MeridenMag Spring 2014

Meriden Mag Spring 2014 Inside this issue: Details of the Cyclists’ Special weekend News from the School and Scout Group A spring time walk Parish Council latest School holiday sports camps Paint the Easter ducklings with Julie

Don’t forget the bluebell trail at Millison’s Wood, this is usually at the beginning of May.

Meriden Primary School has been busy this term Multi Sports On Tuesday 14th January Year 2 had a very exciting afternoon doing PE! Year 6 coached us and taught us how to do a number of different skills. We were given the chance to practice our throwing, jumping, sprinting and balance skills whilst doing a number of different activities.

We had great fun trying out all of the different sports and activities! Take a look at us in action!

A Pirate Adventure Ahoy Me Hearties!

We pirates have been very busy today!

Captain Knight and Captain Davis have made us scrub the decks, climb the rigging, steer the ship, raise the flag and keep look out! If they thought we were slacking a bit, they made us walk the plank! They were happy in the end though because we found a chest full of golden treasures! After our exciting adventure on the pirate ship, we thought about adjectives to describe what we could see, hear, feel and smell.

On 20th January we had lots of fun learning all about punctuation, spelling and grammar with our parents. We had the chance to have a go at different activities which focused on different types of words i.e. adjectives, verbs, as well as punctuation and phonics. Have a look at our photos to see us enjoying our learning!

Hello from Meriden School!

We have had yet another very busy start to the year!

This term saw the launch of ‘Be the Best you can Be!’ A programme designed to support children to have high aspirations, to focus on using their strengths to help them reach personal goals, both short term and further into the future. Alan Rapley, an Olympian athlete, came in to speak to the children about his path to success and how he overcame personal challenges. We are very much looking forward to seeing our pupils throughout the school develop their skills and meet challenges head on in order to reach their own goals.

I am very proud to tell you that Meriden pupils and families raised a fantastic £824 for the charity ‘EducAid Africa’, our school charity for the year 2012/13. This money has paid for a young girl, Margaret, to attend Secondary school for three years which will have a huge impact on her future chances in life. This year’s charity is ‘Little Princess Trust’, a charity providing wigs for young cancer patients. The charity was suggested

by Jasmine in year 3 and she will be having her hair cut off in order to have a wig made on Saturday 29th March during our charity fun day. We have already raised £3500 for this but want to raise more! Everyone is welcome so please come and join in the fun.

Although a few months ago now, I feel I ought to mention the activities that took place, both in and out of school, such as the carol service on The Green with a friendly donkey and Christingle at the Church where the children sang beautifully. In school, Key Stage 1 performed ‘The Stars Come Out for Christmas’ and our nursery (FS1) pupils performed the nativity at St Laurence’s church which ensured that the true meaning of Christmas was clear in our thoughts.

During the spring term children in year 5 will once again be able to take part in cycle training in March, ensuring that they are safe to travel on their bikes. This will help them become healthier and fitter for life. To support this, and to reduce traffic around school, Meriden Parent Council are running a ‘Fit Factor’ programme to encourage children to walk, scoot or cycle to school every Friday in March & April, meeting at The Bull’s Head. (Many thanks to them for supporting this and allowing parents to park there.)

Finally this term, an Easter service delivered by lower key stage 2 pupils will be held on the 7th April at 9.15am. Everyone is invited to join us – please telephone school on 01676 522488 so we can expect you.

With best wishes Lucy Winkler, Headteacher, Meriden CE Primary School Year 6 were visited by Ian Hindle, an R.N.L.I. volunteer, recently. He explained to the children about the work of the lifeboat crews and the dangers of the sea. He was able to give more details about the dramatic rescue made by Grace Darling.

Alan Rapley, the 2006 Great Britain Swimming Team Captain recently spent the morning in school talking about his journey through life, failure and success, before realising his ambition to represent his country in an Olympic games. He visited each class and worked with the children on the early stages of the project, answering questions and explaining in a little more detail what inspired him and the turning points in his life that led him to the Olympics games in Atlanta. The children and staff were greatly motivated by Alan’s visit and, as the project develops in school, we hope to welcome him back to support us on our journey and celebrate future successes.

School holiday Sports Camps at Meriden Sports Park 14-17 April 22-25, April and 27-30 May 9am – 3pm each day. £10 per day or £40 per week. For boys and girls aged 5-12. For each day please ensure you bring a packed lunch, healthy snacks, warm waterproof clothing as well as boots/trainers.

Please book through our sports co-ordinator Paul Jayes on 07508 611922 or email Paul at visionfootballacademy@ymail.com to guarantee your child’s place.

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Rev'd Kate Massey Assistant Curate 01676 522825 Lay Reader: Peter Wright 01676 522414 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas 01676 522455 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ John Baker 01676-522939. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Services are held on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday at 10.30 am I wonder if there is a place you have always wanted to visit. Perhaps you love golf, and hope one day to go to St Andrews and play a round or two. Maybe you are passionate about conservation and dream of a safari trip in Kenya.

Or have you always loved the music of Elvis Presley and long to visit Graceland? People can have a deep desire to travel to a special place for all manner of reasons. For people of faith, journeying to a place of religious or spiritual significance can be a very important experience, and the word we use for that sort of journey is pilgrimage.

A pilgrimage is a journey with a purpose – to draw nearer to God. For millions of people throughout the decades, a trip to one of the sacred places of our faith has been a chance to encounter God in a different or deeper way. In a previous edition of the Meriden Mag, I have spoken about the privilege of taking part in the Coventry Diocese pilgrimage to the Taize Community in France, and how that experience was quite transformative for so many of our group. Yet a pilgrimage’s greatest power is in reminding us of the inner journey we all must make, to draw nearer to God not just in sacred places, but in our hearts.

This spring a group of Christians from Meriden are meeting together to explore something called the Pilgrim Course.

Although it is a “course”, it is not designed to give us loads more head-knowledge about the Christian tradition.

Rather it tries to help us travel together, sharing everyday stories and experiences, while as individuals and as a group we draw nearer to God through Jesus. I am so excited about making this very special pilgrimage without having to leave our village, and if you would be interested in joining us, do get in touch.

However, there is another sort of pilgrimage you can make without leaving Meriden. Soon we will be in the season of Lent, when the Church begins its annual journey towards Easter. This begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in Holy Week. Through a variety of events and services across the three churches, we explore once again Jesus’ life, teachings, death and resurrection and think about what it means for us today. Do look out for these special services, and join us if you can. Fellow pilgrims are always welcome!

Kate Massey

Easter Services in Meriden Ash Wednesday Communion 5th March 7pm at St Laurence Church Good Friday 18th April 10.30am Friday Walk of Witness (with Meriden Methodist Church and Meriden Christian Fellowship) Starts at Meriden School and stops at Meriden Gate (10.40am), the Village Green (10.45am), The Bulls Head (10.55am), the War Memorial (11am), the Doctors’ Surgery (11.15am) and St Laurence Church (11.30am). All timings are approximate. Do feel free to join us along the route.

Hour at the Cross, Good Friday 12 noon at St Laurence Church Easter Sunday April 20th Service of Easter Acclamation 9am at St Laurence Church, followed by Fish Breakfast Service of Easter Holy Communion, 10.30 am at St Laurence Church

The Christmas tree festival at St Laurence, see centre page for the winning tree

Friends of Meriden Churchyard Anybody interested in helping to maintain the beautiful Meriden Churchyard and make new friends at the same time is invited to join the Friends of Meriden Churchyard who meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 10.00am (excluding December) Please contact Liam Massey 01676 522825 or John Baker 01676 522939

Women's World Day of Prayer Friday 7th March 2.00pm Meriden Methodist Church “Women of Egypt” Speaker Rev Kate Massey

• • • •

Brick built heated/fully tiled kennels with individual runs.

Highly recommended, small family run business Vaccinated dogs only please Working Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel puppies sometimes for sale

For the very best for your dog, contact…

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Tom’s Butchery Established 25 years 3 The Green Meriden Telephone

01676 522822 • Fresh local farm chickens • Hand raised pork pies all sizes • Ribs of beef on the bone • Free range English pork • Top quality lamb • Wide selection of prize winning sausages • Wide selection of cheeses

Newspapers and Magazines Beer and Wine Groceries and fresh produce Cash Machine and cash back available Dry Cleaning Lottery Award winning Lashford sausages Send and receive parcels from here Opening hours Weekdays 6am – 10pm Weekends 7am – 10pm

• Wide selection of bacon including dry cured English bacon

Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287

In Meriden Minister: Rev Andrew Charlesworth BSc BA Tel: 01676 533737 - Phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and funerals Services: Sunday 10:30am Café Church 4pm 1st Sunday of Month (Joke by Rob Auton) I heard a rumour that Cadbury is bringing out an oriental chocolate bar. Could be a Chinese Wispa.

Lent begins this year on March 5th and runs up to the day before Easter Sunday (this year April 20th), which is traditionally called Holy Saturday. During Lent, we remember the 40 days of testing and temptation that Jesus endured in the wilderness.

However, if you calculated the difference between March 5th and April 19th, you would discover that the season of Lent actually lasts for 46 days.

The reason is that the six Sundays of Lent were not traditionally counted, as they represented feast day (a mini-Easter). If you are planning to give something up for Lent, such as chocolate, I leave it to your own conscience whether or not you maintain the fast on Sundays!

In the Eastern Church tradition, Lent only runs for 40 days. It starts on what they call “Clean Monday” and runs until the Friday before Palm Sunday. If we followed that tradition, however, we would miss Shrove Tuesday and you cannot miss an opportunity to eat pancakes. We eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday as they were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of Lent. The famous New Orleans festival of Mardi Gras comes from the French name for Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras literally means “Fat Tuesday”!

There is one less familiar aspect of Lent that goes back to the early church. People who were preparing to be received into the church were called Catechumens. For them, Lent was a time of preparation for baptism, which would be celebrated as the joy of new birth and performed on Easter Day. During Lent the Catechumens went through a very intensive programme of instruction and learning. If those preparing for confirmation or church membership today went through what the Catechumens faced, they would get a very big shock indeed.

However, I think this picture of Lent as a period of instruction and learning is a great way to see the season. Lent is not just about self-denial, but an opportunity to focus on better living. The picture above comes from a campaign that challenges to do something positive during Lent (google it for more details). If we were to treat Lent as an opportunity to live differently and to focus on others then it would make a real difference in people’s lives.

The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire; Love, peace and joy. Andrew please contact Maureen & Alan Gabbitas 01676 522 148

Holiday accommodation rental Spain

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10 mins from the sea 40km from Alicante airport From £250 per week for more information see www.stillinspain.com

Contact Malcolm Hickin 01676 248673 mhickin@tiscali.co.uk

Queens Head Old Road Meriden Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx March 3rd Julie Christie 10th Micky Dean 17th St Patrick’s Day with David McGrath 24th Chrissie 31st Sam Southall April 7th 14th 21st 28th

Justine Clare Back Beat Paul Tracini Guy Surtees

May 5th 12th 19th 26th

Maddie Cole Stevie Best Claire Mac Rob Handford

Now serving Breakfast on Sunday mornings ALLAN SMITH SLATING 10.00am-1.00pm Full English £5.25.

Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00- 2.30pm Sunday lunches now being served 12 – 4.00pm Take away available Pop in for good food and a warm welcome

01676 522256

Tiny Teddies Day Nursery Ltd FREE Nursery session* BOOK NOW! Tiny Teddies Day Nursery Ltd has sites across the city offering a high standard of care and education for children aged 0-5 years old.

To book your free session* call your local nursery site today!

Call Radford: 02476 590059 Call Tile Hill: 02476 679581 Call Whitley: 07860 412501 Discounts available, call for more information “children are happy, settled and secure” Ofsted June 2013

Visit: www.tinyteddies.co.uk Email: info@tinyteddies.co.uk *free sessions run between 9.30-11.30am and 2.00-3.30pm Monday – Friday subject to availability. Maximum stay one hour, parent/carer must be present at all times.

BUBBLES HAND CAR WASH Quality Hand Car Cleaning Prices from £6 wash only £12 -£15 for inside and out including full vacuum and interior windows Find us off the A45 in Shepherd’s Lane Meriden

Phone 07538 238 005

• • • • • •

Servicing Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes

Call in for a quotation for your motoring needs

01676 521010 Meriden Garage, Birmingham Road Millison’s Wood CV5 9AZ

The Centre Charity Shop and Meriden Christian Fellowship 01676 523050

THE CENTRE CHARITY SHOP As always a very big thank you to our hardworking staff for all they do. Thank you also to the generosity of our donators as we often get complimented on the quality of the goods we have for sale in the shop as well as the array of things to be purchased.

At the moment we are in need of good quality bed linen and household linens, men's footwear and small items of furniture. Also baby equipment is popular, high chairs, pushchairs, stair gates etc.

We do not take donations of books or videos. We can only accept new electrical items as old appliances have to have a valid test certificate.

We have a clothing recycling collection each week so if you have unsaleable clothing or bedding if you put rags on the bag it will save us time sorting through it.

Hope to see you soon Kevin and Lyn Hunt MERIDEN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Well the New Year has started with devastating effect for a lot of people, especially in the south of the country as the rain and wind just doesn't seem to want to stop. Hopefully things will change soon and we can then look forward to spring with the daffodils shooting up, leaves appearing on the trees and new life springing up all around us. It's apt that spring time is when we celebrate Easter as this is also about new life. Whilst I'm sure many people will enjoy eating loads of chocolate in the shape of eggs, rabbits and the like, putting back on the weight that they've just took off after Christmas, It's actually worth giving a thought as to what it's really all about, and what it's not. It's not about cuddly bunnies or brightly coloured decorated hats, or chocolate, as fun as those things are, it's about the gift of new life given by the saviour, Jesus, when he died on the cross and rose again three days later. This gift is for anyone who chooses to receive it, and unlike the chocolate eggs and bunnies that disappear faster than you can blink, the gift of eternal life is just that, eternal.

Unfortunately the real meaning of both Christmas and Easter is often lost in the surge of consumerism and advertising that mesmerises people and feeds on their greed and the desire to believe in anything other than the real meaning of what's being celebrated. Don't get me wrong, I too enjoy eating Cadbury's cream eggs, and watching the children hunt for the hidden eggs and seeing their faces when they find them, but do it without losing the truth of the celebration. The reality of Easter will change your life in a way you could only dream about if you would but realise it. So whilst you’re enjoying celebrating Easter this year, it might be worth giving a thought to what's really on offer.

Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13). Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30). Easter is God's demonstration of His unconditional love for you.

Kevin and Lyn Hunt.

Knowle Art Group 2014 Painting Exhibition Exhibition St.John's Hall Knowle Adjacent to Knowle Parish Church

PHYSIOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY

Treatment for pain, stress, acute and chronic conditions Local home visits to ladies available

Alison Stain M.C.S.P.,M.S.R., HPC. Registered

Saturday May 3rd 9.30am - 4.30pm Free admission

The Therapy Centre, Balsall Villa 287 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common.

Tel : 01676 522284

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP Spring Cycling As spring arrives, so does a renewed zest for outdoor activities. Cycling and motorcycling have always played an important role in Meriden, and in May, Meriden will hold its annual special service at the Cyclists’ War Memorial. The memorial was put up in 1921 to commemorate the Cyclist’s Battalions and cyclists who lost their lives in the Great War. This year is particularly poignant, as 2014 is the centenary of the beginning of the First World War. The Government is working alongside several partners, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Imperial War Museums, on a series of national remembrance events, an extensive cultural programme and educational schemes. The hope is that every community will take the opportunity to take part in remembering how the Great War affected them.

Meriden should also be proud of the contribution Triumph made to the war effort, as Triumph supplied more than 30,000 motorcycles to the Allies.

In a War that saw cavalry on the frontline, the bicycle was the original ‘sustainable’ transport vehicle. It required only the power of the cyclist. 100 years on, we are taking to heart as a nation the value of sustainability, for the sake of the environment and wildlife, as well as long-term benefits for people. So far the Government has seen the funding of £600 million for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund which covers cycling, walking and other low carbon transport. £11 million has been pledged for Bikeability training each year to help a new generation of cyclists gain the skills and knowledge they need to cycle safely. The Government are also giving local authorities the power to introduce 20 mph zones and Trixi mirrors at dangerous junctions. The Think Cyclist safety campaign has made £35 million available to tackle dangerous junctions for cyclists across the country. The £35 million is part of the additional £107 million of investment in cycling that the Government has announced since February 2012. At a pan-European level, the European New Car Assessment Programme is increasing the rate at which collision avoidance technologies are brought to market and autonomous emergency braking systems capable of reacting to pedestrians and cyclists are under development. So this spring, why not help celebrate the efforts of cyclists and To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a motorcyclists in the Great War by making the most of surgery please contact Katy Steele 0121 711 7029 the outdoors on bike.

Email :carolinespelman.com

Mrs C Booker Do you love to sing, why not join our choir?

No audition and no experience needed just a love of singing!

New members very welcome. We are a warm and friendly choir of mixed ages and sexes that has a great time and raises lots of money for charity.

Rehearsals are held Friday evenings at Meriden Village Hall at 7.30pm Please contact John 07716 721467 for more details

Home visiting Chiropodist/podiatrist State and HPC registered

Tel 01676 534265 Friendly and professional advice on all foot problems

please visit our new web site

ME SC HO OR

OL

MIDLANDS CLEANERS

TH E

www.firebirdsingers.org.uk

Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services • • • •

Window Cleaning Fascia & Soffit Cleaning Gutter & Cladding Cleaning Conservatory Roof and Patio Cleaning

Adam Eales 0794 389 3354 midlandscleaners@mail.com

Jennifer Faulkner F.I.D.T.A BA Hons

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary

Fellowship Teaching Degree

dip A.B.R.S.M Principal- Sandra Clarke

Tel: 02476 467271

Fresh, Local & Delicious!

Local poultry, game, beef & lamb plus our own pork, gammon, hams & pork pies.

Plus: a full deli & cheese counter & a large selection of fruit & vegetables.

Plus: chocolates, cakes & sweets as well as home ware & great gift ideas.

Relax and unwind in our Coffee Shop ‘The Hayloft’

Fantastic gift ideas for Mother’s Day and Easter.

Find us on Facebook to keep up to date with special offers, new products & events!

Berryfields Farm Shop, Berkswell Road, Meriden.

Email: info@berryfieldsfarmshop.co.uk CV7 7LB Web: www.berryfieldsfarmshop.co.uk 01676 522 155 Find us on facebook

Open 7 days a week. For further details & seasonal opening times please see our website.

Pensions Investments Protection Savings Employee benefits • Inheritance Tax

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Impartial Financial Advisers to Individuals and Companies

Professional small family business covering Meriden, Fillongley, Berkswell & surrounding villages

Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd Regent House 430 – 432 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER Tel 01676 532 210 www.jamiesonchristie.com Email: mail@jamiesonchristie.com Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Independent Financial Advisers www.reddotgroup.co.uk

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Call Luke to discuss your goals and priorities Tel – 07807 519 811 E-mail: Luke@reddotgroup.co.uk Red Dot (Cymru) Ltd is authorised and regulated by the financial conduct authority

Meriden Self Service Dog Wash Showell Lane Meriden Phone : 07730397419 Save money and have no mess at home!

Fully equipped grooming room Bath - dryers - electric table CHARGES FOR 1 DOG:1st half hour : £7.50 Extra half hour slots : £6.50 Additional dogs : £3 each Towels - grooming tools – Small extra fee Shampoo & conditioner for sale if required Assistance on hand

Meat (frozen) for dogs dogs 4242-45p per pound Eden MultiMulti- Meat and and Fish Formula Dog Food – Suitable All Ages Independently 5 star rated

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15 KG : ON LINE PRICE : £54.99 15 KG : LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR PRICE : £50

Phone : 07730397419 for sales / delivery Balsall Common Country Market A weekly market is held at Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road CV7 7EX every Saturday from 10.00 - 11.30am and the first Sunday of the month at the Saracen’s Head from 1 - 4pm Home baking and preserves, meat, plants and seasonal vegetables, crafts and homemade cards

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Lewis Skip Hire (25 years in Solihull) Yes, spring special £130 for a full size builder skip for all your household & garden rubbish.

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Mothering Sunday gifts and Easter goodies Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide.

Contact 01676 534148

A free cup of tea or coffee with this voucher

For more details call June Smitten on 01676 523007

Well how are you all? It’s lovely to see you again. I hope that you have had a lovely few months since we last bumped into each other amidst the cosy pages of your Meriden Mag. I hope that the wet and grotty winter we have had didn’t get you down too much. It did me, I can’t deny! My cupcake kitchen overlooks an 11 acre grazing field, usually filled with beautiful horses galloping around, so imagine my horror when the horses disappeared overnight and the farmer came and ploughed the whole field, shortly before Christmas.

It left me with a dreary view of a mud lake outside my window. A big, brown, sticky paddy field. Even now a huge expanse of brown sludge has replaced the once green lush view. Ah woe is me- and my panorama!

Hopefully in a few months we will have a sea of golden wheat… and a few poppies after I sneakily threw a handful of poppy seeds into the wind to encourage a splash of colour! (Oops, is that wrong?) I do miss the horses though. It’s so great to have a horse’s head suddenly appear over the garden hedge looking for a carrot treat.

This issue’s recipe is inspired by Valentine’s day- it’s a cupcake for lovers, made with love and filled with love! I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t like strawberries dipped in chocolate, so adding this to a chocolate cupcake seems a match truly made in heaven. This recipe makes twelve so you can even afford to give one away and spread the love!

For the chocolate cupcakes:

Mix all dry ingredients into a bowl (except choc chips), and add the margarine and the eggs. Whisk until combined- don’t over mix or the gluten in the flour will stretch, and toughen the cake. Stir in chocolate chips and spoon equally into 12 cupcake liners in a tray.

180g SR flour (sieved) 180g margarine 180g caster sugar 3 large eggs 2 tblsp sieved cocoa powder 1tsp baking powder 100g chocolate chips

Bake at 175C for 20mins.

Cool.

For the Buttercream: 200g Butter 400g icing Sugar a few drops of milk A few drops of pink colouring and strawberry essence

Whisk the butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Slowly add batches of icing sugar until it is all mixed in well, and has gone very pale and aerated. Add a little milk if the mixture appears too stiff. Mix in a little pink colouring and strawberry essence. Pipe a swirl on the cool cupcakes.

For the Strawberries in chocolate: 100g plain chocolate 12 large ripe strawberries Wash and pat dry the strawberries, leaving the stalks on. Melt the chocolate over a pan of hot water, or microwave on half heat, stirring every minute, until liquid and glossy. Dip the strawberry in the chocolate and turn a few times until it begins to set and cool just a little. Rest the strawberry on top of the cupcake swirl, allowing some chocolate to drip down onto the icing. I added a little edible gold leaf to mine- but I’m a bit of a show off!

Balsall Common U3A Are you retired or semi-retired have you considered joining the Balsall Common U3A? The local U3A is part of a national and international voluntary learning co-operative whose aim is to encourage activities for people 55+. We have 25 active groups providing something different on each week day.

On April 3rd the Out and about group have arranged a coach trip to Oxford, with an optional guided tour of the Ashmolean Museum Beside the group activities, each month we have a core meeting. Included in the core meeting is a talk on subjects of interest to the group, the subjects and speakers for the next few months are as follows: Date 24th March 2014 28th April 2014 19th May 2014

Topic The Life of Gertrude Bell Gold and Silver Safe Driving Techniques

Speaker Maoyad Hanoush Graham Cocking Alan Rogers

The U3A AGM will be held during the core meeting on 28th April Core meetings are held in the Balsall Common Village Hall Station Road and start at 1-45 pm. Prospective members are welcome to attend.

For more information see our web site www.balsallcommonu3a.org or telephone Mary Dawson 01676 532467.

TRAVELLER SITE APPEAL DISMISSED The longstanding bid by developers to secure traveller site status for land in Eaves Green Lane may have finally come to an end. The travellers launched a massive 'shock and awe' development bid in April 2010 by bringing in 'bulldozers and barristers' to occupy land unlawfully without planning permission or prior consultation with residents. Since then residents have won over 20 legal, technical and planning battles to return the land to green belt status and protect it from future assault through High Court Injunctions and similar planning protections Although the travellers obeyed a legal ruling to finally leave the site last April, they had submitted a planning application to locate three caravans, two small utility sheds, parked vehicles and other paraphernalia on the land in Eaves Green Lane in a bid to return to the site and gain a 'toe hold' which from presumably, they would again, seek to expand the site This application was refused by Solihull Council. RAID - along with Solihull Council - defended the decision at (yet another) Public Inquiry held last August. By November the Inspector and Secretary of State had yet again thrown out the appeal. The reasons given were (a) a conflict with the greenbelt and 'definitional harm' carrying substantial weight (b) that the caravans and sheds would not be in keeping with the traditional buildings and cottages. The Inspectors most damning comments however related to the location of the site where (c) ‘the site access is at a very hazardous place, visibility is at a level where danger is caused and therefore the risk of accident is high'. (d) There would also, it is noted, be a risk to the site occupiers from flooding.

The travellers have not appealed this decision further. In addition Solihull Council will, by March, have built their new £1m traveller site elsewhere in the Borough (which was supported by RAID) and no traveller with legitimate accommodation needs can complain that the Council is doing nothing for them. RAID will now press the Council to ensure that the Eaves Green Lane site is fully restored to its former greenbelt glory.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported our marathon campaign to keep the green in Meriden.

Kind Regards David McGrath Chairman Meriden RAID

A Farmer’s Tale A farmer goes out to his field one morning only to find all of his cows frozen solid. As far as the eye can see are cows, motionless like statues.

It had been a bitterly cold night, but he never thought anything like this would happen. The realisation of the situation then dawned on him.

With his entire livestock gone, how would he make ends meet? How would he feed his wife and kids?

How would he pay the mortgage? He sat with his head in his hands, trying to come to terms with his impending poverty. Just then, an elderly woman walked by, "What's the matter?" asked the old lady.

The farmer gestured toward the frozen cows and explained his predicament to the woman.

Without hesitation the old woman smiled and began to rub one of the cow’s noses. After a few seconds the cow began to twitch and was soon back to normal and chewing the cud.

One by one, the old woman defrosted the cows until the whole field was full of healthy animals.

The farmer was delighted and asked the woman what she wanted as a repayment for her deed.

She declined his offer and walked off across the field.

A passer-by who had witnessed the whole thing approached the farmer.

"You know who that was don't you?" asked the passer-by.

"No" said the farmer "who?"

“That was Thora Hird!”

Meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the month at 7.30pm Contact Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 We welcomed the Rev Kate Massey to our Christmas meeting on 2nd December; she gave a short talk about her life before and after coming into the Ministry. We then enjoyed an excellent buffet supper provided by the members.

In January our speaker was Mrs Annette Hughes, a colour coordination consultant who gave us practical advice on choosing colours to bring out the best in us!

Mrs Jane Guy came in February and showed us how to knit a fashionable 'twirly scarf'. Many members achieved this very successfully, after one or two slip ups!

Future programme Monday 3rd March - History of Guy's Cliffe - Mr Adrian King Monday 7th April - Support the Hedgehog Campaign - a speaker from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Monday 12th May - Resolution Meeting NB changed to second Monday due to Bank Holiday Elizabeth Spencer

T’ai Chi and Meditation and Relaxation Come and discover how the beautiful flowing movements of this ancient art can improve your wellbeing. Relax and enjoy simple calming relaxation and meditation techniques.

Mondays 9.30-10.30am Meriden Village Hall Call Jacqui on WARWICK OFFICE BALSALL COMMON OFFICE 61 Coten End 2 Meeting House Lane Warwick CV34 4NU Balsall Common CV7 7FX Tel:01926 499889 Tel 01676 533755 Fax: 01926 499552 Fax 01676 533699 www.macnamaraking.com

07703 345210 …the perfect start to your day!

CAMEO Come and Meet Each Other at the Sports Pavilion on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.

CAMEO

In November Sue Stretton from the Healing Hands Network spoke to us about her work with this organisation which was set up to sendCome volunteer professionals to work with people suffering fromon thethe trauma and terrible consequences of andcare Meet Each Other at the Community Centre 4th Friday of the war or disaster. It started when three friends went to Sarajevo to carry out therapies in homes and word spread. Since month at 2.00 p.m.

February 1997 teams of therapists have worked in Bosnia giving over 40,000 treatments and they now have their own apartment and clinic. Sue explained her involvement. She saw an article in a newspaper explaining what Healing Hands was doing in Bosnia and as a trained beauty and holistic therapist she wanted to help. Volunteers have to raise money to cover their air fare, accommodation and living expenses for two weeks. Sue showed us slides and photographs of their work and told. us about the terrible things people suffered in the Bosnian War. In 2011 they launched their Forces Project which aims to provide such therapies to returning service personnel in the U.K. who may be suffering from posttraumatic stress and other mental and physical effects of active service and they work closely with agencies such as Combat Stress and SSAFA funded homes for the families of injured soldiers. Sue is involved with Norton house in Birmingham.

It was very interesting, emotional, and inspirational and thought provoking.

We celebrated Christmas by welcoming back Margaret Oliver and her group 4 in Harmony. They performed a wonderful variety of songs ranging from The Seekers to Flanders and Swann followed by a Christmas medley and carols. Margaret then talked about candles and showed us several: one was very beautiful, one short and fat, another tall and thin and finally a droopy bent over candle. However, if the lights were turned off you would not know the difference as they are all made to give light. She said we were like candles and needed to be lit from inside. Jesus said “I am the light of the world” Margaret urged us to make space to think about the real meaning of Christmas amongst all the frantic activity. We then enjoyed mince pies, sausage rolls and shortbread!

At the start of the year we had two speakers Emily Cooper and Eleanor Betts. Emily Cooper is the fundraiser for Age U.K. Solihull which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. They help 20,000 people every year and there are around 60 members of staff and 300 volunteers They provide many mainly free services including information and advice, help with benefit claims and befriending in addition to opportunities for consultation. Emily sold us bobbles for Bobble Day on 7th February. The aim is to raise money to help make winter a better season for older people by giving home checks re energy efficiency and insulation, providing warming emergency food packs or parcels of winter clothing and thermometers.

Eleanor Betts, a will maker from Think Wills and Probate then gave a talk on the importance of making a will and pointing out the pitfalls if you don’t or if they are not properly executed. Apparently, 70% of the population do not have a will leaving a very uncertain future for their families. Eleanor said it was also useful to consider a Lasting Power of Attorney ready for unforeseen circumstances which is considerably cheaper than an application to the Court of Protection, if one is needed later.

We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Pam 523372 Forthcoming Meetings:-.

28th March – Easter Experience with Major Gethin Thomas from The Salvation Army.

25th April – A meal out.

23rd May - Heather Alford from Leprosy Mission.

AGUAFLAME UK MERIDEN Terry Griffiths Plumbing – Heating – Gas Services Gas & L.P.G. Boilers replaced, repaired & serviced Luxury bathroom design & fitting

0797 011 9142 01676 523 192

LARCH TREE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE TREATMENT OF MUSCULAR AND SKELETAL PAIN, SPORTS AND PERSONAL INJURIES Liam Halton B.Sc (Hons) Ost. 49 Larch Tree Avenue, (Off Broad Lane), Tile Hill, COVENTRY, CV4 9FT

www.larchtreeost.co.uk TEL: 024 7647 0019

LAWN BOWLS AT THE HIGHWAY CLUB Membership open now to both Ladies and Gentlemen with one year free Bowls Section membership for people new to Bowls.

No obligation. Come and try it for a few weeks.

All you need to start is a flat pair of shoes and a smile!

All bowls etc and training will be provided. Not sure?

Bring a friend!

Where? Off Fletchamstead Highway/ Standard Avenue behind the Hyundai Car Showrooms. (CV4 9BY) Free Parking.

When? Tuesday evening from 6.00 pm is ‘Club Night’ – come and give it a try – you will be made very welcome.

For more information give Chris or Margaret a call on 02476 464399 / 07960744468 gitshamchris@aol.com visit our website http://highwaybowls.clubbz.com

Come along to a warm welcome with Candy at Meriden Village Hall

Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £4 per session

Pilates Thursday evenings 7.00pm £4 per session

Pilates focuses on building your body's core strength and improving your posture through a series of low repetition low impact stretching and conditioning exercises.

It not only provides a complete body workout (you will be working muscles you didn't even know you had!), but also helps you develop an awareness of how your body works, helping your mind and body to work in harmony.

Any queries please contact: Tel. 07828709650

Meriden C of E Primary School Community Governor Vacancy We have a vacancy for Community Governor at our school.

Being a Governor is a rewarding and effective way of making a voluntary contribution to your community and to the lives of local young people. Community Governors are appointed by the Governing Body to represent community interests. You should live or work in the community served by the school and have a keen interest in our success. You should not be a parent or grandparent of a child in school.

As a community governor you would be expected to: · get to know the school: its needs, strengths and areas for development in order to have a strategic view · attend meetings · work as a member of a team as a ‘critical friend’ · commit to training and development opportunities · act within the framework of the policies of the Governing Body and legal requirements · speak, act and vote in the best interests of the school · represent the perspectives of constituencies, where appropriate and respect all Governing Body decisions and support them in public.

You should have: You should· - School Specification · an interest in the education of all children · a commitment to equal opportunities · a commitment to securing the best educational outcomes for all young people · tact and diplomacy · an ability to work as a member of a team · an ability to respect confidentiality · a commitment to participate in training and selfevaluation.

Training is provided.

If interested, please contact Phil Greenaway, Chair of Governors, at meridencofg@googlemail.com or the school office at office@meriden.solihull.sch.uk

01676 522488 for further details.

Free Cricket Coaching for Kids 5-15 yrs old Any ability or gender Every Friday evening at 6pm till 7.30pm provided by Meriden Spartans CC www.mscc.info

at Meriden Sports Park Starting on Friday 4 April 2014

The Meriden Plumber NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

Franklin Construction Services Established 1979

Fully Qualified in Natural Gas & LPG Our services include: • Full Central Heating installations • Landlord Gas Safe Certificates & Servicing • Boiler Replacements • Cooker & Fire Installations • Power Flushing • Shower installations • External & Internal Taps No. 544788 • Blocked Drains • Underfloor Heating Systems • Bathroom installations from start to finish

For all aspects of building work • Domestic + Commercial + Industrial.

• New Build + Extensions + Renovations • Full property maintenanceall trades carried out • Sewage treatment plants installed and repaired

(inc electrics, plastering, tiling & carpentry work)

All Plumbing Work Undertaken

Workmanship may be inspected locally

07972 868 512

Tel:02476 422 999

email:meridenplumber@hotmail.co.uk www.themeridenplumber.co.uk

Mob: 07801 579910

BALSALL COMMON VETS

Grove House Bed & Breakfast Bill and Sheila Hunt would like to welcome you to

Grove House

384a Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER Open by appointment Monday – Friday 11am-6pm Sat 9am-10am • • • • •

Local friendly practice, established over 40 years Highly qualified and experienced staff Car parking at rear of surgery Selling food, toys and other pet care items 24 hour emergency care & advice

Tel: 01676 530792 www.broadlanevets.co.uk Our surgery at 255 Broad Lane CV5 7AQ is open until 7.30pm weeknights, Saturday 8.30am-5pm & Sunday 11am-3pm

A spacious and friendly quality B&B offering luxury rooms and delicious food

Located off a quiet lane in Meriden, we are newly opened and AA graded.

• Airport Transfers • Secure parking • Business people catered for • Warm friendly environment

8, Whichcote Avenue, Meriden Coventry CV7 7LR Email: enquiries@grovehousebandb.co.uk

01676 523295 www.grovehousebandb.co.uk

CTC Heart of England Member Group

Heart of England Cycling Rally Meriden 17-18th May 2014 www.ctc-heartofengland.org.uk This special weekend is part of Meriden’s commemoration of the centenary of the outbreak of World War I The Heart of England Cycling Rally has been held for many years at the village of Meriden, between Coventry, and Birmingham. Meriden is the proclaimed Centre of England, where a national War Memorial dedicated to cyclists was erected on the village green in 1921

Programme SATURDAY 17 MAY 0700

Meriden Methodist Church Hall open for Audax registration Light refreshments available throughout the day

0800 Start of Cotswold Challenge Audax - 160km across the Avon valley through Cotswold villages (refreshment/control stop) to Moreton-in-Marsh then east to Edge Hill, Burton Dassett Country Park (fine views), Harbury (refreshment/control stop), returning via Leamington Spa. 0900 Start of Warwickshire Wanderer Audax - 100km crossing the Avon at Charlecote Park, on country lanes to refreshment/control stop at Kineton. After the Edgehill Civil War Memorial we climb through Burton Dassett Country Park (fine views), to Harbury (refreshment/control stop), returning through the Meriden Gap. Enter online at www.ctc-heartofengland.org.uk or entry form at www.aukweb.net Details from John Porteous, Tumnus Corner, Springhill Gardens, Webheath, Redditch B97 5SY e-mail : audax@ctc-heartofengland.org.uk 0930

Registration for all-day led rides. (£3.) Leave Methodist Church Hall 1000 prompt.

1 A gently paced ride through lanes around Coventry with stops for coffee and lunch (bring your own or buy).

Total distance about 40 miles. Back at Meriden by 1600.

2 A relaxing ride of about 25 miles to Hoar Park for a late coffee stop, returning to Meriden by 2.00pm).

Refreshments available throughout the day for returning cyclists and visitors.

From 1100-1700 Trade Stand provided by Park Cycles.

Phone 0121 353 5136 before the weekend if you require specific goods brought along for approval.

1900 Methodist Hall closes.

1900 Village Hall opens with complimentary drink & exhibition of WW1 Cycling Memorabilia 19.30 Fish and chip supper and film show Locally supplied fish & chips (bring your own drink -or tea/coffee available) followed by 'A Day Out' by Alan /Bennett a cycling film set in 1913 and a short British Rail film on a cycling day in the Midlands SUNDAY 18 MAY 1100 On Meriden Green – 93rd Cyclists’ Memorial Service - A Celebration of Cycling Including the dedication of a plaque on the Cyclists Memorial to all cyclists killed in recent conflicts by the Bishop of Warwick. Music by the Bulkington Silver Band and Atherstone Chorale.

1200 – 1400 Village Hall Open Exhibition of WW1 Cycling Memorabilia Cakes and tea/coffee available, or bring your own sandwiches. Trade Stand by Park Cycles.

Service Organiser - Harry Child, 75 Russell Bank Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 4RQ Tel: 0121 353 5814 Events Organiser - John Bennett, 56 Selly Oak Road, Bournville, Birmingham B30 1LS Tel: 0121 459 9319 jmbennett@sumari.co.uk

First – class care for your car is closer than you think!…

For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:

ACE GARAGE RADFORD 024 7659 7879 S KENSINGTON GARAGE EARLSDON 024 7667 0054

Meriden Fish and Chips The Green, Meriden Awarded 5 ***** by Birmingham Mail2011 Solihull Environmental Department 2012 And in “Top Ten Chippies” March 2012

Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924

We service, repair and care for your vehicle Opening hours Monday – Saturday 11.30-2.00pm & 4.15 -9.30pm Closed Sundays

Berkswell and District History Group

Berkswell Museum will not be opening this summer

The aim of the History Group is to give its members and the general public the opportunity to acquire information and understanding on items of historical interest through meetings, visits and research projects.

We normally hold a meeting or a visit in each calendar month.

Wednesday 12th March “State Ceremonial”.

The Master, Lord Leycester Hospital.

Wednesday 9th April “Mary Queen of Scots” Gillian White.

Wednesday 14th May “Postman’s Knock” Alan Godfrey.

Meetings are held at Berkswell Reading Room at 7.45pm unless otherwise stated.

Membership £5.00 per calendar year. Meeting fees are £2.00 for members; £3.00 for non-members (incl. refreshments). For our full programme and details of our publications, please visit our website

www.berkswell-history.org or telephone 01676 535782.

The Museum committee have made this very difficult decision for many different reasons – visitor numbers have gradually declined over the last few years and we have had difficulty in recruiting volunteers both to man the museum and/or to serve on the committee.

We have tried altering the opening hours and days, staging different exhibitions and also have made great efforts to publicise the museum but these efforts have not been as successful as we would wish.

A final decision about the museum’s future will be made in the autumn. The collection will be kept intact as it would be wonderful to think that someone somewhere would come up with an idea which will save this valuable resource.

Please contact 01676 522077 or 01676 522453 if you could help

EXOTIC THAI [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ ALICE 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) [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ Book in advance to avoid disappointment [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ 01676 523740 Restaurant (Tuesday to Saturday - evening only) [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ or 01676 522256 Queens Head (all other times) [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ The management reserves the right of admission [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[ The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Support our Help for Hedgehogs Campaign Donate by text – WKWT04 and your donation amount e.g. WKWT04 £10 to 70070

SPRING 2014 EASTER FUN 14-25th April Highlights Make Easter Bunny bags and cards, do some fun Den Building, hunt for Minibeasts, make Wacky Windsocks, Pond Dip, make Fancy Hats and Sparkling Crowns and learn all about Spring Flowers and Buzzy Bees!

Spring Bank Holiday 27th – 30th May We have frogs, ponds, ladybird hats and Dream Catchers to make, Minibeast hunting and of course some Den building fun to be had!

To book any of these events please call

0121 704 0768.

Festive fun: £2.50 per child Workshops: £3:50 members and £4.50 for non WWT members Crafty Drop-ins: £2.00 60 minute Marvels: £3:00 members and £4.00 for non WWT members Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry Telephone: 02476 302 912

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk You will always be assured of a big welcome

Highly Successful Business Woman Working with an expanding international company with UK turnover of £40 million, seeks working partners, (flexible part time/full time hours) who must be ambitious and self motivated.

If you have leadership skills, are a team player, like helping others, are keen to succeed, have excellent communication skills and are sociable, I would like to hear from you.

Incentives include annual bonus, car and free international travel.

Call Gill Pritchard 01676 534020 / 07817 154596 Ongoing training and support for the right people

Heart of England Social Club Come along and visit us!

Families welcome The club offers a warm welcome, with excellent facilities for all, including a large concert room, bar, games room, snooker room, darts and a beer garden with play area

Free entertainment in the Bar every other Friday evening

Live Premiership football games 3pm Saturdays

Room Hire available for private functions

Heart of England Social Club, Berkswell Road, Meriden 01676 522430

grace your living space bespoke curtains * blinds* frippery *furniture Expertly tailored hand-crafted curtains, blinds, festoons, valances, pelmets, tie-backs, cushions and throws Curtains and blinds are custom made in our workroom and hung and dressed as part of the service.

Free home measuring and consultancy service A range of fine accoutrements and adornments together with exquisite pieces of antique and vintage furniture 68 Balsall Street Balsall Common CV7 7AP 01676 541 961 07817 961 222 www.graceinteriors.co.uk

grace Interiors

Contact: 07549 603 601 01676 521 243

The Job Squad

Director:

www.

TheJobSquad. co.uk

The Job Squad is not just for plumbing, carpentry, electrical repairs and general maintenance! We are available whenever you need a “spare pair of hands”.

Small odd jobs such as assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging pictures and televisions, changing light bulbs in awkward places, finishing that job you started! Our local handymen are always on hand to help. At a time that suits you, even evenings and Saturdays.

All work guaranteed Fully insured State pensioners discount Minimum one hour

Free estimates Charged in half hour units No call out charge Established 1996

John Sleath, 01676 532833 07876 415 350 JOHN@THEJOBSQUAD.CO.UK.

Mr. Neil Massey Address: Leys Lane, Meriden

Services we offer: Garden Design Maintenance Landscaping Paving and patios Fencing Decking Water Features Natural Stone specialists ...And many more!

Call for your free quotation

www.greenroomlandsacpes.org.uk sales@greenroomlandscapes.org.uk

Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden village Hall nday 11 D 7.30pm – 9.30pm approx On the 3rd Monday of every month th

Forthcoming Meetings: 17th March

Delectable Designs

Carol Farmer

14th April

Flowers from the Farm Lucy Allen

19th May

Time for Tea

Louisa Rigden

Bennetts Road North Corley Coventry CV7 8BG

01676 540178 Opening hours Mon-Sat 9.00- 5.00pm Sun 10.00 – 4.00pm

Hanging baskets made to order Many of our bedding, herbaceous and perennial plants are home grown

We will be celebrating our GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY this year so watch this space for the dates of our special events which will be coming up later in the year.

New members are always welcome.

To join for the year it will cost you only £24.

Subscriptions are due at the March meeting.

Non- members and visitors £5 per evening.

For more information please contact Mo Reynolds 01676 521457 Margaret Barnsdall 01676 540317

WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK

Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.uk

David Deakin Plastering Services Interior plastering and coving work.

Insurance work welcome.

Free Estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service.

Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860

Tel: 07904 239365

Never worry about whether to open the door or not. Be safe by speaking to your caller first.

0

(Phones not included)

Smartbel... the doorbell that calls your phone!

The Smartbell doorbell is an intelligent GSM door bell that calls any phone number you choose.

Think of your phone as an extended sounder for your doorbell.

Your land line (or mobile) phone rings when someone presses the doorbell meaning you can be anywhere and still hear the doorbell. Not only is it useful as a reliable doorbell but it allows you to also answer the call and speak with the person at your door. No-one will ever know if you are home or not and you can deal with the caller from wherever you are!

Tel: 0121 745 3790 Mob: 07500 368735 Supplied and Installed by

58 Doveridge Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B28 0LU

Homenet

News from the Rotary Club of Meriden Have you thought of Joining your local Rotary Club?

We meet every Tuesday, 7:30 pm at The Manor Hotel for dinner usually followed by a speaker, covering a wide range of interesting topics.

If you are interested please contact: Steve Allcock on 07764 377231 or Roger Swindells 01675 481754 Or see our web site meridenrotary.org.uk We had a very successful Christmas. The fundraising events in December 2013 organised by the Rotary Club of Meriden raised a total well exceeding £6,000.

Again without doubt the highlight was the Santa Fun Run, which raised in excess of £5,000, and attracted 150 runners, joggers, and walkers, all dressed in Santa suits. The quickest time was 21 minutes by Simon Pearson round the 4 kilometre course and photographs of the event can be seen on www.meriden-santa-funrun.org.uk. and in the middle pages of the Mag. Many thanks to all the sponsors, marshals and service suppliers for taking part in the run and special thanks also to the runners who raised such a wonderful amount in sponsorship. We are already planning for a bigger and better Santa Fun Run on December 7th 2014.

The Santa Sleigh collection around the villages of Meriden, Fillongley and Hampton in Arden raised £1,600.

Many thanks to all the householders who contributed.

The Senior Citizens Party, an annual event, held at Fentham Hall on Saturday 22nd February was attended by approximately 100 people and musical entertainment was provided by Gordon Whitehouse on the Compton organ.

We would like to thank everyone in Meriden and its surroundings for making our work so worthwhile.

The annual Motorcycle Megaride will be held this year on Sunday 22nd June. This event sees up to 400 motorcycles journey in convoy from Alcester to the Queens Head Meriden where they will be entertained by live music, games and stalls.

Put the date in your diary now, we would love to see lots of villagers there.

If you wish to take part, run a stall, have competitions or games to entertain the crowd

please telephone Neville Riley 01676 532709

Spring is on its way and it’s lovely to see the ducklings on the pond again. I thought that we would have a go at painting a few.

You will need to use proper watercolour paper for this.

1. Lightly draw the ducklings. Think of each one as an egg shape for its body with a small egg for its head.

2. Taking one duckling at a time. Mix separate puddles of colours:• Yellow + a touch of brown • Dark Brown • Dark Brown + a touch of Blue (making a dark grey) Wet one of the ducklings and the area surrounding it for at least an inch away from it with clean water. Pause for a moment to make sure that the paper is not glossy wet but just damp. Using a smallish brush, add the colours starting with the yellowy brown and then adding patches of the brown and brownie grey. The colour should soften and blur slightly but not run everywhere.

Repeat for every other duckling. Let these dry and then and then paint the ones in between in the same way (wetting the ducking and a little way beyond it with clean water.)

3. Straw. Using the same colours as on the ducklings, crisscross streaks of the colours on to dry paper around their feet.

4. Beaks. On to dry paper add a little:• Red to the tip of the beak and to the rest of the beak add:• Blue + a touch of Brown (blue/grey) Add the little details with a stronger grey mix and a small brush. Use this colour to add the eye leaving a little speck of light in the centre of the eye.

5. Feet. Use the same colours for the feet as on the beaks on to dry paper. Paint one at a time with a weak red on first and then the grey, adding darker bit later.

Created by Julie Hyde

Email:jph300@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2013

Christmas Happenings in Meriden

Father Christmas visited most of the homes in Meriden 150 Santas entered the Santa Fun Run and raised over £5,000 for charity

A donkey led the Meriden school children to the Tree of Thought service on the Green

Many village groups provided Christmas trees for the Christmas Tree Festival at St Laurence Church

A pleasant walk for a spring day Walk distance: 3.5 Miles Length of Walk: 2.5 - 3hrs Start at the beginning of Old Road with the Queens Head Pub (1) to your right, go through the metal kissing gate on the road side before heading north along the field edge walking uphill before exiting the field via a metal kissing gate to join the Fillongley Road (2).

Taking care cross the road and turn right, walking away from the village. After crossing the bridge which spans the A45, take the first footpath on your left directly after the bridge. Having gone through the metal road side kissing gate, you will follow the line of the A45 before turning right through another gate and then heading across the field walking away from the main road. On the far side of the field, you will go through a gate and then follow the path as it traces the field edge past Sparrows Grove towards High Ash Farm (3).

At this point you will need to cross the farm drive, with the farm building on you left, before continuing to follow the footpath towards and then into Church Wood. Shortly after entering Church Wood, the footpath will split. At this point, marked by a yellow topped marker post, turn right following the established path through the woods and down towards the Fillongley Road. Before reaching the main road, a path will be available to you on your left marked by another yellow topped post. Take this path which will take you along the edge of Chantry Wood before it joins the junction of High Ash Farm drive and Lodge Green Lane North (4). Continue heading down Lodge Green Lane North until you reach its junction with the Fillongley Road. At this point you will need to take care and cross the Fillongley Road, before continuing along Lodge Green Lane for a distance of approximately 350m.

Just before Landor Cottage there will be a public footpath on your right (5). Take this footpath across the field and follow it until you join Walsh Lane opposite Walsh Hall. At this point turn left and walk along Walsh Lane crossing over the A45 again.

Continue along Walsh Lane. Shortly after its junction with Eaves Green Lane take the footpath on your right located opposite to Village Farm. Follow this footpath along the field edge as it takes you back to your starting point on Old Road.

This walk described above is taken from the Solihull Countryside Walks leaflet series. This series of leaflets developed by Solihull Council provide details on a range of suggested walks from across the borough. For further information of the walks please visit Solihull Councils website at: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/walksinsolihull/default.htm

SAVE THE CHILDREN WARWICKSHIRE WALKS Sunday April 27th

Start Lapworth Village Hall from 10.00 am to 4.00pm Last registration at 2.30pm 3 lengths: 3, 5 or 10 mile walks The walk includes Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House (with special concessions on entrance charges) There will be a nature trail for children Teas and cakes will be available in the hall Cost:£5 per adult, free for children all proceeds to the Save the Children Phone 01676 533513

Hannah Thompson with her chief scout award & Beaver scout Christmas tree for the St Laurence Tree festival with the Christmas pudding decorations they made.

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut BEAVERS Namaste... We are looking at all things Indian this term at Beaver Scouts as part of our Friendship passport and Global Challenge badge and we shall be ending the term with food tasting and music.

HUGE congratulations to Hannah Thompson on achieving her Bronze Chief Scout Award, the highest award a Beaver Scout can obtain – Well Done Hannah we are all very proud of you!!

We said farewell to Hannah, Alfie, Seren, Sophie, George, Sophia and Rees after our Christmas party as they moved up to Cubs.

The colony decorated a tree for the St Laurence Christmas Tree Festival. Following our theme of baking the children made Christmas puddings out of foam and some of the older children tried their hand at sewing by making them out of felt. All their hard work paid off when they were voted joint winners!

We shall be learning some basic first aid and what to do in an emergency over the next few months along with plenty of other exciting activities.

Are you aged between 6 – 8 years of age, like the idea of playing games, learning new things and having fun? Yes... then come and join the Beaver Scouts!

CUBS We welcome Malcolm Eggar as the new Cub Scout Leader. The Cubs have a programme full of fun and adventure over the next term.

SCOUTS November saw us repeat out Bonfire Group party from last year, with more silly games, plenty of apple bobbing and sweets in flour before a great sing song in front of the fire. A great time was had by all from Beavers through to Scouts, leaders and parents.

The following week the scouts made pizzas and baked them in ovens made from cardboard boxes, tinfoil and disposable barbecues. I’ve never tried this before but it was a great success.

Then we had the Fillongley Scouts join us for the theory part of the angler’s badge. Here’s what Ellen thought of it: “In November three fishermen from Packington fisheries came to our Scout meeting, along with the Fillongley Scouts, as we were all trying to earn our fishing badge. We were split into two groups, one was outside learning about fly fishing and the other group was inside learning about the different types of fish and how to tie fishermen knots. Half way through the evening we swopped around! We had loads of fun and learned lots which will help us earn our badge.”

December saw us air rifle shooting with the Scouts from Fillongley. A new skill for some and good practice for others. I think we have some potential marksmen in the troop, maybe some future competitions beckon.

We gathered for an extra night in December, on a Friday, to pull together our Christmas tree offering for the Christmas tree festival at the Church. We thought we’d include a Scouting theme Christmas tree shaped using pioneering with garden canes then decorating with troll sticks, knots and baubles of the Scouts.

For our Christmas party we had a Cluedo theme. We used a board representing the Scout Headquarters. The Scouts all being the suspects and scouting equipment representing the implements. I think the Scouts thought it was a little different. The final week saw our new patrol 'Stags' narrowly win Patrol of the term, well done Stags.

We hope to keep next term action packed with plenty of fun and variety. Lots of camps planned for next year. For more detail of what we’ve been doing and what we have planned please visit our blog site at http://1stmeridenscouts.blogspot.co.uk and if you think Scouting’s for you get in touch.

“If Bear Dares why don’t you?”

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 Lis (521080) Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Tuesday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520) Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Thursday at 7pm Contact Mark (07801 773352) or 1st MeridenScouts@gmail.com We also need help from any adults out there that 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.

Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research UK In November we held a successful event with VIVO at the Heart of England Social Club and we are looking forward to another night with them on Friday 14th March. On Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April we will be collecting at Sainsbury's Coventry. If anyone can help with collecting for a couple of hours we would be very grateful.

Mary Warr

St Patrick’s Celebration Friday 14th March Heart of England Club Doors open at 8.00pm admission by ticket only from the club Or phone 522855, 522555 or 522702

Ladies' clothing sale Per Una,Autograph etc Wednesday 30th April 7.30pm Heart of England Club.

Cash and cheque Sales only. Admission £1.

Meriden Brownies have a busy year ahead celebrating 100 years of Brownies.

We have been working through a number of different challenges to help the Brownies gain their big Brownie Birthday Badge. These have included a pamper evening, planning an around the world trip and producing some lovely card tags to help raise money for charity.

We have lots to look forward to over the next few months. We hopefully will be visiting Stonehouse Farm riding school and have a big Brownie sports activity day.

We have a great term planned ahead of us. We are putting on a pantomime as part of the entertainer badge, receiving football training and making some special Mother’s Day gifts. Not to forget the traditional Easter egg hunt.

I do have a couple of spaces left if anyone is interested in joining Brownies and after that I will start a waiting list.

Please contact: Sarah Markham - 07572 508727 Read some of the Brownie’s letters on the letter’s page

Award winning, action-packed, multi-sensory adventure programme for toddlers 13 months to 4 years A different theme every week!

To reserve your child’s place

Call Avril: 0784 2815644 email;Solihull@toddlersense.co.uk

www.babysensory.com

Every Thursday at Meriden Village Hall 10.15 am

Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday Thursday Saturday

10am - 6pm 10am - 6pm 10am - 1pm

Rhyme Time Our Rhyme Time group continues for 0-2 year olds and their parents and carers. Please come and join us in the library for songs, rhymes and lots of fun. Sessions take place once a month on a Thursday afternoon between 2.30pm and 3pm. The next sessions are on 20 March, 24 April and 22 May. Story times for the under fives Our popular story time takes place every Monday from 2.45pm to 3.15pm during term time. Please come along and join in our lovely story time group of parents and carers: make friends and enjoy some stories and crafts with your young children in the library.

MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS CIRCLE Meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of each month from 7.30 to 9.00p.m.

This month however the first meeting will be on the first Wednesday instead. Our splendid Library staff will give you the venue and always provide us with lots of books on the chosen subject so we can pick one that appeals to us.

5th March - The Industrial Revolution.

A rip roaring period in our history when the face of England changed. It's a big subject so perhaps your interest will be in a particular field and you can narrow it down to that. As I write this the news is we seem to be emerging from the down turn which has lasted far too long. Can we lead the way again in developing new ideas?

Reading Café Our Reading Café is open every month and continues to offer a warm welcome to everyone who attends.

Bring along books to swop with like-minded readers over coffee (or tea) and a cake! Have a chat about authors, books, reading or anything else. Free to attend, with free books!

The dates for the next Reading Cafes are: Monday 17 March, Monday 14 April and Monday 19 May All take place 10.30am – 12 noon.

Computer tuition If the idea of using a computer fills you with dread!

Friendly, helpful, library staff are on hand to help beginners to the more experienced; we offer a variety of ICT courses at the library. A small fee is charged for the courses. Please ask us for more details.

BALSALL WRITERS More information including our latest e-newsletter COW (Company of Writers) is available on balsallwriters.org.uk

9th April - A P.D.James thriller.

Any one of the many stories by this mistress of suspense.

We are now working on our Anthology which we hope to have published by the end of the year.

Both our writing groups are now full with waiting lists.

Our poetry group is still open for membership.

Recently Kay Howles writing as Lady Kay had her ebook Gray's Well published on Amazon, she is our fifth member to have an ebook published.

14th May- Sport!

Perhaps a book on your favourite game or sports star but what a massive choice we have these days.

If you fancy joining a particular one of the above nights just call me so I can tell you about it.

In April we are holding a 'Script Writing Workshop' in Balsall Common Village Hall - this is geared at playwriting for Radio and promises to be instructive and amusing - cost £5 including refreshments.

Margaret Houldsworth 01676 523603

Meriden Playgroup Come and join us for a little playtime crafts, indoor and outdoor play, a healthy snack, a cup of tea and a warm welcome Every Tuesday 9.30 – 11.30am Meriden Methodist Church Hall £1.50 for one child + 50p each for additional children.

First session free (We endeavour to run in the holidays too, when siblings are also welcome)

07779 235 248 for more details

Enquiries from Anne Santos O1676 534003

JOAN EMMELINE WARMAN 1921-2013 Joan Warman, nee. Matthews, was born at Corley Moor in 1921. She attended Fillongley School, later working at Alfred Herberts before getting married in1939 to John Edward (Jack). They started married life at Cleeve Cottage (now demolished) on the main road near the Bulls Head. Her first child, Alan, died at only a few months old; she then had two further children, Barry and Sheila. As her children grew up she worked part-time at the Bulls Head for a number of years. In 1952 they moved to a new house in Archery Road and during the same year she became a dinner lady at Meriden School where she stayed for over thirty years, being presented with a clock after twenty-five years service. Husband Jack passed away in 1982 and she stayed at Archery Road until 2009, when with failing health she moved to Highfield. She enjoyed knitting and during her later years knitted many squares for the PDSA which her friend Betty sewed together to make pet blankets.

Severe arthritis in her hands stopped her from knitting. She was admitted to Solihull Hospital on September 20th and passed away on November 9th. She was buried at St. Laurence Church Meriden on November 25th 2013. Surviving her are two children, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

The Award Winning Farm Farm Shop Berkswell Traditional Meats Larges Farm, Back Lane, Meriden CV77LD

Tel 01676 522409 www.berkswelltraditionalmeats.co For meats of outstanding quality and flavour • Fresh spring lamb • Free range chickens • All cuts of beef including beef on the bone • Superb homemade sausages and home cured bacon • Traditional breed pork with real CRACKLING • Famous Berkswell ewes milk cheese Warwickshire’s only accredited Traditional Breeds Butcher Listed as one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes” Warwickshire Life’s “Butcher of the Year”

Opening Hours Monday –closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Sun 9.00am- 1.00pm

FOREST OF ARDEN A MARRIOTT HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB MERIDEN CV7 7HR 01676 526107

The Brownies were asked to write a letter to a magazine they chose the Meriden Mag, unfortunately we only have room to print two of them.

MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT 2013 Hello All, I really, cannot express how much I appreciate the level of support given to Our Tree. My, sincere thanks go to The Earl and Countess of Aylesford, John and Pat De Mulder, Pertemps, Cassidy Group, The Charity Shop, Tobook, BDW and Fordes on The Green for their generous donations. At the time of writing (31st January), I am yet to receive the proceeds from The Wishing Well at Notcutts of Shirley. My thanks to them for their ongoing contribution. When this arrives, the 2013 Tree will have made £2,970, which means that, during 2013, The Tree will have raised £4,210. This figure incorporates £611, including Gift Aid, from The Symbols of Thought. It is so pleasing to receive many comments of appreciation for my providing this form of dedication.

Many thanks go, also, to Spar, Meriden Tearooms, Lloyds Chemist and The Charity Shop for the collections taken and to all who gave their money.

You will see in Spar and The Tearooms, that I am appealing for assistance to purchase a new set of LED lights for The Tree. The current lights have served well but the maintenance costs are excessive in terms of bulb replacement, so it is definitely right to replace them. Any help you give will be of great assistance. Again, THANKYOU SO MUCH to all who support what I do!!!

ALAN LOLE.

Steve’s Industries Ltd Are proud to have helped with the Meriden Tree of Thought for the ninth time and look forward to many more Christmases

For Free Quotations/Advice Phone 01564 770560.

Or go onto http://www.stevesindustries.co.uk

NEWS FROM THE HEART OF ENGLAND SCHOOL On Friday 31st January the Heart of England School public speaking team won the Coventry Rotary “Youth Speaks” Intermediate Competition, held at Bablake School.

With a speech entitled “The Smoking Gun”, Joe O’Farrell of Year 8 won the prize for Best Speaker as he forcefully articulated his considered opinions on the need to make smoking a thing of the past. He was ably supported by fellow Year 8 students: Chris Mitchell as an engaging chairman and Josh Hackett as an assured proposer of the vote of thanks.

They saw off stiff competition from seven other local school teams, whose topics varied from peer pressure to global warming to the benefits of living in multicultural Britain [by an excellent speaker from Sidney Stringer].

They now go on, with Bablake, to represent the area at the District Final in March.

In the words of the Chairman of Coventry Jubilee Rotary: “This generation can sleep easy in the knowledge that our future will be in the hands of such young people as these.”

I am a year 12 student at Heart of England Sixth Form living in Balsall Common. My second contribution for Meriden Mag aims to examine the growing problem of childhood and youth obesity in the UK.

Alarming childhood obesity in the UK – but who’s to blame?

In the 21st century, many young people know only too well of the temptations of leading a sedentary, fast-food fuelled lifestyle, and the ease of acquiring the means to do so. With an augmenting rate of children and teenagers surpassing the obese and morbidly obese threshold, it’s no surprise that the big earners in this saga are McDonalds and Xbox.

According to 2012 data collated by The National Child Measurement Programme, 33.3 per cent of British children aged 10 to 11 were overweight or obese; the figure exceeded 20 per cent for those aged 4 to 5.

Due to the lamentable truths revealed by this study and others, it would not be unfair to brand youth obesity in the UK a crisis. ‘Half’ of the future generation could be obese by 2050, outlining how cancer and heart disease rates could be set to accelerate during the next few decades, potentially reducing life expectancy and straining the country’s resources. Conjointly, if the population is exponentially increasing, this gargantuan challenge could have even further complications in the future.

The verdict is split: whereas the Daily Mail questioned whether sugar was ‘the new fat’, the Guardian blamed ‘food addiction’ as an exacerbating factor in obesity rates and the Daily Telegraph dubbed the country ‘Lazy Britain’. For all we know, the imbalance on the scales could be due to any number or combination of the by-products of modern living, unleashing fresh fears that the technophilic generation may face being inevitably and perpetually overweight.

Of course, with exams to study for, a social life to maintain and a television to watch, maybe a healthy lifestyle has not been prioritised enough in the lives of young Britons. Although these estimates should not, in my view, be blamed on a lack of health and wellbeing education, startling obesity rates may be made explicable by examining a lack of understanding of, or personal interest in, the relationship between what one eats and what one is physically capable of.

Furthermore, I won’t be the first person to remark upon the role of the fast-food giants who undoubtedly exploit the impatient hunger associated with growth spurts in young people. Focusing on some of the youngest members of society, the industry leaves in its wake a tragedy of fatness, not to mention a population whose sodium intake borders catastrophic.

But isn’t it more proactive to view this obstacle as an opportunity?

I’m sure that many readers, teenaged or otherwise, will have made resolutions on January 1 to lose weight and make better health choices. Although it’s easy to criticise this clichéd diet plan, it’s certainly optimistic to make positive steps towards change. By walking more, using the stairs rather than the lift, eating 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day and encouraging others to do the same, especially young people, may not be the solution but a way to learn from the obesity question and attempt to rescind the estimates for the future of our waistlines.

By Claire Hargreaves

Meriden Fishing Club Heart of England Vacancies for new members available from April to October 2014 Must have own transport 1st class venues Fishing on Sunday mornings only 8.30am – 1.30pm Eleven contests during this period Contact Ron Warr 01676 522160 Martyn Tuckey 01676 522 437

Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell 01676 530 299 / 07949 119 436 Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm daily 7 days a week Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day Breakfast for £4.20!

Party Treasures of Meriden Speciality treats for all occasions We offer • • •

Party bags ,sweet cones and hampers for children and adults Wedding favours, Baby shower gifts, teachers’ thank you gifts Wrapped pass the parcel gifts and games prizes

You tell us the occasion and we will tailor gifts to meet your needs and budget Contact Liz Roche 07875 405592 Nina Angus 07745 442336

MANOR HOTEL Main Road, Meriden, Solihull, West Midlands, CV7 7NH Telephone: 01676 522 735 Email: sales@manorhotelmeriden.co.uk www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk March - Sunday 30th March Mother’s Day Lunch Show your Mum how much you love her this Mother’s Day and treat her to a delicious 3-course Sunday lunch with NO washing up! Free gift for all Mums!

Regency Restaurant: Adults £22.95 per person Children (12 years and under) £10.95 per child (4 course) Aylesford Suite: Adults £15.95 per person Children (12 years and under) £6.95 per child (Carvery) Houston’s Bar & Grill: Adults £12.95 per person Children (12 years and under) £6.50 per child Children 2 years and under eat FREE (includes glass of wine with 3 course menu)

5 fishing lakes in glorious countryside.

Bait and tackle shop now open Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk The Meriden Mag has its own web site www.meridenmag.co.uk where you can view back issues and friends and family, not in the area, can catch up on local news

April - Easter Sunday Lunch in the Award winning Regency Restaurant Sunday 20th April Make Easter a family affair this year and join us for a truly traditional Sunday lunch giving you the chance to unwind and enjoy our award winning food and service.

Free Easter Egg for all children.

Adults £19.95 per person Children (12 years and under) £10.95 per person Children 2 years and under eat FREE Pre-booking is a must as tables are limited!

June - Sunday 15th June Father’s Day Lunch in the Award winning Regency Restaurant Tell your Dad to leave his wallet at home and treat him to a traditional 3-course Sunday lunch served in our 2 AA Rosette Regency Restaurant. We’ll even give Dad a gift just in case you forget!

Adults £19.95 per person Children (12 years and under) £10.95 per person Children 2 years and under eat FREE

In the Early Footsteps of ‘George Eliot’.

After my talk last July at St Laurence’s a friend from Essex said she had no idea [[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William son of Gerard (possibly Geoffrey’s brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill George Eliot had Meriden connections. Then recently a Meriden resident remarked the Mason, Nicolas Godyng and many others. I imagine them all crowding round listening, all of 700 years ago. to me that people new to the village were unaware of much of its history. As George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) the Victorian author is so well known I decided to Doreen Agutter. write about her Meriden links again.

Mary Ann was born in 1819 a few miles north of Meriden but Robert Evans her father regularly worked at Great Packington Hall as the land agent to the Earl of Aylesford collecting his Meriden tenants’ rents. He also visited the Aylesford’s village properties to assess the need for maintenance, repair and improvements. If it was too late to drive home, he stayed at The Hermitage Farm off Maxstoke Lane.

His diaries give fascinating details of Meriden farms from 1820s to ‘40s.

It was by chance that my interest in genealogy led me to work out that the Evans’ cousins the Pearsons held the tenancy at Patricks Farm by the River Blythe, an Aylesford property at this time. Robert’s second wife and Mary Ann’s mother was Christiana Pearson. The families exchanged visits. Perhaps it was on such a visit that her elder sister Christiana met Dr Edward Clarke appointed the workhouse doctor about 1830 on the death of Benjamin Beaufoy whose widow and children went to live with the Kittermasters. We know that Edward soon became friendly with Dr James Kittermaster too as one of his drawings shows Edward (named) playing a type of rounders with the Kittermaster children in the fields beyond the old vicarage. The Earl of Aylesford provided a house for the work house doctor so though his salary was fixed at £100 a year this accommodation enabled him to marry. Mary Ann was the bridesmaid. The house, known to me as ’The Laurels’ but previously ‘The Cottage’ stands near the Jubilee roundabout site. Opposite was the track leading to the workhouse, later called ‘The Firs’.

She visited her sister and growing family of eventually 9 children though several died in infancy. On such visits she must have met family friends including the Kittermasters. Jane was near her age so when she died in 1840 Mary Ann wrote a letter of condolence to the younger sister, Edith that still exists. Tragedy struck in 1852 when Dr Clarke died suddenly. He is buried in St Laurence’s graveyard not far from Dr Kittermaster’s house. Mary Ann hurried to be with her sister and try to help with her nephews’ education. Christiana’s home was forfeit, needed for the next workhouse doctor. Mary Ann’s own life was about the change when she decided to live with a married man whom she had met in London. Her days in Meriden were over. Christiana moved, dying in 1857 and was buried with her husband, the tombstones are legible.

This year and last with so much rain, the overflowing river Blythe has covered the nearby fields and the floods have closed the road from the present end of the Hampton Lane (Straight Mile) to Stonebridge.

This happened regularly in my childhood. Patrick’s Farm once farmed by the Pearsons, included the Hardisrow Meadow.

It may have been an ancient water meadow as its grass was lush. Aged 12, I was helping collect the hay one evening when I said to my mother,’ I am certain George Eliot saw the floods we have here and described them in ‘The Mill on the Floss’. (We had just read it at school)’No’, she said,’ George Eliot would not have seen them. She lived about 10 miles north of here.’ How strange! Doreen Agutter.

Toddle Waddle is a fun way for the under 5s to do their bit to promote awareness of meningitis and raise money with their very own sponsored walk, or waddle.

The Menigitis Trust have been running Toddle Waddle for more than 12 years now and the money raised helps them to provide support to families in the UK who have been affected by meningitis.

I am planning to organise the walk again this year and I have been informed by the Trust that we could organise it in May or June to wait for better weather. The walk will take place this year from Old Road Meriden, walking to the Sports Park. We will be making our way to the park across country. The walk will start from 10.30am.

Anyone interested please get in touch with me Carmen Smith on 0784 367 4194

PC Technical Services Tile Hill Lane Coventry

Home Computer Repairs Upgrading & Problem Solving

Telephone 024 7667 4952 Independent personal attention Internet & e-mail Troubleshooting & tuition

News from Councillor Tony Dicicco In the previous edition of the Meriden Mag, I wrote an article about the Local Development Plan (LDP) for Solihull. At the time of writing that article, the LDP was in the process of being evaluated by an independent Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Eric Pickles, MP). Happily, after a further Examination in Public, the Planning Inspector approved the LDP with a few fairly minor alterations. The LDP then went before SMBC Councillors at the Full Council meeting on 3rd December 2013 for approval. I voted with my fellow Conservative Councillors and the Liberal Democrat group to approve the LDP as I feel that it offers a sound basis for future housing and business development in the Solihull Borough and helps to protect us from inappropriate and over-development.

Unfortunately, councillors from the Labour and Green groups abstained and so the LDP did not gain unanimous approval.

Let us hope this does not prove a problem, as developers have issued Judicial Review proceedings to try to overturn our adopted LDP; the lack of unanimity is not in the interests of SMBC or the people of Solihull. The Council is, however, robustly defending its position at J R and hopefully unwanted development in Meriden and other areas of Solihull will be avoided.

Another important recent development that affects Meriden residents is the decision by SMBC to commission further reports on HS2 in relation to both the case for the Balsall Common Tunnel and the delivery of a Wider Corridor Mitigation and Enhancement Package. These reports will help SMBC in preparing its Petitions to the Select Committee that will be set up to hear and consider such Petitions after the HS2 Hybrid Bill has its second reading in Parliament in Spring 2014. A Petition in this case is a summary of objections to particular aspects of a Bill, and "a request for the petitioner to be allowed to argue his case, in due course, before the select committee on the bill". The petitioning process is an important, albeit highly expensive, tool for SMBC to use in ensuring that local residents are protected against the undesirable consequences of HS2. SMBC has engaged expert parliamentary agents to help and advise it in its work. It is important that HS2 Limited gets the message that it must protect our community, businesses and environment from the adverse effects of the construction and operation of HS2.

If you wish to contact me then my email address is: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.

Temple Balsall A Sure Start Children’s Centre

The Children’s Centre at the rear of Meriden C of E Primary School next to Beechwood Nursery Play and Stay Mondays 12 noon to 2.00 pm (in term time) For families with children age 0 – 5 Adult Craft Exchange Fridays at 9.00 am – 12.00 noon At Meriden Children’s Centre Please call Vanessa to book 07779235248 Alternate Fridays 1.30 pm-2.30 pm Caterpillar Club - messy session in the school nursery contact school for further details

For more details of the Children’s Centre activities call 0121 248 7654 Anything you need relating to children and families, we can help

Police News from Sergeant Craig Hurst Our Neighbourhood Policeman reviews, co

Lighter nights are almost here, but we are reminding people that crime can go up when the clocks go forward at the end of March.

As the nights get lighter and more people stay out or leave their gates and windows open at home, there is greater potential for opportunist crimes like burglary and vehicle crime to happen.

Officers are therefore encouraging people to stay alert when they are out and about and consider the security of their sheds, garages and cars.

The message is simple – while you’re staying out this spring, are you giving thieves the opportunity to get into your home or car?

To help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of burglary, officers are issuing the following advice: - Don’t lend burglars a hand by locking away all garden tools and equipment when not in use - Keep ladders chained up in a garage - Property mark any valuable items with your postcode - Check fences and gates are in good repair - Plant thorny shrubs around the edge of your garden to keep burglars out To keep your car safe: - Don't leave anything on display – even a carrier bag is a temptation for someone to smash and grab. Thieves steal first and think about value later - Take all belongings with you when leaving the car – if you can't, lock them in the boot - Lock all windows and doors whenever you leave your vehicle - Activate the car alarm on leaving your vehicle, and if the car is not alarmed consider having one professionally fitted - Never leave keys in the ignition – even for just a few seconds - Buy and use a steering lock If there is anything else you would like to discuss with the team then please call us on 101.

HS2 Update Just a small triangle of Meriden Parish is to be taken by HS2 for the north end of a new bridge carrying the A452 over the railway. So why should Meriden worry? Three things come to mind – the cost, the disruption during construction, and what happens after it's built.

The quoted £50 billion cost of HS2 doesn't include financing the debt, nor any subsidy to the operators. It works out at £3000 a household, a debt to be carried by the next generation. Critics would say there are many better investments. [

Construction is a real concern, since HS2 is the largest building project the country has seen, and it will go on, all around us, for 6 years. All the major routes will be cluttered with hundreds of truck movements a day, and traffic will divert onto minor roads, spreading delays and gridlock far and wide. Thousands of tons of dirt will be moved to form embankments at Chelmsley Wood and Hampton, and the whole triangle north-west of Stonebridge roundabout will be levelled to make a new station, massive car parks, and a shuttle system to the airport. [

The new station isn't going to do anything for the view, and looking at the proposed architecture, if John Betjeman were to return in 2026, it wouldn't be Slough he'd demolish with "friendly bombs"! [

Operation of HS2 would bring fresh problems. This will be London commuter-land, with Birmingham becoming Suburbingham. A hundred decibel train every two minutes, and swarms of car commuters, will be just the symptoms of the economic suction from London. Top-earners and key workers might do well down there, but for everyone else it means housing pressure, nuisance parking, and the hollowing out of retail, entertainment, hospitality and other services.

Birmingham Airport and the NEC hope to attract people from London, but Heathrow and the Excel exhibition centre expect increased custom from the Midlands and the North. [

With the HS2 Bill now in Parliament, there's everything to play for. Some of the environmental impacts of HS2 could be reduced by addressing the Select Committee for the Bill. This process is called Petitioning, but a petitioner has to be directly affected, and be able to identify how the Bill should be changed. The opportunity to lodge petitions will start in April or May, and it'll be quite short. It's something to be done by determined individuals, groups, or organisations, and information will be made available on www.hhag.org.uk. [

But HS2 will be a hot potato at the Council, Parliamentary, and European elections over the next 15 months. Ultimately, that's where the fate of HS2 will be decided, and every vote will count. Read the manifestos very carefully!

Richard Lloyd Chairman Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group (www.hhag.org.uk)

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Parish Council files for effective and efficient use of meeting times.

The public and press are cordially invited to all parish council meetings at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to speak. Look out for the agenda and venue which is posted on the parish notice boards and our website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk prior to the meeting.

Should you wish to contact the Parish Council, please contact the Clerk or drop into the Parish Council office on Monday or Thursday mornings where you may access information or have a private chat with the Clerk to address local community issues.

The next meeting dates are:

Barbara Bland The Pavilion Meriden Sports Park Main Road Meriden CV7 7SP

10 March 2014 - Neighbourhood Planning Training from Kirkwells councillors & all residents, Village Hall 7-9pm 24 March 2014 - Parish Council Meeting, Pavilion, Sports Park 28 April 2014 - Annual Parish Meeting, to receive annual reports, Village Hall 19 May 2014 - The Annual Meeting, Election of Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Members, Pavilion, Sports Park

Tel: 01676 522474 (Mondays and Thursdays) Mobile: 07767 162423 Email: barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com Web: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

Please note the change of venue to the Parish Council office for some meetings is to afford access to wi-fi and

Your Parish Councillors are:

Melanie Lee (Chair)

Bob Kipling (Vice Chair)

Rosie Weaver

Paul Lee

Mandy Haque

Frances Lynch-Smith

Jon Barber

Matthew Nunn

Community surgeries at Meriden Library Community surgeries are held by Barbara Bland, our Clerk, and Bruce Brant, our Neighbourhood Coordinator, from Solihull Council to discuss any issues at Meriden Library on Monday mornings from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the following dates: 10 March 2014, 7 April 2014 and 12 May 2014. If there is a preference for confidentiality you may arrange to meet Barbara and Bruce at The Pavilion. Please call Barbara so she may organise this for you during the Community Surgery time slot.

Police beat surgeries Sgt Craig Hurst and his team will conduct their beat surgery on 5 March 2014 at the Sports Pavilion, 10 April and 7 May 2014 at Meriden Library between 11am and 12noon. If you have any policing concerns do come along and discuss them with one of the local officers that is responsible for patrolling your area.

The Parish Council would like to thank Bruce Brant Meriden’s Neighbourhood Co-ordinator who has secured three large planters sited at Pool, Showell Lane and Memorial verge, and a picnic bench for the Pool.

Newlands Bishop Farm and the young adults with learning disabilities who made the planters and picnic bench for Meriden Community.

Lynn Parker, Meriden’s Resident Representative, for her on-going support to the Clerk and commitment to the Quarry Liaison Group.

Neighbourhood Planning – free training for councillors and residents Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed to the Parish Plan and Visual Design Statement that we undertook between 2008 and 2011. We are now required to produce a Neighbourhood Plan. Most of the work is done but to understand it better there will be free training at the Village Hall on Monday 10 March 2014 on how to put this plan together. The training takes place between 7 and 9pm.

A Neighbourhood Plan is a new way of helping local communities to influence the planning of the area in which they live and work. It can be used to • Develop a shared vision for your neighbourhood.

• Choose where new homes, shops, offices and other development should be built.

• Identify and protect important local green spaces.

• Influence what new buildings should look like.

Kirkwells the Planning People have extensive town planning experience and will be available on the night to give us good pointers to develop our Neighbourhood Plan. If you’d like to ‘pick up’ where you left off or would like the chance to contribute, then let Barbara Bland know so you don’t miss out on the training.

Would you like to save £74.90 per 1000 litres of heating oil?

Warwickshire Community Oil / LPG Syndicate reduces the cost of heating oil and LPG (cylinders and bulk) throughout the rural communities of Warwickshire.

By operating county-wide the oil syndicate makes it possible for groups, individuals and businesses to make the most of their collective purchasing power and benefit from cheaper heating oil and LPG. Orders are collected each month and negotiations then take place with the various oil companies that supply Warwickshire and the best price is obtained. The parish council would like to share their news and progress over the past 4 months: Butler Fuels won the November order negotiated with local suppliers by Warwickshire Community Oil Syndicate and members saved a huge 7.49 pence per litre against the average market price (and a massive 23 pence saving against the market high). What a result! Our members paid only 53.8 pence per litre – what did your supplier charge?

In addition our LPG cylinder prices haven’t risen for seven consecutive months whilst our LPG bulk is still being offered at 43p per litre despite rises across the industry.

January saw another great oil price for both our kerosene and red diesel members. A saving of £54.50 per 1000 litres against the average market price was made by members ordering kerosene, paying just 52.95 pence per litre, whilst our members who use red diesel saved a massive 9 pence per litre. We are still able to provide bulk LPG at just 43 pence per litre with an introductory £100 fuel discount and our LPG cylinders remain very competitively priced.

For more information email oil@wrccrural.org.uk call 01789 472611 or visit www.ruralwarwickshire.org.uk/oil

Fillongley Road Traffic Survey The following is a summary of the findings of the traffic survey conducted by Solihull Council’s Highway Services. Their findings state: “The new assessment has found that although the number of crossing pedestrians has increased they are still fairly low and not of a significant amount to justify a controlled crossing point such as a zebra crossing. Furthermore, analysis of the crossing pedestrians shows the greatest proportions are adults of which most cross outside of the peak traffic periods. This suggests that they are not journeys to or from the nearby school but shopping trips to the parade of shops on the Service Road. Large gaps are available in the traffic during these periods providing sufficient intervals for pedestrians to cross the road safely.”

The parish council queried the results and methodology of the survey and here is a selection of our queries: • Please explain why no reference is made to weekends?

• Why the survey is based on one 12 hour day only and not includes random days of the week?

• Item 3.11 refers to an average weekday between 07.00 and 19.00 hours; to evaluate an “average weekday” a mean of 3 weekdays would provide a “truer average” for assessment purposes.

• Why was the school crossing, patrol warden operated, not included in the pedestrian survey? Item 5.2 suggests the pedestrian footfall reflects adult trips to the local shops only and does not include journeys to or from the local school, identified as 430 metres east of the junction with Main Road; with Zone 3 equidistant between the two.

• Why is reference made to journeys not being made to the local school at peak traffic periods? Is there a weighted criterion for school crossings?

Their subsequent response, in brief, was: “A random weekday between Monday and Thursday is selected to undertake the necessary surveys to prepare an assessment. Saturday is not a representative day and therefore cannot be used for sample purposes. Generally, crossing movements from one day to another, between Monday to Thursday, do not vary greatly. Therefore, only a single day of surveying is undertaken and it is not necessary to obtain an average over three days as you have suggested. This methodology is used at all sites so it is consistent for all surveys which are undertaken.”

A full copy of the traffic survey can be obtained from Barbara Bland. Email barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com or telephone on 01676 522474.

Allotments for rent The Parish Council have concluded negotiations with Taylor Wimpey Homes’ solicitors for a Licence to occupy the allotment gardens on Leys Lane for the duration of the new housing development. Therefore we are able to offer interested residents the opportunity of an allotment garden under this arrangement until September 2015.

Thereafter upon the completion of the development, the Parish Council will be given the opportunity for the transfer of allotment land to their ownership as stated in the Unilateral Undertaking and Section 106 obligation pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

There is current provision for 8 allotment gardens, 4 of which are already occupied. Upon Taylor Wimpey’s site completion, this will increase to 12 through land reinstatement. Residents interested in an allotment tenancy for £35.00 per annum should contact the Clerk, who will be happy to organise a site visit with Alan Gabbitas, Chair of the Allotment Association.

Commemorating return of rural peace This was the newspaper headline that featured after the planting of the oak tree alongside the milestone shaped plaque on 24 March 1962. The plaque reads as follows: “THIS OAK TREE WAS PLANTED AT THE TRADITIONAL CENTRE OF ENGLAND BY BERNARD HORNBY HUNT, CHAIRMAN OF THE WARWICKSHIRE TH COUNTY COUNCIL ON MARCH 24 1962 TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE BY-PASS IN 1958 WHEREBY MERIDEN BECAME A VILLAGE ONCE AGAIN.” Last year a relative of Bernard Hornby Hunt contacted the Parish Council offering to fund the renovation of the plaque as it is now weather-worn and illegible. We are extremely grateful to the family for offering to keep the memory alive of an important milestone in Meriden’s history.

So, on Monday 24 March 2014, the new plaque will be unveiled 52 years later at mid-day. Further information of the unveiling will be posted on our website and parish notice boards.

Meriden’s First World War Centenary Commemoration 2014-2018 The working group for the Centenary Commemoration of the First World War first met in December 2013 and we have progressed with agreeing our logo, the horse chestnut tree, which sits in the Village Hall and Surgery car park, and a website to record all events and memories that will be collected over the next five years.

Why the horse chestnut tree? It was planted by the Warmingham brothers in the 1920s to commemorate the Old School’s pupils who gave their lives during the Great War. It was the first memorial in Meriden to commemorate WW1 and as such we have adopted it as our logo.

The website?

Keep abreast of our activities through our website www.firstworldwarmeriden.co.uk.

The working group is comprised of representatives from the Parish Council, St. Laurence Church, Village Hall Committee, Women’s Institute, Meriden Scouts, Beavers and Brownies, Meriden Rotary Club, Meriden Tree of Thought, Cameo, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and our local historian Doreen Agutter. If you would like to join us in helping to commemorate Meriden’s First World War experiences please contact us through the website.

Our first priority has been the promotion of the Cyclists’ Memorial on Sunday 18 May 2014 and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity distributed our flyer at the London Bike Show between 13-16 February 2014. CTC Heart of England and Meriden Rotary Club have been circulating the flyer to well known cyclists’ cafes as well.

Simon Charles Martin 2nd April 1941 - 24th December 2013 As many of you will already know Simon was tragically killed whilst out cycling on Christmas Eve. He was born in Exeter and had two older brothers John and Richard. From an early age he loved the countryside and outdoor activities. As a young boy, he joined the scouts; he didn't like all the rules and regulations but loved the camping, orienteering and forest craft. As he got older he joined rock climbing and mountaineering clubs.

He went to Manchester University where he gained a degree in mechanical engineering, leading to many engineering jobs, all of which he enjoyed with a passion. Simon met Pat who became his first wife when he was still a teenage boy.

They were married in 1964 after he graduated (much too young according to his mother!) His first job led to a move to Bristol where they had two children Denise and Derek.

His love out of outdoor activities was passed onto his children, with most family holidays spent up rain sodden mountains in Scotland, Austria, Norway or anywhere hilly! The family travelled many miles across Europe in an old Austin maxi car and trailer and pitched tents where there was no one else for miles. The photo albums are full of pictures of a family in wet anoraks!

Simon started cycling again once his children became more independent and this became a lifelong passion. Pat and Simon had many holidays on their bikes, including on a tandem. He joined the Bristol Cycling Club and later became a very active member of the Solihull Cycling Club.

He moved to Meriden to work for Courtaulds. Tragedy struck a few years later in 1992 when Simon and Pat were visiting Denise in Bristol and, during a bike ride; Pat had an accident and sadly died at the age of fifty.

Simon's career moved to Molins where he worked on prototype machines, mainly packaging. He was always excited by his work, full of stories of tests going wrong, explosions and all the tinkering which led to the final breakthrough.

His house was full of samples produced on these machines such as the latest design in teabags.

His work took him on a placement to Australia. He stowed his bike away in the box with the packaging machine and used his time there as a chance to cycle; loving the country, especially Tasmania, where he always said he would love to return.

In May 1996 he met Val. This was a wonderful second chance for both of them. They shared each other’s children and grandchildren and their two families became one. They had wonderful holidays, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco amongst others. None of these trips involved long days lying by a pool, but intrepid exploring of the area far from the tourist trail. Simon never liked to book hotels in advance, use tour guides or anything that conventional. On one memorable occasion Simon and Val cycled 1000 kilometres on a tandem along the course of the river Danube to Vienna.

In 1997, Simon became a grandfather and again in 1999 to two boys – Alex and Gabriel. They spent many summers with Grandad – always a little concerned when their mother left them that Grandad would wear them out! They remember bird watching, long, long cycle rides and walks that went on forever.

Simon and Val married in 2001 and he acquired two step daughters – Gail and Angela, and in time four further grandchildren.

He took early retirement from Molins just after he was sixty. He spent most of this time cycling as well as bird watching, walking and volunteer work for the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust – which involved hacking down bushes, clearing ditches, bird surveys and generally getting wet and dirty. He also enjoyed photography and had a talent for it.

The house is full of collections of photos from his travels.

Simon and son Derek spent holidays in Canada on arduous canoeing trips. They were flown in on a small plane with all their supplies for the week into the wilds of Canada. They spent the next week canoeing back to civilisation, tackling white water with lots of unintentional swimming, spotting wildlife such as moose and keeping their food away from the bears.

During the last two summers, Simon undertook two long cycle journeys across Europe, the picture shows him with the Solihull Cycling Club touring trophy which he was awarded for these achievements.

In October last year, Simon realised that his annual cycling mileage total was higher than usual and that a target of 10,000 miles for the year was achievable. When he went out on his bike on Christmas Eve morning, he only had 75 miles left to complete.

In the last few years Simon has been in charge of distribution for the Meriden Mag and we would like to put on record our grateful thanks for all his help.

Val and Simon’s family have been overwhelmed by everyone’s love and support at this very sad time and would like to say how much it has been appreciated by us all.

Meriden Surgery

01676 522252

School House, 200 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NG Dr M Bhandal Dr S Barratt Dr A Carlile Dr T Nadim Dr R Horsley (Partners) Associate GP Dr L Palmer

1. www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Wednesday

8.30am to 6pm 8.30am to 12.00

For details on how to obtain medical help when the surgery is closed please phone

01676 935000

A farewell from Dr. Camm who has retired from the Balsall Common and Meriden Group Practice after nearly 30 years.

I recall an enjoyable 3 years of my childhood living in Jamaica before returning to school in Berkshire then onto St Bartholomew’s Medical School London, qualifying 35 years ago. I worked in Plymouth hospitals with my house jobs then A&E in London before being accepted in Solihull for vocational training. I lived in Hampton-In-Arden and was delighted to be offered a Partnership having worked in the practice as a trainee for 1 year. Perhaps the only flaw in this plan was the fact I always imagined I would live and work by the sea rather than being in a practice in the geographical Centre of England!

That was 28 years ago, surprisingly, and over the years there has been a significant change in General Practice.

Without doubt this has been for the better with improvement in services to patients and keeping abreast of the ever changing developments in medicine and Government ideation.

The practice covers over 80 square miles and it is a most pleasant area to work and with delightful patients.

The new surgery has provided a ‘future proofed’ building which will be capable of providing more services to the community in the years ahead. It has been a pleasure to have witnessed the building of the new surgery.

It is my intention to move to Cornwall to help care for my elderly parents and be by the sea.

My kind regards to all that I have known over the years.

Martin Camm

Coventry Breathe Easy For more information please ring Cynthia on 02476 440316 A support group for all those affected by a lung condition, including friends, family and carers.

Dr. Camm’s retirement meal - left to right Dr Tahir Nadeem, Dr Aileen Carlile, Joanne Hope, Dr Martin Camm, Dr Susan Barratt, Dr Mandeep Bhandal (new senior partner)

NHS Blood and Transplants The next sessions for blood donors will be Thursday 3rd April at The Heart of England Social Club

1.30 – 3.30 & 4.30 – 7.30pm

Appointments available by calling 03001232323

Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month.

2 – 4 pm Eadon Hall, Central Hall, Methodist Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA Friday 14th March Elizabeth Sapey – Research on Pneumonia and Statins Friday 11th April Dr Mazouk – Cardio Thoracic Surgeon – ' All the wheeze is not Asthma' Friday 9th May Uma Sharmer – Carer's Trust

A Day in the life of a Meriden GP by Dr Aileen Carlile After a discussion at one of the patient participation group meetings it was suggested that we write down what happens during the doctor’s average day. A full day for most of us is about 11 hours long.

This is a typical day from last week 08.15 I log in to the computer in my room there are emails, a dozen pathology results and 3 hospital letters in my electronic in-box waiting to be actioned. I try to clear as many as I can before I start surgery. There is always a doctor on call for the practice from 8.00am till 8.30am for emergencies - it’s not me today.

08.30 Morning Surgery. I have 17 booked appointments (10 minutes each) and 3 booked telephone appointments (supposed to be 5 minutes each). I have one interruption to sign an urgent prescription where a patient could not wait till the end of surgery to get it. I was asked by a nurse to give an opinion on one of her patients, and one of our GP registrars sent me a question needing a quick answer as well. I finished surgery just after noon.

12.10 Signed dozens of routine repeat prescriptions, sorted out some other prescription requests which were not routine and needed the notes or blood test reviewed first before they could be issued or declined. I then had 2 home visits for housebound patients. Neither needed hospital admission but one case required several telephone calls to co-ordinate extra help.

13.10 I am 10 minutes late for a meeting back at the surgery. We have meetings at lunchtime approximately twice weekly to review clinical matters or government targets or staffing issues or significant events. Often larger teams meet together for example with the district nurses and Macmillan nurses to discuss palliative care. We have teams in charge of diabetes care or minor surgery care and these teams tend to meet quarterly to audit performance. We eat our packed lunches during the meetings. Sometimes local hospital consultants give us educational lectures.

If there is not a meeting at lunch then the time is spent with sandwiches in front of the computer looking at pathology results!

14.05 Back in my consulting room. I now have more pathology results in my in-box, either blood tests, swabs, urine tests or biopsy results, - some just need a comment linked to them so the staff can tell patients that the result is "normal" or that they need more urgent action, requiring a prescription to be issued and the patient be contacted personally, or a referral to be made, we each get about 20-30 pathology results daily (though Dr. Barratt gets far more due to her interest in diabetes). If a colleague is on holiday we have to deal with their pathology too. I also had another 32 hospital letters in my in-box to read and deal with. Some just need reading, many need a diagnosis to be added to the patent's electronic record, some need drugs added to the patients repeat prescription list and perhaps printed and the patient contacted to collect the first batch. Sometimes the hospital letter asks for another referral to be made to a different hospital department. I didn't manage to deal with all of them before starting afternoon surgery.

14.50 Afternoon surgery. I have another 16 booked surgery consultations and 2 booked phone calls to do. I also have one urgent extra un-booked consultation. I build in a 10 minute gap midway through the afternoon so I can make a cup of tea, it always goes cold before I can have much but I have a gulp between each patient. The gap also helps me catch up a bit if I get behind. It can be tricky keeping to 10 minute appointments.

I finish the surgery just after 6.00pm. There is always a doctor on call for emergencies from 6.00pm till 6.30pm I am relieved it's not me today.

18.05 I start again on my hospital letters and there are more pathology results coming in from hospital all the time there are emails from other colleagues asking for advice or giving information. Further letters have been scanned into my electronic in-box by the staff while I have been doing afternoon surgery. I have 4 letters to dictate for the secretaries to send to hospital. It is easier to do this after 6.00pm when the phones have stopped ringing and I am not interrupted as much.

18.30 Check my in tray in the main office and there are letters to sign and invoices to check and sign for the practice manager, there are also more repeat prescriptions to sign.

18.45 I have some forms to complete. One is related to a patient taking out critical care life insurance cover, another is for someone's mortgage application, and another is a travel insurance claim application as a patient had to cancel a holiday at short notice due to unexpected illness. There is a form relating to the health of a benefit claimant.

19.15 Have put the completed forms and notes into the secretaries’ in-tray so they will be posted off in the morning.

Time to go home - I am not the last doctor to leave.

Acanthus Picture Framer ------Calvin----Home Workshop ` 279 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common Tuesday -Friday 10.00am thru to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm Any other time by appointment

Needleworks – Prints - Photos Medals - Artworks Mirrors available and framed

0845 388 8178

Friends in Retirement Are you over 50? Looking for something to do?

Why not join FIRS, Friends in Retirement, based in Balsall Common. The annual fee is just £2.00.

We meet on the third Friday of each month for coffee at The Jubilee Centre in Station Road, Balsall Common from 10am to 12 noon.

Forthcoming Fridays are 21st March, 18th April and 16th May. There are also individual activity groups – Art, Bridge, Craft, Rambling and on the first Friday of each month the luncheon club visit different venues.

Members enjoyed their Annual Lunch at Haigh's Brasserie on Friday 14th February There is a trip to Evesham and Evesham Country Park on Tuesday 15th April picking up in Meriden and Balsall Common.

Why not join us, make new friends and learn new activities?

Ring 01676 523505

blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100 New to Blitz Vibration plate and Ultrasonic Liposuction

Men and Women welcome Open late nights Monthly offers available Dual treatment room Gift vouchers available Friendly, welcoming environment

Over 60's special Tuesday 10am-3pm 25% off any treatment Also complimentary tea & biscuits

All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nails Nails and Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed, Dermal fill fillers ers and fine line injections Monday closed, Tuesday 10-5, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-8, Saturday & Sunday 10-4

For more details or to go on our mailing list - Telephone 01676 521100 wwwblitzbeautycoventry.co.uk Join us on Facebook & Twitter

RAMBLINGS FROM THE ALLOTMENTS Unfortunately there is very little to say about the allotments this time, the heavy rain has made the plots water logged and the entrance drive is just so muddy. Apart from making a quick visit to feed the hens and pick a few winter vegetables the allotments are a place to avoid at this time. The professional advice is not to do anything until the soil starts to dry up .Who knows when that will be.

It is a time for staying in the warm reading the seed catalogues and planning for the spring. It is the time to buy the seed potatoes and put them in a cool light place to start to chit.

This is a cake for special occasions

Tiramisu Cake Makes 1 x 20cm • 8in cake Unsalted butter 4 medium eggs separated 175g • 6oz golden caster sugar 225g • 8oz ground almonds 1 tsp baking powder sifted

perhaps as a dessert for Easter.

Filling and topping 200g • 7oz mascarpone 200ml • 7fl oz double cream 50g • 2oz golden caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 tbsp cooled strong black coffee 1 tbsp Kahlúa or Tia Maria cocoa for dusting

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Have ready 2 x 20cm • 8in loose-bottom sandwich tins or deep cake tins. Butter these, line the bases with baking paper and butter the paper too.

In a large bowl beat the egg whites until stiff using an electric whisk. In another large bowl whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until combined, but not too pale and thick. Gently fold in the egg whites in three goes. Fold in the ground almonds and the baking powder.

Divide the mixture evenly between the tins, weighing them for accuracy.

Smooth the top and give each one a couple of taps on the work surface to bring up any air bubbles. Bake the cakes for 20 minutes until the top feels springy to the touch and the sides are shrinking away from the tin.

Run a knife around the collar and leave to cool. When cool, remove from the tins and peel off the base paper.

In a large bowl, stir together the mascarpone, cream, sugar and vanilla extract, then whisk until completely smooth and the consistency of whipped cream or soft butter.

Combine the coffee and liqueur in a bowl. Lightly brush the surface of one of the sponges with a little of the coffee mixture, then spread with half the mascarpone cream using a table knife or small palette knife.

Sandwich with the second sponge, again brush with the coffee mixture and smooth the remaining mascarpone over the top, fluffing it with a fork or spoon. Dust with cocoa, loosely cover and chill until required.

The cake should keep well for several days.

Brailes Farm 522318 Potatoes Fresh cut turf Rockery stone and Other garden needs

Village delivery

If you have a favourite recipe you would like to share with others, please contact Ann Butler on 01676 522745

A Child's View of Thunderstorms A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to school.

As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school. She also feared the electrical storm might harm her child. Full of concern, the mother got into her car and quickly drove along the route to her child's school. As she did, she saw her little girl walking along. At each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up, and smile. More lightning followed quickly and with each, the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother drove up beside the child, she lowered the window and called, "What are you doing?" The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty because God keeps taking my picture."

M.J. Mowing Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Pruning Strimming Weed Control –Pesticide Licensed Leaves Cleared No Job Too Small Competitive Prices Free Quotes Call Martin 01675 465 204 07922 241 181

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA What’s a dowager to do?

I don’t know whether “Downton Abbey” is anything like as popular back home as it is here in the U.S., but it must be hell to perform in -- because actor after actor, given the choice between taping even one more episode and departing, in some painful way, has chosen the latter. And these were people in major roles: Lady Sybil, then Matthew Crawley. Even the evil Miss O’Brien is gone. Can it really be that bad?

And who, pray tell, will be next?

Will the Dowager Countess of Grantham put strychnine in her own consommé as she faces the possible loss of the estate, now that Matthew’s death is going to mean a murderous tax levy? Or will she instead open a shop in the village (as she once suggested, in jest) where she can sell millinery, or something. And, to make ends meet, will she let out the flat above the shop to some respectable woman who’s been forced, through no fault of her own, into reduced circumstances?

And will this respectable woman become Isobel Crawley’s next rescue project? Is Isobel planning to take in any more strays? And will she finally drop that single facial expression of hers -- her mask of sturdy reserve in the conviction that the next unpleasantness is almost certainly right around the corner -- and try something else instead? Will she buy a motorcar and go for wild rides at night, secretly hoping to join her son in the next world? And will she ever warm to Dr. Clarkson?

As for the good doctor, will he resign himself to a daily regimen of business-like but not unpleasant interactions with Isobel -- even though what he wants is so much more and his nights are tortured by passionate, even lurid dreams about her?

For that matter, will the Earl continue to demonstrate how entirely useless only an upper-class English twit can be, or will he come to his senses at last? Will he, perhaps, even learn to dress himself?

Will Anna, the maid, drown herself out of misplaced shame over what happened during the recital by that dame from Australia?

Will Bates, tragically befuddled by Anna’s behavior, turn to crime and wind up back in jail -- even though we know he’s a saint and has never put a foot wrong in his life and only did time before because of that lying ex-wife of his?

Will Carson, the butler, use his show-business connections, of which he used to be ashamed, to get the family a gig on the Music Hall circuit (what in the U.S. would have been called vaudeville) so they can make some money and save the big house -- even as it goes to rack and ruin for lack of maintenance because most of the staff will have been let go? Will he and Mrs Hughes, the housekeeper, along with the Earl, the Countess and perhaps the plain daughter, tour the country for a good part of each year, playing a family of aristocratic parasites (that is, themselves) in artistically staged tableaux vivants?

As for Lady Edith (the plain daughter), will she be stood up once again when her boyfriend, who has gone to Germany supposedly to divorce his lunatic wife so he can marry Edith, decides instead to stay in Berlin, where the naughty pleasures of Weimar nightlife are just too enticing?

And, heartbroken once again, will she turn to absinthe or opium and slide into the life of a shabby vamp who haunts low places in London?

All of these things seem possible right now. I guess I’ll just have to stay tuned.

Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com.

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Village Diary DATE

EVENT

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

3rd March 5th March 5th March 5th March 7th March 10th March 10th March 14th March

WI Ash Wednesday Communion Police Beat Surgery Readers Circle Women’s World Day of Prayer Community Surgery PCC Neighbourhood Planning St Patrick’s Celebration

Village Hall St Laurence Church Sports Pavilion Methodist Church Library Village Hall H of E Club

7.30pm 7.00pm 11.00 -12 noon 7.30pm 2.00pm 10.00am–12noon 7.00-9.00pm 8.00pm

Flick Blewitt 523229 Rev Kate Massey 522825 Sgt Hurst 101 Margaret 523603 Rev Charlesworth 533737 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 522474 522855,522555,522702

17th March

Reading Cafe

Library

10.30-12 noon

01676 522717

th

Flower Club

Village Hall

7.30pm

Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457

st

21 March

Firs Coffee Morning

Jubilee Centre B.C.

10.00am-12 noon

Malcolm Gratton 523505

24th March 24th March 28th March 30th March 30th March 3rd April

Unveiling of Plaque Parish Council CAMEO Mothering Sunday British Summer Time begins Blood Donors

Meriden Green Sports Pavilion Sports Pavilion

12 noon 7.30pm 2.00pm

Barbara Bland 522474 Barbara Bland 522474 Ellen 01676 522534

H of E Club

0300 123 2323

4th April 7th April 7th April 7th April 7th April 9th April 10th April 14th April 14th April 14-17 April 15th April 18th April 18th April 18th April 20th April 22-25 April 25th April 27th April 28th April 30th April 5th May 7th May 12th May 12th May 14th May 16th May 17-18 May 18th May 18th May 19th May 19th May 19th May

Childrens’ cricket coaching Green bin collection starts Easter Service Community Surgery WI Readers Circle Police Beat Surgery Reading Cafe Flower Club Childrens’ Sports Camps Firs Trip to Evesham Good Friday Walk of Witness Good Friday Service Firs Coffee Morning Easter Day Services Childrens’ Sports Camps CAMEO Save the Children Walk Annual Parish Meeting Ladies Clothing Sale Meriden Mag deadline Police Beat Surgery Community Surgery WI Readers Circle Firs Coffee Morning Cyclists’weekend Cyclists’ memorial service Knowle Fun Run Flower Club Reading Cafe Parish Council Annual Meeting CAMEO Childrens’ Sports Camps

Sports Park

1.30-3.30pm 4.30-7.30pm 6.00-7.30pm

17 March

23rd May 27-30 May

Meet at School St Laurence Church Jubilee Centre B.C. St Laurence Church Sports Park Sports Pavilion Lapworth Village Hall Village Hall Hof E Club

10.30am 12 noon 10.00am-12 noon 9.00 &10.30am 9.00am-3.00pm 2.00pm

Sports Pavilion Library Village Hall Jubilee Centre B.C.

11.00 -12 noon 10.00am-12 noon 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.00am-12 noon

Meriden Green

11.00am

Village Hall Library Sports Pavilion

7.30pm 10.30-12 noon 7.30pm

www.mscc.info 0121 704 6000 522488 01676 522717 Flick Blewitt 523229 Margaret 523603 Sgt Hurst 101 01676 522717 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 Paul Jayes 07508 611 922 Malcolm Gratton 523505 Rev Kate Massey 522825 Rev Kate Massey 522825 Malcolm Gratton 523505 Rev Kate Massey 522825 Paul Jayes 07508 611 922 Ellen 01676 522534 Margaret Walls 533513 Barbara Bland 522474 Mary Warr 522160 522963/ 522453 Sgt Hurst 101 01676 522717 Flick Blewitt 523229 Margaret 523603 Malcolm Gratton 523505 John Bennett 0121 459 9319 Harry Childs 0121 353 5814 www.KnowleFunRun.org.uk Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 522474

Sports Pavilion Sports Park

2.00pm 9.00am-3.00pm

Ellen 01676 522534 Paul Jayes 07508 611 922

School Library Village Hall Sports Pavilion Library Village Hall Sports Park

9.15am 10.00am–12noon 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.00 -12 noon 10.30-12 noon 7.30pm 9.00am-3.00pm

7.30pm 7.30pm

Out and About this spring Knowle Fun Run Entries are open for this year’s Knowle Fun Run which is on Sunday 18th May. Hundreds of runners have already made their New Year's resolution to run in Solihull's biggest fundraising event of its kind. Why not join them for this popular 5 mile Fun Run with great community atmosphere on traffic-free streets and help raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, Vision Care, Northleigh House and local causes. This year 4 Mini Runs for years 1-4.

More details and entry online at www.KnowleFunRun.org.uk.

FREE Family Days The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair will be coming to The NEC, Birmingham, from 13 – 16 March

10th Anniversary Year at Compton Verney Moore Rodin Exhibition in the grounds and galleries 15 February to 31 August This ground-breaking international exhibition compares the work of two giants of modern sculpture: Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin. This is the first exhibition to be devoted exclusively to these artists, with major works being displayed in our ‘Capability’ Brown landscape as well as in our exhibition spaces.

In the grounds there are eleven large scale works which complement, challenge and create new perspectives to vistas ‘Capability’ Brown formed in the 1760s. Amongst these amazing pieces is one of Rodin’s most famous works, Monument to the Burghers of Calais (usually on display outside the Houses of Parliament), Moore’s magnificent monumental Three Piece Sculpture: Vertebrae and The Arch.

The UK’s largest celebration of science and engineering for young people. School groups are welcome to visit on the first two days, and families on Saturday and Sunday.

Take part in more than a hundred attention-grabbing activities where enquiring minds and adventurous personalities can meet animals in the zoo-bus, weld with chocolate, discover the science of explosions with TV’s Greg Foot and much, much more!

Visitors will also have the chance to talk to scientists and engineers about the great jobs they do, and leave with some ideas about future careers within science or engineering.

Entrance charge to collections and grounds Adult £8.00 Concessions £7.20 Child (5-15 years) £3.00 (extra charge applies to special exhibitions)

Packwood House B94 6AT Packwood House, near Lapworth, was the home of Graham Baron Ash, it contains a wonderful collection of 16th century furniture and textiles. The gardens include brightly coloured herbaceous borders, famous sculpted yews and an amazing 18th century gentleman’s kitchen garden with herbs, flowers and vegetables.

A new kitchen garden café has opened serving hot and cold food and snacks. There is a shop selling gifts, local foods and plants, many grown in the nursery. Picnics are welcome.

Cadbury Family Fun Days at Packwood Friday April 18th to Monday April 21st Family Easter trail around the grounds with a chocolate egg prize. £2.50

Admission free to members of the National Trust, otherwise entrance charges apply

Last Posting for Park Christmas (Don’t as supplied by the Royal Mail) Cricket Fixtures Dates at Meriden Sports forget the bluebell April – May 2014 Team Meriden Spartans CC Solihull Municipal 3rds CC Meriden CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Solihull Municipal 3rds CC Meriden CC Meriden Spartans CC

Date Tue 29 Apr Sat 3 May Tue 6 May Sat 10 May Tue 13 May Sat 17 May Tue 20 May Sat 24 May Tue 27 May Sat 31 May

trail in Millison’s Wood from the end of April into May

Time 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30

Sunday fixtures to be confirmed.

To view the full cricket fixtures for each team’s season go to www.meridensports.wordpress.com

When contacting the advertisers please mention the Meriden Mag

Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green 10th March Birthday of the Earl of Wessex 10th March Commonwealth Day 21st April Birthday of her Majesty the Queen 23rd April St George’s Day 9th May Europe Day 18th May Cyclists Memorial Service Reminder! Deadline date for the summer 2014 issue: Monday 5th May Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@gmail.com Proof Reader: Claire Rose Deliveries: Mandy and Doug Bacon

BICKENHILL PUBLIC WASTE DISPOSAL SITE OPENING HOURS

Winter 1st November –31st March Monday-Friday (except Tuesday) 9.30am – 4.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am - 4.00pm Summer 1st April- 31st October Monday-Friday (except Tuesday) 9.30am – 5.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am - 4.00pm

Last admission 15 minutes before closing time The green bins will be emptied again in the week beginning April 7th 2014

Useful village contact numbers Meriden Primary School Meriden Library Meriden Surgery Lloyds Chemist St. Laurence Church Meriden Methodist Church Meriden Christian Fellowship Parish Council Sports co-ordinator Solihull M B C Solihull District Councillors

Member of Parliament Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector

Mrs L. Winkler

Rev Kate Massey Rev. Andrew Charlesworth Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt Barbara Bland Paul Jayes Ken Allsopp David Bell Tony Dicicco Caroline Spelman Gerry Russell Sue Harper Sgt Craig Hurst

01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522252 01676 522722 01676 522825 01676 533737 01676 523050 01676 522474 07962 375038.

0121 704 6000 0121 782 2408 01676 535211 07780438290 020 7219 4189 01676 522666 01676 522230 0845 113 5000

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