Cople News December 2020
Happy Christmas to you all.
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Editor’s Notes It seems that our first magazine was well received, so here goes with the next one. This will be more difficult, while Ged is on the end of the telephone in case we need help, he’s can’t sit looking over our shoulder (at a socially distance of course). We have a few quizzes and puzzles in this edition, there’s one for everyone—children, gardeners and dog lovers. Along with another new article, which may appear every now and then, on Technology (who doesn’t have problems with that at some time or other?) This month it is about PASSWORDS and how to make them impossible for fraudsters to crack. Roland Butter found some money down the back of the sofa and was able to take ‘the redhead’ out for lunch again, long may the budget continue. This year the festive season is likely to be different from any other we have known. Hopefully you and your family are able to celebrate as Merry a Christmas as possible. Merry Christmas to all from Libby & Linda
GNiC Christmas Tree GNiC are arranging for a Christmas tree to be installed in the church grounds again this year with the help of friends and family. We are unable to do the normal “Christmas lights“ switchon but will decorate it and put the lights on and ask the vicar Fiona to switch them on in December. GNiC would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Cople News New Editor : Libby Sands 77 Willington Road, Cople, Beds, MK44 3TL. Tel 01234 838063 Email: coplenews@gmail.com Deadline for copy and advertising 15th of every month
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Annual Charges. Full Page £96.
Half Page £48
Delivered free to every home in Cople every month circulation 365 copies 3
Letter from the Vicar
Dear friends Christmas to be cancelled? Christmas saved? Depending on which newspaper you read & which day you read it, you may see either of those headlines stretched across the front page, in large capitals, threatening disaster or promising salvation. The truth is, of course, that pandemic or no pandemic, Christmas will happen – it can’t be cancelled, & it can’t be saved – not in the sense the headlines mean, anyway. The Christian truths at the heart of the Christmas festival can never be cancelled. And the Christian truths at the heart of the Christmas festival promise that it’s not we who save Christmas, it’s what happened at Christmas that saves us. The first Christmas has more resonances for us, living as we are under restrictions, than perhaps any other in our lifetime (unless we lived through World War II). At the first Christmas, Mary, Joseph, and the whole Jewish nation were living under siege. For them it was under the Romans. This year we are living under siege. For us it’s under the threat of an invisible enemy, no less destructive of our way of life than the Romans were to those whose land they occupied. At the first Christmas, the whole nation was watching, waiting, wondering, & hoping for a Rescuer. This year we too hope for rescue whether that be in the form of a vaccine, a cure, or simply the virus mutating itself into a less virulent form. At the first Christmas the Rescuer came silently, humbly, & unexpectedly, in a way very different from that which was anticipated. This year our Saviour comes the same way, if we but have eyes to see him. Because the heart of the Christian Christmas message is that the real enemy faced by humanity isn’t war, or disease, but separation from God. And that the baby in the manger – the Messiah, the Saviour, the Rescuer – came to deal with that enemy once & for all by his birth, life, death, resurrection, & ascension. That message is unchanged down the centuries and will remain unchanged until the end of time itself. The way we celebrate Christmas will have to be different this year but celebrate we shall! Please see the message later in the magazine for how we hope to bring ‘Comfort and Joy’ to our village this Advent & Christmas. But Christmas isn’t—can’t be—cancelled. Christmas isn’t—can’t be saved 4
But Christmas can save us, this year no less than any other.
Happy Advent, and Happy Christmas! With my love and prayers Fiona Dates for All Saints Cople, December 2020 ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON LOCKDOWN/ CORONAVIRUS REGULATIONS – PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON OUR WEBSITE www.allsaintscople.org.uk AND THE CHURCH NOTICEBOARDS FOR UPDATES All are welcome to join in with online worship and events – please ask the vicar for login details if you’d like to come We aren’t yet in a position to know what we can do for Midnight Communion & Christmas Day, so please check the church website nearer the time. Wednesday 2nd—7.30pm
Advent Study Group 2 (on Zoom)
Sunday 6th - 9.30am Morning Praise livestreamed on Zoom
Wednesday 9th - 7.30pm
Advent Study Group 3 (on Zoom)
Sunday 13th—3.00pm Christingle at Home livestreamed on Zoom 3.00pm (If Coronavirus Regulations permit) Christingle Outdoors in the Churchyard Tuesday 15th— 6pm onwards (If Coronavirus Regulations permit) Travelling Carols (see Christmas article for details) Wednesday 16th—7.30pm Advent Study Group 4 (on Zoom) Sunday 20th—4.00pm Thursday 24 Zoom
th
Carol Service livestreamed on Zoom
(Christmas Eve) -10.00am Crib Service livestreamed on
Sunday 27th—9.30am
Morning Praise livestreamed on Zoom
From the Church Registers October 2020 Funeral 7th October Gerald Henry FISHER (74 years) Burial of Ashes 1st October Eileen May LACK 5
Great Neighbours in Cople
Dear Cople residents,
Please Help. We were wondering if you would help our local food bank by kindly putting an item or two on your doorstep on Wednesday 2nd December. The GNiC ladies would then come and pick up the items on your doorstep by midday on the 2nd of December and deliver them to our local food bank in Bedford. As you can imagine some people have hit very difficult times especially in the pandemic and we would like to help hopefully with some donations from our lovely village. Items needed are:- Fruit juice (long life), Tinned Meat (stews, curry, meatballs), Sponge Pudding (long life), Rice Pudding, Tinned Spaghetti / beans etc, Coffee, Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, Canned vegetables, Cooking oils, Crackers, Canned or dried fruit, Anti-bac Spray Cleaners, Washing up Liquid, Laundry Wash Tablets, Shampoo. Also please do not forget if you need any help, please call 07746 624208 between 1pm and 3pm Monday to Friday or email us at gniccople@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook for further information. Our volunteers help local people to undertake tasks such as shopping, picking up prescriptions, putting the bins out or spending time having a chat on the phone. Many Thanks, Great Neighbours in Cople
All Saints Church
Revd Fiona Gibson The Vicarage, 3 Grange Lane, Cople MK44 3TT Telephone 01234 838145. email cmwvicar@gmail.com Churchwardens June Thomas
Julie Scherrer
34 Grange Lane
26 Grange Lane
Cople
Cople
Beds MK44 3TT
Beds MK44 3QW
Tel: 01234 831705
Tel: 01234 838623
juneshanahan748@btinternet.com
Julie@scherrer.co.uk 6
Sheerhatch Primary School Last year our Year 5 class took part in the Harpur Trust Art Competition, on the ‘Fabric of Bedford’. The competition ran from September 2019 over the autumn and spring terms during which time we were delighted to receive free workshops. The competition culminated in a professional exhibition of selected children’s work at The Higgins Bedford in October, which due to COVID was held virtually. It was difficult to pick through the amazing artwork, however Sheerhatch submitted 8 entrants and we are delighted that our very own Ruby came 1st in the 7-11 category with her beautiful picture of the suspension bridge. Mrs Page, said “the virtual award ceremony was an exciting end to our participation in this year’s Harpur Trust Art competition. The competition gave our children the chance to work with a talented artist, Susan ErskineJones, and develop new skills. As the Art Co-Ordinator, I am really proud of the quality of artwork all of our children produced during the workshop but I am immensely proud of all of our entrants and our first place winner, Ruby, who has a unique talent which I hope she will pursue”.
You can view all our amazing entrants here: https://www.harpur-art-competition.org.uk/2020-exhibition/ sheerhatch For up to date news and activities from school don’t forget to check our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sheerhatch-Primary-School You will also find a link on here to our virtual open day, take a look and share! Siobhan Godden Chair of Governors 7
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Mothers Union
We pray for all whom the celebrations of Christmas is difficult; those who are ill, at home or in hospital, for the breaved, the lost and the lonely. May they know the light of the Christ child in their lives at this time. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen (M.U. Families Worldwide) During lockdown, members and friends have been keeping busy with their knitting and sewing for our projects. We were therefore delighted to be able to collect in 5 bags of items. Included were 38 jumpers, 17 blankets, 4 pairs of mittens plus Christmas cards. These will be distributed to the various recipients both here and overseas. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our projects and hope they will continue to knit and sew for us as all these garments are needed somewhere.
COPLE VILLAGE TRUST (Registered Charity No. 1090113)
200 CLUB Prize winners for November 2020 1st prize of £60 2nd prize of £30 3rd prize of £10
114 Ralph Worrell 264 Richard Ielden 167 Angela Relf
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:
Jane Barnard janeb2014@hotmail.com 01234 838004
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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
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All Saints Road, Cople, Beds
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Zoom On ✨ Meditation & Pilates New Outside –Small group Pilates & 1:1 bookings Pilates & Meditation Classes - Currently ONLINE LIVE - Zoom Pop Ups Outside as advertised Subscribe for updates – julie_griff@hotmail.com Pilates classes for Bedford, Cardington, Cople, Riseley, Swineshead and Willington villages of Bedfordshire are currently running on Zoom at the stated times. Classes run in the classical style with limited places to ensure purity of the method.
Pilates Classes, Private Sessions, Fully equipped Studio (Note closed atm - taking bookings for when we can open) it is possible to have 1;1 and small groups over Zoom. Julie prides herself in specialising in Rehab, she has a wealth of experience in aiding your Wellbeing and has been guiding Meditation and Wellbeing classes and workshops for over 20 years - DM to subscribe to newsletter for all our latest offerings for your Wellbeing! Monday
Time
Class Type
Venue
Morning
9:30
Meditation
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
Afternoon
2.00
Pilates Mixed ability
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
Evening
6.00
Pilates Mixed ability
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
7.05
PilatesAdvanced
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
8.10
PilatesMixed ability
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
Morning
11-5 Bookings open
Wellness & Pilates 1:1 & Privates
Outside Sessions! Face to Face (max 5 persons)
Evening
6.00
PilatesMixed ability
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
7.20
PilatesMixed ability
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
9:30
Meditation
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
10-1 Bookings open
Wellness & Pilates 1:1 & Privates
Outside Sessions! Face to Face (max 5 persons)
2.00
Pilates Mixed ability
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
3-5 Bookings open
Wellness & Pilates 1:1 & Privates
Outside Sessions! Face to Face (max 5 persons)
6.30
Pilates Back Management
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
7.35
PilatesMixed ability
ZOOM LIVE ONLINE
Tuesday
Thursday
Afternoon
Evening
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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
SPORTS MASSAGE CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY,
ACUPUNCTURE, NUTRITION, and More…
For Acute & Chronic conditions:
Muscular problems, Injuries, Stress, Headaches, Anxiety etc.
Individually tailored treatments Helping you to move on and live life! 01234 870 236 / 07802 864 275
Email: suzanne@holisticedge.co.uk
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www.suzanneedgington.co.uk
EATING OUT FROSTS’ GARDEN CENTRE, Willington, Sandy Road, Willington, Beds MK44 3QP 01234 838777 For this month's review I decided to take myself and the redhead to our local Frosts’ garden centre for lunch. We arrived at 12.35pm & a nice lady explained that we would have a 25-minute wait. Bear in mind that it is not possible to book at Frosts’ and this was peak time. There were seven groups or couples standing 2 meters apart in front of us waiting to be seated. It was busy in the restaurant, but they had a system in place and the atmosphere was pleasant, so we said we were happy to wait in the queue. In the end we only waited for 14 minutes and were directed to a recently cleaned table. The redhead pointed out that Frosts’ were being very rigorous in their cleaning of tables. Once seated, we were asked to download the Frosts’ app to order via phone. That took time but I managed to do it. It then became apparent that it would allow me to order a tea and one meal but not two meals. Very frustrating. I asked a friendly staff member and he said I could join a small queue and order my food and drink at the counter. This I did after I also completing the track and trace details. I still had not had a cup of tea at this point but blame the restrictions of COVID, not Frosts’, for this. Our lovely pots of tea arrived ten minutes later in a rather nice Churchill pottery. I did notice how busy the staff were at peak time. They were good at getting people through to clean tables & most had a lovely manner, although a couple of the staff looked like they did not want to be there & one grunted a reply back when I asked a question. Our food seemed to be taking some time so after twenty minutes I asked a member of staff to chase it up and it arrived shortly after that. It looked fabulous! The redhead had ordered beef wrapped in a Yorkshire pudding with fresh veg and roast potatoes. Yummy, although it could have been hotter. I ordered a jacket potato with coronation chicken with a side salad. I liked the fact the butter and the coronation chicken were on the side so you could add as much or as little as you liked. Unfortunately, it was lukewarm. Very disappointing as it is not a hard thing to cook. Maybe the jacket potato oven is not working properly or perhaps we need to remember that Frosts’ is not used to providing table service. It's usually a buffet style restaurant but the COVID restrictions have put paid to that.
The total bill was £24 for two pots of tea and two mains. We left the restaurant at 1:45pm and there was no-one queuing anymore for a table. 16
I also noticed that they have pods outside that look like igloos. Apparently, there will be heaters & fairy lights inside them so people from the restaurant can eat and drink in there too. They also do afternoon teas. Maybe the redhead and I will try that out after lockdown. After lunch we had a look around Frosts’ and it is full of good quality items for sale. Pop in and have a look at the lovely Christmas trees and decorations. Just remember they only take card payments at the moment.
Roland Butter Scores. Service 3; Food 3; Cleanliness and virus aware 4.5; Value for money 3.5; Total 14 Please Note this visit was made BEFORE the start of the Second Lockdown. The restaurant at Frosts’ is currently closed, whilst the garden centre remains open.
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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Planning Permission
New Build Houses
Residential Extensions
Building Regulation Drawings
To discuss your upcoming project please contact: Thomas Cropley 07734465308 Tom@gostwickarchitecture.com 11 Gostwick Place, Willington, Bedford
Gostwickarchitecture.com
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jkobrien@live.co.uk
Home Delivery Service in Bedfordshire Villages 19
lowering your weight can help reduce your risk of developing serious diseases and you may be eligible for one of our programmes. Your health is very important to us; we can help you for FREE · MoreLife are commissioned by Public Health to deliver healthy lifestyle programme's FREE of charge to residents of Bedford Borough*. · Our Adult and Family Weight Management Programmes can provide you with the support needed to start of your weight loss journey. Our practitioners will guide and support you to understand how your thoughts, emotions and feelings influence your decisions. · Due to COVID-19, our weekly group programmes are being delivered over Zoom groups with 1-2-1 telephone support if needed. If you are interested in joining any of our programmes, please email our friendly team at: beds-mk@more-life.co.uk or call us on 0080 280 2340 and QUOTE: BBC19 We fully understand that life can be complicated so if you feel that this isn't the right time for you to take advantage of our free programme you are welcome to contact us at any time in the future. For more information about MoreLife and our programmes, please visit our website: https://more-life.co.uk/bedford
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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Hi my name is Tracy and my business is well established within Willington. I provide a full range of treatments: Waxing, Electrolysis, Eye Treatments. Relaxing Body Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology. Pedicures, Manicures, Shellac Gel varnish. Facials, including Non-Surgical Facelifts. __________________________ With over 20 years experience in the beauty industry I will always welcome new customers and be happy to sit down and discuss your requirements. 15% off your first treatment (new customers only) __________________________
Telephone: 01234 831894 or 07825 615839 email: tracy.essentialbeauty@gmail.com follow me on Facebook: @essentialbeautytracy 35 Chapel Lane, Willington.
ALL COVID SAFE, WEARING FULL PPE and COVID POLICY IN PLACE.
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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 22
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Technology corner Hello Cople, and welcome to technology corner! Over the next few editions, I’ll cover a number of different IT related subjects, all with security in mind and some simple advice as to how you can best protect yourself in this world of technology. This edition, passwords! I know, Yawn-a-rama ….. but given the majority of your data is online and protected by a password, it’s time to do something about it! By far the easiest way to slow down the hackers is to protect your password. 81% of hacking related breaches are due to compromised passwords. 78% of people use the same password on multiple sites or applications. Go on admit it, that’s you! Congratulations the bad guys love you! Once the bad guys have your password for one account, they can easily access the rest. Some people recommend to have a complex password. That’s one option, but it’s actually more important to have a simpler password for each account and change it more often. From your password being taken it's around 6 months before the hackers get it. By which time you changed it anyway, in theory. The fact is, your details have already been compromised. Perhaps not through your fault, but typically because the companies that hold your passwords have been hacked and your password has been stolen. Some admit it, most don't. The cyber criminals then sell your data, it’s collected and then used to compromise your accounts. If there is enough information on you, they can simply either access your account, or open accounts in your name with the information they collected. My advice: • Don't use the same password for multiple accounts. To manage this use a password management tool to keep the passwords secure in an encrypted file (not in an excel spreadsheet password protected or a slip of paper). I use KeePass, it’s free and very well protected. I typically don’t know my password as Keepass generates one for me. Ensure you use at least 8 characters, upper and lower case, a special character and a number. • Where possible use Multi factor authentication. A lot of the main social networks give you this ability. When you login you have to use an app on your phone to confirm it is you or a txt message to your phone. Facebook, Amazon and a lot of other sites support this. I will cover this is a later edition. 24
• Be proactive. Have your details been stolen? Chances are yes, and you can check to see if this is the case. Go to https:// haveibeenpwned.com/ Enter your email address, and it will check against a database of known data breaches, and will show where your account details got compromised from. First of all, don’t panic! I would be surprised if it returns no entries. But read each entry and change the password for each of the entries, LinkedIN, Facebook, ebay are common. Yes, it can be a hassle to manage your passwords, but a lot less hassle than having your Identity stolen and used, or money being taken from your bank account. We live in a different world these days where your identity and lives are “online" so you should protect your information. If you have any specific concerns me, theitguycople@hotmail.com.
or
questions
you
can
Please note, only IT related questions, I can't comment on the best dandruff shampoo for your pet hamster. Next edition.... email security... Stay Safe. Mr IT (not to be confused with Mr T).
Dog Trivia Quiz.
As before a bit of fun. Answers in January 2021 edition. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Which is the smallest breed of dog? Which of the five senses is most highly developed in the dog? Who has the most taste buds – cats or dogs? True or False? Dogs have 3 eye lids. Which breed was considered to be sacred in China? Name Dorothy’s dog in Wizard of Oz, what breed was he? What were Dachshunds originally bred for? What breed is Barack Obama’s dog Bo? Which breed of dog was bred to hunt rats in coal mines but groomed to look like a lamb? 10. Which UK dog’s name means ‘dwarf dog’ in its native tongue? 11. For what purpose were Dalmatians originally used? 12. What is the fear of dogs called? 13. What job were Poodles originally bred to do? How did that influence the Poodle hair cut? 14. Which national leader owned a Poodle called Rufus? 15. The Lancashire Heeler is a small dog generally black with tan markings, similar in size and shape to its cousin the Corgi. What was it used for? 16. The Manchester Terrier resembles a miniature Doberman Pinscher and in Victorian times was known as the Gentleman’s Terrier but what was it used to control? Fiona Hughes, Cople Canine Massage Therapy 25
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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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£10 OFF ONLY £44.85 check out our tyre prices on our website www.biggleswademot.co.uk 29
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 30
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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
Mobile Hairdresser/ Barber Do you need a haircut? Local, Reliable and Friendly Fully qualified and experienced
Call Donna 01234 838980/07773 553055
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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: 07931 560924 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
Great Neighbours in Cople Supporting Vulnerable Residents in Cople If you are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) you will have received a letter or email from Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
On 31 October, the Prime Minister announced new national restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19. Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the whole of the UK, and that is why, from 5 November until 2 December, the government has asked those who were previously identified as clinically extremely vulnerable and at highest risk of becoming very unwell if catching COVID-19 to take extra precautions. Visit the government's website for full guidance. https:// www.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can register for support if you're clinically extremely vulnerable. https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-shielding-support You can also register online with the government's new shielding support service for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, to:• Request access to a priority supermarket delivery slot (if you have already got priority supermarket deliveries, you will keep them) • Tell us if you need local support • Make sure your details such as your address and contact numbers are up to date Remember, you should be self-isolating if you:• Have to quarantine after travel • Have a positive COVID-19 test • Are contacted by NHS Test and Trace • Have an operation (before and after) •
Find out more about self-isolating on the government's website. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-athome-guidance
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GNiC Good neighbour Scheme If you need support, we have a number of volunteers’ who might be able to assist you. This might include shopping, collecting medication and checking that you are OK. Whilst we continue to manage the pandemic, you can contact GNiC for support between Monday & Friday between 1pm – 3pm on 0774-662-4208. NHS volunteer responders Alternatively, the NHS volunteer responders are also there to support you with shopping. You can choose what products you want and when you want them, and an NHS volunteer responder will then pick up and deliver your shopping to you. NHS volunteer responders can also pick up other essentials you need. You can call them on 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) to arrange NHS volunteer support. Mental health and wellbeing Life can seem very different at the moment and for some, hard in many ways. There are practical steps you can take to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak. To find out more about to look after your mental health and wellbeing visit the governments website. https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-onmental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-themental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19 How to stay safe when accepting help from others Please refer to GOV.UK guidance on staying at home. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidancefor-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-thepublic-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-ofcoronavirus-covid-19 Remember, if you are receiving voluntary help, do not share financial details like credit/debit card numbers or personal information. If someone you don’t know calls at your home, always ask for ID and always ensure you are comfortable sharing details like your phone number or address. Only provide information on a need to know basis and if you have seen ID. Do not feel pressured into providing information. If you have doubts about those who are approaching you, and are concerned, it is advised that you don’t engage, and report serious suspicious behaviour to the police.
Remember that genuine volunteers have been instructed not to enter your home.
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Annual Gardening Quiz – Win An Hour’s Gardening! Somewhat incredibly, it’s that time of the year again for the fiendishly tough Annual Gardening Quiz! Complete the answers and if yours is the first one pulled out of the bag, you win an hour’s gardening time from yours truly! First, the answer to last month’s just for fun question is:Your beloved lawn is covered with worm casts and fungus, what can be done? Worm casts are unsightly but more importantly, provide soil for the germination of weed seeds. Using a traditional switch cane, or a modern blower, disperse. The removal of fungal fruiting bodies can be done by gently removing by a gloved hand, or simply left. Fungus, though often other worldly in appearance is truly fascinating and in my view, worth appreciating in exactly the same way as anything else that may appear in your garden. So, if you are sitting comfortably, here goes:-
1.
What is the common name for the commonly occurring plant ‘Quercus’? 2. What part of the crocus is used to make the spice, saffron? 3. What edible fruit has varieties including ‘Emperor’, ‘Red Tokay’, ‘Green Perlette’ and ‘Black Ribier’? 4. What is the botanical name of the attractive, tall, multi-coloured biennial plant used to treat heart conditions? 5. What strange sounding beet plant is grown to feed cattle and sounds like a squashed cider drinker, well, kind of?! 6. Why are tulips so called? 7. Name the 17th Century herbalist whose book The English Physician is still influential to this day? 8. The hard, white wood of Euonymous europaeus was once used to make an essential item for the wool industry from which the tree received what common name? 9. The hardy, evergreen, flowering shrub Pieris thrives in lime-rich soil. True or false? 10. The edible part of the banana is in fact a what?
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Entries can be emailed to LawnDocGardens@aol.com or posted to Lawn Doctor Garden Services, 14 Sand Lane, Northill, SG18 9AD but must be received by 15th January 2021. As usual, please contact me with any gardening queries you may have. Best wishes all for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy Healthy New Year.
Remembrance Poppies in Cople GNiC had the idea of putting poppies handmade by the lovely Hazel Shreeves, Anne Curry and Val Smith in our village and arranged and decorated by the GNiC ladies along the church wall and gate for Remembrance Day. We are hoping each year to add to it so eventually we cover the walls around the church. Anyone who would like to help make a poppy for next year’s please make contact with someone from GNiC for details. See page 39 for contact details.
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. 41
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
https://cople-pc.gov.uk/
Biggleswade Chronicle Village Correspondent: Jill Ebbs Tel: 838659
Nearly New Centre Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm At Sue Ryder Palliative Care Home St. John’s Moggerhanger
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
Groundcare 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.groundcarebedford.co.uk Tel: 01234 831123
Sales + Service + Spares + Repairs
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*e lig ibi lit y cri te ri a ap pli es
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9 Lurke Street Bedford MK40 3HZ Tel 01234 352414/350146 Email: sales@pandrinteriors.store Web: www.pandrinteriors.co.uk Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm Trade Welcome We have been supplying and installing bathrooms and kitchens in Bedford and surrounding areas for over 30 years. Bringing together reliable, skilful and trusted tradespeople we personally ensure every installation is completed to the highest possible levels of workmanship and the satisfaction of our clients TRADE WELCOME 44