2014 04
DESCRIPTION
Cople village magazineTRANSCRIPT
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WILLINGTON POST OFFICE & STORES
Telephone: 01234 838240
Newspaper & magazine delivery to Cardington, Cople, Willington and Moggerhanger
Fresh bread and cakes from local bakery and decorated cakes for special occasions.
Fruit & vegetable baskets made up for special
occasions.
Home delivery on purchases over
£10.00
Gas and Electric key charging
Post Office counter for: Banking & Foreign currency
Car tax phone & broadband services Savings, Insurance, Mail
Shop Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 6.30am to 6.00pm Saturday 7.00am to 6.00pm Sunday 8.00am to 12 noon
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Front cover. Bluebells in Ashridge by Ian Whiting
Editor’s Notes
On the 8th of March a happy band of 15 volunteers set about picking up as much litter as possible around the village. After 2 hours labour on a pleasant spring day we were gratified to see a splendid collection of 25 bags of rubbish to add to the 5 collected by the children a few days earlier. With our halos freshly polished we retired for a well earned coffee and a slump in an armchair. I hope you agree that the village looks better for the effort. See you next year when we will do it again.
On the 11th, about 20 villagers attended a meeting in the Five Bells to discuss the future of the Millennium Wood at Water End. Steve Halton outlined his concept of what could be achieved with a little effort. The wood is owned by the Woodland Trust but maintaining and developing it falls to the local community. To get the wood started the trees were densely planted. Now is the time to thin them out and select the ones which will grow to maturity. There is a need to create some open spaces and keep the ride ways clear for easy access. Work will start in the autumn when volunteer working parties will set about implementing the plan. When the space is opened up it will be possible to establish favourite wood land plants such as primroses, snowdrops, bluebells and few daffodils for good measure. Perhaps in a few years will have something resembling this month’s cover picture.
The Reverend Fiona Gibson is to be our new vicar and she will take post in September. The Churchwardens are very pleased with this appointment and we look forward to her arrival.
The Tuesday Club is opening its meeting on the 8th April to everyone in the village. At 7:30pm in Cople Village Hall, Tom Perret, the Head of Collections and Exhibitions at the Higgins Museum, will give a talk about his work. Refreshments will be provided and the cost will be £3 to non members. Details are on page 22.
Planning for the All Saints Church Fete will begin with a meeting in the church at 7:30pm on Thursday 10th April. The fete will be held on Saturday 21st June. Please come along if you would like to help. Mike Vacher is putting the plan together.
Cople news is on the village website in colour and, after a slow start, it now receives a lot of attention. Between January and December 2013 it was read or downloaded 13,575 times, that is an average of 1,131 times per month.
The recent warm dry spring weather has been very welcome and it has been a pleasure to get back into the garden and tackle all those jobs I meant to do in the autumn. No doubt that when you read this we will be having an arctic April.
Julie and Eamonn Dowling will be giving up the tenancy of the Five Bells in June and moving to pastures new. In their three years in the village they have supported and taken part in every village activity including this magazine. They will be missed. There is no news at present of a new tenant nor of any plans Greene King may have for the pub.
Ged Peeke
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Churchwardens’ Letter
On Wednesday the 26th February six representatives appointed by the three Parochial Church Councils in the Benefice, having benefited from and considered opinions from all interested parties present on that day ,voted to appoint the Rev Fiona Gibson as the next incumbent of the Benefice of Cople, Moggerhanger and Willington. Fiona will be licenced in September at All Saints. More information regarding this event will be published nearer the time. In the Meantime it's "business as usual" with the help and support of the Dioceses, Rural Dean and others for which we are most grateful. A special thanks goes to Reader Tony Elcome who has given a great deal of his own time on a voluntary basis in assisting all three Churches maintain their regular services and one off events. Our grateful thanks also goes to the Friends of All Saints for their continued support in getting the Clock repaired (ongoing), financing the five yearly Architects report on the condition of the structure of the Church, and the resulting list of minor repairs (completed). At the time of writing we are waiting for the Contractor to rewire a section of the interior lighting also made possible by the Friend generous support. Buildings of this age require constant attention and due to the nature of the work and its often specialist skills input, its often costly. Your support of Friends events make it possible for us to maintain this beautiful and historic building in good condition. THE ANNUAL CHURCH FETE Will take place on the 21st June at 12 30pm at the village Hall and playing field. Once again we are hoping for better weather for this our most important fund raising event of the year. There will be all of the usual attractions including the GRAND DRAW Children's Competitions and Display Stalls Games and the big favourite the NOVELTY DOG SHOW. We welcome new ideas and willing volunteers. Interested then contact Mike on 831207 or June on 831705. The first planning meeting will take place in the Church on Thursday April the 10th at 7.30pm. GRAND DRAW 2014 With a first prize of £100 and tickets £1 each this has to be the BARGAIN OF THE YEAR there will also be some excellent prizes donated by individuals and organisation within and outside the village. Tickets will be on sale soon so make sure you don't miss out and buy yours at the first opportunity. If you can help sell tickets at work or amongst your friends and relatives then please contact June on 831705 who will be happy to oblige with a plentiful supply. HERITAGE DAYS AT COPLE CHURCH. Did you know that there is a burial in the Church dated 1405. Or that there is a Bell from the 15th Century we still ring...For a £1 fee you can enjoy the fantastic views from the top of the tower and if you are a keen photographer capture some prize winning images. We also sell home made cakes, Fairtrade goods teas and coffees. You can also have a go at brass rubbing and a look at some of the parish records (subject to availability). The following dates will apply- Sat May31st, Sat June 28th, Sat July 26th, Sat August 30th, Sat Sept 27th, Sat Oct 25th. All at between 10am and 12.30pm. June Shanahan and Mike Vacher
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Architectural Design
Stephen Funge Architectural Design
Tel 01234 381304. Mob 07710 268372 [email protected]
Stephen Funge MCIAT MAPM
Planning and Building Regulations Applications.
Design and Project Management.
Extensions, New Houses, Offices, Shops.
Call for a chat. No obligation
All Saints Church
Churchwardens
June Shanahan Mike Vacher 34 Grange Lane 91 Willington Road Cople Cople Tel: 01234 831705 Tel: 01234 831207 [email protected] [email protected]
Easter Lilies
If you would like to buy an Easter lily in memory of a
loved one please phone June 831705. They are priced at £4 and will be displayed in the church at
Easter.
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ACE PEST CONTROL
Fast Efficient Service
Rats, Mice, Fleas, Moles, Wasps, Bird Proofing etc
We offer very competitive rates with normally same day service
Proprietor: Mr J. T. Hillyard Telephone 01234 - 838391
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Cople Village Hall and Playing
Field
Available for Hire for
Private Functions, Children’s Parties,
Weddings, Conferences
and other bookings by arrangement
Hire Charge from £ 9 per hour
Please Contact
Bookings Officer: David Reardon
Telephone : 01234 838987
Cople Village Trust 200 Club
Prize winners for March 2014
1st Prize of £60 225 Gloria Bucknall 2nd Prize of £30 271 not allocated 3rd Prize of £10 229 Gloria Bucknall
Biggleswade and District Art Society
15th Spring Art Exhibition Northill Village Hall (opposite the
church) Saturday 5th April (10.00–4.00) Sunday 6th April (10.00-4.00)
Free Admission
Original Paintings for sale Refreshments
ALL SAINTS LUNCH CLUB S.O.S.
Due to circumstances beyond our control it has become necessary to ask for assistance during the next few months. We are looking for volunteers to help with the cooking. Lunch Club takes place on the 3rd Monday in each month. Prior to that we hold a meeting to decide on the Menu and you would be refunded any cost that you incur buying ingredients. If you are interested in joining us and want to know more please contact June 831705 Eileen 838519 or Pat 831207
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QUIZ NIGHT AT ALL SAINTS CHURCH
We will be hosting a quiz night on 12th April at 7pm in the church.
Jacket potatoes with various delicious fillings but bring your own drinks.
Tickets £7. Cash prize. Raffle Come along to a fun, sociable evening.
All welcome.
Proceeds towards the upkeep of All Saints Church
Tickets from June 831705, Fran 831466,
Julia 831870 or Debbie838540
Mothers Union 0n the 7th March, members took part in the Women’s World Day of Prayer service at Willington prepared by the christian women of Egypt. Afterwards Egyptian food was served. A report on the Lady Day service held on the 25th March at Potton, will appear in the next Cople News. Our next meeting will be held on the 7th April at 2pm at 87 Willington Road. Members are asked to bring along a favourite book, prose or poetry to the meeting. Members can, if they wish, read a passage from the book or a poem. Ljz Buck
Easter Prayer This is the day that the Lord has made, we shall be glad and rejoice in it. For Christ has risen, He has risen indeed, Alle1uia! Thank you, Father, for the hope that is given to all who believe in the resurrection of your most beloved Son Jesus Christ . I believe, Amen.
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Wild about Cople I’m in the middle of a week off work and have struck lucky with the weather (as often seems to happen in early/mid-March) – before we revert back to winter-like weather prior to the arrival of real spring. But spring-like weather in March is a real delight and a great opportunity to get out and about in the blossoming countryside and get some work done in the garden. And, whilst in the garden this week, I have been accompanied aurally by a huge number of singing birds all celebrating the coming of spring and the warmer weather. It is pleasant to listen to which birds are singing whilst working away with spade and fork. One the very typical sounds this time of the year is the ‘peeowing’ of buzzards which are now commonly found throughout Bedfordshire. At one time there were five of these magnificent birds soaring in thermals high over the garden with their atmospheric calls sounding as if we had suddenly been transported to the West Country or Wales! At one time buzzards were extinct from the eastern counties of the UK and had retreated to the hill country of the West but now they have made a comeback all across the UK and our countryside has been made much richer by the presence of these birds and we should all welcome the return of the buzzard. As we should also welcome back the return of both the Raven and the Red Kite. The Raven has made its own way back from the hills and mountains and is now slowly becoming a familiar sight (and sound) in the Bedfordshire countryside as the bird is now breeding regularly in the local area. Listen out for its unmistakeable, hoarse, deep ‘prruuk-prruuk’ as this, the largest of our crows, flies overhead, its thickset, shaggy throat and large, diamond-shaped tail are unmistakeable. It’s a black hole of a bird, seeming to absorb all light and pinned to the sky overhead as a magnificent black cross, an epitome of the wild and carrier of legends between the worlds in the Norse myths and legends. The Red kite is not quite such a regular bird in these parts yet, but it is breeding in the Chiltern Hills and in south and mid Bedfordshire and is slowly heading northwards – individuals are seen on a more and more frequent basis in and around Cople. This is a bird that was reintroduced several years ago in the Chilterns and other areas and has since become a real success story. A charismatic bird with long wings and a deceptively easy way of flying as they seem to float over roads and trees using their large, flexible forked tails as rudders and they twist and turn and decked in shades or red, orange and russet. The birds are primarily carrion feeders picking up road kill knocked down on roads and injured or slow-moving birds and mammals. Enjoy this trio of large birds in our countryside – they bring a new pleasure and add variety and richness to our lives. This is a period of real change in our villages and countryside as winter visitors such as fieldfares and redwings leave for their breeding habitats in Scandinavia and our spring-bringers such as the swallows, swifts, warblers and cuckoos head north across Africa and the Mediterranean and back to spend their summer with us. Have a wander through Cople’s churchyard or through our local countryside around the village and have a look under the trees and hedges for some of our spring flowers. The churchyard (where it is not mown too short) contains some nice species around its rougher edges – lesser celandine, with its beautiful glossy-yellow flowers (opening fully in the sun) and heart-shaped leaves in the damper
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areas and under the trees and speedwells and rich purple sweet violets in the grassy areas (smelling strongly of ‘Parma Violet’ sweets). And, here’s a challenge: how about the powers that be who manage the churchyard manage some areas as wildflower meadows (reduce cutting (and money)) and letting nature in on the act – it could make the churchyard even more beautiful and it would be interesting to see what came up in the uncut areas. It’s been done successfully in other churchyards (Odell, for instance). . . Takers anyone ?! Steve Halton [email protected]
Lesser Celandine
Police Update Bedfordshire Police and other forces nationwide are now using ‘101’ as the non-emergency number replacing the existing 01234 841212. You can use this number anywhere in the country and it will take you through the nearest towns police station. There has been no crime reported in Cople since the 17th February which was damage to a residential gate on Water End. Please remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity on 101.
Friends of Cople Church Reg. No. 1096386
I am pleased to report that the profit made at the Safari Supper in February was a handsome £1 063. We are indebted to all our generous hosts, to those who provided delicious desserts, to those who donated raffle prizes and, of course, to all the participants. There is much-needed work to be completed in the church and this monetary input will help to maintain the high standard of upkeep to which we have become accustomed, thanks to the care and vigilant eyes of our churchwardens. Vaughan Southgate www.org.uk/friends [email protected]
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Friendly advice available Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, 10 am – 6 pm,
Please phone: 01234 831058
Photos, Prints, Textiles, Objects,
Embroideries, Canvases, Mirrors,
original art on paper or board,
laminating.
Framing from budget to
conservation standard.
Large choice of mountboard,
glass and frames, including
hand-finished frames.
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Are you between 16-24years and Living Independently or thinking about it in the near future? If so, YMCA Bedfordshire is soon going to be delivering a short course of Independent Living Skills in the Biggleswade area. Life Skills means everything from how to take care of your budgeting to learning simple home maintenance skills, which will help you save money in the future.
This short 6 week programme (4 hours per week) is both practical and interactive and will be delivered in small group sessions.
Life skills co-ordinator Eve Carroll said, ‘This short course is perfect for any young person who may already be living independently or not and would benefit from learning some key skills to ensure that they can sustain their own tenancy in the future. Quite often in life we learn from our own mistakes and I wish that there had been a course like this when I was younger to help me when I was starting out. Emphasis on learning how to make the right decisions, which will help you succeed in life is really important and we don’t always learn this at school.’
This course is being funded by Central Bedfordshire council and YMCA Bedfordshire are keen to hear from any young people who are either on the housing register, waiting to be housed, already in rented accommodation, private or otherwise. Also if you know of any young person who would benefit from this course and is living in the Biggleswade, Sandy or surrounding Central Bedfordshire areas please speak to Eve for further details. Tel: 07432 404174 or follow this link: http://www.ymcabedfordshire.org.uk/life-skills
Cople Carpet Bowls Club
Have you ever thought of playing bowls. If so why not come along and join in a game of carpet bowls which is played indoors on a 30 ft carpet in Cople Village Hall on Wednesday evenings 7:30 to 10:00 pm Any enquir-ies contact Pauline on 01234 838102.
Pauline Baynes.
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HORSE OWNERS
BORED WITH HACKING? FANCY DOING SOMETHING NEW?
WANT TO HAVE SOME FUN WITH YOUR HORSE? WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR HORSE’S MANNERS?
THEN
WHY NOT HAVE A LOOK AT NATURAL
HORSEMANSHIP?
£15 p/h
Call Heather on 01767 627161 [email protected]
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Cople Sports and Social Club Spring has finally arrived and the Sports field is looking good ready for the cricket season. Already we have been able to sit out on the patio watching the last games of the football season.
There are still places left to take part in our pool tournament on Thursday 17th April so if you fancy taking part please contact us.
We will be holding a family evening on Friday 18th April, weather permitting we will be holding an Easter egg hunt for the children, adults welcome to join in. If anyone would like to help with this event please contact us.
Cricket season will be starting at the beginning of May with regular matches on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday 18th May 2014 the Beds V Herts cricket match will take place on the playing field, this is part of the Minor Counties Cricket 1 day series of competitions. The match starts at 11am. The bar will be open from 11am on this day. All are welcome to attend, why not come & watch, hopefully enjoy the sunshine and relax watching a good game of cricket!!
April Football at CS&SC Sun 06th April 13.30pm Everton V Arsenal Premier Sun 06th April 16.00pm West Ham V Liverpool Premier Sat 12th April 15.00pm West Brom V Spurs Premier Sun 13th April 13.30pm Liverpool V Man City Premier Sun 13th April 16.00pm Swansea V Chelsea Premier Sun 20th April 12.00pm Chelsea V Sunderland Premier Sun 20th April 16.10pm Everton V Man U Premier
There is a regular email sent out to all members in regard of what sports events will be shown and up and coming events. If you wish to become a member please enquire on details below or visit us at CS&SC.
Jeanette Skipsey Telephone: 01234 831473 Mobile: 07749 272249 Email: [email protected]
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COMPOST AND MORE
HOME AND GARDEN PRODUCTS
www.compostandmore.co.uk
Free next day delivery in Bedfordshire on orders over £40.00.
Dumpy bag of soft wood logs £60.00. Dumpy bag of hard wood logs £75.00.
Kindling from £1.50 per bag. Soft wood logs 5 nets for £10.00. Hard wood logs 3 nets for £11.00.
www.compostandmore.co.uk
01234838755
07707198022
FOR THE GARDEN 6- 50L bags of organic compost £10.00
3- 70L bags of bark chippings £10.00
70L play bark £5.99 a bag
Mini digger and skip loader hire also available.
Heidi Robinson
9 Bedford Road Cople
MK44 3TP
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Tuesday Club
Tuesday 11th March 2014 ‘Gardening on a Shoe String’
Following our AGM we were entertained by Fritz de Zutter a horticulture lecturer from Moulton College and a special needs teacher. He is a member of the RHS. Fritz recommends re-cycling old household materials for all gardening needs. He showed us an old boot used for a plant container. A washing up bottle with a window and planted with trailers and hung on a string is a hit with the children he teaches. ‘Don’t buy expensive plant trays just go to your local supermarket and ask for their old mushroom trays which are ideal for seedlings’. He took us through the process of making our own compost, showed us how to prune to remove disease and encourage flowering, propagating with the use of old plastic beer glasses and demonstrated that he is a top grafting expert and master of the ‘grafting knife’. An amusing and informative evening was had by all. Sue Murdoch
April Tuesday Club Meeting Open to All Tuesday 8th April at 7:30pm in Cople Village Hall
Speaker Tom Perret
Head of Collections and Exhibitions at the Higgins Museum. A talk not to be missed.
We are opening the evening to members/friends and non-members
Do come along and enjoy the evening.
Refreshments will be provided
Cost £3 to non members
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Eamonn , Julie and Katie would like to welcome you to the Five Bells in Cople , a traditional country village pub .
It is our intention to provide a warm welcome in comfortable surroundings for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a drink or a
hearty meal .
Wherever possible , we have sourced our ingredients from local suppliers and our menu is designed to be as homemade as
possible .
We also provide a wide selection of fine ales , wines and spirits and great care is taken to ensure they are kept to the highest
standard
Themed Menu every Wednesday Live Music most Saturday nights (see website for details)
Sunday Roasts £8:50 (Very popular, booking recommended) Party bookings available
Tel : 01234 831330 www.fivebellscople.com
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April Diary
Tuesday 1st
10:00am to 12:00 Coffee morning Village Hall
2:30pm Over 60s Club Sports and Social
7:30pm Bell Ringing Cople Church
Wednesday 2nd
7:30pm to 10:00pm Carpet Bowls Village Hall
7:30pm Annual Parish Church Council Meeting. (APCM)
Cople Church
Thursday 3rd (Green Bin)
10:00am to 11:30 Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
Friday 4th
10:00am Yoga Class Village Hall
6th 11:15am Family Service
13th 09:00am 09:45am 6:00pm
Holy Communion BCP Bishop Richard Sunday School Songs of Praise Bishop Richard
18th Good Friday
10:00am Family Service
20th Easter Sunday
09:45am 11:15am
Sunday School Sung Communion.
27th 09:45am 11:00am
Sunday School Benefice Service
Church Services at Cople All Saints
B. W. Taylor Plumbing Roofing and all Building
Maintenance
From “Complete Bathrooms and Kitchens” including tiling and plastering through to “Ball Valves and “Garden Taps”
No Job too small Local Reliable service at Reasonable Rates
References Supplied if Required
Telephone: Barrie Taylor 01234 - 838 676 Mobile 07979 - 928 186
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Monday 7th
11:00am Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
2:00pm Mothers Union 87 Willington Rd
Tuesday 8th
10:00am to 12:00 Coffee morning Village Hall
7:30pm Bell Ringing Cople Church
7:30pm Tuesday Club Higgins Museum Tom Perrett Head of Collections and Exihibitions Everyone welcome entrance £3
Village Hall
Wednesday 9th
7:30pm to 10:00 Carpet Bowls Village Hall
Thursday 10th (Orange Bin)
10:00am to 11:30 Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
7:30pm Church Fete Planning Meeting Cople Church
Friday 11th
10:00am Yoga Class Village Hall
Saturday 12th
7:00pm Quiz Night Cople Church
Nearly New Centre
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm & Saturday 10am to 1pm
At Sue Ryder Palliative Care Home St. John’s Moggerhanger
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Monday 21st Easter Monday
Tuesday 22nd
10:00am to 12:00 Coffee morning Village Hall
7:30pm Bell Ringing Cople Church
Wednesday 23rd
7:30pm to 10:00 Carpet Bowls Village Hall
Thursday 24th (Orange Bin)
10:00am to 11:30 Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
Friday 25th
10:00am Yoga Class Village Hall
Monday 14th
11:00am Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
12:30pm Luncheon Club Cople Church
7:00pm Benefice Choir Cople Church
7:30pm Music and Meditation Moggerhanger
Tuesday 15th
2:30pm Over 60s Club Sports and Social
7:00pm Music and Meditation Willington Church
7:30pm Bell Ringing Cople Church
Wednesday 16th
7:00pm Music and Meditation Cople Church
7:30pm to 10:00 Carpet Bowls Village Hall
Thursday 17th (Green Bin)
10:00am to 11:30 Baby and Toddler Group Village Hall
7:00pm Agape supper Willington
Friday 18th Good Friday
10:00am Yoga Class Village Hall
2:00pm The Last Hour Service Willington Church
2:00pm Childrens’ Service Moggerhanger
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Monday 28th
11:00am Tiny tots sing along Cople Church
6:15pm Junior Choir Cople Church
Tuesday 29th
10:00am to 12:00 Coffee morning Village Hall
2:30pm Over 60s Club Sports and Social
7:30pm Bell Ringing Cople Church
Wednesday 30th
7:30pm to 10:00 Carpet Bowls Village Hall
Cople News
Editor : Ged Peeke 39 Willington Road, Cople, Beds, MK44 3TH
Tel 01234 838379 Email: [email protected]
Deadline for copy and advertising 15th of every month
Advertising Rates Annual Charges. Full Page £96. Half Page £48
Delivered free to every home in Cople every month Circulation 370 copies
Annual Village Litter Pick
On the 8th March 13 Cople residents came out for our annual Litter Pick. We collected the usual assortment of rubbish around the Parish and managed to fill 25 bags.
The school’s RotaKids Club also helped with collecting on the previous Thursday and they managed to fill 5 bags. They reported: “We spent forty minutes on the Litter Pick along Willington Road. There was a lot of rubbish. Some of the things were cigarette paper (lots of it), cans, sweet wrappers, tissues (also lots of them), crisp packets and plastic bottles. Most of the rubbish was in the hedges and ditches.”
Many thanks to all who helped tidy up our village David Whitehead
Mobile Library for April
Wednesday 9th and 23rd
10:00 to 10:20am All Saints Road 10:25 to 10:45am Water End 10:50 to 11:10am Outside Five Bells
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Cople Parish Council
The Parish Council met on 17th March 2014 as part of it’s normal programme of bi-monthly meetings.
Immediately prior to this meeting the Annual Parish meeting took place, this is where the various other organisations within the village report back to the Council on what has been happening over the previous 12 months.
As part of the public part of the Parish Council meeting representatives from Bedford Girls School gave a presentation regarding their plans for the land adjacent to Grange Farm, off of Grange Lane. By the time you are reading this article you should already have received a copy of their letter to all residents giving details of their proposals for playing fields etc and hopefully you will have attended their consultation/presentations in order to gain more information. Once a planning application is submitted by the Girls School in respect of this land it will be fully discussed at the appropriate Parish Council meeting – residents are encouraged to attend if they wish to share their views on this.
Councillor Stephen Moon provided an update on details from the Borough Council .
Mike Vacher provided an update on Neighbourhood Watch, although there was nothing really to report back on this. We currently do not have a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for the village, so if anyone is interested in taking this role on please contact the parish council. Crime statistics have been provided by the police, the main issue appears to be speeding motorists, with a small amount of theft. It should also be noted that there appears to have been a recent increase in the amount of fly tipping around the village, if you happen to see anyone doing this please report it to both the police and the Borough Council, Highways department. The Parish Council have approached the Police with regard to gathering data around the issue of speeding through the village and the police will be installing monitoring equipment to provide data on the amount of traffic and numbers of vehicles exceeding the speed limit. Once this data is received by the Parish Council further consideration can be given regarding the installation of traffic calming measures in the appropriate problem areas.
A litter pick took place on Saturday 8th March, David Whitehead reported that this was very successful, with a total of 25 bags of rubbish being collected. Thanks go to all those that helped with this. The Parish Council are still in discussion with the Village Trust regarding refurbishment of the play area at the Village Hall.
As previously mentioned in last months article the parish council are exploring the options for taking over the management of the Millennium Wood in Water End. A meeting took place recently to ascertain the views of residents particularly those willing to volunteer to help with the management, this meeting was extremely successful with in excess of 20 people attending and volunteering their services. A steering group has been set up with Steve Halton taking the lead, he will be taking this forward on behalf of the Parish Council, so watch this space for further details.
The Grass cutting contract in respect of the Churchyard & other areas is due for renewal, several quotes had been received was decided to award the contract to Lawnlord.
There is currently a flood risk consultation being carried out by the Borough Council, more information can be found on the Bedford Borough Council website.
Full minutes of this meeting can be found on the Cople website along with contact details for the Parish Council if you have any issues or concerns that you wish us to take forward for you. The next meeting will take place on Monday 19th May 2014, starting at 7.30pm – members of the public are welcome to attend.
Lesley Cole On behalf of Cople Parish Council
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Gardening tasks for April It’s warming up and that means the garden is waking up! In actual fact, some plants have already got up and left but for those that remain, this month can be the first of many busy days spent in the garden. Any daffodils that have finished flowering, simply deadhead and leave in place for three or four weeks for all the nourishment to drain back down the stems and into the bulb ready for next year. If you have not already done it, prune roses. As usual, start with the three d’s, that is, with a sharp pair of secateurs, cut out the dead, the diseased and the damaged then, remove all stems that cross and touch each other as this can create a wound and then, prune whatever growth remains by two thirds and to an outward facing bud if possible. And the cut should always slope, so as to prevent moisture sitting on top. A thick mulch of organic matter around the base will put the plant in fine fettle and I also like to mix in a little rose feed at this time. Like many gardeners, Top Rose is what I use and be sure to follow the pack’s directions.. Similarly, if you have perennial plants in permanent containers, now is a good time to top dress them. Using a trowel, remove around the top 5cms of compost taking care not to damage any roots. This can be added to the compost heap. Then, mix up a small amount of appropriate slow release fertilizer, Blood Fish and Bone is what I use with some compost, add to the top of the pot and water in. Simple! For those of you who are familiar with the erstwhile radio programme ‘Beyond Our Ken’, the advice of Arthur Fallowfield (not to be confused with Syd Rumpo) is particularly sage: ‘the answer lies with the soil’. One doesn’t need to mimic the distinctive sound of Kenneth Williams but bearing these words in mind will help your plants prosper! In actual fact, the most enthusiastic gardeners I have ever known have displayed more excitement about their soil and compost heaps than they have their blooms! Other jobs this month include cutting back the stems of any late flowering Rudbeckias and arguably the job that makes the greatest instant impact of any, cut the lawn. Although, I would advise you to lift the height of cut and best not to do it before a frost. The answer to last month’s just for fun question is, tea comes from camellia sinensis. What are the botanical names for the plants known as Granny Bonnets? As usual, please contact me with any gardening tasks or queries you may have, [email protected] or tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855. Lawn Doctor
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Lawn Doctor Garden Services Clearance, Redesign, Maintenance
Tel: 01767 627 581 or 07796 328 855
Email: [email protected]
Tree Care, Planting, Weeding, Hedge Trimming, Turfing, Jungle Clearing, Landscaping,
Lawn Improvement, Patio/Drive Pressure Washing/Weedkilling, Holiday Watering etc., etc.
Qualified
3 x City & Guilds Qualified & Widely Experienced – References Available Upon
Request
‘Lawn Doctor deserve a medal. They are worth their weight in gold and I,
without doubt, will be using them in the future. A true gem.
Thank you Lawn Doctor, you have given me my garden back’, Ms N.Patadia, Mill Hill
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B. WELLS PLUMBING &
HEATING LTD
01234 831314 [email protected]
www.barrywells-plumbing.co.uk
"professional by choice, helpful by nature, knowledgeable by
experience"
All plumbing and heating works carried out to
very high standards
We specialise in the design and installation of
new or replacement Oil and gas boilers
and heating systems
LPG registered installations
All renewable energy systems installed including solar thermal and pv panels
Heat pumps and rain water harvesting
Bathroom design and installation
5 and 7 year parts and labour guarantees on certain boilers
Service and maintenance contracts
Minor building works
From ballvalve to bathroom, radiator to boiler we have the experience, knowledge and expertise to meet all
your requirements.
Contact Barry on 07831 377351
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Need a Handyman?
Can your man? thismancan.co.uk
Dave Crawford
Handyman /Property Maintenance in Bedford and local villages. Contact me for a free no obligation quote.
Over 25 years experience of Handyman work and Property Renovation.
Fully insured (details on website)
Dave Crawford tackles most jobs from changing a tap washer to jobs that fall short of the remit of a full blown Builder,
Plumber or Electrician.
07981 881688 [email protected] or check the website for further
information: www.thismancan.co.uk
Rejuvinating Hatha Yoga classes which include creative flowing sequences, in-depth posture work
and space for reflection and relaxation
Sundays 10 – 11.15 a.m. Cardington Village Hall, Southill Road, Cardington
ALSO Monday and Wednesday evenings and Friday mornings in Bedford
£6/class (£5 conc)
Contact: Jen
Tel: 01234 210970
Text/phone: 07849 158 850
YOGA
CHIMNEY SWEEP JULIAN BIGGS
Member of the Institute of Chimney Sweeps.
Fully qualified and insured. All types of chimneys swept
Brush and vacuum. Clean and tidy service
Chimney Safety Certificate. Local, professional and reliable
Competitive rates.
Tel: 01767 627591 / 07950 705479
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Tracy Herrick 76 Willington Rd. Cople 01234 831079
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HOLISTIC THERAPIST & BODY WORKER
Suzanne Edgington CNM (Dip), L.C.M. Dip, AOSM Dip, B.S.Y.A.( Ad.Arom), L.C.M.IH Dip, LSSM (Dip), CTLLS,
CST II, SERI,SERII
SPORTS MASSAGE CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY,
ACUPUNCTURE, NUTRITION, and More…
For Acute & Chronic conditions:
Muscular problems, Injuries, Stress, Headaches, Anxiety etc.
Individually tailored treatments Helping you to move on and live life!
01234 870 236 / 07802 864 275
Email: [email protected] www.suzanneedgington.co.uk
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C.R.WILKINSON & SON
PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEON
ESTABLISHED OVER 12 YEARS
FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED
FELLING HEDGE TRIMMING
CROWN REDUCTIONS STUMP REMOVAL
DEAD WOODING WOODCHIP AVAILABLE
THINNING LOGS AVAILABLE
ALL EMERGENCY WORK CARRIED OUT
CHURCH END NURSERIES, WILLINGTON, BEDS. MK443PX
PLEASE CONTACTJAMES ON
LANDLINE 01234 838274
MOBILE 07773 077042
EMAIL: [email protected]
FREE QUOTATION
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Willingtots Pre-school Peace Memorial Hall
Church Road Willington
Telephone 07972 148085
E-mail [email protected] Website www.willingtots.co.uk
Fundraising www.buy.at/willingtots
Sessional care for children aged 2 to school age during term time
FREE PLACES for eligible 3 and 4 yr olds
09.15-12.15 Monday to Friday (£9.00)
Lunch Club daily 12.15-13.15 (£3.00)
Registered Charity No. 1035672 Member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance and registered with OFSTED
“We are totally committed to safeguarding children”
37, Ridge Road Kempston, Beds MK43 9BS
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Cople Baby & Toddler Group
Has opened its doors again
Every Thursday (Inclusive of school holidays)
10.00am-11.30am At the Cople Village Hall (off Grange Lane)
First session free, £2 per family thereafter Adults with one child under 7 months £1
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Sally’s Tax Corner Spring has sprung the daffs are out and at last the rain seems to have stopped. Lighter evenings and more daylight – you can’t help but put a smile on your face. A new tax year has started again as well, every year it seems to come round quicker and quicker, is that an age thing? Phah – it cant be….
This month I am going to talk to those of you are self employed as sole traders, who have been considered trading through a limited company there are various things to consider.
When you are a sole trader (ST), there is no separation between you and your business, you don’t even have to have a separate business account (although it is a good idea to!). Therefore if you are entering into contracts, loans or hire purchase agreements as an ST then if you default on payments, or get sued, then you will be personally liable. Also as a sole trader you will pay income tax and class 4 national insurance on your business profits - if you’re a basic rate tax payer then that is 20% tax and 9% class 4 NI – ouch 29%!! ST accounts are private though and not published anywhere, so there is less paperwork and more privacy for a ST.
When you are profitable as a sole trader then it is tax efficient to look at trading through a limited company. Then you can avoid income tax (subject to your level of income) and pay corporation tax instead – corporation tax is payable by your company and the smaller company rate is 20% with no national insurance being due.
When you are a limited company there are a few more paperwork hoops to jump through – you will need a separate bank account as the limited company is a separate legal entity to you. Therefore contracts, loans and HP agreements in the companies name will be separate liability to you personally. Limited companies have to publish their accounts annually and an annual return to companies house but the information that is published is reasonably limited, its only the company balance sheet for a small company with no profit and loss detail. Trading through a limited company is not right for everyone though so there are lots of factors to consider not just the tax saving. Do get in touch if you would like to discuss further. Tax fact
Corporation tax rates for Mar 14
Company profits Rate First £300,000 20% Next £1,200,000 23.75% Over £1,500,000 23%
I hope you find this helpful this month, please do get in touch with any questions.
Sally Cobban FCCA SJ Tax Limited
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SJ TAX & ACCOUNTING
Professional Friendly Free initial consultation.
Sole traders, Ltd companies, Start ups, CIS, VAT, TAX
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01234 831997
Mob: 07899 808592
QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANT
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Village Hall Bookings: David Reardon 01234 838987
Over 60's Club Secretary : Hazel Shreeves Tel : 838817
Mothers Union Contact: Jill Ebbs Tel : 838659
Cople Lower School Headteacher : Helen Johnson Tel : 838827
Cople Village Trust Chair : Sandra Thacker Tel : 831344
Royal British Legion Chair: Max McMurdo Tel: 01767 680624 Welfare: David Hansen Tel : 01767 226020
Police PC Paul Jones Riseley Police Station Tel : 01234 - 842864
Carpet Bowls Secretary : Pauline Baynes Tel : 838102
Willingtots Pre-School Group Tel: 07972– 148085
Before & After School Club At Cople Lower School Tel: 07592 - 012249
Brownies (Willington) Amanda Briscoe, Tel: 07504 299994
Beavers, Cubs & Scouts Contact Emma Whiterod Tel: 07908 167356
Friends of Cople Church Chair: Vaughan Southgate Tel: 838714
Cople Sports & Social Club Chair: David Hughes Tel : 838669
Tuesday Club Joy Duthie Tel : 838407
Cricket Cople Argus Cricket Club Chris Gregory 01234 838396
Biggleswade Chronicle Village Correspondent: Jill Ebbs Tel: 838659
Cople Web Site Ian Whiting Tel : 838347 Email: [email protected] Web Site :www.cople.org.uk
Cople Baby and Toddler Contact Kylie Dougall Tel: 01234 740745 07999 257165
Just Ask Wendy Worgan 0800 039 1234
Cople Parish Council Clerk to the Council: Jeanne Pope 42 Wingfield Road, Bromham, Beds. MK43 8JY Tel: 01234 823 297 [email protected]
Yoga Classes Freda 01767 627611
Pilates Classes Julie Crawford www.forwardfitness.co.uk Mobile 0794 6067266
Village Contacts
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GroundcareMachinery Services Limited
Water End, COPLE, Bedford
Suppliers of Leading Brand Names
in Domestic & Professional
powered garden machinery
at BIG DISCOUNTS
with full service back up
Petrol, Diesel, Electric, Battery
Allen, Atco, Billy Goat, Countax, Eliet,
Flymo, Hayter, Honda, Klippo, Lawnflite,
MTD, Mountfield, Robin, Ryobi, Stihl,Viking, Westwood, Yardman, etc
For details of Products and
Savings visit our website
www.groundcare.biz
Tel: 01234 831123
sales + service + spares + repairs
www.groundcarebedford.co.uk
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Friends Of Cople Lower School
Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Colouring Competition
Friday 4th April
Cople Village Hall Playing Field
2-3:30pm
£2.50 per child For more information and tickets please contact
Cindy 01234 831 091 or Liz 07545 911 615
Tickets must be purchased by Friday 28th March, and
payment made at time of reservation. Parents need to
remain with their children during the event. Colouring
sheets to be returned by 2pm on the day of the hunt for
entry into the competition. Each child who participates
will get a chocolate egg and there will be a prize for the
top collector in each year group. Bring Wellies and
umbrella if the day is wet. Hot drinks and cakes will be
available for purchase.