Cople News June 2020
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Editor’ Notes The weather was perfect for VE Day and there were an incredible number of impromptu parties all observing the social distancing rules. Thank you to all who sent me pictures. I have used some on the front and back cover. I have also had some very good images of the carpets of wild flowers and especially the cowslips in Water End. I regret not having the space to publish them in colour. Some activities are gradually returning to normal and we are adapting to new ways of working and going about our lives. Paul Kynoch is opening up again (his advert is on the opposite page) and the garden centres are back in business. With a bit of luck the school will reopen soon. Bedford Borough Council has made new arrangements for refuse disposal (pages 8 and 9) but these things change rapidly and it is always a good idea to keep checking the council website. Danny and Jean Lynch lost all their possessions when their house in Water End caught fire. It is worth taking a moment to think about what happened and how you would manage. On a normal Sunday afternoon a fire spread from their neighbours house and within 15 minutes all they had was the clothes they were wearing and their pets.. Their insurance company has been excellent and they have a temporary home in their garden whilst they wait for a rebuild of their home. However, the lasting good experience has been the response from friends and neighbours in Cople. They wish to thank everyone who rallied round and helped. They are now even more convinced that they live in the best village in the country. One of the obvious casualties of the lock down has been the fortunes of the charities that rely on the revenue from fund raising events. All Saints Church has been badly affected and on page 7 the churchwardens are appealing for help. On page 11, village resident, Giles Pitman has written a piece about a documentary he has produced. The Friends have bowed to the inevitable and cancelled the Barn Dance in June but they are still hoping the Gin tasting will go ahead in September. Miles Tetley has had a good response to his quizzes and more are planned. See page 23 for details. I have not had any offers to take over the magazine. If you wish to find out more about it please contact me. Ged Peeke
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Letter from the Vicar Dear friends Hi, how are you doing? That’s not the way I normally start my letters to you, I know, but it’s the way another of my new favourite weekly podcasts begins. And somehow, in these days of lockdown, I’ve found that a strangely comforting greeting, even though it comes from someone I’ve never met in real life, and probably never will. Once, I even answered her! So, “Hi, how are you doing?” Five little words, that mean a lot. That show the person is pleased to be in your company, online, on the phone, or (one day again!) in person. Five little words that show that the person genuinely wants to know how you are, isn’t making any assumptions about what the answer might be, and has plenty of time to listen to whatever you say next. When early groups of Methodists met in their small groups to study the Bible and pray, their first question to each other was, “How is it with your soul?” That strikes me as a deeper version of the same question, with the same commitment to listening, and to helping the person on the end of the question to reflect deeply on how things are with them at the most profound level, to look unafraid at what they find in answer to those questions, to seek forgiveness for the things they see there that are wrong or harmful, and to find healing for things that cause sorrow, pain, or shame, and new direction for the following days.
Both are wonderful, challenging, freeing questions, and now might be a good time to ask them. How are you doing? How is it with your soul, or with your inner self? In amongst pandemic lockdown, isolation, loneliness, loss. In amongst the busy-ness of working from home, overseeing children’s schoolwork, looking after the vulnerable. In amongst broken dreams of the 2020-thatnever-was. In amongst the uncertainty of beginning to think about the months ahead as lockdown restrictions are reviewed – which will mean different things for all of us. It’s been a bit like being in a cocoon, being in lockdown, with all the restriction that implies, and the discomfort, but also the safety. But it’s in a cocoon that astonishing transformation takes place, as a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. In these days of cocooning, how could you be transformed in your inner self? How could you emerge different when we can emerge once more? It’s worth taking time, if you can, to ponder those things even as spring turns to early summer, with all the promise that holds. With my love and prayers Fiona PS The podcast I mentioned at the beginning is ‘The Stubborn Light of Things’ by Melissa Harrison. Available wherever you find your podcasts. 4
Church Online – ALL are welcome Although our building remains closed at present, the church in the village continues to be alive and active. We are meeting for online worship every Sunday morning at 10am, and you are warmly invited to join us. It’s a very easy way to ‘dip your toe in the water’ if you’ve been wondering about the big questions of life, and faith. You can even join in by landline phone, or turn off your video if you don’t want us to see you in your pyjamas! We’ve had lots of people joining in who don’t normally come to church, which is lovely – in fact I can see a real market opening up for ‘Church-I-Can-Go-To-In-My-Pyjamas-WhilstDrinking-Coffee’! We are also meeting online on Wednesdays at 8pm to look at some Bible passages on themes like Generosity, Rest, Justice, Water of Life, and others, using audio and video reflections as well as discussion and questions. Again, all are welcome. If you’d like to receive the Zoom ‘Meeting’ details and invitations please email me at cmwvicar@gmail.com or phone me on 01234 838145 to be added to the list. You can unsubscribe any time by contacting me again to be taken off the list!
More suggestions for listening I had several emails last month about the podcasts I recommended, and some even asked for more recommendations, so here you go: The first is called ‘The Sacred’ and it’s produced by Theos, a think tank that works to stimulate the debate about the place of religion in society, challenging and changing ideas through research, commentary and events. In each episode an interviewee talks about their thoughts on life, faith, and anything else of interest! Recent episodes have featured Sally Phillips (Smack the Pony, Miranda, Bridget Jones’s Diary) former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, CEO of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants Satbir Singh, Hertfordshire MP Bim Afolami, novelist Beth O’Leary, and columnist and author Charles Moore. It’s an eclectic bunch of people, and the conversations are always stimulating. With such a varied line-up of guests you’re bound to find at least one you vehemently disagree with, and one you wholeheartedly endorse! The second is the one I already alluded to in my letter – ‘The Stubborn Light of Things’ by Melissa Harrison. Each Monday she releases a new episode where she just goes for a walk in her Suffolk village, talking about what she sees and hears. I love it! And it’s helped me as I walk around our Bedfordshire village, because I recognise even more of what I see and hear. It’s not the same as being guided around by our own wildlife and ecology expert Steve Halton, but it’ll do! If you have any suggestions for podcasts or programmes I might enjoy, please do get in touch. Happy listening! 5
Mothers Union
Prayer God of light and life, Source of all knowledge, wisdom and skill, we thank you for the great resources of healing that are available to those who are sick, and for all who bring help, healing and wholeness to those in need. For surgeons, technical support staff, doctors, nurses, chemists and pharmacists, for therapist, radiologists, social workers and chaplains, for administrative and domestic staff, hospital porters, ambulance staff and volunteers. We pray that you will guide and equip them in their work, support them in difficult decisions, and grant them the strength they need to care for others and for themselves. Amen (MU the prayers we breathe)
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
Julie Scherrer 26 Grange Way Willington Beds MK44 3QW Tel: 01234 838623 julie@scherrer.co.uk>
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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Delivered free to every home in Cople every month circulation 365 copies 6
News from the Churchwardens We hope you are all keeping well during these unusual times. Although the church building has been closed, we have been enjoying regular Sunday services via Zoom, which has been a real joy. Fiona, or Katie our curate, lead the services from their homes. It has been great seeing so many of you logging on each week. If you would like to take part and aren't on the email list already, please contact Fiona by phone (01234 838145) or email (cmwvicar@gmail.com) and she will send you the link for the Zoom services. You can take part in the services on a landline phone if you can’t access them on the internet. Despite the restrictions on meeting together, our annual financial commitments of £29,796 (or £573 per week) remain in place. Whilst a sizeable portion of this comes from our congregation’s regular giving, a very large part would normally come from our weekly collections and fund-raising events, none of which can take place at present, or for the foreseeable future. This is therefore presenting us with a real challenge financially.
If you would normally attend the church fete, parish lunch, church quiz nights or coffee mornings, or buy a ticket for the Grand Draw at the fete, you may still like to contribute the money you would have spent at these functions. We understand that some people are struggling financially themselves, so there is absolutely no pressure to give a gift, but if you would like to make a contribution there are several ways this is possible. You could send a cheque to the Vicarage (made payable to Cople PCC ) for the attention of our treasurer Pamela Marco, put aside a few pounds in a box or envelope, or make a donation via online banking. The sort code and account number can be found on the weekly notice sheets sent out with the Zoom service invites, or if you don't receive these you can phone or email Pamela for the details Tel:01234 831913 email: pamela_tosh@hotmail.com Thank you so much. With love and prayers June and Julie
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Book A Slot to visit Barkers Lane Tip from Monday 11 May and New Facility to Dispose of Garden Waste Bedford Borough Council will be re-opening the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) on Barkers Lane on Monday 11 May. Bookings must be made in advance. In addition, from Monday 11 May, to help with any remaining backlog of garden waste, the Council is opening a new site in the Oasis Swimming Pool car park off Cardington Road. This site is for Bedford Borough residents only, and proof of address (such as a utility bill or Council Tax bill) will be required. Residents will be able to bring their garden waste, without appointment, to the Oasis site and empty any bags or containers of garden waste into large bins. This facility will be open from 9am-5pm, from Monday 11 May for one week initially, then it will be reviewed. Only cars, 4x4s, and small vans up to 1500kg payload will be able to use this service. The Oasis site is purely for garden waste, no other waste will be accepted. The same types of green waste will be accepted as can currently go in the green lidded bin e.g. grass cutting, plants and weeds, flowers, prunings, hedge clippings, leaves and bark. To give people an option to dispose of their waste, if it cannot be safely stored at home or disposed of through the normal kerbside collection, the Government has announced that councils can open their local tips. The Council has been working with its contractors operating the HWRC and is now able to open the site in a safe way, in line with Government guidance during the coronavirus outbreak.
Given the ongoing seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak and guidance still in place there have had to be some changes to how the HWRC will operate. Access to the tip will be via a one way system on Barkers Lane accessed only from Newnham Avenue. To ensure the site is not overwhelmed and so that everyone can follow social distancing guidelines, anyone planning to visit must book a slot. There will be 15 minute slots available which must be booked at least a day before you plan to visit, and will be available to book up to 14 days in advance. You will be asked to show your booking to a member of staff, it does not need to be printed; on a phone screen will be accepted. Anyone coming to 8
the HWRC without a booking will be turned away.
If you visit the HWRC you will see that there is a new layout. This is to make sure that people do not have to walk past each other to get to the different bays, so they can keep social distancing. Due to this new layout, larger vehicles will not be allowed to visit the HWRC to begin with. Initially, only cars, 4x4s and small vans, up to 1500kg payload, will be allowed into the tip. This new layout also means that containers cannot be emptied or the site cleaned effectively during opening hours so the HWRC will be open from 9am-5pm, 7 days a week, to give staff time to do these tasks at the beginning and end of the day. There will be a reduction in the types of waste that can be disposed of at the HWRC: general rubbish, garden waste, recycling, small electrical appliances and small items of furniture will be accepted. Any other waste including fridge/freezers, DIY waste or textiles will not be accepted as a number of disposal sites are still closed. To ensure that everyone is safe and social distancing, site staff will not be able to help people unload items from their vehicles. The Council is also restarting bulky waste collections on Monday 11 May, so larger items can be disposed of that way. Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said “I know how much the tip is valued as a service for people, and I’m really pleased we have been able to re-open it in a way that is safe for the public and for staff. “These are challenging circumstances and we have had to make some changes to how the tip operates. Through the booking system we hope to keep queues down but we will be operating a one-in/one-out system, similar to what you will have experienced at the shops in recent weeks, so we do ask for your patience as there may be a wait to dispose of your waste. “Please abide by social distancing guidelines during your visit to the tip, wear gloves, and make sure you wash your hands after your visit to stay safe.” To book a slot to visit the HWRC, please call 01234 718013. To book a bulky waste collection, please call 01234 718060. There is a cost of £37.20 for up to 5 items, and £57.40 for 6-12 items, and an administration fee. Bedford Borough Council has restarted garden waste collections, on a monthly basis for the time being. To find out when your next garden waste collection will be, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/bins
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R S WORRALL Building Services
(C.F Worrall &Sons Established 1944)
Extensions, Renovations, Kitchen Installations & Property Maintenance Call Ralph on 07950815192 or 01234 838113
ralphworrall@yahoo.co.uk
9 All Saints Road, Cople, Beds
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'In the vastness of the Pacific, there is a place unlike any other. The hotspot for biodiversity and home of unique adaptations…' This is a documentary I have presented, written and edited. You will have an informed insight regarding the biodiverse world as well as the ancient landmarks that soak up a culture not many are aware of. Seven months later: I'd like to thank all of you who helped me shoot, write, transcribe, do sound and even hold pieces of paper during the production. Not forgetting those who supported my volunteering ventures of South America in the summer of 2019. This project was produced towards the end of my time travelling and volunteering, reflecting all the beautiful sights I was fortunate to be faced with. So much work has gone into this project between university and a world crisis. I eternally thank you for supporting my love for film. Enjoy.
The money raised will be going towards the animal rehabilitation centre ‘Merazonia’. The organisation solely relies financially and physically on volunteers to feed many hundred animals, clean they cages and cut vegetation from the rainforest. They are struggling more than ever to keep things afloat. You can watch the documentary on Eventbrite for just £1.50 and will help the heroes in Ecuador save the beautiful creatures. Kind regards, Giles Pitman I have been a resident of Cople since birth and most of you will have seen five year-old me in church doing the nativity, the choir or until recently doing the paper round. I am now at university in Falmouth, Cornwall studying film. 11
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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
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HOLISTIC THERAPIST & BODY WORKER Suzanne Edgington
CNM (Dip), L.C.M. Dip, AOSM Dip, B.S.Y.A.( Ad.Arom), L.C.M.IH Dip, LSSM (Dip), CTLLS, CST II, SERI,SERII
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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
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jkobrien@live.co.uk
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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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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TCS Paintingď ? Local Friendly Painter
Small Interior Painting Work Also Fence and Decking Staining Phil 07799 012107 or 01234 300769 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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COPLE VILLAGE TRUST (Registered Charity No. 1090113)
200 CLUB
Prize winners for May 2020 st 1 prize of £60 198 D Peppiat 2nd prize of £30 271 Doreen Nelson 3rd prize of £10 134 Colin Thompson Thank you for your support All monies raised are used to maintain and improve the Village Hall, Playing Field & Playground. Treasurer Catherine Bayliss catherine.bayliss@btinternet.com
01234 838704/07880 890508
Contact
01234 838004
JaneB2014@hotmail.com
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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
Telephone: Barrie Taylor Mobile
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
01767 627591 / 07950 705479 Julian Biggs, Northill, Bedfordshire
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Friends of Cople Church It will not come as a surprise to people that we have had to cancel the Barn Dance that was due to take place on Saturday 27th June. Under the current circumstances, we do not foresee that large gatherings will be permitted any time soon. We are still planning the Gin event for Saturday 26th September, but we will make a call towards the end of July based on what changes have been made to the current rules as to whether it can go ahead. As mentioned previously we plan to include a competition, so I hope you have all started your flavoured gins – I am sure that they will not go to waste. I am assured by the members of the committee that they are doing a lot of research on the subject of gin and trying as many varieties as they can get their hands on – as if they needed an excuse! Miles Tetley
General Knowledge and Music Quizzes Whilst the pub is closed, to alleviate the boredom and keep the brain in trim, the General Knowledge and Music quizzes are being run online using Zoom. If you would like to take part please drop Miles Tetley an email on milotetley@gmail.com and he will send you the details on the format, how to join in and when. The next dates are:General Knowledge on Thursdays 28th May, 11th June, 25th June at 20:00 finishing about 21:30. Music on Sundays 24th May, 7th June, 21st June starting at 18:30 finishing about 19:30
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Wild about Cople The bright yellow suns of dandelions are everywhere at the moment, studding the grass verges, roundabouts and those bits of ‘waste’ ground peppered across our landscapes. And, of course, in our gardens… Love them or hate them – and I am most definitely in the ‘love them’ camp – they epitomise the characteristics of the true survivor; tough, determined, adaptable to change and everything we seem to want to throw at them they can only be admired and for so many reasons. Plants such as these are known as ‘ruderals’ – a plant species that can rapidly colonise bare or disturbed grounds. The name ‘Dandelion’ comes from the French ‘dent-de-lion’ meaning ‘lion’s-tooth’ and is thought to refer to the coarsely toothed leaves but they also look quite ‘lion-ish’ to me with their manes of yellow flowers, particularly when seen en masse. The plant is a member of the Compositae family of flowers which includes daisies, marigolds, sunflowers and chamomiles. It grows from a long tap root which partly accounts for its ability to tough it out, and spread, in a wide variety of habitats. Most people do not realise that is not just one species of dandelion but in the British Isles alone, 234 microspecies have been recorded. A microspecies is a genotype that is perpetuated by apomixis or a small population with limited genetic variability and a guide is even available which will enable you to identify all those microspecies which can vary according to leaf shape, floret shape (the shape of the individual ‘petals’) habitat etc. Dandelions are also known for their seedheads which look like small, fluffy white moons scattered across the grass. Each individual seed is attached to a pappus or the well-known ‘parachutes’ that float away in the wind (or when kicked or blown) and help with the spread of the plant. Of course, as children, we have all told the time by blowing the dandelion ‘clock’, whereas if you can blow all the seeds away in one puff then you can make a wish that will come true. We have all called the floating seedheads ‘fairies’ and other names include ‘blowball’, ‘puff-ball’ and ‘doonhead clocks’. In Ireland, the seedheads are known as ‘jinny joes’ (as are all sorts of floating, fluffy seeds such as thistle and goatsbeard seeds) and are supposed to belong to the fairies. The plant itself is strongly diuretic (makes you wee more) and contains a bitter milky-white liquid hence its plethora of folk names 24
including ‘wet-a-bed’, ‘bitterwort’, and ‘milk witch’. This sap is actually latex – the basis of rubber and researchers are looking into ways of using its properties. Dandelions are also recognised as having many health properties such as being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, improving hepatic function, a possible reduction in cholesterol levels, boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. It is important that proper advice is taken before using the plant for helping with the above conditions. Dandelions were also used to make a substitute coffee, particularly during WW2 when real coffee was in short supply. It is made from the root by roasting and, apparently, tastes surprisingly like real coffee! And, lastly, dandelions are very important for wildlife – they are valuable early spring flowers for bees, butterflies and a huge number of other insects; birds such as goldfinches and house sparrows eat the seed. So, let’s make more room for dandelions – after all a ‘weed’ is just a ‘flower growing in the wrong place’ (according to humans)… And that all goes to show what a really useful plant dandelions are.
steve.halton@gmail.com 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
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. £12.00 for a 3hr session (£4.00 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 26
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Did you know? Useful information for dog owners. •
Normal body temperature for a dog is 37.5-39.2C (99.5-102.6F)
•
Dogs sweat through the pads on their paws, so to warm them up or cool them down concentrate on the paws. Spray tepid (not cold) water onto the pads, as it evaporates it helps to cool them down. To warm up a dog wrap their feet in bubble wrap then put socks or a bandage on top.
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Pulse rate will vary depending on the size and level of fitness of the dog, always take when the dog is at rest. Pulse rate can be taken using the femoral pulse located high in the middle of the inner thigh of either hind leg. Count the beats for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to get beats per minute. Normal for medium/large breeds is 60100 bpm; small breeds is 140bpm. Puppies especially under 6 months have a much higher pulse rate.
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Respiration rate should be measured at rest. Count the number of times the chest rises over 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to give breaths per minute. Normal respiration rate is 10-30 breaths per minute. Puppies will have a higher rate.
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Take the time to measure your dog’s vital signs of temperature, pulse and respiration so that you know what is normal for them.
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In a healthy dog the gums (mucus membranes) are salmon pink and wet and slippery to the touch. You can also look at the colour inside their lower eyelids. Pale gums are a sign of anaemia, dehydration or a dog in shock. Bluish/grey colour indicates not enough oxygen is getting into the blood – known as cyanosis. Gums that feel tacky or glue-like could indicate dehydration.
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Contrary to common belief a cold, wet nose does not indicate good health. A dog can be unwell and still have a cold, wet nose. Dogs can be healthy and have warm, dry noses.
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Cold tea - black, chamomile or green can be used to bathe a sore or watery eye. The tannins in the tea reduce itching and inflammation and the bioflavonoids help combat any viral or bacterial infection. Salt water should be avoided as it can be irritating.
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Cold black tea, colloidal silver, diluted iodine solution and saline are all good for bathing wounds. Salt water should be avoided as it can irritate. 28
•
Don’t starve a dog with diarrhoea as this can put them at greater risk of becoming dehydrated. Feeding little and often is better. Avoid chicken as many dogs have allergies to chicken which can make the diarrhoea worse. Scrambled egg, white fish and sweet potato are good options.
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There is an Animal Poison’s Helpline 01202 509000 that can give advice if you think your dog has eaten or come in contact with something that could be toxic. If in any doubt always seek veterinary advice.
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We all know chocolate is toxic for dogs and the higher the coco content the more toxic the chocolate. A choc-tox calculator can be found online which can give you an indication of the degree of toxicity of the chocolate your dog has eaten. You need to know your dog’s weight, the amount of chocolate eaten and the type of chocolate.
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Ivermectin is used to worm animals including dogs and horses. Ivermectin is toxic to dogs that have a mutated MDR1 gene such as collies, collie type dogs, Old English Sheepdogs and a variety of Shepherd’s (German, Australian, etc). Toxicity can also occur if these dogs eat horse manure from a horse that has recently been wormed with ivermectin and the levels present can cause death. Responsible horse owners know not to ride their horses in public places for a period of time after worming.
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Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in chewing gum and some peanut butters is extremely toxic to dogs. It causes initially high blood sugar levels which result in the release of insulin, the xylitol is broken down and the blood sugar levels become dangerously low – hypoglycaemia. This can occur within 10 to 30 minutes of eating so immediate veterinary help is required. Peanut butter is often used in the boredom breaking Kongs so it is important to check the label carefully for the presence of xylitol.
As with all things relating to the health of your dog if they are unwell it is important to seek the advice of your vet. Fiona Hughes is the owner of Cople Canine Massage Therapy and a member of the Canine Massage Guild.
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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
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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 for 2 decades in the local area, and since 2006 in Cople 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. The studio is conveniently located in your area. For more information please see website www.forwardfitness.co.uk or contact Julie Crawford Ring 0794 6067266 or email julie_griff@hotmail.com. Pilates Classes, Private Sessions, Fully equipped Studio, with equipment for 1;1 small group and Rehab Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Time 2.00 3.30 4.30 6.00 7.05 8.10 9.20
Class Type Mixed ability Studio* Studio* Mixed ability Advanced Mixed ability Studio* 1:1
Venue Cardington Willington Willington The Place, Bedford The Place, Bedford The Place, Bedford Bedford
11.00-5.30 6.00 7.20
Studio*1:1 Mixed ability Mixed ability
Willington Riseley Swineshead
Varies Varies Varies
Wellbeing Wednesday Meditation Workshops Walking Pilates
10.00-10.45 11.00-1.30 2.00 3.30-6.15
Armchair Studio* 1:1 Mixed ability Studio*1:1 New Client Intro Back Management Mixed ability Studio*1:1 New Client Intro
6.30 7.35 8.45
Willington Willington Cardington Willington Willington Willington Studio Willington or Bedford
Studio 1:1 Clients (or 1:2 dual) Julie provides for a range of Pilates clients on a 1:1 basis for beginners to advanced or those with special needs by arrangement. Please contact me directly for further details. New client introductory 1:1 (or 1:2 dual) sessions are recommended to understand the method before joining a class. This is not obligatory but most clients find it helpful.
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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 36
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 37
Gardening in June Although, April showers did not really happen this year, in this area at least, the beginning of May had a lot of rain followed by intense heat and equally strong sunshine, all of which has meant many plants are growing like Topsy! In particular, hedges have put on a lot of growth and you might be tempted to give them a tidy up. If so, please, please, please check to see if you have any birds nesting in them. If so, put your trimmers or sheers away for a few weeks and enjoy watching the young birds fledge. Many of us use the phrase ‘leap of faith’ without really appreciating that this is precisely what every young bird must do as it makes its maiden flight. Just think, having never flown before, it has to jump into thin air and flap those wings quite literally as its life depends upon it! Get it wrong and gravity can be a merciless teacher! As I write, despite the ubiquitous messages of staying at home, car traffic increases day by day, as does the amount of people disobeying social distancing guidelines. Whilst these people may choose to put themselves in grave danger, they are putting the most vulnerable in peril and really their behaviour is appallingly irresponsible. That said, there is speculation in the trade press that garden centres and nurseries are shortly to re-open in a modified sense although many have already been operating a delivery or a call and collect service. Similarly, the household refuse and recycling centres, formerly the tidy tips, are about to open their gates to those who have booked a slot online beforehand. A regrettable corollary of Covid 19 has been the sharp increase in fly tipping in the area and really, the selfishness shown by the perpetrators is comparable to those flouting social distance guidelines. As always with these things, adversity brings out the very best of human behaviour as well as the very worst. If in doubt, phone your local garden centre to check how they can best provide for you. To paraphrase Darwin, those businesses that are most able to adapt to this strange new world will be those that survive. ‘Survival of the fittest’ perhaps but these words are not Darwin’s at all but Herbert Spencer’s and if you have never read any of his oeuvre, I heartily recommend it! And for the record, his grave really is directly opposite that of Karl Marx – not the only place where these two names appear together! The answer to last month’s just for fun quiz question: why should you not tie the leaves of daffodils once they have gone over? Bulbs in general are best described as a store. After dead heading the flowers, current best practice is to allow everything in the foliage to gently drain back into the bulb so that it can use and be happy for next year’s spring. This month’s question is, prompted by a reader’s enquiry, what colour flower does a Green Alkanet have? Every year, I get lots of questions about this particular plant including my least favourite question of them all: is it a weed?! As often stated, the term ‘weed’ is utterly useless. All it describes is a plant in the wrong place. Call it a wild flower, which it is, 38
and those folk that like to see the world in binary terms, goodies/baddies, black/white, etc. all of a sudden, seem happier! The plant hasn’t changed, only their interpretation of it. In other words, there is nothing intrinsic in the plant that represents ‘weedness’ or ‘flowerness’ to paraphrase Aristotle. Someone else very worth reading! As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column 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 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.
Home Delivery Service in Bedfordshire Villages 39
£10 OFF ONLY £44.85 check out our tyre prices on our website www.biggleswademot.co.uk 40
Ironing Help Available Would YOU like some help with your IRONING ? Then this is the right ad' to read. I help a few clients like you, so I may be the person you need. I live in a neighbouring village l'll collect and return to your door I can give you a reference or two Please call me to find out some more.
Brenda. 07761627621
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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:
Anne Pape 01234 376645 coplepc@outlook.com
Tuesday Club Joy Duthie Tel : 838407 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 42
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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