We will remember them!
Remembrance Sunday
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
Christmas Mini Market, Saturday 10th November
SHELL Group
Advent Carol Service: Sunday 2nd December
Personal Announcements & Obituaries
Baptisms
Olivia Mae Durose
Funerals and Burial of Ashes
Graham Scott
Maeve Mallinson
Richard Baker
Phyllis Melen
The Memorial Book
Repton Benefice
All Souls Service of Commemoration, Sunday 4th November
Housegroups
St Wystan's News
Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds
Services
Local Diary
Event Details
Coffee & Cake, Every Tuesday
Great War Exhibition, 29th October - 9th November
Taste the Chocolate! Thursday 1st November
Sale of Work and Fun Day, Saturday 3rd November
Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 7th November
Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 10th November
Farewell Afternoon Tea, Saturday 10th November
Farewell Gig with Agent Utah, Saturday 10th November
Remembrance Parade, Sunday 11th November
Repton School Concert: Atéa Quintet, Wed 14th November
Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 15th November
Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 17th November
Book Swap, Wednesday 21st November
RBL Table Top Sale, Saturday 24th November
St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar, Saturday 24th November
Messy Church, Sunday 25th November
Concert with Soup & Sweet, Friday 30th November
MusSoc Concert, Sunday 2nd December
Ocho (8 Singers, 1 Voice), Tuesday 4th December
The Great War Remembered
100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .
Repton Village Hall
Progress Report
A party to say farewell!
Repton Village and History
Sale of Work & Fun Day, Saturday 3rd November
SoW Fireworks Display
Repton Village Society
RVS Taste the Chocolate!
Repton Quiz, Saturday 17th November
Scouts
A brilliant result for Sue’s Coffee Morning
Repton Village Party Planning meeting, Wed 28th November
Mussoc Concert, Sunday 2nd December
Mobile Library, Tuesday 13th November
Repton Baby and Toddler are moving
RBL Table Top Sale,Saturday 24th November
Repton Primary Christmas Fayre, Friday 7th December
Repton WI
Repton Village History Group: They also served!
Repton Parish Council
Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church
Milton Harvest Supper
SDDC's Local Green Spaces Plan
Milton WI
Self-defence class for disabled people
Newton Solney & St Mary's Church
Newton Solney WI
Newton Solney C of E School
Pre-School Building Fund Events
Newton Solney Tuesday Club
Newton Solney Parish Council
Health Matters
Seasonal Influenza Vaccines at Willington
South Derbyshire
Stamp & Deliver!
Woodland Identification Walk, Saturday 17th November
What's On
Local Green Spaces Plan
You and your Pet
Pets and fireworks
Neighbourhood Watch
Gardening Notes
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We will remember them!
The airy confidence of 1914 had been dashed, the war had not finished by Christmas. But at last, after over four years and some 20 million deaths – whether military or civilian, whether from fighting, disease or famine – the guns were silent.
When we think of the Great War nowadays, our view is coloured by films such as 'Oh! What a Lovely War' or the verses of poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. Their anti-establishment sentiments fit the mood of our times, but as the parish letters of Rev'd Stephen Selwyn, the vicar of Repton for most of the period, clearly reveal, those were not the view of the general population then, or of the young men who, in their millions, went off willingly to do what they conceived to be their duty.
What indescribable horrors they faced, and how bravely they faced them emerges clearly when we read their reaction to the armistice:
"No more slaughter, no more maiming, no more mud and blood and no more killing and disembowelling of horses and mules. No more of those hopeless dawns with the rain chilling the spirits, no more crouch¬ing in inadequate dug-outs scooped out of trench walls, no more dodging of snipers' bullets, no more of that terrible shell-fire. No more shovelling up bits of men's bodies and dumping them into sandbags; no more cries of 'Stretcher-bear-ERS!', and no more of those beastly gas-masks and the odious smell of pear-drops which was deadly to the lungs, and no more writing of those dreadfully difficult letters to the next-of-kin of the dead. The whole vast business of the war was finished. It was over."
Lieutenant R. G. Dixon of the Royal Garrison Artillery
cited by Jeremy Paxman in 'Great Britain's Great War'
Join with us on Remembrance Sunday, exactly 100 years on, as together with the Royal British Legion we gather in churches and at war memorials to remember and pay homage to all caught up in war, and to commit ourselves afresh to the pursuit of peace.
Chris Lloyd
Remembrance Sunday
At St Wystan's Church we gather at 10.45 for our annual Service of Remembrance. All are most welcome. The service is arranged jointly by the Royal British Legion, the United Reformed Church and St Wystan's Church.
The Parade, including the Scout and Guide movements, will form up outside the Royal British Legion Club at 10.30 and process to the Parish Church at 10.35.
The service in church begins at 10.50, so that the Act of Remembrance can take place at 11. A collection is taken at the service; 60% goes to the British Legion Poppy Appeal, the rest being divided between the parish church and the United Reformed Church.
After the service, wreaths will be laid at the war memorial by representatives of the County, South Derbyshire and Repton Parish Councils, the President of the Repton Royal British Legion, cadets from Repton School, and children from the Scouting movement, Repton Primary and St Wystan's Schools. After the ceremony the parade will process back to the Legion Club.
Evensong will be at 5.30 pm rather than its accustomed 6.30 in order not to clash with the bells at 7.05 – see below.
At St Mary's
. . . the annual Service of Remembrance starts at 10.30 am. A wreath will be laid at the Village Memorial in the church baptistry. All are most welcome.
At St Saviour's
. . . the Roll of Honour will be read during the evening service, which starts at 6.30 pm. All are most welcome.
St Wystan's Church Bells
. . . will ring three times on Remembrance Sunday. The ringing, coordinated by the Central Council of Church Bellringers, will take place throughout the country. It is hoped that more than 1,000 cathedrals and churches will take part, possibly the most widespread ringing of church bells since the Great War.
From 10.15 to 10.45 am the bells will herald the Remembrance Day service in church.
At 12.30 pm, 'Ringing remembers' celebrates the centenary of the Armistice.
At 7.05 pm, 'Battle Over, Ring out for Peace' will see bells rung throughout the country.
The all-day event will begin at 6 am, when outside every Anglican Cathedral in this country a lone piper will play 'Battle's O'er', a traditional tune played after a battle.
Beacons of Light
At 7 pm, just before the bells, beacons will be lit throughout the land, signifying the light of peace that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war. In Repton the Royal British Legion will be lighting the beacon on the Mitre field and you are invited to join us in the RBL Club at 6.30 pm to make our way there together. Alternatively, meet us at the Mitre Field to join in this simple and moving act of commemoration.
Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches
St Wystan's, Repton
EVERY Wednesday
10 am Holy Communion
Sunday 4th All Saints / All Souls
8 am Holy Communion
9.45 am Worship Together
11 am Matins
4 pm All Souls
Sunday 11th Remembrance Sunday
8 am Holy Communion
10.45am Service of Remembrance
5.30 pm Evening Prayer
Sunday 18th 2nd Sunday before Advent
8 am Holy Communion
9.45 am Parish Communion
(12 pm Wedding Preparation)
No evening service
Sunday 25th Christ the King
9.45 am Parish Communion
10.45am Prayer for Healing
4 pm Messy Church
St Saviour's, Foremark
Sunday 11th Remembrance Sunday
6.30 pm Service of Remembrance
Sunday 25th Christ the King
6.30 pm Holy Communion
St Mary's, Newton Solney
Sunday 4th All Saints / All Souls
10 am Parish Communion
Sunday 11th Remembrance Sunday
10.30am Service of Remembrance
Sunday 18th 2nd Sunday before Advent
10 am Parish Communion
Sunday 25th Christ the King
10 am Matins
Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's
4th 11 am Isaiah 35: 1 - 9 Michael Patterson
Luke 9: 18 - 27 Stephen Longden
11th 10.45am Mark 1: 14 - 20 John McGahan
Intercessions: Rachel Smedley & Andrew Wilson
18th 9.45 am Hebrews 10: 11 - 25 Virginia Davies
Mark 13: 1 - 8 Rev'd David Fergus
Intercessions: Ruth Attwood
Offertory: Frances & Martin Wimbush
25th 9.45 am Revelation 1: 4b - 8 Stephen Gould
John 18: 33 - 37 Rev'd Andrew Baguley
Intercessions: Rev'd Stanley Morris
Offertory: Stephen Gould & Monika Westwood
Altar Flowers
Frances Wimbush, 703180
4th: Tricia Brookes. 11th, 18th & 25th: Frances Wimbush.
Brasses
Sue Parker, 702550
Jenny Sayers.
Altar Flowers at St Saviour's
Ann Redfern, 01332 862350
11th: Liz Wells.
The United Reformed Church
4th November
11 am Morning Worship
6.30 pm Service at Fisher Close Community Lounge
11th November
10.45 am Joint Service at St Wystan's
18th November
11 am Morning Worship with Holy Communion led by Rev Graham Maskery
25th November
11 am Morning Worship
Christmas Mini Market, Saturday 10th November, 10.30 - 12.00
All the fun of the Christmas Fair: a selection of Christmas cards and wrapping paper to choose from, gift tags made by the SHELL members, a Christmas Raffle with a Christmas hamper and a Christmas cake to be won, a Christmas Surprise stall, tombola, books and children's games, as well as home-made cakes and marmalade to tempt you!
And delicious turkey, stuffing and cranberry baps to enjoy with your coffee or for an early lunch – can you resist them? Please come and join us!
SHELL Group, Mondays 12th, 19th and 26th November, 6.30 - 7.30 pm
For young people aged 7 and over. Activities this month include decorating cakes, a games night and making Christmas pom-poms! New members are always welcome!
Advent Carol Service: Sunday 2nd December at 6.15 pm
Everyone is invited to join the South Derbyshire Association of United Reformed Churches Advent service, which this year will be held at Ashbourne Road United Reformed / Methodist church, Derby.
Personal Announcements & Obituaries
If you would like to announce the birth, baptism, marriage or death of a relative or close friend, or if you feel that the wider community would be interested in reading an obituary, please contact the editor, Chris Lloyd.
Baptisms
Olivia Mae Durose, daughter of Daniel Durose and Dina Smith of Clayfields Road, Repton, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Saturday 22nd September.
We welcome her into the Church family.
Funerals and Burial of Ashes
Graham Scott of Pinfold Close, Repton, died at the Royal Derby Hospital on Monday 10th September. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 27th September was followed by cremation at Bretby.
Maeve Mallinson, formerly Groom née Blake, most recently of Saxon Croft, Repton, died at the Royal Derby Hospital on Saturday 13th October aged 78. A Service of Celebration for Maeve's life took place at St Wystan's Church on 26th October.
Richard Baker of Mount Pleasant, Repton, died on Tuesday 9th October aged 74. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 26th October was followed by cremation.
The ashes of the late Phyllis Melen (née Archer) of Kings Newton, who died on Sunday 17th June, were interred on 22nd September at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, alongside her late husband, John Melen.
We offer our sympathy to their families and friends.
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.
Repton Benefice
All Souls Service of Commemoration
Sunday 4th November, 4 pm at St Wystan's Church
The beginning of November is the traditional time for remembrance, when the Church remembers All Saints and All Souls. Each year at this time we hold a special service to remember our loved ones, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge our feelings. This year it will be at St Wystan's, and you are most welcome to join us.
These services touch the heart, whether our bereavement is recent or something we have long borne; feelings of loss can remain with us regardless of the passing years. Invitations are sent to those recently bereaved but the service is open to everyone. Afterwards you will be most welcome to stay on for a cup of tea and a chat.
If you wish the names of loved ones to be read out at the service, you will find lists to sign up at the back of the churches in the two weeks beforehand, or you can add the name as you arrive on the day. There will also be a chance to light a candle for your loved ones. Do join with us and others in remembering and giving thanks for their lives.
Housegroups
Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 5th November. If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, please contact Wendy Longden on 703259.
Woodend Cottage Bible Study Group: We continue our studies in Luke's Gospel on Thursdays 1st, 15th and 29th November at 7.30 pm.
The Pastures Bible Study Group: We meet fortnightly on Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 9 pm to look at passages from the Gospels on 'Meeting Jesus'. New members are welcome. Please contact Julia Stentoft on 704436 or Ruth Attwood, 702804.
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.
Services at St Wystan's
Apart from arrangements for our annual Services of Commemoration (see below) and Services of Remembrance (see above), there are three points to note carefully this month.
Evensong on Remembrance Day will be at 5.30 pm rather than its accustomed 6.30 in order not to clash with the bells at 7.05.
On Sunday 18th November there will be no Choral Evensong.
We have three 8 am Holy Communions in November, including an additional one on the 11th, so the 4th, 11th and 18th. On the 11th it will be the only service of Holy communion.
Coffee & freshly baked Cake
for the over 70s – or those nearly there!
Every Tuesday, 11 to 12.30 at the Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton
Voluntary 50p. Meet others, catch up and relax!
Contact Victoria Dunn
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Repton & District Royal British Legion Club
An Exhibition Commemorating the Great War
29th October - 9th November, 11 am to 3 pm
War memorabilia including medals, newspapers, posters, photographs, books,
some on loan from residents of Repton and the surrounding area
Tea, coffee and biscuits available throughout
No charge but donations to the Poppy Appeal
The bar will also open for you to buy soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Everyone is invited! ENTRY FREE
Whether you are a Legion regular or have never been here before, you are very welcome.
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Repton Village Society
Taste the Chocolate!
A Talk & Tasting by Barry Colenso, a professional Chocolatier
Thursday 1st November, 7.30 pm at Repton Village Hall
Members £5, visitors £6
To reserve your place, ring Peter on 703748
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Repton Village and School
Sale of Work and Fun Day
Saturday 3rd November from 2.30 pm
in the grounds of Repton School
FREE Entry All Day
Stalls for every taste Competitions and prizes
Refreshments Raffles
Children's activities including face painting and games from Lichfield Entertainments
A spectacular fireworks display at 5.30 pm
seasonal snacks & drinks available
All money raised is donated to local, national and international charities
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Soup, Cheese and Chat!
Wednesday 7th November from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church
£4. Homemade soup, bread, cheese, a chance to borrow books - and chat!
Everyone welcome. Do come!
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Christmas Mini-Market
Saturday 10th November, 10.30 am - noon at the URC
Coffee and delicious Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Baps
Home-Made Cakes and Preserves, Christmas Cards, Wrapping Paper & Gift Tags
a Christmas Surprise stall, Tombola, Books and Children's Games
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Say farewell to the village hall
Afternoon Tea to the Sound of Piano and Song
with Wendy Tou, Stanley Morris and other local musicians.
Saturday 10th November, 2.30 - 4.30 pm
Tea, scones and cake!
Entry by ticket only – Places limited to 100
Tickets £3, children half price from Mulberry, Sarah Farrell, 701069,
Adrian Argyle, 701277, & Jo Hinton, 07786 066512
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Say farewell to the village hall
Gig with Agent Utah
as featured at the R-fest in June
Saturday 10th November, 7.30 - 9.30 pm
Licensed bar
Entry by ticket only – Places limited to 120
Tickets £5, children half price from Mulberry, Sarah Farrell, 701069,
Adrian Argyle, 701277, & Jo Hinton, 07786 066512
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Remembrance Parade
Sunday 11th November
Exactly 100 years after the guns fell silent,
Repton & District Royal British Legion
extends a warm welcome to you all to join us at 10.20 am
at the Legion Club for our parade to St Wystan's Church for
the Act and Service of Remembrance
showing our respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice
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Repton School Concerts Society
Atéa Quintet
Wednesday 14th November at 7.45 in the Robert Beldam Hall
The Atéa Quintet are the foremost British wind quintet of their generation.
Internationally acclaimed, they became double prize winners at the 2015
Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music competition in Denmark.
They also mentor some of the country's finest up-and-coming musicians at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Their programme will include music by Mike Mower, Frank Bridge, Eugene Bozza, and an arrangement of J.S.Bach's Goldberg Variations.
Tickets £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions).
For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker,
56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR
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Milton Lunch Club
Thursday 15th November, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. £5.
Stew and dumplings + Treacle pudding and custard!
Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436
Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know
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Repton Quiz Night
Saturday 17th November, 7.15 for 7.30 start – prompt!
Repton Village Hall
Teams of four, but if you haven't got a team, get in touch anyway; we will sort it.
Contact Jan Gillham or Carol Lloyd
Do join us and have fun ~ £5 per person
Finger food provided – but don't forget to bring your own drink and glasses
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Book Swap
Wednesday 21st November, 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'
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Table Top Sale
Saturday 24th November, 9.30 am - noon
Repton Royal British Legion Club, 43 High Street, Repton
Free admission for all buyers!
Tables £5. To book your spot or for more details, phone Sue Banks on 701726
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St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar
Saturday 24th November, 10 am - noon
Milton Village Hall
Entry £2 includes Tea / Coffee and Mince Pie
Gift and Cake Stalls : Fantastic Raffle : Tombola
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Messy Church
Jesus and the Roman Soldier
Activities, celebration and food for all the family
St Wystan's Church, Sunday 25th November, 4 to 5.30 pm
To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood.
Everyone is welcome! Come along and try it!
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Concert with Soup & Sweet
You are invited to a concert by pupils from Foremarke School
followed by home-made soup and a sweet
St Wystan's Church, Friday 30th November at 12 noon
Tickets £5 from Carol Lloyd or Jan Roberts
This is a really lovely event; all are welcome.
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Repton School Music Society presents
Beethoven Mass in C & Repton Concerto Spotlight
Repton School Music Society and guest soloists The Harvey Ensemble
Concerto movements played by Repton Sixth Form students
Conducted by Oliver Walker, Roger Owens and Andrew Ashwin
Sunday 2nd December at 7.45 pm
in Pears School, Repton School
Tickets £10, students and under 18s free
from Repton School Lodge (just inside the Arch), 01283 559200,
Rosie Carpenter on 01283 702370, or on the door
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A Christmas Feast
of traditional carols and modern songs
sung by Ocho (8 Singers, 1 Voice)
Tuesday 4th December, 7.30 pm at St Wystan's Church
Tickets £10 Including seasonal refreshments
from Derek, 07741 330453, or ochosingers.com
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The Great War Remembered
100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .
1918 bids fair to be the most wonderful year in all our history. The spring was a time of sore trial, the success of the enemy offensive very nigh bringing down to the ground the noble and heroic work of our armies in the previous years; the cause of liberty and right was in dire peril. But now the autumn has seen one long succession of triumph – France and Belgium rapidly being delivered, the enemy forces becoming more and more demoralized, though fighting still with desperation, and the German Government and peoples in dread of impending punishment. While in the East our arms go forward from one glory to another.
Nevertheless, though our hearts are filled with thankfulness for all these 'crowning mercies', yet we must not forget that the war is not over. The end clearly is in sight, but the chief enemy of mankind will resist, and must resist, for some time further. The crimes against humanity which the German peoples have approved are so black that they know the punishment will be proportionately great, and therefore they will hang on while any shred of hope remains. Their so-called peace offer is daily being proved to be absolute humbug; only one more twist and dodge of the hunted fox, or rather wolf. There is only one way of peace for Germany, that is unconditional surrender like Bulgaria, and till that comes we must set our teeth firm and go forward.
But it is grievous to think that this, of necessity, means that more brave British hearts will cease to beat. In this last month our village has heard news of another casualty, which is of singular, poignancy. Jack Marriott was one of the little band of Territorials who marched out of Repton on August 5th, 1914. For four years he fought with great gallantry, and gained the affection as well as the regard of his comrades in all that time, and now, as it were at the end of the war, he has fallen. Our special sympathy goes out to his young wife and child, and his parents.
Your faithful friend and Vicar, Stephen Selwyn
Repton Village Hall
At a meeting in mid-October, Parish Council representatives were briefed about progress and problems found as expert input to the project progresses. The contract for building the hall has now gone out to tender; results should be back by 2nd November.
The poor quality soft ground under the hall requires a much more expensive foundation with piling than had been anticipated. More difficult to foresee was the cost of meeting current expectations from the water authority on handling drainage from the site. In the past, it was accepted that rainwater could find its way into the brook, but nowadays mitigation has to be put in place to protect not only the village but also the Trent Valley. In our case this means a storage tank under the car park. Also on the subject of drainage, as the front (the entrance end) of the new building will be closer to the pavement, a drain under the current grassy area has to be moved. It cannot be built over.
Fortunately, the original cost estimate we were given was prudently constructed to allow for unforeseen costs, but these extras, plus a change in some building costs, will push our construction budget close to the limit. The knock-on effect is to reduce the funds available for equipping the hall. We had hoped to get much of this sorted at the beginning, but we may just have to be more patient.
We are aiming for a December start
Ahead of this, we need permission to move the above mentioned drain, and in this we are completely at the mercy of Severn Trent. We also need a pre-demolition asbestos survey. Our safety consultant believes that there is likely to be little or no asbestos in the hall, but it is possible that small amounts were used to fill gaps around windows or under the wooden floor. His opinion is that any such would be of very low risk and quite easy to remove safely. The work has to be done in advance; if it were to appear as a new problem during demolition, it would cause delay and further expense.
With arrangements for construction under way, we are working on the finer detail so that the building will work for the community. For example, no one wants a slippery floor where there might be spillage, or a kitchen that does not function. We are looking at ways to increase the energy efficiency, but have been advised that solar panels would not be a good investment for this building, even if we have the funds.
Landscaping
While building the hall and improving the car park have been our priorities, we have also been applying for grants to improve the appearance of the whole site with a landscaping scheme. Sadly, although we were close, the grant application did not win, this is very disappointing.
Closure timetable and storage
The plan is to close the hall on 30th November, and to clear it that weekend. I am grateful for the offer of storage that I have had and would welcome more.
A party to say farewell!
On Saturday 10th November we are holding a party to say 'thank you' to the village for supporting the hall's redevelopment; the ticket price just aims to cover costs. From 2.30 to 4.30, 'Afternoon Tea to the sound of Piano and Song' will be relatively sedate, whilst at 7.30, a gig with 'Agent Utah' follows the group's great popularity at the music festival in June. Both events are 'ticket only', with tickets available from Mulberry, Sarah Farrell, 701069, Adrian Argyle, 701277, and Jo Hinton, 07786 066512. Details on pages 30 and 31.
Kyran Farrell, RVH chair, 01283 701069
Repton Village & History
Repton Village & School Sale of Work & Fun Day
Saturday 3rd November, 2.30pm in the grounds of Repton School
This year will be the 140th anniversary of the Sale of Work, an event that raises huge sums for a range of local and national charities. Alongside the entrepreneurial activities of the pupils' stalls, we are including some popular external small business sellers, including: Phoenix Greetings Cards, Candles by Louise Higgins, Forteys of Melbourne and Colenso Chocolates. So whether it's the ducking stool, tea and cake, games and activities for children, artisan items and crafts that take your interest, we hope that you will come along and enjoy the day!
Who benefits?
Last year more than £19,000 was raised by events associated with the day. We always try to distribute a large proportion of funds to charities and organisations within 5 to 10 miles of Repton, including St Wystan's Church, Repton Lunch Club, Repton Casuals, Repton Village Hall, Repton Primary School and Newton Solney Infant School.
Charitable Suggestions
We welcome suggestions and requests for charitable donations. They can be made on the day to stalls or via boarding houses. Alternatively, please contact me by letter to me at Repton School or by email – see below.
We need your help!
We are always so grateful for the help and generous contributions you give. The stallholders would greatly welcome gifts direct to them or to Pears School on the day.
Repton Village Market Stall
We welcome any contributions of any suitable items such as home-baked goods, home-made preserves, pickles and chutneys, and anything in a bottle or jar, savoury, sweet, scented or decorative. Please contact Frances Wimbush on 703180. Alternatively, please drop any items in to Pears School on Saturday morning before 11 am. Then do come and find us on the day!
Raffles
Several of the school boarding houses put on raffles and tombolas, with tickets on sale beforehand and on the day. We will be holding the raffle draws at about 4.15 on the Saturday. All the Houses would welcome prize donations including wine and bubbly, hampers, chocolate, gift sets, vouchers, and other items befitting a raffle by Wednesday 31st October. Please contact me – see below.
Extra pairs of hands are always welcome, so anyone who is willing to be involved on the day should also contact me.
Fireworks Display!
In the evening, the school will once again be hosting a Fireworks display, and we hope that you will join us again this year. The display will start around 5.30 pm, with warm and delicious refreshments on offer, and a retiring collection for charity. Do look out for posters and flyers in the village!
(The fireworks display is due to last for approximately 15 minutes.
Pet owners may want to keep animals indoors.)
Do join us in raising a significant sum for charity – and perhaps to get ahead with some Christmas gift purchases! – on what we hope will be a very enjoyable afternoon.
Repton Village Society
At our last meeting Ashley Franklin spoke on 'My Derbyshire Life'. Ashley has been a journalist for Derbyshire Life for fourteen years, in which time only one issue has not had an article by him, and he has covered most communities in Derbyshire including Repton. His way into his current role was through photography, and the talk included many of his superb images, including many that have been used on the magazine cover. He showed us how taking three photos at the same time at different aperture settings and electronically mixing them allows the details of a picture to emerge more clearly. However, he prefers his articles to be about the people themselves, relying on pictures to provide the context. It was a fascinating talk, spanning the county and many colourful characters in the communities.
Taste the Chocolate!
On Thursday 1st November we have a talk about 'Chocolate' – not merely a talk, but also a tasting! –.from Barry Colenso, a professional chocolatier. To help towards the costs there will be a small charge, £5 for RVS members and £6 for visitors. And if you still have room, there will also be wine and nibbles after the talk, as is normal for our November meeting. It should all be very enjoyable. To reserve your place, ring me on 703748, contact rvssec@reptonvillage.org.uk, or speak to any committee member.
Peter Rainey
A Fun Night Out, Saturday 17th November
7.15 for 7.30 pm prompt, Repton Village Hall
Do come and join in our annual village quiz; it costs just £5 per person. We play in teams of four, but if you haven't got a team, get in touch anyway and we can help. Between the rounds there is a break for light refreshments and stand-up bingo.
It is always an evening of friendly rivalry, frustration and fun, with a wide range of questions to prod your brain into action. Don't forget to bring your own drink and glasses too for that extra bit of stimulation. Contact
Jan Gillham or
Carol Lloyd.
Scouts
In the last month the Scouts have painted their patrol boxes, learnt some first aid and made cakes whilst blindfolded!
If you would like to know more about Scouts, if you are interested in joining as a helper or would like your child to join, please contact
Peter Tubby.
A brilliant result!
A very big 'thank you' to all who helped to make my coffee morning such a great success once again. It raised £1,372 – more than ever – for MacMillan Cancer Support. And a very special 'thank you' to Janet, Richard, Ed, Ross, Rachel, Rosemarie, Sue, Lesley, Ralph, Jan and Richard – thank you to you all!
Sue Sharratt
Repton Village Party 2019
Planning meeting, Wednesday 28th November, 7.30 pm at The Red Lion
It was great to see so many of you at the first planning meeting, but it is never too late for newcomers. Anyone (individual or group) who would like to be involved will be made very welcome!
For more information, contact
Frances Wimbush or
Lynne Skeith, or just come and join us at the Red Lion.
Mussoc Concert, Sunday 2nd December, 7.45 in Pears School
Mussoc – Repton School Music Society – brings together musicians from the School's impressive music department, outside professionals, pupils, and members of the village community. This year, their annual concert, in the splendid surroundings of Pears School, climaxes in a performance of Beethoven's 'Mass in C'.
Composed in 1807 to a commission from Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, and scored for four vocal soloists, choir and orchestra, the mass was premiered the same year in Eisenstadt. The first performance, under-rehearsed, was a disaster. The prince described the work as "unbearably ridiculous and detestable." Perhaps unsurprisingly, Beethoven dedicated the published version not to Esterházy but to Prince Kinsky. The following year, showing his characteristic self‐confidence, he performed parts of the mass in one of his most famous concerts, that which featured the public premieres of four major works, his fifth and sixth symphonies, the fourth piano concerto and the choral fantasy.
Tickets cost £10 – with free entry for students and under 18s – from Repton School Lodge (just inside the Arch), 01283 559200, Rosie Carpenter on 01283 702370, or on the door.
Although perhaps one of the least performed of Beethoven's larger works, today the mass is widely appreciated. An enjoyable evening is guaranteed.
Mobile Library, Tuesday 13th November
Repton village hall, 10.15-11.30 : The Square, 11.35-1.00
The library works to a four-weekly timetable, so in December it will be here again on the 11th. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405.
Repton Baby and Toddler are moving
With the village hall being rebuilt, we have found a new temporary location. So, as of 5th December, Repton Baby and Toddler group will be meeting every Wednesday at the Iris Bentley Pavilion, Broomfields Lane, Repton.
We hope to move our large collection of toys on Saturday 17th November, and any help would be much appreciated.
We meet every Wednesday from 9.45 to 11.45. Everyone welcome from 0 to school age. Just turn up. Find us on Facebook or contact
Natalie Matthews.
Table Top Sale Saturday 24th November, 9.30 am - noon
Repton Royal British Legion Club, 43 High Street, Repton
Unfortunately we had to cancel the planned October date. The sale will take place this month in the RBL Clubroom. Tables cost £5 and you can raise money for whatever you wish. For more details, phone Sue Banks on 701726.
Admission is free for all buyers! Come along and snap up a bargain!
Repton Primary Christmas Fayre
This year's Christmas Fayre will be held at the school on Friday 7th December starting at 17.30. There will be lots of festive fun with Santa's Grotto, a tombola, raffle, Christmas crafts and lots, lots more. Please note the date now to come along and get into that festive spirit whilst helping raise money for our community's school.
Repton WI
It was our Annual Meeting in October and the Secretary's report reminded us just how busy we have been, what an exciting centenary year we have had, and how our membership has grown. A new committee was elected. Five members stood down, and we welcomed five new members who are keen to get involved.
Our November meeting is the last in the village hall before we move to a temporary venue in December. Come and join us on Tuesday 13th for a Movie Night. Note the early start of 7 pm.
Other goodies in November
Monday 19th Nov Coffee Morning, 10.30, venue tba
Tuesday 20th Nov Happy Hour at the Boot, 6.30 pm
Monday 26th Nov ACWW, Derbyshire House, 10.30 am
and in December
Monday 3rd Dec Mercia Carol Service at Willington
Tuesday 4th Dec Repton Christmas Dinner at Mickleover Golf Club
On Tuesday 11th December we have our first meeting at Repton Primary School, Springfield Road, a 'Go Christmas Crackers' Party with a special short performance of 'Snow White in Benidorm' by the Feel Alive Group.
The programme for 2019 is being prepared and promises to be as varied and interesting as 2018's, with something for everyone – 'Getting to know your WI', a talk about the Neverest Charity, a gin tasting, a beauty evening, crafts, and a talk about Blood Bikes – and that's just the first 6 months!
Take a look at our Facebook page to see what we do, and come along and join in. Don't be shy, we love having visitors!
Linda Shortt
They also served! Repton Village History Group
The autumn has been a quiet time for the History Group, mainly because of the work needed to prepare biographies of those from Repton and local villages who took part in the Great War and survived. Quite properly, we remember those who died, but we rarely think of those whose worlds were turned upside down by the war, but who lived on. So they are being remembered in a display being put on in the Royal British Legion Club in November.
Identifying people was our first challenge. We had to resort to census data, press cuttings, the Parish Magazine and a range of other sources such as registers of nursing practitioners, medical students, theological colleges and unions – any sources we could find! Some information was given to us directly by descendants and some taken from published family trees, though the latter are notoriously inaccurate.
We identified 85 servicemen for whom we could find reference to their military activity – sometimes pages of army, navy or air force papers, sometimes just a press cutting or a medal card. During the Second World War, many records were destroyed or badly burnt in the blitz: this applies to many of our men. Some were wounded, some were ill, some were heroes, some were too young, some were found unfit for soldiering, but many were ordinary soldiers serving their country at sea or in trenches or military airfields in dangerous, unpleasant and difficult conditions.
We also identified 58 members of the VAD, the Voluntary Aid Detachment. Run by the Red Cross but as part of the military operation, folk (mostly ladies) volunteered to work in hospitals or make items for their use by knitting, sewing and the like. Some nursed – even overseas towards the end of the war – and some grew produce or kept chickens to provide eggs.
We have tried to piece together their whole lives so that we can remember them as complete people – much like us but enduring the trauma of war as well. This was a generation that experienced two wars, or in some cases three.
Do come and see the Legion's display and learn about those who served us so well. Some people will remember them, some will be related to them. We would love to learn more and correct any errors we have made.
For further information about Repton Village History Group, contact
Andy Austen.
Allotments: Allotment plots are often returned during the winter months or at renewal time in January. If you live in Repton or Milton and wish to be considered for a plot, please contact me to put your name on the waiting list, which is currently empty.
Broomhills Pavilion and Field: The Parish Council has now submitted an application to South Derbyshire District Council for additional funding to improve and renovate the pavilion, and we would welcome interest from any local groups who are keen to develop new clubs and activities. Funding may be available to help with the initial development. If you know of any clubs or groups that may be interested, please ask them to contact the Parish Council to discuss their requirements. Contact details below.
Footpaths 13 & 14, Meadow Lane towards Twyford: The Parish Council is to apply to Derbyshire County Council to upgrade footpath 13 and onwards towards footpath 14 and the river Trent as a bridleway for public use. Councillor Dickson has found historical evidence of a public bridleway from Brook End leading towards Twyford and this information has been documented. The Parish Council is required to contact the landowner regarding this application; if you know their contact details please could you inform us. We are also required to supply evidence that this route is used by members of the public and the necessary forms are being sent to the Parish Council. If you use this route, please could you also contact us and complete an evidence form, which will greatly assist this application. Contact details below.
A lampost for footpath 27: The Parish Council has been asked by local residents to install a lamppost on footpath 27 which runs from Springfield Road through Holloway towards Milton. It is used as a route from the new housing development to the High Street and is extremely dark. The Parish Council is to apply to the Safer Neighbourhood's Fund for a grant which should cover just under 50% of the cost; if successful, the Parish Council will then fund the remainder of the installation costs and also the annual energy charge. We hope this will ensure that residents feel safer using the path, particularly during the darker nights.
Next meeting: Monday 11th November in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton, at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.
Susan Reilly, Clerk to the Council
Parish Council Office, 40 High Street, t: 01283 701309
Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church
Milton Village Hall
Milton Harvest Supper was a fun, well supported social evening. The children made creatures from fruits and vegetables, and we enjoyed a tasty buffet of ham salad served with jacket potatoes and chilli con carne, with home-made apple pie for dessert – as well as cheese and biscuits for those who still had room! After supper there were games of stand-up bingo, and the auction of a delicious homemade cake. Funds raised by the evening and the raffle will be used towards the upkeep and ongoing refurbishment of the village hall.
To hire Milton village hall, contact
Polly Faulkner.
SDDC's Local Green Spaces Plan
Two sites are nominated in Milton. For more information, visit the 'news' tab on Milton website. Responses are needed by 19th November
Milton WI
At our AGM in October, the committee was formed and Linda Murray re-elected as President. The treasurer's report and financial statement were approved and the Secretary, Roberta Higson, reported on our many activities over the past year. Delicious refreshments were served by Sue Goodwin and Avril Skipper.
The new programme will be available at our next meeting on Wednesday 21st November (Milton village hall at 7.30 pm), when our speaker, Pat Hall, will entertain us with humour and music. Afterwards, refreshments will be served with time for a chat and a cuppa. This will be a very informal and light-hearted evening, so do come along and join us, you will be made very welcome.
Self-defence class for disabled people
Tuesdays, 7 to 8 pm in Milton Village Hall
Anybody, any disability Fun Free, no hidden charges
Contact Duncan Hogg on 07973 663601.
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Newton Solney & St Mary's Church
Newton Solney WI
At our October meeting we heard wonderful tales about Haddon Hall and its gardens from our speaker, Jo Walker. Haddon is a medieval house set in The Peak District overlooking the River Wye. We were given an insight into the state of disrepair after it lay closed for 200 years before being re·opened in the early 20th century. Nowadays film makers flock to use it as a location, including for Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre, which has been filmed there three times. The Manners family, who have owned the Hall since the Elizabethan age, have worked hard to retain its historical setting and use it to entice visitors to see the tapestries and medieval furniture in their original state in the Long Gallery and chapel. We also learned about the planting of the wild meadow garden, and the climbing roses planted against the house in the 20th century to improve the look of the exterior. How we enjoyed our romantic evening.
At our next meeting on Tuesday 13th November, we will hear a talk about The National Memorial Arboretum.
Pauline Barker
Newton Solney C of E School
Our Open Morning on Friday 9th November, 9.30 - 11.00 am
. . . is a chance for all prospective parents to see in action our outstanding school, where children are cared for and educated at the highest level.
Community Collective Worship is on the first Thursday of the month. On Thursday 8th November at 9.15 am we invite everyone to join the children for their daily worship in the school hall.
School Christmas Fair: Saturday 1st December, 2 - 4 pm in the school hall.
Lots of stalls and games. Come and see Santa in his grotto! Refreshments available.
In aid of the Pre-School Building Fund
Christmas Bazaar at the Newton Park Hotel, Sunday 18th November, 12 - 4 pm. Enjoy an afternoon browsing beautiful stalls and Christmas shopping without the hassle. Entrance £2.
Christmas Market
Join us at Betty's Farm, Castle Way, Willington, where we will be carol singing at 11.30 am as well as hosting a tombola stall. Please come to help us sing or just to support us! Saturday 24th November, 10 am - 3 pm. Free entry.
Christmas Wreath Making
Monday 26th November and Tuesday 4th December at 7 pm. Following high demand last year, we will be holding two sessions! Make your own fresh Christmas wreath from natural materials, ready to hang on your front door. £22 including all materials. Book soon – tickets are already selling fast! Available from the school office or nspreschoolbuilding@gmail.com.
Christmas Afternoon Tea
Sunday 9th December, 2 - 4 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall. A great excuse to get together with your friends for a delicious afternoon tea! Catering by Hey Sugar. Tickets are available from the school office or nspreschoolbuilding@gmail.com
Heidi Elks (Headteacher) 703461
Newton Solney Tuesday Club
At our October meeting, Paul Newsome was due to speak to us on the 'History of Nursery Rhymes'. However, one of our members became unwell, and whilst we waited for the paramedics to arrive, Paul very kindly kept the audience occupied with a quiz. We would like to thank him for his help at a difficult time. Happily, our member has recovered after a check-up in hospital, and Paul has agreed to come back to talk to us next Spring.
Tuesday 6th November at 2.30 pm
A business meeting followed by a talk on the work of the YMCA.
Tuesday 20th November: A Trip to Woodlands Garden Centre
We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton by about 3 pm. Cost £12.
Tuesday 27th November: 7 pm: Whist Drive in Newton Solney village hall.
Please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520 for further information regarding any of these activities.
Rachel Freeman, Chairman
Halloween Party: Youngsters are in for a 'fang-tastic' time as the village hall hosts a 'spook-tacular' Halloween Party on Saturday 27th October.
The Sports Mobile and Adventure Mobile were a huge success with more than 40 people attending both events.
Security of the common land: The Parish Council has drawn up plans for a 20ft gate and is obtaining three quotes.
Trim Trail: Councillors are exploring the three quotes they have received before moving ahead.
Planning
Erection of replacement dwelling at Heathers, Repton Road: pending
Erection of extension at Highfield House, Repton Road: granted
Removal of tree at Bladon House: pending
Erection of extension at Rock Cottage: pending
Next meeting: Friday 9th November at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.
Health Matters
Seasonal Influenza Vaccines at Willington Surgery
If you are aged 65 or over, a carer, pregnant, or suffer from a chronic disease such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease, asthma (if you have received medication within the last 12 months), are immunosuppressed and / or are morbidly obese with a BMI 40+, it is recommended that you have an annual influenza injection.
There is a Saturday clinic on 3rd November.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Patients age 65 and over are entitled to a pneumococcal vaccine which could be administered at the same time as the flu vaccine. It can prevent some cases of pneumonia. If you would like to receive a pneumococcal vaccine please ask when booking your influenza appointment.
NHS Shingles Programme 2018/2019
This year we are able to vaccinate anyone who at the time of vaccination is aged between 70 and 75 and between 78 and 79. Patients aged 80 are no longer eligible for the vaccine due to the reducing efficacy of the vaccine as age increases.
Please book appointments with reception, 01283 703318.
South Derbyshire
Stamp & Deliver!
Derby & District Scouts deliver your Christmas mail
For 35 years, Stamp & Deliver, run by Derby & District Scouts, has been delivering your Christmas mail, and during that time has raised over £1 million for local charities.
The service starts this year on Monday 3rd December, with the last collection at 2 pm on Tuesday 18th. Stamps cost only 30p, about half the price of the Royal Mail! By law, we can only deliver greetings cards - definitely no cash enclosures.
Details of outlets where you can buy stamps and post your cards locally – but not all 200 of them! – will be in next month's Parish Magazine. Meanwhile, look out for the yellow leaflet through your letter box. In general the delivery area will include all of Derby, and 85 of its suburbs and surrounding villages, extending to Breaston in the east, Belper to the north, Hatton and Hilton to the west and Ticknall and Melbourne to the south. Cards can't be delivered or forwarded to other areas.
Where last year's money went
In 2017 Stamp & Deliver raised over £50,000. £5,000 was shared by two local charities, the Children's Air Ambulance and Derby Mountain Rescue Team, with some smaller donations to other local charities. The remainder of the money is shared among the Scout groups that participate in the scheme.
This year's charities
. . . are both local, Me & Dee and Down's Syndrome Derby. Me & Dee provides respite holidays in Mablethorpe for adults and children facing life-threatening and life-shortening conditions. Down's Syndrome Derby supports those with Down's Syndrome in the East Midlands, providing speech and language sessions as well as other events through the year.
So when you come to write, address and stamp your Christmas cards around the end of November, do remember 'Stamp & Deliver'!
Rosliston Forestry Centre, Woodland Identification Walk
Saturday 17th November, 11 am
Join our Forestry Commission Volunteer on a walk around the site, and learn how to see trees in a whole new light. 2 miles, no stiles. Meet at 10.45 for an 11 am start in Rosliston Forestry Centre Café Foyer. Two miles, no stiles. £1 per person. For more information call 01283 563483.
What's On in South Derbyshire and The National Forest
A reminder to look for 'What's On'. The winter edition should appear this month. Search for 'Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre' to find it. You can also pick it up from the tourist information centre at Sharpe's Pottery. Particularly in the holidays, it's a great source of inspiration for ways to keep children and grandparents busy.
Consultation: Local Green Spaces Plan
In early October, SDDC published the draft version of the Local Green Spaces Development Plan for a consultation that closes at 5 pm on Monday 19th November.
Local Green Spaces are areas of land that are of value to the local community and have been identified and allocated through a development plan. The Council would like responses as to whether the sites identified are appropriate or not.
All the sites proposed must be:
- not subject to existing protection through the Local Plan, such as designated wildlife sites, sports pitches etc., unless clear justification exists for extending further protection;
- close to the community they serve (taken as being within 800m);
- not an extensive tract of land (taken as being less than 5 hectares);
- capable of enduring beyond the end of the Plan period in 2028. This therefore excludes current development sites and those identified by the Council as potentially suitable for development;
- not privately owned residential land, gardens or paddocks;
- demonstrably special to the local community.
Once allocated, a local green space would have a policy designation similar to that of green belt, so would restrict future development.
The plan will be subject to a further round of consultation and then be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate to be examined in public before it can be adopted.
Further information, including the consultation questionnaire, can be found at south-derbys.gov.uk/localgreenspaces. Hard copies available to view at the Council Offices and in South Derbyshire libraries.
You and your Pet
Pets and fireworks
Autumn nights are drawing in, there's a chill in the air, and Bonfire Night is only a few days away. If you know your pets don't react well to the firework season, now is the time to start making preparations. There are non-prescription products that may help to settle them, but there are also steps you can take to make your home a safe environment.
- Keep cats indoors with several litter trays placed around your home.
- Avoid walking dogs at night at times when fireworks are likely, and in daytime, keep them on a lead as there are occasional fireworks even then that could result in your pet bolting.
- Provide a den in your home, an enclosed safe place for your pets to hide, like a crate, a table or a cupboard in the centre of your home, or a place where they have previously hidden. Cover the top and sides with blankets and make it comfortable. Add an item of clothing to provide a familiar smell. Allow them to come and go there.
- Muffle outdoor sounds by closing windows and curtains. You can mask sounds with the television or radio.
- Maintain your pets' routine; continue usual feeding times wherever possible.
- Stay calm yourself! Your pets will react to your reactions. Try not to worry, try not to become annoyed, and try not to fuss over your pets as this will just reinforce their behaviour. Gently reassure them and try to be as normal as possible.
- Don't forget about your small furry pets that live outdoors. If possible, move their hutch into a shed or garage, or cover it with blankets or tarpaulin.
Finally, prepare for next year! Seek de-sensitisation advice from your vet. The best time to start is usually around spring and summer, a few months ahead of the event.
Donna Carmichael RVN, Beech Vets, Willington
Neighbourhood Watch
Remember:
- Secure your door chain.
- Make absolutely sure a caller is genuine before you let him in.
- Staff from utility companies carry an identification card. Always ask to see it. If in any doubt, contact their company for verification.
- Don't give them any personal or bank details.
- If they have a vehicle, take down the registration number, make and model.
Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
Adrian Gillham, Chairman, Repton Neighbourhood Watch
Police non-emergency, 101. Victim Support, 01332 349956.
Anti-Social Behaviour hotline, 01283 595 795.
Dog Fouling, neighbourhood.wardens@south-derbys.gov.uk
Contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Gardening Notes
What a wonderful autumn it has been, I never remember the October garden being so full of colour and interest. Thinking back to how things looked at the start of August, it is amazing how plants have recovered and how many plants such as hardy geraniums and veronicas have given a second flowering. With fine sunny days the autumn foliage has been magnificent too. Of particular note is the Euonymus alata which has been scarlet for weeks, and some of the acers, especially Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku' (coral bark maple) and Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'. People are over anxious about acers, mollycoddling them unnecessarily: they are perfectly hardy and not difficult to grow. Acers don't mind it cold, but they don't like cold winds (or any winds really), and they dislike winter wet. Their Achilles heel is the newly opened foliage, which takes a few days to toughen up, and meanwhile the plant is vulnerable to frosty weather. If you can plant acers in a sheltered spot with a little overhead protection from nearby trees you will be well rewarded, as this is how they grow in the wild.
But the display can't go on for much longer, so if you haven't cleared any summer bedding plants it's time to get them on the compost heap. It is also time to lift your dahlias and begonias ready for winter storage. Clean off as much soil as possible and leave them upside down for a week or two, then store them in some dry (but not bone dry) old potting compost. They should be safe under a bench in the greenhouse, or in a shed or garage. If you want to try leaving your dahlias in the ground overwinter, make sure you cover them with a deep mulch of compost or leaf mould.
Leaf mould is wonderful stuff and really easy to make, but you have to be patient. You need to store leaves for 12 - 18 months; we do this is in a 4 foot compost bay – but then we do have a lot of leaves. An old dustbin or strong bin bags work just as well. You will get the fastest result if you collect small leaves such as birch or run a rotary lawn mower over bigger leaves to break them up before watering and storing them in a well ventilated container with drainage holes. Put them out of the way somewhere and forget about them for 12 months. By then they will be scarcely recognisable as leaves, and you should have a peat-like substance that is a really good, weed-free soil conditioner, full of goodness.
November is the beginning of the bare-root planting season. Bare-root plants are easily available by mail order, and particularly popular for fruit trees, hedging and roses. They are much cheaper than pot-grown plants and have much better root systems. Most of them have been field grown and are well used to the type of conditions that we have in our gardens. They need to be planted as soon as they are delivered, either in a temporary spot like the veg patch or in their final position. It is a good idea to soak them for 30 minutes before planting them out in improved garden soil, but the supplier will usually provide endless instructions! The soil is still warm, and in most areas except under trees is quite damp – the perfect conditions for planting.
Pauline Little