2016 10

Cople News October 2016

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 ÂŁ10.00 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 Saturday Sunday

6.30am to 6.00pm 7.00am to 6.00pm 8.00am to 12 noon 2

Editor’s Notes The summer appears to have to come to an abrupt end. I started putting the magazine together when the temperature was in the thirties and I am now wearing a pullover and wondering how long I can tough it out until the central heating is switched on.

The Tuesday Club eventually got some good weather for the boat trip on the River Great Ouse. A contingent of nearly forty villagers assembled at the Priory Marina on the 13th of September for an evening cruise. We are told it was hottest September day since 1911 and it certainly felt like it.

The river was definitely the place to be. As the light faded we were treated to views of Bedford that I have never appreciated before. The town looked at its best from the river and its less appealing side was completely lost.

The Bedford Girls’ School opened its new playing fields in Cople on 7th September with a lacrosse match between the school 1st X11 and the Alumnae team. The club house and grounds are superb. The project has taken 2 years to complete and was delivered exactly on time. The school is rightly proud of its sporting achievements and as the appeal of lacrosse expands we may see ex-pupils making names for themselves to equal the cricketers from Bedford School and Bedford Modern.

The Brownies of Willington are recruiting and would welcome girls from Cople. Details are on pages 16 and 17.

On page 30, Helen Johnson, the head teacher at Cople Lower School, is looking for more people to help children learn to read. How children of 5 and 6 make the break through to literacy never ceases to amaze me. We are going through this phase with our grandsons and there is no substitute for continuous practice and encouragement. Many people have qualms about ipads and the like but I see them as the best incentive to read since moveable type was invented. Youngsters are desperate to be able to use them and to get the best out of them they need to read. If you have the time to help, the school would like to hear from you.

October would not be right without a harvest supper and one is planned for 8th of October. Details are on page 5.

Ged Peeke

Front cover picture: The Tuesday Club river cruise.

Back cover: Lacrosse teams at the opening of Cople Fields.

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Letter from the Vicar Dear friends There’s a definite autumnal crisp in the air first thing in the morning and at night now, even if the days are still warm. The rate of grass growing (and therefore mowing) has reduced from frantic to manageable. Conkers are forming on the Vicarage Trees, leaves will soon fall, and then will begin the now-familiar sport of conker-and-leaf-clearing on Grange Lane.

Harvest services will be held in all three churches to give thanks to God for his provision for another year, and to honour the work of the farmers who sow, tend, harvest, and plough year by year.

One other service that we hold every year in our Benefice around this time of year is the All Souls Commemoration Service. This year the service will be at 6.00pm on Sunday 6th November (hence my telling you in October, so you have plenty of notice). St John the Evangelist, Moggerhanger, will be hosting the service this year, and it is open to all in the parishes of Cople, Moggerhanger and Willington, as well as friends and family from further afield.

The idea behind the service is that all those of us who have lost loved ones in the last few months or years can come together to support one another, to give thanks for the life of our loved one, and to pray for God’s comfort and presence in our lives.

We will be reading out the names of those whom we wish to remember during the service. There will also be an opportunity during the service to reflect, and to light a candle as we do so. Refreshments will be served after the service.

If you would like to come, or you know anyone whom you think would like to come, please do look out for the invitation cards and posters, and spread the word that all are welcome. Please let us know in advance the names of any whom you would like us to remember at the service, whether you are able to attend in person or not, so we can make sure all are included.

With best wishes Revd Fiona Gibson

From the Church Registers Weddings 6th August James WAITE and Amanda RIZZO 27th August Ross McNAUGHTON and Katherine MOORE Funeral 5th August

Rita Ann MABBOTT (aged 69 years) 4

All Saints Church Revd Fiona Gibson The Vicarage. 3 Grange Lane. Cople, MK44 3TT. Telephone 01234 838145. email; cmwvicar@gmail.com Churchwardens Judith Howard Glebe House, Grange Lane Cople Tel: 01234 838467 judithhoward10@gmail.com

Mike Vacher 91 Willington Road Cople Tel: 01234 831207 vacher309@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 ÂŁ96.

Half Page ÂŁ48

Delivered free to every home in Cople every month Circulation 360 copies 5

Mothers Union Members met in Cople Church for their meeting in September. This was a communion service during which Fiona gave her reflections on the earlier Bible reading.

Afterwards tea and cake, made by Pat, was enjoyed by all.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday 10 th October at 87 Willington Road at the usual time of 2pm when Joy will be our host.

Also in October on Wednesday the 19th, there will be a service to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Mothers Union. This will be held in Caldecote Church at 2:30pm. There will be refreshments, the Mothers Union card stall and a raffle.

Liz Buck

Prayer My dearest Lord, be thou a bright flame before me, be thou a guiding star above me, be thou a smooth path beneath me, be thou a kindly shepherd behind me, today and for evermore, Amen.

(A Prayer Treasury)

Operation Christmas Child.

This is the time of year when we think about filling a shoebox with gifts to send out to children living in countries around the world where there is war and poverty. This maybe the only gift these children will ever receive.

Many live in appalling conditions, abandoned by their families.

Videos of the children opening the boxes can be viewed online. Just put Operation Christmas Child into your browser and find out lots more information.

I have the OCC boxes to sell at 40p each or you can cover your own box.

These new boxes are larger and stronger than last years and easier to put together. Leaflets contain all the info you need to fill your box but details are listed below.

Boxes will be available in Church or direct from me at 22 Willington Road.

Filled boxes must be brought to church on 20 th November , family service, or before. They will be taken to the warehouse on Monday 21 st.

Jill Ebbs.

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Operation Shoebox Take a leaflet and read it . It contains all the information you need to fill and send a shoebox. Choose for boy or girl and age group. 10 to 14 year old boys always fewer boxes. Remember 14 year olds are not like in our country.

Items to put inside. M ost important; Pens, pencils etc.

Lots of writing paper – cannot attend school if have no materials. Often rub out work when book filled and start again.

A draw string bag – to hold items when box deteriates.

A soft toy – can be a child’s friend for ever. Must have CE label, cannot be hand knitted and stuffed. Can knit hand puppet which are open ie not stuffed.

A ball A vehicle or several for boys Pretty jewellery for girls Soap, flannel, toothpaste and toothbrush , hairbrush or comb et Hat, scarf and gloves – can be very cold in these countries What not to put in; Any liquids – these could spill and spoil . Includes bubbles, shampoo, nail varnish etc.

Any item war related – toy guns or knives Large items of clothing Food – including chocolate, biscuits.

All the boxes will be checked at the warehouse in Biggleswade and any banned items removed. If a box is found at customs containing anything banned then the whole lorry load is returned.

Last of all a donation of £3 is asked to help towards cost of transportation.

Also a photo of yourself and a little message is nice.

I think this is a good way for families to work together and help the children realise how lucky they are to receive gifts at Christmas and birthdays every year. These children will receive this one box in a lifetime.

The boxes need to be returned to Church by Sunday 20th November – Family Service.

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kevin@1wood99.freeserve.co.uk

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Cople BRCC Village Agent Autumn News Village Agents provide a free, confidential service and are here to help the over 60s w ith any issues you may have – large or small. We are a team of six who work part-time for Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, and are funded by Bedford Borough Council.

Assisted Bin Collection Scheme – Did you know that if you are unable to move your black/orange/green bin or sacks to the road side for collection because of a disability or medical condition, you may be eligible for an Assisted Collection your village agent can help you with applying for this.

St Johns Hospital Trust - did you know that the St Johns Hospital Trust has helped over 600 needy local residents in Bedford with a small quarterly gratuity? If you are of pensionable age and receiving state pension and in financial need St Johns hospital trust may be able to help you. To find out more about this please ask Wendy your village agent.

Discounts on Council Tax – Most people know they can claim a 25% discount if they are living alone. However, did you know you may also be eligible for the same discount, if there are two people living in a dwelling, one of whom has a mental health impairment such as dementia.

Radar Keys – Do you have a disability? And need access to disabled toilets when out? If you do did you know you can apply for a Radar Key which will enable you to have access to disabled toilets facilities Nationwide.

Village Agent 2016 autumn/winter campaign – I am hoping to run an autumn/winter campaign this year with many new free items.

However if you need any Lamp Timers, Kitchen Timers, Wind Up Torches please contact me as I have some spare (whilst stocks last).

Help completing benefits forms - We can also help you complete Pension Credit, Blue Badge, Council Tax Reduction, Personal Independence Payment, Housing Benefit and Attendance Allowance forms.

For more information about anything above, please call your Village Agent Wendy On Freephone - 0800 039 1234 or Mobile 07717 269 440 This is an answerphone service, so please leave your name address & telephone number, & we aim to call you back within 48 hours

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Cople’s pop up restaurant opens its doors again on Friday 7th & Friday 21st October.

To view our menu visit our website on www.doghousekitchen.co.uk To book a table call us on 07545 911615 or email us at Doghousekitchen@gmail.com Dog House, Bedford Road, Cople, MK44 3TR Also find us on; Facebook, Twitter & Instagram We also cater for private dinner parties here at Dog House Kitchen

Architectural Design Stephen Funge Architectural Design Tel 01234 381304. 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 13

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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

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 Mobile

01234 - 838 676 07979 - 928 186

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 15

1st Willington My name is Amanda and I’m Brown Owl at 1st Willington Brownies. We are a very fun lively group and we run on a Monday evening between 6:30 and 8:00 during term time and we’re for girls aged between 7 & 10.

Throughout the year we have a varied programme, which can be anything from a Big Brownie Bake-off competition through to dance nights, water fights, bike rides as well as earning badges and playing lots of games. We also have lots of crafts, as well as attendance of the pantomime & Mcdonalds in Stevenage and a yearly sleepover with a visit to Whipsnade Zoo. If you are interested in your daughter attending or have any questions please contact me on 07914 240494 or email: willingtongirlguiding@gmail.co

Shopping Night

Dance Night

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WILLINGTON VILLAGE HALL

MONDAY NIGHTS DURING TERM TIME 6:30pm until 8:00pm If you are interested in joining us please register online:-

JoinUs@girlguiding.org.uk Further information can be obtained from Brown Owl Tel :07914 240494 / Email: willingtongirlguiding@gmail.com

Brownies is the 2nd ladder within the guiding movement. It’s fun and is for girls aged 7 to 10 years old.

Every year we do activities such as a Big Brownie Bake Off, water night fun, bike rides to Blunham for chips as well as attend the pantomime in Stevenage and a sleepover.

If your daughter likes making crafts, cooking, playing games and having fun then Brownies is for them!

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HOLISTIC THERAPIST & BODY WORKER Suzanne Edgington

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Individually tailored treatments Helping you to move on and live life!

01234 870 236 / 07802 864 275

Email: suzyedge@btinternet.com www.suzanneedgington.co.uk 18

FOR THE GARDEN

COMPOST AND MORE HOME AND GARDEN PRODUCTS www.compostandmore.co.uk

5- 50L bags of Organic compost £10.00

WINTER SPECIALS! Cube bag of Soft wood logs £55.00 Cube bag of Hard wood logs £75.00 Cube bag Kiln dried hard logs £85.00 Soft wood logs 4 nets for £10.00 Hard wood logs 3 nets for £10.00 House coal (20kg) £6.00 per bag Smokeless coal (20kg) £10.00 per bag

3- 70L bags of Bark chippings £10.00

Sat 9-5 & Sun 10-4 9 Bedford Road Cople MK443TP

Facebook: compost and more Website: www.compostandmore.wix.com Email: Heidi@compostandmore.co.uk Home number: 01234838755 Mobile number: 07587154978 19

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ACE PEST LIMITED 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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Wild about Cople Now that the harvest is in why not take a walk across the footpaths and bridleways around the village on one of these lovely autumnal evenings?

It can still be warm and the stubble gleams like burnished gold while the large expanses of freshly cut, and ploughed, fields combined with the big skies arcing overhead and cloud shadows racing over the fields impart a real sense of space and long horizons.

On one such evening you may hear what sounds like the distant yapping of hundreds of dogs, first there is nothing to be seen but then, low down on the horizon, you may start to see flocks of large birds rising up and then coming overhead often in waves or in ‘V’ formations and they do make an impressive spectacle of sight and sound as they fly overhead with excited barks and honks and the flapping of many pairs of wings. The birds are geese; mainly Greylag and Canada geese and they are returning to their nightly roosting sites in the flooded pits around Bedford after a day spent foraging amongst the stubbles for grass and weeds. They often fly low over the village at sunset so have a look out for them.

And while you are out and about on autumn evenings this is also a good time of the year to look out for barn owls as they drift ghostly-white along the hedgerows, and hares are now much easier to see whilst the fields are bare.

Cople is blessed with many walks around the village, some of which are circular and it is a really nice way to spend an hour or two, or three! You can walk across to Willington; around the Grange Estate where the old flooded sandpits are great places to see waterbirds; along the cycle track towards Moggerhanger and beyond; around the Millennium Wood in Water end or even along the lovely old green lane known as ‘Park (or Pork) Lane’ which runs up the slope of the Greensand Ridge and where Grasshopper Warblers buzz on long summer evenings and Ravens bark overhead on winter days and then walk beyond to Old Warden or Northill. Or you can then turn east or west and follow the 40-mile Greensand Ridge Walk (contact me if you would like a leaflet) which runs from Leighton Buzzard to Gamlingay. Alternatively, head north-east along the bridleway opposite the Water End turning which takes you across to Wood Lane at Willington (where barn owls can be seen floating moth-like at dusk) and you can either walk into Willington or along Wood Lane (listening out for the melancholic, fluting calls of golden plovers across the fields on winter days) and up the hill to Moggerhanger and beyond.

A group has been set up to survey, record and monitor Bedfordshire’s wild mammals with one of the eventual aims being to produce a Mammal Atlas of Bedfordshire. For more information and to report sightings, see their website here: www.bedsmammalgroup.co.uk The swifts may have left (and will probably already be in southern Africa, feeding amongst zebras and wildebeest) but the swallows and house 24

martins are still very much with us. Walk around the cricket field and the swallows will be obvious, zooming low over the cut grass catching flying insects on the wing all the while twittering happily away. There will be plenty of young birds amongst them – easily told by their shorter tail streamers and their more faded brown and less ‘defined’ colouring. Some swallows and house martins will still have late broods of young in their nests, helped by the fine weather we are currently experiencing. But the classic swallow behaviour at this time of year is the flocking together and sitting on telephone wires, house roofs, gable ends and ridges. The swallows sit in rows, often 20 or more and keep up a constant, excited, and happy-sounding, twittering. There is often a mix of adults and young and they flutter and fidget restlessly about in short hops and flights, stretching wings and grooming as if they are itching to be off. And that, indeed, is just what they are doing; a kind of pre-migration get together to see if everyone is ready for the off and a 6,000 mile journey (at about 200 miles per day) to south-east Africa…

Steve Halton

stevehalton@gmail.com

Young swallows

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October Diary Cople Church Services 2nd

10:00am 11:30am

Sunday School All Age Communion

9th

10:00am 11:30am

Sunday School Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)

16th

11:30am

Harvest Festival Family Service

23rd

10:00am 11:30am

Sunday School Sung Communion

30th

10:00am 11:00am

Sunday School Benefice Holy Communion at Cople Benefice Morning Prayers

Willington Church. 9am on Thursday 6th,13th, 20th and 27th October

Bin Days for October Green bin.

Orange bin.

13th and 27th 6th and 20th

Mobile Library for October Wednesday 5th and 19th 10:00 to 10:20am All Saints Road, 10:25 to 10:45am Water End, 10:50 to 11:10am Outside Five Bells

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.

Cople Carpet Bowls Club Carpet bowls 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.

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Monday 3rd 11:00am

Benefice Tiny Tots Singalong

Cople Church

6:15pm

Junior Choir

Cople Church

Bell ringing practice

Cople Church

Harvest Quiz Supper

Cople Church

11:00am

Benefice Tiny Tots Singalong

Cople Church

2:00pm

Mothers Union

87 Willington Road

7:30pm

Bell ringing practice

Cople Church

7:30pm

Tuesday Club. Life of a racehorse

by Geoff Evans from Newmarket

Village Hall

11:00am

Benefice Tiny Tots Singalong

Cople Church

12:30pm

Luncheon Club

Cople Church

6:15pm

Junior Choir

Cople Church

7:15pm

Senior Choir

Cople Church

Bell ringing practice

Cople Church

Benefice Choir

Cople Church

Bell ringing practice

Cople Church

11:00am

Benefice Tiny Tots Singalong

Cople Church

6:15pm

Junior Choir

Cople Church

Tuesday 4th 7:30pm Saturday 8th 7:30pm

Monday 10th

Tuesday 11th

Monday 17th

Tuesday 18th 7:30pm Monday 24th 7:15pm Tuesday 25th 7:30pm

Monday 31st

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SJ TAX & ACCOUNTING QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT Professional friendly services, Tax advice, Free initial consultation, Sole traders, Ltd companies, bookkeeping, payroll, CIS, VAT & Tax. E: sally@sjtax.co.uk Tel: 01234 831997 Mob: 07899 808592

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GARDEN LANDSCAPING & FENCING All services and work undertaken.

Please do ring for a no obligation quote.

Mark Slaughter 07792 749041 mslaughter1060@yahoo.co.uk

Trusted & Professional Reliable & Insured 29

News from Cople Lower School By the time you read this, we will be well into a new school year and everyone will have settled into new classes and new routines. This term’s topics include ‘Active Planet’ in the Oaks, ‘Where we live’ in the Acorns and ‘We are the Catkins’ for our new Reception children. We will be planning for Harvest celebrations and probably even thinking about Christmas!

This term also sees some decisions being made and further consultation about the future of our school and I will try to update you regularly as we go through the process.

One of the most important things we do in school is to listen to the children read as regularly as possible. To do this, we rely on the help of volunteers and we have several parents who help us as well as other members of the community. However, we are always looking for more volunteers.

If you have the time, why not start the day with a rewarding experience.

Here are some of the things our volunteers have said: “I love reading to the kids, it’s great to meet my daughter’s class mates and learn more about the school.”

“English isn’t my first language, I wasn’t sure if I was good enough to read. I am now more confident and like to learn with them” “It’s made me think about becoming a teaching assistant, it’s a great feeling to help someone learn” “It’s only a small amount of time, but I always leave with a warm feeling that I have made a difference to someone’s day.”

If you think you could help any morning between 8.45 and 9.15am, we would love to hear from you – drop into the office, call us on 838827 or email us at office@copleschool.org.uk

Thank you Helen Johnson, Headteacher

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www.caperscatering.co.uk Established in 1997 Capers Catering Limited has an outstanding reputation for quality products and personal service which offer bespoke menus for all occasions For more information contact us on info@caperscatering.co.uk 01767 631700 Creating menus to inspire exceeding expectations

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Cople Village Hall & Playing Field Available for Hire for: Parties, Wedding Receptions, Meetings, Conferences etc.

Main Hall and/or Committee Room - hire charge from £9 per hour, special rate of £25 for children’s parties of up to three hours (conditions apply) Contact 01234 838704 or villagehallenquiries@cople.org.uk for more information

COPLE VILLAGE TRUST Reg. Charity No. 1090113

200 CLUB Prize winners for September 2016 1st prize of £60 152 G Pendall 2nd prize of £30 231 L Perman 3rd prize of £10 253 A Duthie 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, catherine.bayliss@btinternet.com or any of the Village Hall trustees.

Consultation about bus passes Bedford Borough Council is proposing to ask pensioners and disabled pass holders to pay £1.00 for any journey starting before 9.30am or after 11pm on weekdays.

There is a consultation process which is open to everybody and will run from Wednesday 10 August until Wednesday 5 October 2016.

More detailed information and the link to the consultation can be found here www.bedford.gov.uk/earlytravel 32

William’s Walks Billy Marler – Dog Walking and Pet Sitting – Cople and surrounding villages.

Mobile: 07496 406122 Tel: 01234 838965 Trustworthy, responsible, experienced with dogs short or long walks – available 7 days a week – anytime.

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Tuesday Club We had a super evening for our cruise on the river.

The hottest evening of the summer, it was perfect, just like being on holiday. The group were able to purchase a glass of wine, beer, tea coffee or soft drink to go with the delicious gateaux served. It was interesting to see Bedford from the river, it soon became dark so we had the excitement of coming back through the lock in the dark. The boat was crewed by volunteers who obviously enjoy taking groups onto the river.

Our meeting on Tuesday 11 October 7.30pm will be “my life as a race horse� by Geoff Evans. Any new members will be very welcome.

Jane Peeke

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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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“Flowers� is a company that has grown on reputation since 2008.

We are a small domestic cleaning and ironing company.

We offer an excellent service for reasonable rates Discount for Senior Citizens Call Danielle on 07966 047 292 or 01234 772 058 www.flowerscleaningservices.co.uk

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Gardening in October As I write this, we have just had the hottest day in September on record and yet for many, October heralds the onset of autumn which might seem a little difficult to imagine but despite the freakish heat, the leaves have well and truly started falling and I for one, have already seen a primrose in flower which traditionally is a harbinger of spring!

Is the notion of a ‘season’ dead in the water? My thoughts, for what it’s worth, are that these days, we seem to get any weather, any time of the year and although gardening books often have a calendar showing what jobs can be undertaken in which month, I once again urge readers to be empowered and try things that fly in the face of conventional wisdom. You never know, you might just be the first in your neighbourhood to have a type of flower in bloom, or be harvesting unseasonal vegetables!

That said, one plant that is guaranteed to liven up any garden at this time of the year is the Dahlia. Flowering (normally!) from July to November, Dahlias are nothing if not show stoppers and if the rest of your garden is starting to take on autumnal hues, its flamboyant colour can fool you into thinking that winter is months away!

Many perennials benefit from being divided every couple of years which keeps the plant happy but also means, you get free plants and nothing makes a gardener happier than free plants! Ajuga, Asters, Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill), Stachys, even Rudbeckia can all simply be dug up, and using a sharp knife or even a spade, separated into new plants.

Simply re-plant all that has been dissected and keep well-watered in dry spells and in no time at all, you will have successfully increased your stock of a particular plant and at no expense. Magic!

Don’t forget: daffodil bulbs need to be in the ground but you can also plant in borders and pots, wall flowers, forget me nots and pansies. Any lawn repairs should be carried out sooner rather than later using either turf or seed and top soil mix. Either way, keep wet.

The answer to last month’s just for fun question is, your Gladioli have finished flowering, do you dead head or not? I like to dead head for the same reason one cuts the flowers off any plant and that is, to stop the plant from producing seed. By doing this, the energy saved will be used elsewhere to its benefit. However, some gardeners prefer to lift the corms, dry and store in a frost free shed. This month’s question is why are forget me nots so called?

As usual, many thanks for your kind words and correspondence and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855.

Lawn Doctor

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Lawn Doctor Garden Services Clearance, Redesign, Maintenance

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.

Qualified

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Thank you Lawn Doctor, you have given me my garden back’, Ms N.Patadia, Mill Hill

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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 julie_griff@hotmail.com

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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Botox® & Dermal Filler

Wouldn't it be fantastic to take off a few years? Smooth out those lines and wrinkles for a fresher, more youthful appearance. Well now you can!

Our exciting range of non-surgical treatments may just be the answer.

Donna Small is an independent medical aesthetics practitioner. She is a highly qualified and experienced State Registered Paramedic, is a member of the Health Care Professions Council and is a Clinical Operations trainer with over 25 years experience in the cosmetic and medical profession combined.

Donna offers the very latest dermal fillers and wrinkle reducing treatments that will leave you feeling revitalized with a new air of confidence.

With just one phone call we can arrange a free and discrete consultation for you to discuss your personal requirements prior to your treatment.

Botox®

Frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet can be addressed with this wrinkle reducing injection. Muscles are relaxed to prevent the formation of wrinkles, while softening existing lines. Improvements will be seen over two weeks and these results will last up to 4-6 months.

Juvederm® Dermal Fillers and Painless Lip Enhancement Dermal Fillers are ideal for softening the deep lines from the mouth to the nose area, smoker's lines, to enhance thin lips, create a more defined lip border and to lift the corners of the mouth. Unlike many other types of filler, Juvederm is pure, safe and ultra smooth. Results are immediate and can last up to 6 months.

Call Donna on 01234 838980 or 07773 553055 44

Photos, Prints, Textiles, Objects, Embroideries, Canvases, Mirrors, original art on paper or board Framing from budget to conservation standard.

Large choice of mountboard, glass and frames, including hand-finished frames.

www.manorfarmstudios.com

Caroline: 01234 831058 email: caroachristopher@gmail.com

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Tracy Herrick 76 Willington Rd. Cople 01234 831079

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Willington Peace Memorial Hall, Church Road, Willington, Beds, MK44 3PU

www.willingtots.co.uk

Open daily Mon-Fri 9.15-12.15 With lunch club available 12.15-1.15

Places available for 2-4year olds ÂŁ9.75 for a 3hr session (ÂŁ3.25 extra for lunch club)

We also accept 2 and 3 year old NEF funding To enquire about a place for your child please email Kelly at willingtots@outlook.com or mrsdink@live.co.uk or call her on 07972 148085 48

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Village Contacts Village Hall Bookings: 01234 838704 villagehallenquiries@cople.org.uk

Tuesday Club Joy Duthie Tel : 838407

Over 60's Club Secretary : Hazel Shreeves Tel : 838817

Cricket Cople Argus Cricket Club Chris Gregory 01234 838396

Mothers Union Contact: Jill Ebbs Tel : 838659

Biggleswade Chronicle Village Correspondent: Jill Ebbs Tel: 838659

Cople Lower School Headteacher : Helen Johnson Tel : 838827

Cople Web Site Ian Whiting Tel : 838347 Email: ian@cople.org.uk Web Site :www.cople.org.uk

Cople Village Trust Chair : Sandra Thacker Tel : 831344 Royal British Legion

Cople Baby and Toddler

Stephanie Lawrence 07591 108746

Village Agent Wendy Worgan 0800 039 1234

Chair: Roger Sparks Tel: 07889958545 Welfare: Mary Baker Tel: 01767 225278/07475 923131

Cople Parish Council Clerk to the Council: Jeanne Pope 42 Wingfield Road, Bromham, Beds. MK43 8JY Tel: 01234 823 297

Police Paul Jones PCSO 4760 & Daniel Henman PCSO 6750 Riseley Police Station Tel : 01234 - 842865

coplepc@outlook.com

Carpet Bowls Secretary : Pauline Baynes Tel : 838102

Yoga Classes Freda 01767 627611

Willingtots Pre-School Group Tel: 07972– 148085

Pilates Classes Julie Crawford www.forwardfitness.co.uk Mobile 0794 6067266

Before & After School Club At Cople Lower School Tel: 07592 - 012249 Brownies (Willington) Amanda Briscoe, 07914 240494 or email: willingtongirlguiding@gmail.com

Claire Darlow 07813 843 980 claire@pilatesworks.me Neighbourhood Plan Group

Judith Howard Derek Armitage John Peck Ged Peeke Catherine Bayliss Steve Halton Lesley Cole

Beavers, Cubs & Scouts Contact Emma Whiterod Tel: 07908 167356 Cople Sports & Social Club Chair: David Hughes Tel : 838669 50

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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The first day of term at The Girls’ High School and 2 years of work come to an end with the inaugural lacrosse match.