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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
Copy date for the April magazine: MONDAY 18th March
March 2019

As one who serves 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 World Day of Prayer Service: Friday 1st March 182nd Church Anniversary: Sunday 17th March Mothers' Day Family Service: Sunday 31st March Coffee Morning: Saturday 9th March Shell (for children aged 7+) Personal Announcements & Obituaries Baptisms Theodore Edward Adkin Funerals and Burial of Ashes Graham Pool Dorothy Violet Mary Johnson Catherine Mary Nash John Edward Dipple Thank you Dorothy Violet Mary Johnson Obituaries Tom Davies Graham Pool The Memorial Book Repton Benefice World Day of Prayer Service, Friday 1st March Ash Wednesday, 6th March Mothering Sunday, 31st March 8.00 am Holy Communion Lent Study on the Environment Intercessory Prayer for Healing St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds St Wystan's Annual Parochial Church Meeting & Supper Easter Lilies for St Wystan's Church Local Diary Event Details Coffee & Cake, Every Tuesday Baked Potatoes & Pancakes, Tuesday 5th March Lent Lunches, every Wednesday, 6th March to 17th April Book Swap, Wednesday 20th March Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 21st March Repton School Play: Grease, 21st - 23rd Messy Church, Sunday 24th March 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . So who was the Dolmans' son-in-law? Repton Village Hall Progress Repton Village and History Music Time Sessions for Pre-School Children Repton Beavers, Boys & Girls aged 6 to 8 Repton Cubs, Boys & Girls aged 7½ to 10½ The Village Party raffle Repton Baby and Toddler - Sensory play Scouts Repton WI Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Snake bites Repton Parish Council Have you thought of standing for your Parish Council? Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church Foremark Church APCM, Wednesday 3rd April A perfect evening at Milton Village Hall Milton WI Self-defence class for disabled people Newton Solney & St Mary's Church Newton Solney APCM, Sunday 28th April Newton Solney C of E School Raising funds for our new pre-school building Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney WI Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 7th September Newton Solney Parish Council South Derbyshire What's On Walk into Spring, Sunday 3rd March Spare the toads You and your Pet Well done the Staffie! Neighbourhood Watch Phishing Gardening Notes Sowing seeds

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As one who serves

Perhaps it is when we get older that time seems to rush by. It doesn't seem very long ago that we were talking about New Year resolutions, yet here we are, being asked what we propose to give up for Lent.

Shall it be chocolate, alcohol, biscuits or television? It might be a good idea to cut down on some of our little luxuries. We might end up healthier, slimmer or able to save money for good causes. But should this negative approach be at the heart of the Christian life?

Sometimes in Lent we read the ten commandments out in church. Not many people learn them by heart these days so you might have to look them up or take my word for this: the only commandment which tells us to do something is the fifth which says "Honour your father and your mother". All the remaining commandments tell us what not to do, so instead of the ten commandments, we often use the summary of the law given to us by Jesus. That tells us how we should live as Christians, loving God and other people, even those we don't particularly like.

Love in practice means caring for people, those we know and those we don't, the homeless, the lonely, the housebound. Sometimes we can care in person, sometimes we can care by giving to organizations like the Padley Centre or the Salvation Army.

Jesus stressed that we should put the service of others before our own needs, saying to his followers "I am among you as one who serves." Our thoughts for Lent should be practical: what can we do as individuals to help others and what can we do as a Church?

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

Repton School Chapel

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readings, 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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World Day of Prayer Service: Friday 1st March at 7.15 pm

'Come - everything is Ready!' is the theme of the World Day of Prayer which this year has been prepared by Christian women of Slovenia. As we participate in the service we will be sharing with people in over 120 countries and islands around the world. The day will begin as the sun rises over Samoa and end some 38 hours later back in the Pacific as the sun sets over American Samoa. After the service, which is at the United Reformed Church, refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

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182nd Church Anniversary: Sunday 17th March at 11 am

The Congregational Church in Pinfold Lane opened on 15th March 1837, becoming the United Reformed Church in 1972. This year celebrates 182 years of its Christian witness in the village.

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Mothers' Day Family Service: Sunday 31st March at 11 am

A special family service to thank God for our mothers and those who care for us. All the ladies will receive a gift.

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Coffee Morning: Saturday 9th March, 10.30 - 11.30

Come and have coffee with friends, have a go on the tombola, browse the cards and stationery on sale and treat yourselves to the home made cakes and preserves. You will be very welcome!

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SHELL Group: Mondays 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March

For young people aged 7 and over. SHELL Group meets on Mondays from 6.30 - 7.30 pm for craft activities, games and a Christian message. Activities this month include making pancakes and Mothers' Day cards, and a Wii Night! New members are always welcome!

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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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Baptisms

Theodore Edward Adkin, son of Edward and Ceridwyn Adkin of Mickleover, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 10th February.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Graham Pool of Hollies Close, Newton Solney, died peacefully after a short illness on Monday 20th August 2018 aged 82. His funeral at Bretby Crematorium on 12th September was followed by cremation.

Dorothy Violet Mary Johnson of Milton Road, Repton, died at home on Monday 7th January aged 85. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 25th January was followed by cremation.

Catherine Mary Nash died on Wednesday 9th January aged 41. A Service of Celebration for her Life was held at St Wystan's Church on 1st February.

John Edward Dipple of Milton Road, Repton, died on Thursday 7th February aged 90. His funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 20th February was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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Thank you

Dorothy Johnson

I would like to thank everyone who attended Dorothy's funeral at Bretby crematorium. Thank you too for your donations in her memory; as a result £700 was forwarded to the Nightingale Macmillan Unit at Derby Royal Hospital. And thank you also to everyone involved in the organisation of the funeral and the wake that followed. It was a great comfort at this sad time.

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Obituaries

Tom Davies
23rd December 1927 - 2nd January 2019

Highly respected and popular, Tom Davies was Headmaster of Foremarke Hall from 1960 - 1985. When he arrived, the school was a little cut off from the wider community (independent schools can easily become oases of privilege), but Tom did everything he could to connect to the whole Foremarke community, partly because he enjoyed the company of everyone he worked with, and partly because the duty of care came so naturally to him.

Tom was involved in all aspects of school life. In a telling phrase, he was described as a head who 'brought the milk in in the morning and put the cat out at night'. But he and Peggy never lost focus: they found the time to treat everyone as an individual, spending many hours to help teachers, matrons, cleaners and pupils battle through domestic difficulties and personal crises. The Service of Thanksgiving for Tom's life, with some twenty people attending from his time at the school, showed how warmly this feeling was returned.

As a Headmaster Tom's role was spiritual as well as pastoral. His father was a vicar, and the rhythms, the music and the ceremonial were part of his earliest memories, so when he started teaching, he already had a solid foundation of firm belief and a Christian ethos. Morning assemblies would centre on a reading from the Bible followed by a hymn from Ancient and Modern – and the whole school would sing, properly, led by his example. On Sundays, the boarders would shine their shoes, walk up the path, over the bridge and up to the church. Sitting on the slope above the grounds, on the edge of farmland, the church is older than the Hall, and seems almost untouched by the modern world. It might not have seen Saxons and Vikings, but its wonderful box pews carry the must and patina of three and a half centuries. There, Tom, in that wonderful pulpit, would give a sermon that held the attention of all those tucked away in the pews. And his sense of fun and humour, his story telling skills and his warmth came across in his telling of the tales from the Bible.

Through Tom, generations of children learned the Christian message of charity and love, and his was a shining example. 'Cleave Fast' is the motto on one of the hatchments on the wall – hold on strongly. Tom did.

He will be remembered not just for bringing the teachings of Christ to all in his care, but for helping to pass on a tradition of Christian worship that is rooted in the past, and for helping to strengthen the sense of community. Foremark Church is a very special place. It would be good to think that the congregation there will fill the space with song, and keep the old building alive with the faith that shone so brightly in Tom.

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Graham Pool
24th May 1936 - 20th August 2018

Graham led a very full and exciting life. Although born in Matlock, he grew up in Allestree where the family moved just before the war. At Herbert Strutt Grammar School he became a sergeant in the CCF, and on leaving, joined Rolls Royce as an apprentice whilst studying in the evening for his Higher National Certificate at Derby tech. Completing his apprenticeship, as an alternative to National Service he applied with two friends to P&O, and despite knowing nothing about marine engineering, was taken on as a fifth engineer.

During a spell ashore in 1959, Graham married Diana, and when he returned to Rolls they set up home in Allestree. It was a long and happy marriage, which ended only with Diana's death in 2016, and in due course Linda and David were born. Graham's family was all important to him throughout his life, whether supporting David at golf or Diana and Linda with their horses. In 1971 they moved to Newton Solney, and Graham was actively involved in the running of the village hall, as well as the youth club.

Graham served in senior engineering positions with Rolls-Royce for almost 40 years. As Deputy Service Manager for the Spey engine, then Service Manager for the Anglo-French Adour engine, his work took him across the world. He was a key member of the technical team which led to the military version of the Spey's adoption for the American A-7 Corsair II strike aircraft. Subsequently Graham transferred to the civil engine side of Rolls-Royce, to the sales department, with responsibility for Africa initially, then the Middle East, and finally the Far East, where he played an important role in contracts with major Chinese airlines. During this period, Graham and Diana lived in Tokyo for four years. Although he enjoyed his work, he was less fond of being away so much, and on returning to England made the difficult decision to retire.

In retirement, he maintained his close relationship with the military Spey engine through the Buccaneer Aviation Trust, as part-owner and operator of two Buccaneers at Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire. Graham was instrumental in getting all the engines running correctly, working till late into the Saturday nights, quite often by headlamps and in sometimes atrocious weather.

In 2007 he joined Quicksilver, a project based at East Midlands Airport to develop a jet powered boat capable of breaking the world water speed record, as the propulsion system specialist. His knowledge of the Spey was a huge asset.

From childhood, Graham was a model train fan: early in his marriage he taken over part of the home to build a permanent layout comprising a vast track, a marshalling yard, engine shed, station buildings, platforms and a complicated electrical system – an engineer's dream. But in retirement he became a hands-on railway preservation enthusiast, pouring his huge engineering experience into the restoration of several locomotives, including the locomotive 'Duchess of Sutherland', which he helped restore to main line running. He was involved with the Trust for over 20 years, becoming a patron in 1998.

A keen golfer when he was younger, he remained until recently an active member of the Rolls golf society, a vice president and past captain.

Graham was a kind, gentle, self-effacing man, a calming influence, a loyal team-player and a source of wise counsel. He was greatly respected and is much missed.

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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

World Day of Prayer Service
Friday 1st March, 7.15 pm at the URC

Share with people in over 120 countries and islands around the world in a service prepared by Christian women of Slovenia. Refreshments will be served after the service. Everyone is welcome.

Ash Wednesday, 6th March
10 am at St Wystan's Church, 7.30 pm in Repton School Chapel

Ash Wednesday is the name we give to the first day of Lent, the six weeks of preparation that lead up to Easter. The day derives its name from the placing of ashes on the forehead using either the words "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." The ashes are usually those of burnt palm crosses from the previous Palm Sunday.

This year there are two opportunities to start Lent with this act of repentance, at 10 am during our usual Wednesday Communion service at St Wystan's, led by Rev'd Andrew Baguley, or at 7.30 pm in Repton School Chapel led by Fr Neil Roberts, the School Chaplain.

Mothering Sunday, 31st March
9.45 to 10.30 am at St Wystan's Church

We welcome everyone to a special family service for all ages, followed by coffee and cakes. Posies of flowers will be given to mums and others who care for us.

8.00 am Holy Communion

There are three 8 am services of Holy Communion this month, on the 3rd, 17th and 31st March. We are very grateful to the Rev'd Michael Mookerji for conducting them.

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Lent Study on the Environment

We cannot ignore the immense problems our world is facing. The views of many are shaped by television and newspapers, but what is the Christian viewpoint on the environment? What do these problems have to do with our Christian faith?

During Lent we will explore what the Bible teaches about God, our world, and our place in it. We will look at crucial issues such as climate change, deforestation, species loss and water problems. We will be encouraged to respond practically as we consider the wonder of creation, the tragedy of the fall, God, the people and the land, and our future hope.

Discussion groups during Lent will be held on Thursday afternoons and evenings. Details of dates and times for each group are available in St Wystan's Church, or from Stephen Longden or Ruth Attwood. Please join us.

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Intercessory Prayer for Healing

. . . meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 11th March. If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, please contact Wendy Longden on 703259.

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St Wystan's News

Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds
9.45 am at St Wystan's Church

Sunday Club meets every Sunday except the 1st Sunday of the month when we all 'Worship Together'.   Join us for Bible stories, craft & games.   All are most welcome!   Ring Jane Griffiths for more details.

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St Wystan's Annual Parochial Church Meeting & Supper
Wednesday 3rd April at 7 pm in St Wystan's Church

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

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

To propose or second a candidate or to vote or stand for the PCC, you need to be on the church electoral roll. Everyone needs to complete a new form this year by 17th March. If you worship regularly at St Wystan's and have not yet done so, see Karen Wells, or there are forms at the back of church. There is also a notice for nominations to the PCC. Nomination papers for electing churchwardens are available from Karen Perks.

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Easter Lilies for St Wystan's Church

Traditionally, we decorate the church with lilies at Easter, which this year falls on the 21st April. These beautiful flowers help us celebrate Jesus' resurrection and breathe new life into the Church after its bareness during the season of Lent, when all ornament is stripped away.

Many people welcome the opportunity to contribute to their cost in memory of loved ones, to celebrate special events or simply to help make the Church look beautiful. If you would like to join in, please contact Frances Wimbush. She has to order the flowers well ahead.

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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

Baked Potatoes & Pancakes Carol and Chris would be delighted if you could join us for a baked potatoes & pancakes lunch Tuesday 5th March, noon to 2 pm at 1 Milton Road, Repton Raffle & Jams £5 including lunch and coffee

Lent Lunches Every Wednesday from 6th March to 17th April 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 20th March, 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 Wednesdays in Lent, 12.30 - 1.30, during Lent Lunches!

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 21st March, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Pork loin in sauce + fruit pie and cream! Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Repton School Presents Grease Book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey Thursday 21st - Saturday 23rd March at 7.30 pm in the 400 Hall Join a cast of over 40 who take you back to the 1950s on an adrenalin fuelled roller-coaster ride of dance and song as they make their way through the complexities of growing up in a fun-filled, energetic world. The cast is accompanied by a live seven piece band and the show features iconic songs such as 'Hopelessly Devoted to You', 'Summer Nights', 'You're the One that I Want', 'Sandy', and the dynamic and powerful 'Greased Lightning'. Tickets £12, Concessions £10 from theatres@repton.org.uk, 01283 559200 All proceeds to the 'Neverest Orthopaedic Foundation'

Messy Church Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 24th March, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it!

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

I had hoped that by this time the Parish Council would have taken steps to come to some conclusion as to a village war memorial. It would be ridiculous and unworthy of a community like ours to rest content with the comparatively small memorial we have at present. When, however, the meeting comes together, I may venture to hope that people will come to it primed with well thought out and practical suggestions. I am glad to record the bestowal of the Belgian Croix de Guerre upon Q.M.S. A. Pattinson.
P.S. All of us are, no doubt, very pleased to see the village filling up again with demobilised men, especially the returned prisoners of war, among others W. Bamford, H. Massey, and J. Varner. Also to congratulate Mr and Mrs H. Dolman on their son-in-law's great and well-deserved honour of the V.C.

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So who was the Dolmans' son-in-law?

Alice and Henry Dolman of Repton were the parents of at least 5 children, including Eleanor May who married William Harold Coltman, VC, DCM & Bar, MM & Bar, the most decorated other rank of the Great War.

Born at Rangemore in 1891, he worked as a market gardener, became a member of the Plymouth Brethren, and taught in Winshill Sunday School. Although opposed to war, in January 1915 he volunteered for the British Army, serving in The North Staffordshire Regiment. He was 26 years old and a Lance Corporal when his actions earned him the Victoria Cross. The citation reads:

For most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty. During the operations at Mannequin Hill, north-east of Sequehart, on the 3rd and 4th of Oct. 1918, L.-Corp. Coltman, a stretcher bearer, hearing that wounded had been left behind during a retirement, went forward alone in the face of fierce enfilade fire, found the casualties, dressed them and on three successive occasions, carried comrades on his back to safety, thus saving their lives. This very gallant NCO tended the wounded unceasingly for 48 hours.

After the war Coltman returned to Burton and took a job as a gardener with the town's parks department. He retired in 1963 and died in 1974 at the age of 82. His medals are on display at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, where there is a replica First World War trench named in his honour. In Burton a monument to Coltman stands in the Memorial Gardens, and The Coltman VC Peace Wood is at Mill Hill Lane, Winshill.

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Repton Village Hall

Work in progress

The old hall disappeared quite quickly and work has begun on piling and foundations. A drain has to be moved at the front of the site and a tank sunk in the car park as part of water retention to reduce stress on the brook. There are photographs on the village hall website, reptonvillagehall.org.uk.

We have spent a considerable amount on ecology, including trees in the car park. Those in the centre are subject to preservation orders, despite the fact that only one is in anywhere near a fair condition. In many ways, the car park would work a lot better without them. We could plant better specimens elsewhere on the site and take pressure off Askew Grove, but these issues are never straight forward or cheap.

Thankfully, the risk of expensive surprises is diminishing as the groundwork proceeds, but it will be a while before we know exactly what funds will be available, whether for essential items or the things on our wish list. In order to reduce the cost of the contract, a number of items were identified which we could fit ourselves. For example, we salvaged simple things such as coat hooks and their batons and discovered that we could save a lot by putting up simple shelving ourselves. It does not sound a lot but in fact the saving was considerable, so a bit of DIY before we open will be well worth it.

Looking ahead

With the project started, the village hall committee should in theory have little to do, but in practice there is a lot to consider before reopening.

In addition to the practical aspects of moving back, we also have to look at how the new spaces will be used and booked: we are already receiving requests for major bookings. We have taken advice from environmental health on running a community café and have visited other halls where they run successfully. Similarly, we are taking advice on how youth activities could be restarted; there have been none since around 2003. As with any organisation these days, a wealth of policies has to be in place to show that we are running the place safely. We are taking the opportunity to update everything.

Requests for help

We have had a generous donation of a TV monitor to be used for presentations in the meeting room. If you are trading up in the next six months, we would also be grateful for one for the cafe area, where it could be used for meetings, youth activities and computer guidance. Another area where you may be able to help is with re-covering some very good but tired looking metal-framed chairs. We have 10, some with arms, which less mobile hall users have found particularly useful. Please get in touch if you can help.

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Repton Village & History

Music Time Sessions for Pre-School Children

For five weeks starting on Thursday 28th February, St Wystan's School & Nursery is delighted to be hosting sessions with Tracey at Music Time – magical music and movement classes, and traditional nursery rhymes and songs made fun. With marvellous actions, creative props and boundless energy to stimulate and educate babies, toddlers and pre-school children, Tracey has a strong following among pre-school children.

These sessions for children of pre-school age are open to everyone

You don't need to be part of our nursery to attend. They will take place in the school hall on Thursday mornings from 9 to 10 am, and cost £5 per child plus £1 per extra sibling over 6 months of age (to be paid on the day). Contact the school office, 01283 703258, or Tracey, 07866689971. For further information, see musictime.uk.com.

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Repton Beavers, Boys & Girls aged 6 to 8

Beavers have been busy this half term working towards their 'My Skills' and 'Teamwork' Challenge Awards. They have played lots of friendship and team games, and have written their own Anti-bullying Code. They have also practised new songs, learnt about staying healthy by eating the right food, and even had a keep-fit session run by our Young Leaders.

Over the next few weeks we will have a visit from our local Police Community Support Officer to talk about her work, and we have a number of arts and craft ideas lined up. As the weather improves and the evenings grow lighter, we will be doing outdoor activities including bell-boating, and we are planning to meet up for a walk with all the Beavers in the South Derbyshire District.

A few of our older Beavers are moving up to Cubs so we do have a few places available. We meet at The Den, Mitre Drive, Repton, on Mondays from 6 to 7 pm. If your child is interested in joining us, or if you would like to become a leader or helper, please contact Liz Massey-Beeston or Caroline Ruff.

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Repton Cubs, Boys & Girls aged 7½ to 10½

The spring term has continued with Cubs working towards their World Challenge and Skills Challenge badges.

In a 'skits night' they displayed their thespian talents. All cubs took to the stage in groups to entertain the rest of the pack, with often hilarious results. Muscle fitness was the theme of another evening when the cubs completed a physical circuit. After sit ups, shuttle runs and burpees, they should have slept well. On a night hike from Foremark Church back to the Den they braved the coldest night of the year. Under the light of their head torches, they trudged across the frozen fields searching for challenges such as standing very still in silence (a challenge in itself!) to identify the sounds in the environment around them. One stop along the way was very popular as it involved searching for a tub of chocky treasure. What surprised us most was the number of biscuits that can be consumed by cubs on a 3km hike. It was fortunate that Jez had heeded the Scout moto – 'Be Prepared'!

We have a few spaces for children aged 8 - 10, so if you are interested, please contact JJez Brooks for further information.

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The Village Party raffle

The raffle is the only fundraising we do for the Village Party – to help cover essential costs. On the day though, entry is free and charges are kept to a minimum so that everyone can enjoy an afternoon out without spending a fortune.

Tickets for the raffle will shortly be on sale around the village. Please do support it; there are some wonderful prizes to be won!

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Repton Baby and Toddler - Sensory play

Our temporary location, at the Iris Bentley Pavilion, is not so generous with indoor space. The much loved ride on toys have been stored until the weather improves, when we will play outside on the field. Until then we have had to be creative with how we entertain our little ones. Using rice, ice and other messy crafts, we have introduced sensory play. Toddlers have explored Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day with their hands.

I would like to take this moment to thank the mums who put so much effort into the group, whether it be creating ideas or helping tidy up. We couldn't run without you.

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.

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Scouts

Over the last few weeks the Scouts have been undertaking a variety of activities leading towards a number of Scouting badges. They have learnt about and discussed disability and environmental issues, as well as the Countryside code, which all goes towards their Chief Scout's Gold Award. They have stripped and rebuilt an engine for their Mechanics badge, built electrical circuits for their Electronics badge, and learnt to identify a variety of trees to complete their Forestry Badge.

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 February meeting we were fortunate to have a visit from Prof Rohan Rajan to talk about the Neverest Orthopaedic Foundation. Together with Mr James Metcalf, Prof Rajan founded Neverest in 2013 to improve trauma and orthopaedic care in Nepal by regular teaching and the donation of new and used surgical equipment. The foundation has also built a women's refuge, an orphanage and a residential special needs school. Prof Rajan's talk highlighted the lack of resources to provide medical care in Nepal, one of the poorest counties in the world, and how the foundation, with teams of volunteers, was able to provide training and donate equipment which would have otherwise been scrapped. Their input was particularly welcome after the devastating earthquake in 2015. After Prof Rajan's presentation we felt much better informed about Nepal, and are very grateful to him. Members responded generously to a collection on the evening; £200 was raised for the continuing work in the country.

WI Activities in March and April

Tu 12th March Gin Tasting – bring a designated driver and try new flavours
Wed 20th March Happy hour at the Boot at 6.30
Mon 25th March Mercia Group Meeting at Newton Solney, 8 pm: speaker, Ashley Franklin. £1.50
Wed 27th March 'Wednesday Lunch' at Hackwood Farm at 11.30. £5

Tu 9th April Beauty evening: prepare to be pampered
Fr 12th April Coffee Morning at Willow Tree Café, Mercia Marina
Mon 15th April Happy Hour at the Boot at 6.30 pm
Th 25th April County Quiz, Mickleover, 7 pm

The programme for 2019 is varied, with something to interest everyone. In addition to March and April activities, in the coming months we have a craft evening, talk about Bloodbikes, a celebration of Wimbledon, our own version of 'Strictly', a pizza evening, a Christmas present wrapping session. Come along for a visit, and see what you've been missing!

You'll find more details on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you at Repton Primary School on 12th March, or at any of our activities.

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Repton Village Society

In an interesting talk on the 'The Bamford Dams', Keith Blood explained the need for dams to support the growth of Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield and Leicester at the start of the 20th century. The Howden Dam was begun in 1902 with the Derwent Dam a year later. They were built of stone brought in from a quarry 11 miles away on a purpose built railway. 2,000 workers were employed on the site, about half of them housed in the temporary town of Birchinlee, or 'Tin Town' as people called it. This was a 'model' town. The houses were well appointed if very cramped, and there was a school, a church and even a hospital, as well as shops and a local policeman. Profits from the pub were used to buy books for the library.

Keith outlined the rules that workers and their families had to obey. They were strict and unforgiving, but of their day. The Howden Dan was completed in 1912 and the Derwent Dam, where work suffered due to geological problems in ensuring a watertight structure, in 1914. It was only in the mid 30s that the Ladybower Dam was started, but that is another story.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 7th March in Repton School Junior Common Room. Liz Keeley will be talking on 'Derbyshire at Sea', exploring our connection with the sea. (I'm certain Dame Ellen Macarthur will figure somewhere!) This will be followed by the Annual General Meeting, which hopefully will be short so we can get on with the important business of chat with wine and cheese!

The Junior Common Room is down the drive between the Old Mitre and the Red Lion - by the car park behind the Old Mitre.

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ACID rains on Repton - Repton Village History Group

'ACID' – 'Archaeology and Conservation in Derbyshire and the Peak District' – an excellent (and free) journal published each January by Derbyshire County Council and the Peak District National Park, is a fascinating read with a wide range of stories from DCC's new masterplan for Elvaston Castle, the Saxon settlement at Derby, Lost Villages of the Derwent, pre-Capability Chatsworth, and Bakewell's Norman castle.

In the latest edition, Repton features four times, on both covers, in an article outlining what Dr Cat Jarman has already told us, and in another on 'Re-framing Viking Repton'.

The defensive Viking encampment at Repton, discovered by Prof Martin Biddle and Birthe Kjølbye-Biddle in their excavations of the 1970s and 80s showed a D shaped ditch and embankment incorporating the church as a strong point with the Old Trent forming the straight side of the enclosure. The river would have provided ready access from the Vikings' previous winter camp at Torksey (north-west of Lincoln) to the wealthy royal monastery and settlement at Repton.

'Re-framing Viking Repton' tells that an old river channel, found last year during building work at the foot of the cliff at Repton School's sports complex on the Tanyard, silted up in the Bronze Age and had filled in by the time the Anglo-Saxons arrived. It argues that since it had very probably once flowed into what we now know as the Old Trent, that would not have been navigable when the Vikings came in 873/4 and implies that Repton may not have been the site of their winter camp.

However this is far from proven. Aerial views show at least three old channels flowing back to the Old Trent Water, so it is likely that when the newly discovered channel silted up, the river found another route to the Old Trent Water – or maybe there were always multiple channels linking to the Old Trent.

In recorded time, the Trent had at least two channels and there was at least one island between Repton and Willington. When an Act of Parliament enabling navigation was passed in 1699, the Repton channel was deliberately blocked off; it seems that the Willington channel was less circuitous. However, antiquarians record that the Old Trent at Repton was navigable to Twyford until 1777¹ and for pleasure trips to Anchor Church till 1816².

Hipkin³ locates the fork of the river as near the ferry, and the dam that restricted the Repton channel as near Willington bridge. Another credible location, based on stone still in situ, is further upstream. Recent historians⁴ identify 1705 as the date when the Repton Channel ceased to be the main channel. So it would be odd to suppose that the Vikings could not have used the main channel of the river at Repton in 873/4.

You can pick up a copy of ACID from Bakewell visitor centre, Peak District National Park HQ (Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, DE45 1AE), DCC libraries, and local museums. It is also available online at peakdistrict.gov.uk/learning-about/archaeology.

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

1	FC Hipkins, 'Repton: Village, Abbey, Church, Priory, and School' 1892, p.3
2*	R Bigsby, 'Historical and Topographical Description of Repton, etc' 1854, p.114
3*	FC Hipkins, Repton and its Neighbourhood', 1899, p.2
4	A Large and G Petts, 'Historical channel-floodplain dynamics along the River Trent' 1996, Applied Geography, Vol 16, No 3, p.199
*	These texts can be found online.

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Snake bites

In 2011 I became involved as a volunteer with an NGO providing education for disadvantaged children in rural Uttar Pradesh. Since then I have spent between 5 and 8 weeks a year in India, training primary school teachers. Last year I was introduced to a thriving Christian community in Kachhwa, a small town close to the largest of our 6 schools in Guria. This area has the state's largest concentration of scheduled castes, a poor and marginalized group of people.

Kachhwa Christian Hospital, a 20 bed hospital, serves people from 90 villages with a total population of about 120,000. We know it as the 'snake hospital' as it is the 'go to' place if you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a snake. Over the years we have lost several pupils because they did not get the right treatment early enough.

Quite often snake bite victims are very poorly when they arrive at the hospital. The majority are in a coma or need to be put into an induced coma. I was really surprised that these patients then have to be ventilated manually over several days by nurses taking it in shifts, as they don't have any ventilator machines. These machines are not that expensive and would make an amazing difference to both patients and staff. I will be supporting as much as I can, but I haven't the fundraising skills that I know some of you have. If you are looking for a really worthwhile cause or would just like to know more about the mission, the hospital, or even what I do in India, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.

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Mobile Library, Tuesday 12th March
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.

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

The library works to a four-weekly timetable so in April it will be here on the 9th. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405.

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Repton Parish Council

From the chairman: At our meeting in February we had to say goodbye to Sue Reilly who has been Clerk to Repton Parish Council for eight years and always a pleasure to work with. Not only has she kept all the paperwork – and us – in order, but she also ensured we followed correct procedures, a matter of real importance recently whilst we arranged a Public Works Loan for Repton village hall and worked on the Neighbourhood Plan. We thank her for her hard work and wish her all the very best in retirement.

The next Parish Clerk will take over at a time of change, not only – following the elections – a different Parish Council in May, but moving the Parish Office to Repton’s new village hall, hopefully in September.
New streetlight: I am pleased to report that Safer Neighbourhoods Community Funding has awarded a grant of £1,400 for a new street light situated on footpath 27 which runs from Springfield Road through Holloway towards Milton. We hope it will be installed over the next few months.

Footpaths 13 & 14, Meadow Lane towards Twyford: We would be very grateful if you can help with the Parish Council's application to upgrade footpath 13 and onwards towards footpath 14 and the river Trent as a bridleway for public use. We have historical evidence of a public bridleway from Brook End leading towards Twyford, and this has been documented, but we are required to supply evidence that this route is used by members of the public; the necessary forms are available at the Parish Council office. We have already received some completed forms, many thanks; however we still require a few more. If you use or have used this route, please could you contact the office (see below) and complete an evidence form; it would greatly assist this application.

Next meeting: Monday 11th March 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

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Have you thought about standing for your Parish Council?

The Council is an important forum where you have the opportunity to support your community. Its powers may not be very great, but they still enable us to help improve the environment of both Milton and Repton. Among other things we have created the arboretum; planted trees; situated benches and planters; erected village signs, and lobbied for better lighting. We oversee the burial ground, allotments, Broomhills Playing Fields and Pavilion, and the Mitre Field.

One area not in our competence is travel and transport, including roads and parking.

The future of Repton village hall has been a major subject for this Council, and another very important part of our work has been the production of the Neighbourhood Development Plan, the first in South Derbyshire, which is hopefully nearing the end of examination and consultation before the final referendum in June.

To be eligible to stand for election you must:

• Be a UK or Commonwealth citizen; a citizen of the Republic of Ireland; or a citizen of another Member State of the European Union
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be an elector of the local council; or in the past 12 months occupied land or other premises in the area the local council serves (as owner or tenant); or work in the area the local council serves (as your principal or only place of work); or live within three miles of the local council boundary.

Carol Lloyd, Chairman

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Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church

Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Quad Building, Foremarke Hall, Wednesday 3rd April at 2 pm

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

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

To join the electoral roll, please pick up an application form in St Saviour's Church and leave it for collection. Forms have to be in by Monday 1st April.

A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow the APCM.

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A perfect evening at Milton Village Hall

Live and Local events are usually excellent, but Two Gents Productions' performance of Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of being Earnest' was quite exceptional.

From the company's name, one might have been expecting two men on stage to play the nine characters in this 19th century comedy of manners, but in fact we found two ladies. Their only props were a backdrop – reversible for different scenes – a small table, a chair, a tin can, a mug, a scarf, a biscuit tin lid for the imaginary cucumber sandwiches (which were shared with the audience), and, of course, a Sports Direct bag starring as Miss Prism's handbag.

Members of the audience were called upon to play small parts with one section becoming the flowers that Miss Cecily was watering. The actors themselves not only demonstrated great talent but brought much warmth and humour to the proceedings. They had the audience transfixed, always smiling, and for much of the performance, laughing aloud. It was an unforgettable evening; we were lucky to be able to host such a high calibre performance.

If you are visiting London, Two Gents Productions are performing this play at the Tara Theatre from 27th February to 16th March. It would be well worth a visit.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Milton WI

The magazine copy date is a week too early to report on our February meeting with Janina Wyzykiewicz, but I can remind members that our Annual Dinner will be held at The Mount Pleasant in Repton on Wednesday 6th March, 7 for 7.30.

At our next meeting on Wednesday 20th March, 7.30 pm in Milton village hall, Tony Hurrell will be talking on 'Pots and tales from Swadlincote'. New members and guests are very welcome to join us.

For your diary

Mon 25th March: Mercia Group Meeting, 8 pm at Newton Solney village hall

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.

Newton Solney & St Mary's Church

Newton Solney APCM

. . . will be held on Sunday 28th April at about 11.15 after the morning service. Please come along to support your local church.

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Newton Solney C of E School

The children have all returned from half term refreshed and ready to learn! They continue to enjoy their weekly Forest School sessions and are looking forward to the pancake races on Shrove Tuesday and Easter chocolate bingo.

Community Worship, Thursday 7th March at 9.15am: Please come and join us in the school hall, everyone welcome.

Raising funds for our new pre-school building

Art Exhibition, 17th, 18th and 19th May in St Mary's Church

We are now accepting entries. Please email nspreschoolbuilding@gmail.com for a submission form, or pick one up from Newton Solney School office – and please spread the word.

Village Festival, Saturday 15th June, 2 - 7 pm
Newton Solney recreation field

Planning is well under way for this year's festival, but extra helpers would be very welcome. If you can help for an hour or so on the day, please get in touch. We are also looking for extra entertainers – singers / dance troop / martial arts group / performing dog! Please email for further information.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our visit to Masson Mill was well attended. We stopped at the Little Eaton Garden Centre for coffee, and some people managed to do some shopping as well. Then on to Masson Mill for lunch and further retail therapy. In all, a very pleasant day.

At our February meeting, Kath Reynolds gave a very amusing talk and presentation on rationing during and after the Second World War, and its effects on puddings and cakes. Her talk was well received, bringing back memories and members' anecdotes about their own experiences. We hope that Kath can return to talk to us again.

Tuesday 5th March at 2.30 pm

A business meeting, followed by Paul Newsome speaking on the history of nursery rhymes.

Tuesday 19th March: A trip to the Hollybush Garden Centre

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton by about 3 pm. Cost £12.

Tuesday 26th March: 7 pm: Whist Drive in Newton Solney village hall.

For further information regarding any of the above, or for information about the Tuesday Club, please contact our Secretary, Jane on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney WI

We held two meetings in January, the first our Social evening with the exciting beetle drive, and our second with the Mercia Group, which has a membership of seven WIs. (Newton Solney is the hostess WI for 2019.) At the annual meeting, we received the financial statement showing things were very sound.

In February we had a good turn-out of members, and Keith Blood's talk was well received. He gave ghostly insights into some of Derbyshire's well known tourist sites, which will encourage us to visit again with fresh eyes. It was a pleasant evening chatting to friends and socialising after some cold wintery weather.

At the next Mercia Group meeting, Ashley Franklin will be speaking on Derbyshire and Derbyshire villages.

Our regular monthly meetings are in Newton Solney village hall at 7.30 on the second Tuesday. On 12th March, under the title 'To love and to cherish', Kath Reynolds will talk about wedding dresses past and present. All are welcome.

Newton Solney Horticultural Show : 7th September 2019 Themes for Photographs Adults: 'Trees', 'Industrial Heritage', 'Family Picnic' Juniors (8 - 11 years): 'Bugs' Handicraft Section: A handmade stuffed toy For information, contact Chris Freestone, Secretary

Newton Solney Parish Council

Bretby Lane / Newton Lane: The Parish Council is aware of the deteriorating road surface in Bretby Lane and is following up with the relevant parties. You are encouraged to log on to DCC website and post your complaints there.

Trim Trail: Following a discussion at last week's meeting, the Parish Council has issued a description of a trim trail for anyone who is unclear about the project:

'A trim trail consists of a path or course with outdoor exercise equipment or obstacles installed along its length for exercising and promoting good health.'

If you have concerns or would like to know more, you can meet with councillors at the next Council meeting.

Summer Activities: The Sports and Adventure Mobiles were a huge success last summer, with more than 40 people attending both events. Accordingly, the Parish Council has hired the Sports Mobile for Tuesday 30th July, and the Adventure Mobile for two dates, 2nd and 22nd August.

Planning

Variation of the planning application for the Heathers in Repton Road: rejected
Re-siting of vehicle access at 22 Main Street: still pending
New front and rear doors at John Higgott Almshouses: still pending

Next meeting: Friday 8th March at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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South Derbyshire

What's On in South Derbyshire and The National Forest

It's time to look out for 'What's On', the spring edition should appear this month. Search for 'Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre' to read it online; it's easier than through the council website. You can also pick it up from the tourist information centre at Sharpe's Pottery. With Easter holidays coming up, it's a great source of inspiration.

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Walk into Spring, Calke Abbey, Sunday 3rd March, 11 am - noon

Meet near the ticket office at Calke Abbey for this lovely one hour walk. £1 per person. (Entry charges for Calke Abbey will also apply – free entry for National Trust members.) Contact tor.adams@southderbyshire.gov.uk for more information.

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Spare the toads

At any time during March and April when the weather is suitable, large numbers of toads make their way towards their traditional breeding ponds, the ponds where they themselves were spawned. When the night is warm and wet they set off after dusk, but may stop if it becomes cold, waiting until conditions are once more favourable. En route they probably have to cross roads, or worse still, walk along a road, when they are likely to fall victim to passing traffic. Some may fall into a road drain gulley pot, from which there is no escape. Toads sometimes migrate in pairs with the female full of eggs. Squashing these has an even greater impact on future numbers.

Often toads cross the road in dribs and drabs and have to take their chance, but there are some spots locally where they cross in large numbers – the road passing Foremarke Hall or the Repton to Hartshorne road by Bretby Ponds. Here it is possible to mount a 'toad patrol' when local volunteers go out at night armed with buckets and torches.

If you are driving when toads are likely to be on the move, you can help greatly by slowing down: if you happen to see a toad on the road, please keep a lookout for others. Although toads are small you can spot them quite easily if you are driving at 15 to 20 mph, but less easily at 30 or more. It also helps the local crossing patrols, giving them time to get to the toads. If you are on foot and see a toad in the road, you can improve its chances by scooping it up and placing it on the verge it's heading for.

Please help us to reduce the yearly carnage, which can be up to 20% of the local population, and help to reverse the decline of this useful and charming creature. However, don't take any risks. Sometimes it is just not possible to get to the toad in time. It's not sensible to risk adding yourself to the casualties.

Volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to help, please ring 01332 862921 for the Foremarke crossing or 01283 760047 for the crossing by Bretby ponds.

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You and your Pet

Well done the Staffie!

The ITV programme, 'Britain's Favourite Dogs', had us all talking, and it was lovely to see the Staffordshire Bull Terrier revealed as the winner. This is truly a lovely breed, but unfortunately rescue centres seem to be full of them as they used to be kept as status dogs by wholly unsuitable owners. Hopefully the programme will raise their profile, and suitable caring owners will think about rehoming them.

Number two on the list was the Cockerpoo. Now this is a breed we see many of. They are always full of personality, and the fact that they look like teddy bears adds to their popularity. They do however require grooming: their fur can become matted without regular attention.

The Labrador came in at number three. As a practice we do own a number of them ourselves, with a variety of colours and disposition! We also see quite a few as patients, ranging from the calm to the exuberant, but we love seeing them all.

In fact we enjoy seeing all breeds of dogs that come through the door – some more willingly than others – from Chihuahuas to Wolfhounds, with all the great mix of breeds and cross-breeds in between.

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Neighbourhood Watch

February has been about phishing, which is when through fraudulent emails or calls falsely pretending to be from reputable companies, criminals try to take over your computer or trick you into revealing financial information and passwords.

It's probably a scam if someone calls you out the blue to:

• tell you that your service has been hacked
• tell you they've found a problem with your computer
• try to take remote control of your computer or device
• ask you for an urgent payment and threaten to disconnect your service
• ask for payment details to activate your provider's free services such as call protect, or caller display.

The banking trade body UK Finance offers the following advice:

• Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password
• Don't assume an email, text or phone call is authentic
• Don't be rushed – a genuine organisation won't mind waiting
• Listen to your instincts – you know if something doesn't feel right
• Don't panic and make a decision you'll regret

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

Sowing seeds

Growing plants from seed is one of the most satisfying activities in the garden. There is something magical about sowing seeds and a few weeks later having plants ready to plant out. I like to start most half hardy flower seeds in the greenhouse in March. (Half hardy plants are those that cannot be planted out until after the last frost.) Many of our half hardy annuals are in fact perennials, such as snapdragons, cosmos, nicotiana and French marigolds, that will not reliably survive the winter.

Most commercial seed is very tolerant. It will grow in any multi-purpose compost, but for best results do make sure the compost is fine and not lumpy; sieve if necessary and you can add some grit or vermiculite. Using your fingers, firm the compost into seed trays, preferably with divided inserts, and level the top surface. Water before sowing and allow to drain. If the seed is very small I find it better to grow it in a small pot to start with. I usually put a layer of fine grit on top of the compost, sow a pinch of seed, then water with a fine spray. If the seed is large like cosmos or marigold, try to put just two seeds per insert. After sowing I sieve a little compost on top, put the seed trays in a covered propagator set to 21°C, and cover the seeds with an old compost bag. I inspect the seeds every day and, at the first sign of germination, remove the tray to grow on on an open, heated greenhouse bench.

If you are using seed inserts, you should now remove the weaker of the two seeds. You can top up the soil a little, but do leave space for watering. If you have planted in pots or conventional trays you will need to prick out the seeds, but wait until there are two pairs of true leaves.

At this stage you will usually have far too many plants so don't waste time and compost raising loads of unwanted plants. Think how many plants you need, add a few spares and a few to give away, and compost the rest now. Plant each seedling deeply, up to the seed leaf – the simple pair of leaves that form first – water well, and pot on to the next size as soon as you see white roots at the bottom of the pot. About a week or so before the last frost, sometime in May, gradually harden off the plants by exposing them to outdoor conditions. Before planting out, pinch out the growing tip, leaving at least two buds on the stem below your cut.

To summarise: Don't sow too early. Sow thinly. Pot on in good time. Pinch out and water really well at planting time. Read any instructions on the seed packet and don't forget to label your plants.

Dahlias give a really long display of colour. They can be started in the greenhouse this month, and cuttings taken from new shoots allow you to increase your stock easily. Plant in good compost in generous sized pots.

If you have a light soil or the ground is drying out, you can plant rocket and early salad crops especially if you protect them with cloches.

Once the grass is dry enough, cut the lawn on a high setting; trim the edges too – Spring is on its way!