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

The Cross, from Torture to Love and Forgiveness 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 14th April Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Rory John O'Meara Funerals and Burial of Ashes David John Goodwin Margaret Corten Alice Elizabeth Pinchard Obituaries David Guest Alan Atkin The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Come and Celebrate Easter! Service Changes in April Housegroups St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds St Wystan's APCM, Monday 16th April Local Diary Event Details NO Soup, Cheese and Chat this month Kurling, Saturday 14th April Book Swap, Wednesday 18th April Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 19th April Messy Church: Who is Jesus? Sunday 22nd April Repton School Music Competition Final, Wednesday 25th April Rainbows and Brownies Spring Fayre, Saturday 28th April The Great War Remembered 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Repton Fashion Show, Tuesday 15th May R-FEST, Saturday 9th June Tomato Plants for Sale 100 Club Repton Neighbourhood Development Plan Examination passed! Repton Village and History The Arch car park Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills The Armed Man, come and sing! Saturday 5th May Female volunteer sought for Scouts Come and Swap! Repton Primary School PTA Repton in the news Repton Village Society Viking Festival, Saturday 30th June Repton WI Centenary Year Mobile Library, Tuesday 17th April Repton Parish Council Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church Foremark Church APCM, Tuesday 17th April Milton Village Hall Milton Wine Quiz Milton WI Newton Solney & St Mary's Church Newton Solney APCM, Sunday 29th April Newton Solney Plant Sale, Saturday 12th May Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council South Derbyshire Bluebell Walk, Sunday 29th April The National Forest Walking Festival, 19th - 31st May Liberation Day, Wednesday 15th May Online billing guide to council tax You and your Pet Alabama Rot Neighbourhood Watch Test your Smoke Alarm as the clocks change Advice from Derbyshire Police Gardening Notes

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The Cross, from Torture to Love and Forgiveness

Words from the liturgy for Good Friday stay in my mind: "Behold the wood of the cross." Yet we have changed it so much: our crosses are made of almost any material you can imagine and some are very ornate.

We need to remember that the cross wasn't beautiful: it was an instrument of torture used to kill, slowly and painfully, any who got in the way of Roman rule. It was two pieces of rough-hewn wood fastened together, onto which a person was nailed. The cross was then lifted up and the person left to die, which could take several days.

Jesus died this death upon the cross for us all: he was not defeated by the cross, but sin and death were. When Jesus cried from the cross, "Father forgive", sin and death were destroyed, and so the cross became the symbol of love and forgiveness.

It doesn't end there: we have an empty cross because Jesus is raised from the dead to offer us all the promise of new life. Jesus has opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all who trust in him. The promise of eternal life becomes a reality for all who meet Jesus at the cross and experience the joy of the empty tomb.

May you know your sins forgiven by the cross of Christ, and may you be able to celebrate Easter as we proclaim the mystery of our faith:

"Christ has died, Christ has Risen, Christ will come again." Hallelujah!

May God bless and keep you all this Easter and to Eternity.

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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 at St Saviour's
Ann Redfern, 01332 862350

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The United Reformed Church

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

Lots of mouth-watering cakes, home-made marmalade, cards and gift wrap and a tombola. Come and join us for coffee and relax with friends! Everyone is welcome.

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SHELL Group

. . . meets on Mondays 16th, 23rd and 30th April. Activities this month include a walk, making pen pots and decorating cakes! New members are always welcome.

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Dates for your Diary

Sunday 1st July: Leprosy Mission Service taken by Allister du Plessis, Regional Manager for Central England and the East Midlands, and Natalie Gibbs, followed by lunch.

Saturday 28th July: Family Barbeque at 5 Monsom Lane.

Sunday 23rd September: Harvest Festival followed by lunch.

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Baptisms

Rory John O'Meara, son of Victoria and James of 19 Holloway, Repton, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 18th February.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

David John Goodwin of Longlands, Repton, and formerly of Brook Farm, died in Derby Royal Hospital on Wednesday 7th February aged 64. His funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 6th March was followed by cremation at Bretby.

Margaret Corten of Wallfield Nursing Home, previously of Main Street, Milton, died on Thursday 1st February aged 98. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 19th February was followed by burial at Repton Cemetery. Margaret worked for many years in the kitchens at Foremarke School. Whilst living in Repton in the 1970s, she suffered a terrible loss when her son Gary was killed in a fire.

Alice Elizabeth Pinchard (née Cook) of Painswick, Gloucestershire, died on Wednesday 28th February aged 51. The daughter of Christopher and Pamela Cook and grand-daughter of Lammas and Amy Cook of Burton Road, Repton, Alice was born in Repton and maintained strong ties to the village, including as a teenager helping with Martin Biddle's excavations at St Wystan's Church. Her ashes will be returned to Repton along with those of her recently deceased father. (Parish Magazine, October 2017)

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Obituaries

David Guest
7th October 1937 – 14th January 2018

For many years, David was a pillar of the Repton community. Born and brought up in Slough, he read chemistry at Nottingham University, and started his career working for Vinyl Products, supplying synthetic resins to major manufacturers. Through mutual friends in Nottingham he met Lilwen in 1963. They married in 1965 setting up house there before moving to Repton in 1972, to Tudor Lodge in the High Street, which was to be their home for over 35 years. Family was always of the greatest importance, and with their three children, Philip, Lydia and, Helen, they enjoyed holidays to Pembrokeshire, camping and walking the coastal path.

After 17 years at Vinyl Products, David took the brave decision to re-train as a solicitor for Goodger Auden, under Robin Russian's tutelage. It was a midlife change of direction that required study, courage and determination. However, his efforts were rewarded and, in a job he enjoyed, he worked in Staffordshire and Derbyshire as a Senior Crown Prosecutor until his retirement.

David took an active part in many aspects of village life, as churchwarden at St Wystan's, chairman of Repton Primary School PTA, vice chairman of Repton Village Society, where he helped to create the Repton Trail booklet, a founding member of Repton Village History Group, and helping to plan the centenary celebrations for the 'Freeing of the Toll Bridge' in 1998, including a Victorian Fair by the River Trent, a gala dance on Repton School paddock, and a grand parade of vehicles, horse drawn and horse-less, spanning the century.

David was quick witted and had an impish sense of humour. As a schoolboy he would go up to London for recordings of the Goon Show and at school retell the jokes he had heard. When his friends then heard the shows on air, they were amazed that David had known the jokes beforehand. He collected and loved to listen to classic comedy recordings such as The Goons, Hancock's Half Hour, Dad's Army and Fawlty Towers. Laurel and Hardy was a firm favourite. He was always ready to laugh at himself too: his children all played musical instruments; when David was asked what he played, he replied, "I play the fool". At university he must have been a great asset to Rag Week!

David loved books, deriving genuine pleasure from looking at, holding, admiring, polishing and buying more! And acting too was very important to him throughout his life. In the Son et Lumière staged by Repton School to mark its 450th anniversary, he took on the role of Archbishop Fisher. He also performed with Derby Shakespeare Society both at Derby Playhouse and at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, an open-air theatre carved into the granite cliff and overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay. His last appearance there was in The Tempest with a background of fog and the performance punctuated by fog horns.

In 2008 David and Lilwen moved away, initially to Littleover and then, as David's illness became more pronounced, to Timperley in Cheshire to be near to family.

David's last years were profoundly difficult, but now we can remember the man he once was, creative and energetic, kind and generous, chivalrous and honourable, a family man and a genial host, charming and funny. He leaves many fond memories.

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Alan Atkin
† 27th January 2018

By profession a bank manager at Martins and then Barclays – the youngest ever at Martins – Alan Atkin, who died in January at the age of 89, was throughout his long residence in Newton Solney a very active member of the community.

A member of the parish council for 35 years and chairman of Newton Solney recreation committee, he was a central figure in organising barn dances, flower festivals and pancake races, as well as the annual bonfire and fireworks. Less glamorously, he also took responsibility for street and kerb cleaning for the best kept village competition.

Chairman and a governor of the village school, he was also a trustee and clerk to the John Higgott's Almshouses. As churchwarden and treasurer for the St Mary's Church, he chaired the successful church restoration fund.

Alan was interested in sport, a long-standing member of Burton Golf Club, and umpired the village cricket match each August Bank Holiday on the recreation ground, always giving his decisions with good humour – nobody argued! He was also a good footballer in his day, playing in local leagues. He talked about it very enthusiastically, and was always willing to show evidence of his skill with the odd photograph or two. So it was no surprise that he was life president of Old Bemrosians FC. Beyond the village he was also treasurer of Burton Scout Council, and for 50 years a member of Burton Club.

Described by friends as an 'English country gentleman', he was very well respected by people throughout his professional and domestic life. His was clearly a life well lived.

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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

Come and Celebrate Easter!

On Easter Day, 1st April, celebrate the risen Christ with Easter Communion at 8 am and 9.45 at St Wystan's, 9.15 at St Saviour's and 10 am at St Mary's. A warm welcome awaits you.

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Service Changes in April

In the vicar's absence there are once again changes to the normal pattern of services. Please take particular note of the following.

On Sundays 8th, 15th and 29th April there is no service of Holy Communion at 8 am at St Wystan's.

On Wednesday 4th April, (because of resurfacing the Arch car park) the 10 am service of Holy Communion is at the United Reformed Church in Pinfold Lane, and the 'Soup, Cheese and Chat' lunch is cancelled.

On Sunday 29th April the only service in the benefice is Holy Communion at St Mary's at 10 am.

Please check the weekly notices for any updates.

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Housegroups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 9th April. If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, please contact Wendy Longden on 703259.

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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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St Wystan's Annual Parochial Church Meeting & Supper
Monday 16th April at 7 pm in Repton Village Hall

The meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. Supper tickets at £6 are available from Richard Finch, 701245, Carol Lloyd, 702410, and Jan Roberts, 702159, but you don't need to buy one if you just want to attend the meeting.

All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens which precedes the APCM.

There are three vacancies to serve on the Parochial Church Council for three years. To propose or second a candidate or to vote or stand for the PCC, you need to be on the church electoral roll. If you worship regularly at St Wystan's and are not on the roll there are forms at the back of church, as well as a notice for nominations to the PCC. Nomination papers for electing churchwardens are available from Karen Perks.

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NO Soup, Cheese and Chat! It is cancelled this month whilst the car park is resurfaced and access is limited. The next will be on Wednesday 2nd May.

Repton Village Hall Appeal Kurling Saturday 14th April, 7.30 pm at Repton Village Hall Great indoor fun. No ice needed! If you enjoyed the Pig Racing, you will love this indoor version of curling. Suitable for adults and children from 11 years old – the kurls are too large for smaller children. Heather and John from Normanton on Soar's fine village hall are leading us in an event which has proved very popular. Bring your own drinks. A sausage bun with onion is included in the ticket. Adults £7.50, under 16 £5 from Mulberry Beauty Salon in the High Street, Kyran Farrell, 701069, and Jo Hinton, 0778 606 6512

Book Swap Wednesday 18th April, 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

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 19th April, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Tuna pasta bake + fruit salad and ice cream! Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Messy Church: Who is Jesus? Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 22nd April, 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 Concerts Society Repton School Music Competition Final Wednesday 25th April in the Robert Beldam Hall Junior Final 7.30 pm : Senior Final 8.45 pm This marks the climax of Repton's annual music competition, when prize winners from the various classes, held throughout the year, compete in a grand final to decide who will be the Senior and Junior Young Musicians of the Year. This year's adjudicator is the performer, broadcaster and teacher Professor David Owen Norris, 'one of the most iconic personalities in English music of any period'. The event is open to all, and free. For further information, contact Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR

Repton Rainbow Guides and Repton Brownie Guides Spring Fayre Saturday 28th April, 10 am – 2 pm at The Den, Mitre Drive with refreshments, book stand, raffle, tombola, Body Shop, Flamingo (was Phoenix) Cards and much more Proceeds to the guiding units above for craft items, equipment and events For further details, please phone Carol (Tigger) on 01283 703991

The Great War Remembered

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

It is easy to forget that in the spring of 1918, the outcome of the war was still far from certain.

March 1918

At the moment of writing there is on all the battle fronts the lull before the coming storm; terrific it will be we cannot doubt. The failure of our former allies in the East has given the enemy a great increase of strength; nevertheless I feel confident we shall resist all his onslaughts wherever they may be delivered. . . . But at the present moment we must bear clearly in mind what our objects are. There is a certain type of person who conceives it possible to make terms with the enemy and who more or less openly urges that it is the aggressive aims of ourselves or our Allies which stand in the way of peace. Nothing could be more disastrous or unpatriotic.

In the war Colonel Morgan-Owen has received the D.S.O., and Lieutenant Brownjohn the M.C., while Mr. Holmes' brother has gained the M.M. Hearty congratulations. We are all very sorry to hear that William Bamford has been taken prisoner.

April 1918

A new epoch in our national life has begun, the stress of war has at length forced us to adopt a compulsory method of rationing, and . . . ration cards have been distributed throughout the parish and neighbourhood. It remains for us all first to abide content with what we are apportioned; anything in the shape of going behind the Government scheme is not only unpatriotic, but morally most reprehensible. There is only just sufficient food to go round and if anyone who is in more favoured position either by circumstances of wealth or means of production secretly infringes the regulation he or she is sinning against the whole nation. But it is better to go without almost everything rather than Prussia should triumph – that would mean that England would have the same fate as poor Serbia and worse.

Time after time, on platforms or in pulpits, our men at the front are most justly praised, but surely we can also have a word of sympathy and praise for those patient untiring women whose hearts are longing for the return of their dear ones, but who yet go on quietly doing their share in the great cause.

I was very glad to see that Sergeant-major Bertram Maddock has added to the great distinctions of the French Military Medal our own D.C.M. Hearty congratulations.
P.S. Since writing the above, the full fury of the enemy's attack has fallen on our Army. Despite enormous losses the foe has gained a certain initial measure of success, but I feel confident that our brave troops will meet his further attacks with calmness and with success.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

Repton Fashion Show
Tuesday 15th May, 7.30 pm at Repton Village Hall

Note the date – it has changed from that first given – then come and join us for Repton fashion show. Grab yourself a bargain with up to 75% off High Street brands including White Stuff, Dorothy Perkins, River Island, Next, Evans, New Look, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Wallis, Urban Outfitters, Warehouse and Monsoon! Sizes from 6 to 30.

Tickets need to be bought in advance. They cost £7.50 and are available from Mulberry Beauty Salon in the High Street, and the post office. You can also contact Herbie or visit Repton fashion show page on FB. All money raised will go towards the appeal.

We are also looking for volunteers to model the clothing on the night. If you think you've got what it takes – all sizes – please get in touch!

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R-FEST, Saturday 9th June, off Broomhills Lane, Repton

The final major event of our appeal will be a music festival. Entertainment will run from 4 to 11 pm, starting with a Mini Proms in the Park by the Glebe Symphonic Wind Band, followed by sets of Jazz, Folk and Rock from live performers.

There will be a licensed bar with beer, cider and wine, including gin and prosecco, and refreshments available from mobile fish and chips and pizza operators.

Admission will only be by advance ticket costing £25 (children under 16 £15). These are limited so book well ahead. Contact Herbie or see the R-FEST Facebook page.

The present village hall was built just after in the wonderful Summer of Love. This is your chance to relive it!

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

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Tomato Plants for Sale

Alicante, Money Maker and Gardener's Delight, £1 each. Order your plants now to be collected or delivered May / June. Please contact Natalie Argyle. All proceeds to Repton Village Hall Appeal

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Repton Village Hall Appeal 100 Club

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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Neighbourhood Development Plan for the Parish of Repton

Examination passed!

The Plan has now been examined and recommended for a formal vote or referendum, which is part of the process. However, before that can happen, South Derbyshire District Council must check that amendments made by the Examiner are factually correct and give their final approval. The Plan is now designated as an 'Emerging Plan', which means that it has to be a material consideration when any issues detailed within it are considered for development.

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Repton Village & History

The Arch car park

Between 3rd and 5th April, whilst the car park is resurfaced, there will be no parking, and only pedestrian access to the church. On Wednesday 4th April, 10 am Holy Communion will be at the United Reformed Church in Pinfold Lane, and the 'Soup, Cheese and Chat' lunch is cancelled.

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Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
8th	10.30 am	Under 13 White	Abbots Bromley
15th	10.30 am	Under 13 White	Newhall Tigers
22nd	10.30 am	Under 13 White	Marlborough Rovers Black
25th	06.00 pm	Under 13 Blue	Belvedere Park Juniors Blue
29th	10.30 am	Under 13 Blue	Lakeside FC

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The Armed Man – come and sing!

Saturday 5th May in Repton School Music School
Registration at 9.45, performance at 3.30

Note the details now, then come next month to Repton School Music School to rehearse and perform Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man', with MusSoc, Repton School Music Society. We shall be using the complete vocal score, the Boosey and Hawkes edition.

Subtitled 'A Mass for Peace', 'The Armed Man' by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, was commissioned by the Royal Armouries Museum for the Millennium celebrations, and dedicated to victims of the Kosovo crisis. Reflecting on the passing of 'the most war-torn and destructive century in human history' and looking forward in hope to a more peaceful future, it is particularly appropriate this year, 100 years after the end of the Great War.

The event is open to everyone who would like to sing. You don't have to be connected to the school. Registration is at 9.45 followed by rehearsals, with the performance at 3.30. It's a fun and relaxing day. Come and have a go!

The cost of £15 includes the score and refreshments, but you will need to bring your own lunch. For further information, please contact Rosie Carpenter, Choir Coordinator.

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Female volunteer sought for Scouts

Over recent weeks we had a great night cooking pancakes on improvised stoves made from tin cans and candles, we did a night walk of three miles in the snow, and before that we went rifle shooting at Drum Hill.

We are looking for a female assistant leader for Scouts. This is particularly important as we now have an even match of girls and boys. If you are interested, please get in touch with me. Even if you can't help every Wednesday, you would be very welcome, not least on our camps!

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

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Come and Swap!

'Books, Browse and Coffee' has changed its name to 'Book Swap'. The change is to make clear that we are not a book club. Come and see!

Under its former name Book Swap has been running in St Wystan's Church for nearly two years, and we now have a large selection of books in good condition, for loan or swap. Inevitably the largest categories are general fiction, crime and thrillers, but non-fiction includes (auto)biography, geography and history.

As the mobile library only visits once a month, Book Swap gives you an additional opportunity to borrow books whilst enjoying coffee and biscuits and chat. It is open on the third Wednesday in the month between 11 am and noon, and books are also usually available on the first Wednesday (but not this year in April) when we have a lunch of homemade soup and cheese with coffee from 12.30 to 1.30 pm.

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Repton Primary School PTA

A massive 'thank you' to all who donated to the 'Bags2school' scheme. As soon as we have a final total on the amount raised, we shall let you know.

With lights flashing and the music playing, the children had fun dancing and laughing at the school disco. The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme proved to be a winner, with many Oompa Loompas showing off their finest dance moves! The highlight, however, was the appearance of Mr. Willy Wonka himself (aka Mr. Tague, the Headteacher!) who had the pleasure of distributing prizes to children who had found the 'Golden Ticket'.

Dates: Duck Derby and Summer Fayre

Please remember to add the Duck Derby on Sunday 13th May to your diary, as well as the Summer Fayre, now set for Saturday 7th July.

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Repton in the news

Repton featured in the news at the beginning of February with major articles in the Daily Mail, the Independent and the BBC website describing Dr Cat Jarman's work on the vicarage skeletons. Search for them online, or for links to them, see the online (simple text) edition of the Parish Magazine at reptonchurch.uk.

Coincidentally, 'The Yorkshire Steam Railway' on Channel 5 is featuring 'Repton', the steam locomotive. Originally designed in 1930 by Richard Maunsell for the Southern Railway, 'Repton' was one of the 'School Class', made up of forty locomotives all named after famous English public schools. Only three are now operational. 'Repton' entered service in May 1934 and was withdrawn in December 1962. After spells in the USA and Canada, it was totally rebuilt, and following a blessing by the Repton School Chaplain, Father Neil Roberts, is now back in service with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering.

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Repton Village Society

Our last meeting was to have been on 'The Earth our Heritage – the Industries of Swadlincote' followed be the AGM and, more importantly, Cheese and Wine. What we got, however, was the 'Beast from the East'; it was not a night for going out! We hope to include the talk in a future programme.

On Thursday 5th April, 7.30 pm at Repton village hall, John Mottram will talk on the work of the Kinder Mountain Rescue. This could be a topical subject given the weather over the last few weeks, but they probably see more action in the rest of the year. We will follow this with the delayed AGM, which hopefully will still leave plenty of time for the wine, cheese and chat.

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Viking Festival
Saturday 30th June on the Mitre Field

Repton has a particularly important place in the Viking history of Britain, and the Village History Group is teaming up with experimental archaeologists and re-enactors to put on a day of activities for all to enjoy.

Bringing with them a small Viking settlement, the re-enactors will have detailed back stories about their characters and be able to explain their clothing, artefacts, weapons and everyday activities. There may well be skirmishes with the local Anglo-Saxons from time to time.

There will also be the opportunity to do some geo-physical surveying as shown in 'Time Team', and to take part in real excavations on the field, part of a serious programme to discover more about Repton's Anglo-Saxon, Viking and medieval past. There will be guided tours of the village's historic core covering the period from the stone-age to the late medieval – about 1600 AD, a talk from Dr Cat Jarman on this year's dig in the vicarage garden, which will have just finished, and a talk by Bill Newton of CEMEX on the findings when Willington gravel pits were being dug. And who knows what else!

For further information on the day or on the History Group, please contact Andy Austen.

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Repton WI

Appropriately for our 100th year the speaker in March was Paul Stevens, Librarian and Archivist at Repton School. With the aid of Rosamund Fisher's unpublished memoire, Paul took us back to the very start. We learned of her intention to become a missionary before she met and married the Rev'd Geoffrey Fisher, Headmaster at Repton, in 1917. Games of tennis and afternoon teas featured largely in their courtship. Through her parents and grandparents, Rosamund had a long association with Repton, village and school, and when Repton WI was founded in June 1918 with 55 ladies from the village, she was its first President. Rationing continued in the post war years, and for the meeting in January 1919 every member was asked to bring a lump of coal for the fire and a contribution to the tea. They were warm and well fed!

Rosamund remained President until 1932 when her husband was appointed Bishop of Chester and they left the village. She was very sad to go, but the WI she founded is still going strong. We were very grateful to Paul for his talk which kept the audience enthralled.

At the meeting we welcomed over 60 members and visitors, including Chrissie Booth, Chair of Derbyshire Federation of WIs, Linda Singleton, Chair of the Media Hub and Christine Gardner, DFWI contact for Derbyshire Life. There will be photos of the evening in the June edition of Derbyshire Life. An Easter theme extended to decorations using Easter bunnies, daffodils, chicks and eggs. Even the refreshments were seasonal.
And the fun doesn't end here! We have lots happening in the next few weeks:

• Monday 26th March, 6.30 pm: Happy Hour at The Boot
• Wednesday 28th March: Lunch at Mulberry Bistro, Burton College
• Tuesday 10th April, 1.30 pm: A pushchair / dog friendly walk from Rosliston Forestry Centre with Linda Harrison.
• Sunday 15th April, 2 pm: DFWI Centenary Service at Derby Cathedral
• Monday 16th April, 10.30 am: Coffee morning at The Dial in Burton
• Thursday 26th April 7 pm: County Quiz at Mickleover – we are sending two teams.

Plans are in hand for the centenary celebrations on 24th June at the village hall. More details next month.

At our next meeting on Tuesday 12th April there will be a cake decorating demo, and maybe the chance to join in. For more details see our Facebook page.

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

The library has something for everyone including fiction and non-fiction books for adults and children, large print books, books on tape and books on CD as well as a selection of local studies books and information.

There is a lift for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems, but if you are genuinely housebound and have no one to visit the library for you, there is also a home library service. If you think you might qualify, ring Kirsty on 01629 539 140 to arrange an assessment of your needs.

The library works to a four-weekly timetable so in May it will again be here on the 15th. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405.

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Repton Parish Council

New Councillor: The Parish Council is delighted to welcome a further Councillor, Johnathan Sheldon. That now brings the Council to full strength. An extremely good response was received regarding recent vacancies, and we would like to thank everyone who showed an interest.

Potholes: As a result of the recent weather the roads have deteriorated further. DCC has allocated an extra £4 million and nine extra teams across the county to speed up the repair of pot holes. It is easy to report problems through derbyshire.gov.uk. Alternatively ring 01629 533190 or write to the County Council at County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG. Please report any serious problems before there is an accident.

Neighbourhood Development Plan: The Parish Council is pleased to report that the Plan has now been examined and recommended for a formal vote or referendum, which is part of the process. However, before that can happen, South Derbyshire District Council must check that amendments made by the Examiner are factually correct and give their final approval. The Plan is now designated as an 'Emerging Plan', which means that it has to be a material consideration when any issues detailed within it are considered for development. At the Parish Council meeting the Councillors thanked Councillor Ewan Thompson and all who worked on the plan.

Litter Bins: The four new litter bins for Repton have now been installed at the junction of Brook End and Boot Hill, the junction of Clayfield and Milton Road, the junction of Chestnut Way and Burton Road, and on Main Street. Residents asked us to provide extra bins to help keep the local area cleaner and we will continue to fund their servicing.

Mobile Library Service: The date of its next visit is Tuesday 17th April. (For details see above.) Please make use of it to ensure its future.

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

Parish Council Office, 40 High Street

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Quad Building, Foremarke Hall, Tuesday 17th April at 7 pm

By kind invitation of the Headmaster, the Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Saviour's Church, Foremark, will be held in the Quad Building at Foremarke Hall.

All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens, and those on the electoral roll are welcome to attend the APCM afterwards, where there will be elections for PCC members, the Electoral Roll Officer and the Independent Examiner.

To join the electoral roll, please pick up an application form in St Saviour's Church and leave it for collection. Forms have to be in by Wednesday 11th April.

A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow the APCM.

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Milton Village Hall Dates

Wednesday 28th March at 7.30 pm: Milton Village Hall AGM in the Village Hall. All are welcome.

Sunday 13th May: Milton Village Spring Walk. Breakfast in the village hall followed by a countryside walk. Please contact Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436, to book for breakfast.

Sunday 20th May, Live and Local: 'The Ministry of Biscuits' in Milton village hall. Tickets £12, cash bar available. Please contact Dawn on 703075 or via the website.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Milton Wine Quiz

On a cold night in March, around 40 wine enthusiasts gathered in Milton village hall to taste and try to identify a section of wines from their descriptions, and to estimate their cost. Four white wines were sampled before a relaxed cheese supper. Then the evening moved onto sampling four red wines.

Profits will go towards the upkeep of the village hall. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a great night.

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Milton WI

The Parish Magazine is once again too early to report on our March members' meeting. However, earlier in the month, ten members enjoyed our Annual Dinner at the Dragon in Willington.

At our meeting on Wednesday 18th April, Duncan Hogg and his team will give a Krav Maga demonstration. If you are interested in acquiring some self-defence techniques, do come along and join us – you will be made very welcome.

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Newton Solney & St Mary's Church

Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting
St Mary's Church, Sunday 29th April at 11.30 am

Parishioners are warmly invited to attend this meeting at St Mary's Church, which will follow the benefice service. At the opening Vestry Meeting, an election will be held for churchwardens, with elections to the PCC during the main meeting which follows. Church Officers will also report on the finances and events of the past year. Copies of the annual accounts and other reports will be available in the church for a few days beforehand.

Nomination slips for election candidates, to be found at the back of the church, should be returned to Cathy Fergus, PCC Secretary, by Sunday 22nd April. Anyone resident in the parish has the right to elect the churchwardens, but only those whose names are listed on the church's electoral roll are eligible to stand for election and to nominate or vote for PCC candidates. To join the electoral roll, pick up an application form at church.

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Newton Solney Plant Sale
Saturday 12th May, 10 am – noon

Have you a space that needs filling in your flower bed? Newton Solney Horticultural Society has the answer. Our plant sale in Newton Solney village hall will have many and varied plants on offer, as well as a book stall, raffle, refreshments and delicious home-made cakes.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 3rd April at 2.30 pm: A business meeting followed by a speaker (tbc).

Tuesday 17th April: A trip to Dagfields Centre. We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton by about 3 pm. Cost £10.

Tuesday 24th April: Whist Drive at 7 pm in the Newton Solney village hall.

For further information about any of our activities, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

Newton Solney Parish Council

Pick Up Your Poo! South Derbyshire District Council are having a purge on dog fouling. Regular patrols will be made in unmarked vehicles, and offenders will be subject to a substantial fine. Dog owners beware!

Planning: The application for the proposed development of 150 houses off Sales Lane, Winshill, has been refused.

Holes in roads: Derbyshire County Council has been presented with a schedule of the holes in roads in and around the village, and the hope is that action will be forthcoming. The recent snow and extreme temperatures have made the roads even worse.

Trim trail: A plan is being formulated for a Trim Trail to comprise three groups of three items to be located on the river side of the Recreation Field. Grants are being applied for. It is hoped that the first phase of three items will be progressed in the near future.

Trees: South Derbyshire tree preservation officer is to be asked to look at trees in St Mary's Close and Church Lane, and to comment on their safety.

Telephone box and verge damage: The telephone box opposite the Unicorn has been removed by BT. They are investigating and will hopefully repair damage to the verge by BT Open Reach.

Standing orders: The standing orders relating to the running of the Parish Council are being reviewed and will be presented to the Parish Council for discussion and approval at the next meeting.

Security of the Common Land: All regular users of the Common Land have been contacted and have given their approval to access being secured by a horizontal swinging barrier with a combination lock. The precise location will be agreed with the farmer, who needs regular access.

Speed activated sign: Derbyshire County Council say that they have inspected the sign again. A replacement part has been ordered and should be delivered soon.

Next meeting: Friday 13th April at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome. Due to holidays the date for this year's May meeting may not be the second Friday of the month; any change will be published on the website and notice boards.

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South Derbyshire

Bluebell Walk, Sunday 29th April
Rosliston Forestry Centre, DE12 8JX

This is our annual pilgrimage to the nearby 'hidden' bluebell wood. Bring your camera. Two miles. Note that there are a few stiles en route. Meet at 10.45 in the Centre café foyer for an 11am start. £1 per person. For more information, call 01283 563483.

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The National Forest Walking Festival, 19th - 31st May

This year's festival features more than 90 walks catering for every age, taste and ability, ranging from gentle strolls to strenuous rambles. They include routes for seasoned walkers as well as pushchairs, wheelchairs and family groups.

Every walk is graded for difficulty and guided walks are led by an experienced leader with local knowledge.

The festival programme contains details of each walk, most of which are free, and advice on what you need to take along, as well as information such as where to park, whether dogs are allowed and whether children are welcome. Collect it from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre at Sharpe's Pottery Museum, or download a copy from thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk.

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Liberation Day, Wednesday 15th May
10 am - 2.30 pm, Gresley Old Hall, Church Gresley, DE11 9QW

Liberation Day is always popular, and last year's event saw hundreds of people attend. Despite the party atmosphere with the theme 'Remembering the Good Old Days', the day has a serious purpose. Aimed at those South Derbyshire residents aged 55 and over, Liberation Day provides advice and information on a range of topics, including fire safety, mobility, fitness, health, pensions, how to deal with doorstep callers, and much more. For further details, see south-derbys.gov.uk, or call 01283 595878.

There is plenty of parking onsite, but free transport can be arranged there and back if needed. A free lunch is also provided.

Entry is by ticket only. If you wish to attend, you need to pre-register on 01283 595795. Lines are already open. The 300 places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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Online billing guide to council tax

South Derbyshire District Council has launched an online guide to your Council Tax bill at south-derbys.gov.uk/yourbill. Annual billing is always a busy time for SDDC Customer Services department, and the hope is that the guide will make life simpler for them and for you. Sadly, it won't make payment any easier!

The District Council's precept accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total Band D bill, which in 2018-19 will be £1,700 for South Derbyshire householders.

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You and your Pet

Alabama Rot

Recently in the media there have been numerous articles on Alabama Rot, a disease caused by damage to blood vessels of the skin and kidneys.

Alabama rot has only been seen in dogs. The cause is as yet unknown so it is very difficult to give advice about prevention. However, you may wish to consider bathing any area of your dog which becomes wet or muddy on a walk.

Signs to look out for are unexplained red, sore patches or swelling of the skin, particularly on the paws or legs but also the body, face, tongue or mouth, which are often the first sign of the disease.

It is important to remember that most skin problems are not caused by Alabama Rot, but the lesions can be difficult to distinguish from cuts, wounds, stings or bites, so if in doubt it is better to seek veterinary advice.

Although Alabama rot can be very serious, the number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure remains low, with only 71 confirmed cases across the UK between November 2012 and March 2016.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Test your Smoke Alarm as the clocks change

The hour change to summer time is a reminder that it's time to test smoke alarms again. A working smoke alarm can buy you and your family the time you need to get out, stay out and call 999. You are four times more likely to die in a fire if you don't have a working alarm.

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Advice from Derbyshire Police

Theft from vans: A number of these have been reported recently from Repton and local villages. Please remove tools and valuables from vehicles to remove the incentive.

Scamwatch – The Telephone Preference Service (TPS): Fraudsters are cold-calling, claiming to provide an enhanced TPS including barring international call centres. The genuine TPS, the UK register for opting out of live telesales calls is FREE. Register at www.tpsonline.org.uk.

Scamwatch – gig tickets: With the festival season ahead, you may be looking for gig, match or tournament tickets. But however desperate you are to get your hands on them, you should only buy from the venue's box office, promoter, official agent or a reputable ticket exchange site. Tickets advertised on any other source may be fake or non-existent, even if they're advertised at or above face value. And never pay by bank transfer; it's best to use a credit card. The same advice applies to many other situations, including cheap holiday accommodation and flight tickets.

Thousands of people in the UK report falling for ticket scams every year. Thousands more get scammed, but don't report it. Before buying tickets or anything else online, read the online safety rules at getsafeonline.org/backtobasics.

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

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day! So the rhyme goes, yet only 5 or 6 years ago we had some very dry winters, and were thinking about rain dances. As gardeners we need to be prepared for all weathers, but most of all we need to grow plants in the right situation. I am a fan of Beth Chatto who many years ago coined the phrase 'right plant, right place', and wrote two classic books, The Dry Garden and The Damp Garden.

Most gardens are 'a bit too wet' or 'a bit too dry'. We can't do a lot about it so the message is to learn to live with your conditions and grow plants that suit them. That said, even in a small garden there are variations, dampness due to the shade of a fence, or dryness near an evergreen shrub, and in places you may have improved the soil with organic matter or added drainage.

April is a great time to start in the vegetable garden. Most seed will germinate once the soil is 7 - 10 degrees but will germinate much faster at higher temperatures, so if your soil is still rather wet it is probably better to delay sowing a couple of weeks. Starting vegetables in the greenhouse is a good idea for plants that don't mind transplanting such as the cabbage family. Cucumbers and courgettes need warmer conditions to germinate. They are also much more expensive, so sow them singly in small pots towards the end of the month. You can speed up the germination of peas and beans by soaking them for an hour or two before sowing inside or outside. Germination of carrots and parsnips is rather erratic so be prepared to re-sow if necessary. Onions are very easily grown from sets and are tasty to eat as immature bulbs. They can be troublesome to store, but why bother when they are so cheap to buy. Sweetcorn is well worth growing; try one of the super sweet varieties such as 'lark'; they can be a bit tricky to germinate – they want it quite warm and don't like root disturbance – so I always use a divided seed tray and put it in a plastic carrier bag to retain moisture until the seeds have germinated. Don't be in a hurry to plant them out, they don't like the cold.

April is also a perfect time to sow hardy annuals direct into the ground. I am trying a bit of wildflower mix in one of my vegetable beds – not wild flowers at all really, but easy, colourful and good for picking and attracting insects. Clear the ground of any weeds before you start and sow thinly; mixing the seeds with sawdust or vermiculite makes them easier to sow. As a guide, my £1 box of wild flower mix from Aldi will cover the area of a large dining room table and flower from July to September. If you prefer a more controlled look, godetia and cornflowers are excellent annuals to sow directly in a bare spot in spring. Some seeds such as Consolida need a cold spell to germinate so are better sown in autumn. Some annuals can self-seed. (You may regard this as a bonus or a nuisance!) Nigella (love in a mist) and poppies of all sorts are prolific self-seeders. Limnanthes, the poached egg plant, also seeds prolifically, but it is perfect as a weed suppressant under blackcurrants, coming up again each year with only a few weeks of bare soil in between.

Finally keep weeds under control. The most troublesome for me are the weeds that set seed very fast such as hairy bittercress, which is often found growing among established plants that you buy. I recommend roundup or other glyphosate based weedkillers for perennial weeds but with troublesome weeds you do need to be persistent. If you are very skilled with the sprayer you can use it between plants and even to stop the spread of over-vigorous plants in the garden but great care is needed.