MeridenMag Summer 2017

Meriden Mag

MERIDEN COVER SUMMER 2017.qxp_Layout 1 15/05/2017 15:33 Page 1

Summer 2017

See inside for

Opening of Meriden C of E Primary School Peace Garden Taxi Bus – 89 Bus Service - Ring and Ride Update Funday Sunday 4th June • Rotary Megaride 25th June • Churches New Altogether Café

OPENING OF THE PEACE GARDEN

On Friday 24 March, we were honoured to have Dame Caroline Spelman MP and the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mike Robinson at the unveiling of our Peace Garden, in memory of Chris Fryer.

See front cover of this issue.

The garden is designed to be calming and consists of seating areas, pebble mosaics, a water feature and a mixture of plants chosen to provide colour and draw in local wildlife. A focal point in the garden is the ‘tree’, a dedicated spot for people to remember loved ones with students able to attach leaves bearing the names of those that have been lost. All those present were given a holding cross, crafted from olive trees in Bethlehem as a special gift.

The Mayor said, “To see the official opening of the Peace Garden gave me great joy. The garden will give pupils the chance to take themselves away from the hustle and bustle of school life and really unwind. It is a beautiful space and I am sure it will provide lots of comfort over the years to come.”

Caroline Spelman tweeted @spelmanc ‘Thank you @meridenprimary for inviting me to open their new #reflectivegarden earlier today!’

If you would like a leaf attached to the tree of remembrance, please let us know by calling into the office, sending a note into school or by emailing us at office@meriden.solihull.sch.uk the leaf will have the name of the loved one your child wishes to remember burnt on and then will be attached to the wall. Although there won’t be a charge for the leaf, a small donation towards the upkeep of the garden would be most appreciated.

OUR ANNUAL FAITH WEEK To finish off our Spring Term at Meriden CE Primary school, we had our annual 'faith week' focus.

This year we focused on the question 'what do you believe?' Each class had a different faith to explore where the children took part in exciting activities to uncover the key beliefs of the major world faiths. The school was a hive of energy throughout the week as the children took part in activities as far ranging as cooking to collage; from investigating Fibonacci sequences to making face masks. The week climaxed with each class showing off their work to other classes around the school and of course our amazing Easter production led by Years 3 and 4.

At the beginning of April, our netball team competed in a tournament. They played 6 games, won 5 and lost 1, placing them 3rd out of 14 teams! Well done! The team has also achieved a final league position of 2nd across the borough, which is a tremendous achievement.

On 4th April, Troy from Wasps Community Rugby came into school to teach some basic rugby skills to Years 5 and 6. All the children (and teachers!) had a fun day. Thank you Troy!

We said a sad goodbye to Mrs Ryan at Easter.

Mrs Ryan had worked at Meriden for ten years and so is known by a lot of the village community.

However she is now moving away from the area.

A lovely tea party was held with the children and parents who wished to say goodbye to her.

We wish her and her family every success in the future.

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Priest-in-Charge: 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 Lis Willis 01676 521080 Although I www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk

Services are held every Sunday at 10.30 am

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” John 14:6 Life is a journey from our beginning to our end, but like any journey there are many twists and turns. Occasionally we take the wrong path, we take the scenic route. Sometimes we need to make a ‘U’ turn when we realise that we are going miles off course. We take rest stops – sometimes planned sometimes not. Our journeys in life are often difficult – but what better way to travel through life than with someone alongside you who knows the way. Jesus said, “I am the way.” Following Jesus means that we won’t get lost; our journeys won’t necessarily be smooth and trouble free because we all make bad decisions, but He is always there to guide us back to the right path because not only is He the way but He is also the truth.

If you want life, in all its abundance, the best place to start is at the very beginning. The first step, for you, or your child, is to consider inviting Christ into your, or their, life. Baptism (also known as a Christening) provides this opportunity. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.

Choose LIFE.

Meriden Churches together are hosting a new initiative – a community cafe. We have a fantastic community here in Meriden but we’d like to make it even better! Come along to The Pavilion on the second Friday of the month for a cuppa and cake. We will be launching this on Friday 9th June from 2pm-4pm. We hope that this will be an opportunity for the community to come together – All Together – to meet new people, develop new relationship and provide a friendly environment in which we can all support each other.

Come along to enjoy a cuppa and cake.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is a statement of personal commitment to Jesus Christ and His 2pm-4pm Church. Originally it was for adults who became Christians, but it soon Every second Friday of the month began to involve whole families. So children of Christian parents were at The Pavilion. naturally baptised too.

There are two sides to the baptism “coin”.

FORGIVENESS: We all need God's forgiveness, and Baptism is a washing The new social venue for everyone. or “cleansing”. Just as we wash our dirty hands, or dirty dishes, baptism is about being clean on the inside.

NEW LIFE: Our forgiveness cost Jesus His life, and God offers a new life The church will be open on Sunday as we turn to Him, and give ourselves to Him. afternoons from 12noon to 4pm from So in baptism we receive God's forgiveness, and turn over the coin to April 23rd to October 22nd. start a new life with Him, following Jesus.

Everyone is welcome to visit this If you are interested in finding out more we will be holding a Baptism Preparation evening at 7pm on Monday 3rd July at St. Laurence church. All are welcome. Or call me to arrange a chat.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10.

beautiful historic church.

Do you have a spare hour or two on a Sunday afternoon? Why not volunteer to help keep the church open to visitors.

Please contact Flick Blewitt on 523229

Choose LIFE. Choose JESUS. With blessings, Lynda Lilley

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. For more details please contact Pat & Peter Wright on 01676522414

We apologise to our loyal supporters for the unavoidable change in screening date for “Lion”. The distributers chose to delay the release date (after we had been assured we were licensed to screen it in May). However, we have been able to re-adjust our screening schedule to show “Lion” in June and “La-La Land in May.

At Meriden Village Hall 7.30pm SUMMER PROGRAMME “Lion” (PG)

The Big Picture Show will take a break for July and August but will be back with you in September, watch this space !

Saturday 17th June 2017 at 7.30p.m We are delighted to have finally secured the early release date for this much acclaimed film. It tells the story of a five-year-old Indian boy who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of miles from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25years later, he sets out to find his lost family. A’ Must See ‘tipped to be Film of the Year.

Tickets £5.00 will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening but can be reserved in advance of this date. Tickets and advance reservations available from Chris Copper (01676 522645) and are also on sale at Fordes on the Green, Hairdressers, on Meriden Village Green.

£5 off Voucher when two or more people dine in

Parties and outside catering available

Take away service 10% discount on collection Free home delivery service 4 miles radius Minimum order £15 Quote from the Coventry Telegraph: “Revealed: Best Indian restaurant in the West Midlands isn’t in Birmingham!”

“Want the best curry in the West Midlands? Then head for Meriden, according to official Tripadvisor statistics. Meriden Spice Indian restaurant situated in Old Road Meriden has been crowned the region’s best-rated restaurant for Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi food on the popular review web site.”

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

Minister Rev Jane Braund Tel :01676 533737 Please phone to arrange In Meriden marriages, baptisms and funerals Keep a look out for Services: Sunday 10:30am.

Over the last few weeks, like many of you I expect, I have been working in my garden. It had got quite overgrown and needed a lot of cutting back, pruning, digging and weeding. It is also very dry from the lack of rain. The grass had got long and not only needed cutting, but it also needed the seeds that had fallen from the trees removing from places they were not meant to be! As I cleared a space for new things to be planted I made sure there was plenty of compost and nourishment for the new plants and watered them all well.

As I worked in my garden, I was reminded that throughout the Bible there are many references to gardens. Two of the more well known are the Garden of Eden at the beginning of the Bible(Genesis 2), and the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26: 36 46), where Jesus went to pray before his arrest and crucifixion. In John 15 Jesus tells his disciples that his Father is the Gardener (John 15: 1). That's why the Bible is so rich with analogies of gardens and the various processes involved in gardening - because he is a Gardener. God's gardening is a universal theme in which he wants our lives to bear fruit - good fruit - and the source of the production of that good fruit is Jesus1.

The Bible compares our lives to a garden. So often our lives can get messed up. If we aren't careful they can get clogged up with weeds, some of which have long roots that go down deep into our lives causing bitterness and hurt. They can get overgrown, full of things that no longer produce fruit and keep light out, affecting how we look at things, keeping things dark and in the shadow. We can become stony and hard hearted.

As the Gardener who loves us, God sees our potential, sees all that we could and can be. He is a Gardener who tends gardens very carefully with attention to detail, knowing the right season to do everything in. He clears the ground of stones (Isa 5: 2). He uproots and tears down, digs up and prunes (John 15), getting the ground ready for all that he wants to plant in our lives - so that our lives can flourish. These things might not always be comfortable as we pass through these seasons, but when we trust God for the outcome, we are already starting to show new fruit.

God's desire for our lives is not about being under pressure to perform and be productive - that is the world's aim. God's desire is that we flourish, and are freed to love him and others. God wants each one of us to be 'like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Isa 58: 11).

Next time you stand in a garden, whether it be yours or someone else's, admiring the beauty of it, remember that is how God sees us. He is more committed to our abundance - our growth and our fruitfulness - than we are. Whatever the harshness of our surroundings and situations, whatever the weather, we can each rest in his care today1.

May you know God's blessings in your life in this coming season, Jane

Meriden Methodist Church Diary Dates 9 June - Coffee in the Pavilion from 2.00 – 4.00pm 18 June is the Kinwalsey Tree Service at 4 pm - bring a packed tea.

14 July - Coffee in the Pavilion from 2.00 – 4.00pm Sunday services every week at 10.30 except for the 1st Sunday in the month

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

-

Club Annual Outing

17 July - Oranges and Lemons - Kerry Stress August - No Meeting New members are always welcome For more information please contact

Mo Reynolds 01676 521457

The Methodist Church Hall Is available for hire Please contact Alan Gabbitas on

01676 522148

The Firebird Firebird Singers Present

The Magic of Sondheim and Lloyd Webber Saturday 10th June 7.00pm The Blue Coat Church of England School and Music College Terry Road, Coventry CV1 2BA

Tickets £10, £8 concessions Please ring Val 01676 522963 Our chosen charity for 2016/17 season is the Alzheimer’s Society Registered charity number 296645

Queens Head Old Road Meriden 01676 522256

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

June

5th 12th 19th 26th

Keith Brett Karen West Chrissy Darin Day *

July

3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st

Marade * Sam Southall Micky Dean * Stevie Best * TBA

August 7th Keith Brett th 14 2 Left Feet 21st Chrissy 28thALLAN Marade * SLATING SMITH To be confirmed

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

PA ELECTRICS th

(17

edition qualified) Part P Registered

All aspects of domestic installation and repairs • • •

• • • •

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

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

• • • • • •

Servicing Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes

Call in for a quotation for your motoring needs

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

New Showroom.

Now open

Direct Carpets & Flooring

Stockists of leading Manufacturers Carpets, vinyls, laminates, real woods, underlays and accessories For a no obligation free quotation call in to see us or…we will come to you

The Old Forge Stores, 68 Balsall St, Balsall Common CV7 7AP T: 01676 530695 Mob: 07775 515504

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 3rd Thursday – ‘Open Mike Night’ • Every Friday evening – Cash Bingo, Meat Raffle, ‘Open the Box’ and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ • Saturday 29th July Decades Band 8.00pm Tickets £5 on the door th

• Saturday 26 August 8.00pm Boy George and Friends 80’s Spectacular. Tickets £5 on door Heart of England Social Club, Berkswell Road, Meriden 01676 522430

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

Meriden Archery Junior Section Have continued to fly the flag for Meriden, putting us on the map across Northampton, Wolverhampton, Cheltenham and Lilleshall, to name but a few. Along with target archery, Junior Club on a Saturday morning has had coaching from “Grizzly Jim” Kent demonstrating the traditional instinctive side of archery, widening their interests across different disciplines.

The photograph shows Monty and Paddy Orton - each winning their respective U14 and U12 shooting categories in the Cheltenham Archers Charity Easter Bunny Tournament on Monday 17 April, raising funds for the Gloucestershire Kidney Patients Association.

Interested? Contact www.meridenarchery.org,uk/contact-us

Escape from Meriden 2017

On Friday evening 2nd June lots of competitors from all over the country will leave the warmth and safety of Meriden Methodist’s Church Hall and set off at midnight from the Village Green to see how far they can travel on foot in 24 hours.

The winners of the event that took place in November 2016 managed 105 miles and ended up in Merseyside.

See last issue of the Mag for details.

We are encouraged to go and wave them off !

For more details see www.escapefrommeriden.co.uk

We are delighted to announce that Meriden has been invited to enter Channel 4 TV programme: VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2017 This summer, Penelope Keith and her team of judges will be visiting villages across the UK to determine a winner, with a £10,000 prize up for grabs. It is quite an honour to be approached by Channel 4 to encourage us to enter.

We have a lot to be proud of, so if you see Penelope and her film crew out and about tell her why you love living in Meriden.

Great for children and pets to play, No mowing, edging or watering.

Stunning looking lawn 365 days a year

Just relax and enjoy Please phone for more details

0845 388 0800

Visit our website @ www.coventryartificialturf.co.uk

A family run business, for the ultimate ladies hair, barbering and beauty / experience. . experience Summer Offers June offers Free brow shape with every Semilac gel polish application Ultimate Bronzing facial £25 July offers Opening hours:

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9.00-7.00pm 9.00-5.00pm 9.00-8.00pm 9.00-5.00pm 8.30-4.30pm

Meriden Meriden Fish and Chips The Green, Meriden

Leg tan with a foot file and polish £20 (or £25 with Semilac) Luxury pedicure with Semilac gel polish application £25

Gift vouchers available

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

Chartered Financial Planners and Employee Benefit Consultants

You can try the rest!

But we’re the best!

Opening hours Monday – Saturday 11.30-2.00pm & 4.15 -9.30pm Closed Sundays

01676 523476

Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd Regent House 430 – 432 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER Tel 01676 532 210 www.jamiesonchristie.com Email: mail@jamiesonchristie.com Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Around Meriden Green Part 2‘ [[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William sonGreen of Gerard Geoffrey’s brother elsewhere ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard or Coventry end of the stood(possibly an old building previously the ‘Swancalled Inn ‘but in its latter daysHill a farm with a At the eastern thebutcher’s Mason, Nicolas Godyng many all crowding listening, of 700 years grocer’s and shop owned byand Percy andothers.

MabelI imagine Tuckey.them To enter the farmround yard you passedallthrough a half-ago. timbered coaching arch where, to your left stood the kitchen, slaughter house and cowsheds. On the right was a high almost blank brick wall, at theDoreen rear ofAgutter. a group of late C18th cottages. The Chemist and Co-op now stand on the site.

For centuries Meriden thrived on travellers passing through this village on route to or from the Capital, the North East and North Wales. As now residents were drawn to work or study in London while the road acted as a conduit attracting new inhabitants. The property had begun life as Edward Smith’s cottage ale house: ‘the Cock’ in 1570s but in the hands of the enterprising Mottershead family from Prestbury in Cheshire, it developed into a sumptuous first-class establishment: a rural inn attracting wealthy clients, as many as 20 a night, who might hire a suite of rooms or the ‘Court Parlour’ or the ‘Paradise’ offering silver service and a four poster bed with fine Holland sheets on a feather mattress. The business was largely selfsufficient with home killed roast meat and gallons of own brewed ale. After almost 100 years by 1682 two greatgranddaughters of the original Mottershead, Ralph sold out to their manager William Smith leading to another 100 years in the Smith family’s hands though frequently employing a working landlord. Once more contemporary ‘improvements’ led to a barn at the end of the farm yard being remodelled as cock pit, cock fighting being a popular sport and laying out a bowling green near what is now the start of the Straight Mile. The building underwent changes too with the previously mentioned cottages built along the eastern side used by small craftsmen: a carpenter and a weaver. The main wings were brick encased hiding the wooden structure set into the sandstone base. The Overseers of the Poor and Highway Surveyors conducted meetings here as did those planning Enclosure after 1785. Now called the ‘Swan’ the Earls of Aylesford became the owners by the early C19th. Local men applied to be licencees. The last one Thomas Hunt had previously run the Fillongley Lane brickworks near Lodge Green for the Aylesfords. The ‘Swan’ finally closed its doors in 1868 though its name was still recalled nearly 100 years later. Road transport had dwindled as the railway took over from coaches, horses and carts. There was insufficient local demand for its ale and spirits with competition from the Bull’s Head, the Queen’s and a beer house on the opposite side of the Green.

The Tuckeys came to Meriden soon after the Great War when life here was still very rural. Their milking cows grazed on the Green itself, meandered to pasture down Maxstoke Lane in the 1930s or were still driven up Fillongley Lane in the early 1950s. They remained until the premises which they bought in 1925, were demolished in 1969. I enjoyed working in the house and shops for 8 years in my school and university holidays. Each morning my first task was black leading the kitchen grate. The schedule included cleaning a different room each day as well as tidying the kitchen, making tea and coffee for everyone, helping to prepare and cook the lunch, washing up and taking telephone orders. One day Mr Tuckey told me my weight, spot on. Amazed I asked him how he had worked it out. ‘I quartered you up like a cow’, he replied. Well; after all he was an experienced butcher. Many years later I discovered there had been an earlier Meriden butcher called Tuckey… at the time when Ralph Mottershead rebuilt the Cock Inn c. 1600.

Doreen Agutter

LITTLE ANGELS PARENT

AND TODDLER GROUP Please come along and join in the Fun and Activities with other children aged 0 to 5 years, term time only.

Our Sessions are: Wednesday and Friday 9.30am - 11.30am Meriden Sports Pavilion (Next to the Park) Thursday 9.30am - 11.30am Jubilee Community Centre (Balsall Common) Admission is £3.50 for 1 Adult & 1 Child + 50p for Additional Child Includes a drink and toast.

Call Rachel Platt 07812 127772 for more information.

Tuckey’s Shop in1969 before demolition

PC Technical Services Tile Hill Lane Coventry

Home Computer Repairs Upgrading & Problem Solving

Telephone 024 7667 4952 07963 850001 Independent personal attention Internet & e-mail Troubleshooting & tuition

A desert love story Once upon a time there was a very handsome male camel named Alfred with two huge camel humps. He fell in love and married a beautiful female camel named Marie who had one perfect hump and beautiful lips. As time progressed they became proud parents of a wonderful baby boy camel born with no humps. They contemplated long and hard on what to call their beautiful little boy, they finally decided on (are you ready for this ?) HUMPFREE

Summer Fun 24th July - 1st September

The Parkridge Centre Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HG Set in the middle of Brueton Park, on the edge of Solihull Town Centre, 5.5 acres of tranquil beauty offering nature themed activities for babies and children, holiday events and Really Wild Birthday parties. Tearoom and shop for refuelling and treats!

Nature Babies every Monday morning 10- 12 Drop-in format and exclusively at our Parkridge Centre site in Solihull. Wonderful gentle nature themed sensory play, a good chance to meet other parents and make new friends.

Nature Tots every Friday 10:30-12 or 1:30-3 Absolutely perfect for active 2-4 year olds.

Really Wild Parties Very competitive prices, offered every weekend throughout the year for up to 20 children

OUR EVENTS COST £3.50 per child All 2017 events now booking online: www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on

Nature Babies and Nature Tots will be running as normal throughout the summer.

ALL OTHER SUMMER EVENTS will have two daily sessions at 10:30-11:30 & 12-1 We will be pond dipping, learning about bats, bees, butterflies, foxes, owls and creating wildlife art. Dens will be built and also teeny tiny den building for our youngest visitors. There will be stories, games, a compass challenge, creative mud sessions and lots, lots more.

If you fancy discovering nature at night our Family Bat Night (5+) on the 25th August, £5 per person or 2 adults and 2 children for £15 could be just what you’re looking for!

Learn some facts and play games. When dusk arrives you will take your detector and hopefully hunt out some of our batty friends, a great night for the whole family 7:15 till 8:45

https://www.facebook.com/WKWTParkridge

Private William Thomas Price (No. 28004) The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 10th (Service) Battalion Since the publication of ‘The Fallen of Meriden, Great & Little Packington during the Great War 1914 – 1918’, two members of the First World War Meriden committee visited the grave of Private William Thomas Price at Hébuterne Military Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France, whilst on a trip to attend the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Private W T Price is also recorded on the Ring of Remembrance (L'Anneau de la mémoire) a memorial that records the 579,606 names of the fallen in Northern France (Pas-de-Calais and Nord) during the First World War.

It is a 328m ring consisting of 500 sheets of bronzed stainless steel listing all the names. Its innovative construction enables 20% of it to cantilever out horizontally as the landscape falls away. It was inaugurated in November 2014 at a cost of £3.9 million.

It is adjacent to the French National Military Cemetery, Notre Dame de Lorette, at Ablain-St-Nazaire.

Also named on the Ring of Remembrance are Meriden’s Captain Edgar Godfrey Izon, Lance Corporal Philip West and Private Thomas Pointon.

THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE

Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell CV7 7BN 01676 530 299 / 07949 119 436 Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm week days and now until 3.30pm Saturday & Sunday Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day Breakfast for £4.20!

‘Coffee and cake’ We are pleased to be able to offer our customers freshly ground coffee and homemade cakes

Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk

Special offer Coffee & Cake £3.00

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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 we welcomed Reverend Jane Braund, the new Methodist Minister. Jane was born in Bristol where she lived until she was years old Other when the family moved to Centre Dartfordon inthe Kent. livedofthere Come and11 Meet Each at the Community 4thShe Friday the until coming to Balsall Common. father monthJane’s at 2.00 p.m.was a Methodist Minister. Her first job was with the Royal Army Medical Corps at the Ministry of Defence in London which she loved. During the Toronto Blessings she had a profound spiritual experience which re-focused her life once again on Jesus, having invited him into her life when she was 11 years old. Jane married Andy and they have two children. She worked for a while in a crèche for the children of Kosovo refugees and then for some years as a driving instructor. During all of this time, she was . attending and working within her church and for six years served as a Circuit Steward. Jane then decided she should train as a local preacher which she did, knowing this was her first step on the road to Ministry to which she now felt called. Eventually she was accepted and studied at Queen’s College in Edgbaston before being allocated to the Meriden, Balsall Common and Fillongley Churches where she is happy and has settled in well.

We were fortunate to have Dame Caroline Spelman, our local Member of Parliament, speak to us in March about her role as Second Church Estates Commissioner. This is an unpaid honorary position which is held by a lay member of the Church of England who is a Member of Parliament from the Governing Party. David Cameron asked Caroline to undertake this role in 2015. The job is a link between the House of Commons and the Church of England. Caroline therefore introduces required legislation and answers oral and written questions about Church of England matters. Fortunately, her former experience as a Cabinet Minister helps her to answer on her feet. She also hosts events in Parliament on behalf of the Church of England to showcase the fantastic work which the Church is doing in the community. Caroline then detailed a few such community projects being carried out and described how, although some Anglican churches are closing, others including Cathedrals are expanding. Caroline concluded by answering questions on matters such as the loss of the taxi bus and school funding etc. before leaving to take part in the television recording of The Politics Show.

In April we had our annual trip out for lunch and this year 32 of us enjoyed a meal in The Cottage in Fillongley. We presented Ellen Watkins with a bouquet on her retirement from the Committee in recognition of all her hard work in setting up CAMEO in Meriden and helping to run it since 2003.

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:-.

June 23rd – Holiday at Home July 28th – Poems and Strawberries August 25th – Illustrated Talk on Peru by Ken and Stephanie Sherlock, Please note this meeting is at 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

Just before writing this article I was preparing an 'Order of Service' to do my Aunts funeral on the 2nd May and was remembering all the fun I used to have with my family, and my aunts, uncles and cousins when I was a child. I came from quite a big family as my mom was the youngest of twelve children so I had lots of extended family. We always seemed to be together growing up and this made for some great memories. We didn't have all the expensive toys children have today and we certainly didn't have the smart phones, computers, iPads etc. that everyone now has and which they use to converse with each other on the impersonal 'social media'.

But what we did have was a great one to one relationship and a real sense of belonging and endless hours of fun playing together, either at each other’s houses or more often than not, taking over a section of Elmdon park. This has resulted in our family still being a close knit one and even though we don't see each other as much as we used to or as much as we'd like, there is still a commitment to one another and a love that will always be strong. This all sounds great, and it is but it came at a cost, it took effort and commitment, there were bad times as well as good, there were tough times as well as easy ones and as time has gone by there have been a lot of sad farewells as different members of my family have passed away. But as the old saying goes 'It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all'. And I have to say having all those memories has meant that none of my family members have gone completely, because I still have them in my heart and mind.

In John's gospel chapter 14 Jesus is telling His disciples that He is going away to prepare a place for them and that He will come back to take them to be where He is, and tells them that they know the way to the place where He is going. To this Thomas replies; ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ 6 Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.’ 8 Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ 9 Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing his work.' (John 14:5-10). Jesus' response to Thomas' and Philips questions is a great example of how we build relationships and memories. The disciples had been with Jesus for almost three and a half years, they had ate with Him, ministered with Him, been taught by Him been empowered by him. They weren't just His disciples at this point they were considered by Jesus to be His close friends, and family. As a Christian I now belong to God's family, I now know Jesus as my Lord, Saviour and Friend. I am able to talk with Him, listen to Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him and build memories with Him. Knowing with absolute assurance that I will one day be with Him in the place that He has prepared for me, because I know the Way to the place where Jesus is. I also know that when I die I will once again see certain members of my family and friends, those who received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour before they died, and will once again rejoice with them.

I have no doubt in my mind that I have been blessed to be part of such a large and loving family, and now have my own children and grandchildren to build memories with, and that others aren't as fortunate as myself. However, I now belong to an even bigger family, one that I'm still building memories with. Anyone can belong to it, and it functions much the same as my natural family with its ups and downs, good and bad times, and is based not only on natural love but God's supernatural Love. That family is my church family, whom I've been a member of for the past 36 years and whom I love deeply. This family is made up of people from all different backgrounds and with different life experiences but has one thing in common, the thing that holds it all together, our love for Jesus.

Not because we first loved Him but because He first loved us and gave Himself up for us. Over the years I've been supported, loved, encouraged, and at times discouraged but always felt part of an amazing group of people called by God to serve Him and one another.

Church isn't about religion, it's about relationship, with a God who truly loves us and wants us be part of His family. So if you're looking for friendship, and maybe trying to make sense of this life, and would like to know more, why not join us at MCF Life Church.

We come together at 12:30pm each Sunday as well as other times in the week, and we meet in the Methodist building in Meriden.

We'd love to meet you. It's how memories are made.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

(1 John 4:9-10)

Every blessing. Kevin and Lyn Hunt

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MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT As a start, I will confirm that all monies raised to date have been paid to The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull and Macmillan Cancer Support. As I stated in the previous Mag, this totals *** £51,365. ***.

FUNDAY SUNDAY 4th JUNE

11.00am until 3.00pm approx Writing, as I am on the 24th April, I am up to my eyes in preparation for the event on The Village Green. I am receiving much appreciated support from several people in various ways. There will, again, be many excellent prizes in the Midsummer Draw (Tickets on sale in Meriden Tearooms, Our Spar Shop and Lloyd's Chemist). The number of Tombola prizes is growing, thanks to those who are donating, very kindly. On the day, there will be a number of features. To give you some idea, these include (as at this moment) A Barbecue, A Refreshment Tent, The WI Bottle Stall, Hook a Duck, Face Painting, Tombola, Candy Floss, A Combined Churches Craft Stall, The Village Stocks, The Skittle Alley (There will be, again, a Spar Voucher for the best overall score!), Meriden Parish Council, and Guess The Name for a fabulous Teddy. As usual, there will be, on sale, tickets for The Draw I would just say that my prime motivation for organizing FUNDAY ON OUR VILLAGE GREEN is to provide a few hours enjoyment for our residents at The Heart of The Village. Clearly, I hope that it will also generate a useful amount of money for The Charities. I do hope that many of you will come along and support the effort put in by a considerable number of people.

Thank you Alan.

Samaritan’s Purse Correction

Meriden United Charities is a small, registered charity, administered by nine local Trustees, meeting three times a year to help people in need, although there is one condition, all recipients must reside in Meriden.

Financial assistance is also available to support education, further education and people with special needs.

All enquiries are strictly confidential and applications can be made to:

In the last issue of the Meriden Mag we were told that eight shoe boxes were sent to the Middle East.

In fact the figure should be eight thousand!!

Well done to all concerned Thank You The Meriden Mag team would like to thank all our readers who have made donations towards our postage costs or general expenses.

Your generosity and kind comments are much appreciated

The Clerk to the Trustees, Meriden United Charities, c/o Meriden Library, The Green.

St Patrick's Day fundraiser nets over £600 for Alzheimer's Society A successful St Patrick's Day charity fundraiser has netted £648.44 for the Alzheimer's Society.

Meriden musician and fundraiser David McGrath entertained shoppers singing for 4 hours and then travelled to the Queens Head pub putting on free entertainment for the local patrons David's father - Irish born Waterford man - died of dementia and 'The day was to honour his memory' said David. 'But all of our volunteers have a relative or friend living with Alzheimer's so it was a joyous and emotional day to receive such amazing support' “There are an estimated 3,100 people living with dementia in Solihull.

We were amazed at how welcoming and positive everyone was towards us - sometimes joining in for a jig. Many people also related personal stories of friends or relatives living with dementia

Collectors raised £648.44 for Alzheimer's Society See centre pages for colour photograph

Dear Editor, I should like to thank the Coventry Way Association for erecting the lovely new fence on our Fillongley walk last week and also for the replacement of stiles with gates or kissing gates.

We do a lot of short walks around North and South Warwickshire and further afield and it is so sad when farmers have removed signs or chosen not to leave a walkway through their crops (even when it is a public footpath).

If anyone is interested, I have three books of walks available on Amazon and we are now re-walking the first book to make changes and put the walks on the internet as single walk PDFs. My books are: • Walks in Warks • More Walks in Warks • Midlands Meanderings (completed last year) Thank you Kind Regards Julie Chiswick

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BALSALL COMMON VETS

Governor Vacancy The Governing Body at Meriden C of E Primary School is seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to join an effective and cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set the strategic direction.

Although governors are volunteers, excellent support and development opportunities are provided through an induction process and a full programme of training as well as having an experienced governor as a mentor. We don’t expect you to be an expert in education and welcome governors from all walks of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need to be committed to supporting our school community and the educational outcomes of our students. However, we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with skills, experience or understanding in any of the following areas: 1. Finance 2. Business development 3. Data analysis 4. Marketing “The governing body provides effective support and challenge to the school” Ofsted, 2016 For an informal conversation about the role or to receive a full role description, please contact the Chair of Governors, Dr Adam Boddison on g77aboddison@meriden.solihull.sch.uk

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.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month 7.30pm at Meriden Village Hall. Contact Flick Blewitt 01676 523229

Margret Watts came to talk to us in March about ‘Save the Children’. The movement was founded in 1919 by Dorothy Buxton to help children in Europe suffering after WW1. She thought it would only be needed for a few years but sadly 100 years on the situation is worse than ever. Every penny donated is sent to workers in the field; and she herself has been to Mozambique and seen workers in action training local people as health visitors and nutritionists, paying particular attention to the survival of young children and providing invaluable help in refugee camps.

In April Paul Noble gave a short talk about his life on the Royal Yacht Britannia, where he had been a serving officer for many years, he felt very privileged to have served and was greatly saddened on her de-commissioning.

We welcomed Paul Thompson again in May; this time his talk was titled ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’ and related to the home front in WW1. He had many interesting examples of items that were sent to the men at the front.. Apparently some officers received hampers from Fortnum and Masons delivered by 16 year olds in their F & M uniforms!

He also talked about the important role that women played in those times having to do the jobs that had been done by men.

Many worked in the munitions factories as well as running their homes Future programmes 5th June Antiques Jeremy Thornton 3rd July ‘Everyone loves a wedding’ – Molly Murray

7th August

Social Evening

On Wednesday 10th May we held the Meriden Group meeting, comprising W.I.groups from Meriden, Allesley, Earsldon and Eastern Green. There will be a report on this next time. Elizabeth Spencer Elizabeth Spencer

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

FILLONGLEY SHOW - SUNDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2017

This year will be Fillongley Agricultural Society’s 93rd annual show. Quite an achievement! However, as old as the show is, the event is very much up to date and full of entertainment for the whole family. Despite its name the show ground is in Church Road, Corley, CV7 8AG, not Fillongley, and very easy to get to.

Fillongley is a traditional, small, agricultural show with the regular attractions of vintage tractors, classic cars, cattle, sheep, pig and horse classes, a very popular horticultural section and dog show and the poultry section with a variety of classes to enter.

As part of our main ring attractions we are glad to welcome back the very popular 'Quack Pack' with Meirion Owen and the audience having lots of fun herding the ducks. New to Fillongley this year is the BMX Bike Stunt Show with Ben Savage's team of fearless and inventive riders performing stunts designed to astound us. There will be a chance for people to try out BMX Stunt Riding for themselves on Ben's purpose-built track under supervision.

We've got Circus Whiz, Face Painters, Birds of Prey, Rare Breeds and, as always, the Bouncy Castle, Bouncy Trampoline and the Quad Bikes. New to Fillongley this year is Clayzer, a laser based Clay Shooting game, and we think it is going to be an exciting popular addition to Fillongley Show.

Main Ring attractions include horse showing, heavy horse classes, and the Champions Parade. All of these can be enjoyed on ringside seating, or, for Members, from the viewing area of the Member's Marquee, and of course the popular and the hilarious Pantomime Horse racing events.

The horticultural section is known around the Midlands as one of the best. A visit to see the wide range of vegetable, plant, flowers and produce entries is not to be missed. Why not enter your own famous home made jam or cakes? It includes photography and art classes, many children's classes and much more. The artisan craft tent is becoming more popular each year and is packed with items for you to admire and buy. Throughout the year the Farm and Field competitions, including Gardens and Allotments take place and are available for you to enter if you meet the criteria. We hope to see you there!

The show will be open all day from 9.00am until 5.00pm.

Download one of our schedules to enter at www.fillongleyshow.org.uk.

Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group HS2 is in a lull at the moment. More environmental surveys, ground investigations, and enabling works are underway, but the serious business of mitigating the construction impact and knock-on developments can't start until contractors have been appointed.

Brexit and the General Election add further uncertainty. A new Parliament will doubtless want to think again as to whether HS2 is value for money and the best way to boost the economy of the Midlands and North.

The new elected Mayor of the West Midlands will have control of local transport expenditure. Current plans are aimed at connecting the HS2 station at Bickenhill with the tram system, but areas either side of Birmingham may not feel this will compensate for a reduction in fast services on the current main line. HS2 also affects the proposed A46 - A45 link road, but no further details have emerged.

Richard Lloyd Chairman

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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 310 members and 30 active groups providing something different on each week day.

Beside the group activities, each month we have a core meeting. Included in the core meeting is a talk on subjects of interest to the group, the subjects and speakers for the next few months are as follows: Date 1st June 2017 6th July 2017 3rd August 2017

Topic Food Banks – Trussell Trust Eastern Europe by Scooter in the 60’s - behind the Iron Curtain Lasting Power of Attorney - Made Simple

Speaker Ann Danks Ian Lester Jackie Lewis

Core meetings are held in St Peters Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common and start at 2:00 pm.

Prospective members are always welcome to attend. For more information see our web site www.balsallcommonu3a.org or telephone the Chairman Jim Melville 01676 534938.

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

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Bank Holiday 26 – 28th August 2017 10:00am – 5:00pm daily Berkswell Reading Rooms th

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The Job Squad

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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.

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POTS AND PLANTS TO YOUR DOOR Wenday can supply 11th D all types of composts to enhance your garden plus topsoil/turf/flowers and plants / summer bedding/shrubs and trees to order Garden Canes/Trellis etc All delivered to your door Call Chris or Tina 07973834579 /07875475990

Bennetts Road North Corley Coventry CV7 8BG

01676 540178 New Coffee Shop now open

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.

JC Gardening Services and Maintenance 07710676792

WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK

Hedge cutting, Fence Treatment, Lawn Mowing, Weeding, Mulching, General Garden Maintenance, : Strimming, Edging Planting. jcgardenservicesandmaintenance@gmail.com

Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 07904 239365

POTS AND PLANTS TO YOUR DOOR Wenday can supply 11th D all types of composts to enhance your garden plus topsoil/turf/flowers and plants / summer bedding/shrubs and trees to order Garden Canes/Trellis etc All delivered to your door Call Chris or Tina 07973834579 /07875475990

Bennetts Road North Corley Coventry CV7 8BG

01676 540178 New Coffee Shop now open

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.

JC Gardening Services and Maintenance 07710676792

WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK

Hedge cutting, Fence Treatment, Lawn Mowing, Weeding, Mulching, General Garden Maintenance, : Strimming, Edging Planting. jcgardenservicesandmaintenance@gmail.com

Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: 07904 239365

A child asked his father, "How were people born?" So his father said, "Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on." The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, "We were monkeys then we evolved to become

MERIDEN

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A Coventry Way Challenge 2017 The 20th A Coventry Way Challenge took place on 9th April 2017. This 40 mile Challenge started and finished at The Queen's Head in Meriden. The route encircles Coventry, always outside the City boundary.

The 250 limit was reached early in 2017, with walkers and runners plus several relay teams taking part. The Challenge web master, Peter Page has produced a comprehensive list of 'results' which can be found at www.acoventryway.org.uk. Albeit not a race, the fastest round was Graham Stevens from Kenilworth and Matthew Ma from Milton Keynes in 6 hours 17 minutes - 32 minutes ahead of Warwick man Michael Scandrett. First lady was Sarah Booker (5th home) from Rugby in 7:08. There were times all the way through to 14 hours 51 minutes!

Apart from a warm welcome at the Queen's Head, those taking part visited nine refreshment points along the Way. Many of those taking part had collected sponsorship for their own particular charity. Local charities will benefit from the surplus from the event entry fees.

Frank Hodgson provided the following recommendation "A big thank you to everyone involved in organising and supporting the event. It was my first long challenge walk and I enjoyed it . The registration, check points, extra water stations, and the finish were all so efficient, friendly and helpful it was a joy to be a Coventry Way walker".

No doubt Frank will be walking it again in 2018 - the date has been set as April 8th for the 21st Challenge Event.

Here is an interesting picture for you to have a go at…

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

1. Draw a few goldfish, draw as many as you like but vary the size and shape 2. Background. Get a pinch of salt ready (fine sea salt works best). If you know you have problems with getting an even background, then wet the background first and then re wet after you have mixed the colours.

Mix big puddles of strong washes of:• Blue • Blue even stronger • Blue + a touch of Yellow (strong) Wet the paper carefully around the fish, making sure that it has an even glaze but is not sitting in puddles. Working quickly with a big brush, backwards and forwards, from the top down, apply an even covering of the blue (avoiding the fish). Add other colours to this straight away while still wet for the weeds.

Add a pinch of salt and leave it to dry.

3. Shading. Brush off the salt when it’s all dry.

With a smaller, very weak puddle of:• Blue Wet one fish at a time and add the shadows to the sides of the fish.

4. Colours on fish. Using small strong puddles of:• Yellow • Red + Yellow (orange) • Crimson Red • Blue • Blue + a touch of Brown (very dark blue/grey) Wet one fish at a time with the yellow, then add the stronger colours letting them run together. Move on to another fish. The choice of colours is up to you, you can add spots of dark blue if you wish or leave white patches.

5. Details. Using the same colours as before but a lot weaker, add a few hints of scales.

6. Add the eyes with a little:• Blue + a touch of brown (very dark blue/grey)

For more information on art classes at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see the website www.CoEA.co.uk We now run pottery and stained glass glasses as well as painting classes.

Created By Julie Hyde

email: jph300@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2017

On 23rd February 2017 Storm Doris hit Meriden felling a large tree on Main Road, oad, opposite the Village Village Green, Green, onto a parked car.

Very happily no one was hurt!

Luckily Councillor Paul Lee was passing at the time and was able to contact Dovetail Facilities Facilities Management who rapidly responded to remove the debris. debris.

Photographs courtesy of Councillor Lee

In March The Orme School of Dancing once again presented their annual ShowTime at the Royal Spa Theatre Leamington

Above the Adult Tap Dancing Dancing class Right Seniors dancing to “One”

“A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” performed by Rosette and the Preparatory Ballet.

David McGrath and friend at the St. Patrick’s Day fund raising event in Touchwood shopping centre centre Solihull.

David raised an amazing £648.44 for the Alzheimer’s Society ********* Below Meriden Archery Club Juniors have had a very successful few months, Left to right: right: “Grizzly Jim” Kent and friend Monty Orton winning the Junior Gents Recurve Trophy at the West Midlands Archery Society Novices Tournament in May Training Session at the Meriden Archery Ground

Meriden in springtime photographs courtesy of Roy Hands

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beavers Early spring saw the Beavers working towards their Digital Citizen Badge. To achieve this they had to learn about the different parts of a computer, create a piece of digital media and send an email with the link to their favourite website.

The Beavers also got 'crafty' creating lovely valentines and Mother’s day gifts. They also worked on their Communicator Badge and have started their International Badge and Adventure Challenge Awards ... As part of this badge they will take part in archery, den building and mud creations, to name but a few.

In June some of the Beavers will be attending the Warwickshire Scout County 'away day' at the Heart of England Conference Centre, where they will participate in a range of activities. In July the Beavers will achieve their Time on the Water Badge, with the Cubs where they will take part in Bellboating. Finally the summer term period will conclude with an end of year party, no doubt with a lot of water being splashed around. As you can see a very busy fun time ahead.

Cubs The Cubs Section have recently been working on quite a few badges and awards, namely being the Pioneer Activity badge, for which the Cubs built simple frames / ladders by using simple knots and lashings that they had learnt, two of their Navigator Staged Activity Badges, whereby they completed a whole list of tasks which included; locating where they lived on a local map of the village, creating simple maps of the village from memory, identifying Ordnance Survey map keys and symbols, going on a local walk and navigating their way around using local services and key points on an OS map, using grid references and 8 point compasses and using tracking signals. We also brought out the creative side of our Cubs by working on their Artist Activity badge, whereby they designed and made Mother’s Day cards and created posters based on their favourite elements of Scouting.

The Cubs are now working towards their Science Activity badge, where they have already taken part in a Star Wars inspired night of experiments where they had fun making water filled / compressed space rockets from plastic bottles and a foot pump, vinegar and bi-carb self-inflating "Death Star" balloons and generating electricity from lemons! They will also complete their Our World Challenge badge this term by understanding what local services there are within the local / immediate area (and even get to visit one of them), take part and understand different faiths and cultures, which includes visits to different places of worship, take part in different cultural celebrations and play different games from around the world.

All in all, the Cubs are enjoying being very busy in earning as many badges as possible and having LOADS OF FUN in doing so!

Scouts Once again we’ve tried to keep our programme packed full of a wide range of activities since January.

We had an interesting ready steady cook evening with some interesting creations from the Patrols, reinforced our skills with Maps and Compass and had a ten-pin bowling challenge evening. We’ve spent time looking at Hiking equipment, Rucksacks and how to pack them in readiness for our annual weekend visit to Snowdonia for some walking in the mountains. We had a great badge evening where several Scouts finished off their Digital Citizen and Writing badges.

Some of the ‘stop’ animation done with their phones at home was really impressive. Maybe some budding film makers in the making?

We finished the spring term off with a visit to a Sikh Gurdwara Temple. This is what Niamh thought of the visit: “On Tuesday 4thApril we went for a visit to Gurdwara Guru Nanle Prakes Sikh Temple in Coventry. We were made to feel very welcome in the beautiful and decorative temple. We had to wear something over our heads as a mark of respect for the Sikh religion. A member of the temple explained the history and beliefs of Sikhism, it was very interesting and educational.Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. It is over 500 years old and was founded in the Punjab region of India. I have learnt that it is important to respect people’s religious believes even if they differ from your own.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time to experience some Sikh vegetarian food that was offered to us but it did smell lovely!”

1st week back for start of summer term we undertook a one minute Olympics. Lots of silly games timed to a minute.

Getting a biscuit from your forehead into your mouth with no hands was hysterical.

Coming up we have our weekend up to North Wales, shortly followed by taking Part in the Strategy Camp weekend down in Cirencester, as well as an exciting summer programme.

For more detail of what we’ve been doing and what we have planned please visit our blog site at 1stmeridenscouts.blogsp ot.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 Becky 07967674308 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

Showtime at the Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch The dancers at The Orme School of Dancing’s Meriden Branch danced beautifully at ‘Showtime 2017’. The annual show included show stoppers such as ‘Stepping Out With My Baby’, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and our youngest dancers looked gorgeous in their ‘Finley the Fire Engine’ and ‘ZingZillas’ dances. The senior dancers sparkled in their show pieces which included a large group dance to ‘One’.

Local Bookkeeper With 25 years’ experience is looking to take on new clients in the area.

“Let me take the stress away by completing your VAT/CIS/ Self-Assessment Tax returns Wages /PAYE Auto Enrolment Pension Leaving you to concentrate on your business.”

Please call Fran to discuss your needs

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.

Please see advert below and centre colour pages for photographs

07940 700284

Jane West

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch

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

Jennifer Faulkner

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

Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Gymnastic and Contemporary Dance aged 2 ½ years upwards

Fellowship Teaching Degree Dip A.B.R.S.M

Tel: 02476 467271

www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

Principal Sandra Clarke F.I.D.T.A (Hons) M.B.B.O. (Hons)

Guitar and Ukulele Tuition Individual or Group Sessions

Experienced Adult Education Tutor Eastern Green Contact 07742 288113

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

What’s on this summer at Meriden Library?

Summer Reading Challenge – it’s back! We are delighted to announce the theme for the 2017 Summer Reading Challenge is Animal Agents! The summer reading challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays for children aged 4 to 11 years.

Children's reading can 'dip' during the long summer holidays. The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to keep up their reading skills and confidence. Because everything changes when we read. You can sign up at the library, then read six library books of your choice, collecting 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 on 15 July.

Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer Opportunities Are you 14 or over? Do you want to gain experience, develop skills working with children, discover more about working in libraries or help encourage children to read?

Solihull Libraries, Arts and Information are looking for volunteers to work across the whole of Solihull for Animal Agents, the Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge 2017, between 15th July - 2nd September. You will be asked to commit to a minimum of 9 hours across the summer and training will be given. The final closing date for applications is Saturday 17th June 2017.

Email: libraryvolunteer@solihull.gov.uk 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!

Story time for the under-fives – Our Story Time session is aimed at pre-school children and will continue to take place every Monday 2:45- 3:15. Please come and join in our lovely group of parents and carers: make friends and enjoy some stories and a craft.

Rhyme Time – Come along with your preschool children every Thursday 2:45-3:15pm to sing along to some classic nursery rhymes as well as learning some new songs. We look forward to welcoming you to our lively group.

Board Games Club – Come along to our monthly board games club for 7-11 year olds and join in the fun. Play games, design your own board game to take home or join in the quizzes and activities. Booking essential.

Wi-Fi - Free Wi-Fi access is available at all Solihull libraries. Ask staff for more information.

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. Dates and themes for summer are: Monday 19 June Learning Monday 24 July Summer Reads Monday 14 August Favourites!

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, 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.

For further information please contact Amanda Jones, Neighbourhood Library Manager. Tel: 01676 532590, Email: amandajones@solihull.gov.uk BOOK REVIEW “THE READER ON THE 6.27”

by Jean –Paul Didierlaurent This is a heart-warming tale which should appeal to all those who enjoy a well structured narrative, which paints vivid portraits of its characters with tenderness and humour.

Guylain Vignolles, a self-doubting, eccentric 36 year-old, lives on the edge of existence. He works in a book-pulping factory in Paris, in a job he abhors, not only for its tedium but for its very destructive nature. He has but one pleasure in life. Sitting on his commuter train each day, Guylain recites aloud to his rapt audience of fellow travellers, from pages he has saved from the hideous jaws of the pulping machine.

But it is when he finds a memory stick which contains the diary of a lonely young woman, Julie, who works in a similarly horrid job and who feels as lost in the world as he does, that his journey truly begins.

“This is a charming, clever, funny and humane work that champions the power of literature” Sunday Times.

A perfect summer read whether on a sunny beach or curled up indoors on a rainy day.

It will raise a smile, restore the soul and will certainly not disappoint. C.C.

Readers Circle 14th June.

A book by Terry Prachett

13th September. Our Summer/Holiday Reading We are taking a summer break for July and August.

If either of these appeal, please give Peter Moss a call on 01676 523590 for further information and the venue.

Did you know that Meriden has had a golf course for over 100 years?

It goes by the name of North Warwickshire Golf Club (NWGC) and is located on the left side of Hampton Lane as you leave the village. Founded in 1894, this heathland course was built on what was originally known as Meriden Common and included a horse racing circuit!

During the Club’s centenary in 1994, over 2000 trees were planted as part of the Forest of Arden regeneration scheme paid for by the EU in conjunction with Solihull and Warwickshire Councils. The planting was carried out by Club members and volunteers from the village. The area is now well established.

It is a members’ owned club with a delightful, challenging 9-hole golf course with 18 different tees! We are family friendly. Recently two of our members revived the Junior section (from 7-years-old) and, under the guidance and instruction of our professional Andy Bownes, we are introducing golf to youngsters who perhaps were only previously aware of the game electronically! We are in contact with local primary and secondary schools to promote the game. We have an active social section which supports the monthly Free Draw and Treasure Chest night and the Bridge section (you may play as a guest) meets on a Thursday evening.

In local golfing, we are best known for the simple fact we are weather proof, except for snow. We are built on sand and gravel, conditions that are ideal for drainage, and so, very rarely closed, even in winter. In the wettest winters (or summers) if you want to play golf, you can. We are playable when others nearby are closed. We are also well known for our friendly atmosphere, having an “honesty bar” (how unusual is that?) and being able to get snacks and meals.

You might have heard rumours that the course was to be sold. To reassure everyone, at an EGM in April 2017 the membership rejected, by an overwhelming majority, offers to buy the site for sand and gravel excavation.

Modern day life seems very full on, especially with families. Our course can provide a haven for stressed out mums and dads as well as children. One of the issues with golf is that it can take a large chunk of time to play e.g. an 18-hole round in 4 hours plus of course the possibility of the 19th hole! However, our 9-hole set up enables players to enjoy a shorter, natural game, at a reasonable cost, yet fitting in with family commitments.

I have measured my 18-hole round as a 5.2-mile walk, if I can get to play twice a week, that means I walk over 10 miles but I wouldn’t go for a 10 mile walk otherwise. There is the quote "Golf is a good walk ruined". For myself and many golfers, golf is the reason for a good walk.

Si solum (if only) is the Club motto. It can refer to: the missed putt, the tree that hadn’t been there, keeping one’s head down – but in my case if only I had started playing golf sooner. If you are interested in golf and want more details, contact us by telephone or by calling in.

Paul Blewitt Hon Treasurer and Vice Captain Office Manager 01676 522915 Professional (Andy Bownes) 01676 522259 Captain Ladies Captain

David Hartley Diane Blake

EXTEND provides exercise to music for senior people and for anyone of any age with a disability. Our mission is to promote health, increase mobility and independence, improve strength, co-ordination and balance and to counteract loneliness and isolation.

Come & Join me at Meriden Village Hall and exercise whilst sitting or standing

7th June 2017 2pm – 3pm Every two weeks with tea/coffee and a natter for afters !!

Jay 07983 979 404 Qualified EXTEND fitness instructor

North Warwickshire Golf Club

It’s good to talk…but it is even better to listen For my latest message I thought I would start by talking about a new messaging system West Midlands Police has launched as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping in touch with local communities.

The service is called ‘WMNow’. It is free to sign up to and you can register according to your interests and where you live and work.

While I will continue to share messages in this publication, and I thank those involved for allowing me to continue doing this, WMNow will also add an extra opportunity for me and the team to provide updates about what’s happening - whether it’s details of incidents, timely crime prevention advice, community events or appeals for information.

As well as sharing our messages we’re keen for this to be a two way process. We want to hear from you about any issues or concerns you have and also any important information you may want to share. This service allows you to tell us, directly, about local issues which will allow us to intervene early and potentially prevent matters from escalating into bigger problems.

The information we receive can be absolutely crucial in preventing and detecting crime and anti-social behaviour, so the more people that join WMNow the safer our communities will be. Signing up takes less than five minutes, so we’d encourage everyone to visit www.wmnow.co.uk and join today.

Talking about making communities safer, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some tips on how we can make this summer even safer. Our first reminder goes to green fingered residents. This time of year can see a traditional increase in burglary and thefts from gardens and sheds. Opportunist thieves can also take expensive items from the back of vans or trailers or even mid-job as the worker turns their back for a cup of tea or rest.

At the end of a long tiring day in the garden it may be really tempting to leave equipment such as spades and ladders in the garden ready for the following day. While these items are relatively inexpensive they could be used to gain access to your property. So please lock away all gardening tools and make sure ladders are kept securely locked.

As well as gardening, some of you may have other home improvements planned that require professional assistance.

If you choose to get someone else to complete the work for you then we’d strongly suggest that you visit the Citizen Advice Bureau website for a host of information and advice you should consider before getting work completed. Remember to get several written quotes from reputable firms before deciding which one is best.

If in doubt talk it through with someone in your family or a trusted friend. Don’t let unexpected callers to your door pressurise you into having work completed that doesn’t even need carrying out. Don’t forget if you think someone is acting suspiciously - call us immediately.

If you are going on holiday then don’t forget to cancel the burglar! In the eagerness and excitement that precedes a holiday it can be easy to forget things. Whether you are leaving your home unoccupied for a fortnight, a week or even a few days we are asking you to follow some simple advice.

Don’t discuss your holiday plans online. Adding a photo of you on the beach could let strangers know that your home is empty. Make your home looks lived in by setting timer switches on lights and/or radio. Cancel the milk and papers if you get them delivered and get a trusted friend or neighbour to collect your post.

Something else we traditionally at this time of year is an increase in anti-social behaviour. In particular I’d like to ask parents, grandparents and young people for their help with this issue.

I am aware that the behaviour of a small minority of young people must not give a whole generation a bad reputation.

There are some incredible young ambassadors for our communities. The team and I see evidence of this when we visit schools and clubs throughout the community.

CAT MINDER All I would ask parents and guardians to do is simply remind young people to be mindful of how their behaviour I am offering a service that will stop could affect other people. The last thing we want to be the worry of putting your cat/s into doing is knocking on their doors and telling them their a kennel while you are away loved one has been involved in anti-social behaviour.

At the same time we’re also keen to remind young people The service I provide will include that we are also here for them. If they have any concerns • Feeding/changing water about the safety of themselves or their peers we are always • Clean and change litter trays/accidents here to help and offer advice.

• Spend time fussing your cat/s Finally I will finish with the promise that I and colleagues • Any other needs your cat/s may have. across Solihull will continue to keep you updated about the If you are interested in this service please contact me latest news via WMNow. There are so many ways that you can get in touch with us so if something is affecting the safety of yourself or your family please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you. Police Sergeant Mick Lloyd

Gail on 07913 872280 or email gail.dichiara@gmail.com

and I will come and meet you and your cat/s.

Reference available, security checked/fully insured. .

SUPREME COURT BACKS CHARITIES AGAINST ADULT CHILD IN WILL CLAIM CASE Faye Scotter, Evans Derry Solicitors, Coleshill Clarity has been brought to the 1975 law permitting claims on the grounds that a will has not made sufficient financial provision - the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

The Supreme Court has now highlighted the importance of limiting financial awards to adult children, and gives weight to the wishes of the testator and the period of estrangement.

The Court has also recognised the importance of charitable legacies, highlighting that they depend heavily on testamentary bequests for their work.

The unanimous judgement of the Supreme Court is the final chapter of the ongoing saga that is the case of Iliott v Mitson, which has made headlines in recent years, due to the various appeals made by the parties. A summary of the background is this: Mrs Iliott was the only child of Mrs Jackson, from whom she had been estranged for 26 years. Mrs Jackson died in 2004, having made a valid will leaving her estate worth approximately £486,000 to various animal charities. Mrs Ilott was married with 5 children and received benefits. She brought a claim under this 1975 Act for financial provision.

In the first instance, the court held that the Will did not make reasonable financial provision and she was awarded £50,000. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal replaced this with an award in favour of Mrs Iliott in the sum of £143,000 (to purchase her home) and a capital sum of £20,000, sums intended not to impact on her state benefits entitlement.

Following the appeal to the Supreme Court, the charities’ appeal was allowed and the original award of £50,000 was reinstated.

The decision is clearly a victory for the Charities concerned, but will no doubt have an impact on adult children contesting a Will, making it more difficult and potentially less likely for them to succeed.

Faye Scotter, Evans Derry Solicitors, Coleshill 01675 464400 email: fayescotter@evansderry.com

Strawberries Strawberries are incredibly easy to grow. Strawberry plants can be grown almost anywhere – in borders, containers or hanging baskets. And of course the fruit is extremely popular – home-grown strawberries taste delicious and are great value too!

Water frequently while new plants are establishing. Also water during dry periods in the growing season. Water from the bottom as overhead can rot the crown and fruit.

During the growing season give the plants a liquid potash feed – such as a tomato feed – every 7 to 14 days. In early spring apply general fertiliser such as Growmore at a rate of 50g per square metre. As fruits start to develop tuck straw underneath them to prevent the strawberries from rotting on the soil. Otherwise use individual fibre mats if these are not already in position. The straw matting will also help to suppress weeds. Weeds that do appear pull out by hand.

After cropping has finished, remove the old leaves from summer fruiting strawberries with secateurs or hand shears.

Also remove the straw mulch, fibre mat, or black polythene, to prevent a build-up of pests and diseases.

Expect strawberry plants to crop successfully for three years before replacing them. Crop rotation is recommended to minimise the risk of an attack by pests and diseases in the soil.

Strawberries make an excellent dessert, on their own, in a meringue basket with cream or crème fraiche, as a sauce for ice cream, strawberry gratin and strawberry shortcake.

Strawberry gratin 300ml double cream 300 ml natural yogurt 225gm strawberries, sliced Grated zest of 1 lemon Caster sugar to taste Lemon juice to taste 115 g demerara sugar Whisk the double cream to soft peaks and fold in the yogurt add a few strawberries and the lemon zest and sugar to taste.

Fill the bottom of 6 ramekin dishes or one large dish with the remaining strawberries top with the cream mixture and carefully spread the demerara sugar over the top.

Leave in fridge for at least 2 hours to form a crust.

Fillongley Show August 13th

Best allotment kept by a bone-fide amateur gardener on one site within 10 miles of Fillongley church.

Entry fee £3. Judging to take place on June 17th To enter please contact Ken Whittaker 0121 443 5237 Email: kandtatwhittsend@hot mail.co.uk

Balsall & District Horticultural Society's Annual Show Saturday 22nd 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

Strawberry Shortcake For the shortcake Cream together 150g soft butter 75 g caster sugar Add 225g plain flour and form into a dough Roll out into an 8 inch circle ½ inch deep.

Cook in an oven 160 degrees gas mark 3 for 25 minutes until top feels dry.

Remove from oven and cut into pieces, sprinkle with caste sugar and leave on the tray until cold.

Spread with cream and top with strawberries.

The 69th annual Whitacre’s and Shustoke show Saturday 29th July At Blythe Hall Shustoke • Minibeast road show • Falconry centre • Punch and Judy • Rockwood dog display team As well as the usual features of a traditional local country show , this year will feature the Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team provide a unique, non-stop show, using Britain’s best motocross and extreme sports participants, introducing the articulated mobile freestyle ramp.

M.J. Mowing martin@mjmowing.co.uk

Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Pruning Strimming Weed Control –Pesticide Licensed Leaves Cleared No Job Too Small Competitive Prices - Free Quotes Call Martin 01675 465 204 07922 241 181

Meriden Rovers Football Club www.petstay.net 07940 146 063

charlotte@petstay.net 01789 608 021

Heart of England Cricket Club At the time of writing this the club are getting ready for the cricket season which hopefully will be as successful as last year.

With the promotion of the Saturday Xl to Division 8 in the Warwickshire League we had to join with Leamington Khalsa. It has been a great start for the team with 2 wins from 2 games putting us at the top of the table. A strong start to the batting has seen Rakesh scoring 2 consecutive 100's and Sreekesh, Arun and Harris scoring half centuries. Not to be outdone Sriram has taken 7 wickets followed by Kiru taking 4.

The fixture list for home games being played on a Sunday and Tuesday is displayed at the pavilion.

You can follow the club via our facebook page.

A sad farewell to Tom’s Butchers After 35 years beside the Village Green Tom’s butchers shop closed in March. This family business, run by Tom and his two sons Kevin and Terry, will be greatly missed by their customers. On everyone’s behalf we would like to thank them for so many years of service to the community.

Another independent shop closes!

Meriden Play Group “Where Friends are made”

We are looking for new players to join the team in preparation for the next season of the Central Warwickshire Youth Football League.

Your child must be in the current Year 7 school year (age 11/12).

If your child would like to come along to our training session and meet the coach/team, please

contact Malcolm Eggar on 07967 325520 or Kim Blackman on 07853 237158.

12th Heart of England Bike Ride Sunday 16 July Knowle and Dorridge Lions hope you will join this year’s ride from Packwood NT House around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Gear up, get your friends and family together and take on the challenge of the 12, 18, 30 or 60 mile routes, and raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and local causes. After your ride enjoy a free visit to the House and Gardens and something from the Lions BBQ. More details and register online via

www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/bikeride

Experienced Van and Driver Hire For private or commercial use

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

Local or National delivery or collections Vans and drop side vehicle available

Please call Peter 07768350933 Peterj.ellis6@gmail.com

Meriden Parish Council The Centre of England 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: • 26 June 2017 - The Pavilion • 24 July 2017 - The Pavilion • No meeting in August

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

Community Surgeries 11am-12pm: • Monday 05 June 2017 – Meriden Library • Monday 10 July 2017 – The Pavilion • Monday 07 Aug 2017 – Meriden Library Police Beat Surgeries at the Library 11am-12pm: (Welcome to our new PCSO Toni Rheeston!)

• Thursday 22 June 2017 • Thursday 20 July 2017 • Monday 14 Aug 2017

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

Your Parish Councillors are:

Rosie Weaver BEM (Chair)

Frances Lynch-Smith (Vice-Chair)

Bob Kipling

Melanie Lee

Paul Lee

Mandy Haque

Jon Barber

Matthew Nunn

Quarry news - update on the Sand Martins Following rumours that the Sand Martins’ nests have been destroyed, we would like to reassure everybody that NRS Wastecare Ltd are looking after the care of the birds.

Wayne Wardle from NRS explains, “The nests were checked and as there were no young in and 90% were not completed - checked with a snake camera - part of the colony has moved to the top of the lagoon with the rest of the colony which is not being touched until after the breeding season.

“The NRS Meriden site has had two very large colonies for the last three years. These birds are also netted and tagged each year by professionals for monitoring as will the colony at Area E. “These actions were planned, done with due care and attention, and I believe correctly carried out due to the pressure from the council, Environment Agency and other bodies to complete the work.”

Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom axed for 2017 With the rising cuts in spending in local authorities across the nation, Solihull Council has had to make the decision to cease its Neighbourhoods in Bloom initiative from this year. Meriden won best kept village in 2014 and 2015, placing second in 2016. We’d like to thank everyone who helped us achieve these awards over the years. As best we can, the parish council will aim to maintain its floral displays throughout the parish – see ‘The Parish Council would like to thank’ on the next page. We will also be planting purple crocus bulbs throughout the parish supporting the initiative from the International Rotary Club to eradicate polio. In 2018, we will enter RHS Britain in Bloom, Heart of England Region, having received a Silver Large Village Award in 2015. Volunteers are needed to meet the exacting competition standards!

The Parish Council would like to thank Bruce Brant, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, Sarah Jones from NAP (Neighbourhood Activity Programme) and the Neighbourhood Rangers for the wildflower bank at Coronation Island, benches for Meriden Gate public open space, spring bulbs for the parish, and nesting boxes for the Copse. Our wonderful volunteers Lynn Parker, resident representative for Quarry Liaison Group, Sarah Sharland, Tree Warden and Rosie Nunn for administrative assistance to the Clerk, for their invaluable support. Wayne Wardle of NRS Wastecare Ltd for his support and protection of the Sand Martin colony in Meriden Quarry. Mrs Jeanette Gray and Mrs Pat Mills who have tirelessly campaigned on behalf of residents for community transport and reinstatement of the Ring & Ride Service. Lee Butterworth and his team at Dovetail Facilities Management for their rapid response during Storm Doris to our request to remove the fallen tree from Main Road.

Taxi Bus - 89 bus - Ring & Ride update There have been several meetings with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and IGO with the parish council and the residents’ committee led by Mrs Jeanette Gray and Mrs Pat Mills. Following TfWM’s public consultation which ran up until 10 February, they introduced a feeder bus to ferry people from their homes to the 89 bus stop. However, this was deemed unsuitable by the residents’ committee as many of the people who were used to the Taxi Bus service could not, by any means, board the 89 bus due to accessibility issues.

Then it was agreed to introduce a shuttle service to carry people from their homes to the post office, doctor, library and to the local clubs on the following days and times: • Tuesdays and Fridays 0945 to 1400 • Wednesdays 0900 to 1600 Also at one these meetings, a timetable was discussed whereby the 89 would travel to • Coventry on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 0900, 1307, 1553 • Solihull on Tuesday and Thursday 0950, 1150, 1550 The 89 service does also furnish the Heart of England School from 0815 to 0830 and again in the afternoon 1535 to 1550. Supposedly, it is not a school bus, but does carry a 'school service' notice on the front of the bus.

Mrs Gray said, “The new 89 bus service does 'roam' around the areas, as per the timetable. Again this has not proved popular, consequently people with disabilities and elderly cannot use ordinary public transport as some cannot even walk down their own garden paths. Hence the need for the Taxi Bus or Ring & Ride service.

“The journey to Coventry from Meriden takes one hour and the bus is too large to take people to the mobility centre in Coventry, and as for the journey to Solihull, the 89 does not go into the hospital. The Taxi Bus did! The 89 cannot take blind people as it has no communication system.”

Aggie Wathes, member of the residents’ committee, added, “The Taxi Bus does not run in Meriden anymore. The service we are getting at the moment is what they call the feeder bus. This is unofficially the pathetic answer to getting people on the 89 bus, but that is not what is required. What the Taxi Bus gave was a service which picked people up from their homes and took them shopping, to the post office and library on a regular basis.”

Since the Taxi Bus service ceased in September, there has been continuous dialogue with TfWM and IGO which prompted them to conduct the public consultation. Changes have been made and there is still an opportunity to improve services further e.g. potential to drop residents at Hall Meadow Road to access the Balsall Common Surgery and to open up dialogue with Ring & Ride. A meeting was held on 9 May to meet with Ring & Ride, TfWM and IGO representatives, together with Meriden, Hampton and Catherine De Barnes representatives. You can read the updates from this meeting on the Parish Council website.

Failing to ‘scoop the poop’ Dog fouling continues to be a problem in Meriden Parish. Once again we would like to remind you that if you take out a dog you must clean up after its mess, regardless of whether you are the owner or not. This anti-social behaviour is taken very seriously by the Police and Local Councils. As well as being an unsightly, unpleasant nuisance, dog mess can also be a health hazard. This is why Meriden Sports Park is a dog-free zone.

It is an offence to allow a dog to foul in a public place, without clearing the mess up; reference The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, previously The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.

Solihull environmental health officers make regular patrols and respond to complaints. For first time offenders fixed penalty notices of £75 (reduced to £50 if paid within 5 days) are given. Persistent offenders can be fined up to £1000 and have gone to jail in Solihull for such an offence. Reports of dog fouling can be done online @ http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Pests-pollution-food-hygiene/animal/dogfouling. Please be vigilant and responsible.

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

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

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TEL: 01676 522466 (Meriden) Balsall Common Country Market

A weekly market is held at Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road CV7 7EX every Saturday from 10.00 - 11.30am Home baking and preserves, meat, plants and seasonal vegetables, crafts and homemade cards

Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide.

Contact 01676 534148

A free cup of tea or coffee with this voucher

Meriden Blinds Refresh your décor with new stylish blinds * Wooden Venetians * Verticals *Rollers *Faux Venetians

* Romans * Perfect Fit * Metal Venetians * Pleated Venetian

Free Home Visit No obligation quotes at competitive prices

Please call Gill on: 01676 523642 1,000s of quality samples to choose from Email: meridenblinds@aol.com or visit

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unit

@HoE_School www.facebook.com/heartofenglandschool/ www.heart-england.co.uk

Language Success

A former Heart of England student has been part of a debating team that has been victorious in a competition with Cambridge University.

Kirsty Giffen, who was also Head Girl, is a member of the winning University of Exeter debating team.

could then ask the speaker questions, which the speaker had to answer.

The achievement is made more remarkable because the debate was conducted entirely in French! The University Final of French Debating event took place at the French Institute in Kensington, London.

“I feel honoured to have represented my university in such a prestigious and intellectually challenging event. As Head Girl at Heart of England, I was fortunate to have had practice at public speaking by delivering assemblies and presenting at Open Evenings,” said Kirsty.

“We were debating political issues facing France, specifically the future of the French Army. All of the debating was done in French,” said Kirsty.

There were four students on each team, each with a specific role in the debate. Individual students had to speak for six minutes with interruptions allowed after two minutes. The opposing team

Making It All Add Up

Heart of England students across the school have been taking part in a Maths Challenge over the last few months with amazing results including gold, silver and bronze awards all round.

It started in November 2016 when Year 12 and 13 students took the challenge, with a recent challenge in February being taken by Years 9-11. The challenge will continue with Years 7 and 8 taking up the baton in April.

The Challenge

The challenge itself consists of a multiple choice question paper, which incorporates different problem solving questions. Maths teacher, Richard Bowman said: “Some of the questions have content that is covered in classes but most of the problems are based on using maths in different situations to what they see in lessons. This means it doesn’t feel like a test but the questions are very challenging.”

The Maths Challenge is run by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust which promotes and advances the education of children and young people in mathematics.

Glittering Success

Gold and silver was the order of the day for our Sixth Form students; Lynne Ye-Evans, William O’Farrell and Alex Hawkins all achieved gold and Oliver Schiffman and Katherine Hickson both gained silver awards.

The team prepared for the event with hours of research, rehearsals and team meetings. A team of Erasmus students were on hand to help out.

Whilst at Heart of England, Kirsty studied French, Spanish, English Language and German. She is currently in her first year at the University of Exeter studying Modern Languages; French, Spanish and German.

At the moment Kirsty is teaching English at a school in France, and is an Ambassador for Routes into Languages. She has also given talks at schools in Devon about the benefits of studying languages.

“I am incredibly grateful for the skills my experiences and Heart of England have given me.”

“It’s really good to put this on my UCAS form and talk about it at interviews for university,” said Lynne.

“It was a good experience with lots of challenging questions.”

There were gold and silver awards for our Year 10 and 11 students too with Annabel and Sarah achieving gold and five silvers from Maddie, Charlie, Megan, Kevin and Lauren.

Year 13 student Will said: “There was no pressure like in a normal exam, which made it more interesting. It was very different to A Level lessons because the questions made you think about the maths in a very different way.”

Year 9

Student mathematical prowess was not limited to upper school either with bronze awards for three students and a silver for Alice, all from Year 9. Not bad from a group of seven!

“We’ve done really well and the students have worked to hard,” said Mr Bowman. “Lynne and Will have both been invited back to complete in the next stage of the challenge.”

The next Maths Challenge for Year 7 and 8 students took place on 27 April. Here’s hoping for more awards from our youngest students!

GCSE Art Show

Students have celebrated their achievements in art in an exhibition where the work was marked and then viewed by parents, staff and students.

“It’s really great to show-case the creative talent of the students,” said Head of Art Mr McLarnon

Courage ∙ Determination ∙ Honesty ∙ Kindness ∙ Humour

MARK STEPHEN WILLIAMS 31/08/1972 – 24/12/2016 Mark was the first born son to Marilyn and David Williams, joined 2 ½ years later by brother Alun.

Mark was a model son, easy-going and popular with his friends. He started school on his 4th birthday, at Meriden infants’ school, where Marilyn was a playground supervisor. He could already read when he started school and was a good scholar.

When he was ten, Mark started having trouble with his sight and was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumour. The operation to remove the tumour resulted in the loss of his pituitary gland and most of his sight. The loss of his pituitary gland meant he had to have growth hormone treatment, which was very successful.

After a lengthy recovery period Mark became a boarder at Exhall Grange Special School. Later he went to Coventry University and gained a Degree in Business Administration. Mark worked at Pertemps for a while, but was better known for his fund raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Royal National Institute for the Blind, as anyone who tried to get past him and his collecting box will testify.

With his many hormone problems, Mark gained a lot of weight and was selected for a Gastric Band operation. This was very successful and he lost 8 stone over 6 months.

Mark was always cheerful and outgoing; he worked tirelessly as a volunteer in the Disabled Resource area in Solihull Library, teaching Braille and keeping up with all the latest aids for people with sight loss.

Mark was a talented poet and his friends will remember his poems and the Quiz’s he devised for the VIP’s (Visually Impaired People).

His long term efforts as a volunteer resulted in his nomination to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen, Mark was very proud of this honour.

It was a great shock to Marks’ family, friends and colleagues when he suddenly suffered a fatal heart attack on Christmas Eve. His cheerfulness, his smile and eternal optimism will be greatly missed in the village.

MRS DOROTHY PATRICIA MURIAL SIMPSON (PAT) OF ARDEN CLOSE, MERIDEN Pat passed away on the 25th November 2016 aged 84 after a short illness.

Pat was a very private person, but very kind and helpful when she got to know you. I am sure she will be missed by all who knew her.

The funeral took place on January 16th 2017 at Robin Hood Cemetery. Thank you to all friends and neighbours who attended.

Connie Curtis

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 LEISURE CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Shape up for summer with our 6 week Leisure membership from just £49.00 this July and August The warm and friendly atmosphere allows you to relax and unwind in wonderful surroundings with fantastic facilities including: • CV Suite /Free Weights Gym /Fitness Suite • 18m Indoor Heated Swimming Pool • Spa Bath, Sauna & Steam Room • An exciting new studio timetable with over 30 classes per week • 2 Floodlit Outdoor Tennis Courts Please quote MMAGFI6 when enquiring or joining the membership Marriott Forest of Arden, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden Coventry, CV7 7HR, MarriottLeisure.co.uk

01676 526 107

*Subject to availability *Fees applicable on joining

Healthwatch Solihull: Keeping Solihull Healthy About Healthwatch Solihull – questions and answers Healthwatch Solihull is working for you to ensure Solihull provides the Health and Social Care services facilities you need. We listen to your comments and concerns about the support you receive and feedback your views to Solihull’s Health and Social Care providers. By doing this we facilitate the continual evaluation and improvement of services in the Borough.

We want to hear from you so talk to us by calling on 0121 704 7861 (between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday) or by email to enquiries@healthwatchsolihull.org.uk

What is Healthwatch Solihull?

Independent of the Health Service, we are your way of engaging with the Borough’s Health and Social Care system. Healthwatch Solihull is both a gateway and a watchdog to help local people navigate the Health and Social Care world. We want to ensure that your opinions and experiences are heard by those who plan, run and regulate Health and Social Care so we can improve their services to you.

Are you a business or part of the Council?

Neither, we are an independent partnership of five local charitable organisations who are already accessible to you and helping you in other ways. Together the Citizens Advice Solihull Borough, Colebridge Trust, DIAL Solihull, Experts by Experience – Solihull and Independent Advocacy are working, on appointment by the Council, to deliver Healthwatch Solihull.

So, what does Healthwatch Solihull do?

If you need a Health or Social Care service and do not know where to get it then contact us and we will help you find the right place to go.

Sometimes things do not work as we expect so you might want to make a complaint about a service you have received. Talk to us and we will help connect you to the right people and make your voice heard.

Improving Health and Social Care in Solihull?

We are passionate about making Solihull the best place to be so we encourage you to let us have your views about the Health and Social Care services you or your loved ones have received. By listening to and feeding back information about your experiences, we can understand what is great about our local services and, also, what is not so good. As trends emerge from your feedback, we will liaise with those providing our services to influence both the spread of good practice and to seek improvement. So, let us know about your stays in hospital, the response of paramedic and ambulance services, visits to GP surgeries, opticians and dentists, taking prescriptions to pharmacies, visits from care services to the home and the experience of relatives in residential homes. Your opinion counts.

How can you get in touch?

We can be contacted by phone on 0121 704 7861 (between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday) or by email to enquiries@healthwatchsolihull.org.uk You can also send feedback via the website, www.healthwatchsolihull.org.uk where the online Feedback Centre lists most local service providers and gives an opportunity to make comments simply online.

Also, look out for our reply-paid postcards in the Information and Advice Centres at The Core, Solihull and Chelmsley Wood library, in doctor’s surgeries and some other public places.

How can I get more involved?

We are looking for people to be part of our team of Ambassadors. If you can offer a small amount of time and you would like to make a big difference, join us as a volunteer to encourage others to tell their stories and help us to build that overall picture of the Health and Social Care services across the borough of Solihull.

By gathering the views and experiences of people using our services then Healthwatch Solihull can turn these into a strong ‘patient voice’ in the system and encourage long term improvements.

We would like to hear from anyone who would like to get involved in this way so contact us via phone or email and let us know you can help.

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

Coventry Breathe Easy For more information please ring Janet on 02476 460081 or Cynthia 02476 440316 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 9th June –Ramandeep Singh /Amanda – Pharmacists – A day in the life of a Pharmacist Q & A. Friday 14th July Mike McKevitt – BLF London Friday 11th August – Beverley Bostock – Clinical Specialist-Asthma

01676 935000

The NHS Central England Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme is hosted by the vascular department at Heart of England Foundation Trust (HEFT) and provides screening to men aged 65+ within Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, South East Staffordshire and East Staffordshire.

The screening programme screens and refers patients to two vascular networks at HEFT, University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH).

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen.

In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The condition is most common in men aged 65 and over.

Men due to turn 65 will be automatically invited for screening.

Men aged over 65 who have not been screened before can contact the programme to arrange a test.

Is an abdominal aortic aneurysm serious?

Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. As the wall of the aorta stretches it becomes weaker and can burst, causing internal bleeding. Around 85 out of 100 people die when an aneurysm bursts.

An aorta which is only slightly larger than normal is not dangerous. However, it is still important to know about it so that we can check if the aneurysm is getting bigger.

How common is the condition?

Around 1 in 70 men who are screened have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Why is screening important?

If you have an aneurysm you will not usually notice any symptoms. This means you cannot tell if you have one, will not feel any pain and will probably not notice anything different.

We offer screening so we can find aneurysms early and monitor or treat them. This greatly reduces the chance of the aneurysm causing serious problems.

What will happen when I go for screening?

We use a simple ultrasound scan, similar to that offered to pregnant women. This is very quick and usually lasts less than 10 minutes.

At the clinic we will check your personal details, explain the scan and give you the chance to ask any questions.

We will ask you to lie down and lift or unbutton your shirt. You will not need to undress. We will put a cool gel on your abdomen.

We will then slide the scanning sensor over your skin. The scan will show a picture of the aorta on a screen and we will measure it.

We will tell you your result straight away and also send a copy to your GP practice.

For further information or to arrange an appointment please contact; 0121 424 3612/ 0121 424 1200 or email aaa.screening@heartofengland.nhs.uk

n

ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST DISTRIBUTORS OF PLASTIC BUILDING MATERIALS • MULTIWALL POLYCARBONATE SHEETS • GLAZING BARS & ACCESSORIES • DECORATIVE WALL CLADDING & SHOWER PANELS • UPVC FASCIA, SOFFITS, SKIRTING & ARCHITRAVE • CORRUGATED PVC, GRP & POLYCARBONATE

ROOFING SHEETS • GUTTERING & DOWNPIPES - SQUARE & ROUND • CUT TO SIZE ACRYLIC & POLYCARBONATE SHEETS • DECORATIVE COVING & CORNICE • HYGIENIC WALL & CEILING LININGS • DYNOTILE - CLIP TOGETHER GARAGE FLOORING

IS STILL RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP!! We have moved to Millisons Wood Rockwell Sheet Sales Ltd Rockwell House

Tel: 01676 522224 Opening hours – Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat Morning 9am -12pm

Birmingham Road Millisons Wood, Coventry CV5 9AZ

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

WWW.ROCKWELL- MERIDEN.CO.UK

blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100

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

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

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

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to live with dementia?

Could you turn that understanding into action? Every action counts no matter how small.

Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend by attending a Free Dementia Awareness Session. The informal and enjoyable sessions last for around 45 minutes and can take place in local venues or business organisations.

Caroline Bates and Geraldine Davies are Dementia Champions trained as volunteers by the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver Awareness Sessions to groups and organisations.

If you are interested in attending or being part of a future session, please contact either Caroline or Geraldine and we can arrange local sessions for you. From a small group of friends and family to a company or business, all can be accommodated, so please get in touch.

Help us spread the message by raising awareness of people living with dementia and how we can all make a positive difference!

Caroline Bates

Geraldine Davies

07734 383509

07798 703007

Caroline Bates, local solicitor Specialising in Wills, Power of Attorney, Trusts, Deceased’s Estates.

Court of protection and inheritance Tax/ Asset Protection planning.

With 20 years’ experience in the field at big law firms I am now able to concentrate on the local area providing a more bespoke service in a friendly and approachable manner.

Please contact me on 01788 833344 or 07734 383509 and be assured of • • • •

Quality advice Value for money Free home visits Evening/weekend appointments

I am a consultant solicitor with Davidson Mahon Solicitors a niche practice specialising in Private Client service.

Email: caroline@davidsonmahon.co.uk www.davidsonmahon.co.uk

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

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Memories of Kensington Congregational Church Berlin, Connecticut, is the next town north of Meriden and the geographical center of the state. The western district of town is called Kensington, and the eastern part Worthington. There’s also a little village called East Berlin, whose name reminds me of the Cold War. The whole area was originally called the Great Swamp.

In the early 1700s, the colonial General Assembly in Hartford granted permission for the establishment of the Great Swamp Ecclesiastical Society, authorizing the locals to build their own rude little church. They did so around 1712, on Christian Lane, at a cost of 60 pounds, near the fort they had built for protection against “the dreaded Indians.” Now they wouldn’t have to trudge for miles every Sunday, on unpaved roads, in all weathers, “to attend the public worship of God.” But eventually they outgrew that church, and in 1774 (during the reign of King George III, who would soon have a great deal of trouble coming from these parts) the congregation broke up — not without rancor; those old Puritans could be a quarrelsome lot — and built two new meeting houses, one each in Kensington and Worthington. It is said that they divided the boards and nails from the old church equally. `m.meeting house — small, wooden, painted white, and Kensington Congregational is very much a classic New England originally quite austere, with a few embellishments that were added much later. In colonial days it was also the center of local civic authority. The Puritans ran a theocracy in those days, with very few Catholics around to frown upon, and some Methodists. (It’s unclear to me whether the “piscopalins” mentioned in a town history were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, or the C. of E.) But unlike their forebears, the Congregationalists of today are associated with the very progressive social and political views of the United Church of Christ, which has no hierarchy to speak of, and certainly no bishops.

Anyway, by 1961 it appeared that the old place might be structurally unsound, so a renovation began, which I followed closely because my father was a trustee of the church and a member of the renovation committee.

Steel braces were installed to beef up the roof. A new heating system allowed the removal of a floor grate in the main aisle that used to go “clomp” when people stepped on it. The dark wood and blood-red upholstery of the old pulpit furniture gave way to a new, lighter, airier decor. But blood-red hymnals were chosen, mainly to satisfy old Mr. Clarence Baldwin, a pillar of the church. Parts of the new chandelier were made in our garage. Olin McAdoo, a neighbor, who didn’t belong to the church but whose family owned a small foundry, cast two metal eagles and donated them for the hymn boards. A lot of other materials and labor were donated by church members.

All told, it was and is a clean, well-lighted place — no graven images, no stained glass, no incense, no mysteries of any kind, thank you very much. Communion consisted of small squares of bread and tiny glasses of grape juice — certainly not wine! — but when people put down their empty glasses all at once, it made a bit of a clatter, so plastic sleeves were added to the holders that received the empty glasses, to hush the unseemly noise. For the same reason, I believe, the collection plates were lined with felt; no need for the noise of coins being dropped in to embarrass anyone!

I remember that, for baptisms, our pastor at the time, the Rev. Joseph Reeves, used water from the River Jordan, which he had collected in a canteen on a visit to the Holy Land. I also remember the time when old Mrs. Ellsworth became ill during a service, and the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department had to be called to take her away in their old Cadillac ambulance. And we would chat with Eunice Humphrey Williams, a lovely old person who often wore a Persian lamb jacket and sometimes had lipstick on her teeth. (As even I can now see, my church experience in those days had to do with almost anything except the liturgy.) .The front of the church has a round window, inscribed with latitude and longitude lines that I believe symbolize the universality of the Christian Church. Sometime during the 1980s, my father and brother built new double doors, replicating the old ones, which had weathered rather badly.

Another delightful detail of this lovely building is that the belfry structure is slightly skewed with relation to the rest of the building.

If you stand far enough away and line yourself up exactly on axis with the church, you can see a bit of the left face of the belfry, but nothing of the right face, because the belfry is slightly twisted, in a counter-clockwise direction from a bird’s eye view.

Finally, some of the siding on the meeting house was removed for repairs a few years ago, and I took some pictures. I can’t help wondering whether some of the very rough old boards that were revealed might have come from the original Great Swamp church.

After all, those old Puritans were nothing if not frugal.

Anyway, may the Kensington meeting house last for another 243 years.

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

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

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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

Wednesday14th June, “Bodices and Bloomers.”

A presentation by Paul Thompson.

In Paul’s own words: “A hands-on exploration of Victorian fashion using a selection of original garments to illustrate the basics of men’s & women’s outer clothing and women’s underclothing from the latter 19th Century.”

Wednesday, 2.00 – 4.00 pm 12th July at Balsall Common Village Hall.

Open meeting about Balsall Common.

Co-ordinated by Stephen Gill.

Please bring along your photographs or documents of the area. Share your recollections.

This is a Free Meeting for both members & non-members.

Refreshments Provided.

Wednesday 9th August “Victorian Warwickshire through the Eye of a Stereo Photographer.”

A presentation by Dr Bob Pryce.

For our latest news visit the website: www.berkswell-history.org or telephone 01676 535782

If you think you can; or you think you can’t – you are right!

Village Diary DATE 2nd June 4th June

EVENT Escape from Meriden Funday Sunday

VENUE Village Green Village Green

5th June 5th June

WI Community Surgery

Village Hall Library

8th June

GENERAL ELECTION

Village Hall

9th June

Pavilion

10th June 10th June 11th June 14th June 17th June 18th June 19th June 22nd June 23rd June 25th June 26th June

Churches All Together Community Cafe Comedy of Errors Firebird Singers Concert Maxstoke Castle Open Day Reader’s Circle BIG PICTURE SHOW Kinwalsey Tree walk Reading Cafe Police Beat Surgery CAMEO Rotary Megaride Parish Council Meeting

Library Library Holiday at Home Queens Head Sports Pavilion

3rd July 7th July 10th July

W.I. School PTA Summer Fayre Community Surgery

Village Hall Meriden School Sports Pavilion

7.30pm 5.00- 7.00pm 11am–12noon

14th July

Churches All Together Community Cafe Summer Reading Challenge

Pavilion

2.00-4.00

Library

Heart of England Bike Ride Flower Club Police Beat Surgery

Packwood House Village Hall Library

7.30pm 11.00 – 12 noon

St Peter’s Hall B C.

2.00 – 4.00pm

24th July

Balsall & District Horticultural Show Parish Council Meeting

Sports Pavilion

7.30pm

24th July 28th July 29th July 1st August 7th August 7th August

Reading Cafe CAMEO Whitacres & Shustoke Show Meriden Mag Deadline W.I. Community Surgery

Library Sports Pavilion Blyth Hall Shustoke

10.30- 11.30am 2.00pm

Village Hall Library

13th August 14th August 14th August

Fillongley Show

Stonehouse Farm

Reading Cafe Police Beat Surgery

Library Library

7.30pm 11.00am– 12noon 9.30am – 5.00pm 10.30- 11.30am 11.00 – 12 noon

CAMEO Warwickshire Watercolourists’ Art Exhibition

Village Hall Berkswell Reading Room

2.00pm 10.00am – 5.00pm

15th July2nd Sept 16th July 17th July 20th July 22nd July

25th August 26th -28th August

Packwood House Blue Coat School Maxstoke Lane Village Hall

TIME Midnight 11.00-3.00 approx 7.30pm 11.00am– 12noon 7.00am – 10.00pm 2.00-4.00pm

7.30pm 7.00pm 11am – 5pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 4.00pm 10.30- 11.30am 11.00- 12 noon 12.30 – 5.00pm 7.30pm

CONTACT

Alan Lole 01676 522138 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474

Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 03442491895 Val Martin 01676 522963 Peter 01676 523590 Chris Copper 01676 522 645 Jane Braund 01676 533737 01676 522717 Joan 01676 523507 Neville 01676 532 709 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 01676 522488 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 01676 522717

Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474

Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 01676 522717 Joan 01676 523507 01676 522963 / 522453 Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 01676 522717 Pat 07794 622824 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Joan 01676 523507

Out and About this summer Brandon Marsh Nature Centre is the headquarters of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Set in 220 acres, the reserve consists of large pools created by gravel extraction. It consists of reed beds, willow carr, grassland and woodland. It is outstanding for birds and there are eight bird hides throughout the reserve The Visitor Centre is a great place to visit including a Tea Room and well stocked gift shop.

Around the Visitor Centre you’ll find the Orchard, mouse maze, bird watching hides, Education garden, Sensory garden, as well as an under-cover picnic area.

Younger children will enjoy our brass rubbing trail: find the brass plaques Brandon Lane hidden near the visitor centre to create colourful pictures on your rubbing sheet.

Coventry CV3 3GW Then it's off to the Onyx Nature Trail which guides you around the wildlife habitats of the nature reserve.

Admission Charge £2.50 for adults, (£1 per child - under 4's enter free), £1.50 concessions, £6 per family (2 Adults and up to 3 children (under 16).

Opening times Spring and Summer 1st April to 30th September Mon to Fri 9.30 am - 4.30pm Weekends 10.00 am - 4.30pm

Lapworth Museum of Geology

Maxstoke Castle B46 2RD

Birmingham University

Open Day

Last year saw the completion of an ambitious expansion project, transforming Lapworth from a niche academic institution into a dynamic, public-facing museum telling the story of the world’s four billion-year history.

From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and even dinosaurs, the Museum captures the imagination of all ages.

The museum has been shortlisted for the £100,000 Art Fund Museum of The Year 2017 it is one of the five museums which have been selected as finalists for the world's largest and most prestigious prize for museums.

Admission is free Getting there, it is part of the university site and is within walking distance of Birmingham University train station.

Opening hours Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon - 5pm

Sunday 11th 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 Free Parking refreshments and homemade teas Plant and gift stall

Proceeds in aid of the National Gardens scheme

Packwood House B94 6AT Comedy of Errors Saturday 10th June 7.30 pm Box Office 03442491895

.

7 th

Sunday 25 June

Contact Neville Riley 01676 532709

Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours Summer 1st April- 31st October (except Tues) 9.30am -5.00pm Monday-Friday 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. Jane Braund Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt Barbara Bland (Mondays only) Alan Gabbitas

Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector

Ken Allsopp David Bell Tony Dicicco 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 07780 438290 01676 522666 01676 522230 101 New nonemergency no.

01676 522963

Macmillan Marie Curie Care

Reminder deadline for autumn issue out by 1st September is Tuesday 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

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