MeridenMag Summer 2014

Meriden Mag Summer 2014 Inside this issue

Parish Council Meriden

Update

Megaride Commemorating

Art

World War I

Exhibition at Village Hall Meriden Mid-summer Draw

Scout

Summer

News and

Sports

Photos

School News and Photos

Film Shows at Village Hall

The Big Picture Show at Meriden Village Hall

War Horse Saturday 7 June 7.00pm th

Meriden School activities

Key to pictures Top: Book Week Middle: The Big Bang Bottom: Faith Week

Hello from Meriden School!

With the Easter holidays behind us, we have incredibly arrived at ‘Summer Term’. Although we haven’t seen much sun yet, let’s cross our fingers that all of the outdoor activities that are associated with this term are able to go ahead and not rained off, like so many times before!

At the time of writing, one of our two residential trips is just about to take place. Year 5 will be visiting Kingswood in Doncaster for a bush craft experience. The aim of the course is to help them to develop self-confidence in using the great outdoors, to work creatively to solve a series of challenging problems and to teach practical bush craft, survival and teamwork skills. In a couple of weeks’ time Year 6 are visiting ‘Red Ridge’ in Wales for an activity packed week which will involve pot-holing, climbing and canoeing to name but a few of the things on offer. Year 6 will also be visiting ‘Safeside’ in order to learn about being safe in various environments, Year 2 will visit Conkers, Year 3 are having a camp out at school and Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) will be visiting the Butterfly Farm, Stratford. In addition to that, some of our talented scientists will be travelling to Greenwich with other pupils from our local schools to study the stars!

Meriden School is producing its own Healthy Cookbook! We have been writing to famous people and asking our families to provide their favourite healthy recipes. It will be on sale later in the year so do look out for it!

In the final weeks of term, Key Stage 2 children will put on their annual performance. This year will be a challenging, but very exciting production of the musical ‘School Will Rock You’ on 8th/9th/10th July; I know you will be amazed by the talented pupils we have and will soon be hearing the songs around the village! Our annual music evening will also take place on 2nd July to showcase the fantastic musical talent we have.

We have expanded the range of sports clubs and activities that our children can experience at school, including sports such as archery, basketball, tennis, Zumba, gymnastics and Change for Life, a programme to help our pupils who are not so keen on sport to get fit and healthy. Also, once again our sports day will be taking place across a whole week in order for the Meriden Olympics to take place, culminating in our Olympic finals in front of parents and family.

We now have two active parent groups linked with school: the PTA and Parent Council. Our PTA continues to work incredibly hard for our children, organising discos and raising money for exciting equipment and their Summer Fayre will be taking place on Friday 4th July. Please come along! A recent initiative of the Parent Council has been the ‘Scoot to School and Get the Fit Factor’ campaign which had two main aims; to reduce the amount of parking near school and to help our pupils get fit! It has been a huge success and Parent Council is now working alongside the School Council to continue the scheme into the summer term.

We will then finish the term with our End of Year Service at St Laurence’s Church on 14th July (TBC) and then will enjoy a final word from Year 6 as they leave us and move on to the next exciting stage in their education at secondary school.

The children will all be looking forward to a well-earned summer break and, whatever you are planning, everyone at Meriden Primary School wishes you all a fantastic sunny and happy time.

Lucy Winkler, Headteacher, Meriden CE Primary School Key stage 2 children had an interesting and exciting day out at the Big Bang Fair at the NEC in March. There were lots of fascinating stalls to look at and things to see and do such as rocket launches, using bikes to power light bulbs, making solid rods out of paper and much more. Some of us even theastronaut chance toJon meet a real astronaut, Jon had the chance to meet had a real McBride.

The children learnt lots of new skillsMcBride and science knowledge as well as having great fun! All of the children were impeccably behaved and were an asset to our school. A great day was had by all.

Faith Week we have recently enjoyed a 'faith week' at Meriden Primary School. During this week we investigated the question 'What could you live without?' We particularly looked at the Buddhist faith and considered how the beliefs of Buddhists are similar or different to our own. We thoroughly enjoyed having visitors including Revered Kate Massey and Reverend Andrew Charlesworth as well as other members of the community who shared what is particularly of value to themselves. The children enjoyed lots of arts, crafts and cooking as well investigating a different faith through Literacy and RE. World Book Day 6th March – what a fantastic day we had dressing up to celebrate World Book Day. The children and staff really enjoyed sharing their favourite books with each other.

Meriden Primary School PTA Summer Fayre Friday 4th July

5.00- 7.30pm This year’s summer fayre has an American Independence Day theme, there will be: *A Bucking Bronco * Bouncy Castles* *Hot Dogs* Candy Floss* Lucky Dips * *Raffles* and Lots More*

Please come along and support us!

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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++j

Services are held on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday at 10.30 am The other week, we bought our daughters a Swingball. They were delighted and spent a happy Saturday playing with this new toy. However, once they were finished, I couldn’t resist trying it out myself. A few practice shots, and before long my husband had decided to join in and we were in the middle of a ferociously competitive match. Our daughters watched in amazement as their generally sensible parents dived about, swiping wildly at the tennis ball, breathless from the exercise and from laughing. (It ended an honourable – if somewhat contested – draw.)

But it was such FUN !

When was the last time you had fun? When did you do something a bit out of the ordinary and finding yourself laughing at the unexpected joy it brought you? When did you tear-up the to-do list and be completely spontaneous? When did you prioritize what you wanted to do over what you were supposed to do? Now I am not suggesting that we disregard all rules and responsibilities – some are vitally important - but just that there is something quite healthy about our lives not being entirely dominated by rules and responsibilities. Fun is one of these things, like friendship, about which the Christian writer, CS Lewis said: [it] is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival”.

Fun is probably not the first word you associate with the Christian faith, and certainly following Jesus is not something to be taken lightly. But it does not mean that developing our relationship with God must always be serious. In God’s design for humankind, there is actually time built in for fun. Seriously! In the Ten Commandments, God calls his people to keep a day a week free from work so they can remember that they are more than what they do or achieve; a day to enjoy God and God’s creation; a day for community and family and relationship – a day to have fun! And when Jesus wanted an example for his rather over-ambitious disciples, he put a child before them and told them that to enter his Kingdom they should become like that youngster. Some think this is because of a child’s ability to trust, but I think there is something too about children’s ability to play and enjoy the moment. I would argue that a little unselfish fun is fundamental (sorry – couldn’t resist) to being the people God made us to be.

The three Meriden churches are really excited to be starting a Messy Church this summer, where the aim will be to have a lot of fun, and learn about God together in the process.

Through crafts, activities and games, we will explore a Bible story, before gathering for a short child-friendly act of worship and then having a celebration meal. Messy Church will be particularly suitable for families with young children, but the young-at-heart will also be made welcome. It is our prayer that in the fun and mess and friendship of Messy Church, we will grow to know and be like Jesus – why not come along and join in?

The first Messy Church Service is Sunday 29th June, 4pm, at Meriden Methodist Church. See advert opposite.

Kate Massey

St Laurence Church Tower will be open on the afternoons of Sunday 1st June and Sunday 22nd June (to coincide with the Meriden Megaride) from 12 noon until 4.30pm There will be guided tours of the tower, to escort you through all its interesting features right up to the magnificent views from the top. We will also be rolling back the carpet in the chancel so that people can see the Georgian brass memorial to Elisabeth Rotton. Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits will also be available for visitors.

The Christmas tree COME AND JOIN festival at St Laurence, see centre page for the CHRISTIANS OF MERIDEN winning tree

THE AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY CRAFT ACTIVITIES FOR 3-10 YEAR OLDS OF ALL AGES MUSIC, SINGING AND A STORY FOLLOWED BY THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY VENUE: MERIDEN METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY 29TH JUNE 2014 @ 4PM

*Meriden Christian Fellowship* Meriden Methodist Church* * St Laurence Anglican Church*

The Meriden Big Picture Show

Saturday 7th June At 7.00p.m (doors open at 6.00 p.m) Coming shortly to a venue very near you

Meriden Village Hall presents a screening of War Horse

About “The Big Picture Show” This initiative is part of the “Live and Local” scheme subsidized by Warwickshire County Council, to bring live performances and film screenings to rural areas.

Meriden Village Hall Management Committee has agreed to promote the screening of films in the Village Hall on a regular basis. Films available are current releases as well as family films and wellloved classics.

The projection system consists of a huge screen, a digital projector and Dolby Surround Sound, all set up by a professional technician.

Entry to all films is subject to the National Film Board’s Classification.

Future screenings planned include:

Especially chosen as part of the village’s WWI commemoration

Children’s Film Show and Picnic Friday 15th August 10.30am

£5.00 Entry by advance ticket only

“Philomena” Starring Judi Dench Saturday 18th October 7.00pm

Drinks and snacks will be on sale before the show Tickets may be purchased from:Chris Copper 65 Fillongley Rd (next door to the school) 01676 522645 Or available from Meriden Library on Saturday 31 May 10a.m - 12.00 & Monday 2 June 4.00 - 6.00p.m

‘Fifty Years in the Frame’ An exhibition by Michael Warr to celebrate 50 years in the Art World at Meriden Village Hall Saturday and Sunday 21st and 22nd June 10.00am – 4.00pm both days Michael Warr was born in Meriden in 1941 he studied at Coventry College of Art, and has become a World famous artist with exhibitions and One Man shows in England and on the Continent. He has written numerous books on Art and Painting Techniques, produced painting instruction videos and given several radio interviews.

His works of art feature in many private collections; this is a great opportunity to see his work for yourself and possibly own one of his paintings.

“The Holiday” Saturday 6th December Suggestions and requests for future screenings welcomed.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS NEW VILLAGE INITIATIVE

World War I Veterans At this time of thinking about the life and times of Meriden during World War I we are interested in finding out about Meriden people who fought in World War I and then returned home safely.

Here are the names of those listed on a board displayed in our Village hall: Lieutenant W Adkins ~ Corporal H Amos ~ F Anderton ~ Anderton ~ S Anderton ~ A Barton ~ H Barney ~ Corporal A Banks ~ Lance Corporal C Banks ~ G Bates ~ W Bachelor ~ A Bolus ~ F Brett ~ Lance Corporal C Busson~ Corporal A Callow ~ A H Callow ~ H Callow ~ R Callow ~ W Callow ~ E Cooke ~ A Dale ~ P Devine ~ Captain M Drummond ~ E Evans ~ C Fox ~ Lance Corporal W Freeman ~ 2nd Lieutenant M Glover MC ~ G Grist ~ Sergeant A Hobday ~ P Hobday ~ E Hodgkins ~ W Hollis ~ N Homer ~ F Hunt ~ H Hunt ~ H Izon ~ A Jakeman ~ F Jones ~ W Ledbrooke ~ F Ledger ~ H Leek ~ D Luck ~ C Mansell ~ B McArdell ~ R Massey ~ G Massey ~ T Massey ~ FMathews ~ F Mills ~ J Mills ~ G Monkman ~ C Newcombe ~ A Nicholds ~ C Nicholds ~ W J Nicholds ~ I Penrice ~G Pointon ~ P Poole ~ V Poole ~ G Ravenhall ~ H Rogers ~ R Russell ~ L Serman ~ H Shuttleworth ~ A Sidwell ~Corporal A Smith ~ W Smith ~ Sergeant M Southern ~ I Taylor ~ J Thompson ~ W Thompson ~ F Walker ~ Lance Corporal E Warman ~ Lance Corporal A Warmingham ~ Lieutenant C West ~ R Whale ~ Corporal G Woodward MM If you know of anyone named, their families or situation – please will you contact Joan Russell, Tel 01676 522666 Email: russells@pipersend.fslife.co.uk

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 the Month Not long before Easter, I was invited by the village primary school to come and share with the children during Faith Week. In particular, since the focus for that week had been on the Buddhist Faith, the school asked me if I could compare and contrast the great world religions from the perspective of a Christian minister.

I always enjoy spending time with the children in school and they are a great credit to themselves, the school and of course their families. I enjoyed sharing what I knew about the different religions, which ranged from limited (Christianity) to very limited (everything else)!

Probably the key similarity between the main World religions is that all of them should have an impact on the way we live our lives. So for Buddhists, who do not routinely believe in a god, the focus is on enlightenment, on reaching a state of nirvana. In this Buddhists follow a Noble Eightfold Path which includes, right speech, right action and right livelihood.

The concept of karma is fundamental for Hindus, with the belief that there is a cycle where good or virtuous actions, actions in harmony with dharma, will have good reactions or responses and bad actions, actions against dharma, will have the opposite effect. In Hinduism karma operates not only in this lifetime but across lifetimes.

Muslims believe that God sent a number of prophets to humanity to teach them how to live their lives. Did you know these prophets include Abraham, Moses and Jesus? The final prophet was Mohammed and the revelation from God he recorded is the Qur’an. Muslims hold to the Five Pillars of Islam, which includes Zakat, care for the poor and needy.

For Christianity, the Old Testament includes the Ten Commandments (and indeed a total of 613 laws) and so much of the teaching of Jesus recorded in the gospels is focussed on how we should live our lives, especially how we should help those in need. In the parable of the Sheep and Goats Jesus makes it clear that if Christians do help those in need, they have no place with him.

However, Christians also believe that we cannot live the way God wants through our own strength alone. We do not find it easy to put the needs of others before our own. We see this all around us in the world in deep injustice and inequality. We see this in our own lives, when all of us are capable of selfishness and of doing things which hurt those closest to us.

This is why Pentecost (June 8th this year) is such an important festival in the life of the Church. Not only does it signal the birth of the Church, but it is at Pentecost that we remember God pouring out his Holy Spirit on the first disciples.

Christians believe that God’s spirit can equip, enable and empower them to live differently. They can live better lives through the Spirit of Jesus. And it is at Pentecost that we remember that ordinary people, in any time and place, people like you and me, can do extraordinary things, making a real difference in people’s lives, because God’s Spirit will help us.

BRING YOUR OWN ALCHOLIC DRINKS SOFT DRINKS AVAILABLE

Limited period only Buy 1 main dish and get 2nd main dish free Applies to lowest priced dish only. Only valid when ordered with two starters. Available dining and takeaway

5 Course Sunday Banquet £9.95    

Popadoms Any starter Any main dish, Pilau rice or plain nan Ice Cream  Coffee

Open 7 days a week 5.30pm till 11.30pm A45 Birmingham Road Millisons Wood CV5 9AY

01676 521 202 www.mumbaiblue.com

Love, peace and joy. Andrew Diary Dates: Kinwalsey Tree Celebration.

Pentecost Sunday, 8th June at 4pm.

The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire; please contact Maureen & Alan Gabbitas 01676 522 148

Queens Head Old Road Meriden Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx June 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th

Wayne Hogan Licha T.B.A T.B.A Chrissy

July 7th 14th 21st 28th

Julie Christie Justine Claire Backbeat Paul Tracini

August 4th 11th 18th 25th

Keith Brett Stevie Bee Micky Dean Stevie Best

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

David Deakin Plastering Services Interior plastering and coving work.

Insurance work welcome.

Free Estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service.

Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860

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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 Heart of England Outreach 01676 523050 Greetings everyone.

As always a huge thank you to our dedicated staff for all their help and support. Also a big thank you to our generous donators who have provided us with some great things to sell and have kept us well supplied with a great range of bric- a- brac and household items that are always popular.

We have also had some beautiful donations of clothes including wedding outfits, hats, handbags and shoes which have made our shop a popular place for people to come to when they are looking for an outfit for a special occasion as well as for everyday attire. We have also received a lot of clothes which still have the labels on and unworn. I think our best bargain this last quarter was a trouser suit unworn with the price tag still on of £449 which sold for approx £30. We don't get many things of this calibre in but it's great when we do because we know it will fly out.

We've had a sale rail up for the last few days where everything was £1. Lots of you rummaged through and had some really good buys. We hope to do this on a fairly regular basis, particularly through the summer, to turn over stock quickly and enable us to put new stuff out.

As usual we are in need of small furniture items such as occasional tables, chests of drawers, etc.

If you haven't visited the shop then pop in and see us we always enjoy seeing new faces as well as our regular customers.

See you soon. Kevin and Lyn Hunt

Meriden Christian Fellowship Here comes Summer.....yeh! After all the floods and rain over the winter months it's great to have some nice weather at last. I love the changing seasons that we get in this country, the only problem is the seasons seem to be changing. When I was young the seasons were what they said they were..Snow in the winter, sun and showers in the spring, sunshine in the summer, and rain and back to darker nights in the autumn, with of course the fabulous colours of the trees etc.

These days it snows when it wants, rains most of the time, and then there's summer, which usually lasts about 2 weeks if we're lucky.

Having said that let's hope we get lots of nice sunny days this year. Talking of hope, there is one thing we can be sure of that never changes, and that's God's love. Easter has just gone and it was great to remember that He demonstrated His love to us by taking all our sins, that's everything we've ever done wrong, on Himself on the cross. Not only does His Love cover our sins when we ask Him to forgive us of them, but His love also never fails. That's something that's constant and something we can totally rely on, unlike the weather God's love really can be relied on.

I've been a Christian for 33 years now and I've gone through good times, bad times and some very difficult times, but I can honestly say that no matter what life has thrown at me during those years, having God to talk to and direct me has been invaluable, a great comfort, and at times inspirational.

The good news is that this is not just for me but for everyone who calls on His Name. He Loves You, and wants you to know Him and have a relationship with Him that will change your life forever.

If you would like to know more why not join us on a Sunday at 12:30pm in the Methodist Church building, for great worship, great fellowship and the word of God uncompromised. When we get together God turns up so why not come and experience God for yourself? We look forward to welcoming you.

For where two or three gather in my Name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV).

Blessings Kevin and Lyn Hunt.

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

Tel : 01676 522284

WE NEED YOU! TIME TO VOLUNTEER???

We are a group of volunteers who enjoy providing a Riding for Disabled Group to 6 children each week from Exhall Grange School.

However! We need more Volunteers!

If you can give your time between 1pm and 2.30pm each Tuesday during school term time perhaps you would like to join us?

No equine experience is necessary (but is useful!)

We ride at Lowlands Farm, Shrewley so if you are

interested please contact either Carole on 01676 523092 or Julia on 01789 7722289.

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP I do appreciate that HS2 has drawn strong reactions on both sides of the argument in this constituency ever since the route was announced by Lord Adonis in March 2010. The cost of £50 bn includes £21.2 bn contingency, as required by the Treasury. This does not in any way preclude the planned expenditure on other railway projects up to 2021, when the Government will invest £70bn in all forms of transport, of which £16.5bn would be for HS2.

As you may know, in April, the HS2 Hybrid Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons. This was the first opportunity for MPs to debate the general principles and themes of the Bill. We do need to consider the need for more train capacity, especially as West Midlands manufacturers have had their freight displaced onto the roads just at a time we export more cars than ever in our history. I also have to consider the need to connect existing transport infrastructure such as the under-utilised runway at Birmingham airport which would then become competitive on travel time with London's airports.

However, along with the possible gain, we also get the pain. I took the opportunity in the Chamber, to press the Secretary of State specifically for a tunnel in the Balsall/Berkswell area and I have also supported the call by Solihull Council to introduce a Community Fund which would be locally administered, following the model at Birmingham airport, because I think it would give local empowerment to this project. In addition, the amendments seek to ameliorate the environmental impact, for example by offsetting the biodiversity loss locally by regenerating the Tame and Blythe river valleys. I also petitioned for compensation for those affected by construction works, and will continue to do whatever I can to mitigate any negative impacts for constituents.

During this summer, we will look back and remember 100 years since the Great War broke out. So many lost their lives in the most brutal way and the horror of that War still has ramifications today. I invited the German Parliament choir to come over to join our British Parliament choir for a joint concert to mark the occasion, and I am delighted that after war in Europe covering almost half of century, we can celebrate peace together today. I wish you all the best for the Meriden events to commemorate World War I this summer.

The Firebird Singers Present Spirit of the Song Saturday 21 June 2014 7.30pm The Theatre Blue Coat Church of England School & Music College, Terry Road, Coventry CV1 2BA

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 visit our web sitewww.firebirdsingers.org.uk

Home visiting Chiropodist/podiatrist State and HPC registered

Tel 01676 534265 Friendly and professional advice on all foot problems ME SC HO OR

OL

In aid of the Coventry and Warwickshire Kidney Patients Association Reg. Charity No 508587 For tickets or further information contact John on 07716 721467 Tickets £8.50 concessions/children £5.50 *Refreshments * Raffle* Singing for Pleasure, Raising Money for Charity

Mrs C Booker

TH E

CAROLINE SPELMAN

To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Katy Steele 0121 711 7029 Email :carolinespelman.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

More News from Meriden School Notes from Meriden School Garden Now the Summer Term is here, the garden is slowly beginning to fill up. The broad beans planted in the autumn are now in flower and we are looking forward to some early pods to harvest. The shallots and garlic, also planted in the autumn, struggled through the damp winter but are now starting to grow stronger. The Ecoteam has planted Rocket and Casablanca potatoes and these are starting to come through.

Year 1 have planted pumpkin seeds and have been keeping a diary on their progress. The plants are looking very strong and are nearly ready to be planted outside.

The school has entered BBC Gardeners’ World Live hanging basket competition. We have to create a colourful, cascading display using recycled materials. We are using an old wire shopping basket lined with an old wool jumper and sheep’s wool.

It will be bursting with lots of bright flowers to create a rainbow effect and have pollinating insects, also made from recycled materials, “buzzing” around it. The Eco-team planted the seeds and Foundation stage has been busy creating the insects. If you are visiting Gardeners’ World on 11th to 15th June please go along and take a look.

A big thank you to the Spar shop for the donation of the shopping basket and to Carole Webb for all her help with our hanging baskets for the BBC Gardeners World competition!

Bike-Ability Training I am pleased to report that every single member of Year 5 was successful in their bike-ability training! It is apparently very unusual for everyone to be successful and do as well as we have in Year 5 this year. A really big well done to everyone, keep your eyes peeled for them on the roads.

Summer Music in a Deer Park Conducted by Andrew Fletcher

Church of St James Great Packington Nr Meriden

7.30pm Saturday 14th June 2014 Works by Maurice Durufle’, Andrew Fletcher, Serge Rachmaninov, Healey Willan and close harmony arrangements Tickets £15 Students and under 18’s £5 Family £32 Available from choir members or by telephoning

01543 452078

Advance booking essential because of limited space Programme, strawberries and fizz included

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Pensions Investments Protection Savings Employee benefits  Inheritance Tax Chartered Financial Planners and Employee Benefit Consultants

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 Red Dot (Cymru) Ltd

Luke Stanley DipFA Independent Financial Adviser Luke will work with you to achieve all of your lifestyle aspirations and long term financial plans, whatever form these may take. Protect your family; provide for your retirement; save tax efficiently.

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

MIDLANDS CLEANERS 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

Do you need a cleaner?

Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for?

Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic cleaning, Office cleaning Professional cleaning service Tidy that garden, clear out the shed empty the cubby hole or throw out that bed.

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 42-45p per pound Eden Multi- Meat and Fish Formula Dog Food – Suitable All Ages Independently 5 star rated 80% MEAT & FISH 20% VEG, FRUIT & HERBS NO CEREAL FILLERS!!!

Check out independent review on www.whichdogfood.co.uk “Outstanding food at an outstanding price” 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

£130

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

Go on give us a call

(other skips available) 07976-969319

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

Confessions from the Cupcake Factory Now that the kids have scattered themselves about, with one pair in Birmingham and one in Northampton, they are no longer in shouting range. So I find it’s vital to have a strategy to get them home when I miss them all. Especially now we have a little grandchild on the way, I need a foolproof plan to summon them like magic. Here’s my unashamed secret.

I call them up and softly suggest that this Sunday, at 8pm sharp; I will be cooking up a storm. The full Monty, Sunday roast dinner. It rarely fails. Earlier will not work- later is even better. They can get all their business out of the way and arrive promptly, full of expectation, and an empty belly.

No matter what meat I am preparing, no Sunday roast in our house is complete without the humble Yorkshire Pudding. When I first started this tradition, my yorkies tended to be tasty yet limp, undercooked and looked like a pancake. No matter what I did they just would not rise. It became a standing joke to have a pikelet rather than a yorkie with our Christmas dinner-like roast. Many a Sunday had a little sulk on my part as I opened the oven door expectantly, hoping for a bouffant miracle. It never happened.

This cupcake queen just could not get a rise from a pud!

Not until I was given this wonderful no fail recipe from my friend in Ireland.

So now I shall share it with you.

3 large free range eggs ½ pint full fat milk 115g (4oz) plain flour (MUST be plain!) ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper Fat from the roast, or goose fat, or oil 12 hole baking tin (Makes 12 puddings) Sieve the flour, salt and pepper in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the eggs, Whisk gently, just in the middle, and slowly add the cold milk as you go, until the flour is mixed from the sides and forms a nice even, non-lumpy batter.

Pop the bowl into the fridge for at least an hour, and meanwhile carry on with the rest of your meal. I find the best way to do this is to have your mixture prepared and in the fridge before you start with the rest.

When your meat is ready, take it out of the oven and turn the oven up to 200C/400F/Gas mark 6- moderately hot. Wrap your meat in foil and use this time to rest it. It makes for perfect meat as well as great Yorkshire puddings. If you time it well, the last 30 mins of roast potatoes can be in there too, for an extra crunch.

Take a 12 hole baking tin and use about a desert spoon of the fat from the meat dish in each hole. (You can also use oil or goose fat if you prefer). Put this in the oven for about five minutes... it should be smoking slightly but not charred. Keep the oven door firmly shut whilst you add a little batter into each hole of the tin- fill it to about two thirds of the way up each one.

Pop the tray back into the oven, and bake the Yorkshire puds for 25 minutes. The last thing to be done as you are serving up the dinner, is whip them from the oven, piping hot and perfect! So…. say no to Aunt Bessie’s and bake Juci Luci’s!

Best Wishes Luci x 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 July 3rd the ‘Out and About’ group have arranged a coach trip to Grimsthorpe Castle and Park, with a guided tour of the 3000 acre estate and Castle Rooms.

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 23rd June 2014 21st July 2014 18th August 2014

topic Life as an Author A Strange Time (Stoneleigh Abbey in the Great War) Restoration of Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

Speaker Shirley Thompson Sheila Wolf Ann Brockman

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

Meriden RAID. 'Four Years On.' What is the legacy?

Four years ago Meriden was a 'by word for strife and community unrest' said a local newspaper recently.

Certainly the arrival of travellers with bulldozers and barristers determined to develop green belt land during the bank holiday of 2010 (with or without permission) caused a disturbance which took on seismic significance (locally and nationally) as unlawful developers took on residents 'dug in' at their 'all year round' protest camp.

Residents led delegations to Solihull Council, Westminster and Europe. The local 'unsettled' community fought and won 23 legal, technical and planning decisions (no legal aid just £120k's worth of local fundraising).

In the last 4 years the 'Bank holiday' blitz approach to development seems to have waned nationally too following press, government and public scrutiny. It is now seen publicly as the unacceptable face of development. Councils need to do more for travellers too for those with legitimate accommodation needs (as opposed to development ambitions) just as they have duties to the settled community.

A little while ago the anniversary passed - 12 months - since the travellers left their unlawful site. They had created (and left) a site which resembled the trench warfare that had ensued doing the 1086 day (and night) battle - a sea of mud ruts. A half-hearted attempt at restoration by the travellers (as obliged by law) has made some difference but much is still needed to restore land levels that were scooped out by earthmovers, subsoil replaced healthy mature trees replanted that were sawn down in various destructive blitzes of the site.

But the site is empty and quiet. There are no more 'near miss' encounters with vans, lorries and 4 x 4's driven at crazy speeds leaving the site. Nature will have her way too in helping out with the site restoration. Walkers and horses are once again using the lane for recreational purposes. But is this temporary or will there be more chapters of strife in the history of this site?

Certainly the development potential of the land is 'nil' and given the proven planning history of the site and current legal protections any future planning application would be more out of mischief than expectation. The travellers say they will sell the site based on a fair market valuation. This is to be welcomed. Locals had previously stood firm in their view that 'paying someone off' or offering a 'king’s ransom' for the site would be inappropriate. The site needs a responsible owner who values the connected role it plays in our local green belt, understands and cares about its wildlife and wants to preserve and protect it.

Through all of this 'history' Meriden people thankfully kept a sense of proportion, fairness and justice. This 'episode' does not, of course, tarnish the reputation of travellers - there is good and bad in all sectors of society.

We still take people as we find them. Solihull Council is opening its new £1m site for travellers (supported by RAID) and even though we doubted the veracity of our traveller developers claims of 'homeless' it is true that brand new provision is there if they need it. The Council has provided every assistance for them to apply for places too.

Let’s hope that everyone comes out a winner (including the travellers). Let us hope that in the end the right long term aim is achieved too. Then we can all move on.

David McGrath

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Meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the month at 7.30pm

Contact Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 In March Mr Adrian King came to talk to us about the history of Guy’s Cliffe. Most of our members were aware of the existence of this ruined house and it was a welcome opportunity to learn about its background. Two people from the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust were the speakers at our April meeting. They told us about ‘The Support the Hedgehog Campaign.’ Apparently hedgehog numbers are in rapid decline and they outlined steps we could take to help encourage them.

They even brought along a rescued baby hedgehog, cosily ensconced in a pet carrier!

At our May meeting we debated our response to this year’s resolution that is to be voted on at the annual meeting in June.

This year’s resolution is aimed at increasing organ donation.

Also in May several of us will be attending the group meeting to be held in Allesley to hear a talk from the television personality Kay Alexander.

Elizabeth Spencer Future programme: Monday 2nd June Glen Miller and his music – Mr R Witham Monday 7th July – Stories Grandad told – Vanessa Morgan Monday 4th August – Games evening

Visitors always welcome

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

Emeritus Professor David Crout joined us in February to talk about ‘Destruction and Reconciliation’ which he illustrated th and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the Come with slides. On 13 February 1945, British bombers dropped 2,500 tons of bombs on Dresden. In the resulting firestorm 2.00 at least 24,000month peopleat died andp.m. many of the finest buildings in Dresden were destroyed including the Lutheran Frauenkirche (church of Our Lady). 8,500 stones from the church were collected, numbered and stored. After German reunification, the Frauenkirche was reconstructed with help from a British group ‘The Friends of Dresden’. They were asked to reconstruct the dome on top of the church. The dedication of the rebuilt church took place in 2005 and looks stunning. Professor Crout used this to talk about forgiveness and that if you are to forgive another for the hurt they have . done to you, you must: forgive them from the heart, ask God to forgive them and ask Him to bless them. This was illustrated by verses from the bible, from the words of Corrie Ten Boom who was sent to a concentration camp for sheltering Jews and also the speech on the quality of mercy from the Merchant of Venice.

In March Major Gethin Thomas from the Salvation Army spoke to us about his work in the Salvation Army and that of the Salvation Army in general. The Salvation Army is a worldwide evangelical Christian church in 126 countries founded by William Booth. Major Thomas told us that the Salvation Army had played a very large part in his life from the age of eight. Although he first went into teaching, after two years he decided to go to a Salvation Army training college. He married a fellow Salvation Army Officer, as they were required to and they spent four years in Cardiff and then some years in the North East as part of a small fishing community. They then moved to Dunstable and later to Southport where they built a new Salvation Army Hall. Late last year they arrived in Coventry to find a thriving Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Hall was built eight years ago and is very busy; they host English language classes, keep fit, maths and other none profit groups. There is also a community café serving tea and coffee where people can go to find someone to talk to. The hostel sleeps 125 people a night and they also provide for cold weather sleepers from November when seven churches each provide accommodation in their church hall for one night. An Elderly Persons Residence in Binley has fifty residents.

The Salvation Army does not just look after the homeless but provides food parcels when the Food Bank is closed, Christmas parcels, soup kitchens and day centres for the elderly. They provide escorts to safe houses for victims of human trafficking and help with drink and drug addiction. They are, of course, well known for their Missing Persons Bureau. Inspired by their Christian faith they work tirelessly in communities, spreading the message of the gospel and encouraging people to take that message into their own lives.

We had a meal out in April and twenty nine of us went to The Manor for an enjoyable two course lunch.

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:-.

27th June – Our Holiday at Home in Berkswell.

25th July – Strawberry Tea 22nd August – Glynis Gayton speaking on life in a family bakery.

This meeting will be held at Meriden Village Hall

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.

YOGA CLASSES Meriden Village Hall Wednesday evenings: 6.30pm Pregnancy Yoga 7.30pm Adult Yoga Contact Amelia: 07783 277521 www.2positivewellbeing.com 2positivewellbeing@gmx.com

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

Fun – Active – Creative Meriden Village Hall Mondays 11.30am – 12.30pm Starting 2nd June

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

Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £4 per session

Interactive storytelling using yoga and drama for children aged 2 – 5 years

Contact Amelia on 07783 277521 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

email : yogic_theatrix@yahoo.co.uk www.yogictheatrix.weebly.com 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

Tennis Coaching

Barkers’ Butts RFC Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR

Monday Cardio Tennis 7 – 7:45pm Cost £4 Tuesday Cardio tennis 7 – 7:45pm Cost £4 Sunday Juniors 10-11am (age 3 -12years old) Cost £3 Adult Coaching 11 -11:45am Cost £4

  

11 Mini & Junior age groups from 6-16 years Non-Contact Rugby for girls 11-18 years Under 18 Colts Side

Our facilities are 1st class and all our coaches are RFU Qualified and CRB checked

Note: Coaching only takes place during term time

Contact Scott English 07963 134923

Meriden Sports Park is now affiliated with Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) which gives opportunities to enter league teams from mini red to adults level. I now encourage adults within Meriden to come and join our coaching programme in light of having a competing team in 2015. I will be working very hard with the help of parents in Meriden to have the mini red players competing by the end of 2014.

I am very excited with the invitation to Aegon Classic Women`s International Tournament at Edgbaston in June.

All players on the coaching programme have this fantastic opportunity to see the world’s best women compete.

Come and have a free trial of tennis coaching…

See you on court!

League

Sun 1 Jun Tue 3 Jun Sat 7 Jun Sun 8 Jun Tue 10 Jun Sat 14 Jun Sat 21 Jun Tue 24 Jun Sat 28 Jun Tue 1 Jul Sat 5 Jul Tue 8 Jul Sat 12 Jul Tue 15 Jul Sat 19 Jul Tue 22 Jul Sat 26 Jul Sun 27 Jul Tue 29 Jul Sat 2 Aug Tue 5 Aug Sat 9 Aug Tue 12 Aug Sat 16 Aug Sat 23 Aug Sat 30 Aug

Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Solihull Municipal 3rds Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Solihull Municipal 3rds Meriden CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden CC Solihull Municipal 3rds Meriden CC Solihull Municipal 3rds Meriden CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Solihull Municipal 3rds Meriden CC Meriden Spartans CC Meriden Spartans CC Solihull Municipal 3rds Meriden Spartans CC Solihull Municipal 3rds

Arden League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Arden League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Warwickshire League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Arden League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Coventry 20 Overs Warwickshire League Warwickshire League Warwickshire League



There will be a special welcome to players returning to the game in time for the 2015 Rugby World Cup

Meriden Cricket Club

Cricket Fixtures at Meriden Sports Park June - August 2014 Team

We also have 4 adult sides 1st XV to Vets

Contact Glen Southwell 07598 980546

Collen Mhlanga Email: mhlangac@gmail.com Mobile: 07717 057547

Date



Start time 13:30 18:00 13:30 13:30 18:00 13:30 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 18:00 13:30 13:30 13:30

Meriden Cricket Club was founded in 1885 and had an exciting period of Village cricket until the 1970’swhen it fell into a state of decline. In the fifties it excelled by bowling out our village neighbours for 7 runs. In 1996 after a meeting in the village hall it was rejuvenated with a vengeance and we played many league, cup and friendly games until two years ago. Sadly an administrative error prevented the club playing in the Coventry 20 Overs league last year but we are now back on board and keen to make our mark.

We have had some famous cricketers play for the Village team most notably the Warwickshire and England player Bob Wyatt. Serving as Jardine's vice-captain on the 1932–33 England tour of Australia, Wyatt was in charge of an early tour match that Jardine sat out of, and he became the first captain to employ the controversial Bodyline tactic against the Australian team.

We are keen to live up to such a fine club history and will be playing all our home matches at the Meriden Sports Park in the centre of the village.

Please come along and support or join your village cricket. Matches start at 6pm and the fixture list is opposite. We may also play some extra Cup matches in June.

We practice in our nets behind the Queens Head on specific days. We have two club coaches and always a number of experienced cricketers to help and give advice so come and join your village team.

Alan MacEvoy 07710 112219

The Meriden Plumber NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

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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

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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 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 ASK US Selling food, toys and other ABOUT FREE pet care items IDENTICHIPS 24 hour emergency care & advice FOR YOUR DOG

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

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

Grove House 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

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

Bingo at The Village Hall Balsall Common

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.

Balsall Common Lions run these in the Village Hall as a service to the Community.

Throughout the year, we run fortnightly sessions on Fridays, which begin at 7.30pm.

During the evening ten games are played with two prizes for each game plus there is a Snowball game, if the snowball is not won the game carries on until we have a winner. We also hold a raffle.

The next three months dates are :

Wednesday June 11th 2.00pm Guided tour of Kenilworth Castle including the new viewing platform with Jan Cooper Wednesday July 9th “Compton Verney” Sylvia Pinches Wednesday August 13th War and Worship-“Castle and Church” Jan Cooper

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

All these Meetings are open to Members www.berkswell-history.org & Non-Members.

or telephone 01676 535782.

June 6th and 20th 7.30pm July 4th and 18th 7.30pm August 1st, 15th and 29th Contact 0845 833 2848 for further details

The Firs Maxstoke Lane Meriden Open day Saturday 14th June 11am -3pm

*Tombola* Raffle *Bric-a-brac* Lucky Dip* *Play your Cards* Name the Teddy* *Cakes and Jams* *Teas and refreshments and much more* Please come and join us

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

SUMMER 2014 It’s going to be great fun!

BIG WILD NIGHT Saturday 28th June 4-10:30 Wildlife spotting, pond dipping, crafts, Two performances by Playbox Theatre, A Comedy of Errors and The Old Wives Tale WE MUST BE MAD, IT’S ALL FREE! (Donations welcome)

WORKSHOPS 22nd July – 29th August Pond Dipping, Dens, Junk Yard Modelling, Teddy Bear Adventure, Finger Puppets, Pirate Ships, Pompom Pets to name but a few…

FAMILY BAT NIGHT 29th August 7:15-8:45 Check out our website for more event details

www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

To book any of these events please call

0121 704 0768.

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 You will always be assured of a big welcome

Highly Successful Business Woman Working with an expanding international company with UK turnover of £50 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

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

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

ARE YOU IN NEED OF SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE IN FINDING THE RIGHT CARE SOLUTION FOR YOU OR A LOVED ONE?

Well look no further.

Senior Care Support Services are here to help, guide and support you with what can be an extremely difficult, stressful and emotional time.

As a local senior care specialist, with many years experience working with the elderly and frail, support, advice and guidance is offered in finding the right care home, albeit residential, nursing or dementia care, or domiciliary care in the home for you or a loved one.

Why not speak, in confidence, with a ‘real’ person with years of experience of ‘the care system’ to help you through this minefield.

Telephone Geraldine Davies on 01564 743067 or email: info@seniorcaresupport.co.uk

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

Bennetts Road North Corley Coventry CV7 8BG

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

Forthcoming Meetings: 25th June Golden Anniversary Lunch 12.30 for 1.00pm Stonebridge Golf Club. Subsidised cost £15 Demonstrator (fantastic) Jayne Edmonds ‘Our Golden Years’ AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED!

Summer bedding now available.

Many of our bedding, herbaceous and perennial plants are home grown

21st July Open Evening £6 including superb buffet Andrew Lloyd – ‘Golden Times’ ANOTHER EVENING YOU SHOULD NOT MISS!

August – No meeting New members are always welcome.

To join for the year it will cost you only £24. Non- members and visitors £5 per evening.

WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK

For more information please contact Mo Reynolds 01676 521457

The Countryside Forge

Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 01675 443752 07828939513     

Hand forged sporting game priests £40 Interior and exterior wrought iron work undertaken.

Hanging basket brackets £45 Sporting weathervanes made to order Commissions undertaken.

www.tibeagundogs.co.uk

Tel: 07904 239365

Meriden Wasps 0

from

The Heart of England ‘SPECIALISTS’ FOR THE CONTROL OF:

Wasps GUARANTEED WORK DISCOUNTS FOR STATE PENSIONERS FAST, EFFICIENT, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL

Tel: 01676 521610 Mobile: 07843 086364 FULLY INSURED/QUALIFIED WARWICKSHIRE/COVENTRY/SOLIHULL

Doug Bacon www.meridenwasps.co.uk 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 The Rotary year, for me as President, is coming to an end and with effect from July I hand over to our President Elect Dev Kulkarni, I am sure he will gain as much satisfaction from his year as I have from mine in serving this great Club and the community.

Our focus now moves to our next major event, the annual Megaride to be held on Sunday 22nd June, we will of course be based again around the Queens Head supporting what is likely to be our largest event to date.

Our usual Tuesday evening meetings continue at the Manor Hotel in Meriden with a range of varied and interesting speakers, why not come along and join us, see how you can become involved, can contribute and have some fun whilst helping others.

Following the success of the 2013 Santa Fun Run which raised £5000 we will be repeating the event on 7th December 2014 please see the autumn issue of the Meriden Mag for more details Steve Allcock President, Meriden Rotary Club

Cyril Bean’s 17th A Coventry Way 40 Mile Challenge – 6th April 2014 This annual 40 mile lchallenge starting from Meriden is to circumnavigate Coventry along footpaths and bridleways in the countryside always about 5 miles from the City centre, returning back to Meriden 40 miles later. As usual the officials and participants were made very welcome by Caroline and Lawrence at the Queens Head which is the location for the start and finish point - safely indoors on what was forecast to be a wet day.

However the rain held off throughout the day whilst 195 completed the Challenge in times from 5 hours 51 minutes through to 15 hours 14. Stuart Bonner from Meriden finished in a good time of 13:09.

And, as in 2013, the quickest round the route was Jerry Wilkes of Oadby. Jerry was followed in time by Paul Harwood of Shilton (6:04); then Damien Taylor from Atherstone (6.16). Quickest lady being Mary Heald (7.25) from Solihull.

Throughout the year, members of the A Coventry Way Association have made up working parties to work on the footpaths, helping out the Solihull and Warwickshire local authorities. Many taking part commented on the improvement to where the route crosses the common at Corley Moor, traditionally a very wet part of the course.

Feedback later in the day from one taking part “Where can you get to see the best of British? This event offers everything you want in an ‘ultra’ distance, with different surfaces, towns and villages, rivers, bridges, and the best organised event bar none. I don’t know how many people are involved in this but it’s a clockwork organisation”. The answer is that there are ‘lots’ of people involved before and on the day manning the Queens Head Start & Finish and at the refreshment points along the Way.

Next year’s event is to be held on 12th April 2015.

Entries open in September 2014. www.acoventryway.org.uk

These two pictures were inspired by the scarecrow on the allotment on Leys Lane. They are great fun and yours will develop his own personality.

1. Draw a scarecrow, a few flowers and leaves.

2. Background. There are always different ways of painting a picture and it’s up to you how you want to do it! It you want to put a background in then mix up some colours: Blue and yellow to make some different greens  Brown for the earth Then wet the paper with clean water and add the colours Without a background, just go straight in and paint the scarecrow.

3. Scarecrow. There are different ways of painting any object such as this scarecrow. You can put all the shading in first with: A weak Blue Or you can go straight in with whatever colours you want to use, adding the shading as you go. Choose whichever way you want to work and your own colours.

4. Both of these ways of working will need flowers and leaves adding, so on to dry paper use a Yellow and a Brown for the sunflowers.

Use a Pinky Red for the foxgloves and use different mixtures of Blue + Yellow (green) for the leaves.

You can use a Brown for the earth.

5. Both of these ways of working will need a little depth adding by working back into the lower part of the background with: Blue + Dark Brown (dark grey) Wet around the area where you want the shadow to fade out with clean water. Add the dark area behind the leaves and push it into the water so that it fades away.

6. Details and decorations. Add the details and finally, flick on a few spots of colours over the lower half of the picture if you wish.

For weekly classes and one-off workshops at Centre of England Arts contact Julie at COEA@live.com Telephone 01676 523357 or see website www.COEA.co.uk for more information.

Lord and Lady Aylesford are opening their Gardens for The National Garden Scheme on June 8th from 2.o0pm – 5.30pm Admission £5, children under 6 free

Packington Hall Meriden CV7 7HF (CV7 7HE for sat nav)

Come and enjoy a wander round the beautiful gardens, followed by a delicious tea with freshly baked cakes made by the WI

Maxstoke Castle B46 2RD Open Day Sunday 15th June By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Fetherston-Dilke Approximately 5 acres of garden and grounds with herbaceous shrubs and trees surrounding the 14th century moated castle.

The interior and gardens will be open between 11am and 5pm No wheelchair access to house Admission £7.00 children £4.50 Free Parking refreshments and homemade teas Plant and gift stall

Tea not included in entrance price

Proceeds in aid of the National Gardens scheme

St Swithin’S weekend

90th Fillongley Show

Barston 11th -13th July

Sunday 10th August The Show Ground, Corley, CV7 8AG Warwickshire’s oldest Country Show

A wonderful day out for all, which includes livestock classes, horse showing, show jumping, dog show, poultry show, a large horticultural tent full of produce and crafts, exciting main ring attractions, large craft tent, side shows, trade stands, children’s entertainments, vintage tractors, the Atherstone Hunt, police dogs, gun dogs, Young Farmers and so much more.

St Swithin’s Church: Flower Festival Spirit of 1914 St Swithin’s House and Garden: Gardens open, Light refreshments all day

This year’s main ring attraction “The Devil’s Horsemen Stunt Team” Cossacks and Wild West Show

Barston Memorial Institute: Arts and Crafts exhibition Free Admission Friday Short service in Church 2pm Events open 2.30 – 5.30pm Saturday Events open 10.30am-5.30pm Sunday Open Air Service 10.30am Events open 12.30-5.30pm

Ticket Prices: Adults £7 Children £3 – under 4 FREE Dogs are Welcome Gates open at 9am

Schedules and entry forms at www.fillongleyshow.org.uk

More local pictures The Heart of England School’s production of ‘Grease’ was a great success 6th Flying Scotsman Rally There was an amazing sight at the Forest of Arden Hotel in early April, a gathering of over one hundred pre-war cars, including Rolls Royces and Bentleys, had assembled there for the start of the 6th Flying Scotsman Rally, a three day event ending at Gleneagles in Scotland and travelling along lanes in Northern England. The cars left the hotel one at a time and went on towards Arbury Hall for a trial around the estate. Photo courtesy Roy Hands.

Fritillaries in bloom at the Manor Hotel & Meriden Pool when the dead Willow tree was felled. Photos courtesy Roy Hands

It seems the Millison’s Wood bluebells were even more spectacular than ever this year. Photos courtesy Chris Yarwood

Beavers making Easter eggs nests and Charlie proudly showing off his level 1 swimmer badge. ************ Below Meriden Scouts having fun at camp

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beavers

Change of days: Cubs now meet on a Thursday evening and Scouts on a Tuesday evening

Spring has arrived and we are able to get out and about! We have been looking at the area around us and during our nature walks how the arrival of spring has changed our landscape.

We have now completed our stage 1 Emergency Aid badge by learning what to do at the scene of an accident and how to treat minor cuts and burns.

We have been busy making Easter nests using shredded wheat, chocolate and mini eggs and also planting sunflower seeds.

Congratulations to Charlie who has achieved his level 1 swimmer badge!

We are looking forward to our County day out at Coombe Abbey in May with 450 fellow Beaver Scouts from across Warwickshire for a day filled with adventures and fun! We are also looking forward to our first night camping outdoors as a colony.

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 Our recent activities have taken the Cubs out and about around the village and we have had some great fun in learning some new skills by using local maps to create and carry out a treasure hunt, played tracking games in a dark Millisons Wood, and even Geocaching.

We have also carried out First Aid training with the Cubs, made pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (probably too many!!!), and even experienced what it was like to try and make a living as a village in a Third World country by playing a trade game. It has been a very varied and enjoyable programme so far in 2014, and the Cubs are having great fun in being a part of it. There are still spaces available, so please do not hesitate to get in touch and bring your children down on a Thursday night.

Scouts Another action packed half term and more new scouts, we now have 20, that has seen us ice skating, cooking, camping down the headquarters in readiness for a weekend away to Snowdonia and visiting the Police station in Balsall Common.

So here are the thoughts from a couple of scouts about a couple of these activities: Camping Down the Scout Hut by Eloise: “It was my first ever camp, I didn't quite know what to expect. When we all had arrived we put our bags inside and started to put tents up; practising for Snowdon. After putting up the tents, we had to take them tents back down, pack them away and gather up to find out who was in each tent. Once in our groups we put the tents back up again... Practise makes perfect, well that's what the leaders told us.

Then we made our lunch, sandwiches, crisps, fruit and a chocolate bar. Collecting wood was next to make a pile for cooking our dinner. Then the challenging part of starting the fire, a few false starts but we got there!! Tea was a success and we ate our food around the campfire. Then inside to watch Pirates of the Caribbean, by this point it was already late and we were exhausted. Time for bed, we chatted for a while, eventually getting to sleep quite late... Mole hills under the tent didn't make for a comfy sleep but I suppose all part of the camping experience!!!

An early morning welcome got us up and ready for starting our fires, we had a lovely breakfast, full English... While we were collecting wood for lunch we were allowed to chop wood with an axe, which was an experience, closely supervised by the leaders! A few of us did have a few problems with keeping the fires lit but with the leaders at hand ready to help we all had success, PHEW! After eating lunch we had the much loved jobs of washing up our plates and cutlery, scrubbing the blackened pots and pans back to their "Sparkly Silver" finish! I have to say scrubbing the pans was the worst part of the camp and smelling like "Smoked Kippers" from the camp fires. It wasn't long before it was time to go home after a full packed weekend with glorious weather which helped us have a fabulous time!”

Scout Visit to the Police in Balsall Common by Olivia age 10: “When we got there it was pouring down with rain. We were split into two groups, one got to see all the police equipment like walkie talkies, breathalysers, handcuffs, helmets, stab proof vests, high viz jackets and batons. Unfortunately there were no cells to look at!

After that one of the police men talked about the importance of what the police do and how they go out and support people.

The second group went out to the car to have a look at what it could do. We chatted about how fast it went, the make, the siren and the radios - we even got to play the siren! At the end of the discussion we talked about how to keep our houses safe and we got to use the breathalyser. None of us proved positive for alcohol... We all really enjoyed ourselves and found it really interesting.”

Final part of the half term saw us rushing up to North wales with a view of climbing Snowdon. After arriving late, pitching tents and snuggling into our sleeping bags the rain started and persisted all weekend. Needless to say the weather was too bad to get to the top.

Undaunted we made our way back down for ice cream (weird). A nice walk down a river in spate on Sunday saw us all returning home very wet but smiling. We will return soon and get to the top.

Hope to keep next term action packed with plenty of fun and variety. For more details 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!!

Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, Beavers: Girls andnew boysand agedhave 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080) learn something FUN!!

Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday Contact MalcolmContact (07967 325520) Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet onata6.30pm.

Monday at 6.30pm.

Lis (521080) Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm Contact Mark (07801 773352) or (07967 325520) Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm.

Contact Malcolm 1st MeridenScouts@gmail.com Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm Contact Mark (07801 773352) or 1 st We also need help from any adults out there that would be willing to spare some time with MeridenScouts@gmail.com any of the sections – even if it is just for the odd hour or two each month.

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 We’ve been busy!

We had a very successful evening celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in March. “Vivo” were once again superb and we all enjoyed ourselves and raised some very much needed money for research.

We collected outside Sainsburys for two days and raised £1,160. Many thanks to Sainsburys and our collectors.

On April 30th we had sale of ladies clothing at the Heart of England Club. We received 20% of the takings and with refreshment and birthday card sales etc, we made £301.

Thank you to the Heart of England Club for their continued support.

We are having a break over the summer. Although people have been asking for Open Gardens again, we have had no new gardens to offer and our regulars need a rest!

Our next big event is Race Night on Friday 19th September when the takings will go to prostate and testicular cancer research. We’ve got to look after our men.

“In the Pink” evening for breast cancer research is on 24th October at Strawberry Bank Hotel. The new management have kindly offered to continue their support for this event.

So that’s the ladies sorted – we hope!

All our volunteers work very hard but also enjoy themselves, whilst supporting this great cause, do get in touch if you would like to be involved.

And thank you, as always, for supporting us Mary Warr 01676 522160

Every Thursday at Meriden Village Hall 10.15am

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

Meriden brownies have had a busy term with a pantomime being acted out for the parents and a big Brownies birthday sports day where the Brownies joined in sports activities including, golf, cricket, hockey and squash. The brownies have been praised for their excellent behaviour so that was lovely to hear.

We have said goodbye to a couple of Brownies who are unfortunately too old to stay on any longer and would like to wish Emily and Ellieanna all the luck for the future.

We have a short term ahead so will be finishing our big Brownie challenge badge and may squeeze in a walk up to the park with some chips as a treat.

For further information please contact myself

Sarah Markham. 07572 508727

(sarahmarkhamuk@yahoo.co.uk)

Jeanie Steele Cassidy 1930 – 2014 Jeanie Cassidy, née Milloy, was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland in 1930. She was the eldest daughter of Andy and Ina Milloy who worked for Lord and Lady Rowallan at the time. Jean loved painting and drawing and her art teacher recommended that she study at the Glasgow School of Art but after the war, money was tight. She then followed in the footsteps of her brother Jim and sister Greta and emigrated to Canada in 1956. It was there that she met her husband Vincent who was also born in Scotland.

They married in 1959 and have one daughter Melanie who was born in 1961. Jean worked all her life from the age of 14 and most notably was a bookkeeper for the Montreal ship chandler Townsend Company. She retired in 1990. Jean is fondly remembered for her love of life and entertaining people. Jean’s house parties were well attended by family and friends; she loved to sing and dance and was an excellent cook.

Jean and Vincent moved to Meriden in 2003 to be with their daughter who had been living in the Midlands since 1983. As a family they loved to travel and in the 60s and 70s holidayed in Barbados, Hawaii, Miami and many other parts of the USA. Travels continued in the 80s and 90s with their daughter to European destinations. In Meriden, she enjoyed playing darts at the Heart of England Club and dining out at the Bull’s Head where she met many a colourful character from the village. She attended her daughter’s wedding to Paul Lee in 2004 with pipers in attendance and Vincent dressed in a kilt.

After her second hip replacement in 2005, Jean became less mobile but still enjoyed dancing and holidays to France, Canada, Scotland and Belgium. She was the first member of her family to visit her Uncle John’s grave in Boulogne-sur-Mer where he died of wounds during the First World War. She was healthy in mind and spirit but eventually was hampered by a frail frame. Sadly, she passed away in Solihull Hospital from pneumonia on 28 April 2014 with her husband, daughter and son-in-law at her bedside. She is survived by her youngest sister Maureen. Her funeral service was held in May at St Laurence Church with a lone piper in attendance.

Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday Thursday Saturday

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

Exciting news…

Meriden Library has free to use computers and now offers:  two hour’s free internet access for library members  Microsoft Office packages Open Monday 10.00am – 6.00pm facilities (charges apply)  printing Thursday 10.00am – 6.00pm scanner facilities  10.00am 1.00pm You will Saturday need your library card– to use a computer. If you’re not yet a member, joining the library is easy and quick, so ask staff for more details.

Library members can book a computer for up to two hours free of charge each day. Sessions can be extended for £1.50 per hour or part of an hour.

Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library closes.

Time for a story…

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 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. There will be no meeting in July though, as we will hopefully be sunbathing with a select of books to pick the best for the August meeting.

11th June – Airships A man's choice I feel as I know little about airships except they can be small or really big. If we have any keen airship followers out there please call me and I will tell you about the meeting so you could join us for the evening.

13th August - Your Favourite Holiday Read to encourage us all to get it out for ourselves.

Books are brilliant aren't they? If it's a lovely warm summer we can enjoy outdoors with them and, if it's raining, be equally happy inside.

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 (term time only) 9.30 – 11.30am Meriden Methodist Church Hall, Main Road £1.50 for one child + 50p each additional children (first session free)

Please call Vanessa Walker 07779 235 248 for more details

Sit back & relax…

Our Reading Café is open every month and continues to offer a warm welcome to everyone who attends. Bring along books to swap with like-minded readers over coffee (or tea) and a cake! Have a chat about authors, books, reading or anything else. It’s free to attend, with free books!

The dates for the next Reading Cafés are: Monday 16th June Monday 21st July All take place from 10.30am -12 noon.

The Summer Reading Challenge is on its way!!

It’s that time again and the library is looking forward to hosting this year’s exciting theme, Mythical Maze.

Mythical Maze challenges children aged four to eleven to find their way around a labyrinth that introduces them to fantastical creatures from the world of legend and mythology, collecting stickers of each character along the way. The Summer Reading Challenge gets three quarters of a million children into libraries to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the long holidays. Here at Meriden Library, we look forward to the children taking part this summer, and completing the challenge with us.

Dates for this year are July 12th – September 13th.

BALSALL WRITERS Through My Eyes – by Annette De Burgh aka Anne Santos brings to the forefront the sadness and injustice of animal cruelty.

It is also the story of hope.

Available from Amazon paperback/Kindle.

In April we had our first tutored Script writing group.

This proved to be a very enjoyable and productive session and our second meeting is scheduled for October when we hope to produce the outline of a radio script.

Our Anthology containing work from members of all our groups is now edited and arrangements are in hand to produce this as an ebook and paperback.

Currently we have started our blog - easily accessible as balsallwritersblog.

If you would like to join or wish further information please contact Anne Santos 01676534003 info@BalsallWriters.org.uk

Community First Responders My name is Gary Edwards and I have recently moved into Millison’s Wood. I am a Community First Responder for Coventry Community Responders. A Community First Responder is a volunteer trained by the Ambulance Service to a Nationally Recognised level and responds to 999 medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, heart attacks, diabetic emergencies, breathing difficulties, strokes and epilepsy amongst others. The area I cover includes Millison’s Wood, Meriden, Allesley and Eastern Green.

Responders have a kit that includes oxygen, dressings, diagnostic equipment and Automated External Defibrillators (AED). The AEDs are particularly vital pieces of equipment as a patient in cardiac arrest has a much greater chance of survival when the following happen:  Early recognition and call for help  Early CPR  Early Defibrillation  Post resuscitation care Coventry Community Responders rely solely on voluntary donations to keep operational.

We have over 20 responders across the City and surrounding areas. I have personally attended many incidents that have been literally life & death and have the wonderful feeling of having made a difference. We also provide free CPR training for interested groups and can provide AEDs for use in the community. Please use the email address below if you are interested in this service. For every minute that passes without good CPR and defibrillation during a cardiac arrest, the chances of survival reduce by approximately 10%. That is why it is vital to provide as many publicly accessible AEDs in communities as possible. We have provided several primary schools and council buildings with AEDs in Coventry recently.

For the past 18 months, Meriden Young Farmers have been organising events to raise money for us and we are pleased to say that they raised enough to completely equip a new responder, for which we are extremely grateful.

Whenever I am attending an incident, I will have a Community First Responder visor on display in my car, please give me a wave but remember that an ambulance will be on its way shortly and will need parking space.

I hope to be able to serve this community as much as possible, but I do this voluntarily in my own time – if anybody is interested in becoming a Community First Responder (no prior experience required), then please contact us. If you would like to support Coventry Community Responders with a donation, you can do this via our site:

www.coventrycommunityresponders.com/donate or contact us via email at info@coventrycommunityresponders.com

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

Tel 01676 522409 www.berkswelltraditionalmeats.co For meats of outstanding quality and flavour  Wide range of BBQ meats  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

Meriden Tree of Thought

Fundraising at Berryfields Farm Shop Sadly I lost my sister Lynne in January 2014 to Pancreatic Cancer.

So very little is known about Pancreatic Cancer, and it is hard to detect in the early stages, but more worryingly very little funding is being given to the teams who are researching this awful disease.

We at Berryfields organised a pig roast and raffle before Easter and raised £1700! We are splitting this between Pancreatic Cancer research and Pancreatic Cancer.org.

Both the charities I have contacted have been fantastic, with help and encouragement for this event. I will be fund raising for Pancreatic Cancer all year in the shop.

Your support would be very welcome.

Fiona Barber

I'm aware that I say THANKYOU a lot but I really do mean it every time!! Because of the kindness and support being shown by Village residents, Organisations and visitors, THE TREE has raised £37,327.50 for Cancer Care so far!! I can do all the organising but without the generosity and caring of those who participate, this remarkable figure would not happen-so here's another one-THANKYOU. If you haven't already, do look at the website by googling Meriden Tree of Thought. There is also a Facebook page.

Meriden Midsummer Draw This year's Draw will take place during the Meriden Rotary Megaride at The Queen's Head on Sunday 22nd June. As a result of the outstanding generosity of many people, there are over 25 prizes to be won.

The TICKETS are on sale at The Meriden Tearooms, The Spar Shop, Lloyds Chemist and The Charity Shop. I truly appreciate them taking the time to do this!! Tickets are only £5 for a book of 10 or 50p ea.

All proceeds will be shared, equally, between The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull and Macmillan Cancer Support.

GOOD LUCK with your entries.

Alan Lole Meriden Pool– A Beautiful Place ,We are extremely fortunate to have a beautiful duck pond

in the village admired, loved and respected by residents and visitors, including cyclists and walkers. It is also important for the wonderful wildlife that is present all year round.

The week of April 21st saw the arrival of ten new ducklings, and three moorhen chicks.

There have been on occasion over 50 ducks, a marvellous sight to see, a proud heron, who flagrantly disregards the “No fishing sign”, the presence of an unidentified large aquatic creature, (the heron has its eye on it) and the resident “owner of the pond”, our proud non-flying goose with his partner by his side, and the recent temporary arrival of five further geese is nature at its best.

The village is lucky; there is a beautiful scene to watch over, benches to sit on and an area from which to admire the wildlife.

This is an idyllic venue for all generations. We must respect all of this, understand that feeding guidelines are there to be adhered to, rubbish should be placed in the several litter bins and realise that we are part of the survival plans of several species of duck, geese, heron, fish, moorhen and goodness knows what else that lies within our midst.

Let us not abuse, or damage nature at its finest, we must not let it fade away, but enjoy the splendour of a natural feature that will always make us stop, smile, laugh and enjoy the serenity of ‘Meriden Pool’.

“Enjoy” Trevor Payne

The thousands of people living in, visiting or passing through Meriden over the Christmas period, will have seen a tree on The Village Green, but not just any tree. This tree is lit by over 1000 lights and has been for many years. In 2005, Alan Lole founded the Meriden Tree of Thought and has so far raised £34,940.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support through his continued work and dedication to the tree. Alan explains “My motivation became even greater when I lost my Mother, Olwyn, to bowel cancer, which was diagnosed just weeks after the first Tree in 2005. I witnessed, at that time, the wonderful work done by Macmillan Cancer Support” leading Alan to become “aware of the huge number of people who need their help. They truly make a dreadful time as bearable as is possible”.

Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Warwickshire, Camilla Wood, said “Our work is almost entirely funded by public donations so we are extremely grateful for every pound given to us. The money raised from Alan’s hard work is used to fund Macmillan’s support services for people with cancer and their families including financial, practical and emotional support.

We want to make sure no one has to face cancer alone but we can't do it without the amazing people, like Alan, who fundraise for us. Alan is the first to fully acknowledge the wonderful support he receives from local residents and organisations alike.

The tree has become a symbol of beauty and of thought on Meriden Village Green, over the Christmas period, and Alan warmly welcomes anyone who wishes to visit during this time.

Camilla Wood Fundraising Manager - Warwickshire CSWEWFSC@macmillan.org.uk

Electric Bed for Sale Okin electrically controlled single bed with Relaxor massage mattress. Bed can be raised electrically at head or foot end, mattress provides therapeutic massage. Ideal for anyone who may need massage to help with circulation problems or wants / needs to spend time in a bed with head or foot end raised. Little used, excellent condition, clean and unmarked. Cost over £1500, for sale at £350. Buyer to arrange collection.

Please telephone: Mrs Whitlock 0121 474 6925.

Camilla Wood

News from the Heart of England School As usual there has been plenty going on at Heart of England School in the last few months! Our recent production of Grease was a great success with sell-out performances every night, full of energy, fun and great music. The bar gets set higher each year so bring on the next one! (Please see photograph on centre colour pages) Good Luck Candidates!

Of course the natural rhythm of the year rolls on and we say farewell and good luck to Year 11 GCSE students who will be studying hard for their exams which are starting soon.

We also say farewell and good luck to our Year 13 students who are coming to the end of their time at Heart of England School. We hope they do well after all the hard work and that they will move on with success to new horizons be it further study, training or employment.

Farewell Our Principal Mr Mackereth is moving on to other things too after seven years of great leadership at our school. He leaves us on the up with our recent ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ from Ofsted reflecting our striving for higher and higher standards. We wish him the best of luck in his new post as Principal at a Northamptonshire school from September 2014.

The Perils and Puzzles of Peer Pressure Peer pressure is an ever-growing phenomenon in our 21st century, consumer society. Young people are often forced to appear a certain way, in order to find this “acceptance” and “recognition” which seems so sought-after. The cultural climate of Britain in 2014 seems to have rather firmer dictations than it might like to admit to; neither gender, appearance nor personality are really as flexible as one might believe.

Such a predicament of identity manifests itself so much in younger people since it is in school that peer pressure and the importance to conform festers. The community of a school is undoubtedly threatened by a culture of becoming a “sheep”; that is, following a crowd.

It may not be fair to pin the blame on young people themselves for generating this absorbance of such values. The media, it seems, have some responsibility in this: in a globalising world, technology becomes a peer. From materialism to brand power, from celebrity culture to the omnipresence of technology, young people are influenced heavily by what they see and hear. Thus a society grows based on constantly acquiring “the next best thing”.

Such peer pressure is not limited to aesthetic values. The crisis of substance abuse in young people can equally be related to the desire to be part of a community. This accentuates the extent of the harm that can be affected by the influence of others.

Although it’s not necessarily negative to want to conform to a group or “blend in”, one must take caution of what one is trying to conform to. The problem of peer pressure derives from the superficial values that cause it, based on the influence of the biggest and best brands and the faltering of genuine individuality.

It is, instead, worthwhile and valuable to want to prevent the all-consuming influence of peer pressure. Whilst it may be difficult to stop it from becoming a tradition, it’s easier to promote the flourishing of individualism, which, thanks to the efforts of not only some schools and organisations but also some aspects of popular culture, is already happening. It’s vital to retain personal choice, limits and a sense of self-esteem in order to avoid being sucked in by the peer pressure vacuum.

Claire Hargreaves year 12 student at Heart of England Sixth Form

Meriden Fishing Club Heart of England

Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell

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

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 442366 

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!

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

Houston’s Bar and Grill

MANOR HOTEL Main Road, Meriden, Solihull, West Midlands, CV7 7NH Tel: 01676 522735

Sunday 15th June - Father’s Day Lunch in the 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 Call the Hotel on 01676 522 735 or email events@manorhotelmeriden.co.uk to book your table!

Our All New..

American Afternoon Tea To include Bagels – selection of fillings Oreo Cheesecake, Mini Muffins, Mini Sugar Doughnuts, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Choice of Hot Beverage

£8.95 Per person

Enjoy…

3 Courses for the price of 2 Only £10.95

From the set lunch menu available Wednesdays and Fridays 12.00 – 5.00pm

Treat yourself…

Sunday Lunch 1 Course £7.95 2 Courses £11.95 3 Courses £14.95 Call Houston’s on 01676 522 735 to make your reservation

Lost Buildings of Meriden.

Part 1 Tory Row. I am often [[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, reminded that theWilliam villageson ofof my childhood all Geoffrey’s but Gerard (possibly brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill vanished between 1959 and 1972.

Many premises condemned the Mason, Nicolas Godyng and many others. I imagine them all crowding round listening, all of 700 years ago. before the 1939-45 War survived immediate demolition as Doreen Agutter.in particular sought refuge from the evacuees from Coventry Blitz. Post -War austerity and shortage extended many properties’ use but the developers eventually arrived. Not all residents were happy about this. As a school girl, I remember attending a very gentile protest meeting at the Rural District Council’s offices in Coleshill with Dr Platten and Lady Harley.

We achieved nothing. I was reminded after a talk in 1990s that many in the audience did not know where the places I mentioned once stood. Some had been Listed Grade 2 buildings; others dating from the 1400s should have survived.

In the 1990s the then owner of Meriden Hall seeing a photograph of Darlaston Hall said, ‘That could be my next renovation project. Where is it?’ but he was 35 years too late.

What was it? A group of picture postcard dwellings at least from a distance, one half- timbered known as ‘ Spring Cottage’ dating at the latest from 16th century and an attached barn. This had been converted into tiny dwellings when village accommodation became scarce and four newly built as a unit before 1738 the end one a blacksmith’s shop.

Documents survive showing they had been joined together at different times. Apart from Spring Cottage itself, each had 4 small rooms. I remember their interiors dark with low ceilings, a narrow path leading to the back doors made I think of blue bricks which were slippery if it rained.

Where was it? It stretched along the road from the Pool to opposite the ‘Manor House’ grounds. Behind it was part of the dammed-up Horn Brook forming an extension of the Pool but not in my era. The blacksmith’s shop and house and a fine Spanish chestnut were next to the Pool. There is a detached bungalow there today. A 1919 sale description read, ‘ entrance kitchen, back kitchen ,pantry, two bedrooms, hovel and pigsty ’.Other modern bungalows and houses set back from the road complete the site. You could see the tower of St Laurence’s on the hill between Spring Cottage and the next old house ‘The Cabin’ also demolished which had one medieval and one 17th century wing.

What of its name? I was told what the villagers believed: it was short for ‘Victoria Row’ in honour of Princess Victoria (later Queen)after her visit to Meriden but this is not so. I spotted this mistake recently in print! In fact it had the name before she was born, the real Row being the four identical houses. The only meaning I know of Tory is the political jibe: Irish horse thief. The cottages were home to ostlers at the Bull Head Inn opposite so did it have a bad name? Was it once Thieves Row? It was demolished in 1959.

Series to be continued

Doreen Agutter

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

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!

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

Always remember you're unique.

Just like everyone else.

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

I’m going to start my latest message by asking you to think of the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the summer. For many it may be an upcoming holiday, memories of previous sun-fuelled fun, spending times outdoors with the family, the sound of the sea or the taste of an ice-cream.

Few of you will have thought of crime, or dealing with the consequences of becoming a victim of crime. On one hand this really pleases me – it is an indication of how safe local communities are, and the last thing we want is for your fun to be tainted by the fear of crime.

But similarly I’d ask you to take the simplest of safety measures that won’t hamper your enjoyment and in particular focus on how you can help us to reduce opportunist vehicle crime.

Getting into a car on a warm summer day can be stifling. The windows go down, and the sunroof is opened to try and cool the car – for those who don’t use air con. And when the journey ends there is a temptation to leave windows partly open to keep it cool.

As you read this message are you confident that your car is locked and all the windows are shut? If an opportunist thief walked by your vehicle would it look secure?

At the same time I’d also ask you to think about what you may have left on display in your vehicle. Is the cradle for the sat nav still attached to the windscreen, are a set of sunglasses in the central console, loose change for parking by the gear stick, a coat on the backseat just in case it rains?

Any item left on display, no matter how insignificant or low-value it may seem to you, could attract the attention of a thief.

So please follow these simple tips: • Don’t leave keys in the ignition when the car is left unattended • Lock your car when you leave it • Don’t leave anything on display • Take your sat nav with you when you leave and remove any marks left • If you have a garage use it!

• Never leave valuables in the glovebox I appreciate that some of you reading this will already be following this advice so thank you for your support. But if you know a friend or member of the family who doesn’t, or if you’re in a car where the driver isn’t so safety conscious please help us by passing on our message.

You’ll be seeing myself and officers on patrol and speaking to motorists while on patrol and passing on the following safety advice. So if you see anyone acting suspiciously around parked cars, or any other behaviour that causes you concern please get in touch by dialing 101.

Thank you Craig Hurst HS2 Update Four years into HS2, it's nice to think we get a summer break. The ball is firmly back in the Government's court after the frenetic activity depositing the Petitions to Parliament seeking better mitigation of the environmental impact. Because of the failure of HS2 Ltd to respond, improve or agree anything along the way, there are now hundreds of detailed issues dropped into the lap of a Select Committee of six MPs. They have the unenviable task of trying to limit the damage that would be caused by the construction and operation of HS2.

At last, there might be someone who'll listen to the real concerns of ordinary people and their representatives.

So far, the HS2 project has been a model of how not to run a major project. Designed in secret with half the facts, and the reasons for wanting it cooked up afterwards and changed regularly. Endless consultations have been filed in the bin, and the "community engagement" got nowhere because HS2 Ltd were set to transmit rather than receive. They changed the design like a kaleidoscope, sent powerless minions along to negotiate, and never focused on an issue.

Now it's political. David Higgins has a £10 billion warchest to use on "mitigation", but will that be enough to convert a pig's ear into a manicured pig's ear? Maybe the Midlands will be lucky, as the Select Committee is going to start our end, and we'll get our nose in the trough early on. Don't expect too much too soon, and all the political parties will be playing for maximum political advantage in next year's general election. Unfortunately, saving the Meriden Gap needs political change, not just a tweaking of the details. If the HS2 station is built at Middle Bickenhill, a new "garden city" will follow, just as with Ebbsfleet. Only it won't be a city, it will just be an outer suburb of London.

But there are years and years to go before decisions are made, and just because a billion has gone down the drain already, there's no reason to suppose that future governments will chose to continue wasting money on HS2.

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

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Phone Paul Telephone: 0121 764 5872 Mobile 07979 064835 Email: paulheath11@yahoo.com

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.

Barbara Bland The Pavilion

The next meeting dates are:

Meriden Sports Park Main Road Meriden CV7 7SP

23 June 2014 – Parish Council Meeting, Pavilion, Sports Park 28 July 2014 - Parish Council Meeting, Pavilion, Sports Park 18 August 2014 – Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall

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

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: Wednesday 11 June 2014 will be combined with the Police Beat Surgery at the Pavilion between 11am and 12noon then back to the library on 7 July 2014 and 4 August 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 11 June 2014 and 9 July 2014 at the Sports Pavilion 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 All the shop keepers who are donating hanging baskets and local businesses for sponsoring planting for Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom and Dovetail Facilities Management for their assistance to the parish council in getting Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom in place for Meriden.

Alan Lole for his donation of 400,000 poppy seeds for the commemoration of the First World War Centenary and to Brian Ball and Terry Dean for sowing the seeds.

The flower schemes planned alongside the hanging baskets and poppies should make a beautiful display throughout the parish. Thanks to the community involvement, localism has come to Meriden!

Bruce Brant and Kath Hemmings, Neighbourhood Services Team, for their gift of an inclusive picnic bench to Meriden Pool. .

Parish Council Precept This year we have had to increase the Parish Council Precept from £32.98 to £33.97, an increase per household of 99p. The reason is due to the increase in Band D households within the parish and the decrease in the support grant from Solihull Council. This is the first increase for three years.

Meriden’s football achievements A good season for Meriden Rovers again this season. The U14s playing in the CWYFL Division 3 East finished the season a respectable 3rd. The U11s playing in the CWYFL Division 6 came runners up and gained promotion after spending most of the season on top of the table until the nd final couple of weeks. They finally finished in 2 place. A big well done to all involved with the teams and also the parents for their continued support of the players and coaches.

Triumph Meriden FC won the Fazeley Charity Cup 2014 and the AFA Intermediate Trophy 2014.

Having been promoted from Division 4 to Division 2 this last season, they are strongly placed for promotion to the AFA Premier League next season and at the time of going to press are hoping to gain the treble as they are currently top of the league. Well done indeed.

Flooding update Solihull Council has set the dates for the delivery of their drainage programme of works for 2014/15 and they have provisionally set a date of 11 August 2014 for the commencement of the first phase of works in Meriden. Affected residents will be contacted once they have finalised their programme.

It was perhaps hoped that the works would commence sooner, but due to the high rainfall we have experienced over the past 4 months, Solihull Council’s ongoing drainage programme has suffered numerous delays.

The water travelling down Berkswell Road from Heart of England Club due to a broken gully has been reported to Solihull Council who in turn has reported it to Severn Trent Water as it appears to be a broken water main.

Family Picnic in the Park is back with a difference As part of the First World War Centenary, this year’s picnic in the park will have a 1914 theme to it and everyone is welcome to take part on Sunday 20 July 2014.

Taking place between 1pm and 3pm the usual sporting fun and games will be on offer including those that would have been played in 1914. A brass band will play music from the era and if you fancy dressing up in period costume it will make it even more fun. The village stocks will be there too, donated by Alan Lole to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

If you’d like some inspiration on picnic ideas from 1914, go to Meriden’s First World War website where you will find country recipes in the useful documents section.

You can also keep up to date with future First World War events through the website www.firstworldwarmeriden.co.uk and our Facebook page Meriden First World War.

Sports Camps this summer at Meriden Sports Park 28 July - 1 August, 4 - 8 August, 11 - 15 August, 18 - 22 August, 26 - 29 August

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 the Parish Council’s sports co-ordinator Paul Jayes on 07508 611922 or email Paul at visionfootballacademy@ymail.com to guarantee your child’s place on our Sports Camps. Book your place early as places are limited.

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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…

Lesley Thompson, at

Meriroyles 118 Fillongley Road, Meriden.

Telephone 01676 522405 email: meriroyles@aol.com

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

01676 522822  Fresh Barbecue Meats  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  Wide selection of bacon including dry cured English bacon

 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

Open Weekdays 6.30am-10pm Spar,Weekends 1 The Green, Meriden 7.30am-10pm

01676 522287

The North Arden Heritage Trail project worked with local communities to establish a 25 mile circular heritage trail in North Warwickshire passing through the parishes of Atherstone, Mancetter, Hartshill, Ansley, Arley, Astley, Fillongley, Maxstoke, Shustoke, Nether Whitacre, Kingsbury, Baddesley Ensor and Merevele. There are 12 different walks all of which can be found at www.northardenheritagetrail.co.uk Each village has a heritage interpretation feature. Shustoke’s is a series of stepping stones across the green – created by artist Michael Scheuermann. Each stone represents an aspect of Shustoke’s natural or industrial heritage…from the railway, Blythe Hall and the Church, to the pheasant hunter and his dog, and images of the reservoir.

Shustoke Parish Walk There are three different walks in Shustoke, two are relatively easy 2.5 miles and 3.75 miles, and the third longer walk is more challenging.

Leave the Reservoir car park, take the path to the left around the top of the large reservoir (1), and continue around the far side.

On reaching the eastern end, go down the steps and take the footbridge across the brook, passing the small reservoir on your right, over the River Bourne, and turn right onto the path alongside the railway. Follow this way marked path, going back over the river, around the rear of a house, to the gate at the end of the wooded area.

Short Walk Turn right following the way marked path, with the wooded area to your right, eventually joining Bixhill Lane.

Continue straight on along the lane passing a house on the right and finally bearing right at the main road opposite the ‘Plough’ pub, and then following the footpath back to the Reservoir car park.

Middle & Long Walks Go straight to the gate in the hedge ahead, and bearing left follow the way marked path around the edge of the field, ignoring a path to the left under the railway, and leaving it through another gate onto the B4114 Coleshill Road. Bear left, and walk along the grass verge, crossing the road [!] to a gate opposite. Follow the way marked path past Shustoke Church (2), continuing along a driveway to Shawbury Lane. Cross the lane to a gate leading to a way marked path through a spinney, and across two fields to a meeting of paths. * At this point follow the instructions below for the Long Walk.

For the Middle Walk bear right before the gate, taking the way marked path across fields towards a conifer wood, eventually entering the wood, and then leaving it again by the path to the left. Continue straight on, past a pond on the left, along the field path, which becomes a track, and then joins a road, Hollyland. Carry straight on past houses to the junction with Moat House Lane, joining the main North Arden Heritage Trail.

At this point the Long Walk re-joins the Middle Walk.

Take the way marked path through a gate opposite Moat House Lane, and to the right of the Cottage, and head towards the farm buildings and houses across the field. Go through two gates to the Lower Green, a grassy area with carved stepping stones – The Shustoke Heritage Feature (3). Turn left along Back Lane into Shustoke village, crossing the B4114 Coleshill Road [!], and then following the footpath back to the left to the Reservoir car park.

Long Walk Go through the gate, and continue straight on across the fields until you reach Moat House Lane. Bear right along the lane to the marked opening into the field at the next bend. Follow this way marked path across fields and past a cottage, ‘The Metlins’. Follow the path across two more fields to a footbridge crossing a stream, and then climb up through Dumble Wood. At a gate you join with the main North Arden Heritage Trail turning right. Continue along the perimeter of the wood, with Dumble Farm on your left, crossing the stream again, and following the waymark signs across four fields, finally passing Hall Farm on the right. Exit through a gate onto Moat House Lane, and follow the lane, passing Cottage Farm, to its junction with Hollyland. Re-join the Middle Walk above.

Points of interest 1. Shustoke Reservoir was built in Victorian times for water storage and distribution by Birmingham City Council, but is now run and maintained by Severn Trent Water. There are pleasant walks around the reservoir, and it is also a Mecca for bird watchers, with unusual birds stopping-off on occasions.

2. Shustoke Church of St Cuthbert’s was erected in 1307 on the site of an earlier church or chapel. On the 1st June 1886 this church was struck by lightning and destroyed, being subsequently re-built. The grave of the famous historian Sir William Dugdale can be found in the Church.

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

‘Did Not Attend’ Appointments

Would you like to join the practice PPG group?

If so please write to the Practice Manager Joanne Hope at joanne.hope@nhs.net or by letter detailing why you would like to join the group and what you could bring to the group.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Large sums of money and enormous amounts of time are lost each week when patients do not attend their appointment. We operate a ‘Did not attend’ policy and we will inform you in writing if we have any concerns about the amount of times you have failed to attend your appointments, whether these be pre-bookable appointments or urgent appointments. With this in mind it is very important that you cancel any unwanted appointments with us in plenty of time. You can cancel appointments via on-line services (if you have access), face-to-face or by telephone. Please be considerate if you no longer need it…..Please cancel it!

What is the Patient Participation Group (PPG)?

The PPG are a group of volunteers working with the Practice to improve the services, and to provide the patients’ perspective.

Along with other members, as well as two GPs and the Practice Manager the group is now firmly established at the Balsall Common & Meriden Group Practice. The aim is for the Practice to respond to patients’ ideas and needs by establishing a two-way communication between staff and patients. We shall discuss any NHS and Practice Policies and delivery of service.

NHS Blood and Transplants The next sessions for blood donors will be Thursday 17th July at The Heart of England Social Club

1.30 – 3.30 & 4.30 – 7.30pm

Appointments available by calling 03001232323

Keeping in Touch The PPG will endeavour to keep in touch with the surgery’s patients in various ways. For example  PPG information will be displayed on the practice notice board in the waiting area at both Meriden Surgery and Balsall Common Surgery  Information will be circulated to members, preferably by email, to those who have given their email addresses, or by post to others  On the surgery website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk  Publishing Newsletters during the year  In local newsletters Previous Patient Participation (PPG) meeting minutes are available to view on our website

www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk On Line Appointments and Repeat Prescriptions Balsall Common and Meriden patients can now book certain appointments and request repeat medication on line. If you would like to use this facility please inform reception or email Joanne Hope at joanne.hope@nhs.net, you will then be supplied with a consent form to sign, once this is received the practice will then issue a username and password for you to gain access to the on line services.

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.

Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month.

2 – 4 pm Eadon Hall, Central Hall, Methodist Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA Friday 13th June – Sandy Walmsley, Respiratory Nurse ConsultantBreathlessness and Oxygen Friday 11th July – Diane Phiminster, Coventry University – Depression Friday 8th August – Dr Colin Gelder, Chest Consultant

Margaret Gardner October 4th 1919 – March 28th 2014 Margaret was born in Nuneaton, the only child of Florence and William Fox. During her early life, she spent much time at her mother’s family home at Park Farm in Fillongley. Later she joined her father at his Timber Merchants as secretary and on the outbreak of war joined the Army Ambulance Service.

During the 2nd world war she met and married her husband Jack. At the end of the war Margaret and Jack started their family life in Birmingham. They had four children, Gillian, Mary, Roger and John. Margaret was a busy mother, housewife and an active member of her local church and organised many PTA events for the children’s school.

As her children went on to pursue their careers, Margaret became an assistant cook and worked at several local restaurants including the White Cat in Solihull. In later years her husband Jack suffered ill health and died aged 63 years of a stroke. By this time Margaret’s mother, now aged 100 years moved from Fillongley to live with her. She cared for her mother until her death aged 108.

Now that Margaret was on her own, she felt lonely and decided to come and live near her daughter Gill who had two young sons and was teaching at Meriden CE School. Margaret moved to The Firs and was back in her home territory again, taking an active part in supporting Gill’s family and school activities. She joined the Methodist Church, WI and still managed regular trips to meet up with friends from Shirley her previous home.

She was a committed Christian and a dedicated member of the Methodist Church in Meriden. She loved the friendships made at The Firs and joined actively in all Cameo, W.I. and village events. She even formed a knitting group at the Firs when in her 90’s!

During the past five years her health has been failing. She had a swallowing problem, which made social life difficult and she became less mobile. Nevertheless, Margaret bravely carried on, supported by friends and family, living an active life through the difficulties.

Right to the end Margaret was interested in what was going on around her and asking of friends and family. She lived life to the full and will be greatly missed by good friends and her loving family!

The family would like to thank everyone who attended Margaret’s funeral and for all the messages of sympathy they have received.

Brian Laurence Russell April 20th 1926-January 5th 2014 Since moving to Meriden where I spent my childhood and teens, my husband Brian got to love Meriden and its people. Brian was born and grew up in Birmingham. He made many friends and loved to stop for a chat. He worked at Triumph motor cycles for 40 years until its closure.

Sadly he died in January this year having struggled with Alzheimer’s for a few years.

Gail and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to be kind and friendly to him when we went on our walks around the village. It is much appreciated.

Stella Russell

John Stain September 30th 1940-8th March 2014 Alison and family would like to thank the people of the Meriden area for their wonderful support after the unexpected death of John. It was true community spirit and such a comfort. I was blessed with 45 very happy years of marriage, mostly living in Meriden , and having daughter Helen and son Michael.

John grew up in the mining community of Nuneaton. He worked as Training Officer in various industries in Birmingham and then as personnel Manager in the NHS. He loved outdoor activities including sport, fishing and walking. He read a lot, always taking interest in history and politics. He will be missed.

Edna McDougall January 1920 – April 2014 Mum took ill in November of last year and was taken into hospital where she spent 9 weeks. She came home at the beginning of February and we nursed her until she died on 12 April.

She was born in Packington in January 1920 and was the eldest of 7 children. Edna moved to the village at the age of 16.

For most of her working life she was employed by Percy and Mabel Tuckey who had the farm along with a butchers and grocery shop in the centre of the village.

She met my dad Ron, who was in the army. When he returned from the war they married in 1946. They were very happily married for 54 years when Ron passed away in May 2000. I don't think she ever got over his death; they were very close and went everywhere together.

Mom loved pottering about in the garden where she spent many hours; it was her pride and joy. She also loved to go out with me in the car, shopping or to the garden centres and also visiting friends and family.

She had many friends and I am sure she will be sadly missed by them and by her family.

`

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Any other time by appointment

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10 things to do in the garden this June Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds.

Be water-wise, especially in drought-affected areas.

Pinch-out side shoots on tomatoes.

Harvest lettuce, radish, other salads and early potatoes Position summer hanging baskets and containers outside.

Mow lawns at least once a week.

Plant out summer bedding.

Stake tall or floppy plants.

Prune many spring-flowering shrubs.

Shade greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent scorch.

Balsall & District Horticultural Society's Annual Show

Saturday 19th July Exhibits of Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts St Peter's Church Hall, Holly Lane

Doors open at 2pm.

Admission by donation Free parking, Refreshments, Plant Sales, Raffle

Whitacres and Shustoke Horticultural Society th

66 Annual Show Saturday July 26th Blyth Hall Shustoke Schedules can be obtained from the website. www.show.shustoke-warwickshire.co.uk

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

Fillongley Show Sunday 10th August Best allotment kept by a bone-fide amateur gardener on one site and situated within 10 miles of Fillongley Church.

Judging to take place on 21/22 June To enter please contact Roger on 01676 523705 Entry fee £3.00 or email rj.bache@btinternet.com Best kept and cultivated garden kept by a bone-fide amateur gardener on one site and situated within 10 miles of Fillongley Church Judging to take place on 18th June 2014 To enter please contact David on 01676 522884 Entry fee £3.00 Prize money 1st £10, 2nd £5, 3rd £3

Gooseberry Shortcake 6 ozs butter 3 ozs caster sugar 6 ozs S R flour 3ozs cornflour 8 ozs gooseberries 1 oz chopped walnuts 1oz Demerara sugar

Make this while the gooseberries are ripe

Method: Grease a 7"sq.tin.

Cream the butter and the sugar and add in the flours.

Spread 2/3 mixture into the tin.

Cover with gooseberries.

To the remaining 1/3rd of mixture add the demerara sugar and the chopped walnuts.

Spread over the gooseberries and press down gently.

Bake Gas mark 5/190 degrees/180 degrees - Fan oven, for 45 minutes.

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 This is about branding It occurs to me – probably far too late – that I’ve been horribly negligent when it comes to branding. Not corporate branding, mind you, as in Hoover or Electrolux (which is a desperate struggle for survival in which heads will roll if the stock price should dip by a point or two, even for 15 minutes), but personal branding, which I hear is all the rage.

Once upon a time, every U.S. city of any size had its own dominant department store — Macy’s in New York, Jordan Marsh in Boston, and so on. This was branding at a relatively primitive level; quaint, even. Over time, though, the science of marketing heated up — especially as it concerns the youth demographic, Hubbard Park Meriden CT over whose business giant companies now wage full-scale war.

F’rinstance, there was a time when there were three big-name brands of jeans, and it was not at all clear that Levis would eventually crush the other two. We had not yet reached the point where flocks of teenagers would be prepared to lie down on the train tracks if they couldn’t get their hands on the right kind of shoes or the right cell phone. m.

Fast-forward to now, and teens are swept back and forth on the retail battlefield by manufacturers that will fight for their business by any means necessary, from TV to Twitter to endorsements by whatever celebs can be bought (which, come to think about it, is around 100 percent). No wonder young people are so intensely brand-conscious these days. How do they even sleep?

Yrs Trly, on the other hand, seems to be pretty brand-ignorant, which I’m convinced speaks to a particular problem I have online: I never seem to know with whom, or what, I’m dealing. All too often a dialogue box will open, demanding that I update something, but I have no idea who’s calling or how important it may be. Is it Microsoft, my main software dealer?

Is it a Windows thing, which I sometimes forget is just Microsoft by another name? And anyway, there are dozens of Windows subcategories to be confused about.

Worse, I can’t even seem to tell a crisis from routine housekeeping. Is it a scary security alert, and does that mean I should do something? Is that almost-microscopic logo really McAfee (a brand I’ve at least heard of) or just something designed to fool me into giving up personal information that will be used by some sweaty malware monger in Minsk who chainsmokes all night in front of a computer, trying to either destroy all my settings or steal all my money, or both?

Or is it one of those allegedly helpful messages from Hewlett Packard, my hardware supplier, which could also mean doom for my data? And is it any coincidence that one of HP’s logos looks like two hands that are about to grab you by the throat and squeeze some more money out of you?

Hello? Adobe This? Adobe That? Java Something?

Who’s out there?

And how come all these outfits are always demanding that I do updates — if their product, whatever it does, was so great in the first place? Hmmm?

Anyway, these are just some of my issues with branding and computers. Now, where’s the Extra-Strength Advil?

Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com.

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New extended opening hours Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9.00-7.00pm 9.00-5.00pm 9.00-8.00pm 9.00-5.00pm 8.30-4.30pm

Gift vouchers, packages and courses available Kids welcome

A. PETTIFOR & SON LTD Warehousing & Distribution

SELF STORAGE CONTAINERS

Now available For home and business 10ft &20ft (600&1200 cubic ft) Lockable containerised units Easy access with your own personal key Drive direct to your clean and dry unit 10ft Containers from £18 per week 20ft Containers from £30 per week Discounts available for longer periods Berkswell Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7LB Tel: 01676 522403 Mob: 07917518724 Fax: 01676 523181 Email: martin.pettiforandson@gmail.com

Village Diary DATE 1st June 2nd June 7th June 8th June 8th June 11th June 11th June 14th June 14th June 14/15 June

EVENT Church Tower Open WI Big Picture Show Kinwalsey Tree Service Open Gardens Community/Police Surgery Reader’s Circle Summer Music Evening Firs Open Day Lunt Fort Open Day

VENUE St Laurence Church Village Hall Village Hall

St James Packington Maxstoke Lane Bagington, Coventry

TIME 12noon – 4.30pm 7.30pm 7.00pm 4.00pm 2.00pm –5.30pm 11.00am–12noon 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.00- 3.00pm 10.30- 4.00pm

15th June

Maxstoke Castle Open Day

Maxstoke Lane

11am – 5pm

16 June 21/22 June 21st June

Reading Cafe Art Exhibition Firebird Singers Concert

Library Village Hall The Blue Coat School

10.30- 12 noon 10.00 – 4.00pm 7.30pm

01676 522717 Michael Warr John 07716 721 467

22rd June

Rotary Megaride

Queens Head

12.30 – 5.00pm

Neville 01676 532 709

22 June 23rd June 25th June 27th June 27th June 29th June 2nd July 4th July 7th July 7th July 9th July 8/9/10 July 11/13 July 12th July 14th July 17th July

Church Tower Open Parish Council Meeting Flower Club Lunch CAMEO School Sports Day Messy Church Annual Musical Evening P T A Summer Fayre W.I. Community Surgery Police Beat Surgery School Will Rock You St Swithin’s Weekend Summer Reading Challenge School End of Term Service Blood Donors

St Laurence Church Sports Pavilion Stonebridge Golf Club Holiday at Home Meriden School Methodist Church Meriden School Meriden School Village Hall Library Sports Pavilion Meriden School Barston Library St Laurence Church H of E Club

12noon – 4.30pm 7.30pm 12.30pm

John Baker 01676 522 939 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 Ellen 01676 522534 01676 522 488 Andrew 01676 533 737 01676 522 488 01676 522 488 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 01676 522 488

19th July 20th July 20th July 21st July 21st July 25th July 26th July 28th July 28th July – 29th August 4th August 4th August 4th August 10th August 13th August 15th August 18th August 22nd August 23/24thAug

Horticultural Show Heart of England Bike Ride Family Picnic in the Park Flower Club Reading Cafe CAMEO Whitacres & Shustoke Show Parish Council Meeting Sports Camps

St Peter’s Hall B C. Packwood House Meriden Sports Park Village Hall Library Sports Pavillion Blyth Hall Shustoke Sports Pavilion Meriden Sports Park

th

nd

Meriden Mag Deadline W.I. Community Surgery Fillongley Show Readers Circle Children’s Film Show & Picnic Parish Council Meeting CAMEO Coventry Festival of Motoring

Packington Hall Sports Pavilion

Village Hall Library Stonehouse Farm Village Hall Village Hall Village Hall Stoneleigh Park

4.00pm 5.00- 7.30pm 7.30pm 11am–12noon 11am – 12 noon

1.30-3.30 & 4.30 -7.30pm 2.00 – 4.00pm

CONTACT John Baker 01676 522 939 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 Chris Copper 01676 522645 Andrew 01676 533 737 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Margaret 01676 523 603 Pauline 01543 452078

01676 522717 01676 522 488 0300 123 2323

1.00-3.00pm 7.30pm 10.30- 12noon 2.00pm

Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 01676 522717 Ellen 01676 522534

7.30pm

Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Paul Jayes 07508 611922

7.30pm 11.00am–12noon 9.30am 7.30pm 10.30am 7.30pm 2.00pm 10am – 5pm

01676 522963 / 522453 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 01676 522717 Margaret 01676 523 603 Chris Copper 01676 522645 Barbara Bland 01676 522474 Ellen 01676 522534

Out and About this summer Marvellous Machines: The Wonderful World of Rowland Emett The Gas Hall Birmingham Museum 10th May - 21st September This summer curious minds of all ages are invited to step inside the whimsical and wonderful world of machines and cartoons created by eccentric English inventor Travel by the free historic

Rowland Emett.

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August Stoneleigh Park CV8 2LG 10am -5pm each day.

Admission free Car park £5

shuttle bus from the Transport Museum On Sunday at 10.30am wave off the drivers of 600 cars and motorbikes as they set off on the historic vehicle run around the Warwickshire countryside Plenty to see and do all weekend.

The quirky moving machines, or automata as they are known, includes items from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, fantastical flying machines, and a bicycle for cycling across the moon. Many larger than life surprises will astound and spark the imagination.

This exhibition will be the biggest ever display of Emett’s work, which is loved by many across the world and will tell the story of his life living and working in Birmingham.

Ticket Prices: Adult: £5 Child (3-15 years): £3 Concessions: £3 Family Ticket (4): £10

The Lunt Roman Fort 1. The Lunt Roman Fort is the archaeological site of a Roman fort, of unknown name, in the Roman province of Britannia. It is open to the public and located in the village of Baginton outside Coventry.

Heart of England Bike Ride Enjoy a great day out on Sunday 20th July, join hundreds of cyclists for this year’s Heart of England Bike Ride organised by Knowle and Dorridge Lions, this year from Packwood National Trust House. Choose between 13, 19 or 31 miles (20, 30 or 50km) circular sign-posted routes along quiet country lanes through pretty Warwickshire villages, and help raise funds for British Heart Foundation.

Please visit www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/bikeride where you can find out how to register online for what is bound to be an excellent day out in the countryside with the option of visiting the beautiful historic Packwood House and gardens free and having a picnic from the Lions hog roast after your ride.

The Lunt Fort is only open to the public during the Coventry school holidays. It is not open during weekends. Tuesday – Friday 11.00am - 4.00pm Saturday 14 June to Sunday 15 June 10.30am – 4.00pm Visit the fort for a spectacular weekend with the Romans!

Witness astounding gladiator contests, enthralling drill demonstrations and fascinating living history scenes as Roman re-enactment groups bring the colours, sounds and smells of Roman Britain alive.

Admission charge applies.

Book early to avoid disappointment Herbert Art Gallery 02476 237521 or book on line

Supporting two major cancer charities – Marie Curie and Macmillan, plus local charities.

Motor bikes arriving 12.45pm approx. But the Megaride is much more than just bikes this yearmany village organisations will be participating with interesting stalls, games and entertainment for all the family. Admission on foot is free but donations to the charities would be most welcome. *Live Music * Bar * Tea Coffee and Cakes *

BBQ * Tombola * Meriden Midsummer Draw*

*Children’s roundabout * Motor Cycle Club Displays * Meriden School, Church and Scouts*

Join us for a great day out for all the family Contact Neville Riley 01676 532709 email:neville-riley@uwclub.net Charity number 103304 BICKENHILL PUBLIC WASTE DISPOSAL SITE OPENING HOURS

Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green

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

2 June Coronation Day 10 June Birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh 14 June Official Celebration of her Majesty’s Birthday Trooping the colour 21 June Birthday of the Duke of Cambridge 28 June Armed Forces Day 17 July Birthday of Duchess of Cornwall 15 August Birthday of the Princess Royal

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.

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 BellM 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

Reminder! Deadline date for the autumn 2014 issue: Monday 4th August Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com

Margaret Argyle 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@gmail.com

Proof Reader: Claire Rose Deliveries: Doug Bacon and Paul Lee Please visit our web site: www.meridenmag.co.uk where you can view back issues & friend & family, not in the area can catch up on local news.

Mag advertising rates Eighth page £10 Quarter page £20 Half page £40Small ads (sale or wanted) £5 Charity and Community events FREE Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the co-editors.

We are unable to print anonymous letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request

This issue’s front cover was designed by Val’s 11 year old granddaughter Hannah