MeridenMag Autumn 2018

Meriden Mag AUTUMN 2018

See inside for Meriden remembers the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1 Men's GB cycle race is coming through the village • News and pictures of village summer events

End of Year Memorable Events Here at Meriden Primary School, we have had a busy summer term of class trips, camp outs, sporting events, the Key Stage 2 Production, Church and library visits, the PTA Summer Fayre, Competitions and much more.

Year 6 said their sad goodbyes, but not before they made everyone cry with their final assembly on the last day. All children were awarded with a trophy for being a superb year 6, but special mentions went to: Adam for Sportsmanship, Laurence for the Arts, Ryan for Progress and Sophie for Achievement. Meriden Governors also presented an award for overall attitude and commitment to ‘the Meriden way’ to Lydia.

The final assembly also saw the Chris Fryer Courtesy Award being awarded to Olivia in Year 5, for being someone who is always polite and friendly.

The Queen’s Jubilee Cup, donated by Meriden United Charities, went to Isaac and Conor in Year 4 and Liam in Year 3, who encouraged friends and families to donate their Easter eggs and food to the food bank this year. Over 32 children donated eggs and food and in total the goods donated weighed an amazing 18.95kg.

Awards for 100% attendance were given and the names of those children who had been in school every day went into a prize draw for an Amazon Fire Tablet! This year pupils who had only had time off for medical appointments were also included in the draw.

A huge thank you as always goes to our PTA who organised a very successful summer fayre, raising approximately £3000!

Our end of year service was held at St Laurence’s Church and the children enjoyed giving their thanks to God for their learning experiences and friendships made during the year. Year 6 pupils were gifted a bible as their leaving present.

At the end of term, Year 6 set about fundraising for their end of school trip with a car wash; thank you to all those who came along as the class raised well over £200 and with the help of the PTA, they earned a well-deserved day out. They chose a day of acrobatic fun at Jump Extreme, Tamworth, a break for lunch, then went onto Kingsbury Water Park for more fun and games.

We wish our Year 6 the best of luck for the future. They have been a fantastic class and have been great ambassadors for the school. We are very proud of their achievements and look forward to hearing about their successes in the future.

On Friday 13th July Meriden Primary School PTA held their annual Summer Fayre and this year there was a definite football theme! Stalls were based on countries competing in the Fifa World Cup and we were lucky enough to be supported by 'Coventry City FC in the Community'. The Sky Blues sent a well known former player, David Busst, who ran a speed shot competition and the club donated match tickets for the winners! The PTA were amazed by the number of businesses who were willing to support the event, far too many to list and thank here! However, within the village particular thanks have to go to The Triumph Bar at The Manor Hotel, The Strawberry Bank, The Bulls Head and H2L Lettings. Thanks to the amazing support of these and many other businesses, and the great weather meaning a great turn out, we are proud to announce that a total of £2,775 was raised for our school! The PTA would like to thank everyone involved in making this our most successful Summer Fayre to date.

Key Stage 2 Production - Robin and The Sherwood Hoodies

In July just before the end of the Summer term, we saw the Key Stage 2 production of an adaptation of Robin Hood, ‘Robin and The Sherwood Hoodies’. The children had worked so hard on perfecting their performance with enthusiasm, energy, humour and teamwork! As I’m sure those of you who saw it will agree, they brought the house down! A huge thank you to children, parents and staff who contributed to making the production such a huge success.

Goodbye to Eric

We also said our goodbyes to a very special person.

Eric has kept our children and families safe crossing the road come rain or shine.

He will be sadly missed and we wish him well in his retirement.

Meriden Has Got Talent!

On Tuesday 10th July, we held our annual music evening at School. The event was a huge success with over 50 children taking part in the evening and an audience of nearly 100! From violins to guitars, the children put on a fantastic display of our musical ability at Meriden Primary.

The choir sang beautifully and warmed up the audience for @meridenprimary wow the night. A particular highlight of the evening was the Year what an evening of 4 class playing 'This is me' excellent from Theentertainment Greatest Showman on Robin the ukulele. A wonderful time was hadand bythe all and a huge it thanks goes out to all of the Sherwood students, Hoodies music teachers and was funny entertaining parents who made the evening such a huge success. and vibrant XX

St laurence church news Priest-in-Charge: Rev Lynda Lilley

Tel: 01676522825 Email: rev.lynda.lilley@talktalk.net

Mobile: 07811 545 247 Lay Reader: Peter Wright

01676 522414

Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas

01676 522455

Lis Willis

01676 521080

Church website: www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk It feels very strange writing this in the middle of the summer! And what a summer its been! The endless days of sunshine have caused the earth to dry, the grass to scorch and Meriden Pool still has a long way to go to be filled.

Sometimes our lives feel just like this. We can feel dry and barren – but as the heatwave breaks and welcome rain falls onto the ground so it is refreshed, renewed and refilled. We can see the specks of green beginning to show again.

Life that lay dormant is reviving. We all need water to survive. Humans can survive for up to 3 weeks without food but only 3 or 4 days without water.

Water is the life force that keeps us going. But water is a precious resource and at times is in short supply. Jesus describes himself as the source of ‘the Living Water’ (John 7:37) He can, and does, provide the life giving and life sustaining water which we all need. You don’t have to be perfect to come to Jesus – in fact Jesus chose to minister to those who were not perfect in the eyes of the world.

He met with the Samaritan woman, a far from perfect individual, at the well (John 4). He offered her the living water that would quench the thirst even though she was an outsider, one shunned by society. He offers that living water to each of us today. That we may know him, that we may be refreshed, renewed and refilled continually. With blessings,

Lynda Lilley On Saturday 29th September at 2:30pm in The Sports Park there will be a national “Call the nation to prayer” event at the heart of the country. All are welcome as we come together “As One”.

See their website www.ctntp.uk for more details.

Meriden Churches invite you to the All Together community cafe.

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

Forthcoming dates: 14th Sept, 12th Oct, 9th Nov

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

Service details for the autumn 02/09/18 09/09/18 12/09/18

10:30 10:30 8:45

19/09/18

10:30

19/09/18

16:00

23/09/18 07/10/18 14/10/18 21/10/18

10:30 10:30 10:30 10:30

21/10/18 28/10/18 04/11/18 04/11/18

16:00 10:30 10:30 16:00

11/11/18 18/11/18

10:00 10:30

18/11/18 25/11/18

16:00 10:30

Holy Communion Morning Prayer We remember LCpl Philip West Holy Communion BCP Kidz Praise Teddy Bears’ Picnic Morning Prayer Harvest Festival Morning Prayer Holy Communion BCP Kidz Praise Morning Prayer Holy Communion Bereavement service Remembrance Day Holy Communion BCP Kidz Praise Morning Prayer

Enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs please contact Rev 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

“Just another brick in the wall” Sponsoring a brick and help to repair the churchyard boundary wall. We’re nearly halfway to our target of £40k! Please write your message below, it will be transferred onto a Duplo brick. In addition to the Duplo wall we will be compiling a Memory Book of contributors; please select if you’d like your message included. Suggested minimum donation £10.

If you are a UK tax payer please consider gift aiding your donation. Make your donation worth 25% more at no extra cost to you!

Surname Name: Date: First line of Address & Postcode:

Your name:

Please include in the Memory Book: Yes/No. (Delete as appropriate)

Your message:

Please make cheques payable to: St Laurence PCC. Return application forms to The Rectory, The Green, Meriden CV7 7LN

Saturday 13th October 7.30 pm “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” (12A)

Autumn/winter programme Saturday 22nd September 7.30pm “Murder on the Orient Express” (12A) Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Hercule Poirot in this new star-studded adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s most famous mysteries of all time.

Poirot has decided to take a holiday to read Charles Dickens and to enjoy three days relaxation on the Orient Express. His peace is disturbed when, inevitably, murder occurs on board the train and thirteen passengers – all strangers – all become suspects. The ensemble cast includes Johnny Depp, Dame Judi Dench, Olivia Colman, William Defoe and Derek Jacobi. The film is beautifully shot with sweeping landscapes and a thundering score and promises to be a nostalgic pleasure for all generations.

Tickets (£5.00) will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening from Spar General Stores on the Village Green. Tickets and advance reservations are also available from Chris Copper (01676 522645)

Juliet Ashton, (Lily James - Downton Abbey) a freespirited journalist, forms an unexpected bond with a group of Guernsey residents in the aftermath of WW11. In researching for a book about their experiences during the Nazi occupation, she visits the island and becomes charmed by the locals. As she uncovers the story of this eccentric society – a book club with a difference which includes the sampling of illicit home-distilled gin - she gains a deeper understanding of how the islanders survived the Nazi rule... Whilst the film has its moments of comedy, it is an insightful story of love, friendship, hardship and the sadness of friends lost. The strong cast includes Penelope Wilton, Tom Courtenay and Michael Huisman. It is a sure winner.

Saturday 17th November 7.30pm “Finding Your Feet” (12A) Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie star as two polaropposite sisters (Snobbish versus Bohemian) in this “Second chance at Life” comedy, the film also features the brilliant Timothy Spall and is a feel-good movie to cheer up a dark winter evening.

£5 off Voucher when two or more people dine in

Parties & outside catering available

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

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

Meriden Spice, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP

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

Tel: 01676 523740

Not to be used with any other voucher

Entrance and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub

Saturday 13th October 7.30 pm “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” (12A)

Autumn/winter programme Saturday 22nd September 7.30pm “Murder on the Orient Express” (12A) Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Hercule Poirot in this new star-studded adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s most famous mysteries of all time.

Poirot has decided to take a holiday to read Charles Dickens and to enjoy three days relaxation on the Orient Express. His peace is disturbed when, inevitably, murder occurs on board the train and thirteen passengers – all strangers – all become suspects. The ensemble cast includes Johnny Depp, Dame Judi Dench, Olivia Colman, William Defoe and Derek Jacobi. The film is beautifully shot with sweeping landscapes and a thundering score and promises to be a nostalgic pleasure for all generations.

Tickets (£5.00) will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening from Spar General Stores on the Village Green. Tickets and advance reservations are also available from Chris Copper (01676 522645)

Juliet Ashton, (Lily James - Downton Abbey) a freespirited journalist, forms an unexpected bond with a group of Guernsey residents in the aftermath of WW11. In researching for a book about their experiences during the Nazi occupation, she visits the island and becomes charmed by the locals. As she uncovers the story of this eccentric society – a book club with a difference which includes the sampling of illicit home-distilled gin - she gains a deeper understanding of how the islanders survived the Nazi rule... Whilst the film has its moments of comedy, it is an insightful story of love, friendship, hardship and the sadness of friends lost. The strong cast includes Penelope Wilton, Tom Courtenay and Michael Huisman. It is a sure winner.

Saturday 17th November 7.30pm “Finding Your Feet” (12A) Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie star as two polaropposite sisters (Snobbish versus Bohemian) in this “Second chance at Life” comedy, the film also features the brilliant Timothy Spall and is a feel-good movie to cheer up a dark winter evening.

£5 off Voucher when two or more people dine in

Parties & outside catering available

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

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

Meriden Spice, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP

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

Tel: 01676 523740

Not to be used with any other voucher

Entrance and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub

Minister Rev Jane Braund Tel: 01676 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.

Wow! What an amazing Summer we've had. Apart from the weather, we've had a royal wedding and a world cup, and for me personally, this Summer has seen my ordination take place.

Following two years of full time training and then two years of probation, in July I travelled to Nottingham to be taken into Full Connexion in the Methodist Church and then on to Repton in Derbyshire to be ordained. What a beautiful venue.

It was a very special day and wonderful to be able to share it with so many family and friends. I want to thank all those who have supported me, prayed for and encouraged me during my two years here in Meriden.

So, what does the future hold? At Meriden Methodist Church we have started a prayer initiative, supported by MCF and St Laurence, to pray for all the roads, week by week, in Meriden. We started in July and you can find a list for when your road is being prayed for in this magazine. If you have any prayer requests please let us know and we will pray for you. If you want to talk to anyone confidentially, then any of the leaders of the churches will be more than happy to talk to you.

The churches together, are also hosting Coffee in the Pavilion on the second Friday of each month, so please feel free to drop in and have a chat with your friends and neighbours. We look forward to seeing you then. Supper Club is also beginning again so please sign up and come and enjoy an evening of food and hearing various speakers talk on a range of subjects.I hope you have enjoyed this summer and every blessing on you as we move into the autumn, Jane Prayer List At Meriden Methodist Church, we regularly pray for those living in the village. Recently we have started to pray for specific roads during each service. If there is anything that you would like us to pray for please feel free to let us know by putting your prayer requests through the church letter box on Main Road. Please mark the envelope 'prayer request'.

Joining us to pray are MCF and St Laurence and we are delighted to be doing this as a joint venture. If you feel you would like to talk to Rev Jane Braund, Pastor Kevin Hunt or Rev Lynda Lilley, please feel free to contact us - our details are in this magazine. w/b 5 August Fillongley Road to the school from the village Methodist Church Diary Dates w/b 12 August Fillongley Road from the school w/b 19 August Highfield Road; Winspear Close 30th Sept Harvest Festival Service 10.30am w/b 26 August The Green; The Pavillion and playing field 5th October Supper Club A Rocha, UK w/b 2 September Archery Road; Kittermaster Road Jane Woolmer. Christian organisation about w/b 9 September Letitia Avenue protection and restoration of natural world. w/b 16 September Wyatt Way; Jubilee Close w/b 23 September Maxstoke Lane 2nd November Supper Club. Troop w/b 30 September Maxstoke Close; The Firs Aid. Supporting our injured troops. w/b 7 October Meriden Park Homes w/b 14 October Main Road to Strawberry Bank All evenings start at 7pm with supper and w/b 21 October Strawberry Fields then a speaker. All very welcome. w/b 28 October Main Road from Strawberry Bank to The Bull w/b 4 November Hampton Lane If you are interested or would like to book w/b 11 November Birmingham Road please telephone Gail on 07913872280 or w/b 18 November Main Road to Old Road Mary on 01676 522160. w/b 25 November Old Road; Church Lane

Ordination of Rev Jane Braund On Sunday 1st July we were privileged to witness the ordination of our Minister Rev. Jane Braund. A coach load of Methodists from Balsall Common and Meriden attended this service, which took place at the chapel at Repton School Derbyshire.

It was a beautiful venue and the church was packed, the service was very moving, and it was a memorable day. We hope our presence and support was a fitting tribute to the Rev Jane, who is a willing servant of God, and all our village not just churchgoers.

Ann Bayliss

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.

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

01676 522148

Remembrance Sunday a day for recollection and reflection, for remembrance and reconciliation.

The First World War came to an end, one hundred years ago, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The ` guns fell silent, fighting ceased, arms were laid down and preparations for peace were begun. This was Armistice Day, which is now honoured with our Remembrance Day commemorations. But Remembrance Day is not only about celebrating the end of World War I, it is about remembering everyone affected by wars and conflicts – past, present and future. This year Remembrance Day falls on a Sunday and we will be commemorating it, together as a community, villagers standing side by side, as we have in years gone by.

We will begin at St Laurence church at 10am for a short service during which the wreaths will be dedicated, hymns sung and prayers offered, including the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation that calls for forgiveness for when we ‘get it wrong’. There will then be a procession to The Wayside Memorial where the service will continue. In line with tradition, and joining with thousands of other people across our nation and the Commonwealth we will hear ‘The Last Post’ played followed by two minutes silence.

Wreaths will be laid at the war memorial, by various groups from within our community. Members of the Scout Group will place wooden crosses for each of the young men from Meriden who gave their lives in the two world wars that we might live in freedom and peace.

The Scouts will lead us in an Act of Commitment during which we can commit ourselves to strive for peace, to heal the wounds of war and to work for a just future for all humanity.

Please join us as we remember – either at 10am at St Laurence church or from 10:45am at The Wayside Cross.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

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

Wednesday 12 September Lance Corporal Philip West Thursday 27 September Captain Edgar Godfrey Izon

Wednesday 12 December Gunner George Davies

The vigils start at 8.45am at St. Laurence Church where the candle is lit, placed in the lantern and carried down to the War Memorial while the church bell tolls 100 times.

The candle burns for 100 minutes.

Note: 12 December vigil will proceed to the church yard where Gunner George Davies is buried before moving on to the War Memorial

The war memorial was paid for by Mrs Bankes of Meriden Hall, whose husband Captain Bankes was killed at the beginning of the 1st World War. There are 91 names on it from the !st World War, 13 of those died and the village have been remembering those men on the 100th anniversary of their deaths.

In the 2nd World War 7 men died and 8 returned home and are remember n the memorial.

In 1995 the statue on the cross was stolen and in1997 it was discovered in a police store. In 1998 the statue was returned to its original place.

Meriden Woman’s Institute meets at Meriden Village Hall on the First Monday of each month at 7.30pm. Please contact Joan Russell 01676 522666 for more information

Our centenary Celebrations continued at our meeting in May. This was an Open Meeting and many visitors joined us for a concert given by the Merlin singers. This proved to be a very enjoyable evening. The singers performed a wide variety of songs, ranging from Music Hall to musicals- and there was a lot of audience participation. Refreshments were served after the concept and a special 100th Birthday Cake was cut by out two longest serving members, Pat Eyre and Susan Fuller.

At our meeting in June Alan Cutler told us about being an ‘independent visitor’ This is someone who acts as a supporter for a child in care, visiting regularly and providing a constant in what is often a turbulent life. Every child in care should be offered an independent visitor but only 3% of children have one! Perhaps owing to the lack of publicity. Also, in June we entered a team in the West Midlands Federation Annual Quiz and achieved a commendable joint 2nd place out of 34 teams. Our best result ever!

Our President attended the National Federation Annual Meeting in Cardiff in June. The delegates voted by 98% to back a resolution aimed at breaking down the stigma associated with mental health.

In July Margaret Henley came to talk to us dressed as ‘Mistress Meg’. She told us about life for a village housewife caught up in the civil war in England in 17th Century. Their menfolk had no choice but to join the local squire’s army and the women went with them to support and care for them.

August was our traditional members evening, an informal occasion with no guest speaker. This year Andrew from Allesley and his daughter Thea entertained us with some songs and also hosted a bingo session. We then had a food quiz and social time.

Meriden W. I. Open Morning During the summer members enjoyed a trip to Hampton Court Palace along with ladies from other local W.I groups.

Saturday 6th October Elizabeth Spencer.

Future Programme

10.00am - 12 noon

rd

Monday 3 September Fowlers Cheese – David Fowler Monday 1st October ‘The Millennium Way’ – Barry Durmen Competition – An unusual necklace Monday 5th November – Annual Meeting

Meriden Village Hall Come along and join us for coffee and cake and find out all about the W.I.

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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

The Oddfellows th William son ofto Gerard (possibly Geoffrey’sof brother elsewhere called ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill July[[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, with our attention drawn the 70 Anniversary the foundation of the NHS (1948) the Mason, Nicolas Godyng and many others. I imagine them all crowding round listening, all of 700 years ago.

This this seems the ideal moment to write about a once well –respected, significant institution in the village:Doreen the Meriden Agutter.‘Odd fellows’ that flourished before the Welfare State took on its present role. I also would like to dedicate this article to the memory of Beryl Gulliver, a good, thoughtful and helpful friend of many, myself included.

Basil Warmingham (1911-2001) first told me with enthusiasm and regret about the once important ‘Oddfellows ‘enabling me to gather a little about its previous role in village life before 1939. That I knew little directly is because its function dwindled with the coming of the Welfare State, reducing the need for self- help and Friendly Societies that had existed in many forms for at least the previous 500 years.

In St Laurence’s church tower hang 18 ceremonial staves, the only tangible relics of the original Friendly Society founded here in 1772 and about which little can be said. These staves carried symbolically in processions, were still in use well into the C20th at Odd Fellows events, the most important being at midsummer when the village was en fete. Members, men only in Victorian and Edwardian England, swore an oath of allegiance, paid their subscription to help in times of hardship or illness and dressed in colourful distinguishing costumes, insignia and sashes. In the period of social unrest during the French Revolutionary era 1789-1799, Acts were passed in the British Isles to check insurrections which when defied led to banishment as in the case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, 1834. The most significant group of Odd Fellows, the Manchester Unity founded 1813 attracted many other similar groups to it including Meriden’s at some date between 1835 and 1845.

The ‘Coventry Standard’ a weekly newspaper reported on the village’s annual celebrations from 1855 to 1864 under the heading,’ Meriden Friendly Benefit Society’ when membership and funds were increasing. Between 1851and 1859 funds increased by £150 and members to over 100. They met wearing costumes and rosettes on mid summer’s day 24 June at the Bull’s Head and led by the Nuneaton Brass Band, marched to church carrying a distinguishing banner and the 18 staves for a special church service. The sermon given by the vicar or an invited clerical guest was always based on a text from Galatians chapter 6 v 2,’Bear ye one another’s burdens so fulfil the law of Christ….’ Later after another procession around the village led by the brass band, most members joined in a dinner at the Bull’s Head accompanied by songs, toasts and speeches. Mine Host at the Bull provided the committee with a supper too while it discussed membership, finances, checked the accounts and made plans.

Described as ‘flourishing’ in mid 1860s, it was on the verge of bankruptcy by 1890…..what happened? Was it weak leadership, alternative societies eroding membership, poverty, loss of sponsors?

Next time: new beginnings 1894 onwards…

Doreen Agutter Here is a rare Daniel Bates post card of the village street on Fete day. To the right is the position now of Glovers Close and beyond the Bull's Head and the shop next to it. The Oddfellows banner is at the front of the procession.

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News from Cllr Tony Dicicco one of our Solihull MBC Councillors I have recently taken over responsibility for the Environment and Housing portfolio at Solihull Council, having previously looked after Stronger Communities. I enjoyed dealing with the challenges that the Stronger Communities brief presented, such as trying to make our communities safer and more cohesive. However, the reason that I became a councillor was to try to protect our local environment and so I am pleased to take responsibility for Environment and Housing. Solihull Council has confirmed its commitment to biodiversity and the natural environment. We have ambitious plans to improve routes across Solihull with Green Corridors and enhanced wildlife sites. This initiative forms part of our ‘Green Prospectus’ which details our ambitions to grow our economy in a sustainable way while at the same time ensuring Solihull remains a great place to live. Our managed growth agenda commits us to work towards greater efficiency in the use of resources and natural assets, reducing waste and reducing our energy consumption.

Economic growth and protecting our environment, therefore, are for us, two sides of the same coin.

As part of this agenda, the issue of air quality is very much in our thinking. Poor air quality is a major public health priority and is recognised as the fourth largest risk to public health, behind cancer, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The two pollutants of most concern are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine airborne particulate matter (PM 2.5). Both of these pollutants contribute to health problems, but it is only NO2 currently that has a legal limit set by government.

Local air quality monitoring has shown that air pollution in Meriden is generally low but we will continue to monitor this and take any remedial action if necessary. We can all help by using our cars less and/or car-sharing and switching our engines off when stationary (if safe to do so). The Council is currently developing a Clean Air Strategy for Solihull and I hope to present this to council members later this year.

Another important area is waste recycling. Since 2000, Solihull has made significant progress in increasing levels of recycling. Over the past 17 years we have made recycling easier by providing the majority of properties in the borough with a comprehensive kerbside collection service and have also expanded the range of materials that we can collect at the kerbside. We also provide a free green (garden) waste service. The last change we made to the recycling service was in 2014, when we moved from using kerbside boxes and bags to collect recycling to a two-stream collection system using a wheeled bin for paper, card, plastics, metal cans and cartons and a box for glass – properties that are unable to accommodate a wheeled bin are provided with clear plastic sacks for their recycling. The rationale behind this change was to make recycling easier (less separation of materials) and to provide more capacity for recyclable materials.

The changes resulted in an increase in levels of participation in the recycling service from 80% in 2014 to 90% in 2016. Recycling rates also increased from 39% in 2013/14 to 43% in 2015/16. Our ambition is to meet the national target of 50% by 2050. We also have a target of sending less than 10% of our waste to landfill – around 9% is currently sent to landfill with some waste incinerated at the energy-from-waste facility that we share with Coventry. It is unfortunate that we have recently had problems due to the splitting of some brown recycling bins – this has been caused by a failure in the plastic polymer used to manufacture the bins. So far, Solihull Council has replaced over 16,000 damaged bins with current plans to replace around another 12-13,000 bins although this number could rise. I know the inconvenience that this has caused many residents, myself included, and I can only apologise on behalf of the Council for this. We are doing our best to replace damaged bins as quickly and as effectively as possible and to maintain a good waste service while we do this. We have made clear sacks available to help residents recycle if their brown bin is damaged.

Christmas Boxes Team 4U We will continue to explore cost-effective ways to improve our recycling rates going forwards and I am still doing the Christmas boxes for abroad but reduce further the amount we send to landfill. But, as under a new name, Team 4U. a council we cannot do it alone: we rely on our residents to help us by recycling more. I believe that This is the same charity but run by someone else. working together, we can improve our performance Please support this wonderful cause by filling a and at a cost that is manageable for residents. shoebox with goodies.

If you wish to discuss the contents of this article then please contact me at tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.

Leaflets are available in the library for further information. The boxes need to be completed by the end of October.

Call Lucy on 01676 523502

Meriden Sports Park, The Pavilion, 10 Main Road, CV7 7SP

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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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Berkswell Charities Registered Charity 216605 Appointment of Clerk to the Trustees The trustees of Berkswell Charities are seeking to appoint a new clerk following the present clerk’s retirement. This role, approximately 20 hours per week, would suit someone from a professional background such as law or accountancy and who is flexible time-wise and has excellent ‘people . skills’. They should preferably live in Berkswell village or within a ten mile radius.

Applicants can make initial enquiry of the present chairman, Mrs Jane Edwards on 07711 587513 and

afterwards applications should be in writing and based on the job description and person specification to be supplied.

Job Title: Clerk to the Charities and Data Protection Officer Salary: £16,000 p/a for approximately 20 hrs per week plus, where applicable a pension is payable.

Leave: 21 days holiday per annum pro rata plus bank holidays (currently 7 per year). This is pro-rated for any employees working less than 37.5 hours per week Closing date: 5th October 2018 23:30

Meriden Makes the news!

Here is an excerpt from the Daily Mail Saturday 30th June.

Their columnist Bel Mooney and her husband had a trip to the glorious English Midlands. A good reasonable hotel – The Manor Hotel in leafy Meriden – the later once being the home of Triumph motorcycles.

Their first stop was to the National Motorcycle Museum – temple to the once great British Motor cycle industry with which we led the World from 1898 to the 1960’s.

They were delighted to find the museum is still a family run affair with warm delightful staff with stories of nearly 1000 fascinating bikes, historic photographs and a good café and shop.

Their next visit was to Coventry Cathedral – a place of breath-taking creativity, history and spirituality.

They finished their trip with a visit to the National Trust Property at Baddesley Clinton and enjoyed exploring the Medieval moated Manor House and Gardens.

She concluded you don’t need to fly to expensive exotic places because Britain has everything you need for a good weekend away!

With thanks to Mary Warr and Vivienne Murphy for the newspaper cutting

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

Have you ever heard the saying, ‘First the physical then the spiritual’? Well as I was thinking about the things that are going on in the world at the moment, firstly the very long bad winter with all the non-stop rain, then the hot summer with all the sunshine and bush fires going on all around the world including the UK, it struck me that maybe God was trying to show us something, especially His church.

I was talking with a friend about these things when he told me about a prophesy that had been given this year regarding the things that have been going on, and the warning that God had given through it. When I read it, I realised that unless we take heed and act quickly, the church especially, then we could find ourselves in a great deal of trouble. Before I continue here’s the prophesy that was given.

Prophesy for 2018 Hi All, I am sharing this word (12/13 March 2018) with you for your information, prayers and support.

“Now, prepare for a drought.” This will be the worst since 1976. There will be very high temperatures and prolonged periods of heat. There will be water shortages and restrictions. This will have most impact on farmers, the elderly, infirm and unwell.

Context You will recall last year I brought a word about a bad winter and I am sure you will agree that we have had a bad winter. The key elements for me were the bad weather and illnesses. Were people prepared – no, and did they heed the warnings – no. So, the word “Now” is important since it signifies that the drought follows on from the previous trial the bad winter.

What is this all about? God said to me that it was “Another trial for the nation”. Brexit was the first trial, the bad winter the second and this drought is now the third. God asks “are you ready to repent and turn to him”. Deut 11 v 13 -17 and 2 Chron 7 v 14 are relevant especially the phrase “if My people.” In verse 14 of 2 Chron 7.

I have to say that I did hesitate with this word because it seemed to me to be going against what others have said about the year 2018 and that there are people actively praying for revival and for a time of turning for our nation. So, I enquired of God, “will your people not be discouraged by this word”. God said to me firstly that the people had not thanked him for the abundance of water he had sent over the winter. Secondly, he had heard people’s prayers but it was not enough.

So, what can we do? Well, 2 Chron 7 v 14 is clear “If My people, who are called by my Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways”. I also think it is time to spread the word.

God Bless Paul.

The thing that saddened me was the fact that no one had thanked God, and that our prayers were not enough. In this country we are good at moaning about the weather, ‘It’s too hot, It’s too cold’ it’s too wet’ etc. We are all so caught up in our own little worlds at times, thinking about what we want, what makes us happy, what gives us pleasure that we forget without God we would have nothing. We often don’t think about those less fortunate that ourselves and what we could do to help them. Our attitude is that we want to be served, but we’re not willing to serve. You see prayers are not enough, we need to follow our prayers with actions. James 2:18 and 20 says 18‘But someone will say, ‘’You have faith; I have deeds.’’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.’ 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?’

From this prophesy it’s quite clear that the onus is firmly on the church, that is those who are called by His Name, to humble themselves and pray, and seek His face turn from their wicked ways and if the church is prepared to do that, and do it now, Then the promise that follows in that same scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is this; ‘then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land’. I believe God is about to do something in our land that has never been seen before. Are we ready?

I shudder at the consequences if we’re not.

May God bless you, and give you eyes to see and ears to hear. Kevin and Lyn Hunt

David Deakin Plastering Services Interior plastering and coving work.

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Create your own Christmas Accessories Workshop Perfect to make party glitz or gorgeous presents!

Saturday 10th November Meriden Village Hall 2 sessions £35 each or book both for £60 9.45am-12.45pm or

1.30pm – 4.30pm

For more details contact Rachel Tel: 07982 807 938 www.warrillowstudio.com

Sunny Finish to Jubilee Year

With the summer a fading memory we remember highlights from our Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, especially the Festival which took place in the summer term.

Our school prefects took on great ambassadorial roles by providing school tours and helping out with stalls such as the popular Memories stall and the tuck shop.

After a few days of setting up and months of planning, our Diamond Jubilee Festival started promptly at 4pm on Friday 29 June.

As soon as the gates were opened, people started to stream onto the field where the tents and stalls were set up.

The special visitors’ marquee was the scene of some reunions: three former students who started on the first day in 1957 were there. They were full of stories of the school, how it used to be and what a fantastic influence has been on their lives. “These young people have such great opportunities here. It’s great to see how confidently they perform on the stage,” said 1957 pupil Janet Jerome.

The weather was spectacular, with temperatures in the high 20s, and a long queue immediately formed at the ice cream van. There was plenty to eat and drink with various foods on offer including hog roast, burgers and South African sausage. The Balsall Common Lions provided a muchvisited bar and the PTA ran a beautifully set Afternoon Tea marquee with lots of cake.

The highlights of the event though were the performances which went on nonstop from 4.15 to 9.15. With five hours of programming, there was a great variety of choirs, soloists, duets and bands, all providing excellent entertainment.

Performers included students from Year 7 all the way to Year 13, a staff band and staff choir and special guest performances from former students Lorna Want and Karl Loxley. “It was great to hear Lorna sing,” said Richard Drake, Chair of Berkswell Parish Council. “Last time we heard her sing was on a West End stage!”

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Jacqueline Hughes-Williams with Lorna Want

Janet was joined by Bill (Clyde) Howes and Derek Comwell, also from the 1957 cohort.

Bill had a newspaper clipping with a photo of his ’57 class in a lesson. Bill’s wife said: “We even managed to locate Clyde’s old classroom, though it’s somewhat changed!”

He also had a book with him which was presented to him in 1960 as school prize when he was in the Third Year (now Year 9).

Visitors in the Guest Tent

Our Diamond Jubilee Year is over now and the festival was a great way to bring everyone together to celebrate and many members of the local community joined us. Berkswell councillor Andrew Burrow said: “We were very, very impressed with the musical entertainment and the politeness, poise and interpersonal skills of the pupils that we met. We are thankful that, in a small way, Berkswell Parish Council has helped our community school. The school is an asset to the community and worth supporting.”

Pupils from 1957 Bill Howes and Derek Comwell

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

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Email

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

New Head Girl and Head Boy

Congratulations to Annabel Rowley and Joe O’Farrell our new Head Girl and Head Boy. They took over the roles and responsibilites officially this term but they have been getting used to thier new positions when they were announced in the summer.

The Head Boy and Girl are part of the council of students who lead on various aspects of school life. The council provides opportunity for student involvement in charity fundraising, student representation, leadership and mentoring.

Annabel and Joe will take particular leads in ambassadorial roles on behalf of the Sixth Form and the wider student body, including a high profile presence during Open Evenings. They bring to the position their own ambition of what they would like to achieve this year and how will they carry out their inspirational roles.

O��� E������ Thursday 27 September 6.30pm-8.30pm

Parents seeking places for student entry into Year 7 are warmly invited to visit Heart of England School

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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 5 years, term time only.

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

Includes a drink and toast.

LA ACTIVITY & SPORT CAMP OCTOBER HALF TERM Monday 29th October to Thursday 1st November Fun days filled with a variety of play, crafts, games, sports.

We are now Ofsted Registered, and all staff are DBS checked and fully trained.

Opening from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Call Rachel Platt 07812 127772

Harvest Hill Kennels

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

Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm On the third Monday of each month Advance notice

17th September

Jane Fox - Practice class

15th October

Jane Pugh – ‘Dance the night away’

CHRISTMAS FAYRE SATURDAY 1ST DECEMBER MERIDEN VILLAGE HALL 11.30-1.30 Entrance £2 To include coffee, tea and Mince Pie

th

19 November

Alison Suffolk ‘Woodstock’

Visitors are most welcome.

For more information contact Ann Lea 07725478624

Fresh Christmas Wreaths for sale or order one to collect later.

Make your own Table Decoration (with help) Craft Stall and Tombola Raffle

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:

26th August * 23rd September * 21st October * 18th November Please contact John Foudy on 07904 560991 for more information.

BUBBLES HAND CAR WASH Quality Hand Car Cleaning .

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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

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

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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 three months are: September 6th "Tales From the Sales Room“All About Antiques" given by Steven Bruce 4th October “Berkswell village Marie Curie Cancer Care" by David Brown, 1st November "Warwickshire Folk Tales" with Colin King.

Meetings are held at St. Peters Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common and start at 2pm. People not in full time employment, wanting to find out more about the U3A can look at the web sitewww.balsallcommonu3a.org Prospective members are welcome to attend the talks.

Meetings are held at St. Peters Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall

Common and start at 2.00pm. telephone Jim Melville 01676 534938.

Jen Harrison Jennifer ‘Jen’ Ann Harrison was born on August 24, 1941 in Meriden at the family home on the Fillongley Road. She died peacefully at home in the village on June 17, 2018, barely 100 yards from where she was born.

Born to parents John and Sarah Barlow – known to all as Jack and Sis – the family moved to Heath Farm on the straight mile before the end of the war. The Meriden farm was one of the biggest in Warwickshire. Jen was very close to her Grandfather, Bob Barlow, who reared race horses and dogs.

Dogs in particular proved to be a lucrative business, selling to wealthy individuals as far away as America and one even had the accolade of winning Crufts. Jen would accompany her Grandfather, a keen gambler, on some of his great Casino adventures to Deauville in Normandy.

In the mid-fifties Jen’s older brother, Bob Barlow junior, went away on National Service and times were tough on the farm; diseases led to the loss of animals and Bob Senior had a run of bad luck, developed pneumonia and died. Bankruptcy followed – the Barlows lost the farm and left Meriden for the more modest surroundings of Sewell Highway, Coventry. Jen’s father Jack had a new career running the Butcher’s shop.

Jen went to primary school in Meriden – back then it was the old school house, now the Doctors’ surgery. After O’levels, she went to secretarial college before training as a Radiographer’s assistant, but seeing patients die proved too much. Following advice from a friend, Jen started working in Coventry libraries in 1959.

For a woman who lived almost her entire life in Meriden, November 1962 heralded her big adventure. Her brother Bob had emigrated to Australia as a ‘Ten Pound Pom’ and Jen, then 21, took the month-long boat journey to attend his wedding. She stayed for a year, working in a bookshop in Sydney. But ultimately Meriden – and the libraries of Coventry – drew her home to Britain.

Back in the UK, she met Mike Harrison, an engineer who had completed an apprenticeship with Massey Ferguson, at the Mercer Jazz Club in 1968. They married 6 years later at the register office in Coventry and set up home in Meriden for good, buying a house in Leys Lane next door to one of Jen’s aunts.

In July 1977 their son Matt was born and Jen’s happy family was complete. Through her son, she became life-long friends with other parents in the village and she would regularly help out at the primary school. She inspired in him a love of books and was delighted when he gained a degree, then a PhD in physics at Leeds University. He moved to London and married Kate, a journalist. In October 2014, Jen and Mike’s grandson Ted was born.

While Jen was a frequent visitor to London to visit her son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Meriden was always home.

She loved the people and the countryside. She worked tirelessly in the grounds at St Laurence Church, Meriden, and when it became known that Jen had developed breast cancer, pink flowers were planted there in her honour.Jen was a big part of community life in Meriden and will be sadly missed.

The family has asked for any donations to be made to Macmilla n via

https://www.justgiving.com/remember/566252/Jen-Harrison.

A coffee morning in aid of the MacMillan Charity to sell the personal belongings of Jen Harrison at her request.

13 October Meriden Village Hall 10.00 am to 1.00 pm

ANNUAL EXHIBITION Art Craft and Photography Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st October 10am -5pm Fentham Hall, Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden Art for sale Demonstrator Refreshments, £1 entry (children free) Enquiries: edgriff@uwclub.net

The Job Squad

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

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

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A Message from Dame Caroline Spelman MP At last we have had some rain! Not usually something we welcome here in the UK but I’m sure I’m not alone as a gardener - having spent a considerable amount of time shipping out the washing up water into the garden to try and help my wilting plants survive the recent heatwave.

It reminded me of my Mum, whose experiences in WWII made her very resourceful with anything in short supply. If you can install a water butt it’s a good solution as rainwater is much better for the plants as it’s free of the additives which make tap water safe for us. But even the water butts ran dry this year.

I can recall the summer of 1976, the year of my A levels, when my parents deployed all the water saving techniques they’d learnt in Africa where they worked to help the flora in our garden cope. It’s a warning to any of us who take water for granted that with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events we may need some of the resourcefulness of days gone by to share with subsequent generations.

Even the North West of England, renowned for its above average rainfall, has had to introduce a hosepipe ban which is not always easy to bring in. I know from personal experience as this is something that I had to do this in 2012 when, after two dry winters, the aquifers deep underground had failed to recharge. With the Olympics coming up I had visions of the world watching parched London parkland interspersed with standpipes! So, with no rain forecast for yet another month in April I introduced a hosepipe ban on Maundy Thursday just before folks stock up on bedding plants - which of course need a lot of water. Of course, you can guess what happened: the very next day it started to rain and didn’t stop till June 26th causing the opposite problem of flooding.

Today some are still wary of the term climate change but leaving the name aside we have to make contingency for more extreme weather. How we approach this question will be particularly important for farmers who face real challenges due to the varied climate this year. Just casting my mind back – who would have thought that after the amount of snow and frost we had last winter we would enjoy successive days of scorching temperatures this summer. With that in mind, let’s individually think how each of us can make our household more resilient and give nature a little more help when it needs it.

Firebird Singers Update We were delighted to be asked to sing at two summer events in the village, the Rotary Megaride in June and Picnic in the Park in July. Following our successful concert at the Albany Theatre on 7th July we are very proud to announce a donation of £3,068.00 to this year’s charity the Huntington’s Disease Association.

We are also very pleased to have been invited to sing at the service to commemorate the end of the first World War on Sunday 11th November at St Laurence Church.

Following that we are looking forward to appearing once again at the Manor Hotel in our Christmas concert, which also has a World War 1 theme, two performances, please see poster for details. Our last two concerts at the Manor Hotel sold out completely, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Valerie Martin 01676 522963

Firebird Singers Macmillan Coffee Morning Saturday 22nd September Meriden Village Hall 11.00am -1.00pm Come and join us for homemade cakes, tea and coffee To support this very worthwhile cause.

A selection of second hand books and jigsaws will also be on sale

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

Christmas on the Home Front

MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT. FUNDAY SUNDAY. How many times have we heard “be careful what you wish for”? I had been wishing for a sunny day but it went way over the top! The baking temperatures, I am told, put many people off coming out. Such a shame.

However, I was most thankful for those of you who did join us on The Green.!! So very much effort was put in by the following, who I list in no particular order:- Derron Electrical, Terry Griffiths(Aguaflame), Paul & Martine Ryan, Jayne Cockerill ( H of E Conference Centre), Paul Lee, Carol, Alex, Cara, Nathan, Kyrie, Alan Smith & Dana, Chris Barr, Peter Moss, John Moorehouse, Colin Brown, Eddie Walker, Phil Simister Clive Jones, Keith & Judith Summerfield, Lis Willis, Tom Beaty, The Nijjer Family ( Spar Shop), Tina Say, Mark & Lynda Lilley, Tina Harris with Faith Johnson, Sasha Hen and Linda Barker, Juci Luci's Cupcakes, Vikki Davison, Cynthia & Graham Campion, Gerry & Joan Russell with Meriden Scout Group, Gary Olsen and The Manor Hotel. My most sincere thanks to them all. I have done my best to cover everyone, along with The Stallholders !! I can tell you that the day raised £ 1,250. and that £625. each has been paid out to The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull and Macmillan Cancer Support. I must add my appreciation to The Firs, Maxstoke Lane, The Parish Council and SMBC for their help and cooperation, along with all those who donated the really excellent prizes for The Midsummer Draw and The Tombola. I have said it before and I may well say it again but this is a prime example of our Community coming together and pulling together. Again, I thank you all so very much for playing your part in reaching the total to date for The Charities of **£ 56,752.50.** BEN NEVIS DONATION. I wish to thank Michael Coggins, a resident of The Firs. Maxstoke Lane, for his donation of £ 102. to The Meriden Tree of Thought. This is the sponsorship money he raised from his climb of Ben Nevis. He has now realized that he's ‘old enough to know better' but Well Done Michael and thank you very much for your kindness.!!!!

2018 TREE OF THOUGHT. As I do every year, I have already started preparations for this year's Tree. At the time of writing ( 28th July), I have received a very kind donation from The Cassidy Group.

The DEDICATION of THE TREE will be on The Green, at 4 pm on Friday 30th November.

Do please mark it on your calendars.

What did one autumn leaf say to another?

I'm falling for you

Centre of England Arts Annual Art Exhibition 20th/21st October 10:00am to 4:00pm We run weekly classes for adults in watercolour painting, mixed media, oils, acrylic, pottery and stained glass, and we have lots of one off workshops at the weekends. Thursday evening children’s class now available.

For more information on art classes at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see the website www.CoEA.co.uk Free entrance – Tea and coffee available

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP 2018 The Midland Charities Association Christmas card shop is back in Balsall Common Library for seven weeks from Monday, October 29th until Saturday, December 15th.

The shop operates at all library opening times during that period, i.e.

Monday & Thursday 10-6; Tuesday 10-5; Wednesday & Sunday closed all day; Friday 2-5; Saturday 10-4 There will be cards from 16 different charities.For more information, please contact Janice Whittlesey 01676 534407 In addition, the card shop in Allesley Park Community Library, Whitaker Road CV5 9JE will be open for 7 weeks from Monday, October 29th until Friday, December 14th.

The opening times there will be Monday & Thursday 12-6; Tuesday & Friday 10-2; Wednesday & Sunday closed all day; Saturday 10-4 We are looking for volunteers to help in 1½-2 hour slots on our rota at Allesley Park, so if you can help, we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Please contact Mal Haddon 02476 464530 or 07506 702446; email dr.haddon@btinternet.com

Poppy Field by Julie Hyde 1. Draw the wall and a hint of the tree.

2. Us a little Masking fluid to a few spaces to paint poppies later.

Also mask out a few grasses at the front, then dot on a little cow parsley and spatter or flick on some extra masking fluid. Use a little soap on your brush first to protect your brush. LET IT DRY (you can try watering down a little bit of Copydex to make masking fluid) 3. Sky. Using puddles of:• Blue • Blue + Brown (to make a blue/grey) Wet all the sky area with a mop brush. With a large brush add patches of blue across the paper, leaving areas white for clouds, add the grey towards the bottoms of the clouds. Immediately dab off the top edges of the clouds with kitchen roll before it dries if needed.

4. Foreground boulder wall. Wet the area of the boulder wall and add patches of:• Brown • Yellowy Brown • Blue + Brown (to make a dark grey) Add a pinch of salt to give some rocky texture.

5. Background hills. Dampen the hills and pause for a moment before adding varying shades of:• Blue + Yellow (to make a weak green) LET IT DRY 6. Poppy Field. Dampen the field and pause for a moment before adding stronger and varying shades of:• Yellow + Blue (strong yellowy Green) • Blue + Yellow (strong Green) Keep the yellowy greens towards the back and the blue greens towards the front. While the field is still damp, swap to a small brush and dot in bands of:• Red Add the distant trees with the blue green.

7. Add a few cracks and crevices to the wall with:• Blue + Brown (to make a dark grey) 8. On to dry paper, sponge or stipple on some patches of leaves

on the tree and a little on the foreground with:• Yellow + Blue (strong yellowy Green) • Blue + Yellow (strong Green) Add some grasses to the foreground.

9. Add the branches and trunk in between the leaves with:• Blue + Brown (to make a dark grey) 10. Rub the masking off and add a hint of foreground poppies with:• Red Try to leave a little light on the petals.

Add a centre to some of the poppies with:• Blue + Brown (to make a dark grey) Add a little green to the grasses.

Created by Julie Hyde

Email:jph300@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2018

Created by Julie Hyde

Email:jph300@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2018

Village Life in colour

Cyclists’ Sunday 20th May

OVO Women’s Cycle Race through Meriden 15th June

Fun Day Sunday on the Green 8th July

Rotary Club of Meriden Megaride 24th June Meriden C of E Primary School PTA Summer Fayre

Photograph courtesy of Keith Fleming

Photographs courtesy of Roy Hands, who also took many of the pictures opposite

The restoration of Meriden Pool has provided scope for lots of photographs, too many for us to include but we wish to thank everyone who has sent some in. We always welcome good quality pictures of village events.

The Chairman of the Firebird Singers presenting a cheque for £3000 to the Huntington’s Disease Association

A very special day for Rev Jane Braund at her ordination service

Singing at Picnic in the Park 22nd July

Junior Members of Meriden Archery Club with their winner’s medals

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beaver Scouts As ever the Beaver Scout section has had a busy programme over the last few months.

During May the Beavers together with the other Meriden Scout Group sections, took part in the Warwickshire Scout County ‘Get-In’ camp, which was held next door to the Bramcote Barracks near Nuneaton. There were over 3000 Scouts camping for the week-end. At the camp site there was a wide range of activities that the Beavers could take part in.

In June new Beavers were invested into Scouting, watched by their family members. Also, in June the Beavers started their Gardening Badge, flowers were planted in old wellies and are now outside the Scout Hut. During July the Beaver Scout Leaders helped to set up the fencing around the Village Green for the Meriden Tree of Thought ‘Fun Day’. They also helped with the stalls on the Sunday.

At the end of term, the Beavers had their ‘water fight night’ and managed to get very wet. They also said goodbye to Ben, Lizzy, Jacob and Ashton who will be moving up to Cubs in September, and Harrison who is moving away.

Cub Scouts The Cub Scouts took part in the County’s ‘Get-In’ camp during May on a very hot week-end. They were involved in the mass Opening ceremony which got the camp off to a bang with fireworks. The Closing ceremony on the Sunday afternoon involved everyone showing their appreciation for a fantastic weekend of activities and fun. During the week-end the Cubs undertook a range of activities including obstacle courses, water activities, craft events and team building.

The Cubs have undertaken badge work, local hikes and a number of the Cubs have worked towards their Silver Chief Scout Awards.

The last night of the term, was the now usual ‘water night’ where the Cubs kept themselves cool by getting very wet.

After 5 years as Cub Scout Leader, Malcolm Eggar has ‘retired’ from Scouting, he was given a big ‘Thank you’ from the Group and the Cubs/parents on his last night.

Andy Ruthen will be taking over the Cub Scout Leader role as from the restart in September and will welcome help from parents and supporters of the section. Andy has been actively involved with the Cubs over the past 12 months so is already well known to the Cub Scouts.

Scouts Like the other sections the Scouts took part in the ‘Get-In’ camp on the 18th – 20th May 2018. The Scouts were involved in the range of activities including backwoods cooking, canoeing, fire lighting, stilt walking.

During the term they also were involved with the annual ‘Strategy camp’ which is a competitive event, with entries from across the country, the Meriden Scouts performed very well, coming 15th out of 295 teams.

In June they took part in Dragon Boat racing in Leamington. While in July one of their meeting nights was held at the Meriden Archery Club where they were taught a little of the art of archery.

Also, in July the Scout Leaders and a number of the Scouts helped to set up and run the stalls at the Fun Day on the Green.

The Scouts had their cooling down night at the end of the summer term with the aid of water pistols!

Explorer Scouts The Explorers meet at the Meriden Scout Hut on Monday evenings, during their meetings they have completed different Scouting activities such as pioneering, route finding, utilising a number of different ways/methods of cooking, discussion evenings, and problem solving.

The Unit also attended the ‘Get-In’ week-end camp as well as other camps including the ‘Evolution camp’ which again is a competitive camp, involving Explorer and Network Units from around the country, at this event they did very well coming 6th out of 118 teams.

The 3 Explorers who have been selected to go to the 2019 World Scout Jamboree, have been busy with attending special camps to develop the Warwickshire and UK contingent. At ‘Get-In’ they raised funds for the Jamboree and have helped at the Village Film Shows and the Megaride.

They are now organising a second ‘Quiz Night’ to be held at the Village Hall on Saturday 29th September 2018. Please reserve the date if you are able. See poster elsewhere in the Mag.

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 07967 674308 Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Andy Ruthen 07929 9752518 Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark 07801 773352 or 1stMeridenScouts@gmail.com We also need help from any adults out there that would be willing to spare some time with any of the sections – even if it is just for the odd hour or two each month

Heart of England Social Club Hez

MERIDEN

COME ALONG FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT AT OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY CLUB AND HAVE FUN!

CV7 7LB

None Members welcome

BERKSWELL ROAD

Call: 01676 522430 CONFERENCE & BANQUETING SERVICE AVAILABLE WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE AND ARRANGED ROOM HIRE AVAILABLE FOR FUNCTIONS, BIRTHDAYS, CHRISTENING etc

EVERY FRIDAY & SUNDAY BINGO & OPEN THE BOX 1ST SEPTEMBER ROD STEWART TRIBUTE £6.00 27TH OCTOBER HALLOWEEN PARTY NIGHT 3RD NOVEMBER FIREWORK DISPLAY

Steven Russell

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch

Singing Teacher Singing for fun, choral Director Graded exams and Oxbridge Choral Scholarship preparation Jennifer Faulkner

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

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

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

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 . Ask staff 10am -for 6pmmore information.

Thursday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 1pm

What’s on this autumn at Meriden Library?

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 autumn are: Monday 17 September:

Lessons learned.

Monday 15 October: On page or on screen?

Monday 19 November:

Parents and children.

Summer Reading Challenge – thank you! A huge thank you to everyone who has so far participated in our Beano themed Summer Reading Challenge – Mischief Makers. We hope you have had a lot of fun reading your books and doing the crafts! The closing date is September 8. We are looking forward to seeing those who have completed the challenge to deliver their medals shortly.

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.

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

The Daughter of Time – by Josephine Tey Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is bed-bound in hospital with a broken leg having fallen through a trapdoor in pursuit of one, Benny Skoll, now serving three years at His Majesty’s pleasure. Grant is bored, very bored, until his actress friend, Marta Hallard, arrives with an envelope full of pictures of faces – an interest of his that has “proved both a private entertainment and a professional advantage.” One face in particular attracts his interest – and it turns out to be that of Richard the Third. Did he murder his two boy nephews? Has he been unjustly judged? Grant borrows two school history books from his nurses and starts to investigate. He is helped by a young American scholar, Brent Carradine, who is doing historical research at the British Museum.

He becomes Grant’s ‘runner’ – fetching books and looking up historical facts.

Nice touches of humour – for example, Grant calls his nurses The Midget and The Amazon; Carradine wears a “too big tweed coat” spread around him “like some royal robe”; Cockney Mrs Tinker, who ‘does’ for Grant, visits him bringing paper bags full of freshly baked buns; and Grant’s Sergeant Williams when shown the face and unaware of its identity, thought it would be found on the bench, not in the dock.

A gentle, historical, detective story – rigorously researched – un-putdownable in its quiet way. One for the Ricardians among you!

Published in 1951, it was the late Josephine Tey’s wish that “all author’s profits from this book will go to the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty.”

Sue Fuller

Readers Circle Wednesday 5th September

Members holiday reading

Wednesday 10th October Music /Musicians, fact or fiction Wednesday 14th November.

Book by Peter Temple.

If any of these appeal, please give Peter Moss a call on 01 676 523590 For further information and the venue

Meriden World Scout Jamboree Fundraising Quiz

Saturday 29th September 2018 At Meriden Village Hall Tickets are £10.00 a person, including Fish and Chip Supper plus a Hot Drink Teams of up to six people.

Come along to this fun filled night.

Arrive from 7.00pm for a 7.15pm start.

Raffle Bring your own drinks.

For ticket enquiries phone 0121 7481132 or email info@meridenwsj.co.uk

The 4th Stage of the OVO energy Men’s Cycle Tour of Britain

MEN’S TOUR

passes through Meriden on Wednesday 5th September about 11.30am This stage is the second longest of this year’s tour at 151 km and starts in Nuneaton finishing in Leamington Spa. This event allows spectators to catch sight of the world’s best riders on a number of occasions most notably at the Eisberg Sprint at Kenilworth and the final sprint into Leamington Spa. The total race takes lasts for eight stages starts at Newport in Wales and finishes in London.

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

Barkers’ Butts RFC

Yoga Sunpower Yoga classes for everybody! (our venues have changed)

•

n

Meriden Meriden Church of England Primary School Tuesday Active Yoga classes 19.00-20.15 - £7 • Breath *term time only control • stretch Meriden Sports Pavilion • strength Thursday • relaxation 19.00- 20.15 - £7 Adaptable for & • injury *NEW CLASS* recovery Friday • low 10.00-11.15 £7

Balsall Common

Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR

•

mobility pregnancy

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

• •

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

Bespoke 121 Yoga Chair Yoga & Pregnancy Yoga available Contact Julie for class information Telephone: 07792 965370 Email: julieengstedyoga@gmail.com Facebook:@julieengstedyogateacher Website: julieengstedyoga.co.uk

KidFit

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

Fitness should be fun!

Mondays 9.30-10.30am

KidFit is a games-based fitness session, specifically, for children. £3 per session, no contracts, no upfront fees, just have fun and get moving!

Wednesdays,5.30-6.30pm Starting Wednesday 12th September Meriden Methodist Church Hall For more information,

Meriden Village Hall

call Laura on 07803621818

Call Jacqui on 07703 345210 The perfect start to your day ……….

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 The Blarney Stone of Meriden, Connecticut Blarney is variously defined as “skillful flattery,” “street charm,” “nonsense,” and “humbug.” In another view it is “flattery sweetened by humour and flavored by wit.” The word comes to us, of course, from Blarney Castle in Ireland, where kissing the 572-year-old Blarney Stone is said to give you “the gift of the gab.”

But there’s another Blarney Stone, right here in Meriden, Connecticut (see photo), although it’s only been there for 40 years, and it’s not at all clear what you could gain by smooching it. The stone is part of the wall that contains Harbor Brook as it flows through Brookside Park.

Here’s the story: I took that picture sometime during the 13 years when I lived in the former Tredennick Paint Co. building on the “lost block” of Pratt Street — the block that was cut off from the rest of civilization when Interstate 691 came through, around 1971, and is now called Pratt Street Extension. Since then, the building has also been home to various companies, including Aero Gasket Corp., Grant Bros. Fuel, Rex Medical, and Classic Kitchen and Bath; as well as some interesting individuals, including a child psychiatrist, a guy who used to make gargoyles, and a gal who, rumour had it, was a professional dominatrix. I’m just saying.

Anyway, the best feature of my loft apartment was that the bedroom was the former fire vault for the paint factory, with a combination lock on a heavy steel door that carried them.message “Hall’s Safe & Lock Co., Cincinnati, Ohio” in decorative gold lettering. The second-best feature was the freight elevator in the kitchen; I’d pull on the metal cable (careful not to lose any fingers) and ride down two floors to the ground level so I could throw my trash in the dumpster out back.

Out back is also where you can step over the abandoned tracks that come out of the creepy track on the highway, and enter the park, which is how I stumbled upon the Meriden Blarney stone. But what’s the story behind it?

Peering at old clippings from down in this newspaper’s cobwebbed crypt, I found that the stone walls had been washed out by a flood, so they had to be rebuilt in 1978. It was a big job, involving both city and temporary workers, and stuff.

The clippings mentioned long time Meriden parks and/or recreation guy Mark Zebora, now retired, who may be the only person left who remembers what happened in the park back in 1978. So, I called him up. The stone, Mr. Zebora said, was the brainchild of George Geer, who’s no longer with us but back then was the parks foreman. A colourful Irishman, it is said, Mr. Geer had the stone made, with a special message, to add a little charming humbug and wit — or, if you prefer, “JUST A BIT O’ BLARNEY” — to the wall and to the city.

I now await the hordes of tourists who are bound to show up.

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

LORD AND LADY AYLESFORD invite you to a Coffee Morning In Aid of The Chapel of St James, On Thursday 8th November 10.30am - 12.00 noon Great Packington at Packington Hall Packington Park CV7 7HF (R) Please bring your friends Entrance £5 to include a cup of tea or coffee and biscuit (Children free)

Cakes, Raffle Odds ’n Ends!

Further Information 01676 522274

Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood The Horse Chestnut in the Surgery Car Park We’ve all seen the horse chestnut tree when visiting the surgery or the village hall. What you may not know is that it is believed this tree was planted around 1919 in memory of the boys from the school who were killed in World War I. Horse chestnut is native to the Balkans, could the choice of tree have been because the war began in that part of the world? Or was it with the intention of providing future generations of children with conkers right outside what was then The National School?

Horse chestnut trees can live up to 300 years. Their flowers, white with a pink flush at the base, provide a rich source of nectar and pollen to insects, particularly bees. Trees with all pink or red flowers are artificial hybrids. The Horse chestnut has what are known as compound, palmate leaves; that means it has 5-7 pointed, toothed leaflets which spread from a central stem.

Caterpillars of the horse chestnut leaf miner moth, live and feed on the leaves causing visible damage; the leaves turn brown and fall early. But there is no evidence this harms the trees, as most of the damage occurs late in the season. The presence of leaf miner caterpillars can be seen on trees in the village.

So where does the name “horse chestnut” come from? The leaf stalks leave a scar on the twig when they fall, which resembles an inverted horse shoe with nail holes and this could be the origin of the tree's name. An alternative theory is that it comes from the use of conkers as medicine for horses to relieve coughs.

Horse Chestnut Leaf

Flower

Conker

Leaf Miner Moth

Leaf Miner Caterpillar Damage

Meriden – Hedgehog Hotspot In the last Meriden Mag, Vanessa told us about her encounters with hedgehogs. I’m very envious of her! I used to get lots in my garden before I moved to Meriden in 1999 but haven’t seen any since. Whilst they are difficult to count, there doesn’t seem to be any doubt they are in serious decline. Its estimated there were around 30 million of them in the UK in the 1950s and there may just be about 1 million now. This is probably due to the decline of hedgerows and soil invertebrates. There is apparently some evidence that the decline in towns is slowing and even that they may be seeking out villages.

And according to the Senior Hedgehog Officer from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Meriden is a Hedgehog hotspot!

So why haven’t I seen any? It may well be my own fault; I rabbit proofed my fences to protect my newly planted garden, no doubt creating barriers for hedgehogs. Hedgehogs travel about 1 mile every night, in search of food and a mate, and the increasingly impenetrable walls and fences we put around our property are contributing to their decline. You can help by creating just a small hole, about 13cm by 13com, in your garden fences.

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. Dates for conservation work parties in Millisons Wood are also notified there. If you’re interested in hedgehogs and their conservation, check out www.hedgehogstreet.org.uk

Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com

Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees

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: • 24 September 2018 – The Pavilion • 22 October 2018 – The Pavilion • 19 November 2018 – The Pavilion

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

Community Surgeries 11am-12pm: • Monday 10 September 2018 – Meriden Library • Monday 8 October 2018 – The Pavilion • Monday 5 November 2018 – Meriden Library Meriden Neighbourhood Plan meetings 6.30pm 8.00pm: • Tuesday 18 September 2018 – The Pavilion • Tuesday 16 October 2018 – The Pavilion • Tuesday 13 November 2018 – no meeting

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

Your Parish Councillors are:

Rosie Weaver BEM (Chair)

Matthew Nunn (Vice-Chair)

Bob Kipling

Melanie Lee

Paul Lee

Mandy Haque

Frances Lynch-Smith

Jon Barber

Meriden Pool Project As we all know the Pool is a much loved and valued community asset. We hope all residents join the parish council in thanking Solihull MBC for their efforts in carrying out restorative pool improvements for Meriden residents and visitors to the Parish alike.

The project has not been without its challenges with the weather playing a major part in the start of project delay (too much rain) and end of project (too dry and hot) proving detrimental in enabling re-seeding works to germinate. It is likely that turf will be laid in September/Autumn time.

However, we hope you will agree the pool is looking great with all the wildfowl returning and loving the new look.

You will notice that a gate has been made to open up the far bank with access to Berkswell Road and re-instatement of the original pathway.

The felling of the horse chestnut was unfortunate but necessary given the disease and the chippings from the trunk and branches have been recycled and used for the footpath surface. The on-going maintenance will be carried out by SMBC with a regular programme of works scheduled.

The Parish Council would like to thank Brian and Elaine Ball who have done an outstanding job of maintaining the Parish in Bloom planters in very dry, sunny, hot conditions; the parish is looking “Blooming Marvellous!”

Julie Hyde, our resident artist, who provided an artwork outline for the poppy memorial planting for Brian and Elaine Ball.

Woodland View for the planting and maintenance of the Showell Lane roundabout planter which is looking particularly colourful.

H2L for their sponsorship of the Housing Needs Survey for the Neighbourhood Plan.

Rachel Platt for co-ordinating the Picnic in the Park for us where we had approximately 300 children and families enjoying picnics, games and sunshine. Money raised for the Brain Tumour Support and Motor Neurone Disease Association came to £200 to be equally shared between both. Cllr Weaver, Rachel Platt and Cllr Barber are pictured giving the cheques to the charity representatives at the Bull’s Head.

Protecting our history, planning our future Your community needs You to make Your community stronger Following the Annual Parish Assembly in May, Meriden Parish Council volunteered to advertise and co-ordinate the need for volunteers in various Community Organisations and Groups in Meriden. Volunteers are needed for •

• •

Scouts including Beavers, Cubs & Explorers Village Hall Management Committee Meriden Sport & Recreation Trust

• • • • • •

WI Cameo Cancer Research Meriden Mag distribution Neighbourhood Watch Readers Circle

•

•

Meriden Sports Park football coaches girls & boys Friends of Meriden Pool Group

To find our more please contact the Clerk.

We also wish to set up a ‘Friends of Meriden Pool Community Group’ to assist with keeping the Pool tidy. Anyone interested please contact the Clerk.

Speed Initiative We have had sponsorship from A & A, NRS and Tarmac for stickers for wheelie bins to remind drivers to slow down. If you live on Fillongley Rd, Main Road, Birmingham Road and would like a 30-mph sticker and/or a life sized stick-on ‘child’, please contact the Clerk.

[

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

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

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

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

Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic cleaning, Office cleaning Professional cleaning service Meriden Junior Archery Club Meriden Archery Club Juniors have again seen a hive of activity over the summer months. Mid July saw the Club’s Annual Championships held at home on one of the hottest days of the year. There were many Junior wins in the respective categories, most notably Terri-Ann Firth with “Best Gold” and Edward Gray, just 10 years old, winning the Novice Trophy.

On a larger scale, and further afield, the prestigious five-day Archery GB Youth Festival took place at Lilleshall National Sports Centre where Meriden Juniors again flew the flag.

Callum Platt secured Gold in the Junior Men Team match, and finished 4th in Recurve Junior Men, just missing out in the Bronze individual medal match. Joshua Smith in his Recurve Cub Team also just missed out on Bronze. Monty Orton having been ranked 18th, fought hard in head-to-heads, knocking out number 2 ranked, to finish 6th in Recurve Cadet Men - an amazing achievement after such a short time shooting and in a very strong category.

Outside of County, Meriden Juniors certainly made their mark at the Wyre Forest Company of Archers in August, with Monty Orton, Kathryn Taylor and Terri-Ann Firth all coming away with 1st places. At Cheltenham, Daniel Bowman secured also 1st place in one of the rare wet and windy summer days.

There are more tournaments taking place during late summer and early autumn, so we’ll update you next edition. As always, Junior Club continues to run every Saturday 10-1, so please feel free to pop along and have a chat, or visit

www.meriden-archery.org.uk/junior-club/

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

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

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

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

DOGGY DAY CARE Days, weekends or longer ………

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

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

Excellent affordable rates.

TEL: 01676 522466 (Meriden) Balsall Common Country Market

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 523007

A free cup of tea or coffee with this voucher

On all Vertical, Metal Venetians & Roller blinds

CALL US ON 01676 523642

CALL US ON 523642 For a friendly, free 01676 no obligation quote For a friendly, free no obligation quote

Visit www.meridenblinds.co.uk Visit

All prices quoted include measuring, www.meridenblinds.co.uk fitting & vat.

All prices*terms quotedand include measuring, fitting & conditions apply vat.

unit

New Showroo m.

Direct Carpets & Flooring

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

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

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 Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden 01676 522287

Fly-tipping and drug litter - a call for action?

I first wrote about the scourge of fly-tipping in a community magazine 32 years ago. I was a young environmental activist (soon to become Birmingham’s youngest Councillor) and was passionate about protecting the rivers, wildlife, green spaces and architectural heritage of Tolkien’s Hall Green in Birmingham That first article led to the creation of The River Cole Conservation Group which I chaired and - through its group of dedicated citizens - endured for decades (long after I had gone) eventually becoming part of the Shire country park in our great second City. The group boasted many achievements, rallying volunteers, planting trees, cleaning up areas, creating a unified leisure walkway, attracting funding for rangers, gaining recognition for the Tolkien legacy and inspiring action and deterrence against those who would despoil the environment Having lived in Meriden now for over a decade - reporting fly tipping occurrences in our lanes and fields to the Council (and being involved in small scale litter picks) I notice a growing escalation of fly-tipping accompanied by a worrying trend towards drug detritus (Nitrous oxide canisters, medications and alcohol). In the old days it was glue canisters!

I am - once again 32 years on - currently waging my own personal campaign to (a) understand the challenges that Solihull council face on this issue (b) explore what action can be taken to deter and prosecute offenders (c) inspire practical local action and (d) urge our public organisations to seek out and support vulnerable people (drug users) who form part of the new generation of litter generators.

Perhaps now more than ever we need our own version of Tolkien’s shire country park in Meriden and across the Borough

David McGrath is the former Chair of Meriden RAID and lives in Eaves Green Lane

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

MOPPIES HOME SERVICES when quality does matter www.moppieshomeservices.com

07543 104068

Our services include: All domestic/residential cleaning Commercial cleaning

House clearances

After builders cleaning

Garage clearances

Pre/End of Tenancy

Residential drainage

cleans

repairs and

Garden clearances Garden Maintenance

installations Driveway jetting Fence projects

One time absolutely free lawn mowing for new customers

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

PA ELECTRICS (17

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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, 10th October, 7.45 pm for 8.00 pm at Berkswell Reading Room.

‘Brummagen Toy Makers’ A Presentation by Helen Larner Admission £3 for members £4 for non members. .

Refreshments will be provided at this event.

Why not join the History group?

Membership is £5 per annum

Have you looked at our website? www.berkswell-history.org Did you hear about the tree that had to take time off of work in autumn?

It was on paid leaf.

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) Dr N Omokanye Associate GP Dr L Whitehead

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

8.30am to 6pm 8.30am to 12.00

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

Group Practice Personnel update The Practice would like to welcome Dr. Omokanye as a salaried GP having successfully qualified as a General Practitioner following her training year at the group practice. Drs Thomas Edwards and Amar Farmah have joined the practice on 1st August as part of their GP training

01676 935000

Care Quality Commission final report ratings May 2018 Overall rating for this service ……………………Good Are services safe? ………………………………. Good Are services effective …………………………….Good Are services caring ……………………………….Good Are services well led …………………………… Good Details of the full report can be found on the practice web site – “additional information” “Care Quality Commission”

Medication Review Dates

Newsletter distribution

Patients are often not aware of the date their repeat medication is due. This can be found on the right-hand side of their prescription or on the counterfoil that is included with their medication when it is dispensed. The date is detailed at the end of each medication shown on the counterfoil.

If you would like to be added to the distribution list please contact Joanne Hope, Practice Manager in writing or by email to joanne.hope@nhs.net We will then automatically send you the new newsletter by email or by post if you do not have email facility.

Text Messaging – Mobile numbers We are now operating a text message reminder service, please ensure your mobile number is up to date on your records, please speak to reception or email balsallcommon.practice@nhs.net

Coventry Breathe Easy For more information please ring Janet on 02476 460081 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,

Friday 14th September A day in the life of a pharmacist from Tescos Walsgrave

Friday 12th October Research at QE2 Hospital, Birmingham Dr Elizabeth Sapey

Management of Patient information Your information, your rights Our Management of Patient information process explains why we collect information about you and how that information may be used to deliver your direct care and manage the local health and social care system The proceed reflects: • What information we collect about you • How and why we use that information • How we retain your information and keep it secure • Who we share your information with and why we do this The process also explains your rights in relation to consent to use your information, the right to control who can see your data and how to seek advice and support if you feel that your information has not been used appropriately.

A full copy of the Management of Patient information process is available on the Sara web site or on application to the Practice Manager.

Results available earlier in the day Following requites from patients, from Monday 6th August results will be available from 11.00am at both the Meriden and Balsall common surgeries.

The Rotary Club of Meriden Tuesday 26th June, was the Hand-Over evening for the incoming Meriden Rotary Club President Mike Holdsworth. Seen here at the ceremony at The Manor Hotel.

Mike has pledged to make Meriden Rotary Club available to local charities and to provide a much needed, community presence, within both Meriden and surrounding villages.

He would like to encourage new members to join the club, and thus help with local activities like the Santa Fun Run which will take place on Sunday 2nd December.

The Older Residents Dinner and for the younger children, The Father Christmas Sleigh experience. Mike has been a design engineer all his life, working mainly on component designs for Rolls Royce Aero engines. He was an active member of the Territorial Army, serving for 26 years. During this time, he passed the British Army Parachute selection course and The Commando selection course, earning him the right to wear the Red and Green Berets.

He also, on ceremonial occasions, wears The Brevet Militare, (French Para Wings) gained whilst training with The French Foreign Legion in Orléans, France. His final tally of jumps was 401, taking him to countries like Germany, France, Demark, Sicily, Malta, America, Saudi Arabia and Cyprus. Mike is very proud to be the Meriden Rotary Club President and serve the community.

Meriden Rotary club are planning an open evening in the New Year to attract new members, more details in the next Mag. The photograph on the left shows Mike presenting next year’s president, Geoff Arthur, with his Vice Presidents badge.

Mike Holdsworth President Meriden Rotary Club mholdsworth218@hotmail.com

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CASHMORE Garden and Property Care

07710676792 • • • • •

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

blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100

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

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

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

Village Diary DATE

EVENT

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

3rd Sept 5th Sept 5th Sept 10th Sept 10th Sept 12th Sept 14th Sept 17th Sept 17th Sept 18th Sept 22nd Sept 22nd Sept 24th Sept 27th Sept 28th Sept 29th Sept 29th Sept 30th Sept 1st Oct 5th Oct 6th Oct 8th Oct 10 th Oct 12 th Oct 13th Oct 13th Oct 15th Oct 15th Oct 16th Oct 20th/21st 20th/21st 21st Oct 22nd Oct 26th Oct 28th Oct

Village Hall Village

7.30pm Approx. 11.30 am 7.30pm 2.30 -3.15 pm 11.00am-12 noon 8.45 am 2.00-4.00pm 10.30-11.30am 7.30pm 6.30pm – 8.00pm 1 1am-1.00 pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 8.45 am 2.00pm 2.30 pm 7.00 pm 10.30am 7.30pm 7.00pm 10am-12 noon 11.00am-12 noon 7.30pm 2.00-4.00pm 10 am – 1.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30-11.30am 6.30-8.00pm 10am-5pm 10.00-4.00pm 7.00pm 7.30pm 2.00pm

Joan Russell 522666

1st Nov 2nd Nov 4th Nov 5thNov 5th Nov 8th Nov 9th Nov 11thNov 14th Nov 17th Nov 19th Nov 19th Nov

WI OVO men’s cycle race Reader’s Circle Reading Zoo weekly Community Surgery Candle lit vigil Churches all together cafe Reading Cafe Flower Club Neighbourhood Plan Macmillan Coffee morning Big Picture Show Parish Council Meeting Candle lit vigil CAMEO Call the Nation to Prayer Explorer Scout Quiz Harvest Festival WI Methodist Supper Club WI open morning Community Surgery Readers Circle Churches all together cafe Macmillan sale Big Picture Show Flower Club Reading Cafe Neighbourhood plan Arts and Crafts Exhibition COEA Art Exhibition Pink and blue Evening Parish Council CAMEO British summer time ends Charity card shop opens Sports camp Meriden Mag deadline Methodist Supper Club Bereavement Service Community Surgery WI annual meeting Coffee Morning Churches all together cafe Remembrance Service Readers Circle Big Picture show Reading Cafe Flower Club

19th Nov 23rd Nov 30thNov

Parish Council Meeting CAMEO Tree of Thought

29th Oct 29thOct

Library Library St Laurence Church Pavilion Library Village Hall Sports Pavilion Village Hall Village Hall Sports Pavilion St Laurence Church Sports Pavilion Sports Park Village Hall Methodist Church Village Hall Methodist Church Village Hall Sports Pavilion Pavilion Village Hall Village Hall Village Hall Library Sports Pavilion Fentham Hall Patricks Farm Barns Manor Hotel Pavilion Pavilion

Peter Moss 523590 522717 Barbara Bland 522474 Lynda Lilley 522825 Lynda Lilley 522825 522717 Ann Lea 07725478624 Barbara Bland 522474 Chris Copper 522645 Barbara Bland 522474 Lynda Lilley 522825 Joan 523507 Lynda Lilley 522825 0121 7481132 Rev Jane Braund 533737 Joan Russell 522666 Gail 07913872280 Joan Russell 522666 Barbara Bland 522474 Peter Moss 523590 Lynda Lilley 522825 Dot Hall 02476 465668 Chris Copper 522645 Ann Lea 07725478624 522717 Barbara Bland 522474 Julie Hyde 523357 Mary Warr 522160 Barbara Bland 522474 Joan 523507

B. Common Library Pavilion

Library hours

Janice 534407 Rachel Platt 07812127772

Methodist Church St Laurence Church Library Village Hall Packington Hall Pavilion St Laurence Church Village Hall Library Village Hall

7.00pm 4.00 pm 11.00am-12 noon 7.30pm 10.30am-12noon 2.00-4.00pm 10.00am 7.30pm 7.30 pm 10.30-11.30am 7.30pm

Gail 07913872280 Lynda Lilley 522825 Barbara Bland 522474 Joan Russell 522666 01676 522274 Lynda Lilley 522825 Lynda Lilley 522825 Peter Moss 523590 Chris Copper 522645 522717 Ann Lea 07725478624

Sports pavilion Sports Pavilion Village Green

7.30pm 2.00 pm 4.00pm

Barbara Bland 522474 Joan 523507 Alan 522138

Blackberries In early autumn people can be seen picking blackberries in the hedges and around fields. They can be used in many different ways and are a good substitute for other berried fruit or added to apples for stewed fruit.

Cultivated blackberries are more productive and better behaved than their wild relatives, and can be trained in a variety of ways. Blackberries can ramble over arches, pergolas, trellis and along wires on walls and fences.

If you are short on space there are compact, thornless types of blackberry that will grow perfectly well in containers.

Blackberries can tolerate light shade, but they will be more productive in a sunny, sheltered site. They prefer moistureretentive, but free-draining soil. If you have chalky, sandy, or heavy clay soil, improve with plenty of bulky organic matter (two bucketfuls per sq m) before planting.

They are usually bought as container-grown plants. A single plant can be incredibly productive, but if you plant more make sure they have plenty of room. Spacing depends on the vigour of the cultivar, ranging from 2.5m (8ft) to 4.5m (13ft) apart. When planting, cover the rootball with about 8cm (3in) of soil.

Vigorous cultivars need a sturdy support system. Use a wall or fence, 1.5-2m (5ft - 6ft 6in) high, with horizontal wires spaced 45cm (18in) apart, with the lowest wire 23cm (9in) from the ground. Alternatively, run the wires between two strong vertical posts.

After planting cut down all canes to a healthy bud. This may seem drastic, but it will ensure plants throw up lots of vigorous, healthy shoots in spring.

A new version of a summer pudding

Blackberries are delicious in many different ways, blackberry and apple crumble and blackberry and apple pie are classic autumn puddings.

Just stewed with a little sugar and served cold on the morning breakfast cereal is just delicious

1 large bought Madeira cake (or two small ones) 900g blackberries or could be a mixture of other soft fruit such as raspberries and blackcurrants 100-125g caster sugar depending on taste Ice –cream or cream to serve Line a 900ml pudding dish with slices of the

Blackberry Banana Smoothie with Greek yogurt

Madeira cake, save enough for the lid.

Simmer the soft fruit with the sugar sprinkled over for just 5 minutes until the juice begins to run and

a great start for the morning. It is thick, luscious, creamy, and satisfying.

the fruit is softened Remove it from the heat and sieve the mixture and reserve some of the juice.

Place the rest of the fruit in the lined bowl and cover the top with the remaining cake slices.

Servings: 2

Put a plate that fits on top and place a weight on top(eg a tin of baked beans ) and leave in the

Ingredients

fridge over night.

Remove the weight and plate and invert on to a

•

plate.

•

Pour the reserved juice over the top of the pudding

•

Serve with either the cream or ice cream

•

1 cup chilled blackberries (130g) 1 banana (peeled) ½ cup Greek yogurt (130g) 2 tsp honey Instructions 1. Combine blackberries, banana, yogurt, and honey in a blender.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Remove and serve immediately.

Out and About this autumn

For an easy walk on an autumn afternoon, why not visit Shustoke Reservoir, B46 2BE, it is an easy circular walk around this pretty reservoir in Shustoke near Coleshill. It is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

You can see water birds and sailing boats from the sailing club.

There is a car park costing £1 for all day but no toilets.

Brandon Marsh SSSI Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre Brandon Lane Coventry CV3 3GW The Centre is the headquarters of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Set in 220 acres, the reserve consists of large pools created by gravel extraction.

The Visitor Centre is a great place to visit including a Tea Room and well stocked gift shop.

Around the Visitor Centre you’ll find the Orchard, Education garden, Sensory garden, as well as an undercover picnic area. Explore Mouse Manor, woven from willow with its stunning harvest mouse nest which is big enough to climb into! Also there is a geology wall which tells the story of the rocks in Warwickshire.

Just outside the front of the Visitor Centre is a brand new, family-friendly, accessible bird hide called the Hideout which overlooks our bird feeders.

Younger children will enjoy our brass rubbing trail: find the brass plaques hidden near the visitor centre to create colourful pictures on your rubbing sheet. Then it's off to the all-access Nature Trails which guide you round the reserve.

For those who wish to explore further there are other paths leading to our many bird hides.

Entrance £2.50 adult £1.00 child £5.00 for a family.

Compton Verney Art Gallery CV35 9HZ Compton Verney is 24 miles from Meriden and is well worth a visit. Set within 120 acres of Grade II listed park, landscaped by Capability Brown, the most eminent landscape architect of the eighteenth-century. Today the grounds still reflect his ‘pleasure grounds’ of sweeping grassland, ornamental lake and Cedars of Lebanon for which Brown is famous. On the walk from the car park you can enjoy Brown’s footpaths through the woodland, stopping off to admire the viewpoints he created, which today make great photo opportunities.

Entrance charges apply and there is a café and shop Families and children are welcome.

Forthcoming events The Marvellous Mechanical Museum Until 30 September Whistler and Nature Sat 20 October - Sun 16 December Art in the Park Fri 26 Oct - Sun 11 Nov, Fri, Sat & Sun only This autumn will see the return of the light installation in the grounds. It will illuminate and respond to the historic landscape and house.

Please observe the following guidelines when feeding the wildfowl at Meriden Pool. It is not our intention to spoil anyone’s enjoyment of looking after the birds. However please be aware that mountains of bread and other food waste is not good for .

Meriden’s wildfowl or the pool environment and will encourage rats and vermin which will result in the matter being referred to the public health and environmental services.

Reminder deadline for the winter issue st out by 1 December is Thursday November 1st Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Margaret Argyle 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@gmail.com Distribution: Paul Lee Proof Reader: Claire Rose

Mag advertising rates Eighth page £10 Quarter page £20 Half page £40 Small ads (sale or wanted) £5.00 Charity & Community events FREE Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the co-editors.

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

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 From November 1st to March 31st The site closes at 4.00pm except on Tuesdays when it closes at 5.30pm Last admission 15 minutes before closing time

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

British Summer time ends ends On Sunday October 28th Clocks go back one hour hour

Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green

11th November Remembrance Day Remembrance Sunday 14th November Birthday of the Prince of Wales 20th November Her Majesty’s Wedding Day