MeridenMag Summer 2018

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy School We worked hard in the Spring term to encourage our children to make healthy choices, whether this was through our fantastic cooking club, Year 3 swimming, our skipping workshops, Meriden Mile or Body Coach active lessons to name but a few!

Our school is proud to be able to offer many after school sports clubs to our children too, these include football, gymnastics, netball, hockey, tennis, dance and yoga.

We aim to ensure all our children take responsibility for keeping themselves healthy and are able to make good choices about food, exercise and their mental health. We are also working towards the Excellence in Mental Health Award for Schools which is run by Leeds Beckett University.

All 75 Church of England Schools in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire are taking part in the Cross of Nails pilgrimage. The Cross of Nails will travel from school to school with a special act of worship taking place to mark each handover. The Cross of Nails arrived at Meriden C of E Primary School at 2.45pm on Wednesday 14th March. The Cross was passed over to us by pupils from Bournebrook C of E Primary School during a wonderful service which was led by Year 5. As we are also celebrating 100 years of the Diocese of Coventry in its current form, extracts from the school log book from 1918 were read out along with readings about the memorials in Meriden village centre.

During our time with the cross, the children took part in art projects based around peace, love and faith. 100 pupils designed a tile to be part of our Coventry Diocese centenary plaque which will be erected in the school hall. Other pupils created willow sculptures which will be placed in our Peace Garden.

The Extra Curriculum To enhance the National Curriculum further, we have once again been going on fabulous visits and having special days at school to help learning come alive.

Particular successes were the Key Stage 2 trip to the Big Bang Fair in Birmingham, World Book Day, Pirate and Egyptian days for years 2 and 3.Year 4 also learned to play Carnival music on the drums in Year 4 and we held another fantastic Faith Week which ended with a superb Easter Service from Year 4.

Summer term will bring a residential visit for year 4, camp outs for years 3 and 5, and more!

ECO Team In March, our Eco-team made a Super Hero chocolate bar character to celebrate ‘Fair Trade Fortnight’. The character, ‘Fantastic Fairtrade Phantom’ was displayed in the window of Thomas Cook in Solihull. Did you spot him?

Parent Questionnaire We were thrilled with the responses from our survey. The headlines showed that: 100% of parents who responded would recommend our school to others, 100% feel that their child is taught well and 100% say their child feels safe at school. The full survey can be found on the website. One of our favourite comments was ‘I wish there was a secondary school for Meriden children!’

Our School Prayer

This is our school, Let Peace dwell here, Let the rooms be full of contentment, Let love abide here, Love of one another, Love of mankind, Love of life itself, And Love of God. Let us remember, That as many hands build a house, So many hearts make a school.

Amen

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Priest-in-Charge: Rev Lynda Lilley Tel: Email: Mobile: Lay Reader: Peter Wright Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas Lis Willis

01676522825 rev.lynda.lilley@talktalk.net 07811 545 247 01676 522414 01676 522455 01676 521080

Church website: www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk

Service details for the summer The churchyard wall is fall-ing

down,

The churchyard wall is fall-ing

down;

fall-ing down,

what

shall

fall-ing down.

we do?

Whilst this may be a pleasant little ditty, it does convey an element of truth.

The churchyard wall is in need of some TLC. Over the years cracks have appeared, mortar eroded and coping stones dislodged. The church and especially its churchyard are an integral part of Meriden. It has served the community for generations and we would like it to serve the community for generations to come.

The churchyard is a place of peace and tranquillity that is enjoyed by many; those who pass by on the Coventry Way, those who come to admire the view, and those who come to visit loved ones laid to rest there. Whatever their reason for visiting they find it a spiritual place, a place of beauty and, most importantly, a place just to be. It would be such a shame if we were to lose such a treasure. We are asking ourselves the question, “What shall we do?” We are stepping back, looking at the options and deciding the best way forward. Initial estimates to repair the wall, improve the pathways, prune the trees and create disabled access are in the region of £30k-£40k. It sounds a lot but I’m sure that together we can raise this. If you have any ideas let us know!

In many ways the churchyard wall is like our lives. Over the years cracks appear, we feel worn down and our coping strategies are no longer appropriate. It’s at times such as these that we too should step back, look at our options and decide our own best way forward. If we don’t do anything, the problems are just going to get bigger and thus the cost, spiritually, physically, mentally and financially gets bigger too.

Sometimes the task seems too big but with God no task is impossible. He invites us to take all our worries and burdens to Him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest. Matthew 11:28-29

03/06/18 10/06/18 17/06/18

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19/08/18 26/08/18

16:00 10:30

Holy Communion Morning Prayer Traditional (BCP) Communion Kidz Praise Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Kidz Praise Baptism Celtic Service Holy Communion Morning Prayer Traditional (BCP) Communion Kidz Praise Baptism

Meriden Churches invite you to the community cafe.

Come along to enjoy a cuppa and cake.

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

Forthcoming dates: 8th June, 13th July, 10th August

With blessings, Lynda Lilley Friends of Meriden Churchyard.

This group meets at the Church at 10.00 am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month to do some gardening and other maintenance in the Churchyard for a couple of hours, and also to share coffee, cake, and conversation.

For more details please contact Pat & Peter Wright on 01676522414

Enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs please contact

Rev Lynda Lilley

The church will be open on Sunday afternoons from 12noon to 4:30pm up to and including October 21st. Everyone is welcome to visit this beautiful historic church. Do you have a spare hour or two on a Sunday afternoon? Why not volunteer to help keep the church open to visitors. Please contact Flick Blewitt on 01676 523229

Saturday 9th June 2018 “Darkest Hour” (PG) May 1940. With Allied troops stranded at Dunkirk and mounting pressure to surrender, it is Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) who is tasked with convincing a reluctant nation that the fight for freedom is worth everything. Oldman’s stellar performance is ably supported by Lily James as his loyal secretary and Kristen Scott Thomas as Clemmie Churchill, his long-suffering wife. A film not to be missed and if you have already seen it - well worth a second viewing!

Tickets (£5) are available from Spar General Store on the Village Green and tickets and advance reservations are also available from Chris Copper 01676 522645 Our Cinema Season will re-commence in September following a summer break in July and August. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our regular movie buffs as well as our occasional visitors for their loyal support. We are hoping to screen some excellent films in the Autumn including “Murder on the Orient Express”, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”, “The Children Act” and “Finding your Feet” We look forward to welcoming new-comers to join our regulars when the nights draw in. Have a wonderful summer.

Dates for your diary this summer

Sunday 24th June - Rotary Megaride

Sunday 1st July - Cancer Research Open Gardens Sunday 8th July - Funday Sunday Friday 13th July - Meriden Sch PTA summer Fayre Sunday 22nd July - Picnic in the Park For more details see adverts inside the Mag

With best wishes from the Big Picture Show Team

£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.”

Meriden Spice, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP Tel: 01676 523740 Entrance and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub

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

One free chicken or vegetable curry with every Takeaway order of £25 or more Not to be used with any other voucher

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.

For the past few months, possibly longer, the closure of the bridge out of Meriden on the road to Fillongley has been hanging over the village. Lots of discussion has taken place; potential diversions have been suggested and firmly opposed; and now we know that once again there are delays, while alternatives and more cost effective ways of restoring the bridge are looked at. It's frustrating because we know that the shortest distance between two points is always going to be a straight line, and while the road isn't straight, it is the most direct route.

When it comes to our own lives, we often want the quickest route possible too. We don't want to waste time on diversions or get slowed down on routes that seem very circuitous. The quickest way is bound to be the right way... Or is it?

Proverbs 3 verses 5 and 6 say 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight'.

In other words God is saying that if we trust him whole heartedly, not relying on our own understanding, God will direct us and lead us to where we need to go. He will take us on the right path. It's a promise that is reiterated in Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

However, what we define as 'the right path' and God's definition can vary. We have to be willing not to lean on our own understanding about what is best for us, but instead be willing to trust God to know what is best. That isn't always easy. When it feels like we are going off at a tangent, leaving the path that seems best to us, it is easy to start to doubt and want to keep going straight on. Sometimes the path can seem very steep with lots of boulders in the way. Yet if we trust God we can learn important lessons on what appear to be detours and difficulties, things that will actually help us later on.

There is always a purpose to what God does, and while we can get impatient, God in his wisdom ignores our impatience. Even if it feels to us we are going the wrong way, when we put our hand in his, when we ask for his help, acknowledging him as God and trusting him, he will not lead us astray. He always knows the way, because he is the way - 'The Way, The Truth and The Life' (John 14: 6). We may feel lost, but with our hand in God's, we have the assurance that we are not lost but on 'the right path'.

Psalm 25 verse 4 says 'Show me the right path O Lord, point out the road for me to follow'. The right path has been designed specifically for each one of us and if and when we do wander off, God can bring us back on track. That is because he loves us and he always has our best at heart. Even when we go through the valley of the shadow of death he is with us. In truth, he isn't just with us then, but has gone before us. Jesus has already passed through the valley of the shadow of death when he died for us.

If you would like to come and hear more about the God who loves you then please come and join with us or one of the other congregations in Meriden.

The Methodist Church Hall You will find a warm welcome. is available for hire

God bless you, Jane

Meriden Methodist Church meets at 10.30 on each Sunday except the first of each month when a Cafe Service is held at 4 pm instead.

Please contact Alan Gabbitas on

01676 522148

Money for local projects and an appeal for new trustees Small Grants Programme For the second year running, the Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust is inviting all organisations and groups within Meriden Parish to propose projects, events or activities that the Trust might support financially through grant funding.

Proposals should support ‘amateur sports, recreational or other leisure time activities’ and applications are particularly welcome from those involved in sports and recreational pursuits that are not catered for by Meriden Sports Park. The Trust is already committed to giving a grant to the Sports Park to cover its core operating costs. For a guidance note and application form contact Iain Roxburgh – see address below. Advice and assistance can be provided to help complete an application.

Appeal for new Trustees The Trust is governed by a board of 7 Trustees drawn from Meriden and the surrounding area, including a nominee from the Parish Council. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years. It is very important that the Board retains a balance of skills and that new potential trustees are recruited to replace retiring trustees at the end of their term of office.

The board of trustees have three principle jobs to do: Stewardship of the charity’s ‘endowment fund’, supporting the core operating costs of Meriden Sports Park on the basis of an annual business plan and running the Small Grants Programme.

The board meets 4 or 5 times a year, with meetings lasting about an hour and a half. In addition there are 2 joint meetings with the directors of the Sports Park.

If you think you might be interested and require more information, see our website at meridensrt.org.uk or email or phone Iain Roxburgh at the address below.

Registered Charity No1164556 registered office Hillrise, Leys Lane, Meriden Coventry CV7 7LQ Tel:01676 522496 info@meridensrt.org.uk

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.

For the past few months, possibly longer, the closure of the bridge out of Meriden on the road to Fillongley has been hanging over the village. Lots of discussion has taken place; potential diversions have been suggested and firmly opposed; and now we know that once again there are delays, while alternatives and more cost effective ways of restoring the bridge are looked at. It's frustrating because we know that the shortest distance between two points is always going to be a straight line, and while the road isn't straight, it is the most direct route.

When it comes to our own lives, we often want the quickest route possible too. We don't want to waste time on diversions or get slowed down on routes that seem very circuitous. The quickest way is bound to be the right way... Or is it?

Proverbs 3 verses 5 and 6 say 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight'.

In other words God is saying that if we trust him whole heartedly, not relying on our own understanding, God will direct us and lead us to where we need to go. He will take us on the right path. It's a promise that is reiterated in Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

However, what we define as 'the right path' and God's definition can vary. We have to be willing not to lean on our own understanding about what is best for us, but instead be willing to trust God to know what is best. That isn't always easy. When it feels like we are going off at a tangent, leaving the path that seems best to us, it is easy to start to doubt and want to keep going straight on. Sometimes the path can seem very steep with lots of boulders in the way. Yet if we trust God we can learn important lessons on what appear to be detours and difficulties, things that will actually help us later on.

There is always a purpose to what God does, and while we can get impatient, God in his wisdom ignores our impatience. Even if it feels to us we are going the wrong way, when we put our hand in his, when we ask for his help, acknowledging him as God and trusting him, he will not lead us astray. He always knows the way, because he is the way - 'The Way, The Truth and The Life' (John 14: 6). We may feel lost, but with our hand in God's, we have the assurance that we are not lost but on 'the right path'.

Psalm 25 verse 4 says 'Show me the right path O Lord, point out the road for me to follow'. The right path has been designed specifically for each one of us and if and when we do wander off, God can bring us back on track. That is because he loves us and he always has our best at heart. Even when we go through the valley of the shadow of death he is with us. In truth, he isn't just with us then, but has gone before us. Jesus has already passed through the valley of the shadow of death when he died for us.

If you would like to come and hear more about the God who loves you then please come and join with us or one of the other congregations in Meriden.

The Methodist Church Hall You will find a warm welcome. is available for hire

God bless you, Jane

Meriden Methodist Church meets at 10.30 on each Sunday except the first of each month when a Cafe Service is held at 4 pm instead.

Please contact Alan Gabbitas on

01676 522148

Money for local projects and an appeal for new trustees Small Grants Programme For the second year running, the Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust is inviting all organisations and groups within Meriden Parish to propose projects, events or activities that the Trust might support financially through grant funding.

Proposals should support ‘amateur sports, recreational or other leisure time activities’ and applications are particularly welcome from those involved in sports and recreational pursuits that are not catered for by Meriden Sports Park. The Trust is already committed to giving a grant to the Sports Park to cover its core operating costs. For a guidance note and application form contact Iain Roxburgh – see address below. Advice and assistance can be provided to help complete an application.

Appeal for new Trustees The Trust is governed by a board of 7 Trustees drawn from Meriden and the surrounding area, including a nominee from the Parish Council. Trustees are appointed for a term of 4 years. It is very important that the Board retains a balance of skills and that new potential trustees are recruited to replace retiring trustees at the end of their term of office.

The board of trustees have three principle jobs to do: Stewardship of the charity’s ‘endowment fund’, supporting the core operating costs of Meriden Sports Park on the basis of an annual business plan and running the Small Grants Programme.

The board meets 4 or 5 times a year, with meetings lasting about an hour and a half. In addition there are 2 joint meetings with the directors of the Sports Park.

If you think you might be interested and require more information, see our website at meridensrt.org.uk or email or phone Iain Roxburgh at the address below.

Registered Charity No1164556 registered office Hillrise, Leys Lane, Meriden Coventry CV7 7LQ Tel:01676 522496 info@meridensrt.org.uk

New Showroo m.

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

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  Beer and Wine  Premier Country fresh quality meats  Award winning Lashford sausages  Send and receive parcels from here  Fresh Coffee  Dry Cleaning  Lottery

Opening times 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

Hedgehogs in and around Oddfellows Allotments, Leys Lane Many people have not seen a hedgehog for years. Here in Meriden we seem to be lucky as I have seen several in my garden and on my allotment when I have taken an evening walk to it during the summer months.

My garden backs onto the allotments and in December of last year we watched a baby hedgehog wander across the lawn in deep snow to the bird feeder.

Hedgehogs should not be out at this time of year especially during the day. My husband picked it up and put it into a box full of straw while I checked on the internet as to what to do. We followed the instructions by giving it some meat based cat food, water and a hot water bottle. The hedgehog turned out to be a very proficient escape artist, so we knew we would not be able to attend to it throughout winter. Another look at the internet provided me with a list of nearby Hedgehog Rescue Centres. I rang up Hedgehogs Rest in Allesley where a very helpful lady said we should take it into her. We delivered the hedgehog the next day and she said she would look after it until the spring along with the room full of others she already had. A quick check revealed it was a girl so we named her Holly.

She was about 2 months old and only weighed 200 gr and would not have survived the winter.

We picked Holly up again at the beginning of April. She had been fed throughout the winter and now weighed in at 900 gr. We brought her home in a cardboard hedgehog house which we placed in a sheltered spot underneath the hedge. Following our instructions we left food and water out for her and as soon as it became dark she was out and enjoying her meal. It has been about 2 ½ weeks now since we picked her up and she still comes back every evening for a meal which we provide. On a couple of occasions she has been followed by a male hedgehog so there is a chance we could be having baby hogs this Summer.

On a rare sunny day at the end of February we spotted another fully grown hedgehog in the allotments looking for food. We gave it something to eat and after having its fill it went for a drink and then disappeared under the thick hedges. Seeing as it had survived through most of the winter we thought it would be OK, not realising that the Winter would still be continuing this year until the end of April. We are very much hoping it has survived.

Keep a look out for our spikey friends, especially in longer grass if you are using garden equipment such as strimmers, lawnmowers etc. as they will probably curl up rather than run away. They will appreciate any extra food such as meat-based cat food (not fish) along with fresh water. Do not give them milk as this will make them ill. Vanessa

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

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01676 521653

the green Meriden CV7 7LN

Opening hours: Tuesday 9.00-7.00pm Wednesday 9.00-5.00pm Thursday 9.00-8.00pm Friday 9.00-5.00pm Saturday 8.30-4.30pm

Meriden Fish and Chips The Green Meriden

Gift Vouchers available

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But we’re the best!

Opening hours

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

01676 523476

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

OVER 60’S EXCLUSIVE LEISURE CLUB MEMBERSHIP Join by July 31st and receive your 3rd and 6th month membership FREE

Now is the perfect time to get in shape, or simply relax and unwind in wonderful surroundings, or enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere with fantastic facilities including:    

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CV/Free Weights Gym /Fitness Suite 18m Indoor Heated Swimming Pool Spa Bath, Sauna & Steam Room An exciting new Studio timetable with over30 classes per week 2 Floodlit Outdoor Tennis Courts /

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Please bring this advert when joining the membership scheme, offer not valid without provided copy of advert.

Marriott Forest of Arden, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV7 7HR, MarriottLeisure.co.uk 01676 526 107 *Subject to availability *Fees applicable on joining *Usage Mon-Fri 6am-11pm

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

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

Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk

Special offer Coffee & Cake £3.00

Meriden W.I. Centenary. April 8th 1918-2018.

[[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, William son of Gerard (possibly Geoffrey’s brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill the Mason, Nicolas Godyng and many others. I imagine them all crowding round listening, all of 700 years ago.

20th May 1965, the ‘Coventry Standard’ ran a double page spread with the banner headline:

On ‘The W.IDoreen Movement Agutter.started to save a war-stricken country from starving,’

On the 50th anniversary of the first W. I in the U. K, they interviewed members of local W.Is including one of the earliest in Warwickshire: Meriden. By 1917 women in every area were aware of an impending crisis with queues in the towns for even basic commodities. Much of our food had been imported before the War but with German U boats blockading our shores and the shortage of male farm labour, acute after conscription in 1916, we faced possible disaster with perhaps only 6 weeks food in store. The weather in 1917 had affected the corn harvest badly and there was a conflict between meat and milk production. Now the government took an unprecedented step, rationing a number of essential food stuffs early in 1918.

To counter this problem earlier in the War at the end of 1915, the Board of Agriculture had set up County War Agriculture Committees. Warwickshire’s met initially on 13 November when the county was subdivided into Boroughs, Urban and Rural Districts. Meriden Rural District was so large it was divided further into North and South areas with Meriden village in the southern section. The Chair of its Food Production committee was Mrs Alice Drummond of The Manor House, Meriden, ironically where the centenary luncheon was held. She was a 50 year old Canadian, who according to an article in the ‘Coventry Standard’ for 25/26 January 1918, promised to help create a W I on the Canadian model in every parish in the south MRD. The W.Is then set out to play a significant role in much needed food production locally, bottling fruit and vegetables, breeding poultry and rabbits, keeping bees and increasing garden produce as well as offering some social activity for its members, thus establishing the likelihood that less than three months later it was Mrs Drummond who founded Meriden’s W.I . Two of Meriden W.Is original members, Miss Alice Bint (82) and Mrs Jane Hopkins (74) interviewed by the same local paper in 1948 recalled Mrs Drummond and Mrs Bankes were both notable presidents.

The W I Movement took off with speed in the county with its well- balanced objectives, reviving rural skills and egalitarian, non- partisan membership. Nearly 70 Meriden and Gt Packington women from all walks of life joined. A number showed greater self- confidence after gaining the vote in February 1918, one Meriden resident, Mrs Dorothy Jones putting herself up for election as a parish councillor.

During 1918 and 1919 at county level, the W.I Federation committee held meetings and exhibitions at Leamington Town Hall, with details reported in the Warwick and Warwickshire Advertiser. The enthusiasm can be felt almost a century later. In December 1919 Meriden W.I won first prize for its home- made toys there. The Town Hall was so crowded there was hardly any space to view the exhibitions! At home in the village during this period, plans for a Village Hall to commemorate the Fallen and Peace were enthusiastically sponsored by a committee including 5 W.I members while the W.I committee arranged for tuition on how to run the local group and educational experiences for older school children, supported charities and found pleasure in the form of a choir, whist drives, art and dances. By 1921 it had re-established the former Annual Flower Show like a country fair similar to those before 1914 in the new Village Hall and the grounds of Meriden Hall. A good-sized Village Hall was considered essential for the expansion and success of any W I. according to Lady Warwick speaking in 1919. This had been achieved by 1920 partly by the W.Is own efforts, supported financially by the villagers and Mrs Bankes’ generosity. The original hall was on Mrs Bankes’ land, the site of the present Heart of England Club on Berkswell Road. It was badly damaged by a blizzard in February 1940.

I am writing mini biographies of many founder members. Doreen Agutter The Manor House now the Manor Hotel

PC Technical Services Tile Hill Lane Coventry

Home Computer Repairs Upgrading & Problem Solving

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

Karen’s Fund-Raising Abseil.

My name is Karen Yardley I live in Millisons Wood and I’m 52 a mom of 5 children, and one adorable grandson Arthur born in November.

In January 2016 I began feeling really unwell and was treated for the menopause. However, in March 2017 I had an MRI scan which showed I had a huge brain tumour.

I had an operation in June 2017 to remove most, but not all of the benign meningioma.

I have, since my diagnosis, found a passion for raising awareness of brain tumours and early diagnosis is key!!!!

I’m raising funds for the Brain Tumour Charity and all funds will go towards my abseil. I’ve set £5000 pounds as my target and I will be abseiling down the Orbit the largest sculpture in the UK at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park London on 9th June 2018 and Sarah Lindsell, the CEO of the Brain Tumour Charity has dropped everything to do it with me. Sarah pushed my wheelchair for 8 miles last year on the Warwick twilight walk and we became great friends.

Sarah recently spent time with the late Tessa Jowell in the House of Commons pushing for more money to fight brain tumours and raise awareness of them.

If anyone would like to donate or help in any other way

My fundraising page is Virgin Money giving ‘Karen Yardley’ For more details please contact Karen on karenslk@hotmail.com

Family Picnic in the Park Sunday 22nd July Meriden Sports Park 12 noon to 4.00pm Fun Family afternoon out Attractions include:

Games and Races for the children Refreshments and cream teas available Bouncy Castle Face Painting Local Organisations Stalls Bring a picnic and come and support this great community afternoon.

All proceeds from the event going to The Brain Tumour Charity and The Motor Neurone Disease Association, in support of two local residents.

For more information or to book a stall please contact Rachel Platt on 07812 127772

Our centenary celebrations are in full swing – readers will have noticed the knitted bunting hanging round the village and also the display in the library porch.

Our actual birthday was on 8th April 1918, on 9th April 2018 we enjoyed a celebration lunch at the Manor Hotel. We were joined by our National Chair Lynne Stubbings and visitors from neighbouring WI’s.

After lunch Doreen Agutter gave an informative talk about the women in Meriden during the last hundred years. Please see page…

Our celebrations will continue throughout the year, we hope to see lots of visitors at our Open Meeting on Monday 14th May when we shall be entertained by the Merlin Singers.

The following meetings are:Monday 4th June, Alan Cutler tells us about being an ‘Independent Visitor’.

The competition is a ‘Floral Buttonhole’ If you would like to join us for any of these Monday 2nd July, Margaret Henley will be ‘’Mistress Meg’’ meetings please cut out this slip and bring it Monday 6th August – All our own, games and social. along to the Village Hall by 7.30pm to enjoy The competition is ‘An Animal Ornament’. the evening with our compliments.

Name……………………………………… ……………………………………………..

Meriden Women’s Institute meets at Address………………………………………

Meriden Village Hall. ……………………………………………….

Please contact Joan Russell 01676 522666 Email………………………………………..

Telephone…………………………………… for more information.

Date of meeting ……………………………..

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Psychology sessions are based at a venue in Solihull. Home appointments also possible.

Rotary Club of Meriden Grand Car Boot Sales Queen’s Head Meriden Saturdays 9th 16th 23rd & 30th June Field Open 11:00am until 3:00pm £5 per Table, Entrance: 50p per person Children under 12yrs free

For more information please contact Mike Holdsworth Tel. 01676 522492 mholdsworth218@Gmail.com No pre-registration required, field will be open from 9.00am for ‘Booters ‘setting up New members welcome On Tuesdays 7.00pm at the Manor Hotel Meriden

OUTDOOR WHOLE BODY FITNESS @ MERIDEN SPORTS PARK THURSDAY’s at 6.45-7.45PM £28 per month (£7 per session) Outdoor group exercise sessions for adults (over 18 years) which blend high intensity interval training (HIIT) with traditional cardiovascular & muscular strength/endurance exercise.

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Doing our bit in Meriden by Councillor Tony Dicicco At the end of April, I attended the Meriden Parish Council AGM, held at the Village Hall. Rather than the normal AGM format where the organisation running the meeting gives a report and the audience asks questions based on what is reported, the Parish Council has decided to dispense with the formalities and make it a more interactive session. This is the second year using this new approach, which I believe works very well. Representatives from a number of organisations active in Meriden attended and discussed what they do, how it benefits the local community and what they plan to do in the future.

The number of organisations there varied greatly, and included: Meriden Scouts, Meriden Sports Trust, Meriden Women’s Institute, the Firebird Singers, the Great War Committee (who have organised celebrations for the centenary of the First World War), St. Lawrence Church, CAMEO (a group where people can come together to drink coffee and tea . and have a chat), the Village Hall Committee, the Meriden Reading Circle, the Meriden Rotary Club and the Meriden Mag. Listening to the representatives from these organisations, I was impressed with all the hard work put in by the volunteers running these groups. These groups serve a large cross-section of our community and do some very important work helping the most vulnerable. As an SMBC councillor for Meriden Ward, and the Cabinet Member responsible for Stronger Communities, I would like to say a big “thank you” to all the people who give so much of their time to help others.

A clear message from almost all of the groups was that more volunteers are needed to ensure that the good work that is done can continue. I appreciate that people lead extremely busy lives and do not have much spare time, but a few hours a week could make a big difference as I know from my own experience. I became a trustee of the Jubilee Centre (now rebranded as “The Jubilee”) in Balsall Common about 3 years ago. It is fair to say that the centre was in a poor condition, not well used by the local community and in desperate need of a relaunch. A new committee was formed with mainly new people, including a new Chair. The transformation that has been achieved within a year is quite remarkable. Although I played only a small part in this, it is very satisfying to see the new Jubilee being so well used by the local community. So please, have a think about how you might be able to help the many local groups who are serving our community so well.

Yes, it can take up valuable time, but it can give a lot of personal satisfaction, provide the opportunity to work with other members of the community and even learn a few new skills.

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

Well where has this year gone! It just seems to be forging ahead at a pace of knots. At the moment we are on holiday in Wales, Yesterday the weather was so blustery I thought the roof may blow off our cottage. I was delighted this morning to find it was still intact!! Today was a much nicer day we actually managed to walk along the beach in the sun so thankful that God had blessed us with such a lovely day.

We have been very busy at MCF Life church, lots of exciting things happening in and around Meriden. Our updated website is looking really good and is so easy to navigate {such a blessing when some of the cottage sites I was looking at over the last few weeks were so difficult to navigate}.

We have such fun as a group going into Meriden school to do school assemblies and the children love getting involved with the acting and role play which makes the bible stories come to life.

Due to the fact that we don’t have our own building we hire the Methodist church and our service on a Sunday starts at 1 p.m. if you would like to join us you would be most welcome. We are a friendly bunch of people so you shouldn't feel awkward. This Sunday we will be attending church in Wales; this will seem strange as we can just sit and fellowship instead of having all the hustle and bustle we are usually involved in.

If you have any prayer needs you can go on our web site and post it. Some people want a reply, some don't, this is your choice.

I pray that this article finds you and your family in good health and with many things in your life that you are thankful for. I know that if I didn't have God in my life things happening in the World today would cause me to be worried and fearful. I am glad that having a personal relationship with Jesus has transformed my life forever it doesn't matter how big a problem is God is always bigger.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever- present help in trouble.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. (Psalm 46:1, 10-11) Usually my husband Kevin writes this article but as we are on holiday I thought I would let him have a rest and I would do it instead. Maybe I can then have a rest as well {no washing up, cooking, cleaning etc.) I think maybe he would prefer to write the article!!!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; [25] the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; [26] the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26).

Every blessing to you all.

Kevin and Lyn Hunt

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Heart of England School Recently we had a visit from Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design who gave an inspirational presentation to Key Stage 3 students about the design process, his philosophy of design and how to forge a career in design.

Ian spoke about his design journey, outlining his education from design schools like Grays School of Art, the Glasgow School of Art, Lanchester Polytechnic and the Royal College of Art and the companies he had worked for including TWR Design and Jaguar Cars.

Working for Jaguar has been a life-long ambition for Ian and fifty years ago he wrote and sent drawings to Jaguar Vice President, Bill Heynes and got a reply. He spoke about his favourite designs from his past: “The Aston Martin DB7 really means a lot to me, because it started everything off, and I still love the Vanquish.

I like the first XF because it was the beginning of a change in design ethos at Jaguar and of course the F-Type for obvious reasons!”

As head of design at Jaguar since 1999, designs by Ian include the Jaguar XK, XF and XJ saloon cars and the recently launched I-Pace, an all-electric SUV which has a 298 mile (480km) range.

After the main presentation, Ian met with a smaller group of older students, answering many questions about his career, influences and what he likes about his job. Asked whether he copies designs he likes Ian said: “We are all inspired by other people’s designs but being inspired isn’t copying. It’s about capturing the essence and value of their design. That’s inspiration.”

The students were very interested in the design process. “Where do you start?”

“Start by drawing,” said Ian. “You don’t have to be good at it, but that’s where you start because that’s the point at which you can talk to other people about your concept. The future of design is collaboration with others: science, art and engineering.”

Ian was very honest and open is his interaction with the students.

There were lots of good questions and there was a keen interest in the many aspects of design and engineering with many expressing an interest in product, car and engineering design as a career choice.

Principal Jacqueline Hughes-Williams said: “Design is central to our vision for education at Heart of England.

The emphasis Ian Callum places on values within the creative process is enlightened; his focus on simplicity and ‘essence’ – visionary. Our students were both inspired and motivated by his visit.”

Asked about what he would have done if he weren’t a designer Ian said: “Oh, that’s easy. A song writer. I can’t read music or play an instrument but I love the artistic expression of it. My current way of artistic expression is very expensive!”

Courage ∙ Determination ∙ Honesty ∙ Kindness ∙ Humour school will take place too, so if you want to see how things have changed, come along and joins us.

A variety of food and drink will be available including a hog roast, bar-b-que, afternoon tea and ice cream.

The festival is on Friday 29th June from 4pm until 9.15pm.

Tickets are priced £2 child, £4 adult and £6 for a family ticket.

Tickets are available to order from our website: www.heartengland.co.uk/jubileefestival. You will receive wristbands which will act as your ticket. Alternatively members of our local community can purchase their wristbands by leaving a ticket order form and payment in an envelope at the school reception.

This year is our Diamond Jubilee year and we are celebrating with a special festival event on 29th June. It will be a community celebration of 60 years of Heart of England School, with live music, food and fun. It is open to the community, former students, staff, parents and current students.

The Diamond Jubilee Festival will feature performances from past and present students with music from across the decades since the founding of the school in 1957. There will even be a band consisting of former students!

A special display of school memorabilia will exhibit photos, artifacts and work from years gone by. Guided tours of the

Connect with Heart of England @HoE_School www.facebook.com/HeartofEnglandschool/ www.heart-england.co.uk

We do hope you can join us for this memorable event!

Contact Amelia Greyling or Sarah Henton for more information.

Calling Former Students!

There are a few solo slots but we are also looking for past students to form an alumni band from scratch on the day. So, if you were part of a school band or Mr Jones’ Jazz band we need you! Music will be provided, you will need an instrument and to be available from 1pm on Friday 29th June for a rehearsal. No performer too rusty!

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

Summer Holidays Monday 30th July to Friday 31st August fun days filled with a variety of sporting and play activities to keep your child/ren active over the summer. We can guarantee that they will have a fantastic time.

Call Rachel Platt 07812 127772

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'Fillongley Bridge – still no news as at 4th May 2018' Having checked with Solihull Council if there were any further developments or clarification regarding the (previously proposed) Filongley Rd Bridge closure I was advised that there was no news and the following statement still holds true: Following public engagement with local residents and other key stakeholders over the Fillongley Road Bridge project, Solihull Council has spent recent months reviewing the scheme in light of the feedback received and available funds. Working with our engineers and contractors, we are considering an alternative proposal and exploring other funding options.

Residents can keep up to date with the scheme by signing up to Stay Connected email bulletins here: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected So, watch this space!

David McGrath, Eaves Green Lane Meriden

Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden village Hall 7.30-9.30pm On the third Monday of each month June – no meeting, club outing 16th July ‘Come Fly with me’ Jane Fox August – no meeting, club closed Come and watch a talented demonstrator inspire you with floral art, visitors are most welcome For more information – Ann Lea 07725478624

Welcome to Spring Meriden Village Hall was a blaze of colour from beautiful Spring Flowers at the March meeting of Meriden Floral Society. Andrew Lloyd a NAFAS demonstrator and florist travelled up from Stourbridge to delight with his demonstration ‘Mad as a March’ Members were asked to construct a design at home entitled ‘Welcome to Spring’ and bring it to the meeting, Andrew Lloyd was impressed with the number of entries and gave everyone a mark and written comment.

Please see centre colour pages for photograph.

Monthly Sunday Pub Quizzes at the Bear Inn, Spencers Lane Berkswell, CV7 7BB Each month the quiz raises money for a different charity, recently raising £200 for Zoe’s Place a hospice for very sick children in Coventry. The start time is 7.30pm and teams of up to 6 people may enter, the entrance fee is £1 person, there are prizes, a raffle and a few auction items. Everyone welcome. The dates of the next few quizzes are:

3rd June * 1st July * 29th July * 26th August Please contact John Foudy on 07904 560991 for more information.

BuBBles Hand Car WasH .

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Phone 07538 238 005 Open 9.00am -7.00pm 7 days a week

Prices from £6 wash only £12 -£15 for inside and out including full vacuum and interior windows

20% off all prices when you bring the Meriden Mag with you!

'Hiking Hounds Dog Walker’ Meriden/ Eastern Green area.

Contact Sarah on 07572508727

Customers of Bubbles Car Cleaners need to be aware that the entrance from Shepherds Lane has been closed.

This means that motorists from Meriden need to drive to the Stonebridge Island and turn back to Meriden and access the car cleaners from the A45. When leaving motorists have to drive to the Allesley roundabout to return to Meriden. This is causing problems for the car cleaners and they have lost business. There is a petition to sign at Bubbles if you feel the entrance should be reopened.

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 two months are:

7th June An Inspector Calls (School Inspector) 5th July The Life of Beatrice Cadbury 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.

Connie Curtis 12/11/1925. 31/3/2018 Constance (Connie) Curtis nee Cobley was born in Berkswell and spent a happy childhood and went to school in Berkswell and Balsall Common. In her early teens her mother passed away and Connie was sent to live with an aunt in London who was very strict. Eventually she returned home and went into service at Berkswell Hall. During that time Connie also looked after a young Jeremy Brett who later became a famous actor.

Connie returned to London seeking employment in office work. Her last job was with the Royal Insurance until she retired. It was whilst working in London she met her husband Charles and married in 1952. Sadly Charles died of a heart attack in 1967.

Connie came back to Meriden in 1985 to be near her elder sister Jenny and threw herself into village life, joining W.I., Canley Community Church and Cameo in Meriden. Her hobbies included baking and gardening, She loved her dogs and also adopted dogs and supported the Dogs Trust. She was a supporter of Age UK and the Poppy Appeal where for many years she helped out where she could.

Connie's nephew Robert his wife Deborah and their sons Adam and Joshua attended the funeral.

Connie was often a familiar sight around the village always pushing her trolley. She will be sadly missed by friends and neighbours.

Betty Frances Owen 09.06.1930 - 09.04.1918 Betty was born in Meriden in 1930, she married her husband, the late Ron Owen, In 1958, they had their only son, David.

Betty also has a daughter in law, two grandsons and a great grandson.

Betty cared for many children as a dinner lady at Meriden Primary School, where she worked for 27 years until she retired. She also had a great love for dogs and always helped look after dogs belonging to family and friends.

Betty also delivered the Meriden Mag for the past 20 years and for that the Mag team are very grateful.

Beryl Gulliver 18.5.1923 – 31.1.2018 Beryl Gulliver (nee Thurlow) died on the 31st January 2018, she had lived in Meriden for 47 years. Beryl was born in Coventry on the 18th May 1923, and grew up in Foleshill, she was the youngest of five children, and had two brothers and two sisters. This resulted in her being Aunty to four nieces and twelve nephews.

On the 21 June 1947 she married Allen Gulliver, they were married for 65 years, and lived in Delhi Ave. Foleshill and then Clark St., Bell Green, before moving to Main road Meriden in 1971. They lost their son Peter in June 2003, he was an only child, and his loss hurt them very much. They both showed interest in the village, Beryl going to Calligraphy lessons, and Allen taking courses at the local library to improve his computer skills. On the 28th of November 2012 Beryl lost Allen suddenly, and she found it very hard for five years to carry on without him.

Beryl worked in the surgery in Meriden as a Doctors receptionist. She loved the job and got to know a lot of the Meriden residents in the 17 years she worked there. Her other loves were knitting and cooking. Quite a few of the family and friends own one of her knitted jumpers or cardigans, and also there are a lot of family and friends who enjoyed her sausage rolls, mince pies and cakes at various occasions held at 55 Main road. She always showed interest in all the children and their activities, and what they were getting up to, never forgetting to ask how they were, and often sending pocket money to them to buy a treat.

She will be missed by her family and friends but has left behind a lot of memories for people to think back on.

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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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A Message from Caroline Spelman MP It is right that despite austerity, public spending on the NHS has risen each year - from £98.4 billion in 2009/10 to £124 billion in 2017/18 (Kings Fund). However, whilst investment in services and treatments are paramount, it is also important that Government reward NHS workers for their continued hard work and dedication.

Like many of us, I too have reason to be deeply grateful to the NHS locally for helping to heal two members of my close family in recent months. For that reason, I hope that readers will join me in welcoming news that the health secretary has agreed a significant pay increase with the NHS and trade unions which will see staff receive a pay rise of between 6% and 29% over the next 3 years. As part of the new pay reforms, some of the lowest earning NHS staff such as porters, cleaners and hospital caterers will see their wages rise by 15 % on average by 2021, whilst a newly qualified nurse will receive a starting pay that is 12.6%—nearly £3,000 - higher in 2020-21 than this year.

Separately, I also wanted to inform readers of a new and wide reaching Government consultation which will have a significant impact on us here in the Meriden constituency. This review looks at powers to tackle illegal or unauthorised traveller encampments.

Unauthorised encampments, including some of those which we saw last summer across Solihull, can cause local residents significant distress and they portray a negative image of the travelling community; the vast majority of whom are law-abiding citizens.

To tackle this Solihull Council recently secured an injunction against a family of travellers known to the police and local authorities, who have been reported to have caused significant nuisance across the West Midlands in recent years.

Furthermore, SMBC have made efforts to ‘target harden’ many of our local parks and recreation grounds to make them more difficult for vehicles to access illegally.

The consultation, which closes on 12th June, focuses on: · Extending the circumstances in which police can direct trespassers to leave land · The effectiveness of existing powers to deal with unauthorised and illegal encampments · Improving access to authorised traveller sites and the impact on the travelling community The consultation document is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/powers-for-dealing-withunauthorised-development-and-encampments. I would encourage readers to consider its contents and reply directly or email me with their views so that I can pass them onto the Minister. 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

Firebird Singers Update We continue to have a successful season, the proceeds from our Disney concert at the Manor Hotel in March exceeded £4,000 this was in part aided by an excellent raffle organised by Sallie Garbett and Sam Tooze’s family and friends in aid of Motor Neurone Disease.

We also raised £1059 for Troop Aid at our concert held at Shirley Methodist Church.

We are very pleased to have been asked to appear at the Rotary Megaride in June and are looking forward to our summer concert at the Albany Theatre in Coventry, when we will be raising funds for this year’s chosen charity the Huntington Disease Association. We hope to see you there. Valerie Martin 01676 522963

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

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Thank you and goodbye I am going to start my latest message by announcing it will be my final one.

After 30 years of service I am set to retire from policing. As is only natural ahead of my summer departure I have begun reflecting on my career and the fond memories I will take of my time serving the local community.

It is fair to say that during my three decades in the job policing has changed. It is changing now and no doubt it will continue to change in the future. We have to adapt and continue to tackle the latest crime or trends to keep you safe in an ever-changing world.

But throughout my time in the job there has been one thing that has remained consistent…the difference that the support of the public can make. Whether it has been the safety advice that you followed, the information that you provided to help us make arrests or the time you took to share messages on our behalf to reduce crime…never underestimate the difference you have made and continue to make.

I can honestly say that my time in Solihull has been some of my fondest, and I think the public spirit I have witnessed during my time has been unrivalled. This pride in your community is commendable and has aided our work greatly.

The community has provided new and unique challenges at the end of my varied career. One minute we are working to tackle burglary and the next we are responding to sheep worrying – not many sergeants can say that even after 30 years!

Strangely if I picture the advice I’d have given you as a fresh-faced constable back in the 1980s much of it still applies today…locking doors reduces burglary and car crime, opportunist burglars are attracted to homes that appear unsecure or where windows are left open and during the summer months reports of rowdy or anti-social behaviour can increase.

Where were you 30 years ago when my career started? Maybe you were that teenager who was causing trouble during the long summer days and may have attracted the attention of my team? If you were, and you are now older and hopefully wiser, then please pass this wisdom onto your children or younger relatives and remind them of the impact this type of behaviour has.

And while these messages may be the same the way we share them with you continues to improve. The team is using a system called WMNow to instantly share information to keep you safe. This sharing of information can be crucial in preventing and detecting crime and anti-social behaviour, so the more people that join WMNow the safer our communities will be.

Signing up takes less than five minutes, so we’d encourage everyone to visit www.wmnow.co.uk and join today.

I have no doubt that my successor will be sharing messages telling you to lock away garden tools, keep dogs on leads near to young lambs or to shut windows when leaving cars or homes unattended. Some things never change.

As well as a new sergeant there will also be a number of new officers and PCSOs joining the team.

You will see them patrolling your streets so please give them the welcome you so kindly gave me.

A community that works closely with its local policing team, and vice versa, will always be the safest one. For one final time I’d like to thank you for your support. Stay safe.

Police Sergeant Mick Lloyd

Meriden Tree of Thought.

Preparations are well under way for FUNDAY SUNDAY on the 8th July on The Green from 11.00am until 3.00pm approx.

It has been much more complicated this year for various reasons. I have to thank, very much, Trevor Penn of Western Power for essential survey work carried out on The Green.

The concerns have now been averted, thanks to Trevor's input.

I wish to thank The Parish Council for their help and co-operation. However, for Health and Safety reasons it has been decided that this is the last time The Event can take place on The Green.

Meriden Parish Council have kindly offered me the facility of The Sports Park for the future.

NB- This does not affect The Tree at Christmas!

Can we please make this one a “Goody”? A great deal of effort is being put in by those who will be having features on the day. My supporters are donating again, excellent prizes Bank Holiday for The Midsummer Draw and I have been given some super th 25 – 27th August 2018 prizes for The Tombola, with more to come I believe.

I have had considerable difficulty making arrangements for 10:00am – 5:00pm daily the essential Mesh Barrier to be put round The Green.

Berkswell Reading Rooms This has given me a headache that Paracetamol wouldn't touch.!!! Thank goodness for Gerry Russell who has said the Entrance Free - Refreshments Available job will be done by our Scouts. Phew- Quel Relief.!!!

I do so hope that many of you will come along and support Ample Parking & Disabled Access what I intend to be an enjoyable time for All.

Warwickshire Watercolourists Art Exhibition

Many thanks see you there Alan

Hello, hopefully the sun will shine enough for the sunflowers to grow this year although we are already a month late with everything so far!

Anyway…I hope that this cheers up your summer.

1. Lightly draw sunflower shapes. Don’t worry too much about the shapes now as they will form when you paint but rub out any odd lines.

2. Mix up the following colours first and then wet the paper all over. Immediately drop in: • Cadmium Yellow (warm Yellow) • Lemon Yellow (Pale Yellow) roughly in the area of the petals.

While this is still wet add a little: • Blue • Red in patches behind the flowers. Add a pinch of salt if you like.

LET IT ALL DRY 3. Centre of flowers. Mix strong puddles of:• Reddish Brown • Dark Brown • Blue + Brown (strong dark) On to dry paper, doing one centre at a time, dab on the different colours keeping it lighter at the top and darker at the bottom.

Work around any petals that overlap the centre.

While the centre is still wet to a few of the outer petals add a little: • Cadmium Yellow and blend out with a little clean water, letting the brown centre run into it a little in a few places.

MAKE SURE THIS IS COMPLETELY DRY. 4. Background. Make sure that you have got the same colours that you have already used in the background: • Blue • Red Wet a large patch of the background with clean water and a mop brush keeping close to the petals. Dry. Add a little colour that you have already used in the background close into and in between the flower petals, so that it forms the shape of the petal and let it run away into the clean water.

Wet another area and repeat.

5. Centre Sponge on a little more slightly stronger colour: • Burnt Umber 6. Background stems. Wet a large patch of the background with clean water and a mop brush either side of the stems.

Add a little colour close to the stem and let it run away into the water.

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

Village Life in colour

Private Joseph Albert Jeffcott On Sunday 6th May a candlelit vigil was held to remember the Centenary of private Jeffcott’s death.

The vigil started at 8.45am at St. Laurence Church where the candle was lit and placed in a lantern carried down to the War Memorial while the Church Bell tolled 100 times. A service in the church followed and at the conclusion the congregation proceeded to the church yard and a wreath was laid and the last post was played

Meriden volunteers fundraising to the tune of £976 on St Patrick’s day David McGrath of Eaves Green Lane and local volunteers spent their 3rd year fundraising in Touchwood shopping centre for the West Midlands Alzheimer’s Society on St Patrick’s day (March 17th).

Shoppers were treated to Irish ballads, jigs and reels and received leaflets highlighting the work of the Society. All of the volunteers had friends or family living with dementia and David’s father – a notable Irish poet – died of the disease and David started the annual fundraiser to honour his life This year’s event was supported by the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Stuart Davis, and raised a fantastic £976 generously donated by appreciative shoppers ‘People were unbelievably generous and also stopped to tell us their own stories about family members living with Alzheimer’s. The whole event was both enjoyable and very moving’ said David ‘Our thanks go to everyone who supported us – from our fundraisers and the Mayor of Solihull to shoppers and staff at Touchwood’

Meriden Pool A goose and a ducking ask “Where has all the water gone?”

Photographs courtesy of Mike Holdsworth

Meriden Floral Society Members were asked to construct a design at home entitled ‘Welcome to Spring’ and bring it to the March meeting. The photograph above shows entries in the Cup Winner class

Meriden Explorer Scouts hosted a successful quiz night on 24th March at Meriden village hall and raised nearly £500 towards their Jamboree Fund.

Showtime At the Orme School of Dancing at the Spa Theatre Leamington Sunday 25th March

Junior Members of Meriden Archery club Getting some practice in for the coming competition season

Bottle Tombola * Raffle * Lucky Dip* Refreshments * * Games and Prizes and Much More *

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beaver Scouts This term, the Beavers have worked towards their Animal Friend badge by visiting Pets at Home and Twycross Zoo. They learnt all about animal welfare and care and were able to hold some very interesting creatures. The Beaver Scouts also decorated rocks and hid them in Millisons Wood, so look out for them. A police officer from British Transport Police came to do a presentation to the group on attitude and behaviour and even showed the Beavers riot gear which they were able to try on, it was lots of fun.

The summer term brings a visit from Birmingham Dogs Home and a fitness instructor who will be doing boxing with parents and their children. The Beavers will be working towards their World Challenge badge, Gardening badge and Sports badge. The summer term will finish with our annual water fight, which is always a great time!!

Scouts We have been quite active since the last update. Some Scouts earned their Chefs badge by cooking meals at home and then cooking them for the rest of the group. Some very tasty meals were produced. We had a camp at the Scout hut where knotting and pioneering skills were used and the Scouts were tasked with planning and preparing their own meals. Apologies to anyone who may have been in the Co-op when they came up to purchase their ingredients. I hope the discussions about which type of bread to buy didn’t get too loud! We have attended Atherstone Districts St. Georges Day event at the Alfrey Centre where the Scouts had a go at pedal go-carts, air rifle shooting, an assault course, gladiator battles and various other activities. The weather was great and lots of fun was had by all. We have just returned from a weekend in Snowdonia. It was hard walking but the weather was pretty much perfect. It was great to see the Scouts pushed hard but still having fun and feeling a real sense of achievement as they tackled the mountains. Hopefully one or two of the Scouts will write up the Wales weekend, the Get In Camp in May and the Strategy Camp in June so that, as well as having a brilliant time at these events, they can also earn their writers badge.

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 then get in touch. If Bear Dares, why don’t you.

Meriden Explorer Scouts are going to America in 2019 24th World Scout Jamboree Quiz Night Success A successful quiz night hosted on the 24th of March at the village hall. We all enjoyed the experience and felt that there was a good atmosphere with flags and bunting decorating the hall and that everyone had a great time. The evening raised nearly £500. Thanks to everyone that attended and supported us. We are planning another quiz on 29th September 2018 so save the date.

We have also taken part in several bag packs, bucket collections, collected used clothing, sold items on eBay, set out chairs for the village film show, sold cakes and made a variety of woggles (for Scouting neckerchiefs) More details of our activities and donors can be found at our website Meridenwsj.co.uk Meanwhile we have been participating in various training camps around Warwickshire and we are getting to know the other participants better. All three of us have now been allocated to Unit 84-Montagues and we have a logo that encapsulates the heritage of our area.

Dan, John and Peter 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

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

Stunning looking lawn 365 days a year

Just relax and enjoy Please phone for more details 0845 388 0800

Visit our website @ www.coventryartificialturf.co.uk

Showtime at the Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch The dancers at The Orme School of Dancing’s Meriden Branch danced beautifully at ‘Showtime 2018’. The annual show included show stoppers such as ‘Footloose’, ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ and our youngest dancers looked gorgeous in their ‘Bibbiddibobbidee Boo’ and ‘Suzy Snowflake’ dances.

The senior dancers sparkled in their show pieces which included a large group dance to ‘Chicago’.

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

Please see colour pages for photos

Guitar and Ukulele Tuition Individual or Group Sessions Experienced Tutor for all Ages Eastern Green Contact 07742 288113

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch

Jennifer Faulkner

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

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

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

Tel: 02476 467271

www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

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

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

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

Meriden library 01676 522717 Monday Thursday Saturday

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

What’s on this summer at Meriden Library?

Summer Reading Challenge – it’s back! We are delighted to announce the theme for the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge is Mischief Makers! Produced by The Reading Agency and delivered by libraries to celebrate the 80th anniversary of The Beano, children will explore a map of Beanotown to find the mysterious buried treasure and become ultimate mischief makers!

Dennis, Gnasher and friends will help them solve clues and collect stickers, having lots of fun and adventures along the way! The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays for children aged 4 to 11 years. Children's reading can 'dip' during the long summer holidays. The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to keep up their reading skills and confidence. Because everything changes when we read! You can sign up at the library, then read six library books of your choice, collecting rewards along the way – all FREE. Look out for the colourful displays in Meriden Library and come along to sign up and join in the fun when the challenge begins on 14 July.

Children’s Craft Table - Come along and join in our summer activities at the library during August. There will be a drop in craft table for children and their families throughout August with different crafts and activities to do each week. No need to book – just pop in when you are passing and have some fun!

Reading Zoo – Our exciting children’s activity is aimed at pre-school children and takes place every Monday 2.30-3.15pm. Every week we read stories starring a different animal and enjoy painting their pictures. Warm water is provided to wash hands but wearing clothes that can get messy is recommended!

Readers Café – Romance, crime, historical, classics, family sagas, thrillers and so many more; what’s your favourite theme? Drop into the library for our Readers Café and meet other readers for a chat about books, authors, reading or anything else over a coffee. Dates and themes for summer are: Monday 18 June Life stories Monday 16 July Animal stories Monday 20 August Reading on the beach.

We start at 10.30am.

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

Free internet access Meriden Library has free to use computers and offers:  2 hours free internet access for library members  Microsoft Office packages  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 £1.60 per hour or part of an hour.

Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library closes.

“Instructions for a Heatwave” by Maggie O’Farrell On an oppressively hot day in July 1976, recently retired Robert Riordan leaves the breakfast table in his London home to go and get a newspaper but doesn’t return.

Gretta, his fiercely Irish Catholic wife, apparently has no idea why he has disappeared and summons their grownup children to the family home.

The narrative initially focuses on the stories of the 3 children, each with significant problems, and the dynamics in a family with a self-centred, passive aggressive matriarch and a rift between the two, once close, sisters. Michael ’s marriage is falling apart; he knows he’s partly to blame but doesn’t know what to do about it. Recently married to an older man, Monica is struggling with her new “family”; her stepdaughters hate her and its subtly but painfully obvious her mother in law preferred her predecessor. Aoife, the youngest, left to create a life for herself far away in New York. She has developed complicated ways of hiding from the world the difficulties dyslexia (undiagnosed) creates. She now has a problem she can’t resolve with her usual strategies and through her self-imposed secrecy seems about to alienate her boyfriend.

Maggie O’Farrell paints with light and shade characters who are painfully believable. As well as sensitivity, she also brings acutely well observed humour. For those who knew the period, there are delightful little details you didn’t know you remembered, although maybe some anachronisms too.

Perhaps the ending is a little trite, but I found this is a hugely enjoyable, well written novel which I would recommend. Sarah Sharland

Readers Circle 13th June A book that would make a good film at the cinema or on TV July/August

Holiday Break

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

Lions Heart of England Bike Ride Sunday 8 July Explore the Heart of England Knowle and Dorridge Lions hope you will join this year’s family ride from Packwood NT House around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. This year’s ever popular ride will raise funds for Headway – the Brain injuries charity, the new Breast Cancer Haven in Solihull with half of all funds raised retained for local Lions causes. Gear up, get your friends and family together and enjoy a day in the Warwickshire countryside for a 12 or 18-mile leisure ride, or a 50 mile sportive; teams welcome, all sign-posted circular routes. After your ride enjoy a free visit to the House and Gardens and something from the Lions BBQ.

Last discounted entry online 1st July. www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/bikeride Limited entry on the day if any places remain.

Starter tennis classes at Meriden Sports Park Wednesdays 3.45 – 4.45pm ages 6-10 years old No equipment needed cost £4 pay as you play To book your place contact Paige Key 07305 929757 We would like to say “Well done and Thank you” to all the people who have been litter collecting in the Village, lets all do our bit to keep Meriden clean and tidy!

The 3rd Stage of the OVO energy Women’s Cycle Tour of Britain passes through Meriden on Friday 15th June. This stage is the longest of the five stages at 151 km and starts in Atherstone finishing in Leamington Spa. The total race takes place over 5 days and finishes in Colwyn Bay on 17th June. The total distance covered is 678km.

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  Sage Accounts  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

Julie Engsted

n

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

Balsall Common

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

Bespoke 121 Yoga and Pregnancy Yoga available

Pregnancy Yoga Friday 18.15-19.30 Jubilee Centre Balsall Common £10

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

Barkers’ Butts RFC

Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR   

11 Mini & Junior age groups from 6-16 years Girls teams U/11 U/15 U/18 Under 18 Colts Side

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

Contact Ian Hawkeswood 07399 689682 

We also have 4 Adult sides 1st XV to Vets



There will be a special welcome for new and returning players to the game.

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

Start Afresh Organisational Service Tailored to your needs Helping you take the next step…..

Home organisation     

Decluttering On the move /relocation Styling and staging for home sale Home admin inc. paperwork Wardrobe & cupboard organisation

Senior Move Support     

Pre-sale staging of your property Assisting to sort or downsize your belongings Planning your new furniture layout Arranging sale, donation or disposal of items House clearance support.

info@start-a-fresh.org.uk www.start-a-fresh.org.uk 07851 726072 or 07768 104269

MERIDEN AGUAFLAME UK     

Boiler servicing and repairs Boiler replacements New radiators and valves All plumbing work carried out Fully qualified in Natural gas and LPG  Under floor heating  New Bathrooms

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

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA From home to airport, and back, nonstop This is embarrassing. Worse than embarrassing, it’s awkward, exasperating, worrisome, bewildering. It’s very nearly mortifying. I had a panic attack, you see, or something very like a panic attack. In public. Here’s how it happened: I was all set to go from chilly Connecticut to Florida for a few days of fun in the sun, or whatever it is they do down there, so I bought my ticket, and some toiletries in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces, per Transportation Security Administration rules. I would have worn the special belt I bought the last time I had to fly, which doesn’t set off the X-ray machine, but the plastic buckle had broken. Then I got up long before the crack of dawn and headed for the airport. So far, so good.

I’ve always had trouble with flying. It starts with the skimpy seats that were designed by the airlines’ Human Torture departments to wedge as many sardines as inhumanly possible (including size-2X sardines like Yrs Trly) into their flying tin cylinders.

To make matters worse, I can never sleep on a plane because `m. I spend the whole trip thinking about how the engines (and all too often there are only two of them!) routinely run at over 10,000 rpm, which means the tips of their fan blades are moving at well over the speed of sound -- that is, well over 768 mph -- which is more than enough speed, I figure, that if a blade were to come loose, it would slice through the fuselage (like a hot knife through butter) and then through my head, hard as it is, as well.

These are my thoughts whenever I fly, though they’ve never kept me on the ground. Until now. I mean, I’ve flown nonstop from New York to Moscow and back, and I don’t recall that it was much of an ordeal. But that was a long time ago; maybe the seats were bigger in those days. Or, more likely, maybe my claustrophobia and all-purpose fear of flying have, let’s say, evolved.

Anyway, the plane is completely full and everybody’s lugging enough baggage for a month-long vacation and my seat is way back in the tail. I had requested an aisle seat, but of course with the cheap tickets you don’t get to choose.

So I’m blessed with seat 37-D, where I’m wedged in between a big fellow and a woman with piles of knitting, with maybe an inch of clearance between my knees and the seat in front of me. That's not even enough space to squirm, let alone to stretch, so I’m getting twitchier and twitchier by the minute. Then the captain announces that there’s something wrong with the plane, so we may have to sit there until the cows come home while they figure things out.

And that’s when I panic. I’m not saying this was a medically diagnosed panic attack -- those can be pretty severe, with heart palpitations and nausea and what-not -- but it was more than enough for me. I had to get off that plane, so I asked the big guy on the aisle to let me out, grabbed my bag from the overhead and scuse-me-scuse-me-scuse-me’d my way the hell out of there.

Will I try flying again, ever?

Only if there’s absolutely no alternative.

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

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

Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood Wych Elm on Meriden Hill – Habitat for White-Letter Hairstreak Butterflies You may not have realised that there are quite a few Wych Elm either side of the road on Meriden Hill although, unfortunately, they’re not the grand imposing trees you might have found a few decades ago. As a result of the devastating effect of Dutch Elm disease. These days they’re more likely to be found as hedgerow shrubs and may not grow to maturity. Elms are the habitat of the white-letter hairstreak butterfly and the decline of that habitat has had a knock-on effect on the species. Following a reduction in numbers in the 1970s, they are a conservation priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The wych elms on Meriden Hill may not be the most impressive trees in the village, but they’re important from a conservation perspective because they’re supporting a population of white-letter hairstreak butterflies.

The adult white-letter hairstreak butterflies emerge towards the end of June, building up to a peak in mid-July. They’re not easy to see, spending most of their time in the tree canopy, but it is possible, particularly if aided by a pair of binoculars. I’m told looking up and right whilst sitting in front of the Queen’s Head (with or without a pint!) is a good place. The markings that give it its name are on the underside of the wings.

If you look carefully, it might also be possible to see caterpillars on the wych elm between late March and early June when they feed firstly on the developing flower buds, progressing to leaf buds and then the new leaves.

Fully grown larvae are green with angled stripes and resemble unopened White-Letter Hairstreak Butterfly leaves.

There are wych elms scattered down both sides of Meriden Hill between the roundabout and the bottom of Old Road, a few reasonable size trees ranging down to smallish stems.

A few have also been spotted in hedgerows nearby. The leaves are toothed, ultimately growing to 7-16cm in length, tapering to a sudden point at the top often with 2 other points either side; they can be distinguished from hazel by the asymmetrical base, one side finishing slightly further down the stem than the other. Most elms propagate mainly by suckers but for wych elm it is mainly through seeds; once pollinated by wind, the flowers develop into small, winged fruits with the seed located at the centre. In the photo to the left, the tree with bright green leaves immediately behind the bus stop at the top of the hill is a wych elm.

Please do let me know if you are able to identify any other wych elms in the village; this will be useful information when putting together a plan to protect the habitat of this priority species of butterfly.

Wych Elm Leaf

Newly Emerged Larva

Fully Grown Larvae

Wych Elm Flowers

Wych Elm Fruits

If you’re interested in our trees, local wildlife and conservation in general, it would be great to hear from you.

Collaborators very welcome! Or visit the Facebook page Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees. There will be more information about white letter hairstreak butterflies and identifying wych elm. Dates for conservation work parties in Millisons Wood are also notified there. If you’re interest in butterflies, check out the website of the Warwickshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation at www.warwickshire-butterflies.org.uk (they have the White letter Hairstreak as their branch logo). You can help their work by submitting any sighting on their on-line form Thanks to Adrian Smith for letting me know the White Letter Hairstreak butterflies are in Meriden and help in identifying the wych elm.

Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com

Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees

Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group It's not been a good start for the preparatory works for HS2. From various locations come reports of sudden unannounced road closures, unauthorised entry onto farm land, and breaches of environmental regulations.

South of Balsall Common, HS2's contractors delayed until the bird-nesting season to start ripping through hedgerows with mechanical flails to create the access points for the "temporary subsitute" Kenilworth Greenway. It's likely to be in use for 10 years. Actual construction of this route is some months away, as details are yet to be agreed for the surfacing, safe access across several roads, screening of the work sites to avoid the startling of horses, security fencing, and wildlife corridors. Also awaited is the structural assessment to show that the existing Greenway is capable of carrying construction traffic followed by full restoration.

Perhaps it's a good thing we've had problems so early, as it will put people on watch, and create lines of communication. It would be a good idea to keep the Parish Council, Solihull councillors, and our MP informed of any difficulties with unexpected road works or construction traffic. Unfortunately, if commentators are correct in thinking the project has been underestimated by a factor of two, it means there'll be twice as much disruption, construction traffic, dust, and noise, than we've been led to expect.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, construction has started in Toulouse on a full size test track for a Hyperloop system that will carry passengers at 3 times the speed of the TGV. Hyperloop was announced 5 years ago, and projects are running in the US, Dubai, India, South Korea, and Brazil. Richard Branson has plans to carry passengers between London and Edinburgh in 50 minutes. Apparently, the Department for Transport think it's "decades" away.

They obviously judge things by the standards of Baron Adonis of Camden, David Higgins, and Mark Carne, rather than of Elon Musk or Richard Branson. 10 years and £2 billion into the HS2 project, no High Speed trains are running anywhere at the proposed 400 km/h. The Government has no plans to build a test track, as the technology will be imported.

But at least we have some new metal gates to look at.

Richard Lloyd Chairman

Cameo

Come And Meet Each Other

At the Sports Pavilion on the 4th Friday afternoon of every month at 2pm Last February Tom Dentith came to tell us of his experiences while working for the Fisherman’s Mission. Although retired now, Tom had many memories of supporting fishermen and their families at numerous coastal fishing towns of Britain.

In March Margaret Oliver with another three singers gave us much joy with four part singing of well-known songs and the Easter message.

The next meetings will be:We look forward to meeting more friends at our meetings.

Any more information or a lift needed please telephone June 22nd an outing to Evesham Country Park.

Joan 523507 or Pam 523372 July 27th Amanda from Midland Eye, eye care

and treatment specialists.

August 24th Poetry share time.

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

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

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

Meriden Parish Council

The Centre of England

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

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

The next Parish Council meeting dates are:  25 June 2018 – The Pavilion  23 July 2018 – The Pavilion  August 2018 – no meeting

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

Community Surgeries 11am-12pm:  Monday 11 June 2018 – Meriden Library  Monday 9 July 2018 – The Pavilion  Monday 6 August 2018 – Meriden Library Meriden Neighbourhood Plan meetings 6.30pm – 8.00pm:  Wednesday 20 June 2018 – The Pavilion  Wednesday 18 July 2018 – The Pavilion  August 2018 – no meeting

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

Meriden in the Great War Part Two – An evening with Doreen Agutter Members of Meriden’s First World War Centenary Commemoration steering group would like to thank Doreen Agutter for her splendid talk in April at the Village Hall.

Once again, it was a full house and proceeds from the ticket sales raised £200 which will go towards the restoration of Letitia Bankes’s family grave in St Laurence’s churchyard.

Thanks also go to Alan Lole who paid for the hire of the Village Hall, Meriden Spar for offering us a special discount on the wine and Hannah MacKinlay who volunteered her spare time to film the event which you can view on YouTube with this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC1_rl6Nc4s Mrs Bankes commissioned the stained-glass window in St Laurence Church in memory of her husband, Captain Edward Nugent Bankes, who was killed in action in 1915. She later organised the construction of Meriden’s War Memorial. She was the founding President of Meriden Women’s Institute in 1918, a position she held until 1933, then again from 1937-39 and in 1947.

Letitia left Meriden between 1940 and 1947 to live in London. She sold Meriden Hall in late 1947 and died on 21 June 1953 in Tonbridge, Kent and is buried in the Digby family grave in St Laurence’s churchyard.

Final thanks go to everyone who purchased tickets and came along to hear Doreen’s fascinating insights into life in Meriden between 1917 and 1921. Doreen is planning another event for next year which will be very different from her previous Village Hall talks.

The Parish Council would like to thank All 21 community groups who attended April’s Parish Assembly at the Village Hall.

Solihull Council who commissioned Murlac to conduct the improvement works to Meriden Pool throughout April and May. Read their comments below in reply to residents’ concerns.

And a belated thanks to Nick Atkins, Estates Manager Central, Tarmac for sponsorship of the replacement Christmas lights on the Oak Tree on the village gateway roundabout.

Meriden Pool update By the time you receive this edition of the Meriden Mag, the parish council would hope that Meriden Pool has been restored and is looking in good condition and nothing like the photos below taken in April by resident Keith Phillips.

In April, many residents raised their concerns over the conditions and were concerned, quite rightly, for the welfare of our ducks, ducklings and geese. Here is an explanation received from Solihull Council in April to alleviate these concerns: “Whilst we absolutely appreciate that the visual perception of the pond in its current form, is that of geese, ducks and ducklings wading around in a muddy drained pond in the middle of heavy plant construction, the reality of the situation is far from the perception and it is important to stress that the welfare of the waterfowl is imperative to this project and these waterfowl are not suffering as a result of these works.

“As highlighted in the notice from Murlac, the geese, ducks and ducklings have natural sources of fresh water and they are actively choosing to remain and take full advantage of the new muddy landscape to seek out new sources of food. Sources of food which are far more beneficial than the bread they would usually receive from some visitors to the pond.”

Phase Two of the Meriden Pool project will involve the parish council applying for a Suez (formerly SITA) grant to add landscape features that will make the pool more amenable to the public when they visit.

Meriden Neighbourhood Plan Update We have been successful in applying for technical support that will provide us with a Household Needs Assessment from Locality. A further bid has been submitted to them to fund the Housing Needs Survey that will go to all households in the parish and an Open Green Space assessment of the areas of natural beauty we want to protect.

Our aim is to publish Meriden’s Neighbourhood Plan and put it to a community referendum by the Spring of 2019. As a reminder, here is the revised timeline for Solihull’s Local Plan:    

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

Come and play tennis at Meriden Sports Park Starter Tennis Classes have been running every Wednesday 3.45pm to 4.45pm since April and will carry on throughout the Summer term. Ages 6 to 10-year olds. No equipment needed. Cost is £4 – pay as you play. To book your place, contact Paige Key on 07305 929757.

Family Picnic in the Park returns Sunday 22 July 2018 at Meriden Sports Park from 12pm to 4pm. If you would like to have a stall at the picnic, contact Rachel Platt on 07812 127772.

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Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic cleaning, Office cleaning Professional cleaning service Meriden Junior Archery Club With the indoor season behind us and the weather still deciding what to do, Meriden Juniors have gone from shooting in glorious sunshine and T-shirts, to being completely wrapped up to shoot on one of the coldest mornings of the year so far. The wind and snow was so bitter and unforgiving that even a few of our adult archers complimented them on their staying power that morning!

Some juniors have also enjoyed their first steps into outdoor competition, taking advantage of some early tournaments at Meriden itself. Just last month our juniors claimed the first medals and trophies of the season, with more of the young archers having already booked their competitions over the summer.

Continuing to proudly represent Meriden across the county and beyond, we hope to bring you many successes in the next edition and have lots to report!

Junior Club runs every Saturday morning, so if you would like more information, please feel free to pop in between 10am and 1pm, or visit

www.meriden-archery.org.uk/junior-club/ Please see centre pages for colour photographs.

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 ………

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

Excellent affordable rates.

TEL: 01676 522466 (Meriden) Balsall Common Country Market

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

Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide.

Contact 01676 534148

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This year will be Fillongley Agricultural Society’s 94th annual show. Quite an achievement! However, as old as the show is, the event is very much up to date and full of entertainment for the whole family. Despite its name the show ground is in Church Road, Corley, CV7 8AG, not Fillongley, and is very easy to get to.

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

We've got a FREE climbing wall, FREE face-painting, FREE Circus Whiz, FREE Punch and Judy, Face Painters, a Bouncy Castle and much, much more. There will be Rare Breed livestock and poultry, Stone Masons and Wood Turners.

Main ring attractions include the Knights of Nottingham, The Imps (Children’s Motorcycle Display Team), horse classes including heavy horses and showing, the Champions Parade and, of course, by popular demand the Pantomime Horse racing events. All of these can be enjoyed on ringside seating, or, for Members, from the viewing area of the Member's Marquee.

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

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

For further information contact the Show Secretary on 07398 669492 or visit www.fillongleyshow.org.uk 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

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

PA ELECTRICS (17th edition qualified)

Part P Registered

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

All aspects of domestic installation and repairs       

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

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

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.

Wednesday, 13th June 7.45 pm for 8.00 pm at Berkswell Reading Room ‘Seaside Resorts Their Development & Entertainment’ A Talk by Helen Larner.

Wednesday, 8th August 7,45 pm for 8.00 pm at Berkswell Reading Room.

‘Workhouse Children in Victorian Warwickshire’ A Talk by Rosemary Hall.

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

Refreshments will be provided at all these events.

Why not join the History group?

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 GPs Dr L Whitehead and Dr N Omokanye

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

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.

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 Please note no other request will be actioned via this email address; please include your name d.of.b. Date and time of appointment and which member of staff the appointment is with

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Via our website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk You can either cancel an appointment you have booked using online access or send the practice a message via the website. If you have not already done so sign up today for online access SHINGLES VACCINE

By Fax 01676 523 865 Meriden Surgery Face to face at Reception The shingles virus is caused by the same virus as chicken pox and about one in five people who have In writing With your help we can reduce this valuable time being wasted

Coventry Breathe Easy For more information please ring Janet on 02476 460081 or Cynthia 02476 440316

A support group for all those affected by a lung condition, including friends, family and carers. Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month.

2-4 pm, Eadon Hall, Central Hall, Methodist Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA, except in the winter months when we meet for a coffee at Conroy’s Friday 8th June – No Meeting Friday l3th July Ian Jarrold – BLF Support for lung research Friday l0th August Beverley Bostock – Nurse practitioner – Asthma

had chickenpox develop shingles. You cannot catch Shingles but if you have shingles blisters, the virus in the fluid can infect someone who has not had chickenpox and they may develop chickenpox. It is more common in people over 70 years old.

The rash usually appears a few days after the initial pain and tingling and lasts for about a week.

However, for some people this can be very painful and can continue on for several months or even years – this is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Shingles Vaccine The vaccine significantly reduces your chances of developing shingles and, if you do go on to have shingles, the symptoms are likely to be milder and the illness shorter than if you had not had the vaccination.

You become eligible for shingles vaccine as you turn 70 or 78 years.

If you are 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 or 78 or 79 and have not yet had the shingles vaccine, you can also have it now (It is not available for 80-year olds or above).

People who have weakened immune systems, for example due to cancer treatment, should not have the vaccine but should speak to their consultant or GP to check if it is safe or not.

Appointments are available every day with the nurse You can also visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/shingles For more information about the Shingles vaccine Zostavax®, visit www.medicines.org.uk/ emc/product/6101/pil

The Rotary Club of Meriden The Rotary Club of Meriden recently held a very special Awards Evening for some of its long serving members. Six members have almost 300 years’ worth of service to the community between them.

Charles Perry and Pankaj Wara joined Rotary on exactly the same date 30 years ago.

David Burton was originally a member of one of the Coventry clubs but transferred to Meriden many years ago. David has now been a member for 35 years.

The Rotary Club of Coleshill, Meriden’s ‘mother’ club, unfortunately had to disband a few years ago but a few of their members wished to continue serving the community upholding Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’. Three of these members received special Paul Harris Fellow awards (named after Rotary’s Founder) for their long-term commitment. They were David Watkins, Brian French and John Wall.

David also received an extra special award as, in March, he completed a massive 50 years’ service in Rotary. Apart from the award of his Paul Harris Fellowship and his long service award a cake, specially made to honour the occasion, was presented.

The Rotary Club of Meriden will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year and is still going as strong as ever. To ensure that it continues to do well in the community into the future new members are always needed. Their members meet socially at The Manor every Tuesday evening at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm meal.

If anyone is interested in learning more about Rotary please come along; they can be assured of a warm welcome. Further information may be obtained from the secretary, Jane Maugham, by email at maugham66@gmail.com.

A Coventry Way Challenge The 21st 40 mile Cyril Bean ‘A Coventry Way’ Challenge took place on Sunday April 8th starting and finishing at the Queens Head in Meriden. The route through the countryside encircles Coventry visiting Kenilworth, Bubbenhall, Wolston, Brinklow, Bedworth and Corley Moor. On the day the weather was cloudy from dawn to dusk, with some pleasing showers as it was quite warm.

Out of the 231 starters 195 completed the 40 miles, including Nicky Drury, daughter of Cyril Bean, the route founder. Next day, after this her first attempt, Nicky said that she was ‘Glad to have finally done it – though legs a little achy today!’.

No time records broken this year, however the first 3 men were only a few minutes ahead of the first 3 ladies with two ladies being in places 4 and 5 and the third lady the 14th to finish. The quickest was Sebastian Jones-Brain from Coventry taking 6 hours 19 minutes with leading lady Mary Heald from Solihull, 9 minutes behind. There were also several relay teams taking part including the Frikandellen Snipers of Wolston who took 6 hours 15 minutes.

Many commented on their day including Aidan Keher (Kenilworth Runners), “It is a great event & very popular with our club. Fantastic scenery hard to believe you are so close to the City of Coventry, tremendous camaraderie between participants, wonderful organisation & dedication from the ACW Association. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in taking part in a long-distance walk or run”.

If you would like to try out the route of the A Coventry Way, it is always there - 365 days of the year. Otherwise you might think about joining in next year on the 2019 Challenge Day, which is already scheduled for Sunday 7th April 2019 with entries opening on 1st September 2018. Visit the website www.acoventryway.org.uk

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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

Village Diary DATE 4th June 8th June

9th June 9th June 10th June 10th June 11th June 13th June 15th June 16th June 18th June 20th June 22nd June 23rd June 24th June 25th June 30th June 1st July 2nd July 7th July 8th July 9th July 13th July 13th July 13th/15th July 14th July 16th July 16th July 18th July

21st July 22nd July 23rd July 27th July 28th July 30th July31st Aug 1st August 6th August 6th August

EVENT WI Churches All Together Community Cafe Rotary Car Boot Sale BIG PICTURE SHOW

Maxstoke Castle Open Day Open Farm Sunday Community Surgery Readers Circle OVO Women’s Cycle Tour Rotary Car Boot Sale Reading Cafe Neighbourhood Planning CAMEO Rotary Car Boot Sale Rotary Megaride Parish Council Meeting Rotary Car Boot Sale Open Gardens W.I. Firebird Singers Concert Fun Day Sunday Community Surgery Churches All Together Community Cafe Meriden Sch PTA Fayre St Swithin’s Weekend

VENUE Village Hall Pavilion

TIME 7.30pm 2.00-4.00pm

Queen’s Head Village Hall Maxstoke Lane Whitacre Hall Library

11.00- 3.00pm 7.30pm 11am – 5pm 10.00 – 5.00pm 11.00- 12 noon 7.30pm

Meriden Green Queen’s Head Library Sports Pavilion Sports Pavilion Queen’s Head Queens Head Sports Pavilion Queen’s Head Village Village Hall Albany Theatre Village Green Sports Pavilion Pavilion

11.00- 3.00pm 10.30-11.30am 6.30-8.00pm 2.00pm 11.00- 3.00pm 12.00 – 5.00pm 7.30pm 11.00- 3.00pm 11.00 – 6.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.00 – 3.00pm 11am–12noon 2.00-4.00

School Barston

5.00-7.00pm Various

Summer Reading Challenge Reading Cafe Flower Club Neighbourhood Planning

Library Library Village Hall Pavilion

10.30- 11.30am 7.30pm 6.30 -8.00pm

Balsall & District Horticultural Show Family Picnic in the Park Parish Council Meeting CAMEO Whitacres & Shustoke Show Children’s Sports Camp

St Peter’s Hall B C.

2.00 – 4.00pm

Sports Park Sports Pavilion Sports Pavilion Blyth Hall Shustoke Sports Park

12.00-4.00pm 7.30pm 2.00pm

Meriden Mag Deadline W.I. Community Surgery

Village Hall Library

7.30pm 11.00am– 12noon 2.00-4.00pm

10th August 12th Aug

Churches All together Community Cafe Fillongley Show

24th August 25th -27th August

CAMEO Warwickshire Watercolourists’ Art Exhibition

Sports Pavilion Stonehouse Farm Village Hall Berkswell Reading Room

CONTACT Joan Russell 01676 522 666 Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 Mike 522492 Chris Copper 01676 522 645

Barbara Bland 522 474 Peter Moss 523590 Mike Holdsworth 522492 01676 522717 Barbara Bland 522 474 Joan 01676 523507 Mike Holdsworth 522492 Neville 01676 532 709 Barbara Bland 522 474 Mike Holdsworth 522492 Mary Warr 522160 Joan Russell 522666 02476 998964 for tickets Alan Lole 522138 Barbara Bland 522 474 Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522717 Ann Lea 077254 78624 Barbara Bland 522 474

Rachel Platt 07812 127772 Barbara Bland 522 474 Joan 01676 523507

Rachel Platt 07812 127772

9.30am – 5.00pm 2.00pm 10.00am – 5.00pm

01676 522963 / 522453 Joan Russell 522666 01676 522717

Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 07398 669492 Joan 01676 523507

Blackcurrants Blackcurrants are easy to grow, producing bunches of dark purple to black fruits in mid-summer. Blackcurrants have a tart flavour and provide an invaluable source of vitamin C. In the kitchen use them in pies and jams, to make cordials and even cassis.

Short on space? Blackcurrants can be grown in containers.

Water blackcurrants during dry periods in the growing season. In late winter, feed with a balanced fertiliser (like Growmore) at 100g per sq m (4oz per sq yd).

Hand weed and place mulch (such as well-rotted manure or mushroom compost) around the plant in late winter to suppress weeds. Avoid hoeing near the base of the bush because the hoe might cut through new shoots developing at the base of the plant.

Repot container-grown blackcurrants every two or three years. Pot back into the same container or one slightly larger.

Trim back some of the roots and tease away the old soil replacing it with fresh John Innes No 3 compost.

Prune blackcurrants when dormant – from late autumn to late winter. Fruit forms on young wood, so when pruning aim to remove older wood, leaving the young shoots Cassis is easy to make and delicious.

It can be added to any sparkling wine for a refreshing summer drink 1.5 kg washed blackcurrants Place in a large pan and crush, a potato masher is helpful Add 1 litre of red wine and leave covered for 48 hours mashing occasionally Strain through a muslin or a jelly bag Weigh the juice and add the same weight in sugar Bring to the boil for a few minutes and allow to cool before bottling Fillongley Show August 12th Allotment Competition

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

Entry fee £3 Judging will take place between 22nd & 24th June Contact Roger Bache on 01676 523705

Balsall & District Horticultural Society's Annual Show Saturday July 21st

Blackcurrant and Almond Cake This makes a good pudding, served warm with cream, creme fraiche or Greek yoghurt. You can make it in advance and reheat it gently, covered with a piece of foil.

Serves 6-8 200g butter, plus a little more for the flan tin 200g caster sugar 3 eggs 200g ground almonds 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 200g blackcurrants, topped and tailed Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 4. Butter a 25cm loosebottomed flan tin and line the base with a circle of baking parchment.

Cream the butter and sugar in a food processor or with a hand beater until the mixture is pale. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and, after each addition, fold in some of the ground almonds and a few drops of vanilla extract.

Put the mixture into the flan tin and scatter over the blackcurrants. Their flavour is intense, so don't be tempted to use more fruit.

Cook for 30 minutes until golden and just firm and, before serving, sieve over some icing sugar.

The 69th Annual Whitacre’s and Shustoke Show

Saturday 28th July At Blythe Hall Shustoke *Minibeast road show * Falconry centre *Punch and Judy * Rockwood dog display team *Bolddog Lings Freestyle Team

Exhibits of Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts

St Peter's Church Hall, Holly Lane Doors open at 2pm.

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

The main attraction for 2018 is the breath taking Atkinson Action Horses. These horses have starred in Peaky Blinders, Poldark and Victoria.

Out and About this summer The Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus, known as Dippy, is taking a road trip to Birmingham from 26th May - 9th September. The British icon is on a mission to inspire five million natural history adventures, encouraging families to explore nature on their doorstep.

Dippy on Tour will be a free ticketed event. Advanced booking is strongly advised as this will be a very popular exhibition.

Dippy, has delighted visitors since he arrived in London in 1905. The Natural History Museum in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation is working with eight partners UK wide to tour one of its most iconic exhibits, with the aim of 1.5 million people across the UK seeing Dippy in person The full skeleton cast in its displayed pose is an impressive 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide and 4.25 metres high.

Not all dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years. One group survived and evolved into the birds we know today. Using Birmingham’s fantastic bird collection this exhibition will also explore how the features we think of as characteristic of birds such as feathers and nests first appeared in dinosaurs.

The exhibition will also show the amazing diversity of modern birds and how they evolved to become one of the most successful groups of animals inhabiting almost every part of the world from the oceans of Antarctica to tropical rainforests.

The Weeping Window

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square is open Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10.30am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm

If you missed the chance to see the poppies at the tower of London in 2014, the poppy display is on tour. It will be at Middleport Pottery, Stoke-On-Trent from 2nd August to16th September.

Middleport Pottery’s historic Grade II* listed site was built in 1888 for a well-known local ceramics company, Burgess & Leigh Limited. It has maintained unbroken pottery production since its Victorian inception.

The Pottery is the Home of Burleigh and is a unique visitor attraction.it is open to the public and there is a whole host of things to see and do.

Maxstoke Castle B46 2RD Open Day Sunday 10th June

Whitacre Hall Off Dog Lane, Nether Whitacre, Coleshill, ,B462PD 10am to 5pm – Admission Free

By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Fetherston-Dilke Approximately 5 acres of garden and grounds with herbaceous shrubs and trees surrounding the 14th century moated castle.

Come and “meet the farmer”

Farm walks at 11:30am and 2:30pm Join us for educational guided walks around the farm and learn what an arable farmer does.

Other displays and activities include: Tractor & Farming Equipment Display (vintage & modern) Livestock (pigs, horses, ducks, geese)  Working Gun Dogs and Meet the Beagles  Meet the Bee Keeper  Have a go at Fishing Model Aircraft Enjoy a homemade cake in our tea room plus

much more

The interior and gardens will be open between 11am and 5pm. Unfortunately, no wheelchair access to house Admission £7.50 concessions £5.00 Free Parking refreshments and homemade teas Plant and gift stall

Proceeds in aid of the National Gardens scheme

In association with .

From 12 noon, Motorcycles arriving 12.30 approx Attractions on the field: Book Stall

BBQ Food Bar Cakes,

Snacks Ice cream Other Attractions Club Displays Tombola Trade Stands

Join in the ride-in starting at the Moat House in Alcester See web site for details and to register go to www.megaride.co.uk Supporting :

Live Music by “The Firm” and The Firebird Singers Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours Summer 1st April- 31st October Monday-Friday (except Tues) 9.30am -5.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am- 4.00pm

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

Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector Meriden Village Hall bookings

Mrs L. Anderton

Rev Lynda Lilley Rev. Jane Braund Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt Dame Caroline Spelman Barbara Bland (Mondays only) Alan Gabbitas Ken Allsopp David Bell Tony Dicicco Gerry Russell Sue Harper

Valerie Martin

01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522252 01676 522722 01676 522825 01676 533737 07970 552667 0121 7117029 01676 522474 01676 522148 0121 704 6000 01676 522301 01676 248651 07780 438290 01676 522666 01676 522230 101 New nonemergency no.

01676 522963

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

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