2015 03
DESCRIPTION
Cople village magazineTRANSCRIPT
Cople News
March 2015
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WILLINGTON POST OFFICE & STORES
Telephone: 01234 838240
Newspaper & magazine delivery to Cardington, Cople, Willington and Moggerhanger
Fresh bread and cakes from local bakery and decorated cakes for
special occasions.
Fruit & vegetable baskets
made up for special occasions.
Home delivery on purchases over £10.00
Gas and Electric key
charging
Post Office counter for: Banking & Foreign
currency Car tax phone & broadband services
Savings, Insurance, Mail
Shop Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 6.30am to 6.00pm Saturday 7.00am to 6.00pm Sunday 8.00am to 12 noon
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Front cover: Picture by the editor. Vaughan and Marilyn Southgate presentation at the Safari Supper on 7th February. See page 10.
Editor’s Notes There is a springtime feel to this month’s magazine. The back cover has Mothering Sunday and an Easter Egg hunt posters. In Wild about Cople, Steve Halton is drawing attention to the way that our flora and fauna are responding to the longer days and slowly rising temperatures. The clocks go on one hour at the end of the month and then it is Easter.
The work in the Millennium Wood project is coming along well and there is an update on page 23. The amount that has to be done is quite daunting but it is remarkable how the relentless efforts of a sizable team eventually brings results. The next push is on 28th February and after March we will probably have to pause until the autumn.
The Bedford Girls Playing fields are a hive of activity at present. I have put an update together on page 31. The Great Crested Newts are getting 5 star treatment. Three new ponds have been created to augment the ones that already exist These are not garden style muddy puddles but big craters with at least four feet of water in them.
I went to the talk on the work of parish councillors given by Louise Ashmore in the Village Hall on 12th February. She gave a very good summary of what was involved in being a councillor and also how to become a candidate in the May election. Unfortunately apart from me, the audience consisted of people who were already councillors. It was dis appointing that she was left to preach to the choir. However, everything she covered can be seen on the website and the most important date is 9th April when candidates must submit their nomination paperwork to Electoral Services at Bedford Borough Council. Information can be found on www.electoralcommission.org.uk. Select I am a candidate then from the drop down menu select parish and community council elections in England and Wales. We need more than seven candidates if we are to have a vote. Louise Ashmore pointed out that a council with an electoral mandate will have more powers and influence.
The annual litter pick will take place on 28th March. There was a good response last year and the village looked a lot better as a result. Details are on page 21.
The Safari Supper on 7th February was yet again a great success. Vaughan ad Marilyn Southgate have stepped down from the committee of the Friends of Cople Church after 13 very successful years and they were given a presentation to mark the occasion. Andrew Duthie has summarised their achievements on page 10. I would add that another aspect of their work has been the fostering of community spirit in the village. Our neighbours admire the way we organise ourselves and come together to support a good cause. Vaughan and Marilyn should be proud of all they have achieved. Ged Peeke
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All Saints Church
Revd Fiona Gibson The Vicarage. 3 Grange Lane. Cople, MK44 3TT.
Telephone 01234 838145. email; [email protected]
Churchwardens
June Shanahan Mike Vacher 34 Grange Lane 91 Willington Road Cople Cople Tel: 01234 831705 Tel: 01234 831207 [email protected] [email protected]
Letter from the Vicar Dear friends
As you know, until we came to the Benefice my family and I had never lived in a village before. And one thing has struck me as I’ve walked around the villages in the evening, either out visiting people or attending events: how clear the stars are in the night sky. Once or twice I’ve been late for meetings (sorry!) because I’ve just been stopped dead in my tracks by the glory of the night sky, and I’ve wanted to stand and look at it before moving on.
I find it genuinely awe-inspiring to look up at the stars, each one arranged in its perfect position, and to think about the universe and its wonders and then to think about the even more awe-inspiring God who made it all.
A friend of mine is a physicist, and a Christian, and his favourite chapter in the Bible is Job 38. Not one that you might be familiar with, perhaps, but in it God talks about the constellations, and the laws of the heavens. In one particular line he asks Job the rhetorical question, “Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades?” You might think that was just poetic licence, but my friend tells me that recent scientific discoveries show that the stars of the Pleiades cluster are indeed wreathed in an intricately structured way, that could legitimately be described as bound chains, something the writer of the book of Job recorded thousands of years ago.
Dr Jennifer Wiseman is the Senior Scientist for the Hubble Telescope, and she studies the formation of stars. In an interview for a documentary, Jennifer said, “I think it’s exciting as Christians to go exploring, because we’re never going to find anything that’s outside of God’s realm. Everything is part of this majestic creation, and the more you discover the more amazed you get by thinking about God.”
So perhaps as you look up at the night sky in our villages, you can remember the blazing orbs, bright galaxies and fantastic nebulae revealed by space telescopes and, like Jennifer and like me, praise the God who ‘also made the stars’ (Genesis 1:16)
With best wishes Revd Fiona Gibson
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Easter Lilies
As in previous years we will be decorating the church at Easter with lilies and other flowers.
If you would like to donate £4 towards the cost of an Easter lily in remembrance of a loved one please contact June on 831705.
Mothers Union
0n the 9 February, members and a guest met in Glebe House to plan our programme for 2015. Our Deanery Chairman had also sent members a list of Deanery events throughout the year, so there was much to discuss, especially for March.
0n Friday 6 March, members will take part in the Women’s World Day of Prayer service in Moggerhanger Church at 7.30pm. Transport will be arranged nearer the date.
Our next Meeting will be a membership service in Cople Church on Monday 9 March at 2pm, when Fiona will be enrolling Joyce and Judith into the MU.
0n Mothering Sunday, 15 March, MU members will be organising the reading and prayers at the service in Cople Church.
Finally, on Wednesday 25 March at 11am, members from all branches in the Biggleswade Deanery will attend the Lady Day service at All Saints Church, Caldecote. Communion will be taken and branch banners will be paraded. Money raised from the collection and a raffle, will go towards the work of the MU.
Liz Buck
Prayer for Mothering Sunday
Lord Jesus, as your mother Mary cared for you throughout your earthly life, so may all mothers care for their children, giving comfort and courage, praise and advice, sharing laughter and tears. Help them to be patient and understanding; to know when to act and when to stand back, so that their children may grow up to know your love and presence in their lives. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer. (MU united in prayer & Worship)
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Cople Village Hall & Playing Field
Available for Hire for Private Functions, Weddings, Children’s Parties,
Conferences etc Main Hall and/or Committee Room
Hire charge from £9 per hour (special rate for children’s parties)
For more information contact
01234 838704 or [email protected]
COPLE VILLAGE TRUST Reg. Charity No. 1090113
200 CLUB
Prize winners for February 2015
1st prize of £60 203 M Norman 2nd prize of £30 48 Unallocated 3rd prize of £10 106 A Fisher
Thank you for your support
For just £1 a month you can help the village hall & playing field and have the opportunity of winning up to £60.
We have a few spare numbers, if you are interested please contact Catherine Bayliss, 07880 890508/01234 838704, [email protected] or any of the Village Hall trustees.
A Date for your Diary
20TH June 2015 Not to be missed!
THE ANNUAL CHURCH FETE.
Fete meeting dates to follow. As ever we are looking for new ideas and helpers for this
enjoyable village event. Please contact Mike 831207 or June 831705
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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 £96. Half Page £48
Delivered free to every home in Cople every month Circulation 360 copies
Benefice Deanery Lent Services
Sunday 1st at 6:00pm. Moggerhanger. Speaker Dr Ben Andrews, research chemist Sunday 8th at 6:00pm. Eaton Socon. Speaker Mr Delbert Sandiford, Chairman of the trustees of Workplace Matters. Sunday 15th at 6:00pm. Wrestlingworth. Speaker Mr Recorder Fields, Judge of the Crown Court. Sunday 22nd at 6:00pm. Cockayne Hatley. Speaker Pam Rhodes, broadcaster and writer
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Cople Friends
It was back in 2002 when the then Vicar, Rev Nick MacNeill, approached Vaughan Southgate to see if he would be prepared to be chairman of a new group, the Friends of Cople Church. The objective would be to raise funds for the fabric of the church, and especially to enable the church to have running water and add on an extension with a small kitchen and toilet. Funds would be raised by holding various social events, which hopefully would also bring people in the village closer together, and focus people on the importance of a vibrant church in the village.
There would be a small group of trustees, representing both the church and the village, and also an organising committee. Together they identified and approached certain key individuals and couples who since then, have willingly given of their time, so that the Cople Friends has been an outstanding success.
From 2003 to 2014, a total of 56 events have been held which have raised almost £52,000, after all expenses. Other sources of income, such as donations, standing orders, tax reclaims, bank interest and the retiring collections at the Festival of Christmas have raised a further £12,000. The Friends have paid out £7,000 for other expenses, such as insurance, the purchase of the large marquee, which is now used regularly for village events, and donations to Bechar (from the Christmas festival and the pantomime). So in the 12 years, the Friends have raised a marvellous £57,000.
Of those funds, over £43,000 has so far been given to the Cople PCC for the upkeep of the church. In addition to a major grant for the extension, the Friends have funded various repairs to the roof and heating, electrical inspection and remedial work, new chairs and tables, new cupboards in the vestry, new flooring at the rear of the sanctuary, new bell ropes and the oak side door and repairs to the tower clock. There is currently a good reserve of funds which may be required with a quinqennial inspection coming up.
The regular events which have taken place annually have been the Safari supper and the barn dance at Paul and Heather Walsh’s farm. We’ve wine tasted, had Italian and French evenings, been shipwrecked, had race nights, antique and musical evenings, and last year saw the inaugural and fantastic pantomime. In the process people in the village have met up with lots of other villagers, had very enjoyable evenings, and as a result this village is a friendlier place.
Much of this is down to Vaughan, whose indefatigable, and enthusiastic chairmanship has been a major driver in the success of the Friends. Vaughan assisted by the chief ticketing officer, Marilyn, has decided that now is the time to step aside from the role, and at the Safari Supper , on the 7th February, Nick Hawker presented them with a suitable thank you present.
Nick and Pippa Hawker, and Judith Howard are also retiring from the organising committee (although Judith is remaining a Trustee) and I would like to express my thanks to all of them for their sterling work.
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The Safari supper was once again a great success, with a number of new people in the village taking the opportunity to meet lots of other people. The new vicar, Fiona Gibson and her husband John, certainly enjoyed the evening, and even hosted a main course. It looks as though well over £1100 has been raised from this event.
New committee members have been approached to continue the good work, although at the moment a new Chairman has still to be appointed. The barn dance is already arranged for the 18th July, other events are being considered, and – Oh no, it’s not – oh yes it is – another pantomime is being planned for December.
Andrew Duthie Treasurer
Lamb Shanks with Red Wine Gravy Spring is hopefully just around the corner and the Dog House daffodil bulbs will soon be flowering again, so with this in mind, we thought a lamb recipe might be in order. Really easy to cook, perfect for a lazy Sunday lunch, Slow-cooked lamb shanks with red wine – ultimate comfort food and great with a big spoonful of creamy mashed potato.
Lamb Shanks with Red Wine Gravy (serves 2)
2 lamb shanks 1 tbsp olive oil 1 medium onion, roughly chopped 1 stick of celery, chopped 2 carrots, roughly chopped ½ tbsp. plain flour Sprig of rosemary, finely chopped ½ tbsp. tomato puree 350ml red wine (your choice - anything you enjoy drinking) 350ml vegetable stock (good stock cube is fine) Salt and pepper to taste
Heat the oil in either a heavy bottomed pan or a casserole dish. Brown the lambshanks on all sides, then remove from the pan and cover to keep warm. Fry the onion and celery for 5-10 mins until it starts to brown, then add the garlic for 1 min and keep stirring. Add the flour and stir for another minute. Return the lamb shanks to the pot and add all the other ingredients and bring to a simmer. Now put the lid on your dish and either cook on the hob on a moderate heat (keep at simmering point), or place in a pre-heated oven on gas mark 200c (or 180c for a fan oven) and cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours, until the lamb is tender. You should have an incredibly tasty lamb shank, complete with a pot of veggies and ready-made red wine gravy. Just don’t tell your diners how easy it was!
If you would prefer to let someone else do the cooking, Dog House Kitchen is open again on Saturday 14th March. Details can be found at www.doghousekitchen.co.uk or contact Liz on 07545 911 615, or find us on facebook.
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New Pilates Studio open in Cople
1:1 & 1:2 matwork sessions or on Reformer & Tower equipment, times to suit you. All classes run in the classical style with limited places to ensure purity of the method, pre booking only.
Julie has been teaching Pilates in the local area for 10 years this year, and teaching Pilates since 2001. She has been working within the fitness industry since 1989. Julie's wealth of experience means she is able to teach and help people of all ages and abilities, it is recommended that a 1:1 is taken at the studio prior to attending a class. The studio is conveniently located in your village.
Monday 1:00pm Absolute Beginners intro as 1:1 or small group (45 mins) Cople Studio 2.00pm Mixed ability—Cardington Reading Rooms
Thursday 1:00pm Absolute Beginners intro as 1:1 or small group (45 mins) Cople Studio 2.00pm Mixed ability – Cardington Reading Rooms 5:30pm Absolute Beginners intro as 1:1 (45 mins) Cople Studio 6.30pm Memorial Hall, Willington 7.35pm Memorial Hall, Willington 8.40pm Absolute Beginners Memorial Hall, Willington Bookings for intro or 1:1 (30 mins)
Julie also teaches at other locations, 1:1 Pilates, Relaxation and Meditation. Retreats in Spain, France, and the UK.
For more information please see website www.forwardfitness.co.uk or contact Julie Crawford Ring 0794 6067266 or email [email protected]
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Architectural Design
Stephen Funge Architectural Design
Tel 01234 381304. Mob 07710 268372 [email protected]
Stephen Funge MCIAT MAPM
Planning and Building Regulations Applications.
Design and Project Management.
Extensions, New Houses, Offices, Shops.
Call for a chat. No obligation
Billy Marler – Dog Walking and Pet Sitting – Cople and surrounding villages. Mobile: 07449 023101 Tel: 01234 838965 [email protected]
William’s Walks
Trustworthy, responsible,
experienced with dogs -
short or long walks –
available 7 days a week –
anytime.
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COMPOST AND MORE
HOME AND GARDEN PRODUCTS
www.compostandmore.co.uk
Free next day delivery in Bedfordshire on orders over £40.00.
Dumpy bag of soft wood logs £60.00. Dumpy bag of hard wood logs £75.00.
Kindling from £1.50 per bag. Soft wood logs 5 nets for £10.00. Hard wood logs 3 nets for £11.00.
www.compostandmore.co.uk
01234838755
07707198022
FOR THE GARDEN 6- 50L bags of organic compost £10.00
3- 70L bags of bark chippings £10.00
70L play bark £5.99 a bag
Mini digger and skip loader hire also available.
Heidi Robinson
9 Bedford Road Cople
MK44 3TP
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Cople Sports and Social Club
We are holding a fundraising event on Saturday 14th March raising awareness and funding for the Bobby Moore Fund which is a charity supporting the fight against bowel cancer. 1 in 16 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer at some point in their life. The chances of dying from bowel cancer have fallen by 30% since the Bobby Moore Fund was set up.
The entertainment on the evening will be provided by our very talented musicians, Max Milligan, Cherry Lee Mewis, Simon Pay, Graham Ebbs, Tony Fisher, Chris Tedder, Elvis and others. Food will be available weather permitting the BBQ will be on.
If you are unable to come along and would like to donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/bmf/rqaisemoneyn. The bar will be open for 7pm
Jeanette Skipsey Telephone: 01234 831473 Mobile: 07749 272249 Email: [email protected]
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Sally’s Tax Corner
This months topic is going to be stamp duty. It is often at this time of year that people think more about doing things with their houses or moving. Stamp duty has recently changed so I thought I would set out the differences so that you know the costs of moving.
Under the old rules, Stamp duty, which currently operates throughout the UK, charges successively higher rates on the whole of the purchase price. For this reason it is often criticised as a "slab tax". Its structure means there are sudden increases in stamp duty, when the price goes above the next threshold.
For example, someone buying a home for £250,000 would currently pay £2,500, or 1%, in stamp duty. But if the price was £1 more, they would pay an extra £5,000, as they then pay 3% on the whole purchase price.
The New System – This came in from midnight on 3rd December 2014, the new rates of stamp duty will only apply to the amount of the purchase price that falls within the particular duty band, making it more like income tax.
In other words, someone buying a house for £200,000 will pay nothing on the first £125,000, and then 2% of the next £75,000, giving them a bill of £1,500. Previously they would have paid 1% on the total purchase price, giving them a bill of £2,000. Thus although the percentage rates appear higher in some cases, the overall charge will mostly be lower.
The new rates will be Up to £125,000 : 0% £125,001 to £250,000 : 2% £250,001 to £925,000 : 5% £925,001 to £1.5m : 10% Above £1.5m : 12%
Someone buying a family home for an average price in England and Wales will now pay £4,500 less in stamp duty. The new system will also smooth out the steps - or sudden jumps - in existing stamp duty thresholds.
I hope you have found this helpful this month and as usual please do get in touch with any questions.
Sally Cobban
“The short-term solution is money and the long-term Solution is more money.”
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Millennium Wood Working Party
Thank you everyone for coming out on the 7th February – we achieved a great deal and are really starting to widen and scallop the rides and I really hope that regular users of the wood are starting to appreciate our efforts
So, on to the next work party – can I propose Saturday 28th February? Usual start – 10am, although if you are like me and simply cannot lie in at weekends then I shall probably be there from about 9.30 onwards. This time we will work on four tasks:
1. Widen and scallop the western ride around the edge of the wood (the side nearest the Airship Sheds).
2. I also want to create some inter-connecting glades in this part of the wood as the trees are thinly planted here and there is still plenty of ground cover under the trees.
3. Clear around the small ‘orchard’ at the SW corner of the wood – the fruit trees are struggling here due to the close planting of other trees, mainly willow and ash, and so give some more light and space to the fruit trees – and as chairman of BLOG, that will please me!
4. Have a bonfire – that will please the arsonists amongst you…
I will, as usual, mark up the trees, this time using pink aboricultural spray (as opposed to the yellow previously)!
Looking forward to seeing some of you at our next party and thank you again for all your support…
Steve Halton
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March Diary
Monday 2nd
11:00am Benefice Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
6:15pm Junior Choir Cople Church
Tuesday 3rd
2:30pm Over 60s Club Sports and Social
7:30pm Bell ringing practice Cople Church
Thursday 5th (Green Bin)
09:00am Benefice Morning prayers Willington
Friday 6th
7:00pm Women’s World Day of Prayer Moggerhanger
Cople Church Services
1st 09:45am 11:15am
Sunday school All Age communion
8th 09:00am 09:45am
Holy Communion BCP Sunday School
15th 11:15am Mothering Sunday Family Service
22nd 09:45am 11:15am
Sunday School Sung Communion
29th 11:00am Palm Sunday Benefice Service
Monday 9th
11:00am Benefice Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
2:00pm Mothers Union Cople Church
6:15pm Junior Choir Cople Church
7:15pm Benefice choir practice Cople Church
Tuesday 10th
7:30pm Bell ringing practice Cople Church
7:30pm Tuesday Club. Photography: The history and caring for your collection. Helen Dawkins
Village Hall
Thursday 12th (Orange Bin)
09:00am Benefice Morning prayers Willington
Saturday 14th
Evening Bobby Moore Fund Raiser Sports and Social+-
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Cople - Coffee Morning
In Cople Village Hall Run by The Kempston Centre
Every Tuesday 10:30am to 12 noon Tea / Coffee Home Made Cakes
Come and have a chat with friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
Monday 16th
11:00am Benefice Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
12:30pm Luncheon Club Cople Church
6:15pm Junior Choir Cople Church
7:15pm Senior Choir Cople Church
7:30pm Meeting of Cople Parish Council Village Hall
Tuesday 17th
2:30pm Over 60s Club Sports and Social
7:30pm Bell ringing practice Cople Church
Thursday 19th (Green Bin)
09:00am Benefice Morning prayers Willington
Monday 23rd
11:00am Benefice Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
Thursday 26th (Orange Bin)
Saturday 28th
10:00am– 12:00 Litter pick. See page 19 Meet at the Church
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 in Cople Village Hall on Wednesday evenings 7:30 to 10:00 pm Any enquir-ies contact Pauline on 01234 838102.
Pauline Baynes.
Mobile Library for March
Wednesday 11th and 25th
10:00 to 10:20am All Saints Road, 10:25 to 10:45am Water End, 10:50 to 11:10am Outside Five Bells
Tuesday 31st
2:30pm Over 60s Club Sports and Social
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Wild about Cople
Spring – it’s coming around again and thank goodness it always does, I say! The evenings and mornings are getting lighter and I’m sure you must have noticed an increase in bird song of late? And, of course, everything just seems to get earlier and earlier (there is no doubt that global warming is playing a huge part in this). Take a walk around the village now (early February) and you can see:
Daffodils already beginning to show yellow buds (usual flowering: early/mid March).
Violets (mainly of the Sweet variety) glowing a deep purple in the gardens (these can flower almost all year round).
In the churchyard the yellow-gold and glossy sun-like flowers of the lesser celandine can be seen in the damper areas (usual flowering; March).
Around the cricket field a plant called Yarrow has been flowering continuously all winter long.
Of course, the more traditional signs of the very early spring are also showing off – hazel catkins or ‘lamb’s tails’ in Cople Wood. And hereby hangs a tale, or even a ‘tail’…hazel is one of many plants that are known as ‘monoecious’, that is they bear both male and female flowers on the same plant. The catkins are the male flowers; but if you get in really close to a hazel you should be able to see the female flowers – tiny red flowers only 1 or 2 mm long and looking rather like minute sea anemones. It is these flowers that turn into the more familiar hazelnuts in the autumn. The catkins disperse huge quantities of pollen when they shake in the late cold winter winds and some of this will fertilise the female flowers when it lands on their red styles (this pollen also accounts for the very early hayfever allergies which may affect some people).
And, of course, there are the birds; probably some of the most evocative and visual contributors to the early spring land (and sound) scape. Contrary to popular belief, birds do not all romantically pair up on St Valentine’s Day, in fact, for some species, they have paired and set up their territories long before the 14th February. Tawny owls are one of our earliest breeding birds and may, even now, have eggs in their nests. Collared doves may also be breeding already. Others such as Mistle thrush will be starting very soon while a mild spell will set off robins, blackbirds, wrens and long-tailed tits all to start nesting. And while on long-tailed tits look and listen out for them – they are very sociable little birds, always in flocks and always seeming to be on the move, rather like hyperactive Christmas tree decorations, chirruping and buzzing to each other as they search through trees and hedges for their small insect food. They have some of the most hilarious vernacular names of all our native birds and these include; ‘Bum Barrel’, ‘Hedge Mumruffin’, ‘Prinpiddle’, ‘Poke Pudding’,‘Fuffit’ ‘Feather Poke’ and ‘Bum Towel’ - where did that come from?!! And very apt they are too as the birds look like a small round pink and grey ball with a great long tail sticking out which adds to the comic effect. These birds build the most beautiful nests, usually in thick prickly and thorny bushes; the nest is shaped like a purse or a small ball and is
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built from spider’s webs, moss, lichens and feathers; one researcher found over 2,000 feathers in one of these beautiful creations. And both adults work together to construct the nest – the female lays 8-12 eggs and therein lies a marvel – the spider’s webs built into the nest add elasticity so as the young grow the nest expands to accommodate the ever-increasing size of the young birds.
During 2013 and 2014 the Bedfordshire Natural History Society ran a Bedfordshire Orchid survey to record the distribution and status of all our native orchids in the county. The results are to appear in a book called, appropriately ‘Wild Orchids of Bedfordshire’ – this is soon to be published and will be available at a launch event at the Forest Centre at Marston Moretaine on 25th April – you can collect a copy then or order one now – for more details see; http://www.bnhs.org.uk/
And finally, on the subject of the soundscape created by bird song; I was out walking across the arable fields to the south of Cople’s cricket field when a tiny little brown bird swept up from the young green barley fields and climbed up high until it was a speck in the cold blue sky overhead, and then it poured forth a silvery torrent of song – my first singing Skylark of the year! I call that experience a ‘Skylark Shower’ and, do you know what – you really should go out, stand under a singing skylark and experience a skylark shower – it is amazing how that small, simple act seems to wash away all your worries and just makes you feel more alive then you could ever believe!! Steve Halton [email protected]
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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, Landscaping,
Lawn Improvement, Patio/Drive Pressure Washing/Weedkilling, Holiday Watering etc., etc.
3 x City & Guilds Qualified & Widely Experienced – References Available Upon
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Gardening in March
Snow drops are at last making their annual appearance and it won’t be long before daffodils are brightening up the garden but many are hidden under a thick layer of fallen leaves, twigs and other detritus so it’s a good idea if you haven’t already done so, to pull on your gloves on and gently clear this away. In addition to the benefit it will bring to your bulbs it also helps tidy a garden which for many is quite necessary at this stage.
Another job which can help transform your garden is to edge the lawn. Even if you don’t cut the lawn, a trim around the edge with a sharp pair of long handled edging shears can make a big difference. If this reveals lawn edges that are anything but straight, put down a plank that you can stand on and using an edging iron, or a half moon as some people call them, and work your away around the lawn. And yes, you can cut your lawn but lift the blades so that the cut is higher than what you finished last year with. Apparently, some bloke who went to my old horticulture college by the name of Titchmarsh cuts his lawn every New Year’s Day.
Other jobs this month include planting seeds in a glasshouse although it’s also a good idea to check if any glass needs replacing or just cleaning. Be warned, the threat of frosts is still very real and although you might be itching to get planting, if you don’t have a heated plant house, it is really is best to err on the side of caution and be patient.
Before any growth this spring, on milder days, it can be a good time to tidy up holly and yew hedges or ornamental topiaries should you have them though best not do it when frosts can penetrate the cut branches.
Thank you to everyone who entered the Christmas Quiz and as promised, the answers are as follows: 1. Sweet Bay, 2. Gertrude Jekyll, 3. Floret, 4.Coconuts, 5. North America, 6. Common Rue, 7. Quercus, 8. Salvia, 9. Impatient, 10. Roses.
The answer to last month’s just for fun question is: having learnt that your lawn is covered in lolium perenne, the urgent action needed to take is, to put the kettle on! Lolium perenne is the botanical name for Perennial Rye Grass which should mean your lawn is in good fettle! This month’s question is: what is humus? (and no, you shouldn’t serve with pitta bread!)
As usual, please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, [email protected] or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.
Lawn Doctor
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Bedford Girls School Playing Fields Update
An archaeology team has been on site and dug and analysed trench content at various positions. Now that this is complete, the Greater Crested Newt (“GCN”) Phase of the project has started. This involves erecting a GCN fence (about 18”) high around the affected area in preparation for the GCNs coming out of hibernation once the weather warms up, hopefully in early March 2015. A 3 metre edge has been left so that it’s still possible to walk from North to South along the outside of the field, but it is appreciated that this may be a bit of a nuisance for a little while. Within the GCN perimeter fenced area there are many internal additional fences that will move position as the ecologists trap and clear specific areas from now till summer 2015. It’s a temporary fence though and will be completely removed once the building phase is finished in Spring/Summer 2016.
Over the winter the contractors have:
1. Thinned the trees, hedges etc at Grange Lane where the entrance is going to be.
2. Removed a good bit of scrub and bramble before the bird nesting season commences.
3. Improved and cleared the two existing ponds. 4. Constructed 3 new GCN ponds on the site to provide new and
improved habitats. These ponds are at the Dog Field end of the site and are impressive constructions. They took a large mechanical digger a week to make and are now full of water.
I wonder if the Great Crested Newts will appreciate the five star treatment that they have been given.
Ged Peeke
Need a Handyman?
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information: www.thismancan.co.uk
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B. WELLS PLUMBING &
HEATING LTD
01234 831314 [email protected]
www.barrywells-plumbing.co.uk
"professional by choice, helpful by nature, knowledgeable by
experience"
All plumbing and heating works carried out to
very high standards
We specialise in the design and installation of
new or replacement Oil and gas boilers
and heating systems
LPG registered installations
All renewable energy systems installed including solar thermal and pv panels
Heat pumps and rain water harvesting
Bathroom design and installation
5 and 7 year parts and labour guarantees on certain boilers
Service and maintenance contracts
Minor building works
From ballvalve to bathroom, radiator to boiler we have the experience, knowledge and expertise to meet all
your requirements.
Contact Barry on 07831 377351
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COPLE LOWER SCHOOL
Friday 13th March is Red Nose Day and the Cople RotaKids Club hopes to raise lots of money by having a “Wear Red” mufti day, holding a cake sale and challenging Mrs Johnson. A member of the club said, “We are sending half the money we raise to Comic Relief and using the other half of the money to help pay for the education of two children, Miguel and Melvin, who will attend Little Faces School in Kenya.” They invite you to come into school at 2.45pm to buy a cake and then to watch them challenge Mrs Johnson. They have some interesting challenges lined up! The RotaKids would also be very grateful for any donations of cakes for their sale. Please send them into school on the morning of the 13th. Little Faces School is a project started by Sally Harrison, a Rotarian, who lives in Cople. To find out more go to www.littlefaces.org
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News from Cople Lower School NEW CLASSROOM I know that some of you have been wondering what has been going on at school with all the coming and going of trucks, diggers, concrete mixers and cranes plus the temporary cabins on the playground. As part of a Borough wide programme, our temporary classroom is being replaced by a new style modular building. We have had to adjust to all sorts of disruption (including outside toilets, which is not fun in January and February!) but know that it will all be worth it in the end with a bright, spacious new home for our Catkins (Reception pupils). I would like to pass on our thanks to our neighbours, particularly in Burrsholt, who have been very patient during the build with the increased traffic and noise. FORTHCOMING EVENTS The second half of the Spring Term brings a number of events including Red Nose Day and World Book Day. For World Book Day, we would like to take the opportunity to add to our school library by offering parents and friends of the school a chance to buy a book for the library. We will be compiling a wish list. Please see the school notice board for further details. Our school choir, coached by Jill Ebbs, will be performing at Bedford Corn Exchange on Saturday 7th March as part of the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama in the small schools choir class. They will be defending the trophy the choir won last year and we know they will do their best. We have Science Week to look forward to in March and our Oaks class are off to Norfolk for a residential trip to Kingswood Centre with lots of adventurous activities planned. Helen Johnson, Headteacher
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Rejuvinating Hatha Yoga classes which include creative flowing sequences, in-depth posture work
and space for reflection and relaxation
Sundays 10.00 – 11.00 a.m. Cardington Village Hall, Southill Road, Cardington
ALSO Monday and Wednesday evenings in Bedford
£6/class (£5 conc)
Contact: Jen
Tel: 01234 210970
Text/phone: 07849 158 850
YOGA
B. W. Taylor Plumbing Roofing and all Building
Maintenance
From “Complete Bathrooms and Kitchens” including tiling and plastering 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
Nearly New Centre
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm
At Sue Ryder Palliative Care Home St. John’s Moggerhanger
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CHIMNEY SWEEP JULIAN BIGGS
Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps.
Fully qualified and insured. All types of chimneys swept
Brush and vacuum. Clean and tidy service
Chimney Safety Certificate. Local, professional and reliable
Competitive rates.
Tel: 01767 627591 / 07950 705479 Northill, Bedfordshire
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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
Childcare from Newborn to 8 Years
Char Char’s is a home based child-minding service provided from my home in Willington. I have over 12 years’ experience in various childcare settings and am educated to degree level in Early Years. I am able to offer full-time
and part-time childcare in addition to before and after school sessions.
Please contact me for prices and availability
Address: 43 Bedford Road, Willington, Bedford, MK44 3PP Tel: Charlotte Barritt – 01234 831360 / 07824 700209
Email: [email protected]
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Friendly advice available Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, 10 am – 6 pm,
Please phone: 01234 831058
Photos, Prints, Textiles, Objects,
Embroideries, Canvases, Mirrors,
original art on paper or board,
laminating.
Framing from budget to
conservation standard.
Large choice of mountboard,
glass and frames, including
hand-finished frames.
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Tracy Herrick 76 Willington Rd. Cople 01234 831079
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Tuesday Club
On 19th February we were enlightened and educated by Leslie Knowles from the Stroke Association Bedford. The Stroke Association is Tuesday Clubs Charity of the year.
Every year there are approximately 152,000 strokes in the U.K. One every three and a half minutes, one in five is fatal. The Stroke Association provide a number of vital services across the country to help those
affected by strokes to regain their lives by providing information, Advice and support services.
The symptoms of stroke include Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body. Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding spoken language. Loss or blurring of vision in one or both eyes, confusion, dizziness and severe headache. Strokes can affect anybody even children and babies.
All the above symptoms can be present or just a selection. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. This could be due to a blockage in an artery (ischaemic) or due to bleeding in the brain (haemorrhagic). A transient ischaemic stroke, or T.I.A, is similar to a stroke, but the symptoms are temporary.
To reduce the risk of a stroke stop smoking, avoid heavy alcohol consumption, eat a healthy diet take regular exercise have regular check ups with your GP. Also manage existing issues like high cholesterol, diabetes and raised blood pressure.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Suspect a stroke act F.A.S.T. To get help and treatment as fast as possible. If any or all of the symptoms below are present call 999 F=Facial Weakness A=arm weakness S=Speech problems T=time to take action!!
Thank you all for "bringing and buying" with such enthusiasm Leslie was overwhelmed at your generosity. The a amount raised was considerable.
A.G.M. March 10th 7 30pm Cople Village Hall followed by a talk Helen Dawkins on Photography: The History and Caring for your Collection. All welcome.
Eithne Dandy
Air Ambulance Christmas Cards
I thank all those who bought Air Ambulance Cards etc from me. The total raised was 82 pounds.
I wish you all a happy 2015.
Hilda Palmer
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HOLISTIC THERAPIST & BODY WORKER
Suzanne Edgington CNM (Dip), L.C.M. Dip, AOSM Dip, B.S.Y.A.( Ad.Arom), L.C.M.IH Dip, LSSM (Dip), CTLLS,
CST II, SERI,SERII
SPORTS MASSAGE CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY,
ACUPUNCTURE, NUTRITION, and More…
For Acute & Chronic conditions:
Muscular problems, Injuries, Stress, Headaches, Anxiety etc.
Individually tailored treatments Helping you to move on and live life!
01234 870 236 / 07802 864 275
Email: [email protected] www.suzanneedgington.co.uk
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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
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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 £9.75 per session
Lunch Club daily 12.15-13.15 (£3.25)
Registered Charity No. 1035672 Member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and registered with OFSTED
“We are totally committed to safeguarding children”
37, Ridge Road Kempston, Beds MK43 9BS
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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
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Village Hall Bookings: 01234 838704 [email protected]
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) Amanda Briscoe, Tel: 07504 299994
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 Kara Rees 07528 416804 or Heather Cornish 07816 396219
Just Ask Wendy Worgan 0800 039 1234
Cople Parish Council Clerk to the Council: Jeanne Pope 42 Wingfield Road, Bromham, Beds. MK43 8JY Tel: 01234 823 297 [email protected]
Yoga Classes Freda 01767 627611
Pilates Classes Julie Crawford www.forwardfitness.co.uk Mobile 0794 6067266 Claire Darlow 07813 843 980 [email protected]
Village Contacts
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Machine 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
Petro, 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.groudcarebedford.co.uk
Tel: 01234 831123
Sales + Service + Spares + Repairs
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