Cople News
September 2021
As seen in Willington Road—Scarlet Tiger Moth
2
Editor’s Notes
We are pleased to say that some of the village events are coming back, as are some of our advertisers who had had to close down during lockdown, which is good news for all. As the number of events increases we’ll investigate the return of the Calendar that used to appear in the middle pages of the magazine. Mind you that may tax the grey matter a little, but we will give it a go for next month’s edition, which will be our 1st Anniversary one. Where does the time go? No update regarding the Mobile Library yet, but we will let you know as soon as we know anything. Some worrying news for those who own dogs, in that there has been an outbreak of kennel cough in the Bedfordshire area. Sue Hillyard’s dog Rosie seems to have caught it at Priory Marina. Her vet told her it is a very contagious disease & can be passed on by a dog coughing near another. Also, droplets when the dog coughs on shared areas can also spread the disease. This can be quite distressing for the dog & owner. The cough is very harsh & the throat become inflamed. The vet advised Sue not to walk Rosie for a few weeks after she has stopped coughing, as she could still be contagious. Take care. Libby & Linda
Mobile Library
The mobile library is on the road again, but has moved it’s stopping point in the village. It will come in on every other Tuesday after 27th July, but it will only stop at the Five Bells between 10.10 and 10.20am. More changes are to come. Watch this space.
Cople News
Editor : Libby Sands, 77 Willington Road, Cople, Beds, MK44 3TL. Tel 07702 616300 Sub-Editor: Linda Behan 32 Grange Lane, Cople, Beds. MK44 3TT Tel 07825 259174 Email: coplenews@gmail.com Deadline for copy and advertising 15th of every month
Advertising Rates
Annual Charges: Full Page £96.
Half Page £48.
Delivered free to every home in Cople every month circulation 360 copies 3
Letter from the Curate.
Dear Friends, I wonder what the beginning of September means to you. Did you buy new pens and pencils and look forward to the first day back or did you creep, unwillingly to school? I’ve been thinking about last autumn’s Outdoor Service when we threw leaves into the air, letting go of our worries and of things we wished we hadn’t said or done. As summer draws to a close and a new term begins, is there anything weighing you down that you need to throw away? The Bible says that those who turn away from wrongdoing and live God’s way are blessed. They are a symbol of blessing like a fruitful tree planted by streams of water, with leaves that never wither. If we live God’s way, the most excellent way, following the law of love, living out whole-hearted love for God and our neighbours, we will be blessed. Our lives will be filled with love divine, all loves excelling. It’s a lovely idea, isn’t it? But God’s love isn’t a romantic notion imagined by the writers of greetings cards. It’s very practical. Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude, it does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. You could try putting your name at the start of that sentence and reading it to see if you agree. If you really are never envious, boastful, arrogant, rude, irritable, or resentful, you are a much better person than anyone I’ve met.
One way to try to live a more loving life is to try to do as you would be done by – treat everybody else as you’d like to be treated. It’s going to be hard work, learning to be kind and patient to those who don’t always deserve it, but like children beginning a new school year, we are all learning. However old we are, it’s worth learning to live better as we love our neighbours better. Are you glad you know your times tables? Are you glad you learned to read, or blessed by poems or music you learnt by heart? A life defined by love for God and others, that’s what blessing looks like. This September, I pray God will help us all learn to live lives of love.
Katie
All Saints Church
The current contact details for Cople Church are as follows: Telephone 01234 831421. email; cmwcurate@gmail.com June Thomas 34 Grange Lane Cople, Beds
Churchwardens
Julie Scherrer 26 Grange Way Willington, Beds
MK44 3TT Tel: 01234 831705 juneshanahan748@btinternet.com 4
MK44 3QW Tel: 01234 838623 julie@scherrer.co.uk
Dates for Local Churches, September 2021 Thursday 2nd 09.30am Morning Praise at Willington Church Sunday 5th
Thursday 9th th
Sunday 12
09.30am
Morning Praise livestreamed from Willington Church
11.00am
Holy Communion at Moggerhanger Church
11.00am
Willington Churches Together Songs of Praise at Danish Camp
09.30am
Morning Prayer at Willington Church
09.30am
Morning Praise livestreamed from Cople Church
11.00am
Holy Communion at Willington Church
Thursday 16th 09.30am
Morning Prayer at Willington Church
Sunday 19th
09.30am
All-Age Service livestreamed from Moggerhanger Church
11.00am
Holy Communion at Cople Church
Thursday 23rd 09.30am
Morning Prayer at Willington Church
Saturday 25th 10.30am
Coffee morning in Cople Church
Sunday 26th
09.30am
Morning Praise livestreamed from Willington Church
11.00am
Holy Communion at Moggerhanger Church
Thursday 30th 09.30am
Morning Prayer at Willington Church
If anyone would like to join the livestreamed Morning Praise services, please contact Mel Ebbage at cmwbenefice@gmail.com
Dates from the Register 7th August 2021
Keith Fisk married Tracy Battams
5
6
7
Mobile Hairdresser/ Barber Do you need a haircut? Local, Reliable and Friendly Fully qualified and experienced
Call Donna 01234 838980 or 07773 553055
Blunham Community Cinema Village Hall, Blunham MK44 3NN The Committee are pleased to announce that the film night will resume on Friday 24th September. This is a special evening with a Free glass of fizz to celebrate. The opening film will be ‘We bought a Zoo’ (PG) starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Story is set in Southern California, a father moves his young family to the countryside to renovate a struggling zoo. Film starts promptly at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm. Entry by ticket only. Adults £5.00, Children £3.00. Family (2A + 2C) £10.00. Sweets, Drinks, Ice cream and Popcorn are available. For tickets or any further information contact 07783 046020. Covid Guidelines may be in force.
8
donnasmall906@gmail.com
9
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. 07761 627621
10
Cople Village Trust
(registered charity number 1090113)
Cople Village Hall After Lockdown, the Village Hall reopened in July and some of our regular hirers are using the hall again. We also have a few bookings for parties and other functions. If you are interested in hiring the hall, please email villagehallenquiries@cople.org.uk or phone 01234 838704. AGM We held our AGM in July. Two of our trustees; Brian Ebbs and Sandra Thacker (our chair) resigned. We are grateful to them for their many years of work for the benefit of the village. I am delighted that we have been able to recruit three new trustees: Marie Hinkley, Michelle Robertson and Laura Saunders. Laura will take over as Bookings Officer soon. The existing trustees are: - Jane Barnard, Catherine Bayliss, Keith Moore, Hazel Shreeves and Mike Vacher. Roof The roof of the Village Hall is leaking and, in September, the hall will be reroofed. It will remain open while the work is done.
Catherine Bayliss
11
Benefice Choir
The Benefice Choir is made up of members from all three parishes. It was formed about 12 years ago and they are hoping that some new members would be able to join them, as they have changed the day and time of their practices. After such a long time, they are finally able to sing together after struggling with Zoom, and it has been a delight to hear what they are doing!! Below are the dates of the practices for September 2021: Wednesday 8th — St Lawrence’s, Willington @ 09.30am Wednesday 15th — All Saints, Cople @ 09.30am Wednesday 22nd — St Lawrence’s, Willington @ 09.30am Wednesday 29th — All Saints. Cople @ 09.30am If you are interested, please come along and join in. Shirley Jones
Food Bank Collection. Yet again, Cople as a village, has been fantastic with it’s response to the request for donations to Bedford Food Bank. The total donation weighed in at 119.45kg, which is enough for 284 meals. Thank you once more for your generosity.
12
Cople Village Agent Update Door to Door Transport in Bedford Borough
Jigsaw & Audio Book Loan Scheme
• Do you struggle to get on a bus? Did you know that the Door2Door minibus service will collect you from home, and has facilities to take wheelchairs and mobility scooters using a tail lift?
Now the Autumn is upon us and the nights are drawing in – do you need something to do? We have a large number of Jigsaws and
• A subscription cost £30 for the first Audio books we lend out. Most are 500 year and £20 annually thereafter or 1000 pieces. If you would like to (Minimum charge per journey £3.00)
borrow one, please ask Wendy for a • The minibuses operate between catalogue so you can choose one.
9:15am to 4:15pm, weekdays only. You need to book your journey two You can keep it for how long you want days ahead – or earlier for health- and return when finished. related appointments. • Did you Know that you can sign up for Door2Door without giving up your bus pass?
Call Your village agent Wendy if you are interested and want more details on this.
Help with form filling Many older people aren’t claiming the benefits they are entitled to. Wendy can help identify which benefits you can claim by doing a confidential benefit check. We can also help you fill in those complicated forms such as Blue Badge and Attendance Allowance forms. Contact Wendy for more information
Please call Wendy your Village Agent on Freephone 0800 039 1234 (and leave a message) or mobile 07717 269 440 or email Wendy on wendyw@bedsrcc.org.uk or connect with Wendy on Facebook at: BRCC Village Agent – Wendy Worgan 13
14
ALL SAINTS CHURCH COFFEE MORNING All Saint’s Church is an important part of our village community. The church is more than just a building and church yard, it is also the people: those who attend regularly or informally, together with the community within which it sits. As with many other institutions and charities we have lost income during this pandemic and our bills have not decreased. If you have previously supported one of our events such as the fete, luncheon club etc. and you are in a position to help, we would ask if you are able to give a donation, no matter how small, to All Saints. Donations can be made at any time via the church’s Give A Little page by scanning the QR code below, or visiting the church website www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7685/ We are pleased that we have been able to reopen our doors and resume some of our activities. We will be holding a Coffee Morning/Open Church on 18th September 10.30 12.30. Do come along and meet us again, have a coffee and cake and look round the church. Perhaps you are new to the village and haven’t been able to pop into the church or you haven’t been able to visit because of our closure. Whoever you are and whatever the situation a very warm welcome awaits you.
Thank you for helping All Saints Church
15
COPLE VILLAGE TRUST (Registered Charity No. 1090113)
200 CLUB
Prize winners for August 2021 1st prize of £60 2nd prize of £30 3rd prize of £10
281 296 212
Pippa Hawker Eric Farebrother Valerie Huntley
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
Blunham and District Gardening Club The Gardening Club Committee are pleased to say that the Village Hall is now open and meetings can resume, staring on Tuesday 7th September 2021 at 7.30pm. This will be a social evening where friends, old and new, can catch-up after such a long time. Refreshments will be served. Visitors are welcome.
For any further information contact Brenda on 01767 640623
Dog Fouling
It has been drawn to our attention that some dog owners are not cleaning up after their pets. A lady who lives in Woodlands Close walked the short distance from her house to the play park with her Grand children, coming across 8 areas of dog fouling. Not very nice at all. Please be responsible per owners and clean up after your dog. There are several dog poo bins around the village. Libby & Linda 16
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.
17
1 Wood Lane, Willington Beds MK44 3QT Email: 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
18
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
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 19
Eating Out—Out Out!!
The Fox and Hounds, Riseley, MK44 1DT —01234 709714 On Saturday 14th August we ventured out for a meal for the first time since lockdown started in March 2020, to this well known steak restaurant. We were a party of 6 celebrating being able to get together after all this time. The menu was extensive with a choice of 6 Starters costing between £5.95 and £7.95, along with a selection of Vegetarian/ Vegan options for between £6.50 and £7.50. The Mains were varied, choice of meats or fish, costing between £10.95 and £21.95 (Turmeric Marinated Scallops); with steaks sold by the ounce; Rump £2.20, Sirloin £2.90, Rib-eye £2.95, Fillet £3.50. Again a good selection of vegetarian/vegan Mains were available for between £10.95 & £13.95. Desserts cost between £5.95 and £7.95. The welcome was friendly and drinks brought out to our table in the lovely garden until we were ready to move inside to eat. Between the party members, we tried the Homemade Chicken Liver Parfait — very tasty and the Homemade Black Pudding Scotch Egg — the black pudding was not too spicy.
Our main course choices ranged from 8oz Rump steak served with lyonnaise potatoes and mushrooms (a selection of seasonal vegetable was available for an extra £4.50 but the plate was quite full without); a 8oz Sirloin steak—cooked to perfection for both dishes; a Salmon Fillet served with samphire and grapefruit and lyonnaise potatoes—very tasty, again no further vegetable were felt necessary; Pan Fried Black Bream with saffron mash, grapefruit & samphire, sprouting broccoli — lovely and fresh tasting; and finally Air Battered Fish with Chunky Chips with a choice of garden or mushy peas with house tartare sauce— almost as nice as those bought at the seaside. Desserts were limited as the party felt replete, but some brave soles tried the Chocolate Sundae - vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate brownie (lovely and chewy), white chocolate blondie and mixed nuts. Another tried the Homemade Crumble with Custard—very hot, but lovely once it had cooled down so it could be eaten. Finally a selection of ice creams was enjoyed. Scores: Service 3.5 it was quite slow at times, although the restaurant wasn’t too busy; Food 5.0; Cleanliness and virus aware 5.0; Value for money 4.0 (perhaps we had forgotten how much it cost to eat out having not done it for some time). Total out of 20 = 17.5 Roland Butter 20
Bell Ringers Up-date. We are pleased that as a result of our appeal for more ringers in last months Cople News, four volunteers have already " had a go" and have agreed to come back and ring some more. It takes approx. 3 months practicing once a week to be able to ring safely and with confidence. By the time you read this they should be well on their way to achieving this initial goal.
Interested in having a go, ring Mike Vacher on 01234 831207 Photo shows Lucy Croucher, an established Bell-ringer in action.
Cople Village Trust
(registered charity number 1090113) Cople Village Hall After Lockdown, the Village Hall reopened in July and some of our regular hirers are using the hall again. We also have a few bookings for parties and other functions. If you are interested in hiring the hall, please email villagehallenquiries@cople.org.uk or phone 01234 838704. AGM We held our AGM in July. Two of our trustees; Brian Ebbs and Sandra Thacker (our chair) resigned. We are grateful to them for their many years of work for the benefit of the village. I am delighted that we have been able to recruit three new trustees: - Marie Hinkley, Michelle Robertson and Laura Saunders. Laura will take over as Bookings Officer soon. The existing trustees are: - Jane Barnard, Catherine Bayliss, Keith Moore, Hazel Shreeves and Mike Vacher. Roof The roof of the Village Hall is leaking and, in September, the hall will be reroofed. It will remain open while the work is done. Catherine Bayliss 21
22
Home Delivery Service in Bedfordshire Villages 23
Cople Parish Council
Introduction Cople Parish Council meets six times a year, we publish a brief synopsis of the meetings in the Cople News to keep residents updated with latest information, news and plans for the village. Cople Parish Council A Parish Council meeting was held at Cople Vilage Hall on Monday 19 th July 2021, this was attended by five Parish Councillors, the Clerk and a Borough Councillor. There were three members of the public who joined for the entirety of the meeting. Public Particpation • A resident raised school transport costs post-16 years of age. Borough Councillor Moon asked the resident to contact him directly. • A resident thanked the Councillors for including Parish Council news in the village magazine and for looking into a possible permissive footpath towards Cardington. If you feel that you would like to raise a concern or issue, you are very welcome, please can you contact the Clerk in advance of the meeting if you wish to attend. The next Parish Council meeting is on Monday 20th September at 7.30pm. Borough Councillors report Local Plan 2040 The Council is preparing its next Local Plan 2040, this will see even more housing and development than is provided in the Local Plan 2030. Councillor Moon reiterated the importance of as many as residents as possible responding to the consultation. This would be included in the Parish Council article in the next village magazine. Consultation is running up to 3rd September and can be viewed on www.bedford.gov.uk A603 issues Councillor Moon advised on the delays to the weight restriction changes to the layby by Dog Field on the A603. The consultation was yet to be undertaken and the work would not be done before September. First results from Willington speed cameras show 292 bookings, almost 50% being in excess of 40mph. Residents of Dog Farm were experiencing difficulties with access since the extension of the 30mph speed limit on the A603. The possibility of extending the restriction beyond the Dog Farm entrance had been raised by the Borough Councillors. Some Ward Funding could possibly be put towards the scheme. Safer cycle routes Councillor Sankersingh had spoken to Richard Fuller MP about possible funding. The Borough Council did not have any funding available currently. The routes that were being looked into were the extension of R route 51 to link into Cople and improvement of the Cople to Willington footpath 24
Cople to Cardington Footpath Councillor Hughes had met with the Rights of Way Officer to discuss a possible permissive footpath between Cople and Cardington. A route had been explored but there was a brook which would need to be bridged; this could cost in excess of £10,000. An alternative route was possible and the Rights of Way Officer was looking into the practicalities of this and was liaising with the Southill Estate. Councillor Miller Donkin suggested that the footpath could incorporate traffic calming measures where appropriate. Speed Watch Councillor Hinkley was still waiting for the vetting process to be completed. Further volunteers are needed; requirement for a minimum of four persons. The need for volunteers would be included in the village magazine article. The Clerk would contact the resident that had emailed regarding speeding on Northill Road to advise of the need for Speed Watch volunteers. Vehicle Activated Signs There were currently 3 vehicle activated signs (VAS) in the village; 1 a temporary sign on loan from the Ward Councillors. Councillor Hughes had been looking into the VAS that had been installed in Renhold. The Clerk would contact the Renhold Clerk and ask if the signs had been effective in reducing speeding and how useful the police and the Borough Council had been in supporting the scheme. An update would be given at the September meeting. Parish Council Facebook Councillor Miller Donkin had set up the Facebook page, the PC Clerk would act as admin as well. Councillor Miller Donkin asked if any other Councillors would like to be an admin. Councillor Small suggested a piece about the litter pick as a first post. 16 volunteers had taken part on the day with around 14 bags of rubbish collected. Councillor Small advised that he was considering running an independent event around use of the defibrillator and basic lifesaving. The Parish Council agreed that this could be included on the Parish Council Facebook page. Cople Play Park Councillor Hinkley was hoping to become a member of the Cople Village Trust at its July meeting. Councillor Hinkley had been meeting with play equipment companies and looking into plans for the re-devlopment of the play area. Highways Issues The Parish Council had an agreement with Bedford Borough Council to cut the Borough owned verges in Cople. As the 30mph limit had been extended on Bedford Road the Parish Council needed to arrange for the additional area to be cut. The existing contractor could accommodate the extension of the cutting area. The verges would be cut on the A603 between the 30mph signs and the Willington sign. Both sides would be cut at the same time, every other time the village was cut, this would usually equate to 6 cuts per season. (Continued on page 33) 25
26
27
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 - 838676 07979 - 928186
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
28
www.biggleswadetyres.co.uk
Phone for special discount on tyres using the code: COPLE MOT’s carried out while you wait. Phone 01767 60194 29
30
31
Mothers Union
Members & friends enjoyed a fund raising garden party in August, for the MU Summer of Hope appeal. Luckily the rain held off and we were able to sit outside in Eileen’s lovely garden. Members made a selection of sandwiches, cakes and scones for all to enjoy. We also had a Bring & Buy and together with the sale of cakes left over, we raised £75 for the appeal. At the end of the afternoon and as we were meeting on Maty Summer Day (the founder of the MU), the Revd Katie Franks read the Collect for that day. Thanks were given to everyone who made it a very successful occasion. On the 13th September at 2pm, we shall have a speaker for the Kings Arms Project—Majbritt Moulding. The venue for this meeting will be decided nearer the time.
Prayer Lord of the harvest, we thank you for all who have worked on land and sea to provide our daily food. We remember those in other countries who have planted the seed and tended crops, so that we may enjoy the fruits of their labours in and out of season. Amen (MU Prayer Diary 2021)
32
Parish Council Minutes (continued from page 25) Digital Connectivity Councillor Sankersingh gave Councillors an overview of the project. A community project was underway in Willington to fund and deploy Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) capability. Under the project a joint funding arrangement would be put in place with Openreach and the community using government gigabit vouchers. The community would need to register for gigabit vouchers via the community lead. Gigabit voucher funds were available from central government for eligible properties. The project had been extended to include Cople, and Cople Parish Council had been contacted to ask for support in promoting it to residents. It was advised that some outlying properties would not be eligible to join due its distance making the deployment costs expensive. Residents / businesses, would need to commit to supporting the project by purchasing a new broadband service from an Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that would qualify for a government gigabit voucher. Once there were enough residents committing in this way to ensure the project was completely funded, the community group would be able to sign a contract with Openreach and implementation could begin. An existing legal entity such as Cople Parish Council or Willington Parish Council would need to sign on behalf of the community, or an actual community group entity would need to be formed to sign the contract Councillor Sankersingh advised that this was a scheme that a lot of rural communities were taking part in. It was clarified that the scheme would not go ahead unless enough residents had committed to cover the costs. The Parish Council agreed to support the promotion of the initiative at this first stage. Community litter pick - Sunday 4th July 10.30am What a success!! 16 volunteers had taken part on the day with around 14 bags of rubbish collected. Thank you to everyone who attended. A full copy of the minutes of the Cople Parish Council meetings are available on the website cople-pc.gov.uk. If you would like to engage with the Parish Council about any matter please contact Anne, Parish Council Clerk, by e-mail clerk@cople-pc.gov.uk. The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place at 19:30hrs on 20th September 2021 at Cople Village Hall. All members of the public are entitled to attend the meeting and are cordially invited by the Council to do so.
33
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, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9.15-12.15 & Wed 9—3pm 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 Stacey and Hayley at willingtots@outlook.com or call on 07972 148085
34
35
DOWN ON THE FARM 7—Charles Porter August is our busiest month of the year for wheat harvesting. In this area, wheat accounts for a large proportion of the arable acreage. It used to be easy to tell the difference between wheat and barley when it was growing in the field, as barley had whiskers (awns) but wheat didn’t. Now it is not so easy to the untrained eye, as some new wheat varieties also have awns. But close up it is easy, barley seeds have no covering on them, whereas wheat seeds have a pale sheath, the chaff. In the same way that you have different types of apples for different end uses, i.e. cookers, eaters and cider apples, so too you have different breeds of wheat for different end uses. There are some varieties that produce the best quality, high protein grains and that make an elastic dough. These are used for bread making. Then there are varieties that are grown for biscuit making. The lowest grade is used for animal feed and a small proportion for Ethanol production for fuel. If you try to make bread out of one of these lower grade wheats, you simply end up with a hard, unrisen lump. Finally, you have Durum wheat, and the flour from this is used for pasta making. This type of wheat is not suited to the British climate and is grown in areas with Mediterranean weather. Our combining is carried out by a contractor who uses huge, state of the art machines, which are able to gather as much in an hour, possibly 80 tons, as we used to gather in a day when we used to do our own combining. If it is of bread making quality, this 80 tons could go on to make about 130,000 loaves of bread! On our farm, the combine then discharges the wheat into a chaser bin which carries the wheat to the edge of the field where it is transferred to a lorry. It is then taken off to the store for the final cleaning out of any rubbish and drying, should it be necessary. Damp grain heats up and rots in storage, and all grain sold must be lower than 15% moisture. These combines are unbelievably complicated and clever, and I wouldn’t have a clue how to drive one. They are guided by satellite and the driver has a series of touch screen computers in the cab to be able to monitor and adjust the workings of the machine. The quantity of grain being combined is continuously being logged in. This enables a map to be produced after harvest showing yield variations in a field. It is then up to the farmer to try and work out the reasons for these differences, and to try and rectify it for the next year. It could be down to a variety of factors from soil compaction to waterlogging or a nutrient deficiency in the soil. How different all this is to when my grandfather farmed here. He would have done all his harvesting using binders pulled by horses. A pair of horses would pull this machine which cut the wheat and tied it into bundles (sheaves). A team of men would then follow behind, picking up these sheaves and standing 10 them into stooks, leaving a gap down the middle to allow the straw and any green weeds to dry out.
36
This must have been such a worrying and stressful time, as harvest then went on into September and a prolonged wet spell when the stooks were still out would make the grain chit in the ear, which would have a devastating effect on the quantity and quality of the grain. When fully dry, the sheaves would be loaded onto a cart, taken to the rick yard, and stacked into ricks. This was a very skilful job, having to keep the centre of the rick slightly higher than the outside to ensure that any rain would not seep into the rick. The whole stack had to be stable so it didn’t collapse, and finally brought to a roof shaped top so it could then be thatched. See photograph below. Later in the year, a contractor’s thrashing drum, towed by a traction engine, would come to the farm to thrash the grain, and separate it from the straw. The grain in 100 kilo sacks would then be carried on the backs of the farm workers to store in the granary. The straw would be re-stacked for use as animal bedding in the winter and the chaff would also be collected and stored for horse and cattle feed. On the wildlife front, it has been a time of good news and bad news. The good is the Swallows who, having arrived early, have had a good breeding year, helped by the rain to make the mud for the nests, and the warm humid spells to provide plenty of insects for the fledglings. Most pairs have had two broods of 3 or 4 chicks, and one pair are currently sitting on their third clutch of eggs. Any late fledglings will need nice autumn weather to give them time to grow and get strong enough to stand any chance of surviving their long migration flight back to Africa. The bad news concerns our Mallards. We have only had two ducklings survive this year. Badgers ate all the eggs out of 8 nests we were monitoring. And any ducklings that did hatch out from other nests have all gone. Some clutches of 10 gradually disappeared over a few days. One family all survived till they were a month old and then they too disappeared. Who is responsible for this ‘duckicide’? We’ve no idea; Herons and Cormorants may have had some of the small ones. But who is responsible for the larger ones? Possibly an otter passing through and of course there are always foxes and badgers around. They make take some, but all of them? A real mystery.
37
38
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
39
Gardening in September There has been quite a lot of media attention over the past couple of years given to the use of Glyphosate as a weed killer. In America, a Californian Court awarded damages to Dewayne Johnson who said it was responsible for giving him terminal Cancer. However, it is still available to use and for many that use total weed killer, it is the primary active ingredient in the most commonly available brands. The debate as to its continued use rages but this has led many people to look for alternatives and against that backdrop, I recently used white vinegar and happily, it appears to have been effective. I simply decanted some into a garden sprayer, and sprayed on a patch of gravel, on a sunny and hot day and within a few hours, the weed was looking decidedly moribund. It is worth noting that the vinegary smell hung around for a while, but it did the trick. Similarly, and coincidentally, a client of mine in an attempt to remove fungal growth from a fairy ring on her lawn, recently sprayed a mixture of one-part white vinegar to three parts water onto the offending interlopers and she also reports that this has been successful, BUT with a caveat: the nearby grass is looking a little brown. At the moment of writing, it is too soon to say whether the damage to the sword is terminal or not, but I will report back next month. My dear old dad used to incur the wrath of my mother by raiding her larder and use table salt liberally scattered on weeds that were poking through the patio. Although effective, having obtrusive, white mounds of salt dotted around is not everyone’s definition of what constitutes an attractive garden and certainly was certainly not my mother’s! Garlic spray is an effective pest control as is a squirt of washing up liquid diluted with water or if muntjak or even domestic cats are causing damage, chilli powder or white pepper scattered can be effective. The website, for those of you online, www. naturalgrower.co.uk, is interesting and has a range of organic, vegan friendly horticultural solutions and preparations. control in the garden? If so, please get in touch using the details below.
40
Do any readers have any suggestions for non-conventional weed or pest control in the garden? If so, please get in touch using the details below. Last month’s just for fun quiz question was: what is the botanical name of the plant known as ‘Rose of Sharon’? Bit of a trick question as this biblical expression refers to a number of different, unrelated plants and once again highlights the problem of using common names rather than the unambiguous botanical names. For many, Rose of Sharon is applied to the Hypericum calycinum whereas for others, it alludes to the Hibiscus syriacus. As if that wasn’t confusing enough, the term is also applied to Hibiscus rosa-senensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Malus domestica and even a type of Iris! Bite the bullet, brace yourself and gird up your loins, but not all at once, and always use botanical names would be my advice! And if anyone accuses you of being pretentious, simply say what Sybil does in a memorable episode of Fawlty Towers and say ‘Pretentious? Moi?!’
This month’s just for fun question is: What common name was dianthus barbatus given to honour the Duke of Cumberland's victory at the Battle of Culloden? As usual, many thanks to all of you for contributing to this column, keep them coming, and please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, to 01767 627581 or 07796 328855 or lawndocgardens@aol.com.
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: 01234 838817
Cople Web Site Contact: Ian Whiting Tel: 01234 838347 Email: ian@cople.org.uk Web Site:www.cople.org.uk
Mothers Union Contact: Jill Ebbs Tel: 01234 838659
Village Agent Wendy Worgan Tel:0800 039 1234
Cople Village Trust Chair: Catherine Bayliss Tel: 01234 838704
Mobile: 07717 269440 wendyw@bedsrcc.org.uk
Cople Sports & Social Club Chair: David Hughes Tel: 01234 838669
Cople Parish Council Clerk: Anne Pape
Tel: 01234 376645 clerk@cople-pc.gov.uk
Tuesday Club Contact: Joy Duthie Tel: 01234 838407
https://cople-pc.gov.uk/
Biggleswade Chronicle Village Correspondent: Jill Ebbs Tel: 01234 838659
GREAT NEIGHBOURS in COPLE is our local good neighbourhood scheme, which 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 07746 624208 on Monday to Friday between 1.00 – 3.00pm 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). For more information contact 01234 838704 or villagehallenquiries@cople.org.uk 42
43
Stylish bathrooms and kitchens to suit your current needs and budget. With spacious working showroom in the heart of Bedford, P & R Interiors is a local family run firm that provides inspirational modern design and cost-effective solutions for both kitchens and bathrooms. There are 54 stunning displays in our beautiful showroom that are constantly being updated. So, you can come in and see exactly what you are buying and experience first-hand with working displays. We can undertake all aspects of building work supply and fit or supply only
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