MeridenMag Summer 2010

Andrew

Well Done Andrew!

aged 10 has worked very

for scouts of his age. He was

the highest

with

in May

Solihull Police have thanked Meriden residents for their patience and co-operation as consultation continues over the disputed travellers' site off Eaves Green Lane. Meriden Sector Inspector Keith Portman said police officers would maintain a round-the-clock presence at the site to ensure order and minimise disruption. "We appreciate it has been an uncertain and stressful time," added Insp Portman, "and I'd like to thank everyone for their understanding and co-operation. "Although this is essentially a planning issue being overseen by the council we have a duty to ensure there are no breaches of the peace. We will facilitate peaceful protest but it must be remembered that, as everyone has a free right of passage, it is an offence to deliberately obstruct highways. "I'd urge anyone with any concerns, or who would like clarity on certain issues, to contact police officers on the ground or Solihull Police via 0 345 113 5000. Obviously it's vital any action is taken by the relevant authorities and not individual members of the public."

Wadley

hard to gain his Chief Scout Award which is

award

presented

his award

during an assembly at Meriden School by the District Commissioner Mick Judd and the Group Scout leader Gerry Russell.

On French day in year 4 we did some activities. They were making Mardi Gras masks, playing tic tac toe (which is noughts and crosses) boules, a café where we tried some French food. My favourite part was the café because I loved the food especially pain au chocolat. Georgia Parton

Meriden W.I meet the Mayor

A group of Meriden WI members had a guided tour of the Council Chambers in Coventry in April. They had an introductory talk by Lord Mayor Jack Harrison who was in his full regalia and they sat in the carved seats in the council chamber.

These had been carved in Warwickshire oak and depicted the wild life of the area.

Year 4 Meriden School held a French Day during the spring term. They tried French food – croissants, French cheese etc and designed and made Eiffel Towers

Meriden School

Dear Meriden Friends

As my final term as Head at Meriden School has arrived I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has contributed during my time here to the work and achievements of the school. Meriden Primary school has moved on tremendously in these years. Outwardly there have been many building improvements due to Government capital funding plus some careful planning! More importantly the staff team have worked very hard constantly to build our provision year on year.

Our provision is not just the curriculum we teach, but all the enrichment activities that go on, and the work for ‘extended schools’ reaching out to families and the village. As just one example, when I first came, only three children learnt a musical instrument. This year we enrolled 46- which did not include all Year 4 who now learn a brass instrument, or all year 2 and 3 who learn ocarina!

We are happy to announce the appointment of our new Head, Mrs Winkler who will introduce herself in the next issue, and a new Deputy, Mrs Rowe. We are also looking forward to welcoming Mr Wainwright back in September. Other staff news- Mrs Dorney had a lovely baby boy in April and called him William. I am not winding down- it is impossible in school, as so much is always going on! We will be having another busy summer with all the usual events plus some different exciting ones too! We have already had a visit from the PDSA who spoke to all the children about caring for pets and offered a free pet health check for dogs.

All classes have been involved in a ‘tennis day’, coached professionally and leading to planned tennis tournaments. Yesterday classes played cricket -again with a professional coach- and rain did not stop play! We held our own Mock election on 6th May, and discovered enthusiastic candidates in Year 5 who demonstrated the democratic process in action. All the juniors were involved in voting- I wonder if our result will matched the country’s

We had fun being Pirates for the day on 18th May to support Heart Research. The children enjoyed dressing up and learnt more about ‘treasuring their hearts’ with healthy living lessons. We also tried to fill a treasure chest with unwanted jewellery that the charity can recycle

After their hard work preparing for SATs Year 6 will be off on their residential visit to Red Ridge, where they will experience outdoor and adventurous activities such as potholing, climbing, and orienteering. Year 5 go on their residential trip to Dunfield House this term too. There they will learn songs, make scenery, play instruments, learn scripts and at the end of the week produce and perform to parents. New pupils to Nursery and Reception will be coming for their induction welcoming visits to meet staff and each other on 8th or 10th June. It is always an exciting time for children to join ‘big school’ and we look forward to meeting new parents on those dates too. Book fair comes on 21st June- the fair is open after school, so if you want to look for children’s books, then come along that week at 3.30pm.

Charity Week in July will provide the annual opportunity for pupils to put efforts into raising money in lots of activities to support others around the world and to learn more about Christian Aid. Our hardworking PTA are providing a ‘Mad Science’ workshop treat for the children as an end of term treat- ideal. They learn about Science and have fun at the same time! The PTA Fayre is on 9th July and we look forward to seeing you there!

The end of term will bring the usual cracking Junior production, Sports Day and end of year Assemblies and Service. It will go quickly I know, so it just remains for me to say goodbye and thank you for the many ways you may have been involved with Meriden school while I have been here, and for the contacts and support the village community has given me.

I wish you all much luck in the future, and take many happy memories with me from this lovely school.

Kind regards Jacky Smith

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS

Lay Reader Peter Wright 01676 522414 www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk Church Wardens Marian Theobald Tel 01676 523 475 Linda Barnett Tel 01676 523 277

Services are held every Sunday at 10.30 am

The restoration work has now started on the Tower, as you’ll have gathered from the impressive scaffolding and cladding in which it has been thoroughly cocooned for the past few weeks. It makes quite a sight, especially at night when Meriden’s parish church up ‘on the hill’ is lit up. Stonemasons are at work now, restoring the crumbling stonework and the structure; it’s painstaking but essential work, which will go on for a few months.

All services continue as normal during the work on the Tower.

Meanwhile funds of £115,000 are still needed for this vital work to make sure Meriden’s ancient and beautiful parish church can continue to be used and enjoyed by present and future generations. Donations are always welcome and can now be made online through the church website www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk as well as directly through the churchwardens or at church. Sales of the specially published book on the church’s beautiful and distinctive stained glass windows, “The Faith at the Heart of England” will also help as half of the proceeds from each £10 copy sold goes towards this essential work. Copies are on sale in church, or in the Centre Charity shop or the Library on the Green or by contacting the churchwardens direct.

The Church is also open for visiting every Sunday afternoon from now until late October. It’s open from noon until 6pm. If you would like to call in to visit the church then you are very welcome. Maybe while out walking or cycling, or out for a Sunday 'drive' in the area, or if you are just looking to spend a little reflective and refreshing time somewhere quiet and peaceful; whatever, we will look forward to seeing you; teas and coffees are provided. Also if you’d like to help in this please let me or the churchwardens know.

Volunteers invited. Speaking of help, there are always tasks your parish church really needs help with. If you could spare and offer some time, for example in looking after the churchyard or with church cleaning and polishing please do let me or the churchwardens know; all help is very welcome.

Enquiries for Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals Please contact the churchwardens.

If you’re perhaps thinking about baptism for your child or children, but are maybe not sure what’s involved (it’s sometimes called 'christening,' but there's no difference, these are two names for the same thing) we’ll be very pleased to discuss any interest or queries you may have at any time.

Meriden Church of England School. Finally, look out for details in the next issue of the ‘Mag’ and around the village of a special service that will take place in St. Laurence in September to Welcome and Commission Lucy Winkler as Head of School to which we are all very much looking forward.

Meanwhile, enjoy the summer; with every blessing. Peter Wright, Lay Reader

Hazel Hughes nee Goodfellow

Hazel died on 31st March aged 78 years in Solihull hospital. She moved to Meriden at the age of 6 years and lived the rest of her life here in Millisons Wood and Meriden. She had four children and was widowed at the early age of 46 years. She worked as a librarian and later at the Bull’s Head. She had suffered for many years with severe arthritis and the results of a stroke. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Ethel Mullin 1921 – 2010

The village was saddened by the death of Ethel Mullin, who with her husband, Cecil, who pre-deceased her, lived in the village for over 40 years. She worked for many years at the Bulls Head and later, as a horticultural assistant, at Hawkesmill Nursery. More recently, until ill health curtailed her activities, she was a much-loved and conscientious caretaker of the Village Hall.

Ethel, whilst quiet and unassuming, had a ready wit and a great generosity of spirit, and she quickly engaged with all those who came to know her. A character indeed who will be sadly missed.

1st Meriden Scout Group News from the Green Hut

Urgent! We are looking for an Assistant Cub Scout Leader to help with the Cub Scouts on a Tuesday evening. Please contact Lis for further details (01676 521080)

BEAVERS

We had a busy start to the summer term, with some of the Beaver Scouts attending a district fun day for St Georges Day at the Les Alfrey Activity Centre at Broadwater. We joined together with fellow Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers to take part in exciting activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, archery, peddle karting and cooking – a great time was had by all!!

CUBS

This term we are completing our naturalist badge by carrying out a study of Meriden pond. We shall be looking at the wildlife and how the change in season brings new life to the area. We will be investing some new Cub Scouts and holding an awards ceremony this month to present activity and challenge badges including home help, artist and chef.

SCOUTS

During May Andrew Wadley (see cover photo) was presented with his Chief Scouts Award at Meriden School. Andrew has worked extremely hard over the past 6 months completing 6 challenge badges. This award is the highest award for youngsters in Scouting and all members of the group congratulate him on his award. Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!!

Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Jo (522625) or Gaynor (523191) Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Tuesday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080) Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Thursday at 7pm Contact Jim (523309) We also need help from any adults out there who would be willing to spare some time with any of the sections –even if it is just for the odd hour or two each month.

As part of our year long Centenary celebrations, in February 11 Meriden Brownies were part of a group of 48 Brownies from the District who spent an action-packed weekend at Kingswood Activity Centre in Staffordshire. There the activities included fencing, archery, quad bikes, circus skills, assault course; go-karting, 40ft zip wire, mini olympics and team building activities. We all enjoyed ourselves and came home very tired! We have recently enrolled seven new Brownies, as well as welcoming two new girls. In May we are attending a drumming workshop which is in line with our Thinking Day theme this year of "One World One Beat". As we try to do during the summer term, the Brownies will be out and about around Meriden, as well as carrying out badge work. The end of term will see a rounders match against Berkswell Brownies. (Meriden are the current champions!).

We currently have a long waiting list but if you have a daughter aged between 7 - 10 who would like to join in the fun, please contact Jane on 01676 542501.

Services 159 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NH (Old Rockwell Building) Tel : 01676 525 866

Thank you for making us feel welcome in your lovely village. We offer all types of furniture restoration and would welcome any opportunity to provide a free no obligation quotation on any requirements. Pop in and see us or give us a ring on the number above We look forward to meeting you.

In Meriden

Minister: Rev Andrew Charlesworth BSc BA

Tel: 01676 533737 - Phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and funerals

Services: Sunday 10:30am (Junior Church and crèche for children) Sunday evening 5:30pm (4th Sunday in month only)

There is a company in St. Paul, Minnesota in the States that has realised just how busy people are getting these days. It has seen a new sales opportunity and has created a post-it note that is 25x30 inches in size.

The picture here is of a whirling dervish. I would imagine many of us feel just like this from time to time. Life can often seem like we are whirling around and around, getting dizzier and dizzier. Of course, when we do, life becomes something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

You can also guarantee, just when you need things to go smoothly because you are pushed for time that is when things will start to go wrong. Just before I put this article together, I was having one of those times

had a few deadlines, including this one, which were fast approaching or gently disappearing into the distance behind me. Ironically, one of the things I was supposed to be doing was writing a drama for a service the next day. The theme of this drama was the turmoil in our lives.

I quickly realised that I had left it too late to both write a drama and to get others involved. So I did the most sensible thing I could. I tried to think of something else which would be much quicker to sort out. The idea came to me quickly and I thought I was home and dry. Of course, that proved to be a little optimistic and two hours later I was still trying to get this quick idea finished.

But it did make me wonder whether or not we have gone wrong somewhere as a society. My experience of having too much to do is no doubt replicated day in, day out in houses throughout the village. You might expect that this would change during particular seasons of life. But one thing that always makes me think otherwise is that every retired person I have ever met will proudly declare that they have never been as busy as they are now.

I have the honour and privilege of taking assemblies in the village primary school. I am always struck by how many children take part in after school activities on most nights of the week. It is great that our children have so many opportunities to do different things. However, if I asked my eldest daughter what she would most like to do after school, it would be to have friends round to play. That would be good, but finding a night when all her friends are available is next to impossible in our busy schedules. I wonder if we are passing on our busyness to our children in this regard.

Jesus told his followers that he had come so that they might have life, life to the full. By this he did not mean a life that was full to the brim. Rather I am sure that he meant a life full of enjoyment and enrichment. There were times when he was very busy, but never so busy that he did not have time for the interruptions that would crop up. But the Bible also makes it clear that Jesus would often make space to be alone, so that he could spend time with God. It was this space that enabled and empowered Jesus to be ready for the business of real life.

Love, joy and peace. Andrew

Old Road Old Road

Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx

June 7th Dave TW

14th Julie Christie

21st Tricia 28th Backbeat

July 5th Stevie Best

12th Mick the Knife 19th Jamie 26th Nikki

Aug 2nd Keith Brett 9th Guy Surtees

16th Charlie Waterford 23rd Steve Farmer 30th TBA

We are a good traditional English Pub serving real ales & beers.

Breakfast on Sunday mornings 10.00am-1.00pm Full English £5.25. Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00- 2.30pm

Pop in for good food and a warm welcome 01676 522256

MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL CLERK TO THE COUNCIL

Meriden Parish Council is looking to recruit a Parish Clerk who can bring drive, flexibility, commitment and appropriate experience to this important position. Good administrative, financial, computer and communication skills are required.

The successful applicant would be expected to have knowledge of local government and to hold, or to be working towards obtaining the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or equivalent.

Salary according to National Agreement for Local Government Employees with hours presently 20 per week.

A job description can be obtained from and applications sent to,

The Clerk, Meriden Parish Council, 111 Fillongley Road, Meriden, Coventry, CV7 7LW.

Closing date: June 14th 2010.

Queens He QueensHeQueensHe Queens Head ad ad

Old Road Meriden Old Road Meriden

Greetings to all our customers/friends,

I can't believe it's that time again already!! It only feels like five minutes ago that I was writing the last article for the Meriden Mag.

.

Firstly as always a great big thank you to our faithful staff for all their hard work – we cannot help but be amazed at their willingness to help in whatever way possible.

We cannot believe that we have been at The Centre for just over three years; the time has passed by so quickly. These last few weeks we have had some lovely items donated – pushchairs, prams, baby seats, small items of quality furniture etc., and some people have even sent in quality clothing washed and pressed beautifully – thank you so much! Since our last article someone has come forward to test small electrical items but we can only take a limited amount because we have to store them somewhere until the person comes back to test some more. At the moment we are in need of ladies summer clothing and sandals so if you have items sitting in your wardrobe which are surplus to your requirements maybe you could donate them to us.

We had churches together men’s breakfast on Saturday 1st May which was well attended and everyone enjoyed the lovely food. Meriden Christian Fellowship has a service at 10.30 a.m. In the Scout Hall every Sunday, and if you would like to join us we would love to see you there.

At the moment we have got a rail of ladies clothing at £1 per item and some lovely children’s wear four items for £1. Why don't you come and see for yourself and pick up a bargain at the same time. Thank you to those of you who continually send in black refuse sacks as we are always in need of these. If you can think of any local charities that would welcome a donation from us then please either come into the shop and speak to Lyn or Kevin or pop a note through the door with a contact number on it and we will get back to you.

The lovely sunny days we have had recently have brought so many more people into the shop which has been great. As the days pass by so much faster when you're really busy, and with so many lovely things to choose from, lots of people have commented on how pleased they have been with their purchases

Hope to see you soon – if you've never been in to The Centre before, pop in and say hello. Kevin and Lyn Hunt.

God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Cor: 9 v 7-8.

Solihull

Over 50s in Solihull can get fit as a fiddle

by taking part in activities run by Age Concern Solihull and funded by the Big Lottery.

The Healthy Lifestyle Event at Oliver Bird Hall was a great success with over 100 50+s attending along with 9 grandchildren. Around 60 people took part in Tai Chi, Yoga, exercise for osteoporosis and Extend demonstrations. We had representatives from West Midlands Fire Service, Falls Prevention, Step into Solihull, Diabetes UK Solihull, Osteoporosis, Dietitians from the Care trust, a colour consultant and all Age Concern Solihull projects and trading. The Wii fit was very popular as was the free head massage, with people still enjoying this half an hour after the event finished!

We are continuing with Extend (gentle exercise to music for over 50s, fun and effective) at Meriden Village Hall, Main Road, Meriden. This activity is fortnightly on Wednesdays 1.30pm – 2.30pm and there is a voluntary charge of £1.50 per person per session to include refreshments. It is advised that you call to check availability.

For more information contact

Tracy Curtis, Fit as a Fiddle Project Co-ordinator 0121 705 9128, The Priory, Church Hill Road, Solihull, B91 3LF or email tcurtis@acsolihull.org

Meriden Cricket Club is looking forward to another busy season at Barkers’ Butts, where hopefully we will have a new cricket square in place for the summer. Practice nets have already started and take place on Thursdays at the back of the Queen’s Head. Looks like we have quite a few players this year, but the more the merrier, so come along and join the fun.

Interested?

Then call Terry - 07970 119142 or Mike - 07775 567889 or 01676 521085

Barkers’ Butts RFC

By a matter of just a few feet, Barkers’ Butts RFC is not quite in Meriden but we still like to call ourselves “The Club at the Heart of England” – nestling, as we have for 35 years, in 17 glorious acres of Warwickshire countryside behind the tall trees of Pickford Grange Lane on Meriden’s eastern fringe.

Friends in Retirement

The members of ‘Friends in Retirement’ at Balsall Common continue with their meetings and activities. These give an opportunity to meet new people and to make new friends. The social group has recently been on a trip to Nottingham and to the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry to celebrate St George's Day. The next trip is to Waterperry Gardens June 8th and later, in September, a trip to Bath. Several activity groups- Art - Craft and Bridge now have a few vacancies and would welcome new faces. The Bridge club is very active and is willing to start a BEGINNERS class.

If you are interested in joining Firs to take part in any of these activities please contact

Mr Malcolm Gratton - Chair - 01676 523505.

Our monthly COFFEE MORNINGS continue at the Jubilee Centre, Station Road, Balsall Common (just inside the Library car park) from 10am to noon.

Dates for the next meetings are: Friday 18th June Friday 16th July and Friday 20th August 2010

The club, with its ever popular clubhouse, executive lounge and adjacent sports hall, has evolved as a major asset within the local community and is open seven days a week.

It is principally a rugby club with four full-sized pitches used by up to 400 players, both adults and children. It is also a busy social centre for the community and home to several local badminton teams, school groups, Meriden Cricket Club, three local darts teams, dog-training groups and is a meeting place for local organisations. During the week, the club’s executive lounge is hired for group meetings, family parties and funerals.

On Sunday mornings, the club is a hive of activity attracting as many as 300 youngsters, aged from six to 16. British and Irish Lions stars Neil Back and Danny Grewcock began at Barkers', and a long list of former Barkers’ juniors progressed to play for their country.

Barkers’ Butts RFC.

Pickford Grange Lane

CV59AR

Executive Lounge available for meetings, functions, funerals, parties up to 60. .

Along with four senior sides the club operates a strong youth policy with seven teams spanning the ages of eight to 14, helped by the club’s very close links with a number of secondary schools including Heart of England at Balsall Common and others within Coventry including King Henry VIII, Bablake, Woodlands and Finham Park. The 2010 season ended with the Ist XV finishing fourth in the league and the Colts completing the league-and-cup. Barkers’ was formed in 1947 when Daimler RFC ceased to exist. Former players and supporters who helped build the current clubhouse in 1975 remember their months of hard labour, laying foundations, digging trenches and leveling farmland to create our pitches with 36,000 tons of top soil. Many hundreds of tons of hardcore had to be broken up by hand, using sledgehammers. At the end of long days, tired workers have fond memories of clambering into the back of the trailer to be pulled by a tractor for “refreshments” down at The Queen’s Head. Our links with Meriden Cricket Club go back to the days when the team played on the Conservative Grounds with many Barkers' players in the side, reaching the local finals of the Haig Village Cricket competition. A new cricket square is currently planned where Meriden's new-blood of cricketers - and a few old ones too - hope to continue the tradition for many years to come.

We’re not far away – and your welcome at Barkers' Butts will always be a warm one.

John Askill President

Overhead projector - WiFi –Disabled facilities

RING DEBBIE on 0796 3690608 for bookings and to arrange catering Free car parking.

Solihull Police are encouraging local residents to join forces and form their own Neighbourhood Watch scheme. By working together with the police and local partnerships to reduce crime and disorder, you can help make your community

Some of the benefits of being part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme are to improve the environment

discourage vandalism, promote community spirit, help reduce crime and to feel safer in our homes.

Horse Watch and Farm Watch are other schemes being run in the borough, with Horse Watch aiming to promote the welfare and safety of horses and tack and Farm Watch trying to combat crime in the rural areas.

If you are interested in making a difference and setting up a scheme in your area, please contact Celia Davies, Community Partnership Officer, on 0121 704 8577 or at celia.davies@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

Local Farmers Markets

Solihull - High Street

1st Friday in month 9am – 3pm

Kenilworth - Abbey End

2nd Saturday in month 9am-2pm

Warwick - Market Square

3rd Friday in month 10am-3pm

Leamington Spa - bttm of Parade

4th Saturday in month 9am-2pm

Coventry - Market Way

2nd Thursday in month 9am-4.30pm

Coleshill - Church Hill

4th Friday in month 10am – 2pm

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP

This is the first column I have written for the Meriden Mag since the General Election, so I want to begin with a heartfelt thanks to all those who voted for me in Meriden constituency and here in Meriden village. In the run-up to the election, the village unexpectedly found itself the centre of national attention when residents made a valiant attempt to prevent an unauthorised development of a field by Travellers. The brave efforts of local people to protect the Green Belt and the character of their village attracted headlines in the national press and was discussed on television. The media view was overwhelmingly in favour of the residents who behaved with courage and dignity in the face of the threat to their community. Residents, led by David McGrath, formed RAID (Meriden Residents Against Illegal Developments) and created a website for support: www.meridenraid.co.uk. They blockaded roads and formed human barricades to stop the unauthorised development taking place. Like other sites around the country, this one was chosen to exploit a loophole in planning law whereby permission can be sought retrospectively for genuine errors. However, unauthorised sites have sprung up all over the country using the same law, often on a Bank Holiday, so that a Council has little or no time to take action. But on this occasion when I contacted the chief executive of Solihull Council he called key members of his staff back to work and opened up Solihull’s Planning Department to gather evidence to support a stop order. The Police Superintendent also assured me he would provide staff to keep the peace.

The council planning officers successfully served the stop notice on May 1st and from that point on for 28 days any further work on the site became an offence in law. At the time of writing, the Council is actively considering how to prevent further development until the retrospective planning application can be considered. Meriden residents, as well as others to whom this has happened, need stronger laws to protect their environment. The Human Rights Act does formally grant special rights to Gypsies and Travellers. As Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, I published a planning green paper in February this year calling for:

1. The Human Rights Act needs to be replaced by law which is fair between the settled and travelling community.

2. The abuse of retrospective planning permission needs to be prevented.

3. Councils need stronger enforcement powers to deal with unauthorised encampments.

4. More authorised sites need to be provided the cost of which does not fall on council tax payers.

5 The law on trespass needs to be reformed to deal with unauthorised encampments on land belonging to others.

To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Rachel Anderson on 020 7219 4189 caroline@carolinespelman.com web site: www.carolinespelman.com

The Meriden Mag has been requested to share the details below to all residents for information

MERIDENRESIDENTS AGAINST INAPPROPRIATEDEVELOPMENT

An action group of residents opposed to the unauthorised Travellers’ encampment at Eaves Green Lane in Meriden. For more information go to www.meridenraid.co.uk

At the time of going to press, the unauthorised travellers’ encampment at Eaves Green Lane in Meriden had been temporarily stopped by residents and Solihull Council. Meriden RAID (Residents Against Inappropriate Development) was formed on Sunday 2 May. Over 50 residents protested outside Solihull Council on Tuesday 4 May and over 500 residents attended the meeting at the Village Hall that evening. Extensive coverage on TV and in national and regional press followed in support of residents and RAID. David McGrath, chair of Meriden RAID offers this message:

“By the time you read this, Solihull Council’s stop notice would have expired, another bank holiday would have been endured and hopefully, the 24 hour residents’ vigil would have stopped further unauthorised development on the site. We must point out; at this point, that protests and vigils must be peaceful. The planning application for the site at Eaves Green Lane is in consultation and expires on 25 June. I re-iterate below the reason behind our action group.”

Why have we formed?

• To protect the greenbelt against unauthorised development and encroachment

• To raise awareness of – and press for change in - flawed laws and regulations and promote change to ensure that the rights of local residents come first

Doug Bacon, resident and vice-chair of RAID adds the following points for residents to consider whether they live in close proximity to the field or not:

“If you want to live in a society where everyone has a say that is heard, where you can have a say in deciding what sort of environment you live in and don’t want to be bullied into having something which damages your village, then make a stand with your neighbours and send a message that you have had enough. All I ask that you do:

• Visit the site, speak to your neighbours keeping vigil, talk about the issues. See the damage being caused.

• Write to the planning authority to object to the grant of planning permission (advice will be provided on permissible grounds). The deadline is 25 June 2010, application number 2010/694.

• If you are able, volunteer to help in whatever way you can by contacting us on the website www.meridenraid.co.uk or telephone me on 01676 521610 (answer machine – I will call you back). You will never be asked to do more than you feel able or are willing to do.”

“It can never be right that dramatic developments can happen in an established community without any prior consultation with residents and without regard to the environment. Councils need stronger powers to deal with unauthorised encampments. We will fight for as long as it takes to protect and promote the wellbeing of our residents and environment and stop the bid to enforce unwanted change upon us.”

David McGrath chair for R.A.I.D

Email: Contact@meridenraid.co.uk

We would like to remind readers that the views expressed by contributors to this magazine are not necessarily those of the co-editors.

Heart of England Social Club

We had our brief moment of TV fame on 26th April, with a four minute slot on the BBC 1 programme ‘Bang Goes the Theory’. I wonder how many local people saw it. At our meeting in March Margaret Houldsworth (one of our members) gave us an insight into the lives of the first white women in Australia. Of course the majority of them were convicts, deported for seemingly trivial crimes. In April we were reminded of the scars left behind when wars are over and the problems no longer make the headlines. Sue Stretton (a Meriden resident) told us about her involvement with the ‘Healing Hands Network’ in Sarajevo, making various therapies available to the many people who still suffer both physically and mentally. In May we had our Resolution meeting together with a craft display and light-hearted quiz. This year’s resolution urges the Government to introduce clear and mandatory country of origin labelling on all meat, poultry and fish products sold in this country.

Future Programme:

Monday 7th June

‘Canal Boat Women’ – Mike Miles

Monday 5th July

‘Birmingham’s links with the ‘Titanic’ –Andrew Lound

Monday 2nd August Members Evening

Meditation and Relaxation

Elizabeth Spencer

CAMEO CAMEOCAMEO CAMEO

Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.

At the beginning of February 25 of us met for our annual lunch and this year we went to The Strawberry Bank and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. At our meeting later in the month we heard Mike Bryand from the Talking Newspapers for The Blind and Partially Sighted. The service was started 44 years ago. 200 cassette tapes are sent out each week to listeners who are mostly over 70 years old. Every Friday articles from the Solihull News and Observer are sorted into a running order and a presenter in the studio links the articles which are read by two different people for variety. The following day another team prepares the cassettes to send them out. The Post Office does not charge the charity postage. Participants are requested to return the cassettes promptly. As local radio cannot cover all news stories this provides a wonderful service to the blind. The proceeds of £55 from a bring and buy sale held at the end of the meeting were sent to the charity.

In March we welcomed Doug Field who illustrated the story of Easter week by speaking about the background of the hymns and music associated with Easter. He then played a number of these hymns to us including O Glory Laud and Honour, When I survey the Wondrous Cross, How Great Thou Art and Christ The Lord is risen today.

Our April meeting was held on St. George’s Day so we decided to honour it by celebrating all things English. We talked about the legends surrounding St. George, discussed famous Englishmen, read some of Shakespeare’s sonnets and listened to Elgar’s Nimrod and finished with songs from Vera Lynn!

A leaflet setting out a suggested walk running between the Churches at Meriden, Eastern Green and Berkswell has recently been produced by Solihulll Council. This leaflet is available from the churches involved or for further information and a copy of the leaflet, please contact David Keaney at Solihull Council on 0121 704 6429.

Distances : Meriden to Eastern Green approx 1.75miles Eastern Green to Berkswell approx 2.5 miles Berkswell to Meriden approx 2.3 miles

Kissing gate given a new lease of life on public footpath to St. Laurence Church, Meriden

An old park style metal kissing gate which had fallen into disrepair has recently been restored on the footpath which links Birmingham Road to St. Laurence Church. The kissing gate has been repaired and repainted and will now provide safe and convenient access along this path for walkers for many years to come.

David Keaney (Places Directorate Solihull MBC)

13th A Coventry Way Challenge

This year’s A Coventry Way 40 mile Challenge took place on April 18th on a warm spring day. Starting and finishing at Meriden, the Challenge is not a race, however there are records. This year two new records were set. Lisa Joanne Barry from Cambridge in a time of 6:24 beating by 31 minutes the previous ladies’ record The men’s record was broken twice! Peter Jaworisky from Innsbruck beat the record he set last year by three minutes, then Matt Giles (Stourbridge) beat that record by another 21 minutes. The record now stands at 4:57. Others took their time, the longest being 15 hours 34 minutes. Many taking part were collecting sponsorship for their chosen charity. Hannah Wade from Coventry as well as taking part, set up a stall and by selling cakes collected £76 on the day for the Myasthenia Gravis Association. Hannah's fund now stands (2 weeks later) at over £2,800. Students from Princethorpe College were fundraising for Mary's Meals and their total is now well over the £1,500 mark ...and counting. Another (Matt Kite) has raised a lot of money for the Coventry Charity Cup who donate to about 10 different causes every year. Those mentioned are just a few using the ACW Challenge to raise funds for charity. “It was such a great day, I had such a lot of fun, and I was amazed (in a good way!) at all the beautiful scenery of the area, and how lovely the villages are, and the canals and the fishing ponds and the trees and blossoms etc. It was just beautiful”. Maureen from London. The organisers are grateful to Meriden Village Hall Management Committee for use of the hall. Also to the Manor Hotel, Leon Shutkever & Co and AK Services (Midlands) Ltd - for assistance with parking competitors cars on their premises.

Further information:

www.acoventryway.org.uk.

The Three Churches Walk The Three Churches Walk The Three Churches The Three Churches Walk--Berkswell, Eastern Green and Meriden Berkswell, Green Meriden

Walkers enjoying the Three Churches Walk in April sunshine

Berkswell and District History Group Berkswell History Group

The aim` of the History Group is to give its members and the general public the opportunity to acquire information & understanding on items of historical interest through meetings, visits and research projects. We normally hold a meeting or a visit in each calendar month.

Thursday, 3rd June. Whole Day Trip to Ironbridge. Numbers Limited to 50. Details ring 01676 535782

Thursday, 15th July. 1.45pm at Kenilworth Castle Members Only Visit to the Castle Gardens with Jan Cooper.

Wednesday, 11th August, 8.00pm at Berkswell Reading Room.

“The Lives of the Women who worked on the Midland Canal Boats” with Mike Miles.

Membership costs £5.00 per calendar year with meeting fees of £1.50 for members; £2.50 for non-members (incl. refreshments).

For our full programme for 2010 and details of our publications, including our latest publication “Berkswell and Balsall Common – Charting the Changes” please visit our website: www.berkswell-history.org or telephone 01676 535782.

EXOTIC THAI

DEE IS AT QUEENS HEAD PUB OLD ROAD MERIDEN

Exotic Thai cuisine cooked in the traditional Thai Way

OPEN 5 days a week Tuesday to Saturday

Food can be ordered between the following times:

Tuesday – Thursday 7.00pm till 10.00pm (closing) Friday – Saturday 7.00pm till 10.30pm (closing)

Warwickshire WildlifeTrust

Summer Holidays 2010

The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull

Monday 31 May – Friday 4th June, 10:30-12:00

Not sure what to do with the kids this half term? Bring them to the Parkridge Centre for some Really Wild Workshops. Such as: Folklore and Fairytales Marvellous Mayflies and Flights of Fancy.

Monday 26 July – Wednesday 1st September 10:30-12:00

We have some wonderful workshops to entertain the Children throughout this summer holiday including: Big Bug Hunt, Famous Folklore, Natures Fairies and Alfresco Art.

Children aged 5 and under

During both holidays we will be running some workshops especially for our Younger visitors – Natures Fairies for Tots, Tots Teddy Bears Adventure, Summer Colours for tots and National Play Day.

Please call the Centre on 0121 704 0768 for more details

Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry

For details of these please phone 02476 302 912

Family Bat Bonanza Friday 11th June 7:30pm-9:00pm

In your families challenge yourselves to the batty quiz, make a lantern to help you see when night falls and join us on a hunt for the experts of nocturnal aviation, bats!

Really Wild Parties

Why not book a party at the Parkridge Centre? Party times are available every Weekend and at other times by special request during the year. We offer a wide range of nature based activities and can also provide the food, invitations and party bags should you need them.

Toddler Trundle Group

We also run a Toddler Group every Wednesday during term time only between 10:30 -12:00, booking is essential and the session costs £2.50 per child Cost of each workshop is £3.00 per child or £4.00

To book any of these events please call 0121 704 0768 Or

A very big thank you to everyone who attended our demonstration on 15th March. Jayne Edmunds, a very talented lady, demonstrated "For the beauty of the earth" with gorgeous flowers. We all had a splendid time. To round off the evening Jayne's daughter and her two friends, who are members of Temptation Acappella, sang three songs which were excellent.

In April we welcomed Sharon Possart with "Cocktail Hour". This was a demo with a difference; she used very large cocktail glasses for Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Malibu etc. Most enjoyable.

FUTURE EVENTS

Monday 21 June

‘Flotsum and Jetsum’ Nick Grounds

Nick will be returning after his huge success with us in 2009. He will demonstrate, and then there will be a large plant sale. Tickets for this very popular event will be £6. This is also one for the men.

July and August we are closed for the summer.

Monday 20 September

Practice Class Lorena Dyer

Non members are welcome to attend at a cost of £3. We will need to know in advance if you wish to attend to let you have the practise sheet so that you know what to bring with you. All are welcome at our Flower Club, men, and women, young and old. Flower arranging is an important therapy in modern living. After illness or bereavement it can be very therapeutic and often one finds that you have a creative talent. Go on give it a go!

When the

is closed

Home Visits

Comments

If you would like to make any comments, complaints or suggestions concerning the surgery please contact Joanne Hope, Practice manager on 01676 532213 or in writing to the surgery. If you can’t attend please remember to cancel your appointment!

CONTAINER GARDENING

At the moment this is a topic very much in my mind. We moved house in all the snow in January and resorted to transporting plants and containers on a sledge over the deep snow. I now have an area full of plants in various pots and tubs which demand a good deal of attention. Growing plants in containers solves many of the problems facing the gardener, but it also creates a few unique problems. One advantage is that to a degree, one can control the planting conditions. For example if you live in a chalky soil area and wish to grow azaleas or other acid loving plants you face a problem, but if you opt to grow them in pots you can adapt the growing medium to suit. Container gardens offer the advantage of changing your garden with every season. Another advantage is that using containers means that you can experiment with different combinations of plants moving them around changing how they interact together with regard to the heights, leaf and flower colour. With the danger of frosts disappearing we can start to think about planting up containers for a summer show. The choice of plant material is limited only by your climate and your imagination. When choosing plants for container gardens, we need to keep in mind the scale of the container and how aggressively the plant grows. While you want your container garden to look full, fast growers will quickly outgrow their pots. Some plants thrive in the confined situation provided by a container. For many years I struggled to grow and flower agapanthus successfully, and was then told that they will bloom better when their roots are constricted by a pot. This has proved invaluable advice and these striking summer show stoppers make a big impact in any sunny spot.

Datura (Angel’s trumpet)

Agapanthus

“Northern Star”

Tender plants are more easily coped with if you can bring them under cover in a container. The Datura (Angel’s Trumpet) or Brugmansia as we are now taught to call it is an impressive summer plant for the summer garden, but it must have shelter over winter. Another tender perennial for a container is Erythina Crista-Galli (The Coral Plant) This produces spectacular waxy red blooms in profusion in the summer. It is easy to push the container into the shed for the winter, start to water in February when it will start to grow ready to be put outside after the last frost.

People tend to think of summer annuals when considering container planting but herbs can also be grown successfully and decoratively in a variety of containers. When space is limited potatoes can be planted in a tub or dustbin. Strawberries also do well in a container as they are less likely to suffer from slugs and snails or “damping” off. It is worth considering planting a container with an evergreen architectural plant such as Cordyline Australis Purpurea and then changing the plants round the edges of the planter according to the season. Bulbs provide spring colour and summer bedding plants give a lift later in the year. As we have found, by growing precious plants in containers means that when you move you can take your plants with you. Having looked after our plants in rented accommodation for 6 months we are now off to a new house where hopefully we can enjoy our container grown plants whilst we start to plan the garden.

Thanks to Elaine Hitchens, Hitchens, Thanks to Elaine Hitchens, who is a member of who is a Balsall Common and District Horticultural Society Balsall Common and District Horticultural Society Balsall District Society Balsall District Society, ,, for her article for her article

New Police Sergeant Channels Efforts into Neighbourhood Policing

RESIDENTS in Meriden & Bickenhill can rest assured their new police sergeant and extreme swimmer Tony Hanlon goes to great lengths to achieve his goals.

The 39-year-old, who will lead the neighbourhood police team from April 6 as part of a major West Midlands Police restructure, once swam the English Channel to raise £10,000 for a children’s charity!

Super-tankers, jellyfish, two-metre high waves, and the odd plank of wood are just some of the obstacles Tony encountered during the 21-mile crossing. And the former lifeguard promises to bring the same steely determination to his new role as police sergeant across east Solihull.

“Meriden and Bickenhill are lovely places to live and work,” said Sgt Hanlon, “but if there is anything I can do to make people’s lives better then I want to know. “I’m keen to speak to as many residents as possible in order to understand their priorities and address any concerns. We’ll be holding monthly police meetings in the community and regular street briefings where the public can raise any issues.”Sgt Hanlon began his West Midlands Police career in 1998 having previously worked as a leisure centre manager. In 2002 he transferred to Warwickshire Police as a sergeant in Rugby, Bedworth and later Nuneaton, before returning to West Midlands last year in Solihull.

The father-of-one will be supported in Meriden & Bickenhill by a neighbourhood team made up of five Police Constables and three Community Support Officers. The team focuses solely on neighbourhood issues and, in accordance with national guidelines, will spend most of its time patrolling the streets and engaging with residents. In fact, the restructure – known as Programme Paragon – has seen the number of neighbourhood officers across Solihull borough increase from 72 to 112.

Sgt Hanlon, added: “These officers are dedicated to tackling the kinds of issues residents say are most important to them, things like anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. The whole Paragon reorganisation underpins the force’s commitment to local policing.”

Previously, the Meriden & Bickenhill neighbourhood police region encompassed Marston Green and the NEC – but after April 6 they will form a separate zone with its own dedicated police team. It will be overseen by outgoing Meriden & Bickenhill sergeant Liam Dalton. “Policing a major venue like the NEC, and working with centre management to plan for events, took up a considerable amount of officer time,” added Sgt Hanlon. “With this commitment now taken on by a dedicated team it will free up my officers to spend more time in the region’s towns and villages.”

• Email Sgt Tony Hanlon direct on meriden@west-midlands.police.uk with any comments about policing in Meriden, concerns, or suggestions.

• From April 6, residents will be able to influence local police priorities by going to www.solihullpolice.org.uk, clicking on their neighbourhood and casting their vote. Details of upcoming community meetings can also be found on the website.

• To phone your local police station call 0845 113 5000.

Meriden’s

Background

The bluebells were late this year but did you wander up to Millison’s wood to see them in their spectacular glory? I did and took loads of photographs which look just the same as the ones I took last year and the year before.....but I just can’t resist it!

I thought that we would try painting a few and see if we can capture some of their elegance and magic.

Bluebells

We are not going to draw anything first with this picture but it would be worth you looking at a few pictures of bluebells, or the flowers themselves if you have any still out and practice painting the shapes on a scrap piece of paper. Notice how the stems curl over at the top and how the flowers hang down. We are going to paint the background first, making it look soft and further away than the main flower stem. You will need to use proper watercolour paper for this. Mix separate puddles of water colours in the following colours:-

• Yellow

• Green (try mixing a green with dark blue and a yellow)

• Blue (use a purplish blue rather than a yellow or greenish blue)

• Blue with a tiny touch of a purplish red mixed in to give a purple colour Wet the paper all over with clean water. Don’t let it sit in puddles but making sure it is evenly covered with water. Working quickly, flick streaks of yellow and then green upwards on to the damp paper. Clean you brush and quickly add a few stems and suggestions of the bell shaped flowers on to the stems with the blue, adding touches of the purple here and there into the flowers.

Let this dry out completely. It should look slightly blurred and soft.

When this is dry, paint a thin stem up and bending over at the top. The stem starts green then changes to blue at the top.

Add the flowers in the blue, putting little buds at the top. Don’t make the flowers to dark straight away; keep the paint fairly weak, paint the bell shaped flowers as you work down the stem. Try to leave small areas on the right hand side of the flowers without paint on to make them look lighter on the one side. Add a streak of the purple colour to the left hand side of the flowers. Let them dry and then add a slightly darker streak of blue to the left hand side of the flowers.

Add a couple of leaves in the green.

about a new Arts Centre coming soon! The current art classes will be part of Centre of England Arts and will be moving to a new home at Patrick’s Farm, Meriden Road, in September. There will be more classes, additional courses with other tutors as well as weekend day classes and workshops!!!

Call Julie Hyde on 01676 523357 for more information. Or see my web site www.coea.co.uk

Detail of the flowers

Before I start I must tell

all that the Orange Vodka was really good. It was a little sharp drank neat, but quite nice when lemonade was added to it.

March 8th . Hasn’t it felt like the winter has been with us for much longer this time, what with all the snow that we have had and all the cold frosty weather, but at least this week we have been able to spend most of the days on the allotment as the sun has shown its face for a time even though it has been quite cold. We have been doing some clearing up, spreading manure and digging it in getting ready to get the cultivator on and the ground ready for the potatoes. All we have in the ground at the moment are leeks and a few carrots left but in the greenhouse things are going great guns. Sprouts, cauliflower, leeks, tomatoes and a variety of peppers are doing quite well, but we have got to re-sow some flower seeds the cold snap killed off. The chickens are holding their own and the bad weather doesn’t seem to affect them but we did lose one early in the year. She had been with us from the start of our venture so were sorry to see her go

March 29th Back from a well deserved winter break to find we had lost another chicken, this one from being egg bound, poor thing.

April 9th, 10th and 11th Easter was very cold this year and not a lot got done, but the weather is improving and we are able to get on with rotovating the ground and some of the early potatoes have been planted and a double row of new strawberry plants have also been planted. The greenhouse as I write is bursting to overflowing. We now have bedding plants, basket plants all potted on. Some tomato plants we bought earlier are in and have their first flowers on. Winter greens that were started in the greenhouse have now been put outside for hardening off ready for planting out later on. All things salady are coming up in leaps and bounds and outside we have just noticed that the asparagus is poking through.

April 19th . This week saw the start of the really good weather. Peas that had been started off earlier in the greenhouse were duly planted outside and also the first of the sprout plants were also planted out. The new walk-in cage for the brassica plants was erected; this should keep the pigeons and the white butterflies at bay. During the good weather this week we had our first lunch off the Bar-b-q, eaten with some of our own salad leaves and the first picking of asparagus. Lovely. Meanwhile things are growing on at a fair rate of knots in the greenhouse. Celery and celeriac have been potted on into individual pots and all the melons, courgettes, squashes and pumpkin seeds have now been sown. We also seem to have enough tomatoes plants to feed an army. Let’s hope that this good weather is a taster of what is to come. Ann Butler

It’s about Time

ALL ANTIQUATED SPELLINGS ARE CQ

372 years in 611words

Now that we’re talking about getting rid of this state’s last blue law, the ban on retail booze sales on Sundays — and since these laws go back to around 1638, when, “forasmuch as it has pleased the Almighty God” to plop a bunch of Puritans down in the Hartford area, “in and upon the river of Connecticutt, and the lands thereunto adjoining,” those guys got together to set up a government that would “meinteine and preserve the libberty and purity of the Gospell of our Lord Jesus” (while down in “Quinipiack,” the New Haven folks drew up similar laws) — it might be instructive to look back at how hard life really was in olden times.

The primitive conditions. The suffering. I’mtalking, say, before 1965. Most TVs were black & white back then, and there were only about three channels, and they all went off the air around midnight.

Cars had to be “warmed up” before you could drive them away, and hardly any of them had power windows or air conditioning, but they did have little vent windows you could crank open all the way to scoop in some air, but that air was never any cooler than the air you were already sweltering in.

Refrigerators had to be defrosted, at regular intervals. It was a messy job involving pans of hot water and big slabs of ice. Supermarkets were few and far between — and not all that super. They were about the size of a present-day pharmacy. (In fact, the pharmacy I now use was originally an A&P.)

And, of course, package stores were closed on Sunday. They were also closed on Good Friday and Election Day — the former, no doubt, in an effort to show some respect for the most somber day of the Christian calendar, which now just seems quaint; the latter, probably, in the hope that sober voters would give us better government, which now just seems naive. The original blue laws from the 1600s didn’t get quite as outlandish as some legends would have it. Mothers were not forbidden to kiss their children on Sunday, for example; that’s the kind of “little-known fact” you’d find, along with word puzzles, on a paper placemat in a roadside diner somewhere. But these were sober and serious people, and back in their day they were prepared to string you up for any number of offenses — worship of “any other god, but the Lord God” for starters, but also witchcraft; blasphemy (to be fair, only “direct, express, presumptuous, or high handed blasphemy”); murder (if “committed upon premeditated malice, hatred, or cruelty”); bestiality (both man and beast to get the chair for this one); homosexual acts; adultery (both parties to be sent to the Big Casino); bearing false witness; and treason against the colony.

Lesser infractions carried lesser penalties: You could get a “B” branded on your forehead for burglary, even a first offense. You could be “whipped upon the neked body” for “lyinge.” And there was always ye olde public humiliation: For “making Gods ways contemptible and ridiculous,” second offense, you’d have to either pay a “fyne” to the “publique treasure” or stand for two hours “upon a block or stoole foure foott high,” wearing a sign: “AN OPEN AND OBSTINATE CONTEMNER OF GODS HOLY ORDINANCES” — “that others may feare and bee ashamed of breaking out into the like wickedness.” And make sure you don’t “take any tobacko publiquely, in the streett.” “Jeez, lighten up!” you politely suggest?

Well, the political process has eliminated most of these strictures, though one still stands. But if anybody feels the Sunday hooch ban is a real hardship, maybe his problem isn’t political.

Berkswell Village Museum Museum

Hidden away in the centre of Berkswell is a small museum full of interesting items from the past with connections to the village and the surrounding area. The museum is housed in a pair of cottages built about 1500 and is very typical of the half-timber framed cottages found in Warwickshire. The cottages were turned into one property for the home of the village district nurse and midwife early in the twentieth century and were then condemned for habitation in the 1940s. It has been a museum since 1981 and consists of memorabilia, agricultural and domestic articles displayed in four attractive rooms.

Berkswell’s famous people are remembered with displays. Maud Watson – the first Ladies Singles Champion at Wimbledon, R E S Wyatt – a former England Cricket Captain and the film star Jeremy Brett – best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes. Come and see the cannon and Russian shield, trophies from the Crimean War presented to the village 150 years ago.

The museum is open on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays at Easter and from May to the end of September and at any other time by request, contact 01676 522077 or 533716

Meriden library

01676 522717

Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm

Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm

Saturday 10.00am 1.00pm

Meriden Library will be closed from Monday 12 April to Thursday 1 July 2010 for essential maintenance work to be carried out.

The library, which is a listed building, has suffered from severe damp. The work at the library includes the repair of the damp damage and general building maintenance.

During the closure residents will be able to access reduced library services from the mobile library in the Meriden area. This mobile will stop fortnightly on Albert Road, 9.30-10.00am, and Showell Lane, 10.05-10.35am on the following dates: Thursday 3 June and Thursday 17 June

Residents can also renew their items online at www.solihull.gov.uk or take out and return items at any other of the borough’s library branches. For more information on the mobile service call Knowle Library 01564 775840

MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS GROUP

The Meriden Library Readers Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. to discuss books with a similar theme. You can get details of the venue from the Library staff or from Mike Watkinson on 521496 who is happy to answer any questions you may have like "Do we have to bring our own books with us?" Not unless you want to because there's a super collection waiting for us on the next months theme at each meeting.

9th June - One for keen gardeners: Perhaps your favourite gardening book. Famous gardens or gardeners or historical items of interest like Culpepper's Herbal. Detective buffs could probably find a Rosemary and Thyme.

14th July - To celebrate Bastille Day anything French: French authors, the country itself, the cuisine and that incredible history. Don't read "Perfume" though unless you have a strong stomach.

11th August - Your favourite holiday read. So anything goes and it's always - well almost alwaysfun. I say this because we haven't had our May meeting yet and it's about the Pankhurst women. Our debt of gratitude to them is immense but I can't help feeling that they weren't exactly jolly to have around. Do join us for an evening.

Margaret Houldsworth

At our AGM the committee was re-elected for its fourth term of office. It proved a very successful and interesting meeting with three of our members giving a talk – Roy Hands gave a most amusing talk on his years as a local Vet. Peter Driffield regailed us with events from his days as a Magistrate whilst Mary Dawson's experiences as PA to a succession of Coventry Mayors was read, due to Mary being unwell, by Sheila Burdett.

Our summer programme is now underway with Garden Visits and Questers recent guided tour round the Elizabethan Garden at Kenilworth Castle. Our Rambling group continues to explore walks within the area with, of course, the obligatory pub lunch, whilst the more gentle Strollers amble at a more leisurely pace. A newly formed Craft group has attracted interest and there are other new groups being formed for introduction in the autumn. Our half-yearly newsletter The Informer goes out mid July and if anyone would like a copy emailed please contact

Anne Santos on info@balsallcommonu3a.org or 01676 534004 or visit our website www.balsallcommonu3a.org

More of Mike’s meanderings.

Since writing my last letter, I have been saddened to hear of the death of another old school friend; Ray Chislett. Thelma Jones did e mail me when she heard the news, but I was away at the time and did not read it until the day of his funeral. I was reminded of our early days, before the war, when we went on outings, by train, organised by the Oddfellows. The first was to Blackpool, where we had a fish and chip lunch in the restaurant on the top floor of Woolworths, overlooking the beach. I remember seeing a First World War wreck off the beach and wonder if it has long since gone. During lunch Mrs. Chislett said “eat your bread, Ray”. “I aint got no bread” Ray replied. “What’s that then?” “That’s a cake.” (We were used to eating sliced bread, and Ray probably hadn’t seen a bread roll before.) The next outing was to Margate and we were walking along a wall by the beach when Ray decided to jump down and ended up in an outdoor swimming pool. His mother had to go and buy some dry clothes. Happy days!

I was pleased to read the long letter from Pat Birch in the spring 2010 edition of the Meriden Mag, as it brought back more memories of happy, carefree days, in spite of the War. I certainly remember the bungalow, “Lorbrook”, and Malcolm Lord, with whom I was on friendly terms, although he was rather younger than me and my particular friends were Alan Jones and the Hollis twins (Fred and Bob) as we all lived off Leys Lane. As Pat says, Malcolm was what was known in those days as “a bit of a lad”. I also remember Pat being at Meriden School, and one occasion when we put on an impromptu entertainment for our fellow pupils and she wore a long dress and crooned “Deep Purple”. I remember the vapour trail over Coventry, before the November “blitz” and I thought it was a letter “C”. However, it was probably a Ju 86P or DO215 reconnaissance aircraft, which could fly at almost 40,000 feet, out of reach of the anti-aircraft guns and fighters of those days. Coincidentally, I was also on a Midland Red ‘bus on 3rd. September, 1939, when I heard Neville Chamberlain declaring war. Someone on the top deck had a portable radio, which must have been quite heavy at that time. I was returning from Bournville, where I used to holiday with my Uncle Alf and family.

When I visited Barbara Cookes (nee Jones) she told me how Jimmy Hunt used to travel to Coventry in his motorised “invalid chair” to collect supplies for his shop from the wholesaler. Interestingly, Barbara’s present house is called “Fenjohn” in memory of her father and brother.

Mike Callow

Fond memories of a special lady, Margery Borkett, who loved her walks with us. For many years she walked well into her late eighties. We always ended up with a pub lunch and her favourite chocolate pudding. She will be sadly missed by all her rambling friends.

Jose, Ada, Veronica, Mary and Marcell

A visit to Birmingham Town Hall

A few weeks ago Year 4 went to the amazing Birmingham Town Hall to play their brass instruments. Some people played trumpets, cornets, baritones and trombones. Altogether they played Shake Rattle and Roll and Mini March. There were lots of other bands to interest the younger people and show them what they could be doing in a couple of year’s time. The best part was when everybody in the Town Hall did it together and nearly blew the roof off!!

Daniel Mulcahy Yr 4 Meriden Sch

We are including in this issue some letters from the children in reception class at Meriden school

Tess Osmond

I imagine that most of you will, by now, have seen that I am running the draw, which will be drawn at the Motorcycle Megaride on 27th June. Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support. There is, what I hope you will agree, and excellent selection of prizes to be won which is entirely down to the generosity of:- The Lake at Barston, Meriden Fish and Chip shop, The Bear at Berkswell, Les Sheppard DIY, News Express, The Bull’s Head, John Lewis, Meriden Tea Rooms, The Marriott Forest Of Arden, Tom’s Butcheries, Meriden Spar Shop, The George in the Tree, Warwick Race Course, Solihull Ice Rink, Blitz, Stonebridge Golf Course, Hatton Country World, Warwick Castle, Stratford Race Course, Nailcote Hall, Drayton Manor Theme Park and Heart of England Conference Centre

Tickets on sale at: Meriden Tea Rooms, Spar Shop, The Charity Shop, Lloyds Chemist, News Express and Blitz.

I am so grateful to all mentioned for their outstanding kindness and support.

My thanks go to, as ever, accountants Kimberley and Co for the preparation of the accounts, which they do free of charge.

Don’t miss your chance to win one of these wonderful prizes.

Thank-you and ‘Good Luck’, Alan Lole

Throughout July and August our Super Summer 2 for 1 is back. Two superb Dinners for the price of one from

three course fixed price menu, normally £28.00.

Fantastic Food, Fantastic Value. Don’t miss out book today.

HOUSTONS’ BAR & GRILL

With great freshly prepared food served all day, every day, Houstons’ is also offering a special “World Cup” themed menu throughout June and July. Why not try an inspired dish from each competing country! The great

Meriden Charities part 2

Henry Barnett; Lord Aylesford and the Digby family. - Village Education. This is dedicated to the memory of my friend of many years, J. Mary Schofield (1937-2010) whose parents at the time of her birth owned Village Farm which stood near Old Road at the bottom of Meriden Hill. She had a distinguished educational career and was well known to many in Meriden being Deputy Head at the Heart of England School, Balsall Common from 1967. It therefore seems fitting I write in this edition something about the village’s educational charities. Mary was fascinated by the village’s history and I regularly sent her details of my latest researches published in the Meriden Mag and elsewhere. By the end of C18 th most local villages had endowed schools but Meriden lagged behind. ‘There is no charity school,’ wrote the Rev Anthony Bliss in his official return to Lichfield Diocese in 1772.We relied on the occasional bequest from villagers such as Mrs Elizabeth Dyall whose family owned what is now the Village Stores. She had left the interest on £20, ‘for teaching and instructing poor girls in the parish to read’. In his complex will (1786), Henry Barnett the wealthy but childless owner of Hollyberry End Farmleft a £500.00 endowment to, ‘put boys belonging or residing in the parish to school and finding them books, pens and other things used in schooling’ but it was not implemented until 1821. I do not know why there was this serious delay.

The Boys’ School. The first school was almost on the site of the later National School now the Surgery. It is depicted on the oil painting, the ‘Vale of Arden’ by Charles Marshall. R.A, a photographic copy of which was given to the village by Charles’ great- grandson, Phillip Marshall in 1994. Sadly I learnt of his death as I write so plan to compile a later article in his memory. There are few surviving documents about the early schools so their histories have to be pieced together using a variety of sources. I discovered from a descendant that the first master in 1821 was Francis Plant who earned £20.00 p.a. His successor John Henry Fretton (1830-1842) was the father of the famous Coventry antiquarian, WilliamGeorge Fretton who preserved important information on Meriden in his published writings. Before 1843 the master lived in the nearby stone house on Main Road. One of the school’s donors was Lord Aylesford who had given the site for the original school and owned this house improved internally by gifts from the Digby family of Meriden Hall. All pupils received a suit of clothing. As the village population grew, more teaching space was required. With about 60 boys attending by the late 1830s, a new building sponsored in part by the Church of England’s National Society opened in November 1843. It had two classrooms and master’s house at a cost of £522.00. The master appointed in 1843 with a salary of £60.00 p.a, John Kimpton, remained in this post to 1885 when he was 75 years old. His wife Nancy taught the girls. As now extra money for education was needed this was raised by villagers. For example in 1898 Mr Cattell of Patrick’s Farmdonated some lambs sold to Mr Glover whose shop was at the entrance to Glover’s Close. The money went to improving the school buildings.

The Girls’ School

Meriden had a private Dame’s school in the Wood Yard off Maxstoke Lane run by a well- educated spinster, Miss Mary Adcock. She was in advance of her time and on her death in 1777 she left her home, the ‘Dial House’ for a free charity school for Latin and English to be for both boys’ and girls’ tuition. ‘The school master must be learned in the Latin tongue. I do give the clock and the hand and dyal for the standard to the house and school.’ It seems distant relatives managed to subvert these wishes and the trustees were unable to take over the property. Miss Adcock may have been able to use the Dyal bequest of 1749 for her poor girls.

Members of the Digby family of Meriden Hall, especially the owner Wriothesley Digby and his siblings Kenelm and Mrs Mills neé Jane Digby, seeing the need for girls’ education in the village left sums of money towards a new project starting in 1811 while the 4th Earl of Aylesford added to this in 1813, assigning a piece of land at the top of the Straight Mile called the Old Bowling Green belonging to the Cock Inn for the site. Here was built a new endowed school which still stands. It was originally divided in two: a school room and a mistress’s house, the teacher Mrs Charlotte Spencer a young widow who remained at the school until 1843 was paid a salary for herself and an assistant to teach 24 girls who also received clothing. The endowment proved insufficient so Mrs Mills invested extra money to cover additional needs. Paying scholars could also join the school. The endowment was transferred to the new National School which then catered for boys and girls.

Doreen Agutter

The public and press are cordially invited to all meetings in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to speak. Look out for the Agenda which is posted on the parish notice boards prior to the meeting.

June 2010 9th Parish Council - meeting TBC 28th Parish Council Meeting

July 2010 14th Parish Council - meeting TBC 26th Parish Council Meeting

August 2010 11th Parish Council - meeting TBC 23rd Parish Council Meeting

Your Parish Councillors are:

The Parish Council meetings to be confirmed above may be replaced by Joint Surgeries with a parish councillor and a ward councillor to discuss issues that concern you on a one-to-one basis as opposed to speaking publicly at a normal parish council meeting.

Confirmation of these will be posted on notice boards and on the website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk.

LIBRARY

Representatives from the West Midlands Police along with Susan East, our Neighbourhood Coordinator from Solihull MBC, will be available for you to discuss any issues at Meriden Library on Monday mornings from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the following dates: 14th June, 12th July and 9th Aug. While the library is closed, the surgeries will be held in a police van.

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH

The last two Community Speedwatch sessions held in Meriden took place on Hampton Lane, outside the guest house. The first session witnessed 490 passing vehicles and 36 vehicles exceeded the speed limit. The second session recorded 470 passing vehicles of which 41 exceeded the speed limit. Support of residents for the speed watch initiative was encouraging and more volunteers signed up. We will always need more volunteers as the police eventually want to co-ordinate a combined session with Balsall Common, Berkswell, Meriden, Hampton-in-Arden and Tidbury Green on the same day and time. As a volunteer you will be trained in an informal setting, and then when you attend your first speed watch you will be supervised by our West Midlands Police representative, WPC Sharon Williams. Once WPC Williams is satisfied that all our volunteers are able to carry out a speed watch correctly, we can then arrange our own sessions when it suits us and report the information back to the police. If you’d like to volunteer contact Councillor Lee at mel@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk, or telephone

Julie Hall, Parish Clerk on 01676 522727.

Rosie Weaver, Bob Kipling, Graeme Goodsir; Shirley Goodsir; Marilyn Hamilton; Melanie Lee; Sarah Markham; Will Markham (Vice Chair) (Chair)

Your District Councillors are:

Ken Allsopp

David Bell Dr Peter Lea

COMMUNITY SURGERIES AT MERIDEN

AGE CONCERN LINKING PEOPLE PROJECT

Linking People is a service set up to provide older people with the help they need to enable them to remain living safely in their own homes and independently for as long as they wish, and to help improve their quality of life and well-being. The project aims to cover all information, advice and practical help that an older person living in Solihull may require. Meriden has been chosen as one of the pilots in the borough. A home visit is offered to those who are vulnerable, have disabilities or are aged over 50. Age Concern seeks volunteers to offer the home visit service throughout Meriden. If you are interested in becoming a home visit volunteer or if you or someone you know could benefit from this service, contact the Linking People team on 0121 705 3588

TENNIS COURTS ON THE CURRENT PLAYING FIELDS

Unfortunately, due to the unsafe state of the tennis courts caused by continuous vandalism, the parish council have ordered that they be demolished. This will ensure that the site is no longer a health and safety hazard to innocent by passers.

THE PARISH COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO THANK

.

Justyn Price, Fusion Project Manager and Coach Paul Jayes for starting up football training at the current playing fields from 21 April. Justyn conducts free Wednesday football sessions from 5.30 to 6.30pm for 8-11 year olds and 6.30 to 7.30pm for 12-15 year olds. Venue: Maxstoke Lane. His enthusiasm for the sport has encouraged young people to take part every Wednesday and they’ve thanked him for giving them something to do other than just meeting up and chatting with their mates. Justyn has planned a Summer Football Camp from 10:00-15:00 from Monday 23 August to Friday 27 August for 8-15 year olds. This camp will be charged at £60 per player for the week.

Paul conducts the Saturday morning Football Academy for 5-7 year olds at 9am, 8-11 year olds at 10.15am and 1214 year olds at 11.30am at £2.50 per child. Venue: Maxstoke Lane. This session has been well attended each week since 24 April. Both Wednesday and Saturday sessions have had over a dozen young people attend each week. Parents are enjoying it too and have been spotted kicking the spare football around between them, getting to know each other, while their children practice. This could see the return of Meriden Rovers!

If you’re interested in the Wednesday session or Summer Football Camp, you can contact Justyn on 0121 704 8274 or email him at justynprice@solihull.gov.uk. For Saturday morning’s Football Academy contact Paul on 07962 375038 or email him at pauljayes@yahoo.co.uk.

JULIE HALL – A MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL

On behalf of the Parish Council, Rosie Weaver pays special thanks to the clerk, Julie Hall, for her unselfish service to the community.

“Julie will resign at the end of July to dedicate more time to her family.”

“Julie’s support to the Parish Council and the Parish Plan Action Group has been invaluable and helped us move forward on the many new initiatives within the parish.”

Pied

Established 1979

• New build, renovations, maintenance, extensions, on domestic, commercial and industrial properties.

• Full design planning and build service

• Free Quotations

• Window and door replacement in UPVC, timber and aluminium

• Conservatories erected, kitchens and bathrooms fitted.

• Tiling, carpentry, plastering, brickwork, slabbing, plumbing and double-glazing repairs carried out.

Wasps

The life cycle of the wasp revolves around the Queen who is the only member of the colony that lays eggs. The Queens over winter in a frost-free location such as a hollow tree, a loft space, garden shed or similar, in early spring. When the weather starts to warm up the Queens emerge and try to find a suitable location to begin building a nest for this years colony. The Queens chew soft or rotting wood into a pulp, this is taken back to the nest location, the pulp is mixed with saliva and used to make the structure of the first ten to fifteen brood cells and the outer casing of the nest. When this is complete an egg is laid in each individual cell and once the eggs have hatched the Queens collect insects and sugar based food to feed the fast growing larvae. After approximately fourteen days the larvae seal the entrance to the cell and begin the process of metamorphosis, during this period they are changing from a maggot type larvae into what we know as being a wasp.When the first brood have pupated and finally hatched into adults they assume the duties of collecting wood pulp, increasing the size of the nest and feeding the newly hatched larvae. The Queen now remains in the nest with the sole task of laying more eggs. Early on in the life of a wasp nest the majority of the food brought back by the infertile female workers will be insects of high protein content and as the summer progresses more high carbohydrate foods such as the sugars from ripe fruit and berries etc will slowly become the main stay of the diet fed to the larvae, this fermenting carbohydrate diet is the cause of what are often called “Dozy wasps” found in houses and gardens in autumn.

In the late autumn the high carbohydrates encourage the production of larger cells to be made in thenest, these cells will produce virgin Queens and drones which will pupate and hatch just prior to the onset of winter. These new Queens will mate with more than one of the drones and move away to find a suitable frost-free site to over winter and then the whole cycle starts again Wasps carry venom that they use to over power insect prey and to protect themselves and their nest. The venom is contained in a sack, which ends in a sting, which is similar to a hypodermic needle; it is contained in the lower sections of the abdomen of all the worker wasps. Unlike the stinging bee species we have in the UK multiple stings are possible by a wasp. When a wasp has delivered it’s store of venom via the stinger it also releases an alarm pheromone which all other wasps in the area will respond to causing them to join in the attack on the victim of the first sting. A wasp sting will sometimes cause severe swelling ending with large yellow blisters appearing causing theneed for antibiotics and antihistamine tablets from a Doctor. An article recently published in the Cardiology medical journal suggests that thenumber of people killed in the UK each year by wasp stings could number in excess of 1000 and it now appears that wasp stings can trigger heart attacks in a number of susceptible people several days after being stung. This is known as Kounis syndrome. Taking into consideration that there is a strong possibility that you may be stung numerous times and just one sting can bring on the effects of Anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening if medical help is not immediately sort, I would strongly recommend that a professional pest control company is contacted to treat any nests you find, the £50-60 charge would be a small price to pay in comparison to having to carry an adrenaline pen for the rest of your life, or even worse ending in death.

By Gary Jakeman, Pied Piper Pest & Wildlife Management

M Meerriiddeen n P Paarriissh h P Pllaan n U Uppddaatte e

In the Parish Plan’s Household Survey, 98.5% of Meriden residents said that the preservation of the Green Belt is important or very important. The unexpected threat to the Green Belt by inappropriate development at Eaves Green Lane has united the Parish in opposition. Over the last few weeks the traveller issue has dominated action in the community, but progress has still been made on a number of important aspects of the Parish Plan.

Age Concern’s Linking People Project has now been launched. Age Concern representatives joined a team from the Parish Plan Action Group on a Saturday morning stall outside the library to explain to people about the project and to recruit more volunteers to help.

The project aims to ensure that older people have the information and help they need for independent living and that they are receiving all their entitlements in terms of services and benefits.

Age Concern will start with a focus on the residents of the mobile home parks at Meriden Hall and Eaves

and meetings are being arranged. More volunteers are needed. Contact the

on 0121 705 3588 or lcoton@acsolihull.org.

At the end of April, the Parish Plan Action Group met with Solihull Council, the Care Trust, the Police and other partners to review the Action Plan and get renewed commitment to the Plan. We were encouraged by progress on some actions, but disappointed that the improvement of the pavement on the south side of Fillongley Road promised for this year has been postponed due to budget cuts. The first priority of work on the Village Design Statement is to improve the safety of pedestrians and maintain Meriden’s ‘village feel’ when the new playing fields are open and the new housing development is occupied. We’ve looked at the problems experienced by pedestrians, parking problems, street signs and markings and the opportunities f for improvement in safety, parking and the environment.

After further discussions with Solihull officers, we will be consulting widely on the issues and on some ideas about the changes necessary.

One firm conclusion we have come to is that we have a lot of wasted road space in the village that could be put to better use through wider pavements and improved parking provision.

Anyone keen to contribute to this work should contact

IainRoxburgh@btinternet.com.

RU Towing Legally?

Are you a driver that passed your car (B) driving test on or after the 1st of January 1997? If so and you are now planning or already are towing a caravan, horsebox or trailer (even another car that has broken down) that weighs over 750kgs you could be falling foul of the law. As from the 1st of Jan 1997 it became a requirement that if you are towing a trailer of more than 750kgs (E) and the total MAM of the combination of car and trailer is 3500 kg or greater you might need to take another test B+E. Because this is a typical directive from the EEC it is not as straight forward and clear as it should be as every vehicle combination / towing requirement is different therefore if in doubt it is best to get in contact with myself or the DVLA to find out if you’re fully legal. Drivers that have passed their test before this date are ok as they have what are called grandfather rights which give them entitlement to drive at the old restrictions. The B+E test runs along the lines of the LGV lorry test which takes about an hour and covers all types of roads including motorways. You don’t have to do the manoeuvres that you have on a normal car test but you do have to do a reversing exercise that is conducted at the LGV test centre. The beginning of the test is the eyesight test and the good old ‘show me tell me’ questions then it’s to the nitty gritty of the test. Firstly you have to reverse out of a bay around a pole in the centre of the course and into a bay just stopping with the rear of the trailer into another bay. After this you have the controlled stop which is also carried out at the test centre, then the road drive out on the road. On return to the test centre the final phase of the test is to uncouple the trailer and then re -hitch it up. The whole test can be a very daunting thing. If you need professional training call me at RU Trailer Trained, 07884 202 830. Various courses, dependant on ability, are available. Also training for car, caravan, pass plus or regaining confidence. Hugh Boulton

Green

Linking People Coordinator, Lucy Coton,

It is not too late to enter the Solihull in Bloom Competition– entry forms are available from your local library and printed in the Solihull Times as well as applying online at www.solihull.gov.uk or by contacting Lynn Wainwright on 0121 704 6546

If you wish to enter one of the categories don’t forget to fill in your form, the closing date is June 30th .

Events in Solihull

Solihull Carnival -Saturday 12 th June Music in the Park –Saturday 6th June 1.00pm-3.00pm Tudor Grange Park

Mini Beast Mayhem- Sunday 4th July 10.00am-3.00pm Elmdon Park Music in the Park- Sunday 18th July 2.00pm-4.00pm Elmdon Park ‘Love Parks Week’ Road Show – Saturday 25th July 10.00am-4.00pm Mell Square

“The Secret Garden”– Outdoor Theatre Tuesday 27th July 7.00pm Brueton Park “Love Parks Week”Road Show - Saturday 25th July 10.00am-4.00pm Mell Square

Jurassic in the Park- Wednesday 28th July 10.30am-3.00pm Knowle Park Bat Walk Thursday- 5th August 8.00pm (2hours) approx Brueton Park Insects in a Changing Climate- Friday 27th August 10.00am – 12 noon

Gooseberry & Elderflower

Ice-cream

400gm green gooseberries (if using frozen gooseberries omit water)*** 120gm caster sugar 3 tblsp undiluted elderflower cordial 250ml chilled double cream

Simmer the gooseberries with the sugar and 1 tbsp of water *** for about 5mins until soft, stirring and squashing occasionally until the fruit has collapsed to a puree. Rub through a sieve to get rid of all the pips and skins.

Leave to cool then stir in the elderflower cordial and chill in fridge for an hour Beat the cream until soft peaks and fold in the gooseberries.

Freeze for 2 hours. Whisk again, then freeze for another 2 hours, finally whisk it once more and freeze until firm Delicious!!

Flight Path Protection Team

Wish to thank the public for being the eyes and eyes of the team and urge the public to contact them about anything relating to the flight paths that gives cause for concern. Please bear in mind that there are very few genuine plane spotters who observe aircraft further than 500 metres from the airport.

Phone 0121 712 6151

This is just a selection of activities in or around Solihull. You can find out more by reading the new Events in Solihull’s Parks and Open Spaces Guide which was launched in January filled with lots of events for all ages –from brass bands in the park to scarecrow making and conservation groups to fun festivals. So please down load a copy from www.solihull.gov.uk , visit your local library or call 0121 704 8000 for a free copy.

Saturday 3rd to Sunday 4th July 2010

Tudor Grange Park Solihull 24hour team relay cycle event starts at 12 noon on Saturday to finish 12 noon on Sunday 4th of July

Ride a I hour stage

Or ride multiple stages be part of a team Join a composite team to give the guys some help

Register to ride the TM Long ride home sponsorship forms and registration information on www.tmracing.org.uk

Phone Graham on 07917 133 453 or email graham@tmracing.org.uk

Our last event was The Black Country night, which was extremely successful. Once again, the fish and chips were very good and the entertainment excellent. With the raffle, we made £1300 – so we were very pleased. Thanks to everyone who supported this event. We are now planning the open gardens on Sunday August 22nd. We need an assortment of gardens – large and small and varying styles. Please consider opening your garden this year. It’s a very relaxed day and most owners enjoy the chit chat and talking about their plot! At the meeting point for buying the maps, we will be having stalls – a bric a brac, books and gardening stall etc. If you can support us in any way please contact us on.

Meriden 522160, 522343, 523118 or any Committee member.

Many thanks for your support Mary Warr

Open Gardens Sunday August 22nd

We are looking forward to good weather for our open gardens this year Maps can be collected from “Lavender House” by the Village Hall and the gardens will be open from 11.00am to 6.00pm. the price will be £2.50 per person Refreshments and stalls will be available en route. Come and enjoy the lovely gardens in Meriden Donationsofplantsandbricabracwillbe mostwelcome Mary 522160

Margery Gwendoline Borkett 1913- March 11th 2010

Margery was born on October 4th 1913 in Beckenham, Kent, the fifth child in a family of nine. The family moved to Glasgow during the First World War as her father was working at the Arsenal in Glasgow. After the war the family moved back to the south and lived in Lewisham, South London. Margery was a bright girl winning a scholarship to a school in Greenwich. She met William Borkett when they were at school. Bill, as he was known, was from a large Lewisham family as well. Margery and Bill became keen cyclists and even took their bikes on their honeymoon when they married in 1938. They lived in Chislehurst, Kent during the Second World War and both Margaret and then Carol were born there. Chislehurst was in “bomb alley” where the Germans dropped their extra bombs after leaving London. It seems as though they were lucky and suffered no real damage. When the war was over they had to leave the rented house and find somewhere to live. They were fortunate to buy a plot of land and obtain a building licence and the house at Eynsford in Kent was built in two stages as they could only spend £1,200 on the first build. Building materials were hard to obtain but the family moved into the family home and Margery lived there for 32 years. Eynsford is a small village in the Darent valley and the house had fields and woods behind it and Margery was able to enjoy the countryside that she loved, and William and Janet were born there. Bill and Margery travelled extensively throughout Europe enjoying many new experiences. The two older daughters had married in Eynsford Church and they had gained a granddaughter, Katrina and two grandsons, Matthew and Simon but sadly in 1976 Bill died leaving Margery alone at Eynsford as by now William and Janet were both working away from home.

Margery picked up the pieces of her life and finally moved to Meriden in 1982 to Waterfall Cottage, the house she had always admired. She moved to be near Margaret, Ken and their family and spent 29 very happy and fulfilled years there. She was a wonderful support to Margaret in helping to care for Simon.

She became a member of the Methodist Church, a member of Meriden WI serving on the committee for many years; she joined various walking groups and made many friends. She loved to travel and would go on the 900 bus to Coventry just to post a letter.

She visited William and his wife Mary many times in Chicago and Janet and her husband John when they lived in California and when they returned to live in England she was very busy stripping and pasting wallpaper when Janet and John moved to an old farmhouse and renovated it. She visited Carol and Alistair in Tring and was proud of her grandchildren’s successes.

She enjoyed good health for all of her life until the last few weeks, she had a long and wonderful life, right up until the end she was going out to the day centre, the community centre in the village, church, and visiting her daughters. Margery lived through enormous social, technological and world changes. She coped with everything and moved with the times. She had a good life and we will never forget her.

Her family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support whilst Margery was in hospital and to everyone who attended her funeral, sent cards and donated to Cancer Research.

“Together we can beat Cancer”

Last year we had record crowds and one of our best ever shows which enabled our Chairman to hand over a donation to the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, see photograph.

This year we have The Cumberland Battling Giants and David Seamark with his Sheepdogs in the main ring, as well as the usual Horse Jumping, Dressage, Carriage Driving, Vintage Tractors, Trade Stands, Pigs, Sheep, Cattle, Craft Tent and Horticultural Tent which has fabulous displays of home grown Vegetables, Flowers, home made cakes, jams and photographic competitions.

If you would like to enter your Garden or Allotment (judging of these usually takes place at the end of June) or if you would like to enter your produce in the horticultural tent please contact Secretary Mrs. Cheryl Brookes, 162 Stonebury Avenue, Eastern Green, Coventry CV5 7NX. 02476 460287 or email fillongleyshowfsmail.net for a schedule.

So make a date in your diary SUNDAY 8TH AUGUST gates open from 9.30. Ticket prices £6 for adults and £3 for children (same prices as 2009) and Free Parking. Come and join us for a fun filled family day out on your doorstep!

Fair-Trade for Solihull

I am a member of the Fair-trade steering group and after several years of slow but steady work we are about to apply for Fair-trade status for the borough. Despite the recession residents appreciate that it is appreciably harder in the third world where over 2 billion people still live off less than £1.50 a day. Fair-trade does its best to redress the balance and give growers a fairer deal for their hard work. We have recently held an event at which some of the key supporters were present including The Co-op, John Lewis, the NEC, Jaguar, Landrover, Starbucks, and Marks and Spencers. Our group however needs as much support as we can muster this year and if you feel you would like to help our group make Solihull a Fair-trade Borough please contact our organiser Andrew Greenall on 0121 704 8337 agreenall@solihull.gov.uk

Councilor David Bell

Village

DATEEVENT

VENUE TIME CONTACT

3rd June Mobile Library Albert Rd/ Showell Lane

9.30 – 10.30am Knowle Library 01564 775840

7th June W I Village Hall 7.30pm Joan Russell 522666

8th June Firs Trip Waterperry Gardens Frank Byrne 02476 713 662

9th June Readers Circle 7.30pm Mike Watkinson 521496

9th June Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727

10th June Cyclesolihull The Green 7.00pm Stephen Holt 01564 779235

12th June Summer Fayre The Firs 11.00am- 3.00pm

13th June Open Gardens Maxstoke Castle 11.00am-5.00pm

13th June Open Air Service Kinwalsey Lane 4.00pm Rev Charlesworth 533737

14th June Police Community Surgery The Green 10.00am-12 noon

17th June Mobile Library Albert Rd/ Showell Lane 9.30 – 10.30am Knowle Library 01564 775840

18th June Firs Coffee Morning Jubilee Centre B.C. 10.00am-12 noon Malcolm Gratton 523505

21st June Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457

21st June Book Fair Meriden School Mrs Smith 522488

25th June CAMEO Holiday at home Berkswell Ellen 522534

27th June Megaride Maxstoke Lane 11.30am Neville Riley 01676 532 709

28th June Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727

1st July Re-opening of Library Library 01676 522717

5th July W.I. Village Hall 7.30pm Joan Russell 522666

8th July Cream Tea Packington Hall 2.30pm

9th July PTA Summer Fayre School 4.00pm-6.00pm Vanessa 01676 523 327

12th July Police Community Surgery Library 10.00am–12noon 522717

14th July Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727

14th July Readers Circle 7.30pm Mike Watkinson 521496

16th July Firs Coffee Morning Jubilee Centre B.C. 10.00am-12 noon Malcolm Gratton 523505

17th July Horticultural Show St. Peter’s Hall B.C. 2.00pm – 4.00pm

23rd July CAMEO Community Centre 2.00pm Ellen 522534

26th July Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727

2nd August W.I. Village Hall 7.30pm Joan Russell 522666

8th August Fillongley Show Stonehouse Farm 9.30am Cheryl 02476 460287

9th August Police Community Surgery Library 10.00am-12 noon 522 717

11th August Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727

11th August Readers Circle 7.30pm Mike Watkinson 521496

12th August Blood Donors H of E Club 1.30-3.30 4.30-7.30 0300 123 2323

20th August Firs Coffee Morning Jubilee Centre B.C. 10.00am-12 noon Malcolm Gratton 523505

22nd August Open Gardens Meriden Village 11.00am- 6.00pm Mary Warr 522 160 23rd August Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727 23rd- 27th August Summer Football Camp Maxstoke Lane 10.00am –3.00pm Justyn 0121 704 8274 27th August CAMEO Community Centre 2.00pm Ellen 522534

Places to go and things to do this summer to go do this summer

Compton Verney

Compton Verney is an award winning art gallery in Warwickshire. It offers a unique opportunity to view art in the setting of a Grade 1 listed Robert Adam mansion located in 120 acres of spectacular parkland. Compton Verney houses six permanent collections and has a programme of exhibitions. You can stroll through the grounds, visit the exhibitions and eat in the award winning café, which has thought of something for everyone and serves a delicious choice of items throughout the day. Compton Verney is situated on the B4086 between Wellesbourne and Kineton and is a 40 minute drive from Meriden.

The house and grounds are open from Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 11.000am to 5.00pm Admission is £8, £6 concessions £2 5-16 year olds and under 5’s free

Whitacres and Shustoke Horticultural Society

62nd Annual Show

Saturday July 31st Blyth Hall, Shustoke Attractions include Vikings of Middle England, Falconry displays, Blacksmith and Farrier displays main marquee with flower, vegetable and plant displays ,rabbits, dog show and pony and horse classes. schedules can be obtained from the website. www.show.shustoke-warwickshire.co.uk

Open Gardens at Maxstoke Castle

What’s on at the NEC this summer 16-20th June Gardener’s World Live and the Summer Good Food Show 22nd –25th July Antiques for Everyone

And at Stoneleigh Park 9th –11th July Festival of the Horse

History Bus

Hop on a free History Bus and visit Birmingham’s fascinating and diverse community museums

The interior and the five acre gardens will be open by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Fetherston-Dilke on Sunday June 13th from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Light refreshments, plant and gift stalls. Sorry no dogs Proceeds in aid of St John Ambulance and the National Garden Scheme

Starting from Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery at 11.30am and then every hour until 3.30pm on the first Sunday of every month until 3rd October visiting Blakesley Hall, Aston hall, Soho House, The Pen Room and Aston Manor Transport Museum (a small charge applies to the transport museum)

The Staffordshire Hoard is on display in Gallery 20 of the Birmingham museum until 15th June