Previous Newsletters
May 2010
The recent race night in Cople Village Hall proved to be great fun. Thanks go to Mary
and David Whitehead for supplying the horses, marking out the track, and for running the
tote. Each race, apart from the last one, had a sponsor and thanks go to all sponsors
who so generously supported the event, to Andrew Duthie who auctioned the horses for
the last race and to those who so freely entered the bidding. Claire Boardman was
successful in getting the best runner. She very generously donated part of her winnings
to the charity. We are indebted to our cooks who, as always, provided fine cuisine, to
John Bayliss who kept everyone supplied with liquid refreshment and to everyone who
helped on the evening. The event generated a worthwhile sum of £625.
A Hog Roast and Barn Dance will be hosted by Paul and Heather Walsh at Oak Farm on
Saturday July 10th, and the profit for this event will be donated to St John’s Hospice,
Moggerhanger. Kelly’s Eye will be providing the music as usual and there will be a bar to
provide beer, wine and soft drinks. This is not a Friends of Cople Church event as such,
but members of our committee will lend their help and it is hoped that our loyal band of
supporters will be there again this year to make the event go with its usual swing.
Heather’s mother died in St John’s last year and Paul and Heather are keen to hold a
Barn Dance to support the work done by this very special place. Tickets at £12.50 a
head are now available on 01767 627233 or 01234 838714.
The Friends will be holding a barbecue later in the summer. More details to follow.
Vaughan Southgate
February 2010
There was a record turnout for the Safari Supper in the village at the end of
January. The Church provided an excellent venue for the start and finish of the
evening and 18 generous people opened up their homes and provided delicious
fare for the intervening courses.
Producing a meal for 8-10 people when the chef is wandering about the village
takes a bit of juggling, but somehow the evening never fails, and it is a good way of
meeting new folk and old friends.
Our sincere thanks go to all the hosts, to those who contributed to the vast array of
desserts, and to the many people in the village who donated splendid raffle prizes.
I am not sure of the exact figures but it is likely that the profit for the evening was in
the region of £900-£1,000: I will report the sum when the figures become available.
Vaughan Southgate
January 2010
The Church was completely full, despite the snowfall, for the Celebration of
Christmas on December 21st. Thanks go to everyone who took part: readers,
singers, instrumentalists, and all those members of the committee who provided
mince pies and mulled wine. The retiring collection was just over £300, half of
which was donated to Bechar, a Charity which cares for the homeless in Bedford,
and half to the PCC for Church funds.
At the time of writing the snow has disappeared and it has become considerably
warmer. This could just mean that progress around the village for the 70 people
booked in for the Safari Supper at the end of the month might be a bit easier – we
hold our breath.
Looking further ahead we will be having a Race Night in the Village Hall on March
20th, so do make a note of that in your diary.
With all best wishes for a Happy New Year.
Vaughan Southgate
Friends of Cople Church fund raising
