MeridenMag Winter 2017

Meriden Mag

MERIDEN COVER WINTER 2017.qxp_Layout 1 14/11/2017 15:15 Page 1

Winter 2017

See inside for

Solihull Civic Honours Award for your Editors Fillongley Road Bridge Closure Diversion Details Meriden's own Tree Warden • Christmas Services and Events in the Village

We have had such a busy but fantastic start to this school year!

The months are whizzing by and lots of things have happened already.

We welcomed the start of a new school year with our new head boy, Dexter, and head girl, Lydia. I know they will do a brilliant job this year and will be great ambassadors for the school.

Have a look at some of the key events in school life so far this term!

Year 6 Redridge Just before October half term, our Year 6 spent an exciting few days braving the ‘Great Outdoors’ at the Redridge Centre in Welshpool, Mid Wales. As usual, the children had a great time scaling rock faces, zip wiring, canoeing, kayaking, hill walking and crawling through ancient Roman copper mines to name but a few of the activities they completed during the week! The whole class pushed themselves and showed real courage and determination in conquering new challenges and overcoming fears. We believe these valuable life lessons will help them tackle the busy year ahead, especially the national tests they will sit in the Summer Term.

Spelling Bee Competition On Friday 13th October, during our Celebration Assembly, our 4 houses (Eagles, Hawks, Eagles and Ospreys) came together in the exciting climax of our Spelling Bee Competition. Each year group had chosen a budding Spelling Bee to represent each house. The hall was alive with team spirit, courage and perseverance, demonstrating some of our school values. In the end, it was the Ospreys who won on this occasion. We are so proud of all the children who took part, you are all Buzzy Spelling Bees!

Year 2 London Trip On Friday 20th October Year 2's fantastic London topic culminated with a visit to the capital city!

The children enjoyed an open top bus tour and boat ride where they took in the famous sights such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye! Seeing all these iconic landmarks helped the children's learning take on whole new meaning while making memories that will last for a long time!

Year 3 Trip to Creswell Crags Also on Friday 20th October, to support Year 3’s topic of ‘Through the Ages’, the children had an exciting day visiting Creswell Crags. They explored the gorge honeycombed with caves, stone tools and remains of animals found by archaeologists.

Exploration of British Artists This half term we have all had an interesting time exploring the work of British Artists. Foundation stage looked at prints that Terry Frost made, discussing the colours he had chosen and how they made us feel.

Year 1 looked at the work of Kelvin O Afor; he prefers to work with pencil and adds so much detail that his pictures can often be mistaken for photographs. Year 2 looked at the work of L.S. Lowry and learned about the stories he made up for characters in his pictures and how he gave lots of them big feet. They then made their own cityscape and created characters for it.

In Key Stage 2, Year 3 looked at the work of David Bomberg, in particular his charcoal pictures.

Year 4 focused on Edward Allington and his 3D art and sculpture whilst Year 5 focused on the work of Scriven Bolton. He was an amateur astronomer who used his skills as an illustrator to create pieces of art about space. He would build detailed plaster models of the surface of planets and then photograph them.

Finally, Year 6 focused on the work of Anthony Gormley as inspiration for their topic based art work on dragons.

They also looked at ‘Vitruvian Man’ painting by Leonardo Da Vinc in order to learn about bone and muscle structure as well as think carefully about proportion of limbs and body parts. They then used thin wire to sculpt parts of a dragon in the style of Gormley.

All in all, a fantastic corridor celebration of British Arts

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Priest-in-charge: Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 Mobile 07811 545 247 (for emergency use only) email: rev.lynda.lilley@talktalk.net Lay Reader: Peter Wright 01676 522414 Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas 01676 522455 Lis Willis 01676 521080 www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk

Expect the unexpected.

Forthcoming services and events 03/12/17

10:30am

Holy Communion

03/12/17

4pm

Darkness to Light

06/12/17

5pm

Christingle

09/12/17

10am5pm

Christmas Tree Festival

10/12/17

10:30am

Morning Prayer

10/12/17

12:30pm- Christmas Tree Festival 3:30pm

16/12/17

5pm

Carols on The Green

17/12/17

10:30am

Holy Communion (Traditional BCP)

17/12/17

1pm

Cyclists’ Carol Service

17/12/17

4pm

Kidz Praise

24/12/17

10:30am

Morning Prayer

24/12/17

4pm

Crib Service

24/12/17

11:30pm

Midnight Mass

31/12/17

10:30am

5 Sunday

07/01/18

10:30am

Holy Communion

14/01/18

10:30am

Morning Prayer

21/01/18

10:30am

Holy Communion

21/01/18

4pm

Kidz Praise

28/01/18

10:30am

Baptism

04/02/18

10:30am

Holy Communion

11/02/18

10:30am

Celebration of LOVE

18/02/18

10:30am

Holy Communion (Traditional BCP)

18/02/18

4pm

Kidz Praise

25/02/18

10:30am

Morning Prayer

th

Celebration of LOVE. On Sunday 11th February at 10:30am (It’s the closest Sunday to St Valentine’s Day!) we will be having a special service to celebrate LOVE. There will be the opportunity for married couples to renew their marriage vows and revisit the joys of their wedding days.

Enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings please contact Lynda Lilley on 01676 522825

The Christmas Story is well known – or is it? We have become so accustomed to the ‘story’ that we all think we know it. Joseph and Mary travel by donkey to Bethlehem where there are so many people that there’s no room at the inn. They are offered a stable where Mary gives birth to Jesus with the animals looking on; the cattle, sheep, goats and a donkey. Luke’s Gospel tells us that shepherds from the neighbouring fields are summonsed by the angels; they arrive. Then three wise men on camels arrive from the East with their gifts (as told by Matthew’s Gospel); a typical nativity scene. It is a romantic picture that sanitises reality; a cosy place for the infant Christ-child surrounded by people ready and wanting to meet him. But that is not the actual picture. There are unexpected twists and turns, over the generations, added to the story. Being born in a draughty, lowly stable, with the dirt and smell of the animals isn’t what we expect when we conjure up the Nativity scene. Were the holy family, shepherds, wise men and all the animals there at the same time? I think not. The visitors from the East, the three wise men, saw a star in the sky and followed it expecting to find a new king.

They expected that a king would be born in a palace, so they went to Herod’s palace. But the new king was not there so their search continued. They went on to find Jesus with Mary and Joseph in an unexpected place, a house, not the stable.

So they couldn’t have arrived at the same time as the shepherds yet we expect to see them in our Nativity scene.

We have a misconception of the first Christmas; one that interweaves the Gospels of Matthew and Luke with years of human story telling. In the same way we have a preconception of what our Christmas’ should be. There is the expectation of decorations, cards and gifts, a table groaning under the weight of food, free flowing drink … we want perfection and peace - are these all realistic expectations? Possibly not for everyone.

What are you expecFng from Christmas?

Expect the unexpected; expect Jesus to be born in your hearts.

With blessings, Lynda Lilley

See centre pages for details of our Christmas tree festival

May the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas

All Together Cafe.

Kidz Praise.

Aged 0 – 7 years?

Bring your parents/carers along for a short (45 minute) service, including craft, cakes and singing, at 4pm on the third Sunday of the month.

Come along to enjoy a cuppa and cake.

2pm-4pm Every second Friday of the month at The Pavilion.

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!

5

"

8

"!9

“Eye in the Sky” (15) In this nail-biting, thought-provoking thriller directed by Colin Firth, Helen Mirren stars as a UK–based military officer in command of a top secret drone operation to overcome terrorists in Kenya. But as the US pilot is about to engage the strike, a nine year old girl enters the target zone, triggering an international dispute over the moral, political and personal implications of modern warfare. The film also stars the late Alan Rickman as a crusty British Army Lieutenant in one of his final roles, where, pithily, he excels in putting the vacillating politicians in their place.

During the next few months we hope to have access to some exciting films to include in our programme. Amongst the recent releases, we hope to choose a selection from films such as ”Churchill”, “Dunkirk” “The Light between Oceans”, “Hampstead”, “Victoria and Abdul”, “Goodbye Christopher Robin” “Breathe” and the new version of “Murder on the Orient Express. Whilst we have booked the spring screening dates, we cannot advertise the details of all the films to be shown until the screening rights have been granted.

Please keep an eye out for the posters with the details.

5

!: $ $-;& ,( !: & $-;& ,(

5

"!9

?

"!9

At this time of year we all get lots of extra mail. A charity called Medical Missionary News would be very grateful to receive, the used stamps off your envelopes.

Please leave at least 1” all round when cutting them off and hand then in at Lloyds Chemist on the Green. The money raised will be used to buy medical supplies for war-torn countries overseas

Please note that “Fordes on the Green”, Hairdressers are unable to continue to sell tickets on our behalf, but we are most grateful to “Spar,” General Store on the Village Green who have kindly agreed to sell tickets for us. (

(

<"!=:=

(

=% >

.

( (

7

!"# $ % & '

*.

(

. & . & 4& 5 / 6

! "

) *+ / 2

,

),

-

# $%

!

-

01 & 3

3

41

&' (

+

& ,

%)

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beaver Scouts At the start of the Autumn Term, we welcomed seven new Beaver Scouts into the Section and they have all settled in very well. During the first session we launched two new badges, the Collector and the Cook.

The children had lots of fun working towards these badges, creating some yummy food and enjoying a talk from Emma, the heart specialist nurse, about healthy eating. They also had the opportunity to sample some very unusual fruits. The Beavers brought in some fabulous collections to share with everyone. There were rubber collections, trophy collections and lots of sticker book collections ..….. Match Attax was an obvious favourite!

As part of World Mental Health Day we had a visit from the Charity MIND. Carmen a mental health nurse talked to the children about feelings and played feeling related games with them.

Meriden Beavers also attended the Beaver’s District Away Day at Mancetter Scout Headquarters, where they earned two more badges, Disability and Experiment. The day involved the Beavers visiting many different stands and learning about subjects such as braille and sign language, how to make a volcano, and how to make a candle float. There was also a guest speaker, the Paralympian wheelchair racer Kare Adenegan, who won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and she had brought it with her to show to everyone. She demonstrated how she gets into the special wheelchair and how she would race in it. It was a really interesting talk.

After half term we held a Halloween party and took part in the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service. We are looking forward to the preparations for Christmas and also working towards two new badges, Global Issues and Emergency Aid. Busy busy busy ! Becky, Michelle and Su

Cub Scouts We have had a very exciting term where we continued to work very hard towards our badges and awards.

We started the new term with a camp alongside both the Scouts and Explorer Scouts at Pilkes Pool near Bromsgrove.

During the camp the Cubs learnt lots of new skills and worked well with other Scouting members.

We have introduced a personal challenge award for the Cubs to carry out as an individual or group activity, for which they practice and perform to other members of the group. We have also welcomed Vibe Concepts to the group where we participated in a parent/child group class including boxing and body balance. We also welcomed Julia, who runs children's yoga on a Monday afternoon at the Scout Hut, where we practised children's yoga. There was an exciting visit to Canley Fire Station where we learned the importance of fire safety and found out how important the Fire Service are in keeping us safe.

We also worked towards our first aid badge where we practiced CPR and learned how to bandage various wounds.

We attended the Remembrance Sunday Service and participated in the Christmas Tree Festival at St. Laurence Church.

During the winter term we will be concentrating on our personal challenges and holding our very own 'bush tucker' trial.

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 on Group Camp to Pikes Pool Bromsgrove, made catapults to re-enact the battle of Trafalgar and carved some scary pumpkins.

The first weekend back from the Summer Holidays and we were off to Pikes pool for Group Camp. Friday night was drizzly and wet and putting the tents up and sorting our kit wasn’t much fun. But after a good night’s sleep, the following morning was dry. The Scouts soon had fires going for a full breakfast, while the Explorers rustled something up on their hike stoves. Then we were off for a day’s walk. The evening was filled with wide games with the Cubs before some songs round the fire and a late night. Sunday saw us making and sailing rafts, with much hilarity. Several Scouts seemed to spend more time in the water than on their rafts. Ultimately, a good camp was had by all.

Mid October saw us celebrating Trafalgar Day by the patrols making catapults and suitable fleets. The object was to smash the opposing patrols paper boat fleet with the catapult. One patrols catapult was much better than the other on the account that the lashings actually held together.

Following on from the Shelter Box event we held back in June we were nominated for a Scout County Community Impact award. Much to our surprise we won and now need to look to installing a Trophy cabinet. Not enough praise can be given to the scouts and Explorers for their efforts.

We have an exciting programme taking us up to Christmas with plans to go rock climbing and on night walks.

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

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

Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Becky 07967674308 Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520) Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark (07801 773352) or 1stMeridenScouts@gmail.com We also need help from any adults out there that would be willing to spare some time with any of the sections – even if it is just for the odd hour or two each month

Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group The departure of the Chief Financial Officer from HS2 Ltd is indicative of the problems affecting the project. Nearly £3 million was paid to staff who left rather than relocate to Birmingham, and the latest report shows design work 25% behind schedule.

Richard Branson's investment in the Hyperloop system is another blow for HS2, in which not a bean of private money has been invested. Hyperloop is under development by Elon Musk, of PayPal, Tesla Motors, and SpaceX fame. Passengers are carried in capsules travelling along a tube, from which the air has been sucked to reduce drag. Unlike HS2, the system would be virtually silent.

Branson has joined entrepreneurs around the world who are impressed by its potential. The reaction from our rail industry is less positive, one comment being: "any fault in the system would mean everyone on board would die"!

That attitude is par for the course in this country, where students at the High Speed Rail National College will learn their trade on obsolete TGV power cars made in a factory that Alstom closed 12 years ago. In Germany, students in Munich designed and built a prototype Hyperloop "pod" that clocked 324 km/h at the test site in the Nevada desert and won the speed prize.

The problem is that HS2 will grind on, and sooner or later, the threatened "preparatory works" will start. What's more, it's in the interests of HS2 Ltd to make the smallest progress highly visible. Once that happens, properties affected by the works and traffic disruption will become more difficult to sell, and prices won't recover until people have "got used to" the sound and sight of the trains. Or until the project is cancelled.

Continual lobbying might reduce some of the impacts, but it won't change the fundamentals. The Government won't focus on issues like HS2 in the near future - things would have to get ten times worse for that to happen. So for the time being, people will have to look carefully at their individual circumstances.

Richard Lloyd Chairman Why are Christmas trees so fond of the past? Because the present's beneath them.

Jane West

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch

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

Facebook: Jane – Medium and Crystal Vibrational Therapist

Jennifer Faulkner

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

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

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

Tel: 02476 467271

www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

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

Guitar and Ukulele Tuition Individual or Group Sessions

Experienced Adult Education Tutor Eastern Green Contact 07742 288113

Beginners Adult Tap Classes Adult Tap Class at The Orme School, this is especially for beginners Monday evenings at our Meriden Venue 7.15 – 8.00pm Any age, any shape, 2 left feet everyone will be very welcome.

You just need a big smile and a good sense of humour!!!

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

For further information please contact : Amanda Jones, Neighbourhood Library Manager. Tel: 01676 532590, Email: amandajones@solihull.gov.uk

Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday Thursday Saturday

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

Christmas events – the festive season is upon us and the library has some lovely family activities taking place: Christmas Craft Drop In – 18 & 21 December.

Please join us in the library for some fun and festive crafts for all the family to enjoy.

Christmas Story Time – Monday 18 December, 2.45-3.15pm.

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

Monday 18 December 10:30-11:30 A festive theme for this one!

Monday 15 January 10:30-11:30

Monday

19 February

10:30-11:30

Story time for the under-fives – Aimed at preschool children these sessions take place every Monday 2:45- 3:15 during term time. Please come and join in our lovely group of parents and carers: make friends and enjoy some stories and a craft.

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

Free internet access Meriden Library has free to use computers and offers: • 2 hours free internet access for library members • Microsoft Office packages • Printing facilities (charges apply) • Scanners You will need your library card to use a computer.

If you’re not yet a member, joining the library is easy and quick, so ask staff for more details.

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

Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library closes.

BOOK REVIEW

'Coasting' by Jonathan Raban.

In 1982 the author set out alone in a 30 foot ketch to sail around the British Isles.

He had never before handled a boat at sea, but wanted to inspect the country where he lived from beyond its territorial waters. After 3 weeks tuition he headed off alone, his journey took him deep into his own past and into Britain’s troubled present, making some wonderful reflections on the way.

The voyage takes place when Britain is in the throes of the Falklands war and the miner's strike and his comments and observations are in turns very funny, very serious, very personal and very clear sighted about a cold northern Britain that has fallen on hard times.

The author’s easy to read prose style of writing tell a story of the country that is a classic tragic comedy, an excellent read PJM.

Readers Circle 13th December.

Our usual seasonal get together, any topics 10th January.

Kings and Queens, non-fiction or fiction.

14th February A book by Kazuro Ishiguro If any of these appeal, please give Peter Moss a call on 01676 523590 For further information and the venue

Why didn't the thief burgle the library?

Because he was afraid the judge would give him a long sentence.

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP In October the Boundary Commission published revised proposals on the configuration of parliamentary constituencies in the West Midlands. Originally, the Commission had proposed to break up Solihull Borough constituencies in order to create new ones, by combining them with other communities from Birmingham, Coventry and Stratford upon Avon. This was an attempt to solve the problem that each city does not have enough electors to justify the correct number of MPs (600), but it would have resulted in spreading the Meriden constituency across four different local authorities.

As part of these proposals, the Meriden Ward would have been paired with communities from the north west of the city of Coventry.

This proposal was strongly opposed by local residents and happily, the Boundary Commission published new plans which now respect the integrity of our Borough.

I am sure that local residents will join me in welcoming this decision. By keeping constituencies coterminous with the local authority (SMBC) boundary, the new parliamentary constituencies will ensure that local communities can continue to be served by two MPs and prevents the needs of the local communities, particularly villages like Meriden, from being the minority voice in a constituency which may otherwise be dominated by issues in the more densely populated areas of the neighbouring conurbation.

I am enormously grateful to everyone who wrote to the Boundary Commission to impress upon them the need to respect local government boundaries and natural connections between the communities across our Borough. I would urge those who wrote to the Boundary Commission to write and thank them for listening to us by the deadline of December the 11th 2017. The Boundary Commission can be contacted at: information@boundarycommissionengland.gov.uk or by writing to: Any new boundaries would come into force in 2018, pending approval by The Secretary to the Commission Parliament.

Boundary Commission for England 35 Great Smith Street London SW1P 3BQ

As we look forward to the New Year, may I also take this opportunity to extend to you and your family my very best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous 2018.

Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP

To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Katy Steele On 0121 711 7029 or email caroline@carolinespelman.com

Wishing all local residents a very Happy Christmas

Barkers’ Butts RFC

n

Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR •

Meriden Church of England Primary School Monday 18.30-19.25 Beginner Yoga Basics £5 19.30-20.30 Yoga £5 Thursday 18.30-19.10 Meditation Pranayama & Relaxation £5 19.15-20.30 Yoga £7 Heart of England Sport & Social Club Tuesday 19.15-20.30 Yoga £7 Meriden Methodist Church Hall Thursday For information call 11.20-12.15 Beginner Yoga Basics £5 Julie on Balsall Common07792965370 Julie Methodist Church Hall 07792965370 Wednesday julieengstedyoga.co.uk 10.00-11.15 Yoga £7

Meriden Village Hall Alternate Wednesdays January 3rd, 17th etc.

Move it or lose it is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older people.

Come and join me at Meriden Village Hall And exercise while sitting or standing between 2-3pm with tea and coffee for afters

Jay 07983 979 404 Qualified Move it or Lose it instructor

Kickboxing Fitness Class Meriden Methodist Church Hall Wednesday 6.30 – 7.30pm All ages and abilities welcome

Call Laura on 07803 621818

• •

11 Mini & Junior age groups from 6-16 years Non-Contact Rugby for girls 11-18 years Under 18 Colts Side

Our facilities are 1st class and all our coaches are RFU Qualified and CRB checked

Contact Scott English 07963 134923 •

We also have 4 adult sides 1st XV to Vets

•

There will be a special welcome to players returning to the game following the 2015 Rugby World Cup

Contact Glen Southwell 07598 980546

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

Pilates Thursday evenings 7.00pm £4.00 per session

ZUMBA '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

Season’s Greetings from everyone at Solihull Police If you haven’t already guessed by the title of our latest article then it probably won’t come as a huge surprise that our final message of 2017 is dominated by Christmas. And the messages that we are sharing may sound as familiar as the timeless classic songs dominating the airwaves.

The message applies to everyone. Whether you…have Christmas all wrapped up and are feeling quite chuffed with yourself, had planned to be organised but failed or you are the embodiment of Scrooge and looking forward to it all being over.

During this busy time it can be really easy to drop your guard to opportunist criminals. Criminals know there will be countless valuable items literally gift-wrapped under your tree for them if they manage to get into your home.

While no house is totally immune from burglary, a determined thief will keep trying until they come across a house that makes it easy for them, looking for homes where doors are unlocked and windows left open.

And while your vehicle might not be powered by reindeers it could still resemble Santa’s sleigh if you leave presents you’re delivering ready for a thief to steal from your back seat! So please remember to make sure all valuables have been removed from display and all doors are locked.

While these tips may seem really simple, they’re easy to forget with everything going on but neglecting them could ruin your Christmas.

But once the big day is over, the turkey has been eaten and you’re beginning to realise you’ve over indulged, crime prevention should not stop.

In the time between Christmas and the New Year don’t forget to get into good habits and register your new gifts online. You can register your electrical items, jewellery, bikes and all other new belongings on the free national property database: www.immobilise.com We’d especially make this plea to parents or those who have less tech-savvy members of your family. By registering gifts online you can dramatically increase the chances of getting your items back in the unfortunate event of them being stolen. Registering items not only helps stop thieves selling them on, it also helps greatly in the recovery of stolen property.

After Christmas many of you will be throwing the packaging from high value electrical goods out with the rubbish.

Remember to wrap boxes and avoid advertising what you’ve got to potential thieves.

Make sure you break down and wrap up or recycle your cardboard boxes, don’t leave them in plain view outside your home where potential burglars can see what new goods you have received.

Finally, on behalf of everyone at Solihull Police I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Thank you for your support throughout 2017.

Sergeant Mick Lloyd and your local team

It pays to Microchip Back in 2015 during a visit to the local vets little Frankie the cat manged to escape from his cat basket and ran off into an industrial estate opposite, near the A45. His owners Hayley and Tony tried desperately to find him and published his pictures all over social media and on local cat rescue centre sights etc. But to no avail.

Then suddenly in the middle of November, 2 years and 9 months later, Hayley got a call to say that Frankie had been found, approximately 5 miles away from where he was lost. They couldn’t believe the news and are over the moon to have him safely back home.

This is all down to the power of microchipping. It costs CAT MINDER such a small amount to have your pet registered but it is I am offering a service that will worth every penny and can lead to such a happy ending. stop the worry of putting your cat/s into a kennel whilst you are away.

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

If you are interested in this service please contact me

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

Freddie safely back home

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

Reference available, security checked/fully insured.

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Me and Elvis: A brief history Well, the holidays are almost upon us again — by which I mean Christmas, New Year’s, and, of course, Elvis Presley’s birthday. The “King of Rock” would have been turning 83 on 8 January, had he not chosen to ride off into the sunset in a pink Cadillac some 40 years ago. (Michael Jackson was the “King of Pop,” Aretha Franklin is the “Queen of Soul” — I wonder what institution or government agency bestows these royal titles.)

Anyway, unlike Richard Nixon, I never met Elvis. But that famous grip-and-grin photo of the two of them at the White House was taken in his later years, when both of those guys were getting a bit strange. My history with Mr. Presley goes back to a more innocent time, shortly after he was discharged from the Army, when a pre-teen me made the following prank phone call to a victim randomly selected from the phone book (I’ve rarely confessed this, so go easy on me): “Hello, Ma? It’s Elvis! I’m home!” (Click.)

Many years then passed during which I’d swear on a stack of 45-rpm records that I seldom, if ever, had even a fleeting thought about Mr. Presley (except when `m. I read that a 2002 poll indicated that 11 percent of Americans think he may still be alive, perhaps holed up in the Heartbreak Hotel). Then, one day in the 1980s, I found myself in Memphis, Tennessee, and how could I not at least drive by his home, Graceland, which is appropriately sited on Elvis Presley Boulevard?

Easier said than done, though, because it seemed that the city had given up on replacing the “Elvis Presley Boulevard” street signs, which must have disappeared as soon as they were put up. But I found the place — not intending to go inside, and certainly not planning to venerate the remains of Elvis, Gladys and Vernon (Mom and Dad Presley are also interred there, alongside the star). Just a quick gander at the mall and the wall would do.

That is, there was a schlocky little shopping plaza of Elvis souvenir shops across the street: Elvis figurines, Elvis salt and pepper shakers, Elvis fridge magnets, Elvis bed linens, Elvis bobble-heads, and on and on.

The Holy Grail of Elvis kitsch would have been a snow-globe of Elvis and Jesus riding in a white convertible, but I never found one. Maybe they were out of stock.

And I examined the stone wall in front of the mansion, which was covered then, as I assume it still is, with passionate inscriptions, paeans to “The King” from his fans. A selection of these, from the official Graceland website: “Elvis, yesterday I realized how much I love you, so I broke off my engagement to Adam. Please come home to Mama! Monique.” / “Elvis, I’m bearing your ghost child, and I’m confused because I’m a man!” / “Elvis, it’s me again in ‘93. Remember?” / “I love you now and forever. I will be with you someday. I will dream of you until then. Jen.” / “Please quit writin’ on my wall. Thank you, thank you very much. ‘E.’” But all good things must end. So I drove over to check out Beale Street, home of the blues, but somehow a fool such as I became all shook up in traffic and, figuring that it’s now or never, got into a lane that put me on some bridge over the Mississippi, winding up in West Memphis, Arkansas, population 26,000, which “has been called the crossroads of the United States,” according to the local chamber of commerce.

Not according to me, though.

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

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

Credit: Ollie Atkins/Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Susan Pointon 01676 522216 01676 523010 07760198738

Collect or deliver

Fed on cereals and vegetable diet No hormones or animal by-product proteins.

All sizes available from £10 up.

k

The Oak on the Island and the Memorial Stone

Remembrance Sunday Parade

The Red Ensign proudly flying on the Village Green on 3rd September to celebrate Merchant Navy Day Lesley Smith as Queen Elizabeth I “In the Pink Eve”

Saturday Morning Club

News from Meriden Archery Club Daniel, Paddy, Monty and Terri-Ann Juniors from Meriden Archery Club win at Meriden Windsor Tournament continued to fly the flag high over the summer months, keeping us firmly on the map with a string of wins across many tournaments. The highlight was Archery GB's flagship youth event, the Youth Festival - 180 young archers competing in a week of individual and team rounds, set within the glorious grounds of Lilleshall, the home of British archery. Five juniors from Meriden battled through the week to win 6 medals in total - 2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze! Callum Platt brought home Silver in the Men's Junior Team; Monty Orton won Gold in the Mixed Cadet Team; Matthew Vaughan won Bronze in the Men's Cadet Team; and Joshua Smith won Gold in Cub Mixed Team and Bronze each in Individual and Mixed Cub Team. Emily Gill narrowly missed out on a medal after fighting hard against some top notch competition. The Festival was a great experience for them all - they were great ambassadors for Meriden and achieved amazing results! We're a friendly bunch - so if you're interested in finding out more, have a look at our website on www.meriden-archery.org.uk

Joshua Smith

Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood by Meriden’s own Tree Warden The Oak on the Island Do you remember Doris? Storm Doris that is, the “weather bomb” that hit late February, blowing over trees all over the country. That week I was told the tree on the island by the village green was one of them. In fact, it was one by the telephone exchange Doris had uprooted, but it got me thinking about the oak on the island. (See pictures opposite) You can’t miss it; an English oak in such a prominent position, magical when decorated with lights at Christmas, it really is the essence of the village at the centre of England. I’d noticed the memorial stone in front of it, but had no idea what it said and crossed the road onto the island to see. If you don’t know the story of this oak, here it is.

If such an important symbol for the community really had been a victim of Doris, what a loss it would have been. But are there more tangible benefits from trees? And what about the oak that was actually uprooted? We’re lucky that our village is graced by trees not just for their beauty but for the economic and health benefits they bring as well. Most people know they produce oxygen, but they also improve air quality by filtering pollutants. And did you know they give off chemicals which reduce stress?

Put Meriden on “The Monster Map of Trees” and find the Tree with the Highest Monetary Value “Treezilla, the monster map of trees” is a “Citizen Science” project coordinated by the Open University. Anyone who registers on the site www.treezilla.org can add trees to the map. Include the species and circumference of the trunk (measured at 1.3m height) and the site will calculate the monetary value of the measurable benefits that tree provides. As a start, I’ve put the English oak on the island onto treezilla so I know its calculable value is £337 per annum. This is a relatively young tree and there will be many larger ones (the uprooted oak would have been one) for which that figure will be higher. So here’s a challenge!

Identify, ideally photograph, and record large trees around Meriden and Millisons Wood and find one with a higher calculable value. But no cheating please, this is serious citizen science!

Of course, not everything can be reduced to an objective Joshua Smith update (see photo opposite) measure. But what a great way to get out and about, take notice Many of you will remember the young man from of the fabulous trees which enhance our lovely Meriden Archery Club who we featured on the front village and experience those de-stressing chemicals! cover of the autumn 2016 Mag. We are pleased to say Take the kids and see what else they can spot in and that Joshua has been selected to be on the Archery GB around these important wildlife habitats.

Academy for a second year, This is fantastic news as When you’ve added a tree, please do email me and let me know due to Olympic funding cuts the academy has been the number allocated by treezilla and the total value calculated reduced by over half and many archers have lost their place, Joshua however has been described by Archery so that I can keep track. I’m building up a register of notable GB as the “Model Athlete” so has retained his place to trees around Meriden and Millisons Wood and this would really work towards his dreams of becoming an Olympic help. Email me for more information Archer. about what I’m doing. Collaborators very welcome!

Joshua has had a successful summer but was Sarah Shardland Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees concentrating on his training this year rather than meridentreewarden@gmail.com competing. He did have great success at the Archery GB Youth Festival where Junior Archers from Great Britain, Ireland and Europe spent the week at Meriden Play Group Lilleshall competing for Individual Medals, Team “Where Friends are made” Medals and Mixed Events.

Not only has Joshua been competing at shoots he was also approached by Sport Birmingham to go out to Junior Schools in Birmingham who were holding diversity days to talk about how he has not let his disabilities (Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, None Verbal Meriden Methodist Church Hall Tourette’s and Anxiety) stop him following his dreams Every Tuesday during Term Time 10am-12 of becoming an Olympic archer – After talking to the Join us for a fun playtime with your child, Children he was then able to run a demonstration with them, one school enjoyed it that much that they have where you can make new friends, do crafts, asked Joshua to return and coach them on a regular play with different toys, sing songs and basis. enjoy a healthy snack (and a cup of tea or Joshua is becoming a great ambassador for the sport coffee.) £2 for one child + 50p for each and also children with disabilities, we are immensely additional child. proud of him and the work he is doing inside and Call Sharon Corrigan 07811 588504, or outside of the AGB Academy. if anyone can offer support to Joshua for his Olympic Vanessa Florey 07876 301620 dream please contact steadmanw@btinternet.com. for more information

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

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

The next Parish Council meeting dates are: • 18 December 2017 - The Pavilion • 22 January 2018 - The Pavilion • 19 February 2018 – The Pavilion

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

Community Surgeries 10am-11am: • Monday 04 December 2017 – Meriden Library • Monday 08 January 2018 – The Pavilion • Monday 05 February 2018 – Meriden Library Police Beat Surgeries at the Library 11am-12pm:

• • •

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

Monday 18 December 2017 Thursday 25 January 2018 Monday 19 February 2018

Your Parish Councillors are:

Rosie Weaver BEM (Chair)

Frances Lynch-Smith (Vice-Chair)

Bob Kipling

Melanie Lee

Paul Lee

Mandy Haque

Jon Barber

Matthew Nunn

Volunteers wanted for MERIDEN IN BLOOM 2018 and competition entry to RHS Britain in Bloom Heart of England Region . Britain in Bloom is a nationwide competition between communities across a range of categories.

For many, it is a tool for building their community and tackling local issues.

RHS It's Your Neighbourhood is a non-competitive scheme for community groups who want to ‘green up’ local areas, offering advice and awarding certificates of achievement.

If you are interested in getting involved with this great community project, please contact the clerk

The Parish Council would like to thank Solihull Council for recognising the Meriden Mag editors’ contribution in making a real difference in their community. Margaret Argyle and Valerie Martin have been awarded the Solihull Civic Honours Award for Community Involvement. The Parish Council unanimously agreed to nominate Margaret and Val at the time nominations were being sought and are delighted they have been chosen.

Pat Mills and Jeanette Gray for all their efforts in achieving the results with the 89 bus and Blue Bus of which you can read more below.

Meriden Primary School for accepting the original Village Hall War Memorial which remembers all the men who served during the First World War. It is now on display in the school.

Taxi Bus – New timetable for the 89 bus service The following changes have taken place since Monday 23 October 2017.

• Bus service 89 will serve Solihull and Coventry Monday to Friday.

• Heart of England School will continue to be served but the times will change.

• Cannon Park Shops will be served in both directions Mondays to Fridays.

• Balsall Common Health Centre will be served.

The following parts of the service will remain the same.

• Peel Close in Hampton in Arden will be served on request.

• Passengers living in Meriden, Balsall Common and Peel Close will need to call to request the service.

• A mini bus will be available for passengers that can’t be reached by service 89.

Booking a journey if you live in Meriden The majority of passengers’ homes within the roaming zones can be reached by service 89. Passengers not reached by service 89 will be picked up from their homes and dropped off by a mini bus.

• The 89 and the mini bus* can be used for travelling to local shops, clubs and other facilities within the roaming zones • The mini bus can link with the 89 in the roaming zones for journeys towards Solihull and Coventry.

• Both buses can link with X1, 82, 87 and 88 at the main bus stops at Meriden Green and Balsall Common Island. Service 89 can also link with other bus routes along its journey. *The operator will let you know if you can be reached by service 89 or the mini bus.

All journeys can be booked by calling 0121 782 9322 or by completing a form online at www.igobuses.com/89. Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance or as little as two hours before departure time on the day of travel. You don’t need to register. For a copy of the timetable call 0345 303 6760.

Blue Bus Service returns for weekly Coventry Mobility Centre run The affectionately known ‘little blue bus’ returned to service on 24 October 2017 for a weekly run into the Coventry Mobility Centre. The service has been fully booked and delighted passengers commented: • • •

“It is a godsend to all of us.”

“It means a lot to us because disabled people can get out of the house once a week and means we can now get to the mobility centre.”

Another passenger says “I have limited mobility and since the bus was stopped this is the first time I have been able to get out apart from visiting the local Co-op on a Friday for an hour as I am housebound. I tried to go to Solihull in a taxi but it cost me £35 return which is too much, and I could not wait to get the service back because I was always using it before.”

All passengers thank the Parish Council, Meriden Action Group, Ward Councillors and representatives from Transport for West Midlands and IGO working together to enable our vulnerable and less mobile residents the opportunity to regain their independence and opportunity of getting to the Coventry Mobility Centre.

[

J B Decorators and Property Services • • • • • • •

General Property maintenance Insurance Work Undertaken Domestic and Commercial Work Plastering No job too small Coving Fully insured Carpentry Work Over 30 years’ Tiling experience

Call for a free quote 07966186957 JimmyBailiedec@hotmail.com 147, Elmdon Lane, Marston Green B377DN

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

Adam Eales 0794 389 3354 midlandscleaners@mail.com

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

Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic cleaning, Office cleaning Professional cleaning service

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

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

HIGH DENSITY FOOD – USE LESS FOR EACH FEED ** EDEN ORIGINAL: 80% Chicken, Salmon, Herring, Duck and Egg ** EDEN CATCH OF THE DAY: 80% Fish Local prices for 15kg (Smaller quantities can be provided):

Original: £50 Catch of the Day: £53 Tel: 01676 522466 to order and collect Nutritional and general dog advice given

DOGGY DAY CARE Days, weekends or longer ………

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

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

Excellent affordable rates.

TEL: 01676 522466 (Meriden) Balsall Common Country Market

A weekly market is held at Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road CV7 7EX every Saturday from 10.00 - 11.30am Home baking and preserves, meat, plants and seasonal vegetables, crafts and homemade cards Twilight Market Saturday 2nd Dec 6-8pm

Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide.

Contact 01676 534148

A free cup of tea or coffee with this voucher

On all Vertical, Metal Venetians & Roller blinds

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

unit

`

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

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

07703 345210

…the perfect start to your day!

Lunchtime Supervisor Vacancy

Applications are invited for a general secretary to The Fillongley Agricultural Society.

Meriden CE Primary School is looking for a Lunchtime Supervisor to join the team at our happy, caring school. We can offer an atmosphere of life-long learning, a supportive and developmental team and the opportunities to make a difference to the lives of our fantastic children, in our unique environment and setting.

Responsibilities include: • Supervising children • Dealing with minor first aid issues • Managing behaviour in line with school policy • Providing a range of activities both inside and outside • Maintaining a positive atmosphere Days of work: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11:50am – 1:20 pm (Job share possible) The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for this position.

Contact the office for more details and an application pack: Telephone 01676 522488 Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and a commitment to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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

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

Classes held in:- Shirley, Solihull and Meriden

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

Applicants will need to possess the following: Good administration and computer/IT skills Good communication and literacy skills The ability to co-ordinate a number of activities and tasks and meet deadlines The ability to follow the diary/work plan (eventually) without instruction or assistance The applicant will, preferably, have some knowledge and experience of rural life and farming and/or equestrian matters and would enjoy becoming part of a lively Agricultural Society which has been in existence for 93 years.

In addition to the Annual Show, The Society holds an Annual Quiz Night, Annual Lunch and Farm and Field competitions throughout the year.

As the secretary would be required to attend and take minutes at committee meetings and to attend the Annual Show in August, it would be beneficial if the applicant lived within a reasonable distance of Corley and Fillongley where the monthly committee meetings and annual show are held.

In the tradition of such a position, an honorarium or ex gratia payment is paid, which is in the region of £5000 per annum, with this figure dependent on skills and abilities.

A Diary/Work Planner for the year is available on our website. Please follow the link for further information and details of where to apply.

www.fillongleyshow.org.uk

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

For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:

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

We service, repair and care for your vehicle

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

These Meetings are for Members only Wed 13th December Social Evening Berkswell Reading Room, 8.00 pm Wed. 10th January AGM Balsall Common Village Hall, 2.15 pm Admission to meetings, including refreshments, £3.00 members.

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

Refreshments included. Annual Membership £5.

Samantha Tooze nee Stanley Sam is a very well know member of the village community because of her dog walking business “4 Happy Paws” Sadly earlier this year Sam was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. This has obviously been a huge shock to Sam and her family and friends and they are now very busy fund raising for the MND Association in the hope of finding a cure for this dreadful condition.

If you would like to help with any fund raising please contact Sam’s Mom - Hayley Stanley On 07904 239365, she will be delighted to hear from you.

Sallie at Fordes on the Green is organising a fund raising concert on Sunday 4th March at the Manor Hotel - The Firebird Singers will be presenting “A Spoonful of Songs” a celebration of the music of Disney featuring all the songs you know and love from the Disney Musicals.

For more information about the concert please contact Sallie on 01676 523308.

Special thanks to the Manor Hotel for donating the use of the Aylesford Suite for this event.

Meriden Surgery

01676 522252

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

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

8.30am to 6pm 8.30am to 12.00

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

01676 935000

Prescription Requests by Telephone We would like to remind patients that prescription requests cannot be taken by phone at the practice this includes answerphone messages left on the secretary’s line.

You can request your repeat prescription from the surgery in the following ways including your name, date of birth, medication name, strength and quantity: • at the surgery, using your prescription order form (the list of medication attached to the right hand side of your prescription) • by post, using the right hand side of your prescription • on line (please speak to your practice about how to set this up) • by email to bcm.prescriptionrequest@nhs.net for Balsall Common and Meriden Surgery patients • by fax to Balsall Common Surgery on 01676 292005 or Meriden Surgery on 01676 523865 • Batch Prescribing – This is when the GP approves for you to collect medicines from your pharmacy for a period of 6-12 months, without having to re-order them. Not all medicines are suitable for this scheme.

If you would like to be considered for this option, please speak to your practice.

• dropping your prescription order form into a collection box in the pharmacy 5 working days before you want to collect your medication

Changes in Practice Staff

Coventry Breathe Easy For more information please ring Janet on 02476 460081 or Cynthia 02476 440316 A support group for all those affected by a lung condition, including friends, family and carers. Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month.

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

Friday 9 December Meeting at Conroy’s Coffee House Friday 12th January Meeting at Conroy’s Coffee House th

Friday 9 February AGM followed by Age UK talking about Helping Hands and Trusted Traders

Dr. Gold has left the practice, Dr. Lesley Kavi will be joining the Practice team for 4 months from November 2017 and Dr. Raja Hamaoui joined the Practice for 6 months as a training GP.

Patient Contact Details We are continually having problems contacting patient by phone because patients are not informing the practice when their landline or mobile numbers change. We are now texting patients to remind them of appointments, it is therefore very important that contact numbers are correct on patient records. Please send your contact information to balsallcommon.practice@nhs.net with your full name and date of birth or if you prefer hand this information into reception. Thank you.

Help Us Shape Our Future Potential Appointment System We would like you to fill in our questionnaire to help us work out the best way of organizing appointments in the future. Please go to the web site below:

http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Y7AZS/

Please note The 89 bus which runs from Coventry to Solihull through Meriden and Balsall Common now stops outside the Balsall Common Health Centre.

Please call 0121 782 9322 to book this service

n

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

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

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

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

Birmingham Road Millisons Wood, Coventry CV5 9AZ

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

WWW.ROCKWELL- MERIDEN.CO.UK

blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100

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

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

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

Meriden Volunteers for Our in the Pink evening at Strawberry Bank was very successful. We had a wonderful evening with Lesley Smith as Elizabeth I; her ability to make historical facts so entertaining still enthrals us every year. (See picture on colour page) Once again our thanks go to the Strawberry Bank Hotel for supporting us. Also thank you to all the local people shops and salons that provided raffle prizes.

Our next event has a Christmas theme. The live music trio Vivo will play music from 1960 to the present day with a touch of Country and Irish music thrown in. Please see advert. Many Thanks, as always, to the Heart of England Club for supporting us with a free room World Cancer Day is February 4th 2018. We will be collecting at a supermarket on that day. If anyone can help us collect and do a standing shift of two hours please get in touch * 522160 * 522855 * 523165 * 522702 *

Friday 8th December 7.30pm Heart of England Club Live music trio

Macmillan Coffee morning successes Lou, Sean and the staff at ‘Fordes on the Green’ would like to thank all their customers who helped to raise £321 at their coffee morning.

The Firebird Singers are delighted to announce that £730 was collected at their event at Meriden Village Hall.

Congratulations and thanks to all concerned

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

VIVO

Leaving you to concentrate on your business.”

Tickets £10 to include nibbles

Please call Fran to discuss your needs

07940 700284

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

Court of protection and inheritance Tax/ Asset Protection planning.

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

Please contact me on 01788 833344 or 07734 383509 and be assured of • Quality advice • Value for money • Free home visits • Evening/weekend appointments I am a consultant solicitor with Davidson Mahon Solicitors a niche practice specialising in Private Client service.

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

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

Well look no further.

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

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

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

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

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

Mrs L. Winkler

Rev Lynda Lilley Rev. Jane Braund Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt Barbara Bland (Mondays only) Alan Gabbitas

Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector

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

Meriden Village Hall bookings

Valerie Martin

01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522252 01676 522722 01676 522825 01676 533737 07970552667 01676 522474 01676 522148 0121 704 6000 01676 522301 01676 248651 07780 438290 01676 522666 01676 522230 101 New nonemergency no.

01676 522963

Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours 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

Reminder deadline for spring issue 2018 out by 1st March is Thursday 1st February

Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@gmail.com Distribution: Paul Lee Proof Reader: Claire Rose Mag advertising rates Eighth page £10 Quarter page £20 Half page £40 Small ads (sale or wanted) £5.00 Charity & Community events FREE Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the co-editors.

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

VILLAGE DIARY DATE st

EVENT

VENUE

1 Dec 1st Dec 2nd Dec 3rd Dec 3rd Dec 4th Dec 4th Dec 6th Dec 8th Dec 9th Dec 10th Dec 10th Dec 11th Dec 11th Dec 13th Dec 15th Dec 15th Dec 16th Dec 17th Dec 17th Dec 17th Dec 18th Dec 18th Dec

Dedication Tree of Thought Meriden Sch Xmas Fayre Flower Club Xmas Fayre Rotary Santa Fun Run Darkness to Light Service W I Christmas Party Community Surgery School Christingle Service Vivo entertainment Christmas Tree Festival Christmas Tree Festival Firebird Singers Concerts Flower Club Senior’s Christmas lunch Readers Circle Supper Club CAMEO Carols on the Green Cyclists Carol Service MCF Life Carol Service Carol Service Police Beat Surgery Parish Council Meeting

Meriden Green School Village Hall Meriden Hall St. Laurence Church Village Hall Library St Laurence Church H of E Club St Laurence Church St Laurence Church Manor Hotel Village Hall Manor Hotel

18 & 21st Dec 18th Dec 18th Dec 24th Dec 24th Dec 25th Dec 31st Dec 31st Dec 7th Jan 8th Jan 8th Jan

Christmas Craft Drop in Christmas Story Time Reading Cafe Crib Service Midnight Communion Joint Celebration Service New Year’s Eve Party New Year’s Eve Party Café Service W.I. Community Surgery

Library Library Library St Laurence St Laurence Methodist Church Queen’s Head H of E Club Methodist Church Village Hall Sports Pavilion

10th Jan 14th Jan 15th Jan 15th Jan 19th/20th Jan 20th Jan 22nd Jan

Readers Circle Methodist Covenant Service Flower Club Reading Cafe Centre Stage Panto BIG PICTURE SHOW Parish Council Meeting

Methodist Church Village Hall Library H of E School Village Hall Sports Pavilion

25th Jan 26th Jan 26th/27th Jan 1st Feb 4th Feb 5th Feb 5th Feb 11th Feb 14th Feb 16th Feb 17th Feb 19th Feb 19th Feb 19th Feb 19th Feb 19th-23rd 23rd Feb

Police Beat Surgery CAMEO Centre Stage Panto Meriden Mag Deadline Café Service W.I. Community Surgery Celebration of Love Service Readers Circle Supper Club BIG PICTURE SHOW Reading Cafe Police Beat Surgery Parish Council Flower Club Children’s Sports Camp CAMEO

Methodist Church Meriden School The Green St Laurence Church Methodist Church Methodist Church Library Sports Pavilion

TIME 4.00pm 5.00 – 7.00pm 11.30am -1.30pm 11.00am 4.00pm 7.30pm 10.00-11.00am 5.00pm 7.30pm 10.00am -5.00pm 12.30- 3.30pm 2.00pm & 7.00pm 7.30pm 12 noon 7.30pm 2.00pm 5.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm 4.00pm 11.00am -12noon 7.30pm

Alan Lole 01676 522138 01676 522 488 Pam Kimberley 522159 Tony Hill 01676 540 502 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Joan Russell 522666 01676 522717 01676 522 488 Mary Warr 522160 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Val Martin 01676 522963 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 Manor Hotel 01676 522 735 Peter Moss 01676 523590 Alan Gabbitas 522148 Joan 523507 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Kevin Hunt 07970 552667 Rev Jane Braund 533737 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474

4.00pm 2.00pm 10.00- 11.00am

01676 522717 01676 522717 01676 522717 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Jane Braund 533737 Caroline 01676 522256 01676 522430 Rev Jane Braund 533737 Joan Russell 522666 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474

7.30pm 10.30am 7.30pm 10.30am

Peter Moss 01676 523590 Rev Jane Braund 533737 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 01676 522717

7.30pm 7.30pm

Chris Copper 01676 522645 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474

Library Sports Pavilion H of E School

11.00-12noon 2.00pm

01676 522717 Pam 01676 523372

Methodist Church Village Hall Library St Laurence Church

4.00pm 2.00pm 10.00-11.00am 10.30am 7.30pm

Methodist Church Village Hall Library Library Sports Pavilion Village Hall Sports Park Sports Pavilion

Opening hours 2.45- 3.15pm 10.30-11.30am 4.00pm 11.30pm 10.00am

CONTACT

7.30pm 10.30-11.30am 11.00-12noon 7.30pm 7.30pm 8.30am-5.30pm 2.00pm

01676 522963/522453 Rev Jane Braund 533737 Joan Russell 522666 01676 522717 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Peter Moss 01676 523590 Alan Gabbitas 522148 Chris Copper 01676 522645 01676 522717 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 Rachel 07812 127772 Pam 01676 523372

Pumpkins and Squash Squash and pumpkins are easy to grow from seed and can be sown outdoors in the spot where they are to grow, or you can start them off indoors in pots.

Sow two or three seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep outdoors in late May or early June and cover with cloches, jars or plastic; leave in place for two weeks, or as long as possible, after germination. Thin the seedlings to leave the strongest one.

For earlier crops or in cold regions sow seeds indoors on their side, 13mm (½in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of compost from mid- to late April at 18-21ºC (65-70ºF).

Two weeks before planting or sowing seed outdoors, make planting pockets 90cm (3ft) apart for bush plants of summer squashes and 1.5m (5ft) for trailing plants of summer squashes.

Do this by making a hole about a spade’s depth, width and height and fill with a mixture of compost or well-rotted manure and soil. Sprinkle a general fertiliser over the soil. Plant one plant on top of each planting pocket.

For indoor-raised seedlings, plant outside on top of your planting pocket in early June, hardening off before doing so.

Keep the soil constantly moist by watering around the plants, not over them. As they need plenty of water, sink a 15cm (6in) pot alongside the plants when planting out. Water into this and it will help ensure the water goes right down to the roots and does not sit around the neck of the plant, which can lead to rotting.

Feed every 10-14 days with a high potash liquid fertiliser once the first fruits start to swell.

The fruit of pumpkins should be supported off the soil on a piece of tile or glass.

Store pumpkins and winter squashes from early to late autumn. Allow the fruits to mature on the plant for as long as possible to accumulate the highest quantity of sugars from the leaves, but before frost arrives (frosted fruit will not store). The foliage around the fruits can be cut away near to harvest time to encourage ripening.

When harvesting fruit, take off as much stalk as possible, using secateurs, as rot starts from that end. Be careful not to use the stalk as a handle as this can cause further damage to fruit Once removed from the plant, the fruits should be allowed to ‘cure’ outdoors in the sunlight for about a week to ten days, covering them at night if frost is expected (using cardboard or straw for protection) Pumpkins and winter squashes can then be stored in a well-ventilated position at a temperature under 15°C (60°F) and no colder than 10°C (50°F).

Pumpkin and Walnut Loaf 150 g pumpkin puree 150 g sugar 100 ml vegetable oil 2 eggs 50g plain yoghurt 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 tsp ground cinnamon A little grated nutmeg 175g self-raising flour 50g walnuts chopped plus a few to decorate the loaf Pre-heat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4 Line 900g loaf tin with greaseproof paper In a large bowl whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, sugar and eggs until smooth.

Stir in the yoghurt, vanilla essence, spices flour and walnuts, beat until smooth Pour into the tin and bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Remove from tin, leave to cool and drizzle water icing over the top and scatter some chopped walnuts over.

You could try pecan nuts instead of walnuts Quick tip To make peeling squash and pumppumpkins easier, easier, cut the top and bottom off, put in the microwave for 1 ½ minutes minutes and the skin comes off more readily

Butternut squash, red pepper and soft cheese soup 1 tbsp oil I chopped onion 1 large butternut squash peeled, deseeded and cut into cubes I medium red pepper deseeded and chopped 1.2l vegetable stock 100g soft cream cheese 150ml milk 4tbsp plain yoghurt Fry onion in oil for about 3 minutes Add squash, pepper, and stock Heat until simmering and cook gently for about 25 minutes, partially covered, until vegetables are tender Add cream cheese and blend until smooth Reheat and season to taste Ladle into bowls add a tbsp. of yoghurt into each serving and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives

Brailes Farm 522318

Potatoes Village delivery

Out and About this winter Visit the Herbert Art Gallery this winter Until 21 January free admission For thousands of years, the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent has been a cultural crossroad, resulting in a rich and vibrant legacy of arts and crafts.

Using the exceptional collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, ‘Crafts of the Punjab’ has been created especially for the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and presents the extensive range of arts and crafts made across the area from the 2nd to the 19th century.

Discover the skilful art of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sculpture, Amritsar’s delicately carved ivories, Hoshiarpur’s elaborate musical instruments and Sialkot’s gold-inlaid steel artefacts. One of the most extraordinary pieces on show will be the Golden Throne made by a Muslim craftsman in Lahore for Ranjit Singh, the first Sikh Maharaja of the Punjab.

Magical Lantern Festival Birmingham See Christmas Illuminated at Kings Heath Park

The Magical Lantern Festival enters its second year in Birmingham following a hugely successful festival last year, this year it is open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday each week and open every day during the Christmas holidays apart from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The festival is open from 5pm to 10pm with last entry at 9pm. It ends on January 1st. There is an admission charge; you may need to book in advance.

Prepare to enter a magical experience and discover life-sized and large-than-life lanterns in all shapes and forms, from a 'Gingerbread House' to a magnificent giant lantern recreation of the iconic 'Birmingham Central Library'.

The festival will not only wow visitors with its beautiful hand-sculpted lanterns, the entertainment area adds another dimension to this wonderful night out with a food and drink area, bar, Santa's Grotto, and a handful of fairground rides for children

New Year’s Eve Celebrations Centenary Square Birmingham 8.00pm Revellers from across the West Midlands are expected to descend on Birmingham for the yearly midnight fireworks display and music concert in the city centre which will be welcoming in the first minutes of 2018.

Skies will be lit up by the digitally fired display which will be visible from all main points in the heart of the city. For the most spectacular views of the cityscape, the Birmingham Wheel will also be running until 12.30am.

You will need to book.

Meriden’s Own Chris Christmas cards painted by Julie Hyde on sale at The Spar Shop, Meriden Meriden Tearooms, Lloyds Chemist and Wood and Petal All profits will be shared equally between MacMillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Hospice Solihull

Christmas Card Prices: Prices: Pack of 5 £2.00 Pack of 10 £3.95 Pack of 20 £7.70 Pack of 30 £11.00

MERIDEN ANNUAL SANTA FUN RUN 11.00am SUNDAY 3rd DECEMBER at MERIDEN HALL