Copplestone Enlightener

Copplestone

Enlightener JUNE 2014 There was also a special cuddly prize, kindly given by Reg May, to our youngest competitor, Savannah Paul aged 18 months.

Easter Egg Hunt On a sunny Good Friday morning, 49 children (aged 18 months to 11 years) plus their families met at Bewsley Hill car park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Following registration, it was great to see the parade of excited children making their way up to the Recreation Field to begin the hunt for the 500 lolly sticks which had been scattered all over the field.

Children were especially excited to look for and find the 3 special sticks which featured a chick, bunny and the cross.

All the children taking part in the hunt managed to find some sticks and were rewarded with an Easter goody bag containing mini chocolate eggs, sweets and an Easter word search.

This year the special sticks were found by: • Chick - Sophie Powell, aged 7 yrs • Bunny - Noah Pinhey, aged 2 yrs • Cross - Toby Short, aged 2 yrs The prizes for the most sticks found went to: • Samuel Walker - 37 sticks • Freddy Sellick - 27 sticks • Darren Langley - 26 sticks • Sophie Powell - 26 sticks • Trinity Sedgley - 15 sticks

Thank you to all the children and their families for joining in the fun and for the ‘Friends of Copplestone’ for helping to scatter the sticks, serve the refreshments and helping with the prize giving.

A profit of £56.70 was made for the Village Hall Fund but, perhaps more importantly, it was a great morning of fun for the families & younger members of our community.

Suzanne Lunn

Copplestone Parish Footpath Day Saturday 31st May Distance approx 8 miles Meet at Copplestone Church Hall at 9.30am for coffee/tea and depart at 10am.

Lunch at the Devonshire Dumpling £5.50 for their 'pla'num lunch menu' (orders to be placed prior to leaving the Hall) Returning to the Hall at approx 4.30pm for a cream tea.

Walking boots advisable!

Please contact Dave Brassington to book in Tel: 84914 or email: djbrass@b'nternet.com

News from Copplestone Primary School Key Stage 2 This year has been a busy one, so far, for all the staff and pupils in KS2. Highlights of the year have included our trip to St Nicholas’ Priory, ‘inter-house’ sports matches and Design & Technology weeks.

Kids@Copplestone After School Club

In the spring term pupils studied a ‘global issue’. In the different classes, these included: rainforest destruction, fair trade and recycling. In our linked Design & Technology weeks each class made a different item out of recycled materials, including our Year Six pupils who made some fantastic t-shirts.

Also, during the spring term, Pupils in Y5 had the opportunity to take part in a concert at the Northcott Theatre which featured dance performances from a range of local schools. Our performance was led by Ms Kellman and was based on the film ‘Mission Impossible’.

Copplestone After School Club is a local charity which provides after school childcare and various club activities for our primary school aged children.

We are OFSTED registered and we also incorporate a Breakfast Club which is open to school children from 8am at a cost of £4, you can also have breakfast for 50p. Our after school club opening times are from 3:30 to 6pm, with very reasonable rates from £3 for the clubs which finish at 4:45pm (5pm Fridays) and £4 per hour for childcare which is available until 6pm. A full programme and booking form can be found at www.copplestone-primary.devon.sch.uk/ kids.html our school website.

We have had a great half term with clubs. Exeter City running football, Ben Speirs running multi sports, Premier Sports running our gymnastics for KS1, orchestra, guitar and singing club, art and craft and film club to finish off the week. We have also been lucky enough to have Pyjama Drama club running on a Wednesday which is great for budding actors!

We are always looking for people who can spare an hour a week, for a half term, to share a skill or run an activity for our club. In the past we have had sports, languages, music, cookery, knitting etc. If you feel you could help in any way, please do contact me at kids@copplestone-primary.devon.sch.uk Tina Cartlidge Kids@Copplestone After School Club

Year 6 in a music lesson learning how to play street music with samba instruments As a school we are putting an increased focus on PE this year and this has led to some fantastic opportunities for pupils including ‘inter-house’ matches and ‘sports boot camps’ as well as the chance to take swimming lessons at Crediton Leisure Centre. Pupils from the upper end of the school have also undertaken training to become ‘Play Leaders’.

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

KS1 children being taught to skip by our Y5 play leaders at playtime 2

collages with captions to represent the story. Green class prepared a fantastic performance of Noah’s Ark which they performed to Yellow class. They made masks, played instruments, sourced costumes and made props in preparation. Next half of term we hope to introduce new key figures of History and link this to our Science topic on animals and habitats.

World Book Day where the children and staff all wore pjs to school!

The summer term is always a busy one in KS2 with lots to look forward to including: trips, sports day, Puzzle Day and much, much more! Whilst exciting, it is also the term when we have to say goodbye to another group of fantastic Y6 pupils. As a Y6 teacher it has been my privilege to work alongside these Y6s during their last year at Primary School and in particular to witness the levels of hard work and effort they have put in to their studies in the run up to their SATs. They have done us proud! By the time you read this we will be in the midst of rehearsing for our Y6 Production and will be also be enjoying our first aid training, leavers’ BBQ and different visits and activities.

Reception class with their parents in a Family SEAL workshop Foundation Stage At the end of the Summer term the Foundation Stage children enjoyed performing their favourite songs to their parents and Councillor Hughes, the Chairman of Devon County Council, as part of the official badging of our Foundation Stage Unit. This celebrated the achievement of those involved in the process of improving the collaborative working of the Pre-School and the Reception class.

Once again I would like to take this opportunity to thank the year six pupils and their parents for all their support this year and to wish our year six children the very best for all that lies ahead.

Since returning from the Easter holidays, the children in the Foundation Stage Unit have been learning about space as part of their topic 'Our Planet'. The children have been making junk model rockets, writing stories about going to the moon and designing their own planets. We are going to be learning about space for the rest of the half term and then moving on to thinking about our planet and the environment. We have an up-cycling project planned to encourage the children to think about why it is important to care for our planet.

Ali Gillard Head of School

Key stage 1: In Key Stage one we have had a fantastic year.

Starting with an inspiring topic about the Victorians in the Autumn term which finished with our Christmas performance of ‘A Victorian Christmas Carol’ and a themed Victorian day at school. In the Spring term we looked closely at our local area beginning with finding out about the physical and human features of our area, the local jobs and landmarks. Both classes enjoyed their English during this term with Green class looking at ‘The Enormous Turnip’ and Yellow class ‘The Tiger that came to Tea’. Green class went on to write their own ‘enormous vegetable’ stories and created their own books. Yellow Class were visited by a real life tiger and went on to write their own version of ‘The Tiger that came to School’.

The Summer term has started well and both classes are really excited about their new topic of key figures in history. During the first half we will be looking at Vincent Van Gogh, his life and his paintings. Green class are putting their green fingers to work and growing a variety of plants and vegetables in our courtyard. Both classes learnt about ‘Noah’s Ark’ during our RE themed week. In Yellow class they acted out the story to start the week and created group 3

Six months into the new ‘Children and Families Work’ project and things are going really well. I have been continuing working with young people in Copplestone and am still very much involved with Café Fuse (our Thur sday evening youth café), Youth Club (a weekly club for 7 – 11 year olds) and Xcelerate (a for tnightly youth discussion gr oup for exploring Christianity). As well as working with these groups we have started some new ventures here in Copplestone this year.

Another new venture we have just started is the ‘Copplestone Café Playzone’ which is held in the church community room from 10am - 11.30am on the first Thursday of the month. The Playzone sessions run alongside the Thursday morning café and offers some great opportunities for under 5s to play, sing, create and much more.

Firstly ‘Re:generate’ This is our new men’s group held once a month on a Thursday evening.

The aim of the group is simply to create a social group where men of all ages can get to know one another in a fun and friendly environment. So far we have had a skittles evening with a buffet, a visit to Fingle Glen driving range, a quiz night, and in April we visited a robotic systems milking parlour in North Molton.

We have lots more exciting events ahead for Re:generate and if you’re a man, we’d love to see you there! For more information about Re:generate visit our website at www.copplestonechurch.org.uk.

Our first session was back in May where we based the morning on the ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ story. The children had a great time and it was a good opportunity for parents and carers of young children to meet others with young children. The next Playzone sessions are June 5th and July 3rd. If you’ve got children 5 years or younger we’d love to see you there.

For more information on any of the Children & Families work that takes place in Copplestone please visit our website at www.copplestonechurch.org.uk or email Sean at seansyw@yahoo.co.uk Sean Schofield

Copplestone Church Community Room Available for hire with fully equipped kitchen.

For more details or to book contact Maureen Burlton Tel: (01363) 881154 4

Copplestone Youth Club We have lots of exciting events planned for Youth Club over the next few months. We will be holding a Bike Trials evening, where the children can test their skills over and around obstacles. We are also hoping to go as a group to Haldon Forest in June and cycle some of ttheir cycle tracks and also have a picnic.

Tuesday evenings will be spent playing outdoor games and generally having fun. The Summer term will end in July with our annual Summer Special event. We will have inflatables and a Barbeque; all parents are welcome to this event, please let us know in advance if you would like to come along so that we can cater for everyone.

Our full programme for the summer is as follows: June: 3rd: No Youth Club 10th: Bike Riding to Coleford - Helmets needed & bikes with working brakes!

17th: Outdoor Games 24th: Sports Night 28th: Trip to Halden Forest

Crediton & Copplestone Little PUMAs & Taekwon-Do

July: 1st: No Youth Club 8th: Outdoor Games 15th: Rounders & Outdoor Games 22nd: Summer Special 29th: No Youth Club - Summer Break Youth Club will begin again on Tuesday 16th September 2014.

We have recently seen our Copplestone and Crediton Taekwon-Do members take their colour belt promotions under Master Gayle 8th Degree Taekwon -Do Master where they all passed with some members attracting Credit passes for their efforts.

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.

Children need booster seats if they are travelling anywhere with youth club and are under the legal height and should wear trainers. All activities are subject to weather conditions so may need to be changed.

Our Little PUMA members have recently been working on their Emergency Services theme, and will be taking their gradings over the next couple of weeks. They really enjoyed the visit to the class from a 'firefighter' where they all learnt some great information (as well as the parents) and had loads of fun.

We train at Crediton and Copplestone on weekday evenings and at weekends. We meet at Copplestone Church Community Room on Wednesday evenings; Little PUMAs 6pm - 6.45pm, Taekwon-Do 7pm8pm; we train all year round not just term times.

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

Parents can just come along 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. The Youth Club programme can also be found on our Church website: www.copplestonechurch.org.uk and we are also on Facebook ‘Copplestone Youth Club’ Youth Club Team

If anyone would like to be part of this local dynamic group or find out more about us, please contact Dave on 07802 855852 or creditontkd@hotmail.com Dave Powlesland 5

Please tell your friends about the Proms and we look forward to seeing you on 21st June. Tickets purchased in advance cost only £5 per adult (£7.50 on the day) accompanied children under-16 are free! Tickets can be purchased from Copplestone School, Olivia James in Crediton, or by contacting the PTA at copplestonepta@hotmail.com Our next exciting event will be the Donkey Derby which will be held on Saturday 19th July from 2pm with real living breathing Donkeys, who’ll be racing across the School playing grounds in races spread over the afternoon. For those who came along last year and were amazed at how fast donkeys could run (especially with a grinning child on) it was quite a sight to see. So if you’ve never seen a Donkey Derby or had the thrill of seeing your child winning a race (or hoping they don’t fall off) then the excitement is like watching the Grand National but with donkeys, and a much smaller racecourse. There will be plenty of stalls, from desirable home ware to fabulous food and with Vagabonds milkshake and Camper Coffee, along with bouncy castles and games, there’s plenty to be amused by. There’s something for everyone and a great deal of family fun to be had.

Copplestone Parent Teacher Association News Over the last few weeks the CPTA have been busy planning behind the scenes and we are now looking ahead to our Summer programme of events. In June we are once again organising a Bag2School collection. Bag2School are the UK’s leading textile recycler and fundraiser working with schools. Last time we raised a whopping £255.00!

We are also getting very excited as the second Copplestone Proms dr aws near er ! This musical outdoor extravaganza will be held in the grounds of Copplestone School on Saturday 21st June 2014 from 6pm-8pm. You may have seen our fantastic advertising banners, sponsored by Claremont Marquees, displayed around the local towns and villages.

If you run your own business and would like to have a stall at the Summer Fete, please email us at: copplestonepta@hotmail.com or phone Simon on 07966 347957.

Simon Archer

For this event we have secured the renowned Devon Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestras who will be bringing at least 60 of their talented classical musicians to play a host of rousing tunes for your entertainment. Also supporting the event are the outstanding Copplestone Singers. This year we will be using the services of a sound engineer and sound system to turn the volume up for the concert. We would love you to add to the Proms atmosphere by singing along and waving a flag or two, and bringing along a patriotic picnic. You’ll be glad to know there will be Strawberries and Cream and Pimms being served on the night along with other refreshments.

Based on last years event it was a great social occasion bringing everyone in the village together.

6

Copplestone Village Hall Fundraising Events

Copplestone Recreation Field & New Community Hall

Old Time Music Hall Evening Friday 6th June, 8pm, Bow Village Hall

Planning Application - A planning application has now been submitted for the new Community Hall including meeting rooms and changing rooms. All being well the grant applications will go through at the end of May.

Sing along evening of popular wartime songs.

An evening of live entertainment by the Copplestone Singers and ‘Alhambra’ folk singers from Crediton.

The evening starts at 8pm and is in aid of Copplestone Village Hall and the Crediton Branch of the British Legion. Tickets: adult £5 & children £3, which will include a buffet supper. There will also be a licensed bar and tea & coffee will be available. Tickets can be purchased from Barbara Appleton on (01363) 84574.

All ages are welcome and please book in advance to avoid disappointment..

Thanks - I would like to thank all the clubs and village organisations who have written letters or emailed the Copplestone Recreation Association showing their support for the proposed new hall.

We need your help! - We still need as many letters/ emails of support and interest in the new hall as we can to increase our chances of being successful with the grant applications. We would encourage anyone in the village who might want to use any part of the new Community Hall in the future (i.e. for new clubs, weddings, parties etc) to please let us know. You can write to me: John Clotworthy, The Shrubbery, Copplestone, Crediton EX17 5NE or email Ken Warren at kenjwarren6@btinternet.com.

Open Gardens

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June Copplestone will be holding their first open gardens weekend on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June between 2pm & 6pm. Through the generosity, enthusiasm and co-operation of the owners, we have eight beautiful gardens to visit. Refreshments will be on offer throughout the afternoons including cream teas (there will be a small charge for refreshments).

Tickets: £3.00 available at Copplestone Recreation Field, Bewsley Hill from 1.30pm.

For more information contact Ken Warren (01363) 84771.

Sorry no dogs permitted. All proceeds to the Copplestone Village Hall

Working Party - If you would like to help out from time to time with some routine maintenance work at the field e.g. grass cutting, please contact John Mason Tel: 84819 John Clotworthy (Chairman C.R.A.)

Message from the fund raising committee: ‘Many thanks to everyone who came along to support the Easter Quiz and to all who donated raffle prizes, particularly Hazel from Morrisons for her generosity.

Special thanks to Gordon Duguid who worked hard setting the Easter themed questions. We made a profit of £92.15 for the Village Hall Fund’.

Friends of Copplestone

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

Copplestone Farm Shop

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

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

Note: We will be closed for 2 weeks from Mon 18th August. Re-open Mon 1st Sept.

'Ligh-ng Up the Parish' Wednesday 5th November 2014 Watch this space for further details.

Email: copplestonefarmshop@icloud.com Phone: 07990 068651 7

Copplestone Methodist Youth Church Sunday mornings 10.45am to 12 noon.

On Easter Sunday the crèche and Kidzone children had a fun morning in the community room making Easter cards, deciphering crosswords and word searches and decorating some tealight holders with Easter stickers and drawings. Some also enjoyed watching ‘Veggietales’ on DVD which depicted the Easter story in a way that children can understand.

Holiday at Home 2014 Plans are well in hand for Holiday at Home 2014 which will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 16th, 18th and 20th June. Excur sions this year are planned to Dartmoor and Exmouth and a trip on the Seaton Tramway.

For toddlers 0 – 3 years We have had a lot of fun in crèche over the past few weeks! We have looked at how special Jesus thinks we are and have made flatbread, masks and puppets.

We have also played lots of games to remind us of how Jesus cares for us even though we often don't deserve it. We will soon be starting a series about Moses and we will have more crafts, games and activities to help us enjoy learning more!

The Holiday is organised and funded by Copplestone Methodist Church and those eligible to benefit from the holiday must be resident in the civil parish of Copplestone and of pensionable age (or have a qualifying disability). Breakfast, a packed lunch and evening meal are provided and there is a daily excursion. Transport is by minibus and car.

Wheelchair users can be accommodated. Currently there are still about two more places available. If you are interested in filling one of these please contact me as soon as possible on 01363 82289 or 07802 577256 or see me at Copplestone Café between 10.30 am and 12 noon on a Thursday.

For children 4 – 11 years.

The children have been busy preparing for their Kidzone Family service which looks at how we can serve in the church as part of a team and how we are all part of God’s family. By the time you read this the children will have already taken part in this service which was held on Sunday 18th May. We have started a new programme this summer which thinks about a story we have read and then gives us an application about how we can use these stories in our own lives.

This year we shall miss Dot Gallagher who, since the death of her son, has now gone to live with her daughter in Italy.

Dot was a regular at the café on Thursdays and also had started attending the Methodist Church on Sunday mornings.

We shall miss so much her positive outlook on life, her cheery attitude – whatever the circumstances – and her delightful, caring personality. Dot (if you are reading this) we thank God for your time among us – we are better people because of it! May you know happiness with your daughter and family and be the blessing to them that you were to those who knew you here.

Heather Castle

For youth 11 – 16 years This term in the Grid we have been looking at what the role of young people within the church and the community is. We have looked at what the bible says about church, and discovered that, no matter what our age, we all are valued by God and are an important part of the church and community of Copplestone.

This year we have introduced newsletters for all areas of youth church. For a copy of the newsletters please go to the downloads page of our church website: www.copplestonechurch.org.uk.

EPEC Electrical Services Ltd

All children, either with or without their parents, are very welcome to join us at Church on Sunday mornings. For more information please contact Sean Schofield, Children and Families W orker (85451), Hannah Petherick (84182) or Debbie Pinhey (01837 83357). All our leaders and helpers have a current DBS (or CRB), have attended the Methodist Church Safeguarding Course and adhere to our safeguarding policy.

The Youth Church Team

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 8

Copplestone Singers

The Café

Come & join us for coffee or lunch

Copplestone Singers started in February as an all age community choir. We were delighted that so many people were interested and we now have over 30 people in the choir! We are singing a wide choice of music to suit everyone; and for Spring and Summer 2014 we have been busy learning gospel and show songs, along with music from WW1.

The Cafe continues to be open every Thursday morning 9am - 12 noon and is open to all. We have a large range of hot drinks and a delicious variety of homemade cakes. We have a small soft play area for under 5s and love seeing regular and new faces every week!

We ask for a small donation to cover our costs and any money left over is donated to a specific 'charity of the month'. In the last 6 months the café donations have amounted to an amazing £1,395.00 which we have been delighted to give to the following charities:

If you haven’t heard us sing yet, do come along to the next two community events we are proud to be part of: Friday 6th June - Songs from WW1 Bow Village Hall, 8pm A sing along evening of popular songs from the First World War. Tickets: Adults £5, Children £3 (includes buffet supper) available from Barbara Appleton Tel: 84574. Proceeds to Copplestone Village Hall and the British Legion.

Nov ‘13 - £225.00 to Copplestone Recreation Assoc Dec ‘13 - £240.00 to Devon Air Ambulance Trust Jan ‘14 - £260.00 to Copplestone Piglets Feb ‘14 - £225.00 to ELF (Crediton Branch) Mar ‘14 - £180.00 to Donge School Apr ’14 - £265.00 to FORCE

Saturday 21st June - Copplestone Proms Copplestone School, 6pm An outdoor musical extravaganza with the Devon Youth Symphony & Concert Orchestras. Tickets: Adults £5 (£7.50 on the day), accompanied children free, available from Copplestone School, Olivia James in Crediton or copplestonepta@hotmail.com

In May, we had our first Playzone where we had a storytelling adventure in the community room specifically aimed at the youngest members of the community. The Playzone is a 'Stay and Play' session for preschool aged children and their parents. These sessions happen once a month on the first Thursday of the month, 10-11.30am during Café opening hours.

Mums, Dads and carers are more than welcome to take their drinks and cakes through to enjoy whilst the little ones take part in their activities.

Everyone who enjoys singing is welcome to join us.

There are no auditions. For more details contact Debbie (07964 969141), or you can just come along to a practice and see how you like it! Practices are on Thursday evenings 7.00 - 8.30pm at Copplestone Methodist Church.

Debbie Pinhey, Nena Yendell, Rachel Arnold, Sheila Steer

The Café is also open on the first Tuesday of every month for lunches 12-2pm. We always have soup, jacket potatoes with various fillings and a dessert on the menu, as well as a main 'Dish of the Day'. The main menus for the next few months are: Tuesday 3rd June : Fish Pie Tuesday 1st July: Lasagne

Connect at the Crediton Crunch 2014

Please note that The Café will close in the week of the planned holiday club and so there will be no Café Lunch in the month of August (on the 5th) and there will be NO Thursday Café on 7th August. We will however, continue to be open during the rest of the summer holidays. All are very welcome so we hope to see you at The Café soon!

The Café Team

Connect was delighted to be given the opportunity to enter a team in the Crediton Crunch on 18th May. The Crediton Crunch is a 10k multi-terrain run. We were able to publicise the work of Connect as marshals and water providers. As the runners began to wear out and need some motivation, we were there to provide them with water and encouraging words. Did you run in the Crunch this year? If so we hope that we helped you to keep going!

'Folk at The Cross Pub' Last Tuesday in every month from 8pm onwards.

All are welcome for an informal evening of folks songs, tunes, poetry and monologues.

Connect is a registered charity that supports young people in their local schools at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Chulmleigh College & Okehampton College and in their local communities. For more details see www.connectdevon.org. Registered Charity in England and Wales (1126303) Julie Down 9

County Councillor’s Notes

Neighbourhood Health Watch ‘Making A Difference In Your Community’

Funding for Local Organisations It is the time of year to remind local community organisations about the Locality Fund set up by the Council. Each area is allocated funding to help promote local projects. The Parents & Teachers Association has just been successful in securing some funding from this fund towards the next School Proms event. Please contact me if your organisation would like to find out more.

Neighbourhood Watches are well known as a successful community crime prevention initiative supported by the police; communities working together with the aim of making their neighbourhoods safer. But what about the health needs of our community? Problems of loneliness, isolation and health. This is where a Neighbourhood Health Watch can help.

Crediton Parking Charges?

We continue to keep a watchful brief on any attempt

by Devon County Council to introduce pay and display ticket machines in the centre of Crediton.

Although no specific proposals have been made for Crediton this remains a council policy for all of Devon’s Market Towns.

Neighbourhood Health Watch aims to: • Connect trusted community support for health • Increase community resilience solving simple health problems using resources readily available in the community.

Schemes have successfully been set up in other communities, including Newton St Cyres, and we would like to set up a scheme here in Copplestone.

Would you like to help by being a volunteer or acting as point of contact in our community?

Threatened Council Cuts to Local Services Important local services are under threat due to the worsening budget situation at Devon County Council.

Concerned by the way consultations about closures of Care Homes, Day Centres, Youth Services, Meals on Wheels, Children’s Homes and Centres have been handled, my own council group did not support the council’s budget decisions made at February’s Council meeting and has demanded a special meeting to challenge these plans. At the time of writing we await its outcome and the final decisions to be made by the majority administration at County Hall.

Some examples of the ways volunteers can help: • Giving an elderly neighbour a lift to the doctors or hospital for an appointment • Collecting prescriptions or picking up a few groceries • Carrying our minor DIY tasks, e.g. changing a light-bulb or hanging a mirror • Listening to & supporting someone following a bereavement • Enabling a full-time carer to have a break by sitting with their loved one for an hour • Dog walking or Gardening help • Help with form filling or letter writing Simple practical help that can make all the difference.

Flooding Problems Flooding is a huge issue for those who are affected by it and can cause great stress. One of the big problems for victims of these events is finding the right authority or person who can help with their particular situation and several of us have pressed the council on this issue. DCC has now set up a task group to examine how this situation can be improved along with other flooding issues. I would be grateful to hear the views of anyone who has been affected by flooding recently and will make sure they are fed back to the council.

Nick Way, Westwood Hse, Westwood, Crediton EX17 3PF Email: nick.way@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01363 777903

If you would like to be involved as a volunteer, coordinator or just want to know more then please contact Gordon Tel: 84670 or Suzanne Tel: 84018.

Gordon Duguid

Citizens Advice Bureau

‘The Willows’

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

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Copplestone

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

Traditional Breakfast All En-Suite Rooms TV in all Rooms Tea & Coffee Facilities 2 Double Rooms 1 Twin Room

Telephone numbers: Advice line for new enquiries: 0844 4111 444 Ongoing issues: Answer machine only: 01884 244630 (leave a message & we will call back)

Mrs Win Headon & Mr Colin Taverner Tel: 01363 84708 Mob: 07810 458982 10

Parish Council News

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

Annual Meetings - May saw the Annual Parish Meeting take place. Reports were received from the District and Mid Devon Councillors along with Copplestone Primary School and PCSO Lisa Crocker. Dave Brassington also reported on the Parish Paths and this years Lighting up the Parish event to be held on Wednesday 5th November. Cllr Edwards detailed the events and progress within the village for the last year and stated the planned progress expected for the forthcoming year. At the Annual General Meeting, Cllr Edwards was re-elected as Chairperson with Cllr Faulkner as Vice–Chairperson. Mark Johnson has left his position as a Councillor and the Parish Council wish him well in the future.

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 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

Village Litter Pick This took place at the end of March. It was well attended and real inroads were made in tidying up the village centre.

All residents are asked to clear away any litter left behind from refuse collections as sometimes spillages occur. A ‘dig a ditch’ day is planned in Knowle on Saturday 28th June. This is to help pr event futur e flooding within Knowle. Further details will follow on Notice boards.

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 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 and a public session is held at the start of the meeting.

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

New Clerk - The new Par ish Cler k for Copplestone is Christopher Voaden. Christopher is also Clerk to Lapford Parish Council and will start in his new role from the 1st June. The email address will remain the same, but please note the new correspondence address and telephone number.

Councillor Vacancy - The Par ish Council has one vacancy for a Councillor. Please speak to any existing Councillor or contact the Clerk for further details.

Need The Police?

Call 101 or 999

Facebook - Visit the Par ish Council page, ‘Like’ and you will be kept up to date with all information relating to both the Parish and Mid Devon.

Recently there was an incident in the village where someone witnessed some people apparently breaking the law but only called ‘101’ some time after to report the incident. If they had called ‘999’ the police would have responded and caught them in the act.

The police ask anyone to call ‘999’ if a crime is being committed including drug abuse and threatening behaviour. The police would rather catch someone in the act than have to investigate afterwards.

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

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Crediton Food Festival Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June

Open Air Theatre - ‘Jerusalem’ Shobrooke Park 28th June

Crediton’s 6th Food Festival is taking place on Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June 2014. The Festival is set to be the best yet with something for everyone whatever their age or taste. Everyone is welcome and admission is free!

This multi-award winning play premiered in London in 2009 and became the Evening Standards ‘Best Play of the year’. Shobrooke Park seems a natural setting for this epic and heroic play about the great British need for a connection with the landscape and our roots.

In part a lament about the erosion of country life and in part a rebuff to the antiseptic modern world, Jerusalem charts the chaotic and hilarious events over 24 hours of a mid-summer festival.

Local chefs and food producers will be running demonstrations throughout Saturday and our younger visitors will be entertained with a bread plaiting competition, a quiz, face painting and the chance to sample goodies from some of the stalls. The Festival will also include a Saturday evening of music, food and drink from 8pm – 11pm. All are welcome.

A combined team of the Northcott Theatre and the Common Players take this indoor play and plant it outside in venues across Devon. In June it arrives in Shobrooke Park at the end of its tour. There’s no formal seating so please bring picnic blankets & cushions. With pre-show entertainment, a bar and hot burgers this is an event not to be missed. Please note no glasses permitted on site and since the play contains strong language the recommended age is 14 +. Tickets (£10 or £8 for concessions) from Crediton Arts Centre Tel: 773260, Crediton Community Bookshop Tel: 774740, Sandford Stores Tel: 775805 or direct from the Northcott Theatre.

This will be followed on Sunday by The Big Sunday Lunch; a great opportunity for families to celebrate Father’s Day which falls on 15th June. Why not treat Dad to a picnic in the Town Square – bring your own and/or purchase from the food and drink stalls again accompanied by music from 12 noon – 3pm. For more details please go to The Food Festival website at www.creditonfoodfestival.org

Are you a footballer?

Are you in school Year 5?

If so Crediton Youth Football Club want you!

Experienced coaches Regular league matches & tournaments Training on grass pitches and the new astro turf Friendly players (and parents!)

Socials with other Crediton Youth teams in Crediton FC Clubhouse.

Contact Martin Perry (Under 10s coach) Tel: 07837 621295

Promote Your Organisation We've just launched MIDDEVONHUB. You may have heard of eastdevonhub or southdevonhub, which now have over 2,700 people using this event promotion platform. They're highly placed in Google, try typing 'What's On East Devon’ into Google for instance, and also promoted heavily in the magazines that we produce. The HUB is a pure ‘What's On’ platform, that's on desktop, tablet, and a dedicated, fast loading mobile version - great for locals and visitors alike! If you have friends or family that have organisations to promote, please tell them about this free service www.middevonhub.co.uk

Sunday 15th June 11am - 5pm Furze Park Cross, nr Winkleigh EX19 8PQ (Entry £4 adults, £1 children, under 5s free) Featuring: World War 11 planes, providing a Fly Past Sheep Sheering the old fashioned way North Devon Falconers Green Wood Working, Bush craft & Camp Crafts The Unity Gospel Choir, Hatherleigh Silver Band, The Ukulele Bashers, Cameron Mills, College Swing Band & School choirs.

Lapford Open Gardens In aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust

28th & 29th June, 2pm to 5.30pm Tickets to cover both days, with map, £4 from the Orchard Centre or from any of the open gardens on the day. Ten gardens will be open, including the school & the allotments.

Advance 'ckets £3.50 from Jeanne WhiCaker on 01363 83068 or Sue Briant-Evans on 01363 83763. These can be collected on the day from the Orchard Centre.

Teas will be available in two of the gardens and ice-cream sales in another.

Lurcher, Terrier, Family Dog and Ferret Shows Buckham Fair best Rescue Qualifier For more information Tel: 01805 804347 or visit our website at wwdowlandcountryfair.org.uk 12

Copplestone Fit Club Thursdays 6pm

Fit Club continues to meet every Thursday (during term-time) in the Church Community Room from 6pm till 7pm for fun aerobic exercising, stretching and toning.

We are now one year old and the Garden Club membership has continued to grow slowly, along with our gardens. A number of us joined the mulching & maintenance morning at the Community Field and the hedge is growing beautifully.

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 trainers will help cushion your joints. Options are given to suit ALL fitness levels for those who want an energetic work-out to those who prefer to take things more gently - but whatever level you work at, 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.

Some members are taking part in a Squash Challenge just for fun. Seeds from a recently consumed “Crown Prince” squash were donated by a Copplestone friend of the club. If we have any success we may be able to hold a show of our results in the autumn.

The Gardening Club had a successful afternoon at the Table Top Sale in March selling plants grown by members, seeds from our vast collection, garden produce and bric-a-brac. Thanks to everyone who supported us. We will be at the Table Top sale in the Community Field on 25th May with many seedlings and cuttings on sale. You may not find these so cheap in garden centres and we know they will grow successfully in gardens here. More importantly we are always happy to indulge in garden chatter and try to help with any garden queries.

For those trying to lose weight or just to maintain a healthy weight, we offer an optional weekly ‘weighin’ to encourage and motivate you to keep on track.

Just bring along a piece of fruit and if you lose the most weight that week you win the fruit to take home.

For the Autumn we are planning a talk by a local bee keeper who will be advising us on how to promote bee welfare by growing bee-friendly plants and we will be visiting Sandford Orchards for a cider making demo and possibly a couple of tastes too! We also hope to replant Copplestone Railway Station when negotiations are completed for possible provision of a water supply following the damage done to last year’s planting by workers installing the Harrington Hump.

We are a very friendly group and at only £1.50 per session what have you got to lose by coming along and giving it a go! 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)

The club is intended to be informal and fun so if you have any interest or knowledge you want to share please come and join us. Next Meeting on Wednesday 28th May at 7.30pm in The Cr oss pub.

New members can be assured of a warm welcome.

Iris Middleton

K J Stoneman & Co Agricultural & Garden Machinery Sales, Service, Spares and Repairs of all types of Agricultural & Garden Machinery

Clannaborough Church Plant Sale

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

This popular annual event was held at Copplestone School on Saturday 17th May, which turned out to be a lovely, sunny day perfect for garden enthusiasts. The sale was again very well supported with lots of keen gardeners purchasing a variety of locally grown plants and shrubs. For amateur gardeners, help was at hand with advice given on what to expect from the various flora on offer.

COPPLESTONE, CREDITON (01363) 84424

Despite the problems members had in getting plants up and running during winter, the day was a great success with over £1000 made and other monies still to come in from sales.

Wilson Mitchell

www.kjstoneman.co.uk sales@kjstoneman.co.uk 13

Down St. Mary Church

St Boniface Church, Knowle

Our Lent evening prayers have drawn to a close for another year. These short reflective mid-week services, which were led by different leaders, gave us different perspectives on the theme of Lent to assist in our reflections and our own preparations for Easter. Our next series of mid-week services will be during Advent!

You are warmly invited to join us for our regular Church services at Knowle: 1st Sunday - 10am Holy Communion with Rev. Lindsey Starrs or visiting priest 3rd Sunday - 10am Morning Worship with Fred Cann (Lay Reader) All are welcome.

David Silvester

Our Mothering Sunday service was led by Nigel Fidock and Heather French delivered the homily.

Posies were distributed to members of the congregation and after the service, fellowship continued as we enjoyed a glass of sherry and a slice of simnel cake. Additional posies were placed on the graves of mothers in the churchyard.

Beacon Church Newbuildings

Members of our congregation purchased lilies in memory of departed loved ones. The lilies were used as part of the super floral displays which decorated the Church over the Easter period. We held a short service on Maundy Thursday, this service concluded with the Altar being stripped and led us into our vigil until midnight. Then on Easter Day our Church was beautifully decorated with superb floral displays to celebrate the risen Christ. Rev. Lindsey Starrs led the Eucharist service to a substantial congregation, followed by wine, sherry and simnel cake and an opportunity to enjoy the flower displays.

Barbeque - 2nd August, 5pm Everyone is welcome to the New buildings Church barbeque Donations for any of the following stalls would be much appreciated: Raffle, Cakes, Home Baking, Bottle Stall, Plants & Produce.

There will also be some side attractions: Quoits, Play Y our Cards Right, Face Painting etc.

Everyone Welcome

Village Fete Saturday 7th June, 2pm On Saturday 7th June from 2pm, there will be a village fete when the refurbished village hall will also be opened. There will be stalls, games, entertainment, burgers, cream teas, a beer tent as well as stories for children, who we hope will come in fancy dress. As part of the fete, The West Gallery Singers will be singing in our Church during the afternoon. Proceeds are all in aid of the village hall.

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

Ringing Competition Saturday 28th June, 2pm There is bell ringing competition being held at our Church on Saturday 28th June starting at 2pm and finishing at about 7pm. Bell ringing teams from around the area are competing for a local trophy. If you are interested in this traditional art, then why not come along and listen for a while.

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 14

Christianity encourages followers of Jesus to find space in busy lives, in order to reflect on who we really are and what truly matters in life. Jesus was often surrounded by crowds demanding his help, and his time and yet he made sure he gave a good example to his followers. The Bible says that he would go out, often early in the morning, to deserted places to find space to be with God and pray. There he was renewed.

Since this is my last Enlightener article before I move with my family to Saltash to work with a group of nine Cornish churches, I will take the opportunity and begin by thanking all who have made my time as Methodist minister for Copplestone such an enjoyable one. Seven fruitful years have flown by since we arrived, and now is the time for a fresh face to take the work on.

You and I won’t have the same clamouring at our doors as did Jesus and we may not need to head to Dartmoor’s wilderness but we can all benefit from making space in our days, wherever we are. What if we were to turn off the phone or iPad, ignore the news bulletin for once, and risk a bit of ‘re-creation’?

A favourite chair, a corner of a garden, a worship service in church; such spaces are there around us.

You probably know that at this time the Copplestone Recreation Association is seeking support for construction of a Community Hall at the Recreation Field. Ideas of how the space would prove useful for residents, groups and organisations are being collected. If that facility does get built it may be a valuable resource for a wide range of local people.

Consequently, I have written on behalf of Copplestone Methodist Church to add a few examples of how the congregation might use such a space from time to time.

Will we take them and dedicate a quiet moment of time with God? Remember, He will always have time and space for us if we make time and space for Him. Jonathan Budd

Are You A Carer?

Having space to breath and reflect is important. The summer is a time when most of us like to get away for some space, be that the countryside, the beach or some foreign clime. The busyness of modern life can leave us feeling hemmed in, like commuters packed into a Tarka line carriage, or even worse, squeezed ‘eyeball to eyeball’ on to a tube.

Did you know: - Anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who could not cope without their support, is a carer.

- There are 6.5 million carers across the UK & every day 6,000 people take on new caring responsibilities.

- There are an estimated 84,000 carers in Devon, of which more than 1,600 are under 16 years of age.

- In Devon around 12,500 carers do not have reliable support from their family and friends to be able to take a short break from caring.

Tidying books and papers away in my study I find there is more space there than I thought and instead of fighting for an inch of desk, things make a little more sense. When I take a walk up the lane into some of our beautiful countryside I find my head clears given the space to think.

Devon Carers pr ovides infor mation, advice and support to carers of all ages across Devon. Carers can get support and information at the ‘first stop’ from the helpline (08456 434 435) and through a network of local carers support workers who provide face to face support and activities for young carers to enjoy being young people. There are also opportunities to meet other carers in their area for mutual support, friendship and short breaks away from caring.

Kenno’s RODEO SURFRIDER CHALLENGE

Colebrooke Parish Hall

Rodeo Surfboard Hire

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

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

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

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

15

Crediton Parish Church

Exhibition with Flowers ‘Lyrics for Life’

Day Centre:- Mon to Fri from10.00am to 2.30pm Activities - 2 course lunch & transport provided Home support service:To relieve loneliness and isolation Foot Care:- Toe & finger nail cutting twice a month Keep fit classes :- Leisure Centre, Crediton Art group:- Twice a month

Enjoy some of the nation’s favourite poems interpreted in eye-catching floral arrangements from romantic, poignant to witty. This major fund raiser for the upkeep and ongoing maintenance of this exceptional 15th century Grade 1 listed building takes place this year from Saturday 31st May – Thursday 5th June. Opening hours are 10.30am – 8pm daily except Sunday 11am – 6pm and Thursday 10.30am – 5pm. This is one of the premier events of its kind attracting visitors from all over the South West. Admission is free and refreshments are available.

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

Crediton & District Support Group

Antiques Evening - Monday 7th July, 7.30pm The Boniface Centre, Church Lane, Crediton The expert for the evening will be Wakefield Whitton from Whitton & Laing of Exeter. Tickets for this informative and interesting evening are available from Bill Jerman Tel: 772865, £9 to include supper.

There’s more to life - visits, outings, parties, shopping, dining out and more.

Yomp to Ypres - 27th July to 9th August Assistant organist Richard Stephens will Yomp from Crediton to Ypres, a distance of 500kms. At Ypres Richard will walk out to the First World War cemeteries to pay respects to those commemorated on the Holy Cross War memorial tablet and any others for whom requests are received. He will place poppies and poppy crosses that he will have carried with him from Crediton and lay a commemorative wreath in that evening’s Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.

To sponsor Richard please go to: mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/Richard stephens1.

Bill Jerman

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 Janet Poulter Tel: 776559 or Belinda Petersen Tel:85118

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.

16

Piglets Toddler Group Piglets Toddler Group meets every Wednesday during term time in The Methodist Church Hall from 9am till 12 noon. We are a group run by mums for children aged between 0 & 5 years.

Everyone is very welcome.

at Copplestone School Wednesday 4th June Wednesday 2nd July No Bingo in August Wednesday 10th September 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

We have had a busy Autumn term with lots of outside play now we have a new barrier to make the outside area safe for the children. We bought the barrier with money donated from local groups and we are very grateful to them for their generosity. We are also very grateful to a local family for giving us a playhouse and kitchen. The children have had lots of fun in the playhouse, this is a great addition to our equipment as we can use it inside and out. All the children have had lots of fun using the house for all sorts of games from the traditional mums and dads to flying to moon and hiding from the scary pirates. We have also made great use of our new sandpit. We hope over the coming months to have great weather so we can enjoy the outside space.

Darts Team Success

Just before we finished for Easter we had an excellent trip to Eggesford forest. The children coloured in paper eggs with lots of lovely designs, these were hidden in the forest and then swapped for chocolate eggs at the end. We had the Easter egg hunt, a lovely walk around the forest and through the stream. The children had a great time balancing on logs running through puddles and splashing in the stream, we finished off with a picnic and everyone had a very enjoyable morning, with the rain holding off.

The Cross Ladies Darts Team have had another successful year . The players in this years team were: Sandra Chamberlain, Gillian Flay, Helen Lygo, Joan May, Sandra Pallister & Sandie Smith. Although disappointingly they came second in the League after being undefeated for many years, they still won the Team Cup, the Founchers and came runners up in The Courier Cup. Sandra Pallister also won the Land Ladies Cup. The Cross darts team were also very pleased to win the Mothers Tuckers Cup this year with team members Sandra Chamberlain, Sandra Pallister, Colin Doe and Craig Stanbury.

We have many great activities planned for the summer term, which will finish with a Summer party, where we will say goodbye to those children starting school in September. We have lots of great things planned between now and then with lots of craft activities, cooking, playing and lots of fun for the children. Each week there is also tea, coffee and cake for the parents & grandparents. For more information about the group please telephone Steph 07967 549455, email saundersfarm@hotmail.co.uk or pop along on a Wednesday morning between 9am and 12.

Steph Saunders

Teams from The Cross also took part in a Charity Darts Marathon, which they won for the 2nd year in a row. In this event, teams of 3 play continuously for 2 hours - each team on separate darts boards, throwing 3 darts as quickly as possible in 15 minutes time slots.

The aim being to score as many points as possible in the 2 hours. The successful team members were: Sandra Chamberlain, Sandra Pallister, Sandi Smith, Brenda Cockram, Sammie Cockram & Becki Squires.

Well done to all the darts players at The Cross and thanks to everyone who have supported the darts events at the pub.

Sandra Chamberlain

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League. Finishing sixth in the division and having a great cup run losing only to the eventual winners in the semi finals. This team continues to impress against all teams. League record of W9 D3 L4.

Copplestone United Complete a Successful Season

Again like the Cobras and Fitzpaine teams the clubs U9 team, Copplestone Colts, enjoyed their first season in the Exeter League. This age group had a great season with a good squad of very keen players achieving some very good results against some more established sides. As this was a non-competitive age group no leagues results were allowed to be posted but our unofficial records show W11 D4 L10.

With only the clubs presentation & local tournaments to enter, Copplestone United’s teams can look back on a good season with even more local boys enjoying League football. With a hard season under their belts and many games cancelled due to the wet winter, our new football ground has really put us on the map with many visiting teams commented on such a superb facility we now have. The Club would like to thank the people of Copplestone, the Parish Council and the Recreation Association for making it possible to play attractive football and help the players improve the football skills.

Copplestone Sharks, our clubs under 8s squad this season, showed their skills in the Sunday Mid Devon League. They enjoyed having great fun and played various types of football, including a mid season indoor football section. Even now it is showing that the club has got some good young talent coming through.

The weekend of the 11th/12th May saw Copplestone United enter 5 teams in the Plymouth Argyle Community 6 a-side competition. All teams in the various age groups did the Club proud with all teams playing well, having fun and doing battle against great club teams from Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall.

The Under 11 teams have had mixed results with the division 1 United team giving a good account of themselves in Cup and League finishing sixth in a competitive division with a record of W9 D4 L8.

Copplestone Fitzpaine, the clubs other U11 team in division 3, also had a good season again finishing mid table with the team entertaining its fans with some exciting football. With a League record of W8 D4 L8 the team should look at this as a creditable season.

Copplestone United will be holding their end of season presentation/fun morning training session and barbeque (weather permitting) on 21st June. So with the season finished the task now is to look to next season and the continued growth of our club.

The clubs U10s Copplestone Cobra’s had their first experience of the Exeter League playing in the eastern division. This again, as with all our teams, was a successful introduction to a very competitive

Copplestone United welcome all new players to become part of the success that are our village teams.

New players wishing to join the club can contact Kay Gibson (Club Secretary) on 01363 881117 for more details.

Guy Gibson Copplestone United President.

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

Tarka Line News The new Summer Timetable contains no changes. However the terms and conditions for Group Save have altered. Previously groups of two or three people could travel for the price of two, but now three, and up to nine people, can travel together and each will get a 34% discount on their ticket. The important thing to note is that everyone must travel together on both legs of a return journey.

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

We are continuing to press for some relief to the most seriously overcrowded trains and there is a glimmer of hope that something will be done later in the year.

John Phillips External Relations Officer Tarka Rail Association.

Open: Monday - Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm 18

The outside games this year will be organised by the young men of our group, so I guess we'll see a Bulgarian v Devon football match! The remainder of the team will concentrate on any repair work that is needed to any of the buildings. We usually know what is needed a few weeks in advance but it will not be any major projects.

We are planning to take the children to the beach on the Saturday. They really enjoy this time playing beach games and splashing around in the lovely warm sea. They are then taken out to lunch which is a rare treat, followed by a river boat trip. We usually have a coach load of very quiet and sleepy children on the way home!

Bulgaria Summer Trip

24th June – 4th July 2014 On Saturday 10th May, 25 of us met for a team meeting to arrange our programme for this year's summer trip to Burzitsa Children's Home. We have a team of 19 this year and everyone was present at our meeting, some parents/relatives of those going for the first time came to hear what their sons & daughters will be involved in. A DVD of last year's trip was shown, this was especially useful for those going for the first time and gave an insight into what usually happens during those 10 days at Burzitsa.

Over the years the Children at Burzitsa have been to a summer camp during their summer school holidays, but for the past few years the Director hasn't had enough funds to be able to send them. On hearing this, one lady from Morchard Bishop with the help of some friends decided to do some fund raising and raised a wonderful amount of money.

We also have a team member who is celebrating a special birthday this month and she is going to ask for gifts of money instead of presents and this will then go towards the Children's camp. Any remaining money that's needed will be taken from our Bulgaria fund. We are so pleased that the children will be able to spend some time away from the Orphanage and enjoy something different and this follows straight after our visit.

The holiday club is a big part of our trip so it was good that all our group were at the team meeting and towards the end of the evening they were able to spend time together sorting out how their programme will run and what activities will take place. Most of these young people will soon be taking exams, so we wish them well in their exams and for their future careers.

Most of our team will be leaving from Exeter on the 24th June travelling by coach to Heathrow then flying into Sofia (capital), then taking the train into Provadia, where we are based. Although this is quite a long journey, it is the most cost effective way for our young people, as most are still in full time education. Each person pays for their trip, some have done fund raising and others have part time jobs to help cover the cost.

This year we are blessed with some musicians in our team. The children at Burzitsa love to sing and learn action songs and these songs along with craftwork will be linked to the Bible stories that the children will be told; this is done through an interpreter.

We have a lady going for the first time who will be helping our catering team. With an extra pair of hands this will give them more time to spend with the children. This is so important as with children everywhere, they need love and to know that they are wanted and are very precious.

We are all looking forward to going to Burzitsa again, the smiles on the children's faces and hugs they give us says it all, and if we can help to make their lives at the Home a bit more comfortable, that make it's all worth while. If you would like any information about our work at Burzitsa please contact me on 01363 84413 Brian Glover

‘Rosemary’ The Cross, Copplestone Tel: 01363 84365

For all your hairdressing needs

Including colours, highlights, lowlights, tinting & perms L’Oreal, Wella, Matrix 19

Summer Diary Dates

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Unravel these anagrams to find some local places: Opens Try Cell Hug Him Elk Now Horror Mac Dad One Spent Blue Wind Sign Book Horse Select No Pop Cost Entry News Oboe Locker Forced Lo Once Dirt Dye Roof And My Worts Cobra Hid Morphs Vine Trot Taken Oomph Alarm Chum Ozone

May: 31st Parish Footpaths Walk “ Exhibition With Flowers starts, Crediton Church June: 4th Bingo at the School 5th The Café Playzone 6th Old Time Music Hall, Bow Village Hall 7th Down St Mary Village Fete 14/15th Crediton Food Festival 15th Dowland Country Fair & Dog Show 16/18/20th Holiday at Home 21st Copplestone Proms at the School “ Copplestone Utd Presentation Morning & BBQ 24th Youth Club Sports Night 28th ‘Jerusalem’ at Shobrooke Park “ Down St Mary Ringing Competition “ Dig a Ditch Day, Knowle 28/29th Open Gardens in Copplestone

Exams

July: 2nd Bingo at the School 3rd The Café Playzone 7th Antiques Evening at Boniface Centre, Crediton 19th Donkey Derby at the School 22nd Youth Club Summer Special

With many children & teenagers having tests & exams now, here are some examples of answers not to use!

History ‘Then Joan of Ark met her end.

She was burned as a steak’

August: 2nd BBQ at Beacon Church, New Buildings 5-8th ‘Mega Makers’ Holiday Club

‘In wartime children who lived in big cities had to be evaporated because it was safer in the country’.

Religious Studies ‘A mosque is a sort of church. The main difference is that its roof is doomed’ ‘If you marry two people you are a pigamist, but morons are allowed to do this’ Geography ‘The closest town to France is Dover. You can get to France on a train or you can go on a fairy’

Your Village Magazine

‘Countries with sea round them are islands and ones without sea are incontinents’ Maths ‘If it is less than 90 degrees it is a cute angel’

I hope you enjoyed reading the Summer edition of The Enlightener and found some interesting news within its pages, along with details of future events that you could go along to and enjoy.

Natural History ‘Crabs and creatures like them all belong to a family of crushed Asians’ Science ‘Helicopters are cleverer than planes. Not only can they fly through the air they can also hoover’

Thanks as always to all the groups and organisations who have contributed by providing news and photos to keep us informed with what is happening in and around Copplestone.

Where Am I – Answers

The next Enlightener is due out at the beginning of September. If you have anything to contribute or if you are a parish resident and wish to place an advert, then please contact me in early August: email lunn.family4@gmail or Tel: 84018.

Suzanne Lunn – Enlightener Editor

1. Spreyton, 2. Chulmleigh, 3. Knowle, 4. Morchard Road, 5. Penstone, 6. New Buildings, 7. Shobrooke, 8. Copplestone, 9. Newton St Cyres, 10. Colebrooke, 11. Coleford, 12 Crediton, 13. Yeoford, 14. Down St Mary, 15. Morchard Bishop 16. Tiverton, 17. Okehampton 18. Zeal Monachorum 20