Copplestone Enlightener

Copplestone

Enlightener DECEMBER 2014 All Stars After School Club As you may be aware, back in June the Copplestone Church Children & Families Project were asked whether we would consider taking on the after school club at Copplestone Primary. After a great deal of hard work and preparation I can happily announce that as of 6th January 2015 we will be starting a new after school club at Copplestone called ‘All Stars’.

The club will run from 3.30pm to 6pm from Monday to Fridays during term time. The club will operate in a similar way to the current after school club, Kids@Copplestone, with both childcare and a range of activities being provided, including Football, Multisports, Drama Club, Explorers, Street Dance, Circus Skills and much more.

The club will continue to be held at the School and we will be making the most of the space there, ensuring that the children get to enjoy activities and childcare both inside and outside (weather permitting).

All Stars will offer quality childcare and activities in a safe, fun environment where children will be able to enjoy a multifaceted learning experience.

We would love to hear from you if you have any questions or ideas to share with us at All Stars. For more information about the club, activities, childcare or booking, please visit our website at www.allstarsclub.co.uk or email admin@allstarsclub.co.uk Sean Schofield, Copplestone Children and Families Worker seansyw@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07527 101219

Celebrate this Christmas in Copplestone Methodist Church Sunday 14th December 10.45am – Christmas Play & Family Service ‘Hey Ewe!’ with Kidzone & The Grid Our Youth Church celebrates Christmas Coffee and biscuits from 10.30am Sunday 21st December 6.15pm – Community Carol Service with Copplestone Community Choir 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 ‘Wishing you all a joyous Christmas and a peaceful & happy 2015’

An AED for Copplestone An ‘Automated External Defibrillator’ will soon be in place in Copplestone!

This important piece of medical equipment will be registered with the ‘999’ system and will be available for emergency situations i.e. people in cardiac arrest.

Working with the South West Ambulance Service, Copplestone Methodist Church and the Parish Council are putting funds in place to enable this to happen. The AED, which will be unlocked and alarmed, is designed to be used by both the trained and untrained and can save lives. It is, however, very important that ‘999’ has been called before use.

There will be much more information in the March Enlightener, when there will be details of an awareness and training evening for anyone interested.

It is hoped that both members of the community and representatives from all the various village groups and organisations will be able to attend. Look out for the AED at its location on the Church wall soon!

John Lunn

Copplestone Parent Teacher Association (CPTA) News.

Upcoming events December brings our Christmas events. Children have been invited to design their own Christmas cards which can then be professionally printed up to send to friends and family. The school choir has been invited to sing in the foyer of Tesco's on the morning of Wednesday 10th December to r aise funds for the CPTA.

The CPTA has started the new academic year with a great deal of activity to support and enhance the enjoyment and learning experiences of all children at Copplestone School. We ended the previous school year with ice creams for every child and member of staff to celebrate their achievements and congratulate them on all their hard work.

We will be holding our annual Christmas Fete from 15.30 – 17.00 followed by an open air KS2 Carol Concert on Wednesday 17th December. We hope Father Christmas may put in an appearance and there will be stalls providing Christmas gifts, cakes, craft activities, games etc. Please come along and support this event – all welcome!

During this new academic year, we have already funded £350 for coaches to take our year 6 pupils to the Dorset Tank Museum, £100 for a visit to our year 5’s from the great Viking God, Thor, and £180 each for our year 3s and 4s to be visited by time travellers from World War II and Ancient Egypt, respectively. Each of these items provides memorable learning experiences for our children in support of their topic areas for this term.

There will be a ‘bags to schools’ collection on Tuesday 3rd February. This is an oppor tunity to get rid of old clothes and shoes and raise some money for the school. Please have bags deposited at school before 9am. We will also be running a ‘Red’ themed disco on Friday 13th February. Childr en ar e invited to come dressed in red from 17.00 to 18.30, hot food will again be available.

We have also allocated £180 for coaches to take our year 3 and 4 children to and from their characterbuilding residential later this year. The children will all also have the opportunity to enjoy a pantomime performed by a touring theatre company on Tuesday 2nd December the cost of which is £450 and is funded by the CPTA.

Look out for a pop-up cinema experience in early March….we are hoping to have an outdoor screening of ‘Frozen’ one evening where the CPTA will be serving hot chocolate to ensure our audience doesn’t also end up frozen!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us this term. If you are a parent of a child at Copplestone School and interested in finding out more about the CPTA or joining the team please email copplestonepta@hotmail.com or phone the CPTA chairman, Simon Archer on 07966 347957.

Lisa Snowdon

In order to keep supporting such fantastic opportunities for our children we run a number of fund-raising events through the year. This term we have run a fabulous Halloween themed fancy-dress disco with hot food kindly laid on with the support of Rose, one of our school cooks. The event was a great success with the children having a great time with lots of dancing and spooky fun.

Copplestone Farm Shop

We hope our major fund raiser for this term will have been an exciting Auction of Promises which, at time of press, had not yet taken place. However with some amazingly generous donations we hope it will have been a roaring success!

Citizens Advice Bureau

Local Fresh Vegetables, Bread, Milk, Eggs, Meat and Ice-cream

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

Opening Times:

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

Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturdays: 9am – 4pm, Sundays: 10am – 2pm Home Delivery Available.

Telephone & Email Orders Taken We now accept all major cards.

Telephone numbers: Advice line for new enquiries: 0844 4111 444 Ongoing issues: 01884 244630 (answer phone)

Email: copplestonefarmshop@icloud.com Phone: 07990 068651 2

tomb paintings in Orange class and making Viking long boats in Red class. In Purple class the children have linked their historical learning of World War 1 to their work in English studying the Michael Morpurgo book, War Horse, and Blue class have been developing their story writing skills using the ‘talk for writing’ process.

News from Copplestone Primary School It has been a very busy start to the new school year with lots going on both inside and outside of the classrooms. There have been several new members of staff, including myself, join the school this year and everyone has settled in well. There is a wonderful atmosphere in school and staff are working hard to ensure the children receive a varied and exciting curriculum.

Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage The children in our Foundation Stage class have settled well into school; getting to know the new routines and making an excellent start to their learning. They have been developing their phonic knowledge, supported by joint learning with their parents and finding out about a variety of topics, including how to look after a range of pets – we even had some visit school!

Outside of the classroom we have also been extremely busy. A team of KS2 children have competed in a local swimming gala and we have participated in an inter-school cross country competition.

In Key Stage 1 the children have been working hard to find out about castles. They have learnt about different castle designs and about daily life inside of one. They have found out about how castles were defended and as part of their homework many of the children made fantastic model trebuchets! Their work has culminated in a drama day where the children dressed up and spent the day taking part in a different activities including juggling and a fantastic medieval style banquet.

In October we held our Harvest festival assembly and collected food donations for the Crediton Food Bank.

The Year 6 children attended a life skills challenge day at Cullumpton and all of KS2 were lucky enough to watch the Tour of Britain Cycle Race as it sped its way through the village. Our choir has also performed during the torch lit procession for Lighting up the Parish.

Key Stage 2 The classes in Key Stage 2 have all had a history focus this term, finding out about a range of historical periods from the Ancient Egyptians to World War 2.

They have been developing their knowledge of daily life in these different periods and broadening their understanding through art and design technology activities, for example creating Ancient Egyptian

We have now begun our preparations for Christmas and are looking forward to Nativity performances from Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 early in December and our KS2 Carol Concert on Wednesday 17th December.

Angela Urquhart Head of School

3

Dave Powlesland said “It's great to see our junior members learning such great life skills and a local Crediton business supporting active groups like ours.

A big thank you to Tesco Crediton and Andrews’s team for providing such a great experience for our Taekwon-Do and Little PUMA members. Martial Arts is for all the family and so much more than just punching and kicking’. A badge will be given to all the children who tried all the different fruit and vegetables to be sewn onto their Dobok (Taekwon-Do Uniform).

Crediton & Copplestone Taekwon-Do and Tesco’s “Farm to Fork Trail” Taekwon-Do isn’t only about regular training and exercise. A major component in achieving sports performance is also the adequate nutrition.

Consuming a wide variety of healthy whole foods that are well-balanced across the various food groups is essential. An important part of this is fruit and vegetables. It is equally important for adults as it is for children. That’s why Crediton and Copplestone Taekwon-Do and the supermarket giant Tesco teamed up to teach the Little Pumas about healthy food options and the “5 a day” rule. There was also a session for the older children and adults in the group.

Crediton & Copplestone PUMA Martial Arts are very pleased to congratulate our members who recently got promoted to Black Belt level. Well done to Alex Carder and Kim Voysey who both successfully got promoted to 1st Degree and to Mr Simon John who was promoted to 2nd Degree with a credit pass.

The Crediton & Copplestone group meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings and Sunday mornings at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, Copplestone Church Community Hall and Newton St Cyres Village Hall. They offer great value for all the family from 4 years old upwards. Dave and his group are well established and really do offer a brilliant package for all the family and are a truly inclusive group. If you would like to find out more please contact Dave Powlesland on 07802 855852 or email creditontkd@hotmail.com

“It is essential to tell children about healthy living early on. Not only in the context of their sport activities but in general”, stresses Dave Powlesland, of Crediton & Copplestone TaekwonDo. It's recommended that children – like adults – eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. However, research shows that on average children in England eat only about three portions, with many eating fewer. That’s why Taekwon-Do Crediton got active early on, combining fun with the serious.

Your Mobile Library Service Thursdays (once a month) Fernworthy Park 12.55-13.15 Copplestone Nisa Shop 13.50-14.20 18th December 2014 15th January 2015 12th February 2015 12th March 2015

Together with their parents the Little Pumas engaged in lots of various fun and playful activities around the supermarket accompanied by Tesco employee Andrew Drayton, learning not only about the different varieties of vegetables but also about adequate portions. Activities involved identifying fruits and vegetables in the respective aisles as well as a visit to Roger at the fish counter to learn about healthy food options. The children learnt that a portion of fruit or vegetable that fits in the palm of your hand counts as one portion of the magic 5 a day but that potatoes do not count as one of the five.

Everyone that attended the session came out having learnt something and were very positive about the experience.

FREE Membership, no charges for borrowing books.

Join at any age. DVD hire.

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 Crediton and Taekwon-Do group have sessions throughout the week at venues in Crediton, Newton St. Cyres and Copplestone. The group has produced several World Champions in Taekwon-Do and Dave Powlesland is keen to adopt more of these sessions and views this as a unique selling point for the group as they offer skills that go far beyond the realms of Taekwon-do.

4

Copplestone Community Choir

'Folk at The Cross'

The choir has been busy since September, preparing for two events which we hope you will all come to!

Last Tuesday in every month from 8pm onwards.

Our next folk session is on Tuesday 25th November All are welcome for an informal evening of folks songs, tunes, poetry and monologues.

Saturday 29th November ‘Waiting for Christmas’ 7.30pm at the Boniface Centre, Crediton A concert in aid of Exeter Leukaemia Fund Tickets £5 to include mince pies

Please note our December session will be on Friday 19th December for a Fes.ve Folk Evening With tradi-onal folk carols, mince pies and mulled cider.

Sunday 21st December 6.15pm Copplestone Community Carol Service at Copplestone Methodist Church.

We have 33 members at the moment, of all ages, and have really enjoyed learning new songs this autumn to suit everyone’s musical tastes. These range from up beat pieces like ‘Happy’ by Pharell Williams performed with a great backing track, to ‘a capella’ carols for Christmas. Several people are trying out solo sections for the first time and enjoying it!

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

We’d love the choir to continue to grow, so if you like singing do come and join us on Thursday evenings, 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Practices will be starting up again in February, after our Christmas break. For more information, contact Sheila 07980 575654 or Debbie 07964 969141 or just come along and see if you like it. There are no auditions!

Debbie Pinhey, Nena Yendell, Rachel Arnold, Sheila Steer

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: 774839.

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 Belinda Tel: 85118.

Belinda Petersen

The Crediton & District Fundraising Group are looking for volunteers to help with fundraising collections at local supermarkets. Can you spare 1 or 2 hours a year to help? If you are interested or would like more information please contact Belinda Tel: 85118 Belinda Petersen 5

Children’s & Families Work Update Back in October we held our first ever ‘Light Party’ at Copplestone Church.

The event was held on Halloween and offered a fun alternative for parents and children who are not interested in the usual Halloween activities. We had 28 children attend the party. They got to enjoy a bouncy castle, fair ground games, parachute games, party food and lots more. The children also each took home a lantern which they decorated as well as a stain glass window (made out of sugar paper) and other craft bits. It was a really fun evening and the children really enjoyed themselves.

Our ‘Re:generate’ men's group started off the term with an evening with one of the South Wests largest Scalextric track! The 6 lane digital track was loaned to us for the evening by Crediton Congregational Church. Despite many high speed crashes, we had an amazing night competing in Copplestone's first ever Re:generate Scalextric Tournament! In October Re:generate enjoyed a visit to a Chinese restaurant in Exeter and in November we went tenpin bowling.

Our next event is our Christmas meal, which is being held at Copplestone Church on 12th December and if you are a man, we would love to see you there! We will be having a full Christmas meal, some entertainment and an after dinner speaker. There is no charge for the event so just let me know if you would like to join us.

For more information about any of these items, please visit www.copplestonechurch.org.uk or email seansyw@yahoo.co.uk Sean Schofield Children & Families Worker

We have been having lots of fun this term at ‘Playzone’ our monthly toddler group that runs alongside the Church Café. The children have been able to enjoy soft play, craft, free play and much more this term and we are very excited about our ‘Christmas Craft’ session on 11th December. The Playzone is great place, not only for children but parents and carers also get to enjoy quality coffee and cake provided by the café, and it is a great chance to meet other parents and carers. Playzone is for children aged 0 – 4 years. Dates for next year can be found on our church website, www.copplestonechurch.org.uk.

Copplestone Fit Club Thursdays (term-time) 6-7pm Copplestone Church Community Room

‘Rosemary’ Come along for fun & fitness to music includes aerobics, toning & stretching.

For ladies of all ages, shapes & fitness levels.

Optional weekly weigh-in Only £1.50 per session.

The Cross, Copplestone Tel: 01363 84365

For all your hairdressing needs

For more details please contact Suzanne Lunn Tel: 84018 email: lunn.family4@gmail.com or just come along any Thursday Make friends, get fit & have some fun !

Including colours, highlights, lowlights, tinting & perms L’Oreal, Wella, Matrix 6

Copplestone Methodist Youth Church Sunday mornings 10.45am to 12 noon During August Crèche had a summer break, which gave the children a chance to enjoy the church service experience, and the crèche leaders a chance to rest!

Since coming back in September, we've been looking at the first book in the bible 'Genesis'. We've learnt about how God created the world and the first people, Adam and Eve. We made gingerbread men and women which was a lot of fun and very messy! We then looked at the story of Noah and how God looked after him and we made arks with lots of different animals. We are now looking at some of the amazing things Jesus did when he was on the earth and will be having loads of fun in the process!

The Kidzone children enjoyed many different activities during August with the Grid helpers joining us to help the younger children.

During September and October we have finished our series from ‘Go Teach’ thinking about how stories in the bible can be applied to our own lives. This term we are looking at Christmas from different points of views and we have been busy practising for our Kidzone and Grid Christmas Play.

We will perform this on Sunday 14th December at 10.45am at Copplestone Methodist Church. It is entitled ‘Hey Ewe!’ so come and find out more.

Youth Club is for all children aged 7-11 years. It is held twice a month on a MONDAY starting at 6.30pm for registration and finishing at 8pm unless specifically noted in the programme. We charge 50p per session and the money goes towards the summer special, any trips that may be planned and swimming.

Please remember that all children require booster seats if they are travelling anywhere with youth club and are under the legal height. Children should also wear trainers if we are playing games as it can be very dangerous in bare feet or inappropriate footwear.

Please book in advance for swimming sessions as places are limited.

The Youth Club programme can be found on our church website www.copplestonechurch.org.uk or find us on Facebook. There is a Kidzone Club each Sunday morning at 10.45am. Should you require any details, please don’t hesitate to ask one of the Youth Club Leaders. For more information please call Sean on 07527 101219 or email seansyw@yahoo.co.uk The Youth Club Team

Over the past few weeks, the Grid have been creating a masterpiece in the Crèche. Led by Artist, Tim Williams, they have started painting a Noah's Ark Mural on the South wall of the crèche. This has been a great opportunity for the young people to put into practice what we had been looking at over the past few months in the Grid, and gave them a chance to serve the church family in a fun and creative way.

Over the summer the Grid spent some of their sessions in the community room helping out in the Crèche & Kidzone. We have also spent time looking at the ‘Rescue Mission’ series based on the book of Luke, which aims to explore how God equips leaders, that Jesus’ rescue mission is for each individual and to learn that our strength is found in God.

EPEC Electrical Services Ltd 01363 84841 07967 336985 epecservices@hotmail.co.uk • • • • • •

Electrical contractor Locally based Over 25 years’ experience No job too small or large NIC/EIC registered Non VAT registered

The Youth Church meet every Sunday morning from 10.45am to 12 noon. 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) or Debbie Pinhey (01837 83357) The Youth Church Team 7

‘Lighting Up the Parish'

Police Warnings & Information

Thanks to all of you who came and supported our popular community event; evidently we are now attracting an audience from further afield than our Parish boundary, if the numbers are anything to go by. We were blessed with an amazing window in the weather, a still and clear night, amidst a week of wind and rain; we were incredibly fortunate.

Telephone Fraud - Criminals are targeting people within our communities by telephone. Such scams are becoming increasingly prevalent in the Devon &and Cornwall area. Although mostly the elderly or vulnerable anyone can be subjected to this crime type. If you receive a call from a fraudster attempting to deceive you, please let us know. Phone 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. We need your help to successfully stop this happening to others, identify the offenders and bring them to justice.

The Copplestone School Children, lead by the Great Western Morris dancers, performed their songs and poem with a growing strength and confidence in a procession around the village, lit by torches and accompanied by well over a 100 people. I think most will agree that the new bonfire and firework display site at the top of Bewsley Hill, has distinct advantages over the previous site in the field adjacent to the A377. Many thanks to Charlie, Hilary and Roger for allowing us use of this field.

Number Plate Thefts - Police have recently received reports of thefts of vehicle registration plates, usually overnight in publicly accessible areas. Residents are asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour you may see promptly to the police, dialling 999 if activity is occurring at the time of your call, using the 101 number for any other information.

I hope everyone felt warmed by the fire, the hot dogs, and the hot chocolate. Our thanks to Paul and Sandra at The Cross for preparing and providing the food. Also a huge thanks to the teams of caterers, stewards and bonfire builders - many hands make light work - never a truer expression!

Micro Chip Your Dog For Free The Mid Devon Dog Wardens are giving local dog owners an opportunity to get their dogs micro chipped for FREE on Wednesday 3rd December from 3pm to 6.30pm at Groomed to Pawfection, 38 High Street, Crediton. No appointment necessary.

David A. Dornom - Neighbourhood Watch

We used a different firework company this year, and everyone I have spoken to gave only positive feedback about the improved quality and contrast of the display, which lasted for 25 minutes. Special thanks to Chris and Craig, our resident pyrotechnic experts who set up and 'fired' the display.

Need the Police?

We raised over ÂŁ1000 on the night, from the bucket collection and the collecting 'tins'. This sum does not cover the total cost of staging the event, however, this year the Parish Council have agreed to donate part of the money raised towards the Village Hall fund.

Dave Brassington - Event Organiser

Call 101 or 999 For General Enquiries & non-emergencies call 101 In an emergency call 999 Your Local officers are: PCSO Lisa Crocker & PC Keith Bradshaw

8

Circus & Sports Fun Day Success This years village Fun Day held back in September was a great success with so many people of all ages coming to see Rob, Dex and Ben our professional entertainers and enjoying all the other activities and refreshments available throughout the afternoon.

Copplestone Needs You

The Copplestone Recreation Association needs new helpers The Association is currently raising money for a Community Hall for Copplestone village, which will serve the whole community whatever age. We need volunteers who are enthusiastic, with lots of fund raising ideas and energy to take these ideas forward.

The current helpers (most of who are of a pensionable age) have done a sterling job but are finding it increasingly difficult to do the heavy work in setting up events for the village. We therefore need younger blood to help with erecting the marquee on the fun day, setting up the stage and all the other jobs required to hold events for the community.

So please put something back into the village. If you and your family are able to spare a few hours to help and share your ideas please contact John Tel: 84819 email: lizjohnmason@btinternet.com or Ken Tel: 84771 email: kenjwarren6@btinternet.com. The committee wishes to thank everyone who has helped and supported them over the last few years.

John Mason On behalf of the Recreation Committee

Thanks to all our sponsors and helpers we made a profit of just on ÂŁ1,200! Many people would like the professionals back next year, so ideas please for a theme.

As you know, we have an excellent football pitch/ recreation area which is already in use. In addition, full planning permission has been granted for a new Community Hall and we are working hard to secure grants for its construction. This will provide facilities for all ages and will be a meeting place for the whole village.

John Clotworthy Chair, Copplestone Recreation Assoc

Boules

(French Bowls) I am trying to raise an interest in boules, not only for adults but for the young members of the community. I’m hoping it will be fun for all, with no strict rules. If you are interested, please ring Reg Tel: 84172 Reg May

Day Centre:- Mon to Fri from10.00am to 2.30pm Activities - 2 course lunch & transport provided Home support service:- To relieve loneliness & isolation Foot Care:- Toe & finger nail cutting twice a month Keep fit classes :- Leisure Centre, Crediton Art group:- Twice a month All proceeds from our shop, support the above services operated by your local independent charity.

Deep Lane Centre Deep Lane, Crediton, EX17 2BX 01363 775008 / 777241 ageconcerncrediton@hotmail.co.uk

9

Holiday at Home

Help for Groups and Voluntary Organisations

In September, a reunion tea was held at the church for all the guests and helpers who were involved in Holiday at Home 2014. We enjoyed reliving the holiday with the help of a slide show and shared in a lovely tea.

Raising funds for local activities can be a bug-bear for small organisations and starting a new organisation or project can throw up all sorts of unexpected issues. But Mid Devon’s support agency for voluntary and community groups, Involve, now has an outreach worker who can offer free help.

Plans are now being made for Holiday at Home 2015 which will be held on Monday 15th, Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th June. 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.

Funding, setting up, registering, ensuring safety, recruiting and retaining volunteers are part of a long list of issues that all have their challenges. Involve has extensive experience with its partners in providing solutions and access to a wide range of professionals. Deciding how to fund and run a group can quickly lead people into a maze but there are people, and sources of money, which can be of great support if you know where to look for them.

Those who have been before are welcome to come again but we also welcome new-comers. So far 12 people have booked in for next year but there are still places available. If you are of pensionable age (or younger but have some kind of disability) and live within the civil parish of Copplestone you are eligible to attend. For more information or to make a provisional booking, please contact me on 01363 82289 or see me at the Café Heather Castle.

Giving one-to-one advice and sign-posting on all aspects of developing and running voluntary projects, Involve can advise on grant applications and much more. For free help, email development@involvemiddevon.org.uk, call 07814 387090 or visit me in Crediton Library on Thursdays from 12.30 – 2pm.

John Skrine, Involve Project Worker

www.copplestone.org.uk To find out what’s happening go to our village website. For informa-on & links to: Parish Council, Copplestone Primary School, Local Churches, The Enlightener, MDDC, Diary Dates & Things To Do.

Plough & Share Credit Union Celebrates Two Years in Crediton People in the Crediton area may be £45,000 better off thanks to Plough & Share, Devon’s community owned saving and loans organisation. That is the difference between the loan repayments local people have made on the £18,000 they have borrowed from the Credit Union over the last two years, and the amount they would pay to a typical doorstep lender charging over 272% APR. Doorstep lenders typically charge over 350% pa (fixed). Plough and Share’s top loan rate to first time borrowers with no savings is 26.8% APR. Savers pay lower interest rates.

We want to help local people get a fair deal on loans, and for more money to stay in Devon and help the local economy. People in this area borrow money from doorstep and payday lenders which they find hard to repay. The Credit Union offers a way out of that trap. Loans are made only after strict checks on affordability. The Plough and Share Service Point in Crediton is open every Friday from 1pm to 3pm in the Council Offices in Market Street. Plough and Share’s services are also available online at www.ploughandshare.co.uk, by phone on 01837 658123, and at their Head Office in Okehampton.

John Skrine 10

Copplestone Welcomes a New Minister

How cakes, cappuccino, chocolate and chat charm customers at Copplestone’s café

I'd like to thank Suzanne for kindly inviting me to write a few words for The Copplestone Enlightener.

My name is John Wiltshire and I'm the 'new' Minister at Copplestone Methodist Church along with Morchard Bishop, Black Dog and Witheridge Chapels. Its a joy and privilege to be here sharing in the mission of the four Churches - we look forward very much to getting to know more folk in the communities, and feel very settled and at home. We thank everyone for the warm welcome we have received. I never seem to take a particularly good photo, either having a silly grin or a scowl! - but if you recognise me from the photo above please do stop me and say 'Hello'.

If you come to Copplestone on any Thursday morning between 9am and 12 noon you will find the main church has transformed itself into a cheerful and attractive café serving a wide range of drinks: cappuccino, latte, mocha, hot chocolate, or just a plain filter coffee or a cup of breakfast tea – unless of course you prefer a speciality or fruit tea. For themselves or their children, Mums or Dads can choose from a variety of juices and squash. The café is famous for its range of fabulous home baked cakes, though toasted teacakes also have a loyal following.

Judy is my wife, and we have one teenage son Joshua.

We met at College in Durham and spent the first year of our married life in Manchester. Judy originally hails from the Midlands and myself from North London. Before moving down to Devon we spent 10 years ministering in Highworth (Wiltshire) - yes, the Wiltshire's were in Wiltshire! - prior to that ministering for a decade or so in Doncaster, South Yorkshire , and before that 5 years in Tyneside - Judy says we're gradually moving down the country and next time will probably end up in the sea!

In the last three years the café has become an established part of the life of Copplestone village.

Children can play in a soft play area while their Mums and Dads and people of all ages return week after week to talk, catching up with what is going on.

No charge is made for the drinks or cakes but donations are invited and the profits are given to a different local charity every month. In recent months the café has been able to support the following charities: August: £145 - Devon Air Ambulance Trust September: £230 - Copplestone Piglets October: £290 - Exeter Leukaemia Fund (Crediton)

I am excited about what God is doing, and will do in the four Churches we serve - a warm welcome is extended to one and all to come along and find out more. May I particularly recommend the 'Christianity Explored' course - it does just that - explores what Christianity is all about in a non-threatening way - its now running and details can be found on the Notice board outside Copplestone Methodist Church - all are welcome.

On the first Tuesday of each month lunches are served from 12 until 2pm and these, too, are a popular part of life in the village, particularly for the older community. If you haven’t discovered Copplestone’s café, do come and join us. It’s the place to be!

Roger Steer On behalf of The Café Team

One Bible verse that sums up what we're about I'll end with . It’s from John's Gospel Chapter 3 verse 16 ''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life'' - its good news and good news is for sharing - hence why the Christian Church exists.

With all best wishes, love and prayers in Christ, John Wiltshire

Mid Moors Developments Home improvements Conservatories Landscaping Carports Sheds/Summerhouses Painting and decorating No job too large or small Free quotes Call Nick 07581 057191 11

Friends of Copplestone Station Thank you for all the support this year and even though we weren’t formally placed (7th) in the competition, I feel had the background work of our team been counted in the judging we would have been 1st with an additional very large trophy…so upwards and onwards for 2015.

Representing users of the Barnstaple to Exeter rail line The new Timetable starts on 14th December. Most importantly, the 0740 from Morchard Road and 0743 from Copplestone to Exeter on weekdays will have an extra carriage and, at long last, First Great Western have been able to put an extra carriage on the 1653 from Exeter Central and 1657 from Exeter St Davids, so the severe overcrowding should be eased.

We have become Friends of Copplestone Station (FCS) as advised by The Tar ka Association and various fund holders. If we have a formal group name and are recognised as such we are better able to apply for funds.

During the past few months we met with or have had contact with representatives of the three railway bodies The Tarka Rail Association, Great Western Railway and Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership.

These are all involved in the maintenance and running of the station/line and the outcome has been interesting and as a result we will be provided with formal FCS orange High Vis’ jackets to wear when working on the station to meet Health & Safety guidelines. It is advised that we become members of the Tarka Association so we get to know what is happening on the line. This will be useful to us in knowing what happens at other stations and of any events taking place through out the year.

The time of trains remains the same except that it will now be possible to take the train to Newton St Cyres on Mondays to Fridays for a convenient evening meal at the Beer Engine. The evening train will leave Morchard Road at 1851 & Copplestone at 1855 but don’t forget that the last train back leaves Newton St Cyres at 2107!

The Tarka Rail Association is pleased to be working very closely with the team looking after Copplestone Station who are forming a Station Friends Group.

Their main aim is to enhance the station through planting flowers and shrubs and they are currently drawing up a plan; they would be very pleased for any support you might be able to offer. We can arrange a safety briefing and will be supplying high viz waistcoats. We are hoping to develop groups at as many stations as possible along the line so that we can share experiences and hopefully also bring the groups together on trips and at functions such as Christmas lunch.

We now have one working water butt on the station, as other funding is made available we can add more.

We also have a compost bin in situ. Currently we have been asked to create a wish list with a time frame for the station. Ideas currently are for the grassed area to be better prepared and beds redesigned, a bee/bug hotel, a wild flower area, formal planters for the station cottage fence side of the platform and modern steel benches. We hope to fulfil all the judging criteria within the new plan.

In the meantime, I have to apologise in being a little ahead of time in announcing the half fare offer would start in October. However, it has now started and so if travelling towards Barnstaple on any morning before midday (1235 on Sunday) you will only pay half the normal day return fare. You can return on any train the same day. This will apply throughout the Christmas period and the offer lasts until 31 March.

So, instead of £7.30, the return fare will be just £3.65 and cheaper still with Groupsave or a Railcard!

John Phillips Chairman

We will be having a new notice board installed where we can display up to date line information and replace the fire-damaged board, which looks so untidy.

General maintenance, grass cutting & litter collection will continue to be provided by the station manager the lapse this year was due to sickness and retirement of staff. We now have a new man who is undergoing training and has started by cleaning signs and metal work. I hope it won’t be long before he gets his grass cutter out.

Jill Pike

Copplestone Church Community Room

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

Available for hire with fully equipped kitchen.

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

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

12

ACE Archaeology Club We have had another good year although it didn’t get off to a great start as we had to cancel a few days due the rather wet weather. In March we sensibly did something indoors, we had a session on flint knapping, making tools from flints as people would have done in the Stone Age. We did this under the expert instruction of flint knapper, Anthony Whitlock. This picture shows a rather good attempt by one of our members.

Luckily there were very few injuries, sharp stuff flint!

The last club meeting was back in August, when the sun was shining. There was no need for wellies and hats were worn only for protection from the blazing sun; it all seems so long ago now.

We had a very enjoyable day at the Copplestone Circus & Sports Fun Day and it was great to see so many local families and children there. Our stall, run

by Anne Gatton, made approximately £50 which was donated to the new Community Hall fund. Local resident, Mr Frank Conibere, donated a pumpkin he had grown to be used for the ‘Guess the Weight’ competition; some of you may remember me harassing you to have a go and will be pleased to know that all those 50p’s and the auction added up to another £25 to the fund.

While April was still damp and chilly some of us ventured out to Fingle Mill on the Castle Drogo estate to have a look at the remains of the mill and try to work out what sort of mill it was and what buildings might have been standing before it was destroyed by fire in the 1890s. One of our members is doing some research on the mill for the National Trust and the visit was useful. On the same day we also visited Cranbrook and Wooston Castles; Iron Age hill forts over-looking the Teign Valley.

In July we took part in the Council for British Archaeology festival this is an annual event that runs for a fortnight in July. We do our bit under the auspices of the Festival of Archaeology and Old Technology at Pattiland Farm near Winkleigh.

Members of the Garden Club have also been working with the ‘Friends of Copplestone Station’ throughout the summer.

On 11th September, club members enjoyed an evening visit and talk at Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre. Our next meeting, at the time of writing, is on Wednesday 19th November at The Cross as usual; everyone is welcome to join us.

Iris Middleton

August saw us walking on Kit Hill in Cornwall, which has a wealth of archaeology dating from the Bronze Age to recent times. It also has fabulous views.

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

The highlight of our year was The Dig. This was our second year excavating at Moistown near Winkleigh; the site of a possible medieval house. This year we continued to uncover a lovely cobbled floor and retrieved lots of pottery.

The pottery has still to be dated but seems to cover a period from early medieval to Victorian.

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

These activities are just a sample of what we do.

Next year we hope to do some more pottery making; using willow to make shields: some work on a database of roundhouses on Dartmoor and we will again be taking part in the CBA Festival and digging for the third year at Moistown. Have a look at www.acearch.org.uk or our FaceBook page for more details on what we do and how to contact us if you are interested in joining us.

Erica Williamson

Open: Monday - Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm 13

Down St. Mary Church

Christmas Tree Festival 4th to 7th December Crediton Parish Church

On Sunday 9th November, Lucy Reynolds from Copplestone was baptised at our Church by Rev Lindsey Starrs. A full Church of family and friends witnessed the celebration and welcomed Lucy into the Christian family.

The Festival this year will be our biggest and best yet with over 70 decorated and illuminated trees in the church and nearby Boniface Centre.

The opening hours are 11am–6pm (Thurs & Fri), 10.30am–7pm (Sat) and 2–5pm (Sun). Refreshments will be available in the Boniface Centre as follows: coffee 10am–noon (Thurs, Fri and Sat), lunches noon –2pm (Thurs, Fri and Sat) and teas 2–4.30pm each day. The café doors will close at 5pm daily.

On Thursday 4th December at 7pm the Down St Mary W.I. are having Christmas Stalls and Carol Singing in our Chur ch. Ther e will be mulled wine and mince pies along with various stalls to raise funds for the Farms Community Network.

Our Christmas preparations commence with our midweek Advent Evening Prayer Services at 4pm on Wednesdays 3rd, 10th & Thursday 18th December. These lay led shor t r eflective ser vices are to help us prepare for the forthcoming celebrations and will include Bible readings, hymns and prayers which gives an opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Christmas during the sometimes busy build up.

Tours of the church will be to the Governors Room and the Bell Tower. Governors Room tours will be at noon and 3pm daily except Sun 3pm only and the Bell Tower at 2pm on Thurs, Fri and Sat only. There will be stalls in both the church and Boniface Centre.

There will also be photographic exhibition put together by five local photographers, covering a wide range of photographic activity with images from all over Devon and local to Crediton. Framed and mounted images will be for sale along with greetings cards. A proportion of the sales proceeds will be given to the Church and Hospiscare.

Our Carol Service is on Wednesday 17th December, 7pm, with traditional carols and readings. The Church will be decorated giving a truly festive atmosphere. Following the service there will be mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls - yum!

The collection from this service will be donated to the Farms Community Network who help our Devon farmers with care and support.

The Saturday evening concert at 7.30pm is themed ‘A Celebration of Christmas in Words and Music’.

Admission is £6 and interval refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies will be available.

On Christmas Eve, we have our ever popular Crib Service at 4pm. Childr en ar e especially invited and to bring their parents, grandparents and friends to this informal service. The children will help to create the nativity scene. The collection will be donated to the children's charity C.H.I.C.K.S. Then at 11.30pm we celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ with our Midnight Mass.

First held in 2003 our Festival has grown in scale, quality and popularity and now attracts over 4,000 visitors of all ages with all the available trees reserved by local charities, groups and organisations months in advance of the opening. All funds raised are used for repair and restoration projects at Holy Cross.

Admission is free and there is nearby by parking. For further information should please contact 772865.

Bill Jerman

You are warmly welcomed to any of our services or you can pop into the church and see the decorations and flower displays for a special festive treat!

Beacon Church Newbuildings

Due to the retirement of some clergy our regular service times have changed.

Our village BBQ was a great success due to a lot of hard work by the people of the village and the organisers. Thank you for coming along to support this gathering.

Our new regular Service times are: 1st Sunday of the month 4.30pm Evening Prayer (Lay Led) 2nd Sunday of the month 9am Eucharist Service 3rd Sunday of the month 10.30am Morning Prayer (lay led) 4th Sunday of the month 10.30am Morning Prayer (Lay Led) 4th Wednesday of the month 10.30am Eucharist (said) Service Everyone is welcomed Nigel Fidock

There is to be a Carol service held on 7th December at 4pm. Hopefully you will all be able to come. On the 19th December there will open air carol singing around the fire in the Churchyard at 7pm. Tea/coffee plus a hot pasty will be on offer!!

Our Sunday service which normally takes place on the 4th Sunday of each month at 8.30am, will take place in December on Christmas Day. Everyone is welcome so please come along and enjoy.

Mike Davis 14

St Boniface Church, Knowle

Please come to the

KNOWLE QUIZ NIGHT at St. Boniface Church, Knowle

on Friday 28th November at 7.30pm

This has been a ‘musical’ month at Knowle, with a return visit on 15th October from Exeter Male Voice Choir who performed a varied and enjoyable concert programme, including traditional pieces as well as songs from Lennon and McCartney and a trilogy of songs from The Kinks.

The choir was joined by accomplished soloists John and Lyn Burgoyne, known locally as the ‘singing estate agents’. The event was held in aid of the recently formed Crediton Branch of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund and we were delighted to be able to present ELF representative Nick Catlow with £335 towards the charity’s valuable work.

A fun evening for teams of up to 6 £3 per person to include refreshments.

So dust off the grey cells, speak to your friends & bring a team or make up a group on the night.

Tel: 84451 or email: glenn.bearne@-scali.co.uk

On 1st November, members and friends were treated to a live performance by new Devon-based music duo ‘Beyond Main Street’ (Sarah Joyce & Nick Gurney). In their first ever live gig, Nick and Sarah performed a mix of original songs and covers.

You can listen to music from their albums at www.beyondmainstreet.co.uk. Our thanks to Nick and Sarah for putting on such an enjoyable evening and donating the proceeds to the upkeep of the church.

Clannaborough Church invites you to their

Work has now been completed on the chancel window, which has been under repair for some time and it was lovely to see the rays of the autumn sun streaming through to light up the chancel for our October morning worship service. Please note that as a result of the need to reorganise the pattern of worship within the Mission Community, our Eucharist services on the first Sunday of the month are now held at the earlier time of 9am. Morning worship services on the 3rd Sunday will continue to be held at 10am.

Candlelight Carol Service Sunday 21st December at 3pm with Sandford Choir.

Everyone welcome

Crediton Methodist Church

As we approach Christmas, we warmly invite everyone to our service of Carols and Readings on Sunday 21st December at 6.30 pm – please stay and join us for mince pies and mulled wine after the service! Our Christmas Day service with Holy Communion will be held at 11am and will be led by Rev. Lindsey Starrs. On Sunday 18th January 2015 we will be holding our traditional 'Plough Service' at 10am, led by Mr. Fred Cann - all welcome.

NATIVITY FESTIVAL

We wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and invite you to join us in our celebrations. Finally, we would like to send congratulations and best wishes to our friends Colin and Winnie Taverner on their recent wedding.

Glenn Bearne

An exhibi-on of na-vity scenes Saturdays 13th & 20th December 10am to 4pm Refreshments available throughout the day including soup & roll lunches Free entry—dona-ons for Church funds 15

District Councillor Comments

Parish Council The Parish Clerk is: Christopher Voaden Tel: 01363 83094 Bibhay, Lapford, Crediton EX17 6QD Email: copplestoneparishcouncil@gmail.com

Jubilee Terrace: The r esidents of J ubilee Ter r ace have at last got the recognition they deserve. A new sign has been erected alongside the A377.

Your local Parish Councillors are: Hannah Edwards (Chairperson) Tel: 01363 84676 Stephen Faulkner Tel: 01363 84758 Gordon Duguid Tel: 01363 84670 Julie Rumble Tel: 01363 84181 Danny Trendell Tel: 07515 958073

Cherry Tree: Complaints have been r eceived regarding the large cherry tree in Sunnymead at the junction coming up from the A377. This is to be pruned by MDDC. Green waste collection charge: Some weeks ago a petition was started in Crediton regarding the proposed Green Waste charge of £50 per year. Green waste is not a statutory collection like refuse and recycling but at present MDDC collect green waste free of charge. The proposed charge of £50 per year would generate some income which would help avoid a rise in the Council Tax which the majority of us have to pay. If asked to sign this petition you need to ask what is the alternative and how they would manage the finances if they were in charge. If the green tax is introduced it will not take effect until October 2015.

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: 0207 219 7037 House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA Email: mel.stride.mp@parliament.uk www.melstridemp.com

Leadership at MDDC: J ust r ecently ther e has been a change in leadership at MDDC. Cllr Peter Hare-Scott decided to stand down after six and a half years in the post and he will continue as a member of MDDC. His successor is Clive Eginton who was elected at the last meeting of the full council.

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

Seasons greetings: Wishing you all a ver y happy Christmas and a peaceful 2015.

Derek Coren Cllr MDDC.

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

Crediton Food Bank This is a ‘Christians together in Crediton’ initiative, providing emergency food for local people in crisis.

Today in Crediton and its outlying villages there are families struggling to put food on the table. For people on low incomes, a sudden crisis – redundancy, benefit delay or even an unexpected bill can mean going hungry. Every day, parents are skipping meals to feed their children and people are forced to choose between paying the rent and eating.

To use the service: Should you, or someone you know, need to use the services of the food bank, then you will first need to seek a referral from a care professional e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau or Health Visitor who hold vouchers, which they can issue to be redeemed at the food bank for approximately three days of food.

Are you over 50?

Do you live alone?

Do you have a disability?

Do you have limited mobility?

If you answer yes to any of the above You may be entitled to Free Smoke Alarm and Home Fire Safety Check

To donate: If you ar e able, please br ing some food along to help keep the food bank going.

Collection boxes for food are available at Stevie B’s, the Yellow Bookshop or at the Congregational Church near the Coffee Bar. Tel: 01363 772577 E-mail: creditonfoodbank@gmail.com

Contact Fire Kills: 0800 05 02 999 Or Sallie/Steve on 01237 423859 Quoting Reference CC/CCW

16

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2014

would like to say a very big thank you to all the organisations, Churches and individuals who financially support the work that goes on during the summer trip to Burzitsa children's Home; without this the work would not be able to continue. The children have such a better way of life now and seem much happier and healthier.

On 11th November, Nigel & Brian left Copplestone for Salisbury to deliver 629 shoe boxes and 27 cartons containing knitted blankets, hats, gloves, scarves & new shoes. The boxes will leave Salisbury with several thousand others in early December and will travel by road to Bulgaria.

Our thanks to Mr Barbour of Crediton Pharmacy for once again supplying the head lice treatment. As you can imagine when there are several children living together this can be quite a problem, so this treatment helps to alleviate the situation. Our thanks also to Tesco for some lovely pencil cases and toys. We have been told that the toys the children receive are really special as that is something that families/ orphanages/hospitals cannot afford to buy. Also our thanks go to D&S Stores for donating several pairs of new shoes.

Our boxes will be delivered to Pastor Alex Grozev's Church and then he, along with his helpers, will take the boxes that we have allocated to Burzitsa Children's Home and distribute the remainder to other Orphanages, Hospitals, Homes for the elderly and other places where people would not have any gifts for Christmas. We have heard from previous years how happy adults & children are to receive such lovely boxes.

Thanks again to family and friends who helped to cover empty boxes and to custom check the full ones.

This task, however worthwhile, would be very daunting without this group of people. Also thank you to the various groups and individuals who knit for us, there has been such a wonderful array of colour in the blankets, hats, scarves & gloves, and we have had some beautiful knitted baby clothes.

We would like to thank you for all the lovely boxes you have donated this year and for all the extra gifts given which enabled us to top up boxes and to make extra ones. Thank you too for help with the transport costs; without this we would not be able to send our boxes to Bulgaria. Every year our cost is covered.

THANK YOU once again for supporting this year's Shoe Box Appeal, we really have been overwhelmed with your generosity; you have truly 'Sent some love this Christmas' and we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2015.

Included in the shoe boxes sent are 34 birthday presents for the children at Burzitsa; these will be given out by the Director when a birthday comes.

They are made for each individual child and have a birthday card attached with their name on. It's thanks to the children at Kidzone that we can send these presents as the children brought gifts to Copplestone Methodist's harvest thanksgiving service which were sold and the money raised enabled us to purchase the gifts to put into the birthday shoe boxes. We also had a lot of balloons given to us, so instead of just a few going into a box we were able to put a whole packet in to each box.

Brian & Tris Glover

It's also a good opportunity for us to send a carton of stationery, craft material and some other things ready for next year's summer holiday club. At this point we

at Copplestone School Wednesday 3rd December Wednesday 7th January Wednesday 4th February Wednesday 4th 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 For more details please contact John & Elizabeth Mason Tel: 84819 Come along and have some fun!

Proceeds to Copplestone Village Hall Fund

17

Copplestone United Receive F.A. Chartered Standard Colder temperatures and poor weather mean the number of breakdowns can double throughout the winter months. Here are some top tips for basic motor maintenance that will see you through the winter.

1. Get your car serviced - If your car is due a service, get it done before the winter.

2. Check the battery - Batteries have an effective life of around 5 years, if your car is having problems starting get the battery checked & replaced if needed.

3. Top up engine coolant with antifreeze - Engine coolant should be a 50/50 mix of water & antifreeze.

4. Check the condition of your tyres - Check tyres for pressure and tread depth. A minimum of 3mm depth during the winter is recommended to give better grip.

5. Check your lights - Ensure all lights & indicators are clean, with no cracked lenses or blown bulbs.

6. Wash your windscreen and wipers - Clean the windscreen thoroughly inside & out. Top up screen washer fluid with antifreeze, check condition of wiper blades or chips in windscreen.

7. Prepare for longer journeys - Check the weather forecast, travel news and safest routes. Allow extra journey time to avoid having to rush. Clear all windows of snow and ice.

8. Carry a winter car breakdown kit - This should include a shovel, torch, blanket, hi-visibility vest, screenwash, food and drink supplies, scraper and deicer and snow grips for your shoes in case you need to walk to safety. Also a fully charged mobile phone.

9. Check your breakdown cover - Breakdown cover will give you the peace of mind of knowing you won’t end up stranded in the cold. Take the contact phone number with you on all journeys.

10. Other important areas - Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in case of unexpected delay and check the oil. Drive according to the road and weather conditions. Slow down, stay alert and stay in control.

Copplestone United are proud to announce that on the 18th August 2014 the Club achieved the FA Charter Standard Club Award and has affiliation to the Devon County Football Association.

The FA Charter Standard kite mark is awarded to football clubs who provide a high quality football experience. FA Charter Standard clubs are proven to be well run, sustainable, and importantly place child protection, quality coaching and safety paramount.

With the club now having a Welfare Officer, CRBchecked volunteers, Emergency Aid trained volunteers and a Level One coach linked to each team, a respect programme and a full club committee in place our village Club is now one of the best organised and run in the area. This award will allow Copplestone United to apply for grants to continue in the growth of the club.

The Club teams this season are holding their own against the best of the Exeter and Mid Devon leagues, with pride of place being an unbeaten under 10 team.

Our Under 8 and 9 teams (Tigers and Sharks) are really playing well in their respective age groups in the Sunday Mid Devon leagues with some excellent new stars playing well and having fun wearing the Copplestone Colours.

The Club continues to add to its coaching staff with three more dads Jack Wozny (U11), Andy Rice (U12) and Matt Cooper (U9) taking on and passing their FA level 1 coaching course, now making a total of eight coaches now holding this qualification.

Our new Pitch after some additional drainage work is holding up to the fixture list and weather. The Club has been receiving some great responses from visiting teams on the playing surface. Also the container at the ground will soon have a kitchen area allowing the Club to provide hot and cold drinks for home matches with a donation from Ashgrove Kitchens. The ground now has in place four, soon to be seven, floodlights in position, being used to carry out training on a Tuesday evening powered by a remote generator and the Club will soon be positioning sponsorship signage around the perimeter for local companies.

K J Stoneman & Co Agricultural & Garden Machinery Sales, Service, Spares and Repairs of all types of Agricultural & Garden Machinery Main Dealers For: Briggs & Stratton Engines Mountfield Mowers & Ride-ons Stiga Mowers & Ride-ons Husqvarna Chainsaws & Brushcutters Kioti Compact Tractors Suzuki & Polaris Quads & UTVs Petrol Chainsaws Petrol Lawnmowers

The Club will be holding it Christmas indoor training and party at Crediton Leisure Centre on the 13th December with all the clubs player s, coaches and parents welcome.

For more Club information please contact club

secretary Kay Gibson on (01363) 881117.

COPPLESTONE, CREDITON (01363) 84424

Guy Gibson

www.kjstoneman.co.uk sales@kjstoneman.co.uk 18

Piglets Toddler Group

Christmas Quiz

Copplestone toddler group continues to thrive, with babies, toddlers and preschoolers of all ages enjoying a wide range of toys and activities every Wednesday morning. Congratulations to all our families who have had new arrivals recently!

1. Who stole Christmas?

2. Frosty is brought alive by what?

3. Who wrote ‘A Christmas Carol’?

4. Who said ‘God bless us all, every one’?

This term we have made leaf pictures and firework pictures, we have wrapped up warm to make the most of some late sunshine with the ride-on toys in our outdoor play area, and enjoyed looking at books in our new quiet corner. Buggies, cars and the train set continue to be popular, as well as the play house. We now all sit down together at about 11:20 for lots of favourite nursery rhymes and songs.

5. How many reindeer hooves are there including Rudolph's?

6. What is the most popular Christmas tree topper?

7. What is the zodiac sign for babies born on Christmas Day? 8. What does ‘Advent’ mean?

9. What is Scrooges first name?

10. What carol demands ‘figgy pudding’?

We are looking forward to our Christmas party on 10th December, with enter tainment fr om the brilliant Professor Bumble, party food, and a special visitor who will bring presents for all the children!

The party will cost normal toddler fees plus £1 per child, and you will need to sign up at toddlers no later than 3rd December. Our last week of term on 17th December will be in the hall as nor mal, with soft play kindly loaned by the Café.

11. Who are the 3 reindeer with names starting with D? 12. What gifts did the 3 kings take to baby Jesus?

13. What is Boxing Day also known as?

14. In the film ‘Frozen’ what character is Olaf?

15. What year was the Queen’s speech 1st broadcast on TV?

Piglets is on Wednesday mornings (term-time) 9am – 12pm in Copplestone Methodist Chapel Hall, run by local Mums. Family £2.50, over 2s £2, under 2s £1.

First session is free. Anyone with children or grandchildren aged 0-4 years is welcome, please come along. We provide snack and activities for the children and a cuppa and cake for grown-ups.

16. What calendar is used to count down to Christmas?

17. What is the 2nd line of ‘I’m dreaming of a White Christmas’?

18. What is traditionally hidden in a Christmas Pudding?

For more information please contact Helen Olsson on 07814 977693.

Helen Olsson

19. What is the last day of Christmas called?

20. Why is Christmas sometimes shortened to Xmas?

Quiz Answers 1. The Grinch 2. Magic Hat 3. Charles Dickins 4. Tiny Tim 5. 36 6. Angel 7. Capricorn 8. Coming 9. Ebenezer 10. We wish you a merry Christmas 11. Dancer, Donner & Dasher 12. Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh 13. St Stephens Day 14. Snowman 15. 1957 16. Advent 17. Just like the ones I used to know 18. Coins 19. Twelfth Night 20. X is the 1st letter of the Greek word for Christ 19

Sheila’s Christmas Red Cabbage

December Diary Dates December: 3rd: Bingo at the School, 7.45pm “ : Advent Prayer Services start at D.S.M. 4pm 4th: Christmas Lunch at The Café, 12-2pm “ : W.I. Stalls & Carols D.S.M. 7pm 4th-7th: Christmas Tree Festival, Crediton Church 5th: Christmas Party ‘Duggie Dug’ Cred Cong 7th: Carol Service, Newbuildings Church 4pm 8th: Youth Club Video Night 10th: School Choir At Tesco’s “ : Piglets Christmas Party 11th: Playzone Christmas Craft at The Café 12th: Regenerate Men’s Christmas Meal 13th: Nativity Festival, Crediton Meth Church 14th: Kidzone Christmas Play, Church 10.45am 15th: Youth Club Christmas Party 17th: School Christmas Fete 3.30pm “ : School Open Air Carol Concert “ : Carol Service Down St Mary 7pm 18th: Mobile Library 19th: Festive Folk in the Cross, 8pm “ : Carol Singing, Newbuildings 7pm 20th: Nativity Festival, Crediton Meth Church 21st: Candlelight Carol Service, Clannaborough 3pm “ : Readings & Carols, Knowle Church, 6.30pm “ : Community Carol Service, Church, 6.15pm 24th: Crib Service, D.S.M Church, 4pm “ : Midnight Mass, D.S.M. Church 11.30pm Christmas Day: 10.30am Family Celebration at Copplestone Church 11am Eucharist at Knowle Church

Served at the Cafe Christmas Lunch 2013 900g red cabbage thinly sliced and chopped 450g cooking apples peeled and chopped 450g red onion chopped 1 clove garlic chopped 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves (you can use less spice if you prefer) 3 tbs soft brown sugar 4 tbs white wine vinegar 10g butter salt and pepper Preheat oven to gas mark 2, 150oC Put all the ingredients except the butter in a casserole and mix together. Add dots of butter on the top. Put on a tight-fitting lid and cook very slowly for 2 - 21/4 hours, stirring a couple of times.

Eat straight away or allow to cool and reheat in the microwave. Freezes well if necessary.

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.

Christmas Crackers Who is Santa's favourite singer?

Elf-is Presley!

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

What is the best Christmas present in the world?

A broken drum, you just can't beat it!

What did Santa say to the smoker?

Please don't smoke, it's bad for my elf!

Why did the turkey join the band?

Because it had the drumsticks!

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 by 15th February by email: lunn.family4@gmail.com or Tel: 84018. I would love to hear from you!

What do snowmen wear on their heads?

Ice caps!

How do snowmen get around?

They ride an icicle!

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

Suzanne Lunn – Enlightener Editor

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas?

A mince spy!

Why are Christmas Trees like bad knitters?

They keep loosing their needles!

Why did no one bid for Rudolph & Blitzen on eBay? Because they were two deer!

What did Santa do when he went speed dating?

He pulled a cracker!

20