MeridenMag Winter 2015

MERIDEN COVER 2015 WINTER.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2015 09:51 Page 1

Meriden Mag Winter 2015

See inside for Christmas Services and Events in Meriden Meriden's own Christmas Cards Rotary Santa Fun Run • Solihull in Bloom Best Village Awards Meriden Bloomers, New Gardening Club

Busy days at Meriden school Year 4 worked in groups to make 0 - 1000 number lines.

They were given numbers to place in the correct place on our lines. They also chose their own numbers for a friend to place - some of us were kinder than others!!

Year 2 & 3 enjoyed going to St Laurence church to Experience Harvest. This was a great chance for children and their parents to take a different slant at looking at harvest. We also held our full harvest festival at St Laurence's and received a fantastic collection of food on behalf of 'Helping Hands', who distributed the goods to the needy.

On Friday mornings Key Stage 1 have enjoyed ‘Friday Family Fun Reading’ sessions. Family members were invited into school and asked to bring a favourite book from home to share. The children were able to read and share a variety of different books and stories in a relaxed atmosphere. We’ve had Grandparent's Week (Fairy & Traditional Tales); Dad’s Week (Non-fiction) and Mum's Week (Bug Club!)

"On Tuesday 6th October, Meriden school entered a biathlon competition. We had to run 400 metres and swim 25 metres. We had to run first - it made us exhausted! It was raining too which didn’t help. The swimming it was so amazing! The Meriden team was made up of Jude, Seren, Sophia, Tommy, Mae-J, Ben and Beth. We started at 4:00 pm and we finished at 5:30.

The swimming pool was 2 meters deep and we were all so excited about getting in the pool and swimming. We were also very excited about the running and we had to run without stopping! We were all exhausted when it finished but it was so awesome!"

After school on Wednesday14th October, Meriden took part in a cross country race at Old Silhillians Rugby and Football Club. We had an exciting afternoon and everyone enjoyed it. The race was 1 mile long and very tiring!

The girls team were: Lauren , Tilly, Taliah , Aimee , Seren and Esme . The boys were: Jack , Alex, Amrith , Joe , Alfie , Alfie, Josh and Jude.

Everyone tried their best and there were around 130 children taking part in our race, 8 other schools were there. It took us 20 minutes and everyone was finished by 30 minutes. We are so proud of our school and the places we came.

The autumn term has gone by so quickly and I am sure that November and December will whizz by too with the excitement of Christmas and all the activities that this time of year brings.

Our Year 3 and 4 pupils performed a Harvest service at St Laurence’s Church in which they sang and spoke beautifully, portraying the message of harvest and helping the needy. Once again we had a large collection of produce which was collected by ‘Helping Hands’ and then distributed in Solihull. Thanks to all who gave so generously.

School supporters: Our PTA continues to work tirelessly to help our school and the children. The children have just had a fantastic school disco and the PTA have organised a Christmas Fayre which follows the Meriden Tree of Thought Dedication on Friday 4th December – everyone is invited to attend. Our Parent Council continues to support the school to achieve its vision of being the best school we can possibly be and has been working tirelessly to improve the children’s playground. I am delighted to say we are now the proud owners of a superb trim trail and thank everyone who donated to this, either through PTA fundraising or through direct donations. Special thanks go to the Parish Council, Balsall Common Lions, Infinis Plc and Xoserve.

December will involve the FS1 (Nursery) holding their nativity at 11.00am at St Lawrence Church on 11th December. FS2 (Reception) and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) will give a Christmas performance on 15th & 16th December at 2.00pm at the school. Plus there will be Carols and the Christingle service at St. Laurence’s 5.30pm on the 9th December, always a beautiful service to remind us of the real meaning of Christmas.

It is a very busy time but we hope that you can join us.

Please contact the office if you would like tickets for any of the performances.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year from everyone at Meriden Primary School.

Lucy Winkler

Twitter is a social networking site that allows users to share thoughts, links, pictures or videos. It is also a handy tool for keeping up-to-date with news events anywhere in the world as they are happening. Each post is known as a ‘tweet’, and must consist of fewer than 140 characters, including hyperlinks to any articles, images or video.

Here at Meriden we have now taken the plunge and jumped head first into ‘twitter sphere!’ We have been up and running several weeks and would like to invite you to join Twitter and follow the day to day happenings of @meridenprimary

I am very proud to announce that our school has been accredited with the Modeshift STARS Award 2015.

Modeshift STARS is the national schools awards scheme that has been established to recognise schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel.

The scheme encourages schools across the country to join in a major effort to increase levels of sustainable and active travel in order to improve the health and well-being of children and young people.

We will be receiving our accolade at an awards ceremony with the Mayor during November – look out for photos on our website and on Twitter!

www.meridenceprimaryschool.co.uk 01676 522488 @meridenprimary

ST LAURENCE CHURCH 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 Although I had trained as a tea

Services are held every Sunday at 10.30 am The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in and despite a warm start to November the darkness, dampness and dreariness of winter is setting in. Yet in the darkness there is the promise of light. As Christians we believe that Christ is the Light of the World. It is His light that can brighten even the darkest place – whether that be a darkness in our lives, in our homes, in our community or in our world. This year, as with many previous, I am reminded of the darkness and despair in the world. We only have to turn on the TV or radio, or open a newspaper to discover the desperate stories of refugees fleeing from unimaginable conditions. Many of these people have taken the decision to leave their own countries fleeing from violence, oppression or destitution. It must be a very difficult choice to make to embark on the dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean knowing that so many lives have already been lost there but still they keep coming. How does this make you feel? What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation? Well, shortly after his birth, Jesus' life was endangered. King Herod gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding area (Matthew 2:16). Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt taking his family to safety. Jesus himself was a refugee. Would you have welcomed him ... A busy Christmas schedule is ahead of us all, not least within the church setting, but let us all take a little time to think about others around us. In Matthew's Gospel Chapter 25 verse 35 we can read about helping, supporting and loving one another. Jesus says that when He was a stranger, He was welcomed and when we welcome a stranger we welcome Him also. I wonder do we, do you, want to respond to the challenge? Will we welcome the stranger in our midst? I was given a lovely definition of a stranger: A stranger is a friend you haven't yet met. How many unknown friends have you got out there?

We hope to welcome all of you at one, or more, of our Christmas Services and events listed on the middle pages of the Mag. Don't be a stranger!

All that remains is to wish you all, friend or stranger, a very Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.

With blessings, Rev. Lynda Lilley Enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, please contact Lynda on 01676522825 for further details Meriden Play Group “Where Friends are made”

Meriden Methodist Church Hall Every Tuesday during Term Time 10am-12 Join us for a fun playtime with your child, where you can both make new friends, do crafts, play with different toys, sing songs and enjoy a healthy snack (and a cup of tea or coffee.)£2 for one child + 50p for each additional child.

Call Sharon Corrigan 07811 588504, or Vanessa Florey 07876 301620 for more information

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.

Marion Jean Hollins June 18th 1924 to July 31st 2015 Marion was born in Wolston, Rugby, she moved to Hall Walk in Coleshill. She became a hairdresser and manageress as well. Then she married Mr Allen Hollins and went to live on a farm in Packington Lane to look after her father. When he died she and her husband and children Michael, Christopher, Sylvia and Jennifer moved to Corley Ash to live on a small holding.

They then moved to the Fillongley Road and she worked at Oakwood Nursing home on Tamworth Road Coventry. She became a post lady riding her bike, in all weathers, to Maxstoke Lane and Eaves Green Lane for six years.

She has two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren a daughter in law and son in law.

She will be greatly missed.

At Meriden Village Hall 7.30pm

.

Saturday 23rd January 2016

“MY OLD LADY” (12A)

The Film industry currently has some very exciting new releases which have received enthusiastic support from the media critics. As soon as we have release dates, we intend to include such offerings as “Spectre”, “Brooklyn” and Alan Bennett’s awardwinning “The Lady in the Van” in our schedule.

We have the dates in place for our future screenings but the film listings cannot be publicised until we have the licence to advertise new releases. So pleases make a note of the screening dates in your diary and keep a look out for posters advertising details of the selected films

When a New Yorker discovers he has inherited a Paris apartment from his estranged father, he doesn’t bargain for it having “sitting tenants” in the shape of a refined retiree (Dame Maggie Smith) and her protective daughter.

A British comedy, recently released, to cheer us up in the dark winter evenings

Saturday 20th February 2016 FILM to be confirmed

Wednesday 16th March 2016 FILM to be confirmed

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)

Take away service 10% discount on collection Free home delivery service 4 miles radius Minimum order £15 “Meriden Spice will be celebrating one year of being in business and providing our customers with quality food and dining experience. Proud winners of the Good Food Awards 2015 and a 4 star food and hygiene rating by the Food Standard Agency.

An amazing year for Meriden Spice with much more to come in the New Year”- Saj (Manager)

Meriden Spice, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP

One free chicken or vegetable curry with every Takeaway order of £25 or more

Tel: 01676 523740

Not to be used with any other voucher

Entrance and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub

In Meriden Minister: Rev Andrew Charlesworth BSc BA Keep a look out for Tel: 01676 533737 - Phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and funerals Services: Sunday 10:30am. Café Church 4.00pm 1st Sunday in the Month only

In the Bible the Christmas story is full of singing. Mary is told she will have a baby and bursts out into song. John the Baptist is born and his father Zechariah bursts out into song. As the angels appear before the shepherds, announcing the birth of Jesus, they can’t stop themselves and they too burst out into song.

And of course, many of our Christmas carols remain the most popular and well known Christian songs today. The tunes we know so well, but beneath them there are rich words about that first Christmas and all that it means.

One of my favourite lines from a carol comes in O little town of Bethlehem.

The third verse starts “how silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given.”

It captures for me the humble beginnings of Jesus. Born away from home, in a stable, to a bewildered young couple and the first people to see him are some shepherds, who happen to be one of the most marginalised and despised groups in Israel. There is no favouritism here; Jesus begins life without privilege or position. “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given”.

One of the reasons I love Christmas is that there is something about the story which means we have to strip away all of the trappings of church and go back to the beginning. The church itself is marginalised today and for many has become a relic of a bygone age. What’s worse is all too often it seems that the church spends its time arguing about who is acceptable and who is not. All the while, the world remains broken, children, just like Jesus, continue to be born in poverty.

But when we strip this away and go back to the beginning of the story, we find Jesus coming as a powerless baby, the wondrous gift given in a manger in Bethlehem. We find Jesus coming to us as a light shining in the darkness, helping us when we cannot see which way to turn. We find Jesus bringing peace to all people, in a world full of violence and division. We find hope in the midst of our despair. We find “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given.” My prayer is that each of us will know this wondrous gift for ourselves this Christmas. Season’s greetings, Andrew.

Diary Dates: December 11th 7.00pm Supper Club Christmas Party (Seasonal Quiz) January 17th 2016 Covenant Service led by Rev Graham Gee Christmas Services are featured on the centre pages

The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire. Please contact Alan and Maureen Gabbitas On 01676 522148

Possible new Brownie Pack for Meriden Hello I am interested in starting up the Brownie Pack in Meriden again, which sadly closed earlier this year.

Brownies is for girls aged 7 to 10 and the meetings will potentially be held at the Methodist church hall on a Wednesday evening.

For more information please contact me Georgia Sims on 07715408050 or email me Georgia.sims1992@hotmail.com

Queens Head Old Road Meriden 01676 522256

Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx.

December 7th Natasha 14th Julie Christie 21st Stevie B 28th TBA

New Year’s Eve Micky Dean 7.30 till late Come and join in the party!

January 4th Guy Surtees February 11th Chrissy (tbc) 1st Micky Dean 18th Left Feet 8th Dean Thomas 25th Paul Stevens SMITH ALLAN(tbc) Steve Best (tbc) 15thSLATING 22nd Julie Christie 29th Natasha 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

PA ELECTRICS th

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Fuse box upgrades Test and inspection Extra lights and sockets Security lights Full or partial rewires Digital TV aerials Free quotations

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

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Servicing Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes

Call in for a quotation for your motoring needs

01676 521010 Meriden Garage, Temporary premises Back of Shirley’s Garage, Main Road, Meriden

New Showroom.

Now open

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

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

01676 522822 • Fresh local turkey breasts and turkeys and 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 • Wright’s mince pies

Any selected Christmas cards 3 for £3 Newspapers and Magazines Beer and Wine Cash Machine and cash back available Dry Cleaning Lottery Award winning Lashford sausages Send and receive parcels from here Normal opening hours throughout Christmas Christmas day 9.00am to 4.00pm Weekdays 6.00am -10pm Weekends 7.00am-10pm

Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP Staying safe on the roads this winter.

The festivities at this time of year often bring together families from across the UK, with people regularly travelling large distances to visit their friends and relatives. However it is important that we all take precautions to ensure that we are fully prepared for adverse weather, which has become so familiar to us in recent winters.

There has been a significant amount of rain in previous years, during the winter months, and low temperatures have caused ice to blank our roads, particularly in more rural areas such as here in Meriden.

As I am sure you are aware, adverse weather slows traffic and, the presence of gritter trucks on our roads can often lead to slower journey times. This is why it is important that we all take time to plan our journeys – even the most familiar ones such as commuting to and from work, so that we leave enough time to get from A to B safely.

Throughout the winter months there are more recorded collisions on the road than at any other time of year. A significant cause of collisions at this time of year is through motorists trying to undertake other vehicles to speed up their journeys.

Gritter trucks often cause delays on motorways as they only travel at around 40mph. However there have been a number of cases of drivers trying to undertake on the hard shoulder, that have fatal consequences.

This is precisely why I welcome a new campaign, launched in October by the Department of Transport, to raise driver awareness of this issue. This campaign works to advise drivers of the possible consequences of undertaking vehicles such as gritter trucks and advises them to only attempt to pass a gritter when it is safe to do so, avoiding using the hard shoulder and checking for hazards ahead.

For more information on how you can stay safe and be prepared for road journeys this winter please visit:

think.direct.gov.uk I hope that all of my constituents have a very happy Christmas and a cheerful and prosperous New Year.

Caroline Spelman MP To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Katy Steele On 0121 711 7029 or email caroline@carolinespelman.com Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month 7.30pm at Meriden Village Hall.

Contact Flick Blewitt 01676 523229

In September David Berry talked about ‘Life in the Fifties’ when a chip meant a fried slice of potato or a sliver of wood, and a gay person was simply light hearted. It was a decade of great changes and he evoked many memories. We acquitted ourselves well in his quiz.

On Monday 28th September the Committee hosted buffet lunch to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the W.I. A very happy occasion (see pictures elsewhere in the Mag) Guy Fawkes came in October in the person of Paul Thompson He and his assistant (both appropriately costumed) re-enacted the story of the Gun Powder Plot. A very interesting evening, bringing the events to life.

Our annual meeting took place in November. Three members of the committee are standing down but we were able to form a new committee and elect the officers for the next 12 months.

Flick agreed to serve as President for one more year.

We would like to send our congratulations to Grace Tuckey on her 90th birthday. She has been a loyal member of Meriden W. I. since 1972, has served as President and was a committee member for many years.

Elizabeth Spencer.

Future Programme Monday 7th December Christmas Party th Monday 4 January 2.00pm Resolution meeting Monday 1st February T.B.A.

A family run business, for the ultimate ladies hair, barbering and beauty / experience

Opening hours:

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Warming head and neck massage deep conditioning Treatment and blow dry only £35 Warm oil hands and feet massage heated masque and shellac finish only £50!

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Meriden Fish and Chips The Green, Meriden

Under new management since April 2014

Local businesses supporting each other – all clients having cut and finish at Fordes claim 10% discount at Meriden Spice

Pensions Investments Protection Savings Employee benefits • Inheritance Tax • • • • •

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www.jamiesonchristie.com Email: mail@jamiesonchristie.com

01676 523476

Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Meriden Rotary Club – President’s Message .We have had a busy programme of speakers on a wide range of topics. St Basils presented on their work with young people and are holding a “Sleep Out” at Coventry Cathedral to raise funds.

Two of our members have been sponsored to take part and we wish them good luck!

We heard about how precarious our defences were after WW2 from a pilot of a Vulcan bomber carrying nuclear warheads during the Cold War and had a moving talk about letters home from the front in WW1 from a Bedworth Lad. We have learned about life in Winson Green prison, benefitted from “The Thoughts of a Retired School Inspector”, received advice on managing our personal finances and heard about “Cakes for Casualties”.

We have also presented cheques to two of our charities for last year – Princes Trust and Woodlands Special Needs School.

Our committees have been very active preparing for our “busy season” of fundraising. Preparations for the Annual Fun Run are well in hand and similarly the Santa Sleigh evenings – see details elsewhere in this magazine. We will again provide a “Christmas dinner” for Senior Citizens on Saturday 16th January 2016 so please let us know if you are aware of local residents who would like an invitation.

Our next club social will be our Christmas Party when a local brass band will entertain us by playing carols.

It remains for me on behalf of all our members to wish readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tony Hill President Meriden Rotary Club

Tel: 01676 540502 email :Janthonyhill44@hotmail.co.uk

2015 Santa Fun Run The Rotary Club of Meriden is organising the 4th “Annual Santa Fun Run” in the village of Meriden, on Sunday 6th December 2015.

Last year, our Santa Fun Run attracted more participants who together with sponsors raised the magnificent sum of £6,000 - many thanks to all.

We are hoping to do even better this year, so come on all you “Fun Run” people and help make this one even better!

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” once more as well as local children’s Charities and other Rotary Charities. Online registration is available and as last year, it can be done through “Virgin Money Giving”.

For full details see our website www.meriden-santa-fun-run.org.uk a link to our page on “Virgin Money Giving” is provided. Alternatively, a registration form is 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.

Meriden Tree of Thought.

As I usually say at this time, by the time you read this, THE TREE should be on The Green. The plan is for it to be in place 17th/18th November. It will be installed by Adam's Tree Surgery, this year. I am writing this on the 26th October and can advise that I have received, greatly appreciated, donations from The Earl and Countess of Aylesford, DeMulder Enterprises, Pertemps, Cassidy Group, Tobook, John & Margaret Williamson and Chris Forbes.

I have published another Village Christmas Card which is a beautiful image of the beginnings of Meriden. These are on sale at Meriden Tearooms, Spar Shop, Fredanita and Lloyd's Chemist. My, sincere, thanks go to Julie Hyde for her giving permission to use her painting. As ever, all profits will be shared, equally, between The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull and Macmillan Cancer Support as will the proceeds from The Tree itself!! I feel sure that you will approve of and support.?!?! The Dedication of The Tree will be at 4 pm on The Green on Friday 4th December. Do, please, be there if you possibly can!!!!! This is a special day for the children of our School as well as for the rest of us. They put in a great deal of effort and pride, which deserves the support of us all. There will be a new feature this year. The Manor Hotel will be providing Mulled Wine, Hot Chocolate etc.,. A much appreciated offer on their part.!! As it has become such a respected feature, there will be, again, the opportunity to place a Symbol of Thought at the base of The Tree. The forms for these are obtainable from Meriden Tearooms, Lloyd's Chemist and Spar Shop. As last year, The Manor Hotel are hosting a Special Christmas Lunch on Monday 21st December, for Meriden residents(only) aged 65 plus. This is a wonderful gesture on their part! The forms will have been obtainable from Lloyd's Chemist. The numbers are limited and may well have all been taken up by now. I have attempted to ensure that all have had the chance of booking. I do say "THANK YOU" a lot but I make no apologies for thanking those mentioned, above and all of you who support what I do. Alan Lole

A big hello to everyone, from MCF- Life Church, Meriden. Well winter is now upon us, and with it comes the dark nights, winds, cold weather and bare trees. It could almost become depressing, except for the Light, the Hope and the big event. What big event you might ask? Well Christmas of course, the very thing that represents the Light and Hope, well at least for millions of Christians all around the world.

For others however, it means empty bank accounts, expensive presents, loads of food, drink and parties and sitting around the TV watching all the repeat Christmas films like ‘Snow Dogs’, ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘Home Alone 1 & 2’. And for others it means Home Alone for real, because for an awful lot of society who have no family or friends, Christmas can be a sad and lonely time with not much joy or good will. The problem is, and I’m sorry if I burst a few bubbles, but Christmas was never about buying loads of presents, food and drink. It was never about expensive decorations, Fir trees, fairy lights or a mythical present giver (mentioning no names), all this is why we have people who feel lonely and sad at a time of year that is supposed to bring joy and good will to all men, and women and children of course. But instead man has created this superficial illusion and hoodwinked many people into consumerism, self-gratification and greed, and say Christmas is just for the children. Well the good news, is that Christmas is for everyone. It's about the greatest gift known to mankind, it's about the real person who gives the gift, and the clue is in the name ‘Christmas’.

The bible tells us in Isaiah chapter 7 verse 14 ‘Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel’. And again in chapter 9 verse 6 it says ‘For to us a child is born, to us a child is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV). These prophesies by Isaiah which were written around 700 years before the gift was given are of course speaking about the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of these prophesies and the story of the birth of Christ are found in the Gospels in the New Testament of the bible. He is the real reason for Christmas, He is the greatest gift known to mankind, because He is the only one who can set you free, give you a real joy and bring real peace into your life. And this gift is absolutely Free. As the carol puts it, ‘Joy to the world the Lord is come, let earth receive her King’.

This Christmas could be the best one ever for you. I’m not saying don’t buy presents, or food or drink, I’m saying why not receive this free gift for yourself, and enjoy the real meaning of Christmas, because the gift Christ gives is Eternal Life in Him and it’s yours forever. If you want to know how to receive this gift why not join us either on a Sunday at 12:30pm or at our Christmas Carol Service on 13th December at 3pm. We meet in the Methodist Church building, so please come along you will receive a warm welcome. For more information on our services and other events please check out our web site on http://mcflife.church/ or simply Google: mcf life church.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26). Every blessing for this Christmas and for 2016. Kevin and Lyn Hunt.

Balsall Common U3A Are you retired or semi-retired; have you considered joining the Balsall Common U3A? The local U3A is part of a national 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: Date 21st December 2015 25th January 2016 22nd February 2016

Topic A 1940’s Christmas Caring for your Spine Robert Dudley, Elizabeth 1 & Kenilworth Castle

Speaker Helen Lee & Paul Harding John Lange Dr Gillian White

Core meetings are held in the Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road and start at 2:00 pm.

Prospective members are always welcome to attend.

The U3A Photography group are holding an exhibition of their work in Balsall Common Library – Kenilworth Road from 26th January to 1st February 2016. Admission is free during normal Library opening times.

For more information see our web site www.balsallcommonu3a.org or telephone the Chairman Jim Melville 01676 534938.

On 16th October 2015 Mrs Grace Tuckey celebrated her 90th Birthday. She marked the event with a lovely party, the next day, at the village hall attended by her family and many friends.

We at the Meriden Mag, would like to take this opportunity to thank Grace for all her hard work and involvement with the village over the last 60 years or more.

Born in Nantwich in Cheshire, Grace was the eldest of 4 children, Grace, Frank, Margaret and Joan. During her early years she travelled to many areas including a trip across the pond to Canada, and on the family’s return they lived in Maxstoke Lane.

In 1949 Grace married Len and moved to Lavender House, Main Road and along with the arrival of David, they made this their forever home.

Grace has devoted so much of her time to village life and many Clubs and Charities.

She has been Chairman of the Parish Council and a member of a subcommittee which organised the village carnival. Caretaker and booking secretary of the village hall. A committee member and one time President of Meriden WI, and a very active member of the Cancer Committee, the Painting Group, Meriden Floral Society, the History Group, Cyclists Sunday refreshments and the Darts team.

A lot of this time in her younger days she was still working in the family butchers business and Flynn’s Hardware shop, whist caring for her elderly parents. A shining example to us all!

A Thank you letter from Grace

Members of Meriden W.I. also held a birthday celebration for Grace and presented her with a beautiful basket of flowers.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to all who came to my 90th Birthday party.

The donations to the Cancer research fund instead of birthday gifts reached a wonderful £355.

I have very much enjoyed my time over the years meeting so many people from the village working on Committees and organisations, and all for the good of Meriden.

So once again very many thanks to you all, Grace Tuckey.

Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden village Hall 7.30pm – 9.30pm approx.

On the 3rd Monday of every month

I am sure we are all presently busy with Christmas, but one date for your diary not to be missed is 14th December Forthcoming events

14th December

A Celebration of Christmas – Nigel Whyles followed by supper

18th January

Practice Class – Margaret Rumens

15th February

AGM, speaker TBA

New members are always welcome.

For more information please contact Mo Reynolds 01676 521457

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!

“Coffee and Cake” We are pleased to be able to offer our customers freshly ground Coffee & homemade cakes served daily

Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk

Introductory Offer Coffee and cake £3.00

Janet E Spence ND Iridology Naturopathy Scenar Therapy Nutritional Advice Colon Hydrotherapy Based in Birmingham and Leamington Spa, Janet E Spence is a Registered Naturopathic Practitioner with many years of experience within the complementary healthcare sector.

From her clinics in Kings Norton Birmingham and on the edge of Warwick and Leamington Spa she offers a variety of treatments with an emphasis on preventative healthcare.

The Northwood Practice

01926 334288 janetespence@hotmail.com www.janetespence.com Member of the British Register of Complementary omplementary Practitioners

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

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

07703 345210

…the perfect start to your day!

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

CAMEO

At our August meeting Ken and Stephanie Sherlock gave an illustrated talk on their most interesting holiday in Zambia and Botswana. They visited and stayed in some wonderful places from a luxury hotel near thethVictoria Falls, which have a Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4 Friday of the tremendous roar and permanent rainbows at the end of the rainy season, to huts in Game Parks. They love wild life and had month 2.00 p.m.Botswana has a policy of shooting poachers and only lost two elephants last year! They wonderful photographs. at Apparently, were very adventurous and went canoeing on the river, took a light aircraft flight with four others, a river cruise and a number of safaris. As a result they saw lions, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, zebra, elephants and monkeys in addition to a large number of different and exotic birds. It certainly sounded to have been an incredible holiday!

.

They had gone on a Saga holiday and Saga support a charity called The Butterfly Tree Foundation in Mukuni Village in Zambia. In this village they saw the new water wells which had been dug and protected from crocodiles and saw life in the traditional thatched huts followed by a visit to the school; of the 1,500 children nearly 900 have been orphaned because of AIDS. The children sat three to a desk working hard and neatly. Ken and Stephanie sponsor 11 year old Daisy, paying for her schooling and uniform. The school tries to educate the children about disease through HIV and AIDS prevention workshops in order to try and reduce the number of deaths.

In September we welcomed Lynda Lilley, the new curate at St. Laurence Church. She talked about her journey to Meriden.

She was born in Durham and went to Warwick University where she studied computer science. She met her first husband Eddie through scouting and so began attending church because she was a scout leader. Shortly after the birth of her first daughter Lynda became ill and as a result of an operation she lost 95% of her hearing in one ear. She couldn’t return to work and became isolated and insular because of her deafness. She received great support from her church and it was suggested she should learn sign language, which she did. She joined the Deaf Church after meeting the chaplain and signed for hymns, bible readings and sermons. She went on to give her own sermons and so it was suggested to her that she should consider ordination. Lynda started at Theological College but early in 2009 she lost her grandmother and then her husband, who died suddenly after a very short illness. She was left with two daughters aged 12 and 14. Fortunately, she was supported by others at the college and became a curate at All Saints Church in Allesley. Lynda re-married in April this year after meeting Mark through an organisation called The Way Forward for people widowed below the age of 50. She thought Meriden would be a lovely place to live and work so she asked Rev. Kate Massey all about her time here and then when she visited the Christmas Tree Festival in St. Laurence she knew then she definitely wanted to work here. Although she has only been in Meriden for six months she says she has been made to feel welcome and feels very much at home.

At our October meeting Margaret Newby brought a selection of necklaces, bracelets, bookmarks, scarves and gloves all made by herself. Margaret found that after retirement she had too much time on her hands so she started to knit and eventually moved on to making jewellery. All profit from sales goes to the Coventry office of the Global Care project in Uganda which helps with rehabilitation. Many members bought items of jewellery and scarves which would make lovely presents for Christmas. The afternoon was rounded off by tea and cakes.

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:-.

18th December – Christmas Celebrations in the Village Hall.

22nd January – members will talk about their Christmases past and present.

26th February Margaret Oliver will talk about her visit to Uganda.

Do you want to clean up?

No? Then let me do it for you.

I have twenty years’ experience in cleaning and am trustworthy and hard working References can be provided.

Contact Rachel on 07518538829

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

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

“Meriden Bloomers” call for VOLUNTEERS! After Meriden's great success with Britain in Bloom and Heart of England in Bloom this year, our Bloomers group is keener than ever to start planning for next year and make 2016 even more of a success. To do this we are asking you to join us and do whatever you can, however small to help. We want our village to look better every year and we would like to get as many people involved to make that happen.

In the next couple of months we will also be starting a community allotment, we have had a plot kindly donated by Meriden Parish Council at the Leys Lane site, which we will be clearing and hopefully preparing for the growing season.

It would be great if we could get as many people as possible to volunteer to be involved in this and would ask anyone with an interest to come and join us. This is a chance for people from all aspects of our community to come together, socialise and be part of hopefully producing some great results in our first year of growing! We would like to grow some vegetables, as well as plants and flowers for next year’s Bloom, and ask anyone if they can spare a bit of time to come down and see what it's all about. If this is something you might be interested in or just keen to find out more about what we are doing then please get in touch, we welcome volunteers of all ages to be a part of this fantastic community project.

Meriden Bloomers Community Project need a garden shed, greenhouse, polytunnel and garden equipment to to get us started. started. If If anyone has any unused equipment or mobile outbuildings they no longer have a use for, or wish to make a donation towards the project then please contact Chris Dean at meridenbloomers@yahoo.com 01676 522474 Collection can be arranged. arranged.

MERIDEN BLOOMERS GARDENING CLUB Our very own community gardening club is starting in the New Year

First meeting planned for 6th February 2016 then on the first Saturday of each month at 9.am in the Pavilion at Meriden Sports Park.

HORTICULTURAL TRAINING COMES TO THE TRADITIONAL CENTRE OF ENGLAND Train for fun and/or career development This is a theory-based route of study with RHS qualifications that are highly respected both within the horticultural industry and in the academic world, providing a route into the horticultural profession. They can support career development for those already working in the field of horticulture or they can provide a foundation for further learning or training focusing on developing the knowledge and understanding of a range of horticultural practices.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, just an interest and enthusiasm for plants and gardening. The course suits everyone – there is no requirement to take examinations – just come and increase your knowledge and enjoy the learning experience.

Wednesday evenings 7pm - 9pm starting February 2016

At Meriden Sports Park with Carole Webb Dip PSGD CertEd MIHort IQA Mobile: 07969980475 Email for further details: horticulturerhs@btinternet.com - limited places SILVER BIRCH TREES DONATED

MEMBERS WANTED – EVERYONE WELCOME!

Gardening club enquiries – Carole Webb of Meriden Bloomers Community Project Email: meridenbloomers@yahoo.com

Meriden Bloomers have agreed to donate their winner’s vouchers for the purchase of two silver birch: Betula jacquemontii ‘silver shadow’ and Prunus Serrula with its beautiful winter bark colour and spring flowers. The chosen site for planting is Meriden Gate public open space and the trees will be dedicated as a WI commemorative tree and a celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s reign as Britain’s longest serving monarch. Additional landscaping works will be undertaken for a wildflower meadow working.

Grace Tuckey’s 90 Birthday party at the Village Hall

and Meriden W.I. Celebrate 100 years of the Women’s Institute

I would like to thank everyone who gave me cards flowers and presents on my retirement from Lloyds Pharmacy on Friday 18th September.

I was moved by the kind comments and good wishes Thank you Christina (Tina) Jones

The Firebird Singers Were very proud to present a cheque to The Macular Society for £1500.

Their recent Halloween Concert raised money for this year’s charity which is the Multiple Sclerosis Society

Terry Dyer’s Cycling Challenge 428 miles completed Malin Head to Mizen Head. Over £130,000 raised by the 43 riders for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Thanks to everyone who helped or donated you really have made a difference.

Watch this space for Terry’s next challenge.

The Meriden Plumber NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

Franklin Construction Services Established 1979

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

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

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

(inc electrics, plastering, tiling & carpentry work)

All Plumbing Work Undertaken

Workmanship may be inspected locally

07972 868 512

Tel:02476 462413

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

Mob: 07801 579910

BALSALL COMMON VETS 384a Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER Open by appointment Monday – Friday 11am-6pm Sat 9am-10am Local friendly practice, established over 40 years Highly qualified and experienced staff Car parking at rear of surgery 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

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

For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:

ACE GARAGE RADFORD 024 7659 7879 S KENSINGTON GARAGE EARLSDON 024 7667 0054 Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924

We service, repair and care for your vehicle

Quick drying time Call us for a free, friendly quote, 7 days a week Professional small family business covering Meriden, Fillongley, Berkswell & surrounding villages

NO VAT On our prices 02476 312332 07977 631734 www.whiteknight-cleaning.co.uk

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

Meetings open to Members and Non-Members unless stated.

Wednesday 9th December Members Only Social Evening.

Berkswell Reading Room, 8.00 pm

Wednesday13th January Members Only AGM followed by a short presentation.

Balsall Common Village Hall, 2.15 pm.

Wednesday 10th February “Shipwrecked in Antarctica Georgie Hale.

Balsall Common Village Hall, 2.15 pm.

Admission to meetings, including refreshments, £3.00 non-members; £2.00 members.

Annual membership £5.00.

For our latest news visit the website: www.berkswell-history.org or telephone 01676 535782 Meeting Fees: Members £2, Non-Members £3.

1 Sammons Way Banners Brook Coventry CV4 9TD A Big Thank You To Ethan and Jacob for feeding our hedgehogs whilst we were away on holiday Claire and Chas Rose

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull WWT 5 acre Nature Reserve /Dragonfly Tearoom, Gift shop and second hand children’s/adults books FESTIVE FUN On 2nd/4th/9th/11th/16th/18th and 23rd December we have two wonderful sessions each day, suitable for all ages between 11-12 & 1-2 and only £2.50!

NEW THIS YEAR – ADULT CRAFT SESSIONS 10th December, make a Christmas Wreath for your door and 22nd December make a candle centre piece.

Tea/coffee and mince pies will be included. Both sessions will be from 10-12, the cost will be £15 per session & you may want to bring your own gardening gloves and secateurs HALF TERM WORKSHOPS 15th – 19th FEBRUARY We have a wonderful week of events planned, Wildlife Watch, Dens, Prickly Friends and Crafty Drop-ins Full details are currently on our website DON’T FORGET Nature Tots every Friday (term time only) 10:30-12 & 1-2:30 Booking essential

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 Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry Telephone: 02476 302 912

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

Highly Successful Business Woman 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

BUBBLES HAND CAR WASH Quality Hand Car Cleaning Find us off the A45 in Shepherd’s Lane Meriden

Phone 07538 238 005 Open 9.00am -7.00pm 7 days a week

Prices from £6 wash only £12 -£15 for inside and out including full vacuum and interior windows

20% off all prices when you bring the Meriden Mag with you!

Heart of England Social Club Come along and visit us!

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

New and Non Members Welcome Children’s Christmas Party and Disco Sunday 20th December 2.00- 6.00pm

Meet and Greet with “Olaf from Frozen” Gifts from Father Christmas Admission by advance ticket now available from the Club £4 per child

Sign up now for the Christmas Knockout Championships **Darts** Snooker** Dominos** Heart of England Social Club, Berkswell Road, Meriden 01676 522430

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

Well look no further.

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

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

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

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

Contact: 07549 603 601 01676 521 243

The Job Squad

Director:

www.

TheJobSquad. co.uk

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

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

All work guaranteed Fully insured State pensioners discount Minimum one hour

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

Mr. Neil Massey Address: Leys Lane, Meriden

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

Call for your free quotation

Got a job - Large or small - but not sure who to call?

Call the Job Squad!!

01676 532833 01926 803 803 jobs@thejobsquad.co.uk

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

Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.uk nday 11th D

Bennetts Road North Corley Coventry CV7 8BG

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

We hand make Christmas wreaths and sell real Christmas Trees ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN

WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK

Tel: 07904 239365 :

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." 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."

MERIDEN AGUAFLAME UK Boiler servicing and repairs Boiler replacements New radiators and valves All plumbing work carried out Fully qualified in Natural gas and LPG • Under floor heating • New Bathrooms

Fredanita Flower & Gift Boutique

• • • • •

01676 523 192 home

New in our fabulous range of Christmas decorations and gifts

07970 119142 mobile email : aguaflameuk@gmail.com Terry Griffiths

The Green, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7LN Tel: 01676 523 050 Mob:07803 941931 Email :sarahcolver@hotmail.co.uk

By Julie Hyde For a seasonal painting this time we are going to paint some holly but in a slightly abstract way.

You will need watercolour paper and paints and a pinch of salt.

1. Start with the background colours. Pre mix puddles of the colours you want to use and then wet the paper all over making sure that your paper is a glossy wet with an even coating of water but not dripping wet or sitting in puddles.

Add the colours in patches, I used:• A strong dark Blue • A strong dark Green • Red You can chose whatever colours you like but don’t go too mad and use too many different ones, try to get colours that harmonise. Try to add the patches of colour roughly in berry and holly leaf shapes. Don’t be frightened to leave some areas white. Quickly add the pinch of salt while it is still wet and LET IT DRY 2. Draw your design on a separate piece of paper.

Draw the whole shapes using leaves & berries making sure that they touch or cross each other in some areas 3. Scribble over the back of the paper and transfer on to the watercolour by carefully going back over your design.

MAKE SURE YOUR FIRST LAYER IS COMPLETELY DRY 4. Starting at A CORNER with enclosed design spaces use the same colours as the first layer but slightly stronger, work in between the leaves on your design by adding the same colours roughly in the same places on top of the first layer. For small areas just use the paint as it is. In slightly larger areas, damp the area first with clean water then drop in the appropriate colours, loading your brush and using the stronger paint in puddles, letting colours run together in the patch you are working in. Move on to the next patch.

As you get towards the outer areas, you will need the colours to blend away into the background, so add clean water to the background way beyond where you want it to blend out, and then add the stronger base colour close in to the design, letting it fade away in the water. On some of the outer leaves, add water to the leaf itself and then the colour to the outer ends, letting it fade back to nothing into the leaf itself.

For more information on classes at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see the website www.CoEA.co.uk Created by Julie Hyde

Copyright © 2015

Christmas in Meriden Christmas Services in the Village Christmas Tree Festival St. Laurence - see opposite page Sunday 29thNovember 4.00pm St Laurence Advent Darkness to Light Service, an hour long service which begins in darkness - with only the twinkling of the Christmas Tree lights – but builds to light, as we prepare for the arrival of Advent.

Annual Cyclists Carol Service Sunday 13th December 1.00pm Everyone is welcome at Meriden Village Hall from 11.00am where mince pies, tea and coffee will be on sale and afterwards please join us for the service at

St Laurence Church

th

Wednesday 9 December 5.30pm School Christingle Service at St Laurence Church all welcome

Sunday 13th December 1.00pm Cyclists Carol Service at St Laurence Church a service of carols and readings … you don’t have to be a cyclist to attend!

Sunday 13th December 3.00pm MCF Life Church Carol service at Meriden Methodist Church

Saturday 19th December 5.00pm Carols on the Village Green with mulled wine and mince pies Music provided by Bulkington Silver Band [If the weather is poor the celebration will move to the Methodist Church]

Sunday 20th December 4.00pm Meriden Methodist Church – Carol Service.

Thursday 24th December, Christmas Eve 4.00pm St Laurence Church Crib Service - a short service particularly suitable for primary school aged children th

Christmas Eve Thursday 24 - 11:30pm Midnight Mass at St Laurence Church

Christmas Day 10.30am Joint Christmas Celebration Meriden Methodist Church, a joyful celebration service suitable for all the family

Dedication of the Tree of Thought Friday 4th December 4.00pm on the Green The children from Meriden School will be singing carols and mulled wine and hot chocolate will be generously provided by the Manor Hotel.

Come along and support this wonderful Village occasion

Carols on the Green Saturday 19th December 5.00pm

Friday 4th December 5.00 – 7.00pm Straight after dedication of Tree of Thought.

Santa's Grotto, Hotdogs, Jolly Jars.

Mulled wine, Tombola, Raffles, Crafts, Games, Lucky dip, All welcome – please come along and support your local school. It’s a great opportunity for family and friends to get together

Seniors Christmas Meal Meal The Manor Hotel Monday 21st December 12 for 12.30pm Once again the Manor Hotel are providing the Senior Citizens of Meriden with a wonderful Christmas lunch Afternoon entertainment will be provided by the Firebird Singers **This event is now fully booked**

The Rotary Club of Meriden wishes you all a very Happy Christmas.

We are pleased to be bringing Santa to visit, collecting for Woodlands School, Acorn Hospices and Ladybugs on the following evenings:

Meriden

Meriden

Wednesday 9th December Monday 7 December Starting at 6.30pm Starting at 6.30pm Old Rd /Main Road Leys Lane Glovers Close Mulberry Gardens Strawberry Fields Alspath Road Fillongley Rd (lower half) Fairfield Rise Highfield The Croft th

Meriden

Thursday 10th December Starting at 6.30pm Maxstoke Lane/Close Letitia Avenue Wyatt Way Jubilee Close

Millisons Wood Friday 11th December Starting at 6.30pm Albert Road Bonneville Close James Dawson Drive Birmingham Road

We will also be collecting in Hampton in Arden on Monday 14th starting in Lapworth Drive at 6.30pm and on Wednesday 16th December starting at the top end of Hampton in Arden again at 6.30pm Thursday 17th December we will be collecting in Fillongley starting at the village hall 6.30pm

The Estate Chapel of St James Great Packington Carol Service 4.30pm Saturday 19th December Everyone welcome

Coventry Cathedral The Dean’s Carols by Candlelight Celebrate Christmas at its best.

Traditional and modern carols, readings and candles, with the Dean and the Cathedral Choir.

Sunday 20th December 6.30pm

St Laurence Church Christmas Tree Festival Sunday29thNovember 2.00 – 4.00pm Monday 30th November to Thursday 3rd December 5.00 – 7.00pm For tickets contact Val on 01676 522963 Or Anna 07792 525999 Tickets £8.00 Concessions/Children £6.00

Come along and see the Church beautifully decorated by local Meriden organisations Admission is free £1 per voting slip to vote for your favourite tree

Drinks and cakes provided

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beaver Scouts Autumn term has seen the completion of the Beavers Outdoors Challenge badge where we learned how to tie three simple knots, created leaf art and practiced first aid techniques. We learned about animal environments, what they eat and their survival techniques.

This term also saw the completion of the Space activity badge where we named the eight planets of the solar system, identified constellations and talked about a current space mission. We also had the rare opportunity of seeing a space station in the sky during one of our sessions.

Our Beaver adventure day at the Scout hut included a visit from Eclipse falconry where we learned about birds of prey and had the opportunity to hold the birds we learned about. We also had a visit from Mrs Holliday (Beaver Scout Leader Hampton in Arden) who came to teach the Beavers Archery. We had great fun practicing fire lighting and going for a hike around Meriden.

Next term we will be focusing on Remembrance Sunday and its importance, creating our Christmas tree entry for the St Lawrence church identifying our next activity badge.

Cub Scouts This term’s activities have seen the Cubs focus on many of the criteria required to gain the My Adventures skills badge. They have completed a night hike around the local countryside, and all got back to the headquarters in the allotted time too. They have also been out collecting sticks and branches that were later used to make traditional Baden-Powell style camping furniture (mainly pot stands for their first attempt), although we also made some models of larger furniture items using lollipop sticks. We also participated in an archery night to see if we had any budding Robin Hoods or Katniss Everdeens amongst the pack - that was great fun! Above all the Cubs are having lots of fun every Thursday.

We also welcomed a third Leader to the Cub Pack, Georgia Sims, who has been warmly received by all of the Cubs and will be a great addition to the team. I would also like to thank all of the parents that help and support us on a weekly basis due to our growing numbers.

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 expanding the Group. Here's to another exciting programme in the autumn and winter, which will see us hosting our annual Group Bonfire, support the Remembrance Sunday service, and create our entry for the annual Christmas Tree Competition for the local parish church. We will also continue planning activities for the Cubs centenary year in 2016, which will be a great year to be a Cub Scouts This term we have been looking at some proper scout skills. Pioneering with ropes and poles, and also with spaghetti and marshmallows! We have done some map work and navigating, learnt how to use axes, saws and knives and done some fire lighting. Ready Steady COOK! was a fun evening. 2 courses prepared from surprise ingredients. The results were actually quite edible which, compared to previous experience, was a great relief.

12 Scouts attended Operation Bald Eagle. A weekend camp held over by the West Midlands Safari Park that has been running for many years but this was the first time we attended. There were 30 separate activities on the Saturday ranging from archery to a slow bicycle race and pedal go carting to pancake cooking and flipping. It was a great build up to the main event which was a night hike in the darkness with only a head torch to guide you. Another 14 bases were set out on a course that took about 6 hours to navigate around. It was a great adventure and a camp we will certainly be attending again next year. We are very proud to have won our first certificate as Meriden Scouts. One of our teams had the quickest time on one of the night activities and were presented with a certificate. Really well done to all those who took part just for finishing what was a testing and exhausting night, but with 300 other Scouts taking part a good time was had by all.

Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!!

Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Emma (evenings only 07811 905456) Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520) Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark (07801 773352) or 1stMeridenScouts@gmail.com We also need help from any adults out there that would be willing to spare some time with any of the sections – even if it is just for the odd hour or two each month.

Meriden Volunteers for

We have been busy! Tania from Complexions Beauty Salon in Coundon presented us with a cheque for £3,028 at our “In the Pink evening”.

Tania has supported us over many years and this time the proceeds came from the celebrations to mark 25 years in business.

“Many thanks to Tania and her team.”

We were also very happy to celebrate with Grace Tuckey who was 90 years old in October. Grace served on our committee for many years and at her birthday party she asked for donations to Cancer Research instead of presents.

A total of £355 was raised. Thanks to everyone concerned.

Our “In the Pink night” was once again a wonderful night. Boadicea (Lesley Smith) educated us and kept us giggling all evening. Thanks to Strawberry Bank Hotel for hosting the evening.

We have recently sent £5,000 to the National account as part of our effort this year.

We are now planning for our Christmas event at the Heart of England Club on Friday 27th November. Tickets are £10 “Vivo will provide the live music with a group of 4 professional musicians.

The Key board player also works with Charlie Landsborough and Elkie Brookes. So we are sure of a very good evening.

Please Telephone for tickets and information Doors open at 7.30 01676 522160 * 01676 522855 * 01676 An Irish night has been booked for Friday18th March next year.

522702 * 01676 522555

Friday 27th November 7.30pm

ME SC HO OR OL

TH E

Vivo at the Heart of England Club Tickets £10

Fillongley Christmas Fayre Saturday 28th November 12noon – 3.00pm at Fillongley School near the crossroads **All sorts of Christmas gifts and crafts** **Meriden Flower Club will have a stall selling fresh wreaths and wrapped lucky dip presents at £1 each** **Refreshments** ** Father Christmas** ** Fun for all! **

Jennifer Faulkner

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

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

Fellowship Teaching Degree

Tel: 02476 467271

Dip A.B.R.S.M

www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

Principal Sandra Clarke

Beginners Adult Tap Classes

We would love to see you at our Tap Dancing class why not come and join the fun? Bring a friend !

Adult tap Class at the Orme School, this is especially for beginners Monday evenings at our Meriden Venue 7.15 – 8.00pm Any age, any shape, 2 left feet everyone will be very welcome You just need a big smile and a good sense of humour!!!

See photo.

Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday Thursday Saturday

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

What’s on this winter at Meriden Library?

It’s time to curl up with a good read on those cold, dark evenings. Look out for our themed book displays in the New Year.

Christmas Events:Story time: Monday 14 and 21 December 2.45pm -3.15pm There will be all the usual fun with lots of Christmas cheer!

Reading Café – Monday 21 December 10.30am -11.30am A festive theme – Pop in for a mince pie and a hot drink and discuss what’s on your Christmas list this year.

First Steps in Family History Meriden Library will be running a First Steps in Family History course starting Thursday 14 January 2016. This is a 7 week course for complete beginners, explaining the process of researching family history from scratch, how to organise your files and information, and how to find and use essential records such as birth, marriage and death indexes, certificates, and census records. You will learn how to use the Ancestry and Find My Past websites effectively, and how to access records in archives and libraries that haven’t yet been made available online.

The 5th week of the course is a non-teaching session but the tutor will still be on hand to help you make progress with your research.

Advance booking is essential for the course please do not turn up on the day without having booked.

Starts Thursday 14th January 2016 Meriden Library Cost £75.00 2pm – 4pm for 7 weeks (last session 25th February) Booking via Meriden Library ICT Offer Do you want to learn how to use computers but don’t know where to start?

Come along and see our upgraded ICT Facilities at Meriden Library.

Sign up for I.T courses for beginners.

These courses will be free until end of January 2016.

Please ask staff for further details.

Plus every library member gets:• Two hours free internet access for library members (you will need your library card) • Access to computers until 15 minutes before the library closes If you are not yet a library member, joining the library is free, quick and easy. You just need proof of name and address (for example a utility bill or driving license) Ebooks at the library Digital books are available free of charge with your library card and can be downloaded 24/7.

• eBooks are available for a period of 3 weeks free of charge • you can download 3 eBooks at one time • don’t worry about overdue fees and charges, as eBooks are automatically returned to the library at the end of the loan period

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To borrow eBooks you will need a library membership card and your PIN number: if you hold a library membership card but don’t know your PIN number, please contact us. if you don’t have a library membership card, join at Meriden Library

Our eBooks service is compatible with most eReaders, tablets, PCs and Macs. Due to a restriction imposed by Amazon, eBooks will not work with the Amazon Kindle but will work with the Amazon Kindle Fire.

Regular Events Story time for the under-fives – come along for stories and rhymes. Every Monday during term time: 2.45pm – 3.15pm.

Everyone welcome.

Reading Café – Come and meet other readers for a chat about books over a coffee! Mondays: 21 December, 18 January, 15 February, 10.30 -11.30am 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 The staff at Meriden Library would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Meriden Library Readers Circle December 9th Party night. Your favourite Christmas poems and readings, perhaps a quiz, and not forgetting the nibbles and a glass of wine January 13th Cancelled.

February 10th Have you had time to read the books Santa brought? We would love to hear about the one you enjoyed most.

Please telephone me on 01676 523603 if you would like to know more about the Circle.

Margaret Houldsworth 01676 523603

Balsall Common Writers All of our three evening groups – Thursday, Tuesday and Poetry meet monthly. Our Company of Writers (COW) is for members of all our groups to get-together and meets quarterly at Haigs Hotel, Balsall Common, for coffee and a discussion on aspects of writing.

COW Reader is a quarterly evening group to discuss the writing and description of selected pieces from novels i.e. the characters : openings : Endings. www.balsallcommonwriters.org.uk Anne Santos – info@balsallwriters.org.uk Or view our website www.balsallwriters.org.uk

Confessions from the Cupcake Factory Who stole 2015? Come on own up. Did I fall asleep and lose three months?

Well it wouldn't surprise me. I don't seem to have stopped making cakes all year; I’m beginning to wonder what life was like without the cupcake factory. What did I do with all that time?

Running your own business isn’t easy. You worry constantly that you have forgotten something, or that you’ll never catch up, or alternatively, that the phone will never ring again. It always does though, thank goodness.

I’ve been lucky enough to have people want some great cakes this year. Wedding cakes are now very much the main thing we do, but I’ve loved some of the novelty birthday cakes I’ve been asked to come up with. One of the highlights was making a cake shaped like a Campo Viejo red wine bottle, a photo of which was subsequently sent to Campo Viejo. They loved it! I was quite relieved, as they could have had an issue with copyright. But instead they tweeted their approval- and even sent us a couple of bottles of a rare label they don't sell in this country! Other highlights have to include making my granddaughter’s first birthday cake (I am already planning her 18th), and the 2000 cupcakes we delivered to the Ricoh Arena for a Christmas exhibition this week...

If you want to see some of my efforts from this year, do pop by our Facebook page and have a look and a ‘like’. We’d love to see you there to say hi.

I’m looking forward to seeing what 2016 brings. Hopefully much fun and laughter as well as good business. And I wish all of that for you too.

A nice simple but festive cupcake recipe for you to try- just because cranberries aren’t just for turkey.

Lemon and Cranberry cupcakes with white chocolate frosting. Makes 12-16 cupcakes For the sponge: 3 eggs (room temperature) 225g margarine (room temperature) 225g caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1teaspoon vanilla essence finely grated lemon zest from one unwaxed lemon 2 tblsp lemon juice 100g dried cranberries

For the frosting: 60g good quality white chocolate, broken into squares 500g sieved icing sugar 160g butter, room temp 50ml plain yoghurt or buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla essence

Weigh out all ingredients and have to hand; as if you are on a Bake off programme, It is so much easier and less likely to fail...prep is key! Line a 12-hole cupcake tray with liners. You may want a few more if you have a second tray. Preheat oven to 170 degrees.

Cream the margarine together with the sugar, slowly add the eggs, whisking all the while. Add a spoonful of the flour if the mixture looks like curdling. Sieve the flour with the baking powder until evenly distributed. Fold the flour into the mixture, without over mixing and add the cranberries, lemon juice and zest. Using an ice-cream scoop, spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases. Fill about 2/3 full.

Bake for 20 mins at 170 degrees (gas mark 3).

Charity Christmas card shop 2015 Remove and let sit for 5 minutes, and then place cakes The Midland Charities Association Christmas card shop is in on a cooling rack until completely cool.

Balsall Common until Saturday, December 12th.

To make the frosting: Melt the white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl on half power, checking and The shop operates at all library opening times during that stirring every one minute. Beware of burning in middle period, i.e. Monday & Thursday 10-6; Tuesday 10-5; of chocolate! Alternatively, melt in a bowl over a Friday 2-5; Saturday 10-4 (closed Wednesday). saucepan of hot water on stove.

There will be cards from 16 different charities.

Whisk the butter, and slowly add the icing sugar- if For more information, please contact you are using a freestanding mixer, cover with a clean Judith Woodcock 01676 533428 tea towel. Please don't breathe in the icing dust. or Pam Brown 01676 532580 Halfway through adding the icing, pour on the yoghurt, and then continue with the rest of the icing sugar.

The card shop in Allesley Park Whisk, whisk and whisk some more. Whisk like your Community Library, Whitaker Road Christmas depended on it. Add the melted chocolate CV5 9JE will also be open until and whisk a few moments more until it is beautifully Saturday, December 12th. smooth and mixed thoroughly.

Pipe a high swirl on to your glorious cupcake. Or apply The opening times there will be Monday & Thursday 1-7; Tuesday 9-1; Friday 9-12; Saturday 9-4 (closed Wednesday). with a palette knife if you prefer them a bit rustic.

Please contact Janice Whittlesey 01676 534407 Decorate in a suitably festive fashion!

How to care for a fresh Christmas tree Remember to ask your supplier where the trees have come from and if possible choose a locally grown tree.

Avoid placing your tree too close to a fire or radiator as this will cause excessive moisture loss and needle drop.

Cut trees

Saw 2.5 cm off the bottom of the tree with a pruning saw when you get the tree home.

Place in a stand with a well of water in the base.

Check daily and top up with water when the level drops.

With care a cut tree should last about four weeks.

Trees in Pots

To reduce stress and damage to living trees, display them in a cool room.

Bring trees indoors as late as possible – the weekend before Christmas is ideal.

Do not keep living trees in the house any longer than 12 days , but be guided by the tree, if it looks unhappy, put it back outside.

Either plant the tree out in the garden after Christmas, or grow it on in a container moving it into a b bigger pot annually. Soil based John Innes No 2 potting media is ideal.

Why does Father Christmas have three gardens?

So he can”Ho,Ho,Ho!”

Fresh Christmas Trees different varieties available.

Holly Wreaths, Crosses, Chaplets, Garlands

Winter Gardening tips Clear up fallen leaves especially from lawns, ponds and beds.

Raise containers onto pot feet to prevent water logging.

Prune roses to prevent wind-rock.

Cover brassicas with netting if pigeons are a problem.

GIBSON’S NURSERY MILLISONS WOOD HILL MERIDEN

Insulate outdoor containers from frost - bubble wrap works well.

Stop winter moth damage to fruit trees using grease bands around the trunks

01676 522233

Put out bird food to encourage winter birds Put your feet up and read the seed catalogues!

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

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I want to start my latest message by wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

For some this will mean two very different things. For the more organised among you it will be a celebratory culmination of weeks of meticulous planning. While I’m sure others will now be in slight panic about the amount of work you to still have to finish, or even start!

The festive period will hopefully be a time of peace and prosperity for you and your loved ones, but I cannot pass up this opportunity to offer some seasonal crime prevention advice. So as you celebrate over the coming weeks please don’t become distracted from simple car, home and personal security. As many of you will be visiting family and friends delivering presents or finishing some last minute shopping, please be mindful that this time of the year has the potential to be a lucrative time for burglars.

Opportunist criminals know that there will be countless valuable items literally gift-wrapped and on display for them if they manage to get into your home. While no house is totally immune from burglary, a determined thief will keep trying until they come across a house that makes it easy for them, looking for homes where doors are unlocked and windows left open.

Don’t let your car resemble Santa’s sleigh and leave presents you’re delivering ready for a thief to steal from your back seat! Please also remember to make sure all valuables have been removed from display and ‘your fob has done its job’ and all doors are locked.

While these tips may seem really simple, they’re easy to forget if you’re in a rush!

Crime prevention shouldn’t stop after the big day. If you’re planning on shopping online to indulge in the sales then please stay virtually safe.

As you search for the best bargains don’t end up falling prey to online con artists touting eye-catching online offers that turn out to be bogus – and always be wary of any offer that sounds too good to be true.

At this time of year we see a big increase in the number of people having their credit and debit card details stolen via phishing emails and as people shop over public wi-fi networks they are more at risk of having their personal details cloned or stolen.

It’s vital when buying items online that people stick to the terms and conditions of the company, and that will include paying for goods through the site and not directly to the seller. Scammers may offer a discount by dealing with them directly and paying money straight into their account…they might claim there is a technical problem with their PayPal account or some issue forcing people to deal with them directly.

I appreciate that some of you may not be accustomed to online shopping, so here are a few tips if you are tempted to try it out:

Here are a list of do’s and don’ts to protect yourself against online cons: •Do use a credit card or PayPal to pay, as they offer additional protection •Do monitor bank statements and report suspicious activity to your bank •Do report frauds and cybercrime and suspicious activity to Action Fraud •Do change passwords regularly and use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters •Do remember…if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

•Do make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed.

•Do ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.

•Don’t click on links in emails advertising sales − go to the website yourself •Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks − shop from home or a Interior plastering and coving work. secure network Insurance work welcome.

•Don’t go outside the terms and conditions of the website For more advice about cybercrime you may find it useful to Free Estimates, reliable, friendly, visit the Action Fraud website www.actionfraud.police.uk clean service.

Whatever you have planned over the coming weeks please stay safe.

Tel: 01676 521389 If you see me or any of your local officers please feel free to stop and have a chat or call us on 101 if there is an issue affecting Mobile: 07767 237860 you or your family.

David Deakin

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SOLIHULL NEIGHBOURHOODS IN BLOOM 2015 “1st PRIZE” BEST VILLAGE CATEGORY Barbara Bland, Clerk Meriden Parish Council and Carole Webb representing Meriden Bloomers receiving the award from Cllr Mrs Glenis Slater, Mayor of Solihull, at September’s presentation evening at Kingshurst Academy on 15th September. Barbara commented “It was a privilege for us to represent Meriden and defend our title for a 2nd year. A huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors, contractors and residents without whom the success of Bloom would not have been possible or achieved; here’s to 2016!”

Meriden individual winners contributing to “Best Village” included Mr John Douglas, Mr and Mrs Warr, Mr Grantham and Caroline and Laurence from the Queens Head Public House. Meriden also celebrated Community Garden winners for Morrison Park Homes Eaves Green and Meriden Hall.

BRITAIN IN BLOOM WITH THE RHS HEART OF ENGLAND IN BLOOM 2015 “SILVER AWARD” FOR LARGE VILLAGE RHS Judge’s comments “A warm welcome to this first time entry Meriden the centre of England, we were met at the new Sports Park, a lovely welcome addition to the village. Just off the village green which is lovingly maintained and still cut by hand and boxed off, not some small feat looking at its size. From here it was off on a tour of the back roads, we got worried when the Parish Clerk and the leader of the Meriden Bloomers changed into their trainers, we need not have worried as we enjoyed our walk. We visited the walled garden at Meriden Hall that has been tamed by the local residents that are a community in their own right. Then on to the Meriden Pool and Memorial Approach to be shown the restoration work that has been started. We then crossed the road to the Manor Hotel for a welcome break, presentation and to be told about the improvements to the Parish, hotel and the press call. Now it was into the car for a tour of the residential areas and a visit to the local church with its fine views over the spread out village. The last stop on our tour was the newly planted island designed to fit in with the local archery group The Woodmen of Arden and it is a lovely improvement. Well done in your first entry.” Below: Tracey Medlyn, RHS Midlands Region Community Advisor, presenting the award at RHS Presentation Event in Rugby on 10th September to Barbara Bland, Clerk Meriden Parish Council.

AREAS OF ACHIEVEMENT: The children’s planters and artwork on the rails of the playground at the Pavilion by the Meriden School Eco Club and large container built and planted by adults with learning disabilities, from Newlands Bishop Farm Project. Well maintained village green, road side verges, planters and hanging baskets. The front gardens with their lovely hanging baskets. On the whole the variety of litter bins and very tidy streets is a credit to the village. The newly restored Cyclists memorial to those that were killed in the war. The all-round community involvement with everything the village tries to do with good support from residents, shopkeepers and local businesses.

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

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

Barbara Bland

The next Parish Council meeting dates are: • 21 December 2015 - The Pavilion • 25 January 2016 - The Pavilion • 22 February 2016 - The Pavilion

The Pavilion Meriden Sports Park Main Road Meriden CV7 7SP

Community Surgeries at Meriden Library 10am-12pm: • Monday 07 December 2015 • Monday 11 January 2016 • Monday 08 February 2016

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

Your Parish Councillors are:

Melanie Lee (Chair)

Rosie Weaver (Vice Chair)

Bob Kipling

Paul Lee

Mandy Haque

Frances Lynch-Smith

Jon Barber

Matthew Nunn

Remembrance Sunday 2015

This year’s Remembrance Sunday service was held at the Methodist Church where Rev Andrew Charlesworth conducted the service. This is Andrew’s last year in Meriden and we thank him for his contribution over the past eight years and wish him well in the future.

Many residents gathered at the War Memorial including serving members of the armed forces and as always the Meriden Scouts, Cubs and Beavers.

Thanks to John Moorehouse who ensures that the names of the men and officers named on our War Memorial are read out loud followed by John’s delivery of: “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Thanks also to Jonathan Douglas for providing the music and our clerk Barbara, Councillors Jon, Mandy, Mel, Paul and Rosie and residents Steve Wake, Nick Bryan and Kevin Meek who volunteered as road closure marshals so that the community could take part in a safe environment.

Increased volumes of HGV Vehicles and mud on the road NRS Wastecare Limited are pleased to announce the appointment of Wayne Wardle, Site Manager, Area G, NRS Quarry, Birmingham Road. Please raise any concerns/issues with Wayne direct on M: 07902 359360 or email wayneawardle@gmail.com

Tenders are invited for Contracts to be awarded for the forthcoming three year period with a further two year extension subject to year three contract performance review and six monthly interim contract reviews.

Contracts to commence: 01 April 2016 to 31 March 2019 in the first instance, plus two year extension to 31 March 2021 with Year 4 annual review and one month break clause If you are interested in tendering for any of the following 9 Contracts please supply information to Barbara Bland, Parish Clerk, 55 James Dawson Drive, Millisons Wood, CV5 9QJ

by Friday 11 December 2015 in a plain envelope, and marking the envelope TENDER ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Contract 1: Outdoors Meriden Sports Park (Non Specialist Works) Between April to September • To daily inspect and empty the bins that need emptying and place into Fortress litter skip which is collected every Friday.

• To litter pick daily – everywhere.

• To sweep courts 1 and 2 weekly.

• To sweep and weed car park and around the pavilion weekly.

• To deep clean litter bins twice a year • To inspect play equipment daily • To water the sports field, trees and children’s play area as required.

• Mow and strim the areas below and trim back anything protruding through fence (brambles, stingers, branches etc).

Area 1 side of courts - weekly Area 2 children’s play area – weekly Area 3 car park inside boundary – weekly.

Area 3a outside boundary & frontage – weekly.

Area 4 perimeter boundary including checks and maintenance of exercise apparatus/equipment – weekly Area 5a mow sports field to football and cricket height standards - weekly.

Between October and March • To weekly empty bins on a Monday and Thursday into Fortress litter bin which is collected every Friday.

• To litter pick weekly.

• To sweep courts weekly and remove leaves.

• To sweep and weed car park and around the pavilion weekly.

• To remove and collect fallen leaves with leaf blower from the sports field and children’s play area weekly including running track.

Mow and strim the areas below and trim back anything protruding through fence (brambles, stingers, branches etc).

Area 1 – side of courts - weekly to mid November; as and when required thereafter.

Area 2 children’s play area – as above to include the renovation of any damaged areas of matting & grounds beneath each item of play equipment.

Area 3 car park inside boundary – as above.

Area 3a outside boundary and frontage – as above.

Area 4 perimeter boundary including leaf blowing of running track – as above.

Area 5a sports field – as above.

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Contract 2 – Outdoors Meriden Sports park (Specialist Works) Area 5b – Sports Ground & Pitches • Groundswork Maintenance If interested in Contract 1 and/or Contract 2, please request full maintenance schedule and schematic plan of site areas 1 to 5b from the clerk or view it online at www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

Contract 3: Outdoors & Indoors Meriden Sports Park Pest Control • • •

Weekly monitoring of sports park pitch and boundaries.

Removal of moles from all sports park grounds including children’s play area.

Removal of any other pests as and when required, internally and externally.

Contract 4: Outdoor Village The Green April to October (subject to weather conditions).

• To weekly collect litter both on The Green, under the Cedar tree, under walled seating and from benches, cut grass and trim.

• To annually fertilize.

• Weed Cyclists Memorial & around benches.

• To trim & maintain hedge screening electricity box.

• To weekly empty (6) dog bins sited on Hampton Lane, Fillongley Road, Birmingham Road, Maxstoke Lane and Meriden Gate.

Planting • Summer planting of trough and planter arrangements around village (40) and watering throughout season.

• Winter planting of troughs around village (40).

• To maintain garden around Meriden Cross and supply of summer and winter planting.

General Maintenance • Strim around planters and gateway signage.

• Remove weeds from Showell Lane roundabout Fir Trees – Fillongley Road • To weekly litter pick under trees.

Coronation Island • Maintain and develop with Meriden Bloomers, pruning of Yew Tree and surrounding banking.

Memorial Approach & Poppy • Maintain and develop with Meriden Bloomers.

Meriden Roundabout • Maintain and develop with Meriden Bloomers.

November to March (subject to weather conditions) • Carry out seasonal maintenance and litter tidy.

Contract 5: Street Furniture Bus Shelters.

• To clear litter and sweep weekly.

• To remove any graffiti weekly.

• Notify Clerk of any problems with shelters.

• To wet wash monthly.

• To repair and maintain Bus Shelters (10) and paint, as and when requested.

Benches and Notice boards • To maintain and treat benches (20) and notice boards (6).

• To clean sports park benches (14), youth shelter and maintain and annually treat sports Red Telephone Boxes – Village Green and Albert Road, Millisons’ Wood • To clean/check weekly, any repairs/paint to be reported for clerk authorisation when required.

Meriden Gateway Signage • To clean signs quarterly.

Contract 6: Sports Park & Pavilion • Weekly checks of all weather multiple use sports area, fencing and gates.

• Weekly checks of emergency lighting and security alarm.

• Cleaning of the interior of the sports pavilion.

Please request cleaning schedule from the clerk or view it online at • Deep clean twice a year at commencement of each season.

Contract 7: Opening and closing of Sports Park • To daily open the entrance gates at 7am.

• To daily close the entrance gates at dusk Contract 8: Essential maintenance (Sports Pavilion) Mandatory Service visits to include:• Air Units annually.

• Automatic Shutters annually.

• Fire Alarms/Emergency Lighting quarterly.

• Fire Fighting Equipment annually.

• Gas Appliances annually.

• Lightning Protection annually.

• Portable Appliance Testing annually.

• Water risk monitoring monthly.

• Shower head cleaning every six months.

• Risk assessment & risk assessment reviews every two years.

• Water sampling annually.

• Clean out gutters and downpipes including access equipment annually.

• Checking and rodding of below ground foul drainage annually.

• Electrical equipment to roof level plant room and ground floor switchgear/controls cupboard annually.

• Electrical power and lighting annually.

• Oil separator system controls annually.

• Disabled call alarm system.

• Caretaker service for electrical and mechanical checks monthly.

• External lighting.

• Out of hour’s service and call outs.

Contract 9: Sports Co-ordinator for Meriden Sports Park • To co-ordinate and provide spring, summer and autumn school holiday sports camps for targeted age groups up to a maximum of 294 hours.

• To organise and provide the sports activities for Family Picnic in the Park which takes place every year in July to a maximum of 6 hours.

• Line Marking – schedule available upon request.

• Candidates must hold DBS and valid sports coaching certificates in more than one sport.

Please note ALL persons submitting tenders: 1. Will be shortlisted and interviewed.

2. Will provide their own tools and protective equipment for Contracts.

3. Accept responsibility for all Health and Safety issues & DBS checks involved with the Contracts.

You are also invited to register with the Parish Council for emergency/essential maintenance contracts, such as painting, cleaning or repair work. If you are interested, please supply information to the Clerk.

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MIDLANDS CLEANERS Domestic & Commercial Cleaning Services • Window Cleaning • Fascia & Soffit Cleaning • Gutter & Cladding Cleaning • Conservatory Roof and Patio Cleaning

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DO YOU NEED A CLEANER? Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for?

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EDEN HOLISTIC DOG FOOD 5 STAR RATED DOG FOOD (Check out the review of the food you feed your dog with the review for Eden on www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk )

All meat and fish of human grade and sourced within the UK. TOTALLY GRAIN FREE – NO FILLERS

HIGH DENSITY FOOD – USE LESS FOR EACH FEED ** EDEN ORIGINAL: 80% Chicken, Salmon, Herring, Duck and Egg ** EDEN CATCH OF THE DAY: 80% Fish 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

DOGGY DAY CARE Days, weekends or longer ………

In our home – stress free, non-kennel environment.

Only limited numbers of friendly dogs at any one time. Highly experienced show exhibitor/ trainer and dog breeder.

Excellent affordable rates.

TEL: 01676 522466 (Meriden) 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 Mince Pie Tasting on Saturday 5th December

Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide.

Contact 01676 534148

A free cup of tea or coffee with this voucher

For more details call June Smitten on 01676 523007

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 following the 2015 Rugby World Cup

Contact Glen Southwell 07598 980546

MBE for Ian from Real Point

Ian O'Donnell a business man, based at Hampton in Arden, the Director of Real Point Design and chairman of the FSB for Warwickshire and Coventry, has been awarded the MBE for his voluntary work with small businesses. He has been a very active chairman for 4 years, though he is keen to point out it’s a team effort to support local businesses. Speaking about the honour, Ian said "I am truly honoured and humbled by this accolade, which would not have been possible without the support of the teams at Real Point and the FSB." He'll soon be rubbing shoulders with royalty and celebrities at Buckingham Palace to pick up his MBE. Congratulations Ian O'Donnell.

News from the Heart of England School Olympic Dream for Jake Jake Stewart a Heart of England year 11 student has been selected for the Great Britain Cycling Team, Junior Academy. He will compete for the Men’s Endurance Great Britain Olympic Junior Academy, 201516 season.

Jake’s selection resulted in him representing Great Britain in October at the London 6 Day, an international event at the Olympic Velodrome. “I represented Great Britain along with three other British riders competing against other nationalities,” said Jake.

As part of the London 6 Day event Jake took part in a number of training camps which will help him improve his cycling and competitiveness.

A 6 Day event is a set of different formats of track cycle racing which take place over six consecutive nights. The racing includes elimination races, time trials and sprints as well as special formats like The Madison and Derny racing. The team completing the most laps or highest point scores win the event.

Winning Streak Since starting to cycle seriously about five years ago, Jake has enjoyed considerable competitive success.

He has gained high placings including wins in the British National Championships in disciplines such as circuit, omnium, pursuit, scratch and sprint.

In addition to coming second in the Sainsbury’s 2015 UK School Games Elimination Race, Jake has also spent time in the prestigious Yellow (leader’s) jersey and Green (sprinter’s) jersey during various races.

Jake is overall West Midlands Regional Omnium Champion. “Getting this far has shown me that hard work pays off!” said Jake.

Cycling is a great pastime too for the young athlete: “Being on my bike is a big stress reliever for me. I forget about the stress of school and everything. It gets me out of myself.”

Commenting on what motivates him, Jake said that, “there is always something ahead that you can strive for, something else you can achieve.”

Jake will do well because he wants it and is prepared to do what it takes. We wish him well. And who knows? One day we may have to paint one of our post boxes gold!

Downhill for a Win! The Heart of England Skiing team had a successful term competing at the Central England Snowsports Association (CESA) meeting in Telford.

Along with Sam and Jess, the school team, consists of Jake Heard, Year 13, Carys Phillips, Year 11, Rachael Mayhew, Year 9 and Chris Mitchell.

Made up of students from Years 9-13 the team competed in the U19 girls and U19 boys teams, winning overall as the two fastest teams on the day. There were also individual wins for competitors with Jess Mayhew, Year 11 gaining overall fastest female and Sam Dewison, Year 13 gaining overall fastest male. ”We all did really well individually,” said Sam Dewison, “and our team worked brilliantly together for a great overall team win.”

The CESA Schools Race events aim to encourage young skiers to represent their school and try skiing as a competitive sport, and as a recreational activity. As well as developing a sport for leisure, the competition can also be a step on the ladder to higher levels of competitiveness for those who want to.

At the moment they are a strong team, working well together to get top results and in a very competitive event which can attract over 150 entrants. “Our team is successful but this is the last year of this particular team because Sam and Jake will be leaving at the end of the year,” said Jess Mayhew.

Well done team on bringing back the trophies to Heart of England!

New Cricket club in Meriden

Adult Craft Exchange

Following the merger of the Spartans with Another Coventry team a new Meriden based cricket club has been formed and will play our home games at Meriden Sports Park next season.

When: Friday mornings from 9am to 12 pm.

Drop in. You’re welcome to come for all or just stay a while.

• Where: School room at the back of Beechwood Nursery, next to Meriden C of E Primary School.

• How much: £1 contribution to cover coffee and materials We meet every Friday during term time, to learn new crafts from each other and share skills, but don’t worry, no previous experience is required – just come and have a go. We’ll happily teach you what we can.

So far we’ve tried needle felting, painting, crochet and paper craft, to name but a few! It’s open to everyone who would like to make a new friend and learn something new. Or if you already have a craft and just fancy some company whilst you do it, come along. If you’re new to the area or to the school community it’s a great way of getting to know people. We are baby and child friendly, with a limited number of toys and baby changing facilities.

The Heart of England Cricket Club has been formed with the aim of promoting fair, inclusive and community friendly cricket for its members. Our current members are of varying levels of abilities and ages.

Our main objectives are to involve the local community in the game of cricket and to recruit adult and junior players of all abilities to play competitive cricket. We are hoping to run 4 teams playing on a Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday evening. We will be providing free coaching at the Sports Park for children starting in the spring which will be led by senior first team players.

In the New Year we will be offering adult and child indoor net training sessions in preparation for the season.

After Christmas we shall be running a competition to design the club's badge there will be a number of prizes on offer for the best entries and a special prize for the winning design.

Further details will be available in the New Year.

If you're interested in playing cricket whatever your ability or would like more information about the club please contact us at the email address: heartofenglandcc@gmail.com Please look out on village notice boards for more information and upcoming events.

Find us on Facebook “Adult Craft Exchange”.

Contact Marie 07921 719937 or Vanessa 07779 235248

New Year, New You Join the Leisure club before 28th Feb 2016 and receive your 3rd month FREE

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

Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £4 per session

•

Pilates Thursday evenings 7.00pm £4 per session

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

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

Any queries please contact: Tel. 07828709650

The warm and friendly atmosphere allows you to relax and unwind in wonderful surroundings with fantastic facilities including: • CV Suite /Free Weights Gym /Fitness Suite • 18m Indoor Heated Swimming Pool • Spa Bath, Sauna & Steam Room • An exciting new studio timetable with over 30 classes per week • 2 Floodlit Outdoor Tennis Courts hosting specialist tennis coaching

Open 6am – 11pm 7 days a week Call 01676 526107 Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer Fees applicable joining *Termson and conditions apply. Offer Marriott Forest of Arden,only Maxstoke Lane,March Meriden, 7HR2015 available andCV7 April MarriottLeisure.co.uk

ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST DISTRIBUTORS OF PLASTIC BUILDING MATERIALS • MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE SHEETS • GLAZING BARS & ACCESSORIES • DECORATIVE WALL CLADDING & SHOWER PANELS • UPVC FASCIA, SOFFITS, SKIRTING & ARCHITRAVE • CORRUGATED PVC, GRP & POLYCARBONATE ROOFING SHEETS • GUTTERING & DOWNPIPES - SQUARE & ROUND • CUT TO SIZE ACRYLIC & POLYCARBONATE SHEETS • DECORATIVE COVING & CORNICE • HYGIENIC WALL & CEILING LININGS • DYNOTILE - CLIP TOGETHER GARAGE FLOORING

IS IS STILL RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP!! We have moved to Millisons Wood !!

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Rockwell Sheet Sales Ltd Tel: 01676 522224 Rockwell House Birmingham Road Millisons Wood, Coventry CV5 9AZ

Opening Hours - Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat Morning 9am-12pm

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The West Midlands Combined Authority: what it could mean for Meriden Since the last General Election in May, the Conservative government has indicated its intention to increase devolution for the regions of the UK. Scotland and Wales are to be given a raft of new powers, but it does not stop there. The government wishes to create a number of new regional, combined authorities. In the West Midlands, seven local authorities (Solihull, Coventry, Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudley), the three existing local enterprise partnerships and a number of districts, have been discussing coming together to form a West Midlands Combined Authority. The move towards the WMCA has gathered pace with the go-ahead from Parliament due as early as next April. Over the last few months, Solihull has played a key role in framing how the seven authorities could work together and has recently been awarded the chair of the Shadow WMCA. This puts us in a key position to shape the future of any combined authority. At a meeting of Solihull Council on 13th October, I, along with a large majority of my fellow Solihull councillors, voted to join a WMCA. So, what would a WMCA mean for the people of Meriden? Firstly, to allay any fears, I think it is right to state what it will NOT mean. There will not be one new; single authority and existing councils will not be replaced: Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) will still be responsible for providing the range of services that it currently offers and SMBC councillors will still be accountable to the people in Solihull who elect them. The WMCA will have no control over of local planning matters in Meriden or any other areas of Solihull – this will remain the responsibility of SMBC. To be clear, one local authority will not absorb the others and set the agenda.

What it will mean is that the WMCA will be given additional powers devolved from Westminster. These powers will help the local authorities in the WMCA to work together to promote transport and deliver economic growth and regeneration across the region. It will provide the opportunity to co-ordinate those initiatives that could be better planned across authority boundaries such as tourism, skills development and business support. Importantly, the WMCA should help secure long-term funding and investment from the UK government, the EU and private sources that will help boost economic growth and employment opportunities for nearly four million people in the region. If Solihull had decided not to join the WMCA, then our influence and ability to attract investment would have been jeopardised.

SMBC has played a key role so far in shaping the rules for the new combined authority; these rules are designed to protect individual authority’s positions and ensure that key decisions cannot be made without unanimous agreement. As someone who was born and raised in the West Midlands, and having lived in Solihull for thirty years, I believe we in Solihull can lead the future development of our region to increase our prosperity and help us to compete effectively in an increasingly competitive world.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you all.

If you would like to discuss this issue with me, or indeed any other local issue, please contact me at: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk. Cllr Tony Dicicco, Meriden Ward.

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

1.

www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Wednesday

8.30am to 6pm 8.30am to 12.00

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

01676 935000

HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER LATELY???

Please ensure your contact details are kept correct and up to date.

If you change your address or contact telephone number please contact the surgery you can do this in writing to

Balsall Common & Meriden Group Practice, 1 Ashley Drive, Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7 7RW or by emailing Joanne.hope@nhs.net so that we can update your records.

Please refrain from contacting the surgery during busy periods by telephone with this information as we need to keep the telephone lines free for urgent matters

Thank you for your help Well done and congratulations to Claire Readers will recall Claire Hargreaves a pupil at Heart of England School who wrote some very interesting articles for us in previous issues. Claire passed her A levels with three A stars and a B and is now at Bristol University studying French and German. We wish her every success in the future.

Award Winning Baby Development Classes Designed for babies from birth to

NHS Blood and Transplants The next sessions for blood donors will be on Thursday 24th December at The Heart of England Social Club 10.00am – 2.00pm Appointments available by calling 03001232323 Notice in a Dentists waiting room“There is no need to clean all your teeth, only those you want to keep!”

13 months Babies have an extraordinary capacity to absorb information in their first year and at Baby Sensory we don’t waste a single moment!

With 40 themed lesson plans, you and your baby will discover a magical underwater world, explore a tropical jungle, journey into Space and have fun at our Baby Olympics!

Classes held in:- Shirley, Solihull and Meriden

Contact - Nina 07971 945 242 solihull@babysensory.co.uk

Coventry Breathe Easy For more information please ring Janet on 024 7646 0081 A support group for all those affected by a lung condition, including friends, family and carers.

Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month.

2 – 4 pm, Eadon Hall, Central Hall, Methodist Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA, except during the winter months when we meet for a coffee at Conroy’s

Friday11th December Social Gathering 10.30am Conroy’s Coffee House, Corporation Street, Coventry Friday 8th January 2016 Social Gathering 10.30am Conroy’s Coffee House, Corporation Street, Coventry Friday 12th February 2016 Chris Loveridge – Education for Health – Inhaler technique and questions and answers

Russell Evan Morgan Thomas 27th April 1940 Russ passed away peacefully at home on 14th September 2015 after a long battle with a little known disease: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A resident of Millisons Wood, Russ was a Geordie and proud of his roots. He served in the RAF as a policeman and was known as a ‘snowdrop’. He and his family moved to Coventry as work was scare in the North East where he was known as ‘The Man from the Pru,’ later moving to Meriden with his wife Kate. After early retirement he became a videographer, filming several local weddings, he also trained as a hypnotherapist, and helped many people with their problems. He enjoyed an active social life and was a member of the Heart of England Social Club, and also a keen member of RAID. Russ loved his family and was a proud father and stepfather to seven children, twenty grandchildren, twenty two great grandchildren and would have welcomed his first great great grandchild before the end of the year.

He will be sadly missed by all.

The Trustees and Clerk of Meriden United Charities would like to thank the unnamed gentleman who kindly left historic papers relating to the charities, dated between 1859 and 1918 with neighbours of the clerk. We would be interested in any further details / information relating to the charities and perhaps he would like to get in touch.

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

blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100

Over 65 special Tuesday 25% off any treatment Also complimentary tea & biscuits

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

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

The Manor House, Meriden now the ‘Manor Hotel’ [[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William son of Gerard (possibly Geoffrey’s brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill

I was thinking aboutNicolas the Festive Season and others. planning to write a general articleround on Meriden’s the Mason, Godyng and many I imagine them all crowding listening, all of 700 years ago. many ‘pubs’ over the years when a friend who had celebrated a special family occasion at the Doreen asked Agutter.

‘Manor Hotel’, me if I knew anything about its history. Sure enough a fresh look at my research notes gave me new ideas.

There are no documentary collections we can read to discover its history. Instead as is often the case in Meriden, you need to compile it from snippets of information: leases, wills, advertisements, contacts from family historians. There were once several different village buildings known as the ‘Manor House’ but why? That puzzled me when I first began to collect information in my early teens. Thomas Boteler lord of Alspath manor died in late 1523 leaving no son but 4 daughters, each of whom received a quarter of his property. Joyce the youngest aged 16 eventually married a Coventry merchant, Robert Croe or Crowe. Sometimes they lived in town; at others in the hamlet of Meriden. Their country house stood on a field called ‘Paradise’ overlooking the main road that their son Laurence and grandson, John inherited but in 1623 John sold up in part to the Halsall family from Lancashire, agents of Meriden’s chief lords, the Earls of Derby. When the Halsalls severed connections in Queen Anne’s reign (1702-14), the Ebornes of Allesley bought most of it leasing to locals, often existing tenants like John Reynolds self-made inn keeper of the Bull Inn opposite the Pool.

His 1738 lease may have led to Reynolds’ building a ‘New House’ on the site of this manor house. c 1745. By the 1780s through inheritance, Henry Greswolde Lewis of Malvern Hall, Solihull had become the owner renewing the lease of the, ‘New House in Paradise Close and 116 acres of land’, to John Reynolds junior. The younger Reynolds did not prosper and in c1815 John Allbutt opened his nationally famous Meriden Academy for young gentlemen in its outbuildings and his wife and daughters another for young ladies in the House. It was also a significant centre of Methodism as Mr Allbutt was a respected, eloquent preacher whose work helped establish a permanent chapel in the village some 40 years later. The school run afterwards by Charles Beck then Richard Hill closed in the early 1850s when the house became a private dwelling again, home of the veterinary surgeon Mr Proctor.

About 1873 a new venture began, again in the outbuildings, once more of great significance: Francis Skidmore’s art metal works produced many master pieces still in the locality and nationally such as the iron work for the Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens.

This factory closed in 1884. The Malvern Hall Estate still its owners renovated the house for Lady Emily Digby a cousin of Mr Digby of Meriden Hall and from then until the mid- 1960s when it began its transformation as a major Hotel, it remained a tranquil country property for people such as the hardware manufacturer, Mr Goodman at the turn of the 20th century or persons of independent means like the Drummonds in 1911. When I was young it was once again home to a veterinary surgeon.

Doreen Agutter.

Christmas Turkeys Locally Reared If you want the best, this is the place to come!

Susan Pointon 01676 522216 01676 523010 07855 417738 Collect or deliver

Fed on cereals and vegetable diet No hormones or animal by-product proteins All sizes available from 10lb up

PC Technical Services Tile Hill Lane Coventry

Home Computer Support, repairs & Problem Solving Telephone 024 7667 4952 07963 850001 Independent personal attention Internet & e-mail Troubleshooting & tuition

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Moving to a clean, well-lighted place The Meriden, Connecticut, newspaper for which I’ve been working for almost 30 years has gone through a lot of changes over the past 148 years. It started out as The Weekly Visitor, in 1867, and then evolved through mergers, buyouts and name changes — with the Meriden Daily Republican, the Meriden Daily Journal, the Meriden Journal, the Morning Record, the Meriden Record, and the Morning Record and Journal in its bloodlines. Today it’s known as the RecordJournal.

Over all that time the technology has also evolved, from the days of Linotype machines and molten lead (toxic fumes, anyone?), to some kind of primitive computerized typesetting system using punched tape, to the almost magical editing and pagination systems of today. Gone, too, is the antiquated, three-story-high press that used to clank and clatter and shake the building, drawing its ink from a big tank and getting a good deal of it on the pressmen. Now the printing of the daily and our five weeklies is outsourced to an up-to-date (and amazingly clean) press in another city.

The media market, too, has changed, and the ink-on-paper “product” is only one “platform” by which we “engage” the public (I’m trying to use the correct jargon here.) Just as important today — maybe more important — are the websites, which can be updated at any time of day or night; and the “epapers,” which duplicate the newspapers online (this company also publishes The Westerly Sun, in Rhode Island, and its several weeklies); and podcasts, which are like radio programs featuring things like interviews with local political candidates, but unlike radio programs they can be accessed online at `m. any time; and various manifestations of our news-gathering job that appear on social media outlets such as Facebook.

This is all very modern, of course, and there’s no arguing with the improved speed and convenience of getting the news via your desktop or laptop or hand-held device instead of having to plod out to the porch in your bedroom slippers to fish a damp newspaper out of the snow. Sadly, these advances have already meant the demise of a number of local papers, and have eaten into the revenue of even such institutions as The New York Times.

All U.S. papers have been struggling to replace the subscription revenue that once made up about half their income, while advertising rates have declined along with circulation numbers. Fortunately, we have been working assiduously on these challenges for years, and those efforts have put us in a better position than many other small newspaper companies.

Still, it’s a difficult adjustment, and the latest manifestation of that process was our recent move from the downtown building that we’ve called home for about 110 years, to new digs in a sleek, modern office building across town. No more creaking wooden floors. No more bundles of blue computer cables snaking around the ceiling. No more cranky heating system or noisy, unpredictable air conditioning. No more wild mish-mash of desks and chairs and filing cabinets, none of which matched and many of which were piled high with personal knickknacks. No more periodically leaking roof (I hope.)

But the old place had its own funky charm — from the big red fire-alarm gong in the middle of the newsroom; to the vacuum system that we were still using, as late as the 1980s, to send page layouts to the graphics department (Churchill had a very similar system in what are now called the Cabinet War Rooms, in London, but the mechanism he used in those days looks to be much newer than ours); to the clammy and cobwebbed crypt, down in the basement, where the

newspaper’s “morgue” held clippings (I think you call them “cuttings” over there), some of which may have dated back to the time of free-range dinosaurs.

The new office could hardly be more different. The walls are pristine, most of them painted off-white or gray, with a red accent wall here or there. Identical, off-white work stations march from one end of the big room to the other, lined up as if by a laser beam. It is indeed a clean, well-lighted place.

Perhaps the new office will eventually acquire its own level of patina and charming disorder. I certainly hope so.

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

My Academy UK Ltd For help with

Steven Russell

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Singing Teacher Singing for fun, choral Director Graded exams and Oxbridge Choral Scholarship preparation

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Christmas Tree Collection Solihull MBC will collect real Christmas trees from Wednesday 6 January 2016 until Friday 15 January 2016.

Trees can be presented alongside your black wheelie bin or purple sacks.

• no trees more than 6ft There should be: • no decorations • no pots • no thick stumps • no soil Trees can also be recycled at Bickenhill Household Waste Recycling Centre

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

Meriden Primary School Meriden Library Meriden Surgery Lloyds Chemist St. Laurence Church Meriden Methodist Church Parish Council Solihull M B C Solihull District Councillors

Member of Parliament Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector

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 Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Early closing Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at 2.30pm

Mrs L. Winkler

Rev’d Lynda Lilley Rev. Andrew Charlesworth Barbara Bland (Mondays & Thursdays only) Ken Allsopp David Bell Tony Dicicco Caroline Spelman Gerry Russell Sue Harper Sgt Mick LLoyd

01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522252 01676 522722 01676 522825 01676 533737 01676 522474 0121 704 6000 01676 522301 01676 535211 07780438290 0121 711 7029 01676 522666 01676 522230 101 New nonemergency no.

Reminder! Deadline date for the spring 2016 issue: Monday 1st February out by 1stMarch.

Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@gmail.com Deliveries: Paul Lee Proof Reader: Claire Rose We would like to thank Doug Bacon for all his recent help with deliveries

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

VILLAGE DIARY DATE

EVENT

27th Nov 28th Nov 29Nov/3Dec 29th Nov 4th Dec 4th Dec 6th Dec 7th Dec 7th Dec 7th 9th 10th 11th Dec 9th Dec 9th Dec 11th Dec 11th Dec 12th Dec 13th Dec 13th Dec 14th Dec 14th Dec 15th 16th Dec 18th Dec 19th Dec 20th Dec 20th Dec 21st Dec 21st Dec 21st Dec 21st Dec 21st Dec 24th Dec 24th Dec 24th Dec 25th Dec 28th Dec 31st Dec 4th Jan 11th Jan 14th Jan 16th Jan 17th Jan 18th Jan 18th Jan 22nd Jan 23rdJan 25th Jan 1st Feb 1st Feb 6th Feb 8th Feb 10th Feb 15th Feb 15th Feb 20th Feb 22nd Feb 26th Feb

Cancer “Vivo” evening Fillongley Xmas Fayre Christmas Tree Festival Advent Service Dedication Tree of Thought Meriden Sch Xmas Fayre Rotary Club Santa Fun Run W I Christmas Party Community Surgery Rotary Sleigh Collections Readers Circle School Christingle Service Methodists Supper Club FS1 Meriden Sch Nativity Firebird Singers Concert MCF – Life Church Carols Cyclist Carol Service Flower Club Story Time KS 1 Meriden School Christmas performance CAMEO Carols on the Green Children’s Xmas party Joint Carol Service Senior’s Christmas lunch Story Time Parish Council Meeting Reading Cafe Christmas Story Time Blood Donations Crib Service Midnight Communion Joint Celebration Service Lion’s Festive Walk New Year’s Eve Party W.I. Community Surgery Family History Research Rotary Senior Citizens party Methodist Covenant Service Flower Club Reading Cafe CAMEO BIG PICTURE SHOW Parish Council Meeting W.I. Meriden Mag Deadline Gardening Club Community Surgery Readers Circle Flower Club Reading Cafe BIG PICTURE SHOW Parish Council CAMEO

VENUE H of E Club Fillongley School St Laurence Church St Laurence Church Meriden Green School Meriden Hall Village Hall Library Meriden Village

St Laurence Church Methodist Church St Laurence Church St Oswald’s Church Methodist Church St Laurence Church Village Hall Library Meriden C of E School Village Hall The Green H of E Club Methodist Church Manor Hotel Library Sports Pavilion Library Library H of E Club St Laurence St Laurence Methodist Church Baddesley Clinton Queen’s Head Village Hall Library Library Fentham Hall Methodist Church Village Hall Library Sports Pavilion Village Hall Sports Pavilion Village Hall Sports Pavilion Library Village Hall Library Village Hall Sports Pavilion Sports Pavilion

TIME 7.30pm 12noon– 3.00pm Various times 4.00pm 4.00pm 5.00 – 7.00pm 11.00am 7.30pm 10.00am–12noon From 6.30pm 7.30pm 5.30pm 7.00pm 11.00am 7.30pm 3.00pm 1.00pm 7.30pm 2.45 – 3.15pm 2.00pm 2.00pm 5.00pm 2.00- 6.00pm 4.00pm 12 noon 2.45 – 3.15pm 7.30pm 10.30am 2.45 -3.15pm 10.00am-2.00pm 4.00pm 11.30pm 10.30am From 10.00am From 7.30pm 2.00pm 10.00am–12noon 2.00-4.00pm 7.00pm 10.30am 7.30pm 10.30am 2.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9.00am 10.00am–12noon 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 7.30pm 7.30pm 2.00pm

CONTACT Mary Warr 01676 522160 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Alan Lole 01676 522138 01676 522 488 Tony Hill 01676 540502 Flick Blewitt 01676 523 229 01676 522717 Roger Swindells 01675 481754 Margaret 01676 523 603 01676 522 488 Maureen Gabbitas 522148 01676 522 488 Val Martin 01676 522963 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 01676 522717 01676 522 488

Ellen 01676 522534 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 01676 522430 Rev Charlesworth 533737 Manor Hotel 01676 522 735 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 01676 522717 01676 522717 03001 23 23 23 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Charlesworth 533737 0845 833 5894 Caroline 01676 522256 Flick Blewitt 01676 523 229 01676 522717 01676 522717 Tony Hill 01676 540502 Rev Charlesworth 533737 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 01676 522717 Ellen 01676 522534 Chris Copper 01676 522645 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Flick Blewitt 01676 523 229 01676 522963/522453 Carole Webb 07969 980475 01676 522717 Margaret 01676 523 603 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 01676 522717 Chris Copper 01676 522645 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Ellen 01676 522534

Out and About this winter Lions Festive Walk.

Monday 28th December from 10.00am from Baddesley Clinton National Trust House in Solihull Join hundreds of walkers for this ever popular day and walk off your Christmas pudding with Knowle and Dorridge Lions Help raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, Solihull Bereavement Counselling Service, Lily Mae Foundation and local causes by making a donation.

What better way to shake off the excesses of Christmas than to get together with family and friends for a walk in the country.

There will be a choice of 3, 5 and 9 mile FREE signed walks around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside along country lanes, towpaths and footpaths, passing at least one country pub!

More details online at www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/walk now. Once again this year the House and Gardens will be open for all Festive Walkers to visit free, and mince pies and mulled wine for all to enjoy Add it to your Festive calendar now.

Thinktank Birmingham B4 7AP Opening times 10am-5pm 7days a week last admission at 4pm.

Closed 24, 25, and 26 December Adnmission prices Adults £12.75, children and concessions £8.90

The Planetarium at the Thinktank in Birmingham The Planetarium offers a wide range of shows about astronomy and space, including tours around the night sky, adventures around the solar system and journeying to the edge of the universe.

In addition to astronomy, you can also travel through the human body, dive under the ocean; shrink to the size of an atom to allow yourself to be immersed completely in music and light.

Thinktank planetarium often runs special events during the year to support significant events. Events in the past have included: evening astronomy talks, solar observing and even theatrical productions.

Planetarium shows are £1 per person in addition to the admission price.

Christmas Pantomimes and Shows Aladdin Solihull Arts Complex 11th December –3rd January 0121 704 6962

Beauty and the Beast Belgrade Theatre Coventry 25th November – 9th January 024 7655 3055 The Gruffalo’s Child Aladdin Warwick Arts Centre Birmingham Hippodrome 26th November – 19th December – 31st January 3rd January 0844 338 5000 024 7652 4524

What’s on at the NEC The Clothes Show 4th – 8th December Auto Sport International 1414-17th January What Career Live?

What University University live?

26/27th February Admission Free

Meriden’s Own Chris Christmas cards on sale at The Spar Shop, Meriden Meriden Tearooms, Lloyds Chemist and Fredanita Florists All profits will be shared equally between MacMillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Hospice Solihull Pack of 5

£ 2.50

Pack of 20

£ 9.00

Pack of 10

£ 4.80 4.80

Pack of 30

£12.90 £12.90

Last Posting dates for Christmas (as supplied by the Royal Mail) Saturday 19 December Monday 21 December Tuesday 22 December Wednesday 23 December

2nd Class and Royal Mail signed for 2nd class

1st Class and Royal Mail signed for 1st Class Parcelforce Worldwide Express 48hr Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Parcelforce Worldwide express 24hr

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Front cover a winter view of High Ash Farm Meriden (photo taken by Val Martin)