Copplestone Enlightener

Copplestone

Enlightener DECEMBER 2013 Coming up to Christmas there are many events being held in the village to help raise funds for the Community Hall. Please come along if you can to give your support and to enjoy the various activities.

In the long run the funds being raised will benefit everyone in Copplestone which means you, your children and future generations!

Ken Warren & John Mason

Christmas Events in Copplestone

Tree Planting at the Recreation Field The Pullen Recreation Field has been a hive of activity in recent weeks with an energetic group of volunteers, organised by John Mason, tidying up and clearing out hedges in preparation for tree planting.

Initially volunteers armed with grass strimmers, hedge trimmers, forks & spades cleared out the undergrowth to make space for the new saplings, which were given free of charge by the Woodland Trust. Then on Saturday 9th November helpers, both adults and children, planted the 420 hedging saplings along the bank near the road. The working party were lucky with the weather and, as there was plenty of help, the saplings were all planted by midday.

You are invited to the following community events in the lead up to Christmas…...

Christmas Quiz - Fri 6th December Copplestone Church Community Room, 7.30pm Price £3 each to include Ploughman’s Supper, tea, coffee & soft drinks. Raffle available Teams of 4 - 6 people, 10 yrs & upwards Please book in with Barbara Tel: 84574

All questions are about Christmas

Christmas Craft Fayre - Sat 7th December Copplestone School, 2pm - 4pm An opportunity to buy some Christmas gifts!

To book a table contact John & Liz Tel: 84819

Christmas Bingo - Wed 11th December Copplestone School, Eyes down 7.45pm Fantastic Meat Prizes For more details contact John & Liz Tel: 84819

Carol Singing - Fri 13th December In The Cross Pub – 7.30pm till 9pm(ish) Mince pies & mulled wine available For more details contact John Tel: 84018

Treasure Hunt - Sat 14th December The helpers were well looked after by the ladies who provided soup to keep everyone happy. Thank you to everybody who helped to make it such a successful and enjoyable morning. It also shows that the village is slowly coming together to form a community that Copplestone badly needs. However, more people still need to get involved or it will be a hard struggle to build the new Community Hall for all the village.

Meet Bewsley Hill Car Park between 11am - 1pm For children 2-11 yrs, to be accompanied by an adult £1 per child - Prizes for all children A walking adventure around Copplestone!

Finish in Church Hall with Refreshments & Raffle For more details contact Linda & Gordon Tel: 84670

Proceeds towards the Community Hall for the Pullen Recreation Field

Copplestone Parent Teacher Association News

Copplestone After School Club

Each member of the PTA has been working hard to put on some wonderful events recently. As many of you are aware, we recently held our first Donkey Derby, and what an amazing success it was!

Despite the rain, we had a great turn out. We look forward to holding our second Donkey Derby next year. Although we will have to make it clear in advance to our Chairman; Simon Archer, that only children are allowed to ride the donkeys!!

Copplestone After School Club is a local charity which provides after school childcare and various club activities for primary school aged children in the area. All children aged between 5 and 11 years old are welcome; you do not need to have a child at the school to take advantage of our services.

We are OFSTED registered and we also incorporate a Breakfast Club service which is open from 8am every weekday morning during term time. Our After School Club opening times are 3.30pm till 6pm, with clubs running from 3.45pm till 4.45pm (5pm on a Friday) and childcare till 6pm. We have a very reasonable rate of £3 for the club session, £2 per half hour for childcare after 4.45pm.

A full programme of the After School Club activities and details of our Breakfast Club can be obtained from the school office or the school website at www.copplestoneprimary.devon.sch.uk under the ‘Extended Schools’ section. We are always looking for new volunteers who have a spare hour a week for a half term to come and share a skill or run a club with the children. If you feel you could help in any way, please contact kids@copplestone-primary.devon.sch.uk.

Copplestone After School Club

The children at the school have this term enjoyed some trips to Farmwise Devon and a Tudor themed day at St Nicholas Priory. The PTA made a donation of £650 towards these trips which helped bring the price down for parents. The children always love going on trips and it is great to be able to contribute toward them and make it possible for this to happen.

Just before the children broke up for half term, we held our Autumn school disco, which saw an amazing turn out of children who had come along to support our event and have a fun evening of dancing. We raised £361 for the disco, which we are all very pleased with. Although the dance floor was packed full of excited children displaying their best moves, our enthusiastic Chairman; Simon, was more than happy to show them how it is really done!

Our next PTA event will be a Christmas disco held on 19th December, where we are very pleased to have secured an appearance from Father Christmas himself! We are very excited he has agreed to come to Copplestone School for a one-off evening to meet the children, and preparations will soon be underway to ensure his visit is a success and that he will be in no doubt of returning to visit the school again next year.

A big thank you goes out to all our members for their hard work and for everyone who comes along to help support our events. If you would like to get involved or want more information, please speak to a member of the CPTA, or contact Simon Archer on 07966 347957 or email: copplestonepta@hotmail.com.

Lesley Smith (CPTA Secretary)

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Copplestone Primary School Lots of exciting in-class learning and enrichment activities have taken place in our school this term so far.

Year 3-6 have enjoyed a ‘Tudor themed day’ linked to our current history topic during which pupils dressed up, learnt Tudor dance and made Tudor artefacts. At Copplestone there was also an opportunity for pupils to eat a Tudor themed lunch, provided by our school kitchen –a great opportunity to enhance the day and boost school dinner uptake.

Later in the term pupils from both schools will visit St Nicholas Priory in Exeter to take part in a day of hands-on learning and role play.

We have seen a difference in the confidence of the children coming into Reception this year, with hardly any tears from the children and an instant confidence to talk to the staff. The children are already attending whole school assemblies and enjoyed taking part in the harvest festival assembly.

The majority of the children experienced the Foundation Stage Unit last year, allowing them to play and learn freely across Pre-School and Rainbow Class areas. They established relationships with the Rainbow class staff and became confident and familiar with the classroom and school environment, before starting school.

Ali Gillard Head of School

Stroke Support Group We meet on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Devonshire Dumpling, Morchard Road. This social group support each other, relax & enjoy themselves; sometimes we have speakers to provide information. The group is committed to improving the after care of those affected by strokes. If you, a family member or friend could benefit from this group and would like more information, then please contact Janet Poulter Tel: 776559 or Belinda Petersen Tel:85118

The Y3-6 children attended Farmwise in October, a new exhibition at Westpoint arena which focuses on the relationship we all have with our farming community and raising awareness of the roles and responsibilities of farmers.

We had a lovely Harvest Festival celebration incorporating talks from Sean Schofield and Gill from St Petrocks. As part of the event we made a very successful dried goods collection and welcomed more parents in to share with us than we have ever had previously. Our school choir, run by music teacher Rosina Kellman, has good uptake and the pupils made their debut performance as part of the harvest festival in the local community.

Mid Moors Developments Home improvements Conservatories Landscaping Carports Sheds/Summerhouses Painting and decorating

Another project we have worked on this half term is related to our Global link with Tanzania. Pupils in KS2 have made banners, during ‘Global Week’ which detail specific characteristics of Devon (these will be taken out to Donge) and have taken part in Skype conversations with classes at Donge School.

The Year 1 & 2 topic this half term is Victorians and the children have been looking at artifacts. For their science in Y2 have been learning about electricity and in Y1 they are studying light and dark.

No job too large or small Free quotes Call Nick 07581 057191 3

Recreation Field Tree Planting Day Many volunteers turned out with their spades on Saturday 9th November for ‘Tree Planting Day’ at the Pullen Recreation Field; this had been organised by John Mason who was delighted by the number who helped.

Garden Club The Copplestone Garden Club continues to meet every 6 to 8 weeks or so in the back room at The Cross, there is no charge; the last meeting was 2nd October where we discussed the wonderful summer weather - which seems like a distant memory now and successful fruit and vegetable crops.

Football Pitch Talks are in progress with Copplestone Utd Football Club as to the use and maintenance of the pitch. I must stress it is our pitch to be played on whenever anyone wants a kick-about. If you want to have an arranged match, please contact Kay Gibson on 01363 887771 as she deals with the bookings.

Proposed Community Hall As I said in the last edition, we are: a) Seeking grants b) Fund Raising for the proposed Community Hall. Thanks to the C.R.A Committee members, ‘Friends of Copplestone’ and all those who work so hard to give donations.

John Clotworthy (Chairman C.R.A.)

Lots of the produce and plants raised by members were donated and sold on the Garden Club Table Top at the Car Boot/Table Top Sale held in the Recreation Field on 14th September. We were able to attach fantastic Copplestone Garden Club banner to our tent; this was hand stitched by one of our members Liz Mason. We sold plants grown from cuttings and seeds, jams and chutneys, cut flowers, produce from the allotments and raised a total of £50 which was donated to the Recreation Field fund. Plants left over after the sale are being used to fill a bed at the entrance to Copplestone Recreation Field and the garden at Copplestone Railway Station.

Mobile Library Service Come & visit us fortnightly on Thursdays Fernworthy Park 2.35pm – 2.55pm Copplestone Nisa Shop 3pm - 3.30pm FREE Membership, no charges for borrowing books.

Join at any age. DVD hire from £1 for a fortnight.

Great choice of fiction, non-fiction, large print and children’s books.

FREE reservation plus reserve books online and collect them from the mobile library.

The Garden Club is an informal gathering of a variety of people who share a love of gardening and talking about gardening; if that sounds like you and you would like to join please come along when you see the posters go up or ring me with your contact details on 85434. Lots of our members have been involved in working with the Recreation Field committee members to help clear the Recreation Field ditches and hedges of weeds and rubbish before The Tree Planting Day on Saturday 9th November. It has been really satisfying knowing we are contributing to the future of Copplestone.

The Garden Club will also have a table top selling produce at The Christmas Fayre being held at the Primary School on Saturday 7th December, please come along and support us and the contribute to the Recreation Field and the new Community Hall.

Iris Middleton 4

The Grid 11-16 years We have been busy in the Grid these last few weeks looking at stories from the first 2 books of the Bible focusing on ‘Life’s Journey’. We have looked at the 10 Commandants, the life of Moses and God providing. We are now starting to look at the Christmas story and the relevance that has to us today. The Grid is a fun and relevant way for young people to explore the Bible and what relevance it might have for them.

Copplestone Methodist Youth Church Sunday mornings from 10.45am to 12 noon Crèche 0-3 years Every other week in crèche we have been doing a new series called ‘Toddlers Knowing God’. In very simple language, we have been looking at some of the characteristics of God shown to us in the Psalms. The activities we do are designed to reinforce the simple biblical truth, encourage the children's development and engage their imaginations and creativity.

Copplestone Methodist Youth Church comprises of the younger members of the church and we meet every Sunday morning from 10.45am to 12 noon. We initially meet in the Church community room and then move into the Church for the first 10 minutes of the morning service which is aimed towards the younger age group. The remainder of the time is spent in the Community room at the rear of the church in different age groups above.

Kidzone 4-11 years During September Kidzone looked at stories of Jesus and how we can trust him whatever situation we are going through. One of the sessions focussed on Jesus being the ‘Bread of life’ and the children made their own flat bread.

All children, either with or without their parents, are very welcome to join us at Church on Sunday mornings. For more information please contact Hannah Petherick (84182), Sean Schofield (85451), Debbie Pinhey (01837 83357) or visit our church website www.copplestonechurch.org.uk.

The Youth Church Team

October saw us learning about the Christmas story through the eyes of Mary, The Shepherds, Angels and The Wise Men. Then we began practising for our annual Grid and Kidzone Christmas Family service which takes place on Sunday 15th December at 10.45am at Copplestone Methodist Church. It is entitled ‘Prickly Hay’: “Keeping the stable clean and the hay fresh for all the animals is a smelly old job for Samantha, the young stable girl. No one seems to notice her hard work and it’s making her feel very insignificant. Her ever faithful friends, The Shrews try to keep up his spirits but Samantha is finding it hard to feel important at all. However, as the crowds gather in Bethlehem for the census and the inns fill up, some very special visitors are shown to Samantha’s stable and gradually, as the miraculous events of the night unfold, Sam starts to realise her worth ... with a little help from The Shrews!”

Celebrate this Christmas in Copplestone Sunday 15th December 10.45am – Christmas Family Service in the Church ‘Prickly Hay’’ with Kidzone & The Grid

Our Youth Church celebrates Christmas Coffee and biscuits from 10.30am Sunday 22nd December 6.15pm – Christmas Community Carol Service at Copplestone Church

Suitable for all ages.

Coffee and mince pies afterwards.

Christmas Day 10.30am – Christmas Day Family Celebration

Very informal - bring the whole family to celebrate the birth of Jesus

The children will then enjoy a Christmas Party on the 22nd December just before Christmas to celebrate their hard work!

‘We wish you all a joyous and blessed Christmas’ 5

Holiday at Home At the end of September, a reunion tea was held at the church for all guests and helpers who were involved in Holiday at Home 2013. Everyone came and we all enjoyed re-living the holiday with the help of a slide show and then shared in a good tea, provided by the Holiday at Home helpers.

Piglets Toddler Group At Piglets Toddler Group we have been very busy over the last half a term. We have had a visit from Crediton Lions in early October when they very kindly made a donation to our toddler group. We showed them what we do at our sessions and had lovely coffee and cake to share with them. We will be using their donation to buy a barrier to make outside play more accessible so we will be able to play outside more often.

Most of us meet up regularly on a Thursday morning at the café at the church and then, again, on the first Tuesday in the month when the café produces excellent lunches.

You don’t need to have come on Holiday at Home 2013 to enjoy being part of this group.

You’d be so welcome to join us at the café.

The children have been very busy being creative this half term. They have made Elmer elephants and bonfire pictures. All the children thoroughly enjoyed using glue, glitter, tissue paper and chalk and they had a great time. We have also made a cut out of a little girl and decorated it with clothes, hair and shoes.

The children thoroughly enjoyed ripping paper to make the clothes.

Plans are well in hand for Holiday at Home 2014 which will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 16th, 18th & 20th June. Provisional booking forms are available from myself at the café. If you are aged 65 or over (or younger if you have a disability), are resident within Copplestone Parish and would like to come next year, do ask me for a provisional booking form. This doesn’t commit you to coming (firm booking forms will be available nearer the time) but it would ensure you of a place should you decide later on to come. Ideally participants will come for all three days as part of the aim is to establish meaningful relationships with each other – relationships that will enrich us all on a more permanent basis !

On 9th November we had a mum’s night out.

Eighteen mums went to the Three Little Pigs in Crediton for a meal; it was a great evening which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. This was a great opportunity for people to get to know each other better. We had food and drinks at the pub and then some mums moved onto to The White Swan for karaoke. Everyone had a great evening.

December is going to be a busy month for Piglets. We will be making lots of Christmas decorations and cards and on 18th December we are having a Christmas party. We will have a special visitor coming to see the children and a bring and share snack. There will be games to play and lots of fun for the children. If you would like to join us at our Christmas party please come to toddlers beforehand and pop your child’s name on the list. We will also be holding a Christmas draw at the party to help raise funds for our group.

The holiday will consist of three days of excursions plus all meals provided at the church, returning home to sleep. There is no charge to participants for the holiday which is a gift from the church. However, anyone who wants to make a donation towards the cost (whether or not they come on the holiday) is very welcome to do so.

Heather Castle

We meet every Wednesday during term time in the Methodist Church Hall, between 9am and 12 noon.

Everyone is very welcome with children aged 0-5 years. If you would like some more information please do not hesitate to contact Steph on 07967 549455 or Helen on 07814 977693, or find us on Facebook. Otherwise turn up on a Wednesday morning and we would love to meet you.

Steph Saunders

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When does Christmas start for you?

The Café Come & join us for coffee or lunch We have had a fantastic and busy few months at The Café. Thursday mornings continue to be open for wonderful homemade cakes and luxury hot drinks.

We are open 9am - 12 noon every week at the Church and welcome anyone and everyone who would like to come! We also have our children's soft play area set up all morning for the little ones to burn up some energy.

Putting the sprouts on to cook in early October? Rushing out to buy a new set of lights on Christmas eve because the old set has blown a fuse? Maybe, as happened one year when I was a child, having your Dad turn away carol singers who’ve turned up early, in September!

If we asked our major retail chains I suspect we’d find they think Christmas starts as soon as they can tickle our shopping glands. Ask in primary schools and Christmas starts when preparations for the play begin, or, for the teachers, when they collapse in the staff room after the end of term bell. Ask an office worker and it might be the date of the Christmas party. Ask those who like a bit of tradition and perhaps it would be when they hear the lone choirboy sing or listen to the Queen’s Speech. Ask a child waiting for a present and it will be, ‘Not soon enough!’ Ask someone struggling without a job or saddled with one that endlessly overworks them, and sadly they may feel it never really seems to begin.

In September, we began a trial of lunches at The Café on the first Tuesday of every month, 12 noon - 2pm.

For these lunches, we have had delicious homemade soups and hot dinners as well as lighter snacks on the menu. They have been very successful and so we will

This year many churches and Christian groups are joining together to give Christmas something of an ‘official’ launch. They’ve chosen the first Sunday in December, traditionally around the time the season of chocolate calendars, Advent, commences. Advent is kind of a start to Christmas, but in church tradition it is meant as a time of waiting and preparation, like a reflective countdown to be filled with prayer and anticipation. It lets excitement build, and we all know how when something is really good we enjoy the anticipation as well as what we wait for.

Asking me when Christmas starts? As the minister of Copplestone Church no surprise what I think. It began long ago, (you know? stable, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, kings, angels...) Above all it began with a baby who would be called Jesus, when God suddenly was here as one of us. Bethlehem at the foot of the first century is really where it kicks off. Call me old fashioned, but I still say however often we go through our annual celebrations, Christmas doesn’t really begin until we glimpse for ourselves the power of the Bible’s story, allowing the message of God’s love borne to us in Jesus take hold of us.

Understand, in fact, that Christmas starts with Christ.

be continuing the monthly lunches on a permanent monthly basis in the New Year.

Thanks to your generosity at the Tuesday lunches as well as the Thursday Café’s we have, since October, been able to donate more to the local charities of the month that The Café supports: August: Force - £240 September: SOBS - £195 October: Copplestone School P.T.A.- £420 Over Christmas, The Cafe will be open on 19th December for the last time in 2013 and will open again on 2nd January 2014. We will then have our first lunch of 2014 on Tuesday 7th January.

If anyone would like to know more or make any suggestions, please let us know on a Thursday or Tuesday, or contact Debbie on 07964 969141.

The Café Team

I wish you a very happy Christmas, a peaceful New Year, and warmly invite you to join us at the Church for one of our community events or services. So let the celebration begin!

Jonathan Budd 7

Lifeline Alarm & Key Safes

Copplestone Housing Needs Survey Report In March the Devon Rural Housing Partnership with Copplestone Parish Council carried out a housing needs survey in Copplestone. The survey was to discover if there are a significant number of people living or working in Copplestone who have not been able to obtain housing suitable to their circumstances.

A Lifeline alarm provides help at the touch of a button 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It gives people the freedom to live independently knowing that they can obtain assistance when they need it.

An alarm unit is connected to the telephone line and a button can be pressed to summon assistance. The alarm is also supplied with a remote pendant that can be worn around the neck or wrist to allow help to be summoned from around the house and garden.

What we asked for ……..

Households were invited to complete a two part form to gather details of the reasons for which the current accommodation failed to meet its needs and the type of accommodation required in the future.

The call will be answered by specially trained staff who will contact the people that you have nominated to be contacted in such circumstances i.e. family, friends or neighbours. In a medical emergency the appropriate emergency service will also be called.

This service is available to anyone in Mid Devon at a cost of £45.12 per quarter, plus a one-off £30.00 installation charge.

What residents said………

A total of 117 surveys were returned, a response rate of 20.9% and we thank everyone who replied.

• 13 households were found to be in housing need with a local connection to Copplestone.

• The average house price in the parish in year up to the end of March 2012 was £211,000 • 78.5% of those replying to the survey said they were in favour of a small affordable housing development for local people in Copplestone.

A Lifeline alarm enables help to be summoned at the press of a button, but how would help get in if you’d locked the door? If the ambulance service cannot gain entry to your property they will call the police and ask them to force entry. MDDC can also supply and fit a key safe for £48.00. In the event of an emergency the call centre staff will give the key safe combination to the ambulance service to enable them to access the door key that you’ve stored inside the key safe.

What the report recommends………

The need for 13 affordable homes needs to be addressed. One of these households may be able to afford shared ownership housing.

District Councillors Comments

For more information about these services please call 01884 234383 or email lifelife@middevon.gov.uk.

Peter is still very busy with the Planning Committee at Tiverton. He also visits people in their homes or on site to help & advise with their applications.

Scrap metal In September the Regulatory Committee of which I am a member, met to implement the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. This introduces a new licensing regime for those dealing in scrap metal. A scrap metal dealers site licence costs £250 & a scrap metal dealers collectors licence costs £180. There is now no transaction allowed with cash – every transaction has to be by cheque or bankers draft. Farmers, garages and small engineering firms are exempt from the charges as they are deemed to be selling something that is at the end of its useful life.

Jubilee Terrace The Parish Council recently received a request from a resident for Jubilee terrace to have its own sign.

MDDC have given the all-clear for this to happen & the Parish Council will consult on the best place to position the sign.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and peaceful 2014.

Derek Coren & Peter Heal – Councillors, Yeo Ward 8

The Parish Clerk can be contacted as follows Clare Higglesden Tel: 01363 84505 14 Dulings Meadow, Copplestone, Crediton EX17 5PE Email: copplestoneparishcouncil@gmail.com

Parish Council News Thanks to Ken Warren: Copplestone Parish Council would like to extend their sincere thanks to Ken Warren who left the Council at the September meeting to concentrate on enjoying his spare time with his family. Ken had been a Parish Councillor for many years and since January he has acted as Chairman. Ken oversaw the opening of the Dave Pullen Memorial Recreation Field – a valuable village amenity which he played such a vital part in securing. Ken is to continue on the Copplestone Road Safety group along with Phil Bourne. They are committed to ensuring that improvements to our roads are kept on the agenda by Devon County Council. We wish Ken and his wife Lesley all the best in the future. Cllr Hannah Edwards is the new Chairperson of the Parish Council, with Cllr Stephen Faulkner acting as Vice-Chairperson.

Your local Parish Councillors are: Hannah Edwards (Chairperson) Tel: 07866 315649 Stephen Faulkner Tel: 01363 84758 Gordon Duguid Tel: 01363 84670 Julie Rumble Tel: 01363 84181 Your Mid Devon District Councillors are: Derek Coren Tel: 01647 24264 Email: dcoren@middevon.gov.uk Peter Heal Tel: 01363 884277 Email: pheal@middevon.gov.uk Your Devon County Councillor is: Nick Way Tel: 01363 777903 Email: nick.way@devon.gov.uk Your Member of Parliament for Mid Devon is: Mel Stride MP Tel: 02072 197037 House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA Email: mel.stride.mp@parliament.uk www.melstridemp.com

Vacancies for new Parish Councillors: We now 3 vacancies for Councillors and would strongly urge anyone who has an interest in the village of Copplestone to volunteer for this rewarding role. For just a few hours a month, you can contribute to the community. Please contact any Councillor or the Clerk for further information.

Parish Council Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month (excluding August) in the Methodist Church Community Room. A Councillor or the Clerk will be available from 7:15pm. Additionally, at the start of each meeting a public session is held.

Dog Bins: Our District Councillors are working with Mid Devon District Council to determine the best place for the new dog bins which the Parish Council are committed to purchasing.

The agenda is placed on the notice boards at The Cross, Sunnymead and in Knowle at least three clear days prior to each meeting. Unapproved Minutes will be published within 2 weeks, on the notice boards, via the Facebook page and on the village website at www.copplestone.org.uk Clare Higglesden Copplestone Parish Clerk

TAP Fund: The Town & Parish Fund is again available this year and it is hoped that we will be able to purchase some much needed refuse bins for the Recreation Field. We are awaiting to hear whether our application has been successful.

Copplestone Parish Council is now on Facebook. Visit the page and ‘Like’ and you will be kept up to date with all information relating to both the Parish & Mid Devon.

Need the Police?

Call 101 For General Enquiries and non-emergencies call 101 To report a crime For information and advice To contact your local policing team Your Local officers are: PCSO Lisa Crocker & PC Keith Bradshaw 9

Do you know of Arthur James Elworthy?

The nights are drawing in and now the clocks have gone back we’re well and truly heading for dark evenings. As nice as a warm, cosy evening at home can be during the winter don’t let this become an excuse for missing some of the great theatre, film and other events that are on at the Crediton Arts Centre over the coming months.

I am an historical aviation researcher (a hobby not my job) and I live in Lodi, North West Italy, near Milano.

I'm sending you this message about a Copplestone aviator that died during WW2 in Italy: Name: Elworthy, Arthur James Rank: Sergeant (Air Gnr.) Regiment: R.A.F. Volunteer Reserve, 40 Sqdn Service no: 1013219 DoB: 4th December 1923

The Autumn season began with a swing – literally.

The Bootleg Swing Band energised everyone who went along with a heady mix of Gypsy Jazz, Latin Swing, Balkan and Blues. There has also been a fantastic performance of Double Dickens and by popular demand the return of An Evening with Mr Henry Mayhew, a troupe of touring clowns as well as films and a range of art classes.

Additional Information: Son of Stanley & Kathleen Elworthy, of Down St. Mary, Devon. He is named on a headstone & war memorial at Down St Mary Church and on a war memorial in Cullompton. His father was a farmer (small holding) and lived at Davidsland near Copplestone. Arthur Elworthy died on 11th July 1944; he crashed in northern Italy, near Milano with his aircraft type Wellington. Now he is buried in a collective grave in Milan War Cemetery.

If you’ve missed all this what else is in store? You can look forward to The Moonshine Serenaders on 6th December – get on your dancing shoes for a performance that draws on the music of Django Reinhardt, Bessie Smith, Gus Cannon and the Mills Brothers. There is also a regular film night once a month on a Tuesday evening, the next one being Hugo directed by Martin Scorcese on 17th December.

When I discovered these details about the history of my city I was impressed; a man so young. This history has been completely forgotten at the place of the crash as there is no memorial to remember the event. I would like to find any documents, photos or newspaper articles about Arthur James Elworthy & his crew, or any living relatives. Please can you help?

Yours sincerely, Sergio Email: kennedy2007@libero.it

Don’t forget our Fayre in the Square with Crediton Rural Arts & Music Project (CRAMP) on Saturday 14th December from 2pm-5pm; a great chance to hear some music & drama from local performers & buy some great gifts for the coming festive season.

Courtney’s Garage

We’re just planning the next season’s offerings which will start in January so do look out for the new brochures or take a look on our website or Facebook page for up to date information. If you’re not familiar with what’s on offer at the Crediton Arts Centre please do come along and if you are a regular we’ll look forward to seeing you again. We’re in East Street, Crediton opposite the Church. More details are on our website www.creditonartscentre.org.

Tickets can be bought on-line or at the Crediton Arts Centre, Crediton Community Bookshop or Sandford Community Shop. We look forward to seeing you!

Liz Kingdom

Copplestone Servicing - Repairs – MOT’s Quality used cars for sale Tel: 01363 84223 courtneysgarage@hotmail.co.uk

Church View Car Sales

Would you like to start running or improve your fitness?

Union Rd, Crediton Quality used cars for sale Tel: 01363 776453 www.churchviewcarsales.co.uk

For more information go to our website www.creditonrunningnetwork.co.uk .

Email: creditonrunningnetwork@hotmail.com or contact Nancy 775656.

Open: Monday - Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm 10

Numbers have really started to grow with players continuing to come from all outlying villages. At the last count there must now be between 15 & 20 young stars training and enjoying the mornings workout.

So Copplestone Utd continues to build from grassroots level and with increasing amounts of players now also being coached by, and having trials with, South West’s professional teams. The club has never been so strong in good players and so well organised and run. So if you are at a loose end on a Saturday morning wander on up to the new football ground and catch a match or training session. See how your local team are playing. Its Pure Grassroots football at it’s best!!!

Copplestone’s Season Starting to Take Shape With about a third of the season already gone, all Copplestone Utd teams are progressing well in their respective leagues. This season the local village club have again increased the amount of teams entered in local leagues. The newly formed club committee decided to enter the majority of teams into the Exeter Youth League, this due in part to a great season last year by the U10’s team.

The teams entered this season are:Copplestone United (U11 Div1 Exeter) Sponsored by ASAP Waste Management Copplestone Fitzpaine (U11 Div3 Exeter) Sponsored by Bow Control Panel Services Copplestone Cobras (U10 East Division Exeter) Sponsored by APS Surfacing Copplestone Colts (U9 Exeter)

Copplestone Utd in talks with Bow AAC With the continuing success of Copplestone Utd and the growth of young players now joining the local village team, the club are looking to the future to progress their young stars through to adult football.

A possible link with Bow AAC Football Club is one of the possible ideas that have been put forward. The primary reasons for this is to have a link with a local adult team and give the players a route to senior football and to help with possible funding and grants that can be received if a Youth and Adult team forms links to promote football in local grassroots regions.

Sponsored by AT Electrics & Kigbeare Studios & Gallery

Copplestone Sharks (U8 Mid Devon Sunday League) Sponsored by Copplestone Nisa

Copplestone’s fine new pitch is only capable at present, due to size restrictions, of accommodating teams up to U16 age group, so no adult teams are able to play competitive matches. Should the ground be increased in size in the future a Copplestone adult football team would have preference to play their home fixtures there. Although we have started these discussions at present no adult football teams can play at Pullen field until pitch modifications take place and then with the permission of Copplestone Recreation Association & the village Parish Council.

Guy Gibson

With an increase in teams this season, extra venues for fixtures have had to be found, with the majority of games being played at Pullen’s Field. The new U11 team ‘Copplestone Fitzpaine’ have been formed with the joining together of players from last seasons Mid Devon U10 teams of Copplestone and Cheriton Fitzpaine, which has been a great success and the majority of games so far being played at Cheriton.

Bow School football pitch has also been hired to help out with U10 & U9 matches. With all teams doing well in their respective divisions, and playing some attractive football, it has been a great start to this season’s campaign.

‘The Willows’ Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Copplestone Traditional Breakfast All En-Suite Rooms TV in all Rooms Tea & Coffee Facilities 2 Double Rooms 1 Twin Room

Another of the great successes this season has been Ben Speirs joining our club to coach our new players joining us in the U6, U7 and U8 age groups.

Regularly now each Saturday morning, starting at 10am, Ben takes his brand of fun football coaching.

Mrs Win Headon & Mr Colin Taverner Tel: 01363 84708 Mob: 07810 458982 www.thewillowsdevon.co.uk 11

Copplestone Station in Bloom

Tarka Line News

The very purple troughs stood up very well in their display duties although due to the sun coming out and staying out, the Petunias didn’t, and by the time of judging the plants had definitely seen better days. A note to consider drainage in troughs for next year. We also need to get some water butts in place too.

We at the Tarka Rail Association (representing users of the Exeter – Barnstaple railway line) have been busy putting together a Strategy for the Tarka Line which looks 12 years or so ahead to 2025 and beyond.

By then, we estimate that passenger numbers will have grown to around 2 million compared with just 200,000 in 2001 and 600,000 this year.

Competition Judgement day was 23rd August and although we were placed fourth this year having travelled the Tarka line in both directions recently, we know we help create a very pretty line in a very beautiful area. What a task the judges must have in choosing the winners. We do know how they do it and this year with the results we received the criteria list and can see how we scored. This will certainly give us something to think about for next year, as there is room for improvement particularly in the innovation category, which I have an idea Copplestone Primary School may be able to come up with something clever. Perhaps station users have ideas they would like to share.

• Initial impact - 17 out of 20 • Use of plants and flower colour - 18 out of 20 • Design & best use of space - 17 out of 20 • Husbandry - 8 out of 10 • All year interest - 7 out of 10 • Innovation - 5 out of 10 • Wildlife Friendly - 8 out of 10

This number of passengers will require not just bigger trains, but more trains with a faster end to end journey time as well. This in turn means that we need more track. Our Strategy shows how this can be done and how it could be timed to coincide with Network Rail’s major signalling and track work expected in 2025. You can view the Strategy on our website www.tarkarail.org. If you would like to join us there is also a Membership Application Form. You will be most welcome.

Of course, the main immediate priority is for more coaches on the existing trains and we take every opportunity to press for this. However, at present there are simply no more suitable diesel trains spare anywhere in the country. With one possible minor exception, the situation will not improve significantly until 2015/6 when electrification of services in the Thames Valley will start a cascade of trains down the line. By then, hopefully all trains will become three and then four coaches long. The exception is that we are pressing for an extra coach to be added to the 0743 train from Copplestone (0740 from Morchard Road) on a regular basis and, hopefully, this will materialise with the new timetable starting on 8th December.

In the meantime Geraniums and Pelargonium have been re-potted with assistance from Iris Middleton and John Mason (Copplestone Garden Club) and are now over wintering at Granny’s Meadow Nursery, Colebrook . With luck and a not too cold winter we can replant out next year.

Jill Pike

K J Stoneman & Co

Looking forward to early next year, Network Rail will be carrying out track improvements between Crediton and Yeoford. This will take around a week, but for most of the time trains will continue to run past the worksite by using part of the parallel single track – a very unusual situation! Network Rail will also be installing barriers at Salmon Pool level crossing during 2014 and this will enable trains to cross at a higher speed.

Agricultural & Garden Machinery Sales, Service, Spares and Repairs of all types of Agricultural & Garden Machinery Main Dealers For: Briggs & Stratton Engines Mountfield Mowers Stiga Mowers Husqvarna Chainsaws Kioti Compact Tractors Suzuki & Polaris Quads Petrol chainsaws Petrol lawnmowers

The new issue of the Carnet tickets (which can be used to either Exeter or Barnstaple) should be available before Christmas. At the time of writing, we have not been notified of any increase in price.

We hope that you have an enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

John Phillips External Relations Officer Tarka Rail Association.

COPPLESTONE, CREDITON (01363) 84424 www.kjstoneman.co.uk sales@kjstoneman.co.uk 12

Copplestone Fit Club Thursdays 6pm

at Copplestone School

Fit Club meets every Thursday, during term-time, in the Church Community Room from 6pm till 7pm for fun aerobic exercising, toning, stretching and improving our fitness. Ladies of all ages, shapes and fitness levels are welcomed, but please check with your doctor first if you have any health concerns. No special clothing is required but wearing flat shoes or trainers will help cushion your joints.

Wednesday 11th December Wednesday 8th January Wednesday 5th February Wednesday 5th March With fantastic meat prizes.

Doors open 7pm - Eyes down 7.45pm Any items for the Draw would be greatly appreciated as would help with tables & chairs before & after bingo

We aim to have fun as we exercise to music with a variety of standing, chair and floor exercises (mats provided). Options are given to suit ALL fitness levels - from those who want a really energetic workout to those who prefer to take things a little more gently. You will soon feel the benefits of being more active as you stretch and tone your muscles, increase you heart rate and get your circulation moving.

For more details please contact John & Elizabeth Mason Tel: 84819

Come along and have some fun!

Proceeds to Copplestone Recreation Fund

We will be having a break over the Christmas period with our last session for 2013 on Thursday 12th December but we will be back in action on Thursday 9th January 2014. If you are considering making a New Year’s Resolution to improve your fitness, why not come along and join us in January!

We are a very friendly group so you would be most welcome - you could even join us for our New Year meal! For more details, please contact Suzanne email: lunn.family4@gmail.com, Tel: 84018 or just come along on a Thursday.

Suzanne Lunn (Exercise to Music Level II Trained)

Crediton & District Support Group There’s more to life - visits, outings, parties, shopping, dining out and more.

We are a support group for local people with MS and part of the national Multiple Sclerosis Society. Our aims are to help and support people with Multiple Sclerosis in the local area and help to fund national research. We also encourage therapies and exercise to maintain mobility. Membership to our group is open to people with MS, family members, friends and anyone who is willing to help. For more information please contact Jenny Smith, 16 Blagdon Rise, Crediton EX17 1EN Tel: 01363 774839.

Jenny Smith

1980s Retro Xmas at Crediton Museum The exhibition is focusing on the 1980s and will feature fashion, games, toys & technologies from the era, together with a selection of archive photographs from local clubs and schools and a timeline of national and international milestones.

Citizens Advice Bureau Offering independent, confidential, impartial and free problem solving advice and help to all who need it.

Our aim is to ensure that individuals do not suffer through a lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities or of the services available to them.

Your local C.A.B is at: Crediton Council Offices, Market Street, Crediton EX17 2BN Tel no. 01363 778410 Open: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10.00am to 3.00pm

Show your children the toys you used to play with; try your hand at Rubik's cube, Chuckie Egg, Donkey Kong or plasma ball; compare your mobile phone with one of the first "brick" handsets; relax & listen to the music of the 80s; see yourself (or your parents) as they were 30 years ago; browse through books, magazines & local newspapers of the time.

The exhibition starts on Saturday 30th November, 2pm & will remain open from 10am - 7pm Monday to Saturday until 21st December.

13

You will be warmly welcomed at any of our services or just pop into the Church to see the super floral displays & decorations for a special festive treat!

Our Regular Service times are: 1st Sunday of the month 4.30pm Evening Prayer (Lay Led) 2nd Sunday of the month 11am Eucharist Service 3rd Sunday of the month 11am Morning Prayer (lay led) 4th Sunday of the month 9.30am Eucharist Service Everyone is welcomed Nigel Fidock

Down St Mary Church Over the past few months we have had one baptism and four funerals at our Church. In August Katie May Glover was baptised into the Christian faith. Parents Andrew & Claire were surrounded by family and friends on this joyful occasion. As one person begins her life, sadly four lives ended. Funeral services were held for Phyllis Colton, Diane Pamphilon, Peter Knight & Gerald Miller. Diane was well known in Copplestone as she was the secretary at the primary school for many years. Many friends from the school & village filled our Church to wish her farewell.

St Boniface Church, Knowle

In October we celebrated the Harvest Festival. During the service gifts were presented to be used by the Crediton Food Bank. Following the service we all enjoyed a Harvest Supper at the Devonshire Dumpling & a brain teasing quiz kept us entertained.

You are warmly invited to join us at the following Christmas and New Year services: Nine Readings and Carols service Sunday 15th December - 6.30am This service will be led by Fred Cann and will be followed by hot mince pies and mulled wine. A chance to chat with neighbours and friends and to put you in the Christmas spirit. Everybody welcome.

On Sunday 10th November we were privileged to host the area 'Act of Remembrance' service.

Representatives from Zeal Monachorum, Colebrooke, Bow, Clannaborough, Spreyton as well as Down St. Mary read out the names of those who gave their lives during the two world wars and other conflicts

Christmas Day Eucharist Service - 10am Service will be led by the Rev. John Copus.

Advent Prayer Services - Wednesdays, 4pm Our Christmas preparations start on 4th, 11th & 18th December with short reflective lay led services to prepare ourselves for Christmas.

Plough Service Sunday 17th January - 10am Fred Cann will lead the Blessing of the Plough service at the beginning of another farming year.

This country service, which probably has its roots in the ancient Celtic church, focuses on the plough but includes most aspects of farming and its importance to all our lives and our well being. Something a little different for the whole family to enjoy.

Carol Service - Wednesday 18th December, 7pm Enjoy traditional carols & readings in the festive atmosphere of our decorated Church Followed by mulled wine & mince pies.

Crib Service - Christmas Eve, 4pm All ages welcome to this popular informal service.

The atmosphere is electric with excited children anticipating Christmas day. Parents, grandparents & friends are all welcomed to join in and share the joy.

You are also warmly invited to join us for our regular Church services at Knowle: 1st Sunday - 10am Holy Communion with Rev. Lindsey Starrs 3rd Sunday - 10am Morning Worship with Fred Cann (Lay Reader) We wish everybody a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year David Silvester

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, 11.30pm Savour the special Christmas ambience in this traditional Eucharist Service.

Colebrooke Parish Hall Available for hire – kitchen, stage, hall, meeting rooms, bar.

Contact Steve Graham for details: 01363 84309 Village website: www.colebrooke.org just 1.5 miles from Copplestone

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Crediton & Copplestone Little PUMA’s & Taekwon-Do

Copplestone Youth Club

A big thank you to all our members and their families for their continued support. It has been an honour to be part of the group and to see people flourish in their martial arts, to see individuals achieving new grades, winning medals and trophies as well as fulfilling their goals. The support we have at all levels is a major element in the way the group continues to develop and grow, not just in size, but reputation, standards and character.

Youth Club continues to thrive with a good number of 7-11 year old children from the village and surrounding areas attending.

We have had some fun evenings spent in the church hall playing games now that it is too dark to use the school field. The children enjoyed a fun craft evening where they painted wooden spoons - we have some budding artists within the club who created some fantastic designs!

We train at Crediton and Copplestone on weekday evenings and at weekends. We meet at Copplestone Church Community Room on Wednesday evenings; Little PUMA's 6pm-6.45pm, Taekwon-Do 7pm-8pm; we train all year round not just term times.

We will continue to swim once a month at the Waie Inn through the winter and the year will end on Tuesday 17th December with the Youth Club Christmas Party & Disco. After the Christmas break, we will recommence on Tuesday 14th January 2014. To see what we have planned for the New Year and for more details please see our Church website www.copplestonechurch.org.uk.

If anyone is interested and wants to be part of this local, friendly and dynamic group please phone Dave Tel: 07802 855852, email creditontkd@hotmail.com or pop along to one of our sessions. All ages and abilities are welcome as we have something to offer everyone.

Dave Powlesland

Youth Club is held every Tuesday during term time, except the first Tuesday of the month, at 6.30pm for registration and finishes at 8pm. We charge 50p per session and the money goes towards the summer special, any trips that may be planned and swimming.

There is also a tuck shop available at Youth Club.

All children aged 7 -11 years are welcomed to join us.

Parents can just turn up on a Tuesday evening and fill in a registration form or contact one of the leaders Brian Phelps Tel: 84526, Sean Schofield Tel: 85451 or Hannah Petherick Tel: 84182.

Youth Club Team

Sweet Heart Cart

Beacon Church New Buildings Two important changes of dates for your diary.

Beacon will hold its annual Carol Service on 8th December at 4pm. The collection will go to a nominated charity. The second change is that the Carol Singing around the Nativity scene in the churchyard will now take place on 18th December at 7pm.

Hand crafted sweets made to order.

Perfect for parties, special occasions & gifts.

10% Discount on all my hand crafted sweets if you live/work in Copplestone.

For orders or any questions please contact

Tracy at Sweet Heart Cart on 07883 400604 or (01363) 84788

Our normal Sunday services, which take place on the 4th Sunday of each month, will continue as usual.

Everyone is welcome so please come along and enjoy.

Mike Davis

www.facebook.com/SweetHeartCart www.sweetheartcart.com

15

Crediton Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival

Helping all of our Futures

Thurs 5th - Sun 8th December 11am – 6pm (Thurs & Fri) 10.30am – 7pm (Sat) 2 – 5pm (Sun)

For many years I have provided time on my computers to assist the Pande Lab in Stanford University USA. My computers run software in the background & receive and send data that is processed on my computers. This data is processed by an algorithm that is working out how proteins are folded.

Why do I allow my computers to be used? There is an easy answer from Stanford University: ‘Folding@home is a distributed computing project for disease research that simulates protein folding, computational drug design, and other types of molecular dynamics. As of today, the project is using the idle resources of personal computers owned by volunteers from all over the world’.

There will be over 70 illuminated and decorated trees ranging from 3 to 25 feet in height filling the church, which will make a spectacular display the length of the church, especially as the natural light begins to fade! All the trees will have been decorated by local business, charities, children’s groups & organisations.

Tours of the church will be available: Bell Tower at 2pm (Thurs, Fri & Sat) & the Governors Room daily at 12 noon & 3pm (Sun 3pm only). Refreshments will be available in the Boniface Centre from 10am until 5pm daily except Sunday 2pm till 4.30pm. For group bookings please contact 01363 776681.

My computer does not slow down & I cannot see any slowing or failure of any other software during my use of my machines while the software of Stanford University is running. If you are working your computer hard the Stanford University software stops and waits until the computer has spare machine time.

The Saturday evening concert will be by the Queen Elizabeth’s Academy Jazz Band. Ticket £7.50 with under 16′s free; tickets available from A.E. Lee Outfitters, Crediton. The admission includes a mince pie with mulled wine available at an extra modest cost. The concert will begin promptly at 7.30pm.

I have recently been recovering from major cancer surgery. Cancer is caused by changes during the Folding Process that happens in our bodies all the time & for all of our lives. All diseases and biological responses of our bodies are significantly affected by the Folding Process.

For further information please contact the Festival organiser Glenda Hills 01363 773669.

Bill Jerman

Copplestone Farm Shop

Years ago I set up a TEAM for “Copplestone Devon” for which the ID number is 46153 as well as setting up my own ID. Nearly 2 million computers are working for Stanford University to assist their work.

These computers are also part of a quarter of a million teams. I believe this demonstrates how many agree with them on the importance of understanding the Folding Process. I am asking all of you who have computers to please look at the F@H website and download their software, so that you can help in the fight against diseases and particularly Cancer. You can help and your contribution will not cost you any direct payments of your cash or time.

Local Fresh Vegetables, Bread, Milk, Eggs, Meat and Ice-cream Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturdays: 9am – 4pm, Sundays: 10am – 4pm

Please join the “Copplestone Devon” Team 46153 and see via the FREE software they provide how many units we have jointly undertaken. Look at the reports & see the new information they are providing to add to the medical knowledge of the Folding of proteins. Go to http://folding.stanford.edu/home.

Thank you on behalf of those that will benefit from the work YOU will contribute.

Michael James – Copplestone Stores

Christmas Eve 9am—1pm, Closed Christmas Day, Closed 26th & 27th Dec, 28th Dec 9am-4pm, 29th Dec 10am-4pm, 30th & 31st Dec 9am-5pm, Closed New Years Day, 2nd Jan 9am-5pm

Home Delivery Available.

Telephone & Email Orders Taken Email: copplestonefarmshop@icloud.com Phone: 07932 527676 ‘Wishing all our customers who supported us through 2013 a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.’

16

What’s next?

I will still be working for Copplestone Methodist Church & will still be involved with some of the youth work that takes place in Copplestone, but my new post from January 2014 will be ‘Children and their Families Worker’. This will focus more on working with families with Primary School aged children. I am really looking forward to getting stuck into this new role & will keep you posted to what is happening.

Youth Work Update This will be my last insert in The Enlightener as the ‘Detached Youth Worker’ for Copplestone Methodist Church. As you may be aware I was employed by Copplestone Church nearly 6 years ago to offer support, guidance and care to young people aged 7–18 years within our community here at Copplestone and the surrounds. I have had the privilege of being involved with numerous groups and events including Xcelerate (11-14’s cell group), Xcel (14–20’s cell group), Youth Club (7-11s weekly activities), Café Fuse (11-17’s Youth café), Reach (11-18’s youth drop in centre), Raze (youth church), The Grid (11-16’s weekly youth church), Rock Solid (QE academy Christian Union LS), Route 66 (QE academy Christian Union US), 6th Form CU (6th form Christian Union), Soul Survivor annual youth camp, Youth Weekends at St Georges House and many more events as well as working with QE academy Trust and Copplestone Primary School.

I am still in the Detached Youth Worker post until the end of December so please do feel free to get in touch if you’d like information about any of the youth work that takes place in Copplestone, email me at seansyw@yahoo.co.uk, call 01363 85451 or go to our church website www.copplestonechurch.org.uk Sean Schofield Youth Worker (Copplestone Methodist Church)

Hannah Horne is the name of the new Connect worker for this year.

As well as organising lunchtime clubs at QE she also helps with lesson support in RE, Philosophy and Ethics, History, PE and Art. This is a really exciting year for the Connect team at QE as well as Sean Schofield, Graham Harry and Hannah we also have 3 new youth workers from Crediton Churches helping out with the lunchtime clubs. Hannah also helps out with Café Fuse at Copplestone Methodist Church, look out for her there; she is looking forward to meeting you!

(The young people we took to the Soul Survivor Festival in Shepton Mallet ) There have of course been many challenges but I have been fortunate enough to see how the work we have done over the past few years has impacted some of the young people in our community. I truly do consider it a privilege to have worked with the community here in Copplestone, the young people & the amazing team of volunteer staff that have been essential to make the youth work project possible.

Connect is a registered charity that supports young people in their local schools (Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Chulmleigh College and Okehampton College) and in their local communities. For more information and contact details go to our website www.connectdevon.org. Registered Charity in England and Wales (1126303).

Julie Down

‘Rosemary’ The Cross, Copplestone Tel: 01363 84365

Copplestone Church Community Room

For all your hairdressing needs

Available for hire with fully equipped kitchen.

For more details or to book contact Maureen Burlton Tel: (01363) 881154

Including colours, highlights, lowlights, tinting & perms L’Oreal, Wella, Matrix 17

This year we were requested by the Director of Burzitsa Children's Home to allocate specific boxes to children and to put a Christmas card with each one.

We were sent a list of children and their ages in Bulgarian and English; this was useful as we also sent over a birthday present for each child for 2014 - we hope we have got it right! It's thanks to the congregation at Copplestone Methodist Church who gave us the proceeds of the sale of Harvest gifts this year which enabled us to purchase all the birthday presents & cards. Our thanks go to Steph and her friends for writing the Christmas cards and to Debbie for writing the birthday cards.

2013 Christmas Shoe Box Appeal On a wet and windy morning on 8th November, Nigel & Brian left Copplestone, with their vans containing 584 shoe boxes and other large cartons of goods, for a warehouse in Salisbury which Trussell Trust are occupying until they are ready to transport all the shoe boxes to Bulgaria.

Once again, a very big thank you to all the people of Copplestone and the surrounding areas who donated these boxes and also to those of you who gave money towards the transporting of them from Salisbury to Bulgaria. They will leave this country during the first week in December with several thousand more which have been collected by Trussell Trust. Their boxes go to other parts of Bulgaria into orphanages, prisons & hospitals while our boxes go into Varna and from there Pastor Alex Grozev, together with a team from his Church, deliver them to Burzitsa Children's Home, other local orphanages, homes for the elderly, hospitals and to anybody who would not have any gifts for Christmas.

We also had a request from the Director for shampoo and head lice treatment; this we were able to purchase with a donation we had been given. Our thanks go to Crediton Pharmacy who always supply this for us.

Thank you to a really great group of friends who helped to cover empty boxes and to custom check the full ones. We are so grateful to so many people for making all this happen again this year. Whatever you have donated has been so worthwhile - maybe it was time, perhaps a shoe box or a selection of items to be used to top up boxes, or perhaps you have been knitting throughout the year or a gift of money THANK YOU. Last year we heard from Pastor Alex that when he gave an elderly man a shoe box, tears began running down the man's face. When he asked what was wrong, the man replied that he had never been given a Christmas present before. So, please be reassured that your gifts are so precious and valuable to all who receive them.

Alongside our shoe boxes were 26 large cartons containing duvets & pillows as well as new blankets, baby & children's jumpers & cardigans, hats, gloves & scarves, all so beautifully knitted; this will keep several people really warm during the cold winter months. We had such a wonderful amount of knitted garments and blankets that we were able to pass on a few boxes to Blythswood Care for their work in the northern part of Bulgaria, Romania & India (these were extra boxes to the ones we sent to Pastor Alex).

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations, Churches and individuals who financially support the work that goes on during the summer trips to Burzitsa Children's Home; without this the work would not be able to continue. The children now have such a better way of life. Thank you to Lynette & Debbie who donated the proceeds of three car boot sales and a garage sale.

Kenno’s RODEO SURFRIDER CHALLENGE

As Christmas is fast approaching we would like to wish you a very happy time and send you our best wishes for 2014.

Brian & Tris Glover

Rodeo Surfboard Hire

Clannaborough Church

Fully Operated & Supervised Fun for all ages Private parties catered for

invites you to their

Candlelight Carol Service

Contact: Ken Nott kennethnott@sky.com 01363 85025 / 07966 526660 Fully Insured

Sunday 22nd December at 3pm with Sandford Choir.

Everyone welcome 18

Christmas Quiz

Christmas Singers Wanted!

1. Who invented the Christmas Cracker? Was it:

If you like singing, we’d love you to join our Christmas Singers this year - all ages welcome. We will be singing together at the Copplestone Church Carol Service on Sunday 22nd December at 6.15pm.

Practices for the Christmas Singers will be at the church from 4.45-5.45pm each Sunday starting on Sunday 24th November. Don’t worry if you’ve missed the first practice or two as we’d still be very pleased to see you. If you’d like to know more, give Sheila a ring on 01363 84429, or just come along to the practices. You don’t need to be able to read music - just to enjoy singing!

Sheila Steer

2. What do traditional Ukrainians put on their Christmas tree for luck?

3. Who decided the date for Christmas would be December 25th?

4. In the Christmas song ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ What will be out of sight?

5. In Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ who said “God bless us everyone”?

6. What is the chemical formula for snow?

7. What is the most popular item put on top of a Christmas tree?

Top Tips to Avoid Food Waste

8. From which carol does the line “God and sinners reconciled” come from?

This Christmas and throughout 2014, avoid waste by storing food correctly so it lasts longer.

• Keep your fridge temperature below 5oC. 70% of our fridges are too warm • Store fruit & veg in it’s packaging or loosely tied bags in the fridge except onions, potatoes & bananas which should be kept cool & dark but not in the fridge.

• Meat & fish needs to be covered & kept in the coldest part of the fridge • Pastries, eggs & general produce should be kept in the warmest part of the fridge (the top) • Freeze veg that looks tired. Peel & chop veg & freeze in bags ready to use for soups or stews • Decant salad bags into airtight containers to help them last longer • Once opened, wrap cheese & ham in cling film or put in air-tight containers • Don’t store bread in the fridge as it goes stale quicker. Keep in cool, dark cupboard/bread bin www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

9. Which Carol was sung outside of Scrooge’s office?

10. When Jesus was born what did the angels sing?

11. What is the popular name for little sausages wrapped in bacon?

12. What is the birth sign of people born on 25th December?

13. How many gifts are given in total in the song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’?

14. In which country does Santa have his own personalised post code which is HOH OHO?

(Answers page 20)

Some Christmas Laughs What do snowmen like to do at the weekend?

‘Chill out’ *** What does Jack Frost like best about school?

‘Snow and tell’ *** What do you get if you cross an iPad with a Christmas tree?

‘A pineapple’ *** What do elves do after school?

‘Their gnome work’ *** What’s the difference between Santa’s reindeer & a knight?

‘One slays the dragon, the other’s draggin’ the sleigh’ ***.

What do you get when you cross a snowman and a dog?

‘Frostbite’

19

Sheila’s Sweet Potato Soup

December Diary Dates

As enjoyed at the October Café Lunch (serves approx 4) 1oz Butter 1lb Sweet Potato (diced) 1 Onion (chopped) 2 Cloves Garlic (chopped) 1 Ginger Root (grated) 1 tblsp Mild Curry Paste/Powder 1 pt Vegetable Stock 7 fl oz Coconut Milk Juice of 1 Lime Salt - Melt butter & fry potatoes, onion, garlic, ginger curry for 5 mins until golden.

- Add stock, coconut milk & lime juice. Bring to boil & simmer for 15 mins or until potatoes are tender.

- Season to taste. Leave soup to cool a bit then puree in a blender. Enjoy!

December: 2nd-21st: 1980’s Exhibition, Crediton Museum 3rd: Christmas Lunch at The Café, 12-2pm “ : Parish Council Meeting, 7.15pm 4th: Advent Prayer Services start at D.S.M. 4pm 5th-8th: Christmas Tree Festival, Crediton Church 6th: Christmas Quiz, Church Room, 7.30pm 7th: Christmas Craft Fayre, School, 2-4pm 8th: Carol Service, New Buildings Church, 4pm “ : Tarka Railway Line, new timetable starts 11th: Christmas Bingo at the School, 7.45pm 13th: Carol Singing, The Cross Pub, 7.30pm 14th: Childrens Treasure Hunt, meet car park, 11am “ : Crediton Fayre in the Square, 2-5pm 15th: Kidzone Christmas Play, Church, 10.45am “ : Readings & Carols, Knowle Church, 6.30pm 17th: Youth Club Christmas Party/Disco, 6.30pm 18th: Piglets Christmas Party “ : Carol Service D.S.M Church, 7pm “ : Carol Singing, New Buildings Church, 7pm 19th: Last Café of 2013 “ : School Christmas Disco 22nd: Kidzone Christmas Party, 10.45am “ : Community Carol Service, Church, 6.15pm 24th: Crib Service, D.S.M Church, 4pm “ : Midnight Mass, D.S.M. Church 11.30pm Christmas Day: 10am Eucharist at Knowle Church 10.30am Family Celebration at Copplestone Church

www.copplestone.org.uk To find out what’s happening go to our village website. Information & links to:

Parish Council, Copplestone Primary School, Local Churches, The Enlightener, MDDC, Diary Dates & Things To Do.

Your Village Magazine As we approach the festive season, I hope you have enjoyed reading this ‘Christmas’ edition of The Enlightener. My thanks as always go to all the various clubs and organisations who have sent articles to keep us up-to-date with what is happening in our area and to our team of volunteers who kindly deliver The Enlightener direct to your door every quarter.

Snowball I made myself a snowball, As perfect as could be, I thought I'd keep it as a pet, And let it sleep with me.

I made it some pyjamas, And a pillow for its head, Then last night it ran away, But first - it wet the bed!

Hopefully you have found this edition an interesting read, whether you are new to the village or have lived here for a number of years. As you will have read there are a number of special festive events taking place in the coming weeks - perhaps you will be able to go along and enjoy some of them

Christmas Quiz Answers

The next Enlightener is due out in the Spring at the beginning of March. If you have anything to contribute or if you are a parish resident and wish to place an advert, please contact me before 15th February by email: lunn.family4@gmail.com or Tel: 84018. I would love to hear from you!

1. Tom Smith, 2. Spiders web, 3. Pope Julius 1, 4. Troubles, 5. Tiny Tim, 6. H2O (Water!) 6. Angel, 7. Hark the Herald Angels, 8. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, 9. Glory to God in the highest, 10. Pigs in blankets, 10. Capricorn, 11. 134, 12. Canada

‘In the meantime may I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.’

Suzanne Lunn – Enlightener Editor

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