Meriden MagSpring Meriden2015 MagSpring 2015 See inside for News of the new curate for St Laurence Church Changes to Meriden Library • Cyclists’ Service • WI Centenary News and photos from the schools and Scout Group
On Wednesday 21st January, we invited parents to join us for a challenging, but enjoyable morning of maths. The whole morning was based around a brilliant book which carried the story of penguins being delivered each day to a family until there were 365! Imagine the smell and the mess! Challenges included having to organise penguins into groups, finding the areas of different sized penguins and creating penguin patterns. All pretty cool!
“As part of our dinosaur topic we have been learning all about fossils and how they are formed. We used coffee, flour and salt and then imprinted the dough mixture with shells and stones to create our own fossils. We also palaeontologistsbecame and had a go at extracting our own fossils out of ice!” Year 1 were set the task of designing their own dinosaur for homework. There were some fantastic and very scary looking dinosaurs but Cerys went the extra mile and decided to make her dinosaur out of clay! Isn’t it amazing!? Well done Cerys!
DINO DEN! Take a sneaky peek at Year 1's dino den! We love exploring the den and digging for fossils in the sand. We wear lab coats and goggles to help us with investigations!our
Happenings at Meriden school 365 Penguin Maths Morning
In English year 3 are looking at poetry. They have interpreted and performed “the Coming of the Iron Man” by Brenda Williams, this picture is of the performance.
During the spring term children in year 5 will again be able to take part in cycle training in March, ensuring that they are safe to travel on their bikes. This will help them become healthier and fitter for life. To support this, and to reduce traffic around school, Meriden Parent Council will once again be running their ‘Scoot to School’ programme to encourage children to walk, scoot or cycle to school as often as they can. Fingers crossed for dry weather!
Hello from Meriden Primary!
Another Indulgence Night 7th May 7.30 pm till late Manor Hotel we would love you & your friends to come & join us & our many varied stallholders. Tickets £3 in advance, £4 on the door. Ticket price will include a raffle ticket.
We have had yet another very busy start to the year!
Quiz
For more information about both events please contact meridenschoolpta@hotmail.co.uk or the school office 01676 522488.
Meriden School PTA
OrganisedThursdayMeridenNightSchool19thMarchbythePTA
Children hard at work on the Penguin Maths Morning Val and Margaret would like to thank all the kind people who provided the photos for this issue. The front cover was by Roy Hands this time. If you a have a photo you would like in the Mag please send it to us in a high resolution to enable a good reproduction.
With best wishes
Lucy Winkler, Headteacher, Meriden CE Primary School
We continue to invite parents and family in to share their children’s learning and experiences. Last term saw English and anti bullying open mornings. This term we held a maths morning on the theme ‘365 Penguins’ and on the 13th March there will be an open session to complete our Faith Week in school. We hold regular coffee mornings on the first Friday in every month and also Caterpillar club for our pre schoolers every Asfortnight.wellas ensuring the pupils’ learning is the best it can be, we are also working hard to improve the outside environment too. We are hoping to install a trim-trail, an outdoor classroom and new playground markings and need considerable funds to do this! . If you work for a company who may be worth approaching regarding sponsorship or support, please do get in contact on 01676 522488 or office@meriden.solihull.sch.uk . Every penny helps.
Unfortunately we came back in January to a wet and damaged Year 1 classroom due to a roof leak. I am pleased to say that this has now been fixed and Year 1 are now back in their room after being taught in the hall for a few weeks. They love their new floor and rugs!
Although a few months ago now, I feel I ought to mention the activities that took place, both in and out of school, such as the Macmillan Tree of Thought on The Green with a friendly donkey and Christingle at the Church where the children (and parents!) sang beautifully in a full church. In school, Key Stage 1 performed ‘Santa’s on Strike’ and our nursery (FS1) pupils performed the nativity at St Laurence’s church which ensured that the true meaning of Christmas was clear in our thoughts.
Mothering Sunday, 15th March. Good Friday (3rd April) Walk of Witness, 10.30 am to 12.00, starting outside the school on Fillongley Road. Good Friday observance 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm in St. Laurence Church. Easter Sunday, 5th April, Festival Communion. Sunday 26th April, Special service to remember those from Meriden who died in WW1. Sunday 17th May, Cyclists War Memorial service 11.00 am on the Village Green. Sunday 24th May, Pentecost. Messy Church, every 4th Sunday of the Month at the Methodist Church Hall 4.00 pm. Vacancy! Church Organist. After something like 60 years (amazing) of playing the organ for us at St. Laurence Church, and at St. James, Packington, Marian Theobald would like to wind down a little and play the organ less frequently. If you would like to play occasionally or frequently for our services at St. Laurence, please contact the churchwardens, we would be interested to hear from you. Church Opening on Sunday afternoons. Visit your historic, beautiful, and peaceful church between 12.00 and 4.30 on afternoonsSundayfrom April 19th to October 18th. Please also offer to help by being a steward for a few hours.
Friends of Meriden Churchyard. This group meets at the Church at 10.00 am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month to do some gardening and other maintenance in the Churchyard for a couple of hours, and also to share coffee, cake, and conversation. Please come and help11th and 25th March, 8th and 22nd April, 13th and 27th May.
10.30
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++j ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Assistant curate Rev Lynda Edwards 01676 522825 Lay Reader: Peter Wright 01676 522414 Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas 01676 522455 John Baker 01676 522939. www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk
The Christmas tree festival at St Laurence, see centre page for the winning tree Easter is fast approaching. Easter is the biggest Festival of the Church year, the time we celebrate the Resurrection after the Crucifixion, God’s act and message of reconciliation. But what if you find that rather difficult, or even impossible to accept ? Well here’s the thing; something happened in or near Jerusalem about 1,985 years ago to make the friends of Jesus set out to take his teaching West into Europe, South into Africa, North and East into Russia and Asia, and even to the East Coast of India (St. Thomas was killed near Madras (modern Chennai)). Jesus clearly lived on after the crucifixion (at which he undoubtedly died), you wouldn’t set out to walk and preach your way to Chennai without having witnessed something more than remarkable. Love God, Love your enemies, Love your neighbour, Love one another. It’s worth going the extra mile for that message. Happy Easter.
Annual Cyclists Memorial Service
Services at am
Church diary
New minister for Meriden. Many in Meriden may regret that Rev. Kate Massey could only stay working in Meriden for 2 years and has now moved on to be vicar of St. Paul’s Church in Stockingford, but we are extremely happy to announce that another minister has been appointed to work here, at least for a year, and possibly a lot longer. Rev. Lynda Edwards is a curate completing her training here, and is continuing the good work. Lynda will be taking Weddings, Baptisms, and all sorts of services, visiting the children at the school, and bringing Christian ministry to the village.
are held on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday
Sunday 17th May 2015 It is over 90 years since an obelisk of Cornish granite was unveiled on Meriden’s village green, in memory of all those cyclists who had died in the First World War. More than 10,000 cyclists attended the dedication; many had ridden through the night to be there. These days the Memorial commemorates cyclists who have been killed in all conflicts worldwide. A service will be held on the village Green at 11.00am attended by cyclists from all over the country and afterwards everyone is invited back to the village hall for refreshments.
A memorial service at Meriden each May commemorates those cyclists who died in the World Wars the World Wars.
arigold Hotel”
Take away service 10% discount on collection Free homeservicedelivery 4 miles Minimumradiusorder£15
At
Spice,
Please note revised date
“The Imitation Game”
Saj, the proprietor who has been in this business for over 20 years both locally and nationally, has brought his experience to Meriden and would like to welcome both his old and new customers to Meriden Spice
Saturday 21st March 2015 at 7.30p.m
A lively culture clash comedy tells the story of a feud between two adjacent restaurants in France. Helen Mirren stars as a snobbish Michelin starred restaurant owner who comes into conflict and competition with an Indian establishment which opens across the road. Set in Paris with additional filming on location in beautiful areas in Southern France, the film has received nominations for a Golden Globe Award.
Friday 24th April 2015 at 7.30p.m
Entrance
“The Hundred Foot Journey”
A newly released historical thriller starring Benedict Cumberbach as the British code breaker, Alan Turing and Keira Knightley as Turin’s fiancée. Set during the Second World War at Bletchley Park, it recounts the triumphant successes of the code breaking centre and, some years later, the sadness of Turin’s ultimate personal tragedy.
Village Hall PG13 12PG
Tickets £5.00 will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening but can be reserved in advance of this date. Tickets and advance reservations available from Chris Copper (01676 522645) and are also on sale at “Fredanita” Flower & Gift Shop on the Village Green. Tickets £5.00 will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening but can be reserved in advance of this date. Tickets and advance reservations available from Chris Copper (01676 522645) and on sale at “Fredanita” Flower & Gift Shop on the Village Green Meriden
Meriden,
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”
Meriden Old Road, CV7 7JP Tel: 01676 523740 and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub One free starter onion bhajees or samosaseverywith Takeaway order of £20 or more Not to be used with any other voucher
An ill assorted group of British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe to be a newly restored hotel. The Marigold Hotel turns out to be less luxurious than its advertisements claim, but slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways. This is a glorious comedy with a star studded ensemble featuring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton and Tom Wilkinson. Not to be missed and well worth a second viewing.
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Come and visit the Meriden Spice, Meriden’s newest Indian restaurant. With a name inspired by its location the restaurant introduces high quality Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.
Saturday 23rd May 2015 at 7.30p.m
But this is where the picture comes in. In the Church, we do not believe that being a Christian will protect us from the fragility of life, that it will save us from pain and suffering. Quite the opposite, in the Church we believe that such suffering is inevitable, but God wants to help us in the midst of such trouble. In particular, during Lent and Easter, we believe that God especially shows his love for us, how he wants to reach out and help us in the middle of life’s problems, through the pain and suffering that Jesus endured in his life. The message of Good Friday is in part God taking responsibility for the mess of the world when he planted the cross of Christ in the ground at Calvary. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we need never be alone in the midst of pain and suffering. Through the Easter story, we need never give up hope that better days lie ahead.
This question is sometimes expressed explicitly but often it is only asked indirectly. The question is how can we believe in God in the midst of all of the pain and suffering that we see in the world?
In Meriden Minister: Rev Andrew Charlesworth BSc BA Tel: 01676 533737 - Phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and funerals Services: Sunday 10:30am. Messy Church 4.00pm 4th Sunday of the Month
Andrew
This image is taken from Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, which can be found on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It shows God straining to touch and help humanity, whilst Adam is almost dismissive of God’s approach.
Love, peace and joy, Andrew Love, peace and joy.
A few years ago I was privileged to see this photograph in person, although the Sistine Chapel was very busy that day and the security guard who would shush very loudly every 30 seconds made attempts at quiet reflection on it impossible!
It is a picture that I think about when I have to consider one of the deep questions of the Christian faith.
explore this issue with those who are often struggling with the pain and suffering of a loved one, my simple response is that there is fragility to human life. As much as we try and protect ourselves against it, we live in bodies that get sick and that can experience terrible pain. If we believe that God is involved in the creation of the world, then we must conclude that God bears some responsibility for the fragility of human life.
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 SUNDAY 29th March @ 4PM SUNDAY 26th April @ 4PM COME ALONG AND BRING A FRIEND Joint association between *Meriden Christian Fellowship* Meriden Methodist Church* * St Laurence Anglican Church* Diary Dates: 6th March 2pm Women’s World Day of Prayer 2nd April 6pm Love Feast 3rd April 10:30am Good Friday Walk of Witness, starting at Meriden Primary School 5th April 10:30am Easter Day Celebration at Balsall Common Methodist Church Women's World Day of Prayer The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire. Please contact Alan and Maureen Gabbitas On 01676 522148 Friday 6th March 2 pm at the Methodist Church followed by tea All welcome
The reality is that there is no easy answer to this question. And it is not only the presence of pain and suffering in the world that we must consider, but it is also the depth of such pain and suffering which can be a greater hurdle for some to Whencomprehend.Itryand
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 Queens Head Old Road Meriden Servicing Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes 01676 521010 Meriden Garage, Birmingham Road Millison’s Wood CV5 9AZ Call in for quotationaforyourmotoringneeds March 2nd Dean Thomas 9th Paul Tracini 16th Irish Night 23rd. Micky Dean 30th Laura Mac April 6th Kirsten Sweet 13th Natasha 20th Julie Christie 27th Sam Southall May 4th Chris Robin 11th Chrissy 18th Steve B 25th Keith Brett Featuring thecomeEnjoyJoinWatchMcGratDavidhtheIrishdancersinwiththesingingsomeIrishstewalongandenjoy'craic'. March 16h Irish Comenightandcelebrate St Patrick’s Day
Meriden Christian Fellowship
Well we'd like to start by wishing you all a very blessed New Year and hope you all had a great Christmas and you got you wanted. Now come on be honest how many of the toys now lie broken or discarded? I have to say the Christmas morning service at the Methodist church put on by the three fellowships in Meriden was incredible as it ended up with standing room only and what a great time we had. Many people commented on how they enjoyed it, and how it had made their WellChristmas.Christmas is now over and the weather has changed quite dramatically as the cold has really taken hold. Talking of changes it's been three months plus since Lyn and I closed the Centre Charity Shop and it has given us time to reflect on what we want to do next. Having prayed a lot about our next move we have decided to continue to work in Meriden and try to do as much as we can to help the people and organisations within the community. We have started by running a monthly Coffee Morning with a Table Top sale with all the proceeds going to local charities. Our first one was in December and we raised £45 which is going to the 1st Meriden Scout Group. Our second in January raised £43 so if you know of an organisation or charity that could do with some money please let us know. Why not come along and join in on our next one we'd love to see you and have a chat. Look out for the poster in the village advertising it. We are also looking to do other things which we hope will be of benefit and enjoyed by as many as possible.
Jesus told us to love one another, in fact in John's gospel He says “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34). This is a command to love one another, and so we want to do exactly that and share the love of God with the people of Meriden in any way we can. This is a desire of Meriden Christian Fellowship, to reach out and help in any way we can with meeting needs and giving support where required, we don't just want to meet together on a Sunday we want to do church the way Jesus did. We accept people just as they are, we don't judge, we don't jump to conclusions and we don't discriminate, so if there's ever anything we can do to help you please ask. You can either come along to the Sunday service at 12:30 in the Meriden Methodist building we hire, or contact us through the web site www.meridenchristianfellowship.co.uk or simply Google Meriden Christian Fellowship. For those who know us you will start to see us around the village so please stop us for a chat if you do, we'd love to catch up with you. In closing remember "The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us". (CS MayLewis).Godbless you this year, and may you find the peace and joy that only He can give. Every blessing.
everything
Do you love to sing Why not join our choir? We are a very friendly group of mixed ages and both sexes who enjoy singing and socialising whilst raising money for charity. Since our inception 5 years ago we have raised over £4,000Weare now rehearsing for 2 summer concerts the first of which we are very proud to announce will be “Moments of Musical Magic” at the Warwick Arts Centre Studio Saturdayon13th June. We always welcome new members; no audition and no need to read music just come along and sing. Our repertoire includes Bohemian Rhapsody, Songs by Maroon Five, Coldplay and Take That as well as musical standards. Come along for a few weeks free trial before you join. We rehearse at Meriden Village Hall most Friday evenings at 7.30pm Please call for more information
Kevin and Lyn Hunt
John Bentick 07716 721467 Val Martin 01676 522963 0r see our web site www.firebirdsingers.org.uk We would love to see you!
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
test today so take seats apart from one another and take out a piece of paper." Still smiling, she waited for them to sit down. Then she said: "First Question: Which tyre was flat?" http://www.jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/weatsource:
she smiled and said, "Well, you
Investing in infrastructure provides better connectivity for Meriden, which has huge social and economic benefits. With faster broadband and better mobile phone coverage, improved transport links around the countryside and changes to working practices, productivity could grow faster in the countryside than urban areas over the next decade. A rise of more than 300,000 rural jobs is predicted over the coming years. This means higher wages for people working outside the big towns and cities, increasing employment opportunities and a potential output increase of £35 billion from rural areas, including vibrant villages like Meriden.
Solihull’s motto is ‘urbes in rure’, or ‘town in the countryside’. It is crucial we maintain our rural communities by offering them the very best support and opportunities for growth.
CAROLINE 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 To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Katy Steele on 0121 711 7029 or caroline@carolinespelman.comemail . New Beginners Adult Tap Class! No experience necessary. We are a friendly, social group and are building up the new sessions on a Monday evening at the Methodist Church in Meriden get in touch to find out more. Also Now is the perfect time to get your child involved in our Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz sessions. We have classes suitable for 2 year olds up to seniors at our Meriden Branch. Visit our web site for more information www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk Forthcoming Events 16 March 2015 Julie Mitchell “A day at the races” 20 April 2015. Jakie Page “In the style of .....” 18 May 2015. Laura Leong “Statements and details” Come on ladies do something different this year! Join the flower club. You will enjoy it and pick up lots of hints about flowers and about your garden. Please come and join us. It will only cost you £24 per year or £5 per session New members are always welcome. For more information please contact Mo Reynolds 01676 521457 MeridenSocietyFloral Meetings are held at Meriden village Hall 7.30pm 9.30pm approx. On the 3rd Monday of every month Spring Fever: Four
Countryside Connectivity
I am delighted that the Government have been rolling out superfast broadband to 2 million homes and businesses outside of city centres, and continue to extend their coverage with £1.7bn investment. Locally, 26,365 homes and businesses in rural areas and villages have been connected to superfast broadband. For small and medium business owners, access to fast broadband can improve the way their businesses function and allow expansion into online services. For the rest of us, fast internet connections help us to keep up to speed with all the online communication, TV downloads and browsing that many households frequently use.
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In our pocket of the West Midlands, there is a combination of urban and rural communities.
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
lecturer
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CAROLINE SPELMAN students afflicted with spring fever skipped After reported to the that had a flat to their relief missed a
Meriden suffers from the fact that mobile networks can be slow to increase their coverage for rural areas. Along with superfast broadband, the Government have a binding agreement with all the main mobile networks to ensure poor signal issues are a problem of the past. £5bn has been invested by mobile networks to guarantee a more comprehensive coverage for communities in the countryside.
morning classes.
Berryfields Farm Shop, Berkswell Road, 01676CV7Meriden.7LB522 155 Email: info@berryfieldsfarmshop.co.uk Web: www.berryfieldsfarmshop.co.ukFindusonfacebook Open 7 days a week. For further details & seasonal opening times please see our website. 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 Relax and unwind in our Coffee Shop ‘The Hayloft’ Fresh, Local & Delicious! Local poultry, game, beef & lamb plus our own pork, gammon, hams & pork pies. Plus: a full deli & cheese counter & a large selection of fruit & vegetables. Plus: chocolates, cakes & sweets as well as home ware & great gift ideas. Fantastic gift ideas for Mother’s Day and Easter. Find us on Facebook to keep up to date with special offers, new products & events!
[ 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 For more details call A free cup of tea or voucherwithcoffeethis Hampers can be ordered Contactcountrywidedeliveredand.01676534148 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 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 Mrs C Booker Home StateChiropodist/podiatristvisitingandHPCregistered Tel 01676 534265 Friendly and professional advice on all foot problems Mothering Sunday gifts and Easter goodies J B Decorators and Property Services General Property maintenance Insurance Work Undertaken Domestic and Commercial Work Plastering Coving Carpentry Work Tiling Call for a free quote JimmyBailiedec@hotmail.com07966186957 147, Elmdon Lane, Marston Green B377DN No job too small Fully insured Over 30 experienceyears’
Are you retired or semi retired; have you considered joining the Balsall Common U3A? The local U3A is part of a national voluntary learning co operative whose aim is to encourage activities for people no longer in full time employment. 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. Since the last publication of this magazine a Theatre Group and a monthly Swimming Group has started. There are also plans for a French speaking group. 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:
8. Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving with double cream whipped up with a wee dram of whisky added for a truly authentic taste.
Date Topic Speaker 23rd March 2015 Bertie Greethead’s 18th Century Grand Tour of Europe Anne Langley 27th April 2015 Local Cheese and its History John Fowler 18th May 2015 Life and Times of Michelangelo Margaret Louise O'Keeffe 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.
I think when you read all the horror and disengagement in the news, it’s easy to imagine the world full of scary and unpleasant people, plotting and scheming behind every door. But in reality, the neighbourhood (Meriden and way beyond) is rather nice, and the people are charming, funny, and totally enchanting! So don’t believe all you see on the television!
7. Bake first for 20 minutes then lower the oven to 170C/gas 3, and bake for a further 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. If the granola starts to catch, cover with foil.
150g soft butter, 60g soft brown sugar, 3 large eggs, 100ml scotch whisky 100ml heather honey, , 250g SR flour, 50g Scottish rolled oats, 250g fresh or frozen raspberries, 75g granola/muesli
I think I am very lucky to go out to see so many people, and to be involved in such a lovely and exciting part of their life Inevitablyevents.
4. In another bowl, sieve the flour, then mix in the oats.
Cranachan Raspberry Cake
It never comes too soon for me. I blooming well love the spring! As always at this time of year, I am busy helping brides and grooms design their wedding cakes. It strikes me as I drive round to meet people in their homes for consultations, how delightful almost every couple, and their families, actually are.
2. Preheat an oven to 180C/gas 3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar till fluffy, then beat in the eggs, honey and whisky. Add a little flour each time you add an egg to prevent splitting
I seem to acquire a bit of a patter with my conversation, just to guide us through everything that needs to be covered, but my favourite story to tell them at the moment is the You Tube clip I saw the other day, where grandma gets confused hands, and throws her glass of champagne over the bride whilst retaining in the other hand, the box of confetti. It has me chuckling just thinking about it. Anyway here is a yummy new recipe for you to try, and I hope to see you on the Green in June for the Fun Day come and have a cupcake and say hi! I discovered this wonderful recipe whilst searching for a suitable dessert for my Burn’s Night party, to follow our ‘haggis, neeps n tatties’. It’s a Jamie Oliver recipe, and totally discoverable for free on the internet, so I don’t feel bad sharing it. I have fiddled with it a little, as all cooks do! Cranachan is a Scottish dessert that resembles Eton Mess, only using ingredients more indigenous to Scotland heather honey, oats and Scotch whisky. With the addition of raspberries and double cream it lends itself to all sorts of dessert ideas that should not be confined to the highlands. It just isn’t right. This version of Cranachan cake is heavy, moist and almost ‘crumble’ like making it a winner for a pudding after a big Sunday roast, served with whisky cream.
Balsall Common U3A
5. Fold the flour mix into the butter mixture, 6. Spoon half the mix into the baking tin. Top with berries, then remaining cake mixture. Sprinkle over the granola
1. Line a 7 or 8” cake tin base with greased proof paper and grease lightly.
The hearings were the result of many weeks of effort by the people concerned. The Committee members were impr with the extent of the problems, and they requested HS2 Ltd to listen better to what local people were saying. However, they haven't so far directed HS2 Ltd to make any significant changes, or to carry out a proper cost benefit analysis of options for putting some of the line in a tunnel. The door was left open for Solihull Council to request such a study, and they will be urged to do so. Solihull Council did not appear before the Committee, but they provided a letter of support. One Solihull Councillor appeared on behalf of Chelmsley Wood. The process of putting in petitions, and then making presentations, really brought home the seriousness of the impact on the whole area. HS2 would be the largest construction project seen in the country in peacetime, and we would be in the thick of it for 7 years. The line would cut a 14 km swathe through the Borough, and on top of that, the Council is intending to build on the 140 hectares of Greenbelt land around the proposed station. It's difficult to imagine the landscape that will emerge after all that. Apart from the closure and diversion of roads and footpaths, farms will be fragmented and much land will be lost to agriculture. Land next to the line would be unwanted for housing, so there could be a long sprawl of unsightly low grade commercial developments. Estate agents have estimated property values will decline by 20% and more in the affected areas it's simply that people will prefer to live somewhere else. The whole saga has arisen from the secret discussions 6 years ago between HS2 Ltd and Solihull Council. They drew a line across the map without any regard for the communities living there. HS2 is in sharp contrast to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, which was designed to minimise the impact, by putting it alongside existing roads and railways. Unfortunately, the Government doesn't seem prepared to pay proper compensation, nor to spend money making the scheme quieter and less Everyintrusive.objective
Richard HeartChairmanLloydofEngland
High Speed Railway Action Group (www.hhag.org.uk) all the hard choices have been delayed till after people have voted. There is still no plan for even getting HS2 into Euston, let alone Heathrow. The link to the Channel Tunnel, which was the sole plus point for many, is dead and buried. It’s a story we've seen so many times before a grand scheme, wholly paid for by the taxpayer, with no obvious need or benefit, and with all the key decisions made in secret by people without knowledge or experience. The next steps for seeking mitigation will be whenever local changes are announced, and when the Bill reaches the House of Lords. For all of us, the sooner it's knocked on the head, the better!
analysis shows there will be little, if any, pay back from the scheme, yet career politicians want to be seen to be doing something. Unfortunately, there are strident voices who want to build in the Greenbelt and shift jobs from one place to another. The Government wanted to get the HS2 Bill through Parliament before the election, but due to indecision and the intrinsic flaws in the project, they will miss the target by at least 3 years. Like the Chilcot enquiry and the expansion of Heathrow
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!
It's a story we've seen so many times before a grand scheme, wholly paid for by the taxpayer, with no obvious need or benefit, and with all the key decisions made in secret by people without knowledge or experience. The next steps for seeking mitigation will be whenever local changes are announced, and when the Bill reaches the House of Lords. For all of us, the sooner it's knocked on the head, the better!
Richard Lloyd Chairman Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group (www.hhag.org.uk)
It's been a very busy few months, with a Select Committee of the House of Commons hearing presentations about the impact of the £50 billion HS2 scheme on Solihull Borough. A total of 26 petitions were heard from individuals, parish councils, and associations including the Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group (HHAG).
Meriden’s next coach trip to commemorate the centenary SaturdayAlrewasArboretum18April2015Tickets£5
of the First World War 1 National Memorial
Depart Meriden at 9.30am (outside Meriden C of E Primary School) Depart Arboretum at 4pm Children and young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for tickets please contact paul@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group (www.hhag.org.uk)
Terry Dyer (of Tom’s Butcher’s fame) and his friend Mike Baker from Balsall Common are taking part in the Malin to Mizen Bike Ride at the end of May 2015 to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care
The ride over 7 days covers 427 miles from Malin in the north of Ireland to Mizen Head in the south. They are now cycling over 100 miles a week in training for the big event and would like your support.
Terry and Mike’s Charity Bike Ride
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
Terry and Mike have already held several fund raising events in 2014 including a Foot Golf tournament at the North Warwickshire Golf course a Music Festival and a duck race, raising in total £5345 so far They would like to thank everyone concerned who have already given so generously and invite entrants to another Foot Golf day on 3rd May If you would like to sponsor Terry and Mike please go to : www.justgiving.com/Mike Trigg In Ireland 9 Hole Foot Golf Tournament 3rd May North Warwickshire Golf Club To Sponsor the whole event or any of the 9 holes at £100 each or just take part please contact Terry at trigger49@hotmail.co.uk call into Tom’s Butchers on the Green
Or
24th April A Meal Out. 22nd May To be confirmed.
Ellen 522534 or Pam 523372 by John Newton.
Autism is a perplexing lifelong developmental disorder which impairs the natural instinct to communicate and form relationships. Without functional communication adults with non-verbal autism are isolated from their community, family and even those who care for them. They are frustrated by being unable to ask for their basic needs to be met. It is therefore essential that as a child their education is based around the ability to communicate. Each child at Diddington Hall has an individual plan using applied behaviour analysis. Even the most challenging seem to respond to the differential lessons and we were given examples. It was very interesting and informative and we understood so much more about autism at the end.
To help us celebrate Christmas, Doug Field came to give a talk on the authors and background of various carols. He turned it into a quiz and after giving us certain information we had to guess the carol which he then played to us. We also enjoyed singing a number of our favourite carols before we indulged in mince pies, stollen cake, shortbread and sausage rolls.
Jacqui Walters Hutton spoke to us about The Island Project at Diddington Hall. She explained how it had come about from helping one child with autism to becoming a school for 30 children.
Forthcoming Meetings: . 27th March David Crout talking about the hymn Amazing Grace
At our November meeting
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.
In January we welcomed John Davis, Manager of Warwickshire Vision Support, a registered charity which until 2014 was known as The Warwickshire Association for the Blind. It offers a combination of rehabilitation and social support services in order to promote independence and self reliance to enable people with sight loss to live full and satisfying lives. John then described the various types of sight loss and the services the charity offers from a desk at Warwick Hospital, clubs and drop in centres to a home visitor service. Volunteers call on visually impaired members to help with reading related tasks; anything from reading newspapers, books or magazines to helping them with correspondence. There are a team of Rehabilitation Officers to help people adjust to the challenges presented by limited vision. They visit the home and assess day to day living skills, mobility and how individuals cope with cooking and whether there are difficulties with reading, writing or using the telephone. They then advise on the use of various low vision aids. We were shown a number of these aids from different types of cane, a gadget to help pour liquid into cups and others to help use the microwave, cooker etc. There are a number of different magnifying glasses and many other helpful aids available. John was accompanied by Paul who has been blind from birth and he told us how various aids, particularly his mobile phone, helped transform his life. We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone:
By December 1915 rules had been adopted to be non-conformist and non- political. By 1917 one hundred and forty WIs had been formed and the following year Meriden WI was started.
David Howell Monday 13
Many members in the early years were young mothers and often took their children to the meetings. The meetings were held in the afternoons so the members could be home in time to prepare their husbands’ evening meal. An important event was the opening of a welfare centre in Hampton- in Arden in 1922, Mrs Bankes hoped mothers from Meriden would take their babies there and Mr Newcombe offered to take the mothers in his horse and cart for a small charge, In 1923 £4.0s.0d was set aside to help members with the cost. Also in 1922 a library was started, each member presenting one or two more books, the result being 350 books, it was open to the entire village, possibly this was the start of the village library.
Monday
The WI has continued to flourish in Meriden despite all the changes in life styles. Today the WI meets in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the month usually with a speaker and tea, coffee and cakes. There are lunches at local restaurants, theatre visits and outings, and craft days. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
The WI movement started in Canada in 1897 to encourage country women produce better homes , Mrs Adelaide Hoodless had lost a child in babyhood which she realised was largely due to her own ignorance of food hygiene and she campaigned for institutes to be formed to educate country women. The first WI in England and Wales was formed in Anglesey in Wales in September 1915.
Mrs Letitia Adelaide Bankes of Meriden Hall was the first President of Meriden WI. She was married to Edward Nugent Bankes who was killed in France in 1915 and there is a fine stained glass window to his memory in St Laurence Church. She was president until 1948 with two breaks, one when she lived in London during the Second World War when the Hall was requisitioned by the War Office.
During the Second World War the WI bottled fruit, grew food, organised and cared for evacuees, and supported women in the community while their men folk were at war.
100 years of the Women’s Institute
The WI offers a place where women from all places in our society meet us as equals. The centenary year will be filled with activities to mark the event, especially at our annual meeting at the Royal Albert Hall where the speakers will be Dr Lucy Worsley, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and Helena Morrisey.
In December we held our Christmas party (very early as our meetings take place at the beginning of each month!) and had a very pleasant evening with a buffet supper, plenty of chat and some carol singing. We made a change to our programme in January. Instead of having a speaker we discussed the short list of resolutions submitted by the National Federation for the AGM in June. We then voted individually for our choice for the resolution to be chosen; we shall not know the final choice until every W.I. has voted.
The WI movement has been responsible for many campaigns “Keep Britain Tidy”, “Time to talk about organ donation”, ”SOS high streets and town centres” ,”Equal pay for equal work”, “More Midwives”, “SOS for Honey Bees”, Breast Screening” and many more.
At the February meeting Diana Slocombe showed us lots of interesting ways of using up spare material, making cushion covers, table mats, lavender bags and clothes with lovely embroidery together with stitching skills. to spring in the garden th April: Anecdotes Jackie Brighouse (change of date due to Easter) 11th May: Forensics Paul Taberner Mrs Bankes on her wedding day
Over the years there have been many popular events, Garden parties, Flower shows, Baby shows, Christmas parties and outings. On 10 July 1924 thirty seven members and 12 boys went to The Wembley Exhibition. A piano was purchased in 1924 which cost 38 guineas, a choir was formed and people were charged 10 shillings for the hire of the piano in the Parish Rooms. (The WI secretary kept the key!)
Contact Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 Future programme Monday 2nd March: Welcome
A Step too Far! Living at the top of Meriden Hill in the 50s and Sixties No gym membership was needed when you lived in Millisons Wood! I walked up and down the hill twice a day to the Village School and four times on a Sunday to sing in the choir. Sometimes I would walk down to the Youth Club on a Friday night run by the lovely John Patrick. How I envied all my friends lucky enough to live right in the Centre of England!
I was born in August 1952 and Nurse Hartwell battled up the hill on her trusty bike to attend to my Mum, Joan Jackson. My Father, Ron was well out of the way in the garden! Imagine Mum’s surprise when, in her hour of need, Nurse Hartwell sat and listened to ‘The Archers’ in our front room before climbing the stairs. We lived at the last house on the left hand side before ‘The Wood’; this was something that would be of great consternation to me as I grew up. Mr Tuckey kept his animals down at the bottom and they were known to get out from time to time and frighten the daylights out of me. My grandparents, Eva and Cecil Mitchell, lived opposite and had a wonderful thing called a television! ‘Crackerjack’ on Friday teatime with a buttered crust of a new loaf from Hems’ shop was complete heaven. On a Saturday, for a treat she would sometimes take me on the 159 Bus to Birmingham and I thought that was wonderful. Mr and Mrs Probert lived next to them and were kindness itself. Later on John and Margaret Patrick moved in next door to them and at about the age of nine or ten I played with their two girls, Cheryl and Melanie. Grandma would have a little red book she kept for her weekly shopping order from Hems, she kept a note of every penny she spent as money was tight. She worked a night shift at the Triumph to make ends meet as my Uncle Ron had passed his 11 plus to Bablake School and the uniform was a huge expense. Coming from Leeds, her Yorkshire Puddings would have put Jamie Oliver’s’ to shame and we always had a huge plateful with gravy before the meagre main course. Dad was good fun and made go karts made of old crates and pram wheels, hobby horses out of broom handles and stuffed socks and balsa wood planes for any child in the street who didn’t have very much. Often there would be a knock on the door and someone would ask if ‘Mr Jackson was coming out to play’. Our back garden was very long and backed on to a field at the back of the Triumph factory. The perimeter fence often had to be scaled if the model planes floated over by an inexperienced ‘pilot’ and had to be retrieved.
Classmates included, Lesley Golding, Trevor Wrist ,Ian Pitman, Richard Trigg, Helen Hulse, Gillian Threadgold, Johnnie and Patsy Wilcox, Kevin Lord, Angela Hughes (her father kept the Bull’s Head and was allowed to stay up quite late) Ilse Kuplens and her family had moved from Latvia and lived in a tiny flat in Darlaston Hall. I loved going there because she would cook potato omelettes for me. The little outbuilding in the grounds was reputed to be haunted. She is now a Preacher in Canada I believe and still has her long plait. Angela Purdey was a super friend and lived in one of the cottages facing the Green. She was lucky enough to have a record player and a copy of Helen Shapiro’s ‘Walking Back to Happiness’ released in 1961. We played it to death. I remember the little milk bottles lined up by the stove in the classroom with their little frozen foil tops all pecked by sparrows. Well behaved kids were allowed to count the dinner money in Mr Fallowell’s office. Mrs Standing taught us craft skills and her standards were so high I remember doing copious unpicking before the sewing passed the test. (My Mum still has the cross stitch knitting bag) A teacher from Shropshire (can’t remember her name) taught us about living things and gave each of us a tiny geranium cutting to look after. Very special. This article is part one of a contribution to the Mag by Angela Wheeler, daughter of Mr and Mrs Ron Jackson, she writes “apologies if I have missed anyone or left out anything that is of significance. If any reader remembers my Mum and Dad please drop them a line to 2 Riverdale Close, Fordingbridge, Hants SP6 1LJ”
Angela has sent this photo of Meriden Young Wives March 1963. If you recognise anyone please let Angela know -bookwheeler@hotmail.com
School days were mainly happy!
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 & Sundays 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.ukwww.themeridenplumber.co.uk The Meriden Plumber NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL No. 544788
S First– classcarefor yourcariscloserthan youthink!… For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call: ACE KENSINGTON024RADGARAGEFORD76597879GARAGEEARLSDON02476670054 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 11th March “Hospital Radio at Warwick” Margaret Legge Radio Warneforde at Warwick Hospital was established in 1971 to provide quality radio to patients and staff. Wednesday 8th April “In Praise of Early Photography” Tom Garner Wednesday 13th May “The Late Victorian Soldier” Paul Thompson. A look at the lives and equipment of the last soldiers to wear the red coat of the British Army. 1850 to 1900. 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, Under new management since April 2014 Opening hours Monday – Saturday 11.30-2.00pm & 4.15 Closed-9.30pmSundays 01676 523476 It’s amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one !
v The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull WWT 5 acre Nature Reserve /Dragonfly Tearoom, Gift shop and second hand children’s/adults books Support our Help for Hedgehogs Campaign Donate by text WKWT04 and your donation amount e.g. WKWT04 £10 to 70070 EASTER HOLIDAYS From the 30th March until the 10th April we have something every day, Pond Dipping, all day Crafty drop in’s, Wildlife Watch where children can work towards a hedgehog award, Foxes & Rabbits and Frog workshops and of course our traditional Easter Eggstravaganza session on the 31st March MAY HALF TERM 26-29th May Come and make new friends, learn more about nature and of course have some tremendous fun! Full details on our website, under ‘Events’: 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 boxes, vouchers and couple packages available Spoil her for Mother’s Day Sunday 15th March top and toe nourishing, relaxing and customised; restore optimum skin health Personalised luxury facial accompanied by luxury file and polish allow 11/2 hours special price only £45 Clients receive 5% off any skincare retail price 20% off selected courses of electrical treatments includes Photon Therapy and Mesoderm Deep conditioning head and neck massage followed by blow dry special price only £35 Complimentary Chocolates and Bubbles Local supportingbusinesseseachother –all clients having cut and finish at Fordes claim a 10% discount at Meriden Spice
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 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 Happy hour 5.30 –Monday6.30pmtoFriday£2apint PremiershipLiveFootball
The Job Squad Job Squad is not just for ofyouavailablemaintenance!repairscarpentry,plumbing,electricalandgeneralWearewheneverneeda“sparepairhands”. 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
Bennetts Road North CorleyCV7Coventry8BG 01676 540178 Opening hours Mon Sat 9.00 5.00pm Sun 10.00 4.00pm Hanging baskets made to order Many of our bedding, herbaceous and perennial plants are home grown WE 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
Further information about A Coventry Way may be obtained from the web-site www.acoventryway.org.uk
During February every effort has been put in to make sure that the whole 40 mile route is clear of undergrowth and brambles. Also the route has been checked to ensure that it is still easy to follow the “Coventry Way” waymark signs. Hopefully the weather will be kind to all taking part.
George Kacarevic is congratulated by Bob Carey on completing his 40 mile challenge (the full 40 mile challenge repeated 10 times). The record is 14 times!
A COVENTRY WAY
Sunday April 12th is the date for the 2015 ‘A Coventry Way Challenge. The 40 mile circular route follows a series of footpaths and bridleways, starting and finishing at The Queens Head pub here in Meriden, thanks to the support of Lawrence and Caroline at the pub.
The 250 entry limit was reached by the end of January. Those signed up to take part have come from all over Sheffield, Bristol, Pontypool , Bolton, St Albans, Paignton , Bradford, Matlock, Ely, Ringwood (Hampshire), Needham Market (Suffolk), Wallasey (Cheshire).There is even an entry from Aspe in Spain. Many also are more local, such as Mark Swift and Martin Townend from Allesley. Mark is taking part in his 15th consecutive Challenge (600 miles), whilst for Martin it is his 14th event. After 10 circuits, each of these two was presented with a special 400 mile T shirt. This year it will be the turn of Peter Ibison from Brownhills who is entered and hopes to complete his 10th circuit to gain that special T shirt.
• Yellow + Blue (Yellow Green)
3. Leaves. Use varying mixes of:
4. Flower centres. On to dry paper add a semi circle of: Yellow (strong) And then a touch of weak Blue + Brown (grey) 5. Pot. Wet the pot and the shadow with clean water so its glossy wet (avoid the highlights) While this is still wet add in: Blue strength)(medium Blue (strong) Blue + Crimson red (very strong) Keep the weaker colours to the left and the stronger to the right and under the flowers. Let the colour flow into the shadow. When it’s almost dry add in a flick of darker tone to the bottom edge.
Copyright © 2015
• Blue + Cadmium (Blue Green) Add small patches of water to the leaf and then drop in the Yellow and Blue greens. Leave some small white patches.
6. Background. Wet the background with clean water so it’s glossy wet and add patches of:
• Yellow + Blue (weak Yellow Green) • Blue (weak) • Crimson red (very weak) "For weekly classes and one off workshop at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see website www.COEA.co.uk for more information."
2. Painting one petal at a time, carefully dampen the petal with clean water making sure its damp and not soaking wet. Start with the palest colours first and add a little: Yellow (very weak) Crimson red (weak) Crimson red (stronger) Blue + Crimson red (very strong blue/purple) you may need to add a slight touch of Dark Brown to darken this mix Paint every brush stroke towards the centre of the flower. Adding the dark centre to the petal is the difficult bit. If it’s too wet it will blur too much so wait until almost dry to add the dark tone. Move on to another petal on another flower and repeat.
1. Lightly draw the pansies, leaves and pot
Every year I put “winter flowering” Pansies in and every year they don’t flower properly until the spring. They are such cheerful flowers I had to have a go at painting them. Yow will need watercolour paper and paint for this.
Created by Julie Hyde Email:jph300@hotmail.com
A springtime walk
About Rights of Way In Solihull
The pack horse bridge in Hampton
Solihull has a rich and diverse network of public footpaths which can be enjoyed throughout the year. All of the footpaths will be signed along their length by green and yellow waymark discs and many will have stiles or kissing gates to aid access. Solihull Council work hard to maintain the network of rights of way and have made significant improvements to many routes; however if you do experience any difficulty using a footpath, please contact us at connectcc@solihull.gov.uk
Beginning at the Beeches(1), turn left out of the Fentham Hall carpark onto Marsh Lane and follow the road in a westerly direction to its junction with the High Street. Here you can see the parish church in front of you and the building known as the Ring of Bells. From here turn left 20 metres later onto Belle Vue Terrace. Follow the footway down to the bottom of the road where it will join a public footpath which runs between hedges. Once you are on the footpath you will notice that the path forks. At this point turn left and follow the footpath which takes you south directly away from the village. This will take you across a number of fields which at this time of the year will be quite wet so suitable footwear is recommended. Having crossed a footbridge you will shortly reach the picturesque hamlet of Walsall End. Please be aware that there are a number of changes in gradient and surface condition on this section of the route.
Walking through Walsall End, continue heading south towards the village of Barston. Leaving the footpath you will join Oak Lane, and then Barston Lane, which will take you through the village. As you are passing through Barston you may wish to stop for refreshments at the Bull’s Head pub which is open daily.
The number 82 bus Coventry to Solihull leaves Meriden Green at 33 minutes past the hour and takes 5 minutes to get to Hampton by the church. On return the bus leaves Hampton at 30 minutes past the hour. There are no buses on Sundays.
Continue through the village until you reach the junction of Ryton End Lane. A short walk along this country lane, takes you to a bridleway that will allow you to continue on towards Barston Lanes which form part of the West Midlands Golf Club (2). From here continue along the bridleway which will take you past the Marsh Lane local nature area (3) and onto Marsh Lane. From here and taking care, follow the historic Marsh Lane in a north westerly direction back into the village and your start point at the Beeches (1).
Hampton-in-Arden to Barston and back 4.5 miles 3.5 hours
Meriden Rotary Club organised another successful Santa Fun Run The Christmas tree Festival at St Laurence Church was extremely creative and enjoyed by all the visitors Members of Meriden WI in the centenary year Signs of Spring Meriden Spartans Cricket Club practising in the nets and appearingsnowdropsinthe gardens
The Cubs had a great session on the climbing wall at the Alfrey Activity Centre at Broadwater, where they all got to experience climbing up the different types of wall faces
A Police Officer visited the Scout Hut with his Police Motorbike and talked to the Beavers about important safety information such as The Green Cross Code and Stranger Danger
The New Year has seen the start of two new Beaver Scout Leaders at 1st Meriden, coupled with an increase in the number of Beavers now attending. We have our very own woodland creature groups and have learned interesting facts about each animal and the importance of teamwork activities. We are now working towards our Global Challenge badge by learning about Chinese culture and working out which animal we are on the Chinese Zodiac, along with making Chinese lanterns. The Beavers got their hands messy by making camp fire cakes and we were very excited when a Police Officer visited the Scout Hut with his Police Motorbike and talked about important safety information such as The Green Cross Code and Stranger Danger. This activity has helped us to work towards our Safety badge. We are all very excited to be going on the Beaver Youth Involvement Day in February where we will be meeting up with other Beaver Scouts from the District and earning our Disability Awareness and Communicator badges. Next term we will be working towards our Animal Care badge and continuing our work on Safety and Global badges. This year is a very exciting year with lots of events planned with the District/County Beaver Scouts as well as our Monday night sessions. An Investiture of new Beaver Scouts is planned to take place during February.
1 Scout Group News from the Green Hut
st Meriden
Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½ 14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark (07801 773352) or 1stMeridenScouts@gmail.com
Group
Cub Scouts Firstly, we would like to welcome Steve Evans as our new Assistant Cub Scout Leader, as well as our new Cubs (Olivia, Joel and Archie) that have moved up from Beavers. Our recent activities have seen the Cubs create and design their own Christmas meal and cook it from scratch. It looked and tasted great! We also created our very own Christmas tree that was entered into the annual Christmas tree competition at St Laurence's. The Cubs also had a great session on the climbing wall at the Alfrey Activity Centre at Broadwater, where they all got to experience climbing up the different types of wall faces from the easier straight climb to the more difficult overhang. This was a very enjoyable night. The varied programme that we have planned for Cubs has many exciting challenges ahead, which includes Chinese New Year celebrations, a technology night and a scavenger hunt around the village. It has been another enjoyable programme to date and the Cubs are having great fun in being a part of it. If you would like your son or daughter to be a part of this, there are still spaces available, so please do not hesitate to get in touch and bring your children (aged between 8 10 and a half) down to the Scout Hut on a Thursday night from 6:30 8:00pm Beaver 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.
In addition to his Scout Leader role Mark Jones has kindly agreed to become the Assistant Group Scout Leader, working with Gerry Russell to further develop the Group.
Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6 8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Emma (evenings only 07811 905456)
The Scout Group is fortunate that both Emma West Eggar and Becky Billingsley have kindly agreed to take up new appointments in the Beaver Scout section. Emma as the Beaver Scout Leader and Becky as the Assistant Beaver Scout Leader. Both have been through the appointment procedure and have started the normal training process for Leaders. Steve Evans has volunteered to be a new Assistant Cub Scout Leader working with Malcolm. Steve is also going through the required appointment process.
Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8 10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520)
One of the areas we are looking to develop is a new section called Explorer Scouts; this section follows on from the current Beavers Scouts (6 to 8 year olds), Cub Scouts (8 to 10.5 year olds), and Scouts (10.5 to 14 year olds). The Explorer Scout section is for young people from 14 to 18 years old and like all the sections in Scouting is open to both boys and Girls. The number of young people in the Scout Group is continuing to grow, so there is still room for additional sectional Leaders and Group supporters. If you can help us in any way please do contact any of the section Leaders or Gerry AllRussell.thesections have an exciting programme for 2015, including the regular meeting nights together with outings and camps. This year there will be a County Camp where many thousand Scouts of all ages will be going to Ragley Hall. News As noted in the last Meriden Mag, at the end of December 2014 Lis Willis retired from the Scout Group after a number of years firstly as the Cub Scout Leader and more latterly as the Leader of the Beaver Scout section. At the last meeting before Christmas the Beaver Scout parents made a presentation to Lis, and Gerry Russell made a small presentation on behalf of the Group. We would all like to thank Lis for all of her work with the young people in Meriden Scouting and wish her well in the future.
Meriden Volunteers for Award Winning Baby Development Classes Designed for babies from birth to 13 months Babies have an extraordinary capacity to absorb information in their first year and at Baby Sensory we don’t waste a single moment! With 40 themed lesson plans, you and your baby will discover a magical underwater world, explore a tropical jungle, journey into Space and have fun at our Baby Olympics! Classes held in: Shirley, Solihull and Meriden Contact Nina 07971 945 solihull@babysensory.co.uk242 This is less than our usual yearly income but we plod on thinking that we’ve accomplished something worthwhile. Thank you for your continued support with our fund raising events. On Friday April 10th at the Heart of England Club we are pleased to have booked Knoxville Highway a country group of 5 men. We have had them before and we are very lucky to have booked them again. They are playing in the studio at Solihull theatre in February and if they are good enough for Solihull they are good enough for us! Tickets to be booked beforehand are £10 and will include hot dogs. On Thursday April 30th we welcome a ladies clothing sale of leading labels at 7.00pm the entrance will be £1. Cash and cheque sales only, no card facilities. There will be refreshments available whilst you wait for your best friend! “We will beat cancer sooner” Mary Warr, Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research Our financial year ends at the end of January and we have sent £8,000 to the national account of CRUK this year Knoxville Highway Country Group Friday 10th April Ladies Clothing Sale Thursday 30th April 7.00pm At Heart of England Club Entrance £1 on the door Please Telephone for tickets and information 01676 522160 * 01676 522855 * 01676 22702 01676 522555 At Heart of England Club Tickets must be booked in advance £10 to include a hot dog Newly open 20% off Food bill on your 1st visit on presentation of this Magazine and 10% off future visits until 31st May Shephards Lane Meriden Bypass, Gt. Packington CV7 7JT off A45 Birmingham Rd 01676 521 218 info@thaibrasseriewww.thaibrasserienec.co.uknec.co.ukExclusivebusinesslunchesOnecourse£6.952courses£8.95Sundayspecial4courses£14.95PleaseaskforourloyaltycardTakeawaymenuavailable Open 7 days Lunch:12noon 2.00pm Sunday Thursday Evening 5.00pm 10.30pm Friday and Saturday 5.00pm until 11.00pm
Meriden Library
Readers Circle
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 Meriden library works commenced on Monday 9 February Solihull Council would like to inform residents that Meriden library has been closed for a short period, from Saturday 21 February.
The temporary mobile stops will be:
For further information please contact Kate Bunting, Operations and Community Engagement Manager, Library and Information Service, Tel: 0121 704 6958, Email: kate.bunting@solihull.gov.uk
At our December committee meeting we reviewed past progress and looked confidently at the group’s future. Whilst new members are always welcome we continue to have effective group meetings with members submitting work for appraisal. Many members of the Thursday group are concentrating on their second novel or producing a kindle edition of their short stories.
Balsall Writers
The Tuesday group also has two published members, whilst the Poetry group now has six members and continues to meet on a regular basis in members’ homes. After having produced such a successful Anthology, now available in paperback & kindle we are having 2015 off and concentrating on an exhibition by our authors to be held in the autumn. For more information see our www.balsallwriters.org.ukwebsite or email Anne Santos at Info@balsallwriters.org.uk
Monday 30th March 2.00pm 4.00pm The Pavilion
Margaret Houldsworth 01676 523603
Meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of each month from 7.30 to 9.00 p.m, but the March meeting will not be held due to absences If you would like to join us do please call me for details of the venue. We usually read round a different subject each month and the Library staff provide us with a selection of books to choose from so we can contribute what we have Thediscovered.Apriland May meetings will be as usual 8th April 2015 The Supernatural this can be serious or scary depending on you. "Ooooooh!" 13th May 2015
Meriden Playgroup
Monday 9th March 2.00pm 4.00pm The Pavilion Thursday 12th March 1.50pm 3.20pm The Pavilion Thursday 19th March 10.00am 10.30am Albert Road (existing stop)
Thursday 19th March 1.30pm 3.10pm The Pavilion Thursday 26th March 2.15pm 3.30pm The Pavilion
It's been fifty years since Winston Churchill died. Let's have a look at the changes we have seen in politics over that half century. The book can be fact or fiction. If you are interested in either of these subjects it would be good to hear your thoughts on them so do come along and join us.
Thursday 5th March 2.15pm 3.30pm The Pavilion
The site is undergoing both external and internal works, comprising repairs to the chimneys, the roof covering, brickwork repairs, window repairs, damp proofing works and decoration externally and internally. In addition to this work, funding has been secured from Meriden Parish Council to upgrade the ICT facilities for customers using the library. The works have been combined into one programme resulting in only one period of closure for the library Externalsite. works commenced on Monday 9February. The Meriden Library site closed on Saturday 21 February so that the internal works and the ICT facility works can begin. The library will re open on Monday 30March 2015 with a new offer for customers, which includes 6 new computers and tablets. During the closure period access to library services for local residents will be via a re routed mobile service, book drop off points in the local community and an extended loan period of 6 weeks.
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
Since the turn of the century, figures for undergraduate study have remained fairly stable, with a slight dip following the increase in tuition fees. Compounded by the notion that British higher education is as strong as ever, with an 86% rate of student satisfaction in 2014, surely graduates are turning out with more kudos than ever before. They have sound grounding in academic study having spent at least three years under experts in their field of study. This does little to explain the jobless but qualified young people that are perhaps struggling to realise their potential through desirable employment.
Equally, with a wealth of graduates to choose from, the value of holding a degree, especially one in a non specific field, may no longer impress employers to the extent that graduates even stand out in a group of applicants. Maybe a lack of employability is to blame. Whilst new graduates may have excelled in their exams and become intellectual beings, their skillset may be too much lacking to reach the bar set high by inundated employers. A failure to complete work experience against a small elite of high flyers may see some graduates missing the mark on Itemployment.iscertainly
are considered another bone of contention in the graduate employment question. Whether they act as a hoist to give graduates experience and contacts or whether they exploit the skills and availability of unemployed university leavers remains ambiguous. However, similar types of work placements, even apprenticeships, should be encouraged to give both school and university leavers a gateway into the workplace.
The Woes of Being a Graduate
junior coaching sessions will return to Meriden Sports Park on Friday 24th April at 6pm.
Graduate unemployment: a term that has been in increasing use with a growing sense of foreboding for the future of young people attached to it. Despite the world renowned education that young people receive from British Higher Educational institutions, nearly 40% of graduates are without work after six months of graduating, according to graduate recruitment website Totaljobs.com. The repercussions of this in a time of economic volatility could be precarious for the long term unemployment figures for young people as well as the legitimacy of the university degree in the competitive job market of today.
Graduate unemployment is a sad truth that affects our society and economy significantly. Although a recovery from such a state of affairs is hardly imminent, that is not to say that with engagement and motivation from employers, the goal of reducing the imbalance of graduates and jobs cannot be achieved.
Preparations for the upcoming season are under way with nets training sessions every Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening until April. This year the Sunday afternoons will include coaching sessions for the Fridayjuniors.night
For any queries about membership, junior coaching or sponsorship please email: admin@mscc.info
Moreover, graduate recruitment fairs take place at most universities and institutes of Higher Education on a regular basis, providing important networking between soon to be graduates and employers. Events and programmes such as these are incredibly useful in placing graduates in viable work placements and should continue to develop across the Internshipscountry.
a hard pill to swallow that well qualified people are being turned away from the jobs that they are most likely fit to fulfil. It is even bitterer that jobs cannot be plucked out of thin air and a stagnation of the current situation would be the best to hope for. However, as, under the current government, it is reported that 1,000 jobs are created every single day, one would hope that graduates will soon see their prospects improving.
The first, second, Sunday and midweek 20/20 teams will be playing at Meriden from the start of May. A full list of fixtures will be available shortly and displayed at the pavilion.
Claire Hargreaves year 13 student at Heart of England Sixth Form Meriden Spartans Cricket Club
We look forward to your continued support and another successful season!
Indeed, the cut throat job market of the 21st century means that competition is deadly for the thousands of graduates searching for their “ideal” job. Perhaps they are suffering from the implications of their sky high expectations: do some graduates think they can skip a few steps on the career ladder, rather than working from rock bottom?
The Spartans ended the season with their presentation evening where players were recognised for their achievements during a great season.
sd 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 RockeryPotatoesstone and Other gardenVillageneedsdelivery Potato Bake Mary Ann Beaty is one of the cooks who writes recipes for The Farmers Weekly, she lives at the Dairy Farm Packington. We have chosen her potato bake as she writes that it is a struggle to find something quick and easy to do with the humble spud. This is really tasty and with the addition of a handful of chopped ham or chicken and a sprinkling of herbs, makes a meal on its own. Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 50 minutes Oven: 190C/Gas 5/Fan 170C serves 4 6 3Ingredientslargepotatoes, peeled and roughly chopped 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped 3 eggs 3oz mature cheddar (optional) 4fl oz milk 2 tbsp butter or margarine Salt and pepper Protect tender shoots from slugs Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes Plant summer-flowering bulbs Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials Top dress containers with fresh compost Mow the lawn on dry days (if needed) Cut back Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow) grown for colourful winter stems Weeds come back in to growth deal with them before they get out of hand Start feeding fish and using the pond fountain; remove pond heaters Open the greenhouse or conservatory doors and vents on warm days Method 1. Put all the ingredients in a food processor and “blitz” until the potatoes and onion are grated size and everything else is well blended. 2. Season well with salt and pepper. 3. Pour into a greased dish. 4. Bake, uncovered for 50min. Save the WarwickshireChildrenWalks Sunday April 26th Start Lapworth Village Hall from 10.00 am to 4.00pm Last registration at 2.30pm 3 lengths: 3, 5 or 10 mile walks The walk includes Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House (with special concessions on entrance charges) There will be a nature trail for children Teas and cakes will be available in the hall Cost:£5 per adult, free for children all proceeds to the Save the Children Phone 01676 533513 Top Tips for Gardeners in March
Eric King 26.01.1945 31.01 2015 Eric William King was born on 26th of January 1945 along with his brother Peter who was born a few minutes later. He lived with his father, mother and two brothers in Sheldon where he grew up and gained his education. He then moved to Moseley when he had met his future wife Diane Warren, the love of his life. When their thoughts turned to starting a family they fell in love with the leafy lanes of Warwickshire and moved into a house in Eastern Green and a few years later after the birth of their first son Adrian they moved to Glovers Close, Meriden. It was here that they felt home. Warren and Nadine soon appeared and it was through their attendance at the local primary school that Eric and Diane started to make many friends in the village. Eric was always an active member of the village community he would help with the social events and dance at the school, helping run the bar for the PTA. At Christmas and other holidays he would make sure the kids were entertained, by putting on film shows of Disney films and children’s Onemovies.ofhis great enjoyments was setting up and running a football team for the Meriden Cubs. With no formal coaching training he would make sure everyone got a game (Whether you were a cub scout or not). It was all about enjoying the beautiful game. A keen fitness enthusiast he would often be seen jogging around the village and the surrounding lanes, as well as on the golf course of the old Forest of Arden golf course. He took part in many an Outward Bound Weekend in Wales and completed many half marathons; the Coventry marathon was a highlight as he got to jog through his home Hevillage.moved out of Meriden for a time when he bought a guest house on the Kenilworth Road. Bibury House was definitely Mr King’s Castle and he welcomed all with a smile and good company. Eric was certainly a character and even when he lived away from the village he was very much a member of the community. Especially the Queens Head. When the children had grown and moved on. Eric and his Diane moved back to Meriden where they lived happily and became involved with the Meriden Cricket Club. Eric relished his position in the club and had some memorable tours away with the lads. A keen Birmingham City fan you would often find Eric sharing the banter as the results came in and supporters returned to the Queens Head on a Saturday evening. In later life the death of his beautiful Diane and the decline in his health took its toll on him. It was a struggle for him but he would always look on the bright side of life and appreciate the warmth and support of the community he was such a part of. He would twist his signature moustache tip his hat and carry on. He will be sadly missed by his friends, children and beloved grandchildren Alfie, Ruby, Miles, Freya, Frankie and Roman. ‘Gar Gar’ will always be in their hearts. Eric is in a better place now. He made his 70th birthday against all odds. He smiled and was at peace with the world when he passed away, in his bed, in his home, in his village. I imagine he will be with his beautiful Diane now, happy and in each other’s arms forever. Meriden will miss you.
Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell CV7 7BN 01676 530 299 / 07949 119 436 Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm week days and now until 3.30pm Saturday & Sunday Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day Breakfast for £4.20! Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk MANOR HOTEL Main Road, Meriden, Solihull, West Midlands, CV7 7NH Tel: 01676 522735 events@manorhotlmeriden.co.uk “Coffee and Cake” We are pleased to be able to offer our customers Freshly Ground Coffee & Homemade Cakes served daily IntroductoryofferCoffeeandcake£3.00 Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 15th March Show your mum how much you love her this Mother’s Day and treat her to a delicious 3 course Sunday lunch with no washing up! Free gift for all Mums! Regency Restaurant Including 4 course meal Adult £23.95 Child £11.95 Aylesford Suite Including 3 course carvery Adult £17.95 Child £8.95 Houstons Bar & Grill Including 3 course meal Adult £14.95 Child £7.95 Children 2 years and under eat FREE Sunday 5th April Easter Lunch Carvery and Disco With a visit form the Easter bunny for the kids plus a traditional egg hunt, a great way to spend Easter with the family. Adults £21.95 Children £10.95 Children 2 years and under eat FREE Wedding Open Day’s Want something different in 2015 Outdoor ceremonies in our Private courtyard Wednesday 4th March; 6.00 9.00pm Don’t miss the perfect opportunity to see how your special day could look in one of our amazing suites! Visit our stunning hotel and see first hand how all of our 4 beautiful rooms can be set for your big day. Our experienced team will also be on hand to assist with questions and to help tailor your day at the Manor to your dreams… Regency Restaurant Join us for a truly traditional Sunday Lunch giving you the chance to unwind and enjoy our award winning food and service. Adults £19.95 Children £9.95
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 Do you want to clean up? Contact Rachel on 07518538829 No? Then let me do it for you. I have twenty years’ experience in cleaning and am trustworthy and hard Referencesworkingcanbeprovided. Fredanita Flower & Gift Boutique Call in and see our range of renovated shabby chic furniture CommissionsProprietorSarahundertakenMcguigan&florist The Green, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7LN Tel: 01676 523 050 Mob:07803 941931 Email :sarahcolver@hotmail.co.uk We will be open Mother’s Day Sunday 15th March Treat bouquetMumyourtoaofourbeautifulflowersFreelocaldelivery We had a great run up to Christmas with the Brownies gaining their artist badges. Now we are into 2015 and are working our way through the craft badge and speaker badge. The Brownies enjoy lots of games as well and we are looking forward to a talk about hedgehogs from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. We can’t wait till the lighter evenings so we can go out and explore Meriden. Sarah Markham 07572 sarahmarkhamuk@yahoo.co.uk508727 Living on Earth is expensive, however it does include a free trip around the sun.
Dev Kulkarni President, Meriden Rotary Club
I would
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 Greetings from Meriden Rotary Club and a belated Happy New Year! Hope you all had a very wonderful and relaxing Christmas and New Year Break!
Santa Fun Run 2014 Meriden Rotary Club held their third Santa Fun Run on 7th December and it was again a big success with our largest event so far and runners having great fun on a pleasant winter Sunday morning. like to take this opportunity to thank all the people of Meriden for supporting us in this festive season through Santa Fun Run and Santa Sleigh events. We had yet another very successful Santa Fun Run and you will find all the details of the event opposite. We also had yet another year of successful Santa Sleigh collections through Meriden and surrounding areas. Once again you came out in great number, especially children, to meet Father Christmas on the Sleigh. So Thank You very much once again for supporting our Club during these events. We hosted our annual Senior Citizens’ Party on 31st January. We once again welcomed the Senior Citizens for the fun filled evening and they enjoyed every bit of it. In the past few months, we had many speakers from various sections of the society presenting us information about their chosen areas and we had a great fellowship.
Whilst a few covered the 4km course in amazingly short time others extended the fun by taking a more leisurely pace. The mayor of Solihull came to start the run in spite of having a very bad cold our sincere thanks to her. Thanks to a really good turn out and wonderful sponsorship of runners and our many corporate sponsors, we have raised some £6000 for local and Rotary Charities primarily Marie Curie and Princes Trust.Wehave many great photos of happy smiling faces particularly children and we will post many of them on our website shortly. Electronic copies will be made available on request. Many thanks to all our runners, supporters and sponsors. We hope that you will support our event again next year.
Tony Hill Meriden Rotary club
Why not join us one evening on Tuesday at Manor Hotel at 7 for 7.30pm and know a bit more about us?
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 During March and April enjoy a 4 week membership including: 18m Leisure pool Spa Bath Sauna & Steam room Exercise studio with over30 classes per week Flood lit tennis courts & table tennis facilities Splash pool Cardio gym Free weights gym Resistance suite 7OpenAllforjust£49*6am11pmdaysaweek . Spring into fitness in 2015 at the Marriott Forest of Arden Leisure Club 01676 526107 A support group for all those affected by a lung condition, including friends, family and carers. Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month. 2 4 pm The Lounge, Central Hall, Methodist Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA Friday 13th March Karen Payne Specialist Nurse Bronchiectasis Friday 10th April Sarah Fellow Living with Chronic Illness and enjoying a good quality of life Friday 8th May Dr Colin Gelder Consultant Allergies Coventry Breathe Easy For 02476informationmorepleaseringCynthiaon440316 *Terms and conditions apply. Offer only available March and April 2015
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
agenda and
drop
access information or have a private chat
The Neighbourhood Planning consultation concluded on 16 January 2015. We confirm that Meriden Neighbourhood Plan Area is on the forward plan for the Economic Development & Land Decision Session on 25 March 2015. There has been only one representation received by SMBC in support of the application for Parish Designation. Following the Decision Session and Solihull Council’s decision, it will then be for the Parish Council to take forward. Any resident interested in joining the Neighbourhood Plan working group please contact the Clerk.
address local community issues. Barbara
Neighbourhood Planning
and Committee Members Please
Note: March’s surgery will take place at The Pavilion on 9 March 2015 while the library is closed for renovation.
Community surgeries at Meriden Library
all
Paul Lee Mandy Haque
is to afford access to wi-fi and
Your Parish Councillors are:
Melanie Lee Rosie Weaver Bob Kipling
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 cordially invited to parish council meetings 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to out for the venue which is posted on notice website to the meeting. next meeting dates 23 March 2015 - The Pavilion, Parish Council Meeting 27 April 2015 - The Pavilion, Annual Parish Meeting 18 May 2015 - The Pavilion, The Annual Meeting, of Chair, Vice Chair note the change of venue to the Parish Council office meetings Parish Council wish to contact the Parish Council, contact the Clerk or into the Parish Council office or mornings where may with the Clerk to Bland
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Frances Jon Barber Matthew Nunn (Chair) (Vice Chair) Lynch-Smith
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MeridenPavilionSports Park Main MeridenRoadCV7 7SP Tel: 01676 522474 (Mondays and Thursdays) Mobile:07767 162423 Email: barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com Web: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
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: 13 April 2015 and 11 May 2015.
Election
Police beat surgeries Sgt Craig Hurst and his team will conduct their beat surgery on Thursdays 26 March at the Pavilion and 23 April 2015 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.
public and press are
2015 is the year for General and Local Elections
Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom 2015 Volunteer Appeal
To find out more about standing for local election, you can attend a briefing session at Solihull Council’s Civic Suite on Wednesday 4 March 2015 at 6.30pm. The deadline to submit your nomination papers is 4pm on Thursday 9 April 2015 Alternatively you may follow this link on http://www.solihull.gov.uk/About-the Council/Voting/elections2015/TownParishCouncilElections2015 at SMBC for the appropriate forms/information as soon as possible. Further information will be posted on the notice boards shortly. Sports Camps this Easter at Meriden Sports Park 30 Mar – 2 Apr 2015 7 – 10 Apr 2015 9am – 3pm each day. £10 per day or £40 per week. For boys and girls aged 5-12.Foreach 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.
Spread the word, rather than the muck, call Environmental Services on 0121 704 8000 to report any dog fouling.
Thanks to Taylor Wimpey Homes for their contribution towards the planting of the Living Poppy Memorial at Memorial Approach.
With the success of achieving Meriden Best Village accolade for 2014, we are keen to defend our "winner status" in 2015. Therefore we are seeking volunteers to assist with growing the plants. If you have a polytunnel or greenhouse(s) with spare room to bring on plugs and plant into trays, please contact the Clerk on 01676 522474.
YOUR DOG YOUR JOB - latest news on dog fouling
The Parish Council would like to thank Ashley Prior and Tejinder Chagger, SMBC Highways, for their work including the replacement new bus shelter, removal of lay-by, new bus stop arrangement with raised curbs and tactile paving on both sides of Main Road at the bottom of Leys Lane.
Our contractors, Advanced Maintenance Services (West Midlands) Limited and Dovetail Facilities Services Limited, are once again generously donating their labour pro bono. Alan Lole has purchased hanging baskets for the shop fronts ready for planting.
Any calls made to Solihull’s contact centre regarding dog fouling will receive a green intervention which means cleansing by their Litter Blitz crew. Between 3 and 8 incidents on the same road will receive an amber intervention which includes cleansing and stencilling and anything over 8 per month on that road will receive a red intervention which is more detailed monitoring and patrolling.
Thanks to Bruce Brant, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, for the installation of the long awaited bollards at the busy crossing point of Fillongley Road and Maxstoke Lane.
Solihull Council is also currently working with schools to educate the children which hopefully they will pass on to their family and friends who are pet owners, YOUR DOG YOUR JOB. More information will feature in the next issue of the Meriden Mag.
Not only are the general elections taking place this 7 May 2015, but also the local elections for your ward and parish councillors. All local councillors are able to stand for re-election. YOU may also wish to stand for election for your Parish Council.
If you are a resident or work within the Parish, are over 18 and do not have a criminal record then you may be able to stand. If you wish to do this, or discuss this further, please contact our clerk, Barbara Bland, on 01676 522474 or 07767 162423 or email barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com.
For the very best for your dog, contact… Lesley Thompson, at Meriroyles 118 Fillongley Road, Meriden. Telephone 01676 522405 email: meriroyles@aol.com 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 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-10pm Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287 Normal opening hours throughout WeekdaysEaster6am – 10pm Weekends 7am 10pm Tom’s Butchery
Another
Alan Lole Funday Sunday
Instead of writing "Thank you" many times, please let me THANK YOU****** to everyone who supports what I do!!!!!!!!
Alan Lole have helped Tree of
Steve’s Industries Ltd Are proud to
Thought for the tenth time and look forward to many more For Free PhoneQuotations/Advice01564770560.Orgoonto http://www.stevesindustries.co.uk North Warwickshire Golf Club Just starting or looking to improve? Quality golf lessons for all ages 01676 522295 Gift vouchers and lesson vouchers available from the club shop Gift vouchers and lesson vouchers available from the Club shop Andrew Bownes PGA Golf Professional 1 to 1 lessons from £20 ½ hour Course of lessons available Juniors class Saturdays 2.00 3.00pm Tri.golf and golf junior passport centre No equipment necessary/non members welcome
say ****** A HUGE
with the Meriden
MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT
I have started preparations for another Funday Sunday, which will be on The Village Green on the 7th JUNE. At this stage, I am pulling together the many factors needed for the day, such as Stalls, Features, Prizes for The Meriden Midsummer Draw and, hopefully, volunteers for setting up and stewarding. Anyone willing or wishing to take part, do please feel free to let me know. As before, all proceeds will be shared, equally, between Macmillan and The Hospice. My aim is to make it as much fun for all as possible, so I hope you will mark the date on your calendars and come along. THANKYOU!!!!
What amazing people we have in our Village!! I received wonderful donations from: The Earl & of Aylesford, De Mulder Enterprises, Pertemps, The Cassidy group, to book, the Manor Hotel, Fordes on the Green and Meriden Christian Fellowship. In addition, there were individual contributions made by so many of you. The Christmas Cards I published made £ 504 profit. All residual money was shared, equally, between Macmillan Cancer Support and The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull. The symbols of Thought raised £405. for Macmillan and £693.75 for The Hospice. Put together, The Tree raised ** £ 3,298.75** over the Christmas period. During the Summer, I received an excellent donation from Meriden Rotary Club which, with the money raised from my Meriden Midsummer Draw, made the TOTAL for 2014 ** £ 5,648.75**. This means that the overall total raised so far for the Cancer Care Charities, since I founded The Tree on the 17th November 2005,to **** £ 42,726.25. **** I think it is fair to say that everyone enjoyed The Tree with the new LED Lights, the large majority of which was paid for by Guy Salmon Land Rover, Coventry. The Insurance for the duration of The Tree was, again, covered by The Parish Council. Dedication Day was most enjoyable with proceedings having been, beautifully, conducted by The Rev Kate Massey. The donkeys were, again, sponsored by Gary and James Olsen of Meriden Tearooms, Carol Todd, Ron Potter, John Sleath (The Job Squad) and Phil Simister played a great part, on the day, with their help and kindness. A lovely time was had by all who were at The Special Lunch at The Manor Hotel on the 10th December. The food, service and atmosphere, they provided, were just brilliant.
Doris Mary Hughes 1922 2014 Doris Hughes, nee Wheeler was born in Bickenhill in 1922, shortly after her birth the family moved to a row of cottages in Little Packington. When she was 12 years old the family moved to Glover’s Yard (now demolished), close to the Bull’s Head Pub. She grew up there with her two older brothers, Jack and Ernie, her sister Doreen and her younger brother Cyril. She started work at Wakes in Coventry where she became Mangeress at the age of 17. She married John (Jack) in 1951 and they started married life in South Africa. In 1953 they returned home and their only daughter, Jackie, was born. The family lived with Doris’s parents Ernie and Elsie and after a time they bought a house in Corley Moor. In 1958 they moved to Fillongley Road where Doris managed the fruit shop, Dingley’s, on the Green until she retired. In 1982 Doris lost her husband and also her brother Jack, their mother passed away in 1985. Doris moved with her daughter to Thornton, near Blackpool and she passed away in hospital in October last year.
NHS Blood and Transplants The next sessions for blood donors will be Thursday 7th May 2015 at The Heart of England Social Club 1.30 3.30 & 4.30 7.30pm Appointments available by calling 03001232323 David Deakin Plastering Services Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome. Free Estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service. Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860
man speaks frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant, and her contractions are only two minutes apart!" "Is this her
Being taught skills and knowledge by working GPs rather than academics who don’t deal with the public on a daily basis is an important contribution to the development of junior doctors. It can also be an opportunity for our team to be challenged by these young enthusiastic people whose ideas and questions keep us up to date. The students are bound by the same confidentiality as any of the qualified staff.
The practice has a long tradition of undergraduate medical education. Many of you will remember that Dr Peter Lea frequently had a medical student in tow.
We have placements for final year students (6th year of university) from the Imperial College in London. They usually come to spend three weeks with us, at first just sitting in with a doctor, nurse or other member of the team. They can also see how the pharmacists liaise with us and how the administration of our business works. They are then expected to see patients on their own in surgery to take the history, conduct an examination if appropriate and discuss a possible plan of action with the patient. The student has thirty minutes allocated for each patient and one of the GPs will be present during the last ten minutes to oversee the case.
Medical Students at Balsall Common Surgery and Meriden Surgery
If
Because they are in their final year the students are working towards their final qualifying exams whilst they are with us. The exams tend to be in spring/early summer and they start work as junior doctors in August. Sometimes they want to practice a particular type of clinical examination if they don't feel confident enough in it. We have many generous public spirited patients who have been very kind in letting students practice their examination skills repeatedly. We are always grateful if patients with long term conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are willing to let the students practice their technique!
Patients will be offered appointments with students by our staff and of course there is no obligation to accept. The patient will be seen by one of the regular doctors anyway if they do accept and many patients love the opportunity to spend up to half an hour discussing a subject and being part of the educational discussion.
please
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
If you wish to make any comment about our undergraduate teaching or volunteer to discuss an interesting case with a student for one of their case reports contact Dr Aileen Carlile would like to make patients aware that appointments can be booked with doctors in advance of 5 weeks you are aware that you need to see a Doctor for a review, book this appointment as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Waiting to book the appointment on the day or week of the review may result in you not being able to book an appointment that is convenient to you.
please
Booking Appointments in Advance ******** We
child?" the doctor queries. "No, you idiot!" the man shouts. "This is her husband!"
A first
“When it’s over I want to say, I was the bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom taking the whole world in my arms.” Mary Oliver There's beauty all around. Can you see it? Yeah, on a drizzly grey cold miserable day it's tough to see the wonder in anything, but look anyway. Make the effort to see the magical, the wondrous, the beauty around you. It's in people, in animals, in the natural world, even in the man made world. Stop and smell the flowers, appreciate the architecture, savour the taste, enjoy the sunset, hear the birds sing, watch people laugh. Look for things to enjoy the beauty of see the world through fresh, young, eager eyes (even if you feel stale, old and jaded). In fact, that's why we get stale, old and jaded, because we stop seeing the wonder in life.
In this book, Donna shares her favourite techniques, tips and tools for helping you fall deeply, madly in love with your life right now. Drawn from her own experience of falling in love with life, and coaching clients all over the world since 2004, this book is a celebration of joy, laughter and happy dances.
A chapter from Donna’s book is featured below
Donna’s book is priced at £7.99 and is available from Fredanita Florists on the Green, Meriden or on line from Amazon.co.uk and Donna's website www.donnaonthebeach.com
It is also available to download as an eBook.
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 SSeeee tthhee wwoonnddeerr iinn tthhee wwoorrlldd
A child sees easily the wonder in the world the beauty, the joy, the fun. What fascinated you as a child? What would fascinate you now if you took the time to stop and look? Clouds in the sky? Waves crashing on the shore? Stars? Sunsets? Beautiful writing? Amazing apps? Historical discovery? With the wonders of the internet, we can share in most experiences, wherever we live. We can watch the waves crashing on 100 shores without leaving our couch; we can discover new worlds, new people, and new ideas without putting on a coat. Life is full of fascinating people and places and animals and technologies and achievements and wonders of all stripes. When was the last time you allowed yourself to be impressed by something in the world? Whether it’s how a spider spins their web, or how tomatoes grow from a teeny tiny seed, or how electricity powers everything from a toothbrush to a Takecomputer.thetimeto notice all of the wondrous, beautiful, incredible things that surround you in your life things that you normally take entirely for granted. There is so much to be enjoyed and admired and fascinated by. Put on your sparkly, wonder full glasses and see it all.
‘Fall in love with life’ with Donna Higton Meriden born Donna has been helping people get the best out of life for the last 10 years.
blitz Beauty 01676TelephoneSalon521100 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, Vibration plate and Ultrasonic Liposuction 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 65 complimentary25Tuesdayspecial%offanytreatmentAlsotea&biscuitsMen and DualOpenwelcomeWomenlatenightsMonthlyoffersavailabletreatmentroomGiftvouchersavailableFriendly,welcomingenvironment
It is likely that the real name of this once imposing structure was ‘The Old Manor Court House’ as there were other village buildings considered manor houses: Meriden Hall, Walsh Hall, Alspath Hall and The Manor (Hotel).It stood in the heart of the original Meriden hamlet and if tradition is correct in front of it was the market cross now on the Green. A number of significant families related by marriage to royalty were chief lords of Alspath and Meriden with the right to hold manorial courts that controlled and taxed the villagers. One, the Segraves gave Meriden its market in 1318 and later the Stanleys, Earls of Derby who feature prominently in the 1485 Battle of Bosworth saga, purchased these rights. The Stanleys main property was in Lancashire so to aid travelling to and from London they purchased estates along the entire route.
What of ‘Sadler’s Yard’? This was a fairly recent name perhaps adopted in the 1870s when a skilled leather worker William Grubb trained at a Meriden business some 20 years earlier, moved to these premises to be followed in Edwardian days by the Bedhalls from Walsall. And the Methodist Chapel? Methodism was significant in this neighbourhood from the 1790s onwards with meetings initially held in different farm houses but after1816 to 1840 centred on the prestigious school run by Mr Albutt at the Manor now the Hotel. Meriden became a regular, popular venue so by 1883 leading members managed to purchase one wing of the Old Manor House from an absentee landlord in Burton on Trent. I had wondered about the added feature: the large window. In the early 1820s a Devonshire grocer Giles Edwards made Meriden his home setting up in a shop and soon to be joined by relatives William Russell and his young family. The Russells remained here after Giles’ death, until moving to a shop on the Green in what is today the Library. At the end of my illustrated talk on ‘Meriden in the Great War’ last October, a lady in the audience asked me if one of my slides showed a building at the end of Leys Lane as her house was on that site now. I hope this answers her question.
Doreen Agutter
[[[[[[[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 & e mail Troubleshooting & tuition
Lost Buildings of Meriden 4 The Old Manor House
Demolished almost 50 years ago, the site of this property, at the junction of Leys Lane and Main Road is now occupied by modern houses and land adjoining the Methodist Chapel. Elevated on the hillside, the main structure was half-timbered, dating from C16th and divided into two distinct sections: housing, and after 1883 the original Methodist Chapel at the end next to Darlaston Hall or in modern terms next to the present chapel site. A long brick building running down the side of Leys Lane with a conspicuous window looking out onto the pathway may earlier have been stabling or a barn. I remember it as cottages. When I was a girl Meriden folk called this ‘Sadler’s’ Yard’.
. Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record journal.com.
I thought of Marilyn’s post office the other day as I was dropping off a batch of bill payments at my local post office. (Yes, I still do it the old way: first I strike a flint to light an oil lamp, then I write some checks with a quill pen, hitch up the horses and ride into town).
In all likelihood, the institution founded by Postmaster General Benjamin Franklin in 1775 (he had been doing the same job for the Crown for years, but George III fired him for his rebel sympathies) will be allowed to continue to muddle through, but in their drive for brutal efficiency, our politicians have made what should have remained unthinkable its demise thinkable.
Steven Russell
Of course, that would put half a million workers out on the street, and probably not even Congress has the gall to do that. What Congress did have the gall to do was turn a government department into a “quasi governmental agency” and then insist that the new outfit somehow break even while also funding health care benefits decades in advance, something no other public or private entity in this country is made to do. Getting rid of that onerous mandate which costs the service around $6 billion a year wouldn’t solve all of its problems, but it sure would help. Our esteemed politicians could do something about this, of course, but every time the hot TV lights are switched off, they seem to lose interest. Officially, the postal service still adheres to “a single, great principle: that every person in the United States no matter who, no matter where has the right to equal access to secure, efficient, and affordable mail service.” Doesn’t that mean this is an essential public service that needs to be funded?
Singing Teacher Singing for fun, choral Director Graded exams and Oxbridge Choral Scholarship preparation senzadolcenew@aol.com 07854631284 02476673181 15a Ainsbury Road Coventry CV5 6BA
Many years ago, a friend of mine from high school moved to North Kemptville, Nova Scotia, which seems to be too small a place for the Canadian government to bother taking a head count, but the population couldn’t have been more than a few hundred souls back then. Actually, Fred moved to an isolated “camp” about seven miles outside of town, and he’s still there.
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Fred’s place is well past where the pavement stops, not to mention the power and telephone lines, so there are no services to speak of. Oh, the Mounties will come out to investigate a crime, if absolutely necessary, but if your cabin should catch fire, it’ll burn down long before word gets around. Come to think of it, the R.C.M.P. did investigate me the last time I was there (this had to be 1972, because it was the summer of the total eclipse of the sun that Carly Simon sang about in “You’re So Vain”).
When bad ideas cease to be unthinkable
You see, a local fellow had lost his week’s pay in a card game, so he told his wife he’d been robbed; then, the very next morning, a long haired American driving a van (moi) showed up at the village post office and bought one stamp, paying with a Canadian $20 bill, and Marilyn the Postmistress notified the appropriate authorities. Case closed? Hell no, I was innocent. Still am. Downtown North Kemptville, called “the corner” by locals, consisted at the time of Vic Green’s store, which also had gasoline pumps (calibrated in imperial gallons, mind you; none of that French litre stuff you hear about today), plus a church, plus the post office a little corncrib of a place heated with a wood stove and presided over by Marilyn, who kept her stamps between the pages of magazines, perhaps so they wouldn’t stick together during humid weather.
Anyway, I also thought about how crappy things will be if the United States Postal Service goes out of business. After all, we’ve been hearing for years about plans to save a few billion dollars by ending Saturday delivery, and closing post offices, and anything else they can think of to pinch pennies. Why not just call it quits? The Postal Service is up against email on one side and package delivery services like UPS and FedEx on the other. While it’s trying to modernize, it still loses tens of billions of dollars every year. How long will it be before Uncle Sam pulls the plug?
Beginning in the main yard, Malcolm walked across the playground, into the maths, languages and music block and then to Sixth Form and back to the main building, visiting Enterprise along the way. Students watched from the windows, came out of classrooms and some were amazed by a visit from the piper in their tutor rooms. "Wow, it was really loud," said one student. "It certainly woke me up!"
The New Year was welcomed in style at the Heart of England School by a traditional piper in full highland dress. Students and staff expecting a quiet start to the term were greeted by traditional Scottish tunes played on bagpipes by Governor Malcolm Halliday during tutor time.
The sound reverberated around the corridors and could be heard from quite a distance. There were spontaneous rounds of applause from some and even some dancing in one classroom. Many thanks to Malcolm for getting off to a rousing start for 2015 and for helping us begin the New Year in such style!
Heart of England student Harry Barnes was awarded a trophy for his remarkable effort selling poppies for the Royal British Harry,Legion.who is in Year 11, sold poppies for a week in the run up to remembrance Sunday at Cannon Park. Donning his kit with other cadets from Canley Platoon AFC the young cadets stood outside the main shops giving out poppies and collecting funds in their tins.
Back to the Eighties
Award for Poppy Appeal Student
"I managed to raise £625 in two tins, the second highest in the whole city of Coventry," reported Harry who was presented with his trophy by the Royal British Legion. He is considering a career in the army and joined the Cadets two years ago to see what it might be like. Well done to Harry for his dedication in collecting for this worthwhile charity. So many people, young and old, help to make the poppy appeal a success in order to help ex service personnel and their families whether it's coping with bereavement, living with disability, or finding employment.
Harry and his friends certainly set a good example!
Pupils went back in time at Heart of England for the February production of Back to the Eighties If you thought we'd left those Rubik's cubes and leg warmers in the past then think again Students had been rehearsing hard in the run up to the show and the pace increased nearer to the date to get those dance moves perfect and the singing up to scratch. With great tunes like Man in the Mirror, Kids In America and Video Killed the Radio Star it was a great Producerperformance.andheadof drama, Sally Owen said, "It was cheesily fantastic! “
Award winning student Harry Barnes
Back to the Eighties rehearsal
DATE EVENT VENUE TIME CONTACT 2nd March WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 6th March Women’s World Day of Prayer Methodist Church 2.00pm Rev Charlesworth 533737 9th March Community Surgery Sports Pavilion 10.00am 12noon Barbara Bland 522474 15th March Mothering Sunday 16th March Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 19th March School PTA Quiz 522488 21st March Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 23rd March Parish Council Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 26th March Police Beat Surgery Sports Pavilion 11.00 12 noon Sgt Hurst 101 27th March CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 01676 522534 29th March British Summer Time begins 30th March Meriden Library Reopens 522717 30th2ndMarchApril 7 10 April Children’s sports camps Sports Park 9.00am 3.00pm Paul Jayes 07508 611 922 2nd April Love Feast Methodist Church 6.00pm Rev Charlesworth 533737 3rd April Good Friday Walk of Witness Meet at School 10.30am Rev Lynda Edwards 522825 3rd April Good Friday Service St Laurence Church 12 noon Rev Lynda Edwards 522825 5th April Easter Sunday Communion St Laurence Church Rev Lynda Edwards 522825 5th April Methodist Easter Service Balsall Common 10.30 am Rev Charlesworth 533737 6thbeginningWeekApril Green bin collection starts 0121 704 6000 8th April Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 10th April Cancer Music evening H of E Club Mary Warr 522160 12th April Coventry Way Challenge 13th April Community Surgery Library 10.00am 12noon 01676 522717 13th April WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 18th April Trip to National Arboretum Leave school 9.30am 20th April Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 23rdApril Police Beat Surgery Library 11.00 12 noon Sgt Hurst 101 24th April Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 24th April CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 01676 522534 24th April Junior Cricket Coaching Sports Park 6.00pm 26th April Service to remember WW1 fallen St Laurence Church Rev Lynda Edwards 522825 26thApril Save the Children Walk Lapworth Village Hall From 10 am Margaret Walls 533513 27th April Annual Parish meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 30th April Ladies Clothing Sale Hof E Club 7.00pm Mary Warr 522160 4th May Meriden Mag deadline 522963/ 522453 7th May General Election Voting Village Hall 6.00 am 10 pm 7th May Blood donations H of E Club 1.30 3.30pm 4.30 7.30pm 03001 232323 7th May School PTA Event Manor Hotel 7.30pm 522488 11th May Community Surgery Library 10.00am 12 noon 01676 522717 11th May WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 13th May Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 17th May Cyclists’ memorial service Meriden Green 11.00am Harry Childs 0121 353 5814 17th May Knowle Fun Run www.KnowleFunRun.org.uk 18th May Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 18th May Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 22rd May CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 01676 522534 23rd May Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 Village Diary
Out and About this spring
Knowle Fun Run Entries are open for this year’s Knowle Fun Run which is on Sunday 17th May. Hundreds of runners have already made their New Year's resolution to run in Solihull's biggest fundraising event of its kind. Why not join them for this popular 5 mile Fun Run with great community atmosphere on traffic free streets and help raise funds for Arthritis Research UK, Knowle Football Club, Solihull Young Carers and local causes. This year 4 Mini Runs for years 1 4. More details and entry online www.KnowleFunRun.org.uk.at
In the winter of 1939 an extraordinary art project was begun. Beneath the spectre of invasion and aerial bombing, the scheme for recording the Changing Face of Britain rapidly commissioned artists to paint ‘places and buildings of characteristic national importance’. The resulting collection of over 1500 paintings created a remarkable, yet highly selective snapshot of a fast changing country. Now held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, Recording Britain features many beautiful watercolours by prolific artists such as John Piper and Kenneth Rowntree, along with a host of lesser known contributors. By focusing on quiet corners and local scenes Recording Britain takes us off the beaten track of iconic British landmarks and postcard images In addition to works from the original collection, the exhibition will feature a host of contemporary works including paintings and photographs by Conrad Atkinson, Richard Long , David Nash and Laura Oldfield Ford. Shown alongside these will be works from the Herbert’s collections, depicting the landscape of Coventry and Warwickshire. Exhibition organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum London Grainfoot Farm by Kenneth Rowntree
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum Recording Britain Exhibition Until April 26th Admission Free
What’s on at the NEC Crufts 5th 8th March Big Bang Fair 11th 14th March (Free family day) Hobby Crafts and Sewing for pleasure 19th 22nd March Who do you think you are? Live 16th 18th April Grand Designs Live 2nd 10th May Cadbury Easter Egg Trails Join in with the family Easter trail with chocolate egg and crafts in the Baddesley activity tent and take home activities from Packwood house. £2.50 per Baddesleytrail Clinton and Packwood House National Trust properties Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April 11am to 4pm Don’t forget the bluebell trail in Millison’s Wood from the end of April into May
. Meriden Primary School Mrs L. Winkler 01676 522488 Meriden Library 01676 522717 Meriden Surgery 01676 522252 Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722 St. Laurence Church Rev Lynda Edwards 01676 522825 Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Andrew Charlesworth 01676 533737 Meriden Christian Fellowship Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt 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 01676 522301 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. Useful village contact numbers March 9th Commonwealth Day 10th March Birthday of the Earl of Wessex 21st April Birthday of her Majesty the Queen 23rd April St George’s Day (St George’s Flag) 9th May Europe Day 17th May Cyclists Memorial Service 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 summer 2015 issue: Monday May 4th Out by 1stJune. Val Martin 01676 DeliveriesMargaretval.simon@btinternet.com522963Argyle01676522453margarete.argyle@gmail.com:DougBaconandPaulLeeProofReader:ClaireRose Refuse Collection Information The green bins will be emptied again during the week beginning 6th April 2015 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 Lord and Lady Aylesford are opening their Gardens for The National Garden Scheme on May 17th from 2.o0pm 5 pm Admission £5, children free Packington Hall Meriden CV7 7HF (CV7 7HE for sat nav) Come and enjoy a wander round the beautiful gardens, followed by a delicious tea with freshly baked cakes made by the WI Tea not included in entrance price To get back to my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early or be respectable!
