Cople News November 2019
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Editor’s Notes This year the remembrance service will be held in Cople. The notice is on the front cover. The Great Neighbours in Cople committee is pleased to report that they have sold all of their tickets for the Pantomime in Milton Keynes. The next coffee afternoon will be held in the village Hall on Monday the 11th. Details on page 36. Also as the Cople Christmas Tree was such a success last year they will be repeating it on Thursday 5th December at 6 pm with help from Revd Fiona Gibson and the PCC. Carol singers, mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies for all those who come to support this lovely Christmas event. See the back cover. Following on from last month, Fiona Hughes has written a piece about looking after older dogs. Read all about it on page 28. The Friends of Cople Church have had to delay their pantomime until next year. Circumstances have conspired against them and they need more time. We can wait, after all we wouldn’t want it to be under rehearsed would we? Miles Tetley has written a piece on page 9. The Cople Church Coffee mornings continue to do well. The next event is on 23rd November. The notice is also on page 9. This years Christmas Lunch will be on 9th December. See page 8 for further details. Ged Peeke
Cople News Editor : Ged Peeke 39 Willington Road, Cople, Beds, MK44 3TH. Tel 01234 838379 Email: coplenews@gmail.com Deadline for copy and advertising 15th of every month
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Nearly New Centre Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm At Sue Ryder Palliative Care Home St. John’s Moggerhanger 3
Letter from the Vicar Dear friends As you read this, we will be approaching the season of Remembrance. The first opportunity to remember will come on Sunday 3 rd November at 6.00pm, when St John the Evangelist, Moggerhanger, will host the All Souls Commemoration Service on behalf of our three villages: a time for all those of us who have lost loved ones, whether family or friends, to come together to remember, to give thanks, and to find God’s strength for the days ahead. All are most welcome to that service. Please do invite friends and neighbours if you know they have been bereaved. Then, of course, there is the official remembrance of those who gave their lives for our peace and freedom in two world wars, and the wars and conflicts since 1945. As the daughter of a man who served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and the Korean War, I never fail to be moved as the poppies fall down from the roof of the Royal Albert Hall during the Festival of Remembrance. That remembrance is all the more poignant in our own day as the reality of war and its human cost is once again apparent. The village Remembrance Services on Sunday 10 th November will give all of us an opportunity to come together to honour those who died so that we might live in freedom. Details of each village’s service are in the magazines.
Remembering with thankfulness is at the heart of the Christian faith, and at the heart of our worship, as week by week we come together to remember in bread and wine the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus’ willing sacrifice of himself on the cross for the sake of others is, for Christian believers, the ultimate expression of the self-giving love at the heart of God. One man dies, that many might live in freedom. One man dies, to bring life to others. “Do this in remembrance of me.” So in this season of Remembrance, as we remember with candles, poppies, or bread and wine, may we all take time to pause, reflect, and be thankful. With best wishes Revd Fiona Gibson
From the Church Registers Baptism. 1st September 2019
Rory Michael FOLEY
Wedding. 7th September 2019
Shane DUNNE and Charlotte CAMPBELL 4
A Message from the Vicar It’s not every day that someone emails out of the blue offering to do something astonishing to raise money for Cople Church. We do from time to time have wonderful surprises, and some in the village give direct to support the church, for which we are very grateful indeed. And of course our wonderful Friends organise many excellent events which also raise much-needed funds for the upkeep of the building; we simply couldn’t manage without that support. But it was still a very pleasant end to a day to receive a message from Tom Crawford, who lives in the village and is a very keen cyclist, offering to give the funds he raises from his sponsored 24-hour, yes, 24-hour bike ride this year. I am in awe of those of you who cycle round our village, or to and from work, but the thought of a 24-hour bike ride was astounding. We are so very grateful as a Parochial Church Council to Tom for his generosity, and that of those who sponsor him. We, and he, would be extremely grateful if anyone in the village would like to add to his sponsorship total. You can do it by contacting me to get the Cople Parish bank details. He has raised £75 and is hoping to get that up to £1500! So any amount you could give, however large or small, would be much appreciated. Revd Fiona Gibson
All Saints Church Revd Fiona Gibson The Vicarage. 3 Grange Lane. Cople, MK44 3TT. Telephone 01234 838145. email; cmwvicar@gmail.com
Churchwardens June Thomas 34 Grange Lane Cople Beds MK44 3TT Tel: 01234 831705 juneshanahan748@btinternet.com
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Julie Scherrer 26 Grange Way Willington Beds MK44 3QW Tel: 01234 838623 julie@scherrer.co.uk>
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Mothers Union Members met in October to plan their programme for 2020 with a variety of ideas put forward. Judith was thanked for her hospitality. Our next meeting will be held at 22 Willington Road on Monday 11th November at 2pm. We shall be putting together a shoebox and activity packs for our projects, as well as collecting in our knitting and sewing items for overseas, which will be taken to the MU Sharing Day in Luton the following Saturday. Thank you again to all friends who have contributed towards our projects.
Liz Buck
Prayer – Time to Remember We remember with gratitude the courage of those who have been willing to die for the sake of others. May we never take for granted the freedom gained at the cost of another’s life. There are many older people for whom memories of the past are more real and easy to recall than events of the present. We pray they may be treated with understanding and dignity and that their carers may show sensitivity and patience. (MU Families Worldwide)
CHRISTMAS LUNCH This years Luncheon Club festive lunch will take place on the 9th December in the village hall at 12.30pm. Three course traditional lunch, mince pies , grand raffle and lots of good company. Reservations are required .Please contact June 831705 to book your place. Tickets are £8.50
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Cople Church Coffee Morning Saturday 23rd November 2019 10.30-12.00 (in the church) The coffee morning in November is being run by the Lunch Club team. There will be books, crafts and nearly new items for sale. Homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks will be available throughout the morning. Please visit with friends and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of All Saints church. All money raised is for the church. All welcome.
From the Friends of Cople Church Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to postpone this years Pantomime until next year. Do I hear sighs of relief and cheers as doors and windows are un-nailed, and people take to the streets again? Well never fear, we shall rise from the ashes next year (or attempt to do so) stronger and funnier than ever - not sure about that last bit, the script possibly needs more work. Look out for future announcements – you have been warned! On the bright side, planning has started for the annual Friends Safari Supper which will take place on Saturday 8 th February 2020. Tickets will go on sale in the new year. Miles Tetley
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Tuesday Club The Tuesday club listened to an account from Pauline a retired prison officer who spent 23 years at various jails including Holloway and Wormwood scrubs. Holloway prison was built in 1852 to resemble Warwick Castle. It became a women only establishment in 1902 until its closure in 2016. Ruth Ellis was the last woman to be executed there 13th July 1955. Prison is not necessarily the sombre place depicted in the media! She witnessed a marriage ceremony in Holloway where the bride in a wedding dress was given away by the governor. Nicknamed “Hitlers wife”, Pauline was tough on discipline but always treated the inmates as people firstthen prisoners . She had an encounter with the “ghostly” grey lady on her rounds one night! Pauline met many diverse characters in prison. The repeated offenders, the criminal families, the young mothers, the violent prisoners and the law breakers who used their time in prison to be educated and rehabilitated. The talk concluded in rather an unusual humorous way with Pauline singing about a young lady who disposed of her family illegally!! Eithne Dandy We next meet on Tuesday November 12th Cople Village Hall 7 30 pm Julie Anna Flower demonstration. With Wine and Mince pies. We will be going to the Crown at Northill for own Christmas dinner this year. The menu looks varied and delicious. 10th December time T.B.A. Transport can be provided if required. There will be a sign up sheet (with menu choices) at our November meeting contact a committee member.
Blunham Community Cinema presents on Friday 29th November, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (Cert 12a) starring Mike Myers and Rami Malek. The story of the legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985). Film starts promptly 7.30 pm doors open 7pm. Tickets costs Adults £5.00. Children £2.50. Family (2A + 2C) £12.00. Sweets, Drinks, Ice cream and pop-corn are available. For tickets or any further information contact 07783 046020.
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YOGA
Energising, Flowing, Hatha Vinyasa classes with Genevieve Cardington Village Hall Southill Road, Cardington Sundays 10 – 11 a.m. Classes also held in Bedford Monday and Wednesday evenings and Thursday morning.
Phone Gen on 07849 158 850 mail@chandrikayoga-dance.co.uk
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HOLISTIC THERAPIST & BODY WORKER Suzanne Edgington
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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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TCS Paintingď ? Local Friendly Painter
Small Interior Painting Work Also Fence and Decking Staining Phil 07799 012107 or 01234300769 Bedford and Surrounding Villages
V J Edwards Plastering & Building Services Certified Plasterer by British Gypsum – all works guaranteed for 2 years. Tel no: M: 07970 011605 H: 01234 740400 Internal and external Plastering Special Renders: Krend, monocuhe and Cemrend Stud Partitioning Plaster Boarding Garage conversions, Kitchens & Bathrooms and small extensions 18
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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
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
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01234 - 838 676 07979 - 928 186
COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS HETAS Registered Wood/Multi Fuel Stove Installation Gas Fires Fitted – GAS SAFE Chimney Sweeping Insurance/Safety Certificates Issued Chimney Lining Bird Guards Fitted Free Survey & Quote Competitive Prices
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November Diary Church Services 3rd
10.00am 11:30am 6pm
Sunday School All Age Communion All Souls Service Moggerhanger
10th
10:55am
Remembrance Service for Cople and Willington
17th
11:30am
Family Service (Shoebox Service)
24th
10:00am 11:30am 3pm
Sunday School Sung Communion Forest Church at Moggerhanger Park
Morning Prayers At Willington Church 9am on Thursday 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th November
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 30ft carpet in Cople Village Hall on Wednesday evenings 7:30 to 10:00 pm. Any enquiries contact Pauline on 01234 838102. Pauline Baynes. Monday 4th
Black Bin
11am
Benefice Tiny Tots Praise
Cople Church
6:15pm
Youth Music Group Practice
Cople Church
7:30pm
Benefice Choir Practice
Cople Church
Tuesday 5th 7:30pm
Bell ringing practice
Friday 8th
10:00am
Bridge Day
Village Hall 24
Monday 11th
Orange and Green Bins
11am
Benefice Tiny Tots Praise
Cople Church
1:30pm to 3:30pm
GNiC Afternoon. see page 36
Village Hall
2pm
Mothers Union
22 Willington Rd
6:15pm
Youth Music Group Practice
Cople Church
7:15pm
Benefice Choir Practice
4 Grange Way Willington
Tuesday 12th 7:30pm
Bell ringing practice
7:30pm
Tuesday Club. Julie Anna Flowers Demonstration. Mince pies and wine.
Monday 18th
Black Bins
11am
Benefice Tiny Tots Praise
Cople Church
12:30pm
Luncheon Club
Cople Church
6:15pm
Youth Music Group Practice
Cople Church
Village Hall
Tuesday 19th 7:30pm
Bell ringing practice
Thursday 21st 2:30pm
Afternoon Tea
7:30pm
PCC Meeting
Moggerhanger Church
Saturday 23rd 10:30am
Coffee Morning
Cople Church
Monday 25th
Orange and Green Bins
11am
Benefice Tiny Tots Praise
Cople Church
6:15pm
Youth Music Group Practice
Cople Church
7:15pm
Benefice Choir Practice
4 Grange Way Willington
Tuesday 26th 7:30pm
Bell ringing practice
Mobile Library for November Wednesday 13th and 27th November 10:00 to 10:20am All Saints Road, 10:25 to 10:40am Water End, 10:45 to 11:05am Outside Five Bells 25
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
BED AND BREAKFAST AT THE PINK COTTAGE, MOGGERHANGER www.thepinkcottage.co.uk
Prices from £50 per night per double room Dogs welcome Contact Mel Ebbage Tel: 07538257632 Email : info@thepinkcottage.co.uk 26
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Canine Massage and the Older Dog. One minute our dogs are puppies tearing around (or up!) the garden, time passes and those same dogs are now pottering around and finding a sunny spot for a snooze. They have slowed down and want to spend more time sniffing than walking, they are stiff when they first get out of their beds and they want to sleep more. We adapt their lifestyle because they are getting older. We retire them from high energy activities such as agility and flyball, shorten their walks and help them with everyday activities like getting in and out of the car or going upstairs. There may be orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia present. Their muscles may twitch or they may have shaky legs, they have lost their bounce and enthusiasm. If any of this sounds like your ‘golden oldie’ canine friend there are things that can be done to help them feel more comfortable: Massage therapy can make a dramatic difference to an older dog by: Treating areas of pain and soreness Releasing tight and contracted muscles that are compensating for arthritic joints. Maintaining and improving the range of movement within the limbs. Encouraging oxygenated blood into the muscles and aiding the removal of metabolic waste products by stimulating the circulation, particularly helpful in dogs that are not very active. Helping to improve muscle mass, as many older dogs have muscle wastage particularly around the hind legs. After 1-3 sessions many owners report that their dog has renewed enthusiasm for walks and has got their ‘zest’ for life back. Bedding – a thicker bed with more padding and space to stretch out is more comfortable for the older dog who has less muscle mass, stiffer joints and is inclined to sleep more. Feeding height – raising the height of the food and water bowls reduces the stress on the back and neck especially in larger dogs. Everyday aids – ramps or steps to help them in and out of the car. Non-slip mats or runners on slippery flooring such as laminate or tiles. Support harnesses to help with mobility issues. A wide soft collar or well-fitting harness to walk them in reduces the pressure on the neck. Supplements and diet – maintaining a healthy weight is important for the older dog as being overweight puts excessive strain and pressure on the joints. Consider feeding a joint supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain joint health. Fiona Hughes is the owner of Cople Canine Massage Therapy and a member of the Canine Massage Guild. If you think massage could benefit your dog contact me on 07808 588133 ccmt.pro@gmail.com www.ccmt.pro 28
COPLE VILLAGE TRUST (Registered Charity No. 1090113)
200 CLUB
Prize winners for October 2019 1 prize of £60 169 Pat Vacher 2nd prize of £30 218 David Lenton 3rd prize of £10 293 Michelle Robertson Thank you for your support All monies raised are used to maintain and improve the Village Hall, Playing Field & Playground. st
Treasurer Catherine Bayliss catherine.bayliss@btinternet.com
01234 838704/07880 890508
Contact
01234 838004
JaneB2014@hotmail.com
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Willington Peace Memorial Hall, Church Road, Willington, Beds, MK44 3PU
Open daily Mon-Fri 9.15-12.15 With lunch club available 12.15-1.15
Sessional day care for 2-4year olds during term time. ÂŁ12.00 for a 3hr session (ÂŁ4.00 extra for lunch club) We also except 2 and 3/4 year old NEF funding To enquire about a place for your child please email Kelly and Stacey at willingtots@outlook.com or call on 07972 148085 30
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Wild about Cople Ivy – if there is ever a ‘Marmite’ sort of plant then ivy has to be well up there with the leaders; it has a dual personality and, consequently, it has both detractors and fans, and, those who are a bit of both – and I belong in the latter camp, although with a more firmly planted foot in the ‘fans’ camp. Hedera helix or Ivy is a tough, evergreen climber which is as much at home forming carpets of leaves across grass and under trees as it is twining up trees, often to the very top of the tree and completely shrouding it, often forming massive, choking stems up to several inches thick and I have seen it enclosing trees rather like some sort of sinister, encasing external skeleton, like something out of the ‘Alien’ films. And it is mainly that habit that causes it so much dislike. Ivy is climber, scrambler and creeper; it creeps across the ground but once it reaches a tree it can climb up to 100 ft or more in height. The young leader stems are thin and flexible and can ‘feel’ their way across bark and snake into crevices and use their small, aerial roots to grip onto the rough surfaces very tightly – they also produce a ‘glue’ to help the attachment. But this doesn’t cause the problem; ivy doesn’t strangle, destroy or poison trees but there is no doubt that, especially during the winter, the large mass of green ivy leaves spread across a bare tree (which would usually enable any strong winds to pass through) acts like a sail so preventing the winds from passing through – if the tree is weakened through disease or has a poor root system then the formula; strong wind + weak tree blanketed in ivy = tree blown down. So, if you reduce the amount of ivy by severing some of the stems at chest height then the resistance will be reduced. And there is also no doubt that a thick covering of ivy on a tree can also affect the tree by reducing the amount of light getting to the leaves during summer so making the tree less efficient and possibly reducing its health. Does ivy affect walls? Like so much about ivy, the jury seems to be out on this one. There is no doubt that it can look nice; sparrows and other small birds like to nest in it and studies have shown that, being evergreen, it can actually help to insulate your house in the winter and keep it cool in summer. The waxy leaves deflect water away from the walls so keeping them drier. Depending on the wall substrate, it is now considered that ivy can only damage walls if the wall is already damaged as the small rootlets can penetrate the existing damage and widen the cracks. Ivy is also very mildly poisonous and the plant itself, if handled with bare hands, can cause contact dermatitis and/or rashes (it does that to me). But, on the other hand, ivy is the source of compounds that can help with breast cancer, asthma, COPD and has anti-inflammatory properties. As I said, swings and roundabouts… Ivy is also hugely important for wildlife. It is thick, bushy and evergreen and provides winter hibernation sites for butterflies and other insects and 32
cover for roosting birds and bats. During the summer it provides nest sites for birds. But, most importantly, ivy has another twist – it flowers in late summer/early autumn (when most flowers and sources of nectar have finished) and it produces berries during the winter (when most berries are becoming depleted). Out for a walk on a warm autumn afternoon around Cople recently I could smell the most amazing honey scent and around the corner was a huge mass of flowering ivy covered with those attractive fuzzy yellow balls of flowers. And you could hear the insects before you even got close. Humming and buzzing they were feasting like a banquet on the flowers which were dripping with nectar. Solitary bees, honeybees, hoverflies, wasps, flies and butterflies (and, at night, moths) were swarming all over the flowers which were providing that so important, late stock-up, before winter hibernation. Which is so important for our wildlife. And, during the winter, the stock of matt black berries provide food for birds and small mammals. The Holly Blue; a butterfly like a small, silvery scrap of blue sky, lays its eggs on holly in the spring and ivy in the summer, and the Ivy Bee; a beautiful, harmless, small bee and a new arrival in the UK, bases most of its life history around ivy. So, ivy, on balance, really is an important plant for all kinds of reasons – just keep an eye on it and, if it is doing no harm let it grow luxuriantly and produce flowers and berries; if you need to control it then sever a percentage of the stems every now and then to keep it under control so then everyone wins (and benefits). Steve Halton
stevehalton@gmail.com
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HERITAGE PAINTERS & DECORATORS EXTERNAL & INTERNAL PAINTING & DECORATING WALL PAPER HANGING, ARTEX & COVING OFFICE: 01767 691010 MOBILE: 07860 601567 EmaiL: heritagewestwood@btinternet.com www.heritagedecorators.co.uk
FULLY INSURED FREE ESTIMATES 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
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Great Neighbours in Cople Great Neighbours in Cople run a friendly get together at the village hall for Cople residents to come and say hello and meet other local people and enjoy a complimentary tea/coffee and a slice of cake . All residents are welcome . The next GNIC afternoon is on Monday 11th 1:30pm to 3:30pm and they will continue to be held on every second Monday of each month. If any help is needed is getting to the village hall or returning home please ask and GNIC will be of assistance . Hope to see you there !! The GNIC committee
New Pilates Studio open in Willington
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 12 years this year, and teaching Pilates in Cople since 2006 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 area. Monday 1:00pm Absolute Beginners intro as 1:1 or small group (45 mins) Studio 2.00pm Mixed ability—Cardington Reading Rooms Thursday 12noon Studio suitable for all 1:00pm Absolute Beginners intro as 1:1 or small group (45 mins) Studio 2.00pm Mixed ability – Cardington Reading Rooms 5:30pm Absolute Beginners intro as 1:1 (45 mins) 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 36
CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOPS IN COPLE 2019
START CHRISTMAS OFF IN STYLE Why not come and join us, at our cottage workshop, for a fun afternoon or evening with tea, coffee, mulled wine and mince pies on arrival before creating your own gorgeous Christmas door wreath
Saturday 7th December 3 -5pm Sunday 8th December 3- 5pm Monday 9th December 6.30-8.30pm Wednesday 11th December 6.30-8.30pm Please contact Anna for more information and to book your date
anna@julieannaflowers.co.uk Mobile :07974 739232 Home: 01234 831548 HOLLY COTTAGE. 17 WATER END. COPLE. BEDFORD. MK44 3TY 37
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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PB ELECTRICAL SERVICES All electrical works undertaken from :Full rewires, part rewires. New distribution boards. Additional sockets and light fittings. CCTV installations. No job to small. Call Paul on 07840 683417 or email paulblackmore3@gmail.com
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Gardening in November As the penultimate month of the year beckons, my correspondence this month is full of stories from gardeners rendered incredulous by unusual sights in their gardens. Primroses and Marigolds that have been in flower most of the year, even Grape Hyacinth coming into bloom in mid-October rather than its more normal March, it would appear, UK gardens are changing. Are we witnessing ‘global warming’? For me, the science is unequivocal. Yes we are. But to paraphrase Heraclitus, ‘everything is always in flux’, so the changes we may be viewing now are simply rather more conspicuous than other changes that have taken place throughout our lives. And of course, putting a new name on an already existing phenomenon always gives the illusion that it is itself, new. And as always, it is the job of the gardener to work to the conditions we have rather than go by a calendar or any other artifice. After an enormous amount of rain in mid-October, though much needed, it is worth taking particular care on any areas that are prone to flooding in your garden. Working on land that is saturated underneath can cause serious damage to soil structure which will lead to problems down the line so, if any doubt, steer well clear for the time being. Every year at this time, I receive questions about whether to cut lawns or not and every year, my advice is thus: it depends on the lawn and it depends on the mower! If conditions, allow, mowing grass at this time is fine. Sporting clubs, golf courses etc., will often continue cutting grass throughout the winter. A roller on the back of the back generally creates less damage than wheels but, only you can decide whether the pros outweigh the cons! The grass will certainly continue to grow until the ground temperature drops. One advantage of mowing at this time of the year is that the mower will collect detritus blown onto it such as leaves. And of course, the longer the grass the more likely the leaves are to become entangled in it so providing you are not causing damage, its fine to keep mowing. In the October issue of the BBC Gardeners World magazine, they run a consumer test on the best ‘robot’ lawn mowers currently available which has prompted a few questions along the lines of ‘are they any good?’. For me, cutting grass has always been a task I enjoyed doing so I thought I would throw it open to you. If you use a robot lawn mower, what has been your verdict? Would you recommend their use to others? Please get in touch via the details above and I will report back over the coming months. Last month’s just for fun question, was in two parts: 1. What is the correct botanical name of the plant commonly known as ‘Butterfly Bush’? Answer: 42
Buddleia. And 2. Why is it called this? Answer: It was posthumously named after the acclaimed Botanist and Rector, Reverend Adam Buddle (1662-1715). Over the years, I have heard a number of people complaining about this plant but simply, if you want a steady stream of beautiful butterflies weaving around your garden, you really need to have at least one of these. As if that is not reason itself, they are incredibly easy to grow – a source of some of their unjust criticism – have beautiful and very long lasting flowers which actually have a similar scent to lilac. They will need an annual prune and they do respond to dead heading but they reward one handsomely. There are even dwarf varieties. This month’s question is, a qualified gardener friend tells you to be careful of ‘wind rock’; what do they mean? Thank you all very much for your correspondence. I really enjoy receiving it – please keep it coming. And do please contact me with any with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, lawndocgardens@aol.com or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855. Lawn Doc
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.
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£10 OFF ONLY £44.85 check out our tyre prices on our website www.biggleswademot.co.uk 44
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Village Contacts Over 60's Club Secretary : Hazel Shreeves Tel : 838817
Cople Web Site Ian Whiting Tel : 838347 Email: ian@cople.org.uk Web Site :www.cople.org.uk
Mothers Union Contact: Jill Ebbs Tel : 838659
Village Agent Wendy Worgan 0800 039 1234
Cople Village Trust Chair : Sandra Thacker Tel : 831344
07717 269 440 wendyw@bedsrcc.org.uk
Cople Sports & Social Club Chair: David Hughes Tel : 838669
Cople Parish Council Clerk to the Council: Jeanne Pope 42 Wingfield Road, Bromham, Beds. MK43 8JY Tel: 01234 823 297
Tuesday Club Joy Duthie Tel : 838407
coplepc@outlook.com
Biggleswade Chronicle Village Correspondent: Jill Ebbs Tel: 838659
Our local good neighbourhood scheme GREAT NEIGHBOURS in COPLE seeks to support residents of our village in a manner that will enable them to remain independent for as long as possible. Our volunteers help local people by giving some of their time to undertake tasks such as shopping, picking up prescriptions, light household duties, gardening or putting out the bins or by spending some time with people who may feel isolated or lonely. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or want to talk to someone about using the service please feel free to contact us on 07746624208 on Monday and Thursdays between 1300hrs – 1500hrs or email us at gniccople@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook for further information.
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 46
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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Cople Christmas Tree All Saints Churchyard
The Big lights switch on for the Christmas tree will be Thursday 5th December at 6 pm and GNIC will be supplying mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate for the children. There will also be carol singers and hopefully fine weather.
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