MeridenMag Spring 2018

Meriden Mag

Spring 2018

See inside for

Meriden Explorer Scouts Fund Raising for Jamboree Visit • Annual Cyclists Service Fillongley Road Bridge Closure - Update • Trees and Bluebells of Millison's Wood

Our children have been incredibly successful in a range of sports so far this year, including achievements in dodgeball, football, netball and cross country.

We look forward to building on this success in 2018.

YOUNG VOICES On Wednesday 10th January, our choir took part in the annual Young Voices concert at the Birmingham Genting Arena, where thousands of children from all over the Midlands created an awesome sound, just using their voices!

The massed choir of around 8,000 pupils sing songs old and new, often walking parents in the audience down memory lane! With their matching T-shirts and flashing torches, the children sang and danced right through to 9pm, when many of them must have been very tired!

A special banner was also made by one of our parents, making it really easy for parents in the audience to spot us!

In September we purchased 40 iPads and 40 new laptops with the help of a loan, the PTA and other donations. The pupils and staff have embraced it wholeheartedly and we look forward to using more apps and class Apple TVS throughout the year.

Waste Week 2018 Early March we will be taking part in the 2018 national waste saving campaign with a focus on food waste and packaging. This should be a fun and informative week, helping to raise awareness and hopefully reduce waste at our school.

In January, having been inspired after watching BBC’s Blue Planet, Year 2 created a video for our Meriden Primary Twitter feed, to raise awareness around humans’ discarded plastic damaging impact on the world’s oceans. Take a look at @meridenprimary (Sir David Attenborough - Blue Planet 2) “We may think we live a long way from the oceans but we don’t.

What we actually do here ... has a direct effect on the oceans and what the oceans do then reflects back on us.”

Christian Values Our Christian Values are at the very centre of all that we do at Meriden CE Primary School. Each half term we focus on a different Christian value, explicitly through our collective worship time but also through our curriculum as well. Children have great opportunity to reflect on each value and to develop an understanding of the value in action. Children also have opportunities to plan, prepare and lead worship to either the whole school or their classmates, focusing upon particular values throughout the half term.

Our visitors from the community who lead our worship help to reinforce our understanding of each value as they share stories from the Bible. Our current value is

Trips and visits enhance the learning in the classroom and make things come alive for our children.

One of the trips included Year 6 visiting Coventry Cathedral and undertaking an ‘evacuee experience’ where they were dressed up and role- played being evacuated to the countryside. The message of peace and reconciliation was very sobering and helped the children understand a little more about the importance of love and forgiveness.

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

Easter Greetings Forthcoming services and events at St Laurence unless otherwise stated.

04/03/18 10:30am Holy Communion 11/03/18 10:30am Morning Prayer Mothering Sunday 18/03/18 10:30am Holy Communion 18/03/18 4pm

Kidz Praise

25/03/18 10:30am Remembering Meriden’s WWI dead 26/03/18 7pm

Holy week reflections

27/03/18 7pm

Holy week reflections

28/03/18 7pm

Holy week reflections

30/03/18 10:30am Walk of witness.

Meet at Meriden Primary school.

30/03/18 12 noon An hour at the cross 01/04/18 8:45am Bringing in the light 01/04/18 10:30am Easter Communion & Baptism 08/04/18 10:30am Morning Prayer 15/04/18 10:30am Holy Communion (Traditional BCP) 15/04/18 4pm

Kidz Praise

22/04/18 10:30

Morning Prayer

29/04/18 10:30am Celtic service 06/05/18 8:45am We remember Pte Joseph Jeffcott 06/05/18 10:30am Holy Communion 10/05/18 7pm

Ascension Day

13/05/18 10:30am Morning Prayer 20/05/18 11am

Cyclists’ memorial service on The Green

20/05/18 4pm

Kidz Praise

27/05/18 10:30am Baptism

2017 has been another fantastic year for St Laurence. We’ve seen teddy bears zip-wire from the top of the church tower to launch, quite literally, our Kidz Praise service for the under 7’s. There’s also been the launch of the All Together cafe, in conjunction with the other churches in Meriden, held at The Pavilion. The year culminated with our popular Christmas Tree Festival. (See centre pages for photos) Sadly the weather was against us for Sunday opening but we had lots of people visit on the Saturday. Once again the Beavers and Cubs had the winning ‘tree’. In fact they won both categories for favourite and most creative. Their ‘tree’ was made up of used shoe boxes – though they were not empty. They had been filled with goodies that they had gathered or made and were then taken to Bablake House to be distributed amongst the elderly. To me this demonstrated living the Gospel, caring for those in our community. I can only imagine the reaction of the recipients when they opened those boxes! We all love opening things, unless it’s a bill through the post! Presents and surprises fill us with delight.

As a child I loved Easter – not just for its religious significance but for all the Easter eggs! There was the excitement of how many eggs would I get and also the joy of cracking an egg open to reveal the hidden secrets. Of course nowadays Easter eggs are usually hollow. The eggs are empty. Imagine my disappointment the first time that this happened. I guess it must have been similar to the disappointment and bewilderment of the women who went to Jesus’ tomb that first Easter morning. Where are the sweets and where was Jesus’ body? Just like my egg the tomb was empty. Jesus was not there. These days the sweets aren’t secretly hidden inside the egg, they are there for you to see, or even eat, before breaking into the egg. Similarly Jesus was no longer hidden in the tomb, he was outside of it. In fact the women thought that he was a gardener. He was there for them to plainly see but they didn’t recognise him because they weren’t expecting him to have risen from the grave.

We live in a world of emptiness: empty promises, something missing in our lives, not quite feeling complete, energies drained. The tomb may be empty but that is because Jesus has risen. He’s no longer hidden away but is outside the tomb, and outside of death, that we may sample his sweetness every day. His promises are not empty – far from it – His promises are of abundant life, life in all its richness and glory; and the promise of eternal life. Jesus himself said, Kidz Praise.

“I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Turn to Jesus to show you the way to live in Aged 0 – 7 years? truth, love andAll charity with all people.

Together Cafe.

Bring your parents/carers along Come along to enjoy for a shorttree (45was minute) service, Look for Jesus in a the actions of cake. others. The Beavers and Cubs Christmas an action of cuppa and including craft, cakes and singing, love and caring, a perfect example of being Jesus to others.

The question we should ask 2pm-4pm ourselves is how can weFriday as a community show and share love and care?at 4pm on the Every second of the month Enquiries forofBaptisms third Sunday the month.

With blessings, at The Pavilion. and weddings please Lynda Lilley contact Lynda Lilley Meriden Churches together are hosting a 01676 522825 new initiative – a community cafe. We have a fantastic community here in Meriden but we’d like to make it even better!

Saturday 12th May 2018 “Goodbye Christopher Robin” (PG)

Saturday 17th March 2018 “Dunkirk” (12A) In 1940, thousands of British and Allied troops were stranded on Dunkirk’s beaches, cut off by the Nazi invasion of France. The action follows the efforts of Tommy ((Fionn Whitehead) on the land, Farrier (Tom Hardy) in the air and Dawson (Mark Rylance) on the sea to undertake a most daring rescue mission. This is a gripping survival saga which places the audience at the heart of the action. A film not to be missed!

In the wake of WW1 an icon was born. “Goodbye Christopher Robin” follows the household name A.A Milne, his wife Daphne and son Christopher Robin, whose cuddly toys were the inspiration behind the universally adored Winnie the Pooh.

This film, beautifully shot, is a moving biopic exploring how the family coped with the international fame brought about by the books and the way in which, in a darker theme, Pooh Bear’s creation is rooted in the unspeakable tragedy of the trenches.

Saturday 9th June 2018 Film TBC

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Saturday 14 April 2018 “Jackie” (15) Everyone of a certain age remembers where they were when the news of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination shocked the world in 1963. Known for her extraordinary dignity and poise, we see a psychological portrait of First Lady, Jackie Kennedy (Natalie Portman) in the days immediately following his violent death. The film depicts her journey as she fights through grief to regain her faith, console her children and struggle to define her husband’s historic legacy.

Tickets can be purchased from “Spar,” General Store on the Village Green.

Tickets and advance reservations are also available from Chris Copper (01676 522645)

£5 off Voucher when two or more people dine in

Parties & outside catering available

Take away service

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.”

10% discount on collection Free home delivery service 4 miles radius Minimum order £15

Meriden Spice, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP

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

Tel: 01676 523740

Not to be used with any other voucher

Entrance and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub

Minister Rev Jane Braund Tel: 01676 Ps 533737 If you are around on the second Friday of every month between 2 and 4 it would be lovely to meet Please phone to arrange you over a cup of coffee or tea at the Pavilion.

In Meriden marriages, baptisms and funerals Keep a look out for Services: Greetings from Meriden Methodist Church to you all Sunday 10:30am.

Greetings from the Methodist Church It has been lovely in the last few weeks to walk along lanes and to see the snowdrops fully out. The spring bulbs themselves are well on their way and we will shortly be seeing them burst into flower. The evenings are getting lighter and altogether it feels like spring is in the air and I am looking forward to going to Millison’s Wood again to see the bluebells.

Spring is an important time in the life of the Church. We remember how Jesus was baptised and then led by the Holy Spirit out into the wilderness. He went into the wilderness under the influence of the Holy Spirit but he came out of the wilderness in the power of the Holy Spirit, having been equipped for his ministry. His ministry was one of love and compassion, reaching out to the marginalised in society, restoring them, bringing them hope, calling all to follow him.

Then as we move to the end of Lent and come to Easter, we remember how Jesus, three years after the wilderness experience, rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and how they celebrated by waving palm branches and singing ‘hosanna’!

Shortly afterwards, the people there turned against him and he went to the cross and died - but on the third day he rose again.

The birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus are as significant today as they have ever been. Jesus’s death and resurrection brings us new hope, new life and he still calls us to follow him today.

If you would like to hear more about Jesus and the difference he can and does make to our lives, then why not come and join with one of the three congregations that meet in Meriden. We often meet to share and pray together and you will find a warm welcome wherever you go. Looking forward to meeting you, Jane

Meriden Methodist Diary Dates nd

Women’s World Day of Prayer, St Peters Balsall Common 7.30pm ‘All Gods Creation is Very Good’ produced by the women of Suriname th 29 March Maundy Thursday Passover meal at Meriden Methodist church Numbers restricted so please book on 01676 533737, cost approx. £5 st 1 April Easter Sunday service Methodist Church 10.30.am Rev Ian Howarth 6th April Supper Club th 11 May Supper Club 2 March

Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7. 30 – 9.30pm approx On the 3rd Monday of The month 19th March ‘Mad as March’ – Andrew Lloyd 16th April ‘Inspirations of the Philippines’ – Michael Montecello 21st May ‘Which Craft’ –Hele Raymont-Clarke Nothing is more relaxing after a busy day than to sit and watch a talented demonstrator inspire you with floral art, why not give it a go, new members are most welcome.

For more information please contact:-

Ann Lea 07725478624

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

01676 522148

A new secretary is needed if there is to be a Women’s World Day of Prayer Service in 2019.

Is there someone who could take this on please contact Joan Donkin on 01676 523080

Queens Head Old Road Meriden ST. PATRICK'S DAY March 17th Come along and join in with the Craic .

RUGBY on all day Have some home cooked Irish stew, good music good company and help celebrate "Paddy's" Day

March 5th 12th 19th 26th April 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th May 7th 14th

£5.00

Keith Brett 2 Left Feet Marade Chrissy (t.b.c) Marade Dean Thomas 2 Left Feet Natasha Marie (t.b.c.)

Steve Best (t.b.c.)

Kat Blay Ryan Dee

ALLAN SMITH SLATING 28th 21st 28th

Marade Marade Marade

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

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Servicing Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes

Call in for a quotation for your motoring needs

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

New Showroo m.

Now open

Direct Carpets & Flooring

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

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

Heart of England Social Club Come along and visit us!

Families welcome

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

New and Non Members Welcome

Every Sunday: Bingo 8.00pm Every Friday: Bingo 7.30pm plus Meat Raffle, and Karaoke 9.30pm

 Newspapers and Magazines  Cash Machine and cash back available  Premier Country fresh quality meats  Award winning Lashford sausages  Send and receive parcels from here  Fresh Coffee  Dry Cleaning  Lottery  Beer and Wine

Normal opening hours throughout Easter Weekdays 6.00am -10pm Weekends 7.00am-10pm Heart of England Social Club, Berkswell Road, Meriden 01676 522430

Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287

Meriden Volunteers for We are now busy arranging our events for the coming year. v is Friday 27th April at the Heart of Our first event England Social Club, when we welcome back Vivo - a live music band. The theme of this event is Rule Britannia/St Georges Day. Which should be fun and topical! In traditional British style we will be including a fish and chip supper in the price of £12.50 each. Entrance by advance ticket only as we need to pre-order the food.

It would be great if you could dress appropriately for the event. We are looking forward to a really good night.

On May Day, Monday 7th May, we will be having a stall at the Berkswell Reading Rooms from 10.00am onwards.

Any nearly new bric-brac /ladies goods would be gratefully received – but no books thank you.

Many people have asked about repeating our Open Gardens Sunday so we have arranged to hold it on Sunday 1st July. If you feel you can share your garden with the local community do get in touch. At present we need a few more gardens- all sizes and styles very welcome! More details in the summer Meriden Mag. Thank you as always for your support, Mary and the Committee volunteers

For tickets & information please contact 01676 522160, 522855,522555

Friday 27th April Heart of England Club Rule Britannia St George’s Day social £12.50 Doors open 7.30 Fish & chip supper 8.00-8.15pm

E G WHEELIE BIN CLEANERS If you would like your Wheelie Bin cleaned and disinfected every four weeks, on the day that it is emptied, please call or text Dean on the numbers below for more information.

02476 411756 or 07969004520

WWT@Parkridge Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HG Set in Brueton Park, on the edge of Solihull Town Centre, 5.5 acres of tranquil beauty. Tearoom and shop now under the ownership of the WWT to offer a seamless visitor experience.

HOLIDAY EVENTS SOMETHING FOR EVERY DAY

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

Pond Dipping, Teddy Bear Adventure, Magical Forest, Shelters and Survival, Hooray for Hedgehogs and Wild Explorers to name but a few over the Easter break and the fun carries on in May Half Term too!

Nature Tots every Monday 1:30-3 and on Friday’s two sessions to choose from 10:30-12 or 1:30-3 absolutely perfect for active 2-4 year olds.

Easter 2nd-13th April May Half Term 28th May-1st June

Nature Babies every Monday morning 10- 11:30

Really Wild Parties Very competitive prices, offered every weekend throughout the year for up to 20 children, call 0121 704 0768 for more information or to book.

ALL OUR EVENTS £3.50 per child For more information and to book online go to: www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk Facebook.com/WKWTParkridge

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

Spring Offers  Full body exfoliation with hot towels, detox and rehydrate only £30  Exfoliating spring facial rrp. £36 offer £25 Opening hours: Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Eaves Green Caravan Park, Meriden once known as ‘Canada Camp’. [[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William son of Gerard (possibly Geoffrey’s brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill

During 2017 I was asked several times about the origin of the caravan park. I had replied to one query, the Mason, Nicolas Godyng and many others. I imagine them all crowding round listening, all of 700 years ago.

‘Oh, you mean Canada Camp’, its name when I was small and still in use in 1960s if not later. I was astonished to learn it was considered pejorative term that I ought not to use so I decided to review the site’s history and discover more DoreenaAgutter. about the significance of its former name.

I had always assumed a link to events in the Second World War as Canadian troops had been stationed in our area during its later stages. An ex- Meriden resident told me it was there before 1939, so did it go back to the Great War period? A new line of thinking though emerged when I put ‘Canada Camp’ into my computer’s search engine. To my surprise I discovered many other ‘Canada Camps’ beginning in Canada itself, then developing in Great Britain. The earliest in this country for boys began in the 1890s and for girls c.1903. They therefore preceded the Scouting and Guiding Movements but had something in common with them, starting as outdoor pursuits' centres; in Canada near lumber camps for farm boys aged 14-17 in areas like Saskatchewan with the aim of promoting healthy outdoor living.

They eventually provided training for the Great War soldiers.

In Edwardian days they were used as summer camps for public school boys who spent their holidays travelling to a camp and learning skills of self- reliance. By the early 1920s, camping under canvas developed, patronised by the Boys’ Brigade and Scouts. Canadian Scout camps by 1930s were often in permanent wooden chalet-bungalows offering organised sports, fishing, mining and lumber jacking in the Rockies.

In 1925 an outdoor pursuits’ centre known as ‘Canada Camp’ opened in West Scotland, sited at Rothesay from 1928. A few months ago the family of a man in his mid-80s told me he visited there as a boy. ‘It was the last place in Scotland,’ he said, ‘from where Scots emigrants on board ship could be seen waving before making the Ocean crossing to Canada.

That is how it got its name,’ that lingered to the 1970s. We often give our own rational explanation to something not fully understood.

In Meriden I have no evidence precisely when our ‘Canada Camp’ began or why. When asked a few months ago about its history, the person interested had the loan of a photo showing a family sitting by a log cabin type hut said to be in Meriden, maybe before the War. I have found evidence in print for the name at Eaves Green shortly afterwards. A newspaper advertisement of November 21st, 1940 offered,‘ caravan for sale. £140.0.0 at Canada Camp, Eaves Green, Meriden’. Similar advertisements show sales continued during the War as people left Coventry to escape the Blitz, finding accommodation in the surrounding countryside. An advertisement in October 1941 read, ‘At Canada Camp, would suit a married couple, a Vauxhall camping van’. I have spoken to people who came out of Coventry night after night to sleep in their car while a lady now in her 80s told me her parents rented part of a cottage at Eaves Green for some weeks after the worst bombing to ensure some rest.

There were other sites with similar temporary accommodation in Meriden and elsewhere during and after the war that I remember such as in the orchard at Meriden Mill Farm. Four or five caravans in permanent occupation stood there well into 1950s. There were others behind Meriden Hall, that site still in use today. So there was nothing apparently derogatory about the name nor was it unique to Meriden.

There are still vital missing pieces to our jigsaw puzzle.

Precisely why and when did our ‘Canada Camp’ start?

Was it in 1930s or earlier? Was it part of a health cult popular in 1920s and 30? There was a Nudist camp at Tile Hill Lane Coventry Fillongley. Was it City overspill? There were selfbuild, wooden bungalows along the lane to Corley Home Computer Repairs Moor on the left hand side soon after the junction with Upgrading & Problem Solving Brownshill Green, some from the ‘20s still standing over 40 years later. Did they form an early to midC20th movement like one in the C17th with cottages built on the common waste ground by the side of the lanes, eventually allowed to remain though technically illegal, by the lord of the manor for an annual ground rent? In 1631there were over 30 in Berkswell parish Independent personal attention alone according to a survey of that year.

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A (FILLONGLEY ROAD) BRIDGE TOO FAR? Regular readers will know that I and other local residents have spent a frustrating amount of time trying to (a) understand exactly what Solihull Council is proposing regarding the Fillongley Rd bridge (replacement/repair?) (b) how long such work is likely to take and (c) provide the Council with positive suggestions based on local knowledge to help mitigate the ensuing traffic chaos that would affect our community (particularly given that we were presented with ill-conceived proposals for road diversions) Thankfully,and to the Council's credit, they responded well, met local people through engagement events and revised their diversionary plans to reflect local opinion. However, the planned bridge works did not start in January 2018 as we were told and we now learn from the Council (end of Jan 2018) that: ‘We are currently reviewing the design and specification for the bridge as costs were creeping above the available budget. We are hopeful that we can reduce the spend and complete the task in less than 60 weeks (as originally planned).There will be a delay of around 7 months while we firm up the details and carry out design checks’ So let's hope that the Council can finally decide what their actual position is by the autumn and then re-engage with local people to discuss changes and impact. A meaningful partnership between the Council and local residents will be the only way to offset the (temporary) detrimental effects of the bridge closure David McGrath Resident Eaves Green Lane Meriden

MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT. Website- www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk I am so pleased to inform you that £ 2,687.50. was raised over the Christmas period. This brings the total raised, since I founded The Tree on the 17th November 2005, to 55,502.50. Donations were received from The Earl and Countess of Aylesford along with business donations from De Mulder Enterprises, Pertemps, ToBook, The Cassidy Group, Fordes on The Green, Melvyn Sidwell ( Harvest Hill Kennels ), John Williamson ( Kleeneze) , The Nijjer Family (Spar) and Chris Forbes ( CFS Motors ). There were also individual donations, too numerous to list. My most sincere thanks to you all.

Over 1,500 of the Christmas Cards were sold and I, again, thank The Tearooms, Spar Shop, Lloyds Chemist and Wood & Petal for selling them for me. It was so kind of Julie Hyde to provide such a lovely painting for the Cards. The Tearooms gave over half of the cost of the donkey on Dedication Day. The Manor Hotel was terrifically helpful, along with The Rev Lynda and Mark, Alison Stain, Colin Brown and Chris Barr with the setting up and take down of the equipment. This is, of course, a major factor on the day to provide what was a lovely event for the many people who came along. Carol Todd, very kindly, accompanied the children, who were excellent and the rest of us on keyboard, for the THIRTEENTH TIME and I gather that everyone who came along enjoyed themselves. Steve Gilks of Derron Electrical Services Ltd., PAT Tested the light system and installed the power feed for Dedication as a gesture to MTOT. Yet again, The Manor Hotel provided mulled wine, hot chocolate and brownies and gave all the money they took to Meriden Tree of Thought.

The SENIOR'S LUNCH at The Manor was, quite simply, superb. Unfortunately, the heavy snow put paid to the original date but The Manor was exceedingly kind in giving us another date of the 20th December. The Staff/Team were absolutely brilliant in every aspect of The Lunch and everyone who attended was delighted with and appreciative of this gesture on the part of The Hotel. I can tell you that, in addition to their kindness, I have received a donation from them to Meriden Tree of Thought. You will see that I have included the website address this time. If you haven't already, do please take a look. This was created for me and is maintained by Stuart Bonnar ( KLNDESIGN.CO.UK ) as his contribution to MTOT. THE DOVETAIL GROUP are to be thanked, very much, for the installation of THE TREE.!! The men worked so very hard and efficiently when installing and then again when it was taken down and away on the 8th January. My true gratitude to Lee Butterworth for this brilliant contribution. The Tree was paid for but Lee took care of the work involved" You know- there are times when I have to pinch myself to realize just how much The Tree is achieving initially with contributions to The Charities and also giving pleasure to The Village.

As ever, a HUGE THANKYOU to all of you who support what I do. I can assure you it means a Great Deal personally and to The Charities. Alan Lole FUNDAY SUNDAY. Please put the date of the 8th JULY on your calendars.

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When our physical health is compromised the everyday stresses of life are harder to deal with. We adjust to conditions or limitations at our own pace and in our own way. Seeing a psychologist does not mean that you are not coping, it is a way to take control of the areas of life that are of concern. Perhaps you are struggling with the impact of changes to your health or that of a loved one. Maybe you have anxieties around your health or treatment or are looking to bring new meaning and happiness to your life. Our clinical psychologist Dr. Kate Martin provides specialist assessment and therapy for individuals and their families. Drawing on a range of therapies she helps those struggling to adjust to changes in their health, mobility, appearance or those seeking to live a healthier happier life. She combines a realistic, practical approach to therapy with warmth and empathy.

A health assessment - your personal health MOT - is a detailed analysis of your overall health and well-being. Our Clinical Exercise Physiologist Steve Padmore will perform a range of health, exercise and lifestyle tests depending on which health assessment you choose. This will help us to get a baseline level of your health and physical condition. Steve can then effectively guide you on how to safely reach your health, well-being and fitness goals through an exercise programme designed specifically for you. This can help build confidence and reassurance regarding your ability to return to or continue activities.

Our one-to-one exercise programmes are specifically designed to help you exercise safely and at a pace to suit you. We will help you to build confidence, improve your health and meet your goals.

All of our services can be delivered at our clinic in Stoneleigh, Meriden or, if appropriate, in your own home.

We also offer supervision, consultation and training for psychologists, counsellors and care professionals.

Coming soon to Meriden Sports Park, Whole Body Fitness sessions: Outdoor group exercise sessions for all, blending High intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with traditional cardiovascular & muscular strength/endurance exercise. Get ready for fun, challenging exercises, the support of others and massive improvements in your stamina, muscular tone and weight loss.

To register your interest and find out more contact us at: stevepadmore@hahconsultancy.co.uk

Tackling crime in Meriden by Cllr Tony Dicicco In the previous edition of the Meriden Mag, I wrote about the concerns of local people about the increase in crime in the Meriden area. I mentioned that recorded crime was actually falling in this area but that recent burglaries and car crime had made residents feel less safe. As the Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities and Partnerships for Solihull Council (SMBC), I am responsible for trying to keep the residents of Solihull safe. Obviously, as a councillor for the Meriden ward and a long-time local resident, I am particularly concerned about keeping our local area safe.

In response to residents’ concerns, Solihull police, in conjunction with Dame Caroline Spelman MP, organised a question time session for local residents in the Meriden council ward (including Meriden, Balsall Common, Berkswell and. Fen End) plus Knowle and Dorridge and Hockley Heath residents. The meeting was held on Thursday 18th January at Arden school in Knowle and attendance was very good, with over 100 people there to put questions to the panel which included Caroline Spelman, Bas Javid (Chief Superintendent of Solihull Police) and myself (representing SMBC).

It was obvious that residents across the area were upset and scared by a spate of burglaries and car crimes. We heard some very disturbing first-hand accounts of violence and the unsettling consequences of burglary. The panel tried to re-assure residents that, although there had been a spike in total recorded crimes in 2017, measures taken by the police working with the Safer Solihull Partnership had meant that crime was now falling.

Although Solihull has one of the lowest incidences of crime in the West Midlands, the rate of increase in 2017 was higher than in some neighbouring areas. We therefore need more police resources in Solihull to tackle this.

We need to ensure that the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who controls funding for West Midlands Police (WMP), fully understands this message. Most of the residents at the meeting indicated that they were willing to pay a bit more through the policing precept (this is set by the PCC and paid by all households in the West Midlands to fund some of the costs of WMP) but ONLY if the money is spent in their communities.

To be fair to the PCC, he has started to listen to our requests and has recently made some additional funds available to the Safer Solihull Partnership to tackle offending, but more resources need to be made available in future. To this end, residents would like to see the Police Shop in Balsall Common re-opened – residents from across the Meriden council ward could use this to report crime and gain information on crime prevention. There is an opportunity to house this in the newly refurbished Jubilee Centre – I will be following this up with Solihull Police and the PCC. Another key issue raised was that residents who had been the victims of burglary and car crime did not feel that the police were investigating these properly. Residents felt that the police were slow to respond and did not fully review available evidence (such as CCTV footage). Chief Superintendent Javid acknowledged that the police needed to respond better/quicker when a crime had taken place and increase detection rates. Since the meeting, CS Javid has personally visited residents who reported at the meeting that they had been burgled and has impressed on his police colleagues the importance of improving investigation and detection to increase public confidence.

The issue of crime prevention was also discussed. As residents, we can make it harder for the criminals who wish to target us. The fitting of better door and window locks, the use of timer switches on lights when the house is unoccupied, fitting steering locks to cars and not leaving bins where they can be used to gain access over gates or onto flat roofs can all deter criminals. Thank you to all the residents who attended the meeting, we do intend to hold further meetings. Please be assured that your local councillors, the police and other members of the Safer Solihull Partnership are working very hard to keep residents safe. If you wish to discuss the contents of this article or any other council-related matters, then please contact me at tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.

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

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

Minister: Pastor Kevin Hunt (07970 552667) - Sunday Service: 1pm. In Meriden Methodist building.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. ( Philippians 3:20-21) Spring is a time of anticipation as we eagerly wait to see the first buds break through the ground and the first leaves to appear on the trees, and even the new Lambs being born in the farmer’s fields, in fact new life just springs forth everywhere we look. But I wonder how many of us really see the beauty of God’s creation that just explodes all around us at this time of year. Even the days get longer; it’s as if God wants us to see His amazing display of new life that He allows us more daytime so we can enjoy it for longer. As Christians having received New Life in Christ, we have something else that we eagerly await for. As the scripture above states we eagerly await our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who one day will transform our bodies so that we will be like His glorious body. Just as each year the bulbs in the ground which for most of the time are unseen suddenly transform and become amazingly beautiful bright Daffodils, to adorn our roadsides, fields and gardens, so we who are in Christ will have our bodies transformed to become beautiful and bright before the Lord. Even now the bible tells us that; ‘we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ (2 Corinthians 3:18). So the closer we stay to Him and His word the more like Him we become, and the more like Him we become the more we can share with others the message of the love and grace that He has for them, so they too can enjoy the enhanced awareness we get in knowing Him as our Saviour of the beauty of His glory right now here on earth, that’s all around us.

My prayer is that as we go into spring this year and see all the beauty this time of year brings, that everyone will become aware of just how much God loves and cares for them. Matthew 6:25-30 says; ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.

Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 ‘And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you.’

‘God Is Love’ and He loves you. If You would like to know more about how much God loves and cares for you then please join us at MCF- Life Church. We meet every Sunday at 1pm. In the Meriden Methodist building.

May God’s peace which passes all understanding be with you all throughout the year.

Every blessing Kevin and Lyn Hunt

David Deakin Plastering Services Interior plastering and coving work.

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We would like to express a very big thank you to Adele Fox who has been our excellent treasurer for the last 14 years and is now retiring from the position. Adele has kept an expert and accurate eye on our finances and we are very grateful to her for all her hard work. Valerie Martin will now take over the treasurers role.

Experienced Van and Driver Hire For private or commercial use Local or National delivery or collections Vans and drop side vehicle available

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Heart of England School

Following the incredible success of the OSoSic event which saw students from across the borough performing at Symphony Hall, Heart of England School are taking part in OSoSic II, when they will be working with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and our partner the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

On 27th January there were 30 musicians, instrumentalists and singers from schools including Heart of England, who participated in a rehearsal for the Orchestra of Solihull Schools in Concert (OSoSic II).

Students had already attended a cluster rehearsal at Smith’s Wood working alongside the LEAP Ensemble from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. There was then a full orchestra rehearsal in the new concert hall at the university with all 168 players and choir. The new concert hall made the orchestra sound incredible.

On 4th February our students will have rehearsed alongside players from the BBC Concert Orchestra who will be sharing some top tips with our young musicians.

This collaborative project between Solihull secondary schools, Solihull Music Hub and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire aims to provide pupils with high quality orchestral playing experience performing works by Verdi, Sibelius and Copland to name but a few.

The final concert will have taken place on Friday 16th February at the Warwick Arts Centre.

The whole project is a fantastic opportunity for students from our school.

Perfect Prefects At a series of Success Assemblies given by Lead House Tutors, students have been given awards and recognition for their achievements and prefects have been awarded newly designed ties.

Each of our four Houses, Apollo, Phoenix, Pioneer and Voyager collect House Points when individuals do well and when they take part in an inter-house event like the Mission Mile. All houses also have Prefects who are awarded a special tie so that others can recognise them if they need help. This year, the ties have a brand new design.

Prefects have to apply for the post which begins a process of interviews and training in order to take up this high-profile role within school. A panel consisting of the Lead House Tutor, House Pastoral Manager and Assistant Principal Mr Livingstone, will select the outstanding candidates to become Prefects.

“The ambassadorial role of Prefects is key and they are a forum for students to make a difference. They bring opinions and issues to the attention of the school leadership team,” said Mr Livingstone.

School Prefects undertake particular duties, at social times and at bus time and represent our school values. They are available for public roles which can include presenting at assemblies.

The new ties make it clear where students can go if they need help and they highlight the distinctiveness of being a good role model for all.

Connect with Heart of England

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

www.instagram.com/heartofenglandschool/ info@heart-england.co.uk

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LITTLE ANGELS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Please come along and join in the Fun and Activities with other children aged 0 to 4 years, term time only.

Our Sessions are: Wednesday 9.30am - 11.30am Meriden Sports Pavilion (Next to the Park) Thursday 9.30am - 11.30am Village Hall (Balsall Common) Admission is £3.50 for 1 Adult & 1 Child +50p for Additional Child.

Includes a drink and toast.

Meriden Sports and Activity Camp

Easter Holidays Tuesday 3rd to Friday 13th April fun days filled with a variety of sporting and play activities to keep your chid/ren active over the half term. We can guarantee that they will have a fantastic time.

Call Rachel Platt 07812 127772

Run for dog lovers by dog lovers Harvest Hill Kennels

Call Rachel Platt 07812 127772

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

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

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

Firebird Singers Update We would like to thank everyone who attended our re-arranged Christmas concerts at the Manor Hotel on Sunday 7th January. This time the weather was kind to us! We were most grateful for everyone’s understanding and support and especially the Manor Hotel for the use of the beautiful Aylesford Suite again. We have raised a wonderful sum towards this year’s charity the Huntington’s Disease Association. We will announce the total at the end of our summer season.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to support two very good local causes with our next concerts. Samantha Tooze is a well-known member of the village community through her dog walking business and last year she was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Sam and her family and friends are putting all their energy into raising funds for the MND Association to help find a cure and on Sunday 4th March we will be performing “A Spoonful of Songs” a tribute to Disney at the Manor Hotel in support of Sam. We are also repeating this concert on Saturday 10th March at Shirley Methodist Church, Stratford Rd, Shirley to raise funds for Troop Aid, another very worthy cause.

We are very excited to be performing at the Albany Theatre Coventry in July. If you have been to any of our recent concerts you will know that our membership, reputation and repertoire are expanding!

Valerie Martin 01676 522963

A Spoonful of Songs 2018 A celebration of the magical music of Disney Two Performances Sorry Sunday 4th March at 6.00pm 4th Tickets £7.50 Manor Hotel Meriden March Contact Sallie 01676 523308Sold out! ***********************

Saturday 10th March at 7.00pm Shirley Methodist Church, 257 Stratford Rd Shirley, B90 3AL Tickets £8 to include refreshments Contact 07734 384260

The Firebird Singers Present

‘Saturday Night at the Movies’ A double feature of Classic Movie Music and James Bond Themes Saturday 7th July The Albany Theatre, 53 Butts Road, Coventry, CV1 3BH

In support of The Huntington’s Disease Association Tickets: 01676 522963

Bubbles Hand Car Wash .

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Balsall Common U3A Balsall Common U3A runs activities for people no longer in full time employment. We have over 300 members 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 Beer and Cider Appreciation to Walking football, to see a full list of the activities visit the web site at the address below.

As well as our activities there is a monthly meeting which includes a talk. Talks for the next three months are: 1st March. Our very own band "Swing Division" will be entertaining us.

5th April. Wainwrights Coast to Coast Walk given

by Tony Caldwell 10th May. A Scheme for Befriending Young People

by Alan Cutler.

Meetings are held at St. Peters Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common and start at 2.00pm.

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

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

senzadolcenew@aol.com 07854 631284 12 Stonehaven Drive Finham, Coventry CV3 6EX

John Douglas Fuller 22.06.27 – 19.11.2017 John joined Typhoo Tea as Sales Promotion Manager in 1966 and during the week lived in Mrs Flynn’s guest house (Kent House) until we moved into our house on Main Road on 21st October 1966 – Trafalgar Day – and the day of the Aberfan disaster.

Typhoo became part of Cadbury’s and John was associated with campaigns such as “For Mash Get Smash! And Wispa Bars. When he left Cadbury’s he was a self-employed Sales Promotion consultant for a while. He then studied for a part-time degree in Historical Studies at Warwick University where he enjoyed the coffee bar life and, allegedly, on occasion, knew more than his lecturers! Got a good degree and concentrated on his golf! One of his proudest moments was to score a hole-in-one at the age of 85!

My sincere thanks for all the messages of sympathy and support we have received since his death. It has been a great comfort to know that you were thinking of us. Thank you also to Michael Deeley and Stonebridge Golf Club for all their help. I think John would have been surprised at how kindly he has been remembered.

Sue Fuller

Simon William Argyle 22.02. 1974 – 26.01.2018 Simon was a very special person, born with profound disabilities and was unlikely to live until he was one year old and he definitely wouldn’t reach school age. He survived until just before his 44th birthday.

He was gentle and loved everyone and we all loved him.

Simon lived his adult life in Windward Way, a residential home in Smiths Wood. He was well looked after and was treated with respect and dignity.

He enjoyed many activities, especially swimming and just going on car trips and visits. Towards the end of his life he had frequent hospital visits but he bravely fought and recovered. Sadly he lost the last battle. We will never forget him.

Thanks go to Rev Linda Lilley who conducted a sympathetic service at St Laurence Church and Michael Deeley.

Also thanks to all the friends and family who have sent messages and cards and attended the service to say goodbye to Simon.

Finally to all the people who have been involved with Simon’s care, especially everyone at Windward Way.

Barbara Batson 14.10.1925 - 13.12.2017 Barbara moved to Meriden in 1967 when a new development of houses were built in Arden Close.

Barbara was still working in Birmingham and did so for a number of years until she applied for a part time position as a Housemother at “Penderells” Home for the Disabled as it was then known in Showell Lane, until it closed.

Barbara took up a new career and became a Post Office deliverer and delivered the mail to the outer reaches of the Meriden area. She also had to deliver the second delivery of first class mail in the village, she would quite often take her beloved dog Timmy with her when she did the second delivery.

Barbara’s life changed after her husband died and she made the decision to sell up and move house, which she did in 1983 and made a new home in Coventry where she made new friends and had good neighbours.

Barbara leaves a son Brian and a daughter Barbara and two grandchildren and one great grandson.

Helen Atkinson 2.9.1928 – 8.11.2017 Helen will have been known to many of you through her dog training activities which she did for many years both from her home at Rose Cottage and with the dog training classes in Eastern Green.

She had always loved dogs and the house she shared with her husband Alan was never without several. She had a special affection for German Shepherds and always used to have one who needed rehoming for problems.

She grew up in Scotland and had an elder sister Molly.

When she left school she went to London to train and work as a physiotherapist. She went on to become a teacher which is what brought her to this area, where she met Alan and they married in1969and moved to Kinwalsey Lane.

What many of you may not know, as she kept her achievements on a low key, she became the principal of the Coventry school of Physiotherapy and was part of the drive to get the course recognised as a degree. She was awarded the Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in 1987 which is an honour given only to a few people each year.

Helen became involved with a local association for brain damaged children through meeting with a group of parents and she introduced domiciliary physio which treated children throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.

She became president of the association.

Helen was always very independent and kept fit and strong running about with the dogs and doing the gardening which until very recently she did herself.

When she retired from physio all her energy and intellect was put into dog training or to put it in her words - training the owners how to communicate with their dogs.

She was well thought of by everyone who came into contact with her and will be sadly missed by many.

Janet King

The Job Squad

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TheJobSquad. co.uk

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

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

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

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M.J. Mowing

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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

01676 540178 New Coffee Shop now open

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

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Spring Lambs by Julie Hyde 1. Draw the lambs very lightly with pencil.

2. Lambs. Pre mix colours: Dark Brown  Yellow and Dark Brown (or use Yellow Ochre)  Blue with a tiny touch of Red (to make a purple)  A weak wash of red (to make a pink) Wet each lamb, one at a time with clean water and add colours while still wet, letting them run together, use the yellow and the brown washes over the body and the blue colour in the shadow areas. Make sure that you leave some areas of the lambs’ body white, with no colour added. Add a little of the pink to the inside of the ears.

3. Foreground grass. Pre mix colours: Yellow and Blue to make a yellowy green  Blue and yellow to make a blue green (the same colours as before but more blue than previous wash) Wet the grass area with clean water and add the colours but flick some colours upwards to look like grass.

Let it dry.

4. Background. Pre mix strong washes of: Blue  Yellow and Blue to make a yellowy green  Blue and yellow to make a blue green (the same colours as before but more blue than previous wash) Wet the background going carefully around the lambs first then the rest of the background. Drop in colours, blue for sky, greens for bushes and grass while still wet.

5. Details. Add details to lambs such as inside of ears and eyes etc. For the inside of the ears dampen the ear with a little water and add dark drown, pink. Add the eyes and nostrils onto dry paper with a touch of black.

6. Shadows. Add extra shadows to underside of lambs’ legs by wetting each leg with clean water and to the shadowy areas add: Blue and Dark Brown

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

Created by Julie Hyde

Email:jph300@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2018

A Walk around Berkswell 4.5 miles 4.5 miles Free Car Park near Church or opposite the Reading Room In Meriden Road

1 From the car park, near the church in Berkswell, follow the Heart of England Way to Meriden Road. Go left along the road for 300yds (274m), then cross over and go right up a farm lane, passing Blind Hall Farm.

2 At the end of the lane/track cross the stile by the farm gate, bear left and walk along the field edge to its left corner. Go left over a pair of stiles and continue ahead by the hedge. The waymarked footpath weaves in and out of the hedge. After going through a wide hedge gap, walk to the field corner and go left past a small pond until you come to some houses in Four Oaks. Bear left, cross the large cultivated field diagonally and exit on to Meriden Road. Cross the road and continue down the driveway to the right of Wilmot Cottage opposite, going through a gateway on to farmland. The path goes to the right of the hedge, offering a clear view of Home Farm to the left, then crosses a field diagonally. In about 625yds (571m) you will reach the corner of Mercote Hall Lane.

3 Go left along the lane for about ½ mile (800m), passing the Park Farm complex. Walk along the lane past the large enclosed sand and gravel pit.

4 At the end of the pit area go left along a footpath and over footbridges, ascending to the left of a hedge on the approach to Marsh Farm.

5 Just beyond the farm, turn left and follow the farm track towards Sixteen Acre Wood. Cross the stile into the wood and take the track along the wood edge for some 700yds (640m).

Continue by the hedge and go through a strip of trees into parkland. Follow the path for some 650yds (594m) and you will enjoy a magnificent view of Berkswell Hall Lake before entering trees and going through a kissing gate to return to the car park

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Rotary Santa Fun Run and Carols on the Green as Meriden celebrated Christmas

A selection of Christmas trees from the St. Laurence Church Festival.

Representing Meriden Junior Archery Club, Monty Orton won the County of Worcester John Williams Memorial Shield for Novice Boy.

The Beaver’s and Cub’s winning tree is featured on the Scout group page

Meriden W.I. celebrating their centenary

Beaver’s and Cub’s winning Christmas Tree

Beaver’s Festive Celebrations

Three Explorer Scouts from the Meriden Scout Group, who have been selected to form part of the Warwickshire Troop to go to the next World Jamboree, which will be held in West Virginia, USA in 2019. From left to right John Roberts, Daniel Locker & Peter Walker

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beaver Scouts Winter has proved to be a very busy time for the Beaver Scouts. The Beavers visited Canley Fire Station and had a very interesting talk by the firefighters. They learned about all the equipment that is on the fire engine, had a sit in the truck and even had a go shooting water from hoses!

They went on an alpaca activity day, where they got to walk the beautiful animals. The Beavers and the Cubs worked to create a shoe box 'Christmas Tree' for the Christmas tree festival at St Laurence's Church. The shoe boxes were full of gifts - Christmas crafts, cakes, toiletries etc. and then they visited Bablake House in Meriden, which is the local residential home, the Beavers and Cubs sang carols and distributed the shoe boxes to the residents. It was very emotional and we were proud of all the children!!! (Editor’s note “well done to the Beavers and Cubs for winning the Christmas Tree competition” picture opposite) The term finished with a Christmas party and a visit from a very special person!

This term we are working towards our animal friend badge, where the Beavers, will visit Twycross Zoo, and Pets at Home, and they will get a visit from Birmingham Dogs Home, I know the Leaders are looking forward to working towards this badge. The Beavers have already earned their space badges and even had a tweet from Tim Peake, (see picture opposite) The spring term will finish with 'GET-IN' where Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from across Warwickshire Scout County come together for the weekend camping and taking part in different fun activities. We are looking forward to meeting lots of Beavers from across the County.

Cubs Meriden Cubs had a very busy, highly productive and hugely enjoyable autumn term. A large part of the term was taken up by the Cubs working on tasks for their Personal Challenge award. This award was great because it gave the Cubs an opportunity to go outside of their comfort zones and "challenge" themselves. As part of the challenge we had the excellent Julia Hawkins take a yoga session with the Cubs and test their balance, flexibility and core control. This was a great session and even the Leaders took part, although I think that the flexibility challenge was a bit of a push!!! The really exciting and slightly more nervous challenge was when we created our very own Bush-Tucker Eating Trial. The Leaders prepared an assortment of different edible surprises ranging from jelly sweets, fried onions, beetroot and mustard to BBQ flavoured crickets and chocolate covered meal worms. Oh yes - I forgot to mention that the Cubs were all blindfolded too so had no idea what they were about to eat. They loved the challenge...

Last term also saw us create our entry for the annual St Laurence's Christmas Tree competition. This year we teamed up with the Beavers to create the "Giving Tree". The tree was made up of a number of shoe boxes which the Cubs and Beavers decorated and then filled with gifts and homemade individual cakes. The "Giving" part of the tree was that all of these shoe boxes were given to the elderly residents of Bablake House in Millisons Wood as Christmas gifts. The Cubs and Beavers also sang a few carols whilst handing the boxes out. We were really pleased to hear that we had also won the competition. A fantastic tree with a heart-warming reason for its creation.

The term was then finished off in the usual Christmas tradition of a Cubs Christmas party with traditional party games and food. We also said goodbye to one of our Leaders - Emma - who had been both a Beaver and Cub Leader during her time with us. Thanks to Emma for all of her support. The new term will see the Cubs focus on completing their Personal Challenges and look at Disability Awareness and Photography tasks.

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

We have continued with the more traditional Scouting activities of mapping, first aid and knotting with the addition of a night rock climbing in Solihull. I think we may have some talented climbers in our midst’s.

As well as our night climbing the run up to Christmas saw us carving soap, designing a Christmas tree for the church, culminating in our Christmas party with a casino night Theme.

The New year saw us making things with paracord and an enlightening night discussing the pro’s and con’s of HS2 where opinions at the end of the night were quite mixed, with the scouts changing the views several times throughout the evening.

Pushing into the spring, we have a number of camps planned. Some just for the Patrol and Assistant Patrol leaders to develop their leadership skills and others for the whole troop, heading to North Wales and the mountains.

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 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 main construction activity in the area is now planned for 2020 to 2023, but preparatory work to relocate wildlife and shift utilities has already started. Now, more than ever, we need to be vigilant to ensure everything is done in line with obligations, as all we've seen so far is an artist's impression.

People may wonder what effect the collapse of Carillion will have. Outwardly, little will change, but costs are likely to rise with the removal of a major competitor in the construction sector. However, the real constraint on the project may well be the supply of labour and materials. The view of the TaxPayers' Alliance is blunt - "The flagrant disregard for taxpayers' money is nothing short of scandalous, those in government and the civil service responsible for this mess should be moved on before their misadventures cost taxpayers even more."

Speaking of which, a few more supporters of the scheme have been put out to grass. The unelected peer Andrew Adonis, architect of the straight line route and its disconnection from the Channel Tunnel, went before Christmas. He claimed people in the Chilterns would regret HS2 being tunnelled beneath them, because high speed trains “are some of the most beautiful facets of modern life”.

Justine Greening and Patrick McLoughlin left office in January. Greening had pushed HS2 in the belief that a third railway to Birmingham would avoid a third runway at Heathrow. McLoughlin did his best to stifle any changes to the HS2 Bill, and then oversaw party membership and the election campaign as Chairman of the Conservative Party.

But cheer up, congratulations to the six MPs on the HS2 Select Committee who have now been rewarded with knighthoods. They could have done with swords and chainmail in the Committee Room, though some say words are mightier than the sword, and their fine words are all we have to mitigate the effect of our HS2 on the area.

With the new Local Plan delayed again, there's no news on the station site at Stonebridge. As far as HS2 Ltd is concerned , it'll be a huge car park, and plans to change it to shops, offices and London-overspill remain under wraps. Watch this space.

Richard Lloyd Chairman Jane West Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group

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

Tel: 02476 467271 www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

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

Guitar and Ukulele Tuition Individual or Group Sessions Experienced Adult Education Tutor Eastern Green Contact 07742 288113

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

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

Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday Thursday Saturday

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

What’s on this spring at Meriden Library?

Open Monday 10.00am – 6.00pm READING ZOO – NEW WEEKLY ACTIVITY Thursday 10.00am – 6.00pm FOR THE UNDER FIVES – starts Monday 5 Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm March 2018. Our exciting new session is aimed at pre-school children and will take place every Monday 2.30-3.15pm. Every week we will read stories starring a different animal and enjoy ourselves painting their pictures. Warm water is provided to wash hands – but wearing clothes that can get messy is recommended!

Reading Café – Romance, crime, historical, classics, family sagas, thrillers and so many more; what’s your favourite theme? Drop into the library for our Reading Café and meet other readers for a chat about books, authors, reading or anything else over a coffee. Dates and themes for the Spring are: Monday 19 March

Starting a new series

Monday 16 April

Humour

Monday 21 May

Childhood favourites

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

Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library closes.

We wish Ralph Ledbrook a very restful retirement, Ralph has advertised with the Mag almost since it started and now he is hanging up his trowel, perhaps to take it easy.

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 BOOK REVIEW

Helen Dunmore died this year at the age of 64. Her best known book, The Siege, was about Leningrad in 1942-43.

The Betrayal picks up life in the same city ten years later when Andrei, a paediatrician, is deviously asked to see a boy with knee arthritis by a colleague who then slips away because this is no ordinary child. His father Volkov is head of the secret police and Andrei has to tell him that the arthritis is in fact bone cancer and the leg must be amputated with only limited chances of a cure. Volkov explodes. It would spoil the story to say more, but this book is about the fight for survival of the child against the odds, of Andrei and his wife Anna and their love as they deal with betrayal, despair and anger. Only the quiet lasting love of life-long friends supports Anna through her darkest hours. Well written, medically accurate for the era, with realistic characters who touch the heart, this a real page turner. There aren’t huge moral dilemmas or philosophical issues to deal with and the stories are straight forward, but the writing is so engaging that I had a sense of reading personal diaries and memories so intense that I closed the book grateful not to have lived in that time and place.

I recommend it.

Mike Watkinson.

Readers Circle 14th March.

A book by Ishiguro Kazuro 11th April.

A book by a North American author 9th May. UK Women's Suffrage

If any of these appeal, please give Peter Moss a call on 01676 523590 For further information and the venue

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP Last month I took part in a ‘question time’ style event in Knowle which was attended by residents from Meriden, Balsall Common, Knowle and Dorridge to discuss the important issue of neighbourhood safety. During this meeting, the issue of road traffic safety was raised; with some residents expressing their concerns about vehicles failing to slow down to meet the designated 30mph limit as they enter the village on the Fillongley Road.

Having raised this issue previously with Highways England, I regret that the solution to this problem is not as simple as gradually lowering the speed limit on approach to the village. In their most recent letter to me, they advised that the route was classified as a ‘designated arterial route’ and is therefore governed by different highways regulation. That said, I will continue to work to try to find a solution to this.

Concerns around the potential increase in HGV’s and engineering equipment during the construction of the new High Speed Rail link (HS2) were also raised at this meeting. To help to resolve this issue, the Government; in recognising the potential burden that the construction of HS2 could place on many local communities, has acted to provide those living and working along or near to the line of route with the opportunity to secure financial support during the construction phase.

In total, a £70 million fund has been provided for communities and I am pleased to say that the West Midlands region will receive the same amount of financial support as Greater London. This is a very welcome announcement and I commend the Government for acknowledging how the impact of this project will be no less great in rural communities like Meriden as it will be for residents and businesses in the city of London.

More information about how to access this funding can be found online via: www.gov.uk or by entering: http://bit.ly/2hPXdsM into your web browser.

I would like to assure residents that when I next meet with HS2, I will be encouraging them to investigate whether funding can be set aside to improve road safety in the village.

Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman

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

Sunday 11th March 12 – 5pm £29.95 per person Little Moo’s Menu is available for children under 12

To book please call us on 01676 522 735 or email info@mpwsteakhousemeriden.com Main Road, Meriden, Solihull, West Midlands, CV7 7NH

Julie Engsted

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Yoga & Pregnancy Yoga Meriden Heart of England Social Club Tuesday 19.00-20.15 Yoga £7 Meriden Methodist Church Hall Thursday 11.20 -12.15 Yoga beginners Basics Meriden Church of England Primary School Thursday 19.00- 20.15 Yoga £7

Barkers’ Butts RFC Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR   

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

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

Contact Scott English 07963 134923 

We also have 4 adult sides 1st XV to Vets



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

Balsall Common Balsall Common Methodist Church Hall Wednesday 10.00 – 11.15. Yoga £7

Bespoke 121 Yoga and Pregnancy Yoga available

Coming soon: Pregnancy Yoga classes please contact Julie for details:

Telephone: 07792 965370 Email : julieengstedyoga@gmail.com Facebook: @julieengstedyogateacher

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

Call Laura on 07803 621818

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

YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN Tucked discreetly out of sight and only a stone’s throw from Meriden village, you’ll find Meriden Archery Club, a group of friendly and enthusiastic archers of all ages and abilities.

Nestling amongst trees within the Packington Estate, are the Forest Grounds - the shooting grounds of the Club, open to members every day of the year and available anytime of the day.

News from Meriden Junior Archery Club www.meriden-archery.org.uk/junior-club Even on the coldest of frosty mornings, juniors from Meriden Archery Club continue to brave the elements to enjoy their Saturday Junior Club. Such commitment paid dividends as they took the County of Warwickshire Archery Association Indoor Championships by storm. Flying the flag for Meriden, they took five 1st places and one 2nd, along with a 3rd place in the West Midlands region.

With more new members, Junior Club continues to develop our young archers. Recently Charlotte Smith was awarded the Junior Handicap Improvement Medal for 2017, and moving outside Warwickshire, Monty Orton won the County of Worcester John Williams Memorial Shield for Novice Boy. (See centre page for colour photograph) Representing Meriden with pride, four young archers also took part in the Junior National Indoor Championships.

To help prepare for such competitions, Junior Club runs a full simulated tournament each year. These give our young archers the opportunity to experience all the formalities of competition whilst in a friendly and supportive club environment. The next one is currently scheduled around March, just in time for the outdoor season.

For more information, feel free to pop in on a Saturday morning

Meriden Rotary Santa Fun Run 2017 This was our sixth year and we had a record turnout with 200 runners taking part including lots of children, dogs in festive costume and one villager even completed the course on horseback later in the day.

The enjoyment was self-evident from the many happy smiling faces throughout.

The event was blessed with good weather and many villagers turnout out to support the runners.

At the "finishing line runners were presented with their medals by the Mayor of Solihull and the Rotary President before proceeding to enjoy coffee and hot chocolate kindly provided by the Manor Hotel.

The proceeds of the event will go to support Marie Curie and local charities for the homeless.

(See centresafely colour page for photograph) Frankie back home

CAT MINDER I am offering a service that will

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

Reference available, security checked/fully insured.

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Fire burn and cauldron bubble Jonathan Gilbert — considered to be the founder of Meriden, Connecticut — was a son of a witch.

Gilbert (b. 1618 in Meriden, Warwickshire, England; d. 1682 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut) is considered the founder because he was one of the first Europeans to settle here, around 1661. He named his farm Meriden, and that name would later adhere to the surrounding area as well.

But in 1651 there had been a shooting accident. Thomas Allyn’s gun went off, killing Henry Stiles, who had lived for a time with Thomas and Lydia Gilbert, Jonathan’s parents. Three years later, it was determined that Lydia had caused the shooting accident through witchcraft. She was hanged, “familiarity with the Devil” being a capital crime here at the time.

All told, the Connecticut Colony bumped off 11 supposed witches between 1647 and 1662 — long before the much more famous panic that swept Salem, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where 20 alleged witches were executed in just one year, 1692.

(In some of these trials the “water test” was applied: `m.

Thrown into a pond or river, if the accused sank, she was innocent; if she floated to the surface, she was guilty. However, two of Connecticut’s 11 executed witches were men.)

Anyway, Massachusetts gets all the credit for — and profit from — the dubious and lugubrious distinction of having liquidated the most witches, while Connecticut has yet to derive any commercial benefit from having been the first of the 13 original colonies to latch on to the idea. That should count for something, no?

The difference comes down to marketing: Massachusetts has done a thorough job of monetizing that experience, with tourist traps in and around Salem that include a Witch House, a Witch Village, a Witch Museum, a Witch Dungeon Museum, a Witch History Museum, a Wax Museum, and even the homestead of Rebecca Nurse, who was executed for witchcraft in 1692. Even the local high school uses a witch’s hat as its symbol.

What does Connecticut have? Nothing.

But this morbid history has not been entirely forgotten. The Associated Daughters of Early American Witches has assumed the mission “to search for and preserve the names of those accused of witchery in that portion of Colonial America now the United States of America,” and “to locate the living female descendants of all witches who were accused in the American colonies” before 1700.

So far, the ADEAW has managed to convince the town of Windsor to clear the names of the two town residents who were hanged, but the state of Connecticut has declined to accept responsibility for those whom its predecessor colony snuffed out, let alone those who were tried but acquitted. And an appeal to the British Crown has likewise been ignored. Since this colony operated, at the time, under a royal charter, maybe the Queen would like to pardon all the witches? Just a thought.

Meanwhile, the Associated Daughters are also trying to raise money for a memorial to those who were whacked for witchcraft in Connecticut, to be placed at the Old State House in Hartford, where most of the trials and executions took place.

Do you know who this cat And who knows? Perhaps our next governor will see fit to take up his or her broomstick and sweep the record clean. belongs to?

Reach Glenn Richter It is a long haired tabby at grichter@ record-journal.com.

For further information

please call 01676 521199

Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood Millisons Wood. At the time of the Domesday Book (1086) it is likely that about half of the Meriden parish area was covered by woods, part of The Forest of Arden. This was more unusual than you might think, probably only about 7% of Warwickshire was tree covered, and wood was a b vital part of the village economy with related businesses to relatively recent times. So the trees around the village are an important part of its cultural heritage and Millisons Wood is our own little patch of ancient woodland, part of the tiny fragment (2%) which remains in the UK. The biodiversity of ancient woodland has developed over many centuries and is home to a large number of endangered species. The soil is relatively undisturbed, keeping layers of falling leaves, laid down over centuries and providing a home for hidden communities of fungi, invertebrates and dormant seeds.

Particular plants are known as ancient woodland indicators including bluebells, and if you haven’t seen the fabulous show in Millisons Wood do make sure you visit this April / May. Julie Hyde captured this beautifully in watercolour. If you’d like to have ago at this yourself, there are step by step instructions on the Centre of England website under the Painting Projects tab - coea.co.uk/painting-projects.

Wood anemone can also be found there around March to May. Other plants to look out for are Wood Sorrel (April to May) and Yellow Pimpernel (May to July). Seen recently but missed last year was, the Broad leaved Helleborine Orchid, so it would be lovely to know if anyone spots it when walking in the wood this summer (July to September). However, these flowers are quite vulnerable to being trampled as the muddy paths widen out and there’s a risk we could lose them forever.

Wood Anemone

Wood Sorrel

Yellow Pimpernel

Julie’s painting of Millisons Wood

Helleborine Orchid

Purple Hairstreak Butterfly

The dominant tree in the Forest of Arden area is the English Oak (not a surprise!), Silver Birch is common and you could also expect to see Beech and Ash in the wood. From an ecological perspective, oaks are of particular value, supporting more life forms than any other native trees. The hundreds of insect species that make them their home are an important food source for woodland birds, including woodpeckers. In the autumn muntjac deer will eat the acorns and jays will bury them for winter food, those they forget becoming the oak trees of the future.

One species which make the oak home are the Purple Hairstreak butterflies which on hot summer evenings in July and August can be seen chasing each other in the tree canopy if you watch from the field behind the wood. If you’re very lucky, you might just see an adult basking lower down, on a small tree or bracken. Other butterflies that are can be seen earlier in the year flying along the main ride are the Orange Tip and the Green-Veined White.

Most ancient woodlands are not untouched by man. Woods were managed for timber and other products over centuries; periodic cutting actually prolongs the life of the trees and ensures light gets through so that flowers and other plants can grow. If its left to decay, cut wood, becomes the habitat for insects, fungi, mosses and lichens. We are lucky that The Solihull Conservation Volunteers undertake this conservation work, ensuring a range of habitats and associated flora and fauna are maintained in Millisons Wood.

There are several ways you can help Solihull Conservation Volunteers conserve Millisons Wood.  Turn up on a Sunday to do some work with them. They have a work schedule on their website solihullcv.org.uk/calendar which shows when they will be working locally.  Make a donation to help fund equipment and other essentials; they are a registered charity.  Tell them if you see interesting species in the wood, it will help them demonstrate the value of their work when making grant applications.

And if you haven’t had a walk in the woods recently, isn’t it time you did? But please do try to avoid trampling the wildflower plants!

Apologies if you tried to contact me using the email address in the winter issue as it wasn’t quite right; please do try again. I’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in our trees and wildlife in general. Or visit the Facebook page Meriden and Millisons Wood

Trees. Collaborators very welcome!

Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com

Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees

Cameo

Come And Meet Each Other

At the Sports Pavilion on the 4th Friday afternoon of every month at 2pm Last November Hugh McNeil from the Central Food Bank in Coventry told us of the organisation involved in helping to support many needy families. It was welcome news that supermarkets are increasingly supporting the food bank with their surplus stocks.

December introduced us to Meriden School, where the children entertained us with Christmas songs and refreshments. The oldest children were excellent hosts at the tables where we sat. All those who attended enjoyed seeing the children so well prepared and lively.

For January, Robert and Catherine Carr showed us an interesting film about the work of ‘Mary’s Meals’ in various parts of the world providing a meal in school for all the pupils. This encourages involvement in education and allows many to take up opportunities to study and work well to support themselves.

We look forward to meeting more friends at our meetings.

Any information or a lift needed The next meetings will be:please telephone Joan 523507 or Pam 523372.

March 23rd Margaret Oliver who will lead us towards Easter.

April 27th An outing for a meal at ‘The Cottage’ Fillongley May 25th A speaker is to be arranged.

Carl Pickering

TRACTORS TO TRAVEL

Painting and Decorating

They say everyone has a story to tell, but few could match the ‘tractors to travel’ tale of local octogenarian Barbara Cookes. Her soon to be published autobiography, ‘A Farmer’s Daughter’, is full of fascinating local area facts and insights. From the outset, the book charts her schooldays through the early post war years and later, working dawn to dusk on her parent’s farms with her older brother John in and around the village of Meriden where she grew up.

Painting and decorating Ceramic wall and floor tiling Laminate flooring Carpentry work

Carl Pickering 07761910882 Carl77136@gmail.com

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

It tells of the rare annual holidays she shared with her mother and aunts and, when she was older, the many trips she made to a remote Italian village to meet up with an ex- prisoner of war her family had employed on the farm.

With the demise of a lifetime’s work on the land came a new awakening, which was to take her to the far corners of the world and the exotic holidays she had always dreamed of. Sharing many of her journeys with relatives and long-time friends from the village, Barbara’s list of places she’s visited read like the index page of a world atlas.

Copies of the book, priced at £7.95, will be available from the publisher Dave Crewdson on 07779587849, or can be obtained directly from Barbara Cookes on 01676522101.

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.

The next Parish Council meeting dates are:  19 March 2018 - The Pavilion  23 April 2018 – Annual Assembly, Village Hall  30 April 2018 – The Pavilion  21 May 2018 – Annual Meeting of Meriden Parish Council, The Pavilion



Wednesday 16 May 2018 – The Pavilion

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

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

Community Surgeries 11am-12pm:  Monday 5 March 2018 – Meriden Library  Monday 9 April 2018 – The Pavilion  Monday 14 May 2018 – Meriden Library Meriden Neighbourhood Plan meetings 6.30pm 8.00pm:  Wednesday 14 March 2018 – The Pavilion  Wednesday 18 April 2018 – The Pavilion

–

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

Your Parish Councillors are:

Rosie Weaver BEM (Chair)

Frances Lynch-Smith (Vice-Chair)

Bob Kipling

Melanie Lee

Paul Lee

Mandy Haque

Jon Barber

Matthew Nunn

Get local updates from the police Sign up for live police updates from your area - whether it’s details of incidents, timely crime prevention advice, community events or appeals for information, whatever you tell us you want to hear about. It is free to sign up to and you can register according to your interests and where you live and work.

Sign up to start getting updates at www.wmnow.co.uk. Remember if you spot anything suspicious, dial 101 to report it.

Update on Fillongley Road Bridge repairs Further to our update on our website, the repair work has been postponed. Solihull Council are “currently reviewing the design specification to deliver a more cost-effective solution, which hopefully will minimise disruptions to motorists.” At our January parish council meeting, Head of Highways Ashley Prior, explained that the delay will be at least six months while they consider a better, quicker and more cost-effective solution.

The Parish Council would like to thank Bruce Brant for daffodil bulbs which have been planted around the Oak Tree and shrub beds on Meriden gateway roundabout.

Also, a sack of daffodils has been planted by Woodland View along verges either side of driveways and around bus shelters at the top of Meriden Hill.

Update on the Quarries Wayne Wardle of NRS advised that as part of the completion of the Slinkett fields, a number of Sand Martin nesting boxes have been installed.

Barbara Bland advised that residents were asking for confirmation of the final restoration contours and the landscape design for Area G. Wayne Wardle is to produce a brief report for the Meriden Mag – so far not received.

Meriden Pool update Plans are being prepared for a joint Parish Council bid with SMBC to improve the pool for future years.

Meriden Neighbourhood Plan Update Latest news from Solihull Council: The timetable for the Local Plan Review has been revised. This is due to a number of reasons – the volume, nature and extent of representations received, the importance of preparing concept masterplans for proposed site allocations and the need to consider the implications of the Government’s intentions to implement a standard methodology for assessing housing need.

In addition, work is also being undertaken on a Housing Market Area wide study on housing need and strategic growth locations. Work on this is still to be concluded and the implications of this will need to be considered in the review of the Local Plan.

It remains a Council priority to have a reviewed development plan in place as soon as possible, but it is also important to ensure that a robust and sound plan is prepared that can be progressed to examination.

Following a meeting of Full Cabinet on 7 December 2017 it was agreed that the timetable should be adjusted. It is now expected to proceed as follows:    

Publication of Submission Draft (for consultation) – Summer / Autumn 2018 Submission to Secretary of State – Winter 2018/19 Examination of Plan – Spring 2019 Adoption of the Local Plan Review – Summer 2019

The Local Development Scheme will be updated to reflect this.

Latest news from Meriden’s Neighbourhood Planning Steering Group: Good progress is being made on our pre-submission draft. At our December meeting, the Senior Hedgehog Officer from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust attended to report the work of the Trust in helping with Neighbourhood Plans to ensure hedgehogs are protected for the future. Volunteer tree warden, Sarah Sharland, was also in attendance to advise that the wych elm trees on Meriden Hill should be preserved as they are the natural habitat for the white letter hair streak butterfly. Meriden has an amber dot relating to the number of sitings of this butterfly. The next stage is to commission an independent assessment of Meriden’s open green spaces that the draft plan proposes to protect.

Sports Park News Any girls / young women interested in playing football should contact Rosie Weaver, Chair of Meriden Parish Council at rosie.weaver@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk.

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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 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 Ideal market for Mothers day gifts and cakes 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, plants and seasonal vegetables, crafts and homemade cards

Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide.

Contact 01676 534148

A free cup of tea or coffee with this voucher

Cyril Bean's A Coventry Way Challenge Sunday 8th April This is the 21st year of the annual 40 miles Challenge walk/run. As in previous years the event will start and finish at the Queen's Head pub in Meriden.

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

With the option of starting as early as 5.30 am, all of those taking part must be back at the Queens Head by 9 pm. The route is along the network of footpaths and bridleways that encircle Coventry. This year the 250 places were taken up by early January. And there are over 40 more on the waiting list - waiting for people to drop out before the day.

The route this year is as always, starting from the Queens Head, from 5.30am onwards and taking in Kenilworth Greenway, Kenilworth Common, Stoneleigh, Stareton, Bubbenhall, Ryton, Wolston, Bretford, Brinklow, Ansty, Barnacle, Bedworth outskirts, Corley Ash, Corley Moor and finishing back at Meriden, where we expect the runners/walkers to start reaching the Queens Head from about 2.30pm On the day Paul Stead from Solihull will be taking part in his 10th Challenge. And at the finish, race director Bob Carey will present Paul with a personalised 400 miles Tshirt as he completes the distance. Whilst most are local, included in the entries are from Harlow, Essex and Rossendale in Lancashire.

For information about A Coventry Way and the Challenge visit www.acoventryway.org.uk

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

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

07703 345210 …the perfect start to your day!

Meriden in the Great War Part Two An evening with Doreen Agutter Wednesday 18 April 7.30pm Village Hall, Main Road, Meriden

Candlelit vigils for the Fallen of Meriden Since 2015, St. Laurence Church and the community have remembered the fallen from the First World War on the centenary of their death with a candlelit vigil.

Vigils in 2018:

Tickets cost £5* includes cheese and wine or tea, coffee and biscuits On sale at SPAR Meriden, The Green, Meriden *All proceeds go to the restoration of Letitia Bankes’s family headstone and grave in St. Laurence’s Churchyard

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

Friday 13 April – Private Leonard Russell Sunday 6 May – Private Joseph Albert Jeffcott Wednesday 12 Sept – Lance Corporal Philip West Thursday 27 September – Captain Edgar Godfrey Izon Wednesday 12 December – Gunner George Davies The vigils start at 8.45am at St. Laurence Church where the candle is lit, placed in the lantern and carried down to the War Memorial while the church bell tolls 100 times.

The candle burns for 100 minutes.

Note: 6 May vigil will take place after church service and will proceed to the church yard where Private Jeffcott is buried.

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

Trustees Have you thought of becoming a Trustee of a local charity?

The Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust was set up in January 2016 to support and improve provision for amateur sports, recreational activities and other leisure time activities for all sections of the community in Meriden. It funds the operating costs of Meriden Sports Park and makes small grants to local voluntary organisations.

The Trust is governed by a board of 7 Trustees drawn from Meriden and the surrounding area, including a nominee from Meriden Parish Council. One of our Trustees is retiring in April and we are looking for a replacement and for other potential trustees to replace retiring trustees in the future If you think you might be interested and require more information, see our website at meridensrt.org.uk, email info@meridensrt.org.uk and phone Iain Roxburgh at 01676 522496 or 07971 780616.

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.

Saturday, 10.00 am 24th March, at the Jubilee Centre, Station Road, Balsall Common.

Free entry to everyone, A Presentation on Local History.

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

Wednesday 7.45 for 8.00 pm 11th April at Berkswell Reading Room. ‘ Postcards of Coventry’ A Talk by Colin Walker.

Admission £3 for members £4 for non members. .

Refreshments will be provided at all these events.

Membership is £5 per annum.

Have you looked at our website? www.berkswell-history.org

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

The Practice would like to welcome Dr Emma Grennell who will be joining the Practice in February as a GP Registrar, as we sadly said goodbye to Dr. Hamaoui. We would also like to welcome receptionists Wendy Lennon, Alison Hammond and Annette Smith, our health care assistant Pam Beebee and Rachel Newton our new administrative apprentice who have also joined the Practice team recently. Congratulations to Diane Wattrus who will become our Senior Receptionist from 29th January 2018. Dr Gold has left the practice to start a new life with his family in Australia.

LOST APPOINTMENTS – RESULTS WILL SHOCK YOU Patients who do not attend their appointments and do not cancel them are an ongoing major problem and have a significant effect on patients trying to book appointments to see the Doctor or the Nurse at the practice. The following appointments were lost:

DECEMBER 2017 DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS 60 APPOINTMENTS – 10 HOURS OF DOCTOR TIME NURSE APPOINTMENTS 57 APPOINTMENTS – 15 HOURS OF NURSE TIME

NOVEMBER 2017 DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS 63 APPOINTMENTS – 10 ½ HOURS OF DOCTOR TIME NURSE APPOINTMENTS 41 APPOINTMENTS – 12 HOURS OF NURSE TIME

OCTOBER 2017 DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS 71 APPOINTMENTS – 12 HOURS OF DOCTOR TIME NURSE APPOINTMENTS 63 APPOINTMENTS – 12 ½ HOURS OF NURSE TIME .

Coventry Breathe Easy CANCELLING APPOINTMENT For moreYOUR information

please ring Janet on 02476 460081 or Cynthia If you are unable make your appointment please CANCEL IT 02476to440316

Please help us to help you by cancelling any unwanted appointments to prevent valuable GP and Nurse appointment slots being wasted. With your help we can help prevent this.

Please help us by cancelling any unwanted appointments to prevent GP and Nurse time slots being wasted, with your help we can prevent this.

There are many ways you can cancel your appointment if you are unable to attend.

Telephone 01676 522 252 Meriden Surgery Secure email : solccg.bccancelappointments@nhs.net

We are doing our very best for to address this problem but without Doctor appointment continues to be wasted Please noteand no Nurse other request will betime actioned via this email A support group all those affected by a your help address; please include your name d.of.b.

Date and time of each lung month.condition, including friends, family and appointment and which member of staff the appointment is with

carers. Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month.

Via our website 2-4 pm, Eadon Hall, Central Hall, Methodist www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk below gives full details of the many ways in which you can cancel your You can either cancel an appointment you have booked Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 using online access or send the practice a message via the 2HA, except in the winter months when we appointment if you are unable to attend. website. If you have not already done so sign up today for meet for a coffee at Conroy’s online access

Nutricia – Nutrician and how it can have positive effects on lung conditions

Friday 9th March

By telephoning—01676 935 000 Balsall Common Friday l3th April Anxiety - Elliott Baker NHS

By Fax 01676 523 865 Meriden Surgery Face to face at Reception

01676 522 252 Meriden

In writing Friday llth May Councillor of Disability and Equality ChristineThomas By secure email—Chair solccg.bccancelappointments@nhs.net With your help we can reduce this panel valuable time being wasted Please note that no other requests will be actioned via this email address.

Please remember to include your name, date of birth, date and time of the

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

Birmingham Road

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

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 and Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, 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 Explorer Scouts are going to America in 2019 Three Explorer Scouts; Dan Locker, Peter Walker and John Roberts, from Meriden Scouts have been selected to represent Atherstone District, Warwickshire and the UK at the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia, America in 2019.

The World Scout Jamboree is an educational event which brings together 45000 scouts from around the world. The Jamboree promotes peace, mutual understanding and respect. The scouts will get to explore adventures, develop friendships and experience daily life of different cultures from across the globe.

The boys are planning lots of events over the next 18months to help fundraise so please come along and support your local Scout group. If you feel you could help in any way please email info@meridenwsj.co.uk.

As part of the fundraising the group are collecting items with Bags2school Company, which specialise in good quality second hand clothing. Any donations of clothes would be gratefully received. Please email and we will arrange collection.

The first big event is a fun quiz in Meriden Village Hall on 24th March.

Meriden World Scout Jamboree Fundraising Quiz 24th March Meriden Village Hall Arrive 7.00pm for a 7.15pm start.

Come along for this fun filled night.

Tickets are £7.50 per person, including a Fish and Chip Supper.

Teams of up to six.

Soft drinks, tea and coffee available on the night.

Bring your own Alcohol. Raffle on the night.

For ticket enquiries please email Dan, John and Peter on info@meridenwsj.co.uk

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

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

Lance Corporal Stanley Waterton Cooke, died 28 November 1915 on Gallipoli.

Incorrectly put on wrong memorial.

My wife and I moved to Meriden some 14 months ago and whilst chatting to our new neighbour about ‘this and that’, I mentioned that I was a World War One historian and author. He kindly gave me the book ‘The Fallen of Meriden, Great and Little Packington during the Great War’.

As I read the book which is a fitting tribute to the men who died, I came across Lance Corporal Stanley Waterton Cooke who died during the Great Storm on Gallipoli, 28 November 1915. I was surprised to note that he was commemorated on the Basra Memorial. As I have researched the Gallipoli campaign in detail and as a volunteer for the www.infromthecold.org , I realised that this was incorrect and noted that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission did indeed have Basra.

I decided to research L/Cpl Cooke and his pals from 9th Royal Warwick’s to see how many others may have been misscommemorated. Stanley’s Medal index card showed him entering the Balkans on 13 July 1915, although Soldiers Died in the Great War had Mesopotamia and Asiatic theatre of war. The SDGW was incorrect but it was obvious there had been a mix up.

I therefore found the 9th battalion Royal Warwick’s war diary for the relevant date and found the following -: 9th bn Royal Warwick’s, war diary November 1915 – 28th November 1915 ‘Trenches occupied & parapets being repaired, but men in critical condition through exposure, several men dying of exposure. Casualties – Officers – nil, Other ranks – Died 3, wounded 1, sick 48, 3 Other ranks to Brigade employ.

Effective strength; officers 16, Other ranks 625’ The war diaries mentioned three men dying on 28 November 1915 and on checking the CWGC site I found the following CWGC have for 9th R. Warwicks Willits Frederick – Basra Memorial Cooke S W – Basra Memorial Goulden Frederick – 8967 Helles Memorial Gallipoli On 29th -Metcalfe Edward; 11973 – Basra Memorial.

Three men listed on the incorrect Memorial for the two days.

Between 1st and 30th November 1915, 22 men died on Gallipoli and only the three listed above are on Basra Memorial.

Once I had gathered the relevant information, I contacted the CWGC and they took up the matter. This concluded with an email from them saying that in fact 21 men from the 9th Royal Warwick’s had been miss-commemorated. These men are now listed on the Helles Memorial online Debt of Honour register and eventually their names will be inscribed on the Helles Memorial on Gallipoli. https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1656402/cooke,-stanley-waterton/ Stanley and his pals are now memorialised correctly. Never Forgotten John Stephen (Steve) Morse

Meriden Women’s Institute Centenary 1918 – 2018 For one hundred years there has been a Women’s group meeting in Meriden every month! It started with informative meetings for new housewives, tips for housekeeping and family life, a choir was formed. Knitting was done throughout the war and afterwards for new born babies, fishermen and more recently the Alzheimer Society. Together with the National WI we have highlighted National concerns like Keeping Britain Tidy, and last year loneliness, the use of plastics and Climate Change.

In December we had our Christmas Party; we all enjoyed a buffet supper and were entertained by Chris Sutton on the keyboard.

At our January meeting we discussed the six resolutions put forward for consideration at the National AGM in June. Only one resolution will be the subject of that meeting. We think the concerns of modern slavery are most important – we shall see what the whole country decides in June.

In February we did not have a speaker! Instead Jackie Ball led us in ‘Armchair Aerobics’. We all remained seated while she led us through a series of exercises for our limbs, accompanied by tunes from musicals that had us singing along as well!

To continue our Centenary:Monday 5th March speaker is Louise Redsull ‘Me and my Guide Dog’ Competition: A decorated egg for Easter Monday 9th April will be our Centenary lunch at Meriden Manor hotel Monday 14th May is an Open Meeting for all to be entertained by the Merlin Singers Tickets are available for £4. th Monday 4 June is Alan Cutler ‘Independent Visitor’ Competition: Floral Buttonhole

Meriden Women’s Institute meets at Meriden Village Hall.

Please contact Joan Russell 01676 522666 for more information.

If you would like to join us for the March or June meeting please cut out this slip and bring it along to the Village Hall by 7.30pm to enjoy the evening with our compliments.

Name…………………………………………………

Address……………………………………………… ……………………………..

Email…………………………………………………

Telephone……………………………………………

Date of meeting…………………………….

Asparagus

One of the most sought-after vegetables, asparagus is easy to grow on well-drained soil or in raised beds, as long as it is kept well fed and weed-free.

Asparagus grows on most soil types provided they are well drained. On heavy soils consider creating raised beds.

Clear the ground of perennial weeds and incorporate at least one bucketful of organic matter such as garden compost or well-rotted farmyard manure every square metre (yard).

Most gardeners plant one-year-old dormant plants called ‘crowns’ in March, although asparagus can also be raised from seed.

To plant asparagus crowns: Dig a trench 30cm (1ft) wide and 20cm (8in) deep. Work in well-rotted manure to the bottom of the trench and cover the base of the trench with a 5cm (2in) layer of the excavated soil  Make a 10cm-high (4in) ridge of soil down the centre of the trench  Place As the crowns on top of this ridge, with the growing points or new shoots uppermost. Space them 3045cm (1ft-18in) apart within the row. Spread the roots evenly but handle carefully as they easily break. Replace the rest of the soil, leaving the bud tips just visible  Leave 45cm (18in) between rows and stagger the plants between adjacent rows  Water in and mulch with 5cm (2in) of well-rotted manure or other weed free organic matter 



Keep the asparagus bed weed free. Weed by hand rather than with a hoe, as the shallow roots of the asparagus plants are easily damaged.

Mulch the bed in late winter to discourage weeds and to retain moisture. Consider covering the bed from autumn to winter with an opaque weed mat to prevent annual weeds germinating.

In early spring, apply 100g per sq m (3oz per sq yd) of general fertilizer such as Growmore, or fish, blood and bone.

If growth is weak, repeat this application once harvesting has finished.

Do not harvest for the first two years after planting. In the third year, harvest spears from mid-April for six weeks. In subsequent years you can harvest for eight weeks from mid-April.

To harvest, cut individual spears with a sharp knife 2.5cm (1in) below the soil when they are no more than 18cm (7in) tall. In warm weather, harvest every two to three days for the best quality spears.

Asparagus is traditionally harvested between St George’s day (April 23rd) and Midsummer’s day (June 21st). The Vale of Evesham is well known for asparagus growing.

Asparagus, pea and mint risotto 1 tbsp olive oil 1.5 litres boiling vegetable stock 1 onion finely chopped 2 crushed garlic cloves 350g Arborio rice 200g trimmed asparagus and cut into 1 inch lengths 200g frozen peas Handful of shredded mint leaves Parmesan cheese Using a heavy based pan, fry the onion until softened Add garlic and rice and stir fry for 1 minute to coat the rice. Stir in the asparagus and peas Add the hot stock gradually and keep stirring until all the stock is used up for 20-25 minutes and the rice is cooked. Remove from the heat stir in the mint and scatter over the grated cheese and a few extra leaves Some smoked salmon added towards the end of cooking makes it even more delicious!

A simple starter If buying asparagus place the bundle in water like a bunch of flowers to keep fresh.

Trim the stalks and cook in boiling water until tender, only a few minutes. Serve with melted butter.

You can serve them with chopped bacon or pancetta, lemon juice or soft melted cheese..

Brailes Farm 522318

Potatoes Village delivery

Village Diary DATE 2nd March

EVENT Women’s World Day of Prayer

5th March 5th March 5th March 10th March 11th March 14th March 14th March 17th March 19th March 19th March

Reading Zoo Community Surgery WI Firebird Singers Concert Mothering Sunday Service Readers Circle Neighbourhood Planning Meeting Big Picture Show Reading Café Flower Club

19th March 23rd March 24th March 25th March 25th March 29th March

TIME 7.30 pm

CONTACT Rev Jane Braund 533737

Sports Pavilion

2.30 – 3.15pm 11.00am–12noon 7.30pm 7.00pm 10.30 am 7.30pm 6.30 pm

01676 522717 01676 522717 Joan Russell 522666 Val Martin 522963 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Peter Moss 01676 523590 Barbara Bland 522474

Village Hall Library Village Hall

7.30pm 10.30– 11.30 am 7.30pm

Chris Copper 522645 01676 522717 Ann Lea 07725478624

Parish Council

Sports Pavilion

7.30pm

Barbara Bland 522474

CAMEO Scouts Fundraising Quiz British Summer Time starts Remembering WW1 dead Maundy Thursday Passover Meal Churches Walk of Witness Easter Day Bringing in the light .Easter Holy Communion Easter Day Service Green bin collection starts

Sports Pavilion Village Hall

2.00 pm 7.00 pm

Joan 01676 523507 info@meridenwsj.co.uk

St Laurence Church Methodist Church

10.30 am

Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Jane Braund 533737

Meriden School St Laurence Church St Laurence Church Methodist Church

10.30am 8.45 am 10.30 am 10.30am

Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Jane Braund 533737 0121 704 6000

Easter Activity Camp Supper Club Coventry Way Challenge WI Centenary Lunch Community Surgery Readers Circle Vigil for Pte L Russell Big Picture Show Reading Café Flower Club

Sports Park Methodist Church Queen’s Head Manor Hotel Sports Pavilion

18th April

30th March 1st April 1st April 1st April Week beg April 2nd April 3/13th 6th April 8th April 9th April 9th April 11th April 13th April 14th April 16th April 16th April

VENUE St Peter’s Balsall Common Library Library Village Hall Shirley Methodist Church St Laurence Church

Rachel 07812127772 Rev Jane Braund 533737

St Laurence Church Village Hall Library Village Hall

11.00am–12noon 7.30pm 8.45am 7.30pm 10.30–11.30am 7.30pm

Joan Russell 522666 Barbara Bland 522474 Peter Moss 01676 523590 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Chris Copper 522645 01676 522717 Ann Lea 07725478624

Neighbourhood planning meeting

Sports Pavilion

6.30pm

Barbara Bland 522474

18th April 23rd April 27th April 27th April

Doreen Agutter talk Annual Parish Assembly Vivo music night CAMEO

Village Hall Village Hall H of E Club Sports Pavilion

7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30 pm 2.00 pm

Mary Warr 522160 Joan 01676 523507

30th April 3rd May 6th May 6th May 9th May 11th May

Parish Council SolihullCouncil Elections Vigil for Pte J Jeffcott Packington Hall open gardens Readers Circle Supper Club Big Picture Show Community Surgery

Sports Pavilion Village Hall St Laurence Church Packington

7.30pm 7.00 am -10 pm 8.45am 2-5pm 7.30pm

Methodist Church Village Hall Library

7.30pm 10.00am-12 noon

14th May 20th May 21st May 21st May

WI Cyclists’ Memorial Service

Village Hall Meriden Green

7.30 pm 11.00am

Reading Café

Library

10.30–11.30am

01676 522717

Annual Parish Council Meeting

Sports Pavilion

7.30pm

Barbara Bland 522474

21st May

Flower Club CAMEO

Village Hall Sports Pavilion

7.30pm 2.00 pm

Ann Lea 07725478624 Joan 01676 523507

12th May 14th May

25th April

10.30

Vill

Barbara Bland 522474 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Peter Moss 01676 523590 Rev Jane Braund 533737 Chris Copper 522645 01676 522717 Joan Russell 522666

David Hearn 02476 670048

Vill

Out and About this spring New exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery 16 February - 3 June | free admission Explore how art found its POP! in this transatlantic showcase of the movement’s most iconic artists.

Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Peter Blake, Pauline Boty and others, arrived on the scene in a riot of colour, with no manifesto or shared aims, absorbing and borrowing from popular culture as they went, and challenging notions of originality and what it meant to create art.

The classic Pop Art on show include an eight-metre-long fighter plane by James Rosenquist, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup tin, a lament for Marilyn Monroe by Pauline Boty, Joe Tilson’s iconic images of Che Guevara and prints by Peter Blake.

Featuring recognisable works from both sides of the Atlantic, this exciting exhibition offers an insight into the modern age’s most important art movement.

This show has been developed as a partnership between the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Lord and Lady Aylesford are opening their Gardens for The National Garden Scheme on May 6th at 2.00 pm - 5pm Admission £5, children free Packington Hall Meriden CV7 7HF (CV7 7HE) for sat nav (off A45)

Maxstoke and Packington W.I. will be selling homemade cakes and cups of tea (not included in admission fee) Mothering Sunday March 11th 11.00am to 5.00 pm Treat Mum to a lunch out or a cream tea at either Baddesley Clinton or Packwood House. Enjoy a stroll afterwards round the grounds or using a walk’s card available from the visitors centres.

Knowle Fun Run Sunday 20 May Entries are open for next May’s 35th Knowle Fun Run. Now with a choice of 5k or 10k runners have no excuse not to get fit for Solihull’s longest running Fun Run with a great community atmosphere on traffic-free streets and help raise funds Breast Cancer Haven in Solihull, the brain injuries charity Headway with half of all proceeds being retained for local causes; or run for your own cause. Enter online at www.knowlefunrun.org.uk.

Don’t forget the bluebell trail in Millison’s Wood from the end of April into May

Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green

Refuse Collection Information The green bins will be emptied again during the week beginning Monday April 3rd .

Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours Winter 1st Nov –31st March Monday-Friday (except Tues) 9.30am – 4.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am - 4.00pm 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 Last admission 15 minutes before closing time

10th March Birthday of the Earl of Wessex 13th March Commonwealth day 21st April Birthday of her Majesty the Queen 23rd April St George’s Day (St George’s Flag) 9th May Europe Day

20th May at 11.00am

20th May Cyclists service Cyclists Memorial Service

Cyclists’ memorial

Sunday March 25th British Summer time begins Don’t forget to put your clocks forward one hour

Service on the Green Recent visitors to Meriden Pool

Reminder! Deadline date for the summer 2018 issue: Tuesday May 1st Out by 1stJune.

Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@gmail.com Deliveries: Paul Lee Proof Reader: Claire Rose Meriden Primary School Meriden Library Meriden Surgery Lloyds Chemist St. Laurence Church Meriden Methodist Church

Mrs L .Anderton

Meriden Christian Fellowship

Pstr. Kevin Hunt Barbara Bland (Mondays and Tuesdays)

Parish Council Solihull M B C Solihull District Councillors

Rev Lynda Lilley Rev Jan e Braund

Member of Parliament Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector

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

Village Hall Bookings

Valerie Martin

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