Cople News December 2021 by Ian Whiting

Cople News

December 2021

Merry Christmas to all Cople Residents

Post Box in Water End in the Snow — photo by Jacqueline Baxter

Editor’s Notes

As we dash towards the end of yet another ‘Not Quite the Usual’ type of year, we would like to wish all our readers a Very Merry Christmas. The numbers of events for the festive season and the New Year are increasing, so lets hope this is a further sign that things are returning to normal. We may have to try to bring back the Calendar in the middle of the magazine (lets hope Ged is still willing and able to assist with that one!!). The wall of poppies at the Church for Remembrance Day looked wonderful, although the church in Rushden, Northants beat us with over 4000 poppies cascading down from their church tower, so back to the knitting ladies and gents. The village, along with Moggerhanger and Willington said Goodbye to Katie Franks, who had been our curate since Fiona left in January. A short article on her leaving do appears on page 4. There is an article that all dog walkers MUST read on page 8. Please, we don’t want to lose access to the playing fields if we can help it.

The Christmas Tree which GNiC have donated will have its lights turned on, on Thursday 9th at 6.30pm, carols by the choir will also be heard. Soon afterwards the Christmas Tree Festival is to take place in the church, with judging on Saturday 18th followed by refreshments, mini bazaar and a raffle. We’ve not had any update on the Defibrillator Training, but feel sure come the New Year Donna and Dr. Dave will be back. Here’s to a joyful festive season and a Happy New Year. Libby & Linda

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 Churchwardens. Katie took her last two services in the benefice on Sunday 7th November. It was an emotional day, and she was thanked for all her hard work and support during her time with us, especially since Fiona left in January. Katie was presented with a photograph of all three churches in the benefice and a cheque for £544, as well as a delicious cake. Katie has secured a post as Rector of a benefice in rural Yorkshire. We wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life. We send her on her way with our love and prayers. In other news, we welcome Revd Lynne Sandle, who will be the new vicar of Cople, Moggerhanger and Willington. The PCC Secretaries have received a letter from the Deputy Registrar (on behalf of the Bishop of the Diocese) giving us notice that it is the intention of the Bishop to collate Lynne to the above benefice on 6th January 2022. Julie on behalf of the churchwardens

Dates for Local Churches, December 2021 Thursday 2nd Sunday 5

09.30am

Morning Prayer at Willington Church

09.30am

Morning Praise livestreamed from Cople Church

11.00am Holy Communion at Moggerhanger Church Thursday 9th

09.30am Morning Prayer at Willington Church 6.30pm

Cople Christmas Tree Lights & Carols

Saturday 11

TBA

Christingle Packs to be collected from Cople Church

Sunday 12th

09,30am Morning Praise livestreamed from Moggerhanger Church

Dates for Local Churches, December 2021 (Cont.) Sunday 12th Cont. Thursday 18 Sunday 21

10.30am

Willington Churches Together Christingle

11.00am

Holy Communion at Cople Church

09.30am

Morning Prayer at Willington Church

09.30am

Morning Praise livestreamed from Willington Church led by Bishop Richard, Bishop of Bedford

11am

Holy Communion at Cople Church led by Bishop Richard

3pm

Christingle Service over Zoom

09.30am

Morning Prayer at Willington Church

Saturday 18th

10.30am

Christmas Tree Festival and Fair at Cople Church

Sunday 19th

09.30am

Morning Praise livestreamed from Willington Church taken by Bishop Alan, Bishop of St Albans

11am

Holy Communion at Cople Church taken by Bishop Alan

3.30pm

Village Carols at Willington Church

6.00pm

Village Carols at Moggerhanger Church

Thursday 23rd

9.30am

Morning Prayer at Willington Church

Friday 24th

10.00am

Zoom Crib Service for Cople and Moggerhanger.

11.00am

Willington Churches Together Crib Service

11.30pm

Midnight Communion at Cople Church

Saturday 25th

9.30am

Holly Communion ay Willington Church

Sunday 26th

10.30am

You are invited to join the Rural Dean at his service at Tempsford Church

Thursday 16

If anyone would like to join the livestreamed Morning Praise services, please contact Mel Ebbage at cmwbeneficeoffice@gmail.com

For details of Benefice Choir see page 14 5

COPLE NEWS EDITOR NOTICE ATTENTION ALL DOG WALKERS It has been brought to my attention that the Ground staff for the School Playing Fields are finding many piles of dog poo and/or bags of such poo just left in the grounds. We should remember that the grounds are private land and the school kindly allow the residents of Cople to make use of it, but this access may be withdrawn should the non-removal of dog poo continue. Afterall it can’t be very nice for the Ground Staff to deal with such things. So can we ALL please pick up after our pets and take away the bags of poo, perhaps you could remove any ‘stray’ bags you find as well, so we can all continue to use this green and pleasant area. Libby Sands

The Friends of Cople Church The Friends raise money for the upkeep of the historic Grade 1 listed All Saints Church in Cople and many of you will have attended events we have run – safari supper, barn dance, pantomimes, talks, quizzes, etc. The fund-raising committee do all the organising, but often we are short of helpers on the night to serve food or drink, be on the door to check tickets etc., or simply help set up and clear up. So, we are looking for volunteers to help at events. The benefit of doing this is that helpers get free entry – you can still enjoy the event and eat and drink. If you are new to the village, it is a great way to meet people. So, if you wish to get involved in this way please contact: Miles Tetley – 07738 999340 or milotetley@gmail.com

Cople Memories.

Eating Out and former Cople residents! Calling all current Thiswould month ventured across of therecollections river, but only just to The We like we to publish a booklet and memories of Anchor, High Street, Great Barford MK44 3LF. 01234 870364. Cople and need your help. Do you have any memories or photographs of times gone past that we can incorporate into the article? Memories of Bookingupa in table was easy, we greeted by with a big smile growing Cople or stories toldwere by parents or older residents? If so,and we a friendly Hello. Unfortunately, we had hit on a very busy moment would love to hear from you.

as the Rotary Club were ordering their meals, but we were seated,

Ifand youour would like yourtaken stories to be included, please contact Karen drinks order quickly. at k.hindmoor@outlook.com

The menu gives plenty of choice from Light Bites, through Starters,

Karen hasGourmet kindly offered to coordinate in a conjunction with of Sheerhatch Mains, Burgers. There isthis also Snack Menu Paninis, School, Year 6 pupils who, where appropriate (and under teacher Rustic Ciabatta Rolls, Jacket Potatoes, Traditional Ploughman's and supervision) would love to chat to contributors to the project,

a selection of side orders.

We anticipate that with the amount of investigation required, publication Webeordered one from the Specials Board, there were seven to will next summer.

choose from —Venison & Red Wine pie, with chips and seasonal

We vegetables are very @ excited £11.95. to start Theythis offered and betoable change to glimpse the vegetables some of the to village salad history, for me. The other half had Wholetail Breaded Scampi @

£11.95.

Many thanks to those who have contributed already.

The pie was topped with Puff Pastry which apparently caused our meals to be delayed a little, but we were kept informed of this issue, which was nice. When our meals arrived, the pie was piping hot, too hot to be able to really taste the meat, but once it cooled down everything was very nice.

Libby & Linda

The scampi dish came with a total of 9 pieces of scampi which may be a little miserly, but I was told they were very nice and hot. Although we hoped to be able to fit in a Dessert, the portion sizes were such that we couldn’t really fit any in, so we’ll have to go back some other time to try those.

The Bill came to £30 which included drinks (a small glass of white wine and a pint of cider), which was very reasonable. Scores: Service — 4.75 out of 5; Food quality & quantity — 4.75; Cleanliness and virus awareness — 4.75, customers were not required to wear masks but staff did when serving behind the bar and in the restaurant; Value for money — 5.0, so much so that we have booked to have our Boxing Day Lunch there. Total out of 20 = 19.25

Roland Butter

Mobile Hairdresser/ Barber Do you need a haircut? Local, Reliable and Friendly Fully qualified and experienced

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Blunham Community Cinema Village Hall, Blunham MK44 3NN The Blunham Community Cinema presents on Thursday 30th December, the film ‘Man Up’ (Cert 15) starring Simon Pegg and Lake Bell. A single woman takes the place of a stranger's blind date, which leads to her finding the perfect boyfriend.

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 Sue on 01767 640515 or 07783 046020. Covid Guidelines may be in force.

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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.

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Benefice Choir The Benefice Choir is made up of members from all three parishes, Cople, Willington and Moggerhanger. 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. Below are the dates of the practices for December 2021: Wednesday 1st—St Lawrence’s, Willington @ 09.30am Wednesday 8th — All Saints, Cople @ 09.30am Wednesday 15th — St Lawrence’s, Willington @ 09.30am If you are interested, please come along and join in. Shirley Jones

Blunham and District Gardening Club The December meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th December at 7.30 pm. Our speaker will be Nic Wilson talking about ‘A Walk on the Wild’: Gardens in the wider landscape (considering how to create sustainable, wildlife friendly gardens that help support wider ecosystems). Visitors are welcome. For any further information contact Brenda Leaf on 01767 640623

All Saints Church The current contact details for Cople Church are as follows: Tel: 01234 831421. email: cmwcurate@gmail.com June Thomas 34 Grange Lane Cople, Beds MK44 3TT

Churchwardens Julie Scherrer 26 Grange Way Willington, Beds MK44 3QW

Tel: 01234 831705 juneshanahan748@btinternet.com

Tel: 01234 838623 julie@scherrer.co.uk

Mobile Library News—December 2021 The mobile library is now visiting the village fortnightly on a Wednesday. It will call at All Saints Road—10.00 - 10.20am; Water End—10.25 - 10.40am and The Five Bells—10.45 -11.05am. The dates for December are 8th and 25th. We are now allowed onto the van to choose our books.

Knit and Stitch At last we can meet again in the Five Bells on alternate Fridays from 10.00am until 12.00noon. Come along to the get-together on December 3rd and 17th and bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery or just bring along yourself to chat and enjoy coffee and cake. 15

COPLE VILLAGE TRUST (Registered Charity No. 1090113)

200 CLUB Monthly draw of £60 - £30 and £10 – you never know your luck may be in! Subs are due each January, however you can join at any time of the year. Prize winners for November 2021 1st prize of £60 2nd prize of £30 3rd prize of £10

211 261 196

Cathy Farebrother Sandra Thacker Sarah Gallagher

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

Cople Tuesday Club Returns. Ladies, it will be wonderful to finally resume our club on January 11th 2022. This is an opportunity to gather together present and future members and we certainly know after the lockdown how important the community is. So let’s hope we can become an even stronger club, you will have a warm welcome to our all-age group meetings. Our programme for 2022 is now booked up and we will meet in Cople Village Hall from 7.30pm. The first three months are: January 11th—Kerry Pay—The Story of Tropics February 18th—Peter Sara—Marie Curie (our charity of the year) with a Bring & Buy sale. March 8th—Julie Crawford—Pilates and Well Being. Contacts: Joy Duthie: Chair 01234 838407 Jane Barnard: 01234 838004 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.

Cople Village Agent Winter Update Are you worried about the rising cost of your energy bills? Are you receiving all the benefits that you are entitled to?

Are you receiving the Warm home discount scheme?

What is the Warm Home Discount scheme? The Warm Home Discount scheme (WHDS) offers a one-off payment of £140 (inclusive of VAT) towards the energy bills of those who need it most. The scheme was introduced by the Government in April 2011 and managed by energy suppliers. The money isn’t paid directly to you – it’s a oneoff discount that’s credited to your energy account, prepayment card or key, during the winter – providing you qualify for the payment.

If you want to know more information, contact Wendy St John’s Hospital Trust Grant – Do you know about the St John’s Hospital Trust Grant?? This is a small quarterly payment of £75 given to people on a low income who have little or no savings. That’s £300 per year. To qualify you must be over 60, not working and have lived in Bedford Borough for at least 15 years. Contact Wendy for more details. Pension Credit - Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. If your weekly income is below £177.10 (if you’re single) £270.30 (joint income) contact Wendy for more information.

Village Agent Jigsaw Loan Scheme Now that it is dark early in the evenings would you like to borrow a jigsaw? Your village Agent has now acquired a few for people to borrow for FREE (you can keep for as long as you wish) Just contact Wendy who can give you a A5 booklet which shows the pictures of the ones currently in stock. Contactless Payments Now that the contactless spend limit has risen to £100, card skimming is expected to increase. Protect your cards with a RFID blocking wallet. Ask your Village Agent for one for FREE Village Agent Winter Campaign Your Village Agent Winter Campaign is back. I have the following items that I can offer older residents. Call me if you are interested – first come first served as I have limited supply of items. Thermal Socks (Women’s & Men’s Thermal Gloves Thermal Vests Fleece Blanket Wind Up Torch Wordsearch Book Please call Wendy your Village Agent on: Freephone 0800 039 1234 mobile 07717 269 440 or connect via: wendyw@bedsrcc.org.uk

Facebook - BRCC Village Agent – Wendy Worgan 07717 269 440 19

1 Wood Lane, Willington Beds MK44 3QT Email: jkobrien@live.co.uk

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Rats, Mice, Fleas, Moles, Wasps, Bird Proofing etc We offer very competitive rates with normally same day service Proprietor: Mr J. T. Hillyard Telephone 01234 - 838391

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

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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 21

Christmas Tree Festival

We are holding a Christmas tree festival in Cople church on 18th December. Trees are to be decorated on the 17th of December. Viewing and judging will take place on the 18th December between 10.30 am 2.30pm. Refreshments, mini Christmas bazaar and raffle will also be available during this time. Supply your own artificial or fresh tree, maximum height 5ft or 1.5m and not too wide please. (We have a few spare artificial trees). Space inside our church is limited, so book early! Entry fee £2 a tree. For further details please contact: June on 01234 831705 juneshanahan748@btinternet.com or Sue on 01234 838560

Sign up for a ‘flipping fabulous’ fundraiser & take part in a Penguin Parade for Marie Curie Marie Curie is calling on ‘flipping fabulous’ young fundraisers to step out this festive season and take part in a penguin parade for families affected by terminal illness. The newly launched Penguin Parade will see young children go for a waddle of any distance at their nursery or primary school, to raise money and light up the festive season for local families affected by terminal illness. Peter Sara, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser in the East of England said: - “Christmas can be a difficult time for those who are bereaved, living with a terminal illness or caring for a loved one at the end of life. By taking part in the Penguin Parade, you can help us continue to be there for everyone who will need us now and in the future. The Penguin Parade is aimed at children aged 1-6 and the charity recommends taking part in small groups, such as nurseries or primary schools. Once signed up, participating nurseries and schools will get everything they need for the perfect Penguin Parade, including Penelope the Penguin a soft cuddly toy. Then all that’s left to do is raise as much as possible! For more information on Penguin Parade and to sign up visit: mariecurie.org.uk/penguin-parade or contact Peter Sara, your local Community Fundraiser on peter.sara@mariecurie.org.uk or alternatively call 07887 625 449. 23

Home Delivery Service in Bedfordshire Villages 25

Mothers Union

At our meeting in November, members put together 2 shoeboxes for the Samaritans Purse Appeal which this year will be going to Moldova, a country in Eastern Europe. We also discussed the new arrangements from January 2022 when members will become individual Diocesan Members but we will still be called Cople MU, and meet each month as we always have done. Our Christmas meeting will be held on Monday 13th December in the Five Bells PH at 2pm. We shall be singing carols followed by tea, mince pies and chat. Lastly, a big thank you is extended to all friends who have been knitting and sewing for us again this year. A large bag of jumpers, hats mittens etc was recently collected for distribution both here and overseas, and we hope they will continue to support our projects again in the coming year. Liz Buck Prayer Let us all, amidst the Yuletide celebrations, remember the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. May your love, Lord, surround everyone, especially the lonely and isolated, those unwell in hospital or at home, and all who are unable to be with their family and friends during this festive season. Amen

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Register for an account with a valid email address, and join as a supporter. Funds raised will be used towards the upkeep and maintenance of Cople Village Hall, playing fields, playground and surrounding area. You can even opt in for a Donation Reminder popup to notify you every time you visit a partner retailer website, so you’ll never miss out on a free donation!

Cople Village Trust, Charity No. 1090113 Trustee: Laura Saunders, 17 Rye Crescent. 07967 830790. laura-a-saunders@outlook.com

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

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COUNTRY STOVES & SWEEPS HETAS Registered Wood/Multi Fuel Stove Installation Gas Fires Fitted – GAS SAFE Chimney Sweeping Insurance/Safety Certificates Issued Chimney Lining Bird Guards Fitted Free Survey & Quote Competitive Prices

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Phone for special discount on tyres using the code: COPLE MOT’s carried out while you wait. Phone 01767 60194 31

Live Music Nights & Events 3rd December—Knit & Stitch—10.00am 4th December—’Scally Wags’—live music— 8.30pm 5th December—Music Quiz—6.00pm 9th December—General Knowledge Quiz—8.00pm

13th December— Mother’s Union—2.00pm 17th December—Knit & Stitch—10.00am 19th December—Christmas Music Quiz—6.00pm 23rd December—Christmas General Knowledge Quiz— 8.00pm 31st December—Kols Karaoke & Disco—8.30pm ‘til late

YOGA CLASSES ARE BACK Cople Village Hall, Fridays between 10.00 and 11.00am — £6.00 per class

12 week specialised courses available. Yoga for healthy lower backs Freda Dodsworth British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Tel. 01767 627611 Or email Freda.yoga@gmail.com

Foodbank Collection Dear Cople residents , Thank you for your donations that were collected from your door steps on the 4th November. We received a boot and back seat full of items (see below) which were delivered to our local main depot in Bedford, who once again were very grateful. We received a lovely letter from the Foodbank. Our collection weighed in at 218.95kg, which is sufficient to provide 521 meals.

The warehouse usually feed over 700 people a month, giving them enough food for 3-4 days, or around 10 meals. This equates to between 5-8 tonnes a month, so you can see all donations are very welcome. Next year we are changing the dates to a Saturday, as more of us are available to collect on a weekend, and hopefully some more residents will be kind enough to donate. The date for our next collection is Saturday 5th March. The following dates to pop in your diary for the rest of 2022 are Saturday June 4th, September 3rd and December 3rd. Many thanks also to Gill, Libby, Lou, Tracy and Philla for collecting the items from the doorsteps this year. Thank you. GNiC

Cople Christmas Tree. GNiC will be donating their annual Christmas tree to Cople again this year and the switch of the tree lights on will be Thursday 9th November at 6.30 pm. It will be held outside next to the tree in the church grounds. The church choir will be singing carols and mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies will be served. Everyone is Welcome. Merry Christmas GNiC

CARDINGTON COPLE AND EASTCOTTS CHARITY

Charity Registration Number: 210585

An Almshouse (Bungalow type) will shortly become available in Cardington Notice is given that a forthcoming vacancy exists for an Almsperson of this Charity. People with limited resources, who are in need and are resident in the Parishes of Cardington, Cople, Harrowden, Shortstown and Cotton End are eligible for appointment. In special cases to be approved by the Charity Commissioners persons who do not possess the prescribed qualification as to residence may be appointed if otherwise qualified. Almspeople will be required to contribute a weekly sum towards the cost of maintaining the Almshouses of the Charity. Please Note:- This property is not suitable for dog owners due to livestock in the adjacent field (at rear), low fencing and open gardens. This property is not immediately available. Expressions of interest in writing please, in the first instance to: Mrs Sandra Thacker, Clerk to the Trustees, 30 Water End, Cople. Beds MK44 3TY Closing Date 15th December 2021 35

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

Display of Poppies on Cople Church Wall. Hopefully, many of you will have seen the display of poppies on the wall of Cople Church over the Remembrance period.

Many people have been involved in the success of this display, Gill, Chainie and Katsie have been busy installing the netting and attaching the numerous poppies. Some of you may be wondering why there are different coloured poppies: The lilac ones remember the hundred of thousands of animals that died during the wars. The white ones, remember those people who were pacifists, who didn’t fight, but still served their country in whatever ways they could, such as driving ambulances or acting as stretcher bearers. They also lost their lives while working to help the wounded.

Cople Over 60’s Club The club will meet again on Tuesday 4th January 2022 in the Sports and Social Pavilion at 2.00pm, to discuss new plans and outings for the future. We would welcome anyone to join us, as we now have fewer members due to illness and old age. Hazel Shreeves 01234 838817 38

DOWN ON THE FARM 10—Charles Porter The arable side of the farm is going to be a bit quiet for a couple of months. The wheat is all up and looking well and has all been sprayed to control various grass weeds, such as Blackgrass, Wild Oats and Brome. These are all very competitive with the wheat and need to be controlled either before they emerge or as very small seedlings. Once they get growing in the spring, they are virtually impossible to kill. Blackgrass is the most problematic of these three, as a bad infestation can cut the wheat yield by more than 50%. It is amazingly prolific, and the seeds can live in the soil for about 5 years. One seedling, if given perfect growing conditions, can produce between 15,000 and 20,000 seeds in a year from that one plant. So, a minor problem one year can become a huge problem very quickly The problem that is currently worrying arable farmers is that blackgrass plants are evolving to become resistant to the weed killers that we have in our armoury to control them. It only takes a few plants to survive one year to then grow on themselves and produce more resistant plants the next year for a large population to build up that we are unable to control. It is enormously expensive to develop a new weedkiller and can take many years to get it to the point that we can use it on the farm. We are totally reliant on a few large agrochemical companies to do this development for us. About 30% of the arable area on our farm is being left fallow over winter. It has been lightly cultivated to aid drainage and to encourage weed seeds to chit. These fields will then green up over winter and will then be sprayed off in the spring time prior to the drilling of the spring crop. Having decided after this harvest, when Linseed was very disappointing, that I would definitely never grow the wretched stuff again, I have of course changed my mind, and am going to grow it again next year. What, you may well ask is the logic behind this? There are three factors that made me make this decision. Firstly, the lack of any other financially realistic option to put into the rotation, secondly, the price is currently very good, and thirdly, surely, it’s got to do well one year hasn’t it, and next year could well be that year. Hmmm, or have I said that before? There is, however, one big beneficiary from growing a spring sown crop, and that is the environment. The green cover that naturally regenerates in these stubbles is locking up CO2 as it grows, and it will also provide valuable organic matter when it is incorporated into the soil in the spring. This same growth is also very beneficial for the wildlife as it will provide insects for food, and also a sheltered haven for many birds through the winter months. Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Lapwings and Golden Plover will all hopefully be seen feeding on these fields in the next few months. The seed eating birds will now be feasting on the plots that we have sown around the farm for their winter food. Having been sown in June, they 40

have have fore, their eat.

all grown really well during the damp summer that we have had and produced a lot of seed for the little birds. As I have mentioned beit is essential that these plants do not shed their seed but hold it in heads were it won’t rot and will be there ready for the little birds to

Many species can be spotted here: Gold, Green and Chaffinches abound as do Linnets, Reed Buntings, Yellowhammers and House Sparrows. Corn Buntings are one species that we have yet to attract as they are not very common around here now. Hopefully one day we will see some as we provide the perfect environment for them. Just occasionally we see a few Tree Sparrows. These are a great rarity compared to their cousins, the House Sparrow. These two are quite easy to tell apart, the Tree Sparrow having a very obvious brown patch in the middle of its’ white cheek which the House Sparrow doesn’t. If we do see these, it is always in a spell of cold wintry weather. These areas also make wonderful hunting areas for one of our smaller resident raptors, the Sparrow Hawk. These spectacular birds used to be virtually extinct around here. When I was a kid, I can remember my father waxing lyrical about these amazing birds, and how they had been all but wiped out by gamekeepers. Thankfully a few did survive, and that now we have become more enlightened and such birds are no longer persecuted, their numbers have increased to the point where you are no longer surprised to see one. We often see them flying down the farm lane, low over the ditch, then jinxing over the hedge to try and surprise some unsuspecting victim who is having a little daydream on the other side. It is not only little birds that they prey on. Pigeons are often taken, which is amazing as the Pigeon is actually larger than the Sparrow Hawk. If you are out on a walk and you come across a heap of feathers, you can be pretty sure that you have come across the plucked remains of a Sparrow Hawk snack. My comment at the end of last month’s article about nature being very cruel was really bought home to me last week when we witnessed a Greater Spotted Woodpecker being snatched off one of our bird-feeders by a Sparrow Hawk. Me, rushing out of the house, shouting and flapping my arms, was sadly to no avail as the hawk casually flew off with its dinner in its talons. I will try to finish off next month’s piece on a happier note!

Sparrowhawk 41

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Gardening in December

Annual Gardening Quiz – Win An Hour’s Gardening. Thank you very much to everyone that has contributed to this column over the past year. Your questions, comments, suggestions and observations are always fascinating and as I often say, the hope is always that by addressing a particular concern for one reader it might also be useful for others. So, please keep them coming. Likewise, do keep sending any of your homespun DIY suggestions for the garden that you feel might help others. Somewhat incredibly, it’s that time of the year again for the 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! Some of you thought that last year’s was too tricky while some thought it was not quite challenging enough, so hopefully this year’s is an improved mixture. First, the answer to last month’s just for fun question is: often to be seen walking the fields in agriculture, although also regularly employed in horticulture, what is the precise job of the agronomist? An agronomist is expert in the science of soil management and crop production. So, if you are sitting comfortably, here is this year’s quiz: 1. Which flower's name comes from the Ancient Greek word for star? 2.

What name do the Scots sometimes call the weed noxious ragwort in memory of the infamous Duke of Cumberland's?

Which plant, widespread in Britain, if touched causes a serious chemical reaction which makes skin hypersensitive to ultraviolet light?

What is the common name for salix babylonica?

Which flower is also the goddess of the rainbow in Greek Mythology?

Most species of eucalyptus are native to which country?

True or false. Ericaceous plants like acid soil?

Who designed the Blue Peter Garden in 1974?

The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of famous trees in which African country?

10. Which garden in the Cotswolds is notable for its miles of sculptured hedges? 11. True or false. Tulips were once so valuable in Holland that their bulbs were worth more than gold? 12.

Which king created the Hanging Gardens of Babylon?

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 2022. As usual, please contact me with any gardening queries you may have, 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. Best wishes all for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy & Healthy New Year.

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. 45

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, meetings, conferences etc. Main Hall and/or Committee Room - hire charge from £9 per hour, special rate of £25 for children’s parties (conditions apply). Bookings Officer, Laura Saunders—please email if possible villagehallenquiries@cople.org.uk or phone 07967 830790 Website: www.cople.org.uk/village hall 46

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