Cople News
September 2012
September 2012 2
WILLINGTON POST OFFICE & STORES
Telephone: 01234 838 240
Friendly. helpful staff, well stocked shelves, wide range of products.
News paper& magazine ordering service, optional delivery to Cardington, Cople, Willington and Moggerhanger.
Fresh local produce on external stalls, Free range eggs from Cardington,
Willington honey, fresh bread and cakes from local bakery. Specially decorated iced mini cakes and cup cakes for Mothers Day, Valentine, etc
Chilled snacks and sandwiches, salads, ham, cheese, and bacon,
Varieties of designers cards for all occasions, stationary, packaging material.
Lottery. groceries off licence (Good collection of wine)
Pay station for phone top up, gas/electric key charging and bill payments
Post Office Counter for Personal Banking& Business banking services. Foreign Currency (Euros & Dollars on Demand)
Car Tax, Phone& Broadband
Services, Savings products, Car/home/travel/life/pet & Business Insurance products, Credit services, Gifts cards etc.
Special services: Send flowers by post “BUNCHES” for all occasions.
Dry cleaning & repair service. Household coal &logs. Making fruit & veg Baskets for special occasions.
Samosa veg and non veg on Friday/Saturdays Home delivery on the purchase of £10.00 (enquire in the shop.)
SHOP OPENING HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY 6.30AM to 6.00PM
SATURDAY 7.00AM to 7.00 PM. SUNDAY 8.00 AM to 12.00 NOON.
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September 2012
Cover picture by Julie Scherrer
The Rev Jackie Buck has left Cople after 3 years as curate to
take a post in Goldington. Thank you for all that you have done
for the Village and best wishes for the future.
Editorial
Last week I made a very stupid error by responding to an email
from Yahoo that actually came from a crook in Nigeria. Chaos
followed. My friend in Nigeria sent emails in my name asking for
money to bail me out of a fictitious situation in Spain. I trust
that no one was as gullible as me and replied. As I did this just
on the deadline for the magazine it must rate as a spectacular
own goal. Within the next 24 hours order was restored and the
bad guys were denied access to the account. I would like to
apologies to all of those who were sent emails. I trust that the
only casualty was my ego and it has been business as usual for
the last week. Yahoo does have a system to ensure that you
are actually dealing with them and not a criminal. I have now
belated taken advantage of the safeguards.
The magazine is a slim affair this month which reflects the time
of year. However, the September diary shows a quickening of
the pace in the coming months
We have a new advertiser. Mr Bowyer came to sweep my
chimney and after I showed him the magazine he agreed to
advertise with us. He is a very pleasant man who has been a
sweep for 30 years and has definitely got the hang of it. His
advert is on page 46.
One of the limitations of the printed format is that it does not
offer enough space or do justice to the many pictures that are
submitted. However, the village website does not have these
problems and you will find photographs from all our village
activities including the recent Barn Dance, the Service at Danish
Camp and the Music Festival by going to www.cople.org.uk/pics.
Ged Peeke
September 2012 4
5
September 2012
ACE PEST CONTROL
Fast Efficient Service
Rats, Mice, Fleas, Moles,
Wasps, Bird Proofing etc
We offer very competitive rates with normally same day service
Proprietor: Mr J. T. Hillyard Telephone 01234 - 838391
September 2012 6
Letter from the Vicarage
One of the things that I enjoy is going to a quiz night at “The
Five Bells” on a Thursday evening. That is partly because I can
walk there and meet people from the village but also because I
have a competitive streak in my personality. Although people
often say “it is not the winning but the taking part that counts” I
disagree. I am “in it to win it” but if my recent performance is
anything to go by this is likely to take some long time. Of
course it would be a great help to me if there were more
questions on the Bible and less on pop music and television
personalities but that is unlikely to happen. So I turn up living
in hope as I am not one to give up that easily.
Every time I have watched the Olympics on television I have
been amazed by the talent and the perseverance of the athletes.
It has been a joy to watch some of the greatest sportsmen and
women in the world as they have competed. Similarly the Para
Olympics have also been an inspiring event. The competitors
have risen above their various disabilities to achieve so much.
Although I have joked that it is not “so much the taking part but
the winning that counts” this is not true for the Christian life.
The Bible speaks about running the race and a whole crowd of
witnesses cheering us on. God is not interested in who comes
first but that we all complete the race and reach our goal which
is an eternal relationship with him. It is not about outdoing
others but helping those who are finding the going tough.
This is exactly what happened at the Toronto Para Olympics in
2004. The athletes set off for the race but very soon one of the
competitors tripped and fell down. He could not get up and then
to the amazement of the crowd who were watching, the others
behind him stopped to help him. What was even more surprising
was that those who were in front having sensed something was
wrong from the reaction of the crowd in the stadium turned
round and went back to help.
The person who had fallen was helped to his feet and then all the
runners linked arms and crossed the finishing line together.
Understandably they received a standing ovation and it was
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September 2012
perhaps the most memorable event of these games.
This true story is rather like a parable which speaks to us all in
sorts of situation. The greatest achievement is to render service
to those who are in need.
Life is more than about winning it is about playing fairly and
helping others to succeed as well.
With all good wishes
Lynda Klimas
Foundations in Living God’s love
This is a course which has been produced by the Diocese to help
Christians to grow in their discipleship. It is made up of three
modules of 5 sessions with each module focusing on one of the
three core themes of “Living God’s love”-Going deeper into God,
Transforming Communities and Making new disciples
This autumn our home groups will be studying the module
Going deeper into God. We plan to meet once a fortnight.
There are four groups.
Monday 7.30pm at 87 Willington Road, Cople (Alison Cross
01767 640647)
Tuesday 10am at 6 Gostwick Place, Willington (Gill Woods
01234 838328)
Wednesday 8pm at 16 Bedford Road, Willington (Gwen Brown
01234 831136)
Thursday 8pm at The Vicarage 3 Grange Lane Cople (Lynda
Klimas (01234 838431)
Anyone is welcome to join any of our groups. If you are
interested in joining a group as there is a course booklet which
we will provide please contact the leader.
Lynda Klimas
From the Registers Baptism of Ruby Carter on 8th July and Freya Klimas on 5th August. Burial of Audrey Tatman on 24th July and Helen Smith on
26th July.
September 2012 8
Mother’s Union
Our next meeting will be held on the 10th September at 2:30pm
at a venue to be arranged nearer the time. Our speaker will be
Gwynneth Atkins and her topic will be Memories of our Sunday
School Days. This will be followed by a cream tea.
We are very grateful to all members and friends who are
beavering away knitting and sewing for our ongoing projects.
Our meeting on the 5th November will be the day all items will
be collected together ready to be distributed both home and
overseas.
Liz Buck
Prayer
I thank you, O God, for the pleasure you have given us through
our senses;
For the glory of thunder, for the mystery of music, for the
singing of birds and the laughter of children.
I thank you for the delights of colour, the awe of sunset, the wild
roses of the hedgerows, the smile of friendship.
I thank you for the sweetness of flowers and the scent of hay.
Truly O Lord the earth is full of your riches. Amen
(Edward King (1829-1940))
Back to Church Sunday 30th September 11am
at Cople
I am very much looking forward to “Back to Church” Sunday as
we have a guest preacher The Revd Andrew Hollins who will
share some stories with us. Although there are invitation cards
to be sent out these are not necessary as everyone is welcome.
If you feel you want to come back to church and need something
to prompt you to do so then this may be the right occasion. If
you need a lift that can be arranged simply speak with one of
the churchwardens. Also if you have never attended church
regularly and would like to know more then also please do come
along.
Lynda Klimas
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September 2012
Curate’s Corner
This Corner will be my last as I have now completed my 3 years
training and on 30th September I will be taking up my new post
as Assistant Curate at St Mary’s, Goldington. I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time in the benefice and I take with me much
experience, for which I am thankful to you all and especially to
Lynda.
Church ministry involves a lot of work with people and you have
all been very open and generous in allowing me into your lives
and community. Lynda, for her part, has trained me to a high
level of competence not only pastorally but in all things
liturgical: Sunday services, baptisms, weddings and funerals.
So much so that I go to St Mary’s confident of what is required
of me.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for
the lovely gifts the benefice gave me and Derick after the Songs
of Praise service at The Danish Camp on 12th August. After
Lynda and Rob had said some very kind things I was presented
with a lovely bouquet of flowers and Derick with a bottle wine.
Various envelopes and gifts were then given to me by the
churchwardens and having said “my piece” I was pleased to
have time to speak with the many people who had come to wish
me well.
On returning home I had time to open the various items, all of
which will remind of my time with you. Julie Scherrer had put
together a lovely photograph album of my 3 years with you, a
lasting memento of my ministry; a gift bag contained a beautiful
glass angel and on opening one of the envelopes I was faced
with a very generous cheque of £282.50, a collection from the 3
parishes. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this
wonderful gift, I will consider carefully how to spend it. Finally
there were 3 cards all of which were filled with messages and
names of those in the 3 parishes, thank you to those who
organised this I know how long it takes!
And so all that remains to be said is one more big “Thank You!”
for everything over the past 3 years and I leave you with my
prayers and God’s blessing for you all.
From Jackie
September 2012 10
B. W. Taylor
Plumbing Roofing and all Building
Maintenance
From “Complete Bathrooms and Kitchens” including tiling and plas-tering through to “Ball Valves and “Garden Taps”
No Job too small Local Reliable service at Reasonable Rates
References Supplied if Required
Telephone: Barrie Taylor 01234 - 838 676 Mobile 07979 - 928 186
WENDY
Mobile Hairdresser
Tel : 01234 838460
Mobile : 07795 573409
46, Station Road, Willington
Need a job doing? No one practical at hand to help you.
“This Man Can”
Dave Crawford
No job too large or small, hired for a variety of jobs, hanging curtain poles, garden decking, tiling, garden watering systems, lofts emptied. -
reliable, pride in work, references available, CRB checked. For a no obligation quote call 07981 881688
or email [email protected]
11
September 2012
Architectural Design
Stephen Funge Architectural Design Ltd 38 Howard Close
Haynes
Bedfordshire
MK45 3QH
Tel/Fax 01234 381800. Mob 07710 268372
Stephen Funge MCIAT MAPM
Planning and Building Regulations Applications.
Design and Project Management.
Extensions, New Houses, Offices, Shops.
Call for a chat. No obligation
September 2012 12
WILLINGTON DOVECOTE AND STABLES HERITAGE OPEN DAY
Saturday 8th Sept 2012, 1 – 5 pm
MORE HERITAGE FASHIONS AND FABRICS
Visit these special Tudor
buildings; meet members of
Bedford Embroiderers Guild
and people in Tudor costume.
Pause for a while and watch
demonstrations of Tudor and
Stuart Blackwork and
Stumpwork. Find out how
special effects are created and
finished.
Then, why not try your hand at making
bracelets with finger-loop braiding or making
buttons and tassels?
Take time to look at our displays and try on
Tudor-style costumes.
Join in with children’s activities with a Tudor
theme
Explore the church next door and enjoy some
tea and cake.
Free Admission. Some advertised attractions may be
subject to alteration or cancellation. Bedford National
Trust Association. Tel. 01234 404879
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September 2012
Saturday 8 September 2012 10 am to 6 pm
Have fun Cycling or Walking Help save your local heritage Raise funds for your church or chapel Over 600 churches and chapels to visit
Raise money for the repair of your local church or chapel by getting sponsorship for cycling or walking between churches in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Anyone can take part and there is a choice of over 600 churches and chapels for you to visit, most of which will be open.
For more information please contact: Judith Howard 01234 838467
S p o n s o r e d
Bike ’n Hike R a i s i ng fu nds f o r you r ch u rch
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Historic Churches Trust
Saving the Past for the Future
www.BedsHertsHCT.org.uk BHHCT Registered Charity No. 1005697
Bike ’n Hike in association with the national Ride & Stride
September 2012 14
15
September 2012
Eamonn , Julie and Katie would like to welcome you to the Five Bells in Cople , a traditional country village pub .
It is our intention to provide a warm welcome in comfortable surroundings for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a
drink or a hearty meal .
Wherever possible , we have sourced our ingredients from local suppliers and our menu is designed to be as homemade as
possible .
We also provide a wide selection of fine ales , wines and spirits and great care is taken to ensure they are kept to the highest
standard
Themed Menu every Wednesday Live Music most Saturday nights (see website for details)
Sunday Roasts £8:50 (Very popular, booking recommended) Party bookings available
Tel : 01234 831330 www.fivebellscople.com
September 2012 16
SJ TAX & ACCOUNTING
Professional Friendly Free initial consultation.
Sole traders, Ltd companies, Start ups, CIS, VAT, TAX
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01767 601221
Mob: 07899 808592
QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT
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September 2012
Friends of Cople Church Reg No. 1096386
The weather gods looked favourably down on us as just under
90 people gathered at Oak Farm on a warm, dry evening for the
annual Barn Dance on Saturday, July 21st . Kelly’s Eye once
again provided the music, and this splendid trio had little
difficulty in encouraging participants onto the dance floor.
Excellent beer from Potton Brewery, plentiful wine and soft
drinks provided liquid refreshment, whilst the delicious pork,
followed by pudding, satisfied the needs of ‘the inner man’.. We
are indebted to Paul and Heather Walsh for making their historic
barns available for this annual event, and to the committee who
provided delicious salads and desserts, to the bar staff who were
kept so busy throughout the evening, and of course to Paul who
ensured that the essential component, the pork, was cooked to
absolute perfection.
A handsome profit of just over £1,000 was generated, and this
included just over £200 from the raffle. We are very grateful to
those who generously donated prizes. In summary, it was a
splendid evening, much enjoyed by everybody.
Our next event, Shipwreck Party, is on November 3rd at the
Village Hall. .The hall will have become a desert island and you
can arrive in whatever you might have been wearing when the
call came to 'Abandon Ship!' - casual, beachwear, evening wear,
nightwear - the possibilities are endless, anything goes! There
will be food, music, dancing and lots of fun. Tickets are now
available from 838714, 838683, 838467, 838763 at a cost of
£13.50 a head. We look forward to seeing you there.
Vaughan Southgate www.cople.org.uk/friends
September 2012 18
Cople Sports and Social Club
Thankfully summer has not been a complete wash out. We
finally have been able to sit out on the patio and embrace the
last part of summer watching the cricket or just enjoying the
green environment and social interaction.
We now have free Wi-Fi at the Sports and Social club all
members and their guests will have access to this.
We will be holding a Caribbean evening on Saturday 1st
September if you wish to join us please ask at the club or
contact Jeanette.
The football season is under way, we will be showing the most
prominent matches in the Club please see list:
Liverpool V Arsenal Sunday 2nd September 1.30pm
Premier League
Southampton V Man Utd Sunday 2nd September 4.00pm
Premier League
Coventry V Stevenage Sunday 9th September 1.00pm
League one
Wolves V Leicester Sunday 16th September 1.15pm
Championship
Reading V Tottenham Sunday 16th September 4.00pm
Premier League
Everton V Newcastle Monday 17th September 8.00pm
Premier League
Liverpool V Man Utd Sunday 23rd September 1.30pm
Premier League
Man City V Arsenal Sunday 23rd September 4.00pm
Premier League
Notts Forrest V Derby Sunday 30th September 1.15pm
Championship
Aston Villa V West Brom Sunday 30th September 4.00pm
Premier League
Please see poster in Club for full fixtures
Jeanette Skipsey Mob: 07749272249 Email: [email protected]
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September 2012
September 2012 20
Contact us now for a free, no obligation quote
Glyn Carroll
2 Glebe Road, Sandy, Beds, SG19 1LT
01767 680898 / 07859 070517
e-mail:[email protected]
We hold a valid Waste Carriers Licence
Public Liability insurance to 5 million.
We are a small, friendly, reliable
Construction Company based in Sandy.
We specialise in Plastering, Bricklaying,
Decking, Fencing and Patios, but can
fulfil all your building requirements.
21
September 2012
September 2012 22
Arnolds
Funeral Service 48 Roff Avenue, Bedford
an independent family
owned business established in 1875
Day and night
personal attention
Chapels of Rest Flower service
Memorial service Catering arranged
Pre-payment plans and
pre-arrangement advice available
…..reassurance when you need it most
Telephone 01234 - 359529
23
September 2012
Sunday Church Services in September
2nd 11:15am
12:30pm
Family Service
Baptism
9th 09:00am
09:45am
Holy Communion BCP
Sunday School
16th 09:45am
11:15am
Sunday School
All age Communion with choir
23rd 09:45am
11:15am
Sunday School
Sung Communion
30th 09:45am
11:00am
Sunday School
Benefice Service “Back to Church Sun-
day” with Revd Andrew Hollins
Cople All Saints
Willington Saint Lawrence
2nd 10:00am Holy Communion BCP
9th 11:15am Parish Praise
16th 10:00am Sung Communion
23rd 10:00am All age Communion and children’s church
Moggerhanger St John the Evangelist
2nd 09:00am Sung Communion
9th 10:00am Family Service
16th 09:00am
6:00pm
Said Holy Communion
Songs of Praise
23rd 09:00am All age Communion
September 2012 24
Cople Calendar September 2012
Saturday 1st
10:30am Traidcraft coffee morning Willington
2:00pm Wedding Leah Shanahan and Nicholas Foley at
Cople Church
Caribbean Evening at Sports and Social Club
Monday 3rd
09:00am Morning Prayer
11:00am Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
8:00pm Exploring Prayer group at the Vicarage
Tuesday 4th (Green Bin)
10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall
2:30pm Over 60’s Club in Sports Club
Wednesday 5th
7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls in Village Hall
Thursday 6th
10:00am to 11:30am Baby and Toddler Group in Cople
Village Hall
8:00pm Home Group at the Vicarage
Saturday 8th
10:00am –6:00pm. Sponsored Bike and Hike
Monday 10th
09:00am Morning Prayer
11:00am Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
2:30pm Mothers Union Meeting venue tbn.
6:15pm Junior Choir Cople Church
7:30pm Home Group at 87 Willington Road Cople
Tuesday 11th (Orange Bin)
10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall
7:30pm Tuesday Club meeting in Cople Village Hall
Wednesday 12th
7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls in Village Hall
8:00pm Home Group at 16 Bedford Road Willington
Thursday 13th
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September 2012
10:00am to 11:30am Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
Monday 17th
09:00am Morning Prayer
11:00am Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
12:30am Luncheon Club in Cople Church.
6:15pm Junior Choir practice at Cople Church
7:30pm Cople Parish Council Meeting Village Hall
Tuesday 18th (Green Bin)
10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall
2:30pm Over 60’s Club in Sports Club
7:30pm PCC at the Vicarage.
Wednesday 19th
7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls in Village Hall
Thursday 20th
10:00am to 11:30am Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
8:00pm Home Group at the Vicarage
Monday 24th
09:00am Morning Prayer
11:00am Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
6:15pm Junior Choir practice at Cople Church
7:30pm Home Group at 87 Willington Road Cople
Tuesday 25th (Orange Bin)
2:30pm Food for thought at Willington
10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall
Wednesday 26th
7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls in Village Hall
8:00pm Home Group at 16 Bedford Road Willington.
Thursday 27th
10:00am to 11:30am Baby and Toddler Group in Cople
Village Hall
8:00pm Benefice Churchwardens at the Vicarage
Friday 28th
4:30pm Wedding Louise Turner & Simon Daldry. Cople
Saturday 29th
10:00am to 1:00pm Cople Church Heritage Day
September 2012 26
If you need help or advice call me on
FREE PHONE 0800 039 1234 or my mobile no: 07717 269 440
Home Visits Available (All Agents are CRB Checked)
Village agents can offer a number of FREE services
Are you aware that some energy suppliers offer a rebate of
£130 to older people towards your energy bills in the winter
months.
ask me for more details or to help you apply.
Free security checks (free smoke alarms, door chains, Spy
Holes
Free “Message in a bottles” (peace of mind if you are taken ill
and the emergency services are called)
BENEFITS
Are you claiming all the benefits you are entitled to???
Pension Credit - If your total income is less than £137.95pw
(£209.70 couple) you may be eligible to claim - you will not
automatically received it. Ask me for details & help.
Attendance Allowance - This is for anyone over 65 who is ex-
periencing difficulty with their day to day personal care you can
receive between £51-£77 pw added to your pension (this is NOT
a means tested benefit - ask me for information & help.
If you are looking for information and advice on
local services and organisations, or maybe feel a bit isolated,
why not contact your Village Agent who maybe able to help.
Village Agent
Autumn Update
27
September 2012
September 2012 28
COPLE VILLAGE TRUST Registered Charity No 1090113
Annual General Meeting held at the Village Hall on 20
June 2012
Chairman’s Report
Village Hall
The Village Trust was successful in obtaining a grant from the
Bedford Borough Rural Affairs Committee, with the support from
Cople Parish Council and Mrs Carole Ellis, Borough Councillor.
The Grant of £24,300 enabled the Village Hall to be refurbished
in September 2011 – New kitchen units, replacement non slip
flooring, modernising the ladies and gents toilets, block paving
outside the kitchen area, replacement door to the kitchen and
fire doors, replacement soffits and fascia boards.
We had an issue with the non slip flooring in the lobby area
between the kitchen and the committee room with bubbles in
various places. After discussions with the Contractor the flooring
was replaced. Thanks to Jon Relf, Trustee, whose persistence
paid off. The Village Hall is now attractive and can compete with
similar venues. Grateful thanks to all those involved in this
project
Finance
Our income is derived by regular and ad hoc bookings for the
Hall, together with fund raising activities. We continue with our
200 Club - £1 per month for twelve months – monthly draws of
1st prize £60, 2nd prize £30 and 3 prize £10. Our annual Craft
Fair proves to be as popular as ever, with takings steadily rising
each year. Thanks to Catherine our Treasurer and Marie our
Booking Officer. Quiz night (April 2012) – Thanks to Keith and
his team for organising such a successful evening, enjoyed by all
who attended.
Playing Field
The Trustees actively support and fund raise at the annual
‘Proms in the Park’ which is held on the Playing Field. The
Playing Field is appreciated far and wide, whether be it cricket or
football players or visitors to the village. The Trust
29
September 2012
COPLE VILLAGE TRUST
Reg. No. 1090113
200 CLUB
Prize winners for August 2012
1st Prize of £60 279 Lyn and John Watt
2nd Prize of £30 108 Roy Hull
3rd Prize of £10 238 Joe Clayton
acknowledges, with thanks, the Parish Council who give an
annual contribution for the upkeep of the field. We are very
fortunate to have a committed Grounds man, Chris Gregory,
who goes the extra mile in making sure the field is in tip top
condition.
My sincere thanks to all Trustees who give their time freely and
to David our Caretaker/Cleaner whose task is always to clean up
after others and prepare for the next booking.
Sandra Thacker Chairman
New developments at Moggerhanger Park.
The new Garden Room on the edge of the woodland at
Moggerhanger Park has won a prestigious Central LABC Building
Excellence Award.
Please do come and visit the Woodland Cafe which is open
through the summer. The latest attraction in the café is the
installation of computer WIFI so visitors can enjoy refreshments
or a light lunch and also work on line. The home-made food is
delicious and the best price in Bedfordshire!
From Gillian Orpin
September 2012 30
Music Festival Concert
The audience at this opening event of the festival enjoyed a
lovely relaxing afternoon culminating in a delicious tea. The
weather was a mix of rain and sunshine but inside the church
the music delighted with a wide range of instruments, styles of
music and ages of performers.
The Rotary Young Musicians, who had recently taken part in the
‘Rotary Young Musicians Of The Year’ competition, were
delightful. Shannon opened the concert with her lovely singing
of ‘Fly me to the moon’ and Robert followed with a medley of
swing, jazz and pop played with ease and confidence on his
saxophone. Zoe, accompanied by Karen Beer, enthralled us
with her clarinet rendering of Schumann Fantasy Pieces. These
youngsters have real talent and were a joy to hear.
Also on the bill were Karen Beer who played a mix of pieces on
her Oboe and Kate Lawson who sang songs from the less well
known shows including Blood Brothers and City of angels. David
Beer accompanied these performers.
The finale was a splash of sparkly blue as the Phoenix Chorus,
brightly costumed, entertained with show songs mixed with
traditional barbershop pieces. Their animation and enjoyment of
singing uplifted everyone so a little rain as tea was served in the
marquee did not dampen spirits.
Many thanks go to Mary Whitehead who talent spots the
delightful youngsters and Julie Scherrer, who with her band of
helpers, provided the delicious tea. Thanks go also to the
Friends for kindly loaning their marquee.
This is such a lovely afternoon that it is a shame more interest is
not shown. The concert next year will be on July 28th so make a
note in your forward planning to come along and support these
dedicated local musicians who give up their time to entertain us
so royally. You will not be disappointed.
Jill Ebbs
31
September 2012
Music Festival Proms
What a great finale to a wonderful week of musical events. The
fabulous concert on Sunday, a packed 5 Bells on Wednesday,
when Jim became more excited by the minute during the quiz,
and the Friday night when a bus load of Germans descended on
the village with their sausages, beer and band.
The committee went for Plan B , the wet weather arrangements,
which meant the sun shone and the wind dropped and the
crowds came in abundance. The musicians aged from 4 years to
over 70 entertained with enthusiasm and the German pipes and
drums were very successful in persuading over 60 females of all
ages to dance the CanCan. The burgers and pig roast, the cakes
and the bar all did a roaring trade and the singing of the
traditional proms songs ended another great festival.
As this event is becoming more popular a lot of work has gone
into arranging insurance, risk assessments for health and safety
and the presence of the Red Cross on the day. A big thank you
to Cindy for the work she undertook for all of this. Thanks to all
the committee for their hard work throughout the year and on
the day and to the many volunteer workers who came along to
help.
Monies are still being sorted so the final total of money collected
for this years charity will be revealed next month.
Proms 2013 will be on August 3rd so make a note now to avoid
holiday clashes.
Cople Carpet Bowls Club
Have you ever thought of playing bowls. If so why not come
along and join in a game of carpet bowls which is played indoors
on a 30 ft carpet. Carpet bowls is played in Cople Village Hall on
Wednesday evenings 7:30 to 10:00 pm and the subscription is
only £2 each per session. If you are 18+ come and give it a try.
New members are very welcome. Any enquiries contact Pauline
on 01234 838102.
Pauline Baynes.
September 2012 32
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September 2012
C.R.WILKINSON & SON
PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEON
ESTABLISHED OVER 12 YEARS
FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED
FELLING HEDGE TRIMMING
CROWN REDUCTIONS STUMP REMOVAL
DEAD WOODING WOODCHIP AVAILABLE
THINNING LOGS AVAILABLE
ALL EMERGENCY WORK CARRIED OUT
CHURCH END NURSERIES, WILLINGTON, BEDS.
MK443PX
PLEASE CONTACTJAMES ON
LANDLINE 01234 838274
MOBILE 07773 077042
EMAIL: [email protected]
FREE QUOTATION
September 2012 34
Wild About Cople
By the time you are reading this it will be late August and all is
about to roll into one of the great cycles of the natural world.
Firstly, people often ask 'where do all the birds go in late
summer?' Well, after a busy season of courtship, building nests
and bringing up young it’s time for a rest and recuperation and
to get ready for the autumn and winter. So most of our birds
enter into a period of moult when they start shedding their
feathers (usually in a cyclical pattern and a few at a time). This
means that their powers of flight may be slightly impaired so
now is a good time to rest, hide away and reappear again after a
few weeks, back in tip-top condition with a new coat of feathers
(and often new colours) and ready for the demands of winter.
So that is where all the birds are now.
And that big cycle that's about to roll? Well, it’s the wonder of
migration and the amazing journey that many of our birds that
have been with us all summer (and including those little yellow
wagtails in the potato fields) are about to undertake. And that
means eating lots of fat- and protein-rich foods such as insects
to build up their weight and fitness, to produce new feathers and
to embark on a long journey of many thousands of miles, often
with other birds, for company.
Many of these birds are village familiars and have been with us,
rearing their young and singing their songs all summer (many
we heard on our morning bird walk). The screaming black
crescents of swifts have gone already and the village has
thereby lost one of its subtle beauties - until next May when the
swifts arrive back, bringing summer with them on their wings
and in their screams. The whitethroats, the chiffchaffs, the
willow warblers and the blackcaps will all be leaving in the next
two or three months - wish them well and speed them all back
to bring their songs and their colours back to the village next
spring.
But, many birds stay with us and the blackbirds, sparrows,
chaffinches, yellowhammers and robins all keep us company
throughout the winter as do a few other birds that arrive in the
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September 2012
autumn from the continent.
In the evenings, particularly as it gets dark, listen out for a quiet
rasping 'chirp-chirp' coming from the bottom of tangled
hedgerows and areas of dense brambles, grass and nettles. This
is the call of the male Dark Bush-cricket. A large, usually dark
brown, grasshopper-like insect, it is still fairly common in these
parts. The song carries on during the afternoon until well after
dark and is the male calling to attract the female and to ward off
other males. They are harmless and rather lovely insects to
have around and feed on vegetation, insects and small spiders.
The males only produce the chirping – they have specially
modified forewings which they rub together (called ‘stridulation’)
to produce the ‘chirp’. Go out and have a listen at dusk on
warm, still evenings over the next few weeks - it is one of the
poignant sounds of the changing seasons and the coming of
autumn and will continue until the first frosts kill off the singing
males; sometimes as late as November or even early December.
But, never fear, the eggs of the next generation are safe, in the
ground, awaiting the spring and the warmth, to start all over
again.
I'm planning an autumn wildlife walk so look out for a date next
time around. . . And a thank you to those who stop me or email
me to pass on their wildlife sightings – it is always a pleasure to
hear from you or speak to you!
Steve Halton [email protected]
Male Dark Bush-cricket
September 2012 36
Cople Baby & Toddler Group
Has opened its doors again
Every Thursday (Inclusive of school holidays)
10.00am-11.30am At the Cople Village Hall (off Grange Lane)
First session free, £2 per family thereafter Adults with one child under 7 months £1
Willingtots Pre-school Peace Memorial Hall
Church Road Willington
Telephone 07972 148085
E-mail [email protected] Website www.willingtots.co.uk
Fundraising www.buy.at/willingtots
Sessional care for children aged 2 to school age during term time
FREE PLACES for eligible 3 and 4 yr olds
09.15-12.15 Monday to Friday (£9.00)
12.15-15.15 Tuesday & Wednesday (£9.00)
Lunch Club daily 12.15-13.15 (£3.00)
Registered Charity No. 1035672 Member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and registered with OFSTED
“We are totally committed to safeguarding children”
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September 2012
Cople Lower School
Before & After School Club
Regular and one off bookings, including Casual bookings.
Registration forms and information packs
available from: Naomi Whittingham – Play Leader
07592 012 249 [email protected]
Hours Fees
Monday to Friday Regular bookings
Breakfast 8.00am – 8.45am £3.00
Session 1 3.30pm – 5.00pm £7.00
Session 2 3.30pm – 6.00pm £8.50
Casual bookings:
an additional £1.00 on
regular session fees
JB Plumbing & Heating
Julian Biggs
All types of plumbing and heating work.
Oil Fired Boilers - Servicing, Repairs and Installation - OFTEC registered.
Bathrooms, Showers and Toilets Radiator Installation, maintenance and repairs.
Hot and cold water tanks and cylinders.
Prompt, reliable and professional service. Free quotations. No call-out charges.
Fully qualified and insured.
Tel: 01767 627591 / 07950 705479
9 Ickwell Road, Northill
September 2012 38
The Beekeeper's Diary
Survival has been the motto for this year in beekeeping !
According to some more senior members of the Bedfordshire
Beekeeping Association this has been the most challenging year
of beekeeping for in excess of 40 years, with the weather not
really providing the right conditions for any of the main cycles in
the bees annual patterns.
The foraging period was dramatically reduced (with many cases
of starvation) and, unfortunately, this means we can expect a
shortage of fresh British honey. Swarming was delayed and
unpredictable, with new queens often unable to get out or back
from their mating flights resulting in a lot of infertile,
unproductive or queenless colonies.
It was a real hunt to locate forage-able flowering crops with
enough good weather to enable the bees to build up their honey
stores. My own hives have been moved between two different
Oil Seed Rape crops, two bean crops, and a short ‘Olympic’
borage crop, as well as the usual wildflower combinations. For
most of the year any honey has had to be left in the hive, and
even supplemented, to feed the bees themselves. The small
amount of honey harvested came mainly from the OSR, and in
the last few days, I harvested some Borage honey that built up
while the sun shone on our Olympic fortnight – Go Team GBee
(sorry) !
With the honey flow finished it is very important to get the honey
out of the hive, and reduce the entrance size, as this is the time
when bees fall prey to the ravages of wasps, and rival bee
colonies, who come in trying to rob the hives (and us) of their
hard-earned treasure.
We now begin another phase of the beekeeping cycle as we
move the hives into winter apiaries, treat them for any potential
infestations like the Varroa mite, and focus on feeding them up
to be healthy and strong with enough stores to survive through
to next spring. Hopefully, we will have some late sun to give
them more time to build up.
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September 2012
I recently read another interesting fact that bees are now being
used as a humane way to protect the crops of Kenyan farmers
from wild elephants. African elephants are afraid of bees and
even sound an alarm call upon hearing them. In trials
comparing thorn tree fences with ‘fences’ of bee hives spaced 10
m apart, 31 elephants broke through the thorn trees whilst only
one bull elephant crossed the bee fence. Just shows size isn’t
everything.
With very fresh local honey to sample and for sale,
Chris
01234 831335
September 2012 40
This months Gardening Tasks
As I wander around plying my trade in the gardens of
Bedfordshire I have been struck lately at just how autumnal it
has been feeling. Indeed, we seem to have gone straight from
spring headlong into autumn with little more than a fleeting
glance of summer but as the leaves on the ground start to
increase in number, there’s still plenty to do in the garden.
Hedge cutting is one of those jobs and although it can often feel
rather daunting, its positive impact on the rest of one’s garden
can give you a well earned feeling of job satisfaction and pride.
Using a sharp pair of sheers or a mechanical hedge trimmer,
start at the sides and then zip along the top. If you are using
electric trimmers be sure to use a circuit breaker in the socket.
For most hedges, front, back and top will do the job. If a
straight top is required, a rope tied at along the front can
provide a useful guide.
One of the more satisfying tasks this month is to collect the
seeds from your existing stock so that they can be planted.
Simply empty seed heads into a marked bag and then marvel in
your new found role of horticultural mid wife!
Another job for this month is the planting of big shrubs and even
trees. The soil temperature is warm and just right for
encouraging significant root growth before the first frosts. This
process can be accelerated yet further by the application of
mycorrhizal fungi on to the root ball itself. Sold in garden
centres under the trade name of Rootgrow, this naturally
existing product helps a plant create a secondary root system
and as we all know, the healthier the roots, the healthier the
plant. Well, normally!
Lawn Doctor
Event Planner 2012
7th October Harvest Sunday 3rd November Shipwrecked Party 24th November Race Night
41
September 2012
37, Ridge Road
Kempston, Beds MK43 9BS
Lawn Doctor Garden Services Clearance, Redesign, Maintenance
Tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855
Email: [email protected]
Tree Care, Planting, Weeding, Hedge Trimming, Turfing, Jungle
Clearing, Patio/Drive Pressure Washing
Landscaping, Lawn Improvement, Holiday Watering etc., etc.
City & Guilds Qualified & Widely Experienced – OAP Rates
– References Available Upon Request - Northill Based
‘Lawn Doctor deserve a medal. They are worth their weight in gold and I,
without doubt, will be using them in the future. A true gem.
September 2012 42
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September 2012
September 2012 44
Village Hall
Bookings: Marie Grohmann
Email: [email protected]
Tel : 838248
Over 60's Club
Secretary : Hazel Shreeves
Tel : 838817
Mothers Union
Contact: Jill Ebbs
Tel : 838659
Cople Lower School
Headteacher : Helen Johnson
Tel : 838827
Cople Village Trust
Chair : Sandra Thacker
Tel : 831344
Royal British Legion
Chair: Max McMurdo
Tel: 01767 680624
Welfare: David Hansen
Tel : 01767 226020
Police
PC Paul Jones
Riseley Police Station
Tel : 01234 - 842864
Carpet Bowls
Secretary : Pauline Baynes
Tel : 838102
Willingtots Pre-School
Group
Tel: 07972– 148085
Before & After School Club
At Cople Lower School
Tel: 07592 - 012249
Brownies (Willington)
Karen Murray,
Tel: 01767 683719
Beavers, Cubs & Scouts
Contact Emma Whiterod
Tel: 07908 167356
Friends of Cople Church
Chair: Vaughan Southgate
Tel: 838714
Cople Sports & Social Club
Chair: David Hughes
Tel : 838669
Tuesday Club
Joy Duthie
Tel : 838407
Cricket
Cople Argus Cricket Club
Chris Gregory 01234 838396
Biggleswade Chronicle
Village Correspondent:
Jill Ebbs Tel: 838659
Cople Web Site
Ian Whiting Tel : 838347
Email: [email protected]
Web Site :www.cople.org.uk
Cople Baby and Toddler
Contact Kylie Dougall
Tel: 01234 740745
07999 257165
Just Ask
Wendy Worgan
0800 039 1234
Village Contacts
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September 2012
All Saints Church
Vicar:
Rev Lynda Klimas
The Vicarage
Grange Lane, Cople
Tel: 01234 838 431
Churchwardens
June Shanahan Mike Vacher
34 Grange Lane 91 Willington Road
Cople Cople
Tel: 01234 831705 Tel: 01234 831207
Cople Parish Council
Clerk to the Council: Jeanne Pope
42 Wingfield Road, Bromham, Beds. MK43 8JY
Tel: 01234 823 297 [email protected]
Cople News
Editor : Ged Peeke
39 Willington Road, Cople, Beds, MK44 3TH
Tel 01234 838379
Email: [email protected]
Deadline for copy and advertising 15th of every month
Advertising Rates Annual Charges
Full Page £95
Half Page £47:50
One Third Page £31:50
Delivered free to every home in Cople every month Circulation 360 copies
September 2012 46
Cople Village Hall
and Playing Field
Available for Hire for
Private Functions, Children’s Parties,
Weddings, Conferences
and other bookings by arrangement
Hire Charge from £ 9 per hour
Please Contact
Bookings Officer: Marie Grohmann
Telephone : 838248
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September 2012
September 2012 48
GroundcareMachinery Services Limited
Water End, COPLE, Bedford
Suppliers of Leading Brand Names
in Domestic & Professional
powered garden machinery
at BIG DISCOUNTS
with full service back up
Petrol, Diesel, Electric, Battery
Allen, Atco, Billy Goat, Countax, Eliet,
Flymo, Hayter, Honda, Klippo, Lawnflite,
MTD, Mountfield, Robin, Ryobi, Stihl,Viking, Westwood, Yardman, etc
For details of Products and
Savings visit our website
www.groundcare.biz
Tel: 01234 831123
sales + service + spares + repairs
www.groundcarebedford.co.uk