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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
January 2019

The Truths Within Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Coffee Morning: Saturday 13th January Shell (for children aged 7+) Joint Services, Sundays 20th and 27th January Personal Announcements & Obituaries Funerals and Burial of Ashes Reginald William Fletcher Roger Denniss Christopher Cook Alice Pinchard Obituaries Desmond Silcox The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Services in January Housegroups The Church is the higher power St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Local Diary Event Details Coffee & Cake, Every Tuesday Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 2nd January Book Swap, Wednesday 16th January NYJO Ambassadors, Wednesday 16th January Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 17th January Blair Dunlop in Concert, Saturday 26th January Messy Church, Sunday 27th January A Photographic History of Repton School, Friday 1st February The Importance of Being Earnest, Saturday 9th February In the aftermath of war 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall A new hall for £19,000 Repton Village and History Repton Baby and Toddler Repton & District RBL Poppy Appeal Maypole Dancers wanted for Repton Village Party Repton Cubs Scouts Repton WI Repton School, a Photographic History Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Mobile Library, Tuesday 15th January Thank you! Christmas Bins Bag it and bin it! Repton Parish Council Vacancy for a Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church Thank You!  St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar Milton WI Self-defence class for disabled people Milton First World War Memorial Milton Christmas Party Newton Solney & St Mary's Church Newton Solney WI Health Matters Save a Life Hearing loss & social isolation South Derbyshire Consultation on Care in the Home Parent Volunteers wanted You and your Pet New Year Resolutions Neighbourhood Watch Gardening Notes Confessions of an errant gardener Maps OpenStreetMap & what3words

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The Truths Within

As we spin into a new year, it is a good time to look back at the Christmas Story and try to find some of the truths within it, truths which can help to guide us in our onward journey.

Like most, if not all, good stories, the Christmas Story carries deeper truths beneath its child-friendly surface, truths about God, truths about God's relationship with God's good creation, truths about our relationship with God and with one another.

The story begins with Mary conceiving a child out of wedlock. ('Wedlock', now there's an interesting word, but one perhaps for another time.) In her culture that would have brought great shame to her, to all her family, and to Joseph, her betrothed. It should have ended their engagement if not her life – and that of her baby. But instead, Joseph and Mary's family defied their culture, their customs and their laws, standing by Mary and the baby. In this we find God declaring that there is a morality which transcends mere human morality, and that there are times when we need to stand with God against this mere human world.

The story continues with the baby being born alongside animals. This lovely image, which we have embellished over time, carries within it a few simple messages. We are part of this wonderful world; called to live alongside all of God's good creation, neither above it nor below, but simply as a part, albeit a special part, of that good creation. Being born in the home of animals brings a contrast with our beautiful homes, filled with the luxuries that we invent and long to own, and shows that they are as nothing beside the birth of another living creature.

The baby was first visited by shepherds, men who lived with their flocks, sleeping rough under the stars. Their duty was to ensure that their sheep and goats were fed, protected and cared for. Their place in their world was very lowly. These poor men brought simple gifts – themselves in all their poverty – and knelt before the baby. In this simple act, God lifted them up and lifts up all people to equality of worth within His Kingdom.

The next visitors are the 'wise men', the 'three kings', no doubt wealthy foreigners who travelled far to kneel before this baby. Men who, like the poor shepherds, responded to God's call on their lives and made a journey of faith. They too brought gifts, expensive gifts, but above all they brought themselves. In them God embraces all people of all nations, tribes, colour, creeds and status.

A simple story, but one which challenges us and the way we choose to live in the new year we now journey to create.

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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 13th January, 10.30 - 11.30

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

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SHELL Group: Mondays 14th, 21st and 28th January

For young people aged 7 and over, we meet on Mondays from 6.30 - 7.30 pm for craft activities, games and a Christian message. New members are always welcome!

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Joint Services, Sundays 20th and 27th January

January is when we join together to give thanks for the faith we share and renew our commitment to work together in the mission of the Church across the world. This year we will worship together on Sunday 20th January at 11 am at the United Reformed Church when the Joint Covenant Service will be led by Rev Graham Maskery. And on Sunday 27th January at 6.30 pm we meet to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, again at the United Reformed Church. You will be most welcome to join us at both these services.

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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.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Reginald William Fletcher of Milton Road, Repton, died on Friday 16th November aged 91. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 7th December was followed by cremation.

Roger Denniss of Mill Hill, Repton, died on Sunday 25th November aged 83. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 21st December was followed by cremation at Bretby.

The ashes of Christopher Cook (died 26th August 2017) and Alice Pinchard (died 28th February 2018), the son and granddaughter of Lammas and Amy Cook, sometime of Burton Road, Repton, were interred in St Wystan's churchyard on Wednesday 5th December.

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Obituaries

Desmond Silcox
† 10th October 2018

Born and brought up in Repton, both Des and his brother John married Repton girls, and after National Service with the Hussars he enjoyed a long and happy marriage with Jean.

Following the closure of Lloyds steel foundry in Burton upon Trent which he had managed, Des had an unexpected second career as the first practice manager at Repton Health Centre. Despite working part-time, he was always in first thing in the morning, believing that the privilege of management was to be first in and last out every day. Meticulous in his work, he had a very subtle sense of humour, and was a keen judge of character.

Dr Robinson had struggled to move the practice from its spartan rooms on the High Street, now part of St Wystan's School, into modern premises on the corner of Askew Grove, but, 20 years after their opening in 1979, space was tight and the health service was changing. The practice had fairly simple systems and the pattern of working was very different from today. In 1989 the government introduced fundholding and life became more complicated. Des put in the necessary basic systems that the practice had lacked, and, delaying his retirement until the practice was safely settled in Willington in 1992, steered it through the complexity of building the surgery that stood on the site of the current Co-op. This involved complicated negotiations with the NHS, a room by room battle over space and function, as well as astute dealings with the bank.

Des loved his family, wine and golf, although he lived to regret taking a visitor for a round at Bretby golf course. A misjudged ball went through the plate glass window of the neighbouring country club, bounced along the bar and just managed to miss all the bottles, the mirrors and the cleaner. With characteristic humour Des insisted on accepting no damages as the issue proved him right: the golf club had been inadequately insured and he would now make the committee deal with it.

In later life Des devoted himself to looking after Jean, and, following her death, he moved to the Bedford area to be near his daughter.

Hard-working, humble and clever, Des was a pleasure to be with, a man who enjoyed the respect of his colleagues, and whose work at the surgery made a difference for all of us.

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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

Services in January

St Saviour's Church

In January, February and March, services at Foremark will be at 4 pm.

Christian Unity, the Covenant Service and Week of Prayer

Each year during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 18th - 25th January, the churches in Repton hold a joint service to renew their covenant to share in mission, and to give thanks for the work and witness of the wider Christian community across the world. This year's service will be on Sunday 20th January at 11 am at the United Reformed Church.

And on Sunday 27th January at 6.30 pm we meet together once again at the United Reformed Church. Whatever church you belong to you are most welcome to come along and join in these special occasions.

Housegroups

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

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The Church is the higher power

According to the first census of the church's social impact, Church of England parishes organise or support more than 32,000 community aid projects including food banks, toddler groups, debt advice services and night shelters.

The internal survey of almost 13,000 Anglican churches showed that they ran 13,100 'social action projects' last year, opened their doors to host 3,600 schemes run by other groups, worked in partnership with external groups to run 4,900 projects, and supported 11,100 more with volunteers, donations or other church resources.

More than 60 per cent of churches, about 8,000, were involved in running, staffing or supplying food banks, and a third ran or hosted parent and toddler groups. A quarter had lunch clubs for older people and almost a fifth ran night shelters. Debt advice services, community cafés and youth work were among the other most common services provided.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, said: "These figures spell out for the first time the sheer scale and range of our churches' commitment to their communities. We are doing more to love and help people in need than at any time since 1945. We don't just do this to be 'nice', but because our faith in Jesus Christ compels us to."

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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.

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

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 2nd January from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread, cheese, a chance to borrow books - and chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Book Swap Wednesday 16th January, 11 am - noon in St Wystan's Church and every 3rd Wednesday in the month Coffee and biscuits £1, and a chance to borrow books and jigsaws Chat and loans are free! Also at the first Wednesday 'Soup, Cheese and Chat'

Repton School Concerts Society National Youth Jazz Orchestra Ambassadors Wednesday 16th January at 7.45 in the 400 HALL The NYO Ambassadors are senior members of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, the UK's premier youth jazz orchestra, led by Artistic Director and trumpeter Mark Armstrong. NYJO promotes jazz as an exciting, engaging and inspirational art form through world-class performances and education work. Their programme will be an eclectic mix of contemporary jazz with some music written by band members, plus jazz classics from the 1930s onward that reflect the legacy and development of the music, full of groove and energy. Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 17th January, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Chicken Casserole & Rice Pudding Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Blair Dunlop in Concert Saturday 26th January, 7.30 pm, in the 400 Hall, Repton School Following highly acclaimed tours and sell-out shows in Australia and the UK throughout 2018, promoting his latest album 'Notes from an Island', BBC Radio 2 Horizon award winner and Old Reptonian Blair Dunlop returns to the village to perform with his band. Tickets £12, concessions £10 from theatres@repton.org.uk, blairdunlop.com, or 01283 559200

Messy Church Following the Star Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 27th January, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it!

A Photographic History of Repton School Friday 1st February, 7 - 9 pm in Repton School Library The School Archivist, Paul Stevens, will present a slideshow, with commentary, of the most rare and interesting photographs of the School from 1858 onwards. Seats are limited. Please email pjs@repton.org.uk or contact the School Lodge (just inside the Arch), by telephone 01283 559200 or in person.

The Importance of Being Earnest A Two Gents Production Saturday 9th February at 7.30 pm Milton Village Hall, Main Street, DE65 6EF Love, high jinks and cucumber sandwiches from Oscar Wilde! This witty, fast-moving version of a famous and funny play is thoroughly entertaining and often surprising and – faithful to the original and with a friendly playful interaction between actors and audience! If you're used to seeing fully costumed versions of this play with a lot of furniture, this will be like no other! There is no licensed bar, so bring your own drinks. Tickets £12 from Dawn, 01283 703075, contact@miltonmatters.org.uk

The Great War Remembered

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

For the first time for five years I am enabled to wish you all a right happy new year. May 1919 be the dawn of a time of prosperity, contentment, and happiness more than we have ever known before in England!

The National Debt

Nevertheless, the problems of peace before us will need a mighty deal of solution; they are not only political but social, economic and industrial. The outward prosperity of trade and agriculture during the war has in reality been largely artificial. We are faced with the fact that our national debt is ten times what it was in 1914, and, unless we turn Bolshevists, this has to be paid. The only way this can be done is by increasing the wealth and productive power of the country, and this only comes about when there is the heartiest co-operation and entire goodwill of all classes. Labour disputes and strikes spell ruin to us all. And the true way to prevent these occurring is for us all, employer and employed, to adopt as the ruling principle of our lives the teaching of our Lord: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them."

The General Election

The General Election has passed by very quietly and sedately; in this constituency we had no contest. I think, however, in the name of Repton, I ought to enter a protest against the action of the Commissioners in ruthlessly tearing this township out of South Derbyshire, which before bore the name of Repton, and placing us in Belper. After all, sentiment does count, and Repton was once the abode of kings, and its ancient name might still be represented in Parliament.

A War Memorial

Now that fighting is over and the signing of Peace in sight, we ought as a village to be considering what form our War Memorial should take. We have, of course, our smaller one in the Church, but there should be also a greater one as well. I venture to suggest to the Parish Council that it will soon be time for them to move in the matter.

Rest in Peace

I much regret to have to record the death as a late prisoner of war in Germany of Percy Stevenson, son of the late Mr. T. Stevenson, of Milton. He had just been liberated under the Armistice, and I am glad to think his last hours were spent under the old Union Jack, as he died in a British Red Cross Hospital.

Spanish Flu

During December the annual sale of work took place on the 7th, although the attendance was not as good as in former years, owing, no doubt, to the epidemic ; yet the result was satisfactory as over £100 was realised. P.S. Christmas passed cheerfully and brightly. The services in church were well attended, and the decorations were very nice indeed. The choir, as usual, sang very well.

The Christmas Dole

At their last meeting the trustees of the above very carefully considered the list of persons receiving the Christmas Dole, and came to the conclusion there were at least 25 out of a total of 120 whose position and circumstances did not really warrant their receiving it. Few people are probably aware that the total sum to be divided is under £10, and if 120 persons or families receive it the average dole is only about 9d and a loaf. In future, therefore, the Trustees will proceed on the principle that in general persons whose families are grown up or who are in fairly prosperous circumstances will be struck off the list in order that the really poor shall receive a larger dole.

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Repton Village Hall

A new hall for £19,000

That was the price of the village hall when it was built in 1970. It didn't include the heating, nor did it include the brick built part where the stage is, and which was later funded by the WI. It seems that, following the fire which had destroyed the old village hall in the High Street in 1962, Iris Bentley, Chairman of the Parish Council, had 'protracted and complicated negotiations' to rebuild.

Now that the hall is empty and everything has gone to storage, it is looking even sadder than before. On Saturday 1st December a sizeable team helped to take down items which will be re-used and get things transported. We were very lucky to have both expertise in electrical safety and also a confident climber who was happy to tackle the theatre lights. We are very grateful to everyone who came forward, saving us a lot of expense. Some items can be sold on to raise further funds. Again, a local person has volunteered to lead on this; it is a lot of work and much easier said than done. Our thanks go to all who have worked so hard for the hall.

If you visit the Legion, you will eventually see the ship's bell and its memorabilia on the wall. The Legion is now going to be its permanent custodian on behalf of the village.

The overall plan is that by Christmas the hall will have had a thorough asbestos survey and be ready for demolition in the New Year. At the time of writing we are close to finalising a deal with the contractor. With that in place, earmarked funds can be released which, together with the special grant from the parish council, will complete the funding package. Then we will be able to sign on the dotted line with the contractor. It sounds rather convoluted but that is how it works. In the meantime, the contractor will be getting on with planning and hopefully all will be signed off before or very soon after Christmas.
£19,000 may not seem a great deal now, but in 1970 it would have bought you all but the grandest houses in Repton, or a portfolio of smaller ones.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Baby and Toddler

While the new village hall is built, we are now safely installed in our temporary home at the Iris Bentley Pavilion, Broomfields Lane, where from 9th January we will be meeting 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.

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Repton & District RBL Poppy Appeal

The end of September was also the end of the 2017 / 2018 Poppy Appeal and we have just learnt that our total for the year reached a new record of £19,196.05, a truly magnificent achievement. And the 2018/2019 Campaign has already surpassed that with over £21,800 collected so far – a fantastic start.

Help needed in 2019

In 2018 we were unfortunately unable to cover all the streets in Repton with the house to house collections, so if you feel you could help with this next year, please get in touch. For the two weeks prior to Remembrance Sunday we also run a stall at the Aldi Supermarket in Hilton. Again, if you would be willing to help there for a couple of hours, please contact me.

The Committee of the Repton & District Royal British Legion Branch wish to express sincere thanks to everyone who assisted in the door to door collections, and to the schools and businesses who kindly allowed our collection containers to be displayed at their premises for the poppy appeal fortnight. A big 'thank you' also to all Legion members and supporters who gave up their time to make up, deliver and collect the boxes and assist in the count.

It is worth pointing out that every penny of the total collected is forwarded to the National Appeal Fund. No expenses are incurred at a local level.

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Calling all boys and girls for Maypole Dancing at Repton Village Party

We are looking for boys and girls aged 7 - 11 to join the Maypole Dancing Team.

Practices start straight after the February half-term

As last time, we will be running an 'after school club' to practise the dances. We will, of course, be delighted to welcome back any of the experienced 2017 team, but are hoping to have plenty of new recruits too. All you need is a bit of energy, lots of enthusiasm, and, of course, your parents' permission, as they will need to bring you to the practices.

Mr Tague at Repton Primary School has kindly offered the use of the school hall for the practices, but dates and times have still to be finalised. Please let us know if you are interested. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Repton Cubs

Remembrance Day saw the Cubs marching very smartly in the Parade – all the training had paid off, so 'well done' to all.

Since the half term break, we have worked on our scientist badge. This has included blowing up balloons with vinegar and water, exploding film pots, learning about pH and indicators, building balloon buggies and finding out which of our Cub activities raised our heart rates the most: it turns out that a frantic game of 'Stuck in the Mud' is the most energetic of our games. This was organised by one of the pupils from Repton School who are helping us for a few weeks while working for their Duke of Edinburgh's Award. We have also developed our home-helping skills by learning to iron, clean windows, lay a table and change a light bulb safely. Whether these skills transfer to real life at home remains to be seen!

We learn a lot at Cubs while having fun so if your child would like to join in, or you would like more information, please contact Jez Brooks.

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Scouts

Over the last few weeks the Scouts have been learning some astronomy, and tried to put it to use by navigating by the stars. Unfortunately there was too much cloud cover on the evening of the night hike and the stars were not visible, but the Scouts still succeeded in navigating their way back to the Den.

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.

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Repton WI

At the beginning of December we had our Christmas meal at Mickleover golf club, followed by our first visit to Repton Primary School for the Christmas meeting, with food aplenty and fizz to drink. We were totally captivated by a sneak preview of the Feel Alive Drama Group's performance of 'Snow White in Benidorm', expertly produced and directed by Babette Grimaldi. The full pantomime will be staged at the end of January in Derby. There was plenty of time to chat, and some members posed for a photo in their Christmas jumpers. During the evening we had a special visitor – no, not Santa, though there were Secret Santa gifts for the members. Herbie brought her 4-week old daughter to her first WI meeting. Also, we gave our good wishes to Rachel Smedley for her wedding to Andy Wilson on 15th December.

Activities start anew in January

Tuesday 8th Meeting at Repton Primary School at 7.15: 'Get to know your WI'

Tuesday 15th Happy hour at the Boot at 6.30 pm

Thursday 24th Coffee morning at Bretby Garden Centre at 10.30 am

and in February

Tuesday 12th Meeting at Repton Primary School at 7.15: 'Neverest Charity'

Friday 15th Craft & Natter group at Margery's house, 31 Burton Road, 2 pm

Tuesday 19th Happy hour at the Boot at 6.30 pm

Wednesday 27th Coffee morning at Sweet Little Things, Sudbury Hall Courtyard, 10.30 am

The January meeting will be a good one to try if you've been thinking about coming along to see what we do. It will be a mixture of talks, games, quizzes and getting to know each other, and there'll be a bring & buy stall. Have a look at our Facebook page for more details.

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Repton School, a Photographic History

On Friday 1st February, Repton School Archivist, Paul Stevens, will present a slide show of some of the most interesting photographs of the School from 1858 onwards, as well as scans of illustrations and paintings. Mixed with the formal professional shots are wonderful amateur pictures taken by the pupils, often of the School's historical buildings, but also of the village. The event starts at 7 pm and takes place in the beautifully restored library at the historic centre of the School, the Old Priory.

You are very welcome and admission is free, but seats are limited. Please contact the School Lodge (just inside the Arch), by telephone 01283 559200 or in person.

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Repton Village Society

There was no meeting in December, but thanks to the efforts of our Treasurer we do now have a new venue: future meetings will be in Repton School Junior Common Room. Follow the drive to the east (the left) of the Red Lion, between it and the Old Mitre – the school building that stands on the angle of the High Street and the Burton Road – until you come to a school car park. The Junior Common Room is in the building next to the car park. If there are any problems, contact Martin on 703180 or me on 703748.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 3rd January, when Judy Richter will speak on 'Cabin Crew Daze', covering the time from the golden days of aviation to the more modern horrors, as seen by the cabin crew.

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Repton Village History Group
A home grown New Year

In the days before even the wireless, New Year festivities in Repton were home grown –and very much appreciated. In 1913, for example, there was a well-attended celebratory tea in the Congregational Chapel school room on Pinfold Lane followed by a 'fanciful operetta' in 3 acts entitled 'The Wishing Cap'. It was a huge success with standing room only for many. The operetta was written in about 1895, and copies of the lyrics and musical score survive.

The plot itself is long forgotten but many of the youngsters who took part will be remembered by Repton folk, and include family names still in the village today: Faulkner, Dolman, Sanders, Holmes, Eaton, Perry, Collier, Pearson, Webster.

Daisy Holmes went on to run a cake shop near the Red Lion and Dolly Perry had a fruit and veg shop close by. William (Willie) and Harry Sanders served in and survived the Great War, and William was the organist at the chapel for many years.

For further information about Repton Village History Group, please contact Andy Austen.

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Mobile Library, Tuesday 15th January
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 information. It works to a four-weekly timetable so in February it will be here on the 12th. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405.

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Thank you!

. . . to everyone who gave so generously of their time – and in the case of the Sale of Work Market Stall, bottles, jars and produce! – to help with the many events that took place during the autumn. The Literary Festival, Sale of Work and Village Hall events involved a great many people, and your support is much appreciated. I do hope you have enjoyed sharing your time and expertise among new friends and old.

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Christmas Bins

As there is no green bin collection on New Year's Day, extra recycling will be taken on the next scheduled date, 15th January. Leave it at the side of the bin in a clear plastic bag or container. Cardboard must be flattened and stacked. In addition, SDDC will have four mixed paper / card banks at Willington Recycling Centre, Twyford Road, until Sunday 6th January. This is in addition to the usual materials that can be taken, including green, clear and brown glass, as well as cans, tins and plastic bottles. The centre also accepts textiles and Tetra Pak cartons.

There will be no brown bin collections on New Year's Day either.

Real Christmas trees can be cut up and left in the brown bin, or taken to the tip at Newhall (DE11 0TP). Artificial Christmas trees and decorations, old toys, wrapping paper, plastic sweet tubs, egg boxes, black plastics, hard plastics, plastic bags and plastic film should be put in the black bin. Small electrical items can be taken to Newhall tip.

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Bag it and bin it!
from an angry dog owner

The footpath between Monsom Lane and Milton Road is plagued by deposits of dog poo, frequently mixed with leaves or other vegetation which make it difficult to see until too late. I would plead with all dog owners to act responsibly.

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Repton Parish Council

Parish Precept 2019 / 2020: The Parish Council has undertaken to maintain the charge for a Band D house at the same level as in 2018 / 2019, which followed a local referendum to increase the precept to fund work on the new village hall. The precept has therefore been set at £35.82 for a Band D house.

Dog Fouling: We are still receiving complaints about dog owners who allow their pets to foul in public places without clearing up after them. The Parish Council forwards complaints to South Derbyshire District Council, which has the power to enforce the law, and would ask local residents to send their complaints direct to SDDC also.

Dog owners should note particularly that dogs are not allowed on the Mitre Field. It is a much used children's play area and subject to a Public Spaces Protection Order. Further information can be obtained from Environmental Health at SDDC. Phone 01283 595795 or email environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk.

Adverse Weather: The latest information about the weather, gritting activity, and road and school closures can be found at derbyshire.gov.uk.

The grit bins around the village have now been replenished. They are located on Springfield Road, The Pastures, Monsom Lane outside the Burial Ground, Milton Road at its junctions with Monsom Lane and Burdett Way, Hill View and Red Hill Lane. The grit in the bins is for use on the public roads and pavements. Please don't take it for personal use.

Footpaths and Overhanging Trees: In the dark evenings, the streetlights are particularly important. When walking around the village, Councillors have noted that some are obscured by the shrubs and trees of neighbouring properties. Please could you check whether this applies to your property. If it does, please could you cut back the greenery to allow the streetlight to do its job.

Next meeting: Monday 14th January 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

Parish Council Office, 40 High Street

Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer to Repton Parish Council A vacancy has arisen for a Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer to Repton Parish Council for 12 hours per week. Responsibilities include: preparing agendas and taking minutes; keeping financial records, setting the council's budget and preparing end of year accounts; communicating with members of the public and dealing with correspondence. Good communication skills, IT skills, an understanding of basic accounting processes, and an ability to understand and interpret local government law are required. Training is offered as appropriate. Remuneration will be based on qualifications and experience but within LC2 SCP 30 to 34, £14.22 to £15.99 per hour. More Information can be found on our website at repton-pc.gov.uk. Closing date for applications: 11th January 2019 Interview date: Week commencing 14th January Application forms are available on the web at repton-pc.gov.uk, or contact Sue Reilly, Clerk to the Council Parish Council Office, 40 High Street,  t: 01283 701309

Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church

Thank You!   St Saviour's Christmas Bazaar

The members of St Saviour's PCC would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's Christmas bazaar in aid of St Saviour's Church another great success, raising an incredible £2,780. We would very much like to thank all the people who helped in so many ways – selling raffle tickets, making cakes, donating prizes, running stalls, serving refreshments, setting out the hall and tidying up afterwards, and especially all those who made the effort to attend on the day. We would particularly like to thank the many people who gave generous donations before and during the event. Thanks to the generosity of the community we have been able to complete several important tasks this year. Our next project is the refurbishment of the Bakewell gates at the east end of the churchyard. We are extremely grateful for the continued loyal support of the local community that ensures the upkeep of this important and historic building.

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Milton WI

Following our usual business at the December meeting, we were served a delicious meal by President Linda and Helen. We then had fun revealing some of our most embarrassing moments, followed by pass the parcel with amusing forfeits. Instead of bringing Bran Tub prizes to share amongst members, we donated our gifts to the food bank in Swadlincote. At our next meeting on Wednesday 16th January, 7.30 pm in Milton village hall, our speaker is a representative from 'Blood Bikes'. 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.

Milton First World War Memorial
Service of Blessing

Milton's memorial to the fallen of the Great War was first installed in the entrance to the village hall (then called the Mission Room) in 1920. Over the years it disintegrated and only the top scroll survived. This was rescued by the Village Hall Committee and used to create a new memorial which, with a new stone surround, is now situated on an outside wall of the village hall. It was fitting that in the centenary year of the ending of the Great War, this new memorial received a blessing and re-dedication.

On Sunday 2nd December, around 40 villagers, friends, and relatives of the fallen gathered in the village hall over coffee and mince pies before the blessing. People then stood in front of the memorial and along the pavement to hear the names read out, followed by readings and prayers. The blessing was conducted by Rev'd Andrew Baguley, and children laid tributes of flowers.

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Milton Christmas Party

In December Milton village hall was full to capacity for the annual village Christmas party. The hall looked lovely with festive cloths, crackers and bunting. A delicious hot meal of chicken, stuffing and all the trimmings was followed by home-made trifle and mince pies.

After the meal the fun started and the hall was filled with laughter and banter. There was a game of pass the parcel on each table, and every so often the 'unfortunate' person holding the parcel was asked to do a forfeit: tell a Christmas joke, do a belly dance, or sing a carol in the style of punk rock. The children found it hilarious and joined in the forfeits!

Santa was a bit too busy to come along but his elves did a wonderful job of entertaining everyone with their dance routine. Well done to the Milton Elves who looked great in their costumes.

The evening ended with a well supported raffle – including a countdown by all in the hall if the winner took a little too long to select a prize! A superb evening of fun, laughter and good company. Thank you to everyone who helped in so many different capacities.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Newton Solney & St Mary's Church

Newton Solney WI

At our final meeting in 2018 we celebrated Christmas with entertainment from the 'Something Good' singers who got us into the festive mood with songs from the 60s and 70s while we shared food and finished a relaxing evening with a Secret Santa.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 8th January, 7.30 pm at Newton Solney village hall. New members are always welcome to join us. Our programme for the year ahead includes a beetle drive, talks on wine, life in the garden and shopping, a fish and chip supper and lots more. What else do we need!

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Health Matters

Are you prepared?
Community Save a Life Scheme

Today in the UK, 545 people will have a heart attack, one every 7 minutes. 180 will die. A sudden heart attack, regardless of fitness or age, kills 100,000 people every year. It could be you or someone you love. YOU can help reduce this number.

80% of out of hospital heart attacks happen in the home, often in front of loved ones, where survival rates are low; less than one in 10 will survive.

One in five adults will witness someone collapse who needs immediate CPR. The majority do not act; most don't know what to do. It's critical that YOU do. Every minute counts. After one minute, brain cells begin to die. Ambulance response times average between 7 and 12 minutes.

You can learn basic life-saving skills in an online, easy to use, bitesized module that's FREE. Launched at the Houses of Parliament in October, it takes about 40 minutes to learn what to do in an emergency. Please help us to reach our goal of a lifesaver on every street. Go to virtual-college.co.uk/prepared.

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Hearing loss & social isolation

Although relatively few are profoundly deaf, there are 11 million people in the UK with some degree of hearing loss, roughly one in six of us. It affects different people in different ways, but many are most affected in social circumstances. At home we can turn the radio up or use subtitles on the tv, but we are embarrassed by repeatedly having to ask others to repeat themselves, particularly in groups. The result can be isolation, even among friends, and a gradual retreat from society.

Everyone who suffers, even mildly, from hearing loss should get hearing aids. For most of us, these alone are transformative. But in addition, there are further steps you can take:

• Be open: tell the person you are speaking to that you have hearing loss.
• Ask people to get your attention before they start talking to you.
• Make sure you can see the face and lips of the person speaking.
• Try to lipread: everyone does it a bit, especially in noisy places.
• Ask people to slow down and speak more clearly.
• If you don't catch what someone says, ask them to say it again or in a different way.
• If your hearing is better in one ear, try turning that side towards the speaker.
• Don't beat yourself up! No one hears correctly all of the time.

And the rest of us need to be aware of the isolating effects of hearing loss and open to the needs of the hearing impaired. Turn your face towards them so they can see your lip movements. Be patient, don't cover your mouth (it's amazing how many do), speak clearly, at a normal volume (please don't shout!) but not too fast, and be prepared to repeat or say things differently if they don't understand.

Another New Year's resolution, perhaps?

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South Derbyshire

Consultation on Care in the Home

Derbyshire County Council is consulting on changing how older and vulnerable people are supported to live at home, and specifically, on plans to change who is eligible to receive community alarms and telecare services. Around 5,000 currently use the service funded by DCC which provides 24-hour monitoring.

There are various proposals, but all would mean that only people assessed as eligible to receive services under the Care Act 2014 would receive community alarms and telecare services for free.

The consultation opened in November and runs until 25th January. A questionnaire was sent to current users, but you can see the proposals and fill in the questionnaire online at derbyshire.gov.uk/communityalarms.

YOU can make a difference to a family in your community. Parent Volunteers wanted All parents know that the early years before children go off to school are vital in a child's life. At Home-Start we believe parents have the key role in creating a secure childhood for their children. It's just that sometimes they need a bit of help – YOUR help! Please contact us for more information 01332 742619 admin@homestartderby.co.uk homestartderby.co.uk Home-Start ~ Support and Friendship for Families

You and your Pet

New Year Resolutions

I am sure that every January many of us repeat the resolutions we made and failed to keep the previous year. Would be easier if we made them on behalf of our pets, perhaps? Here are some suggestions:

• I will make time to interact, exercise and play with my pets more. This will be good for them and good for me! Dogs love to explore new places and playing more games at home keeps both of us entertained, helping to strengthen that special bond. There is a variety of interactive toys for most types of pet now, so 2019 may be the year to teach them new tricks!
• I will brush my dogs' teeth weekly. This can make a huge difference to their dental health. Special toothbrushes and toothpaste are available, but if this is too much of a struggle, dental chews are available. However, they can be calorific, so be sure to cut down their feed accordingly. I have met owners who have brushed their cat's teeth, but it is fair to say that cats may prove a little trickier!
• I will not overfeed my pets. Work out your pets' daily feed allowance according to the producer's recommendation and stick to it, making allowances for any extra treats. Keeping all pets a healthy weight will help their mobility and heart health as they age.
• I will keep my pets' worming, flea control and vaccinations up to date.
• I will make sure my pets are microchipped and that any changes of address or phone number have been updated, so my pets can be swiftly returned to me when they stray.
• I will groom my pets to keep them comfortable. Obviously the frequency will vary hugely with the individual.

I am sure most pet owners do the majority of these things anyway, but sometimes even vets need a nudge – just off to find the dog's toothbrush!

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Neighbourhood Watch

Cyber-criminals use weaknesses in software and apps to attack your devices and steal your identity. Software updates are designed to fix these weaknesses and installing them as soon as possible will keep you secure. Updates don't have to get in the way of what you're doing. You can choose to install them at night, when your device is plugged in and connected to wi-fi. You can also configure most devices to automatically install software and app updates. For more information on how to stay secure online, visit cyberaware.gov.uk, or follow @Cyberprotectuk on Twitter.

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

Confessions of an errant gardener

You might think that someone who opens their garden and writes articles for a parish magazine would follow all the rules, but day to day reality is far from the glossy pictures in gardening magazines. And if I were to be psychologically profiled, I would be classified as the type of person who is incapable of following a recipe: if I am making a cake and have no demerara sugar I use soft brown or even golden syrup, although perhaps not treacle!

Premeditated murder: We use slug pellets, albeit in small quantities and occasionally go on a night hunt. We also treat lily beetle but try not to affect other insects. Aphids are not treated and generally not a problem – we do all we can to encourage predators.

Cruelty to tools: I confess to using the wrong tool for the job. From the far end of the garden it is a long way back to the shed; using secateurs to remove a stubborn weed is sometimes a better option. Tools hide in our large garden, and rusty secateurs sometimes appear in the compost. The most bizarre was a favourite hoe lost in plain sight against a wooden arch by the main path – lost for six weeks despite a full search of the garden; we were convinced it had been stolen.

. . and to plants: I move plants that should not be moved and move them at the wrong time. In my defence we have successfully moved an oak, a witch hazel and numerous acers against conventional practice, but in each case we have moved the plant to a 'better place' and given it good aftercare. As for dividing plants at the wrong time, that often happens during a garden opening when someone wants a particular plant or a seedling, someone else joins in and so it goes on. Finally, I don't always manage to plant everything that has been grown from seed and have to watch things starve to death.

Weedy compost: With the exception of anything from roses, moss and, strangely, egg shells, we put almost all our garden waste on the compost. This includes weeds, weed seeds and quite twiggy material. Most of the material is shredded, stays in large brick-built bays for about a year, and is turned just once. It gets very hot, which seems to deal with the weed seeds. Aside from composting, I often throw weeds straight onto the beds. Why not compost eggshells and moss, you ask. Well they just take too long, archaeologists can distinguish between duck and hen eggs after hundreds of years!

Dirty habits: I don't wash my pots, but I do keep them dry so I can brush out any soil. I reuse all my potting compost, keeping it in a container in the greenhouse.

Forgetfulness: I forget to label plants or seeds and can't remember what they are. Wrapped up in receipts in my pockets I find packets of seed from a garden visited. In the night I wake up realising I forgot to replant that . . . – oops!

Dishonesty: Finally I take credit for plant combinations that have nothing to do with my design.

I hope you will forgive me, and proffer one final line of defence: let him who is without sin throw the first stone.

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Maps

OpenStreetMap and what3words

As we drove back from Suffolk last month we passed through miles of roadworks along and off to the side of the A14, some in the far distance, leading to lots of speculation about what was happening. I have since discovered OpenStreetMap, and all has been revealed.

OpenStreetMap is built by a community of mappers all over the world who contribute and maintain data. Contributors use aerial imagery, GPS devices, and low-tech field maps to verify that maps are accurate and up to date. OSM not merely shows the current road network, but also roads under construction. Unlike Google Maps, it also shows trails, footpaths, and many other features, as well as shops, post offices, churches, cafés, railway stations, and much more. However, it does not show houses in detail, and if there is a satellite or street view, I haven't found it. Try it: openstreetmap.org.

Another development in the world of mapping is what3words. To my untutored eye this seems more an overlay to Google Maps than a new set of maps; the familiar features such as satellite and street view are still there. The problem it addresses is that although you can search for houses by postcode or address, what if you want to describe the location of St Anne's Well, an ancient tree at Calke, or a grave in the churchyard, places that have no address or postcode? what3words solves the problem by segmenting the world into a grid of 3m squares, with each assigned a unique three word address. It seems bizarre – the location of Repton Cross is 'chairing.bids.jousting' and one of the oldest trees at Calke is 'newsprint.multiply.congested' – but it works, although it does take a little getting used to. Enter 'map.what3words.com/chairing.bids.jousting' in your browser address bar, unlock the map by clicking the cross, top right, and turn on 'satellite view'. One point to notice is that you don't move the highlighted square but the map it sits on.