Meriden MagMeriden Mag See inside for details for Remembrance Sunday Fillongley Road Bridge Closure Village News,Events and Photos Autumn 2017
KS2 production - ‘DREAM ON’ In July just before the end of the Summer term, we saw the Key Stage 2 production of an adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ‘Dream On’. The children had worked so hard on perfecting their performance with enthusiasm, energy, humour and teamwork! As I’m sure those of you who saw it will agree, they brought the house down! A huge thank you to pupils, parents and staff who contributed to making the production such a huge success.
We wish our Year 6 the best of luck for the future. They have been a fantastic class and have been great ambassadors for the Weschool.are very proud of their achievements and look forward to hearing about their successes in the future.
PTA - SUMMER FAYRE
Good Luck!
Our fantastic group of PTA members pulled off a wonderful Summer Fayre once again. There were all sorts of stalls and fun activities ranging from a Coconut Shy, golf, raffles, bouncy slides, Pimms Tent and of course ‘Teacher in the Stocks’. A good thing the weather was so kind to us that day as the children (and adults) took great delight in soaking several of our ‘willing’ teachers! With thanks to the PTA and the support of many helpers, they raised a staggering £1748.90. Thanks to all of you who came along and supported us at Meriden Primary once again.
End of year memorable events…
Here at Meriden Primary School, we have had a busy summer term of class trips, camp outs, sporting events, the Key Stage 2 Production, Church and library visits, the PTA Summer Fayre, Competitions, KiVa progress and much more. Year 6 said their sad goodbyes, but not before they made everyone cry with their final assembly on the last day. All children were awarded with a trophy for being a superb year 6, but special mentions went to Seren for Sportsmanship, Lucy for Progress and Alfie for Achievement. Meriden Governors also presented an award for overall attitude and commitment to ‘the Meriden way’ to Hannah.
A huge thank you as always goes to our PTA who organised a very successful summer fayre
The final assembly also saw the Chris Fryer Courtesy Award being awarded to Kara in Year 5, for being someone who is always polite and friendly. The Queen’s Jubilee Cup, donated by Meriden United Charities, went to Mckenzie in Year 6. He has always managed to keep his sunny smile, no matter what life has thrown at him. Awards for 100% attendance were given and the names of those children who had been in school every day went into a prize draw for an Amazon Fire Tablet!
Our end of year service was also held this year at school and the children enjoyed giving their thanks to God for their learning experiences and friendships made during the year. Earlier in the summer term, Mr Wainwright and Mr Beamond had the privilege of helping train 6 local schools in using the KiVa anti-bullying programme. This was such a proud moment for our school as much was shared of our journey with regard to antibullying issues and our successes along the way. These included our BBC news item, our school's visit to Northern Ireland to share good practice and of course the children's well-being significantly improving as central to it all! Our head boy and girl, Matthew and Hannah, along with Taliah, went along to answer questions and act as ambassadors for our school and made us all very proud.
Reading Focus and Life-Long Learning
At Meriden, part of our vision for education is around Life-Long Learning. Year 6 had the exciting opportunity to catch the bus into Birmingham City Centre and visit the city library and Waterstones. Our PTA kindly donated money for each of the children to choose any book to take with them to their new school. The booksellers helped to recommend exciting new texts and some children even got a signed copy of Greg James' new book 'Kid Normal.' A brilliant day was had by all. The books were presented to the children during the end of year service, along with bibles presented by Reverend Lynda.
Assistant curate Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 Mobile 07811 545 247 (for emergency use only) email: rev.lynda.lilley@talktalk.net Lay Reader: Peter Wright 01676 522414 Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas 01676 522455 Lis Willis 01676 521080 www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk Service details for the autumn Come along to enjoy a cuppa and 2pm-4pmcake. Every second Friday of the month at The Pavilion. The new social venue for everyone. 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! 8th 1013SeptemberthOctoberthNovember The church will be open on Sunday afternoons from 12noon to 4pm up to and including October 22nd. Everyone is welcome to visit this 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 01676 523229 Teddy Bears’ Picnic Sunday 17th September 4pm
ad trained as a tea
Communion
Prayer
Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto me.’’ Matthew 19:14 At St Laurence we are blessed with many very fine stained glass windows. One of them, the West window, is almost hidden from sight in the West Room (the ringing room of the tower). In some ways it seems unimportant but when you look at that window and see that it depicts Jesus telling his disciples, “Let the little children come unto me.” It takes on a whole new meaning. In generations past there might have been the sense that children should be seen and not heard – or preferably not seen! In today’s world we recognise how valuable children are. They are a gift from God – they are not the future – they are the present. Often, as a church particularly, we have struggled to make the children, and their families, welcome. Firstly, I would like to say that children are always most welcome to join us in our 10:30am service – though I appreciate that this doesn’t necessarily meet the needs of themselves or their families. We offer a warm welcome to everyone – all ages from cradle to grave – but in an effort to make an even greater welcome to ‘the little children’ we will be holding a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at 4pm on Sunday 17th September. Children are invited to bring their families, a picnic … and their teddy bear along. There will be craft, games and activities for everyone to join with – there may even be a parachute jump from the top of the tower if any of our teddies are feeling brave! Juice and biscuits will be provided. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic will launch our new Kidz Praise service that will be at 4pm each 3rd Sunday of the month. See alongside for details. Of course, we are all children of God and we must never lose the child inside us. To live life to its fullest we must retain our inquisitive nature, our sense for adventure, our ability and willingness to try new things and most of all, our reliance on our parent … God, our Father in heaven. He wants us to have good things, He has plans for us; plans to prosper, not to harm. (Jeremiah 29:11) With blessings, 03/09/17 10:30am Holy 10/09/17 10:30am Morning 17/09/17 10:30am Holy Communion 17/09/17 4pm Teddy Bears’ Picnic 24/09/17 10:30am Baptism 30/09/17 10:30am Celtic Service 01/10/17 10:30am Holy Communion 08/10/17 10:30am Morning Prayer 15/10/17 10:30am Holy Communion 15/10/17 4pm Kidz Praise 22/10/17 10:30am Morning Prayer 29/10/17 10:30am Songs of Praise 05/11/17 10:30am Holy Communion 05/11/17 4pm Bereavement Service 12/11/17 10:00am Remembrance Day Service at MethodistTheChurch 19/11/17 10:30am Holy Communion 19/11/17 4pm Kidz Praise 26/11/17 10:30am Baptism
One free chicken or curryvegetablewitheveryTakeawayorderof£25ormoreNottobeusedwithanyothervoucher £5 off morewhenVouchertwoorpeopledinein Parties and outsideTakeavailablecateringawayservice10%discountoncollectionFreehomedeliveryservice4milesradiusMinimumorder£15
Saturday 28th October 7.30pm
Saturday 25th November 7.30pm “Viceroy’s House” (12A)
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.”
A feel-good comedy starring Joan Collins and Pauline Collins. A former Hollywood star breaks out of her London retirement home in order to travel to France to gate-crash the funeral of an ex-lover. Aided and abetted by a repressed housewife (Pauline Collins) the couple, on meagre resources, travel by coach, ferry, car and foot in a race to get to the funeral on time. A film about true friendship, proving that the importance of a journey does not always lie in the destination.
Hugh Bonneville stars as Lord Mountbatten who is appointed to manage the transition of India’s independence. The film also explores the devastating impact of partition. Tickets (£5.00) will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening. We are most grateful to “Fordes on the Green”, Hairdressers on the Village Green for continuing to sell tickets for us. Tickets and advance reservations also available from Chris Copper (01676 522645)
Saturday 30th September 7.30pm “A United Kingdom” (12A) A true life story set in 1947, when the King of Botswana falls in love with a white woman. Through political and social prejudice, they risk everything to be together – their families, their homes and even their countries. Starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike, this is a real life love story interlaced with political drama.
Autumn and winter programme at Meriden Village Hall
“Time of their Lives” (12A)
We are delighted that Live and Local, Warwick, which provides the facility for our Big Picture Shows has secured funding for a further year in order to subsidize our screenings as well as those in villages throughout Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire. 2017 has seen the production of some excellent films and we look forward to receiving the rights to screen films such as “Churchill”, “Jackie” “Hampstead” and “Dunkirk” in the New Year. In the meantime, we have a varied programme to offer for the autumn and we look forward to welcoming old and new supporters back to the Village Hall screenings
In recent years, while churches still celebrate the harvest that has been produced, there has also been a growing awareness and concern for those in other parts of the world where the harvest has failed or has not been sufficient for the needs of the people. Many churches therefore, use the time of harvest to support relief organisations, who are working to help those who have been affected by poor harvests. In Leviticus 23:22 God gives instructions on how to harvest. He tells the people 'Don't reap to the edges or gather the gleanings'; He tells them not to go over the vineyards a second time or pick up grapes or other produce that had fallen to the ground. Why? Because he wants to ensure that there is a harvest for the poor, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. As a gracious and compassionate God, He was making sure there was provision for everybody. We have so much to be thankful for, and as we give thanks to God this harvest time for all his provisionlet us also remember that there are many in poverty, both in this nation and abroad; many who are fleeing war and finding no safe haven; many who are facing injustice, persecution and hardship. May we be willing to share our harvest, by doing our best to help, support and provide for them.
Christmas Fayre Saturday 2nd December Meriden Village Hall 10.30 to 12.30 Entrance £2 to include coffee, tea and Mince Pie. Lot's to see and do! Fresh Christmas wreaths for sale £10 or order one to collect later, Make your own Christmas decoration (with help) Xmas presents already wrapped at a £1 each, Pull out a bottle for a £1 - a win every time. Super raffle and lots more! PS. If you are around on the second Friday of every month between 2pm and 4pm it would be lovely to meet you over a cup of coffee or tea at the Pavilion.
Ps If you are around on the second Friday of every month between 2 and 4 it would be lovely to meet you over a cup of coffee or tea at the Pavilion. Keep a look out for In Meriden Minister Rev Jane Braund Tel :01676 533737 Please phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and Services:funerals Sunday 10:30am.Meriden Methodist Diary Dates Sunday 24th September Harvest Festival 10.30am Wednesday 27th September-Supper Club - Roberto Troiolo from the Gideons. Friday 3rd November-Supper Club John Green JP "The Days of our Lives" Sunday 12th November 10.15am Remembrance Sunday Friday 15th December - Christmas Supper and Quiz Night. Everyone welcome For information about supper club please contact Gail on 07913 872280 or 02476 272752 The AlanavailableChurchMethodistHallIsforhirePleasecontactGabbitason01676522148 Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7. 30 – 9.30pm approx On the 3rd Monday of The month 18 Sept. “At This Time of Year” Anita Wright 16 Oct. Practice Class Alison Suffolk 20 Nov. “Bloomington Christmas” Zoe Podmore New members are always welcome For more information please contact Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 Dear Friends This year is going by so quickly and it seems incredible to me that once again the evenings are starting to draw in and we are fast approaching Harvest time. As I've been driving recently, or walking through the fields with my husband, it is evident that harvest time is near, with the maize standing tall in the fields and many of the other crops turning golden, ready to be harvested. Even on the trees, the conkers and chestnuts are growing bigger as the beginning of autumn Sinceapproaches.ancient times, it has been traditional to celebrate the safe gathering in of the harvest in various ways. It was the Rev Robert Hawker who in 1843, while living in Morwenstow in Cornwall, began the British tradition of celebrating Harvest Festival in churches, when he invited people to a special thanksgiving service at his church. Since then the custom has grown and many churches are now decorated with home-grown produce for Harvest Festival Services. At the Methodist church in Meriden we are planning to celebrate our Harvest Festival on 24th September, followed later that week by our Harvest Supper. We do hope you can join us for these events.
ALLAN SMITH SLATING • • • • • • Meriden BackTemporaryGarage,premisesofShirley’sGarage,MainRoad,Meriden ( Part RegisteredP • Fuse box upgrades • Test and inspection • Extra lights and sockets • Security lights • Full or rewirespartial • Digital TV aerials • Free quotations September 4th Keith Brett 11th Dean Thomas 18th Anthony Hardy 25th Micky Dean October 2nd Natasha Marie 9th Stevie Best 16th Sam Southall 23rd Marade 30th Marade November 6th Guy Surtees 13th Chrissy 20th 2 Left Feet 27th Mickey Dean
Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287 Carpets, vinyls, laminates, real woods, underlays and accessories For a no obligation free quotation call in to see us or…we will come to you The Old Forge Stores, 68 Balsall St, Balsall Common CV7 7AP T: 01676 530695 Mob: 07775 515504 Showroom.NewNowopen Saturday 23rd September 60’s Retro Band - Tickets £5 Saturday 14th October Multi-award winning Lee Alexander as Elvis - Tickets £5 Sunday 5th November Bonfire Night and Fireworks Spectacular 6pm fireworks from 6.45 approximately Tickets available from the bar and on the night Every Friday Bingo 7.30pm Karaoke 9.30pm
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 We are very proud to announce that thanks to everyone’s generosity we have been able to donate £3500 to our chosen charity The Alzheimer’s Society. We have also made a donation of £500 to the Memory Lane theatre company which helps people with dementia and provided new lights for Meriden Village Hall. We are just starting a new season of concerts and this year will be supporting the Huntington’s Disease Association. ***Advance news*** we are delighted to have been invited back to the Manor Hotel to perform our Christmas concert again this year, on Sunday 10th December. Due to the popularity of last year’s sell-out concert it has been decided to do two performances at 2.00pm and 7.00pm. If you would like to put your name down on the advance ticket order list please email val.simon@btinternet.com stating how many tickets and which performance you would like. Alternately you can telephone 01676 522963. Tickets are all priced at £6 each. We are very grateful to the Meriden Sports Park Trust for their recent grant which will go towards the cost of staging our September Concert Divas and Legends. Firebird Singers present “Divas and Legends” 7.00pm Saturday 16th September Blue Coat School, Terry Rd, Coventry Tickets £11 and £9 Concessions Tickets: 01676 522963
After a fantastic total last year
The Firebird Singers are holding Come and join us on Saturday 30th September Meriden Village Hall 11.00 am until 2.00 pm for home- made cakes, tea and coffee. You can also take part in the 'Cake Off' if you want to bake a showstopper. To enter please contact abbie.lou@live.co.uk. £2 per entry.
/ Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd Regent House 430 – 432 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER Tel 01676 532 210 Email:www.jamiesonchristie.commail@jamiesonchristie.com Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Chartered Financial Planners and Employee Benefit Consultants • Pensions • Investments • Protection • Savings • Employee benefits • Inheritance Tax You can try the rest! But we’re the best! We wanted to share the amazing opportunity we were given to be involved with the International Milano Hair Show in Dubrovnik in May 2017 Regular visitors to Fordes on the Green Meriden will know what huge fans we are of the Alfaparf Milano range for beautiful hair, introducing ppd and ammonia free colours and 100% natural shampoos and conditioners. Their choice and vitality is truly stunning and innovative, bringing a uniquely, enriching experience both for stylist and client alike.
The last night hosted the main event. An exciting, motivating and 'all that glitters' Hair Show, saw 32 models boasting a variety of trend-led cuts and vibrant colours- some that even glow in the dark! Held in the Revelin historic fortress; a perfect backdrop for a mesmerising show. Special guests Paul Stafford, stylist of the year, Mummo Lassera, Rahero Mata and Ana Cala Visnjc were very entertaining with an after-show party (I'd forgotten what 5.00am looked like...)
Please
A wonderful and informative experience we couldn’t wait to share with our clients. see centre colour pages for photos of Louise and Sean’s visit
So....when invited from a choice of international salons from 12 different countries, to the beautiful Dubrovnik on the stunning Adriatic coast of Croatia....? We didn't have to think twice!
In fact a number of businesses relying on the needs of road transport went bankrupt like the wheelwright, Mr Lea. This was on the other hand a period of expansion and renewal on the Aylesford Estate. Farmsteads, barns and cottages were rebuilt from 1842 onwards with bricks made at the Estate brick yard on Fillongley Road just beyond Walsh Hall Lane.
Dr Kittermaster’s 1830s drawings show us the extent of the changes that took place, some of which can be seen today. Gone were the C17th half-timbered outbuildings like those once at Moat House Farm by the church or at Hollyberry End to be replaced by Victorian ones. By the end of C19th, only the Meriden Horticultural Society advertised an annual Flower Show in the grounds of Meriden Hall supported by Mr Digby and then his daughter, Mrs Bankes.
The 4th Earl of Aylesford ought by rights to feature in books on the Agrarian Revolution so significant was his contribution but he was apparently a shy and retiring man who preferred not to be in the lime light. He did though take a keen interest in promoting improvements on his estates usually with the help and inspiration of skilled estate managers like John Wedge who sent his employer’s innovations for publication by the Board of Agriculture from 1794. They adapted ideas from other estates and regions: Norfolk, Lowland Scotland and Northumberland, implemented by skilled practitioners who came to live in the Meriden area. The centre for such enterprises was the Model Farm built in 1788 on the Heath by the side of the new Enclosure Road we call the Straight Mile and is now the business premises ‘Cogent’. The building is not even mentioned in the latest national gazetteer of Model Farms despite the retention of the distinctively shaped horse gin house.
A new era began in the 1830s with the employment of Robert Evans, father of the author ‘George Eliot’ as the Estate Agent. Local agents set the tone and were viewed as rural elite. You can make a virtual tour of Meriden and Packington farms by reading his diaries.
Troubleshootinge-mail&tuition
Doreen Agutter Heath farm in 1989 before Cogent Elliot converted it into offices
The National School built in 1842 and now the Health Centre, housed a library of nearly 400 books on farming concepts and techniques, the new schoolmaster Mr Kimpton acting as librarian and adult education tutor. Lord Aylesford sponsored or perhaps founded Meriden’s Agricultural Society organising an annual ploughing match and hedging competition from February 1844, ‘a bright, very frosty winter’s day on a 25 acre site near Heath Farm’. 21 ploughmen entered the Match, each with a 2 horse plough, the horses working side by side, each man on a ¼ acre plot. The Earl awarded all the competitors 2/6d (22p) in lieu of lost wages and those judged first class ploughmen won a crimson ribbon. The hedge cutters received 2/(20p) in lieu of lost wages, the most skilled won blue ribbons. To conclude the day in style there were competitive sports like football and a free supper also provided by the Earl, of beef and ale in the rick yard at Heath Farm. These events continued to attract attention till the late 1850s. I believe the death of the 5th Earl in 1859 had a profound influence, leading to its closure.
I was recently reading an advertisement for local agricultural shows in Warwickshire villages this summer, the nearest being the popular Fillongley Show which began in 1919 at Coundon but Meriden too was famous in 1840s and 50s for its own Agricultural Society so I thought some readers might be interested to learn more.
A significant Report in the ‘Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society’ 1856 summed up in glowing terms the results of adopting modern developments on the Aylesford Estate. 200 acres of waterlogged heath land had been drained on the later Race Course, now the North Warwickshire Golf Course; wheat production had been doubled to 32 bushels per acre using the famous four year Norfolk Rotation of crops: winter sown cereals, roots, spring wheat and clover and grasses. The Earl kept 100 fattening Hereford oxen, scores of pigs, 60 Devon dairy cows built up from prize stock since 1840, 14 breeding Ayrshires and was an early owner of a flock of Shropshire sheep: rams, ewes and threaves (between one and two year old ewes). This breed produced profitable wool and meat. Another tradition begun in 1851 was an annual auction of these thoroughbred sheep attracting visitors and buyers from a distance. An advertisement said the sale was within easy access of Hampton in Arden station, presumably for transport of live animals. At the same time the newspapers asserted that the railway had seriously reduced the amount of road transport through the village and affected the livelihood of the innkeepers.
[[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William son of Gerard (possibly Geoffrey’s brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill the Mason, Nicolas Godyng and many others. I imagine them all crowding round listening, all of 700 years ago. Doreen Agutter. attention Internet &
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MONDAY NATURE BABIES, lovely relaxed session for age 0-2 years between 10-12, drop-in style format so great flexibility. TUESDAY 10:30-11:30 ‘Lovely Leaves’ age 2+ There’s so much fun to have when the leaves start to fall, collect leaves of all shapes, sizes and colours, make them into a natural collage or a big pile to jump in! Afternoon 12-1pm ‘Autumn Urban Safari’ age 6+ Then 2-3pm FREE FAMILY WATCH (see website) WEDNESDAY 10:30-11:30 ‘Den Building’ age 6+ 12-1 ‘Wild about Bats’ age 6+ THURSDAY 10:30-11:30 ‘Autumn Colour Palette’ age 4+ then at 12-1pm ‘Happy Hedgehogs’ 2+
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“But the majority of today’s large ports are high security operations, often miles from population centres. Many young people know little of ships and seafarers, and fail to appreciate their absolutely vital contribution to our way of life. In recent years, campaigns such as ‘Seafarers Awareness Week’ have tried to highlight this huge impact, and I strongly believe that a visual demonstration of the debt we all owe to merchant seafarers, past and present, should become an annual feature of our national calendar.”
The following is a quote from Admiral The Right Honourable, the Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC:
Cllr Paul Lee, Meriden Parish Council
Meriden Parish Council are proud to announce that the Red Ensign will be raised on each and every 3rd of September in perpetuity. Your very own Cllr Bob Kipling served in the Merchant Navy for two years. For further information or to make a donation please visit www.merchantnavyfund.org
“While
Seafarers UK (King George’s Fund for Sailors) have focussed on a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness of our ongoing reliance on seafarers and shipping.
“The Red Ensign, or ‘Red Duster’ as it is affectionately known, has been the recognised flag of the British Merchant Navy since 1854. It has become inextricably linked with the world-wide trade links that made the United Kingdom’s fortune in the intervening years and, while there are now fewer ships on the home register, many thousands of British seafarers still work on the oceans of the world, underpinning the vast majority of the international commerce that keeps our economy buoyant. By volume, 95% of trade comes by sea; without it, we would surely become an insignificant island off the coast of Europe.
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You may be wondering why the Red Ensign was flying proudly on Meriden Green from the 1st to 4th September! Well it was to support Merchant Navy Day that has been commemorated since 2000. For the last two years
Meriden shows its support for Merchant Navy Day, 3 rd September 2017 many of you will be aware that the 3rd September 1939 marked the outbreak of the Second World War, few are aware that it also marks the first major British maritime casualty - the merchant vessel SS Athenia, torpedoed just a few hours after hostilities were declared, with the loss of 128 passengers and crew. Although many hundreds of merchant ships and thousands of seafarers would meet the same fate in the years to come, 3rd September is now enshrined as ‘Merchant Navy Day’ to honour the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars, and even during peacetime faced - and continue to face - the more routine perils of violent storms and mountainous seas.
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 07703 345210 …the perfect start to your day! WARWICK OFFICE 61 Coten End Warwick CV34 4NU Tel:01926 499889 Fax: 01926 499552www.macnamaraking.comBALSALL COMMON OFFICE 2 Meeting House Lane Balsall Common CV7 7FX Tel 01676 533755 Fax 01676 533699
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Forthcoming Meetings:-. September
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Come and Meet Each Other at the Sports Pavilion on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.
In June, we held our 12th “Holiday at Home” but this time in Meriden instead of Berkswell, as in the past. We were once again grateful to HERO for their generous grant which greatly helps to keep down the cost to members. After coffee and biscuits, we enjoyed a quiz on the theme of time, at the end of which a few small prizes were awarded. Gail Di Chiara from the Methodist Church then spoke to us about friendship and what makes a good friend. She said that there is a beautiful trail through the Bible which builds up to the amazing picture of friendship. Book of Exodus “the Lord would speak to Moses face to face as a man speaks to a friend”. Proverbs 17 tells us “a friend loves at all times” and “a person of many companions may come to ruin but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister”. An interesting proverb says “wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy”. Gail spoke about the New Testament and how Jesus loved his friends who were incredibly important to him. She gave a number of examples including the commandment to love one another. She concluded by saying that Christians feel that friends and fellowship are one of the wonderful aspects of being a Christian. We then helped each other to make friendship bracelets. After a delicious lunch of fish and chips from the village shop, we were entertained by Dampier’s Round, a folk band who sang and played the violin, harp and guitar. We ended the day with tea and ice cream. Our July meeting was our traditional strawberries and cream and poems meeting which was enjoyed by all. We had a near capacity attendance of 27 members 14 of which brought favourite poems to share varying in traditional, humorous and Dulciepersonal.was welcomed back after a spell of ill health and absent members, due to ill health were all remembered. look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please
Joan 523507 or Pam 523372 22nd – Hayley from Solihull Community Housing. 27th – Linda Donavan ‘My Life’s Work’. (In the Village Hall). 24 th - Hugh MacNeil from Coventry Central Food Bank.
In May we were invited to Meriden Primary School for a tea party at the end of Stroke Awareness Week. Mr. Evans and Year 5 were our hosts for the afternoon and gave a short presentation on what they had learned during the week. They told us that stroke is a medical emergency and that if you suspect someone has had a stroke you should act fast and call 999 as prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery. The Face, Arm, Speech, Time (FAST) Test can help you recognise the symptoms of a stroke: F – for facial weakness, can the person smile, has their mouth or eye drooped? A – arm weakness, can the person raise both arms? S – speech problems, can the person speak clearly and understand what you say and finally T – time to call 999. Other symptoms include sudden loss or blurring of vision, confusion, severe headache with no apparent cause and dizziness or a sudden fall. We were told that to decrease our chance of a stroke we should stop drinking and smoking, have a healthy diet and exercise. The pupils then handed out cups of tea and cakes, some of which the children had made. They split up into groups and came to each table to ask if we had any questions. The children were a delight. They were charming, polite and articulate and kept pressing more cups of tea and cake upon us! They were a credit to the school.
Greetings from MCF Life Church to everyone reading this article. Well what a strange start to the summer holidays we have had weather wise. We had our holiday in Devon for 10 days in June. The first five days were blighted with wind and heavy rainfall. The last five were beautiful and sunny. We were so thankful to feel the sun on our faces and everywhere looked so much nicer for the latter part.
Also on the first Monday of each month we as local churches in Meriden, Knowle, Barston, Hampton and other surrounding villages have a meeting called 'Heart of England Filling Station' it's for local rural churches to come together and go deeper with God. The meetings are held in the Hampton Manor Hotel in Hampton in Arden which opens its doors at 7p.m. for coffee/tea and cake for a 7.30 start. (If there's a bank holiday Monday, then it's held on the 2nd Monday of that month)
As you will have read in the last Meriden Mag the three churches are involved in a coffee afternoon called 'All Together' at the pavilion in the park the 2nd Friday of each month from 2-4p.m. The one in August will be the first that Kevin and I have managed to get to, so for any of our regular shoppers who used to visit us when we ran the 'Centre' charity shop we would love you to pop in for a catch up and chat and see how your life has changed over the last couple of years.
As a church we have been blessed to have a couple of adult baptisms in the past few months. It is so exciting when individuals make the decision to receive Christ and follow God. In the World at the moment there is so much uncertainty regarding Brexit, new Prime Ministers, cuts in benefits, economic instability etc., I am really pleased that I serve a risen Saviour who fills me with such a peace that as long as I stay close to Him things will all work out okay. That's not to say I can bury my head in the sand but that I wouldn't upset and disturb myself over things I have no jurisdiction over.
The Filling Stations came about when a vision was given to a man called Richard Fothergill who is a member of Holy Trinity Brompton in London. (If you google Filling Station you can listen to Richards testimony of how God gave him the vision and why he started the Filling Station meetings). These meetings are now running all over the UK and Theabroad.Heart of England Filling Station was started when a lady called Jan, one of the owners of the Hampton Manor Hotel felt a calling of God on her life to start the meetings, so after much prayer a team was put together of people from a number of churches in Meriden, Knowle, Hampton and Barston and the 'Heart of England Filling Station' was launched. It has been going for 2 years now and seen some amazing moves of God and answers to prayer. We have an amazing time of Worship and Ministry usually with 80 to 120 people coming to each event. So if you're ever feeling a bit dry why not come and join us. We don't have meetings in August or December so the next one will be Monday 4th TheSeptember.timeof our service at MCF Life Church is 1p.m. each Sunday, so if you'd like to join us we'd love to see you. We realise this is a really strange time, but as we hire the Methodist building we have to wait until their service is finished before we can begin ours. Therefore if anybody reading this knows of any other building in Meriden we can hire or use please contact us with details. We pray you have a blessed summer and lots of fun during the holidays.
David PlasteringDeakinServices Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome. Free Estimates. Reliable, friendly, clean service. Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860
Minister: Pastor Kevin Hunt (07970 552667) - Sunday Service: 1pm. In Meriden Methodist building.
''God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.'' (Matthew 5:9)
The end of term is a time for reflection and evaluation and our thanks go out to everyone who has supported us in so many varied ways. As this academic year closes we not only say goodbye to twelve months but to yet another decade in our history; September sees the start of Heart of England’s Diamond Jubilee. Our school is neither old nor new; its evolving context and culture have inevitably been influenced by what went before and our future depends upon the strength and delivery of our present vision which is committed to building upon the best of the past.
This academic year began with an assembly that was centred on the 2016 Summer Olympics and the concept of achieving not just gold, silver or bronze but striving for, and achieving, personal bests. I quoted R Shama who stated that, “…truly enlightened people never seek to be like others. Rather they seek to be superior to their former selves. Don’t race against others. Race against yourself.” So many members of our school community have embraced this idea and achieved great outcomes on so many fronts. Reading our web-site news blog (that covers just some of the key events of the past three terms) the richness of our academic and extra-curricular offer shines through. Having become a directly licenced centre for the Duke of Edinburgh Award we have augmented our offer from bronze to silver this year and are planning to deliver gold in 2017/18. We have held both US and UK student elections focusing on the centrality of democracy in parallel with the national and international events. Our students have once again been fortunate enough to visit the Hadron Collider at CERN, helping to inspire our next generation of scientists. Our students have achieved great success in the Maths Challenge, public speaking events and Chef of the Year Awards. We gained 43 medals at the Solihull Borough Swimming Gala, continue from strength to strength in selected sports and have a world champion dancer in year 10! Nick Skelton’s visit was a highlight of the autumn and our students have been fortunate enough to attend workshops held by successful writers as we consolidate our whole school DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) initiative. Music, Art and Drama continue to flourish at Heart of England. Educational visits to galleries, the Cavern in Liverpool, theatre visits, the recent musical tour of Austria, our Chamber Choir performing at Warwick Arts Centre and our sell out school production of The Sound of Music are to name but a few of the exciting events that have punctuated the year and exemplify the concept Shama expresses so clearly.
“They kindly provided funds to allow some of our students to take part in this experience who otherwise would not have been able to.”
Our academic focus continues to centre on a broad and balanced curriculum strengthened by an enlightened assessment framework. The futures we create are diverse, spanning routes into work via universities of first choice or other pathways such as apprenticeships. At the heart of our offer is the clear determination to ensure that students stick with what is difficult in order to achieve their personal best. When we return in September it will be to even further improvements in our physical environment, with detailed plans in place to refurbish classrooms and study facilities in both the main school and sixth form. On a final note, as Heart of England School leaves its fifties behind, it has been another positive year seeing much change and much consolidation, all delivered with characteristic hard work, humour and great kindness. I will sign off with an overheard remark made by one of our students after a House assembly “ …that makes me want to be a better version of me.” Now there’s a student with the courage to race against themselves!
High on a Hill... www.heart-england.co.uk@HoE_School www.facebook.com/heartofenglandschool/
“A huge thank you also to Balsall Commons Lions,” said Mrs Henton.
Each travel group donned their bandanas in true Sound of Music fashion to complete a tour around all the locations used in the famous film. “We also skipped down the same path taken by Maria as she sang, ‘I have confidence’ during the film,” said Mrs Henton.
At the end of a very exciting year the Princial, Jacqueline Hughes-Williams considers how our school renews and changes as we prepare to celebrate our Diamond Jubilee:
Another Year, Another Decade
It all sounds like a very harmonious trip, which took place from 7-13 July, with singing at every opportunity. Mrs Henton commented on how brilliant the students were and thanked them all and the staff who went along, for making it such a memorable trip.
“Our guide was impressed we knew the songs so well!”
After a morning of lessons, the party set off at 1pm on their 24 hour trek across Europe. Travelling through France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany the group arrived in Austria at 2pm the next day. The performers took the opportunity to sing during the journey to help the hours pass more quickly!
The group of 40 Heart of England students consisted of members of our various school choirs and the trip incorporated three concert performances in Salzburg, St Gilgen and Filzmoos. Audiences included locals and tourists from as far away as the United States.
Some of our students have been reliving memories of out recent production of The Sound of Music in a visit to Austria this term.
“We also managed to squeeze in a visit to Werfen Ice Cave, which was quite a trek up a mountain and a trip down Hallein salt mines where we tasted the water with 28% salt content,” said Mrs Henton.
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Our August meeting is traditionally a social evening when we enjoyed
On Wednesday 10th May we hosted the Annual Group Meeting for the Meriden Group of five neighbouring W.I.s The Rev Paul Sinclair gave us a very lively talk entitled ”Would you be seen dead in a sidecar?” For many years he had been a Pentecostal minister at Willesden Revival Centre in London. Then he decided to change careers and set up a business providing motorcycle hearses for funerals. He now has a fleet of 11 sidecar hearses and says they help to make a funeral more personalised and a celebration of a life. The hearses had often been used at funerals of women who had served as despatch riders in World War 2. Later in May we provided tea and cakes for the cyclists who had attended the Annual Memorial Service.
June 7th saw the Annual meeting held in Liverpool this year when two resolutions were proposed. The first called for action to tackle the release of micro-plastics into the seas and the second called for the W.I to work with health and social care services to identify and support lonely people. Both resolutions were passed.
Quiz,
plenty of chat ! Future Mondayprogramme4thSeptember ‘Mary Quant’s later life’ –Ruth Lowe Monday 2nd October ‘Life with a Guide Dog’ –Louise Monday 6th November – Annual Meeting Visitors and potential new members always welcome Elizabeth Spencer email colinbrown879@yahoo.co.uk:
At our June meeting Jeremy Thompson came to talk about Antiques. He pointed out that there can often be fluctuations in the market but there is always a call for items of good quality.
In July Molly Murray gave us a very amusing talk on the theme ‘Everybody loves a wedding’ She told us about various mishaps when she had worked as a waitress at wedding receptions –including the time the planned dessert suddenly became apple pie and ice cream after the vat of custard was spilt all over the kitchen floor! a light hearted strawberries and cream and
year and
While enjoy meetings, where we get together to have a meal and a very pleasant social evening, [with lots of laughs!], as you can see from our motto above Rotary is not, and never has been, just a ‘supper club’. No, there is much more to Rotary than that!
On Friday 8th September we will be collecting at Sainsburys Coventry.
Come & Join me at Meriden Village Hall and exercise whilst sitting or standing 30th August 2017 2pm – 3pm Every two weeks with tea/coffee and a natter for afters !! Jay 07983 979 404 Qualified EXTEND fitness instructor
Friday 8th December we are holding our Christmas evening at the Heart of England Club who also let us use the room for free. Vivo our very popular, regular live music group will be entertaining us. Tickets will be £10 including nibbles. The evening will include our extensive Christmas raffle. Vice President the previous it has been hectic! have arranged for our speakers, who come along to The Manor Hotel to talk to us, to fill a packed and varied
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.
On Friday 29th September we have our annual “In the Pink” Ladies Night at Strawberry Bank Hotel, who kindly donate the use of the room for free.
But we have other events during the year, for instance make sure you put details of our Car Boot Sale into your diaries: at The Queen’s Head on 9th September, sellers 10.00am and buyers 11.00am, [cars - £5, vans/trailers - £8]. We hope all of the organisations in the area will come along and have a table - or two!
I We are often asked about Open Gardens in Meriden, which we haven’t run for several years, however we are ready to give it a try if enough people are willing to share their gardens, we will probably hold the event next June (avoiding Wimbledon ) All sizes of garden are very welcome. In May 2018 we are holding a Bric-Brac and ladies stall –jewellery, scarves handbags etc and will need your goods. We are always grateful for your support in any way that you can. Mary Warr and Committee 522160 * 522855 * 522986 * 523165 * 522702 We are proud to announce that we sent £9,500 to the National Account for the last financial year. Thank you to all who supported us. We are now planning events and activities for next year . Meetings Tuesday 7.30pm at the Manor Hotel, Meriden. Tel; 01676 522735 Rotary Clubs all around the world have just celebrated the beginning of the new Rotary Year. I took over as President on 1st July and am really looking forward to the rest of my twelve months in office! Dog’s Trust Aug 7th - Oct 2th 24th SpeakerOctoberHelen Barlow The CoventryHaven Nov 7th – Jan 30th 30th SpeakerJanuaryJaime Richards Aqua -Box Feb 6th – Apr 17th 17th April – Speaker Mike Tomlinson Troop Aid May 1st- June19th 19th June- Speaker Pam Cooper I was
And here is something new that everyone can join in: during this year we have decided to have ‘QUARTERLY COLLECTIONS’ for four local charities and, instead of giving money we are collecting small items and someone from the charity will take them when they come to tell us about the work they do. Any organisation in the area can join in – just collect & then e-mail Meriden Rotary at lynchsmith@hotmail.co.uk to come and pick them up or give your items to any Rotarian to bring along to our meeting. The autumn COLLECTION is The Dog’s Trust out at Honiley and they would like items such as toys and bags of treats to help train the rescue dogs ready for their new homes, please. Here’s the calendar for all four: If you are interested in working alongside others who support causes locally, nationally and internationally, come along and meet us one Tuesday Rotary President 2017-18
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programme!
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We have a range of events and activities planned in Meriden and the surrounding area which I’m sure yo u will recognise as some of them are becoming traditional: the Megaride, the Santa Fun Run and the evenings in December when Santa comes to ask us to transport him on our sleigh to meet everyone!
Lesley Smith will be arriving as Queen Elizabeth I we already know what a great night we will have. There will be a sales table with jewellery, cards, candles and Christmas gifts.
we
Balsall Common U3A
Prospective
Balsall Common U3A runs activities for people no longer in full time employment. We have over 300 memb ers from Balsall Common, Meriden, and the surrounding areas. The U3A is run by members for members with no paid teachers. There are no entry qualifications and no exams, and you can join as many or as few groups as you want. Groups run from Big Band to Walking football, to see a full list of the activities we run visit the web site at the address below. As well as our activities there is a monthly core meeting which includes a talk. Talks for the next three months are:
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7th September .Jane Austen by Margaret Louise O'Keeffe. 5th October The Dogs Trust Honiley by Helen Barlow 2nd November Johnsons Coaches by John Johnson. Core meetings are held at St. Peters Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common and start at 2.00pm. members are always welcome to attend. more information see our web site www.balsallcommonu3a.org or telephone Jim Melville 01676 534938.
For
Steven Russell
senzadolcenew@aol.com 07854631284 02476673181 15a Ainsbury Road Coventry CV5 6BA
The Job Squad Job Squad is not just for ofyouavailablemaintenance!repairscarpentry,plumbing,electricalandgeneralWearewheneverneeda“sparepairhands”. Small odd jobs such as assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging pictures and televisions, changing light bulbs in awkward places, finishing that job you started! Our local handymen are always on hand to help. At a time that suits you. Got a job - - but not sure who to call? 01676 532833 01926 803 jobs@thejobsquad.co.uk803 All work guaranteed Free estimates Fully insured Charged in half hour units State pensioners discount No call out charge Minimum one hour Established 1996 TheJobSquad.www.co.uk www.hancock-brown.co.ukemail:officehancock.brown@gmail.com
Bennetts Road North CorleyCV7Coventry8BG 01676 540178 Opening hours Mon-Sat 9.00- 5.00pm Sun 10.00 – 4.00pm Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.uk JC Garden Domestic07710676792Care&Commercial Hedge cutting, Fence Treatment, Lawn Mowing, Weeding, Strimming, General Grounds Maintenance, Mulching, Lawn Care, Pruning jcgardenservicesandmaintenance@gmail.com Autumn is for planting …We have a large selection of autumn bedding, perennials and shrubs. Winter hanging baskets, readymade & to order M.J. martin@mjmowing.co.ukMowing 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
• Boiler servicing and repairs • Boiler replacements • New radiators and valves • All plumbing work carried out • Fully qualified in Natural gas and LPG • Under floor heating • New Bathrooms 01676 523 192 home 07970 119142 mobile email : aguaflameuk@gmail.comTerryGriffiths Centre of England Arts Annual Art Exhibition 21st/22nd October 10:00am to 4:00pm We run weekly classes for adults in watercolour painting, mixed media, oils, acrylic, pottery and stained glass, and we have lots of one off workshops at the weekends. For more information on art classes at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see the website www.CoEA.co.uk Book now for our new children’s classes on Saturdays starting in September Katie’s Kids Classes. 10:30 to 2:00 for 7-11 year olds 1:00 to 2:30 for 12-16 year olds £50 for five weeks
Teasels with ‘Quink’ Ink and Wax By Julie Hyde
5. When it’s dry you can redefine areas with a little more ink. You can spray these with water again if you wish so that these areas blur as well or leave them dry to be sharper lines.
Copyright © 2016
1. Draw teasels or seed heads out lightly in pencil
Use a tiny brush and a little diluted bleach. Dot this into an area to see what happens. If it’s still wet the bleach will spread and blur, leaving golden areas behind. You can again stop these areas spreading too far by immediately dabbing with kitchen roll. If it’s too dry you will get hard lines.
4. Adding Bleach. At Centre of England Arts we run weekly classes for adults in watercolour painting, mixed media, oils, acrylic, pottery and stained glass, and we have lots of one off workshops at the Weweekends.arealso starting children’s classes on Saturdays in ForSeptembermoreinformation on art classes at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see the website www.CoEA.co.uk You can add tiny amounts of bleach at this stage which will take out some of the ink but be very carful it can be quite vicious.
2. Using a white candle very carefully add wax to the areas you want to keep white (you can use masking fluid here as well if you want to). Press firmly with the wax and take care on the shapes.
Created by Julie Hyde Email:jph300@hotmail.com
While the ink is still wet, using a fine water sprayer, lightly spray the paper all over with clean water. This will make the ink start to run. The wetter the paper the further the ink runs. You can stop it running by dabbing with kitchen roll which will leave a paler area of ink but stop it running further. The longer you leave it the further it spreads and the more the ink splits into different shades and becomes more golden.
LEAVE IT ALL TO DRY, but keep and eye on it.
3. Using a small brush, (No. 4 or 6 round or a rigger brush) dip this into the Quink Ink and paint on dots and dashes for the teasel heads and stems.
6. When it’s all dry you can enhance it with a little gold or silver water colour paint on to the dry paper.
Natasha and Peter Tooze at their wedding 9th June at Nailcote Hall. The weather was perfect and the sun shone at just the right time!
Natasha is a stylist at Fordes on the Green
Below the victorious Heart of England Cricket Team
On June 9th 2017 the OVO Energy Women’s Cycle Tour of Britain passed through Meriden Below The annual Cyclists Service Meriden Green Sunday 21st May. Photographs courtesy of Mr Roy Hands
Meriden Junior Archers were winners again bringing home the Junior Team Trophy from the County of Warwickshire Archery Association Championships in June. Well done to (L-R) Monty, Josh, Nathan, Paddy and Kathryn. They also won individual U12, U14, and U16 group categories. A very successful day!
Images from Louise and Sean Forde’s visit the international Hair Show in Dubrovnik. Below Firebird Singers at the Rotary Megaride
At the recent Meriden Archery Club Championships, D aniel Bowman won the "best junior gold" of the day and got his hands on a piece of club history. The winning medal with ribbon dates back to 1936 and lists many of the names over the years.
Meriden Archery Club held its own Championships in July where many of the Juniors celebrated success. Well done to all! Kathryn, Charlotte, Terri-Ann, Matt, Josh and Daniel
Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark (07801 773352) or 1 stMeridenScouts@gmail.com
Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6. 30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520)
The Cubs had a trip around the village on a nature hunt and completed the walk with an ice cream and a play in the park.
To end the summer term they had water games at the Scout Hut and got very wet! At the end of the evening the Cubs were presented with their completed Badges, all the Cubs have worked ver y hard this year.
The Cubs have had a very busy summer term, completing the Badges which were started earlier in the year and also taking part in activities for new Badges. They have now completed their Pioneer, Our World Challenge, Artist and Navigation parts 1 & 2 Badges. The Athletics Badge was one of the new ones for this term, most of the activities for this took place at the Meriden Sports Park. Cubs learned the importance of warming up and cooling down before and after their activities. The second Badge was for Hobbies. The Cubs had to individually talk about a hobby or interest they have and then show what equipment is needed for that activity. The Cubs then demonstrated to the rest of the Pack how they performed their interest such as card tricks and dance routines.
Cub Scouts
The Beavers have had a very busy time over the summer term. They have been on the Warwickshire Scout County Activity Day, which was held at the Heart of England Conference Centre, where they took part in numerous activities including:- Fire Lighting, Backwoods Cooking and Toasting Marshmallows. We also enjoyed getting creative by making Father’s Day medals and wonderful Mud Creations. The Beavers have also been working very hard to earn 4 badges, these badges were the:Adventure Challenge, Hikes Away, Time on the Water and International. The Time on the Water badge involved Bell boating on the canal at the Ackers Activity Centre in Birmingham, lots of fun was had by all.
Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!!
Strategy camp Jun ’17 Seren aged 11 yrs
1st Meriden scout troop participated in strategy camp, a camp which tests a scout’s abilities as a team and to show our abilities to other groups. This year we put two groups in to compete, one consisted of the older scouts and the other of the younger scouts. In the end, out of 268 groups our older group came an amazing 60th and the younger group came a mind-blowing 40th! On the day, we did fun, absurd and challenging bases like Frisbee golf, laser clay and climbing to collect points to win prizes. Everyone is super proud of each other and can’t wait till next year to do even better. We finished the Scout year with a series of wet and messy games using a catapult made by the explorers to fire water bombs. Great fun was had by all. Planning for the new term has yet to begin but it’s sure to be another great year
Finally, the Cubs were taken canoeing at the Ackers Activity Centre where they had the opportunity to experience time on the water playing games and also earning their Time on the Water Badge. Next Term there will continue to be exciting projects including in September, a joint camp with the Beavers and Scouts Scouts Once again we’ve tried to keep our programme packed full of a wide range of activities since April. In between more traditional Scouting activities of mapping, cooking on fires and knotting, we’ve been working towards the Local Knowledge badge, been on our annual trip to North Wales for some walking, raised money for Shelter Box by sleeping out rough on Meriden Green and attended the Strategy Camp in Cirencester. Here are some of the thoughts on some of these activities from the scouts North Wales May’17: Joel aged 10yrs – Saturday. We had a bacon sandwich for breakfast, had out kit checked and then my group led by Pete were dropped off in the Mini bus at the bottom of a very big hill. We had to find the footpath, which was difficult, we climbed rocks and steep slopes, and walked an old river, which we got stuck in, and we found a derelict building to shelter from the wind to have a snack. We just kept going up and up. It was hard work but we were all having fun.The views were great; we walked down to the lake and played a little on the big rocks. I really enjoyed the hike it was about 13 km and the views were amazing. I did have a bit of a mishap, I hurt my ankle and had to be helped down the last 200m of the mountain, it was fun having a fireman’s lift, I was okay by Sunday. Scarlet aged 13yrs -Sunday. We went to a lovely place with a river/stream running past the rocky path we were walking on. The landscape was gorgeous! We even found "an old mining cave" it was pitch black, you couldn't even see your hand in front of your face at one point in the cave - also there was a little puddle along the ground. Later on, after sitting having lunch; a few of us decided to dip ourfeet in the refreshing water or play stepping stones! At one point with a scout called Hannah, I tried to be Tarzan with a thin branch - you can probably guess what happened here - the branch snapped and I slipped into the shallow water! Once we had all had enough we walked down the path and had an ice cream, I had wild cherry flavour! After the delicious ice cream it was the 4 hour trip back to Meriden Shelter Box Jun’17 Hannah aged 11yrs On 23rd June Meriden scouts camped in boxes on the Green to raise money for Shelter Box. At seven o’clock we arrived and started setting up our boxes for the night ahead. We got split into three groups two litter picking teams and a pioneering team. The litter pickers went around Meriden collecting litter with litter-picker sticks and collected loads of rubbish to clean up Meriden. The pioneers stayed at camp and created a revolving gate to show off our scouting skills and finish our pioneering badges. By half past nine we had a soup kitchen and kindly the Chippy gave us lots of chips, pies and sausages so no one was hungry. In addition, the Spar gave us a crate of bottled water. When everyone had finished, we played some games together and then settled down at around eleven o’clock – everyone was asleep at half past eleven except the leaders who stayed awake all night to keep us safe. At seven o’clock most scouts were up and we ate breakfast, which was a sausage and a slice of bread, at eight. We went home at nine o’clock. In total, we raised £1,105 to give to the charity. Thanks to all those who donated and for their support.
The end of term finished on a wet note, where the Beavers enjoyed a water fight on the Scout Hut land. They then played Dodge the Water Balloon (rather than Dodge Ball in the hut). The Beaver Scout Leaders Becky, Michelle and Su all hope that the Beavers have a lovely break and look forward to returning to the Beaver Colony in September.
1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut
Beavers
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
Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Becky 07967674308
The Orme School of MeridenDancingBranch Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Gymnastic and Contemporary Dance aged 2 ½ years upwards Tel: 02476 www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk467271 Jennifer Faulkner F.I.D.T.A BA.Hons Fellowship Teaching Degree Dip A.B.R.S.M 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!!! Principal Sandra Clarke F.I.D.T.A (Hons) M.B.B.O. (Hons) Guitar and TuitionUkulele Individual or Group Sessions Experienced Adult Education Tutor Eastern Green Contact 07742 288113 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.ukFacebook: Jane – Medium and Crystal Vibrational Therapist Tel: Heart86106707715ofEnglandHigh Speed Railway Action Group Rail services to Euston have already been disrupted by HS2, and soon preparatory roadworks will get under way. Junction 4 on the M6 is to be modified, and a roundabout built at the Birmingham Business Park. There's no further news of how the area around the proposed Bickenhill Station will be developed, but it seems likely the car parking will revert to the original multi-storey concept in order to maximise the potential for development. The promotion of an A45 - A46 link road by Coventry City Council is related to HS2. The bypassing of the City by the proposed railway means it will be one of the big "losers" when the current main-line services are migrated to HS2. While Solihull Council are studying options to put the dual-carriageway somewhere between Balsall Common and Berkswell, Coventry may have eyes on the land acquired for HS2, to soften the local political fall-out if HS2 hits the Therocks.Billfor
Richard Lloyd Chairman
Other news is that more countries are investing in the "Hyperloop" system, under development by the founder of SpaceX and Tesla. The carriages go three times as fast as HS2, within a large low-pressure tube. Compared with our imported high-speed trains, noise levels will be low, and the efficiency and cost will be better. It's expected to enter service 5 years before HS2.
the planned "Phase 2a" extension to Crewe has been laid before Parliament. It doesn't seem ideal to kick off more arguments before there's anything to show for the first phase. Political support has dwindled following the Brexit vote, but the current Chancellor remains in post. In the run-up to the recent Election, it was doubtless his enthusiasm that caused him to forget the cost had escalated by £20 billion to £56 billion. Unfortunately for future taxpayers, an informed expert believes the total cost will double again. The project risks have now been rated "amber/red" in the annual report of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority for the fifth consecutive year, but these top level reports are never published - "to protect the public interest". Given the fraught situation in Westminster, the financial pain may have to build up for another couple of years before hard decisions become unavoidable. Having said that, the saga of London's third runway shows how easily Birmingham's third railway could slip into a protracted limbo. The cost impact of HS2 is becoming more obvious, and the indications are that public transport will be squeezed as HS2 is counted in that category. First to suffer were the rail electrification projects in the Midlands, Wales and the North, which have been cancelled.
We hope you had a lot of fun reading your books and doing the various crafts! The closing date is Saturday September 9. Reading Café – Romance, crime, historical, classics, family sagas, thrillers and so many more; what’s your favourite theme? Drop
There will be cards from 16 different charities. For more information,please contact Judith Woodcock 01676 533428 or Pam Brown 01676 532580
In addition, the opening times for the card shop in Allesley Park Community Library, Whitaker Road CV5 9JE are Monday & Thursday 1-7; Tuesday 9-1; Wednesday closed all day, Friday 9-12; Saturday 9-4 We are looking for volunteers to help in 1½ or 2 hour slots on our rota at Allesley Park, so if you can help, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
This is a beautifully written story starting with two children, Mariam and Laila that takes place in Afghanistan in the early 70's. The Soviets are in rule and the once tranquil city of Kabul starts to change. Life is carrying on in the best way that it can for its citizens but becomes increasingly unbearable when in the 80's, the Taliban takes Mariamover. and Laila's aspirations of a University education are stunted, instead they are forced into arranged marriages with the same sadistic man. Their lives are hell but a deep friendship develops between the two young women and they eventually flee to Pakistan. One of them survives and finds happiness, the other suffers a horrid death. I couldn't put it down. J Jones “Hosseini has that rare thing, a Dickensian knack for storytelling. He excels at writing suspenseful epics filled with compelling character” Daily Telegraph Animal Agents. into the library Café and meet other readers for a chat about books, authors, reading or anything else over a Mondaycoffee.18September 10:30-11:30am Monday 16 October 10:30-11:30am Monday 20 November 10:30-11:30am Story time for the under-fives – Our Story Time session is aimed at pre-school children this session will continue to take place every Monday 2:453:15pm. Please come and join in our lovely group of parents and carers: make friends and enjoy some stories and a craft. Free internet access
Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library closes. Wi-Fi - Free Wi-Fi access is available at all Solihull libraries. Ask staff for more information.
for our Reading
A Thousand Splendid Suns
By Khaled Hosseini
Summer Reading Challenge A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Summer Reading Challenge –
The shop operates at all library opening times during that period, Mondayi.e.& Thursday 10-6; Tuesday 10-5; Wednesday closed all day; Friday 2-5; Saturday 10-4
Monday - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm 10am - 1pm Readers Circle 13th September. Our Summer/Holiday read. 11th October. A book under the heading of Nature Writing 8th November. A novel by Helen Dunmore. If any of these appeal, please give Peter Moss a call on 01676 523590 for further information and the venue.
Please contact Janice Whittlesey 01676 534407
10am
BOOK REVIEW
The Midland Charities Association Christmas card shop Is back in Balsall Common library and Allesley Park Community Shop for seven weeks from Monday, October 30th until Saturday December 16th.
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.
Saturday
Looking to one of the most important announcements to be made by the Government this autumn, I am pleased to be able to tell you that the Education Secretary will shortly publish plans for a new schools funding formula, which alongside the Governments £1.3 billion funding boost, represent a substantial breakthrough in our 20-year fight for a fairer schools funding formula.
As part of this new formula, I am delighted that the Government recently advised a meeting of local h ead teachers that the new funding model will see our local schools gain an average 3% uplift and that no primary or secondary school will lose out on funds as a result of the changes. In addition to this, it has been confirmed that pupils who travel from other areas to receive their education in Solihull will bring with them the appropriate amount of money their individual characteristics attract - bringing an end to a historic ‘post code lottery’.
Finally, I am pleased to advise that the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport will later this year announce whether our neighbours, the City of Coventry, have succeeded in their bid for the UK city of culture 2021- a bid which I am proud to have supported. Should Coventry be successful in this competition, the city would net £3billion of funding - money which would serve to benefit the whole region by attracting thousands of extra visitors into our region each year.
To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Katy Steele On 0121 711 7029 or email caroline@carolinespelman.com
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
It is regrettable that so many different parts of the constituency were affected by unauthorised traveller incursions simultaneously this summer and the way in which this put a significant strain on police and local authority resources. Clearly a change in the law is needed which is why I have already contacted the Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid about this matter and upon my return to Westminster, I will encourage the Government to review powers available to local authorities to tackle the issue of illegal traveller encampments.
As we mark the end of the school summer holidays I hope that readers have enjoyed a pleasant and restful break in the sunshine. For me, the summer recess serves as a valuable opportunity to spend more time in the constituency, meeting with local residents and getting first-hand experience of the day to day issues that we all face at the present time.
Barkers’ Butts RFC Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR • 11 Mini & Junior age groups from 6-16 years • Non-Contact Rugby for girls 11-18 years • Under 18 Colts Side Our facilities are 1st class and all our coaches are RFU Qualified and CRB checked Contact Scott English 07963 134923 Contact Glen Southwell 07598 980546 • We also have 4 adult sides 1st XV to Vets • There will be a special welcome to players returning to the game following the 2015 Rugby World Cup ZUMBA 'Zumba is a fun Latin inspired dance/exercise class suitable for all levels' PILATES style conditioning A slower paced class for all over body conditioning to improve muscle tone, strength, balance and flexibility Any queries please contact: Tel. 07828709650 ThursdayZumbaevenings6.00pm£4.00persession ThursdayPilatesevenings7.00pm£4.00persession New! Beginner’s gentle yoga starts 11thSept. Mondays 18.30 – 19.25 at Meriden School Hall And Thursdays 11.20-12.15 at Meriden Methodist Church Hall Everyone is welcome to enjoy this relaxed pace class offering simple postures breathing techniques and relaxation. Class fee £5 New class starting Thursday 14th Sept 18.30 -19.10 at Meriden School Hall Mindful meditation Pranayama (breath control) and relaxation Kickboxing Fitness Class Call Laura on 07803 WednesdayMeriden621818MethodistChurchHall6.30–7.30pmAllagesandabilitieswelcome
Timely updates are essential for keeping our communities safe. This is particularly important at this time of year and as I write my latest message which covers a transition in seasons which each deserve crime prevention tips and guidance.
While we will continue to share messages through this publication, social media, local press and word of mouth, WMNow is now adding an extra opportunity for us to provide direct updates about what’s happening - whether it’s details of incidents, timely crime prevention advice, community events or appeals for information.
Don’t forget to get in touch with myself or the team if there is anything affecting you, your family or your neighbourhood. Have a great Autumn!
progress.Whileon
More than 900 members of staff working in teams across the West Midlands Police area have accounts which means whether you’re at home, work or out socialising in Solihull, or further afield, you have community updates at your fingertips.
advice.Hopefully
We’ll be working with local businesses to make sure that young people are not able to buy eggs and flours in bulk. We’ll also be visiting shops that sell fireworks to ensure they are also working within the law.
So please bear with me as I try to cover everything from a September that will hopefully see a prolonged summer, children going back to school, a move into darker nights, Halloween, Bonfire Night as well as the usual burglar y and car crime safety you’ve enjoyed the summer. This enjoyment some may have never got round to the jobs they promised to themselves that they’d get done before the summer ended. So if this sounds like you don’t fall prey to rogue traders in your haste.Ifyou need any building work done get several written quotes from reputable firms and then decide which one is best. If in doubt talk it through with a neighbour or someone in your family.
I don’t want you to bombard you with too many thoughts about the future or wish the year away. So I will end with how I started and an invite to join WMNow. That way you won’t have to wait another three months to hear my advice again…which I hope some will see as a good thing!
Signing up takes less than five minutes, so we’d encourage everyone to visit www.wmnow.co.uk and join today.
Some simple advice goes for your car as well. Lock doors, shut windows and remove all valuables from display. I won’t upset you all by reminding how many days there are until Christmas, but it is well worth getting into a good habit of removing all valuables from display if you’ll be venturing out on shopping trips in coming weeks.
As we focus on upcoming events it seems important to focus on Halloween, a time that can also see an increase in anti-social behaviour or residents feeling anxious or worried.
CAT MINDER • • • • If you are interested in this service please contact me and I will come and meet you and your cat/s. Reference available, security checked/fully insured. Working together for a safer Autumn Are you one of the 20,000 people who have already signed up to WMNow, our new community messaging system? If you haven’t already logged in then we thought we’d take the opportunity to discuss why it is proving very popular with residents and businesses.
Thank you Sergeant Mick Lloyd
As ever I’d like to ask parents, grandparents and young people for their help with this topic. Please remind young people to be mindful of how their behaviour could affect other people. Equally if the young people have any concerns about the safety of themselves or their peers please remind them we are always here to help and offer them advice. The idea of unaccompanied children knocking on a stranger’s door is not one that we should condone as part of the Allevents.trick or treaters should be encouraged to plan their route in advance, ensuring their family know where they are, and ideally be accompanied by a trusted adult. As with any other day of the years we’d advise caution around strangers -and for people to never go inside a house.
Don’t forget if you think someone is acting suspiciously then please call us on 101. Dial 999 if you think a crime is in the subject of home security please do not underestimate the difference that making sure you lock doors and windows can make when leaving your home, regardless of how long you will be away for.
Don’t let unexpected callers to your door pressurise you into having work completed that may not even need carrying out.
Meriden Tree Of Thought.
Yet again, another year has absolutely flown by and I have started preparations for this year's Tree. At the time of writing (25th July) I have received very kind donations from DeMulder Enterprises and Pertemps. Lee Butterworth has offered the services of Dovetail to install The Tree and then remove in January. I have to say that I am much relieved and grateful for this. Please mark your calendars and diaries for Friday 1st December, which is the date for the dedication. As ever, this will be at 4 pm on The Green. Do come along and support the children of our Meriden School. The Manor Hotel will again, very generously, be there with mulled wine and hot chocolate, the proceeds of which will be given to The Meriden Tree of Thought. Of necessity, I will be looking for volunteers to set up the equipment and take down afterwards. Please let me know if you are able to help. On the subject of help, there are many people who are to be acknowledged for Funday Sunday. These are, in no particular order, Chris and Candice( AMS ), Tom Beaty, Carol Todd, Alex Maclure, Tina Harris, Annette Smith, Della, Tina Say with Hayley, Nick and John (Lloyds Chemist), Vanessa Walker, Lis Willis, Mel Lee, Vikki Davison, Cynthia Campion, , Jayne Cockerill (Heart of England Conference Centre), Meriden Scouts with Gerry and Joan Russell, St. Laurence Church, Flick Blewitt with the W I, Alan Smith, Chris and Rachel Barr (assisted by Roman), Chris O'Gorman, Paul Lee, Stuart Bonnar, Colin Brown, Peter Moss, John Moorhouse, Clive Jones , Keith and Judith Summerfield, Gary & James Olsen, Danuta Morley (SMBC) and Meriden Parish Council . Along with others I have mentioned above who baked cakes, Juici Luci's Cupcakes donated 4 dozen of her famous cupcakes for the Cake stall. As they always do, The Nijjer family (Spar Shop) gave every penny they took, on the barbecue, to Meriden Tree of Thought. My sincere thanks go to everyone mentioned as they do to those of you who donated prizes for the Tombola and the businesses who provided such excellent prizes for The Meriden Midsummer Draw. I so hope I haven't forgotten to include anyone!! The weather wasn't as kind as it might have been but I couldn't fail to be impressed by the number of you who came along and entered into the spirit of the day. You all played your part in achieving £ 1,450 on the day which brings the amount raised, since I founded The Tree, to****£ 52,815. ****. The Manor Hotel is, again very generously, holding The Senior's Christmas Lunch on Monday 11th December. The number of places this year is limited to 120 as there have been some major changes made with the creation of The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill. By the time you read this, I can assure you that I will have made every effort to give everyone an equal opportunity to book their place. I fully realize that there will be many disappointed people but it cannot, practically, be avoided. I have made it clear that there is to be No one from outside Meriden and Millisons Wood !! Sadly, previously there have been people, who do not qualify at the lunch, including those who are not over 65. This is totally unfair on those who do qualify. There will be a maximum of two people per address to avoid people not entering into the intended spirit of the extremely kind gesture on the part of The Manor. I'm sure this will be seen as the reasonable way to proceed. Again, A BIG THANK YOU to all who support what I do. Alan Lole
Dessert (eating) or culinary (cooking): Pear cultivars are either dessert or culinary, although some are dual-purpose.
Pear and Ginger Cake
Storage: Harvest early-season pears while still under-ripe (early August). Picked fruit ripens quickly. Mid-season pears ripen in September and should be harvested while immature in late-August. The majority of pears are late-season and should be harvested in mid- to late September when the first windfalls appear. Treat very late pears the same as very late apples, leaving them on the tree until the forecast of hard frost. These ripen in storage.
A fine warm day brought plenty of visitors to the 93rd Fillongley Annual Show, on Sunday 13th August, with many attractions to wander round, from livestock and poultry classes, vintage vehicles, horticultural tent, artisan crafts, kids’ zone, dog show and numerous equestrian events to name onl y some. A favourite part of the day is meeting friends, browsing the many trade stands, and being tempted by the aromas from the catering stalls. For the crowd relaxing around the Main Ring the most popular display seemed to be the breathtaking, heart stoppi ng feats of the BMX bike stunt riders the “Savage Skills”. The YFC Panto Horse Championships, and of course, the Grand Parade, each drew a big audience. In the Horticultural Tent, gardeners from Meriden Odd Fellow Allotments had won several prize cards, including second place in the home Garden Competition, judged in June.
2 tbsps oil 2 large garlic cloves crushed flat 2 pears peeled and cut into eighths
With so many different pear trees available, it can be confusing which is the right for you. As a result, it is worth considering the following:
A wine glass of dry white wine
75 ml Seasonstockthechops with salt and pepper, heat the oil in a frying pan and add the crushed garlic, Fry the chops on both sides to seal them and add the pears.
I tbsp soft brown sugar Lightly grease and line the base of a deep 20.5 cm cake Usingtina whisk combine 175g of the butter with the sugar, flour ginger and eggs and mix to form a smooth consistency. Spoon into the cake tin and level the surface Place the pears over the cake mixture and sprinkle with the brown sugar and dot with the remaining Bakebutterin a preheated oven at 180degreesC/ 350 degrees F/ gas mark 4 for 50 minutes to1 hour This cake can be served warm with ice cream or cream if you prefer.
200g butter softened 175 g sugar 175g Self raising flour 3 tsp ground ginger 3 eggs beaten 450g dessert pears peeled, cored and thinly sliced
A weekday supper of Pork and Pears
Cook for about 10 minutes until tender and slightly browned Place the chops on warmed plates, pour most of the fat away and add the wine and the stock and reduce by half. Pour over the chops.
Creamy mashed potatoes and green beans are a good accompaniment to this dish
Garden size: If size is no restriction, choose a half-standard tree, but they are too large for the average garden. Where size is an issue, consider a bush, spindlebush, pyramid or cordon. These all can be grown in a small space, or even in a pot. Alternatively, train pears as espaliers or fans flat against a sunny wall or fence.
Fillongley Show Sunday 13th August
Enough for 2 2 pork chops
Site: Pears need more warmth and sunlight than apples to fruit well. They also flower earlier so are more at risk from spring frosts. Provide a warm, south- or west-facing, sheltered site in your garden for the best results.
www.petstay.net07940146063 charlotte@petstay.net01789608021 For private or commercial use Local or National delivery or collections Vans and drop side vehicle available Please call Peterj.ellis6@gmail.com07768350933Peter
Meriden Play Group “Where Friends are made” Meriden Methodist Church Hall Every Tuesday during Term Time 10am-12 Join us for a fun playtime with your child, where you can 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
See centre page for the photo
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 new Year 7 or year 8 (age 11/13) 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.
Meriden Rovers Football Club
The Sunday Xl has been a great platform this season for the younger players to gain experience against tough opposition. It has been another successful season for the club and a great team effort from all of the players.
Heart of England Cricket Club With only 3 games to go in the Warwickshire Saturday League the team are top of the table with a lead of 64 points which has guaranteed them promotion to Division 7 and with only 5 points needed, the championship is well within reach .
The Tuesday T20 team beat Peugeot in the T20 cup final at the start of August and are currently mid-table in the league.
Bob Kipling
Rosie Weaver
Frances
Matthew Nunn
BEM Lynch-Smith (Chair) (Vice-Chair)
Paul Lee
Mandy Haque
The public and press are cordially invited to all parish council meetings at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to speak. Look out for the agenda and venue which is posted on the parish notice boards and our website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk prior to the meeting. The next Parish Council meeting dates are: • 18 September 2017 - The Pavilion • 16 October 2017 - The Pavilion • 20 November 2107 – The Pavilion Community Surgeries 11am-12pm: • Monday 11 September 2017 – Meriden Library • Monday 09 October 2017 – The Pavilion • Monday 06 November 2017 – Meriden Library Police Beat Surgeries at the Library 11am-12pm: • Thursday 21 September 2017 • Thursday 26 October 2017 • Thursday 23 November 2017 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 communityBarbaraissues. Bland The MeridenPavilionSports Park Main MeridenRoadCV7 7SP Tel: 01676 522474 (Mondays) Mobile: 07767 162423 Email: barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com Web: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk Your Parish Councillors are: Meriden’s Neighbourhood Plan - update Following the residents’ survey in the summer of 2016, we have now surveyed Meriden businesses, the results of which can be viewed on our website. The next stage is to draft the pre-submission version of our Neighbourhood Plan by November 2017 which will go to consultation throughout December and January. Feedback from the consultation will determine the submission version which will go to the public examiner in the spring of 2018. If you would like to get involved, the steering group meets monthly at the Pavilion from 7.15pm. Next meeting dates are 14 September, 12 October and 16 November 2017. Our new look website We have a new look website which we hope you find is easy to navigate and covers all relevant news for our parish. You can find us still Council.andwww.meridenparishcouncil.org.ukatonFacebookatMeridenParish
Melanie Lee
Jon Barber
Traffic Calming
The Parish Council in partnership with SMBC will be making an application to Suez (previously SITA Trust) for an environmental grant to improve the Pool as part of the ongoing Pool Management programme. There will be a display in the library of what will be done when the action plan is firmed up.
Taxi Bus - 89 bus - Ring & Ride update
School bus service from Millison’s Wood to Meriden C of E Primary School
The Parish Council met with Ashley Prior, SMBC’s Head of Highways, for the purpose of discussing a traffic management plan, traffic calming strategy and shared space concept to assist with speeding traffic, inconsiderate parking, pedestrian footpath obstructions, hatching and all day parking on Main Road, pedestrian crossing Fillongley Road, Meriden School parking and speed limits on all Meriden gateways. It was a positive discussion and walkabout to all hotspots. A follow up meeting will be held in September with a presentation at the next Parish Council meeting being 18th September 2017.
The Parish Council would like to thank Bruce Brant who nominated Meriden to trial wildflower planting and Solihull Rangers who prepared the banking and sowed the seeds to provide a splendid vista for residents and visitors to enjoy as they enter the village from Birmingham Road. Hopefully more to come next year as part of Bloom 2018.
Despite a parents’ petition and both the Chair of Governors and the Chair of Meriden Parish Council talking at SMBC’s CPH Children, Education and Skills Decision Session, the decision was made to axe the school bus for a saving of £21k. The repairing of potholes, pavement improvements and cutting back of vegetation on an increased maintenance programme to enable a safer walking route to school may cost in excess of this saving…
Meriden Pool Further to a recent meeting with SMBC, confirmation for an ‘in kind’ contribution and through internal services, they will lead on the delivery of the following actions from Meriden Pool management plan with the following proposed spring bulb planting, proposed natural and intuitive play space, proposed seating, proposed proactive tree works and technical advice and support. Chris Edgell, Public Realm Manager, will be the officer leading for SMBC
There are no plans to withdraw the “blue bus” from September. The patronage on Service 89 has continued to drop away since the timetable changed earlier in the year. TfWM are concerned about this as it will affect the longer term viability of the service and seems to suggest it is not meeting the expectations of the travelling public. TfWM would really appreciate your views on whether going back to the old timetable with the “blue bus” continuing to do what it does now would be acceptable. It seemed that before the change people were using the bus to get to work and school, because of the consistent timetable, but since then this seems to have been lost. TfWM believe the timetable should be changed back; please email your comments to barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com or leave your comments in the Library addressed to Mrs P Mills. TfWM have given their assurance that any timetable change will be subject to comments from all those Service 89 users.
Cllr Nunn sent Meriden’s petition to Mayor Andy Street of West Midlands Combined Authority with an endorsement from the Parish Council. A letter acknowledging receipt and advising that the correspondence has been passed to TfWM section of the Combined Authority for review under TfWM’s Petitions Protocol. There was a detailed investigation with stakeholders and consideration by elected Members of the Transport Delivery Committee at the Lead Member Meeting on the 19th July 2017. The Parish Council await the outcome.
[ Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic cleaning, Office cleaning Professional cleaning service Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for? (Check out the review of the food you feed your dog with the review for Eden on www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk ) All meat and fish of human grade and sourced within the UK. TOTALLY GRAIN FREE – NO FILLERS HIGH DENSITY FOOD – USE LESS FOR EACH FEED ** EDEN ORIGINAL: 80% Chicken, Salmon, Herring, Duck and Egg ** EDEN CATCH OF THE DAY: 80% Fish Local prices for 15kg (Smaller quantities can be provided): Original: £50 Catch of the Day: £53 Tel: 01676 522466 to order and collect Nutritional and general dog advice given Adam Eales 0794 389 DomesticMIDLANDSmidlandscleaners@mail.com3354CLEANERS&CommercialCleaningServices• Window Cleaning • Fascia & Soffit Cleaning • Gutter & Cladding Cleaning • Conservatory Roof and Patio Cleaning • General Property maintenance • Insurance Work Undertaken • Domestic and Commercial Work • Plastering • Coving • Carpentry Work • TilingCall for a free quote JimmyBailiedec@hotmail.com07966186957 147, Elmdon Lane, Marston Green B377DN No job too small Fully insured Over 30 experienceyears’ Hampers can be ordered 01676countrywide.deliveredandContact534148 Days, weekends or longer ……… In our home – stress free, non-kennel Onlyenvironment.limitednumbers of friendly dogs at any one time. Highly experienced show exhibitor/ trainer and dog breeder. Excellent affordable rates. TEL: 01676 522466 (Meriden)
unit CALL US ON 01676 523642 For a friendly, free no obligation quote Visit www.meridenblinds.co.uk All prices quoted include measuring, fitting & vat. *terms and conditions apply On all Vertical, Metal Venetians & Roller blinds
* Maintenance of grass, plants, hedges and trees (and the removal of any rubbish/cuttings).
In particular churchyards are very special places; places of remembrance, of family associations and continuity, of heritage, of natural beauty, and also of wildlife conservation. They are uniquely important in several ways none more so than ours here in Meriden. We hope you feel as we do that we are blessed by our churchyard here, rich in all these ways, a place of peace and space and fine open Aviews.churchyard is also, importantly, a sacred space. Whatever your personal beliefs or faith may be the churchyard has a spiritual value. It is a spiritual place; not only because it is a living part of the church that it physically surrounds but because it is a place where we can reflect, perhaps pray or just be still and quiet for a precious moment or two in our busy lives.
Friends of Meriden Churchyard meet at the Church at 10:00am 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, ca ke and conversation. For more details please contact Pat & Peter Wright on 01676 522414
* Publishing and administering the rules of the churchyard as advised by the Diocese of Coventry.
All this work is dedicated to keeping the churchyard as a peaceful, respectful and dignified place. T here is a balance to be struck. The churchyard is a place of outstanding natural beauty. A recent survey found more than 80 different species of wildflower, some of them only found in places with just the right growing environment. We want the churchyard to appear cared for and this can manifest itself in different guises. We choose to leave some areas to grow, thus allowing wildflowers to seed and wildlife to flourish. Sometimes the weather doesn’t permit jobs to be started, or completed. The church stands in a conservation area and as such there are additional rules and regulations that can mean a delay from becoming aware of a job, to the right permissions being sought and then finally the job being completed. This is the case with each and every one of our trees. Though it may not look as neat and tidy as some public cemeteries, it is managed, cared for and loved by many. We trust that you too can appreciate the Special place that is St Laurence churchyard.
You may recall the images that have been on our TV screens, social media and in the newspapers; images of row upon row of War Graves. Watching the commemoration service from Tyne Cot Cemetery on the 100 start of Passchendaele we are reminded as to how sp matter whether they are the grand public cemeteries council cemeteries or churchyards, they are places full of memories yet they are also places full of life and hope. They each hold a special place in our hearts.
* Recording and maintenance of graves and headstones – and responding to enquiries on these.
People visit St Laurence churchyard for many reasons. They may be passers-by walking the Coventry Way, or just out for a stroll, or pausing a moment on the benches overlooking our village. Or they may have come to show their love and respect to loved ones who are buried there, to remember them, to grieve in their own way and to find comfort. When we visit to express our love for those who have died, to tend their grave or memorial, or perhaps just to be there with them for a moment, then we are rediscovering each time the meaning of our lives – that is to say LOVE. If God is love, which we as Christians believe to be true, then through these simple, faithful acts of love we are learning again and again about love – and therefore we are learning about God too, however conscious we are of that. Many people have commented on the tranquillity of the churchyard, perched high above the village, off the beaten track, away from the sound of traffic on the A45. It is a place away from the ordinariness of daily life, and all its joys and struggles, a place of rest and refreshment; a place to step out of the ‘rat race’ back into a different time and place. When we step back from our busyness we can become aware of the beauty, the wildlife and natural peace of this place, enjoying our surroundings while we are there, being aware of God’s creation in all its chaos and beauty. This is why it is important for us all to play a part on behalf of each other in looking after the churchyard, keeping it decent and dignified, to protect and enhance the experience for us all.
* Responding to enquiries and requests about new burials and interments (Who can be buried in the churchyard?)
The Friends of Meriden Churchyard, made up of church members and villagers, voluntarily and unpaid give their time and skills to try to maintain the churchyard as best they can, with a little help from paid-for grass cutting. They, along with the churchwardens and clergy, are involved in many tasks including but not limited to:
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! The Big Curry & Quiz Night at the Village Hall
I was concerned to see a Council map showing Fillongley Road Bridge marked for closure in September 2017 (for 9 months) but was not aware of any local consultation. A phone call to Solihull Council reveals that the closure is now likely to be from January 2018 or later with consultation starting around September 2017. Solihull Council will outline plans to divert HGV’s etc. ‘several miles back before the bridge’ to prevent lorries (etc.) using local lanes. The Council will also need our input to outline sensible alternative plans for local road users. If you would like to know more please write to David Hanger (dhanger@solihull.gov.uk) and ask to be kept on an email circulation list or receive a link to Solihull Council website updates David McGrath
Nick Hone: A true gentlemen from Meriden to Mevagissey
From David McGrath Former Chair of Meriden RAID Nick savouring success as president of St Austell FC Elizabeth Emily Dutton (nee Southern) Emily was born on 21st October1919 to Sargeant Matthew and Minnie Southern, they lived in Tory Row Cottages next to the Meriden Pool. Her father died in the Second World War when Emily was 21 years old. She lived with her mother until her marriage on September 5th 1953. She married Charles Dutton at St Laurence church in BettyMeriden.worked as a secretary to three directors at the Singer Car Factory and they lived at 177 Fillongley Road in a bungalow near the A45 bridge and had a daughter Elizabeth on 22nd January 1956. Her beloved Jack became ill with cancer and when he recovered they decided to build a second bungalow in the grounds and they enjoyed living there until Jack died on July 5th 1990. Betty lived in the bungalow until her eyesight deteriorated , she left in 1999 to live with her daughter at 9, Charnwood Drive, Hartshill Nuneaton until she became very ill and went to the Haven Nursing Home in Keresley where she died on 29th March 2017, she was 97 years old. We all miss her very much; she was Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.
The family sincerely thank all relatives, friends, former colleagues and neighbours for their kind thoughts, cards, flowers, charitable donations and attendance at the funeral following their very sad loss of Pearl, their very dearly loved sister, auntie and great auntie who will be so greatly missed. Special thanks to Canon John Eardley for his very personal and caring service. Ron Jackson 22nd June1925 - 22nd June 2017 died peacefully in his sleep at home in Fordingbridge. He made many friends in Meriden and was loved by all who knew him. The Funeral Service took place on July 11th at 1.00pm at St. Mary's Church Fordingbridge. Joan now lives at Allenbrook Nursing Home, Fordingbridge. He was a wonderful Husband and Father to David and Angela.
He had two spiritual homes: Meriden, where he had lived since 1977 with the one great love of his life (Gill, married 41 years) but also Mevagisssy where he spent much of his boyhood at his parents hotel and restaurant overlooking Mevagissey Harbour Family life was always a major preoccupation for Nick speaking often with pride and admiration for Gill, ‘the boys’ (Tom and Matt) super daughter in law (Jen) and grandson Jake Nick developed a lifelong passion for Cornish football team St Austell FC and spent the last 4 seasons of his life as their president making regular journeys to their games and working on his epic statistical history of the club. Nick was also a lifelong fan of Wolves - a reflection of his shared allegiance to the West Midlands
Mrs RosemarieDutton
My friend Nick Hone was someone who made a real difference in a wonderful life which was sadly cut too short recently by a heart attack (aged 66). His passing was so sudden that we can scarcely believe that he is gone from this world Nick was born in Solihull and was a skilled, passionate and inspirational educator in a career spanning over 35 years. He joined Sharmans Cross School as a Geography teacher and (following its closure in 1986) joined Lode Heath School becoming Head of Geography (with pastoral duties)
Rosemarie Pearl Silvester (nee Dyer) 10th January 1944- 3rd April 2017
During a 9 year retirement where things were 'just perfect' he and Gill (also a former teacher) continued to enjoy their passion for far flung travel but - during 3 stressful years for our village - played a crucial part in the Meriden RAID campaign putting in countless protest camp shifts to stand up for our precious green belt. A familiar figure at the camp in his beloved 'Wolves jacket' Nick (with Gill) gave media interviews and travelled with the campaign bus to Westminster, Strasbourg, Brussels, Birmingham High Court, Solihull Council and to many local planning appeals to 'have their say' for Meriden. Always polite, eminently sensible, softly spoken but firm he was a model of tenacity for us all to follow After the campaign was won we were proud to remain firm friends. We will always be grateful to have shared a small part in the life of a true gentleman - now missed by many. He is survived by Gill, Tom, Mat Jen and little Jake
Community First Responders from Fastaid Solihull have trained locals in basic first aid and how to use the defibrillator.
Andy Jeynes, the Trust’s Community Response Manager for Birmingham and Solihull, said: “Having a defibrillator in the village is a big thing for locals in Meriden and whilst the library isn’t necessarily an obvious place to come to for medical help, it’s in the heart of the community and easily accessible
In June 2017 we lost a total of 66 Doctors Appointments and 85 Nurse Appointments This equates to 16 hours of wasted Doctor Time and 17 hours of wasted Nurse Time If you are unable to attend your appointment please help the surgery reduce wasted appointments by cancelling your appointment You can cancel your appointment by using the following methods; By telephoning Balsall Common Surgery 01676935000 or Meriden Surgery 01676 522706 By secure email to solccg.bccancelappointments @nhs.net By Fax to 01676 292005 Face to Face at Reception In Writing Via our website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk using the on line services or by sending the practice a
Coventry Breathe Easy For more information please ring Janet on 02476 460081 or 02476Cynthia440316 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 8th September – Jane Scullion Respiratory nurse consultant-‘medications’ Friday 13th October -Christine Evans – BLF Singing Coach- singing for fun and to help your Fridaybreathing10thNovember - This will be the start of the three winter meetings held at Conroy’s Coffee House.
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The surgery wheelchair was lent to a patient who has not returned it to the surgery. This has meant that we are unable to loan it out to other patients for one off occasions, but also we no longer have the support in the surgery for unwell patients who visit the surgery and need support to get from the carpark to the waiting room and to a consulting room. Can I please ask that the wheelchair be returned to the surgery as soon as possible. It is easily recognised as the material was a bright green tartan design. If it is a problem returning the wheelchair to the surgery please telephone me Joanne Hope 01676 536833 message other patients the opportunity to use appointment if cannot attend Residents in Meriden can head to the local library for a good read and life-saving care thanks to West Midlands Ambulance Service.
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In July 2016 a community public access defibrillator was donated to Meriden to further increase the number of life-saving devices in public places in the borough.
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The defibrillator, which can help restart the heart of someone in cardiac arrest, isn’t just there for the benefit of the library – it’s available for anyone in the local community in the event of such a medical emergency.
This is the first community defibrillator in Meriden to be publicly accessible round-the-clock and is housed in a cabinet kindly donated by a local resident.
blitzBeautySalonTelephone01676521100 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 & complimentaryOverTwitter65specialTuesday25%offanytreatmentAlsotea&biscuitsMen and DualOpenwelcomeWomenlatenightsMonthlyoffersavailabletreatmentroomGiftvouchersavailableFriendly,welcomingenvironment • 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 Birmingham Road Tel: 01676 522224 Opening hours – Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat Morning 9am -12pm WWW.ROCKWELL- MERIDEN.CO.UK
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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, or dementia care, or domiciliary care in the home for or a loved Why speak, in confidence, with a of experience of Know Will Protect Assets for Future Generations? most of us would like to pass this on to our children or loved ones. happens’ and the estate can be diminished, perhaps by Inheritance Tax, Remarriage of a Surviving Partner, Family Fall Outs or having to Pay For Care. You may also have beneficiaries who are Vulnerable. If they receive an inheritance this may impact on their entitlement to means tested benefits and leave them in control of their own funds when this may not be in their best interests. Alternatively, your children may have done very well for themselves and receiving your estate may make their own Inheritance Tax position worse.
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Planning in your Will can be preferable to making gifts in your lifetime where Care Home fees are concerned. Whilst not always the case, Lifetime Gifts can easily be caught by the Deprivation of Assets rules which enable a Local Authority to Ignore the Gift when carrying out a means test for care payments.
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As for the Chamberlain Highway, the “highway” part is a reach; it’s not much more than a two-lane road that links Meriden and New Britain, with no stop signs in between. But it, too, comes with a story.
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William T. “Skirts” Sloper survived the sinking of the Titanic, you see. And although so did 56 other male passengers in first class, somehow a rumor arose that he had dressed up as a woman in order to secure a seat in one of the lifeboats. In truth, some of the first-class lifeboats were launched half-empty, so the story may have been started by a spiteful reporter (after Mr. Sloper had reached New York, aboard the Carpathia, he refused to talk to the ravening newsmen). And it probably didn’t help that Mr. Sloper, who was 28 at the time, was described in the newspapers as “highly strung,” “restless and sickly,” or that he was returning from “a three-month restorative holiday in Egypt.”
Two tales of two (small) cities
The road is named for Abiram Chamberlain (1837-1911), who started out as a bank clerk in New Britain and eventually became president of the Home National Bank in Meriden, then a city councilor, then the state comptroller, and eventually the governor. He signed the bill creating the state police, in 1903, because the General Assembly figured local police weren’t cracking down sufficiently on prostitution, gambling and (horrors!) bars that opened on Sundays. The good governor was said to come “from the best New England stock.”
Abiram Chamberlain – who rests eternally in Meriden William T “Skirts” Sloper – the Titanic survivor
Abiram had a brother, Valentine B. Chamberlain (1833-1893), a prominent judge and bank president, late r the state treasurer, and also “descended on both sides from sturdy colonial stock,” as an obituary in the Connecticut State Library has it. Both brothers served with the Connecticut Volunteers during the War of Rebellion, but Valentine was captured and spent “nearly two years of loathsome captivity in rebel prisons.” For me this was a revelation because, back in my school days, I had always thought it inexplicably cruel of the parents of my schoolmate, Valentine B. Chamberlain, to have saddled him with such a name. (Much better than “Skirts,” of course. But still.) As I recall, we always called him “V.B.,” out of something like pity. Now I know the rest of the story: He is, of course, the direct descendant of that distinguished personage and Civil War prisoner. Anyway, after the war the brothers came home and settled down, Abiram in Meriden and Valentine in New Britain, and it is said that they remained close for life, visiting every Sunday. Much later (in the 1930s), the road linking those two places (which must have been the same road they had used for all that visiting) was named the Chamberlain Highway, in honor of the governor — although it has also been said that it was named for both brothers.
At any rate, the shameful moniker would dog him for the rest of his life. As local lore has it, building the fence — a very tall, wooden stockade — around his house was Mr. Sloper’s reaction to his perhaps undeserved infamy, a defense against prying eyes.
It seems that the present owners of the house want to maintain the fence for historical authenticity, bearing in mind the Titanic story, and that a previous owner even had cypress boards specially milled in Florida to repair it. And so, the fence stands to this day.
Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record –journal.com
Someone has been fixing up the fence around the old Sloper place, on the Chamberlain Highway about halfway between Meriden and New Britain, Connecticut. And therein lies a story.
True or not, I have no idea — but that’s the thing about lore.
True or not, I have no idea — but that’s the thing about lore.
There is no meeting in September Wednesday, 11th October “Sons of the Empire.” A presentation by Sheila Woolf. A schoolmistresses story of three family deaths – a brother, a son, a grandson. One died at the hands of ‘Whirling Dervishes’ in Sudan, one as a Mountie in Alberta and one in Iraq
Thepost-WW1.talkreflects the spirit of the age when much of the world map was coloured pink.
Wednesday 8th November “The Christmas Truce” A presentation by Andrew Hamilton. The Christmas Truce in WW1 is well documented. Andrew adds a personal perspective by using the memoirs of his grandfather who was personally involved.
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 07940 700284 Cakes Raffle Odds ’n BooksEnds! 01676InformationFurther522274
For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call: Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924 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 For our latest news visit the www.berkswell-history.orgwebsite:ortelephone01676535782 Meeting Fees: Members £2, Non-Members £3. Refreshments included. Annual Membership £5. We service, repair and care for your vehicle
DATE EVENT VENUE TIME CONTACT 4th Sept WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 8th Sept Churches all together cafe Pavilion 2.00-4.00pm Lynda Lilley 522825 9th Sept Car boot sale Queen’s Head 10.00 &11.00am lynchsmith@hot mail.co.uk 11th Sept Story time for under 5s weekly Library 2.45-3.15 pm 522717 11th Sept Community Surgery Library 11.00am-12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 13th Sept Reader’s Circle 7.30pm Peter Moss 523590 16th Sept Firebirds Concert Bluecoat School 7.00pm Val Martin 522963 17th Sept Teddy Bears Picnic St Laurence Church 4.00pm Lynda Lilley 522825 18th Sept Reading Cafe Library 10.30-11.30am 522717 18th Sept Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 18th Sept Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 21st Sept Police Beat Surgery Library 11.00am-12noon Sgt Michael Lloyd 101 22nd Sept CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Pam 523372 24th Sept Harvest Festival Methodist Church 10.30am Rev Jane Braund 533737 27th Sept Methodist Supper Club Methodist Church 7.00pm Rev Jane Braund 533737 29th Sept “In the Pink” Strawberry Bank Hotel Mary Warr 522160 30th Sept Macmillan Coffee morning Village Hall 11.00am-2.00pm 30th Sept Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 2nd Oct WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 9 th Oct Community Surgery Sports Pavilion 11.00am-12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 11th Oct Readers Circle 7.30pm Peter Moss 523590 13th Oct Churches all together cafe Pavilion 2.00-4.00pm Lynda Lilley 522825 14th Oct Big Curry and Quiz night Village Hall 7.00pm Mel Lee 521186 16th Oct Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 16th Oct Reading Cafe Library 10.30-12 noon 522717 16th Oct Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 21st/22nd Arts and Crafts Exhibition Fentham Hall 10am-5pm 21st /22nd COEA Art Exhibition Patricks Farm Barns 10.00-4.00pm Julie Hyde 523357 26th Oct Police Beat Surgery Library 11.00am-12noon Sgt Michael Lloyd 101 27th Oct CAMEO Village Hall 2.00pm Pam 523372 28th Oct Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 29th Oct British summer time ends 30th Oct to Dec 16th Charity Christmas Card shop opens Balsall Common Library Judith 533428 1st Nov Meriden Mag deadline 3rd Nov Methodist Supper Club Methodist Church 7.00pm Rev Jane Braund 533737 5th Nov Bereavement Service St Laurence Church 4.00 pm Lynda Lilley 522825 6thNov Community Surgery Library 10.00am-12 noon Barbara Bland 522474 6th Nov WI annual meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 523229 8th Nov Readers Circle 7.30pm Peter Moss 523590 9th Nov Supper Club Methodist Church 7.00pm Rev Jane Braund 533737 9th Nov Coffee Morning Packington Hall 10.30am-12noon 10th Nov Churches all together cafe Pavilion 2.00-4.00pm Lynda Lilley 522825 12thNov Remembrance Service St Laurence Church 10.30am Lynda Lilley 522825 20th Nov Reading Cafe Library 10.30-12 noon 522717 20th Nov Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 521457 20th Nov Parish Council Meeting Sports pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 522474 23rdNov Police Beat Surgery Library 11.00am-12noon Sgt Michael Lloyd 101 24th Nov CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Pam 523372 25th Nov Big Picture Show Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 522645 1st Dec Tree of Thought Village Green 4.00pm Alan 522138 Village Diary
With 65 food stalls and bars; a live demo kitchen; cocktail masterclasses; Kids’ Bake-off, Mr Bubble, donkey rides and dance workshops, this event is not to be missed!
One location is the Coventry Freemen's Guild St, Mary's Guildhall it is open from 10 am to 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday
The City of Coventry Freemen's Guild wa re-formed in 1946 with the assistance of the City of London Freemen's Guild. However the original Guild was formed in the 14th century but was disbanded by Henry VIII.
For more information visit www.solihullbid.co.uk
Coventry has over 50 venues open to visitors ranging from BBC Coventry and Warwickshire to a canal boat. Further information can be obtained from the council’s website or a leaflet from Coventry library. The council are also running bus tours.
The Freemen's Guild Room occupies a chamber at the north end of the Medieval undercroft beneath St Mary's Guildhall. This atmospheric room with some interesting carvings, dates from the 15th century when a row of shops on the site was demolished to make way for an extension to the Guildhall's Great Hall and undercroft.
On the afternoon of Sunday 10th September The Birmingham Savoyards will be performing “The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan” at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens. Gilbert and Sullivan’s collaboration brought us many well-known comic operettas such as The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance and The Gondoliers. This concert will tell the story of their highly successful, if often stormy, partnership, using songs from all 14 of their operas. The selection offers something for everyone – from old familiar favourites to seldom-heard surprises. The open air performance starts at 3.00 and tickets cost £8 (£15 for a joint ticket for 2 people). Further details are available by emailing Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens or ringing 0121 749 4100 or visiting the Castle Bromwich Hall website
Highlights include appearances from much-loved celebrity chefs the Hairy Bikers and CBeebies ‘I Can Cook’ star Katy Ashworth, and the innovative BIG Ale trail, complete with designer mini pint glasses offering visitors the chance to sample the finest swigs from local breweries.
For three days during autumn, Solihull town centre will showcase the ultimate food and drink festival.
Coventry's Heritage Open Days will be taking place on Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th September. Heritage Open Days was established in 1994 as England's contribution to European Heritage Days. This event now incorporates 39 countries across Europe, all proudly showing off their history and wide range of cultures and architecture. This allows FREE access to participating venues that are not normally open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee.
Meriden Primary School Mrs L. Winkler 01676 522488 Meriden Library 01676 522717 Meriden Surgery 01676 522252 Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722 St. Laurence Church Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Jane Braund 01676 533737 MCF Life Church Meriden Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt 07970552667 Parish Council Barbara Bland (Mondays only) 01676 522474 Methodist Hall bookings Alan Gabbitas 01676 522148 Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000 Solihull District Councillors Ken Allsopp 01676 522301 David Bell 01676 248651 Tony Dicicco 07780 438290 Meriden Scout Group Gerry Russell 01676 522666 Post Office Sue Harper 01676 522230 Rural Police Sector Sgt Mick LLoyd 101 New emergencynon-no. Meriden Village Hall bookings Valerie Martin 01676 522963 Useful Village Contact numbers Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours Summer 1st April- 31st October Monday-Friday (except Tues) 9.30am -5.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am- 4.00pm Winter 1 November - 31 March Monday to Friday (except Tuesday) - 9.30am to 4.00pm Tuesday - 9.30am to 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday - 8.30am to 4.00pm Last admission 15 minutes before closing time 11th November Remembrance Day 12th November Remembrance Sunday 14th BirthdayNovemberofthe Prince of Wales 20th November Her Majesty’s Wedding Day John Alzheimer’spresentsChairmanBentickoftheFirebirdSingersachequefor£3500toLisaCourtneyoftheSociety
