Cople News Feb 2022 by Ian Whiting

Cople News

February 2022

Photo of Sun Rise over Cople from Dog Kennel field supplied by Kevin Sands

URGENT Notice of Litter Pick January 2022 meet outside the church at

Sunday 30 10.30am All equipment provided. Please wear suitable clothing & sturdy footwear. Please bring your own hand sanitiser. Masks Optional. Event contact: Anne Pape clerk@cople-pc.co.uk

Editor’s Notes

We’ve attempted to include the Monthly calendar this time, let’s hope it is useful; in the right place in the magazine & all the dates and times are correct. I’m sure those of you affected will let me know if anything is wrong! Sadly the Safari Supper has been cancelled, see article on page 8. Linda & I have attended a few of the meetings in the village. Firstly, we went to the Over 60’s Club in the Sports & Social Club. Unfortunately including Linda & I there were only 5 present. Perhaps it was the cold, rainy weather, or Covid that put people off. A plea for help is on page 16. Can you help? Our visit to the Tuesday Club in the Village Hall saw many more Ladies present (what do you Gentlemen do on an evening?). We have had an almost 100% take up of advertising again for 2022, which is good news as without their support we couldn’t produce the magazine. Roland Butter visited The Guinea at Moggerhanger in January. Perhaps he and Mrs Butter should try the Valentine Menu at The Five Bells, see page 36. If you are a fan of Bargain Hunt (& similar auction programmes) you may be interested in being able to see & listen to the Two Charlies (Ross & Hanson) speak at Bedford Blues ground on 25th March—more detail in next months edition. I hope to see lots of you at the Litter Pick on Sunday 30th January, where does all the litter come from? 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 6pm on 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

Message from Rev. Lynne Dear Friends, Greetings to you all! My name is Lynne and I was licensed as the new Vicar of Cople, Moggerhanger and Willington on 6th January. It was a very special and joyous service, and my thanks go to all who helped in the preparation of it. The 6th of January is Epiphany, that day we remember the arrival of the Wise Men. A day marking the end of their long journey, a day filled with joy as they discovered the birthplace of the new born King. So, it was a very fitting day to mark a beginning of a new chapter in my own journey and in the journey of the benefice. I am very much looking forward to meeting and getting to know you all and exploring the local area, particularly as the weather begins to improve! In early February we mark the day of Candlemas, the time when the infant Jesus was presented to be blessed by the priest in the temple. There he was recognised by two separate prophets, Anna and Simeon, as the one who would bring salvation to the world. Both Anna and Simeon were filled with the same joy as the Wise Men as they recognised who was before them. Traditionally on Candlemas all the household candles would be brought to church to be blessed, and that through their light all the people would be blessed. We may no longer rely on candles to light our evenings, but we can still rely on Jesus to be the one who saves. And I pray that he brings joy and blessing to us all as we journey through these dark winter months. With every blessing,

Rev. Lynne

All Saints Church The current contact details for Cople Church are as follows: Tel: 01234 974722. email: cmwvicar@gmail.com Churchwardens June Thomas Julie Scherrer 34 Grange Lane 26 Grange Way Cople, Beds Willington, Beds MK44 3TT MK44 3QW Tel: 01234 831705 juneshanahan748@btinternet.com 4

Tel: 01234 838623 julie@scherrer.co.uk

COPLE PARISH COUNCIL NOTICE OF CASUAL VACANCY

Notice is hereby given that a vacancy exists in the office of Parish Councillor for the Parish of Cople. Any person willing to fill this vacancy should apply to the Clerk in writing. A person is qualified to be elected as a Councillor if they are a *British, Commonwealth, Irish or European citizen and over 18. In addition, the person must meet at least one of the following: 1. they are on the electoral register for the parish 2. during past 12 months they have owned or tenanted land or premises in the parish 3. during the past 12 months their principal or only place of work has been in the parish 4. during the past 12 months they have resided in the parish or within 3 miles of it. Bankrupts and those subject to recent imprisonment are disqualified from standing.

sentences

A person cannot be validly nominated unless his/her consent is given in writing to the Parish Clerk at clerk@cople-pc.gov.uk or 3 The Tudors, Colmworth, Beds, MK44 2LLbefore 28th February 2022. This should be accompanied by the following details: • name • address • qualification for nomination (* as above) and one of 1-4 above • reasons for applying for the nomination PUBLIC elections will be held in May 2023 but for the interim period the present sitting Councillors may co-opt to fill the vacancy. If you would like any further information, please contact the Parish Clerk.

SIGNED:

Anne Papé 01st December 2021 Clerk to the Parish Council 5

Friends of Cople Church We had planned to hold the Safari Supper on Saturday 26th February, but after some discussion we have reluctantly decided to cancel this once again. The main reason being that it relies on visiting the houses of those who are acting as hosts. The logistics of sorting out who goes where for starters & main courses is quite difficult & time consuming, so if a host has to pull out at short notice due to a family member testing positive, it throws the organisation out. We wanted to postpone, but with Easter, bank holidays and Queen’s Jubilee, and the planned Barn Dance, fitting it in was not possible. Beyond the Barn Dance (planned for Saturday 25 th June) we are looking at other events – a repeat of the successful & popular Gin Night is a possibility – albeit tweaked, and there is always the threat of another Panto. Oh yes there is! The need for these events is of course to raise funds for the upkeep of All Saints Church in Cople which is a Grade I listed building. On top of this, the Church is an historic building of note, with several unique features, which enhances our village, & attracts interest from far afield. Even though it is an important monument, it receives no money from Central Government or any heritage organisation, nor does the Church of England provide funds for maintenance. Which is why the Friends charity was set up in 2003. The Trustees of the Charity are responsible for identifying how the monies the charity raises are spent, to maintain the fabric of the church & its detached graveyard. Note: it is purely the church fabric for which this money can be used. The church council cannot, and would not, call on these funds for its wider, religious responsibilities. Over the years, the Trustees have provided money for these sorts of items: • Roof Repairs • Cemetery Expenses • Contribution to Insurance • Organ Expenses • Update Electricals and Alarm Service However, in 2020 & 2021 we were only able to hold three events, which with donations, raised £2,494 whilst the outgoings were £10,047. So, the coffers are getting depleted. We are lucky that we have some people who make regular or one-off donations during the year which helps, so if you would like to make a donation, the bank details are as follows: Bank: Lloyds Sort Code: 309066 Account No: 03064452 Account Name: "The Friends of All Saints Church Cople"

(Cont.)

Eating Out This month we visited The Guinea at Moggerhanger for lunch. The bar was very cheerful with bright white (painted) furniture in the restaurant area which brightened everything up. The menu was varied and there was plenty of choice for all tastes. Starters began at £4.25 to £7.25 from soup, to Whitebait, Garlic mushrooms and Prawn cocktail. Dishes for Sharing—Oven Baked Camembert £9.95 or Nachos £10.95. Main courses ranged from Chilli and rice £11.95 to Cottage Pie £9.95; Steak & Cheddar Pie £10.25; Ham and 2 Eggs £8.95; Steak & Ale suet pudding £12.95; Vegetarian Spicy Butterbean Pie £12.95 or Mediterranean Risotto £11.95. Grills—10oz Sirloin £21.95; Gammon Steak £15.95. Burgers—Guinea Burger £12.95; Spicy Vegan Bean Burger £10.95 Fish—Scampi £10.95; Fish & chips £13.95; Baked Fillet of Salmon £13.95. Various ‘Lite Bites’ were also available as well as Salads. Desserts from £5.50—Cheesecake of the day, Sherry Trifle, Apple & Blackberry Pie etc. Various coffees also on sale. We ate the meals in italics but couldn’t find room for desserts unfortunately. We’ll go back again soon. Scores: Service — 4.5 out of 5; Food quality & quantity — 4.5; Cleanliness and virus awareness — 4.5, customers were required to wear masks until seated, however many failed to do this, but the staff wore masks when serving behind the bar and in the restaurant; Value for money — 4.5 Total out of 20 = 18.0

Roland Butter Friends of Cople Church (Cont.) And if you want to do gift aid, please contact Sally Gilpin, our treasurer on sally@sjtax.co.uk As it has been put to me, “Everybody wants to see this building maintained & not become redundant & fall into disrepair, regardless of any beliefs that they may hold. It is every generations moral responsibility to maintain, cherish & be proud of the history of their community & its assets, & to pass this on to the next generation.” We look forward to seeing you at the Barn Dance in June. Miles Tetley, on behalf of the Friends of All Saints Church Cople

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

Call Donna 01234 838980 or 07773 553055

Cople Church Coffee Morning Saturday 26th February 2022 10.30-12.00 (in the church)

You are warmly invited to come along to our first coffee morning of 2022. Delicious cakes and hot and cold drinks will be available. All ages welcome. A perfect way to meet up with others from the village and around. All money raised to go to the church. We look forward to seeing you

CARDINGTON COPLE AND EASTCOTTS CHARITY Charity Registration Number: 210585

Notice is given that an Almshouse vacancy exists in Cardington – further details in the March edition of Cople News. Expressions of Interest in writing – please contact S Thacker, Clerk to the Trustees, 30 Water End ,Cople, Beds MK44 3TY – Closing date 11 March 2022

donnasmall906@gmail.com

Welcome Revd Lynne Sandle

We were delighted to welcome our new vicar Lynne and her family to the Benefice of Cople, Moggerhanger and Willington on Thursday 6th January The licensing service was held at All Saints Cople and was a lovely occasion. The church was packed with parishioners, councillors, clergy and friends. The collation was led by The Rt. Revd. Richard Atkinson OBE, Bishop of Bedford. The installation and induction were led by The Archdeacon of Bedford, The Venerable Dave Middlebrook. The Headteacher of Sheerhatch Primary and other Lay people took part in welcoming Lynne and saying prayers.

After the service refreshments were served in the village hall, where a special cake was cut by Lynne.

We are particularly grateful to Brenda and Lorraine who helped on the night (see photo) and to Ann for arranging the beautiful flowers. Thank you to all those who provided food and helped make the evening such a success in so many ways.

We look forward to working with Lynne as she embarks on this new chapter of worship and life in our Benefice. With Blessings Julie, June, Ann, Mel and Ali (Benefice Churchwardens)

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

THE BIG BLUNHAM BOOK SALE IS BACK IN 2022 ! The Big Blunham Book sale will be held on Saturday 26th February 2022 10.00am to 3.00pm in Blunham Parish Church, MK44 3NQ. There will be an enormous selection of nearly new books specialist and fiction, sorted into categories. Home made soup with bread, home made cakes, hot dogs, teas and coffees served all day. Plus a raffle.

Please see www.riversmeetbenefice.co.uk information or contact Sue 01767 640572

for

up-to-date

All profits to Blunham Church Fabric Fund

Over 60’s Club. Ladies and gentlemen, the number of persons attending these meetings currently held every other Tuesday in the Sports and Social Club from 2.30pm, is currently very low, so the Committee was wondering what could be done to increase attendance. Accepting it may be the cold weather and/or the Covid issue: • • •

Do they provide a Speaker once a month? Reduce the frequency of the meetings from fortnightly to monthly? Rename the group to try to attract younger members?

Anyone with ideas will be welcome to send them to Cople News who will pass them onto the Over 60’s Committee or please send them to Hazel Shreeves direct The next meetings are programmed for 1st and 15th February 2022

The Royal College of Chiropodists & Podiatrists

Home visiting service only

Over 17 years NHS service

Blunham Community Cinema Village Hall, Blunham MK44 3NN The Blunham Community Cinema presents on Friday 25th February 2022, announces a Fish and Chip night to celebrate their 6th Anniversary. Black and white film ‘All about Eve’ (Cert 18) starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter and George Saunders. A seemingly timid but ruthless ingenue insinuates herself into the lives of an aging Broadway star and her circle of theatre friends.

Entry by ticket only. Adults £12.00, (cinema ticket, fish & chips plus a glass of bubbly). Cinema only £5.00. Doors open 6.00pm, supper served 6.30pm. Bar and raffle For tickets or any further information contact Sue on 01767 640515 or 07783 046020. Covid Guidelines may be in force.

Blunham and District Gardening Club The first meeting of the New Year will be held on Tuesday 1st February 2022 at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Nic Wilson talking about ‘Unusual Crops, the good the bad and Achocha’. Annual subscriptions are now due. Refreshments will be served. Visitors welcome. For further information contact Brenda Leaf 01767 640624

St Edmund’s Fellowship, Blunham Village Hall The New Year meeting will be held on Wednesday 16th February 2022 at 10.30am. The speaker will be Phil Rose talking about ‘How ants built the internet’. Annual subscriptions are now due. Refreshments will be served. Visitors welcome. For further information contact Stella Harding 01767 640515

Mothers Union

Our next meeting will be held on Monday 14th February 2022 at 24 Willington Road at the usual time of 2.00pm. We shall be planning our programme for the year. As we enter a new triennium within the MU, we now have a new Diocesan President plus changes of personnel in other roles within the St Albans Diocese. We wish them all well as they take on new challenges. Prayer Lord, we ask that all who have any leadership role in World, National and local issues, work in partnership together. By following your example of justice and humility, may they plan for the future with patience and care for the people they serve. Liz Buck

Mobile Library News—February 2022 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 February are 2nd and 16th 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 February 4th and 18th bring your knitting, crochet, embroidery or just bring along yourself to chat and enjoy coffee and cake.

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 January 2022 1st prize of £60 2nd prize of £30 3rd prize of £10

132 209 271

Michael Day Judy Prior Matteo Brown

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. It was wonderful to see so many ladies supporting the club after our absence of 2 years! Kerry with 35 years in beauty care and a Tropics” ambassador gave us a most interesting and informative talk & many tips on how to look after our skin & well-being.

All Tropic products are from 100% natural origin they make it their mission to only use premium, purely plant derived ingredients. Tropic never use paraffin, petroleum, Petro-chemicals, parabens or any other synthetic ingredients that can possibly damage your skin and health.

Plants and fruits are at the heart of everything Tropic does. All ingredients they use sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest, Polynesia, Australia and many more exotic regions. Our next meeting will be Tuesday 8th February 7.30pm in Cople Village Hall. The speaker will be Peter Sara from Marie Curie; our chosen charity for 2022. All very welcome. Eithne Dandy. 20

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.

Rotary Bedford Castle

The Two Charlies! Fine Art, Ferraris and Fun On Friday 25th March 2022, Bedford Rugby Club will be hosting a dinner event at Goldington Road, at which their speakers will be Charlie Ross and Charles Hanson, who will entertain with tales & reminiscences of their remarkable lives in the fascinating world of antiques. Charlie Ross has brought the hammer down on 9 of the most expensive classic cars ever sold in auction; while Charles’s expanding & high-profile business which includes a presence in Bedfordshire regularly achieve prices matched only by the big London salerooms. Doors will open at 7.15pm and the event will feature a twocourse dinner and conclude with an auction of lots for the Bedford Hospitals Charity and Friends. Tickets are £45 each and can be bought by contacting the Blues Events Manager, Amy Keech, by email events@bedfordrugby.co.uk or by calling 01234 321889 or 07824 542686 Book early to avoid disappointment.

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

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 23

Calander for events in February Day/date Sunday 30th January Tuesday 1st Wednesday 2nd Thursday 3rd Friday 4th Sunday 6th Monday 7th Tuesday 8th Wednesday 9th Thursday 10th Sunday 13th

Monday 14th Tuesday 15th Wednesday 16th

Thursday 17th Friday 18th Sunday 20th Monday 21st Wednesday 23rd Friday 25th Saturday 26th

Sunday 27th

Monday 28th

Events Litter Pick Over 60's Club Blunham Gardening Club Benefice Choir Library Morning Prayers Knit & Stitch Mat Roberts in The Five Bells Morning Praise Holy Communion Black Wheelie Bin Tuesday Club Benefice Choir Morning Prayers Morning Praise Holy Communion Music Quiz Orange Wheelie Bin Mother's Union Over 60's Club Benefice Choir Library St Edmund's Fellowship Morning Prayers General Knowledge Quiz Knit & Stitch Morning Praise Holy Communion Black Wheelie Bin Benefice Choir Blunham Cinema Blunham Book Sale Coffee Morning Ska Night Morning Praise Holy Communion Music Quiz Orange Wheelie Bin 24

Location & Time Cople Church @ 10.3 Cople Sports & Social Blunham Village Hall Cople Church @ 09.3 See page 19 for time Willington Church @ The Five Bells from 1 The Five Bells from 7 Livestreamed from M Willington Church @

Cople Village Hall @ Cople Church @ 09.3 Willington Church @ Livestreamed from C Moggerhanger Churc The Five Bells from 6

24 Willington Road, C Cople Sports & Social Cople Church @ 09.3 See page 19 for time Blunham Village Hall Willington Church @ The Five Bells from 8 The Five Bells from 1 Livestreamed from W Cople Church @ 11.0

Willington Church @ Blunham Village Hall 10.00am to 3.00pm Cople Church @ 10.3 The Five Bells from 8 Livestreamed from M Willington Church @ The Five Bells from 6

30am l Club 2.00pm l from 7.30pm 30am es and locations @ 09.30am 10.00am 7.30pm Moggerhanger Church @ 09.30am @ 11.00am

7.30pm 30am @ 09.30am Cople Church @ 09.30am ch @ 11.00am 6.30pm

Contact Navin Sankersingh Hazel Shreeves Brenda Leaf 01767 640624 Shirley Jones

Hazel Shreeves

Shirley Jones

Cople @ 2.00pm l Club 2.00pm 30am es and locations l at 10.30am @ 09.30am 8.00pm 10.00am Willington Church @ 09.30am 00am

Liz Buck Hazel Shreeves Shirley Jones

@ 09.30am l 6th Anniversary Fish & Chips night

Shirley Jones Sue 01767 640572

Hazel Shreeves

30am 8.30pm Moggerhanger Church @ 09.30am @ 11.00am 6.30pm 25

Home Delivery Service in Bedfordshire Villages 29

Christmas Tree Festival

The first Cople tree festival was held on the 18th December in the church, and what a success it was. Mindful of covid restrictions & protocols we were able to display the beautiful & imaginatively decorated trees. The church looked beautiful with the array of green, sparkle, twinkling lights & craft decorations. Alongside the trees we served refreshments, sold Christmas brica-brac & held a raffle. We were able to make £400 towards much needed church funds. The winner of this years’ competition was the Knit Wits ….. the Knit and Stitch group who meet fortnightly on a Friday from 10.00am in the Five Bells. We would like to thank everyone who participated & for everyone who helped out on the day, made cakes, cleared up, etc. We hope to build on this years’ event & maybe even see a bigger and better event in 2022. June Thomas committee.

on behalf

the

social

Below are just a few of the entries, apologies if your tree isn’t shown. Editor

Friends (FOSH)

Sheerhatch

School

Dear Parents, Neighbours & Village Friends… We have another collection again and your invited to leave your unwanted bags of clothes at Sheerhatch Primary School (Cople or Willington sites) on the morning of Wednesday 23rd February (before 9am) any bags can be used… The more we collect, the more money we raise for the school, so please spread the word! You can donate the following ‘good quality’ items for RE-USE*: Men’s, Ladies’ & Children’s clothing; Paired shoes (tied together or elastic band around); Handbags, Hats, Bags, Scarves & ties; Jewellery, Lingerie, Socks, Belts, Soft toys; Household linen, Household curtains, Household towels; Household bedding (bed sheets, pillow cases & duvet covers). * We reserve the right to refuse any unsuitable items We CAN NOT accept: Duvets & blankets; Pillows & cushions; Carpets; rugs & mats (including bath, shower & toilet mats);, Soiled, painted, ripped or wet clothing; School uniforms with or without logo; Corporate clothing & workwear; Textile off cuts, yarns or threaded material. Also, for your calendar there is also another one booked for Wednesday 15th June. Any support is gratefully received, Friends of Sheerhatch (FOSH)

Friends of Sheerhatch School (FOSH) FOSH would like to thank everyone who purchased a raffle ticket for our Hamper Draw at Christmas, the families who donated items and Sinfield’s Fruiterers who donated many boxes. The children of Year One enjoyed pulling out the tickets while the staff kindly allocated them to the next hamper. We were able to produce 24 hampers this year with a fantastic donation of over £900 made to go towards the Outdoor Learning Classroom. Thank you, we wish you a Happy New Year from Friends of Sheerhatch Primary. 32

Cople Village Agent Update Do You Need Access to Disabled Toilets and want a FREE Radar Key?

Blue badge Application Forms & Renewals

Some disabled toilets can only be used by people who have a special RADAR key. If this would be helpful to you, I can provide one.

Are you struggling to do your Blue Badge renewal? If you are struggling to do a paper application or an online renewal, or would like to apply for a Blue Badge. Please contact Wendy she will be able to help you do this.

Please contact me.

St John’s Hospital Trust Do you know about the St John’s Hospital Trust Grant? It’s a small quarterly payment of £75 that can be 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 me for more information.

Would a helpful gadget make your life easier? Your Village Agent has a range of handy gadgets to distribute free of charge, including: - Jar Opener, Automatic Night Light, Potato Peeler, Handy Reacher, Wind up Torch, Thermal Socks (men’s & women’s) or a Contactless Card Blocking Sleeve (prevents your card from being skimmed).

Please call Wendy your Village Agent on: Freephone 0800 039 1234 or mobile 07717 269 440 or connect via: Email: wendyw@bedsrcc.org.uk

Facebook - BRCC Village Agent – Wendy Worgan

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

www.biggleswadetyres.co.uk

Phone for special discount on tyres using the code: COPLE MOT’s carried out while you wait. Phone 01767 60194 35

News from The Five Bells Firstly, we would like to thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to seeing more of you in the future.

Events Mat Roberts 4th February 2022 from 7.30pm Knit and Stitch every other Friday (4th & 18th February ) from 10.00am Music Quiz 13th and 27th February start 6.30pm General Knowledge Quiz 17th February start 8.00pm Ska Night 26th February 2022 8.30pm

Food Fish and chips Friday £10 Wednesday and Thursday lunch 2 meals for £15.95, see choices on Facebook and specials board —from Noon to 3.00pm

Jobs at The Five Bells Kitchen assistant/cook required part time initially Please call or pop in for details.

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

DOWN ON THE FARM 12—Charles Porter

At this time of year there is very little to actively do to the arable crops on the farm. There is, however, one very important job that can be done to help their growth, and that is the maintenance of the drainage systems on the farm. Too much water can be just as harmful to the growing crop as too little and they will stop growing and looking for essential water and nutrients in the soil. Then, when dry weather returns, the plant will have a poorly developed root system, and hence will grow poorly and be more likely to die in a drought. This is why you will see a ,lot of brooks and ditches having the mud and silt cleaned out of them at this time of year. The grass and brambles in the water-courses will also be trimmed down as to much vegetation in a ditch slows down the water flow and allows the silt to build up. We try to keep the bottom of the ditch clear each year, but the banks have the sides cut every other year, near side one year, far side the other. This ensures that there is always a good environmental habitat for the wildlife to hunt, nest and shelter in. This is one of the rules of our environmental scheme, which also dictates that all ditching and hedging work must be done by the end of February. Only when the mud is being cleared out of a ditch are both banks trimmed down, but this only happens about once every 10 years. These operations are all done mechanically now and are so much faster and more easily done than in my father’s day, when it was all done by hand. Then, ditching and hedging was a major part of farm workers winter work, often being done as piece work, where payment was based on a rate of so much per chain (22 yards). Every worker had their own spade, shovel, slasher, hook and fork and a Carborundum sharpening stone to keep all the blades razor sharp, and at the end of every day’s work the tools would all be cleaned and oiled to keep them shiny ready for the next day’s work. All the debris from this work would be thrown onto the bank, the dead grass and brambles providing a good fuel for a bonfire to keep warm by at breakfast time. Most fields have drainage systems laid into them which discharge into these ditches. This is especially important in clay soils which are more prone to waterlogging. Gravelly type soils tend to drain naturally and so don’t need these drains to get the water off the fields. Various Dukes of Bedford have been very instrumental in land drainage. Possibly the most famous being the drainage of 1000s of acres of the fens about 400 years ago. King Charles 1 asked the 4 th Earl of Bedford if he would take on this task, so he and some others paid for Cornelius Vermuyden to undertake this work, in return for which he got 95,000 acres of the drained land.

Our farm, along with many others in the parish, were drained by the 7 th Duke of Bedford, when he owned the area in Victorian times. This involved putting long lines of foot long clay pipes, with a diameter of be40

tween 2 and 6 inches, in the soil about 20 yards apart. These then discharged into ditches which he also had dug. I had no idea just how many of these drains there were under our fields until the first 36 inch gas main was laid under the farm in 1976. Peering into the enormous trench you could see where the trenching machine had cut through scores of these clay pipes in every field, and at least half of them were still running. This is amazing when you consider that all the trenches, some over 4 feet deep, to lay the drains in were dug by hand in clay and had to have an exact fall for hundreds of yards to ensure that the drains worked. No laser levels or light beams, just basic spirit levels. Now you simply programme a computer, log into Sat Nav, push the button and off a vast machine goes that digs the trench and lays a continuous length of perforated plastic pipe. We have found that over the past several wet winters, some of our drainage systems are no longer up to scratch. We are therefore, currently having to put in some new drains to try and dry out some of our boggy areas in some fields. The birds on the farm have had a fairly easy winter so far, which may explain why we have not had so many winter visitors as usual, and why there are not quite the usual number of little birds feeding in our wild bird areas. These areas are now all having supplementary feed broadcast into them 3 times a week. This easy snack has now been discovered by flocks of pigeons, doves, rooks and jackdaws, which the little birds find rather daunting, so I try to get most of the seeds into the more growthy areas where the little birds can creep in and feed, undisturbed by their larger cousins. February is the month when my thoughts turn to bird boxes. These need cleaning out this month to make them more hygenic for this year’s chicks. I aim to make about 20 new boxes each year for the little birds, using rot proofed timber to make sure they last. Also, putting a metal plate over the pop hole stops squirrels and woodpeckers enlarging the hole and predating the chicks in the spring. These plates need different sized holes, depending on the birds you are hoping to attract, 25mm for most Tits and 28mm for Great Tits and Sparrows. New boxes should be put up by St Valentine’s day and be about 6 foot high on the northern side of a tree or wall so the chicks don’t overheat in the summer. If you put some in your garden it’s lovely if you can see it from your house and you can watch the birds pop in and out from the comfort of your chair.

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

Gardening in February 2022 It seems many of you enjoyed the horticultural quotes contained within last month’s piece and thank you for your feedback. Somewhat predictably, men liked the advice of T.H. Everett that ‘A man should never plant a garden larger than his wife can take care of’ with the ladies preferring Anon’s. ‘Why are husbands like lawn mowers? They are difficult to get started, emit foul smells, and don’t work half the time’. Please don’t forget to send me your own favourites. As the debate about using Glyphosate - the primary active ingredient in most total weedkillers - continues, a number of readers have asked for alternatives. As previously mentioned, I have had pretty good results by simply using vinegar applied using a bog standard garden spray. But what follows is a ‘recipe’ for making your own total weedkiller that is, apparently used by a number of federal states in the United States of America in and around their municipal areas. DIY Non Glyphosate Total Weedkiller Ingredients: 6 Pints of Warm Water 1 Cup of Table Salt 3 Cups of White Vinegar 1 Table Spoon of Washing Up Liquid 1 Table Spoon of Baking Soda Method: Thoroughly mix everything taking care not to splash onto skin or onto wanted plants. The salt needs to be fully dissolved. Then, decant into a garden sprayer. Use just like any other weedkiller preferably on a warm, sunny day (if we ever have one again!). Repeat as necessary. If you go to the trouble of making this, please let me know how you get on. The winner of the Christmas Quiz has now been notified; the answers are as follows: 1. Which flower's name comes from the Ancient Greek word for star? Aster 2. What name do the Scots sometimes call the weed noxious ragwort in memory of the infamous Duke of Cumberland's? Stinking Billy 3. Which plant, wide spread in Britain, if touched causes a serious chemical reaction which makes skin hypersensitive to ulraviolet 44

light? Giant Hogweed. 4. What is the common name for salix babylonica? Weeping Willow 5. Which flower is also the goddess of the rainbow in Greek Mythology? Iris 6. Most species of eucalyptus are native to which country? Australia 7. True or False. Ericaceous plants like acid soil? True 8. Who designed the Blue Peter Garden in 1974? Percy Thrower 9. The Avenue of the Baobabs is a group of famous trees in which African country? Madagascar 10. Which garden in the Cotswolds is notable for its miles of sculptured hedges? Hidcote 11. True or False. Tulips were once so valuable in Holland that their bulbs were worth more than gold? True 12. Which king created the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Nebuchadnezzar II. If your New Year’s resolution was to spend more time in your garden, do let me know how you are getting on or of course, if I can help in any way.

All correspondence can be emailed to LawnDocGardens@aol.com or posted to: Lawn Doctor Garden Services, 14 Sand Lane, Northill, SG18 9AD. As usual, please contact me, 01767 627 581, with any gardening queries or tasks you may have.

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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