GET THE MAGAZINE EMAILED TO YOU
Just fill in your email and we will email you a copy each month
Milton Recent Events
Milton Crafters
Members of the Milton Crafters gathered at the recently refurbished Milton Village Hall in May 2026 for a highly enjoyable and creative glass fusion workshop.
The workshop was led by Hannah from HanSal House of Craft who guided everybody through the process of designing and creating their own fused artwork.
The workshop inspired a wonderful range of imaginative creations, including sunflowers, plants, sheep, dragon fly, birds, trees and seaside scenes.
The event was a great success, with everyone enjoying the opportunity to learn new skills and spend time together. 2
Milton Table Top Sale May 9th 2026
On a beautiful spring day Milton was pleased to welcome visitors to a wonderful sale of useful and eclectic items. Trade was brisk with a queue forming half an hour before opening time when customers were quickly through the door to grab a bargain.
Refreshments, including homemade cakes to eat in or take away, were on hand to sustain visitors.
A huge thank you from Milton to everyone who kindly donated items and to the customers on the day, it was also lovely to see many who also attended last year.
A lovely friendly event and thanks go to those who collected, stored, sorted items and set up the hall for the sale. Also to those who baked cakes and served refreshments on the day.
A special thank you to Liz who led the organization and publicity for the event.
The sum raised for Milton Village Hall currently stands at £1,600 but with a few items still left to sell the final total is yet to be confirmed.
Milton Crafters 30th April 2026
On April 30th, sixteen crafters gathered at Milton Village Hall for an Indian block printing workshop. Following the popularity of a previous session—where participants created beautifully printed tote bags—Jacqueline and Geraldine (Jackie and Geri) returned to lead another inspiring evening of creativity.
This time, attendees learned how to make small printed tea light holders and print decorative bunting. After a brief demonstration, everyone was invited to select from a wide array of blocks and paint colours. Each participant received a kit containing everything needed to create two tea light holders and a length of bunting.
The session began with practice pieces, allowing crafters to experiment with designs before moving on to their final creations. Jackie and Geri were on hand throughout, offering guidance, encouragement, and helpful tips. While the bunting proved relatively straightforward, the tea light holders presented more of a challenge—but one that everyone managed to successfully complete.
The creativity on display was truly impressive, with each crafter producing unique and imaginative designs. With coffee and biscuits available, the evening had a warm and friendly atmosphere, enjoyed by all who attended.
Many thanks to Jackie and Geri for their expert instruction, and to the organisers for arranging such an enjoyable workshop.
Live and Local Theatre February 2026 - Into the Breach by Giles Shenton Productions
On February 21st Milton Village Hall hosted another excellent performance by Giles Shenton productions. Set during the Second World War, ‘Into the Breach’ told the story of how George Crocker joined the village drama group to help liven up his life. Written and performed by Mark Carey, this one-man show portrayed how performing in an amateur production of Henry V transformed George’s life and helped him to come to terms with the death of a young comrade in WW1. The audience were drawn into the play through a humorous introduction as George auditioned as Widow Twanky, even getting the audience to sing along to his laundry song! As the story progressed, the other characters were introduced as George began to enter into his role in the play. The way Mark switched seamlessly between characters was remarkable. The quirks of each being portrayed with charm, captivating the audience. This was an enjoyable and thought provoking piece of theatre. Many thanks to Giles and Mark for their time and effort in delivering the play and to those who supported this event.
Milton Annual Christmas Party: December 6th 2025
On Saturday December 6th, the hamlet of Milton enjoyed the Annual Christmas Party in the village hall, which was full to capacity with the stage also being used for additional seating. It was lovely to see residents of all ages joining in the fun.
All were treated to a full Christmas meal with all the trimmings, beautifully cooked by a fabulous team of volunteers. The main course was followed by a selection of delicious desserts before the evening entertainment commenced.
Pass the parcel with forfeits was followed by stand up bingo before the raffle was drawn and the ever popular 12 days of Christmas sung. Each table stood to sing their particular verses with great enthusiasm and gusto.
A fabulous community evening, closing with all standing to sing ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’. Great atmosphere, good company and delicious food.
Needle Punch Workshop: November 2025
The Milton Crafters came together for a Needle Punch Workshop at the end of November in Milton Village Hall, run by Katie from Flossie & Bean. Katie started doing Needle Punch to pass the time during Covid, then after the birth of her son she decided to offer workshops for others.
Katie got attendees started with a test piece, showing us how to thread the needle then how to create the shapes on a small canvas piece in a frame. We were able to select our preferred design, Christmas related of course, and we very quickly got into the swing of it. Katie was on hand to help and guide us and when we had completed our pieces Katie finished them off by adding a loop and backing so they would look super on our Christmas trees or as decorations for our homes. A really enjoyable evening.
Act of Remembrance November 2025
An Act of Remembrance was held at Milton Village Hall at 5pm on Sunday, 9th November. Residents gathered for the twilight ceremony at the War Memorial beside the hall.
The names of the nine men from Foremarke, Ingleby and Milton who fell in the Great War were read aloud, followed by the Last Post and Reveille played by Steve Salmon.
Wreaths were laid in honour of the fallen:
- A member of the Armed Forces on behalf of Milton residents
- Elaine Newbold, Parish Councillor, on behalf of Repton Parish Council
- Denise Abbott, Chair of the Village Hall Committee, on behalf of the committee
Those attending described the ceremony as “compassionate, serene, and a poignant reflection.”
“At the going down of the sun, we will remember them.”
1940s Night at Milton Village Hall
On Friday 7th November, Milton Village Hall was transported back in time for a truly memorable 1940s Night, filled with music, dancing and nostalgic charm.
The hall looked splendid, draped in bunting, Union Jacks and authentic 1940s style props, creating the perfect
atmosphere for an evening of wartime spirit and community fun.
The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance by Jessica, one of the D-Day Darlings, who delighted everyone with a selection of unforgettable wartime songs.
From rousing sing-alongs to heartfelt ballads, her performance brought the era to life and had everyone joining in.
Many residents embraced the theme, arriving in vintage outfits, and the dance floor was busy all night as guests waltzed, danced and sang along to familiar tunes.
The event also served as a fundraiser for village hall improvements, and thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended an impressive £760 was raised.
It was truly a night to remember – a perfect blend of community spirit, history and fun. A big thank you goes to everyone who helped decorate the hall, organise the event, and, of course, to Jessica for her wonderful performance.
Milton Tea Dance October 18th 2025
The bunting was out in Milton Village Hall for a quintessential English Tea Dance. The afternoon started with villagers and visitors learning 4 short set piece routines under the expert and friendly guidance of tutors Karen and Carol.
This was followed by a lovely tea, served on bone china, with cake stands laden with assorted finger sandwiches (crusts removed of course) scones with jam and cream, small delicate cakes and of course a plentiful supply of tea.
Feeling fully replenished dancers returned to the floor putting together into one dance the four routines learned earlier. A lovely friendly afternoon with lots of laughter and a chance to chat over tea. Thank you to Karen and Carol the tutors and to all those who helped prepare the tea and the hall.
Milton Harvest Breakfast and Treasure Hunt October 5th 2025
Over 30 hungry villagers arrived at the Village Hall on the morning of October 5th to enjoy a freshly cooked full English breakfast in good company. A huge thank you to the team who cooked and served breakfast and to those who helped clear away afterwards.
Breakfast was followed by a harvest treasure hunt where 20 pictures in boxes were tucked away around the village with a written and picture clue to guide folks to where there were hidden. Thank you to Helen Shepherd for organising the treasure hunt and congratulations to worthy winners Laura and Matilda and Kevin and Tracey.
Villagers also bought along donations of food and toiletries which were donated to the YMCA for distribution to those in need of help.
Milton Crafters Willow Weaving September 2025
Back by popular demand Jo Henderson and her husband Wayne provided two Willow Weaving workshops in September 2025. The workshops in 2024 saw the crafters making willow dragonflies and this time a different weaving technique, more like basket weaving to give a flat appearance, was employed to make willow swallows.
The crafters gathered in Milton Village Hall for two enjoyable evenings where they turned long strands of freshly picked willow, sourced from the Somerset levels into stunning swallows. There are many types of willow available and the most suitable variety for making the swallows was provided.
Jo took everyone through the process step by step and soon the swallows started to take shape. Concentration meant that some weavers even forgot to get their tea, coffee and biscuits!
Despite the intricate nature of basic basket weaving techniques, the results were truly impressive due to the patience and professionalism of Jo and Wayne. All the swallows were completed, each one slightly different due to the variation in the pieces of willow and individual technique, and they made a very beautiful display. To finish the crafters could choose to have string for hanging their swallows or attaching a stick so their creations could stand in a pot. The finished creations can be exhibited indoors or outdoors and look so incredibly real in silhouette, it is almost as if they could take flight at any moment.
Two friendly and creative evenings enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks to Jo and Wayne who led the workshops and to Helen Jackson for organising.
Milton Potato Growing Competition July 2025
Seed potatoes were distributed in April for residents to nurture and love until July.
Rules of the competition dictate that only the potato supplied maybe used and it must be grown in the growing bag provided, however any form of encouragement for growth could be used. Chicken poo, fire ash, music and singing were all tactics reported…. The event is taken very seriously and competition is fierce.
On July 12th villagers and friends of all ages (plus a few dogs hoping for a chip or two later) gathered in The Swan beer garden on a beautiful sunny afternoon for the ‘weigh in’. The air was full of anticipation and friendly banter as Gary, Ann and Steve B picked out the red potatoes from their growing medium and piled the potatoes onto the scales. Whilst most potatoes arrived at the’ weigh in’ being carried or by standard wheelbarrow, Peter and Leanne’s potato was treated to VIP treatment arriving in a wheelbarrow specially decorated for its big occasion.
After missing out on first place to Darren last year Polly won the competition again this year with a crop of 5lb.5 ounces beating Darren’s crop of 4lb.6ounces.
Steve and Dawn secured third place with a crop of 3lb. 4 ounces.
Polly has won this competition many times in the past and was lovely to see her secure the title again. Full marks to Sue W for effort and winning the wooden spoon with a crop of 10.5 ounces.
Polly kindly donated her winnings to the Milton Village Hall refurbishment fund.
When all the potato bags had been emptied and weighed and congratulations and commiserations exchanged everyone tucked into chips kindly supplied by The Swan whilst waiting for the final results to be announced..
A lovely friendly community day enjoyed by everyone who took part.
Milton House Clearance Table Top Sale June 28th 2025
On Saturday 28th June 28th Milton was pleased to welcome visitors to the Table Top Sale held to raise funds for the village hall refurbishment. Preparations started on Thursday with items previously donated arriving at the hall to be sorted and further donations arriving on Friday. The village hall committee would like to thank everyone who donated so generously, the hall and outside area were totally full of interesting items. Something for everyone, BBQ, lawn mower, baby equipment, toys, clothes, lamps, pictures, tools, household goods, jewellery and much much more.
Shoppers started queueing before the opening time of 10am, hoping for the best bargains but there was plenty for all. Refreshments including homemade cakes were available to sustain those who had shopped ‘til they dropped.
Items left from the sale have been sold elsewhere or donated to other charities. To date the total raised stands at a little under £1,000 but monies are still coming in from sales elsewhere and the generosity of Miltonians who have privately sold items but donated the proceeds to the village hall fund.
To those who attended the sale and purchased items a big thank you, there was a lovely friendly atmosphere in the hall and new friends made.
Milton Open Gardens June 1st 2025
Apart from a very brief shower the weather was kind and Miltonians were delighted to welcome 428 visitors to their sleepy hamlet to view 10 beautiful, but all very different, gardens. There was a lovely friendly and relaxed atmosphere with bunting flying, smiling faces- a totally quintessential English summer event.
The Tea Room in the village hall did a brisk trade in tea and homemade cakes, baked by village residents and friends with visitors also being able to buy plants mostly kindly donated by local nurseries. Boss&Co provided music in the bandstand at one of the gardens and a poet read some nature poems in the Summerhouse at Mill Farm. Thank you to all for donating their time and talent.
The afternoon raised £4,500 for local charities – £500 to support the local community lunch club which serves not only Milton but also the surrounding villages, £2,000 for the village hall refurbishment fund and £2,000 to the local Air Ambulance. A totally amazing result which was only made possible by the efforts of all the volunteers who helped in so many different ways and by those who donated items or sponsored expenses -a huge thank you to everyone involved.
If you missed this year date for the diary for 2026 is 7th of June when gardens which were resting this year will be open to view.
All photos except for David, our smiling daffodil, courtesy of Chris Marples
Milton Crafters 27th March 2025
The Milton Crafters Group met in Milton Village Hall on Thursday March 27th to enjoy an evening of Indian Block printing. The workshop was led by Jacqueline from Elysian Creativity and Wellbeing, a certified tutor for the Indian Block Printing Company. Jacqueline first gave the fifteen attendees a demonstration of how to use the blocks and the paint before handing out some sample fabric and a choice of paint colours for practice pieces. There was a wonderful array of blocks to choose from, patterns, animals, flowers etc… and the group enjoyed experimenting with colours and designs before applying their chosen colours and designs to a tote bag.
A lovely friendly evening, an opportunity for villages and friends to chat and admire each others designs, with coffee and biscuits aiding creativity.
The resulting decorated tote bags were stunning……… Well done all.
Milton Live and Local Event - February 22nd 2025
Milton Village Hall recently hosted our latest show from ‘Live and Local’. Giles Shenton productions presented ‘What’s wrong with Benny Hill?’.
The play was brilliantly written and performed by Mark Carey supported by Georgie Taylor. Although a few of the audience were not sure if they would enjoy the subject matter of the show, most were pleasantly surprised. This was an entertaining and informative comedy which explored the life of the English comedian, actor and writer from the height of his career to his death in 1992. It charted his development as a talented comedy sketch writer, his deeply private and humble personal life, and relationships with his family. This was a very funny but also thought-provoking piece of theatre which was enjoyed by all who attended.
It was once again a pleasure to host a professional live performance at our small village hall. Many thanks to all who attended and supported this event.
Annual Christmas Party December 2024
As Storm Darragh raged all around, many Miltonians and friends got into the festive spirit at a warm and welcoming Village Hall for the Annual Christmas Party.
This popular event was held on Friday 6th December when the hall was decked with Christmas bunting, lights and a large decorated tree.
First on the evening’s agenda was a sumptuous 2-course Christmas dinner expertly prepared by ladies of the village and helpers. It is not easy serving a piping hot meal to almost 70 hungry guests, and the ladies pulled it off with style, well done and thank you.
Next came party games, first came a thrilling pass the parcel with forfeits, then an intense ‘stand up’ bingo which had everyone roaring up to the last person standing!
The ever-popular finale was a rousing rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas, with each table standing to sing the various verses. There was much competition to see who could sing the loudest which all added to the fun and community spirit.
A well stocked raffle and the profits from ticket sales helped raise more than £1,000 for improvements to the village hall.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to such a fun and successful evening. It was a great team effort resulting in a wonderful village evening of fun and good cheer.
Milton Annual Potato Growing Competition 2024
In April seed potatoes were distributed to competitors and Saturday 13th July was the day of the “weigh in”. Villagers assembled in the garden behind The Swan as the potatoes began to arrive in their numbered bags. Each bag was emptied and weighed with nervous growers looking on….hoping they would have at least some potatoes and not become the recipient of the booby prize – a wooden spoon. As each bag yielded up its contents there was encouragement and applause from onlookers and the tension mounted as the leading position for both the heaviest single potato and heaviest yield changed constantly during the proceedings. There were gasps of amazement when the eventual winner’s bag was tipped out, with large potato after large potato appearing out of the compost. Congratulations to winner Darren Dennis with an incredible total yield of 12lb 7 ounces and the heaviest single potato weighing 1lb. Darren won 2 cash prizes plus the brand new winner’s cup. Runners up for the heaviest total yield Ian and Sue Tittershall and Paul (5lb 11.5 ounces) and for the heaviest single potato Mandy Avery (10 ounces).
Thank you to Gary and Ann for organising the event, to Olly at The Swan for hosting the event and also providing very well received chips for all after the event.
A lovely community fun afternoon which included babes in a pram through to more senior citizens, not to mention 4 dogs who although completely baffled by the whole afternoon certainly enjoyed a chip or two.
Live and Local Event in Milton - 10th February 2024
On February 10th Miltonians and friends were delighted to welcome Spiltmilk Dance with their performance of Desert Island Flicks to Milton village hall.
The village hall was themed as a cinema with cartons of popcorn being handed out to all at the start of the performance along with a finger torch and a party popper for everyone. The reason for these items became apparent during the performance, the finger torches being used to great effect for the film E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and the party poppers for Mission Impossible.
There were ninety films in ninety minutes with snippets of soundtrack from each and the two ladies bringing the scene to life with facial expressions, body posture and dance.
Milton Pantomime supports work of Burton YMCA
Thanks to the great support of local people attending the two performances of this year’s pantomime and some very generous financial gifts, the cast of the production was able to donate £900.00 to the food bank at Burton and District YMCA. Two representatives from the YMCA visited Milton village hall in late January to collect the cheque and to increase awareness of the important work the charity carries out in this area, by taking part in a Question and Answer presentation with those who came along to find out more.
Many of those who attended kindly brought a considerable number of non-perishable food items and toiletries to donate to the bank and it is hoped that a regular, year-round collection of items can be made and donated in the future.
