Cople News
February 2013
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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 6:00 PM. SUNDAY 8:00 AM to 12:00 NOON.
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Editorial I have started to publish extracts from a pamphlet called “Childhood Memories of Cople” written by John Ernest Storton. He was born in 1909 and wrote his account in 1989. People who have lived in the Village a long time will probably have already read his story but it will be news to the many of us incomers who have arrived in the last 20 years. His recollections bring home the changes that have taken place in society in the space of one long lifetime. There are about 850 people in Cople and it is remarkable how many diverse talents and activities there are. Eve Carroll has written a piece about bringing together the creative spirits in the village to share ideas and possibly form a co-operative. I found it interesting to review what goes on already. The Friends of Cople Church bring people together to give talks, perform or participate in social events. Jill Ebbs marshals the music fraternity. You will see from their article, that the Cople Argus Cricket Team is as keen as ever, as are the footballers judging by the turn out at weekend matches. The Village Trust provides us with the playing fields and a well used Village Hall. All Saints Church plays a central role in the community as does Cople Lower School. The Five Bells and the Sports and Social Club are ever popular and the Tuesday Club attracts 30 to 40 people to its monthly events. There is a weekly coffee mornings in the Village Hall and the Over 60’s Club get together twice a month. Carpet Bowls are offered every Wednesday evening in the Village Hall. We have a Mothers’ Union and a thriving Baby and Toddler Group which meets on Thursday mornings. Steve Halton has opened our eyes to the flora and fauna that surrounds us and Michael Roadnight encourages the horticultural community to soldier on. Ian Whiting has given us a top quality village website. I should also mention the numerous fund raising activities, fetes and bazaars that take place throughout the year. You will probably be able to extend the list yourselves without any trouble. The point of all this is that although this is a small village we do an incredible amount and we do it ourselves because we want to, without “direction” from above. Ged Peeke Cover picture. “Motherly Love” by Marilyn Southgate
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February 2013
February 2013
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
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Letter from the Vicarage Easter is early this year which means that Lent begins on 13th February with Ash Wednesday. In the evening there will be Holy Communion service at 7.30pm. I am not sure how most people regard Lent in our increasingly secular society. The Christian church takes Lent seriously and challenges us to focus on the old traditions of fasting and alms giving. The two are closely related, for clearly if you give up some luxury item such as eating out or drinking alcohol you will have more money available to give to charity. We know that it is good for our health to abstain from some things that are bad for us. We also know that to keep fit and lose weight we should take up more exercise. As the forty days of Lent is a considerable length of time in which to be self disciplined, by its end we should have developed some good habits that will last. I have met people who have given up smoking during Lent and have never touched a cigarette since. The same is true for our spiritual health. As Christians we see Lent as an opportunity to improve our prayer lives and deepen our faith. Each person will approach this differently and that is all well and good. Sometimes, as with physical discipline, it is easier to do this with a like minded group of people. So maybe you will decide to join us at our weekly morning prayer on a Monday morning at 9am. Indeed some people who have done so in the past have continued to worship with us. Alternatively you could make an effort to pray more and for longer or decide to attend the monthly Benefice exploring prayer group. Many people like to meet together for fellowship and study and give this a priority in Lent. This year instead of meeting in our usual home groups we have decided to do the York course on a Wednesday evening at 7.30pm at the Methodist Church Willington The course has been written by Canon David Winter and is called “Glimpses of God”. I have listed the dates and the titles of the five sessions. 20th February 27th February 6th March
“The God who hears our cry” “The shepherd who guards and guides his people “The Son who is the way, the truth and the life”
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13th March “The God who shares our pain” 20th March “ The God who calms our fears” All the sessions are self contained so you are most welcome to join us even if you know that you cannot attend every week. There is a CD to listen to and then the opportunity to discuss what we have heard over a cup of coffee. The evening will end at 9.30pm. It will be really good to meet together with others from the Methodist church and the Benefice. So what about alms giving? This year’s charity which we will launch in time for Lent is called “Tools for self reliance” in Africa. We have chosen to raise money to buy sewing machines for single mothers in Uganda and pay for repairs to bicycles in Ghana. At the Family service on February 3rd at 11.15am there will be more information about this. Lent is an opportunity to improve our physical and spiritual health. It also affords an opportunity to give to those who are in greater need than us. With all good wishes
Lynda Klimas
Mothers Union Our next meeting will be held on Monday 4th February at 2:30pm at a venue to be decided
Prayer
We give thanks and Praise, 0 God, for the Gospel of the Presentation: for the wisdom of Simeon and Anna, for the loving care of Joseph and Mary, for the simplicity and innocence of the child Jesus ' We pray for the different generations of our own day, that in offering their lives in service to you and to each other, they may grow in mutual respect and understanding, and so enrich the life of all, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen (MU The Prayers We Breathe)
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Songs of Praise Sunday 10th February at 6pm at Cople Theme “Love and Marriage” Last year we held a wedding reunion to which we invited the couples who had been married in the Benefice during the past few years. It was a lovely service and others who were married elsewhere also joined us. This year we have decided to hold a similar service at Cople on Sunday 10th February at 6pm. The date has been chosen as it is near to Valentine’s Day. We will sing about six favourite wedding hymns. An introduction to each hymn will be given explaining who wrote the words and the music. Revd Keith Brown will play some favourite wedding music on the organ at the beginning and at the end of the service. There will also be special prayers for those who are married and others who are preparing to be married later this year. Children are welcome and we will organise an activity table with some colouring at the back of the church to keep them occupied. Afterwards there will be cake and a glass of wine or fruit juice. If you were married elsewhere we hope that you also may wish to join us. Even though the focus is on marriage those who are not married are also welcome to attend.
Lynda Klimas
Christmas 2012 giving to charity We are writing to thank you for your generosity in supporting our chosen charities at Christmas. The Kings Arms project for the homeless. £170 The Children’s Society (from the Christingle service and the collecting boxes) .£234.34 BECHAR (the Prebend day centre for the homeless from the travelling crib). £25.87 The Friends of the Church have also given £305:81 to BECHAR from their Celebration of Christmas concert. Cople PCC
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From the Registers Baptism 29th December Billi- Leigh Worrall Marriages 8th December Susanne Thompson and Colin Siklodi 29th December Chainie Conroy and Ralph Worrall
MOGGERHANGER MEETING PLACE AND SHOP
St. John’s Church, Blunham Road KNIT & NATTER This has already proved popular and the next meeting will be on Tues. 26th February, 10.00-12.00. Wools, needles and know-how will be available, so just come along. You can bring your own knitting with you, or you can just do a little knitting for charity from the wools available. WALKING GROUPS Do you belong to a walking group? We welcome them, so why not suggest that yours stops at the meeting place in the church for a cup of coffee. We would ask you to be there by 11.30 to give the volunteers time to serve you before closing at 12.00. We would also ask you to let us know a day or so before that you’re coming (on 01767 640124), so that we can make sure we have enough milk! Although the church is normally closed in the afternoon, if booked a few days in advance we can open it for groups wanting this service. Just contact the number above. Our SHOP is open 10.00-12.00 Monday-Saturday in the church vestry, with a very large range of goods for its size. The venture, which is now 12 years old, is the brain-child of the previous vicar and is a non profit-making concern totally separate from the church although housed in its vestry. Come and have a look – you will be surprised! Judith Mooney (MMPS Publicity)
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Police Update NEW POLICE NON EMERGENCY NUMBER Bedfordshire Police and other forces nationwide are now using ‘101’ as the non emergency number replacing the existing 01234 841212. You can use this number anywhere in the country and it will take you through the nearest towns police station. CURRENT ISSUES Since the beginning of December, there have been two burglaries in outbuildings. The first was on the 28 th December which involved bales of hay removed from an outbuilding. An arrest has been made for this. The second was during the night of 7th/8th January where a garage was broken into, however nothing was taken. Please continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity on 101. Paul Jones PCSO 4760
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Architectural Design Stephen Funge Architectural Design Ltd 38 Howard Close Haynes Bedfordshire MK45 3QH Tel/Fax 01234 381800. Mob 07710 268372 Stephen@architecturaldesign.co.uk Stephen Funge MCIAT MAPM Planning and Building Regulations Applications. Design and Project Management. Extensions, New Houses, Offices, Shops. Call for a chat. No obligation
kevin@1wood99.freeserve.co.uk
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February 2013
The Eagle Choir to Perform in Willington On Saturday 9th February 2013 at 7.30pm, the Eagle Choir will be performing their acclaimed "Mozart to Manhattan" programme at St Lawrence Church, Willington. The Eagle Choir is made up of parents, friends and staff of Bedford School. They have performed at Bedford Corn Exchange and several churches in the Bedford area since forming in 1998 and their performance in Willington will include a repertoire of great variety....literally from Mozart to Handel to Vaughan Williams to Gershwin! The choir is directed by Charles Martin and this latest musical event in Willington follows the inaugural organ recital from Andrew Lucas in November and the performance by the North Herts Orpheus Choir in December after the Bishop of St Albans dedicated the newly installed organ at St Lawrence Church a few weeks earlier. The Eagle Choir also promise to showcase the new organ during their performance! Tickets for the Eagle Choir concert are ÂŁ6 per adult including refreshments (children free). To book your ticket, please call Nigel on 01767 627307 or email nigel.brittle@gmail.com
The Eagle Choir pictured at a previous concert at St Peter's Church, Bedford
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Tuesday Club Tea plays a central part in our lives. Millions the world over enjoy tea on a daily basis. We welcomed back Alan a coffee and tea merchant to our Tuesday Club to commence our exciting 2013 programme. Legend has it that tea was discovered by the Chinese Emperor Shang Nong in 2737 BC. One day while he was in the garden a few tea leaves fell by accident into his boiling water he liked the smell and taste so much, he gave the command that tea bushes be planted in the garden of the Palace. The custom of brewing fresh tea leaves began and quickly spread! Drinking tea in the afternoon began during the 19 century attributed to the Duchess of Bedford. Afternoon tea was meant to abate hunger between meals (snacks were often served with the tea). The inventor of "tea bags", Thomas Sullivan, had a custom of sending tea samples in white silk bags to his customers. On the appearance of tea bags the price was lowered because tea was much more convenient and suitable for mass consumption. All types of tea; white tea, black tea, green tea, herbal tea etc are all produced from the same plant. The differences between them results from the different processing procedures producing the tea. The health benefits of tea are, it is calorie free (without milk sugar or honey) and it contains antioxidants which extract harmful substances from the blood. Green tea is thought to lower the risk of cancer. A little caffeine is not harmful and is necessary to the body. There is less caffeine in tea than coffee. China, India and Kenya supply 75% of the worlds tea. In British culture, drinking tea is an institution when ever something happens, good or bad the common reaction is to have a "cuppa"!!. We will meet next 12th February Cople Village Hall 7 30pm. All welcome to a bring and buy in aid of our charity of the Year ACORN a local group that offer support and friendship to cancer suffers and their carers. Please come and support this unique group of people. Eithne Dandy
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Recipe for Marmalade Christmas and New Year celebrations over, I look forward to my annual event of making marmalade. I get a real kick out of making jams and chutneys, my husband calls it ‘therapy’. I first started making marmalade about 30 years ago, when we lived in Cyprus, a great orange growing island, but the bitter Seville oranges grew everywhere, and their fruits left to rot on the ground. The children and I just had to gather them up. Seville oranges are available in the supermarkets for a limited time in January/February. Marmalade is surprisingly easy to make, delicious to eat, a great to give as a gift. Do try this simple recipe. It makes about 10lbs. 8-10 jars. Ingredients 1.4 kilo Seville oranges Juice of 2 lemons 2.7 kilo sugar (I use preserving sugar or jam sugar) Method Halve the oranges and lemons, squeeze out juice and pips. Put pips and any orange membrane in a piece of muslin and tie with string, leaving a long enough piece so that it can be tied onto the handle of the saucepan, yet still be in the mixture. Chop up the oranges as finely as you like. (this can be done in a food processor but be careful not to chop it too much, or there will be no bits left after it has boiled) Put in a large pan with 6 pints of water. Simmer gently for 2 hours until peel is soft, and the liquid reduced to half. Remove muslin bag, squeezing well so that all the liquid goes back into the pan. Add sugar, heat gently and stir until sugar has dissolved. Bring to boil and boil for about 15 minutes, until it has reached setting point. Remove any scum with a slotted spoon, and leave for 15 minutes. Stir and pot into clean warm jars. Place tops on while warm. Jane Peeke
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Cricket Corner. Cople Cricket Club Everyone at Cople CC would like to wish you all a Happy New year. As we all know, we are all guilty of sitting around for too long over the Christmas period and eating too many mince pies, so I am pleased to announce that Cople CC has started its Winter Training with some Indoor Net Practice. All players, new and old, are welcome to attend so please spread the word to friends and family that you think might be interested, sons, brothers, grandsons, nephews; the more the merrier. The nets are taking place at The Alexander Sports Centre, Sidney Road, Bedford on the following dates. We hope we get to see some new faces. 3rd February 10th February 24th February 3rd March 10th March 17th March 24th March 14th April
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3:00 3:00 3:00 2:00 2:00 3:00 2:00 2:00
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4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00 4:00
Many of you won’t know that we enter a side into the Bedfordshire Indoor League and there are currently 4 Divisions. Unfortunately we are in the 4th. But it’s not all bad as we are currently unbeaten after playing 4 games and sitting top of the division. Results so far: · · · ·
Cople 148-5 (12) v Potton 144-4 (12 overs a side.) Brickhill Tigers A 162-2 (12) v Cople 164-2 (11) Cople 140-2 (12) v Elstow B 111 All Out Blunham C 139 All Out v Cople 140 -3 (9.5)
Excellent results so far, 5 more to play so let’s keep it up. You can keep up to date with Fixtures & Results, as well as News & Events by checking out our websites below and join us on Facebook by adding Cople Cricket Club as your Friend. If anyone is interested in joining us then don’t hesitate to call. Daniel Moss 07905822341 (Saturday Captain) Daniel.moss164@btinternet.com Or Kevin Draper 07730553455 (Chairman) kevnav888@gmail.com www.copleargus.play-cricket.com www.cople.org/cacc
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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 ÂŁ8:50 (Very popular, booking recommended) Party bookings available
Tel : 01234 831330 www.fivebellscople.com
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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.
Contact us now for a free, no obligation quote Glyn Carroll 2 Glebe Road, Sandy, Beds, SG19 1LT 01767 680898 / 07859 070517 e-mail:glyncarroll@btinternet.com
We hold a valid Waste Carriers Licence Public Liability insurance to 5 million.
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Cople Sports and Social Club There has been plenty of banter in regard of the footie supporters who have been frequenting CS&SC supporting their teams. We will be scheduling new event evenings over the coming month so if any members have any great ideas please let us know. If anyone has any interesting information or photos in regard of CS&SC could you please speak with Jeanette as we would like to profile the club on Cople Website.
Sat 02 Feb
QPR V Man U Barclays
12.30
Sky
Sat 02 Feb
Fulham v Man United
17:30
ESPN
Sun 03 Feb
West Brom v Tottenham
13:00
Sky Sports
Sun 03 Feb
Man City v Liverpool
15:30
Sky Sports
Sat 09 Feb
Tottenham v Newcastle
12:30
Sky Sports
Sat 09 Feb
Southampton v Man City
17:30
ESPN
Sun 10 Feb
Aston Villa v West Ham
13:00
Sky Sports
Sun 10 Feb
Man United v Everton
15:30
Sky Sports
Mon 11 Feb
Liverpool v West Brom
19:00
Sky Sports
Sat 23 Feb
Fulham v Stoke City
12:30
Sky Sports
Sun 24 Feb
Manchester City v Chelsea
13:30
Sky Sports
Mon 25 Feb
West Ham v Tottenham
Football fixtures to be shown at CS&SC: Barclays Premier League (If there is a particular football match other than the above you would be interesting in watching please contact CS&SC) Please see poster in Club for full fixtures Jeanette Skipsey Mob: 07749272249
Email: jeanette_skipsey@hotmail.co.uk
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Friends of cople church
Safari supper ON Saturday, february 2nd 2013 7 – 7.15 P.m. Hosts are required. If you are able to offer a starter or a main course please contact us Tel. nos: (01234) 838763, 838467, 838714, 838683 Tickets £13:50 All proceeds towards the upkeep of all saints’ church, cople
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FRIENDS OF COPLE CHURCH Reg. No. 1096386 The tenth ‘Celebration of Christmas’ demonstrated just how much local talent we have here in Cople and provided yet again a fine start to the Festive Season. We are indebted to all those who made it go with such a swing, whether performing or working behind the scenes. Singers, instrumentalists and readers were splendid and we were filled with admiration. Nothing, however, would be the same in a church devoid of decoration or without delicious mulled wine and homemade mince pies, so thanks must go to all who played a part, however small. Thank you too, audience, for filling the church, joining in the singing and contributing so generously to a retiring collection for BeCHAR. £290.81 was handed over the following morning to a very appreciative Director at the Prebend Day Centre. (Since then an additional £15 has been donated to bring the total to £305.81), There has been a good response to requests for help at the Safari Supper on February 2nd but we are always pleased to hear from anyone else who is willing to act as a host. For information or tickets please contact 838683, 838714, 838763 or send an e-mail. We hope the weather will be kind to us as we make our way around the village, but come rain, snow or whatever, we always have a jolly time. Do join us. Vaughan Southgate www.org.uk/friends
southgate714@btinternet.com
February 2013
SJ TAX & ACCOUNTING QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT Professional Friendly Free initial consultation. Sole traders, Ltd companies, Start ups, CIS, VAT, TAX Email: sally@sjtax.co.uk Tel: 01767 601221 Mob: 07899 808592
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Sunday Church Services in February Cople All Saints 3rd
11:15am
Family Service.
10th
09:00am 09:45am 6:00pm
Holy Communion BCP Sunday School Songs of Praise theme “Love�
17th
09:45am 11:15am
Sunday School All age Communion.
24th
09:45am 11:15am
Sunday School Sung Communion with the Choir
Willington Saint Lawrence 3rd
10:00am
Holy Communion BCP
10th
11:15am
Parish Praise
17th
10:00am
Sung Communion
24th
10:00am
Covenant renewal service at the Methodist Church Willington
Moggerhanger St John the Evangelist 3rd
09:00am 3:00pm
Sung Communion Hospice Memorial Service
10th
10:00am
Family Service
17th
6:00pm
24th
09:00am
Songs of Praise All age Communion
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Cople Calendar February 2013 Saturday 2nd 10:30am—12 noon Traidcraft coffee morning Willington. 7:00pm Friends Safari Supper Monday 4th 09:00am 11:00am 2:30pm 6:15pm 8:00pm
Morning Prayer Tiny tots sing along Cople Church Mothers Union Meeting Junior Choir Cople Church Exploring Prayer group at Moggerhanger
Tuesday 5th 10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall 2:30pm Over 60s Club in the Sports Club Wednesday 6th 7:30pm to 10:00pm
Carpet Bowls in Village Hall
Thursday 7th (Green Bin) 10:00am to 11:30am
Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
Saturday 9th 10:00am to 3pm Blunham Giant Book Sale 7:30pm The Eagle Choir at Willlington Church Monday 11th 09:00am 11:00am 6:15pm
Morning Prayer Tiny tots sing along Cople Church Junior Choir practice at Cople Church
Tuesday 12th 10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall 7:30pm Cople PCC at the Vicarage 7:30pm Tuesday Club Meeting in Village Hall including Bring and Buy in aid of ACORN Wednesday 13th 7:30pm Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday at Cople Church 7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls in Village Hall
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Thursday 14th (Orange Bin) 10:00am to 11:30am Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall Monday 18th 09:00am 11:00am 12:30pm
Morning Prayer Tiny tots sing along Cople Church Luncheon Club in Cople Church
Tuesday 19th 10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall 2:30pm Over 60s Club in the Sports Club Wednesday 20th 7:30pm Lent Course at Willington Methodist Church 7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls in Village Hall Thursday 21st (Green Bin) 10:00am to 11:30am Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall Monday25th 09:00am 11:00am 6:15pm
Morning Prayer Tiny tots sing along Cople Church Junior Choir practice Cople
Tuesday 26th 10:00am to 12:00 noon Coffee morning Village Hall 7:30pm Annual Parochial Church Meeting in Cople Church Wednesday 27th 7:30pm Lent Course at Willington Methodist Church 7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls in Village Hall Thursday 28th (Orange Bin) 10:00am to 11:30am Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
Blunham Giant BookSale Saturday 9thFebruary 2013 At Blunham Parish Church 10.00 – 3.00 Come and browse and buy our huge selection of nearly new books. Enjoy refreshments - teas/coffee cakes & biscuits, home made soup. Also Hand Made cards a Raffle and a Fairtrade stall. All profits to Blunham Church Fabric Fund.
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B. WELLS PLUMBING & HEATING LTD 01234 831314
barrywellsltd@btinternet.com 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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Need a Handyman? Can your man? thismancan.co.uk
Dave Crawford Handyman /Property Maintenance in Bedford and local villages. Contact me for a free no obligation quote. Over 25 years experience of Handyman work and Property Renovation. Fully insured (details on website) Dave Crawford tackles most jobs from changing a tap washer to jobs that fall short of the remit of a full blown Builder, Plumber or Electrician. 07981 881688 info@thismancan.co.uk or check the website for further information: www.thismancan.co.uk
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Village Agent Report Are you or do you know someone who is a resident in Cople who is over 60 years old/and or is likely to be vulnerable to the cold? Could they benefit from a Warm Home Pack from Just Ask? Which contains a snuggle blanket and other energy saving items/ information (subject to eligibility) please call to check. Your Village Agent is also able to offer you an Energy Review to make sure you are saving money where you can and to check you are on the best energy tariff? Would you like some help to find out or to change it?
Village Agent can also offer many more services: Information on agencies who can offer (Free Smoke Alarms, Door Chains,/Window Locks, Spy Holes). Free “Message in a bottles” (peace of mind if you are taken ill and the emergency services are called). Information on Pension Credit & Attendance Allowance. If you need help or advice on any of the above or have any other problems just call Wendy on FREE PHONE 0800 039 1234 or my mobile no: 07717 269 440 Home Visits Available (All Agents are CRB Checked)
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February 2013
Childhood Memories of Cople John Ernest Storton (1909—2003) wrote a 33 page pamphlet in 1989 in which he recorded his childhood in Cople. This is part one of an abridged version of his story and more will follow in future editions. I was born 27th October 1909 in a brick built house in the small village of "Hatch". My father was born at Brook End just nearby and my mother in Waterloo Row, Hitchin Street, Biggleswade. The Storton’s father line are old Sandy people, also on my mother’s side the Barley’s are a well known Biggleswade family. Father’s side worked on the land as labourers, horse keepers, stockmen or small holders. My mother’s, the men worked in breweries and the girls in domestic service. When I was a small child I had rickets and had a stay in South Wing Hospital, Bedford (they say that it is caused by under nourishment), my brother Joe carried me to school for a time, to Northill School about a mile from our home in Hatch, when I was five years old. On May Day we joined in dancing round Ickwell maypole. They still cerebrate May Day today and the procession still starts from Northill School. In my time they rode on a trolley drawn by Mr Marsom’s horse, which was all decorated up with ribbons and paper flowers. We left our home in Hatch in 1914 to move to 62 Water End, Cople, because our father went to work as horse keeper to Mr John Franklin, Hoo Farm, Cople, but he had to go into the army, Beds & Herts Regiment, when the First World War started in August 1914. During the war Mr Shuttleworth, who owned the houses, let the families whose fathers were serving in the forces live rent free and when the time came for them to be demobbed the rent was only one shilling a week. Our home was a four roomed terrace cottage made of brick and had a tiled roof, it also had a large front room where you had your meals. The fire grate had an oven also a hot water tank on one side with a tap on it. There was a kitchen with a larder cupboard, a stair hold cupboard to keep brushes in, also shoes, cleaning materials and other things you used. The kitchen also had a dresser to keep crockery on, then there was a sink made of yellow
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stone, it was about 2 feet 6 inches wide, 18 inches long and 4 inches deep. The copper was in the corner near to where the grate was, so that the smoke from each fire used the one chimney. It was all hand washing for the ladies and ironing was done with a flat iron, heated in front of the front room fire. The water was drawn from two wells, with a bucket and well hook, one well was hard water for drinking and cooking, the other was soft for washing and cleaning. There were two bedrooms each big enough to take two three quarter size beds, the back room had a cupboard for the linen and your best clothes. They were warm houses and most had big families in them. There were nine children in ours, but when us boys got to the age of 16 we went into lodgings, also at the age of 14 the girls went into domestic service until they got married. Our family all went to Cople School. There was an infant teacher who had a learner aged about 16-18. The children in their classes were aged 5 to 7. In the big room there were 4 classes numbered 3 to 6. These were taught by the Head Teacher Mrs Stacey, who had a single lady teacher to help with the lower classes. When we first got to school it was a hymn and prayer before we started lessons, also the register was read and marked each day. At school we had concerts which we all partook in, sometimes it would be a negro play, or one of all sorts of tradesmen. They were held in the evening so our parents could come and watch. As a child I ran errands for the neighbours, like fetching milk for them from Barnards before going to school, also taking shoes to the cobbler in Cardington to be mended and fetching coal for people. On Saturdays I went to a house to clean shoes, chop wood for the fire lighting and clean the hen house out. Theirs was a family of grown up sons and they put money in a box for to buy me clothes and shoes. I remember it, so well, also they had me sit at the dining table with them. My favourite pudding was a light steam one cooked in a basin with jam or treacle in the bottom of the basin, so when it was turned out the stuff ran all over it. On Good Fridays when we were going home we had to pass Cople House which was built in the likeness of Dog Farm, Octagon and Middle Farms, of light coloured bricks and slate roofs. They each had plenty of outbuildings and also lots of acres of land. Old lady Barnard would be at the gate sitting at a table with a tray of hot cross buns also six pennies and if the boy saluted or the girl curtsied she gave them a bun and money.
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This Month’s Gardening Tasks According to an old headmaster of mine, ‘February fill the dykes’! Judging by the drainage ditches, rivers and streams around this area, there’s not much room left as it is! But its not just rain we can expect this month; snow, frost, and wind can all feature extensively and batter our beloved gardens so it might be prudent to check fences, sheds and glass houses to see if any remedial works are required to prevent irrevocable damage from occurring. A new pane of glass here (Gordon Denny Glass in Biggleswade are excellent 01767 315 614) or a replacement fence panel there (HBS also in Biggleswade can not be bettered 01767 312 800). If you haven’t already done it, this month is also a good time to take mowers, strimmers and trimmers in for a service. Groundcare Machinery in Cople (01234 831 123) are where my much put upon equipment goes and I am always impressed with their work. But if the prospect of venturing outside to be savaged by the elements has absolutely no appeal, now is an excellent time to plan what you hope to achieve in your garden over the forthcoming twelve months. New plants can be selected and ordered and it is also the ideal opportunity to think about everything you want to see. In my view, planning like this actually increases one’s enjoyment as in addition to enjoying what you have you are also thinking of what plants are coming next. Thank you for all of your correspondence regarding the Christmas Quiz (December Magazine) and here are the answers: 1. Plantain Lilly or Hosta. 2. Biennial. 3. Bear’s Breeches. 4.Common or Ordinary. 5. Viburnum. 6. Coppicing. 7.Both sexes must be planted together. 8. c). Grenadier. 9. Apricots. 10. Flower clusters where single stalks arise at one point (see above). 11. Its leaves fold when touched. 12. Hot Water Plant. 13. Lawn Mower. 14. Lilac = First Love, Rose = I Love You, Red Tulip = Love. 15. Decimus Burton First name out of my hat was Mrs Anne Currie of Grange Lane who wins an hour’s worth of gardening from yours truly! Very well done Anne and you clearly know your alliums! Please feel free to email/telephone me any questions you may have and I will leave you with a quiz question. Contact me with your
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answers and I will give you a mention in next month’s piece: Vegetable Spaghetti, Crookneck and Yellow Patty Pan are all types of which relatively uncommon vegetable? Lawn Doctor
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Tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855 Email: LawnDocGardens@aol.com Tree Care, Planting, Weeding, Hedge Trimming, Turfing, Jungle Clearing, Landscaping, Lawn Improvement, Patio/Drive Pressure Washing/Weedkilling, Holiday Watering etc., etc.
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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 issued Local, professional and reliable
Tel: 01767 627591 / 07950 705479 9 Ickwell Road, Northill
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Cople Village Trust (Registered Charity No 1090113)
COPLE PLAYING FIELD On the boundary of Cople Playing Field there some trees, however there are many gaps and it would be good to have more planted. Cople Village Trust are seeking interest from anyone who would like to
Plant a tree in memory of a loved one Would you be prepared to obtain a suitable tree, arrange planting and look after it until it was established? If you are interested - please contact one of Cople Village Trusts’ Trustees or alternatively phone 01234 831344. Sandra Thacker
Chair of Cople Village Trust
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
Mobile Library for February Wednesday 13th and 27th 10.05 am All Saints 10.25am Water End 10.40am Outside Five Bells
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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
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 enquiries contact Pauline on 01234 838102.
Pauline Baynes. COPLE VILLAGE TRUST
200 CLUB Prize winners for January 2013 1st Prize of £60 208 K Becker 2nd Prize of £30 204 A Chillingsworth 3rd Prize of £10 222 A Jones
200 Club Subscriptions for 2013 Subscriptions to the 200 Club run by the Village Trust are now due. It costs £12 per year to take part and cheques, made out to the Cople Village Trust, can be posted to Catherine Bayliss at 14 Grange Lane or given to your 200 Club representative. Money left after paying prizes goes to support Trust activities. If you are not a member but would like to take part please contact Marie Grohmann on 01234 838248.
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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: james.wilkinson50@ntlworld.com FREE QUOTATION
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Wild About Cople It’s the start of a new year and now, as the days begin to lengthen in both the mornings and evenings, nature begins to stir herself in response to the increasing light. And, even this early in the year, there are some very, very early signs of spring. Apart from the obvious lighter mornings and evenings (which I think make us all feel better and more optimistic) there is now a small but discernible increase in bird song at dawn and dusk – around Cople since Christmas I have already heard birds such as robins, song thrushes, blue tits, dunnocks and collared doves singing their spring songs. Indeed, as mentioned in an earlier piece, robins have two distinct songs; an ‘autumn song’ which is sung between September and December and is very mellow and wistful and, now, a ‘spring song’ sung between December and July which is more livelier, louder and optimistic-sounding. Out in the fields the skylarks are becoming more active and chasing each other (mainly males sorting out their territories) and pairing up with the females. There is a lot of activity and these small brown birds call and fly up from their resting places in the still brown fields, stubble or young corn. On a sunny, still day the males will start to perform their wellknown song displays, rising from the ground on fluttering wings and climbing high into the sky pouring out their beautiful liquid song, sometimes for 20 minutes or more, through the air and onto the ground below. This is partly a way of saying ‘this is my territory, keep away’ to other males but also ‘I’m a fantastic singer, very fit and healthy and come and be my partner’ to the females! In areas where there are plenty of trees such as the area around Water End, Woodlands Close and the churchyard now is the best time of the year to listen to the lovely, mellow, woodwind calls of our resident tawny owls around the village. Tawny owls, of course, are usually strictly nocturnal and can only be heard, and seen, at night. The tawny owl, sometimes also called the brown owl, is a fairly common bird throughout the UK and sometimes you may see one as it floats silently on soft rounded wings at dusk. They come in two colour varieties; a grey form and a commoner, brown form. The birds usually pair for life and both defend a territory all year round; they breed very early in the year (from February onwards) so during January they are very active re-forming their pair bonds
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with much calling and vocalising. The well-known, beautiful, spine-tingling ‘hu……hu-hooooo’ call is usually made by the male; the female produces the other, equally well-known, but louder, sharper ‘kewick’ or ‘u-wee’. Everyone really should go out and experience the true magic of these lovely birds at night, even if only in your own gardens. The birds usually nest in holes in old trees but will sometimes use old magpie or crows nests. They lay two or three glossy white eggs and the young fledge from the nest sometime in May/June but the parents still continue to care for them for another two or three months, during which time the young can be very noisy with their foodbegging calls. Tawny owls also readily use purposemade owl nestboxes details of which can be found here: www.bto.org/nnbw/nesting_birds/tawny_owl.htm. The boxes are simple to make but need to go on large, mature trees – now is the ideal time to put one up. While still on night-time things, look out later this year for the predicted appearance of two striking comets in the sky. It is believed that they will even become visible during the day and are named Comet Pan-Starrs (due spring 2013) and Comet ISON (due autumn 2013). More news soon!
Steve Halton
stevehalton@gmail.com
Picture; Tawny owl (brown form)
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37, Ridge Road Kempston, Beds MK43 9BS Willingtots Pre-school Peace Memorial Hall Church Road Willington Telephone 07972 148085 E-mail info@willingtots.co.uk 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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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 copleba@hotmail.co.uk 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
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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Being Creative is Good for the Soul! Are you a creative person and interested in being part of a local arts cooperative? There is a growing trend across the country of local makers and craft workers coming together to share in the cost of market stalls, craft fairs and promotion of their work. I am interested in meeting like-minded people who may be interested in forming a craft collective with the intent to promote and support the handmade crafts in and around Northill, Cople, Willington, Moggerhanger, Blunham, Sandy and surrounding areas. I am a potter living in Cople and am aware that there are other creative souls like myself working locally but we are all currently working independently without local contact, inspiration and sharing of ideas. Having moved to Bedfordshire 4 years ago, I looked around for an art collective and found the Eagle Gallery in Castle Road, Bedford; a real gem of a place. The gallery has 45 or so artists/makers helping to keep the gallery open Mon – Sat 10.00am – 5.30pm. It is well worth a visit if you happen to be in the Castle Road area, we are next door to the fabulous Eagle Book Shop. Follow this link for more information: www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk As there is now a farmers market in Frosts Willlington on the last Sunday of the month and soon to be a monthly ‘Have a Go Market’ (aimed at new enterprises) in Sandy, every 2 nd Saturday, I feel that an opportunity presents itself for those of us who enjoy creative work and would possibly like to pursue a part time enterprise but have not got round to it until now. The benefit of such a group means we could start to brainstorm ideas looking at how we might come together and have a presence at local markets, as well as finding a place where both established and emerging artists can sell their work. The craft collective’s philosophy is a refreshing one; the belief that making things yourself, by hand, can be a powerful tool. The purpose is to help get crafters’ work out into the public by hosting fun and unique sales locally.
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I am hoping that for other creative people like myself, this could well be the springboard for taking your craft/art work to the next level and possibly to self employment, either part or full time. There is something unique about selling your work in person and it would be great to take the handmade movement that is already happening around the country, put a name to it, and help it to grow here in this part of Bedfordshire. More and more people are seeing the value in supporting handmade work because not only are you getting unique goods but you are directly supporting artists and enabling them to do what they love and work hard at it. If you are interested in finding out more information about being part of such a group, please email me with your details at: evestudiopottery@gmail.com or telephone 01234 838593 and maybe we could get together.
Eve Carroll
Nearly New Centre Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm At Sue Ryder Palliative Care Home St. John’s Moggerhanger
Air Ambulance Christmas Cards Thank you to everyone who bought Air Ambulance Christmas Cards from me this year. A total of ÂŁ125 was raised. I wish you all a happy 2013. Hilda
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Village Contacts Village Hall Bookings: Marie Grohmann Email: marie@cmjdg.com 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) 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: ian@cople.org.uk 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
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All Saints Church Vicar: Rev Lynda Klimas The Vicarage Grange Lane, Cople Tel: 01234 838 431 rev.l.klimas@btinternet.com Churchwardens June Shanahan Mike Vacher 34 Grange Lane 91 Willington Road Cople Cople Tel: 01234 831705 Tel: 01234 831207 vacher309@btinternet.com Cople Parish Council Clerk to the Council: Jeanne Pope 42 Wingfield Road, Bromham, Beds. MK43 8JY Tel: 01234 823 297 jhpope@btinternet.com
Cople News Editor : Ged Peeke 39 Willington Road, Cople, Beds, MK44 3TH Tel 01234 838379 Email: coplenews@yahoo.com 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
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Groundcare Machinery Services Limited Water End, COPLE, Bedford
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