . You may wish in the first instance to contact [them] through your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team."

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Samuel Hanson, Parish Clerk
Repton Village History Group

Some time ago we researched the Hanson family for Jim Gardner, a passing antipodean, and in December, Robert Brown, a Burton based stonemason, completed the rescue of Samuel Hanson's handsome memorial headstone in St Wystan's churchyard. Samuel, who lived in one of the thatched cottages near the church, was born in 1784 and died in 1867 aged 83. His main employment was as a weaver – we believe he worked in one of the watermills in Winshill – but it is as Parish Clerk for over 60 years that he holds a special place in our 19th century heritage.

The Parish Clerk was appointed by the parish priest, holding the position for life; only the Archbishop could remove him. He had to be 'known to the parson as a man of honest conversation and sufficient for his reading, writing and competent skill in singing'. He was one of the Vestry officials and the only one to be paid, although the stipend was small. He usually maintained the church and Vestry records but his duties were defined by the vicar and might include reading the lessons and epistles, singing in the choir, giving out the hymns, leading the responses, serving at the altar, opening up the church, ringing the bell, and digging graves if there were no sexton.

As manorial courts declined, the church was increasingly charged with control of civil matters within the parish. The Vestry was where these meetings, chaired by the vicar, took place. Male property owners could attend to approve accounts and elect Vestry officials – unpaid roles taken in turn, but to be avoided if possible! Initially their main concerns were with church affairs and charitable bequests but, over time, legislation increased their responsibilities. The Vestry administered justice and appointed a constable to enforce its rulings. It was responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the church and its services, the burial grounds, mending the roads, keeping the peace, suppressing nuisance and vermin (including hedgehogs), and billeting soldiers. There was a lock-up near the top of Brook End, and there would have been stocks too.

Samuel, a Freemason

Samuel was also a founder member of the Royal Sussex Lodge of Freemasons in Burton and their Tyler for 49 years. In this role, he stood guard with a sword at their ceremonies to prevent strangers entering and to ensure that those taking part were properly prepared. The Lodge treasures the memory of their founders and agreed to meet the cost of repairing his headstone which was flaking badly.

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Repton Parish Council

Parish Precept 2018 / 2019: Following the local referendum result, the Parish Council has voted to increase the precept for next year, to allow it to apply for a Public Works Loan to fund work for Repton Village Hall. It will accordingly be set at £35.82 for a Band D house, an increase of £20.84 from the current financial year. The Parish Council is undertaking to ensure value for money for public funds.

Traffic: We are contacting Derbyshire County Council regarding concerns expressed about traffic dangers on Springfield Road outside the Primary School.

Footpaths: We contacted DCC regarding the unsatisfactory state of the pavement between Willington and Repton. As we are dissatisfied with their reply that no action need be taken, we are requesting a site visit.

Dog Fouling: We continue to receive complaints about irresponsible dog owners allowing their pets to foul in public places without clearing up afterwards. These are being forwarded to SDDC, but please send your complaints direct to them. They have the power to enforce the legal requirements. Further information can be obtained from environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk or on 01283 595795.

Adverse Weather: Up-to-date information on adverse weather, gritting activity, road and school closures can be found at derbyshire.gov.uk. The grit bins around the village have now been replenished. They are located on Springfield Road, The Pastures, Monsom Lane at its junction with Milton Road and outside the Burial Ground, Burdett Way at the junction with Milton Road, Hill View, and Red Hill Lane. The grit provided is for use on public roads and pavements. Please do not take it for personal use.

Next meeting: Monday 8th January at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. All are welcome.

Parish Council Office, 40 High Street

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Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church

St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar

The members of St Saviour's PCC would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's Christmas bazaar in aid of St Saviour's Church another huge success. The event in Milton village hall raised just over £2,600.

We would very much like to thank all the people who helped in so many ways – selling raffle tickets, making cakes, donating prizes, running stalls, serving refreshments, setting up tidying away, and, certainly not least, all you who made the effort to attend on the day. We would like especially to thank the many people who gave generous donations.

Thanks to the generosity of the community we have been able to complete several projects this year; last week the church was repainted for the first time in several decades. Please do come and visit at any time, whether for one of our regular services or simply to pop in and see how good the church is looking.

Once again our sincerest thanks for your continued support.

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Milton Christmas Party

Milton residents and friends thoroughly enjoyed a very well attended Christmas party. After a hot meal followed by homemade trifle, cheeseboard and mince pies, there was a challenging table top quiz provided by Edward Baker, followed by stand up bingo and a raffle. Santa and his Elves entertained the audience with a very different singing and dancing routine. The audience reaction and participation was wonderful. It all made for a lovely evening.

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Milton Christmas Tree

On 1st December the lights on Milton Christmas Tree were switched on to applause from the assembled onlookers. The ceremony was followed by mulled wine, mince pies, and communal Christmas carols in the village hall, now decorated for Christmas. Perhaps the singing wasn't entirely in tune, but it was fun, and lovely to see villagers and friends of all ages joining in and enjoying the atmosphere.

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Milton WI

At the December meeting we started our Christmas festivities. Members brought along decorated candles which gave the room a lovely ambience. Following a selection of cheeses and biscuits came the main event, an array of delicious puddings fit for a Queen. We had fun playing pass the parcel with some very amusing forfeits, and exchanged bran tub presents. It was a lovely relaxing evening.

Next meeting: Wednesday 10th January, 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Kate Repton will talk about Derby NICU Friends of the Baby Unit. If you would like to come along to one of our friendly meetings you will be made very welcome. Members are reminded that subs are now due.

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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 a new heating system to keep you warm in winter.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Newton Solney & St Mary's Church

Newton Solney Pre-school Appeal

Dear local residents,

As you may be aware, we have recently applied for planning permission to replace the pre-school portacabin with a permanent building.

The portacabin arrived here in 2007 when a school that no longer needed it offered it to us for our village pre-school who had been meeting in the village hall. We were extremely pleased to be able to help the pre-school to be settled in its own environment with attached play area. The building was granted temporary planning permission, and that has been renewed over the years.

However, in 2015 we were told that temporary permission would only be granted for one more year. After that the building must be made permanent or removed. Since then, Jill Williamson and I have been working with the planning department in South Derbyshire, and have finally received planning permission for a contemporary building that the planners are happy with. As the school is within the conservation area, they have been very particular as to the sort of building that can be sited here.

Now that planning permission has been granted we need to raise the money to make the building a reality. We have looked into funding streams and can not find any funding that is available for buildings. We have therefore set up a fundraising committee to head this very important venture. We need to raise approximately £140,000! We will be arranging fundraising events and will also be inviting donations and funding ideas. We have three years to raise the funds and hope to be in a position to open the new building in February 2020. I know that this seems a long way off, but we do hope that you will be able to support a project which will leave a legacy for children for many years to come. Between us I am sure that we can undertake this very daunting challenge to provide a building that will be an asset for our children and the village alike.

We have set up a 'MyDonate' page if you would like to make a donation. We also have a facebook page for former pupils to get in touch.

If you would like to be involved in the fundraising committee or if you have any ideas about funding in general, please do come and speak to me or to Jill Williamson. We really need as much support as you can offer. Thank you very much.

Yours sincerely

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Jack Scott

Rev'd June Scott and family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts, prayers and condolences following the passing of John 'Jack'. Your sympathy and kindness has been overwhelming and wonderfully supportive. Thank you all so very much.

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St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival

With over 50 beautifully decorated trees, the church looked fantastic. Thank you to everyone who supported the festival, particularly those who sponsored the trees, the volunteers who worked tirelessly over the weekend, and all who donated and came to visit. Special thanks to Carolyn Steele who organised all the trees, to John Oldknow for providing the lighting, and to Sue Elson for arranging the concert, featuring Derby A Capella Group and Alex White, on the Saturday evening, not forgetting all the brave souls who ventured out to support us on such a snowy Sunday. The money raised will be divided between the Pre-school Building Fund and the church.

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Our Big Summer Festival

This summer we're planning Newton Solney's Big Summer Festival in support of the pre-school building appeal. It will be for the whole village, but to help us decide the date, place, and what it will look like otherwise, we need your help.

On Monday 22nd January at 7.30 pm, please come along to a meeting in Newton Solney Infant School Hall to share your views and ideas, or if you can offer to help in any way, big or small. Everyone is welcome.

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Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Community Collective Worship for parents, carers and local residents is at 9.15 am on the first Thursday of the month, which this month is the 4th January. We would be very pleased if you could join us then in the school hall.

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Newton Solney WI

Members thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas meeting, a lively and entertaining talk by Pat Hall followed by a 'bring & share' supper.

The January meeting on Tuesday 9th at 7.30 pm in the village hall will include a talk by Ashley Franklin, photographer, entitled 'My Derbyshire Life'. Tea hostesses will be Hazel Ward and Jean Burns; flowers will be provided by Annie Topliss.

A diary note for the New Year: On Saturday 3rd February, NSWI will be holding a Fizz & Quiz night to fund improvements to the main hall at the village hall. Please see our posters around the villages and come along and support.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 2nd January at 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a visual diary of Tuesday Club activities in 2017 presented by Dennis Ward.

Tuesday 16th January: A trip to Boundary Mill

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

Our Secretary, Jane, will be pleased to answer enquiries regarding any of the above on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney Parish Council

The speed activated sign is still not working. The Parish Council is to contact Derbyshire County Council and request urgent action.

Footpaths: A number of footpath fingerposts are missing and some stiles need repair. The Clerk is to notify the Footpath Officer to request action.

Bonfire: Following a successful bonfire on the Common Land in November, there are various remains that need removing to make the area tidy. The Parish Council hopes that this will be done as soon as possible.

Recreation Field: The access to the Recreation Field has now been secured with a five bar gate and lock.

A scheme for a 'trim trail' is being compiled and will be made available to interested parties for discussion prior to implementation. This may well be phased in as funds become available.

Common Land Security: A proposal to secure the Common Land from undesirable use has been notified to essential users to obtain their approval. A meeting is to be arranged with these parties to discuss options and location before a formal proposal.

Planning applications

Peel Cottage: Remove conifers and prune trees. No objection from Parish Council. 22 Main Street: Demolish garage and construct new dwelling with garages. Parish Council objected

Next meeting: Friday 12th January at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Willington Surgery

If it's a stroke, act FAST

If you can't remember all the possible symptoms of a stroke – and who can? – at least remember FAST. If we all try hard, the life that's saved may be yours.

Every second counts

Neurologists say that if they can get to a stroke victim quickly enough, they can often reverse the effects of a stroke . . . totally. But if symptoms are not recognised, a stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage or even die. The aim must be to recognize, diagnose, and then get medical care, all within 3 hours.

You can recognize a stroke by looking at three things, face, arms and speech.

F	Face	Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
A	Arms	Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
S	Speech	Is their speech slurred?
T	Time	Time to call 999 immediately if there is anything wrong.

There are other symptoms too: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

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South Derbyshire

Burn off the calories at Rosliston Forestry Centre
Nordic Walking, Thursday 4th January

Join a friendly Nordic Walking group and burn off the extra Christmas pounds. Meet at 9.45 for a 10 am start in the foyer at Rosliston Forestry Centre (Rosliston, DE12 8JX). Nordic Walking is a low impact, full body workout that burns almost 50% more calories than normal walking. Full training will be given during the 1½ hour session by a trained Instructor. £3 including pole hire, £1.50 if you bring your own poles. For more information call 01283 563483.

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Derbyshire Connect

In the autumn DCC launched a new door-to-door shopping bus service for people who are unable to use conventional buses because of mobility difficulties or because they live in areas where bus services are limited. It is run by Ashbourne Community Transport on behalf of DCC (yes, it does cover South Derbyshire!) and replaces the Dial-a-Bus services. Group bookings can be made.

Users of the service, which is free for Derbyshire Gold Card holders after 9.30 am on weekdays, have the opportunity of a weekly shopping trip to local shops or a supermarket. Transport runs door-to-door picking passengers up from home and dropping off at an agreed shopping location. For passengers needing a bit more help, volunteer passenger assistants can be provided if you let them know in advance.

Derbyshire Connect is fully accessible and able to carry passengers in wheelchairs. Please mention that you need to use a wheelchair when you book. The service runs approximately 9.30 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday. There is no weekend service. To book your journey and to find out when Derbyshire Connect is in your area, call 01335 300670 or email info@ashbournect.org.uk. Please give 48 hours' notice.

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You and your Pet

Alabama Rot

Perhaps you have heard of Alabama Rot from the media. It is of growing concern for dog owners. In the last 4 years there have been 71 confirmed cases, but unfortunately the cause has yet to be identified. Often the disease starts as skin lesions, often on the lower limbs, tongue or face, and causes damage to blood vessels in the skin and kidneys. In many cases it is sadly fatal. Most cases occur between November and May.

It is difficult to give specific advice on preventing the disease, but cleaning off any mud after walking is advised. If your dog develops skin lesions then it is advisable to seek veterinary advice. Alabama Rot can be successfully treated but the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Signs of kidney failure include: drinking and urinating more, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

There does seem to be a genetic susceptibility to the disease, and much research is underway to try and identify the cause. Hopefully we will be able to give you more information as it becomes available. If you are at all concerned, please speak with your vet.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Preparing for Floods

Flooding can be hugely traumatic. If you believe you may be at risk, visit www.gov.uk/floodsdestroy or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 to check, sign up to the free flood warning system, and receive advice and guidance about what to do before, during or after a flood. Although SDDC has no legal responsibility to help, it has provided emergency assistance on an ad hoc basis. Search for 'flooding' on its website.

Your new mobile

Have you bought yourself – or even been given – a new mobile this Christmas? In all the excitement of the season, it can be easy to forget to set up it safely and securely. Here are expert, practical tips from Get Safe Online.

• Protect all mobile devices with a pin or password. Change factory-set passwords.
• Download an internet security app.
• Update the operating system and apps when prompted.
• Only download apps only from official sources.
• Back up all your devices regularly.
• Keep phones and tablets protected when out and about in crowded areas.
• Never leave them unattended in vehicles, cafés, the gym or other public places.

If the device is for a child or young person:

• Sit down and talk to them about safe use of the internet, including what they say and who they communicate with.
• Use a respected parental control app to block unsuitable content.
• Make sure they don't run up bills for in-game purchases.

For more information, visit www.getsafeonline.org/christmasdevices.

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

Flowers in mid-winter

January really is a month when the garden can be left largely to its own devices, although you need never be without flowers. Witch hazels (hamamelis) flower even in the coldest spells. Prunus autumnalis flowers from November through to March; a hard frost will kill the blossom but not the buds, so it will usually come back into flower in a mild spell. Mahonias make a welcome start. The winter honeysuckle has a lovely scent; Lonicera fragrantissima is the one most usually seen but L. standishii and L. 'Fragrant Beauty' are very similar.

The yellow winter jasmine does well on a sheltered wall, and some of the sweet-scented daphnes will be starting into flower. Daphne bholua flowers over two months or so; there are several varieties, both evergreen and deciduous. D. bholua 'Jacqueline Postill' is one of the best. Sarcococcas, also called Christmas or sweet box, have small, yellowish-white flowers, but the scent carries some distance.

Then, of course, the first of the winter bulbs come into flower. Snowdrops will soon be out, and aconites, and cyclamen.

Rejuvenate your hedges

January is a good time to rejuvenate deciduous hedges such as beech by pruning hard. You may prefer to do this over 3 years, cutting top and each side in successive years. If you are just cutting one side you can be really brutal, I mean really brutal, cut back to about 3 inches from the central uprights, you will probably need to use a saw or loppers for large bits. It will look awful but by the end of the summer the hedge will have fully recovered and you can do more the next year.

It is much easier to maintain a hedge that you can cut from the ground but all hedges grow and need occasional hard pruning to keep them to a manageable height. However, don't be tempted to hard prune conifer hedges (except yew and thujas) as they will not sprout from old wood.

Don't neglect your lawn

The grass has hardly stopped growing this year and it has been difficult to cut in the wet weather. However it can dry surprisingly quickly on those occasional days when there is a warm drying wind, so if it needs cutting, keep your eye out for an opportunity. Some weeds such as hairy bittercress, willow herbs, couch grass, dandelions and buttercups keep growing in the winter and should be removed or treated with weedkiller. Couch grass can be very hard to eradicate as it grows through the roots of other plants, but winter is sometimes an opportunity to spray it without damaging its 'host'.

Early rhubarb, sweet and tender

To get an earlier crop of rhubarb, you can force stems. In late winter cover the crown with a traditional forcing jar, bucket or upturned pot, ensuring that all light is blocked out. When stems reach the top of the container, they are ready for harvesting. They are lighter-coloured and more tender than stems grown in the open, and are generally ready three weeks earlier.