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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
Copy date for the May magazine: Wednesday 17th April
April 2019

Your Parish Council 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 Shell (for children aged 7+) Easter Coffee Morning: Saturday 13th April Services in Holy Week, 15th - 17th April Maundy Thursday 18th April Personal Announcements & Obituaries Baptisms Theodore Edward Adkins Annabel Joan Kemp Funerals and Burial of Ashes Rose Wilson Obituaries John Edward Dipple The Memorial Book Derby Diocese and the wider Church The Bishop of Derby Repton Benefice Services Housegroups St Wystan's News Sunday Club for 4 - 11 year olds Easter Day Breakfast, Sunday 21st April Are you a roses buff? St Wystan's APCM & Supper, Wednesday 3rd April Local Diary Event Details Coffee & Cake, Every Tuesday Lent Lunches, Wednesdays 3rd & 10th April Book Swap, Wednesday 17th April Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 18th April Easter Eggcitement, Sunday 28th April Repton Village Party, Saturday 4th May Milton Spring Walk, Sunday 19th May Repton Village Hall The crane didn't sink! Very generous donations A community café A youth club Other uses Repton Village and History Repton Casuals Fixtures Repton Baby and Toddler Help needed at Repton Village Party Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Scouts Easter Lilies for St Wystan's Church The Village Party raffle Bag2School collection, Thursday 4th April Repton Primary School PTA Repton Village Show, Saturday 7th September Boot Hill temporary, 1st - 2nd April The Den Careers Fair, Friday 26 April Lent Collections for Padley Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton WI Mobile Library, Tuesday 9th April Repton Parish Council Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church Foremark Church APCM, 3rd April Milton Village Hall Milton Spring Walk, Sunday 19th May Self-defence class for disabled people Newton Solney & St Mary's Church Newton Solney APCM, 28th April Newton Solney C of E School Children's Easter Egg hunt, Sunday 21st April Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney WI Newton Solney Parish Council South Derbyshire The Late, Late Breakfast Walk, 14th April Liberation Day, 15th May Online Council Tax guide You and your Pet The season of new life Neighbourhood Watch Dogs out of control Gardening Notes The dreaded first cut

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Your Parish Council

Elections to the Parish Council come round every four years, so this year on Thursday 2nd May we again have the chance to elect councillors for both Newton Solney and Repton. Repton Parish includes the villages of Milton and Repton, plus quite a bit of the surrounding countryside.

Although the powers are not great – and in particular don't cover travel and transport, roads and parking – being a Parish Councillor does give you the opportunity to protect and improve both the environment and the facilities within your local area. We are fortunate that discussions and decisions are based on what is best for our parish, not on political or party lines. As well as sharing overall responsibility, each Councillor concentrates on an area or areas in which they have an interest or expertise.

In recent years, both Councils applied successfully to have playing fields (Broomhills Playing Field and Newton Solney Recreation Ground) accepted by Queen Elizabeth Fields in Trust, which means they are now protected from development in perpetuity.

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 nearing the end of examination and consultation before the final referendum – a legal requirement – anticipated in June.

Improvements at Repton have included an arboretum off Pinfold Lane, with the opportunity for residents to remember their loved ones. It is now full, so the Council is working with South Derbyshire District Council and people living in the immediate area, to establish another area across the road.

As well as the arboretum, we oversee the burial ground, allotments, Broomhills Playing Fields and Pavilion, the Mitre Field, and the surrounding footpaths and bridleways. Councillors take responsibility for monitoring them and advising on preservation and access. Benches have been introduced round the villages, and trees planted, where possible, on road verges. There is a finger post at The Cross, and there are village signs at three of the entrances to Repton; we hope the fourth, on Main Street, will be replaced soon. Planters are in situ in Milton, and we are working with Derbyshire County Council to site a couple in Repton as well.

Do consider standing as a councillor and supporting your neighbourhood. You will have to act very quickly though. Nomination forms are available from the Elections office; email elections@south-derbys.gov.uk, or contact South Derbyshire District Council.

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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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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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SHELL Group: Mondays 1st, 8th and 29th April

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 an Easter Egg walk, an Easter Quiz and making Pizza! New members are always welcome!

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Easter Coffee Morning: Saturday 13th April 10.30 -11.30 am

Come and have coffee with friends, have a go on the tombola, browse the cards and stationery on sale and enjoy the home-made cakes and Easter treats! Everyone is very welcome!

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Services in Holy Week, 15th - 17th April

We are holding a short service of Night Prayer at 7.30 pm on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of Holy Week on the theme 'Glory@Ground Level'. Everyone is welcome to share.

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Maundy Thursday 18th April, 7.30 pm at St Wystan's Church

We join with the congregation at St Wystan's for a celebration of Holy Communion recalling the Last Supper. The service will be followed by a time of reflection.

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A date for your diary

Sunday 23rd June: Leprosy Mission Service followed by lunch.

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

Annabel Joan Kemp, daughter of David and Kristina Kemp of Bretby, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 10th March.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Rose Wilson of Newton Solney died peacefully at home on Monday 25th February aged 87. A funeral service on 22nd March at St Mary's Church was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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Obituaries

John Edward Dipple
3rd September 1928 - 7th February 2019

Although John was born in Monmouthshire, his family moved to Swadlincote when he was just 11 months old. There he attended Belmont Street School until the age of 10, but when his father contracted tuberculosis, John was sent to a Railway Children's Home in Derbyshire and attended Alfreton Central School. Leaving at 15, he started an apprenticeship at Derby Carriage and Wagon Works and carried on to become a teacher at their training school whilst he continued to study at night school. After qualifying, he moved as a lecturer to Burton Tech (now Burton and South Derbyshire College), where he remained until retirement. During his time at Burton he furthered his studies and subsequently became Head of Carpentry and Wood Machining.

John and Edna married in 1954. Their first home was a flat in Burton but a year later they moved to Willington. Josephine was born in 1956 and Nigel in 1958. In 1968 the family moved to Repton and John set about extending and renovating the house; his love of wood is evident in every room. He made beautiful pieces for his friends, and also for St Wystan's Church where he replaced a wooden beam near the crypt, and made the large wooden candle stick, the wooden cross, the display case for the Book of Remembrance, windowboards, and the present Lych Gates.

Apart from woodworking, John's hobbies included photography, gardening, and watching motor racing. His favourite circuit was Silverstone and he would often head off there, with his caravan, for a weekend.

In 2010 John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which gradually changed the man everyone had known. Just over three years ago he moved into Cedar Tree Care Home in Littleover, where he received excellent care and attention.

A true gentleman, kind, quiet, undemonstrative and generous, John will be remembered as a willing helper and a good friend to many.

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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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Derby Diocese and the wider Church

The Bishop of Derby

Although Libby Lane legally became the Bishop of Derby on Monday 11 February, she won't be joining us until she has first paid homage to the Queen in March and then been installed at Derby Cathedral. Until then, Bishop Jan remains acting Bishop of Derby.

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Repton Benefice

Palm Sunday, 14th April
Benefice Service at St Wystan's at 9.45

On the day when we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the three churches of the benefice will join together at St Wystan's for a service of Holy Communion. There will be no other services.

Join in as we process from the lychgate to the church entrance, carrying our palm crosses and singing songs of praise, and recall the Gospel story before joining together in Communion. Children are most welcome; there will be books and quiet toys available for supervised young children in the crèche area while Sunday Club welcomes older children in the vestry and Parvise Room.

Holy Week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 15th - 17th April,
7.30 pm at the United Reformed Church in Pinfold Lane

A short service of Night Prayer on the theme 'Glory@Ground Level'.

Holy Week: Wednesday 17th April

Holy Communion at 10 am at St Wystan's.

Holy Week: Maundy Thursday 18th April, 7.30 pm at St Wystan's

Recalling the Last Supper, we share in Holy Communion with washing of volunteers' feet, followed by a silent vigil.

Holy Week: Good Friday 19th April

12 noon at St Wystan's: Stations of the Cross
2 pm at St Wystan's: The Last Hour at the Cross
4 pm at St Mary's: Meditation for Good Friday

Easter Day 21st April

Celebrate the risen Christ with Easter Communion at 8 am and 10 am at St Wystan's (note the later start!), 9.15 am at St Saviour's and 10 am at St Mary's. A warm welcome awaits you.

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Housegroups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 1st April. If you would like us to pray for you or for someone you know, please contact Wendy Longden on 703259.

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St Wystan's News

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

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

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Easter Day Breakfast
Sunday 21st April, 8.45 - 9.15 am

Easter Sunday breakfast in St Wystan's Church is now established and very enjoyable. So whether after the 8 am Communion or before the main Easter service at 10, do join us again for orange juice, granola, croissants and coffee. £2.50.

It does help to have some idea of numbers, so please contact Carol Lloyd by the previous Wednesday, 17th April, if you can come.

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Are you a roses buff?

The memorial rose beds in St Wystan's churchyard are in need of a little tlc. Could you perhaps spare a few hours to prune and do a little weeding? It would be much appreciated by the many visitors who come to sit on the nearby benches and contemplate. Please contact George Johnson, 703079, or Wendy Mann, 01283 537813.

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St Wystan's APCM & Supper
Wednesday 3rd April at 7 pm in St Wystan's Church

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. Supper tickets at £6 are available from Jan Gillham, 703340, and Jan Roberts, 702159, but you don't need to buy one if you just want to attend the meeting.

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

Only those already on the church electoral roll (which was rebuilt last month) can vote or stand for the PCC, or propose or second candidates.

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

Lent Lunches Wednesdays 3rd & 10th 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 17th April, 11 am - noon in St Wystan's Church and every 3rd Wednesday in the month Coffee and biscuits £1 A chat and a chance to borrow books and jigsaws Loans are free ALSO Wednesdays in Lent, 12.30 - 1.30, during Lent Lunches!

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 18th April, 12.30 pm in Milton Village Hall.   £5. Lasagne salad and garlic bread + tiramisu! Contact Lynn, 704540, Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436 Everyone welcome wherever you live! If you need transport, let us know

Easter Eggcitement at Messy Church Activities, celebration and food for all the family St Wystan's Church, Sunday 28th April, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, email Messy Church or call Ruth Attwood. Everyone is welcome!   Come along and try it!

Repton Village Party Saturday 4th May, 2 - 5 pm The Den and Mitre Field, Mitre Drive, Repton The Pied Piper Parade leaves The ARCH at 1.45 All children are welcome to join the parade but must be accompanied by an adult. An afternoon of traditional entertainment, activity and fun! ENTRY FREE! * MAYPOLE DANCING *    * PUNCH & JUDY *    * STEAM TRAIN RIDES * * Tea & Cakes *    * Hog Roast *    * Ice Cream * * CLIMBING WALL *    * TUG-O'-WAR *    * GREASY POLE * * Crafts *    * Camp Fire Breadsticks *    * Displays * * CLASSIC CARS *    * LOCAL MUSIC GROUPS *    * & LOTS MORE . . * There really is something for everyone! Come and enjoy the fun!

Milton Spring Walk Sunday 19th May, starting at 10 am at the Village Hall A social event for all the family A full breakfast in the village hall from 10, followed the option of a short or longer walk at 11. Vegetarian option for breakfast – please advise when booking. To help with catering please let Sue, 701978, or Polly, 703436, know if you are coming. Breakfast £5 per person. Everyone is welcome.

Repton Village Hall

The crane didn't sink!

By mid-March the foundations were complete and steelwork began to appear. The heavy crane used on site did not sink into the car park, which means that the substructure is better than had been hoped and may enable economies later on. Work is still proceeding on how best to deal with the issue of the trees in the car park (which are subject to a preservation order), as are preparations for future use of the hall and on how we make sure that it has a true community focus.

Very generous donations

There was a generous response to the appeal in last month's magazine for help with television screens, and we have also had a very generous and 'gift aided' donation which will allow us to provide better chairs. This has come from someone outside the village who has enjoyed the use of the old hall for many years, attending the Village Society and History Group meetings. It is difficult to express our thanks adequately.

There are two remaining major items of equipment that we hope to fund, the first being lightweight folding tables, which we have seen used elsewhere and can be stored on trolleys. The second is a collapsible stage system which can also be stored on trolleys. If we cannot do all these things at the beginning, we do have backup plans.

A community café

Word is getting round about the intention to start a community café. Quite a few people have expressed an interest in helping, but a leader will be needed.

A youth club

The fire that burned down the hall in the High Street in 1962 also put an end to the then thriving youth club. Unfortunately youth work in the Askew Grove village hall did not last. We have visited youth clubs elsewhere and been in consultation with the community volunteer service locally. The support and funding for youth initiatives is there, but the hard part is finding a sufficient group of volunteers to run a youth club. If anyone is interested in working on this, perhaps just starting with a simple youth café, please get in touch. Although we all lead busy lives, as one villager, talking about times past, put it: 'After a bad day at work and not really wanting to go out, an evening running the youth club lifted the spirits no end'. We could feel this buzz when we visited Hilton youth club, and clearly the young people were getting a lot from it. There is a time slot reserved if we can get it off the ground.

Other uses

The village hall committee is looking at how the hall has been used recently, and what changes we might need to make to get the best out of the new hall. This is not as straightforward as it sounds. We want to give priority to local groups and make sure the hall is primarily available for villagers who have helped to fund it directly, or are paying for it through the parish council precept. The more efficiently the hall is used, the better we can cover costs, control fees and have a prudent savings plan for the future. The good news is that we are already getting enquiries about bookings for major family events. I will say more on this next month.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Casuals Fixtures at Broomhills Lane
		Team	Opponents
7th	10.30 am	Under 14 White	Ashbourne Aztecs
7th	10.30 am	Under 13 Blue	Lakeside FC Blues

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The Village Party parade, Repton Baby and Toddler

We are really looking forward to this year's Repton Village Party and will be holding a parade through the village. Please join us as we walk from the Arch, along the High Street, turning at The Pastures to the Village Party on the Mitre Field.

We will be meeting at the Arch at 1.30 pm, and the parade will start at 1.45. Everyone of any age is invited to join us.

Repton Baby and Toddler group meets every Wednesday from 9.45 to 11.45 in the Iris Bentley pavilion at Broomhills. Everyone welcome from 0 to school age. Just turn up. Find us on Facebook or contact Natalie Matthews.

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Help needed!   Repton Village Party, Saturday 4th May

We rely totally on your help to make this lovely village event happen! If you could spare an hour or two to help us, it would be very much appreciated.

We need volunteers to deliver leaflets; sell raffle tickets; blow up balloons; put up signs; supervise games; put up (and take down) tents; make cakes; sell programmes; marshal the Parade.

Please get in touch. As ever, the more volunteers, the merrier!

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Repton Beavers

It has been a busy time for Beavers, learning how to make pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and Leprechaun masks ready for St Patrick's Day, as well as inventing and making some really fantastic machines. When Harriet, our local Police Community Support Officer, visited to talk about her work, the Beavers all had a go in her patrol car, turning on the blue lights and sirens.

As the evenings get lighter, we will have some outdoor activities including litter picking around the village and bell-boating. We are also planning to meet up for a walk with all the Beavers in the South Derbyshire District.

We have a few places available at the moment, so if your child is interested in joining us please get in touch. We meet at The Den, Mitre Drive, Repton, on Mondays from 6 to 7 pm. We would really like another leader to join us, so if you can spare a couple of hours each week and would like to be involved in a really rewarding venture, please contact Liz Massey-Beeston or Caroline Ruff.

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Repton Cubs

Cubs have been working this month towards their World Challenge and Skills Challenge badges. They celebrated the Chinese New Year by learning to use chopsticks, before using them to race each other in a relay race. An indoor dragon boat ensured that they worked together as a team to listen to instructions and 'row' in time.

In the week before the half term break the Cubs worked in teams again, this time to build a tower of paper straws strong enough to hold a marble a metre above the floor. After the break, they used their observational skills to make a map of local services. These activities, together with plenty of noisy games, mean that Wednesday nights are action-packed.

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

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Scouts

During the last month Scouts have tried their hand at acting, and played some drama games during an enjoyable drama evening run by our Young Leaders from Repton School. The Scouts also cooked pancakes on makeshift stoves made from old tin cans and candles. The quality of the resulting pancakes varied, but most of the Scouts managed to cook something to eat!

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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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. Although Easter is still some weeks away, she has to order the flowers well ahead.

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The Village Party raffle,    Repton Village Party, Saturday 4th May

The raffle is the only form of fundraising for the Village Party; it helps to 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 are on sale around the village. Please support it; there are some wonderful prizes to be won!

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Bag2School collection:   Clothes, bed linen, shoes and soft toys
Repton Primary School, Thursday 4th April

If you have begun spring cleaning and now have unwanted, good quality clothes, bed linen, shoes or soft toys to dispose of, please consider donating them to our Bag2School collection. Items (in bags, please) can be dropped at the school on Springfield Road before 9 am. Alternatively, contact the PTA through reptonprimarypta@gmail.com, and we can arrange to pick them up.

Donated items will be reused and raise money for the school. For a full list of acceptable items please visit bag2school.com/what-we-collect.

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Repton Primary School PTA

On Saturday 11th May we have a Family Bingo Night at the school with bar and refreshments, and then the Annual Duck Derby the following day, Sunday 12th May. We are still in the planning phases, but please save the dates.

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Repton Village Show, Saturday 7th September

We would like to thank Mr. Tague, Head Teacher of Repton Primary School, for kindly allowing us to use the school hall for this year's Village Show, one of the highlights of the village calendar.

With a wide array of classes for fruit, vegetables, flowers, baking, produce, photographs and handicrafts for adult and juniors, the village show is always a fun, friendly event that brings people together in the spirit of friendly competition. So tear out the schedule from this magazine, hang on to it, and start thinking what you will do to join in.

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Boot Hill, temporary road closure
1st - 2nd April, 9.30 to 15.30

Boot Hill will close each day from its junction with High Street to its junction with Brook End 'to facilitate safe access to overhead BT structure'. Access will be maintained whenever possible. The road will re-open as soon as the work is finished.

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The Den on Mitre Drive

. . . will be hosting the Local Council elections in May.

Over the years, The Den has seen family, Christening and, of course, birthday parties, as well as salsa nights, a beetle drive, bingo, craft fayres, table top sales and, recently, a Murder Mystery event. It is regularly used as a cycle race staging post, and the Village Party uses it for refreshments and displays.

Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts meet there weekly during term time. There are weekly Zumba classes for children, Tai Chi, and self-defence classes for children and adults, with cookery classes for children in the school holidays. But its use as a Polling Station is a first.

The cost is £12 per hour, with kitchen facilities, good parking and large outdoor space. If you would like to know more about the classes, or about booking the Den for an event, please contact Carol on 01283 703991.

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Careers Fair Friday 26 April, 6 - 9 pm
Repton School 400 Hall and Studio Theatre

Repton School is inviting pupils from the village in years 9 - 13, and their parents, to join us for our Careers Fair. Come and find out about apprenticeships, short courses, gap year opportunities and work experience. Speak to representatives from organisations that offer young people opportunities to develop their skills in readiness for life after school. Please reserve your place in advance by cotacting Rebecca Auterson.

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Lent Collections for Padley and Derby City Mission

During Lent, the three Anglican churches are collecting as usual for Padley's work with the most vulnerable. A detailed 'wish list' is on display in church, but all types of tinned or packeted foods are needed, particularly fruit squash, long life milk, tinned meat, tinned fruit, tinned ravioli and custard powder – all in date, please! Toiletries and personal hygiene items are also wanted. Padley is also very grateful for cash donations – if you would like a collection box, contact Janet Gardner on 701757.

During Lent, please leave goods in any of the churches.

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Repton Village History Group

It is surprising to find people asking on Spotted Repton if there is a Local History Group here in Repton. We clearly need to make ourselves better known.

The group started in the early 1980s, partly as a result of interest roused by the long-running archaeological dig around the church. Initially meeting over cups of tea to exchange ideas and information, it took on a more formal shape and still meets regularly today. We explore and document Repton's history, create and manage a village document archive and an extensive photographic archive, and pass on what we learn.

Last year we dropped our monthly talks programme and now concentrate on research projects and the archive. We also receive – and try to answer – quite a few enquiries from family history researchers.

Projects include archaeological digs, documentary research, ground surveys and modern IT techniques, as well as documenting older residents' memories and recording the village as it changes. This year we will be using geophysics to search for Saxon remains, the medieval tithe barn, the old course of the brook, and a probable warehouse and possible dock by the river. We will be completing a survey and study of mediaeval graffiti in St Wystan's church, creating a trail around some of the fascinating memorials in the churchyard, trying to find out more about the ancient tannery and taking part in archaeological digs and test pits.

Our funding comes mainly from sale of publications through the website, the Post Office and St Wystan's Church. We offer a trail around historic Repton and a map to go with it (also available as a postcard), a historical photographic booklet (Repton, Capital of Mercia), a book of more recent memories (A Stroll through Repton of Yesteryear), recollections of the Village Institute, a diary from 1843, memories of the Blue Bus service and extracts from the Parish Magazine over the years.

If you want information about the village's fantastic past or would like to be involved, please contact Andy Austen. Our website is included in the village website, reptonvillage.org.uk.

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Repton Village Society

There was a respectable turn-out for the March meeting at which Liz Keeley informed and entertained us, describing historical and geographical links between Derbyshire and the sea. It was only the second time she had delivered this talk, but she is such an excellent speaker that she was asked to return in the near future.

At the AGM which followed on, the existing officers (Peter Rainey, Chair, Martin Wimbush, Treasurer, and Barbara McArdle, Secretary) were all re-elected, despite pleas for more people to come forward and help with the running of the Society. Also re-elected were the faithful committee – Pauline Little, Membership Secretary, plus Linda Shortt, Erika Bannister, Roger Paulson and Jeanette Griffiths. The evening was rounded off nicely with cheese and wine; thank you to Linda, Martin and Pauline.

We extend a warm welcome to new members, and would particularly invite newcomers to the village to come along and see what we have to offer. Shelagh Wain has booked a good array of speakers for the year, and the full programme can be seen at reptonvillage.org and on pages 36 / 37 in the Diary.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 4th April in Repton School Junior Common Room (down the drive between the Mitre and the Red Lion – by the car park behind the Old Mitre), when Tony Hurrell from Sharpe's Pottery Museum will talk about 'The Earth, our Heritage – the industries of Swadlincote'. (Members £3, visitors £4) Do join us!

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Repton WI

We tasted gin at our March meeting. Stuart was persuaded by his wife, Herbie, to share his interest in gin and its origins, and baby Ellora came too. Stuart brought along a selection of gins, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for us to try, and showed how to have a good 'sniff' and taste the gin before adding a mixer, ideally citrus and in the proportions of 1:1. He explained that the word 'gin' comes from either the French or Dutch words for juniper, but the origins of the liquor can be traced to the 11th century when Italian monks used juniper berries to make the spirit 'for health reasons'. The idea of 'Dutch Courage' comes from the 30 years' war (1618 to 1648), when it was given to Dutch soldiers. As might be expected, thanks to Stuart and family, we had a very jolly, entertaining evening!

Our next meeting on Tuesday 9th April at Repton Primary School is a Beauty Evening.

Future Activities

Sat 6th April	Litter picking, 10 am outside Church
Tu 9th April	Beauty evening, prepare to be pampered.
Fr 12th April	Coffee Morning, Mercia Marina, 10.30 am
Mon 15th April	Litter picking, 10 am outside Church
Mon 15th April	Happy Hour, The Boot, 6.30pm
Th 9th May	Coffee Morning venue to be confirmed
Tu 14th May	Craft evening, A chance to learn new crafts.
Tu 21st May	Happy Hour, The Boot, 6.30pm
Tu 11th June	Blood Bikes – "We may well be having the ride of your life"
Wed 26th June	Theatre Trip Calendar Girls, 7.30 pm

Come along to any or all of our events to see what we do. You'll be made most welcome. There are more details on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you at Repton Primary School on 9th April, or at any of our activities.

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Mobile Library Tuesday 9th April
Repton village hall, 10.15-11.30 : The Square, 11.35-1.00

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

The library works to a four-weekly timetable so in May it will be here on the 7th. For the Long Eaton base, contact 01629 531398; for the van, 0780 904 4405.

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Repton Parish Council

New Parish Clerk: At the beginning of the March meeting we welcomed Caroline Crowder as our new Parish Clerk. Caroline joined us a couple of weeks ago, and has been working hard to find her way round the many different aspects of the job. Her hours and contact details are below.

Finger Post at the Cross: A replacement for the broken finger has now been made and should be in place shortly.

Replacement Sign: We are waiting for permission from DCC Highways to commission a sign to replace the one which 'went missing' from the Woodend entrance to the village. We also have to check with the power company whether there would be any problems with buried power cables.

Planters in Repton: A request is being made to DCC Highways to allow us to site a planter on the grass at the Willington entrance to the village, and three smaller ones on the triangle by the Cross.

Footpaths 13 and 14: The information regarding the re-classification of footpaths 13 and 14 as bridleways is being sent to DCC.

Iris Bentley Pavilion: 106 monies have been allocated to upgrade the facilities at the Iris Bentley Pavilion at Broomhills. This will include a defibrillator, new windows and doors, new kitchen equipment and redecoration. (Developers contribute so-called '106 monies' to local authorities as part of the planning agreement.)

Repton Cross: An inspection by Bonsers (specialists in building, stonework and masonry restoration) has revealed that the Cross itself is in reasonable condition, but that it needs moss and algae removing to prevent water penetration and frost damage. In places it also needs repointing. The report is being sent to Heritage England, asking for their permission to proceed. The pavement surrounding the Cross is the responsibility of DCC Highways department.

Council elections are being held on May 2nd. If you would like to stand as a Parish Councillor, nomination forms are available from SDDC on line, but they will need to be delivered by hand to the Council Offices in Swadlincote by 4 pm on 3rd April. Next meeting: Monday 8th April in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. The Parish Meeting at 7 pm will be followed by the Parish Council Meeting. All are welcome.

Carol Lloyd, Chairman
Parish Council Office, 40 High Street,  t: 01283 701309
Office hours: Monday and Thursday, 2.00 - 6.00 pm

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Milton, Foremark & St Saviour's Church

Foremark Church APCM
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. Only those already on the church electoral roll (which has just been rebuilt) can vote or stand for the PCC, or propose or second candidates.

A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow the APCM.

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Milton Village Hall

At the AGM of Milton Village Hall Management Committee the Chairman thanked all members of the committee for their hard work during the year, and the current officers and committee were re-elected.

The Bookings Secretary reported that bookings for the year had been good, with the hall in use most weekday evenings and also at weekends for parties. During the week there are still some daytime slots available. The Treasurer reported that booking receipts combined with fund raising events had covered running costs and, following a successful Open Gardens event, allowed a £2,000 donation to the Air Ambulance.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner.

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Milton Annual Spring Walk and Breakfast, Sunday 19th May

. . . starts with a full breakfast in the village hall at 10 am. The walk, with the option of a short or longer walk, will begin at 11 and, of course, there is the possibility of rounding the morning off with a pint at the pub. Breakfast costs £5. To book please call Sue on 701978 or Polly 703436. A vegetarian option is available if advised in advance.

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Milton WI

Our speaker in March, Tony Hurrell from Sharpe's Pottery, gave a very interesting talk about the once prolific pottery industry of South Derbyshire, the working conditions of the potters and miners, and the lifestyle of the many wealthy colliery owners. Linda Murray gave the vote of thanks and served delicious refreshments.

Earlier in the month, our Annual Dinner at the Mount Pleasant Inn in Repton was very enjoyable. An outing to visit the Parker Knoll factory in Castlewood, Nottinghamshire, is being organised, date to be confirmed.

Next meeting; Wednesday 17th April, 7.30 pm in Milton village hall

This is a members' participation evening entitled 'Food for thought. Eat well for less.' New members and guests are very welcome to join us.

Self-defence class for disabled people Tuesdays, 7 to 8 pm in Milton Village Hall Anybody, any disability Fun Free, no hidden charges Contact Duncan Hogg on 07973 663601.

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Newton Solney & St Mary's Church

Newton Solney APCM

. . . will be held on Sunday 28th April at about 11.15 after the morning service. All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens which precedes the APCM. Only those already on the church electoral roll (which was rebuilt last month) can vote or stand for the PCC, or propose or second candidates. Please come along to support your local church.

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Newton Solney C of E School

Community Worship is on the first Thursday of each month. Everyone is invited to join the children and staff in their worship at 9.15 am in the school hall.

Our Easter Service is at 2 pm on Friday 12th April in St Mary's Church.

Raising funds for our new pre-school building

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

Email nspreschoolbuilding@gmail.com for an entry form for our second Art Exhibition, or pick one up from the school office during school hours. Please spread the word.

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

We have many stalls already, but if you would like to bring a stall or know anyone else who might, please contact nspreschoolbuilding@gmail.com

Save the date: Saturday 20th July. A fabulous evening event in Pears School, Repton.

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Children's Easter Egg hunt, Sunday 21st April, 11.30 - 12.30 Starting from St Mary's Church, Newton Solney

Children, who need to be accompanied by an adult, are invited to come and join us for some fun around the church and village, take part in the hunt and get an Easter egg if they complete the fun. Entry per child £3. Tea, coffee and cakes will be available at the church.

To gain an understanding of numbers, please could people who intend to take part contact Tim Norman, 07792 459484, or Laura Dutton, 07740 363966, directly or by text, letting us know us your name and how many children intend to take part.

The Easter service at St Mary's Church is from 10 until about 11.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our trip in February to Denstone Farm Shop and Fairways Garden Centre near Ashbourne was well attended. In March, Paul Newsome's talk on the 'History of Nursery Rhymes' was very entertaining. It was a surprise to hear how many of the rhymes had come into popular use. Many date back hundreds of years and often relate to events of those bygone times.

Paul's presentation was both informative and amusing, leading to warm applause from the floor.

Tuesday 2nd April at 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a talk by Marion Askew on the Footprints Orphanage in Kenya.

Tuesday 16th April: A trip to Trentham

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

Tuesday 30th April at 7 pm: Whist Drive in Newton Solney village hall.

For further information regarding any of the Tuesday Club activities, please contact Jane, our Secretary, on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney WI

At our March meeting we had a very pleasant talk and slide show on marriage, 'To love and to cherish', by Kath Reynolds. She portrayed marriage through the ages, including superstitions, poetry and stories – and there were many from our own members. After the war, women often made their own dress from parachute silk whilst others bought material from a market stall. How times have changed! We finished the evening looking at the weddings of the rich and famous, from Queen Victoria to Harry and Megan. Then, over coffee and biscuits, we reminisced about our own weddings.

Our monthly meetings are in Newton Solney village hall at 7.30 on the second Tuesday. On 9th April the talk will be about 'Colour on The Patio. All are welcome.

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Newton Solney Parish Council

The trees in the verge towards Repton have been trimmed and made tidy. Grateful thanks to Holdcroft's Farm.

Trent Lane: Complaints have been received concerning the condition of Trent Lane. The Parish Council will forward them to Derbyshire County Council and ask for their attention. In order to reinforce complaints, parishioners should make their complaint individually to DCC at derbyshire.gov.uk. The more complaints they receive, the greater likelihood of prompt action.

Posts on the Village Green: A number of posts on the village green have been knocked over by vehicles travelling from Bretby Lane towards Burton, destroying what was the grass verge. A quotation obtained for their replacement is to be revised to include large stone protection to the new posts to prevent further damage.

Common Land security: A new location for the proposed security gate has been agreed following a meeting with Holdcroft's Farm. A drawing is being produced to obtain a revised quotation from the selected contractor.

Trim Trail: Due to a lack of response, the Parish Council is considering a review of the previously discussed Trim Trail, and a reduced scheme is likely to be forthcoming.

New Councillor: A warm welcome to Lynne Charles who has joined the Parish Council.

Planning

Application 0064 - tree work at Primavera: decision still pending

Application 1096 - alterations to vehicle access: decision still pending

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

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South Derbyshire

Get Active in the Forest at Rosliston Forestry Centre, DE12 8JX
The Late, Late Breakfast Walk, Sunday 14th April, 9.30 am

A pleasant walk through the lesser used paths of the Forestry Centre and on into Rosliston village. We will be stopping at The Honey Pot Tea Rooms for breakfast, before heading back to the Forestry Centre.

Meet at 9.15 am in the Centre café foyer. £1.50 per person for the walk, refreshments at the Tea Rooms optional. For more information, call 01283 595906 or email tor.adams@southderbyshire.gov.uk.

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

Liberation Day, now in its 16th year, is always popular. Local people who have been recommend it. Despite the party-like atmosphere with music from the 1950s era of Rock 'n Roll, the day has a serious purpose.

Aimed at South Derbyshire residents aged 60 and over, Liberation Day provides advice and information on how to stay safe, active and healthy, as well as local services that might be of benefit. The topics include fire safety, mobility, fitness, health, reducing the fear of crime, how to deal with doorstep callers, and much more. For further details, see south-derbys.gov.uk.

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

Entry is by ticket only. If you wish to attend, you need to pre-register on 01283 595795. Lines are already open and close on Friday 12th April. The 300 places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Online Council Tax guide

Everything you need to know about your 2019 - 20 Council Tax bill is available on the District Council's website at southderbyshire.gov.uk/yourbill. Through the site you can also set up a direct debit and make payments online. Alternatively you can call a 24 hour automated pay line on 01283 595865.

The District Council is increasing Council Tax this year by 1.95%, so that the average Band D property will see an increase in SDDC's precept of £3 to £162, to which must be added the Parish precept. However, the District Council's charge is less than 10% of the total Band D bill, which includes charges by DCC, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

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You and your Pet

The season of new life

Spring is a busy time in the animal calendar, perfect for the arrival of new life as the days lengthen, the weather warms, and food is more abundant. Many creatures are programmed to give birth in spring. The arrival of baby birds and lambs are symbols of Eastertide. It is a great time of year to be out and about. However, if you find a baby bird, apparently abandoned, please call the surgery for advice. They are often better off being left alone, somewhere out of reach, as parents may still be feeding them.

As small animal vets, we are also busy. Cats are well into their breeding season: young females become fertile from five months of age. This greatly affects males too: with entire tomcats roaming and straying into each other's territories, they are more likely to fight, so we see a surge in cat wounds, which easily become badly infected.

As plants start to release pollen, dogs seem increasingly sensitive. It can cause allergic skin disease resulting in red, itchy skin. Dogs chew and bite themselves, lick their paws, and can develop recurrent ear infections, a condition we call atopic dermatitis. There are other causes of this condition such as food and dust mite allergies, but we see a spike of cases in the spring. There are various ways we can treat the condition, and it is always rewarding to be able to stop the itchiness, which is not pleasant for dog or owner.

Enjoy the spring and let's hope for more warmth and sunshine!

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Neighbourhood Watch

Dogs out of control

Local police have recently had to deal with a number of incidents of dogs worrying livestock or attacking other dogs. Please keep your dog under control at all times. This may mean keeping it on a leash.

A dog is not under proper control if it can run over to other dogs and people without responding to commands or recall.

Having a dog dangerously out of control is a criminal offence. It is out of control if there are grounds for reasonable apprehension that it will injure someone, regardless of whether or not it actually does.

Worrying livestock means either attacking livestock; or chasing livestock in such a way as may reasonably be expected to cause injury or suffering to the livestock or, in the case of females, abortion, or loss of or diminution in their produce; or being at large (that is to say not on a lead or otherwise under close control) in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep. It is an offence, whether or not animals are injured.

If a dog worries livestock on any agricultural land, the owner of the dog, and, if it is in the charge of a person other than its owner, that person also, is guilty of an offence.

In short, please keep dogs on leads when near livestock.

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

The dreaded first cut

For relaxed lawn carers it's that time of year again – the dreaded first cut. Imagine, a fine day, the grass grown very long, and somewhere in the back of the shed the lawn mower hidden behind the detritus of late summer. The brown bin is already full with debris picked up before you even start, and the grass is too long for the mower to cope. It has also grown into the borders. You try to create a new edge and end up with a huge pile of trimmings that won't fit in the brown bin – and you know you aren't supposed to put soil in anyway.

Dealing with lawn edges is the most time-consuming part of mowing. We have metal edges round most of our lawns; they create a clean edge that is maintenance free and can be mown over. Pavers (bricks) are equally good and easy to lay, even around curved edges. A cheaper solution is to edge with tanalised wood. The shape of the lawn is important; when we bought a ride-on mower, we made some adjustments to allow for easier turning. Parallel edges to the lawn, even if they are curved, make for easier mowing. A triangular shape means going over part of the lawn twice.

We now have a mulching mower which saves having to empty a grass box. The cuttings are very small and recycled onto the lawn. There is rarely a problem of treading grass into the house unless it is very long and wet. Some people worry about additional thatch and moss but we have not found that.

If you really hate mowing, you could consider a robot mower. There are machines for all sizes of lawn up to about an acre, they just keep cutting and cutting and do a pretty good job; it all depends on the original quality of the grass. Modern machines are very hi-tech, you can even track them on your mobile phone. You do need to keep your lawn free of obstructions, but they will send you an alert if they are stuck.

Finally, you could consider artificial grass. The latest types are pretty realistic and reasonably soft, wonderful for children to play on. It doesn't need cutting, of course, but it is quite expensive and you don't get that smell of new cut grass.

April tasks

The soil is warm enough to sow hardy seeds such as godetia, poppies and cabbages directly, but tender vegetables such as courgettes and beans should still be sown in the greenhouse or on a windowsill. If your soil is not suitable to sow directly, you could try mixing in some general purpose compost to improve where you are sowing seeds. It is always best to sow in lines.

Keeping on top of the weeds at this time of year will pay dividends later; try not to let the weeds flower and seed. Tackle excess bluebells, lords and ladies, wild garlic and other wildlings, a little is charming, too much is a pain!

Feed hungry plants such as roses and clematis, and treat yourself to tea and cake outside in the spring sunshine.