November 2008

Medieval Banquet - eat, drink and be merry

It became very clear on the evening of Saturday, November 8th that there is a basic instinct in grown people to dress up and lose themselves in a different identity. Anyone out and about in the vicinity of the church at about 7 o’clock may well have blinked and then pinched themselves to ensure that what they were seeing was real.

A plethora of folk in mediaeval costume – from lords and ladies in feathered hats and bright, jewel-coloured costumes, to knights in armour, to serving wenches in mob-caps and even an archer complete with long-bow – participated in a night of feasting and merry-making in a church that had been transformed by banners, candle-light and long trestle arrangements to render it almost unrecognisable.

Word has it that the vicar stooped to skulduggery for her costume in depriving some poor soul in Mogerhanger of her curtains. Others were pinned, stitched or sellotaped into their outfits, whilst others looked as if they had stepped right out of a history book. Everyone looked amazingly authentic and very comfortable in their attire.

Our own Jim Moore, fetchingly dressed in green and yellow as a jester, took command – or tried to – aided and abetted by a young girl from Ravensden. Music was provided by Phylla, Graham and Jill Ebbs and James Murdoch was called on to announce the arrival of each course of the banquet with a fanfare.

We congratulate and thank them all for the huge contribution they made to the success of the event. The committee yet again came up trumps – there was a lot to organise but the efforts paid off and meant that everything ran smoothly on the night. All the guests entered into the spirit of the evening with gay abandon and there was even dancing in the aisle for those who could get out of their seat.

A thoroughly good time was had by all and the photographs give something of the flavour of the occasion.

Future Events

We welcome everyone to our annual concert ‘Celebration of Christmas’ on the evening of December 18th at 7.30 p.m. in the Church. The customary fare of music and poetry, with carols in which you can join, and mulled wine and mince pies in the interval, will get you into the festive spirit. Come early to get a comfortable seat – we look forward to heralding in the Christmas season in the company of our many friends and supporters.

Another annual event, the ‘Safari Supper’, will take place in the village on Saturday, January 31st. Some very enthusiastic people have already shown their willingness to participate by offering to do a starter or main course, so this has spurred us into action and we appeal to anybody who is able to help in this respect to contact us as soon as possible. Please ring 838714 or mention it to any of our committee and someone will get back to you in due course. For those who are new to the village or have not been to this event in the past, this is a great way of getting to know people. Tickets will be available in December.

A very merry Christmas to you all and best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

Vaughan Southgate

 

October 2008

Medieval Banquet
Preparations are currently underway for our first ever Medieval Banquet and a report will appear in the December issue.

The Celebration of Christmas
Please note that the concert, The Celebration of Christmas, will take place on December 18th; no tickets are issued for this event, but there will be a retiring collection which will be donated to the PCC.

Chairs and Roof
Funds have been used recently to purchase an additional ten chairs for the church and for the repair of a leaking roof.

Safari Supper
Looking ahead, please note that the Safari Supper will be taking place on Saturday 31st January. If you feel able to act as host for either a starter or main course please make contact on 838714, 838467, 638683 or 838763. Once we know the number of people willing to fulfil these vital roles, we can issue an appropriate number of tickets. As usual all cooks will work within a budget and will be subsequently reimbursed for their expenses. This proves to be an extremely popular event and the numbers taking part have increased significantly over the years. The December newsletter will give fuller details of the event, but in the meantime it would be wonderful to hear from potential hosts.

Vaughan Southgate

 

September 2008

Breakfast
The weather on the morning of the Champagne Breakfast was more than a little moist but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the hardy band of participants. With the tent up and providing much-needed cover - and decorated as never before by courtesy of Joy and Andrew Duthie - everyone, fortified by a glass or two of champagne, was in fine form and made short work of a hearty breakfast. The photographs give a hint of the lively atmosphere.

A successful raffle raised £230, contributing to an overall profit of £654. We owe thanks yet again to all those who contributed in some way to the success of the occasion; the cooks, the waiters, those who kindly donated raffle prizes, but most of all to John and Sheila Bradbury, for allowing an invasion of their house and garden.

Medieval Banquet
We are now looking forward to the Mediaeval Banquet on November 8th . Tickets, sold on a first come - first served basis, have now sold out and names are being put on a reserve list. We are promised a lively evening of music, fun and revelry. Do dress up -although not a prerequisite, some item of mediaeval costume will help to get us into the spirit of the occasion.

Celebration
The Celebration of Christmas takes place on December 18th; no tickets are issued for this event, but there will be a retiring collection which will be donated to the PCC.

Vaughan Southgate

 

August 2008

Barn Dance
Although the evening of the Barn Dance on July 19th was dry and sunny, a keen wind dictated that frenetic activity on the ‘dance floor’ was essential if one was to keep warm. However, thanks to Kelly’s Eye, and the clear instructions of the caller, no-one needed any enticement to join in and every dance was enjoyed by record numbers. We did notice that the usual audience of bemused hens was missing and we can only assume that the noise levels and wild cavorting had driven them to seek cover.

Once again we are indebted to Paul and Heather Walsh for the loan of their lovely barns and for the warm welcome they extended to everyone. For an event such as this we are dependent on good teamwork and the committee came up trumps; whether it was clearing and cleaning the barns on the Saturday morning, stocking and manning the bar, providing salads and desserts, or carving and serving the pork, everything was cheerfully and efficiently carried out. The pork, purchased from the local farm shop in Cardington and cooked by Paul, was tender and tasty. If the number who came up for seconds, or even thirds, is anything to go by, it was much appreciated by all. Thanks go, too, to those who so kindly donated raffle prizes – and to those who bought tickets. Our net profit of £1516 is handsome indeed and puts us in a good position to fund essential maintenance should the quinquennial review highlight any problems in the fabric of our church.

Champagne Breakfast
Ever hopeful that the weather will be kind to us, we look forward to our next event, The Champagne Breakfast, due to take place at Conifers, 22 Woodlands Close on Sunday, Aug 31st at 9.30 a.m. Tickets at £10 and £5 for children are on sale at all the usual outlets and we look forward to seeing many of our friends for a glass of champagne, a delicious cooked breakfast, a good look at the Sunday Newspapers, a game of croquet, maybe…..or just relaxation in John and Sheila’s lovely garden.

Medieval Banquet
The Medieval Banquet on Saturday November 8th will take place in All Saint’s Church. The number of tickets is limited and will be sold on a ‘first come first served’ basis at £15 a head and will be available from September 1st. It is hoped that participants will enter into the spirit of the evening and come suitably attired. Mead will be served on arrival at the church, jugs of beer and goblets of wine will also be available to accompany a sumptuous banquet, while we are entertained by strolling players…..or the like.

Tickets
For tickets to our events telephone any of the numbers 838683, 838714, 838763, 838467 or contact any member of the committee.

Vaughan Southgate

 

July/August 2008

Barn Dance
If the sale of tickets is anything to go by, the change of date of the annual Barn Dance has in no way diminished the enthusiasm of the participants. It is a complete sell out and we look forward to a riotous evening. A full report of this event will appear in the September Parish Magazine.

Champagne Breakfast
The event following the Barn Dance will be a Champagne Breakfast on Sunday, August 31st at Conifers, 22 Woodlands Close, thanks to the kindness of John and Sheila Bradbury.

From 9.30am through to midday, there will be an opportunity to peruse a wide array of newspapers, to engage in an energetic game of croquet, try your hand at boules, or simply catch up on all the gossip with friends. A really excellent English breakfast, cooked to order, will be served en plein air in the charming surroundings of the Bradburys’ garden. Children will be most welcome to join their parents, or indeed grandparents and friends. The marquee will be erected to provide cover in case of inclement weather. Tickets at £10 and £5 for children are now available from all the usual sources (838714, 838467, 838763, 838683).

Medieval Banquet
Looking even further ahead a Medieval Banquet is being planned for Saturday November 8th in All Saints’ Church, Cople. This will be a very special evening and it is hoped that participants, should they so wish, enter into the spirit of things by dressing in ‘suitable’ costume. There will be entertainment and a sumptuous supper at the cost of £15 a head. Tickets will be available after the Champagne Breakfast. More details will appear in the September and October editions of the Parish Magazine.

I wish everyone a very pleasant summer holiday.

Vaughan Southgate

 

July 2008

After a week of indifferent or even squally weather, the day of the barbecue dawned with glorious sunshine and cloudless blue skies and the good folk of Cople and their friends took full advantage of it, shorts and panamas being the outfits of choice. Summerhill Farm Shop turned up trumps with delectable new season’s lamb and succulent sausages, and our chefs cooked them to perfection. As always, there was an array of delicious salads and scrumptious desserts; wine and beer from Potton brewery ensured that liquid refreshment was in plentiful supply, and music from Saxophrenia fed the soul.

We are indebted to Brian and Judith Howard for the loan of their lovely garden, and indeed to our indefatigable team for their sterling efforts. Our thanks go as well to all those generous people who gave prizes for the raffle, which made a handsome contribution towards the overall profit of £787.

Our next event is the Barn Dance and Hog Roast at Oak Farm, Moxhill on the evening of July 19th. Kelly’s Eye will again be providing the music and there will be a licensed bar. This is one of our most popular events and tickets are fast disappearing. For those who have recently moved into the village, this is a marvellous way of meeting new people and the lovely old barn with its feathered inmates provides a superb setting for this energetic event.

A champagne breakfast will take place in the garden of Conifers, in Woodlands Close on Sunday, August 31st. Tickets at £10 (£5 for children) will be available after the Barn Dance.

The Friends will soon be donating £3,000 towards the new stone floor which is in the process of being installed at the rear of the church.

Vaughan Southgate

May 2008 update

Following my previous May report, I am delighted to be able to tell you that the Wine Tasting made a profit of £1,074.61. This is a splendid result – and our thanks again go to all who played a part.

On Sunday June 8th, at 12.30 p.m. we will be holding the Summer Barbecue on the front lawn of Glebe House. As I write we are experiencing mid-summer weather in early May, so I keep fingers firmly crossed for more of the same in early June. We plan, however, to have a good time whatever the weather - the marquee will be up, the chefs will be exercising their culinary skills on the barbecue and the ladies of the committee will be tickling our palates by way of delectable salads and desserts. As usual there will be a bar with draught beer, wine and soft drinks. Tickets are now available at £12.50 a head (£5 for school age children) and can be purchased from Sheila Bradbury, Pippa Hawker, Judith Howard or Marilyn Southgate. (see events)

Looking further ahead, the Barn Dance & Hog Roast is on July 19th and once again will be at Oak Farm, Moxhill. Do please make a note of the date as it is earlier than usual to avoid a clash with Paul’s harvesting activities (see events)

Vaughan Southgate

May 2008

Our most recent fund-raising event, a wine-tasting, proved to be a great success, in terms of fun and the funds raised. Well over 80 people attended to taste the ten wines selected by Nick Hawker, 5 from northern Europe and 5 from the Mediterranean. Nick devised a light hearted competition, with ten teams in contention. Judging by the level of noise, there were lively arguments on every table as to the provenance of each of the wines sampled. A tie-breaker question was necessary to divide the two tables which tied for first place! Charlie Porter received the prize for the ‘best’ description of a wine, and I do not think it would have pleased the retailer!!

A delicious supper, following the theme of the wines and cooked by the ladies of the committee, was enjoyed by all. We are indebted to Nick for master minding the evening, to all the cooks, and to everyone who so generously donated raffle prizes. The raffle raised £233, and details of the overall profit will be published in the June issue of the Parish Magazine.

We look forward to seeing all our regular supporters at forthcoming events, but there is always a warm welcome for newcomers.

Vaughan Southgate

February 2008

Once again the Safari Supper livened up what can sometimes be a flat, post-Christmas period. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants and sincere thanks go to all those people who opened up their houses. In addition, thanks must go to those who provided delicious puddings, to those who so generously donated raffle prizes, but also to Sheila, whose attention to detail ensured that no-one got lost, and to Nick, our own ‘Master of Wine’, who did a sterling job in selecting and distributing the wines for the supper. The overall profit on the evening was £1,037, the raffle having contributed £188.00.

The Friends are pleased that some £10,000 of the funds they have raised have helped to make the dream of an extension a reality and look forward to seeing those who have supported them so loyally at the official opening on Sunday March 9th at 4 p.m...

A further sum of £3,000 has been pledged for work at the rear of the Church, where the floor is to be flattened and the font moved. Upon completion, the Friends will be able to make full use of an extended area as a venue for some of their future events.

Vaughan Southgate

January 2008 update

The annual concert in the church to celebrate Christmas was an eclectic mix of the old and familiar, the hauntingly beautiful, the bewitchingly new …… and the traditionally raucous…..and it was evident from the outset that the congregation intended to herald in the festive season in truly magnificent style.

Lit only by candlelight at the start, the church was packed to overflowing with not only our own Cople people but also staunch supporters from Bedford, Willington, Great Barford and Blunham.

With Jill Ebbs at the helm, the junior and senior choirs sang some lovely carols, and the audience too played their part in singing with great vigour and maintaining the tempo throughout the evening, helped no doubt by the intake of mulled wine during the interval!.

The programme of carols was interspersed with instrumental items, readings, and sketches, and what a lot of budding talent there is in our small village.

Our thanks go to every one of the performers, to all those who provided and served the mulled wine and mince pies, but also to a wonderful congregation who not only entered into the spirit of the evening with great gusto, but showed their appreciation by contributing so generously to the retiring collection. A sum of £360 was donated which, with gift aid, will realise a total of £420, thus emphasising the importance of claiming tax back from the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The Safari Supper will take place January 19th; all the tickets have been sold and we look forward to an entertaining evening. Our sincere thanks go to all of those families in the village who are opening up their houses and preparing courses. This particular event always provides a wonderful opportunity to meet other villagers in convivial surroundings.

Please mark the following dates in your diary for 2008: April 12th for a Wine-tasting, June 8th for a Barbecue , July 19th for the Barn Dance, August 31st for a Champagne Breakfast, and October 25th for a Mediaeval Banquet. The date for this year’s Christmas Concert has yet to be confirmed.

The Friends are delighted with the progress being made on the extension to the Church and look forward to the official opening on March 9th.

Vaughan Southgate

January 2008

The quiz night in November proved to be a great success in terms of the amount of knowledge ‘teased out’ of the eleven participating teams and the funds raised for the church. Held in the village hall, it generated lively competition throughout the evening with a lot of discussion and argument, and I am pleased to report that it was all very good-natured!

We are indebted to Mary for her wizardry on the computer, keeping us up to date with the scores and thus enabling teams to rejoice in their progress or commiserate over lack of it. Whether they celebrated or sought solace in alcohol, they contributed handsomely to the bar profit. Our thanks go once again to Nick for setting up the bar, and to David and Jim for keeping pace with the steady demand for liquid refreshment.

The two winning teams were rewarded for their efforts, and the team that propped up the bottom left clutching the customary, but useful, wooden spoons – just in time for ‘stir-up’ Sunday and the Christmas Pudding.

Delicious cottage pie and scrumptious desserts were served in the interval; not only were there ‘seconds’, but ‘thirds’ too for those whose expenditure of brainpower had left them hungry! We are very grateful to all the cooks, who once again, managed to feed us so royally.

The event raised well over £1100, £250 of which came from the raffle and we are indebted to all those who so generously donated prizes. Funds have been diverted recently towards the repair of a leaking roof, the replacement of bell ropes, and the first instalment of a promised £10,000 donation towards the new extension. I am delighted to see that the building is now very much in progress.

Arrangements for the concert ‘A Celebration of Christmas’ are well underway and we look forward to packing in as many as the church will take to participate in this annual event on the evening of Dec 20th .

In the New Year, on January 19th, the well-loved Safari Supper will be taking place and tickets are now being sold at a cost of £12.50 per head. This event grows year by year as more and more households throw open their doors. If you would like to ‘host’ either a first or main course, please make yourself known to one of the committee, who will be delighted to include you. All chefs work within a budget and will be reimbursed after the event. For further details or tickets please contact either Marilyn, Judith, Pippa or Sheila.

Naturally, the number of tickets is limited as it relates directly to the number of participating houses, so do act promptly if you want to join in the fun. Last year there were eighty people wandering around the village; nobody got lost and all were well-fed in jocular company. It is a very good way to get to know your neighbours!

On behalf of the Friends of Cople Church, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and to say how much we all look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones in 2008.

Vaughan Southgate