Meriden MagAutumn Meriden2015 MagAutumn 2015 See inside for Al the latest Village events News from the Schools, Churches and Meriden Scout Group WW1 Commemorations in the autumn Remembrance Sunday November 8th
Happenings at Meriden school KS 2 Performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
The full report can be found on our www.meridenceprimaryschool.co.ukwebsite:
In the final few weeks pupils in key stage 2 entertained the masses with their version of ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. It was a tremendous success; brilliant acting, dancing and singing combined with the wonderful set to create a truly incredible show. Year 6 said their sad goodbyes, but not before they made their parents (and staff!) cry with their final assembly on the last day. All children were awarded with a trophy for being a superb year 6, but special mentions went to Abigail for Sportsmanship, Aiden for Progress and Carrie for Achievement. Meriden Governors also presented an award for overall attitude and commitment to ‘the Meriden way’ to Ben. The final assembly also saw the Chris Fryer Courtesy Award being awarded to Gurpreet in Year 5, for being someone who is always polite and friendly. The Queen’s Jubilee Cup, donated by Meriden United Charities, went to Bobbie in Year 6 for her dedication to raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. An award was donated by Warwick University for 100% attendance and those children who had been in school every day from the start of September to the 17th July went into a prize draw for a mini-ipad! The lucky winner was Gurpreet. Well done!
End of year memorable events…
A huge thank you as always goes to our PTA who organised a very successful summer fayre. Thanks also go to our Playground Appeal Group who worked alongside the PTA to install our new trim trail.
OUTSTANDING
I am absolutely delighted to inform you that following our Church school inspection in June (known as the SIAMS—Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools), Meriden Church of England Primary School has once again been graded OUTSTANDING in all areas. As a Church of England school, our ethos, vision and beliefs are firmly based on Christian values and these permeate through all aspects of school life. We are thrilled that the work we do and our commitment to valuing the whole child within a supportive and caring Christian school has been recognised.
Reverend Lynda kindly took our end of year service at St Laurence’s church and our children enjoyed giving their thanks to God for their learning experiences and friendships made during the year.
Our results across all year groups are a testament to the fantastic children we have in our school; national results in FS2, year 1, year 2 and year 6 reflect the hard work that our pupils put into their learning throughout their primary school life. We will miss our year 6 too- good luck to everyone.
The schools’ junior Bloomers from their Eco Club all planting to defend our Solihull in Bloom Best Village 2014 title!
It feels very strange having just returned from my summer holidays to be thinking about the autumn magazine entry but here goes … I usually read two or three trashy novels as I try to relax sat at the poolside. This year was slightly different. My holiday reading consisted of just one book. At the Meriden Megaride earlier this year I picked up a copy of Anne Frank's Diary for the princely sum of 25p. I can quite honestly say it's the best 25p I have ever spent! It is possibly the most challenging and engaging book I have ever read. For those of you who are not aware it is the diary of a teenage girl, written during the Second World War. It is an account of what Anne saw as ordinary events, the outpouring of teenage angst set in the most oppressive of environments.
• St Laurence church will be open at various times between be Sunday 29th November and Friday 4th December for everyone to view the Christmas Trees which have been decorated by local community groups.
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With Blessings Rev. Lynda Lilley Congratulations to Gill and Nick Hone on the birth of their first Grandchild Jake, born on August 2nd.
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.
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Although I had trained as a tea ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWSST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWSST LAURENCE NEWSST LAURENCE NEWS Assistant curate Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 Mobile 07811 545 247 (for emergency use only) email: rev.lynda.lilley@talktalk.net Lay Reader: Peter Wright 01676 522414 Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas 01676 522455 John Baker 01676-522939. www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk
• The Bereavement Service for those who have lost a loved one, whether it be recently or some time in the past, will be at 4pm on Sunday 1st November.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Many of us live our lives forgetting the journeys we have taken. We forget that in the ordinary there is the extraordinary. We live bound up in the past sometimes looking for a brighter tomorrow and hence we miss the opportunities that are offered to us today. I too am guilty of this. The past has passed, the future is yet to come but today is a gift – that is why it's called the present. Open that present and live life to its full.
Church Opening on Sunday afternoons. Visit your historic, beautiful, and peaceful church between 12.00 and 4.30 on Sunday afternoons until October 18th. Please also offer to help by being a steward for a few hours.
From Matthew's Gospel (Chapter 6) Jesus gives us some good advice: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Services are held on the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sunday at 10.30 am The Christmas tree festival at St Laurence, see centre page for the winning tree
Having said that, looking forward there are one or two events coming up at St Laurence …
The Darkness to Light Service, marking the start of Advent and the opening of our Christmas Tree Festival, will be at 5pm on Sunday 29th November.
Anne, and her family, being Jewish in occupied Amsterdam 'escaped' the Nazi regime by going into hiding. The events, and thoughts and feeling she recorded give us a glimpse into her world – a world where there was a great deal of fear and uncertainty but it also is a story of hope. Ordinary events in extraordinary circumstances.
• The Harvest Celebration will be at 10:30 on Sunday 4th October.
As we enter the autumn we may find ourselves reminiscing about the summer, those long glorious days of sunshine(!) or, especially if you have children, looking forward to Christmas with the anticipation of what is to come. But what about the here and now? We get wrapped up in worrying about the things we have or have not done; we worry about what the future might bring. Worry binds us up, ties us up in knots.
Friday 20th November 2015 “Testament of Youth” (12A)
Come and visit the Meriden Spice, Meriden’s newest Indian restaurant.Come and visit the Meriden Spice, Meriden’s newest Indian restaurant.Come and visit the Meriden newestCome and visit the Meriden newest With a name inspired by its location the restaurant introduces highWith a by its location the restaurant introduces quality Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.quality Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.quality Indian Bangladeshi cuisine.quality Indian Bangladeshi cuisine.
Meriden Spice, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP Tel: 01676 523740
Hall 7.30pm Saturday
Take away service 10% discount on collection Free homeservicedelivery 4 miles Minimumradiusorder£15
Entrance and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub One free starteronion bhajees or samosas Takeawayeverywithorderof£20ormore Not to be used with any other voucher
“The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (12A)
The continuing story of the lively retirees who have settled in India at the hotel designed for ‘The Elderly and Beautiful’. The original all-star cast is complemented by the arrival of a dashing American writer (Richard Gere) and Lavinia, (Tamsin Greig) both vying for the hotel’s last room. A feel-good movie to start our autumn season.
Saturday 24th October 2015 “Far from the Madding Crowd” (12A)
A sweeping new adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s enduring romantic drama. Newly released and beautifully shot in rural Dorset. The film portrays the story of the independent Bathsheba Everdine who, having recently inherited a farm, is pursued by three very different suitors. The cast includes Carey Mulligan, Michael Sheen and Matthias Schoenaerts.
A powerful Coming of Age account tackling love, war, loss and remembrance based on the memoirs of Vera Brittain. It faithfully depicts the particular and lasting effect of The Great War from women’s perspective. This screening has been generously sponsored by the Village WW1 Steering Group in conjunction with Heritage Lottery funding. Tickets will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening. We are most grateful to “Fredanita” flowers and gift shop on the Village Green for continuing to sell tickets for us. Tickets and advance reservations are also available from Chris Copper (01676 522645)
Saj, the proprietor who has been in this business for over 20 yearsSaj, the who has been this business for over 20 years bothbothbothboth locally and nationally, has brought his experience to Meriden andlocally and nationally, has brought his experience to Meriden andlocally and nationally, has his to Meriden andlocally and nationally, has his to Meriden and would like to welcome both his old and new customers to Meriden Spicewould like to welcome both his old and new customers to Meriden Spicewould to his customers to Meriden Spicewould to his customers to Meriden Spice
At Meriden Village 26th September 2015
Please contact Alan and Maureen Gabbitas
new beginnings can come from a sense of forgiveness that we either feel for ourselves or that we offer to others. Such forgiveness can heal our deepest hurts and enable us to put the past behind us. Sometimes these new beginning can come from a renewed purpose in our lives. Following Christ can give us a fresh perspective on what is truly important in our lives, and this can often help us start down a new adventure in our lives.
On 01676 522148 This newsletter article marks my eighth (and final) year of being the Methodist Minister in Meriden. After the next 12 months someone else will be writing these [Note to the editor: let’s hope they are better at respecting the than Anyway,me!]as we begin a new church it is always tempting to look back on what has gone before. I am sure I had some hopes and dreams when I first came into ministry, and there have been some that have developed over the time I have been here.
I do not know what the next 12 months will have in store for me or for the Methodist Church in Meriden, but I hope it will be a time when not only those who are part of the church, but many others in the village will know new beginnings in their lives and come to experience the good news of Jesus for themselves.
Keep a look out for 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
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The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire.
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Such looking back is always very tempting in life in general. We perhaps all have hopes that have shaped our lives, or some dreams which we have never realised. Sometimes events that have happened in the past, perhaps mistakes we have made or bad things others have done to us, can entirely shape our present realities. I guess for most people, we end up living the life we have more than the life we really wanted for ourselves.
Perhaps this is one of the key reasons why I still think Christianity has something to offer the world. Although the story of Jesus takes us back 2000 years, the good news the church has to share is that there is always a new beginning possible through the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Christianity if it is to be true to Jesus must always be about new Sometimesbeginnings.these
Love, peace and joy. Andrew Diary Dates: 27th September 10.30am Harvest Festival led by Gail Di Chiarra 30th September 7.00pm Harvest Supper 1st November 4.00pm Bereavement Service at St Laurence Church 8th November 10.00am Remembrance Day Service at Methodist Church I keep losing weight but it keeps finding me!
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 MeridenQueens Head Road • Servicing • Repairs • Tyres • Exhausts • Suspensions • Brakes 01676 521010 Meriden BirminghamGarage,RoadMillison’sWoodCV59AZ Call in for quotationaforyourmotoringneeds September7th Dean Thomas 14th Sam Southall 21st Julie Christie 28th Sam Southall October5th Paul Tracini 12th Lee James 19th Micky Dean 26th Keith Brett Balsall includingMondayCommonmorninganextra class for babies and toddlers Meriden Wasps from The Heart of England ‘SPECIALISTS’ FOR THE CONTROL OF: Wasps GUARANTEED WORK DISCOUNTS FOR STATE PENSIONERS FAST, EFFICIENT, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL Tel: 01676 521610 Mobile: 07843 086364 FULLY INSURED/QUALIFIED WARWICKSHIRE/COVENTRY/SOLIHULL Doug Bacon www.meridenwasps.co.uk Few women admit their age. Few men act theirs! November2nd TBA 9th Stevie Best 16th TBA 23rd Chrissy 30th Dean Thomas
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
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.
Watching TV programmes apparently finding celebrity stories at the drop of a hat it’s easy to forget that for every story they follow up successfully there will be several that have been abandoned. There’s also the question of money – all these genealogists and local historians come at a cost. Cost is one thing that puts people off. It’s easy to get round the expense of joining an online provider of information, such as Ancestry or Findmypast, by going to a library or county archive and using their copy free. One thing you can’t escape, though, if you want to do an accurate tree is the cost of buying copies of certificates of birth, marriage and death. This currently stands at between £9.25 and £10 each depending where you get them.
You can, however, do some canny preparation years before you start thinking about embarking on research. Ask around the family to see if anyone has copies of old certificates, and see if you can photocopy them. And while you’re at it make a point of talking to older family members and asking for family stories, names, photos, places and dates. And write it all down – you’ll never remember.
We all know people who are researching their family tree. It’s one of those things that looks so easy from the outside. After all, you can do it all online nowadays... or can you?
Many people start looking into their family tree when they retire but that’s often too late to make the first moves – if they’re old enough to retire many of their older family members are probably long gone. So think about keeping a shoe box to store addresses from bank books and letters, dates from diaries and birthday books (remember them?). And get some of those stories while you can. You won’t regret it.
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE?THINK BE?
Pam Ross is a professional family history researcher, who began, as so many do, by researching her own family. She is a member of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) and author of Researching Your Family History (Crowood Press) price £14.99 available from Waterstones and direct by emailing: family.history@talktalk.net
On 0121 711 7029
See centre pages for photos Future Programme Monday 7th September Life in the Fifties and a quiz Monday 5th October Guy Fawkes Monday 2nd November Annual Meeting
CAROLINE SPELMAN A Once in a Life Time Visit
At our June meeting we were entertained by Angela and Jill, two enterprising ladies from Coventry who have produced several books relating to Coventry with particular attention to women. Their latest publication is about Coventry shops and the colourful characters who ran them.
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Katy Steele
On arrival at the Victoria Memorial they joined eight thousand other very beautifully dressed ladies –most wearing hats or fascinators. All proceeded through the main entrance, across the quadrangle, through rooms finely decorated with pictures and statues. From the terrace steps they saw the throng of women gathering, marquees where tea was ready to be served and two military bands playing a wide selection of music. It was possible to tour the beautifully laid out herbaceous borders, rose garden and lake. At 3pm the Royals arrived to mingle and speak with many members. At the marquee they were served with a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes of their choice on a fine white tray with a cup of tea.
On Tuesday June 5th two very lucky members of the WI, Flick Blewitt and Joan Russell joined 40 other members from the West Midlands to travel to Buckingham Palace for a Royal Garden Party, hosted by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, Princess Alexandra and the Countess of Wessex to celebrate the Centenary of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes.
There is much to be celebrated in the Summer Budget, from the announcement of a new National Living Wage, which will benefit millions, to an increase in the Inheritance Tax threshold. The Government has committed to increase the level of free childcare to 30 hours a week for working parents of three and four year olds, enabling families to work whilst also having security. From April next year, the personal tax allowance will rise from £10,600 to £11,000 and the threshold at which the 40p rate is paid will rise from £42,385 to £43,000, meaning a tax cut for working people. This is the first major step towards the Government’s commitment to raise the personal allowance to £12,500, and the 40p threshold to £50,000 by the end of the Parliament.TheBudget is about a fair balance for taxpayers so more efforts will be made to reduce tax evasion which has already raised £5bn, and non dom status will go back to being only a temporary measure for people who come here for shorter periods.
Shipwrecked in Antarctica was the title of Georgie Hale’s talk in July when she told us of her hair raising experience on a voyage to see wild life in that region. They had to take to the life boats when their ship was holed while breaking through a sea of ice, and wait for four hours for rescue by the nearest cruise ship. The international rescue was all co-ordinated by the Falmouth coast Augustguard! saw our annual members evening with cheese and wine and plenty of chat. We were all saddened to learn of the death of our treasurer Ivy Arnold in June, a lovely personality and valued member who will be greatly missed. Visitors always welcome Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month 7.30pm at Meriden Village Hall. Contact Flick Blewitt 01676
523229
or email caroline@carolinespelman.com
The independent Office for Budget Responsibility predicts that our economy will grow by 2.4% in 2015, which is faster than the American or German economies are predicted to grow. For the second year in a row, Britain is expected to have the strongest economic growth of any major advanced economy.
Whilst I understand that some people have concerns about the impact of Government cuts, the recent situation in Greece is a stark example that putting these decisions off ultimately results in having to make much more damaging cuts in the end.
Also in June our President Flick Bluett and Vice President Joan Russell were able to attend the WI Garden Party at Buckingham Palace – a very special occasion. Joan also attended the Centenary AGM at the Royal Albert Hall which was opened by the Queen who was accompanied by the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex.
There is much in this Budget that will benefit Meriden, the West Midlands and the country more widely – a Budget that will enable us to keep moving forward.
A rather windy day-some hats were rolling across the lawn, but it was enjoyable to talk to other members from all over the UK. 5 pm saw us forming an avenue to see the royal party depart. The National Anthem signalled the end of the afternoon followed by an impromptu rousing sound of every one singing Jerusalem making a fitting finale to a wonderful experience.
At the start of July, as we set about enjoying the start of summer, George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, grabbed our attention with his radical summer Budget. The Chancellor announced measures to build Britain's economic recovery which has been particularly strong in the West Midlands where manufacturing has undergone a renaissance. Two million new jobs were created nationwide in the last five years and many of these related to the car industry locally. The Chancellor announced plans to create two million more jobs and three million more apprenticeships over the next five. Recent figures from the West Midlands show that unemployment has fallen by nearly 1% over the last year, and employment is predicted to continue rising.
/ Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd Regent House 430 – 432 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER Tel 01676 532 210 www.jamiesonchristie.com Email:mail@jamiesonchristie.com Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Chartered Financial Planners and Employee Benefit Consultants • Pensions • Investments • Protection • Savings • Employee benefits • Inheritance Tax Meriden Fish and ChipsMeriden Fish and ChipsFish ChipsFish Chips The G TheTheGTheGGreen,reen,reen,reen,MeridenMeridenMeridenMeriden Under new management since April 2014 Opening hours Monday – Saturday 11.30-2.00pm & 4.15 Closed-9.30pmSundays 01676 523476 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 A family run business, for the ultimateA family run business, for the ultimatefamily run business, the ultimatefamily run business, the ultimate ladies hair, barbering and beautyladies hair, barbering and beautyladies hair, barbering and beautyladies hair, barbering and beauty experienceexperienceexperienceexperienceQuarterlyOffers Bookaluxurypedicure andgeta½price manicure£32.50forboth! OnlyFFacialsMicrodermabrasion2foronly£40!acialandbackmassage£30!(rrp£52.00) Gift couplevouchersboxes,andpackagesavailable Local supportingbusinesseseachother – all clients having cut and finish at Fordes claim a 10% discount at Meriden Spice
[ DO YOU NEED A CLEANER?YOU 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 Home baking and preserves, meat, plants and seasonal vegetables, crafts and homemade cards For more details call June Smitten on 01676 523007 A free cup of tea or voucherwithcoffeethis EDEN HOLI HOLI HOLISTIC DOG FOODSTIC DOG FOODSTIC 5 STAR RATED DOG FOOD5 STAR RATED DOG FOODSTAR DOG FOODSTAR 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 J B DecoratorsJ B Decorators and Property Servicesand Property Servicesand Servicesand Services • General Property maintenance • Insurance Work Undertaken • Domestic and Commercial Work • Plastering • Coving • Carpentry Work • TilingCall for a free quote JimmyBailiedec@hotmail.com07966186957 147, Elmdon Lane, Marston Green B377DN No job too small Fully insured Over 30 experienceyears’ Hampers can be ordered 01676countrywide.deliveredandContact534148 It goes without saying you should never have more children than you have car windows !
God's Promise - Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth. "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
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 is 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. 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:
26th Oct 2015 Light Fantastic – 1000 years of stained glass Keith Cattell 23rd Nov 2015 Harper Fields Care Home Rachel Mackay Core meetings are held in the Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road and start at 2:00 pm. Prospective members are welcome to attend.
scriptures: God's Love - Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us. God's Remedy - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
For more information see our web site www.balsallcommonu3a.org or telephone the Chairman Jim Melville 01676 534938.
Every blessing
Date Topic Speaker 28th Sept 2015 Island Hopping by Motorhome: The variety of Britain’s archipelago. Anna Frankel
Kevin and Lyn Hunt
Your response - 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, (all the things we've done wrong), He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. The Outcome - John 1:12 Yet to all who receive Him, (Jesus) to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God. Why not give God a chance? What do you have to lose? Actually nothing, but you have everything to gain because God's promise is that He will provide all your needs whether spiritual or physical. Philippians 4;19 says And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. If you would like to learn more about this then please join us at MCF - Life Church, Meriden. We meet in the Methodist church building at 12:30pm every Sunday, you would be very welcome and we'd love to see you.
Balsall Common U3A
Well! What a summer...or should that be 'what summer?' the weather hasn't been exactly what we would expect for this time of year or at least what we would hope for. But then that's the Great British weather for you. It's a bit like life really, in that it's not always what we expect or would hope for. As youngsters we often dream of what we will be when we grow up, and for the lucky few they may achieve in some measure their dreams, but for the majority it just doesn't turn out the way they would have hoped, and for those people either they make the best of their lot or they just give up and lose all hope. The problem is very few people realise why and what they were created for and try their very best to get on with life doing it their way, believing they don't need anyone to help and certainly don't want anyone telling them how they should live their lives. After all they say "it's my life and no one’s going to tell me how to live it, I'll do what I want." They certainly don't think they need God, especially if they don't believe in Him. These are generally the people who when something goes wrong in their lives the first thing they do is blame God, which when you think about it is contradictory and pretty daft, but it enables them to blame anyone but themselves. The Bible is quite clear about the state of mankind, it says in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." this excludes nobody. In other words we all get it wrong. The fact is we have all been created by God to do His will and glorify His Name, whether you realise it or not that is actually why and what you were born for. And that is why for many people no matter how successful they are, there is still an emptiness inside them that can't be filled with money, no matter how much they have or material things. God is the only one who can truly satisfy and make us feel whole. So how can we get this satisfaction and wholeness? Well the bible tells us how, in the following
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 at7.00amclosedusk “Coffee and Cake”“Coffee and Cake” We are pleased to be able to offer ourWe are able to offer our customerscustomerscustomerscustomers freshlyfffreshlyreshlyreshly ground Coffee &Coffee & homemade cakes served dailyserved IntroductoryOfferCoffeeandcake£3.00 MeridenSocietyFloral Meetings are held at Meriden village Hall 7.30pm – 9.30pm approx. On the 3rd Monday of every month New members are always welcome. For more information please contact Mo Reynolds 01676 521457 Autumn will be upon us sooner than we think. If you are interested in and like flowers why don't you spend an interesting Monday evening visiting our club? We meet once a month and it will cost you £5 to watch a Flower Demonstrator. If you buy a raffle ticket you could go home with some lovely arranged flowers. Afterwards we enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with biscuits or cake. Forthcoming Events 21st September Around the World in 80 minutes Kay Higgins 19th October Practice Class Details at previous meeting 16th November Winter Wonderland Sharon Badger
T’ai Chi and Meditation and Relaxation Come and discover how the beautiful flowing movements of this ancient art can improve your wellbeing. Relax and enjoy simple calming relaxation and meditation techniques. 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 ARTS AND CRAFTSAND CRAFTS EXHIBITIONEXHIBITIONEXHIBITIONCRAFTSEXHIBITION Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th 10amOctober-5pm Refreshments, cakes Light lunches available £1 entry (childrenFenthamfree)HallMarshLaneHamptoninArden
CAMEO CAMEOCAMEO 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 0019TEL: 024 0019 CAMEO CAMEO Come and Meet Each Other at the Village Hall on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m. We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Pam 523372
Forthcoming Meetings:-
We were delighted to welcome Stephanie Burdett from Dogs for the Disabled with her adorable dog Oak to our meeting in May. Stephanie said that Oak was her third dog. She has had him for sixteen months and explained he was bred to be a dog for the blind but doesn’t like wearing a harness or jacket probably because he suffers from a lot of static so she is trying to lessen this - with some success. Stephanie explained about the charity, its work and background and how the dogs are trained etc. There are more categories of disablement now and help is given to those with certain medical conditions in addition to those with autism and there are even a couple of dogs with people suffering from dementia. She explained the procedure for getting a dog and how she got Oak. One of his tasks is to take washing out of the washing machine and fetch the pegs. She then demonstrated to us his fetching skills as he fetched a basket of pegs and then picked up her telephone from the floor. She doesn’t reward him with a treat every time so that he doesn’t come to expect one. He is very good at picking up her keys, which she is always dropping when getting out of the car, as well as her glasses. The dogs are trained to open doors, gates and to pull off clothing, socks and undo shoe laces, in fact anything you want the dog to do. The dogs love to work. The charity depends on donations and also helps clients with anything else they may need such as bedding etc. It was a very inspiring talk. In June with the help of another generous grant from HERO we held our annual Holiday at Home. Everyone enjoyed the fun filled day. After coffee, Ray and Stella Bolt demonstrated origami. Apparently, only one piece of paper is used and we were amazed to see the examples Ray produced; an elephant, a sheep, a box with a ribbon and a flower on top, a Christmas tree and a matador. Intricate modular examples such as a pyramid and five linked pointed stars were also shown. He told us that he and six other men once made a large elephant out of one thirty foot piece of paper during a television programme. Apparently, the secret is in the folding as nothing is cut. We were then shown how to make our own masterpieces! After expert tuition and much help everyone made two fancy napkin decorations, a penguin and a flapping bird. Ursula Berry followed with a quiz and chocolate rewards for correct answers! She then spoke to us about gardens and how when people are on holiday they like to go round gardens. Someone once said that you are nearer to God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth. Ursula spoke about the gardens in the bible such as what happened in Eden and Gethsemane and round Jesus’ tomb. She gave everyone a lovely long stemmed rose to take home as a reminder that Adam and Eve’s rebellion in Eden is forgiven by God. After a delicious lunch we were entertained by the delightful children from Berkswell School with their selection of the ‘Best of British’ songs which included the Beatles and popular World War songs such as Pack Up Your Troubles, It’s A long Way To Tipperary, We’re Gonna Hang Out The Washing On The Siegfried Line and others. A group called The Good Company followed tea and after handing out fruit shaped maracas we accompanied them as they played and sang a wide variety of hit songs from our youth! The day ended with ice creams. In July we held our popular poems and strawberries meeting. This year we also reminisced about VE and VJ Day in addition to sharing memories of war time in general. On VE Day Ann remembered being sent home early from school with instructions to tell her parents to put the flags out! Dick received an extra ration of rum on board ship and Joan recalled a street party with faggots and peas. Apparently, the main food items for VE Day parties were dripping sandwiches, Lord Walton Pies, faggots, corned beef hash, tinned fruit, bread and butter, jelly and blancmange. Pat told us about the successful evacuation of her six year old sister to Hinckley for five years which she thoroughly enjoyed and is still very much in contact with the family today. Others had stories to tell about their own evacuation experiences, both good and bad. Other shared memories were of gas masks and barrage balloons. We ended with the verse from the Coventry Reconciliation. 25th September – Talk by Rev. Lynda Lilley. 23rd October – Margaret Newby and her jewellery. 27th November – To be confirmed.
AGUAFLAME UK (MERIDEN)AGUAFLAME UK (MERIDEN)AGUAFLAME UK (MERIDEN)AGUAFLAME UK (MERIDEN) Boiler repairs and servicing. Your local expert for NG and LPG plumbing repairs and bathrooms Terry Griffiths 01676 523192 07970 119142
August
Berkswell Museum Museum
The museum has reopened this summer with a special exhibition about Jeremy Brett the film star. He was born in the Grange at Carol Green, the son of Colonel and Mrs Huggins and was made famous for his role as Sherlock Holmes. This year is the 20th anniversary of his death, please visit and find out about Jeremy’s childhood in Berkswell.
Private
Now the Government has come up with a package of changes called "AP2", and this has triggered a fresh round of petitioning. Many changes are to simplify construction rather than meet environmental concerns, and some are the opposite of what local petitioners requested. It looks as if these cases will be heard by the Committee in the late Whileautumn.expectations of improvement aren't great in the Commons, the whole process will repeat in the Lords, and their Committee might take a more objective view. But the best bet is still getting the project cancelled, and postelection, we can be heartened at the way the politics is going.
Please contact Janice Whittlesey 01676 534407
Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group (www.hhag.org.uk)
Richard Lloyd Chairman Charity Christmas Card Shop 2015
Phone Wendy 01676 522077
The justification changed, but the route stayed the same, with a needless feint south-west from Euston toward Heathrow, then north, smack through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at its widest part, before missing obvious destinations like Milton Keynes and Coventry, and slicing through the Meriden Gap to go tantalisingly-close to Birmingham International and the WeAirport.havegood reason to fear the disruption during building, and the severance afterwards - all maximised by not following existing roads and railways. They have to be crossed by mammoth viaducts, which the politicians say will be "iconic". This is where the HS2 Bill comes in, as the Government needs the legal powers to clear everything and everyone out of the way. The Bill's reached the Select Committee stage, where 6 MPs have to hear complaints from those "specially and directly affected". Nearly 2000 people and organisations "petitioned", and those from our area were able to address the Committee late last year. The Committee found it fairly easy to tell HS2 Ltd to sort out issues raised by individual homeowners, but have avoided involvement with the more complex issues of tunnels, construction routes, footpath diversions, preserving the landscape, etc.
The museum is a unique collection of country artefacts divided into four rooms, it is the only museum in the borough of Solihull and if it does close down because of lack of visitors this collection will be lost. Come and visit the village, see the stocks and look for the carved mice in the Church or take a walk along the many footpaths around the village.
The Midland Charities Association Christmas card shop is back in Balsall Common library for seven weeks from Monday, October 26th until Saturday, December 12th. The shop operates at all library opening times during that period, i.e. Monday & Thursday 10-6; Tuesday 10-5; Friday 2-5; Saturday 10-4 (closed Wednesday). There will be cards from 16 different charities.
The museum will be open on the following dates: Bank Holiday Saturday 29th and Monday 31st 11am to 3pm September Heritage weekend Saturday September 12th 11am to3 pm parties can be booked by arrangement.
High Speed 2 grinds slowly on. For those who've missed a few episodes, the scheme was first published in 2010. The world's fastest trains were to zip people from Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel to Birmingham, "the North", and Scotland.
For more information, please contact Judith Woodcock 01676 533428 or Pam Brown 01676 532580 As well, the card shop in Allesley Park Community Library, Whitaker Road CV5 9JE will be open for 6 weeks from Monday, November 2nd until Saturday, December 12th. The opening times there will be Monday & Thursday 1-7; Tuesday 9-1; Friday 9-12; Saturday 9-4 (closed Wednesday). We are looking for volunteers to help in 1½ or 2 hour slots on our rota at Allesley Park, so if you can help, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
The gloss came off the project as the links to Heathrow, the Chunnel and Scotland were all axed. Then the project was all about "rebalancing the economy", not speed. That was coded language for borrowing zilllions and giving it to the big cities. But the explanation that chimed better with the politicians was "capacity" - the country would become unstitched if we didn't have a 1000-seat train every 3 minutes, and it really wasn't that much more expensive to bulldoze a ruler-straight high speed line through the landscape than build an ordinary railway. Honest.
Boxes Please
In her three-months in the role she spoke very highly of the people she had met and I trust you will be as welcoming to me. With this in mind I’d like to introduce myself as your new neighbourhood sergeant. My name is Michael ‘Mick’ Lloyd and I have worked for West Midlands Police for 27 years. Prior to this I had worked for Warwickshire Police for three years in the small market town of Southam which some of you may be familiar with.
There are always things you can do to reduce the opportunity of the more traditional calls for service such as theft and burglary. Simple things like ensuring doors are locked and windows are shut when leaving homes or cars unattended may seem patronising, but it is amazing the impact that the simplest of things can have in reducing crime.
Congratulations to Doreen and Edwin Shirley on celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary on July 30th. The celebrations were followed by a cruise.
to
If
Like all teams across Solihull and the West Midlands we are currently working to tackle the issues that matter most to you. These include the illegal use of off-road bikes and crimes such as burglary and theft from motor vehicles. As I write this update we are mid-summer, demonstrated no better than the other day when we had to rescue a dog that had been left in a hot car by its owner! But I appreciate that when the publication lands at your doorstep we may be heading towards less pleasant weather − nevertheless a lot of our advice is timeless.
You could be forgiven for having a feeling of déjà vu as there has been a change to your local neighbourhood team. Due to operational reasons Sergeant Nottingham has transferred to a response team covering the borough so will in some part still have a link to our communities.
Samaritan’s Purse Shoe fill a shoe box full of goodies for disadvantaged children abroad and bring a smile to their faces. Last year 40 boxes were sent from Meriden An explanatory leaflet is available from Meriden Library. you are unable to fill a box, donations will be very welcome, it costs £3.00 to send each box. Contact Lucy on 01676 523502 for more information
After just under two decades in the job I was promoted to the role of sergeant after a career that covered most aspects of policing including a period with the Traffic Department. For the past six years I have worked for Solihull Police…but I hope many of you will not recognise me as during this time I have worked in the custody block!
For those of you who use social media I’m happy to announce that the team has just revamped its Twitter account @WMPRurals which we will use to keep you updated about our work and share further crime prevention advice.
Packington Hall Coffee Morning in aid of The Chapel
It is certainly a change in roles having gone from the confines of a custody suite to a policing patch that covers 80 square miles. It is a community like no other across the West Midlands and as a local Warwickshire lad I’m relishing the opportunity to contribute to making the area safer and providing a service you have come to expect and deserve − a sentiment shared by the team of officers I have inherited.
noon £4 per person Bring
Introducing Sergeant Michael Lloyd
Thursday 5th November 10.30
phone
David Deakin Plastering Services Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome. Free Estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service. Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860 of St James Great Packington am 12 your coffee in the Pompeian Room and try your luck at the raffle! There will be bric-a-brac, bring and buy, cakes and jams and many other stalls. For further information 01676 522274
I appreciate that some may not use Twitter so if you see me while I’m out on patrol please feel free to introduce yourself so we can meet in person. I have to admit I’m partial to a cup of tea and always more than happy to have a chat about any concerns you may have. Thank you
friends Enjoy
FranklinServicesConstruction Established 1979 For all aspects of building work • Domestic + Commercial + Industrial. • New Build + Extensions + Renovations • Full property maintenanceall trades carried out • Sewage treatment plants installed and repaired Workmanship may be inspected locally Tel:02476 462413 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 530792 www.broadlanevets.co.uk 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 HouseGrove HouseGrove HouseGrove 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 523295 www.grovehousebandb.co.uk Grove House Bed & Breakfast • Airport Transfers • Secure parking • Business people catered for • Warm friendly environment Fully Qualified in Natural Gas & LPG Our services include: • Full Central Heating installations • Landlord Gas Safe Certificates & Servicing • Boiler Replacements • Cooker & Fire Installations • Power Flushing • Shower installations • External & Internal Taps • Blocked Drains • Underfloor Heating Systems • Bathroom installations from start to finish (inc electrics, plastering, tiling & carpentry work) All Plumbing Work Undertaken 07972 868 512 email:meridenplumber@hotmail.co.uk www.themeridenplumber.co.uk The Meriden Plumber NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL No. 544788
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The aim of the History Group is to give its members and the general public the opportunity to acquire information & understanding historical interest, meetings visits & research Meetings will be held at Berkswell Reading Room at 7.45pm for 8.00 pm Wed 9th September. “Roland’s War” presented by Chris Holland. Extracts from letters written on active service in World War 1 by Roland Mountfort of Coventry. Described as “one of the finest collections held by the Imperial War Museum”. “Roland was a shrewd & literate observer of the war from the perspective of the ranks.” Chris Holland was Head of History at King Henry VIII School in Coventry and is now a respected author and expert on World War 1. Wed 14th October. “Travels with the Leighs” presented by Sheila Woolf. Adventure, amusement and tragedy – the Leigh family of Stoneleigh, including a pow-wow with the Cheyenne, hunting in India and the opening of Tutenkamen’s tomb.4 Wed 11th Nov. “Rowland Hill: Genius & Benefactor” by Alan Godfrey. How Hill revolutionised education, introduced cheap postage for everyone and so much more Meeting Fees: Members £2, Non-Members £3. Refreshments included. Annual Membership £5. For more information, including membership details, see our website: www.berkswell-history.org or telephone 01676 535782. We service, repair and care
S First– classcarefor yourcariscloserthanyouthink!… For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call: ACE GARAGE KENSINGTON024RADFORD76597879GARAGEEARLSDON02476670054 Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924
on items of
projects.
BERKSWELL & DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP
through
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Support
Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry Telephone: 02476 302 912 Your Hedgehogs Need You!
October Half Term EVENTS 26th October
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 £3.50 for non WWT members
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust are very happy to say that hedgehogs have been tracked down in Meriden. The Eco-Team at Meriden C of E Primary School have been running their own hedgehog survey throughout July in contribution towards the Hedgehog Improvement Area project. The team was visited by Hedgehog Officer, Simon Thompson, in June and trained how to deploy and monitor survey tunnels. Hedgehoggy paw-prints were left in the tunnel each night that the survey was run during June, providing the children with excellent footprints and The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull WWT 5 acre Nature Reserve /Dragonfly Tearoom, Gift shop and second hand children’s/adults books to the 30th October 2015 got an amazing half term planned, hope you be able to join us. There will be events about Bats and hedgehogs plus crafty drop in sessions, den building and Wildlife Watch Full details available on our website our Help for Hedgehogs Campaign Donate by text – WKWT04 and your donation amount e.g. WKWT04 £10 to 70070 irrefutable evidence of hedgehogs using the school Thegrounds!project, funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, is encouraging all residents within the borough of Solihull to record any hedgehog sightings via the project website www.helpforhedgehogs.co.uk and even to run a garden survey of their own. All survey equipment is free to borrow from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust at The Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park, Solihull.
We have
will
To find out more about becoming a Hedgehog Surveyor, how you can help hedgehogs in your own garden or to get more information about the Solihull Hedgehog Improvement Area then please contact Simon Thompson, simon.thompson@wkwt.org.uk Tel: 0121 704 0768
Highly BusinessSuccessfulWoman Working with an expanding international company with UK turnover of £75million 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 Englandof SocialSocialSocialEnglandClubClubSocialClubClub 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 3FootballPremiershipLivegamespmSaturdays
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, 01676 532833 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 LeysMr.Director:NeilMasseyAddress:Lane,Meriden Services we offer: Garden ...AndspecialistsWaterFencingLandscapingMaintenanceDesignPavingandpatiosDeckingFeaturesNaturalStonemanymore! Call for your free quotation
nday 11th D : Bennetts Road North CorleyCV7Coventry8BG 01676 540178 Opening hours Mon-Sat 9.00- 5.00pm Sun 10.00 – 4.00pm Winter hanging baskets, readymade & to order. Call in to see our large selection of pansies, violas, cyclamen and hardy winter bedding WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK Tel: 07904 239365 Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.ukTHE COUNTRYSIDE FORGETHE COUNTRYSIDE FORGECOUNTRYSIDE COUNTRYSIDE • 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 Five things you may not know about the Meriden Mag • The Mag is only produced 4 times each year, spring – 1st March, summer - 1st June, autumn 1st September, winter – 1st December • Everyone connected with the Mag is a volunteer; we give our time freely for the good of the village and local small businesses who advertise with us. • The Mag is non-profit making, the adverts pay for the printing costs and we try to keep adverts to a minimum so that there is lots of room for local news and pictures •
The Meriden Mag was first issued back in the 1990’s it was the brainchild of Jacqui Drayton and was produced with the aid of Meriden School on their duplicator The name was thought up in a competition held for the children at the school.
• Each issue over 2000 copies are printed and distributed to our
deliverers, who make
Saul Goodsir won with 'Meriden Mag'. Jacqui personally hand -delivered that first edition, before persuading others to help - including the Reverend Dawkins and his printing facilities! wonderful team of sure arrives also available at Meriden Library, The Fish and Chip Shop, Berryfields Farm and the Queen’s Head, to name but a few.
your free copy
on time. Spare Mags are
The Green, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7LN Tel: 01676 523 050 Mob:07803 941931 Email :sarahcolver@hotmail.co.uk Sarah Mcguigan Proprietor and Florist Fredanita Flower & Gift Boutique Call in and see our range of renovated shabby chic Commissionsfurnituretaken We specialise in Wedding flowers, please call in to discuss your requirements For details of current weekly courses / workshops and availability, starting September 2015, see our website; www.COEA.co.u k email: COEA@live.com or Tel: 01676 523357 Centre of England Arts Annual Exhibition 17th and 18th October 2105 Location: Patricks Farm Barns, Meriden HamptonRoad,inArden, Solihull, B92 0LT 10.00am to Entrance4.00pmFree Come along and see the wonderful and amazing paintings done by your local friends and neighbours. There are all sorts of different work for you to see and the standard improves each year. There will be a few things to buy and tea and coffee will be available. We are a charity and have been founded to enable individuals to appreciate creative arts, through education, personal achievement and enjoyment.
2. Lanterns. Using varying strengths of:-
For weekly classes and one off workshop at Centre of England Arts contact Julie at COEA@live.com Telephone 01676 523357 or see website www.COEA.co.uk for more information.
Copyright © 2015
Painting with Julie - Chinese Lanterns
3. Stems. Start adding some of the stems on to dry paper with a little:• Yellow + Red (orange)
4. Leaves. Using varying strengths and shades of:• Blue + Yellow (green) Repeat the process used on the lanterns on each part of the leaves but using the different greens.
5. Background. If you want to add a background mix a big strong puddle of:• Intense Blue Fill in all the gaps between the leaves and lanterns, one part at a time. Still working with a No.6 or 8 round brush but working on to dry paper, add a blob of colour and then drag that blob of paint around the patch adding more paint before it can dry out. Keep the small white gap between all the leaves, lanterns and stems.
• Yellow • Yellow + Red (orange) • Red • Blue + Yellow (green) Using a No.6 or 8 round brush and taking one part of one lantern at a time, wet the area carefully with clean water so it’s damp but not sitting in a big puddle. Add two of the colours to the patch starting with the palest first and then adding the slightly stronger one and tickle them together so they blend. Move on to another patch but this time leave a very small white gap between the patches. Continue around the picture until they are all covered, making them paler towards the top of the picture.
1. In pencil lightly draw the lanterns, leaves and stems. Look at the shape of the lanterns, they are heart shaped with separate panels. The leaves are a similar heart shape bit with one central vein and both the leaves and lanterns get smaller towards the top of each stem.
On the allotment in Meriden there is a patch of these lovely Chinese lanterns and every year I look at them and try to think how best to paint them. This time I decided to do them as a design rather than botanical. So….using watercolour paper:-
Summer Events in MeridenSummer Events in MeridenEvents in MeridenEvents in Meriden
Bluett
Flick and Russell at
commemorate
The SingersFirebirdattheMegaride. If you would like to join the phone07716721467pleasechoir
the WI garden party atPalaceBuckingham The goslings and their Dad at Meriden Pool
Joan
Meriden Spartans CC faced the Royal Corps of Signals on Sunday 2 August to the centenary of WWI and raise funds for ABF The Soldiers' Charity who confirmed that a total of £435 was raised on the day. Thank you to all who contributed.
Meriden Bloomers and the school’s Junior Bloomers working hard to beautify the village ServiceMemorialCyclistsinMay The Mega Ride at the Queen’s Head Picnic in the Park in July Photos kindly supplied by Mel Lee, Roy Hands, Joan Russell and John Wilson
Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark (07801 773352) or 1stMeridenScouts@gmail.com
If Bear dares why don’t you?
Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!!
A massive positive is that, not only are the levels of fun remaining consistently high, but we have also taken on more new Cub Scouts over the past few weeks and this all adds to an expanding Group. Here’s to another exciting programme in the autumn, which will also see us start planning activities for the Cubs centenary year in 2016, which will be a great year to be a Cub. Scouts Since April the Scouts have taken part in a wide range of activities. We have done some traditional knots, mapping and walking, held 2 camps, learnt some first aid skills and had a debate about the election as well as playing loads of games and getting pretty wet and mucky in the process. The general election gave us an opportunity to hold a debate. The Scouts really entered into the spirit and contributed to some lively discussions. In May, after being told at the last minute we couldn’t attend the County Camp the leaders of all sections really pulled together to organise a camp for all sections of the group at Rough Close. Seeing the Scouts have loads of fun and, at the same time, take the Beavers and Cubs under their wing showed how the group is really working well together. Our second camp was at a national event called Strategy. Although Friday night was very wet, and Saturday was pretty damp, this was a great weekend with plenty of independence for the Scouts. An 8 - 10 mile walk on the Saturday with challenges to win points at about 25 different checkpoints was the main feature from a Scouting point of view, but for the Scouts I am guessing the music, disco, games and entertainments on the Sunday were also very good. About 2000 Scouts attended, with 254 teams taking part on the Saturday challenge. We came 55th and 122nd. Great effort, but next year we expect 2 teams in the top 20! Funday Sunday saw the group have a stall on the Green. The weather was perfect and our games proved quite popular. We even recruited an unofficial mascot for the day. After games in Millisons Wood, an evening trying to bridge the gorge with ropes and poles, and a quiz night, we came to our traditional, wet and messy, last night of the term, games night. In wet conditions there were eggs, flour and water over just about everyone. The Scouts really enjoyed it, although their egg catching skills could do with a bit of work. We will be planning for next term over the summer and look forward to another year of fun, action and adventure with all the Scouts.
For more detail of what we’ve been doing and what we have planned please visit our blog site at http://1stmeridenscouts.blogspot.co.uk and if you think Scouting’s for you get in touch.
Cub Scouts We recently had a fantastic Group Camp at Rough Close where we teamed up with the Scouts and Beavers to perform many activities, including a large group hike, wide games, geocaching and cannon run to name a few. It was a great experience for the Cubs as some of them had never camped before, or been involved in a Group Camp. The weather was great, as was the atmosphere, energy and fun! We can’t wait for the next one. As for activities that we have been doing as part of the ongoing programme, we have completed the requirements for our Backwoods cooking badge by making large hot Jaffa cakes using slices of bread, marmalade and chocolate spread. They were a very interesting delicacy and I am more than happy to share the recipe if anyone is interested. We have also used the good recent weather to get out and about the local fields and trails and carried out scavenger hunts, been wildlife hunting and done what every good Cub Scout should do and built dens to shelter in. We have also created our own Super-Hero masks and arms using Plaster of Paris bandages and then decorated them after, as well as making straw towers in a competition to see who could make the largest free standing tower. As always, the summer term ended with the traditional team sports event, which also consists of water balloons, flour, eggs and the mass water melee at the end.
Beaver Scouts Beavers have been very busy this term with lots of adventurous activities including a scavenger hunt and fact finding mission in Millisons Wood, creating nature garden craft and a local hike around Meriden. We have also had lots of fun creating a superhero, designing and making a puppet with a fantastic puppet show, and finally we participated in some crazy science experiments to complete our experimental badge.
1 Group – News from the Green Hut
st Meriden Scout
Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Emma (evenings only 07811 905456)
Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520)
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.
This term has seen two fantastic camps including a full day's activities at Rough Close where we joined both the Cubs and Scouts on a local hike and then onto exciting activities such as a caving bus, climbing wall and pedal karts. We also had a 'Camps Got Talent' themed sleepover at our Scout HQ where we had a fantastic display of Beavers showing their talents including singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. A great weekend was had by all. We look forward to the autumn term with more fun packed adventure planned.
The Beavers have all worked very hard to complete their My Skills Challenge badge and Creativity badges, Well - done Beavers!
Tania Burton, who owns the beauty salon called Complexions in Coundon Coventry, has always supported us by selling paperbacks for 50p. To celebrate being in business for 25 years she arranged a Ball and donated £2,550.00 to our funds. What a fantastic result, thank you Tania, Kim and OurMartin.“In the Pink” ladies night is again held at Strawberry Bank Hotel on Friday 2nd October. Doors will be open at 7:00pm Lesley Smith is well again and will be joining as Boadicea. Tickets are priced at £12. If you came last year we promised you a free seat this year, however if you would care to make a donation for the evening that would be very Onacceptable.Thursday October 8th we have another clothing sale. The clothes are all well-known makes - Wallis, M&S, Kalico etc. this event is at Heart of England Club at 7:30pm entrance only £1. Our Christmas evening is Friday November 27th again at Heart of England Club with ever popular live music from VIVO. Come and get in the mood for Christmas, tickets for this event are from the Heart of England Club or committee members below. would like to express our thanks to the Heart of England Club and Strawberry Bank Hotel for offering us the use of their premises. we will beat Cancer sooner” and discover explore a tropical journey into Space
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
“Together
We
a magical underwater world,
Charles Hanson, our favourite valuation officer failed to arrive! He called off at last minute with flu and loss of voice (not surprising)!! However, all was rescued by his colleague Adrian Rothchild who replaced him and did a fantastic job. The evening went very well with one article valued at approx. £5,000 and others at £1.000!!!!
jungle,
your baby will
and have fun at our Baby Olympics! Classes held in:- Shirley, Solihull and Meriden Contact - Nina 07971 945 solihull@babysensory.co.uk242 Please Telephone for tickets and information 01676 522160 * 01676 522855 * 01676 522702 * 01676 522555 THE ORME SCHOOL The Orme School of MeridenDancingBranch Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary 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. www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk Tel: 02476 467271 “In the Pink Ladies Night”the Pink Ladies Night” Lesley Smith as BoadiceaLesley Smith as BoadiceaLesley Lesley 7.00pm Friday 2Friday 2nd n dnd nd OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober BankBankStrawberryStrawberryStrawberryStrawberryBankHotelHotelBankHotelHotel ChristmasChristmasChristmasChristmasSocialSocialSocialSocial Vivo V ivoVivo Vivo Friday 27Friday 27th thth NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember Heart of England ClubHeart of England ClubHeart EnglandHeart EnglandClothingClub SaleClothing SaleClothing Clothing Thursday 8Thursday 8tth hth th HeartHeartHeartOctoberOctoberOctoberOctober7.30pm7.30pm7.30pm7.30pmofEnglandofEnglandHeartofEnglandofEnglandCCCClublublublub Jennifer F.I.D.T.AFaulknerBA.Hons Fellowship Teaching Degree Dip PrincipalA.B.R.S.MSandraClarke
I will be looking forward to reading these in front of the fire on dark evenings when the garden's having a rest and sharing what I thought about them with my Readers Circle friends. It's a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours from 7.30 to 9.00ish.The library staff will tell you where the venue is and give you all the help you need. Please telephone me if there is anything you would like to know.
your ancestors. These courses will
Choose any book from Richard and Judy's list of summer recommendations 14th October
Anne Santos – info@balsallwriters.org.uk Or view our website www.balsallwriters.org.uk
where to start? Would you like
Sign
After saying how much I was looking forward to reading in the garden in the last mag things haven't quite worked out as they should have. The incredible weather we had brought on a surge of growth that one could almost see the grass and hedges sprouting out of the corner of one's eye. It's only mid July as I write this and I can't keep up with the gardening.
9th September
quick
National Poetry Day
started
• Access
What’s on this autumn at Meriden Library?
member gets:• Two
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
Please ask staff for
Our three groups have continued to meet during the summer and are now looking to produce a second ebook Anthology for 2016. This is a group project to give all members the opportunity of submitting their work prose or poetry for inclusion. Our first Anthology – Snapshots was shortlisted for the NAWG 2014 anthology prize and is for sale as an ebook and paperback on Amazon. Our Company of Writers is for members of all groups and meets quarterly at Haig’s Hotel for a writer’s topic discussion over a morning coffee. Interested, so why not join us and be part of a friendly local writing group.
Poetry by a modern writer such as Simon Armitage 11th November "Cold Comfort Farm" by Stella Gibbons
your ancestors? Come along and
Meriden Playgroup
closes If you
Margaret Houldsworth 01676 523603
Balsall Common Writers
Meriden library 01676 522717
our
To celebrate National Poetry Day, students from Heart of England will be entering a competition. The competition for years seven and eight is sponsored by Balsall Common Writers. Their English teacher inspires the young poets on the year’s theme which is Light. She then passes on the poems to Balsall Common Writers Poetry Group to be judged. This is never an easy task as the poems are varied in content and style but all of a high standard and showing promise.
On Thursday 8th October, local people and the students will read their poems in Balsall Common Library. Refreshments will be served at 4.15 for a 4.30 start. The free event is open to all who are eligible to use the library - that is, everyone. Please come and support the young poets from Heart of England School. The winners will be announced and receive their prizes on the night. Balsall Common Writers Poetry Group usually meets on the third Thursday of the month and is open to new members.
Story time for the under-fives – come along for stories and rhymes. Every Monday during term time: 2.45pm – 3.15pm. Everyone welcome. – Come and meet other readers for a chat about books over a coffee!
Meriden Library Readers Circle
ICT Offer Do you want to learn how to use computers but don’t know help tracing see upgraded ICT Facilities at the Library. up for I.T courses for beginners and find out how to get on tracing be free until end of December 2015. further details. library hours free internet access for library members (you will need your library card) to computers until 15 minutes before the library are not yet a library member, joining the library is free, and easy. You just need proof of name and address (for example a utility bill or driving license)
Balsall Writers, We have changed our name and put the Common back in Balsall Writers giving us a local identity. This will be is shown on our forthcoming newly designed website Balsall CommonWriters.org.uk.
Monday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 1pm
Plus every
Reading Café
Mondays: 21 September, 19 October, 16 November & 21 December Summer Reading Challenge Summer is nearly at an end, and so is the children’s summer reading challenge –Record Breakers. The last day for completing the challenge at the library is Saturday 12 September. The library has seen lots of children taking part this summer, and it’s been wonderful to welcome them all into the library with their families. We will be presenting the medals to all our Record Breakers later in the autumn at both the library and Meriden Primary School - WELL DONE EVERYONE! Neighbourhood and Police Surgeries We continue to host the local neighbourhood and police surgeries at the library each month. If you have any problems, come along and speak to your local representative. See our notice board for dates and times. For further information please contact Amanda Jones, Neighbourhood Library Manager. Tel: 01676 532590 , Email: amandajones@solihull.gov.uk
4) Add the gelatin mixture to the straw-filled container and let it set until firm.
Halloween Cupcakes
Wrap each frankfurter in 3-4 strips of Pillsbury dough, stretching it firmly around so it looks bandages, leaving room for its ‘face” add two dots with a black edible pen for eyes, and bake your frankfurters in the oven for 15 minutes on 190C/gas mark 5 Dots of ketchup or mustard after the baking is done will do just fine if you have no black food paste.
A truly disgusting idea that all kids will love to slurp.
A can of Pillsbury dough
Have a ghoulishly gruesome Halloween, cup cakers!
We made some spiders, some bats and witches hats, some little smiley pumpkins and a few ghouls and ghosts all out of sugar paste bought at the local supermarket, its fun to create your own. Use black and orange cupcake liners for an authentic festive look
100 flexible straws (or enough to fill your container) Tall container (1litre tall empty fresh orange carton works well)
Luci x x
15 drops of green food colouring
2) Let it cool to lukewarm and then add the whipping cream and 15 drops green food coloring.
3) Gather your straws (don't forget to flex them out) and put them in the container. It's important that the straws have a tight fit so the jelly stays in the straws. If you have a bigger container, tying a rubber band around the straws is helpful. Pour the mixture into the straws. The straws must stay full once filled.
Now Halloween has well and truly arrived here and every year the shops fill their corporate boots with costly tricks and treats, so I thought it would be nice to give some fun ideas for you and the kids that won’t break the blood bank
Mummy Halloweenies
Black edible pen or black edible colour or mustard/ ketchup
Pumpkin Carving Enormous fun for all the family! You can buy pumpkins at the supermarket, or green grocers. Cut the top off using a slanted angle in toward the centre to stop the lid falling inside. Use an ice-cream scoop or deep spoon to scoop the insides out; the sides need to be about 1” thick Chose a stencil from the internet or draw a pattern on some paper. Cut out and wrap the stencil around the pumpkin and tape down. Use a sharp knife or blade to cut out your design. Running the finished pumpkin carefully under the tap will refresh and hydrate it. If you want it to last a while, do this every now and then and also rub a little Vaseline over the cut edges
5) There are multiple ways you can remove the worms from the straws. You can roll a rolling pin over the straws and squeeze them out or you can hold the straws over hot water. The worms should slip right out. If they don't, pinch hard at the one end and squeeeeeze them out.. or try holding longer under warm water until you have it mastered.
1 packet unflavored gelatin (for extra firmness)
Back in my youth Halloween was hardly heard of, the odd toffee apple, a sheet with two eyes cut out and put over our heads. Halloween was mainly something we saw on T.V. from afar, whilst our American counterparts participated in knocking on neighbours doors and receiving bucket loads of cash and candy. What wasn’t there to like? We wanted the fangs, blood and zombie outfits, but all we got was a measly penny for the stocking headed guy a week later.
2x packs (3oz) Raspberry jelly
1) Combine jelly & gelatin in bowl and add boiling water.
Jelly Worms
100ml double cream
A can or pack of frankfurters
ducks. He was recently featured on BBC’s Country File. It was a lovely sunny day in contrast to last Congratulationsyear. to Shirley and David Smithers on gaining First Prize for their allotment and Vanessa and Roy King on coming third.
A selection of Victorian tools will be displayed along with some finds from the gardens spanning its 174 year history. The café will be open serving refreshments and there will also be plant, apple and gift sales.
Day and Country Fair Hill Close Gardens Warwick CV34 6HF Sunday18th October 11am to 5pm
Clear up fallen leaves and compost them
Takeleaveshard wood cuttings from shrubs and roses
Bring tender plants in under cover before the early frosts
The Apple Day & Country Fair, which celebrates the wonderful varieties of apples cultivated at Hill Close.
PlantwarmSpring bedding such as wall flowers and polyanthus
Plant or move evergreens and conifers while the soil is still
Parking: Linen Street
Tasks in the garden this autumn
Tidy perennials, removing dead stems, but leaving the seed heads for the birds to eat
Plant Spring bulbs
Lay new lawns, so long as soil is not too wet
Enjoy a leisurely day of good company and browse a number of craft and food stalls, from tasty cheeses to wood carving displays. Delight at the display of the different historic varieties of apples grown and have a go at competitions to ‘Guess the Weight’ or create the ‘Longest Apple Peel’.
Plant tulips and hyacinths
M.J. Mowing Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Pruning Strimming Weed Control –Pesticide Licensed Leaves Cleared No Job Too CallFreeCompetitiveSmallPricesQuotesMartin01675465 204 07922 241 181 Brailes522318Farm Fresh cut turf Rockery stone and Other gardenVillageneedsdelivery
Fillongley Show
Admission: Adult £3.50, Child £1 (5-16) Under 5s free!
Apple
Mid
Plant deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers
A good day out for everyone was held on August 9th at the Fillongley Show, there was a lot to see and do with events running all day including the Phantom Knights Marching Band and Merion Owen with his sheep dog and a flock of A replica field ambulance from the First World War in the Grand Parade
Early
Batten down the hatches, ensuring nothing can blow about and cause damage on windy nights
Late Plant shrubs, roses and hedging plants sold with bare roots
Move deciduous trees and shrubs once they have lost their
Putburning.intohot sterilised jars and cover. Allow to mature for about a month. The chutney is delicious with cold meats, cheese or pate.
Peel, core and cut apples into quarters, then chop into 5mm pieces.
'Solihull for Success' - business support from Solihull Council
1 rounded tsp ground ginger
900g450gchoppedsultanaswhitegranulated sugar
Spicy Apple Chutney
Put all ingredients into a preserving pan or large saucepan.
Workshops focus on the practical steps needed to develop and deliver a robust business plan.
½ rounded tsp cinnamon ½ to 1 level tsp ground cloves
The Enterprise for Success scheme has been running for a number of years, and offers 1-2-1 business coaching and pre and post start-up workshops to support self-employment and young businesses.
2tsps mustard seeds ½ rounded tsp curry powder
Makes 7x 450g jars
There is also support available for recruiting staff, including advertising vacancies, finding training providers, advising on Apprenticeships, sifting vacancies and shortlisting candidates, and free exhibition stands at regular Job Fairs as well as help to make closer links with local schools and colleges. In addition, businesses can get help finding commercial premises - with bespoke property searches, introductions to commercial agents and co-ordination of tours of the Borough - together with guidance on accessing available sources of finance, such as Digital Vouchers and apprenticeship grants, and signposting to other sources of business support.
Ingredients1.8kgcooking apples
Simmer gently over a low –medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is soft and pulpy, stirring frequently. Cook uncovered for approximately 1 ½ hours until thick and dark brown and reduced to about one third of the original volume. Stir frequently towards the end of the cooking time, to avoid the chutney
25g salt
Find out more about the support available by visiting www.solihullforsuccess.com or calling the team on 0121 704 6151".
For both new and more established businesses there are local networking forums, workshops on key topics for local businesses - including marketing, access to finance and recruitment - and themed groups focussing on Sustainability and on Tourism.
450g onions peeled and finely
1.2 litres malt vinegar
"Solihull for Success" is Solihull Council's business and employment support service, and helps new businesses to start-up and established businesses to grow. Our aim is to help strengthen the local economy and to create more local employment opportunities.
The Federation of Small Businesses (Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire) recently named Solihull as "Best for All Round Small Business Friendliness" in its 2015 Local Authority awards. Local independent retailer, Jurnie provided the following testimonial, “The team really do go the extra mile to support SMEs, from organising bespoke training through to bringing together teams of businesses to offing workshops based upon their "Listen and Action" feedback. It certainly has benefited my business, providing foundation information to forge my business and help it grow. Two years down the line and we are feeling really positive. The friendly nature of the team and their "open door" approach has helped so many. “Can’t recommend them enough.”
Great for children and pets to play, No mowing, edging or watering. Stunning looking lawn 365 days a year Just relax and enjoy Please phone for more details 0845 388 0800 Visit our website @ www.coventryartificialturf.co.uk
Ivy Arnold 19th May 1947 - June 25th 2015
When she started school, her father drove them a mile to the road and then another mile into Olney. So when her sister (older by 4 years) went to secondary school Ivy had to walk back on her own, though she enjoyed looking in the hedge-rows for birds’ nests and wild flowers. She and her sister had chores to do from an early age – collecting and washing eggs, feeding and cleaning out the pigs. She attended senior school in Bedford where she became a gifted pianist. When she left school she worked on the farm for a few years until her parents retired and sold the farm. Then she moved with them to Cropthorne near Evesham where she got a job as a hotel receptionist. She had met Lawrie Arnold some years previously and they married in October 1977 in Meriden. Their eldest son Lawrence was born in March 1980, followed by John in 1982 and Andrew in 1984. Ivy wanted them all to follow a different profession after seeing how hard her parents had worked but they were having none of it and all chose a farming career.
Ivy’s mother was very ill after giving birth, so Ivy was cared for by her grand-parents for some months while her mother recovered.
Ivy was born in Olney Buckinghamshire; her parents and elder sister Lilian had moved from a farm in Derbyshire in 1946, to The Hyde in Olney, so they could farm on their own account. The farm was very dilapidated with no water or electricity in the house.
Ivy had a busy social life and was involved in the farming community, sewing club, Flower club and Meriden WI. She also belonged to several Churches and Christian Fellowships over the years, and has always been keen to share her faith with others. Her faith was so strong right to the very end. She was an inspiration to us all, there is going to be a big hole in life at Brailes Farm, but there are the lovely memories of Ivy as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law and dear friend.
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
Whilst this poetic vision of libraries may not hold true with everyone, many residents of small villages and towns have respect for these book-lending institutions and would lament their disappearance. The difficulty of funding small, local libraries, coupled with the decline in library usage is placing a question mark over their existence, which, for me and many others, is a highly regrettable fact. The so-called “digital age” in which we live and in which we can seek e-books on the internet rather than paperbacks on library shelves is one symptom of many of our techno-centric existence, one which contributes to the local library’s decline. It is most likely a matter of convenience rather than negative intentions, but libraries seem to be dealt the blow when it comes to the way many of us choose to read these days. In spite of this, it has never been more important to continue the tradition of paper books, as it allows us respite from the technology that plays such an important part of our 21st century lives, offering us entertainment that is neither pixelated nor battery-powered. In this way, libraries are surely as much of a staple as they have ever been. This is added to the notion that it can be highly pleasurable to indulge in a real book, which may have been read dozens of times, carrying with it a sense of tradition and history. Maintaining our literary heritage may be symbolised by continuing to read real books, of which the library is an important exponent.
They are a place to read, peruse, meet and imagine. Libraries, arguably, are the cornerstone of our intellectual civilisation, and, whether they are modest or massive, whether they are located in small towns or big cities, have nurtured and continue to nurture countless visitors’ imaginations and interests.
Are libraries ‘bookworming’ their way out of our lives? Claire Hargreaves
Libraries are also seen as hubs of the community. From the children’s summer reading challenge, to coffee mornings and book clubs, the library is a public-owned centrepiece of many communities, where people can come together and catch up. They also provide information and education for children, students and those that are simply curious, in a way that can be far more absorbing and accurate than reading a Wikipedia page. It is obvious, though, that all of these excellent functions that a library serves come with a price. Council and government spending cuts make some local residents fear that their beloved libraries will be the first ones to go. According to http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk, over 10% of public libraries are under threat, suggesting that, although one must avoid scaremongering over the overnight disappearance of all of our local libraries, we must realise the significance and even urgency of the issue. In my view, it takes two to tango; it is as much residents’ responsibility to help keep libraries open as it is anyone’s. This means we should all invest time and effort into the wonderful things our libraries offer us to make sure they don’t become obsolete. In turn, one might hope that decision-makers would receive a mandate from us that we need our libraries. If we don’t, then the decline of the local library would be the saddening end of an era, one which has fostered learning, creativity and enjoyment. This is Claire’s final offering for the Mag, We would like to thank her for the interesting articles she has sent us over the years, and wish her every success at her chosen university in September
2015 Santa Fun Run Sunday 6th December We hope to make this year’s Santa Fun Run even better than ever. Tell your friends and family and get them to take part. If you want to sponsor your own favourite Charity let us know. If you have never done a “Fun Run” before, this is a 4 kilometre course around Meriden and is open for everybody to run or walk - it is not a race. This being a “Santa Fun Run” Santa suits are included in the registration fee. Everybody can do this and it is really great fun to do the run in a Santa suit. We are raising funds in aid of “Marie Curie Cancer Care” and other Rotary Charities. Online registration will be available and as last year, it can be done through “Virgin Money Giving”. For full details see our website www.meridensanta-fun-run.org.uk Once registration opens, a link to our page on “Virgin Money Giving” will be provided. Alternatively, a registration form will be available for download, as well as a sponsor form and a medical form. The FAQ page provides more information and if you cannot find what you are looking for, use the form on the “Enquiry” page.
After another successful year under President Dev Kulkarni, we are now at the start of a new Rotary Year. It is my honour and privilege to be President and I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead 20% off all prices when you bring the Meriden Mag with you!
interior windows
Prices from £6 wash only £12 -£15 and out including full and
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Our last event was our 11th Annual Megaride. The riders set off from Arrow Mill in the rain but the weather quickly cleared up and we had a lovely afternoon at The Queen’s Head grounds. We had many display stands and stalls and were well entertained by the group “The Firm” and Meriden’s own “Firebird Singers”. Many local residents came to support the event and we raised over £2000 for our charities. Our thanks go to all those who supported the event with stalls and displays, Lawrence and Caroline at The Queen’s Head for allowing us to use the grounds, the Meriden Branch of the Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club who played a major role in organising the ride and in particular Potters Poultry for providing and erecting the marquees and trailer stage. Our next major events will be the fourth Annual Santa Fun on Sunday 6th December at Meriden Hall and the Santa Sleigh visits to Meriden and other local villages starting in the week following the Fun Run. In the meantime we will continue with our Club Events and meetings. We welcome visitors and potential members any Tuesday at the Manor Hotel at 7.15 pm. I have decided this year not to identify a specific charity as President’s Charity but to support a numbers of local children’s charities including Woodlands School, Acorns Hospice and Ladybugs. We will continue to support Marie Curie through the Fun Run and hope to have enough funds to help in the unfortunate eventuality of a national or international disaster.
Thanks for your support and best wishes, Tony Hill, President Meriden Rotary Club Meriden Rotary Club President’s Message
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
vacuum
ComeComeComeCome along to ato a warm welcome welcome with Candy atwith Candy atwith Candy atwith Candy at Meriden VillageMeriden VillageMeriden MeridenHallHallHallHallVillage 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 Pilates Thursday7.00pmevenings £4 per session *Terms and conditions apply. Offer only available March and April 2015 Join Marriott Forest of Arden Leisure Club now and pay NO joining fee Indulge your senses with our fantastic range of facilities18including:mLeisure Pool Spa StudioCardioSteamSaunaBathRoomGymwithover 30 classes per week Flood lit Tennis Courts & Table Tennis facilities Free Gym ResistanceWeightsSuite Open 6am – 11pm 7 days a week Call 01676 526107 and quota MMA2015 Terms and conditions apply. Offer only available through September/October 2015 Membership fees apply. Meriden Spartans Cricket Club Please contact David Moynihan for further details: 07972 047170 Free cricket coaching for children aged 5-12 years of age at the Meriden Sports Park 6pm on a Friday evening. For any information or queries about the Spartans please visit our website: www.mscc.info In the current season
A select Spartans took part in a fantastic afternoon of cricket against the Royal Corps of Signals team. Thank you to all concerned for making the afternoon such a success. We're hoping that this will be an annual event and look forward to the re-match.
To get back to my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early or be respectable.
with
See photo on centre pages
the first team are fourth in the league with 3 batsmen Stewart Garry, James Moynihan and David Moynihan in the top 5 batting averages in the league. The second team have bounced back and are sixth in the league outstanding performances so far from Paul Osterloh scoring a 120 not out against Southam and new recruit Jack Marley who picked up 4 wickets for 4 runs in 4.3 overs against Bedworth.
The Sunday team were unfortunate to come runners up in the Arden League knock out cup losing to Warwick and the weather. The following week saw the team bowl Warwick out for 90 with Mark Spafford taking 4 for 13 and the team winning the match with 8 wickets to spare.
Some of the Spartans juniors have been training with The Highway Club and have played in a few matches. A great effort by Hannah, Sophie, Jason and Sam saw a win for the under 11's against Griff and Coton in their last match which ended a fantastic weekend of cricket for the Club.
The midweek T20 team have done very well and were unlucky to lose by 7 runs in the semi-final of the midweek cup against 4 time champions Coventry Barbarians. Rakesh hit a sublime century for the team.
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jon@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk or Barbara, our clerk, contact details above. Keep Meriden clean The Green is for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike but is
Road.
Meriden’s Community Speed Watch re-launched on 29 July on the Fillongley During at being negligence October 2015 9am – 3pm ensure
The public and press are cordially invited to all parish council meetings at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to speak. Look out for the agenda and venue which is posted on the parish notice boards and our website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk prior to the meeting. The next Parish Council meeting dates are: • 21 September 2015 - The Pavilion • 19 October 2015 - The Pavilion • 23 November 2015 - The Pavilion Community Surgeries at Meriden Library 10am-12pm: • Monday 07 September 2015 • Monday 05 October 2015 • Monday 09 November 2015 Police Beat Surgeries at Meriden Library 11am-12pm: • Wednesday 02 September 2015 • Thursday 15 October 2015 • Monday 30 November 2015 Should you wish to contact the Parish Council, please contact the Clerk or drop into the Parish Council office on Monday mornings where you may access information or have a private chat with the Clerk to address local community issues. Barbara Bland The MeridenPavilionSports Park Main MeridenRoadCV7 7SP Tel: 01676 522474 (Mondays) Mobile: 07767 162423 Email: barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com Web: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk Your Parish Councillors are: Melanie Lee Rosie Weaver Bob Kipling Paul Lee Mandy Haque Frances Jon Barber Matthew Nunn (Chair) (Vice Chair) Lynch-Smith Community Speed Watch update
of owners allowing their dogs to foul without picking up and disposing of their dog waste. Please be responsible for your dog fouling and keep Meriden clean! October Half Term Sports Camp 26-30
each day. £10 per day or £40 per week. For boys and girls aged For5-12.each day please
you bring a packed lunch, healthy snacks, appropriate 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.
spoilt by the
the hour, between 4pm and 5pm, 689 cars passed through the village and we managed to record 26 speeding offences, the highest speed being 49 miles per hour. Anyone wishing to volunteer, as we need more, can do so by contacting Cllr Jon Barber
Bloomers gave the Sports Park frontage a fresh makeover with AMS providing pro-bono labour, with sponsorship from the business community to the “Bloomer’s Purse”, not least the new raised boxes “Meriden Sports Park” bed. Meriden School Eco Group (our Junior Bloomers) are included in the planting and ideas to fulfil a sustainable colourful floral/shrub display throughout the seasons for the Parish’s community and visitors to enjoy.
Meriden “Bloomers” welcomed Solihull Neighbourhoods and Heart of England Judges during July for the the above competition entries. Feedback has been positive but we will not know the outcome until the presentations take place on 10 and 15 September.
Meriden School’s Eco Club supported Bloomers with summer planting and spent an afternoon planting up six mangers that line the children’s play area. Each manger was named and their artwork is displayed below each manger. Young adults with learning disabilities from Newlands Bishop Farm generously made and planted up a large planter assisting with the delivery and siting for Sports Park visitors to enjoy.
Meriden Bloomers work with Contractors, Parish Council and sponsors, designing a sustainable and recyclable brief for 2015 Coronation Island is re-planted with perennials sponsored by NRS Wastecare Limited.
Bloomers were ably assisted by the pupils of Meriden School who assisted with the planting. Allotment ownership is soon to be transferred back to the Parish Council with 12 plots and excellent take up by Meriden Allotmenteers with a real community feel good atmosphere. The Parish Council are donating two allotments to Meriden Bloomers as a community project to assist with Bloom 2016. Volunteers are needed and if anyone has a polytunnel they wish to donate please call the Clerk. First Bloomers 2016 meeting is 10th September at the Pavilion, so please do come along!
We are disappointed to report the theft of four hanging baskets from Fordes on the Green and Fredanita from the sponsored Bloom floral displays on The Green. The theft has been reported to the Police for investigation. Anyone with information that may assist police inquiries please call 101.
Meriden Bloomers thank their wonderful sponsors: Alan Lole, Meriden Tea Rooms, Spar Shop, Meriden Fish & Chips, Fordes on the Green, Fredanita, Manor Hotel, Strawberry Bank, Taylor Wimpey Homes, A & A Recycling Limited, NRS Wastecare Limited, Advanced Maintenance Services (West Midlands) Limited, Dovetail Facilities Management Services Limited, CW Horticultural Training and Newlands Bishop Farm Project for Learning Disabled Adults and the Beaty Family. And their outstanding team of volunteer junior and senior bloomers: Aggie, Alan, Albert & Co, Barbara, Brian, Cameron, Candice, Carole, Chris, Elaine, George, Lee, Luke, Lynn, Meriden School Eco Group, Simon 1, Simon 2 and Tony.
Planters may be seen throughout the Parish and are maintained with summer and winter flowering plants and shrubs by Brian Ball. Hanging baskets have been sponsored by local businesses and residents. Meriden Bloomers exhibited a planter at the recent Gardener’s World event and were awarded an RHS commendation for “Blooming Marvellous”.
Solihull Neighbourhoods & Heart of England in Bloom 2015
Memorial Approach will provide a place of quiet reflection with a raised sustainable bed and benches made from recycled railway sleepers; all labour provided pro-bono by Dovetail, with a donation from Taylor Wimpey Homes including new bus shelter and lay-by, with sponsorship from A & A Recycling. This project continues as a work in progress for 2016.
Funding was secured by the residents of Meriden Hall Park Homes to restore the original gateway to the historic walled garden in conjunction with English Heritage who provided advice on paint colour and restoration techniques. The Community maintain the entrance to the garden with perennial planting and their hard work has been commended by Solihull MBC Conservation Team. The walkway was named Albert’s Way in recognition of Albert’s hard work.
My sincere thanks to you all and to Norman Kimberley who, yet again, prepared the MTOT accounts without charge. I do, so very much, appreciate the support I receive for what I do for The Village and for The Charities!!!!!!!
Meriden, the centre of England, continues to commemorate the centenary of the First World War Next events: Meriden in the Great WarMeriden in the Great WarMeriden Great WarMeriden Great War An evening with Meriden’s historian, Doreen Agutter, who will give a talk on Meriden in the Great War Tickets cost £5* includes cheese and wine or tea, coffee and biscuits Wednesday 23 September 2015 Meriden Village Hall 7.30pm Tickets on sale at Fredanita, Village Green *proceedstoABFTheSoldiers’Charity Commemorative Football MatchCommemorative Football MatchCommemorative Football MatchCommemorative Football Match
ServiceRemembrance ServiceRemembrance
Meriden Tree Of Thought
ServiceRemembrance
Remembrance
10am
This will take place on Monday 21st December. When the forms are available, I will put them in the shops. Do keep your eyes open for when they appear AlanAlanAlanAlan
Yet again The Manor Hotel has offered to repeat the wonderful gesture of a Christmas Lunch for Residents of The Village (only), aged 65 plus.
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My thanks to all who provided the prizes for the Midsummer Draw and for the Tombola and to Jane Dawson who ran the stall. Molly Starkey(11) and Laura Dawson (10) came up with the idea of the Pancake Stall entirely themselves and did a lovely job with the help of Julie from The Tearooms. With the kindness of all those named and all of you who came along, £ 1,410. was raised and I issued cheques for £ 705 each to Macmillan and The Hospice.
Alan Christmas lunch at the Manor Hotel
As I’ve said before,” Where does the time go?” I have started preparations for this year’s TREE. All proceeds will, as ever, go to Macmillan Cancer Support (Charity 261017) and The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull( Charity 207994). At the time of writing(28th July) I have received very kind donations from Pertemps and The Cassidy Group. Please put on your calendars Friday 4th DECEMBER for the TREE DEDICATION, on The Green at 4pm. With regard to Funday Sunday, there are so many people to thank for their input to the event. It is true to say that without Bruce Hipkiss of Severn Trent and Patrick Feehan of Amey, it could not have happened. They provided the pins for the mesh barrier which is a strict requirement. Thanks go, also, to AMS who installed and removed the barrier. Insurance for several of the stalls was, very generously, provided by David and Sue Langley. The Job Squad and The Heart of England Conference Centre kindly supplied marquees and gazebos. I received cash donations from Melvyn Sidwell (Gazebos), Trevor and Barbara Payne( Music Licence) and Fredanita as well as from stallholders. Tina Say (Lloyd’s) was extremely kind as she brought her ‘Hook a Duck’, bought the prizes and gave me all of the money she took! Paul and Melanie Lee were of great support on the day as was Melvyn Sidwell along with his daughter grandson, Peter Moss, Colin Brown and John Moorhouse. The barbecue provided by The Nijjer family was as brilliant as ever and I can tell you that they gave me every penny that went into the bucket. Extremely generous!!
• 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 Newspapers and Magazines Beer and GroceriesWineandfreshproduceCashMachine and cash back available Dry LotteryCleaningAwardwinning Lashford sausagesSendand receive parcels from here Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287 Opening hours: Weekdays 6am – 10pm Weekends 7am – 10pm Tom’s Butchery Direct Carpets & Flooring Stockists of leading Manufacturers Carpets, vinyls, laminates, real woods, underlays and accessories For a no obligation free quotation call in to see us or…we will come to you The Old Forge Stores, 68 Balsall St, Balsall Common CV7 7AP T: 01676 530695 Mob: 07775 515504 Showroom.NewNowopen
a variety of
Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month.
on patients trying to
Friday 11th September Beverley Bostock –Practitioner Nurse “Why am I coughing?”
Friday 9th October Professor Sally SinghLeicester University, ‘Current research and leaving hospital’ Friday 13th November Social Gathering 10.30am Conroy’s Coffee House, Corporation Street, Coventry
2 – 4 pm The Lounge, Central Hall, Methodist Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA
DNA appointments The Practice has
to
Not
Patients who do not attend their appointments and
working towards trying to reduce
For more information please ring Cynthia on 02476 440316 Coventry Breathe Easy Group Practice Personnel Update Dr Qureshi and Dr Alexander our two GP registrars will be leaving the Practice in August, we wish them both every success in their future careers. Dr Grieve and Dr Wheelhouse will then be joining us as GP Registrars at the beginning of August. Dr Peter Gold will be joining the practice team as a salaried GP on the 5th of August. We are also in the process of employing a new receptionist. Sarah Partridge will be joining the nursing team in September. Attended Appointments do not cancel them is an ongoing major problem and has a significant effect book appointments to see the Doctor or the Nurse at the practice. The practice is constantly the number of set up options allow a patient to cancel their appointment. remember
A support group for all those affected by a lung condition, including friends, family and carers.
to include your name, date of birth, date and time of the appointment you wish to cancel and which staff member the appointment is with •Via our website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk You can either cancel an appointment you have booked using Online access or send the practice a message via the website ,If you have not already done so then sign up today for Online Access •By Fax - 01676 523865 •Face to Face at Reception •In Writing NHS Blood and Transplants The next sessions for blood donors will be Tuesday 15th September at The Heart of England Social Club 1.30 – 3.30 & 4.30 – 7.30pm Appointments available by calling 03001232323 The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time at all!
For Meriden Surgery these include –•By telephoning - 01676 522252 •By secure email to SOLCCG.BCCancelAppointments@nhs.net Please note that no other requests will be actioned via this email address. 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 GP Dr L Whitehead 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
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 LITTER IN MERIDEN
A BIG NO THANK YOU to residents who through irresponsibility and laziness discard litter in public places despite the availability of litter bins. There is no excuse. Apart from being an eyesore it poses a Danger to wildlife, pets and farm animals who may choke on litter, particularly polythene, rubber and plastic substances. Beware - even dropping a cigarette butt can result in a fixed penalty which if not paid can result in a fine of several hundreds of pounds, including court costs. Road traffic can have vision temporarily obscured by paper blowing around.
A HUGE THANK YOU to residents and members of the Parish Council who not only keep their frontages clear but even 'go the extra mile' and help clear litter from other public areas. Special thanks to officials from Solihull Council who recently came to Meriden to assist in a clean up exercise, also attended by Councillor David Bell. To help protect our environment against the growing widespread scourge of litter only takes a little thought, time and consideration. Kelvin Jones Brain cells come and brain cells go but fat cells live for ever!
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In the theIn the Beginning!BeginningBeginningBeginning!!!
[[[[[[[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 Support, repairs & ProblemTelephoneSolving 024 7667 4952 07963 850001 Independent personal attention Internet & e-mail Troubleshooting & tuition Brailes Farm revisited. In memory of Ivy Arnold. It was with great sadness that I heard Ivy, a dear friend for many years, had died. She would have enjoyed reading this new material I have found about the farm. In 1946 shortly after the end of the Second World War, Coventry archivists began checking what documents had survived the Blitz. A note pinned onto a dirty bundle of parchments said they were of no value. By chance a young member of staff Joan Lancaster looked again, began to read and found it was a set of medieval title deeds relating to Brailes Farm, Meriden, lodged in the city on purchase of the property about 1529. Two friends, Coventry merchants William Ford who died in 1509 and his executor William Pysford died 1517 established a religious charity: Ford’s Hospital. Pysford already held a lifelong lease on the farm. His children purchased it so its rent would always help pay Ford’s needs. This explains why on older maps, such as the 1886 OS edition you find the property called ‘Pysford Hospital Farm.’ People outside Meriden often call it by this name. When religious foundations were abolished by Edward V1’s government in 1552, the Mayor and Corporation of Coventry became responsible for the farm acting as its ThanksTrustees.toJoan Lancaster’s foresight we know that John Brailes from Great Packington purchased the farm and its associated lands in 1432/3 from Margery Peche a direct descendant of Ivo of Alspath an early lord of the manor who built the parish church c.1170. The Brailes family, in each generation called John, farmed it directly or had a tenant. By 1505 its owner was living in Coventry; another died there in 1513 whose will survives. It was probably his grandfather who had a fight with the vicar of Alspath (as the main village was then called), leading to a law suit for assault. Though unproven I have wondered if the proximity of the farm to ‘Lapworth’s Osier Grove charity’ paid on land on the opposite side of Fillongley Road and whose origin is lost, was founded by the Brailes family. It had to be a person with links to both villages. Brailes Farm property was extensive, its nucleus is now around the present farm house and yard but including enclosed, named fields as far as Lodge Green, about 15 acres of arable in the Old Worthing near where the school stands, meadows along the Blithe opposite Patrick’s Farm, grazing near the Sports’ Centre and a stretch in the Heane now the site of ‘Brooklyn’ where William Crompton the lease from 1591 to c 1618 had to build a dwelling. It was imposing of 3 bays length and used as an inn. The farm house must also have been rebuilt about that time to judge by its architectural design. This is the nucleus of the present building, a 2 up and 2 down baffle entrance cottage with a central chimney stack. Henry Payne’s 1677 will describes the house and farmyard. By 1845 when it was surveyed by Henry Whittem, it was very dilapidated with, ‘a portion of the house in ruins’. It became part of the Aylesford Estate from 1864 to 1920. My interest in farming history leads me to search for developments and changes in farming practice over the centuries. The Coventry archives show that from 1528 to 1546 the tenant was Thomas Grey gentleman who experimented with crops on the edge of the Heath near the present Sports Ground. Leases demanded fat capons for the Christmas rent in the C16th; wills tell us under the name ‘Crompton’s Farm’ when rented by Henry Payne, that he grew hemp and kept dairy cows whose milk he used to make cheese; they needed natural compost in the 1790s and sold fine trees from the hedges by 1840s yet retained old fashioned techniques like fallow land. Our most recent written information comes from the government wartime survey of 1941-43 when its owner Sidney Arnold farmed it in conjunction with Walsh Hall land. Few if any village farmers received such plaudits. We read that the management was, ‘exceptionally good’ and every aspect gained a category A .The Arnolds, one of the Cheshire farming families who moved to Warwickshire from the mid- 1880s, brought with them considerable expertise. This inquiry was precise asking for proportions of land growing specific crops for human and animal consumption, numbers and types of livestock and their purpose. For example for breeding or slaughter, ages of chickens to ascertain egg production projection, rams, ewes, in pig sows, bulls and milking herds . By 1943 lack of petrol meant a return to horse drawn machinery with 6 horses replacing 2 tractors. The Returns for the entire village make fascinating reading. Doreen Agutter
The child ran back to his father and said, "You lied to me!" His father replied, "No, your mom was talking about her side of the family."
A child asked his father, "How were people born?" So his father said, "Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on." The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, "We were monkeys then we evolved to become like we are now."
`m. Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Do you need a hand in the garden? Yes... Then call Ken on 07542 944975 Full range of garden services: Mowing, Edging, Weeding, Hedges and preparation.
Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com.
Gardening secret: Just add money have reason to believe that the ladies who produce The Meriden Mag are avid and skillful gardeners. You can just tell. I think there are times when their editorial duties require them to take precious time away from meeting the needs of the Lonicera periclymenum or the Digitalis purpurea or the Dahlia pinnata in order that yet another issue of The Mag may bloom. That’s just a guess; having been blessed with a black thumb, I wouldn’t really know about these things, but I do recall helping my mother keep her little plot of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers going, in her declining years, when she was still in her home but no longer able to do any bending and stooping. And I recall that it was very nice; just watching the watering thing go back and forth was soothing. And I’d eat those little cherry tomatoes like Duringcandy.World War II, my parents’ generation — some of them, anyway, living in Connecticut towns with names like Kensington, New Britain, Bristol, Manchester, New London, Stratford, Wallingford, Glastonbury, Windsor, Greenwich, Avon, Oxford, Coventry, Plymouth, Litchfield, Marlborough, Canterbury, Salisbury, Cheshire, Scotland, Norfolk and Cornwall — planted “victory gardens,” if only because Mr. Roosevelt said it was a good And,idea.
Steven Russell Teacher Director
In order to deal with this problem (which I plan to turn into an out-and-out disability, if at all possible) this past summer I finally took the wheelbarrow by the handles, so to speak, and called in the experts. Bare patches in the lawn? Bring in a truckload of dirt (I mean “soil”) and re-seed. Weeds all over the place? Annihilate them, then bring in two truckloads of mulch. For pathways, just add some crushed stone. Voila! The place is now more-or-less presentable. If I get tired of looking at so much mulch, maybe next year I’ll scoop some holes in it and plant a few flowers here and there. Then I’ll take a well-earned rest. In fact, I may have just discovered the secret of low-impact gardening (meaning low impact on me, if not the environment), and it’s quite simple: Just add money.
Graded exams and Oxbridge Choral Scholarship preparation senzadolcenew@aol.com 07854631284 02476673181 15a Ainsbury Road Coventry CV5 6BA
I
20Verycompetitiveratesyearsgardenexperience
Singing for fun, choral
long after the war, Aunt Jennie was still “putting up” (that’s the old Yankee term for canning food in glass jars) prodigious amounts of vegetables every year. Mom said her father used to burn newspapers and use the ashes as Anyway,fertilizer.thosepeople knew about gardening; I know nothing, but it seems to me that flower gardening is the only kind of agriculture that requires lots of hard work without producing any food. However, I found this little gem about the pleasures of gardening in The Arizona Daily Sun, ascribed to someone called Tracey Hall: I love to garden. I love the rhythm of the work across the flow of the seasons; the trust I place in each seed, the watering, the weeding, and then watching the plants rise from the earth. I love how the seasons end the same way they begin, by placing the spade into the ground and pushing it downward with my boot, turning the soil. Labor is meditation. OK, Tracy, I’m sold. These are lovely thoughts to contemplate, especially now that winter is again upon us. But, for some of us, labor is also drudgery. It seems that I’m allergic to manual labor; it makes me break out in long rest periods and short naps. I should probably see a doctor.
even
Singing
Even the staff choir were turned out for a performance and with the student choir sang Seasons of Love from Rent. Community Concert
A Mass Orchestra Prom made up an awesome orchestra of students from five schools including Balsall Common, Lady Katherine, Meriden, Berkswell Primary schools and of course Heart of England.
September will see even better learning environments for our students, owing to the kind offices of local and national charities who are sponsoring enhanced Music and Science facilities. Our core values of courage, determination, honesty, humour and kindness are embedding across the new house structure and mirror the qualities valued in the workplace and beyond. I am inspired by the dedication of governors, staff and students at Heart of England.
The evening concluded with the Ian Todd Band performing a set of their own songs. They clearly know how to play!
School Proms What a dramatic and musical year we’ve had, culminating in a series of Prom concerts over four nights in July.
No one will forget the beautiful duet by Mrs Theay and Mrs Henton, or the very funny lip-sync ‘boy-band’ of Messrs Bennett, Taylor, Hunton and student Will Steel.
There was an incredible wall of sound from the 80 strong band starting with Beethoven’s 5th and ending with the very loud Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg. In between there were virtuoso and confident performances from groups and ensembles.
As a parent reflected after attending one of our recent award evenings, “this is turning into the school our village has been waiting for.” The remark cut to the heart of the vision we share in securing a reputation as an outstanding centre for learning by our own design. From hosting the Balsall Common Fun Run to being the new home of Ardent Adventure, we are seeking to develop ever closer links with our surrounding community and feeder Primary Schools. It is our choices that define us. Re-reading the news blog on our re-designed website and its plethora of stories from this year, outlining the choices made by our students, readers can build a clearer picture of the wonderfully high achieving community we are. From the superb results last year to new cultural events such as The Mission Mile in September 2014 and The Proms Week in July 2015 our school is demonstrating that it values and celebrates hard work. Whilst mastery seems effortless we know it is underpinned by vigorous action. We don’t encourage our students to settle for what is easy; easy soon loses its shine. This year we have placed the courage to participate and succeed at the centre of everything and our school has much to be proud of.
Pimm’s and Picnic Next, an open air concert of rock and pop outside on the field. Not even an earlier mishap with the inflatable stage stopped the show which included excellent and high energy performances from soloist, guitarist, bands and groups. Compère Will Steele provided entertaining continuity and much encouragement to eat more strawberries and drink more Pimms and fruit juice!
The final Prom in the series was the Community Concert. Wow, what a fun evening! With a variety of performances from local church choirs, bands, staff and former students.
My first year as Principal of Heart of England School has seen many positive changes in both culture and environment.
To paraphrase the philosopher A. Rand; when it comes to creating the futures we want for your children the question isn’t who is going to let us; it’s who is going to stop us!
Musical Theatre
Wednesday evening saw all the glamour and glitz of a West End show from performers and a fashion show of Textile students work. With some very professional performances there were songs from Wicked, Frozen, Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar, Our house, and Matilda to name a few!
Jacqueline Hughes-Williams reflects on her first year as Principal at Heart of England School.
Hospitality for all the events was provided by the Friends of Heart of England and Head of Music Mrs Henton organised the whole series so a huge thank you to them all.
DATE EVENT VENUE TIME CONTACT 2nd Sept Police Rural Surgery Library 11-12 noon Sgt Michael Lloyd 101 7th Sept WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 7th Sept Community Surgery Library 10.00am-12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 9th Sept Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 15th Sept Blood Donors H of E Club 1.30-3.30pm4.30-7.30pm 0300 123 2323 21st Sept Reading Cafe Library 10.30-12 noon 522717 21st Sept Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 21st Sept Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 23rd Sept Great War talk Village Hall 7.30pm 25th Sept CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 522534 26th Sept Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 27th Sept Harvest Festival Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Charlesworth 533737 30th Sept Harvest Supper Methodist Church 7.00pm Rev Charlesworth 533737 2nd Oct “In the Pink” Strawberry Bank Hotel 7.00pm Mary Warr 522160 4th Oct Harvest Festival St Laurence Church 10.30am Lynda Lilley 522825 5th Oct WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 5th Oct Community Surgery Library 10.00am-12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 8th Oct Cancer clothing sale H of E club 7.30pm Mary Warr 522160 14th Oct Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 15th Oct Police Rural Surgery Library 11-12 noon Sgt Michael Lloyd 101 17th Oct Firebirds Concert St Peter’s Church Hall 7.30pm John 07716721467 17th/18th Art Exhibition Patricks Farm Barns 10.00-4.00pm Julie Hyde 523357 17th/18th Arts and Crafts Exhibition Fentham Hall 10am-5pm 19th Oct Reading Cafe Library 10.30-12 noon 522717 19th Oct Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 19th Oct Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 23rd Oct CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 522534 24th Oct Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 25th Oct British summer time ends 26/30 Oct Half Term Sports Camp Sports Park 9.00-3.00pm Paul Jayes 07508 611922 26th Oct to Dec 12th Charity Christmas Card shop opens Balsall Common Library Judith 533428 1stNov Bereavement Service St Laurence Church 4.00pm Lynda Lilley 522825 2nd Nov Meriden Mag deadline 2nd Nov W.I. Annual meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 5th Nov Coffee Morning Packington Hall 10.30am-12noon 8th Nov Remembrance Service Methodist Church 10pm Rev Charlesworth 533737 9th Nov Community Surgery Library 10.00am-12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 11th Nov Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523603 16th Nov Reading Cafe Library 10.30-12 noon 522717 16th Nov Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 20th Nov Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 23rd Nov Parish Council Meeting Sports pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 27th Nov CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Ellen 522534 27th Nov Cancer Christmas Social H of E Club Mary Warr 522160 28th Nov Candlelit Vigil St Laurence Church 8.45am Lynda Lilley 522825 29th Nov Darkness to Light Service St Laurence Church 5.00pm Lynda Lilley 522825 29th Nov4th Dec Christmas tree Festival St Laurence Church Lynda Lilley 522825 30th Nov Police Rural Surgery Library 11-12 noon Sgt Michael Lloyd 101 Village Diary
The Heritage weekend runs from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September and many interesting buildings are open to the public including Ford’s Hospital Almshouses, Coventry Watch Museum, Severn Trent Water sewage treatment works, and Coventry Council House. Please look at all the details on line.
The last 30 years of Middleton Hall’s history have been arguably the most dramatic. The Hall and grounds have been transformed from an unloved ruin to an historic gem by the team of volunteers at the Middleton Hall Trust. The restoration has been carried out by volunteer labour over the last 35 years. English Heritage granted the Trust special dispensation to restore the buildings to the state of their original Theconstruction.42acres, which include two walled gardens, a moat, evidence of the Hall’s industrial and agricultural past and the earliest man-made lake in Warwickshire have been carefully nurtured by the Trust volunteers. The grounds are noted for the variety of wild flowers and the wildlife they attract including bats, moths and a wide variety of breeding birds. There is an RSPB reserve to the rear of the hall with four established walking trails, varying from 500 m to 3 km in length with three purpose-built viewing platforms and a viewing screen.
Middleton Hall
Middleton Hall is just 13 miles from Meriden
The Old Grammar School
Antiques and Collectors FairAntiques and Collectors FairAntiques and CollectorsAntiques and Collectors on Sunday 11th October from 10am until 4pm.
Out and About this autumn
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Open WednesdayOpen WednesdayOpen Open Wednesdays and Sundayss and Sundayss s in Septemberin Septemberin Septemberin September SundaysSundaySundaySunday in ssinsinin OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober 10am10am10am10am -- 4pm4pm4pm4pm
The Old Grammar School
The Old Grammar School is a 12th century hospital and chapel which following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century became Coventry's first free school. It has recently been restored and brought back into public use as part of the Coventry Transport Museum redevelopment in 2014-2015 at a cost of £1.5 m. It will be open for the Heritage weekend on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September from 10am to 4pm with tours of the building.
Middleton, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 2AE 01827 283095
Admission £4 adults£4 adults adults,,,, under 18s freeunder 18s Food & Craft Markets& Craft on the last Sundays of September, October and November. The Christmas Market is on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November. All 10am until 4pm.
The The Hale Street, Coventry, CV1 1JDHale Street, Coventry, CV1 1JDCoventry, CV1 1JDCoventry, CV1 1JD
What’s on at the NEC September Cruise show 12th – 13th Cycle Show 24th -27th OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober National Wedding Show 2nd – 4th Grand Designs Live 8th –11th Motorhome and Caravan Show 13th -18th NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember Crafts for Christmas 5th – 8th Festive Gift Fair 12th - 15th BBC Good Food Show 26th – 29th
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 Lilley 01676 522825 Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Andrew Charlesworth 01676 533737 Parish Council Barbara Bland (Mondays & Thursdays only) 01676 522474 Sports co-ordinator Paul Jayes 07962 375038. Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000 Solihull District Councillors Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408 David Bell 01676 535211 Tony Dicicco 07780438290 Member of Parliament Caroline Spelman 0121 711 7029 Meriden Scout Group Gerry Russell 01676 522666 Post Office Sue Harper 01676 522230 Rural Police Sector Sgt Michael Lloyd 101 New emergencynon-no. Meriden Village Hall bookings Valerie Martin 01676 522963 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 Tuesday-5.00pm9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am- 4.00pm Last admission 15 minutes before closing time Useful village contact numbers 15th BirthdaySeptemberofthePrince Harry 8th November Remembrance Sunday 11th November Remembrance Day 14th November Birthday of the Prince of Wales 20th November Her Majesty’s Wedding Day Dates MeridenthehoistingforflagonGreen Mag advertising rates Eighth page £10 Quarter page £20 Half page £40 Small ads (sale or wanted) £5.00 Charity & Community events FREE Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the co-editors. We are unable to print anonymous letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request Reminder! Deadline date for the winter issue: Monday 2rd November. Out by 1st December. Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 Deliveries:margarete.argyle@gmail.com522453DougBaconandPaulLeeProofReader:ClaireRose Your Taxibus Service Taxibus is a great door to door service for all residents living in the rural area between Solihull and the Coventry City boundary. Taxibus operates between 8am and 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and trips can be booked for same day of travel (subject to availability) and up to a week in advance Registration and bookings: 0121 7829322 Cancellations: 0121 7829317 Benefits of Taxi bus include • Links to rail stations for both local & national destinations • Pick up at an agreed point to suit you • Can be pre-booked in advance • Wheelchair friendly –just advise the operator when you book. British Summer time ends on Sunday 25th October Clocks go back!
