MeridenMag Summer 2016

Meriden Mag

MERIDEN COVER SUMMER 2016.qxp_Layout 1 18/05/2016 08:40 Page 1

Summer 2016

See inside for Wishing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth a Very Happy 90th Birthday Summer events in the village - Sunday Funday and the Rotary Club Megaride Village activities news and photographs • Hedgehogs in Meriden !

Happenings at Meriden School Bottle Greenhouse Build A huge thank you to all the parents, children, grandparents and friends, who came into school last weekend to construct the bottle greenhouse. They braved wintry conditions to create this super structure. Thank you to Parent Council for organising the weekend and for cleaning and preparing all the bottles.

The finished result

A special mention is needed for the two construction stars of the weekend, Andy Ruthven and John Willcox, who worked long and hard to get the job finished.

Our thanks to the PTA for purchasing the frame. The greenhouse will be a wonderful asset to our garden area.

Year 4's trip to Manor Adventure After a very rocky start with our Kingswood cancellation, Year 4 finally managed to head off to Manor Adventure in Powys on Monday afternoon- and what a few days we had!

We had a quick tour, some dinner, and then got stuck straight into activities on the evening! Our first evening finished with a hot chocolate all together, and then off to our bunks.

The next day was packed full of activities. From zip wire, to rock climbing, to orienteering and movie making, we loved every minute of it! We tackled challenges, overcame fears and laughed our socks off. All of us filled our faces every day, with the best food we’d ever seen! Yum! Wednesday morning was great as we celebrated Sam and Charlie Lee’s birthdays with banners, balloons and cake! We all took part in two final activities in the morning before a quick lunch, and then 27 very tired children and 3 exhausted teachers got back onto the coach and headed for Meriden.

What a fantastic few days we had!

“The food was amazing; we had a full English every day!” Sam “I really, very, extremely enjoyed the zip wire!” Ruby Jordan “The funniest thing was all the teachers screaming down the zip wire!” Adam Maths Morning Tuesday 26th April proved to be a brilliant morning as we dived into lots of maths challenges.

As always, our children rose to the challenge of dressing up in their space gear and looked out of this world!

Many thanks to all the parents and carers who joined us.

We are now fully immersed into our bright and busy summer term; school is such a lovely place to be when the weather is warm and the sun is shining!

The changes we have made to our playtimes this year are having such a positive effect with play leaders and sports coaches organising different games and activities on the field. The children are happy and we have greatly reduced the number of ‘fall outs’ and injuries we have previously reported.

Early February saw the children perform rap battles in celebration of our British Values with pieces of music and dance routines they had made up themselves; it was fantastic to perform to so many parents and carers at the end of the week.

Phonics Open Mornings, World Book Day, local MP visits, Earth Hour and House ‘Cookathons’ have all happened during the Spring term too with our children representing us in a multitude of different sporting events also.

Our annual ‘Faith Week’ was a great success in early March. The children used creation stories as a stimulus for some fantastic team artwork focussing on the question of ‘Who made us?’ and using images of planet earth from above. We visited different places of worship and spoke to people of differing faiths to listen to their personal view.

Also in March we celebrated 7 months on Twitter and now have well over 200 followers! We use it daily to keep a current log of all of our wonderful daily events and achievements. If you haven’t already, please follow us at @meridenprimary We joined in with Sports Relief on the 18th March; the school dressed in our sporty clothes and took turns throughout the day to ride for 2 minutes on an exercise bike to raise money. Amazingly we reached a total of 51.5km – a fantastic achievement all round!

Year 4 went on their first ever full residential trip last term to Manor Adventure. The children had a brilliant time abseiling, rock climbing and fencing; however at the end of it I think the teachers were more worn out than the children!

More recently we held a wonderful Maths Open Morning with a space theme – we welcomed many parents and carers through our doors and they worked closely with their children on intergalactic mathematical problems! #love week was celebrated last month where we focussed on love, our families and the importance of accepting differences. The children did us proud as always with their thoughtful ideas and beautiful poetry.

As I write the Summer term stretches out in front of us with still much to look forward to including Year 6’s residential trip, the Key Stage 2 production and Sports Week to name but a few. We wish our year 6’s all the very best in their upcoming SATS in mid-May; they have worked incredibly hard and will do themselves proud I am sure.

Ben Wainwright Acting Head teacher On Monday 25th April the Code Club members from school were invited to attend the opening of a new Learning Hub that has been opened in the terminal building of Birmingham Airport.

The Hub was officially opened by the Rt. Hon. Baroness Estelle Morris, a former MP and Education Secretary and the club members sat chatting to her whilst they were waiting for the opening ceremony to begin.

As well as the official bits there were activities for the club members to have a go at.

There were computing activities including the use of minecraft and scratch, materials testing tasks to look for properties that make them suitable for making spacecraft as well as exercises run by the Shakespeare Birthplace trust.

The only issue was that we didn’t have time to do everything!! It was great for the club to have the opportunity for such an enjoyable visit, more information about the hub is on the King Edward’s Schools website -

http:// www.schoolsofkingedwardvi.co.uk/pupils/learning-hub/

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 This has already been a year packed with events and there are plenty more to come, especially with The Olympics this August!

The Olympic spirit is best expressed in the Olympic Creed: "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."

It seems strange in today's world to even consider that winning is not as important as taking part. We all want to win, we all want to be champions, we all want to be the best. Each athlete competes to win – but they have undergone the struggles to get to where they are. They have made many sacrifices to have the opportunity to achieve their goal; sacrifices of time, effort, energy, relationships and money. They haven't just turned up ready to compete rather they have trained and prepared under the guidance of coaches and team managers. That gentle, or not so gentle, coaching prepares them to be the best that they can be in their chosen discipline. They might have set backs, perhaps injuries, their confidence might be dashed when they don't perform as well as they have expected to. It's a long, slow, and often painful, process that is echoed in all our lives. If we have a goal we set our sights on it and plough towards it –often without stopping to think of the consequences on ourselves and others. Sometimes when we come to the first hurdle that is blocking our way we give up. Sometimes we look and say that the task ahead is just too much for us.

Sometimes we simply say, “I can't do it any more”.

In his letter to the Romans St Paul (Romans 5:3-4) reminds us that: “we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

When we encounter a problem we have two options: to give up or to find a solution. If we always give up we very quickly lose sense of being, we feel useless and impotent. We hear a voice within us saying, “You'll never be able to do anything”. But if we chose to persevere, to search for a solution then the joy of overcoming our adversity has the opposite effect. We hear the voice saying, “Yeah! Go on! You can do it! And more!”

Persevering, working through and overcoming our own struggles and suffering builds us up, encourages us on our way through life.

It develops our character – and that character leads us to hope in a better and brighter future.

Sometimes we feel that we are so strong, that we don't need anyone or anything else in our lives. Everything seems to be perfect … then … our world comes crashing down around us.

I've had my own times of struggle, and no doubt I'll have many more! There've been times when I've felt like giving up but just like the athlete with the encouragement of a coach, I've picked myself up, dusted myself down and started all over again. That coach is the ultimate life coach, God, urging, coaxing and encouraging me to rediscover to important things in life. He has helped me to discover who I really am and given me a sense of purpose – His purpose.

This isn't just a gift for me or for committed Christians it is a gift for everyone.

So whatever your struggle is, take comfort in the fact that God is in the struggle with you. He wants to bring you His comfort and His peace. God is the ultimate coach who knows what is best for each of us and He has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) with blessings, Rev'd Lynda Lilley Meriden Play Group “Where Friends are made”

Enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, please contact Lynda on 01676522825 for further details Meriden Methodist Church Hall Every Tuesday during Term Time 10am-12 Join us for a fun playtime with your child, where you can 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

Enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings please contact Lynda on 01676 522825 for further details

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.

The Firebird Singers present

At Meriden Village Hall 7.30pm th

Saturday 18 June 2016 “Before I Go to Sleep” (15)

“A Spoonful of Songs” A celebration of the magical music of Disney

This is an edge-of- the- seat thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth. A woman wakes up every day remembering nothing as a result of a traumatic accident in her past. One day, new terrifying truths emerge that force her to question everyone around her.

We are most grateful to Sarah at “Fredanita Flowers and Gifts” on the Village Green for continuing to sell tickets for us.

Tickets (£5.00) and advance reservations are also available from Chris Copper (01676 522645) Our Cinema Season will re-commence in September following a summer break in July and August. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our regular movie buffs as well as our occasional visitors for their loyal support. We plan to continue to screen a varied programme of films in the autumn and look forward to welcoming newcomers to join our regulars when the nights draw in.

Have a wonderful summer.

With best wishes from the Big Picture Show Team

Singing for pleasure raising money for charity

Saturday 11th June 7.00pm Blue Coat Church of England School & Music College, Terry Road, Coventry CV1 2BA

Tickets £10.00 concessions £8.00 Contact Anna on 07792 525999 Our chosen charity for this season is the Multiple Sclerosis Society and a donation will be made to them at the end of the season

Kindly sponsored by ESOS

Registered charity numbers 1139257 / SCO41990

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.

This will be the last article that I will write for the Meriden Mag. After 8 years as the minister of the Methodist Church in the village, I have been asked to serve two churches in North Nottingham from September.

Although I am excited about serving in a new appointment and especially excited that I will no longer have to look after 5 churches(!), I am bound to feel a little emotional when the end comes after spending the last 8 years serving alongside some wonderful people here in Meriden.

I cannot reflect on everything in a few short paragraphs but I would like to offer some thanks to some key people from my time here.

It has been an honour and privilege to be able to share regularly with the young people of the village through assemblies and the opportunities afforded by the annual faith week in school. The teachers at school have always made me so welcome and I have been so pleased to share with the young people about lots of different topics. The children at school are both a credit to the school and their parents. Despite the silly games I have tried to introduce, they have always been well behaved and engaged with whatever we were thinking about. They were certainly very engaged when I spoke recently to year 6 about Christian perspectives on creation and the questions raised certainly kept me on my toes!

It would be my hope that we all continue to do our best to ensure that the children of the village have the best start in life and I pray that both through school and all that the churches in the village can offer, they will have opportunities to learn more about Jesus in their lives.

I have also deeply valued the annual Remembrance Day Service in the village. Because so many have wanted to remember those who have served us, it has taught me so much the sacrifices made and the depth of gratitude that we owe.

One of the most surprising thing about my time in Meriden is that it has actually coincided with St Laurence Church being served by 4 different vicars. I must have said something! But although there have been different faces, the relationships between our two churches and Meriden Christian Fellowship have always been strong. It would be my ongoing hope that these relationships continue to develop and deepen for the sake of the mission of Christ’s church.

Finally, I want to say thank you publically to the Methodist people of Meriden. From the beginning, they have shown me how kind and welcoming people transformed by the Spirit of Christ people can be. They may be small in number but they are generous and enormously loving. I know they will continue to offer care and support to all they encounter and it would certainly be my prayer that others in the village Date for your diary might know this warmth and love for themselves.

Kinwalsey Tree Service Love, peace and joy. Andrew Sunday 5th June 4.00pm

Rev’d Andrew Charlesworth ‘A Farewell’ Methodist ministers are not allocated a church for life, but are obliged to move every few years. It was in this tradition that Andrew came to Meriden some eight years ago, taking up the ministry not only here but also in Balsall Common and Lime Tree Park.

He arrived as a probationer, along with his wife, Sarah, and daughters, Phoebe and Abigail. I think it is fair to say that Andrew hit the ground running; not only having to minister to three quite different churches, in his first few weeks he found himself officiating at a succession of funerals and must have wondered if he was doing something seriously wrong!

Andrew was quick to get involved with village life, regularly leading assemblies at the school, contributing to the Meriden Mag, and seeing opportunities where the three Christian churches in Meriden could work more closely together.

Throughout, he encouraged us to embrace different styles of joint worship, building on the common ground of Christ’s teaching.

Andrew has always been particularly keen to encourage young people in their journey with God. His Sunday services at the Methodist church regularly featured a game linked to the theme of that day’s worship for youngsters to enjoy, though it has to be said that link was often rather tenuous! He ran a series of membership (or confirmation) classes where he was equally happy to discuss The Bible, play a round of beach cricket, or a game of football. Some may have been a little surprised to see a man in a dog collar being quite so determined to get the ball, or to take a shot at goal.

Andrew arrived as a shy, slightly unsure new minister, but quickly found his feet, growing in confidence as a result.

Resource pressures within the Coventry & Nuneaton Circuit (of which Meriden is a part) meant an ever increasing work load: he was soon responsible for five churches, and subsequently also became Deputy Superintendent of the Circuit.

Sadly Andrew will be leaving us in August, maybe still a little shy, but grown into an extraordinary minister who encourages those around him to see the Editors’ note: We would like to add beauty of God’s creation, and to share their personal experience of Jesus with our good wishes to Andrew for the others. He will be greatly missed. future and thank him for his many Andrew’s last service in Meriden is on Sunday June 19th at 10:30 a.m. contributions to the Meriden Mag. Richard Smith

Queens Head Head Old Old Road RoadMeriden Meriden Queens 01676 522256 Monday night is music night come along th March 9.15pm Keithapprox.

Brett and join us, music7 starts 14th March Chrissy st 21June March Matt Bowen 6th Keith Brett th 28 March Bee 13th Stevie Chrissy 20th Stu Clements 4th April27th Jakki Benny Jay 11th April Guy Surtees th 18July April Marade 4th Jenny 25th April FeetFeet 11th 2 Left 2 Left 18th Guy Surtees 2nd May25th Micky Dean Steve Bee th 9 May Dean Thomas August 1st Jackie 16th May8th SamT Southall BA 23rdMay 15th Stevie BestDean Micky th 30 May22nd TBA Sam Southall 29th Steve Best 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

01676 522256

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

Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00- 2.30pm Pop in for good food and a warm welcome Take away available 01676 522256

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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

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

01676 522822 Fresh local farm chickens Hand raised pork pies all sizes Ribs of beef on the bone Free range English pork Top quality lamb Wide selection of prize winning sausages • Wide selection of cheeses • Wide selection of bacon including dry cured English bacon • Fresh barbecue meats

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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

Opening hours Weekdays 6.00am -10pm Weekends 7.00am-10pm

Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP I am sure that many local residents would agree with me that Meriden has a proud history of commemoration and remembrance; not least through the celebration of the annual cyclist’s memorial service. This year, this service took place on the 22nd May, and will again commemorate the cyclists who took part in reconnaissance missions and transported important messages between battlefields.

Almost a century on, it is difficult for many of us to comprehend how our continent was gripped by war and understand the fears of the civilians who lived day-to-day with the looming threat of air raids or invasion. Yet, because of the strength and determination of successive generations we have been able to succeed in restoring peace and prosperity to the region through the formation of multilateral institutions like the European Union and NATO. Any student of history will recall how Europe stumbled its way to war in 1914 through the confused lines of communications between states, the ambiguity of nations’ commitments to one another, and the absence of any system to de-escalate tension. However, since the battle-lines of all Europe were last drawn in 1945, these institutions have served as a platform which has enabled us to work together to the betterment of our society in ways which could never have been conceived all those years ago.

For that reason, I would urge local residents to carefully consider the lessons history has taught us, and what we would have to lose by sacrificing our seat at the table in the forthcoming EU referendum.

I understand that for many, this is a difficult choice and the answer to this complex question will require much consideration. However, I would argue that history has shown us that we have reconciled any differences we may have with our neighbours before, and during periods where the circumstances were far more complex. So, whilst there is much I would change about our relationship with the EU, I would urge us not to shy away from the debates to be had, and stand together as a proud member of an organisation forged from conflict, in memory of those who paid the ultimate price for peace and opportunity.

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

At our March meeting David Berry kept us entertained with his light-hearted view of retirement – a time when most retires really wonder how they ever had time to go to work.

‘Grandad songs’ was the theme of Alan Tumblers evening in April, when he played a variety of songs and also gave some readings.

In May we discussed the W.I. resolution to be voted on at the AGM in June. We voted in favour of both resolutions – one relating to appropriate care in hospital for people with dementia and the second on tackling food waste. We also enjoyed Colin Harris’s talk about the ‘Merrie Month of May’ describing the many traditions and rituals associated with May in Britain especially with regard to May Day. Elizabeth Spencer Future Programme th

Monday 6 June ‘Mary Quant’ Ruth Lowe Monday 4th July ‘Cakes for casualties’ Kathleen Ryan Monday 1st August Games evening VISITORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn’t control her pupils!

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Meriden Rotary Club – President’s Message Hello Everyone, Time seems to fly even faster and I am now into my last quarter as President.

Our busy calendar has continued with a full programme of excellent speakers including: A fascinating talk on the life and career of our local literary giant George Eliot A presentation on “communicating in different ways” including signing A talk on Aquabox which is a Rotary Charity run by volunteers which supplies survival boxes to disaster areas A musical evening when two young ladies who were selected to represent The Club in the Regional Rotary Young Musicians contest came to entertain us. They were both amazingly talented at such a tender age and were just edged out in the final.

In terms of recent and imminent events; We have just had an informal fellowship evening with Atherstone Rotary Club at the Cottage Pub in Fillongley. With 56 members attending we virtually took over the Pub and whilst the fellowship was excellent, work needs to be done all round on dart throwing skills.

We have a barn dance at Nether Whittacre village Hall this coming weekend which was great fun last year Our golf day at Maxstoke Park, held to raise funds for Woodlands School Coleshill, will be held in two weeks’ time In this very special year of commemoration, we are shortly departing on a four day visit to France to visit “The Somme” battlefield and other important sites Coming up we have our presentation night when we will give cheques to the Charities we are supporting this year and my Presidents Night at The Manor Hotel when we will be well fed and entertained.

Our last major fundraising event of the year is “The Megaride” on Sunday 26th June, details of which are given on the back page of the magazine. This event is not just for bikers but for villagers as well with entertainment, including a return visit of the Firebird Singers, displays and a beer tent. I hope that as many as possible will come along to a fun afternoon for which we ask just a voluntary donation to charities.

Finally, it gives me great pleasure to welcome our latest recruit, Mike Holdsworth who lives in the village and to invite anyone who is at all interested to come along to a meeting and see what we are about.

I hope that you have a great summer

President Meriden Rotary

Best wishes Tony Hill Tel 01676 540502 Website : www.meridenrotary.org.uk

Lyn and I and two of our leadership team had the great privilege of attending the AOG (Assemblies Of God) National Conference at the beginning of May in Bradford, and were blessed by some amazing praise and worship led by Tim Hughes with Praise Central and world class teaching. I came away blessed and challenged having been soaked in the presence of God through the Holy Spirit, His word and a real sense of refreshing. As I reflected on this I realised that this sense of refreshing had come because I had been able to take three days out of my busy schedule and join with 1400 other like-minded Christians to simply worship the King of kings and receive rather than give out all the time. There's a saying that 'a change is as good as a rest' and how true I found that to be.

Sometimes we have to take a step back to be able to see a situation more clearly, or just simply stop and reflect and allow new life to be breathed into something. How many of us go about our daily lives rushing from one thing to another or one disaster to another and find ourselves running on adrenalin or automatic pilot without even thinking of the effect this may be having on us physically, emotionally or spiritually or for that matter on someone else. Until the time comes when our bodies say enough is enough and we become exhausted, or ill and end up being no good to anyone.

The trouble is the pace of society is getting faster and faster and demand on our time is becoming greater and greater. For instance how many times do you go into a café and instead of people sitting and relaxing over a nice cup of coffee, they are on their mobile phones, texting or reading emails or telling people on face book that they're having a cup of coffee...like anybody cares!! But we're so caught up in doing that we forget how to relax and take time out to allow our bodies to recuperate.

The Bible tells us to ''Be still and know that I Am God.'' (Psalm 46:10) it also tells us that 'The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul' (Psalm 23:1-30). This is a wonderful picture of a God who cares for us and provides for all our needs, including our need to rest and be refreshed. One of the challenges I came away from the conference with was to allow time in my busy week to be still, and not feel guilty that I should be doing something, or going somewhere or seeing someone, but to simply, Be Still. I challenge you each day or at least sometime in the week to schedule in a quiet time, where you can be on your own and simply be still. You may find it really weird or uncomfortable at first, but I urge you to do and stick at it until it becomes part of your daily or weekly schedule, and I guarantee you will feel the benefit of doing it. For me it will be to take more time to be still and soak in the presence of God and to allow Him to refresh me. There's nothing quite like the presence of Almighty God to refresh a person, I've known it many times and need to practice His presence more.

For some of you reading this you may be thinking what's he going on about 'practising God's presence'? Well I'd be happy to sit with you and explain maybe over a cup of coffee. Without the mobile phone!! Or would simply suggest you go into a room on your own close your eyes and ask God to come and refresh you. You might just be amazed at what might happen.

He (God) refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His Name's sake. (Psalm 23:3).

Have a great summer, and may God's grace be lavished upon you.

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 over 275 members 28 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:

Day Thursday

Date June 7th July 2016

Thursday

4th August 2016

Topic No Meeting The Work of a Thames Pilot Philip Larkin and Coventry

Speaker Phil Shaylor Sheila Woolf

Because of the increasing attendance of our monthly core meetings we have had to move to a larger venue. As from July 2016 the meetings will be held on the first Thursday of the month in St Peter’s Church Hall, Holly Lane Balsall Common CV7 7EA.

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

'AH COME ON NOW'

.

Eager readers of the 'MM' will no doubt be wondering whether the tipsily conceived idea (is 'tipsily' a word?) to raise money for Alzheimer's Society on St Patrick's day in Touchwood Shopping Centre ('through the medium of song and dance') actually happened. Well wait no more!

In the centre pages of this Mag is photographic evidence of the event which was oodles of fun, enjoyed by all and raised a goodly amount thanks to the generosity of Touchwood shoppers It was great to unleash all the old Irish favourite songs on the unsuspecting shoppers who quickly got into the swing of things Pictured in the centre pages (green hat and mic.) is 'yer man' surrounded by fun loving helpers and shoppers getting into the spirit of things. An array of people turned up to support us from our precious 'locals' to members of the Irish community who had put us on their personal 'celebration trail'. (They were visiting a number of places to celebrate 'St Pats' throughout the day). Lots of 'selfies' and threatened YouTube footage too. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to help you were funtastic!

Bad news I’m afraid! Touchwood have booked us again for next year!!! OMG! Might even do some 'live streaming' next year so that you can watch us on your pc or mobile!! You'll be needing a 'tablet' after that to be sure! But watching us digitally won’t, of course, be the same as coming along and having a 'jig' so put a visit to Touchwood in your diary for next year please on the 17th of March 2017 And there's no stopping us now!

NEWSFLASH: Latest INSPIRED IDEA. Fancy a good old fashioned SINGALONG? Come to the QUEEN'S HEAD to celebrate the QUEEN'S OFFICIAL BIRTHDAY and no doubt raise a few bob for a good local cause on SATURDAY JUNE THE 11th 2016 (5 - 7pm) with AFTERNOON TEA, (sandwiches and cakes). Look out locally for details. So if you haven't sung 'On 'Mother Kelly's Doorstep', 'Underneath the Arches' or danced the 'Lambeth Walk' for a while why not come along for a bit of fun. If you are under 50 and have no idea what I am talking about, why not come along anyway for an 'earful' of songs from yesteryear (song sheets provided) David McGrath

Don’t worry about old age It doesn’t last!

Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell CV7 7BN 01676 530 299 / 07949 119 436

Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7. 30 – 9.30pm approx On the 3rd Monday of every month June

No Meeting- It is the Flower Clubs Annual Outing

18 July

Twn Sion Cati (The Welsh Robin Hood) Linda Seabrook

August

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

No Meeting We start back on 19 September

New members are always welcome.

For more information please contact Mo Reynolds 01676 521457

Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk

Introductory Offer Coffee and cake £3.00

Naturopathic Medicine Janet E Spence ND Iridology Naturopathy Scenar Therapy Nutritional Advice Colon Hydrotherapy Manual Lymphatic Drainage Janet E Spence is a Registered Naturopathic Practitioner with many years of experience within the complementary healthcare sector. From her clinics in Birmingham and Warwick she offers a variety of treatments with an emphasis on preventative healthcare.

The Northwood Practice

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

In February Margaret Oliver talked to us about Global Care – a U.K. international relief and development agency based in Coventry supporting vulnerable children It isCentre a Christian foundation butofworks Come and Meet Each Other at theworldwide.

Community on the 4th Friday the with many different faith month communities seventeen countries helping vulnerable children such as street kids in Columbia and at 2.00inp.m.

Honduras, abandoned children in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand, children in India’s slums and AIDS orphans in Uganda. Margaret explained that she had been looking for a challenge so decided to join ten other volunteers, including her daughter, on a visit to Soroti in Uganda last summer to help run a children’s camp for sponsored children.

We were shown slides as she told us about the trip. All the volunteers paid for themselves and . lived in a guest house a mile from the project sleeping under mosquito nets and eating mainly beans and rice.

Twenty children normally live at the Global Care Centre but for five days there were 160 children ranging in age from toddlers to sixteen year olds. There was a varied programme of Bible stories, singing, many games including football and rounders, water fights and even a sports day with sack and egg and spoon races. There were also lots of craft activities. They all seemed to enjoy themselves and looked very happy. At the end all the children were sent home with soap, a mattress, a plastic plate and a cup.

For our Easter meeting in March David Caunt returned to give a talk entitled ‘New light on Old Hymns’. He talked about three hymns which he said we didn’t hear very much in church nowadays. He told us he particularly liked the words which he felt were preferable to those of modern hymns. The first one he played to us was ‘There is a fountain filled with blood’ by the English poet William Cowper based on Zechariah 13:1. The second one was, in fact, familiar to some of us: ‘The Old Rugged Cross written by George Bernard. He had loved what the Cross represented and signified and in 1938 it was voted America’s favourite song. The final hymn he discussed and played was ‘I Come to The Garden Alone’ by C. Austin Miles which he wrote based on the Bible passage where Mary Magdalene encounters Jesus on the morning of the Resurrection.

In April, 23 members enjoyed our annual lunch out. This year we returned to The Lavender Tea Rooms and after lunch spent time looking round the Garden Centre and purchasing plants.

We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone:

Joan 523507 or Pam 523372 Forthcoming Meetings:-.

24th June – ‘ Holiday at Home’ in Berkswell.

22nd July – Poems with strawberries and cream.

26th August – To be confirmed.

Meeting will be held in the Village Hall.

Extreme Clean A wide range of professional cleaning services for domestic and commercial properties.

Our services include carpet cleaning, house cleaning, office cleaning, and end of tenancy cleaning.

We've built up a reputation to provide a good quality, reliable service and value for money.

Please call Caroline on 07722077688 to arrange a professional cleaning service that you can rely on.

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

A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco I am writing this article just after being re-elected as your ward councillor. Firstly, I must express my gratitude for those who voted for me – I am very happy to have been re-elected as I have really enjoyed the last 4 years representing the residents of Meriden, Berkswell, Balsall Common and Fen End. I am looking forward to addressing the challenges that we face over the next 4 years. I moved to the Meriden ward in 1998 and have always valued the beautiful surrounding countryside. During April, I delivered election leaflets to all parts of the Meriden Ward and it confirmed to me how lucky we are to live here. We must protect the rural nature of our local area. But make no mistake, we do face a number of significant challenges with the potential start of HS2 construction in 2017/18 and the pressure to build more houses.

As I said in my election leaflet, I am not opposed to new development – we desperately need more homes - but it has to be in keeping with the local surroundings. We need to receive the necessary infrastructure to go with the increased demand placed on our local schools, transport infrastructure and other facilities such as parking. We have to be creative to ensure any new development is as nonintrusive as possible and built in the right places. I have been heartened by how proactive our local parish councils and residents’ associations have been in developing neighbourhood plans. There are some very good ideas on where to site new developments but it is important that we work together across the Meriden ward so that no section of the community feels unfairly treated. We need to ensure that any new developments benefit local people as well as those who may wish to come to live here.

I have been fortunate to have met many residents over the last 4 years and heard first-hand what your major issues are. I know in some of the more rural areas of Meriden that the centre of Solihull can seem a long way away, and some residents do feel a little detached from Solihull Council (SMBC). Over the next 4 years, I will work hard to ensure that the interests of the people of Meriden are given full consideration by SMBC. I will continue to press for better transport links into Solihull, Birmingham International and Coventry so that local residents are not so dependent on the car. I will keep working with Birmingham Airport Limited (BAL) to reduce the impact of aircraft flying to and from the airport and I will work with my fellow councillors, parish councillors and SMBC officers to reduce the impact of HS2 construction and new development.

Finally, I look forward to working with all local residents over the next 4 years. I would like to see more community initiatives like the recent “Clean for the Queen” where local people came out in force to collect the large amount of litter that had been dropped in the local area. Obviously these initiatives have to be in support of and not replace council services, but I believe we can all help to improve our local communities.

If you have any issues with your council services, parking, anti-social behaviour, or related issues, then please get in touch with me at: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk. Thank you again for reelecting me and I wish you all a happy and healthy summer.

MEMBERS WANTED – EVERYONE WELCOME!

Passwords are like pants.

Don’t share them with anybody and change them frequently!

St Swithin’s Weekend Barston B92 0JU 15th -17th July

One of the Oddfellows Allotment Holders Mr Douglas Timmis was selected to receive a Maundy Money purse from her Majesty the Queen at St George’s Chapel Windsor on Maundy Thursday .He was selected because of his work in the community and his church. He received a red purse containing a £5 coin for the Queen’s 90th birthday and a 50p coin marking the 950th anniversary of the battle of Hastings. The white purse contained uniquely minted Maundy coins equating in pence to her age.

Berkswell Museum

St Swithin’s Church Flower Festival St Swithin’s House and Garden Gardens open, Light refreshments all day Barston Memorial Institute: Arts and Crafts exhibition Free Admission Friday Short service in Church 2pm Events open 2.30 – 5.00pm

Saturday Events open 10.30am-5.00pm Sunday Open Air Service 10.30am Events open 12.30-5.00pm

Maxstoke Castle B46 2RD Open Day Sunday 12th June By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Fetherston-Dilke Approximately 5 acres of garden and grounds with herbaceous shrubs and trees surrounding the 14th century moated castle.

The interior and gardens will be open between 11am and 5pm No wheelchair access to house Admission £7.50 concessions £5 Free Parking refreshments and homemade teas Plant and gift stall Proceeds in aid of the National Gardens scheme

It is with regret that the museum will remain closed and the collection dispersed. If anyone who has loaned or donated artefacts and wish to have them back please contact Berkswell Parish Council 07443 644896 or Wendy Burns 01676 522077 or Margaret Argyle 01676 522453

The Meriden Plumber NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL 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 (inc electrics, plastering, tiling & carpentry work)

All Plumbing Work Undertaken

07972 868 512 email:meridenplumber@hotmail.co.uk www.themeridenplumber.co.uk

BALSALL COMMON VETS

Run for dog lovers by dog lovers

Harvest Hill Kennels

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

Harvest Hill Cottage Harvest Hill Lane, Allesley Coventry CV5 9DE 02476 404608 or 07584294144 Family run business with over 40 years combined experience in ALL breeds.

Offering boarding, taxi service, training and advice. Viewings welcome by appointment, or simply give us a call for a friendly chat to discuss your best friend’s needs.

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 are held at Berkswell Reading Room at 7.45pm for 8.00 pm start unless otherwise stated.

Wednesday 8th June “Hodge: The Life & Times of an Ag Lab.” Sylvia Pinches Wednesday 13th July “The Last Explorer-Sir Hubert Wilkins.”

Alan Godfrey Wednesday 10th August “Maundy Money Memories.” Chris Philp

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

Refreshments included. Annual Membership £5.

A Prickly Presence in Meriden Over the last year Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has been investigating the whereabouts of Solihull’s hedgehogs. The Trust’s Senior Hedgehog Officer, Simon Thompson, has been encouraging residents to report any hedgehog sightings from around the borough and to use special tunnels to capture the footprints of any hedgehogs plodding about under the cover of darkness. The project has been a great success this far with information coming in from across the borough. The hedgehogs recorded in Meriden throughout 2015 are plotted on the map below.

Thanks to funding from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, the Hedgehog Improvement Area project is continuing its work with this declining species throughout 2016. One of the main reasons for the decline of hedgehogs is that the environment has become split up into many inaccessible chunks; walls, fences and roads carve up the landscape and block the hedgehog’s highway. The project is now focussing on joining up these blocked off patches into a continuous corridor for hedgehogs.

You can do your part by opening up a CD sized hole into your garden and allowing hedgehogs the right to roam around your garden on the hunt for food and shelter.

The Wildlife Trust is still very keen to find where our hedgehogs are in the borough and the county as a whole, so if you have seen a hedgehog then please record your sighting online at: www.helpforhedgehogs.co.uk/sightings For more information please contact Simon Thompson by email; simon.thompson@wkwt.org.uk, or at the home of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in Solihull, details below Telephone: 0121 704 0768

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust THE PARKRIDGE CENTRE, Brueton Park Home of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in Solihull

To book Parkridge Events either Book on-line or call 0121 704 0768 Workshops: £4:50 Crafty Drop-ins: £2.00 60 minute Marvels: £3.50 HOLIDAYS – TIME FOR NATURE, TIME FOR FUN! May Half Term There is something on every day of the holidays, come and join the fun!

Summer Holidays Discover what lurks in the murky depths on th th our Frogs and Friends Workshop on the 28 July (Parkridge) 29 July (Brandon) or join our fairy tales session for tots (ages 2-4) on the 11th August (Brandon) 12th August (Parkridge). There is something on every single day of the holidays.

REGULAR TERM TIME EVENTS Nature Babies Monday term time 10-12, drop in £3.50 per child Nature Tots Friday term time sessions run at 10:30-12 or 1:002:30 £3.50 per child, perfect for age 2-4 Check out our website for Events Listings – we have a host of events for Adults too! Holiday Events are now available to book online

www.warwickshirewildlife trust.org.uk/whats-on

We have a beautiful 5 acre Nature Reserve, accessed via the Dragonfly Tearoom and free of charge, a nature themed gift shop, 2nd hand books/dvd’s and a beautiful bird feeding station which can be viewed from the comfort of the Tearoom. We also welcome School visits throughout the year and Really Wild Birthday Parties are available to book every single weekend.

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

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 •

Every Wednesday – Meriden Bike Meet with BBQ in the garden

•

Decades Band will be appearing in June, watch out for details

•

Friday 26th August - Abba Sensation Tribute Band

•

Every 3rd Thursday ‘Open Mike Night’

•

Every Friday eveningCash Bingo, meat raffle and ‘Open the Box’

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 Hanging baskets made to order.

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

WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK

Tel: 07904 239365 :

From Richard Lloyd Chairman

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

The HS2 bulldozers have started work - not building the line, but pushing the HS2 Bill through its 3rd reading in the House of Commons. Considering the cost to the taxpayer will be upwards of £70 Billion, 37 minutes of debate seems less than adequate. Fifty amendments to the Bill had been tabled, but weren't discussed. Amongst them were several put forward by Mrs Spelman to reduce the impact of HS2 arising from the magnitude of the scheme and its straight-line green field route.

The Bill has now moved to the House of Lords, where there was a brief opportunity for people affected by the scheme to deposit petitions and request permission to appear before the Select Committee in the Lords. A total of 820 petitions went in, so it appears the earlier Select Committee in the Commons achieved little, despite sitting for two years. Very few petitioners had their issues resolved, and very few were persuaded to withdraw their complaints. There is significant opposition in the Lords to the environmental damage caused by HS2, so petitioners are right in thinking they will get a more thorough and sympathetic hearing in the upper house.

One of the new Petitioners, this time around, is Meriden Parish Council, who will be seeking to mitigate the impact of not just the years of disruption during construction and the intrusion of the "Birmingham" station into the Meriden Gap Greenbelt, but also the emerging threats of the relocated Household Waste Site and major new road construction. It's becoming increasingly difficult to track the full impact of HS2, because the Bill gives the Government free rein to do what they want in the swathe of land they're acquiring, and Solihull Council will find it hard to resist any additional demands outside the planned land-take.

Unfortunately, mitigation costs money, and a key objective will be to get statutory protection written into the Bill, and absolute clarity on all the proposed works. Whether the imminent departure of Sir David Higgins will help matters is unclear, as he allowed costs to rise despite the axing of links to Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel.

Further savings could come from cutting the very expensive last few miles into both Birmingham and London, but that wouldn't ease the devastation in this area.

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

Fredanita

AGUAFLAME UK

Flower & Gift Boutique

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

Sarah Mcguigan Proprietor and florist

• • • • •

01676 523 192 home 07970 119142 mobile email : aguaflameuk@gmail.com Terry Griffiths

We specialise in wedding flowers Please call in and discuss your requirements with us

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

Summer is here, believe it or not….so we are painting a few flowers. You will need some watercolour paper, pencil and watercolour paints and brushes.

1. Very lightly draw out some of the flowers and the little jug. You can add more flowers as you go.

2. Start painting a few flowers by carefully wetting one petal at a time with a small brush and clean water. While this petal is still wet tickle in the colour either around the edge or into the centre of the petal, letting it run into the water and soften. Move well away from this petal and on to a different flower and repeat with the next petal. Only paint the petals next to each other when the first is dry.

Paint different flowers the same way with:• Blue + Crimson Red (Purple) • Crimson Red + Blue (Pinkie purple) • Crimson Red • For the white flowers use a little mix of Blue + a touch of Brown (weak blue/grey) Work around the arrangement, balancing the different coloured flowers in the arrangement and adding more flowers where needed.

3. Add the little jug by wetting the whole of the jug first and then adding the following mix:• Blue + a touch of Brown (weak blue/grey) 4. Do the same with the shadow. Wet the area around the base of the jug and way off the paper with clean water then add the colour close to the jug.

5. Add a few stems with varying mixes of:• Blue + Yellow (Green)

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

Created by Julie Hyde

Email:jph300@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2016

ON THE WEEKEND OF 23RD/24TH APRIL THE VILLAGE WAS TREATED TO A FABULOUS DISPLAY

With thanks to Roy Hands and Ian Courts for the photographs

Sunday fun day 2015 David McGrath entertaining at Touchwood

Walking the cross Good Friday

Meriden Archery Club Junior section winners of the County of Warwick Archery Association Summer Postal League 2015

Orme School of Dancing Showtime

Beautiful bluebells in Millisons Wood

St. George’s Day Fun Day held at the Alfrey Scout Activity Centre Broadwater, Packington on the 23rd April 2106

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beaver Scouts Last term we said goodbye to 4 Beaver Scouts as they moved up to Cubs and welcomed 7 new Beavers to our group.

We started working towards the Teamwork Challenge Badge and completed the Air Activities Badge. The Beavers debated which badges they would like to work towards over the next couple of terms and the Animal Friend and Gardening badges proved the most popular, so we have some exciting activities ahead achieving these badges.

This term we also launched the Global Issues Badge, where we will be exploring environmental issues around recycling, animal welfare and fair-trade. This year marks the 30th birthday of the Beaver Scout movement so we will be having a party to celebrate with Barry the Beaver! Finally, the St Georges Activity Day at Alfey Centre proved a great success and I was very proud of the way Meriden Beavers behaved. They enjoyed exciting activities such as pond dipping, climbing wall, archery, dragons den to name but a few.... The day finished with songs round the campfire, I think the Meriden Group sang the loudest by far!!

Please note that the Beaver Scout section is currently full but a waiting list is open for young boys and girls wishing to join.

Scouts The Scouts have been enjoying a wide range of activities from cooking pancakes, ice skating, learning some navigation skills and backwoods cooking over open fires. There has also been an expedition where 8 Scouts navigated themselves over a route. A Patrol Leaders’ camp and a trip to North Wales.

The Patrol Leaders’ camp saw two groups produce their own menu, cook on open fires and eat around a table and benches that they had built themselves.

North Wales was a tale of snow in the morning, lovely sunshine in the afternoon and a lot of very wet feet! I think everyone enjoyed it, even those who came back in the evening with their feet in plastic bags, inside their boots.

We have one more camp before the summer break as well as an active programme including some pioneering, various Scout skills and a “Super Scout” competition.

We would like to say a big thank you and good luck to Jay who has been helping us for a while now but has had to move away with work. I'm sure all the Scouts will miss him but he will be back for the weekend at Strategy camp and we look forward to that.

For more detail of what we've been doing and what we have planned please visit our blog site at http://1stmeridenscouts.blogspot.co.uk and if you think Scouting’s for you get in touch. If Bear Dares why don’t you.

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.

The children from Meriden School have written some lovely love poems, we wish we had room for them all !

I am Yours – by McKenzie I am your teddy bear to tightly hug I am your favourite toy you love to play with.

I am the rainbow that fills your heart Whatever I am, I am yours!

I am the soft smile on your face I am the fluffy pillow you like to sleep on.

I am the coat that keeps you warm.

Whatever I am, I am yours!

You are an angel sent down from heaven And I am your guardian.

I am yours....

Love is the first step on a snowy day, Love is as special as you, Love is as bright as the shining sun, Love is like a rose growing stronger, Love is as beautiful as a sunny day, Love is as sweet as a butterfly, Love is like a rainbow - it comes in different ways, Love is as unbreakable as a diamond, Love is like time - it never ends.

Love is a kiss when you’re feeling sad, Love is when you’re with your friends.

Love is as bright as summer’s day, Love is a Valentine’s heart.

Love is a seed that turns into a flower, Love is a dressed picked for a wedding.

Love is as bright as a colourful rainbow, Love is the petal of a flower.

Love is an ice - cream when you’re hot, Love is an understanding relationship.

Love is a hug when your heart is burning, Love is sun cream when you’re in blazing sun.

Love is the colour when everything’s dull.

Ryan

Mia

We are thrilled to have achieved A very special milestone! With many Many Volunteers over the years, we are congratulations pleased to announce that we have sent A wonderful a total of £400,000 to the achievement National Account of Cancer Research UK An area organiser came to one of our events and presented us with a certificate of Achievement, this is now hanging on a wall in the village hall. We must pay tribute to all past and present volunteers. At most events we have enjoyed ourselves too – though occasionally it does feel like an “uphill struggle!”

Meriden Volunteers for

“Together we will cure Cancer Sooner” We have recently spent a weekend collecting at Tesco and raised £805. The main aim of this event was to promote “The Race for life” – you can run, jog or walk, If you are interested in this or the “Muddy Race”, which should be fun. Please get in touch. We will have a bric-brac stall on the Green for the ‘Funday Sunday’ to celebrate the Queens 90th birthday on 12th June. If you can let us have any jewellery scarves, handbags, games, books etc to sell we would be most grateful and can collect if needed.

The Ladies in the Pink night is once again at Strawberry Bank Hotel on Friday 14th October.

Thank you all for your support.

Mary Warr and Committee.

The dancers at The Orme School of Dancing’s Meriden Branch danced beautifully at ‘Showtime 2016’. The annual show included show stoppers such as ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’, ‘Play that Funky Music’ and our youngest dancers looked gorgeous in their ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘On Bobby’s Buses’ dances. The senior dancers sparkled in their show pieces which included pieces from ‘Cats’.

If you would like to get your child involved in ballet, tap and modern jazz sessions at our Meriden Branch on Mondays at the Meriden Methodist Church then please get in touch on 02476 467271 or at www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk. We have different classes suitable for children from 2 years of age up to senior school age as well as our adult tap class where there isn’t an age limit!

Photographs of the show appear in the centre pages

Calling all Photographers We are always delighted to receive your photographs of village events or beautiful Meriden scenes, to feature in the Meriden Mag. Please email your pictures to

val.simon@btinternet.com or margarete.argyle@gmail.com

ME SC HO OR OL

Showtime at the Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch

Mary Warr and the current Meriden Committee with their certificate TH E

Please Telephone for tickets and information 01676 522160 * 01676 522855 * 01676 522986 01676 522555

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 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!!!

Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday Thursday Saturday

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

Summer Reading Challenge We are delighted to announce the theme for the 2016 summer reading challenge is The Big Friendly Read! The challenge will be linking up with the global year-long Roald Dahl 100 celebrations, honouring the world's No.1 storyteller. The Big Friendly Read will feature some of Roald Dahl's best-loved characters and the amazing artwork of his principal illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake. The summer reading challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays for children aged 4 to 11 years. You can sign up at the library, then read six library books of your choice, collecting stickers and other rewards along the way – all FREE. Look out for the colourful displays in Meriden Library and come along to sign up and join in the fun when the challenge begins in July.

Summer Activities Children’s Craft Table - Come along and join in our summer activities at the library during August.

There will be a drop in craft table for children and their families throughout August with different crafts and activities to do each week. No need to book – just pop in when you are passing and have some fun!

Reading Café – Romance, crime, historical, classics, family sagas, thrillers and so many more; what’s your favourite theme? Drop into the library for our Reading Café and meet other readers for a chat about books, authors, reading or anything else over a coffee.

Monday June 20 – 10.30-11.30am.

Monday July 18 - 10.30-11.30am.

Story time for the under-fives – Our popular Story Times continue to take place every Monday during term time, from 2.45pm – 3.15pm. Please come and join in our lovely story group of parents and carers: make friends and enjoy some stories and crafts with your young children in the library.

Joining the library is easy and quick, so ask staff for more details.

Library members can book a computer for up to 2 hours free of charge each day. Sessions can be extended for £1.50 per hour or part of an hour.

Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library closes.

Free internet access Meriden Library has free to use computers and offers: • 2 hours free internet access for library members • Microsoft Office packages • printing facilities (charges apply) • scanners You will need your library card to use a computer. If you’re not yet a member, Wi-Fi - Free Wi-Fi access is available at all Solihull libraries. Ask staff for more information.

Computer Tuition – If the idea of using a computer fills you with dread; if you don’t know Facebook from Google or email from searching online – we are here to help! We offer a six week computer taster course for all ages, where you can learn on a one-to-one basis with a tutor. There is a small charge. Please ask for more details.

Readers Circle It’s been quite a year so far with all the Queens celebrations so we will start the ball rolling with: June 15th Any book written during the Queen’s life time.

July 20th The most enjoyable book you have read so far this summer.

August There will be no meeting in August this year as some of us will be reading on far flung beaches.

Happy Reading, If any of this appeals, please give Margaret Houldsworth a ring on 01676 523603 for further information and the venue.

Balsall Common Writers

Is five years old. Started in 2011 by Anne Santos (Member of the Society of Authors) Elsa Halling (MA in Creative Writing) and David Deanshaw.

It now has seven published authors and is about to launch its second Anthology. If you are interested in writing and the support given by a group of writers then contact Anne Santos info@balsallcommonwriters.org.uk

Jane West Tel: 07715 861067 Psychic Medium and Crystal Vibrational Therapist in Meriden 1-2-1 face-to-face readings, group parties (up to 6 people), email readings Email: jane_1_2_1@hotmail.co.uk Facebook: Jane – Medium and Crystal Vibrational Therapist

Vintage afternoon teas At the Meriden Sports Pavilion On Sundays 29th May & 5th June Come along and support us, these are trial dates, but if the event proves popular we will add more dates in the summer.

Look for our tea pot advertising board outside the sports park .gates

THE GREAT WAR SOCIETY Over the St George’s Day weekend, members of The Great War Society, a living history group, camped out behind the Queen’s Head pub, living as soldiers and nurses from the First World War. Throughout the weekend, the public were able to walk around the living-history camp and medical hospital and attend uniform and British Infantry equipment demonstrations of musketry with the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield service rifle, platoon light machine gun support with the Lewis Gun and bombing with the use of the hand grenade. The Great War Society also attended the raising and lowering of St George’s flag on the Village Green.

The event was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund given to Meriden’s First World War Commemoration Committee. Committee members thank the HLF and Laurence and Caroline O’Neill of the Queen’s Head Pub for supplying the land and facilities. Special thanks go to the men and women of the Great War Society for what

was a fantastic history lesson that Meriden will never forget.

Paul Lee

See centre colour pages for more photographs

This year’s Fillongley Show, promises to be better than ever.

Apart from the regular attractions of livestock, poultry and horse classes, dog show, trade stands ,craft tent,Young Farmers, show jumping and our amazing horticultural tent, this year we have the return of the hilarious PANTO HORSE RACING! For only £20 you, your club, group or company can sponsor a horse for the day’s big race and you could finish the day celebrating in the glamour and glory of the winner’s enclosure with big cash prizes!

Last year’s change of show layout and new food area, as well as the exciting new members’ marquee and enclosure, gave everyone great views of the main ring and proved very popular with visitors. This year’s ring attractions include camel racing and Jez Avery – the world renowned stunt legend, amongst others, which promise to be great crowd pleasers.

Ticket prices are well below other shows and events at only £10 per adult and £20 for two adults and their children.

Parking is free. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun by entering the classes for livestock, poultry, dogs, horses, home-made jam or home-grown vegetables. There are classes for everyone and plenty for children too. Schedules will be available online soon – see our website or Facebook page – and there will be schedules available at many local outlets in Allesley, Fillongley, Corley, Meriden, Tile Hill, and further afield.

You can find out more from the secretary on 07928 231460 or from the website www.fillongleyshow.org.uk or the Facebook page ‘Fillongley Agricultural Show’.

We look forward to seeing you there on Sunday 14th August Mandy Davies

Balsall & District Horticultural Society's Annual Show Saturday 23rd July Exhibits of Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts St Peter's Church Hall, Holly Lane Doors open at 2pm.

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

Fillongley Show August 14th Best allotment kept by a bone-fide amateur gardener on one site and situated within 10 miles of Fillongley Church.

Judging to take place on 16th, 17th and 18th June To enter please contact Roger on 01676 523705 Entry fee £3.00 or email rj.bache@btinternet.com Best kept and cultivated garden kept by a bone-fide amateur gardener on one site and situated within 10 miles of Fillongley Church Judging is on Wednesday 22nd June by the Lichfield and District Agricultural Society.

Entry fee £3 Contact 07928 231 460 to enter 1st Prize £10,2nd £7 and 3rd £3

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Making our communities safer by working together For my latest message I thought I’d update you about a new integration project aiming to make Solihull even safer. The project involves Solihull’s police, Council and Solihull Community Housing and is underpinned by a shared aim of working closer to benefit our communities.

Known as ‘the Solihull Integration Project’, five teams consisting of staff from all three Organisations have been brought together focusing on different areas of Solihull.

The new areas the teams cover are: Chelmsley Wood Partnership Plus area (including Fordbridge), Smith’s Wood/Kingshurst/Castle Bromwich, Solihull/Shirley, Lyndon/Elmdon/Olton/Silhill and your local team – the Rural team.

Alongside this geographical focused work there is also an increased borough-wide collaboration between the Council’s Regulatory Services (for example licensing, trading standards) and neighbourhood teams and the police.

Employees from the three organisations meet together as part of ‘local problem solving briefings’ to prioritise and resolve key community concerns. Other partners, including other housing providers and the fire service also attend these meetings as appropriate. As a result we can all better understand the area and deal with local issues more swiftly.

Joint operations have already been taking place. One recent example of this is where officers from Trading Standards and the police visited premises across the region in a joint operation to advise any premises selling new psychoactive substances (NPS) - often referred to as legal highs by the media - of their potentially lethal consequences.

They have also made sure that any shops and outlets currently stocking them are aware it will soon be illegal to sell or supply them once a change in law comes into force.

The term ‘legal high’ is incredibly misleading and lures people into thinking the substances they consume are safe. But this often couldn’t be further from the truth and people are playing Russian roulette with their lives when they take them.

We will be working in partnership to warn of the dangers these products pose. It is alarming that people are buying these and taking them without any idea of the short or long term consequences they could have.

This is just one example. Officers are currently investigating reports of dogs being injured in Millison’s Wood and tackling an increase in burglaries in the village.

It is important to stress that no matter what the issue is, or what may be causing you or your loved ones concern, it is still crucial that you get in touch so we can take action. People can make contact in the usual way: Police – 101 (Dial 999 only in an emergency or if life is in danger) Solihull Council - 0121 704 8000 Solihull Community Housing – 0121 717 1515 This new way of working will mean issues raised locally or reported to the police, Council or Community Housing team will be discussed at the ‘local problem solving briefings’ and have a coordinated response by the three organisations and our other partners.

This is a different and more efficient way of working together to protect people from harm, to reduce re-offending, to support the development of stronger communities and to make each neighbourhood a safer place for everyone living and working in Solihull.

But, we do need your help too! As always I would ask residents to be vigilant, as locals you will know when something is not right when you observe unwelcome visitors to the area. I would also encourage you to visit the community website www.solihullgetinvolved.co.uk as this will give you information about local activity and how you can become involved in helping to make your community even safer.

Mick (Sergeant Michael Lloyd) Frances Gunter We would like to thank everybody that attended the recent funeral of Frances Gunter who passed away in February.

Mum moved to Meriden in the early 60's and made many friends in both her working and personal life in the village and Millison’s Wood.

It was lovely to see so many friends and neighbours attend the service and thanks to their generosity we raised £336.31 which has been donated to Macmillan Nurses.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Heart of England social club for their help with the reception after the funeral, everybody commented on the food and how friendly and helpful the staff were.

Julie and Ian Gunter.

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BERKSWELL OPEN GARDENS SUNDAY 26TH JUNE Following on from the tremendous success of last year when we had in excess of 900 visitors and raised £5,000 for charity, eleven gardens will be opening this year from 11am until 6pm on Sunday 26 June under The National Gardens Scheme.

The selection of gardens provides great variety with examples of small and large, formal and informal, and imaginatively planted herbaceous borders along with productive vegetable gardens. There will be something for everyone and plenty of ideas to take home. Plants will be for sale at some gardens as will teas, homemade cakes and ice cream. Teas will also be available in the Berkswell Reading Room and the beautiful 12th century Norman Church will also be open, as of course will be The Bear where meals will be available.

Meriden Primary School Children will be very welcome so please come along with your families and friends and enjoy the gardens whilst raising money for worthy charitable causes.

It is remarkable that since its foundation the National Gardens Scheme has donated over £45 million to nominated beneficiaries as a result of visitors to gardens opened under the NGS Scheme.

Yellow signs around Berkswell will direct you to the individual open gardens.

Friday 1st July from 5-7pm.

We look forward to your support.

Angela and Ken Shaw

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LAWN BOWLS AT THE HIGHWAY CLUB Membership open now to both Ladies and Gentlemen with one year free Bowls Section membership for people new to Bowls.

No obligation. Come and try it for a few weeks.

All you need to start is a flat pair of shoes and a smile!

All bowls etc and training will be provided. Not sure?

Bring a friend!

Where? Off Fletchamstead Highway/ Standard Avenue behind the Hyundai Car Showrooms. (CV4 9BY) Free Parking.

When? From mid-April Tuesday evenings from 6.00 pm is ‘Club Night’ – come and give it a try – you will be made very welcome.

For more information give Chris or Margaret a call on 02476 464399 / 07960744468we gitshamchris@aol.com

The Heart of England Cricket Club After a couple of pre-season friendlies a wet start to the season saw matches across the county being abandoned.

With the fixtures for all of the teams now under way we are hoping for some perfect cricketing weather soon.

The first ‘t20’ game of the season was away and we lost by the narrowest of margins with an outstanding half century from Harris.

With some promising performances from both bowlers and batsman the first Xl and the Sunday Xl are looking forward to a productive season.

The list of home fixtures are displayed at the pavilion and further news is on our Facebook page: Heart of England Cricket Club.

We are still looking for new players of all abilities to join the club for any of our three teams. For further information email us at: heartofenglandcc@Gmail.com The free junior coaching sessions will start in May for children aged 5 and over - please look out for further details around the village.

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

Come along to a warm welcome with Candy at Meriden Village Hall Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £4.00 per session

Pilates Thursday evenings 7.00pm £4.00 per session

ZUMBA A fun fitness & calorie burning class

PILATES style conditioning A slower paced class for all over body conditioning to improve muscle tone, strength, balance and flexibility Any queries please contact: Tel. 07828709650

YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN Tucked discreetly out of sight and only a stone’s throw from Meriden village, you’ll find Meriden Archery Club, a group of friendly and enthusiastic archers of all ages and abilities. Nestling amongst trees within the Packington Estate, are the Forest Grounds - the shooting grounds of the Club, open to members every day of the year and available anytime of the day.

Meriden on target across the country!

As the outdoor shooting season for archery begins, junior members from Meriden Archery Club have proudly been flying the flag for Meriden as already they’ve started to travel the country competing in tournaments. Since the end of March, they have represented our name at archery tournaments in venues including Southampton, Andover, Cheltenham, Kettering, Leicester and Droitwich, to name but a few. Considering the season has only recently begun, Meriden Juniors are already well travelled, promoting our village and Archery Club countrywide!

Results have been great – with successes at 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, personal bests, team awards and awesome scores adding to individual progress towards high archery accolades, whilst also highlighting other well respected archery disciplines such as barebow. Junior members also recently celebrated 1st place for their score in the County of Warwick Archery Association summer postal league, and of course they are hoping to achieve similar success again this summer. (See colour photo centre pages) Our latest award winner is Chris Elms pictured here, one of our (older) juniors who won a tournament on Sunday 8th May 2016. He won the WMAS (West Midlands Archery Society) Novice Junior Award - this tournament is only open to those shooting less than 12 months so he has flown the flag for Meriden very well!

If you are interested in finding out more, Meriden Juniors meet every Saturday morning, with new members always welcome. Why not come along and see what we get up to?

For further information, have a look around the website. www.meriden-archery.org.uk

Meriden Tree of Thought and Funday Sunday 12th June I can now inform you all that during 2015, the Tree raised £5,218.50. This brings the total achieved to date to £48,007.75 for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Marie Curie Hospice Solihull. This is a truly wonderful amount of money and yet again I cannot adequately thank those of you who support me in my endeavours At present I am very involved in preparation for FUNDAY SUNDAY on Sunday 12th June on the Village Green, starting at 11.00am. I do hope you and your friends will come along as every attempt is being made to create an enjoyable time for all age groups. I would expect the Village Stocks to do good business!!! There are already people offering money for me to go in. I am happy to do this if the price is right !!!??

The Meriden Midsummer draw has, thanks to my supporters, many highly desirable prizes. I will name all involved in the next issue. Tickets are on sale in Meriden Tea Rooms, Spar Shop, Fredanita Florists, Fordes on the Green and Lloyds Chemist. My thanks to them for their help The stall holders are busy preparing so do, please come and join in. A new feature this year is a skittle alley. I am including this following many requests I have received. So I hope it will be well received.

Again thank you all so very much Alan Lole.

WORKAID TOOLS FOR LIFE This organisation / charity sends unwanted tools, equipment, craft utensils etc. to East Africa.

The idea is to give unwanted/surplus equipment to help 8,000 people a year so that they can help themselves out of poverty and have a skill for life.

If you have anything – tools, typewriters, knitting machines, needles, wool, material etc. please donate to this very worthwhile charity. 150,000 lives have been changed by WORKAID. In 2015 WORKAID was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Items will be collected from you and sent in a container to East Africa.

If you can help please call local volunteer Tony Cashmore on 02476 393162 or Contact Meriden Methodist Church 01676 522160

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me!

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.

The next Parish Council meeting dates are: • 10 June 2016 - The Pavilion • 18 July 2016 - The Pavilion Community Surgeries 10am-12pm: • Monday 06 June 2016 – Meriden Library • Monday 04 July 2016 – The Pavilion • Monday 08 August 2016 – Meriden Library Police Beat Surgeries at the Library 11am-12pm • Monday 06 June 2016 • Monday 11 July 2016 • Monday 08 August 2016

Barbara Bland The Pavilion Meriden Sports Park Main Road Meriden CV7 7SP

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

Protecting our history, planning our future A Neighbourhood Plan for Meriden …Questionnaire coming soon When we asked you to vote on a strapline for Meriden’s Neighbourhood Plan, ‘Protecting our history, planning our future’ was the most popular amongst all age groups.

The questionnaire will be delivered to your door in early June and will ask for your views on our future.

Please help develop our future in Meriden by completing this questionnaire by 30 June. It will be delivered with a FREEPOST envelope or you can drop it off at the Library, FredAnita or Blitz.

An online questionnaire will also be available on our website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk. You can also enter our prize draw when you complete the questionnaire.

If you need help / support in completing it, please contact the clerk and we can arrange for a volunteer to help you.

The Localism Act enables local communities to develop their own Neighbourhood Plans, which the local authority must then consider when determining planning applications.

A message from Beechwood Recycling We were pleased to host two well attended meetings for local residents to discuss our plans for our recycling facility at Meriden Quarry. It was a great opportunity for our team to explain how the facility will work and the benefits it will bring to the local area. It was also a good chance for us to dispel myths surrounding the project following the distribution of some misleading flyers by a local political candidate.

The much-needed facility will take in organic green and co-mingled household food waste and convert it into high quality compost enabling the area to meet its recycling targets. It will use the best available technology and comply with robust local, national and European standards while creating jobs and bringing significant investment to the area.

We have been working closely with the Parish Council and Solihull Council over the last six months to develop plans for a project which will have a positive impact on Meriden. The team was pleased to welcome residents to the two events and are looking forward to continuing to work with the local community as we bring this important project to life.

Street Association has launched in Alspath Road and Fairfield Rise Alspath Road and Fairfield Rise just got friendlier, as about 40 neighbours met for a barbecue in April, sponsored by Solihull Council and backed by the parish council. The result was the formation of a Street Association, with "friendship, fun, belonging and a helping hand" as the basic purpose.

Residents, look out for news of a street party to celebrate the Queen's 90th Birthday at 4pm on Saturday 11 June and if you'd like to be part of the team organising it, please contact martin@streetassociations.org.

Meriden Sports Park Phase 1 works - children’s play area & exercise circuit Further to the temporary closure of the children’s play area to accommodate on-going maintenance and improvement works, you will notice new play equipment installed in the play area comprising a Springer Truck and re-tensioning of the Zip Wire. On the perimeter of the Exercise Circuit, additional outdoor gym apparatus has been installed comprising a Double Sit-Up Bench and Side by Side Double Rower combination. Additional surfacing works have also been carried out in the Children’s Play Area to remove the grassed matting wear and tear, with the installation of a new Bonded Rubber Mulch and Wet Pour soft surface. Further surface improvement works will be carried out as Phase 2 in the Spring of 2017.

We apologise for any inconvenience over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend and trust you will see the benefit and enjoy the new equipment and improved surfacing in the coming summer months and school holiday periods.

Highways and drainage works update from Solihull Council Solihull Council has rebuilt a section of retaining wall around the perimeter of the pond, along the boundary with Berkswell Road and the Heart of England Club. To enable the work to be undertaken, a short length of dam was erected and water pumped out of this corner of the pond. We are aware of a recurring problem with a gully just up the hill from the Heart of England Club. A camera survey of the drain is programmed to be undertaken on Wednesday 4 May to investigate whether there are any structural issues with the pipework, the results of which will be reported back to Meriden Parish Council.

We are expecting to undertake various resurfacing works within the Meriden area this year as part of our 3 Year Rolling Plan. Roads include: Alspath Rd, Arden Close, Fairfield Rise, Hampton Lane, Becks Lane, Harvest Hill Lane and Shaft Lane; Footways include: Birmingham Rd from Church Lane to end property and Back Lane. The programme is subject to change based on any emerging issues that may mean adjustments but we are pleased that there will be substantial improvements in this area this year.

First World War commemorative oak trees We would like to thank Alan Lole, Meriden Tree of Thought, for his kind donation of two WWI commemorative oak trees. Oak trees grow to a substantial size so we have identified two relevant sites for the trees, the corner of Leys Lane and Mulberry Gardens allotment site with historical reference to both wars, a plaque and information board will link it with Memorial Approach providing a theme for visitors; and the newly formed Meriden Gate open space that the Parish Council is trying to make into a copse and the tree will be alongside the other two commemorative trees for the Women’s Institute Centenary and the Queen’s Birthday, planted last year, so in good company for future generations to enjoy!

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News from the Heart of England School I Robot :Our students have recently had assemblies on the theme of, How to Robot-proof your future? An unusual title but one which seems to have got people thinking about what’s special about being human.

The assemblies were given by the Principal, Jacqueline Hughes-Williams which began with a clip from a TED video of Pixar director of photography, Danielle Feinberg. The animator talks about her life choices and how she and her team fuse Art, Science, Maths and Coding to bring the worlds they imagine to life. They generate an artificial reality by applying the deeply human skills of creative thinking and problem solving.

At Heart of England we are creating what a leading search-engine company might term a ‘moon-shot’ culture says Miss Hughes-Williams. A culture where our vision of where we want to be as individuals and as a school combines with strategies to make those dreams come true. “You are in charge of your future. Don’t hope that something magical will just happen without any effort on your part,” she said. “Learn to be brave and generate success through your own determination.”

Finishing off the assembly the Principal told the students: “Heart of England is changing. It’s a design room in which to plan your future; a place in which to be human and to act with courage. What’s your plan to ensure your dreams are robot-proof?”

International cricket Two students from Heart of England School have taken part in a women’s cricket tour of South Africa.

Ria Fackrell, Year 11 and Jess Crowley, Year 12 took part in the ten day tour as members of the Warwickshire Women’s Development team which recently went to Cape Town to play.

Despite the intense heat the cricket team did well with matches against Borland under 19 Invitation XI and Namibia Women’s Western Province under-19s.

Winning the first game against Western Province was a good start and gave a boost to the British team: “It was a great game to start off the tour, and a great win too,” said Ria. Both Ria and Jess play for various teams in the local area including Berkswell and tour organisers Warwickshire. The enthusiastic cricketers have been playing from a young age and have developed a real love of the game. “It’s so good for taking your mind off stuff and the game is a great stress reliever,” said Ria. Sixth Former Jess agrees that involvement is a chance to get away from it all and focus on something else for a while.

“I’ve worked really hard and I enjoy it. I hope to get a place on the Academy programme and to continue to enjoy playing.”

Overall the tour went well for the team with two wins and two losses.Ria said: “This tour was the best experience I’ve had with cricket and some of the memories that I made I’m going to remember for the rest of my life; mainly for what I’ve learnt and for the people I spent it with. I would love to do it again and pursue my dream of playing for the England Women’s cricket team.”

What a great experience for both our cricketers.

Qualifying Success for Rugby Team!

Recently our under-13 and under-15 rugby teams took part in the Warwickshire Schools tournament with resounding success, resulting in the under-15s qualifying for the Regional round in Market Harborough.

The girls have been training all season with excellent commitment to progressing their rugby skills, moving on from tag to contact successfully.

The dedicated under-13s faced six other schools. Winning three games, they drew in a close contest with eventual winners Barkers Butts in the best game of the day. Two matches were lost.

Congratulations to the squad: Amy Shadbolt, Celine Doran, Lola Davies, Haidee Davies, Charlotte Kingham, Phoebe Maund, Hollie Ager. They have proven to be an effective team and have done well.

Good Luck to the under-15s who will be well and truly tested against the regional county winners. They gained automatic qualification through their results this season; the squad to travel are: Kate Darlison, Katy Bennett, Chloe Guinan, Millie Cooke, Becky Hutchinson, Lucia Chapman, Charlotte Taylor, Jess Brown, Tegan Cimadoro, Daisy Collins, Frances Minogue and Abi Hiskett.

Well done to all the players who took part.

Adult Craft Exchange When: Friday mornings from 9.10 am to 11.50 pm (term time only.) You’re welcome to come for all or just stay a while. o Where: Thatched Cottage, Maxstoke Lane. Please text 07779 235248 if coming. o How much: £1 contribution to cover coffee and materials For many of us it’s difficult to socialise in the evening, we may need babysitters or just be too tired to venture out. That is why the Adult Craft Exchange was conceived: to give us a chance to meet like-minded, creative, easy going people who want a chance to chat and do their favourite hobby. There is no teacher, just enthusiasts. So if you are dying to learn crochet or knitting, one of us can show you Come and exchange skills! We look forward to meeting you. and maybe you have a hobby you can share.

Small children are welcome too and if you just want to chat you can always pop in. Find us on Facebook ”Adult Craft Exchange”. Contact Marie 07921 719937 or Vanessa 07779 235248

o

Grand Jumble Sale

The Firs Maxstoke Lane Saturday 30th July 11.00am – 3.00pm Fund raising for less-able residents

Award Winning Baby Development Classes Designed for babies from birth to 13 months Babies have an extraordinary capacity to absorb information in their first year and at Baby Sensory we don’t waste a single moment!

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

Classes held in:- Shirley, Solihull and Meriden

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

FIT IN

6 weeks of fitness membership from £49* The warm friendly atmosphere at our club allows you to relax and unwind in wonderful surroundings. Not to mention our fantastic facilities including: CV suite, Free weights gym and Fitness Suite 18m indoor heated swimming pool Spa bath, Sauna and Steam Room An exciting new class timetable with over 30 classes per week • 2 floodlit tennis courts Open 6am – 11pm 7 days a week Call 01676 526 107 and quote FORESTFIT16 *Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Offer valid through July and August 2016 only. *Terms and conditions Fees applicable upon joining.apply. Offer only available March and April 2015 Marriott Forest Of Arden, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, • • • •

CV7 7HR

Local plan, planning and affordable housing A number of changes are afoot in national planning policy and guidance, but it is largely ‘Work in Progress” in parliament at the time of writing, and will certainly have changed by the time this article goes to print. By and large, many of the proposals are designed to extend home ownership, encourage more homes to be provided, ensure Local Plans are in place faster (with default powers for government if this is not done), and speed up the planning process.

There might also be some useful powers to help move forward neighbourhood planning, although Solihull Council has welcomed anyway the involvement of neighbourhood planning, in helping look for solutions to local plan issues.

As reported previously, officers at Solihull Council are currently processing the replies to the consultation on the Local Plan review, with a view to producing preferred options later in the year. Apart from the obvious issue of numbers and location of new housing, various other policies will be looked at. One example relates to the provision of affordable housing. Some words of explanation here perhaps. Various definitions of this exist, but best keep it simple. Basically, affordable housing is housing provided at less than the market value, therefore it is subsidised by the public purse in some way: usually we are talking about homes for rent, although there are also other forms, such as shared ownership, i.e. part rent/part buy.

Most larger developments in Solihull are required to provide a proportion of the homes as affordable, up to 40%. Similar policies apply in other councils. Solihull Council has also been able to build a number each year, but the total number coming from new development is not large, when compared to overall need.

Of course subsidy (money) from public sources is in short supply now - the fact is that successive governments have never had enough cash to build the number of affordable homes needed. Again trying to keep it simple, even if the land is available, the capital cost to produce 1000 new social rent homes would equal or exceed the whole of Solihull Council’s annual budget in a year, and would hardly dent the council house waiting list.

The government has stated its determination to build new homes, and sees the extension of home ownership as part of the plan to help deal with the housing shortage. One of their policies is to build 200,000 starter homes at a discount of up to 20%. The exact detail remains to be settled at this time, but our own affordable housing policy will almost certainly need to reflect this new initiative, with a greater emphasis on shared ownership homes being a priority.

Of course there is criticism of the policy implemented for 20 years or more of selling off social houses, thus reducing available stock. However, apart from the argument that this has made home ownership much more popular, as well as bring in new capital for reinvestment, I have seen estates across the country that once had a poor reputation transformed in this process. As part of Solihull Council’s review of its Local Plan, we will want to look at how we can help extend home ownership, particularly using tools such as shared ownership, but we will also need to look at the whole range of the housing needs of our residents.

Cllr Ian Courts Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Managed Growth Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Meriden Bloomers Meriden Bloomers regretfully advise they will not be entering RHS Britain in Bloom Heart of England competition this year; many factors lead to this decision not least there being no new Bloomers coming on board; existing volunteer Bloomers falling by the wayside; change of personal circumstances for members of the core steering group and capacity issues for the clerk not being able to dedicate the time needed to lead the team.

It is disappointing for all concerned as we made great strides last year to achieve the Silver Award and we were looking forward to improving our entry and award for 2016. A reduced Meriden Bloomers Team will be entering Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom hoping to defend their 2014 and 2015 Winner titles, but on a smaller scale than previous entries.

Also it is disappointing that there has been no take up for the Bloomers Garden Club or Community Allotment Projects, both of which will be closed.

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 in the winter months when we meet for a coffee at Conroy’s

Friday 10th June

Sue Douglas – ‘Be Active, Be Healthy’

Friday 8th July

Kieron Mullin – White Watch Fire brigade – ‘Safety in the home’ and Ramandeep Singh – Pharmacist ‘Inhaler Technique’

Friday 12th August Beverley Bostock – ‘Let’s Continue the Alphabet’

Meriden Surgery

01676 522252

School House, 200 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NG Dr M Bhandal Dr S Barratt Dr A Carlile Dr T Nadeem Dr R Horsley (Partners) Associate GP Dr L Whitehead

www.balsallcommon grouppractice.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

IMPORTANT NEW CHANGES TO ORDERING PRESCRIPTIONS In order to make our prescription service safer, the Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries will no longer be taking any requests for prescriptions over the telephone. Telephone requests to the surgery are often confused, not clear and can be misinterpreted. The British Medical Association and the Care Quality Commission strongly advise surgeries not to take medication requests by phone.

HOW TO ORDER MEDICATION Prescription requests can be: • Using the prescription requesting service available at local pharmacies and online pharmacies – pharmacies do not take requests for medication over the telephone • Handed in at the surgery or sent in by post Balsall Common – 1 Ashley Drive, Balsall Common, CV7 7RW Meriden – School House, 200 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NG • Ordered on line – Contact the Practice if you wish to register for online access • Sent via email bcm.prescriptionrequest@nhs.net for Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries • Faxed to the surgery Balsall Common 01676292005 / Meriden 01676523865 Prescriptions will be with the pharmacy of your choice but please allow: 2 WORKING DAYS to collect from the Medical Centre or 3 WORKING DAYS from the Pharmacy Please think ahead and order in plenty of time, leaving at least two full working days for the prescription to be processed. Please make sure that you only order the medication required and not simply tick all items on your repeat medication list.

INFORMATION REQUIRED WHEN REQUESTING MEDICATION IN WRITING Ideally repeat prescription slips should be used with the medication ticked that is required, otherwise please detail: • Name • Contact number • Date of Birth • Medication required – name of medication, strength and how often medication is taken/used • Collection point of prescription – local pharmacy details or surgery reception If you would like support with this change please contact Joanne Hope either by contacting the practice or via email at joanne.hope@nhs.net FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS QUESTION - I want to request medication that is not on my repeat prescription slip or that I have been given before by the Doctor?

ANSWER - Please put this request in writing as detailed above giving full details QUESTION - I need my medication urgently?

ANSWER - Put this request in writing as detailed above including your contact number and your request will be clinically assessed and we will contact you.

QUESTION - I am worried about this change and how it will affect me, who do I contact?

ANSWER - Joanne Hope, Practice Manager on 01676 536 833 or joanne.hope@nhs.net

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blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100

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Meriden Green part 2‘an asset to the village’. Village survey 1985 [[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William son of Gerard (possibly elsewhere calledabout ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill Edwardian post cards show a reasonably tidy Green so Geoffrey’s I wonder ifbrother my oral information animal Nicolas Godyng and many others. imagine them all crowding roundhad listening, all of surfacing 700 years ago. grazing onthe it Mason, went back many years?

The main road Ifrom Birmingham to Coventry no tarmac or stone edging despite motor vehicles on the increase and a regular Midland ‘Red’ bus service which began in February 1914.

Cars and Doreen Agutter. small delivery vehicles drove along the tracks crossing the Green. To prevent this, the Parish Council decided early in 1915 to erect posts at each end of the path running in front of the shops to beyond Elm Tree Farm and at the entrance of a diagonal path across the Green. They remained till the mid-1940s with significant restructuring. Part of the distinctive Elm Tree fell in 1923, with the remainder lost as the result of a fatal accident in 1944, facts helpful when dating photographs.

The shape of the Green had developed by chance. Near the Cross listed as an Ancient Monument before 1934, erosion of the grass especially for road widening meant by 1929 it stood on the very edge of the main road where there was some danger of damage from heavy through-traffic. A popular suggestion to renovate in 1918/19 had failed and by early 1920 emphasis was on the Cyclists’ Memorial to be constructed well back from the road side at the opposite end of the Green.

Even so as early as 1927 a visitor remarked it too was now near the edge of the road.

The enhanced significance of the Green after 1921 encouraged the parish council to discuss with the Earl of Aylesford, as lord of the manor, the future ownership of the Green (and Cross) but nearly 3 decades passed before the transfer came to fruition. Meanwhile widening Fillongley Lane, also once a footpath, required the demolition of a 15’ wing of the Stores building in 1936, while Warwickshire County Council completed a large road island at the crossroads near the west end of the Green in the summer of 1939 destroying another 91 square yards of grass in the process.

Despite Wartime stringencies, the ‘Coventry Standard’ reported renewed plans in February 1944, including reshaping the Green to look much as it does today. The Cross, since 1942 surrounded by a narrow picket fence, would be moved to a more central position at the broader west end; the turf would be completely renewed eradicating the diagonal path. Lord Aylesford agreed in 1947 to relinquish ownership to the parish council. Another 6 years passed before all was completed with the Cross in its present enhanced position and provision for a flag pole.

The Green in1934 The corner shop was bigger then and the cross was in a different place, there was a wooden barrier in front of the shop and a finger post showed directions.

Until 1970s apart from the addition of the Wayfarer’s Seat (1959), the area remained uncluttered. The fir tree near the seat now visually overwhelms the west end.

Many of the traditional buildings to the north and west, fringing the Green, adding to its character and despite protests were demolished between 1958 and 1972. The 1985 survey pointed out the value of the Conservation area on Meriden Hill leading directly to similar status being applied for, centred on the Green with associated areas: the Stores, Arden Cottage (new Library) and Thatched Cottage in 1988. Emphasis on the heritage and nature of the C15th sandstone Cross a Grade 2 monument assists the status of its surroundings. Doreen Agutter

PC Technical Services Tile Hill Lane Coventry

Home Computer Repairs Upgrading & Problem Solving

Telephone 024 7667 4952 Independent personal attention Internet & e-mail Troubleshooting & tuition

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Mr H and the Meriden Board of Education In consultation with Meriden Mag Co-editrix Margaret Argyle, today I thought I’d try to give “a snapshot of life over the pond” — that is, here in Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.A. — so I looked for a recent story in our newspaper, the Record-Journal, that might illustrate some aspects of the way things work over here that I figure are probably quite different from standard practice in the U.K. The story is about one Mr. H., as I’ll call him, a member of the Meriden Board of Education.

(And already I find that I have some explaining to do. You see, just about every city and town in this state, as in many states, runs its own schools through an elected Board of Education. There are state and federal standards that must be met, of course, but the local board owns and maintains the schools, hires the teachers and administrators, and has some say over curriculum as well — all stuff that I imagine is handled centrally by your Department for Education, down in London. This may sound even stranger, but in most of our towns these posts are filled via partisan election; Meriden’s board right now consists of five Democrats and four Republicans. These folks are not paid, so naturally most of them also have regular jobs. The chief executive of the school system is a paid superintendent, who answers to the Board of Education.)

Anyway, it seems that our Mr. H. was involved in a possible conflict of interest, in that the company he works for was `m. No big deal, really — he could always make it a point to trying to sell some software to the school system he helps run. recuse himself from any vote involving his employer — but someone must have done some googling and discovered that Mr. H. had been stopped by the police in Bristol (a nearby town, although it calls itself a city; then again, Meriden, population 60,293, also calls itself a city). And since Mr. H. had an outstanding warrant against him, involving a domestic disturbance, he was turned over to the police of Middletown, another nearby city, where that incident occurred.

(More explaining: Just about every city and town in this state, of which there are 169 altogether, also runs its own police department. A few rural towns are looked after by the state police, just as a few bucolic burgs take part in regional school systems run by the state.)

Anyway, so Mr. H. was arrested and the police report revealed that he lives in Middletown, which is of interest to people in Meriden because, according to the city code, any elected city official must live within the city limits. Then a reporter determined that his residence of record, in Meriden, had been sold a couple of years prior, around the time he bought the house in Middletown.

(Still more explaining: This may seem like small potatoes, as kerfuffles go, but it’s a clear violation of law, and everyone here knows what the law says because this sort of thing has come up before, involving a now-former city councilor. To make matters even stickier, the city’s chief legal counsel said that if Mr. H. cast any tie-breaking votes on the board during the time he was not resident in Meriden, those votes could now be challenged.)

Anyway, it gets curiouser and curiouser. It seems that Mrs. H., the person with whom Mr. H. got into the domestic disturbance that led to his arrest, is an assistant principal of one of the Meriden schools, making it obvious that she knew all along about her husband’s fraudulent status on the Meriden Board of Education but never saw fit to inform her employer, the Meriden Board of Education.

To make a long story slightly shorter, Mr. H. has since resigned from the school board. And that’s the way things work in Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.A. Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com.

CAT MINDER I am offering a service that will stop the worry of putting your cat/s into a kennel while you are away.

The service I provide will include • Feeding/changing water • Clean and change litter trays • Clear and clean any accidents • Spend time fussing your cat/s • Any other needs your cat/s may have.

Charges are £8.00 per visit (negotiation if two visits required).

If you are interested in this service please contact Gail on 07913 872280 and I will come and meet you and your cat/s.

Reference available, security checked/fully insured.

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

senzadolcenew@aol.com 07854631284 02476673181 15a Ainsbury Road Coventry CV5 6BA

A Coventry Way Challenge - 3rd April 2016 A great day was had by all! The 19th - 40 mile Challenge event which encircles Coventry, starts and finishes at The Queens Head, Meriden. From an entry of over 250, almost all that started completed the Challenge, each recording their own personal success. Times were spread from 6 hours 16 minutes to 16 hours 18 minutes.

In addition to individuals, the numbers were swelled by a several relay teams, often using the event to raise monies for their chosen charity. One group raised over £2,500 in memory of a younger brother who passed away 4 years earlier, they raised money for the Myton Hospice who cared brilliantly for him. The group say they were honoured that the ACW gave them the platform to give something back. They hurt like crazy by the end, but they did it and felt amazing in their achievement.

Thank you Meriden for hosting this event.

The exact date for this event in April 2017 is still to be decided. Keep an eye on

www.acoventryway.org.uk

Why is Friday so far away from Monday and Monday so near to Friday ??

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 5th June 6th June 6th June 6th June 10th June 11th June 11th June 11th June 12th June 12th June 15th June 18th June

EVENT Kinwalsey Tree Service WI Community Surgery Police Beat Sugery Parish Council Meeting Alspath / Fairfield Street party Sing- a- long Firebird Singers Concert Funday Sunday Maxstoke Castle Open Day Reader’s Circle Big picture show

VENUE

CONTACT Andrew 01676 533 737 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474

Village Hall

TIME 4.00pm 7.30pm 10.00am–12noon 11.- 12 7.30pm 4.00pm 5.00 – 7.00pm 7.00pm 11.00 – 3.00 11am – 5pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

20th June 23rd June

Reading Cafe E U Referendum

Library

10.30- 11.30am

01676 522717

24th June

CAMEO

Holiday at Home

26 June

Rotary Megaride

Queens Head

12.30 – 5.00pm

Neville 01676 532 709

26th June 1st July 4th July 4th July 11th July 15th/17th July 17th July 18th July 18th July 18th July 20th July 22nd July 23rd July 30th July 30th July 1st August 1st August 8th August 8th August 14th August 26th August

Berkswell Open Gardens School PTA Summer Fayre W.I. Community Surgery Police Beat Surgery St Swithin’s Weekend

Berkswell Village Meriden School Village Hall Sports Pavilion Library Barston

11.00 – 5.00 5.00- 7.00pm 7.30pm 10am–12noon 11.00 – 12 noon

01676 522488 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474

Heart of England Bike Ride Flower Club Parish Council Meeting Reading Cafe Reader’s Circle CAMEO Horticultural Show Whitacres & Shustoke Show FIRS Jumble Sale Meriden Mag Deadline W.I. Community Surgery Police Beat Surgery Fillongley Show CAMEO

Packwood House Village Hall Sports Pavilion Library

9.20 – 11.30am 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30- 11.30am 7.30pm 2.00pm 2.00 – 4.00pm

th

Village Hall Library Library Sports Pavilion Queens Head Blue Coat School Village Green Maxstoke Lane

Sports Pavilion St Peter’s Hall B C. Blyth Hall Shustoke Maxstoke Lane Village Hall Library Library Stonehouse Farm Village Hall

David McGrath Anna 07792 525999 Alan Lole 01676 522138 Margaret 01676 523 603 Chris Copper 522 645

Joan 01676 523507

Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 01676 522717 Margaret 01676 523 603 Joan 01676 523507

11.00 – 3.00pm

7.30pm 10.00am–12noon 11.00 – 12 noon 9.30am 2.00pm

01676 522963 / 522453 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Joan 01676 523507

2 more poems from Meriden School, get your tissues ready !

Love Speech by – George J Year 4 There were so many times when I loved you From my birth to your death From start to end you were always there I will never forget you I hope you never forget me.

You were really thoughtful and friendly You are always in my heart I hope you are happy?

You cheer me up and make me smile I hope you will never forget me.

We went on so many great holidays We had so many great times I try and see you in my mind Always happy and kind I will never forget you I hope you don’t forget me.

Dear Angel – by Tess, Y6 Dear Angel, high up in the sky You are dancing with stars, I imagine you smiling I am not smiling I am not with you I never understood how much your rumbling laugh that shook the room Would mean to me I never understood how I’d miss looking into your adoring eyes.

Dear Angel, high up in the sky You are watching over me, even when I am not thinking of you Now I am all alone, now I am missing you Now I’m treasuring my memories, now I’m dreaming of Seeing you again Dear Angel, high up in the sky You shall dance forever and one day when my time in this world is done I shall dance with you I shall smile again No one will wear black as I shall become a twinkle in the sky I love you.

Out and About this summer At the Herbert Art Gallery Coventry until Sunday 3 July Admission Free

Brand new Show at the NEC on 1st to 3rd July Open 10am to 4pm (5pm) Saturday The Vanity of Small Differences is a series of six large-scale tapestries by the Turner-Prize winning artist Grayson Perry, which explore the British fascination with taste and class.

Inspired by the 18th century painter William Hogarth’s moral tale, A Rake’s Progress, Perry’s tapestries follow the life of a fictional character called Tim Rakewell, as he develops from infancy through his teenage and middle years, to his untimely death in a bloody car accident.

The tapestries are rich in both content and colour and depict many of the eccentricities and peculiarities associated with

Rare Plant Fair Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens B36 9BT

Sunday 7th August 11am-4.00pm Entrance adults £4.50 RHS Members £3.50 Children £1 Homemade refreshments available This includes the fair and admission to the Garden

life in the UK, from interior design to British cuisine, political protest and celebrity gossip. The composition of each tapestry also recalls early Renaissance religious painting, drawing us into an art historical, as well as a socio-political exploration.

Coventry Transport Museum until 19th September Tractors from Factory to Field

The UK tour of the tapestries is supported by the Art Fund and Sfumato Foundation.

Could this be you leaving Packwood National Trust House on Sunday 17 July?

Off for a ride in the countryside with friends, colleagues or family? Will it be the 12, 18 or 30 mile routes? Or perhaps accept the challenge of all 3!!!

Will you help us achieve our target to raise £20,000 and provide valuable funds for the BHF – Mending Broken Hearts Appeal? Set off anytime between 09.30-11.30 from the beautiful historic site of Packwood NT House, Packwood Lane, Lapworth B94 6AT And after your ride enjoy refreshments from the Lions BBQ and a FREE visit to Packwood House & grounds visit www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/bikeride where you can find out how to register online

Come and discover the world of tractors, the unsung heroes of the farm! Admission Free.

Visit the Museum for a fun and family friendly exhibition celebrating Coventry’s link with tractors.

See tractors old and new, learn about tractor technology and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the TE20, the first tractor off the line at the Massey Ferguson Banner Lane plant.

From Little Grey Fergie to the tractor which conquered the Antarctic, this interactive exhibition is a must for enthusiasts of all ages!

There are plenty of exciting events coming up throughout the exhibition including 70 Tractors for 70 Years a parade of 70 Massey Ferguson Tractors on Millennium Place on 30th July from 10am to 4.30 pm

.

6 th

Sunday 26 June

Marie Curie Care

Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours Summer 1st April- 31st October Monday-Friday (except Tues) 9.30am -5.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am- 4.00pm

Useful village contact numbers Meriden Primary School Meriden Library Meriden Surgery Lloyds Chemist St. Laurence Church Meriden Methodist Church MCF Life Church Meriden Parish Council Methodist Hall bookings Solihull M B C Solihull District Councillors

Mrs L. Winkler

Rev Lynda Lilley Rev. Andrew Charlesworth

Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt Barbara Bland (Mondays & Thursdays only) Alan Gabbitas

Member of Parliament Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector

Ken Allsopp David Bell Tony Dicicco Caroline Spelman Gerry Russell Sue Harper Sgt Mick LLoyd

Meriden Village Hall bookings

Valerie Martin

01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522252 01676 522722 01676 522825 01676 533737 01676 523050 01676 522474 01676 522148 0121 704 6000 01676 522301 01676 248651 07874231861 0121 711 7029 01676 522666 01676 522230 101 New nonemergency no.

01676 522963

Reminder deadline for autumn issue out by 1st September is Monday 1st August Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@gmail.com Distribution: Paul Lee Proof Reader: Claire Rose

Mag advertising rates Eighth page £10 Quarter page £20 Half page £40 Small ads (sale or wanted) £5.00 Charity & Community events FREE Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the co-editors.

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