Meriden Mag Autumn 2014
WELL DONE
Gardeners World Live School Bankers Schools Will Rock You School Sports And finally farewell to year 6
Mr Browning hosted our annual music evening. He was on fine form cracking some jokes in between acknowledging the hard work and dedication that the children have shown in learning their instruments so well. He thanked the music teachers and the families and friends who had supported and encouraged the children to practise. Ultimately a music evening wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the stars of the show TO
EVERYONE!
Summer happenings at Meriden School prize winners at
1st
In addition to their ‘regular learning’ in which they achieved brilliantly, pupils took part in trips to wonderful, exciting places, camped on the school field and wowed us with their musical prowess. Our results across all year groups are a testament to the fantastic children we have in our school; results in FS2, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 reflect the hard work that our pupils put into their learning throughout their primary school life.
The bank opens on alternate Fridays and encourages children to save their pocket money and watch it grow!
At the time of writing this, summer term has just finished. What a busy term it was too!
Lucy Winkler, Headteacher, Meriden CE Primary School
The rain tried to stop us, but we eventually held our sports day as the culmination to the activities in sports week, and our summer fayre which, despite the downpour, was a huge success once again. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on these days and of course, we are extremely grateful to the PTA who worked hard to make the summer fayre the triumph it was. Thanks also go to members of our Parent Council who have worked hard to help our pupils ‘Get the fit factor’ and walk, scoot, cycle, hop, dance to school. This helps to reduce the number of cars around school in the morning and at the end of the day, therefore making our school even safer.
Key Stage 2 rocked the stage with their production of ‘Schools Will Rock You’. It was an amazing show and the children once again showed us all what a talented group they really are, acting, singing, dancing with utter professionalism. We expect to see some of their names on the big screen in a few years! We are incredibly proud of them, as I am sure their families are too.
We have our own Bank Manager Bobbie; Clerk Tia; Records Officer Ben; Marketing Manager Bethany.
Hello from Meriden School!
The final assembly also saw the Chris Fryer Courtesy Award being awarded to Bobbie in Year 5, for being someone who is always polite and friendly, to both children and adults alike. The Queen’s Jubilee Cup, donated by Meriden United Charities, went to Jasmine in Year 5 for her dedication to raising money for The Little Princess Trust. A new award was donated by Warwick University for 100% attendance and those children who had been in school every day from 2nd September to the 18th July went into a prize draw for a mini ipad! The lucky winner was Ethan. Well done!
A big thank you to all who helped make it such a great afternoon
Reverend Kate Massey kindly took our end of year service at St Laurence’s church and our children enjoyed giving their thanks to God for their learning experiences and friendships made during the year. Olaf the snowman was a huge hit!
In the final few weeks pupils in key stage 2 entertained the masses with their version of ‘Schools Will Rock You’. Based on the hugely popular Queen show, it was a tremendous success; brilliant acting, dancing and singing combined with the wonderful set to create a truly incredible show. Year 6 said their sad goodbyes, but not before they washed our cars as part of a ‘Young Enterprise’ project and made their parents (and teachers!) cry with their final assembly on the last day. All children were awarded with a trophy for being a superb year 6, but special mentions went to Ethan for Sportsmanship, James H for Progress and Ellie for Achievement. Meriden Governors also presented an award for overall attitude and commitment to ‘the Meriden way’ to Emily T.
The afternoon of 3rd July saw the second attempt at our Sports Day which ‘ran’ fantastically well thanks to enthusiastic children, supportive parents and lots of lovely sunshine. It was a close fought battle throughout the afternoon with all the houses doing themselves proud. Future talent and excellent sportsmanship was seen in all year groups but the illustrious (paper mache and glitter!) gold trophy was awarded to Eagles who scored the most points overall.
BBC Gardener’s World Live Meriden School’s Eco team entered an exhibit in the hanging basket competition and were thrilled to have been awarded first prize!! Our basket was entitled "sECOnd hand" as we had incorporated recycled items. Foundation stage 2 were very buzzzzy creating the "pollinating insects" we attached. A big thank you to Carole Webb, who helped us with the basket and massive congratulations to Cathy Wright & the Eco team!
Tuesday 2nd June saw the launch of our school bank and we had a special visitor come to officially open it!
On behalf of all the staff and governors, may I wish you all a very happy, safe and sunny summer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++j ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Rev'd Kate Massey Assistant Curate 01676 522825 Lay Reader: Peter Wright 01676 522414 Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas01676 522455 John Baker 01676 522939. www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk Services are held on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday at 10.30 am The Christmas tree festival at St Laurence, see centre page for the winning tree THE CHRISTIANS OF MERIDEN JOIN TOGETHER FOR FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY CRAFT ACTIVITIES FOR 3-10 YEAR OLDS OF ALL AGES MUSIC, SINGING AND A STORY FOLLOWED BY FELLOWSHIP AND FOOD VENUE: MERIDEN METHODIST CHURCH 4TH SUNDAY IN MONTH @4.00PM SEPTEMBER 28TH SPECIAL HARVEST THEME OCTOBER 26TH NOVEMBER 23RD Joint association between *Meriden Christian Fellowship* Meriden Methodist Church* * St Laurence Anglican Church* “Nostalgia’s not what it used to be” runs the ironic joke about remembering the past, recalling our memories, often in an idealized way. I’m typing this on a computer that tells me I have a certain amount of ‘memory’ left in it but of course this is just a mechanical storage device. With human memory we can do so much more. With memory we can learn, create, explain and understand. A good memory is a constant source of insight and new understanding. There is a lot of public remembering going on this year, prompted by the Centenary of WW1. We are privileged to have a number of memorials in Meriden to help us remember. These have been added to, this year, by the new Coronation Island and the new Memorial Approach with its impressive Commemorative Poppy, both dedicated in short services recently.
WW1 Remembrance activities are also going on throughout the year including the Remembrance Sunday Service taking place at St. Laurence Church on 9th November at 10 a.m., which will conclude with the Act of Remembrance at the Village Memorial. We also have memorials in our personal lives, not monuments of stones, but ones built of personal memories. These are significant places and people in our lives that trigger memories. Some of our memories may be good, others may be difficult but we can’t actually live in the past, we can only be confined by it. A memory never occurs in the past; a memory is only about the past. When we are stuck in the past our memory loses the urge to create, explain, and understand; and loses the capacity to forgive. We have been reminded of this in the way that the public remembrances of WW1 have emphasized the ultimate importance of how understanding that war can, and indeed has, led to peace and reconciliation between what were once enemies. The same is true of our personal remembrances. To use them to understand helps us to move on, healthily and creatively, and not to be stuck. We don’t have to try to manage this on our own because although our memories change and evolve as we re live and re tell them, none of that is true for God. We are always in God’s memory, always loved and precious. God knew each one of us before we were born. He never forgets us. He is not under time constraints so his memory can't be washed away by time. Even though our appearances get worn by time he still remembers us because he looks at the inner you and the inner me and has always been with us. In the Bible, it says that he has inscribed each of us in the palm of his hands words that take on new meaning when we see the nail prints in Jesus' hands. This love we see on the cross can never forget us and will always be with us, helping us to understand, to move on, and to love, to forgive and be forgiven, to heal and be healed and not to be stuck. The church is here to help us all know and experience this truth for real. With our love and prayers.
A special service of thanksgiving for our loved ones who have died will be held at St. Laurence Church, Meriden on Sunday 2nd November at 4 p.m. If you would like to share in a simple and dignified service to give thanks for their lives and all they have meant to you and still mean to you, then you are warmly invited. This special service is for you, your family and your friends, indeed any one of us who travel the long road of bereavement. We do look forward to seeing you. There will be tea and refreshments afterwards. You are warmly invited.
Peter Wright Bereavement Service St. Laurence Church Sunday 2nd November at 4 pm
(Doors open
by
AUTUMN PROGRAMME “THE LEGO MOVIE” Saturday
open
“War
to
family
Following the success of the recent sell out screening of Horse” the Village Hall Management Committee is encouraged to provide Film Nights the of the to offer a wide variety of films appeal to as many sections of the community as possible. include films, recent features classics well as the commitment to support the WW1 initiative including screening films with a Great War theme. 13th September 2014 at 5.30p.m (Doors at 4.30p.m) 18th October 7.00pm at 6.00p.m)
for
Tickets: £5.00 Drinks and snacks on sale Raffle for Lego prize “PHILOMENA” Saturday
regular
Village. We shall endeavour
MERIDEN’S BIG PICTURE SHOW
and
as
This will
Tickets: £5.00 Tickets available from Chris Copper Meriden Telephone: 01676 522645 As seating is limited, tickets need to be booked inSadvance. The Firebird Singers Present An Evening With Friends A joint concert with the Coventry Philharmonic Singers Packington Hall Coffee Morning Thursday 6th November 10.30am 12.00 noon £4 per person Enjoy coffee in the Pompeian Room and try your luck at the raffle! There will be bric a brac, bring and buy, cakes and jams and many other stalls Saturday, 1 November 2014, at 7.30pm at The Lime Tree Social Club Templar Avenue Coventry CV4 9BQ Our chosen charity for this year is The Macular Society Registered Charity Number 1001198 For tickets and further information, or to join the choir, contact John on 07716 721467 Tickets £8.50 Concessions/Children £5.50 Singing for pleasure, raising money for Charity Everyone welcome Samaritan’s Purse Shoe Boxes Please fill a shoe box full of goodies for disadvantaged children abroad and bring a smile to their faces. An explanatory leaflet is available from Meriden Library. If you are unable to fill a box, donations will be very welcome, it costs £2.50 to send each box. Contact Lucy on 01676 523502 for more information
benefit
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 only Open 7 days a week 5.30pm till 11.30pm A45 Birmingham Road Millisons Wood CV5 9AY 01676 521 202 www.mumbaiblue.com 4 Course Sunday Banquet £9.95 Popadoms Any starter Any main dish boiled rice or plain nan coffee BRING YOUR OWN ALCHOLIC DRINKS SOFT DRINKS AVAILABLE
The Jesus we meet in the gospels is none of these images. This Jesus we find there is full of surprises. . He is always bigger than we imagined. We can never pin him down and use him for our own agenda. He is someone who wants us to know life in all its fullness, how to live out the good and bad days alike. This is buddy Jesus. It is a statue that was created for the film Dogma, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. I like this picture because it always makes me laugh. It is one I often use in the assemblies I lead at school.
01676
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For some, Jesus probably seems like a homophobic, sexist bully who looks down on those with all sorts of problems.
One variant on this Jesus is National Trust Jesus. This innocuous Jesus is definitely middle class and really rather well brought up. His churches are a delight to visit and to remind oneself of one’s heritage. But this Jesus is frozen in time, a time that never existed.
is available for hire; please
I think it is fair to say that it is probably not a realistic picture of what Jesus looked like! It seems unlikely that a winking, smiling Jesus would be seen as a dangerous radical needing to be executed by the Romans, with crucifixion being the form of punishment reserved for those who might disturb the Pax Romana, the Roman Peace. But I guess lots of the pictures we have of Jesus do not always match who he really was, and that is probably true of church goers and non church goers alike
Unfortunately that is sometimes how some in the church seem to portray him. It might surprise you to hear that we have no record of Jesus ever mentioning sexual ethics and he certainly welcomed men and women equally, especially those on the margins of society. I suspect one image of Jesus shared by some, regardless of whether they go to church or not, is that of a gentle Sunday School Jesus. This Jesus is calm, wise, tall, with blue eyes, fair hair, a strong jaw line and a strange taste in white nighties.
Andrew Diary Dates: 28th Sept, 10:30am Harvest Festival 16th Nov, 10:30am 130th Church Anniversary Collection only (minimum order over £10) King prawn and fish dishes £2.50 extra Excludes Mumbai Special set meals and Mumbai exclusive feast Only available dining in Of course for some, Jesus is a complete and utter irrelevance, a figure from the past to be dismissed. However, whilst two billion people in the world claim to be Christians his relevance is probably assured.
The Methodist Church Hall contact Maureen & Alan Gabbitas 522 148 He is someone who wants us to know the love that God has for every single one of us, showing us that the whole creation has permanent value. In turn this leads to a commitment to the welfare of individuals and communities. And the Jesus we meet in the Bible calls each of us to follow him. He calls us to live our lives in the same way he did, sharing God’s love, helping those in need and challenging inequality and injustice. Anyone can join in! Love, peace and joy.
ALLAN SMITH SLATING Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx Now serving Breakfast on Sunday mornings 10.00am 1.00pm Full English £5.25. Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00 2.30pm Pop in for good food and a warm welcome Take away available 01676 522256 Look out for new Indian Restaurant Opening upstairs soon! Queens Head Old Road Meriden Sept 1st Rob Handford 8th Keith Brett 15th Kristen Sweet 22nd Sam Southall 29th Chrissy Oct 6th Mike Leigh 13th Justine Claire 20th Backbeat 27th Steve Berry Nov 3rd Helen Hale 10th Stevie B 17th Natasha 24th Paul Tracini Servicing Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes 01676 521010 Meriden BirminghamGarage,Road Millison’s Wood CV5 9AZ Call in for quotationaforyourmotoringneeds
David Deakin Plastering Services Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome. Free Estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service. Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860
Every blessing Kevin and Lyn Hunt
‘We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done'. (Psalm 78:4).
"Therefore anyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundations on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24 27). That story challenges me to look at my life and all that I've done or achieved over the years and ask what is the foundation of my life build on, and when put to the test will it stand? What sort of legacy will you leave behind when you die? What will people say about you? And do you have a hope that you know where you are going when your final day comes? I know this sounds a bit morbid, but it's a question that will at some point cross everyone's mind. So let me ask you a question. On a scale of 1 10, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, if you were to die today how sure are you that you would go to heaven? If your answer was anything other than 10 then the chances are you're not going to heaven. You see that's the hope I was talking about, unless you're a 100 per cent sure you're going to heaven you're probably not. None of us are good enough to be a 10 but through the shed blood of Jesus all our sins are washed away. He enables us to reach the 10 mark, because He paid the price for our sins on the cross, and when we ask His forgiveness and ask Him into our hearts and build our lives on Him our rock, then He sets us free and gives us a hope a future and a confidence that we will go to be with Him when we leave this world. So next time you're building a sand castle on the beach, ask yourself the question, "what's my life built upon"?
What a glorious summer we've had this year, hardly a rainy day from the month of May until now. I hope those of you reading this have all managed to go on a holiday and had a fantastic time with family and friends. I wonder how many of the dad's have shown their children just how a sand castle is meant to be built. I can just hear the ladies thinking 'men never grow up do they?’ Well I have to admit that there may be some truth in that, as I know what I was like when I managed to get to the beach with my children and I'm now looking forward to doing it all over again with my grandson when he's a little older. Talking of building things on the beach reminds me of a parable (story) Jesus told to a crowd one day when He said
The Centre Charity Shop and Heart of England Outreach 01676 523050 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., HCPC. Registered The Therapy Centre, Balsall Villa 287 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common. Tel : 01676 522284 Blessings Kevin and Lyn Hunt. Greetings to everyone, As usual a huge thank you to our hardworking staff for their dedication and support. Our thanks are also extended to the people who provide us with such an array of interesting and useful donations to sell. We cannot believe that we have been working at The Centre charity shop since April 2007 and it was opened ten years prior to us taking over. So in total it's been in the village for seventeen and a half years. We have seen many changes during this time with new people arriving and people leaving to settle elsewhere. New houses being built, a new park, new ministers, change of owners at The Strawberry Bank hotel, new head at the school to name but a few. When we first arrived people bought and watched videos now its DVDs or streaming from T.V. Everyone read real books, now often they use e readers. People used to want new or modern, now retro or vintage is often the preferred choice. So in just a few years we have seen such a change in what people are looking for, but I guess that never changes. By the time this magazine is delivered to your door there will be changes afoot at The Centre but at the present time we don't know exactly how they will pan out. Today we've spent a lovely day in Stow on the Wold and I visited all the charity shops and am pleased to report that not one of them had as many nice things for sale as we have. The only thing I was tempted by was a really old Wedgwood dinner service but the fact that it wasn't complete coupled with a few hairline cracks finally made the decision for me (much to Kevin's relief!!) With best wishes and hope to see you soon Kevin and Lyn Meriden Christian Fellowship
CAROLINE experience Methodist Church September classes suitable olds up to seniors at our Meriden Branch. Visit our web site for more information www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk
I am exceptionally fond of the beautiful countryside around Meriden. I have enjoyed walks on the Heart of England Way as it winds through the village. I know there is often concern about planning applications to develop the village and surrounding countryside and I want to reassure you that I am committed to protecting the Green Belt from inappropriate development. Planning decisions should recognise the intrinsic value and beauty of the countryside. The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework is explicit that Green Belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances. The Government has also given new powers to councils to resist unwanted garden grabbing and introduced a new planning protection for valuable local green spaces. As you will appreciate, demographic changes necessitate an increase in the housing supply. However, this can be done by bringing empty homes back in to use, as well as building new homes. The Government is also working hard to get brownfield land back in to use. I held a drop in surgery in July and residents raised with me the flooding that has got worse as a consequence of the development at the centre of the village. I have written to the council to see what can be done to improve this situation. I was also asked about further development but unless there are more houses in the Local Plan which was approved by the Planning Inspectorate this is unlikely to happen , unless the village wants some such as sheltered accommodation. The National Planning Policy Framework is clear that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided. Where development is necessary and there are no other suitable sites available at lower flood risk, it should be safe and resilient, without increasing the flood risk elsewhere.
necessary. We are a friendly, social group and are building up the new sessions on a Monday evening at the
News from the Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch
SPELMAN The Orme School of MeridenDancingBranch Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary Tel: 02476 467271 THEORMESCHOOL Jennifer Faulkner F.I.D.T.A BA Hons FellowshipDegreeTeaching dip PrincipalA.B.R.S.MSandraClarke Mrs C Booker Home visiting StateChiropodist/podiatristandHPCregistered Tel 01676 534265 Friendly and professional advice on all foot problems To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Katy Steele 0121 711 7029 Email :carolinespelman.com New Beginners Adult Tap Class! No
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
for 2 year
in Meriden get in touch to find out more. Also
is the perfect time to get your child involved in our Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz sessions. We have
The Government has also recently launched a programme to help individuals and companies to make improvements to their homes. The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund started in June, as part of the Government’s long term plan to encourage individuals to make energy saving home improvements. Under the new scheme, householders, landlords and tenants can claim back up to £7,600 towards energy efficiency improvements such as solid wall insulation, heating and glazing. The fund is open to everyone who installs at least two eligible improvements. Autumn is a good time to install improvements, to get the work done before winter sets in. I would encourage anyone who is interested in the scheme to visit the website for more information: www.gov.uk/greendeal.
The dancers at The Orme School of dancing have had another busy few terms at the Meriden Branch. They all danced beautifully at ‘Showtime 2014’ at the theatre; the little ones looking gorgeous in their ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘64 Zoo Lane’ dances, the senior dancers sparkling in their show pieces. We invited all of our younger dancers to a ballerina party in May and our dancers plus a friend enjoyed fun dances, party games and won lots of prizes all whilst looking lovely in their ballerina outfits!(Please see colour photo in centre pages)
Then in June we started a new class for adults Beginners Tap. This takes place on Mondays at 7:15pm and we have made a good start so far. The ladies seem to be enjoying themselves and learning lots of new tap dancing skills in this friendly new group. If you would like to get your child involved in ballet, tap and modern jazz sessions at our Meriden Branch on Mondays at the Meriden Methodist Church then please get in touch on 02476 467271 www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk
Professional small family business covering Meriden, villagesBerkswellFillongley,&surrounding Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd Regent House 430 432 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER Tel 01676 532 210 Email:www.jamiesonchristie.commail@jamiesonchristie.com Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Chartered Financial Planners and Employee Benefit Consultants Pensions Investments Protection Savings Employee benefits Inheritance Tax Everything you need for your weekly shop ! Local poultry, game, beef & lamb plus our own pork, gammon, hams & pork pies. Plus: a full deli & cheese counter & a large selection of fruit & vegetables. Plus: chocolates, cakes & sweets as well as home ware & great gift ideas.Relax and unwind in our Coffee Shop ‘The Hayloft’ CV7 7LB 0Berr1676 522 155 CV7 016767LB522 155 Find us on Facebook to keep up to date with special offers, new products and events Open 7 days a week. For further details & seasonal opening times please see our website Berryfields Farm Shop Berkswell Road 01676CV7Meriden7LB522155 email: info@berryfieldsfarmshop.co.uk web: www.berryfieldsfarmshop.co.uk
Do you need a cleaner? Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic cleaning, Office cleaning Professional cleaning service Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for? 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 For more details call June Smitten on 01676 523007 A free cup of tea or voucherwithcoffeethis Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide. Contact 01676 534148 EDEN HOLISTIC DOG FOOD 5 STAR RATED DOG FOOD (check out the review of the food you feed your dog with the review for Eden on www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk) Made from only the best ingredients: All meat and fish of human grade and sourced within the UK. No animal derivatives, by products or flavours. Herbs, vitamins and minerals with joint support and prebiotics. TOTALLY GRAIN FREE NO FILLERS HIGH DENSITY FOOD USE LESS FOR EACH FEED 2 VARIETIES AVAILABLE: EDEN ORIGINAL 80% Chicken, Salmon, Herring, Duck and Egg EDEN CATCH OF THE DAY 80% Salmon and Herring, including seasonally available Cod, Haddock, Hake, Plaice and Pollock Local prices for 15kg (smaller quantities can be provided): Original : £50 Catch of the Day: £53 Tel: 01676 522466 to order and collect Nutritional and general dog advice given Dog pet sitting service provided days, weekends or longer in a non kennel environment 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 Independent Financial www.reddotgroup.co.ukAdvisers Red Dot (Cymru) Ltd Adam Eales 0794 389 3354 midlandscleaners@mail.com MIDLANDS CLEANERS Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services • Window Cleaning • Fascia & Soffit Cleaning • Gutter & Cladding Cleaning • Conservatory Roof and Patio Cleaning Wedding Bells Local farmer John Arnold MissmarriedAmy Farmer at Ansley Church on July Congratulations12th. from both families
Ingredients: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) damsons ¼ pint (145 ml) water 4 lbs (1.8 kg) sugar (I use dedicated “jam sugar with added pectin” available in all stores in the home baking section)
6. Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for about 10 minutes until the jam sets when tested. This stage is known as 7. a “rolling boil” and it is vital you get it up to this temperature in order for it to set properly.
2. Use a stoner, and de stone all of the damsons wear latex gloves or your hands will be purple!
12. Stir in the port, have a little glass to congratulate yourself of a job well done.
15. Have fun with making labels with the kids. If you can’t make them on the computer, chances are, they can!
8. After ten minutes boiling ferociously, take a little jam on a spoon, put it on to a plate straight out of the freezer and put 9. it in the fridge to cool, the jam should be wrinkly and set. This is the sign that the jam is ready to rock 10. Remove the remainder of the stones as they rise to the surface.
5. Add the sugar, stirring until it has dissolved.
Date Topic Speaker 22nd September 2014 The Quest for Frank Wild Angie Butler 27th October 2014 A Major Investigation The Jury Decides Alan Cutler 24th November 2014 The Craft of Thatching David Wood 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.
3. Boil all the glass jars for ten minutes to sterilize them.
11. Remove the scum.Any missed stones will hopefully float, so remove them too.
13. Carefully pot and seal the jars while still hot wait about 15 minutes a good time to enjoy said glass of port I’d say. 14. Using warm jars is a good idea, not stone cold ones.
I am sitting in the garden, overlooking my beautiful view a field of golden wheat, gently shimmering in the late sun. I am mindful of how I bemoaned the loss of the grass field as it was turned into crop in my last entry to you good people of Meriden. But wow, what a magnificent view! I guess it just goes to show that all change isn’t necessarily bad. Another change in my household is the joyful news that my partners’ son and his gorgeous partner who both lived with us until last year, have just given birth to a beautiful baby girl, so welcome to the world sweet Una! The landscape is indeed changing, and all for the better! I am of course, a mere evil stepmother, but nevertheless I have been bestowed the honour of being named a grandparent and am proud and excited as can be, but what to call me? At the moment I have settled for the catchy title of ‘Nanna Cupcake’. But time will tell and I expect Una will be the one who decides once she is old enough to speak. I have her first birthday cake already planned in my mind and “Gramps” will be designing a tree house to slip into our oak tree I hope. The picture included is the cake I made for Lizzie’s baby shower I hope you like it as much as they did! It was a six layer Oreo cookie sponge, filled with Morello Cherry and vanilla buttercream. We have dubbed this ‘Oreo Oreo Baby’ flavour. The recipe I shall give you this quarter will be to use up some of the damsons we see hanging heavy from the trees at this time of year. Other fruit may be substituted of course, but this tart Olde English fruit is in abundance in our garden. Damsons contain a lot of pectin so it is one of the easier jams to get right. This will be made, and used and relished (pun intended) on our toast all through the winter months. Making this jam is how I got the name of my cake company in fact. After I had bottled up my jam we made labels on the computer and came up with “Juci Luci’s Jam Factory” we gave the jars away to neighbours and family at Christmastime.
Damson&PortJam Luci’s baby shower cake
4. Put fruit in a pan with the water and simmer gently until the fruit is soft.
75ml port Method:
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+. Members join not only to learn new subjects but also to meet and socialise with likeminded people. We have 25 active groups providing something different on each week day. 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:
1. Wash and wipe the damsons. Pick over to remove stalks.
The other 3 plots (having been vacated by the Gypsies) saw significant levels of topsoil removed and mature otherwise healthy trees felled a sore point with local residents. The starting point for bidding on each plot was £40,000 including one plot which was an area less than 3/4 of an acre. This is a hefty valuation by anyone's estimation especially when one takes into account (a) the damage to the land with reinstatement work still outstanding and (b) the legal and planning constraints placed on the land by the Council, Courts and indeed the travellers themselves (by way of covenants). Unsurprisingly these 3 plots did not sell.
David McGrath Chairman Meriden RAID
It is an area that was largely untouched by their otherwise disastrous and destructive unlawful occupation. Hopefully, by the time this newsletter is published the new owners will have completed on the sale and will be using the land for its lawful purpose which is much welcomed by the local community. Responsible land owners of any cultural background will always be a valued partner in our combined efforts to protect, preserve and promote the countryside of Meriden.
Let us hope that the owners and potential purchasers can once again review this land and its realistic sale prospects and uses, achieve a new sense of realism and continue the progress towards the rehabilitation of this much loved area of green beltOnlyland.then can we say 'the plot thickens'! (Couldn't resist it!)
Bubbles Hand Car Wash Quality Hand Car Cleaning Find us off the A45 in Shepherd’s Lane Meriden Phone 07538 238 005 Open 9.00am 7.00pm 7 days a week Prices from £6 wash only £12 £15 for inside and out including full vacuum and interior windows 20% off when you bring the Meriden Mag with you! 20% off all prices when you bring the Meriden Mag with you! WELCOME 'SITE'. FIRST SUCCESS IN LAND SALE - EAVES GREEN LANE
Also, the gypsies have placed 'overage' clauses on the plots which means that once the land is sold they can achieve financial 'clawbacks' on the land in the future if there is any appreciable increase in the value of the land through any changes in the land status. Potential purchasers should go through their own legal routes to assess this and other matters in detail but Meriden RAID will also be happy to supply any documents in our library of files to help anyone to carry out a full appraisal of the plots. Contact us via meridenraid.org.uk But if there was ever a case of 'buyer beware' this is it!
Part of the former wider (unlawful) Gypsy site in Eaves Green Lane saw progress towards its' return to responsible ownership recently. One of the four plots put up for auction by the Gypsies in July 2014 was sold
Anyone considering the purchase of this land should ask for details of the injunctions and conditions on the land so that they can be sure that any uses they have in mind do not fall foul of these extensive conditions aimed at protecting the green belt land for the foreseeable future. The last thing that residents want (or need) is to re start their considerable 'engine' of protest' with new owners who possibly through lack of knowledge may use the land inappropriately. We are determined that the long term beneficial legacy of our arduous campaign will remain.
Meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the atmonth7.30pm Contact Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 T’ai Chi and Meditation and Relaxation Come and discover how the beautiful flowing movements of this ancient art can improve your well being. Relax and enjoy simple calming relaxation and meditation techniques. MondaysMeriden9.30-10.30amVillageHallCallJacquion07703345210 …the perfect start to your day! WARWICK OFFICE 61 Coten End Warwick CV34 4NU Tel:01926 499889 Fax: 01926 499552www.macnamaraking.comBALSALL COMMON OFFICE 2 Meeting House Lane Balsall Common CV7 7FX Tel 01676 533755 Fax 01676 533699 Our June meeting proved to be quite nostalgic for many members when Mr R Witham came to talk about Glen Miller and his music. “American Patrol”, “Moonlight Serenade” and” In the Mood” were among the old favourites we enjoyed hearing again. Happy memories! The subject of the July meeting was “Stories Grandad told”, when Vanessa Morgan read to us from her Grandfather’s memoirs of life in a village at the beginning of the 20th century including his poaching activities. How different it was from the present day The August meeting is always an informal meeting. There were games available and it was good to have time to socialise. Future Programme Monday 1st September Laughter is the best medicine David Howe this is an open meeting and we hope to welcome many visitors Admission £1 including refreshments Monday 6th October Have Travel Pills will cruise Mrs S Gaskell Monday 3rd November Annual meeting Visitors always welcome
telephone:
24th October Doreen Agutter talking
Ellen 522534 or Pam 523372 Kath Shortley from Tear Fund. about Meriden in World War One. The Island Project at Diddington Hall.
CAMEO Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m. . 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 COVENTRY,Hill, CV4 9FT www.larchtreeost.co.uk TEL: 024 7647 0019 CAMEO Come and Meet Each Other at the Sports Pavilion on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.
Forthcoming Meetings:26th September Harvest Meeting with
In May
Heather Alford from the Leprosy Mission spoke to us about her experiences when volunteering in Nepal. She had always been a supporter of The Leprosy Mission and in 2009 as a retired physiotherapist she offered her services and was asked to go to Nepal and spend some time at Anandaban Hospital. She illustrated her talk with pictures of that beautiful country and the wonderful work done there. The Leprosy Mission’s vision is ‘a world without leprosy’ and its goal is to eradicate the causes and consequences of leprosy. It educates Health Workers to recognise leprosy which does not hurt or make you feel ill. It starts with white patches on the skin and it is important to start treatment before it affects the nerves of the face, hands and feet and consequent loss of feeling. It is identified by a skin scrape from the ear and not by a blood test. Treatment is free and medication should be taken for a year. At present there is no vaccine. Heather worked in the hospital with people with problems with their hands as hands can be stuck in one position and after stretching the fingers surgeons can take over. We were told the story of Mia who was helped in this way and eventually she was able to take a tailoring course and become self sufficient. Everyone found the talk extremely interesting and there were plenty of questions at the end followed by the opportunity to purchase some of the crafts made by the patients to help fund the hospital.
In June we held our annual Holiday at Home with the assistance of a grant from HERO (Heart of England Retirement Organisation). Julia Proud demonstrated how to decorate fairy cakes with block icing. After spreading the cake with apricot jam she stuck different colours and shapes of icing on top to make a dragon fly, bumble bee and ladybird. We then had fun trying to follow the instructions and roll and cut the icing into the various shapes, as directed. Everyone ended up with a box of cakes to take home. After a delicious lunch the children from Berkswell School entertained us, as usual. They sang a variety of songs from various musicals and accompanied some songs with musical instruments. The soloists were very good. We enjoyed a cup of tea before Bob Telford and his springer spaniel Tango took the floor. Bob is an evangelist who uses his dog to help share his faith. He performed a dog handling demonstration which involved Tango retrieving, jumping and responding to whistles and hand signals, as well as to his voice. He used this to illustrate the importance of hearing and responding to what God has to say. Finally, we all enjoyed an ice cream!
At our July meeting we held our popular poems and strawberries and cream meeting. This year in addition to members reading their favourite poems, they were also invited to share memories and one of the members, David Watkins, spoke about his memories as a war time evacuee when he was evacuated from Olton to Stanway Hill. He described his life and the house there with its horse brasses, oil lamps, candles and outside toilet. forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please
28th November A talk about
We look
The Meriden Spartans would like to set up a Ladies XI, if you are interested in playing pop over to the park on a Friday evening during Children's coaching or when the Spartans are playing.
The show went on despite the tail end of Hurricane Bertha. The weather improved after lunch and the people that did make it enjoyed a good show. The Devils Horsemen were excellent, as were the Pantomime horses. There were 135 more entries in the horticultural section of the show, all of a high standard. Congratulations to:
The T20 Tuesday team are in the top half of the league and have been playing some outstanding cricket in StandoutMeriden.performances with the bat so far are Ani, Sheepy, Bick and Josh. Top bowling performers are Shaun, Ash and Fiaz
Come along to a warm welcome with Candy at MeridenHallVillage Pilates focuses on building your body's core strength and improving your posture through a series of low repetition low impact stretching and conditioning Itexercises.notonly 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 ThursdayZumbaevenings6.00pm£4persession ThursdayPilatesevenings7.00pm£4persession For more details on membership and other offers please call 01676 526 107 and quote MM14 Offers subject to availability and available until 30/11/14 only. *Ultimate Revive Spa day Relax and unwind in our luxurious facilities with this exclusive Spa package: Full use of Leisure facilities Choice of any 1 hour treatment Use of robes and slippers £49.00 per person PLUS, receive a complimentary cream tea with each Spa booking upon receipt of this advertisement(valid one per person per advertisement) *SpadayvalidMonFrionly *Receive your 1st full month’s Leisure membership HALF PRICE on receipt of this advertisement. *Valid for new membership sales only. T&C apply. Membership joining fees applicable.
Fillongley Show
The Meriden Spartans are coming to the end of a successful first cricketing season playing in the village. The first XI playing on a Saturday are currently 19 points clear at the top of the league with only 5 matches left to Theplay.second XI (currently at Wolston) are second in the league with 2 games in hand. The Sunday XI with 2 games to go are currently 8th in a very competitive Arden second division. After reaching the finals of the Arden second division 20 over competition they lost in the final match to Pak Shaheen.
The free children's cricket coaching that takes place on Fridays at 6pm has attracted up to 30 keen youngsters and it is hoped that a junior team will be up and running for next season. Children aged 5 15 welcome to join!
Ann and John Butler who came first in the best allotment class and Shirley and David Smithers who came third. Chris and Roger Bache won the best fruit and vegetable garden class.
Devil’s Horsemen
please
Free parking in adjacent car park For more
Support group for Survivors
I am looking to recruit a young leader to help us, so if anyone over the age of 14 is interested then please contact me for more information.
Contact John Askill, President Barkers’ Butts RFC 07831350147 johnaskill@hotmail.com
The extent of M&J Rugby’s appeal was demonstrated last Easter when more than 450 young club members and their families enjoyed a playing tour to Cornwall the second largest rugby tour in Europe.Barkers’ Butts 1st XV has begun their third successive season in Midlands 1 West with matches starting in September and going through to May. Last season
Sarah Markham 07572 sarahmarkhamuk@yahoo.co.uk508727 of 7.30 to 9.30pm information contact on 07854 310492 www.uk-sobs.org.uk
More than 250 youngsters, aged from seven to 17 will be playing their rugby each week on the club’s 25 acres of grounds, tucked behind the trees just off the A45 as part of the club’s ever popular Mini and Junior programme.
I would just like to say a quick thank you to my young leaders who have helped me over the last couple of years Rebecca Court and Hannah Morgan. And also the parents of the Brownies, their support is invaluable.
Club President John Askill said the club was enjoying a “fabulous” period and players of all ages were looking forward to playing under the new floodlights. He said: “Our lights will be the finest in Warwickshire. They have been specifically designed to ensure that there is no spillage of lights beyond the pitches and yet are able to turn the playing area into virtual daylight. “During the dark winter months, I am sure they will prove to be a tremendous asset to the club and to the wider rugby community.” He added: “The club welcomes everyone in Meriden to come to watch matches or to arrange social events and meetings or to take advantage of all of our splendid facilities. “With the Rugby World Cup starting in September, the club is fizzing with expectation and we want everyone to enjoy being part of it”. The club, next to the former Triumph Motor Cycle factory site, first began as an Old Boys’ Club from Barkers’ Butts School in Coventry which became part of Coundon Court School when it closed.
Barkers’ Butts RFC Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR 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 Contact Scott English 07963 134923 We also have 4 adult sides 1st XV to Vets There will be a special welcome to players returning to the game in time for the 2015 Rugby World Cup Contact Glen Southwell 07598 980546 Rugby is ‘fizzing’ at Barkers’ Butts
The club has invested more than £100,000 during the last year on the new state of the art lights, new training lights and a new roof to the club’s full size sports hall which stages badminton, indoor archery, dances and rugby training sessions.
the Club enjoyed a memorable year winning the 2nd Team Cup at the Butts Park Arena in Coventry and were runners up in the League, while the Colts won their Warwickshire League and reached the final of the Colts Cup.
Jenny
Bereavement by Suicide Meet at the Samaritans Centre next to Solihull Station Last Wednesday of any month from
We are looking forward to starting Brownies again in September after our summer holidays. We had a great end of year d co to celebrate 100 years of Brownies which some of the Brownies attended. We also enjoyed our end of term party making loom bands for each other and playing party games.
The club has been boosted by the erection of new match quality floodlights enabling the club to stage occasional night matches at the club’s grounds in Pickford Grange Lane.
With the prospect of the Rugby World Cup bringing thousands of supporters to England from all over the world in 2015, local club Barkers’ Butts RFC is “fizzing” with excitement as the new rugby season gets on the way.
FranklinServicesConstruction Established 1979 For all aspects of building work Domestic + Commercial + Industrial. New Build + Extensions + Renovations Full property maintenance all trades carried out Sewage treatment plants installed and repaired Workmanship may be inspected locally Tel:02476 422 999 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 Selling food, toys and other pet care items 24 hour emergency care & advice Tel: 01676 www.broadlanevets.co.uk530792 Our surgery at 255 Broad Lane CV5 7AQ is open until 7.30pm weeknights, Saturday 8.30am-5pm & Sunday 11am-3pm 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. 8, Whichcote Avenue, Meriden Coventry CV7 7LR Email: enquiries@grovehousebandb.co.uk 01676 www.grovehousebandb.co.uk523295 Grove House Bed & Breakfast Airport Transfers Secure parking Business people catered for Warm friendly environment 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 Blocked Drains Underfloor Heating Systems Bathroom installations from start to finish (inc electrics, plastering, tiling & carpentry work) All Plumbing Work Undertaken 07972 868 512 email:meridenplumber@hotmail.co.uk www.themeridenplumber.co.uk The Meriden Plumber NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL No. 544788 ASK US ABOUT IDENTICHIPSFREEFORYOURDOG
Closed-9.30pmSundays
–
Monday Saturday 11.30-2.00pm & 4.15
In September the final decision will be made on the future of the museum. During Wimbledon Week
S First– classcarefor yourcariscloserthan youthink!… For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call: ACE KENSINGTON024RADFORDGARAGE76597879GARAGEEARLSDON02476670054 Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924 Berkswell and District History Group 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. Meetings are held at Berkswell Reading Room at 7.45pm for 8.00pm start Wednesday 10th September “The Somme One Hundred Years On” Tony Sweatman Wednesday 8th October “Here Come the Girls” Sheila Woolf Wednesday 12th November History of Music Alan Hill All these Meetings are open to Members & Non-Members. We service, repair and care for your vehicle 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 orwww.berkswell-history.orgtelephone01676535782. Meriden Fish and Chips TheMeridenGreen, Awarded 5 ***** by Birmingham Mail 2011 Solihull Environmental Department 2012 And in “Top Ten Chippies” March 2012 Opening hours
BERKSWELL MUSEUM Maud
BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio visited the museum and broadcast an item on Maud Watson. She was the first lady to win the ladies Wimbledon trophy in 1884 defeating her sister Lilian. Maud was the daughter of the Rector of Berkswell Church. Her memorabilia is in the museum. The interviewer’s comment was once the museum is closed and the unique collection disbanded it will never ever be Thererestored.are many unusual objects, probably of little value, which will just be lost for ever. Do we want this to happen?
If you are able to help in any way please contact Wendy 01676 522077 Or Margaret 01676 522453
Watson
Please, please is there anyone, or even a group of people who would be willing to give up some time to help the committee run the museum and save it from disbanding the collection and finally closing the museum.
The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Support our Help for Hedgehogs Campaign Donate by text WKWT04 and your donation amount e.g. WKWT04 £10 to 70070 AUTUMN 2014 It’s going to be great fun! WORKSHOPS 27th October – 31st October Pond Dipping, Dens, Halloween Spooks, Giant Spider, Monstrous Masks, Ghostly Adventures for Tots, Prickly Friends Marvels to name but a few… Check out our website for more event details www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Warwickshire Wildlife Trust 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 fORDES onthegreen 01676 521653 the green Meriden CV7 7LN A family run business, for the ultimate ladies hair, barbering and beauty experience Opening hours: Tuesday 9.00-7.00pm Wednesday 9.00-5.00pm Thursday 9.00 8.00pm Friday 9.00-5.00pm Saturday 8.30-4.30pm Gift vouchers, packages and courses available Kids welcome Celebrate with us! ‘Fordes on the green’ will be 5 years old in September. As a special thank you to all our loyal customers, both old and new, there will be lots of special offers for both hair and beauty treatments. Please call in for more details
Highly BusinessSuccessfulWoman 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 Heart of SocialEnglandClub 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 Non Members Welcome 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 016767AP541 961 07817 961 www.graceinteriors.co.uk222 grace I n t e r i o r s Heart of England Social Club, Berkswell Road, Meriden 01676 522430 3footballPremiershipLivegamespmSaturdays Room availableHireforprivatefunctions 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
The Job Squad The Job Squad is not just for availablemaintenance!repairscarpentry,plumbing,electricalandgeneralWearewhenever 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. John Sleath, 01676532833 07876 415 350 JOHN@THEJOBSQUAD.CO.UK. All work guaranteed Free estimates Fully insured Charged in half hour units State pensioners discount No call out charge Minimum one hour Established 1996 TheJobSquad.www.co.uk 07549Contact:603 601 01676 521 243 www.greenroomlandsacpes.org.uk sales@greenroomlandscapes.org.uk LeysAddress:Mr.Director:NeilMasseyLane,Meriden Services we offer: Garden ...AndsWaterFencingLandscapingMaintenanceDesignPavingandpatiosDeckingFeaturesNaturalStonepecialistsmanymore! Call for your free quotation
nday 11th D Bennetts Road North CorleyCV7Coventry8BG 01676 540178 Opening hours Mon Sat 9.00 5.00pm Sun 10.00 4.00pm Now available: winter flowering pansies, wallflowers and autumn and winter hanging baskets WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK Tel: 07904 239365 Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.ukThe Countryside Forge Hand forged sporting game priests £40 Interior and exterior wrought iron work undertaken. Hanging basket brackets £45 Sporting weathervanes made to order Commissions undertaken. 01675Tel:44375207828939513 www.tibeagundogs.co.uk Arts and ExhibitionCrafts Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th 10amOctober-5pm Refreshments, cakes Light lunches available £1 entry (childrenFenthamfree)HallMarshLaneHamptoninArden
Meriden Wasps 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 WARWICKSHIRE/COVENTRY/SOLIHULLINSURED/QUALIFIED Doug www.meridenwasps.co.ukBacon Centre of England Arts Annual Art Exhibition 25th and 26th October 2104 Location: Patricks Farm Barns, Meriden Road, Hampton in Arden, Solihull, B92 0LT 10.00am to 4.00pm Come along and see the wonderful and amazing paintings done by your local friends and neighbours. There are all sorts of different work for you to see and the standard improves each year. There will be a few things to buy and tea and coffee will be available. Classes and Courses at Centre of England Arts. The classes are for adults of all abilities from the complete beginner to the more advanced. We run regular weekly/monthly classes in: Drawing, Watercolours, Modern Mixed Media, Acrylic Painting, Ink Wax and Watercolours, Watercolours plus pen, Oils, Photography, Glass Painting, Portrait Drawing…… If you don’t want to commit yourself to a weekly class then there are lots one off workshops in various media and crafts, many with well known guest tutors such as Jeni Neale, Geoff Kersey and Terry Harrison…… We are a charity and have been founded to enable individuals to appreciate creative arts, through education, personal achievement and enjoyment. For details of current weekly courses and workshops, starting September 2014 and availability, see our website; www.COEA.co.uk email: COEA@live.com or Tel: 01676 523357
The wonderful colours of Autumn are with us again and it is supposed to have been early this year.
1. First coat. Mix Separate Puddles of:-
• A blue/purple Wet all the paper with a big, soft brush and clean water. With a large brush add the different colours in patches, letting them run in together. Use the Blue for the sky area and then add tree shapes with the Yellows and Orangey colours. Add the weak Brown and the Purple to the ground going straight across in bands. Add a little of the stronger Purple to the lower, shadowy areas behind the trees (make sure that this is only 1/3 up the paper) With a clean dry brush; drag out a few trunks while this is still wet. LET IT DRY.
4. Background trunks and branches Using a weaker shade of the Blue + Brown (Brownie/grey) add smaller, thinner trunks in the background. Make these start a couple of millimetres higher than the main trunks. Add a few little people.
• A blue/purple Add shadows from the tree trunks, straight across the foreground. Sponge on a few extra leaves with:
• A couple of different Browns (not too strong)
5. Foreground and shadows Using:
• The same mix but much stronger Using a smaller round brush, wet the lighter, right hand side of the trunk with clean water, add the slightly lighter tone to the left hand side, letting it run into the water and then add touches of a stronger, darker tone. Make sure that the trunks are only short and go from in the foreground to just where the leaves start. Add a few branches and twigs in between the patches of sponging.
No drawing on this painting but as you start, think of the tree trunks being just in the lower third of the painting and the trees themselves going right off the top and sides of the picture.
• Brown Contact Julie 01676 523357 for details of classes or see ww.CoEA.co.uk
• Red and Yellow (orange)
2. Leaves and texture. Using the same colours as before, sponge on patches of the different colours. Try to use a rough textures natural sponge, make sure the sponge is clean and slightly damp. Don’t go mad, just do a few patches, let it dry and then add a few more if required.
• Red and Yellow (orange)
3. Foreground trunks and branches. Mix two puddles of different shades of:• Blue + Brown (Brownie/grey)
Grab a camera and with a little imagination we can capture a lasting impression of these stunning colours.
• A couple of different Yellows (not too strong)
• Blue (weak)
. Meriden Summer Events The flowers in the village have been a joy to see! We had good weather for the Cyclists’ service on the GreenMemorial Garden Flower Club members celebrate their anniversary50th Little Ballet dancers at the Orme School of DancingMegaride at the Queen’s Head
Picnicinthepark
Meriden families enjoying a day out in the park. The WI had a World War One display in Pavilionthe Cameo decoratingmemberscakesatTheHolidayatHome WI Members held a Craft day in the Village Hall
Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½ 14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark (07801 773352) or 1stMeridenScouts@gmail.com
Our recent activities have taken the Cubs outside and we have made the most of the good weather and have had some great fun in learning new skills and performing some great activities. We have recently created a play using the Plaster of Paris masks we made and decorated. The Cubs have also learnt some essential camping skills like tent building and fire lighting which will be used at our next camp. We have also been Geocaching around the village once more and found some new sites, as well as using the village sports field to perform a fitness challenge and learn new games such as Swedish Longball. The Cubs had their 5 senses tested with a blindfolded challenge, and our final session before the summer holidays was an obstacle course challenge that ended with an enormous and fun water fight. It has been another enjoyable programme and the Cubs are having great fun 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.
September will see us tackling new challenges and for some of the Beaver Scouts working towards their Chief Scout Award.
SCOUTS
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!!
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.
The Sunday was our final day with a massive variety of activities and rides obviously we tried to do the silliest ones sumo wrestling and land zorbing, which I surprisingly won by running away from the opponent. The challenge was a great experience and helped improve map reading and teamwork skills. It was my first Scout camp and I can't wait for the next although, I'm not sure how you could beat the Malvern Challenge.
Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6 8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080)
And a general summary from Nelly: At Scouts we do loads of fun things which everyone enjoys. For example, on the last week we played a lot of water games and which ended in a very fun and wet water fight. We also spent an evening in Millison’s Wood when we played team games like “Capture the Flag”. In Patrols we earn patrol points and the winning patrol at the end of the term gets a prize. Then we had a “Drag Racing” night, where everyone had the same amount of wood, screws and glue and we had to make a car and then race them. My car won, it went so far it went out of the room!! I earned loads of points for my patrol yay. I confess my favourite programme was ‘Every part of a dandelion is edible’. The scouts made spicy fritters with the flowers, coffee from the roots and tea from the leaves. The fritters went down well. I thought the coffee and Tea were good but there was mixed opinion from the Scouts. On the Malvern Challenge I can’t praise the scouts enough, with all the work we’ve done over the last 22 months coming to fruition with our 3 teams coming in 86th, 63rd and 25th place out of 401 teams. Hope to keep next term action packed with plenty of fun and variety. For more detail of what we’ve been doing and what we have planned please visit our blog site at http://1stmeridenscouts.blogspot.co.uk and if you think Scouting’s for you get in touch. If Bear Dares why don’t you.
Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8 10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520)
We have been continuing our badge work including learning about Morse code and other forms of messaging, learning about the different food groups and what our bodies need each day, carrying out experiments and playing games. We held our awards ceremony in July and invested Caitlin in to the Colony.
1st Meriden Scout Group News from the Green Hut
BEAVERS
On a personal note I would like to say a massive well done to all of the Beaver Scouts for their hard work over the past 12 months and a big thank you to the parents who come and help out each week it is very much appreciated by me and the children!
CUBS
Balsa wood dragsters by Emily: In my favourite session the scouts were given some balsa wood, four wheels, dowels, screws, nails, glue and a knife and were challenged to each make a car. Balsa wood was a good material to use for this activity because it is light, easy to shape and flexible. We had to think about how we could make the cars travel as fast and straight as possible because when we had finished we had to test them. When we raced the cars we were all very excited because we all wanted our patrol’s car to go the furthest so that we would win the most patrol points. I enjoyed this session because you could be as creative as you wanted to be when you made the cars and racing them was lots of fun!
Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520)
Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½ 14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm Contact Mark (07801 773352) or 1st WMeridenScouts@gmail.comealsoneedhelpfromany 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.
Back in May we joined with Beaver Scouts from across Warwickshire at Coombe Abbey Park for our annual day out and what a great time we had! There were lots of activities, a picnic lunch and the sun was shining! A huge well done to Hannah, Joel, Archie, Charlie, Freya and Henry for their district winning entry in the ‘Art in the Park’ Competition.
Another action packed half term and more new scouts, we now have 24, that has seen us making mini drag racers, cooking, eating every part of a dandelion, participating in Malvern challenge, playing Robin Hood (Archery), and finishing off with water games and a water fight. So here are the thoughts from a few of the scouts on some of these activities:
The Malvern challenge by Cleo: 1st Meriden Scouts joined 5,000 other scouts and guides at the final Malvern Challenge on 27 June. The event, one of Britain’s biggest Scouts and Guides festivals has been running for 32 years but the site will not be available after this event. The size of the Challenge meant the task of finding our tents was quite hard when we arrived but, once there, we helped set up the site and put on our purple wristbands. Then it was time to explore fields of tents, a big stage with entertainment, a tuck shop and a café. But also miles of beautiful scenery and hills hills which weren’t so appreciated on our eight mile challenge in the rain during the weekend… Sadly we missed out on the abseiling due to a thunderstorm but we completed the challenge. Hurrah!
Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!!
Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6 8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080)
1. 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 “ButcherWarwickshireHeroes”“FoodLife’softheYear” Opening Hours Monday closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am 5.00pm Sun 9.00am- 1.00pm Meriden Volunteers for Admission by Race Programme £3 including a ham, pork or cheese batch. This is a Special event to raise money for research into men’s cancers. Please come along to this fun evening and wear blue to show your support Tickets available from the Committee and local pubs Friday 24th October This is an event for strong powerful women! We will be having the usual stalls and a glass of pink fizz will be included in the admission price of £12. Please come along and enjoy this evening and wear pink. We are very grateful that the new management at Strawberry Bank are continuing to support this popular eventFriday 3rd October Music and Dancing Night with Stevie B At the Heart of England Club Tickets7.30pm£8.00 Friday 12th December Black Country Night At the Heart of England Club With comedy duo DANDY See the winter issue for more details Autumn programme Friday 19th September Race Night at The Heart of England Club “In the Pink Evening” At Strawberry Bank Hotel Once again Lesley Smith will be entertaining us, this time as Boadicea. Tickets from local committee members: 01676 522160 01676 522855 01676 522702 01676 523165
Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday 10am 6pm Thursday 10am 6pm Saturday 10am 1pm Open Monday 10.00am 6.00pm Thursday 10.00am 6.00pm Saturday 10.00am 1.00pm
Meriden Library Readers Circle
Monday 15th September Monday 20th October Monday 17th November.
Sessions take place once a month on a Thursday afternoon between 2.30pm and 3pm. The next sessions are on 18th September, 16th October and 20th November.
ICT Meriden Library has free to use computers and now offers: Two hours free internet access for library members Microsoft Office packages Printing facilities (charges apply) Scanner facilities
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 7.30 to 9.00 pm. The lovely Library staff provide us with a selection of books to choose from and will give you the address of the meeting place.
We continue to embrace more aspects of writing with the introduction of a twice yearly workshop for OurScriptwriting.rejigged website now gives more information about our forthcoming 2014 Short Story and Poetry competition along with access to entry form and payment with PayPal. We hope that by encouraging entrants to use this convenient form of entry it will make entering easier. We will, of course, still be open for postal entries. There is a new section for members who are now published authors to promote their books and writing. Plus another new feature Goodreads by Elsa who each month gives the title with her brief comment on five books she has read. Website news section is updated monthly along with diary dates. We are still open for membership for our Tuesday Group. For further information contact Anne Santos info@balsallwriters.org.uk www.balsallwriters.org.uk
Our popular story time takes place every Monday from 2.45pm 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. This begins in the Autumn term on Monday 1st September.
01676
All take place from 10.30am 12 noon. Rhyme Time Our Rhyme Time group will restart in September for 0 2 year olds and their parents and carers .Please come and join us in the library for songs, rhymes and lots of fun.
The dates for the next Reading Cafes are:
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 Come and join us for a little playtime crafts, indoor and outdoor play, a healthy snack, a cup of tea and a warm welcome Story Time
12th November It's twenty five years since the Berlin Wall fell on November 9th.1989. During its lifetime it spawned a plethora of books and novels which included lots of spy stories. The wall was rebuilt four times during its existence there are probably books on that too. We would enjoy meeting any would be members and finding out about their likes and dislikes. Please come and visit us.
Margaret Houldsworth 523603
For
You will 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. more information please contact Donna Brennan or Carole Cooper at Meriden Library, 01676 522717.
BALSALL WRITERS
View our blog balsallwritersblog.
10th September
It seems to be Scotland's year so far what with the Commonwealth games and the run up to the referendum. Choose a book by a Scottish writer.
Meriden Playgroup
Reading Café 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!
8th October Can you find a really enjoyable short story to recommend?
The event was a great success, the highlight being provided by Jayne Edmonds with her amusing and enlightening demonstration. Jayne was suitably dressed for the occasion in a C & A suit to reflect the society’s 50 year history. We were looking forward to meeting Margaret Shirley, a founder member. Unfortunately Margaret was too ill to attend, however she did send a very interesting letter on how the club was founded and we would like to share this letter with you. Regrettably she passed away a few days later.
Meetings
On the 3rd Monday of every month Forthcoming Meetings: 15th September ‘A turn of the page’ Zoe Podmore 20th October Practice Class Julia Mitchel 17th November ‘Winter Wonderland’ Jane Fox New members are always welcome. To join for the year it will cost you only £24. Subscriptions are due
A History of Meriden Floral Society by Margaret Shirley Never in our wildest dreams, as Brenda Price and I walked across the forecourt of Shirley’s Garage to the inaugural meeting being held around the dining room table of Elizabeth Platten, wife of the local village doctor, did we think we would be making that same journey in 50 years’ time We were very well attended. If I remember, correctly, Mrs Bradbury, Ann Jewkes’ mother, commented on how popular a flower club would be as she was an active member of the Coventry W.I. We were fortunate to have the Rt. Hon Countess of Aylesford present at that meeting. She graciously agreed to become our President in spite of her busy diary. We have seen many changes in those 50 years from the days of the glorified Constance Spry style of pedestal for the Church Harvest Festival and the decorated window sills with branches of pruned fruit trees. Fortunately we were able to take advantage of Mr. Parker Gibson, a local nursery owner from Millisons Wood, who kindly donated huge prunings and there were always contributions from local gardens. What has become the mechanics (the anchorage of material for safety in the vases) has changed considerably. From the very humble beginning of crumpled newspaper and chicken wire to the introduction of the Japanese metal pin holder, called KENZAN They were very heavy as they had to keep the graceful formation of tree branches in place. Sometimes later plastic holders were introduced with plastic tape to hold them in place. We were encouraged to rescue any tins which held liquid, like salmon, sardine and pilchard. 2lb jam jars were a useful size as they held a lot of water. They were all so versatile. Over many years we developed an interest in looking for unusual containers.
During our term of office, Princess Grace of Monaco came to Solihull Flower Club to celebrate the Festival of Solihull Church. Brenda and I manned the flower stall and she graciously came to speak to us.
For more pleaseinformationcontact: Mo Reynolds 01676 521457
The most memorable time during our term of office was organising and taking part in the first Flower Festival at the local church of St Laurence. We notified and invited all the local clubs in our vicinity who were also in their infancies to take part and it was a challenge to us all. I understand that this practice has been regularly carried out over the years. are held at Meriden village Hall 7.30pmapprox9.30pm at evening.
the March meeting. Non members and visitors £5 per
Chelsea became very popular with exhibitors from abroad and so we were introduced to beautiful evocative flowers from different parts of the world. We seem to have come full circle and after the introduction of placements such as wool, buttons, laces and ribbons, we are now returning to the natural garden flowers once more.
During the past 50 years members have attended many interesting venues. The most venturesome being the club’s flight to Clarkson’s Bulb Fields in Holland. The volume of coloured tulips was magnificent and to visit the bulb market was very very interesting indeed. Brenda and I were very fortunate in having tickets to celebrate the Westminster Abbey Prayer Service. It was a magnificent sight to see these huge floral pedestal arrangements and the perfume that greeted us as the church doors were opened was overwhelming.
On 25th June Meriden Floral Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a luncheon and floral demonstration at Stonebridge Golf club.(Please see centre colour pages for another photograph.)
We now, have the new set of 1920 LED Tree Lights which are much brighter than the old set. The purchase of these was made possible by an, extremely generous, donation of £500 from GUY SALMON LAND ROVER, COVENTRY. Without this, which was instituted by Mr. David Martin (MD), I would not have been able to obtain the superior set of lights. The balance came from your response to my Light Appeal. There was a residual amount which is being shared, equally, between Macmillan Cancer Support and The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull, as will the proceeds from The Tree.
We would like to thank Elaine and Brian for making our village one to be proud of; the flowers and the Village Green are a credit to them. They work so hard in all weathers and the War Memorial in Berkswell Lane looks lovely. Brian has made a lovely job of making new tubs for the flowers.
Meriden Tree of Thought
THE MANOR HOTEL are making a wonderful gesture with the Christmas Lunch, on the 10th December for Village residents aged 65+. They are charging a very nominal £6 per head for a 3 course meal for 120 people!! Not only this but they are making a donation to MTOT. At the time of writing there are just 22 places available. If you have not already booked, do ring Reception at The Manor 522735. I would hope that many of you are aware of THE MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT website. There is now a revised site. This along with the previous one has been created by Stuart Bonnar of KLN DESIGN. (email. INFO@KLN DESIGN.CO.UK) I hadn't got a clue of how to go about this but Stuart has put in so much effort to make it possible. Do take a look. Yet again , Norman Kimberley of KIMBERLEY & CO has prepared the MTOT Accounts free of charge.
May I thank Trevor Payne for his letter in the Summer edition expressing appreciation of the Meriden Pool, it's associated wildlife, and the need to respect feeding advice, and use of litter bins. It is indeed precious for us, and future generations.
HUGE THANKS to everyone mentioned above and to all of you who support THE TREE. Just one more point please mark your calendars for FRIDAY 28th NOVEMBER! The Dedication of The Tree will be at 4pm on The Green. It would be wonderful to see you there supporting the input of the children of Meriden School.
One only has to look at aerial photographs or ordinance survey maps to appreciate the myriad of streams, rivers, pools, ponds, lakes, ranging from North Warwickshire to Berkswell that sustain wildlife and provide recreational outdoor facilities.
The Meriden Gap is well worth fighting to save, and, whilst welcoming new residents into the village, further development into green belt land should be subject to major scrutiny and, if necessary, protest. Regards, Kelvin Dear Meriden I would like to thank everyone involved in making my painting exhibition at Meriden Village hall, a great success! More than three hundred people attended, over the weekend of 21st and 22nd June, and many paintings sold. It was lovely to see many contacts and friends, made over fifty years of painting. The experience was very emotional and moving, particularly as I was in the village of my birth! I could not have asked for more. The comments in the visitor’s book indicated that all of those who attended enjoyed the experience also. The weather, as well as the people and location, made it a ‘perfect weekend!’ Once again my sincere thanks Michael Warr Author and Artist MacMillan Coffee Morning Come and join us on Friday26th September between10am and 12 noon at the Scout Hut, behind the Village Hall. We are having a cuppa and refreshments to support a very worthy cause.
Lesley Rhodes
Alan Lole
I am writing this on the 27th July, having started preparations for the TENTH MTOT. To date, I have received donations from DeMULDER ENTERPRISES and CASSIDY GROUP, with another on the way from PERTEMPS. My sincere thanks to each of them!
There will be a raffle, white elephant stall and £1othersfor your cuppa, nothing for a top up. All proceeds to MacMillan Cancer Support Shirley Goodsir
Pat Mills and Chris Ellison Thanks to the good weather this summer Meriden has looked lovely. From entering the village the plants on both roundabouts are a real splash of colour. The Green always looks very cared for and the planters there and at the duck pond are full of colour. The new flowerbed near the War Memorial which is mainly red and yellow is a fitting tribute to the 100 year centenary of the First World War Thank you to all who have planned, planted and looked after it.
So while my previous safety advice has focused on the traditional criminals who look to steal from unsecure cars or homes, I want to this time focus on how you can protect yourself against fraud.
If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, or would like some safety advice, please call officers on the 101.
At the same time if you’d like a visit from officers from the team to discuss this matter, or any other concerns you have please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I’m sure many of you reading this will at some point have dreamt about winning the lottery. Even now you’re probably becoming distracted by thinking about what your first extravagant purchase would be! But have you ever been told you’ve won a competition that you haven’t even entered? One small snag the money, luxurious car, house and holiday could be yours...after you’ve sent money in to cover the cost of transferring the funds. Maybe you’ve had a knock at the door when someone has offered to do that job you’ve been putting off at a price that sounds too good to be true but the workmen never returned after a deposit was paid and the work was never finished!
If you receive one of these calls end it immediately
Your bank or police will never ask for your PIN number
Claire Hargreave, year 13 student at Heart of England Sixth Form Police News from Sergeant Craig Hurst Our Neighbourhood Policeman
Your bank or police will never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards
For me, it is the youth that need to act in particular. For practical reasons, it is they who will be and who will nurture the next inhabitants of the most thriving and throbbing countries, the countries that are currently the biggest exponents of climate change. Moreover, it is the young people who can now connect with each other on a continual and accessible level in order to spread messages, ideas and solutions to the most pressing environmental issues. With the click of a few buttons, a demonstration about water pollution can be advertised; a tweet can encourage someone to turn off the taps when brushing their teeth. Equally, young people have the power to strongly influence their peers, some of whom may have a sense of self entitlement when it comes to the Naturally,environment.pollution, the greenhouse effect and climate change, among a host of serious issues affecting the course of planet earth, would be best tackled by a universal mobilisation. However, the current youth of the Western world should take note of the warnings and advice offered by scientists in order to reverse the damage wrought by our predecessors and by ourselves.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar to you then you could have been contacted by a scammer whose sole purpose in contacting you was to trick you into handing over personal details or cash.
If you are interested in having work done on your property, seek quotes from reputable local traders with verifiable names and addresses.Localauthorities
Worse still have you received a phone call from your ‘bank’ claiming your account has been hacked and that you need to confirm your personal details to the ‘bank assistant’ on the other end of the phone?
Regardless, we humans continue to commit these destructive acts in the name of modern living. Perhaps the youngest generation are the most culpable energy users; the striking rise in the use of technological devices compounded by the population growth have perhaps been caused by a shift in society towards modern and lightning fast ways of living. Whilst this cannot necessarily be attributed to a particular guilty party, we, as the most powerful inhabitants of the planet, certainly hold the responsibility to combat climate change and the greenhouse effect. This, at least, would be a bold gesture for the other species of planet earth.
A healthy lifestyle is something most of us strive towards, so why do we not all harbour the same desire for our planet? In our globalised and adapted world, why do we not try to reduce energy and resource wastage, in the same way that our impatience means we don’t waste a second? Whilst such environmental predicaments are, rightfully, overwhelming and at the source of contentious debate, I believe that climate change and the toxic impact of the greenhouse effect can be significantly slowed down. Although I am not a scientist, I think one group of our society have the biggest role to play in this integral process: young people. We’ve all heard the unshifting scare stories about the environment, in a large part due to the media. Few days pass when I don’t watch or listen to news stories about recently endangered species or a brutal natural disaster, often in relation to the damage that humans have inflicted on the environment. Although the current population are not solely responsible post industrial nations all contributed to these problems the worst environmental destruction yet is omnipresent in our international conscience. According to the California Coastal Commission, over one million seabirds are killed every year; the fatal BP oil spill of 2010 and others don’t make this figure surprising.
I’d also ask everyone reading this to pass on the safety advice to friends and relatives, especially the older members of our communities who sadly can be some of the most susceptible to this crime.
The Environment A Modern Approach to the Problem and the Solution
It is really important to be on your guard at all times. And if you have any concerns don’t hesitate to contact officers. Even if you have fallen foul of a scammer there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The information you provide to us could prevent further crimes.
Never buy goods or services from people who unexpectedly knock on your door; if in doubt, keep your door closed
run reliable trader schemes; ask the council for information.
If you’ve been a victim call your bank and cancel your cards immediately try to call from a different phone if reporting it immediately after being contacted by someone you believe was a scammer
Lavender Hall BerkswellLane 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 shopBaitcountryside.gloriousandtacklenowopen 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 MANOR HOTEL Main Road, Meriden, Solihull, West Midlands, CV7 7NH Tel: 01676 522735 Sunday Lunch in the Regency Restaurant Treat yourself and the family this Sunday to a traditional 3 course Sunday lunch served in our 2 AA Rosette Regency Restaurant. Have a day off the washing up and let us do all the hard work for you! 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! 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 Houston’s Bar and Grill 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 Enjoy… 3 Courses for the price of 2 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 person£8.95Per £10.9Only5
The name ‘Darlaston’ derived from its mid C19th owner Charles Darleston Blakesley. The family purchased lands in the village and the house became a private residence, then a boys’ boarding school. The original Darlaston Row,cottages fronting the Green was built for their servants. Mr Blakesley died in His1859.widow remained until the late 1860s when Charles Careless continued to run a preparatory school into the 1870s.
Captain Bankes of Meriden Hall killed in the Great War was a pupil here.
Lost Buildings of Meriden Part 2 Darlaston Hall
Previously described as,’ the handsomest inn in England’ it began its commercial life as ‘The Bull Head’. John Reynolds senior, an entrepreneur and ‘man of great private economy’ leased it replacing a substantial C16th establishment on the site. Meriden, the half way stopping place between London and Chester, even before the turnpike improved roads, boasted many hotels but this one surpassed all, attracting the titled and wealthy traveller with its silver tableware, fine wines, brandies and varied menus. He enlarged Meriden Pool in 1756 so that fresh fish could be available. His son Richard built the Chimes in its grounds famous for its carillon. Even on the verge of decline as an inn, it changed its name to the prestigious, ‘Royal Sussex Hotel’ in honour of Queen Victoria’s uncle. As Princess Victoria, she and her mother stayed here twice. The Royal Mail coach stopped from 1784 and the village’s first post office was set up in its outbuildings in 1840. In its time the old house had been used to launch many projects: the Woodmen of Arden, Enclosure plans, the Society for the Prosecution of Felons and in 1880s village charity events. Dr William Harvey Smith moved from ‘The Cottage’ on marriage in 1891 and remained there until his death in 1939. The house became dilapidated during the Second World War and at one point housed a Fire Engine. Sold several times and ultimately divided into apartments, it was an early casualty of village development schemes in the mid 1960s. Mr Hurton who demolished it told me it had a cellar full of empty bottles. Do you need a hand in the garden? Yes... Then call Ken on 07542 944975 Full range of garden services: Mowing, Edging, Weeding, Hedges and preparation. Verycompetitiverates 20yearsgardenexperience
'I was sad to read that Meriden, with the death of Edna McDougall or Barnett as I think of her, has lost such a long term member of the community. I can't recall when or where I first met her or her brothers Paul and John but it must be well over 60 years ago. A friend of my mother, I knew her well . She was quiet, kind and concerned about her wider family. Ron with his warm and welcoming smile was often on duty before service at St Laurence's. He gave you a sense of assurance. I would like to dedicate this to their memory. Doreen Agutter
Darlaston Hall or Court was once a majestic three storey building Opposite Meriden Pool shaded by a row of mature beeches. It was still listed Grade 11 in 1951.There are no documents proving when precisely it was built but judging from its architectural features about 1740. The earliest known drawing of it, dated 1752 is in the Aylesford Collection and there is also an 1830s watercolour by Dr Kittermaster.
[[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William son of Gerard (possibly Geoffrey’s brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill the Mason, Nicolas Godyng and many others. I imagine them all crowding round listening, all of 700 years ago. Doreen Agutter. PC Technical Services Tile Hill Lane Coventry Home Computer Repairs Upgrading & Problem Solving Telephone 024 7667 4952 Independent personal attention Internet & Troubleshootinge-mail&tuition
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 Temple Balsall A Sure Start Children’s Centre News from Meriden Rotary Club Greetings from Meriden Rotary Club!
The new Rotary Club President’s year started in July and I am delighted and excited to be the President of this Club for the year 2014 2015. I hope to get much satisfaction from my year serving this great Club and the ThisCommunity.yearwehave planned many events including Santa Fun Run and Santa Sleigh in December. Meriden community have always supported us in our events and I look forward to even more support this year. Our usual Tuesday evening meetings continue at the Manor Hotel in Meriden with a range of varied and interesting speakers, so why not come along and join us? See how you can become involved, can contribute and have some fun whilst helping others!
Finally, were you at the “The Picnic in the Park” on 20th July and visited the Rotary Club display about World War I and some of our Club events?
Our focus will now be on Santa Fun Run taking place on 7th December, 2014 and I hope to see many of you putting on your running shoes wearing the Santa outfit!
Meriden Rotary 2014 Santa Fun Run
Tell your friends and family and get them to take part. If you want to sponsor your own favourite Charity let us know. If you have never done a “Fun Run” before, this is a 4 kilometre course around Meriden and is open for everybody to run or walk it is not a race. This being a “Santa Fun Run” santa suits are included in the registration fee. Everybody can do this and it is really great fun to do the run in a Santa suit. We are raising funds in aid of “Marie Curie Cancer Care” and other Rotary Charities. Online registration will be available and as last year, it can be done through “Virgin Money Giving”. For full details see our website www.meriden santa fun run.org.uk Once registration opens, a link to our page on “Virgin Money Giving” will be provided. Alternatively, a registration form will be available for download, as well as a sponsor form and a medical form.
The FAQ page provides more information and if you cannot find what you are looking for, use the form on the “Enquiry” page.
The Rotary Club of Meriden is organising the 3rd Annual Santa Fun Run on Sunday December 7th. Last year, our Santa Fun Run attracted more participants who together with sponsors raised the magnificent sum of £5,000. Many thanks to all. We are hoping to do even better this year, so come on all you “Fun Run” people and help make this one even better!
Dev Kulkarni, President, Meriden Rotary Club
is 65 pages long, and tries to cover issues along the 14km of planned railway in Solihull Borough. By sharing our work with residents, and by responding to the successive consultations on HS2, HHAG built up a long list of items needing mitigation. 248 of the 260 paragraphs contain one or more specific requests for changes to the Bill, but that's still not enough to capture every issue in the area.
The exhibition will run from November 9th to November 23rd and will be open from 10am to 4pm daily. Many people and parish organisations have kindly volunteered to take part and depict various aspects of the Great War.
High Speed Railway Action Group (www.hhag.org.uk)
The passage of the HS2 Bill through Parliament will take several years, and there are good prospects for saving the area from some of the worst impacts of the scheme. HHAG and other petitioners are grateful for all the help and support received from the wider community, but unfortunately there's a lot of work yet to be done!’
HeartChairmanofEngland
was arranged by area, north to south through the borough, followed by sections on generic issues affecting the whole area. A tunnel through the high ground of Balsall Common would hugely reduce the impacts on the area, and a proper study is being requested by HHAG and other local petitioners.
Our focus was on matters of direct concern to residents: Noise trains, maintenance works, construction, and road traffic. Landscape, appearance of structures, noise barriers, screening plantings, viaducts, embankments, flood lighting, drainage ponds, future inappropriate development. Public access, closure and diversion of footpaths and bridleways, spooking of horses by noise and trains. Road closures and diversions, junction design, access to farm land. Construction traffic, dust, work camps and security, use of narrow lanes. Blockage of radio, TV and phone signals. Archaeology and listed buildings. Wildlife habitat, migration routes, threat to barn owls, ancient woodland, hydrology. Economic damage to farms and businesses during construction and afterwards, loss of community facilities and recreation, and a community Thefund.petition
What have the Church of England, the English Folk Dancing and Song Society, and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists got in common? Answer they all petitioned against HS2! And so have a lot of others a total of 1925 including many local people with their personal petitions. All the petitions can be downloaded from: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cmhs2/petitions/petcontents.htm
The revelation that Solihull Council is planning a new city in the Meriden Gap greenbelt around the Bickenhill Station just adds to local concerns. The proposals were revealed like HS2 itself after several years of secret study without any local HHAG'sconsultation.petition
An Exhibition in Berkswell Church
It's remarkable that, more than 5 years into the project, HS2 Ltd and the Government seem to have been unable to agree anything with anyone, even the closest supporters of the scheme. We've had consultation after consultation, a series of community forum meetings, and direct correspondence. Despite all that, HS2 Ltd just can't give a straight answer on any measure intended to reduce or compensate for the impact of the project.
So everything has been passed to a Committee of 6 MPs to sort out. HS2 Ltd didn't challenge the right of HHAG and other local bodies to be heard by the Committee, so we're all planning what to say to them when our turn comes in the Autumn. It's not just a case of reading out the petition it's all about evidence, and that means maps, photos, information, and witnesses prepared to confirm the serious damage expected unless changes are made.
Any of the local petitioners would welcome contributions, but everything has to be linked to the requests in the petitions.
Richard Lloyd
This year in November an Exhibition is being held in Berkswell church to commemorate the anniversary of the outbreak of World War One , as a tribute to the fallen men on Berkswell’s Roll of Honour.
The ideas are fantastic and it will be a brilliant display and a fitting tribute. There will be a small exhibition of texts taken from various sources with a theme of “Conflict” collated by Ken Teague in the Bercul Room.
Petitioners will be able to submit photographs and written material, so please consider carefully whether you have anything that could help get the Committee of MPs on our side. This is a vital battle to win the best possible mitigation and restitution of our environment, to win effective control over the disruption during the many years of construction, and to minimise the long term harm to our area.
PA ELECTRICS (17th edition qualified) All aspects of domestic installation and repairs Phone Paul Telephone: 0121 764 5872 Mobile 07979 064835 Email: paulheath11@yahoo.com • MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE SHEETS • GLAZING BARS & ACCESSORIES • DECORATIVE WALL CLADDING & SHOWER PANELS • UPVC FASCIA, SOFFITS, SKIRTING & ARCHITRAVE • CORRUGATED PVC, GRP & POLYCARBONATE ROOFING SHEETS • GUTTERING & DOWNPIPES - SQUARE & ROUND • CUT TO SIZE ACRYLIC & POLYCARBONATE SHEETS • DECORATIVE COVING & CORNICE • HYGIENIC WALL & CEILING LININGS • DYNOTILE CLIP TOGETHER GARAGE FLOORING IS RIGHT OYUR DOORSTEP!! Tel: 01676 522224 Opening Hours - Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat Morning 9am-12pm WWW.ROCKWELL- MERIDEN.CO.UK ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST DISTRIBUTORS OF PLASTIC BUILDING MATERIALS IS STILL RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP!! We have moved to Millisons Wood !! ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST DISTRIBUTORS OF PLASTIC BUILDING MATERIALS Rockwell Sheet Sales Ltd Rockwell MillisonsBirminghamHouseRoadWood,Coventry CV5 9AZ Fuse box upgrades Test and inspection Extra lights and sockets Security lights Full or rewirespartial Digital TV aerials Free quotations Part RegisteredP Fully equipped with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private roof terrace, swimming pool, garage, TV and air conditioning. 10 mins from the sea 40km from Alicante airport From £250 per week Contact Malcolm Hickin 01676 mhickin@tiscali.co248673.uk Holiday accommodation rental in Spain
Barbara Bland
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.
Your Parish Councillors are:
The MeridenPavilionSports Park Main Tel: 01676 522474 and Thursdays) Mobile: 07767 162423 Email: barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com Web: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
Melanie Lee Rosie Weaver Bob Kipling Paul Lee Mandy Haque Frances Jon Barber Matthew Nunn (Chair) (Vice Chair) Lynch Smith Community surgeries at Meriden Library
Community surgeries are held by Barbara Bland, our Clerk, and Bruce Brant, our Neighbourhood Co ordinator, from Solihull Council to discuss any issues at Meriden Library on Monday mornings from 10.00am 12.00 noon on the following dates: 1 September, 6 October and 3 November 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.
The next meeting dates are: 22 September 2014 Parish Council Meeting, Pavilion, Sports Park 20 October 2014 Parish Council Meeting, Pavilion, Sports Park 24 November 2014 Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall 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. 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.
Police beat surgeries Sgt Craig Hurst and his team will conduct their beat surgery on Thursday 18 September, 16 October and 20 November 2014 at Meriden Library between 11am and 12noon. If you have any policing concerns do come along and discuss them with one of the local officers that is responsible for patrolling your area.
(Mondays
Sports Camps this Autumn at Meriden Sports Park 27-31 October 2014 9am 3pm each day. £10 per day or £40 per week. For boys and girls aged 5 For12.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.
MeridenRoadCV7 7SP
A message from our ducks
At the time of going to print, Bloom judging had taken place and we eagerly await the Meanwhileresults. we wish to thank our sponsorswonderfulNRS
Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom 2014 Meriden Parish Council are delighted to work with local retailers, the business community and contractors embracing localism. Due to recent housing developments and quarry extensions it was considered Meriden was not at its best and therefore not entered a Bloom Competition in recent years. Dovetail, a new Parish Council contractor, has been instrumental in supporting the Parish Council in getting Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom 2014 underway in Meriden. They have given their labour pro bono planting, clearing and maintaining two unattractive “grot spots” being the old conveniences and roundabout at Birmingham Road/Maxstoke Lane.
Please note that white bread, which is highly processed, has very little nutrition for us. A little is not harmful, but a high percentage in our diets can lead to malnutrition for the ducklings and the excess can mean pollution of the pond. It can also mean more ‘poop’ as it makes us ‘loose’ which can spread avian botulism!
In the evening a lamp was lit by Meriden’s War Memorial between 10pm and 11pm joining the rest of the nation in an hour’s reflection.
Sponsored by NRS Wastecare Limited the newly named Coronation Island in commemoration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee received a wonderful makeover from Dovetail with the help of Meriden school children and local residents. The design being a bull’s eye acknowledging the history of The Bowmen of Arden to Meriden. With a site clearance and financial contribution by Taylor Wimpey Homes and a donation from Pertemps, the site of the old conveniences received Dovetail’s magic to create a unique living memorial in the shape of a Poppy. The newly named Memorial Approach in commemoration of the Centenary of World War One was dedicated on 4th August 2014 (see below)
Over feeding us can affect our natural behaviour we need to know how to forage for food so that we can feed when there are no hand outs! Too much white bread can attract pests to the area, too. Thank you for feeding us brown bread or corn, instead!
On Sunday 3 August 2014, the eve of the centenary, St Laurence Church held a special WW1 service. The following day, 4 August 2014, the 100th anniversary of Britain’s entry into World War One, the Mayor of Solihull hosted an ‘Inter Faith Service Commemorating the Outbreak of World War I’ at the Civic Chamber which was attended by Cllr Frances Lynch Smith.
Poor diets can give ducks deformed ‘angel’ wings which are incurable and mean we cannot fly so we could not escape from danger or move to another pond if this one becomes over crowded.
Later in the afternoon, Peter Wright from St Laurence Church conducted a dedication to Meriden’s new Memorial Approach and poppy flower display on Main Road. The dedication was attended by veterans and residents and our sponsors Taylor Wimpey Homes and Dovetail Facilities Management.
Wastecare Limited, Taylor Wimpey Homes, Pertemps, Meriden Tea Rooms, Spar, Meriden Fish & Chips, Fordes on The Green, The Bull’s Head; contractors Dovetail, Brian Ball and AMS; Meriden School and Alan Lole who donated thousands of poppy seeds that have been sown throughout the village for the enjoyment of us all in years to come. A huge thank you and we applaud you all!
First World War Centenary Meriden commemorated
For the very best for your dog, contact… Lesley Thompson, at Meriroyles 118 Fillongley Road, Meriden. Telephone 01676 522405 email: meriroyles@aol.com 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 Tom’s Butchery Established 25 years 3 The Green TelephoneMeriden 01676 522822 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 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 Open Weekdays 6.30am-10pm Weekends 7.30am-10pmSpar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287 Opening hours Weekdays 6am 10pm Weekends 7am 10pm
Norburn) 28th December 1925 27th June 2014
Despite coping with physical difficulties and discomforts in her later years Beryl tried her best to keep up her own spirits and be cheerful company, finding something of interest to focus on and have a laugh whenever she could. She valued the opportunities open to her to enjoy the company of neighbours and of the friends old and new whom she saw at groups such as Cameo and Age UK’s Club K and continued to take a lively interest in what was going on around her. She will be missed by many who will remember her zest for life, enquiring mind and sense of humour.
Margaret Shirley (nee Billie
Margaret’s parents, Iris and Os Norburn, moved to Meriden during the Birmingham bombings and lived in Eaves Green. Margaret joined them in the 1940’s having been evacuated from Waverley Grammar School in Birmingham.
Margaret (Billie) and Alan met at the YFC and married in 1950. They lived first of all in a converted cottage called “Charlie’s “, then to “Brookside” next to Shirley’s Garage .They had two children Jill and Ian. Jill has two children, Julie and Adam; Ian also has two children Tom and Louise.
Margaret’s husband Alan died suddenly in 1970 which left her to run Shirley’s Garage, which she did until it was sold in the mid 70’s when she moved to Cornwall to be near her parents and sister, Zita. After the death of her parents she returned to the Midlands, to live in Rugby before moving to Warwick to be near Jill and her husband.
Beryl married Ken in1946 and in 1950 they took over a busy post office in the Holbrooks area of Coventry, where their two daughters grew up. Beryl and Ken’s shared passion was walking and mountaineering, taking every opportunity to head for the hills. They enjoyed many walks, picnics and camping trips over the years with friends and sometimes with fellow members of the Coventry Mountaineering Club. Around thirty years ago Beryl and Ken retired and moved to Meriden where they took great delight in exploring new walks from their doorstep and in the surrounding countryside. They led a rambling group for Solihull U3A and after Ken died in 2007, Beryl, by now in her eighties, was still leading walks across fields and stiles. Sadly a fall later left Beryl with restricted mobility but she remained determined to go down to the village on her walking frame. She loved visiting the library, talking to people and being able to choose her own fresh produce from the butchers, whilst also appreciating the kind support of friends and neighbours who helped with what she could no longer do herself. The garden, too, was a source of joy and interest to Beryl, who encouraged birds and bees and loved to see things growing.
Beryl Lucas February 1923 May 2014
CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP 2014
Monday, November 3rd until Saturday, December 13th . The opening times here will be Monday & Thursday 1 7; Tuesday 9 1; Friday 9 12; Saturday 9 4 (closed Wednesday). We are looking for volunteers to help in 1½ or 2 hour slots on our rota at Allesley Park, so if you can help, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact Janice Whittlesey 01676 534407
The Midland Charities Association Christmas card shop is back in Balsall Common library for six weeks from Saturday, November 1st until Saturday, December 13th . The shop operates at all library opening times during that period, i.e. Monday & Thursday 10 6; Tuesday 10 5; Friday 2 5; Saturday 10 4 (closed Wednesday). There will be cards from 16 different charities. For more information, please contact Judith Woodcock 01676 533428 or Pam Brown 01676 532580 In addition, the card shop in Allesley Park Community Library, Whitaker Road CV5 9JE will be open for 6 weeks from
Following major surgery in 2013 she had the delight of seeing and getting to spend time with her first great grandchild, Olivia, born in November 2013.After being in hospital and two nursing homes, including a time living with Ian and his wife, she died peacefully in Northamptonshire, aged 88. Her passion for family , history, gardening, flower arranging, crafts, travel and animals, particularly horses and dogs, lives on through members of the family. Margaret had the ability to make everyone that she met feel special and she will be sadly missed by all those lives she touched. Jill, Ian and their families would like to express their sincere thanks to the Meriden Floral Society for the beautiful floral tributes that they kindly placed in the church in celebration of Mum’s life.
Margaret took part in many of the local activities, becoming founder secretary of the newly formed Meriden Young Farmers’ Club; founder secretary of the new Conservative Association; a Meriden school governor and the founder secretary of the Meriden Floral Society, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. She was very involved in organising the first Flower Festival at St. Laurence Church and remained active in the society until she left Meriden.
Beryl was born in Coventry, where she won a scholarship to Barrs Hill Grammar School. In 1939, aged sixteen, she left school to start work since the war had begun and her brother and father were both in the Forces and later trained as a Metallurgical Assistant at Wickmans.
1. Meriden Surgery 01676 522252 School House, 200 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NG Dr M Bhandal Dr S Barratt Dr A Carlile Dr T Nadeem Dr R Horsley (Partners) Associate GPs Dr L Palmer & Dr C Bayliss www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00 For details on how to obtain medical help when the surgery is closed please phone 01676 935000 For 02476informationmorepleaseringCynthiaon440316 A support group for all those affected by a lung condition, including friends, family andMeetscarers.on the 2nd Friday of every month. 2 4 pm Eadon Hall, Central Hall, Methodist Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA Friday 12th September -Karen Payne, Nurse Specialist Bronchiectasis Friday 10th October Beverley Bostock, Nurse Practitioner “Why am I coughing?” Friday 14th November - Social morning at Conroy’s Coffee House, Corporation Street, Coventry. 10.30am 12noon Coventry Breathe Easy Online Appointments & Repeat Prescriptions Would you like On Line access to book certain appointments, cancel appointments and order your repeat medications? If you would like to use this facility please inform reception or email Joanne Hope at joanne.hope@nhs.net, you will then be sent a consent form to sign and return to us. Once this is received we will supply you with a username and password for you to gain access to the online services within our website Are you aware that there are a number of ways in which you can cancel your unwanted appointment? By telephoning 01676 522252 By secure email to SOLCCG.BCCancelAppointments@nhs.net birth,Pleasenotethatnootherrequestswillbeactionedviathisemailaddress.Pleaseremembertoincludeyourname,dateofdateandtimeoftheappointmentyouwishtocancelandwhichstaffmembertheappointmentiswith Via our website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk You can either cancel an appointment you have booked using Online access or send the practice a message via the website If you have not already done so then sign up today for Online Access By Fax 01676 523865 In Writing Face to Face at Reception Complaints/Comments/Suggestions If you have any comments, suggestions or a complaint regarding the service you receive from the practice, please contact the Practice Manager, Mrs Joanne Hope, either in writing or by telephoning 01676 935000 Appointments All consultations are run by appointment only. We have pre bookable appointments which are available to book 4 weeks in advance. Once these slots are taken patients are requested to telephone the surgery at 8.30am and 2.00pm on the day to make an appointment. Telephone consultations are also available, please telephone the surgery to request a telephone consultation. If a patient regularly fails to attend an appointment without cancelling it, they may be removed from the practice list Ordering your repeat medication The practice provides a repeat prescribing service for authorised medication. We prefer these to be ordered using the list attached to your previous prescription. Please tick the items you require and put the slip in the box at the main entrance or alternatively you can telephone 01676 522252 between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm (until 12 noon on Wednesdays) or fax your request to 01676 523865. If you have Online Access you can also order your repeat medication via the website. 48 hours notice is required for ALL medication requests Practice Quarterly Newsletter For additional surgery information & latest news please pick up a practice leaflet at reception or log onto our website at www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk Or request to be added to the distribution list for the quarterly Newsletter
AnArticle written by Dr Richard Horsley Why no antibiotics?
The World Health Organisation reported on 30th April that antibiotic resistance is a serious and current global threat. The majority of people have already heard the message and completely understand the issues regarding antibiotics. The public are aware about hospital superbugs like MRSA and the diarrhoea bug c. difficile and growing antibiotic resistance. I am a GP and I know most of my patients are aware when they have a cold and understand that it is caused by a virus. Often parents confirm this in their opening sentence and that they just want me to check over their child. We all know that antibiotics do not work for viruses. So, I would like to consider the motivations for people seeking help and antibiotics despite this widely held knowledge.
We have all had conjuctivitis and this can lead to issues for some working families as schools or nurseries often have policies which exclude children. GPs may advise cleaning only for 48 hours as most often it is viral especially if associated with a cold. A GP will treat if the condition is severe but bacterial conjunctivitis is usually one sided with a thick yellow discharge but even then 65% resolve by day five. We can offer advice, a delayed prescription and I would like to work with local services to review policies.
I try to discover the reason why patients come for antibiotics despite having this knowledge. Well, firstly hands up that historically doctors have given antibiotics for conditions which did not require them at all. This sets up a misunderstanding and potential conflict when another doctor says no at a later stage. This situation can be resolved with proper explanation of the condition. Sometimes patients say 'I know you don't like giving them' but this is only true when they are not appropriate to prescribe and would not work.
There are some conditions which definitely need antibiotics such as pneumonia, meningitis, proven urine infections, tonsillitis and skin infections. There are some high risk groups who need antibiotics promptly such as those with long term conditions, the elderly, the very young and those with low immune systems. It is to protect these people and ensure the future effectiveness of antibiotics that we must all work together. Doctors are entrusted with responsible prescribing of antibiotics but the public also want to defend the antibiotics we have for the future. Very few antibiotics are being developed now and usually the new ones are only prescribed in hospitals.
NHS Blood and Transplants
Sometimes patients want an insurance policy but if you are ill and come for a review then a GP will offer an assessment at that point. Preventing possible problems for well people with minor illness is not a good reason for antibiotics. Predicting how things will develop is near impossible but I can offer advice of alarm symptoms and when to seek a further review. My hope is that we will look after the antibiotics then they will continue to look after us!
The next sessions for blood donors will be Thursday 30th October at The Heart of England Social Club 1.30 3.30 & 4.30 7.30pm
Appointments available by calling 03001232323
Other reasons for coming can be that life is stressful enough but then an important event will come along just when you feel unwell. People may be struggling along and are keen to continue working or to fulfil commitments. Patients in desperation will then seek ‘something’ to make them better, to recover quicker or prevent infection. Clearly logic tells you antibiotics still won't work but GPs often know their patients and will empathise about the wider issues then offer the diagnosis and explanation. It follows that patients also come after battling along with a condition using over the counter medicines. Some just want to be examined in case there is something else wrong, to prevent something developing or because of a relatives concerns. This is reasonable and I can offer information about expected duration of common illnesses and these alarm features. I can assess then offer advice, optimise symptom control and remind about drinking extra Somefluid.specific conditions to consider such as a cough can be a significant nuisance and interferes with sleep and causes discomfort. I would be concerned about smokers or people with other chest conditions who have a persistent cough. I would want to review a cough which is associated with shortness of breath, chest pain or people who are very unwell. However, I will unfortunately not be surprised that the cough syrup hasn't worked. A simple way to check if your cough is likely to be caused by a virus is if it develops with a cold. There are lots of useful resources to explain the normal illness process and expected symptom duration. Knowing your own body and having faith in your immune system whilst treating symptoms effectively is important. My role is to look out for the vulnerable groups and complications. People with long term conditions are often given their own emergency plans and supply of antibiotics. A very common problem but not a well known word is 'pharyngitis'. This is the medical term for sore throat and is certainly viral if you have other cold or flu symptoms. Most people mistake this for tonsillitis but this can be considered if you have high fever, pus on your tonsils, tender glands and don't have a cough.
blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100 Men and Women welcome Open late nights Monthly offers available Dual treatment room Gift vouchers available Friendly, welcoming environment All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nails and Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed, Dermal fillers and fine line injections Monday closed, Tuesday 10 5, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10 8, Saturday & Sunday 10 4 For more details or to go on our mailing list - Telephone 01676 521100 wwwblitzbeautycoventry.co.uk Join us on Facebook & Twitter Acanthus Picture Framer Calvin Home Workshop 279 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common Tuesday Friday 10.00am thru to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm Anyothertimebyappointment Needleworks Prints Photos Medals Artworks Mirrors available and framed 0845 388 8178 Over 60's special Also2510amTuesday-3pm%offanytreatmentcomplimentarytea&biscuitsNew to Blitz Vibration plate andLiposuctionUltrasonic
10 jobs to do in the garden this September
spoils them 5.Net
8Clean
M.J. Mowing martin@mjmowing.co.uk 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 Brailes522318Farm Fresh cut turf Rockery stone and Other gardenVillageneedsdelivery Serves 6 1 onion 1 stick of celery 1 red pepper chopped finely Handful of spinach/swiss chard 1 ChopCarrotall the vegetables finely 4 eggs, separated 1 tsp Worcester sauce 2oz grated cheddar cheese 3oz cooked chicken chopped 3oz cooked ham chopped 8oz cream cheese with chives or chilli or plain Salt and pepper Swiss Roll Tin, greased and lined 200C/ Gas 6 / Fan 180 METHOD1.Dry fry (or use a little rapeseed oil) all the veg until soft and leave to cool slightly. 2. Whisk the egg whites until stiff. 3. Beat the egg yolks and add the Worcester sauce, cheese, half the cooked veg and salt and pepper. Fold into the egg whites. 4. Turn on to the prepared tin and bake in the preheated oven for approx 15 mins or until firm to touch. 5. Meanwhile add the chicken, bacon and cream cheese to the remaining veg and season to taste. Heat slightly to form a thick sauce. 6. Turn out the cooked and still warm roulade on to a tea towel or greaseproof paper and spread the sauce all over. 7. Roll from the long side using the tea towel to help you. Serve warm or for picnics/packed teas allow to cool and cut into chunky slices.
10.Plant
7.Start
6.Keep
1.Divide herbaceous perennials 2.Pick autumn raspberries 3.Collect and sow seed from perennials and hardy annuals 4.Dig up
potatoes
Mary Ann Beaty of the Dairy Farm Packington is a new chef writing cookery articles for the Farmer’s Weekly. This is her recipe for Chicken and Bacon Roulade which looks delicious. remaining before slug damage ponds before leaf fall gets underway up with watering of new plants, using rain or grey water if possible to reduce the frequency of houseplant watering out cold frames and greenhouses so that they are ready for use in the autumn leafy vegetable crops with bird-proof netting spring flowering bulbs
9.Cover
It’s possible that this bit of blarney was added in 1978, when there was a major project to restore the stone retaining walls of the brook after years of particularly serious erosion. But a search of the newspaper files reveals nothing about Meriden’s blarney stone. There’s another Blarney Stone, of course, the one over in Ireland the one that’s been drawing tourists and pilgrims for hundreds of years. It’s at Blarney Castle, in County Cork, and to kiss it, one has to lean backward, holding on to an iron railing. Then, legend has it, he will be granted the gift of eloquence.
Meriden’s blarney stone makes no such promise; then again, there’s no dangerous hanging upside down required.
Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Meriden's 'Blarney Stone' mystery Harbor Brook meanders through Brookside Park, which is just down a flight of stairs from Broad Street, on its way to downtown Meriden. Much of the land that makes up the 13 acre park was bought by industrialist Walter Hubbard in 1901 and donated to the city. Many of the amenities that once made the park an active place for children and families such as a wading pool, a ball field, picnic benches and fireplaces are gone now, part of a legacy of flooding, bank erosion, vandalism and neglect. But the park remains a place of sylvan respite from the pace of modern life. But as we either whiz by in our cars or perhaps text our way through the park with heads down, do we even notice the details of this bucolic place? For part of the way through the park, the brook flows between low stone walls. Two pedestrian bridges, built in 1958, also of stone, span the brook, and right next to one of them is an anomaly: Set into the stone wall right where a culvert brings storm water down from the other side of Broad Street, almost behind the Dairy Queen is an oversize stone with this message neatly carved into it: “A LITTLE BIT O BLARNEY.”
`m.
A search of this newspaper’s files has produced nothing, so if anyone has a clue as to the source of this hunk of gray rock in the middle of the Silver City if anyone knows the who? what? when? or why? of it we’d love to hear about it, and share it with our readers.
Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com
SOLIHULL ARTIST’S ARTFORUMTRAIL2014 SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER & SUNDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER ALL VENUES OPEN FROM 10.00AM TO 5.00PM FOR MORE DETAILS AND A MAP OF THE TRAIL PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.solihullartistsforum.co.uk GARNERSest 1919 A Home Delivery Service of Finest Handmade Pork Sausage Products Highest Quality British Pork from Red Tractor Assured TraditionallyFarms.Seasoned to a Fifty Year Old Recipe. Handcrafted into Delicate Natural Lambs Casing. Free Home Delivery to CV postcodes. www.garnersdirect.co.uk tel: Jim 07974875019 Garners: Hawkes Mill Lane, Coventry
Berkswell Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7LB Tel: 01676 522403 Mob: 07917518724 Fax: 01676 523181 Email: martin.pettiforandson@gmail.com SELF STORAGE CONTAINERS A A. . P PEETTTTIIFFOOR R & & S SOON N L LTTD D 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 Warehousing & Distribution
DATE EVENT VENUE TIME CONTACT 1st Sept WI Open Evening Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 1st Sept Community Surgery Library 10.00am 12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 1st Sept Story time for the under 5s Library 2.45 3.15 pm 522717 4th Sept Meriden School Term begins 522488 10th Sept Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 13th Sept Lego Movie Village Hall 4.30pm Chris Copper 522645 15th Sept Reading Cafe Library 10.30 12 noon 522717 15th Sept Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 18th Sept Police Community Surgery Library 11 12 noon Sgt Craig Hurst 101 18th Sept Rhyme Time 0 2 year olds Library 2.30 3.15pm 522717 19th Sept Race Night H of E Club Mary Warr 522160 22nd Sept Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 26th Sept CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 522534 26th Sept Macmillan Coffee morning Scout Hut 9.00 am 12noon Shirley Goodsir 521259 27th Sept Prom For All Coventry Cathedral 6.00 pm 28th Sept Harvest Festival Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Charlesworth 533737 3rd Oct Music and Dancing Night H of E Club 7.30pm Mary Warr 522160 6th Oct WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 6th Oct Community Surgery Library 10.00am 12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 8th Oct Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 16th Oct Police Community Surgery Library 11 12 noon Sgt Craig Hurst 101 16th Oct Rhyme Time 0 2 year olds Library 2.30 3.15pm 522717 18th Oct Philomena film Village Hall 6.00pm Chris Copper 522645 18/19 Oct Arts and Crafts Exhibition Fentham Hall 10 5.00pm 20th Oct Reading Cafe Library 10.30 12 noon 522717 20th Oct Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 20th Oct Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 24th Oct “In the Pink” Strawberry Bank Hotel 7.30pm Mary Warr 522160 24th Oct CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 522534 25/26Oct Art Exhibition Patricks Farm Barns 10.00 4.00pm Julie Hyde 523357 26th Oct British summer time ends 27/31Oct Half Term Sports Camp Sports Park 9.00 3.00pm Paul Jayes 07508 611922 30th Oct Blood Donors H of E Club 1.30 3.30pm 4.30 7.30pm 0300 123 2323 1st DecNov13th Charity Christmas Card shop opens Balsall Common Library Judith 533428 1st Nov Firebirds Concert Lime Tree Social Club 7.30pm John 07716721467 2nd Nov Bereavement Service St Laurence Church 4.00pm Kate Massey 522825 3rdNov Meriden Mag deadline 3rd Nov W.I. Annual meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 3rd Nov Community Surgery Library 10.00am 12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 6th Nov Coffee Morning Packington Hall 10.30am 12noon 9/23rd Nov WW1 Exhibition Berkswell Church 10.00am 4.00pm 9th Nov Remembrance Service 12th Nov Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 16th Nov 130th Anniversary Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Charlesworth 533737 17th Nov Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 17th Nov Reading Cafe Library 10.30 12 noon 522717 20th Nov Police Community Surgery Library 11 12 noon Sgt Craig Hurst 101 20th Nov Rhyme Time 0 2 year olds Library 2.30 3.15pm 522717 24th Nov Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 28th Nov CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 522534 28th Nov Tree of Thought Dedication Village Green 4.00pm Alan Lole 522138 Village Diary
These walking tours run every Saturday all year round, leaving from between the Council House and the town Hall, on Victoria Square. Look out for the large black umbrella. The city centre walks are every Saturday at The11.30am.themed walks are every Saturday afternoon at 2.00pm; they include a Jewellery Quarter Walk, Canal walk and a Tolkien Middle Earth tour.
Find
The Great War: Coventry’s Story marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, and the experiences of Coventry people in the armed forces and on the home front.
Through objects, photographs and archive material from the Herbert’s collections, the exhibition explores the lives of active servicemen, and their personal experiences of combat and life in the trenches, including the loss of comrades. It looks at the impact of the war on the lives of people in Coventry, focusing on war production and the role of women. Refugees to the city, rationing and food shortages are also portrayed in the exhibition, examining how those who were left behind adapted and survived. A section of the exhibition looks in detail at the memorials created to commemorate the soldiers who were killed in the conflict, with the City of Coventry Roll of the Fallen a poignant reminder of those who were lost.
What’s on at the NEC this autumn
Tickets cost £8 adults £6 students, £5 children and are available from the Tourist Information desk at the central library or via the website www.midlandsdiscoverytours.co.uk out about the twice monthly ghost walks
The Great War is an exhibition of memories, collected and preserved by Coventry people, and serves as a moving reminder of their sacrifices and contribution.
The Great War: Coventry’s Story
Cruise show - 20th -21st September Cycle Show 26th 28th September National Wedding Show 3rd 5th October Grand Designs Live 9th 12th October Motorhome and Caravan Show 14th 19th CraftsOctoberfor Christmas 6th 9th November BBC Good Food Show 27th 30th November
Discover Birmingham Guided walking tours
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum Admission Free
Places to go and things to do this autumn
Meriden Primary School Mrs L. Winkler 01676 522488 Meriden Library 01676 522717 Meriden Surgery 01676 522252 Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722 St. Laurence Church Rev’d Kate Massey 01676 522825 Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Andrew Charlesworth 01676 533737 Meriden Christian Fellowship Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt 01676 523050 Parish Council Barbara Bland (Mondays & Thursdays only) 01676 522474 Sports co ordinator Paul Jayes 07962 375038. Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000 Solihull District Councillors Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408 David Bell 01676 535211 Tony Dicicco 07780438290 Member of Parliament Caroline Spelman 0121 711 7029 Meriden Scout Group Gerry Russell 01676 522666 Post Office Sue Harper 01676 522230 Rural Police Sector Sgt Craig Hurst 101 New emergencynonno. BICKENHILL PUBLIC WASTE DISPOSAL SITE OPENING HOURS Winter 1st Nov 31st March Monday Friday (except Tues) 9.30am 4.00pm Tuesday 9.30am 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am 4.00pm Summer 1st April 31st October Monday Friday (except Tues) 9.30am 5.00pm Tuesday 9.30am 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am 4.00pm Last admission 15 minutes before closing time Useful village contact numbers 15th BirthdaySeptemberofthePrince Harry 9th RemembranceNovember Sunday 11th Birthday14thRemembranceNovemberDayNovemberofthePrince of Wales 20th November Her Majesty’s Wedding Day Dates MeridenthehoistingforflagonGreen Mag advertising rates Eighth page £10 Quarter page £20 Half page £40 Small ads (sale or wanted) £5.00 Charity & 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 Reminder! Deadline date for the winter issue: Monday 3rd November. Out by 1st December. Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 Deliveriesmargarete.argyle@gmail.com522453:DougBaconandPaulLeeProofReader:ClaireRose New recycling service for Meriden From autumn recycling will be getting even easier. You will be given a brown wheeled bin for your plastic, paper, card, and cans. You will also be able to recycle additional materials such as juice cartons, foil, and aerosols. There is no change to your glass recycling. This will continue to be collected in your recycling box. If you currently receive purple sacks for your rubbish you will receive clear plastic sacks for your recycling. There is no change to your glass recycling. This will continue to be collected in your recycling box. We will also be collecting your unwanted textiles, at the same time as your recycling. Recycling will be collected on a fortnightly basis. Your domestic waste will continue to be collected weekly. Thank you to all the photographers who keep us supplied with pictures. This time we have used photos Matthewfrom Nunn Meriden School Roy AndChrisHandsYarwoodJoanRusselltheFarmers Weekly (Cookery picture) Don’t forget to register for the Rotary Club’s Santa Fun Run on Sunday December 7th www.meriden santa fun run.org.uk
