MeridenMag Summer 2019

Meriden’s Imagineering Suite has Arrived!

February saw the Grand Opening of our very own Imagineering Suite. A design competition was held and Matty and Evie were crowned chief inventors and got to cut the ribbon to open the room! the suite.

Mrs Pazukha made a fabulous Lego cake and we were joined by representatives of companies who had supported the development of the room. All classes are now enjoying their time designing and creating in the suite.

Silver Mental Health Award We are delighted that we have been awarded SILVER status by ‘Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools’. This is an award in partnership with Leeds Beckett University and we are pleased that they feel our work on mental health, both for our children and our staff, reaches not just bronze, but silver standard!

Faith Week The week before the Easter holidays we had an incredible ‘Faith Week’, exploring the question ‘In a world of difference, how should we live?’ Each class discussed what it meant to them, then portrayed their ideas creatively. As an incredible end to our Faith Week, years 3 and 4 put on a wonderful performance depicting the true Easter story. Parents were invited along and our school hall was literally bursting at the seams with the number who attended this exciting celebration. A big thank you to all of you who came along to show your support.

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

In March, the whole of KS1 were so excited to visit the Lego Land Discovery and Sea Life Centre in Birmingham. In the Sea Life Centre, the children walked through the UK’s only 360 degree Ocean Tunnel, where they saw sharks, rays and other weird and wonderful sea creatures! Through excitement and curiosity, they learned so much about marine life in the natural world. The children then went on to the thrilling atmosphere of LEGOLAND Discovery Centre where, through creative play, they were able to learn the skills that building Lego and its design, can help prepare for tomorrow’s world.

Meanwhile, all of KS2 enjoyed an exciting day out at the NEC, Birmingham. The children had the opportunity to learn from Science and Engineering experts and be hands-on in all manner of different experiments. They learned about virtual reality, medicine, space exploration, computer coding, microscopic bugs, marine biology, explosive chemistry and so much more!

To celebrate World Book Day on the 7th March, The children came to school dressed as a character of their choice for the day. We had some really imaginative costumes, from caterpillars to penguins!

Donations of £1 were made, with all proceeds going towards Book Aid who, for every £2 donated, will send a new children’s book book to a school or library in Africa!

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 Service details for the summer 02/06/19 10:30

Morning Prayer

09/06/19 10:30

Holy Communion

16/06/19 10:30

Holy Communion BCP

16/06/19 16:00

Kidz Praise

23/06/19 10:30

Morning Prayer

27/06/19 8:45

WWI remembrance Private George Poole

30/06/19 10:30

5th Sunday

07/07/19 10:30

Holy Communion

14/07/19 10:30

Baptism

21/07/19 10:30

Holy Communion BCP

21/07/19 16:00

Kidz Praise

29/07/19 10:30

Morning Prayer

04/08/19 10:30

Holy Communion

11/08/19 10:30

Morning Prayer

18/08/19 10:30

Holy Communion BCP

18/08/19 16:00

Kidz Praise

25/08/19 10:30

Morning Prayer

31/08/19 10:30

5th Sunday

All Together community cafe.

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

Forthcoming dates: 14th June, 12th July and 9th August

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

GOOD NEWS We’ve reach the halfway target for the rebuilding of the churchyard wall. If you would like to buy a brick – perhaps to commemorate an important occasion – please contact Rev Lynda Lilley

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Isaiah 43:19 I guess that I’m not alone in this. It happens every time I sit down with my note book and pen (and yes I still do it the old fashioned way!) to write either an article for the Meriden Mag or a sermon. I turn to a new page and my mind goes as blank as that page. I may have had a myriad of ideas and thoughts running through my mind, but the moment I see that blank page my mind goes blank to match it!

There is a fear within me of what to say and where to begin.

This is often the case whenever we look at a new project, new stage of our lives or even a new day. The blank page looks so nice, unblemished, clean and unspoilt.

Will the marks I make with my pen change all this? Well yes, they will but there is the possibility that the marks that I make will turn into something beautiful. We need to be brave and bold, we need to make a start. Each new day is like that piece of paper, untouched and perfect. There are two options – we either leave the page blank, that is do nothing, or we create our own masterpiece of the day. I’m sure that even the greatest artists felt a little apprehensive as they approached their blank canvases. Now I’m not saying that this is a masterpiece but it is my offering.

Our lives are like a notebook – two pages have already been written by God – the first and the last. How we tell the story between our beginning and our ending is for us to choose. Sometimes we turn a page to see the blots that have come through from the previous pages.

I have a habit of doodling, scribbling images, patterns or pictures on a page. When I turn the page over often the ink has often come through. The blots are the results of our choices and our actions in the past. When we look at the page we don’t see the majority of it that is clear but focus on the blot. Sometimes theses blots continue to affect us from the past into our present but we know that if we keep turning the pages eventually we will get to a page that is unblemished. Or rather than writing off a page we could take the blots and rework them into something different, something new and beautiful. Occasionally though we trap ourselves, constantly going over old ground, replaying things inwardly in our minds and outwardly by our actions. We’re just reproducing that blot – possibly making it bigger and bigger.

The notebook of our lives is there for us to write our own story. God has given us the beginning and the end. The story in between is ours to write. Like all good novels the scene is set at the beginning, characters come and go and the plot unfolds- usually with a twist or two. It is for each of us, sometimes with the help of others, to make the choices that will be written in our books of life that tell our story. I don’t want my story to be overshadowed by ugly blots, but at the same time I recognise that they have been there. I also know that I will blot my copybook time and time again. But above all I will try, and keep on trying, to live my life and write my story in a way that honours both God and people. Are you willing to try to do this too?

Kidz Praise.

Calling all the 7 year olds and younger to bring their parents/carers along for a short service. We begin at 4pm with a craft activity, followed by a short, interactive service and end with refreshments. Every 3rd Sunday of the month.

Forthcoming dates: 16th June, 21st July and 18th August

With blessings,

Rev Lynda Lilley Enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs please contact Rev Lynda Lilley on 01676 522 825

Meriden United Charities Coming Shortly!

Saturday 8th June 2019 “THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI” (15) Frances McDormand’ delivers a passionate performance. as a grief-stricken mother who personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit. She commissions three neglected billboards outside the town and emblazons them with messages demanding action from the revered yet inept chief of police (Sam Rockwell) and his blundering side-kick (Woody Harrelson). This film is, at times, hard-hitting yet also darkly comic. Deservedly, it swept the board at last year’s Oscars with truly memorable performances from all three main cast members.

“An uproarious delight of a film” The Guardian Tickets (£5.00) from the Spar General Stores on the Village Green and also from Chris Copper (01676 522645)

The Big Picture show will take a break during July and August but we will be back in September with a new programme of films to entertain you, watch this space!

Charities in Meriden have existed for many years, the earliest was before 1551 and always with the same purpose, to assist people in need.

Initially the Charities helped with items such as bread, fuel, teaching poor girls to read and preaching sermons at the Parish Church.

Nine individual charities are now grouped together and registered with the Charity Commission as Meriden United Charities.

Income from the investments is limited and is managed by 9 local trustees.

If you would like to make an application for funding either for yourself or someone you know, please consider the purposes of the Charities are to assist residents who live within the parish of Meriden who are in need.

Applications can be made to: The Clerk to the Trustees, Meriden United Charities and handed in to Meriden Library

£5 off Voucher when two or more people dine in

Parties & outside catering available

Take away service

Quote from the Coventry Telegraph: “Revealed: Best Indian restaurant in the West Midlands isn’t in Birmingham!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over the last few weeks, like many of you I expect, I have been working in my garden. It had got quite overgrown and needed a lot of cutting back, pruning, digging and weeding. It is also very dry from the lack of rain. The grass had got long and not only needed cutting, but it also needed the seeds that had fallen from the trees removing from places they were not meant to be! As I cleared a space for new things to be planted, I made sure there was plenty of compost and nourishment for the new plants and watered them all well.

As I worked in my garden, I was reminded that throughout the Bible there are many references to gardens. Two of the more well-known are the Garden of Eden at the beginning of the Bible (Genesis 2), and the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26: 36 - 46), where Jesus went to pray before his arrest and crucifixion. In John 15 Jesus tells his disciples that his Father is the Gardener (John 15: 1). That's why the Bible is so rich with analogies of gardens and the various processes involved in gardening - because he is a Gardener. God's gardening is a universal theme in which he wants our lives to bear fruit good fruit - and the source of the production of that good fruit is Jesus1.

The Bible compares our lives to a garden. So often our lives can get messed up. If we aren't careful, they can get clogged up with weeds, some of which have long roots that go down deep into our lives causing bitterness and hurt. They can get overgrown, full of things that no longer produce fruit and keep light out, affecting how we look at things, keeping things dark and in the shadow. We can become stony and hard hearted.

As the Gardener who loves us, God sees our potential, sees all that we could and can be. He is a Gardener who tends gardens very carefully with attention to detail, knowing the right season to do everything in. He clears the ground of stones (Isa 5: 2). He uproots and tears down, digs up and prunes (John 15), getting the ground ready for all that he wants to plant in our lives - so that our lives can flourish. These things might not always be comfortable as we pass through these seasons, but when we trust God for the outcome, we are already starting to show new fruit.

God's desire for our lives is not about being under pressure to perform and be productive - that is the world's aim. God's desire is that we flourish, and are freed to love him and others. God wants each one of us to be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Isa 58: 11).

Next time you stand in a garden, whether it be yours or someone else's, admiring the beauty of it, remember that is how God sees us. He is more committed to our abundance - our growth and our fruitfulness - than we are. Whatever the harshness of our surroundings and situations, whatever the weather, we can each rest in his care today1.

May you know God's blessings in your life in this coming season,

Jane Date for your diary: 9th June Pentecost Sunday - welcoming new members into the life of the church

The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire, please contact Alan Gabbitas on 01676 522148

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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 Street, Balsall Common CV7 7AP T: 01676 530695 Mob: 07775 515504

Queens Head Old Road Meriden 01676 522256

Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx.

June 3rd Dave Lacey 10th Keith Brett 17th Dean Thomas 24th Natasha July 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th

£5.00

Two ‘N’ Sax 2 Left Feet Malcolm Michael Chrissy Micky Dean

August 5th Steve Best 12th Dean Thomas 19thALLAN MarioSMITH MegaroSLATING 26th Jo Lennard Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00- 2.30pm Pop in for good food and a warm welcome m Take away available 01676 522256

Meriden Volunteers for

Please contact: Sue on 01676 522540 Carol 01676 522888

The Firebird Singers Would like to thank everyone in Meriden who attended their recent coffee morning at the village hall.

You helped us raise an amazing £400 for The Batten Disease Family Association, a very worthwhile small charity and raised awareness of this little-known, life limiting childhood genetic condition.

THANK YOU

Our first fundraising event of 2019 drew a capacity crowd at The Heart of England Social Club where we were well entertained by “Vivo”, enjoyed a great fish and chip supper and were very pleased to raise a magnificent £1,053, thanks go to Abbie at the Social Club and to everyone who supported the event!

We have also been involved in the national fund-raising campaign between Cancer Research UK and Tesco with the “Race for Life” collections held at Tesco stores – we raised over £940 at Cannon Park Shopping Centre As part of the “Race for Life” Campaign there are a number of 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy runs being held locally in Coventry, Solihull, Redditch and Rugby over the summer. If you would like to find out more about these events, and raise even more money for Cancer Research UK, please have a look at the website raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org Looking at the year ahead a few dates are already organised, further events are planned but dates are yet to be finalised so watch out for posters in the village and later editions of the Meriden Mag! But, dates for your diaries so far are, 14th July we will be supporting Meriden Funday Sunday on the sports field. On 27th October at The Manor Hotel we welcome the return of Lesley Smith who this time will be giving us an insight into the world of espionage in the guise of “Peggy Knight” and our Christmas event, including entertainment from “Retro”, will be held at the Social Club on 6th December.

Finally, advance notice to all gardeners! We are planning to hold another Meriden Open Garden event in summer 2020.

This is always a major fund-raising opportunity for us and we look forward to hearing from those gardeners that have supported us in the past but we would also be delighted to welcome some new ones. If you are interested in showing (off) your garden please contact us!

As always, Sue, Carol and the Committee look forward to seeing you at future events. If anyone would like to volunteer for our fundraising activities, suggest any events or donate any raffle prizes we would love to hear from you –

please call Sue or Carol. Many thanks.

Plastics Challenge: Liv Garfield, CEO Severn Trent

We started the new term with visit from Liv Garfield, Chief Executive of Severn Trent who spoke with the whole of Year 7 at a special assembly about plastics in the environment, water and her personal journey.

The issue of plastics in the oceans is very topical in the press at the moment and Liv’s talk had the attention of the enthusiastic audience right from the start.

She introduced the students to the Great British Plastics Challenge and spoke about the impact of plastics loose in the seas around the world and the effect on marine and human life.

During the presentation there was a lot of interaction with the audience. Students were keen to ask and answer questions.

One student asked how plastic gets into the sea in the first place. “Lack of recycling and poor behaviour, such as people not disposing of litter properly,” said Liv. Another student asked why we just simply stop using plastic to make things. “Plastic is very useful. The main problem is single use plastic and poor-

quality products. Only buy things in clear or white plastics, not coloured. Colours like the black trays often used for ready meals can’t be recycled.”

much more carefully. “Use water wisely,” said Liv. “In 25 years’ time water will be a scarce resource. Make sure you turn the tap off when you brush your teeth!”

Liv Garfield became CEO of Severn Trent in 2014. Before that she worked at Accenture and then BT and Openreach.

As of May 2018 Liv, was the youngest female CEO of a FTSE 100 company and is a British Business Ambassador for the Department for International Trade

Desalination plants and water treatment systems which convert waste water to drinking water are used around the world but using less water in the first place will save resources and be more efficient.

Before moving to the topic of water, its usefulness and the future, Liv concluded speaking about plastics by saying: “My main message is this – don’t use single use plastics! At Severn Trent we have no single use plastics at all. We don’t use disposable bottles, cups, straws, bags, anything!”

Water In talking about water the presenter said that although the Earth’s surface is mostly water, the amount of drinkable water is very small – about 1% - which means we need to look after and use it

Eight of our intrepid Sixth Form students have braved the cold, wet and sheer exhaustion of the latest Wolf Run in aid of Save the Children.

Our super eight set out on Sunday 14 April on an overcast and cold day to a location in wildest Warwickshire, near Offchurch to test their stamina on a course of obstacles which included very cold water and lots of mud!

The 10km route is not for the faint-hearted and took place over a 1000 acre site which features artificial and natural obstacles such as a river and lake.

The event started at about noon and the group arrived early, full of enthusiasm and energy for the big event. The ‘pack’ consisted of Matthew, Lucy, Katy, Max, Amar, Annabel, Elliott and Lewis and preparations meant arriving early to get gear sorted and to take part in the essential warm-up.

Matthew, head of the Sixth Form Charity Committee said: “I run anyway and I’ve always wanted to do a Wolf Run. This seemed the perfect opportunity to fundraise and have a bit of fun.”

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Make Changes Liv certainly held the attention of the students whilst she spoke and one of the main messages was that the kinds of changes we need to make on the issues of plastic waste and water use were small.

“It’s mostly about habit,” she said “‘No straw please’ – how many of us say that when we order a drink?”

There was plenty to think about and there was definitely a buzz around the issues raised when Liv had finished. Our school has already made a first step in the plastics war by banning single-use plastic bottles beginning from the start of this term.

The Save the Children charity is one of the charities adopted by the students this year and there have been several fundraisers for it including a Christmas jumper day. The charity works to protect children around the world giving them access to education, healthcare and working with children in poverty. “Save the Children is a The ‘pack’ before the run fantastic cause that helps countless children across the globe, and we’re trying to raise as much money as possible by participating in this event,” said Matthew.

So far, the group have raised over £650 which is fantastic and they are still accepting donations via the JustGiving site.

Afterwards the mud-caked students agreed that the water was freezing and when they had finished they were very happy to don a space blanket and have a welcome hot drink! www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hoewolfrun

@HoE_School www.facebook.com/HeartofEnglandschool/

info@heart-england.co.uk www.heart-england.co.uk

A message from Councillor Tony Dicicco Over the coming years, we face a number of challenges locally including the construction of HS2, the demand for more housing and increasing levels of road traffic. The main reason that I became a local councillor was to try to protect our local environment, and since being elected in 2012, I have worked with my fellow Ward Councillors, the Meriden Parish Council and local residents to that end.

There is no doubt that we need more affordable housing in Meriden. The draft Solihull Local Plan states that Meriden is suitable for consideration for limited growth with a mix of market and affordable housing, as well as smaller market homes for young people wishing to remain in the area and specialist housing to meet the needs of older people. This will seek to align the types and sizes of homes to be made available and the needs of the community. However, there will need to be a careful balance struck between making the most efficient use of land and respecting the character of the local area.

There is growing awareness over the damaging effects of climate change and the effects on air quality of increased vehicle and industrial emissions. At Solihull Council, we have recently developed a Clean Air Strategy for Solihull, designed to reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine airborne particulate matter (PM 2.5). 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 make a difference by trying to use our cars less and not keeping the engine running when stationary. I will work with Meriden Parish Council to ensure also that operations at Berkswell quarry and at the biomass plant being developed in Meriden do not pose a threat to local air quality.

The recent Extinction Rebellion protests in London have raised the focus of climate change. The protesters have criticised the UK government for its perceived inaction on climate change. I believe that this is unfair as the UK has been a world leader in trying to reduce carbon emissions which cause global warming – this will not change when the UK leaves the EU! The UK government has set the UK on a course of reducing carbon emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.

The Extinction Rebellion protesters want to see net carbon emissions reduced to zero by 2025. This would require a fundamental change in our daily lives including severe restrictions on road and air travel, a move away from using fossil fuels such as gas and oil for heating and the end of large-scale sheep and dairy farming. I do not believe that this is achievable in five years. Instead, the government is currently evaluating how the UK can reach net zero carbon emissions over the next twenty to thirty years. This will give industry and people time to adapt and allow new technologies such as electric vehicles, low carbon gases such as hydrogen, district heating schemes which use low carbon fuels and carbon capture and storage where carbon emissions are removed from power stations and other industrial processes and either ‘re-used’ or stored underground.

Solihull Council is committed to playing its part in reducing climate change. It 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.

Finally, I would like to give my personal thanks to Councillor David Bell who stood down as a councillor at the recent local elections. David has been a wonderful servant to our local community and has given me tremendous support over the last seven years. I know that David is very well-respected across the Meriden ward and indeed throughout Solihull. I wish him all the best in his ‘retirement’.

If you wish to discuss the contents of this article or any other local issues then please contact me at

tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.

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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 Future programme Monday 3rd June Monday 1st July Monday 5th August

Guide Dogs for the Blind Open meeting everyone welcome, speaker – The West Midlands Police Commissioner Members evening – social time

At our March meeting David Wood came to tell us about his working life as a thatcher. He brought with him a cross section of a thatched roof and demonstrated the various tools he uses. He also brought samples of the material for the thatch – in some parts of the country reeds are used and elsewhere straw is preferred. An amazing skill.

On 11th March we organised a craft day, with Linda Heynes coming to teach us how to work with cold porcelain. Several members attended and enjoyed learning a new skill. The title of April’s meeting was ‘Here come the Girls’ when Sheila Wolf told us how, during the latter part of 19th Century, AMS Pest Control Services a great many American women became brides of English aristocrats and Warwickshire had its fair share! This was ‘Experts in Protected’ probably partly due to the difference in inheritance laws – Wasp Nest Treatment £60 girls in the U.S.A. inherited equally with their brothers, so money came with an American bride!

Rodent Control The ladies were attracted by the prospect of a title and the Insect Infestation Treatment popularity of British Society in the U.S.A. In May we voted on the resolution chosen to be the subject of Discreet unmarked vans the National Annual Meeting in in June. Our members voted WE ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK Same day service available in favour of both resolutions. The first calls for an improvement in bus services in rural and semi-rural areas, the second aims to: improve the awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening. After the voting we had a light hearted quiz. Elizabeth Spencer.

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Meriden Heath William soncolonised of Gerard this (possibly elsewhere ‘ Gilmyn’), Richard Hill When the [[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, Anglo-Saxon settlers first area Geoffrey’s in C6th tobrother C7th, they chose called their settlements carefully.

Mason, Nicolas Godyng others.

I imagine them all crowding round listening, hay all of 700 years Eastwards ago.

The futurethe parish began at the river and theymany called the Blythe while nearby they soon developed meadows. was an area of poor, infertile sand and gravel, useful now, but then unsuitable for crop cultivation, described in the 1785 Doreen Agutter.

Enclosure Act over 1,000 years later as, ‘The tract or waste commonly called Meriden Heath’ and in 1815 by the Board of Agriculture as, ‘the sands of Meriden Heath’. The Green with its surrounding buildings was previously known as ‘Heath End’. Here began a belt of clay called by geologists ‘keuper marl’ stretching up to the higher land above the village and supporting deciduous trees. Once cut down, this land was cultivated as food producing fields.

The parish of Alspath, including the hamlets of Meriden, Eaves Green and Hollyberry End, dates from the 10th century, its borders previously defined by ‘mere’ or boundary stones. The trackway from Coventry divided Meriden’s Heath End’ from Great Packington . It is now where the hedge runs along the far side of Forest Ground. There were once two commanding, sandstone markers nearby known as the ‘Pillars of Meriden Heath’ and though their exact position is now forgotten, they must have indicated that entering the Heath was significant. The route to Hampton left the village by another track that can still be seen behind Lanesfield, the garage and Strawberry Bank Hotel in C17th called Whittel’s Lane. This passed by the Horn Wood, skirted the Horn Pool and reached the roads to Kenilworth and Hampton near Patrick’s Green and Farm. This section of road was often in poor repair between 1667 and 1677. Roads were the responsibility of each village so Meriden was fined for its potholes. A completely new road, the Straight Mile or Hampton Lane was cut and fenced at Enclosure in 1785, 13 metres wide and a country mile long.

Over the centuries, we hear news of the Heath such as two travelling friars walking across it in 1520 collecting alms or the dangers of armed footpads in 1760s and ‘70s preying on coach travellers and reported in Midland newspapers. Originally the Heath had been common land shared by the farmers who were allowed to graze set numbers of animals, but when the population grew by 1550s and more animals were bred, land became scarce. There were bitter quarrels with Berkswell men who by stealth drove herds and flocks over the parish boundary to feed. A leading inhabitant in 1570s Thomas Crowe recalled a failed experiment in food production some 30 years before in the early 1540s.The Brailes Farm tenant Mr Grey planted an acreage on the edge of the Heath near our present Sports’ Centre not far from the sandy rabbit warren, but it failed. Later the 4th Earl of Aylesford in 1777 built a Model Farm on the Heath and undertook a 7 year project in 1780s to rear sheep and produce food stuffs.

Most people will tell you that shortly before Edge Hill, the first battle of the English Civil War in 1642; Charles 1 brought his army here for 3 days, bivouacking on the Heath while he stayed at Packington Hall. So did the Duke of Cumberland’s troops heading for Derby to prevent Bonnie Prince Charlie invading south in December 1745. The Warwickshire Yeomanry exercised here from mid- 1790s and in the Great War a family friend of ours flew bi-planes over the field by the Somers that as an engineer, he had repaired or in part, built at a factory in Castle Bromwich.

A boggy area near the present Golf Course called ‘The Moors’ was drained in 1856 using clay pipes manufactured in Fillongley Road. This venture enabled the 7th Earl of Aylesford nicknamed ‘Sporting Joe’ to lay out a popular Race Course in the 1860s that drew crowds from a wide vicinity including Birmingham.

Doreen Agutter.

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YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN A Field of Gold for Meriden Archers

www.meriden-archery.org.uk

Senior and Junior Meriden Archers turned out in force for the County of Warwickshire Archery Association and Open Field Championships, at a field course near Ashby-de-la-Zouch in mid-April Thankfully the weather was kind and everyone enjoyed themselves - which was the main aim of the day (excuse the pun)! In a friendly relaxed shoot, it was a great way for anyone who hadn't shot ‘field’ before to experience a different aspect of archery. Awards, including numerous individual County Field Champions, were achieved by: Bob Fannon, Pete Lowe, Tom Duncan, Carl Richards, Verity Gray, JT (James Turner), Milly (Emily) Williams, Grizzly Jim (Jim Kent), and Juniors Hannah Bradnock and Monty Orton.

Well done to everyone who took part, and a big thank you to our own Vicki Duncan and Chris Evans for judging, keeping all archers in check, and doing what we can only assume was about 10 laps more than anyone else around the course throughout the day. A very successful team day out!

Right throughout the year, our archers are always flying the flag for Meriden across all parts of the country and further abroad too. Why not pop into the Club to find out more about all the different types of archery, or have a look around.

Evie Anne The Rotary Club of Meriden were very pleased to be able to support Evie-Anne and her family in the early part of this year. Evie-Anne, a young member of the community in Meriden, has life limiting challenges and has spent much of the last few years in considerable pain.

A few years ago, the Club was able to match grant funds to provide Evie Anne with a fully equipped sensory room that she and some of her friends from the village use on a regular basis. This year the Club, through donations made in the community to our Santa Sleigh collection and Santa Fun run events, and a Rotary matching grant, were able to provide a much-needed hot tub facility that provided Evie-Anne with much needed relief from the ongoing pain she experiences daily. (See picture centre pages) Editors’ note: We believe Evie Ann has just undergone a major operation; we wish her well in her recovery.

We have a very important event coming up on 11th June. We will be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of receiving the Charter for the Rotary Club of Meriden. We are holding a dinner at the Manor Hotel after which we will be entertained

by Don Maclean. We will be joined by widows of past members and presidents, friends, members of other clubs and we hope some of the people who have been members in past years. During the life of our club we have raised many thousands of pounds for charities in Meriden, in other parts of this country and abroad while having a good time doing so.

I think we are probably the only club to have continuously met at the same venue. The Manor Hotel has always given us a good home. More details of our activities can be found on our web site www.meridenrotary.org.uk. If you think you might enjoy these sorts of things why not come along sometime?

During the first few months of the year we have taken part in the Rotary Youth Speaks Competition. A team of three twelve-year olds from Heart of England School represented our club in the District Final which they won. They then went on to the Regional Final competing with clubs from as far away as Cardiff and they finished joint third. Their ability and confidence to speak in public without any notes was amazing.

In January we hosted our annual Senior Citizens’ Party, but this year it was a change of venue to St Peter’s Hall in Balsall Common. Around 70 invited guests enjoyed afternoon tea and some excellent entertainment from Cameo, a trio of local ladies who were absolutely wonderful. Our Rotary club has been holding this party annually for almost as long as we have been in existence and is a highlight of our calendar. This event is entirely free of charge and we would be more than happy to have even more in attendance. If you know of someone from Meriden or a nearby village who you think would enjoy this occasion, then please get in touch. Email David Maugham at maugham66@gmail.com or telephone him on 01283 331033; he would be delighted to hear from you.

We have also enjoyed speakers from Birmingham Airport and Woodlands School. We sponsor over a hundred children from the school each year to go on “Kids Out Day” to Drayton Manor Park. We have had a dog obedience demonstration from Nuneaton Dog Training. We have been shown how to do flower arranging. Rotary has an annual District Quiz between most of the approximately fifty clubs in our district. We do not usually do very well in this, often going out in the first round but we have found an easier way to get to the final, we host it at the Manor Hotel! We have had the deputy Police and Crime Commissioner talking to us. We have some keen golfers in the club and they told us about visiting the home of golf, St Andrews in Scotland, for an annual Rotary competition. We were surprised to learn that this worldrenowned course is actually a municipal course.

We recently held a recruitment evening which attracted quite a number of visitors and it is looking promising that some of them will become members in the near future.

Our Charity Golf Day is coming up on 3rd June. The Annual Meriden Megaride will take place at the Queen’s Head on Sunday 23rd June. This attracts a good number of motorcyclists and there is music, refreshments, stalls, tea tent and entertainment to suit everyone. All money raised will be going to the Air Ambulance. Full details are on our website.

Very soon after that we start our 41st Rotary year on 1st July with me at the helm for the second time as President. It will be the first time in 40 years that we have had a repeat President. I am honoured to have been chosen to take on the role again. Geoff Arthur

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As many of you will be aware, I am not allowed to hold my event on The Village Green again. Therefore, this year it will be run alongside The Picnic on The Park. This will be on 14th July on The Sports Field.

I do hope that many of you will come along to support all the effort that will have been put in and have a thoroughly enjoyable time. My supporters are being their usual exceptional selves and donating excellent prizes for The Meriden Midsummer Draw!

Over the years, I have never ceased to be staggered and hugely impressed by the level of support I receive for what I do. To those of you who contribute, MANY THANKS and I very much hope to see you on the 14th July. Alan Lole.

Meriden Tree of Thought www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk

Small Grants making a Big Difference For the third year running, the Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust is inviting all organisations and groups within Meriden Parish to propose projects, events or activities that the Trust might support financially through grant funding. The Trust particularly welcomes applications from those involved in sports, recreational and other leisure activities that are not catered for by Meriden Sports Park, which the Trust supports with a grant covering operating costs.

These small grants can make a big difference, particularly when combined with other fundraising efforts.

Here is the difference they have already made.

The Firebird Singers – more than a choir In 2017, the Trust made a grant towards the Firebird Singers, who rehearse most Fridays at the Village Hall and put on regular concerts, including an annual carol concert, at the Manor Hotel. The grant helped to pay for an expensive theatre hire, meaning a small profit was made on the evening.

The Firebirds are more than just a choir, more like a family. It is a very inclusive group, with all ages, races, and disabilities, providing mutual support, care and friendship for all its members. The Firebird Singers made a video at the Albany Theatre Coventry to promote Alzheimer’s Disease in support of one of their members and regularly hold coffee mornings at the village hall to raise funds for other charities.

The Scouts: Meriden Scouts at The World Jamboree – and more equipment

The Trust has provided financial support to the 1st Meriden Scout Group over the last two years.

In 2017 a grant enabled new tables to be purchased for the Scout HQ and a range of new camping equipment, including gas lamps, gas double burners and games equipment.

In 2018 the Trust made a grant that will enable 3 Explorer Scouts to attend the 2019 World Jamboree this summer in West Virginia, USA. The 3 Explorers (Daniel Locker, John Roberts and Peter Walker) were selected to be part of the Warwickshire Scout County contingent. All three have been in the Scout Movement since they were Beaver Scouts, progressing through the different sections.

Each Scout has had to raise money to cover the costs associated with this once in a lifetime experience. Most of this they have raised themselves by helping in village events, bag packing in the local stores, making Scouting items for sale, supported by the Scout Group as a whole. The Trust’s grant has topped up their fundraising efforts to make it possible for them to represent Meriden at an event attended by 40,000 Scouts from all over the world.

Swimming Champion 14-year-old Ben Kelly, who lives in Fillongley Road, is a junior member of the City of Birmingham Swimming Club. At the Warwickshire Swimming Championships in January 2019, Ben won the 1500 freestyle and was awarded the City of Coventry Cup. This followed a gold and a bronze at last year’s Welsh National open championships.

He was selected to train with the senior squad at their training camp in Lanzarote in February, receiving elite coaching. A grant from the Trust was used for the cost of the training camp.

Ben is now working towards qualifying for the English Nationals in July 2019.

A Kiln for the Centre of England Arts In 2018 a grant from the Trust helped The Centre of England Arts at Patrick Farm Barns to purchase a glass kiln. This has enabled the Centre to broaden its provision for students of all ages, allowing the students to gain experience in a new medium and produce a range of attractive glass items.

Outside speakers for CAMEO In 2018 the Trust made a grant towards the work of CAMEO in bringing older people together at Meriden Sports Park Pavilion, providing mutual support and enjoyment. The grant enabled CAMEO to invite outside speakers to its monthly meetings.

Making a Difference in 2019?

How might your organisation’s sporting, recreational or leisure pursuits be helped by a small grant from the Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust?

For a guidance note and application form contact Iain Roxburgh at info@meridensrt.org.uk or phone 01676 522496.

Advice and assistance can be provided to help complete an application.

Recipients of the Grants from Meriden Sports Park Trust

Meriden Explorer Scouts

The Firebird Singers

All Change at the Meriden Mag Farewell to Meriden After living in the village for 53 years I made the momentous decision in The Kiln and Art November to relocate to North Devon to live near my son and work at grandchildren. This was really hard for me as I have so many good friends The Centre of in the area and am involved in many activities. I will miss all the lovely England Arts people who have been so kind to me, my neighbours, friends at the art class, swimming pool, WI and obviously the Meriden Mag. I have been involved for over 20 years with the Mag and it is very strange not to be preparing the summer edition. Val has been a delight to work with and we have had a lot of fun. I wish Chris all the best for the future, I feel sure the Mag is in good hands.

However, on April 9th I moved and was really sad until I reached Bristol and then I cheered up. This part of Devon is beautiful and I have wonderful views from my house and garden, looking over the estuary towards Bideford and Clovelly. The new house is a bit of a project and I am busy with architects, garden planners and builders at the moment.

With love to everyone Margaret

And it's 'hello' from me!

I just wanted to introduce myself as I try to step into Margaret's shoes as the new co-editor of the Meriden Mag. I'm so thrilled to be involved with such a professional publication and will do my best to keep up the good work.

Margaret will be a very hard act to follow but with Val's already evident support and patience, I'm sure it will be fine.

I lived on the Fillongley Road for 15 years, then moved up to Millison's Wood 23 years ago so I've been around for a while. I was very active in the school PTA when my children were at the school. Some of you may remember me from those days in the 90's.

I've worked for Severn Trent A very big thank you to Margaret Water for 36 years but will be retiring in October and I’m sure the whole village will wish to join look forward to getting me in thanking Margaret for all she has involved in more village contributed to Meriden over the years, with activities then. her work on the Mag and Presidency of The photo is taken at Meriden W.I to name but two.

Hampton Manor, enjoying As she says, it was a momentous decision afternoon tea with my son! but I’m sure the right one for her to be with her family in glorious Devon.

My details are on the back page if you want to We will miss you and send you our very best wishes and love for your future. I’m sure get in touch. we’ll keep in touch. Val Chris Bannister

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CAMEO Come And Meet Each Other At the Sports Pavilion On 4th Friday of the month At 2.00pm The meal at the Cottage was enjoyed by 25 of us.

The welcome and service there was brilliant.

In April the Salvation Army Band filled the Village Hall with sounds of well-known tunes telling the Christian message. So many committed men and women caring for those less fortunate.

Our May meeting heard about the work of ‘Tools with a Mission’, TWAM, We shall donate small implements that we no longer need for others to benefit, both in this Country and Africa.

Next meetings are:June 28th - Away day in Bourton on the Water.

July 26th - 2pm Strawberries and Poems at the Sports Pavilion August 23rd - 2pm –A trip to Canada and Vancouver with Ken Sherlock’s splendid photographs at Meriden Village Hall.

All over 50 are welcome to join us. If a lift is needed, please telephone: Joan 523507 or Pam 523372

DID YOU KNOW? Eels have two jaws !!

Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green

2nd June - Coronation Day 8th June - Other celebration of Her Majesty’s Birthday (Trooping of the Colour) 10th June - Birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh 21st June - Birthday of the Duke of Cambridge 17th July - Birthday of the Duchess of Cornwall 15th August - Birthday of the Princess Royal LARCH TREE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE TREATMENT OF MUSCULAR AND SKELETAL PAIN, SPORTS AND PERSONAL INJURIES Liam Halton B.Sc. (Hons) Ost 49 Larch Tree Avenue (Off Broad Lane) Tile Hill COVENTRY CV4 9FT

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Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm On the third Monday of each month (except December)

June 2019 15th July 2019 August 2019

No meeting, Flower Club outing instead Practice Class with Maureen Pitt No meeting

Visitors are most welcome For more information contact Ann Lea 07725 478624 Please see centre pages for more pictures from the Flower Club.

Alcohol will preserve anything – but a secret!

Warwickshire Watercolourists Art Exhibition Bank Holiday th 24 – 26th August 2019 Berkswell Reading Rooms Meriden Rd CV7 7BE

10.00am – 5.00pm daily Free Entrance Over 200 items of art work on display, most for sale, together with a wide range of prints and notelets Refreshments available proceeds to charity.

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“You only live once but, if you do it right, once is enough.”

Mae West

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.

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. There are no paid teachers, no entry qualifications and no exams. You can join as many or as few groups as you want. Groups cover topics from Beer and Cider Appreciation to Walking football!

To see a full list of all the groups and activities, please visit the web site at www.balsallcommonu3a.org As well as our activities, there is a monthly meeting which includes a talk. These are as follows:June 6th – “Court Room Drama” by Alan Cutler July 4th - “Traversa - A Trek Across Africa" by Fran Sandringham August 1st - “A Thousand Years of Knowle” by Elaine Walker Prospective members are very welcome to attend.

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

Telephone Jim Melville 01676 534938.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer (A Message from the West Midlands Police) I’m writing this message following some sun-filled bank holidays and, if you’re anything like myself and the team, then the warmer weather was certainly welcome and we’re now eagerly anticipating the summer. For us it is always a pleasure to police the area. The rural landscape means that the seasons bring so much variety to our communities, but the summer allows us to meet so many visitors and residents, so it is a personal favourite. During sunny days we see families enjoying time together in parks, gardeners working away, cars being washed and some less strenuous activity as people soak up the rays. But at the same time, we always see everything through a ‘police eye’.

We see car windows fully down with valuables left on seats, houses with windows left wide open, some where the owners have even popped out. This is traditional summer behaviour, and opportunist burglars are only too aware of this. The behaviour of opportunist thieves is much more predictable than the British weather. They know that you’ll be leaving doors unlocked as you work in the garden, car windows will be left ajar and tools and other gardening equipment could also be up for grabs.

I understand that you probably don’t intentionally leave a garage, car or home unlocked and it can be a mistake to make.

That’s why we want you to get into the habit of locking out crime. When you are next out in the garden please make sure that you lock your home and reduce the opportunity for burglars to sneak in. As you leave your home take a look over your shoulder and look at your home from the perspective of a thief…are windows shut, doors locked and every step taken to make it as secure as possible? The same rule applies to your car. Remove all valuables from display, even loose change you keep in the dashboard or the coat you’ve thrown on the back seat in case it rains. Cars are so advanced nowadays they are often let down by their owners whose crime prevention can leave a little to be desired.

We are about to roll out Community Speedwatch across Meriden. This is in direct response to concerns raised about speeding. We are still looking for volunteers so please contact the team if you want to join. You can contact us via email, telephone or by speaking to one of us when we are out on patrol if you’d like to be part of the team making our roads safer.

Finally, I’d like to wish you a very enjoyable summer. Thank you for your continued support. If you see myself or the team when out and about please come and say hello.

The above may seem really simple to most but if you were reading this and it reminded you of the times you have forgotten the basics then we need your help to make our community safer. Please never underestimate the difference you make in helping us keep our community safe.

Sergeant Hayley Thompson

An old lady was driving down the road whilst knitting A police officer pulled alongside her and yelled “pull over!”

“No, they’re mittens the lady replied!”

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A Message from Dame Caroline Spelman MP The ambition to leave the environment in a better state than that which we found it comes into stark relief in my constituency in two distinct ways: the built environment and the natural environment. A huge council estate was built as part of a clearance of the slums in Birmingham in what was then bluebell woods in Meriden Rural District Council, and is known as Chelmsley Wood. Home to 30,000 people, this Radburn estate was suffering from being built in materials which had a shelf life of 25-30 years. It has been the subject of a regeneration programme by Solihull Council costing half a billion pounds. The 27 tower blocks have been refurbished with double glazing, solar panels on the roof and renewable heating systems which together have halved the cost of the tenants’ energy bills. The funds for this came from a windfall tax on British Gas who now supply wood chip on a 20 year contract to keep the cost of heating low. Over 1000 extra affordable homes have been built by modest densification raising single or two storey buildings to three storeys. Despite a density of 60 units of accommodation per hectare the estate appears green and indeed stands in green belt, through which the river Cole - a tributary of the Severn Trent river system - meanders. Just beside the estate is a newly designated nature improvement area either side of the river Tame. There are high aspirations to get this area designated a new national park at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation. Two million people live within easy walking distance of this green space which is in need of regeneration. The river Tame was badly polluted during the industrial revolution as it flowed through East Birmingham. Indeed, if you looked out of the train window on approach to Birmingham New Street you might think it was just wasteland. But this presents an opportunity to be part of the Nature Recovery Network as part of the Government’s 25-year plan. This green space will be the new gateway to Birmingham as the new spur to Curzon Street railway station is built. Nature has infinite capacity to regenerate and a bold plan to help recover the biodiversity in this location could change the way people perceive our industrial heartlands. Making the green space more accessible to the densely populated estates on its margins could transform people’s experience and understanding of nature. This scheme has the support of HS2 as it helps offset the biodiversity loss of the rail project. A detailed scheme has been worked up by Prof Kathryn Moore of the Birmingham City University and if it is supported, this scheme will be a global first Urban National Park. Caroline Spelman

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

Firebird Singers Update

We would like to thank everyone who supported our last two, sell out, concerts at the Manor Hotel.

We are delighted to tell you that as a result of these concerts we were able to donate £3300 To the Meningitis Research Foundation and £2000 to the Batten’s Disease Family Association. We have also had an exciting evening singing in the caves at The Black Country Museum Dudley, and are privileged to be asked to sing at two summer weddings at St. Laurence Church. Below are the details of our concert in September. We hope to see you there.

Valerie Martin 01676 522963

“Firebirds’ Floorfillers” Music to get you dancing!

Saturday, 14 September 2019 at 7.30pm The Albany Theatre Albany Road, Coventry, CV5 6JQ Tickets £15 (£11 Concessions) Tickets available from The Albany Theatre Box Office – 024 7699 8964 or www.albanytheatre.co.uk Our chosen charity for the 2019/2020 season is Parkinson’s UK A registered charity in England and Wales (258197) and in Scotland (SC037554)

Ann Beaty, Dairy Farm, Great Packington - 2nd July 1936 – 7th February 2019 After a short illness, Ann died, aged 82. Born in Kingstanding in Birmingham, Ann grew up in the war years, when she regularly had to take shelter from German air raids, often recalling the empty seats the next day in school. Fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse after she’d finished school, she met her future husband at a local dance and in 1957 they were married. Ann and her husband Richard, or Dick as everyone knew him, took on the tenancy of the farm in September 1958 after moving from Hill Farm, Walsgrave. They went on to have four children, Tom, Ellen, John and Adam (Tom and Adam still farm at The Dairy farm). Ann threw herself heavily in to the Parish life, involving herself in the Packington & Maxstoke WI, attending church, where she would regularly arrange the flowers pre service and make sure everything was ready for the vicar. The annual Harvest Supper, held by kind permission of The Earl and Countess of Aylesford was one of her favourites, where she and the other farmers’ wives would help prepare and serve the food.

All this, in between riddling potatoes, feeding calves, milking cows and bringing up four unruly children….. Ever present around Meriden village, she always had time to help people or stop and have a friendly chat. Ann became heavily involved in Warwickshire WI and this role took her to all corners of the county, helping to set up new clubs, giving support to existing members and helping to organise the many events which the Federation put on. If she was asked to do something – it was done. She was also a keen supporter of the Young Farmers Clubs in the area, with all her children through the years holding the post of Chairman of Meriden YFC. Ann would often steward or judge various events at their county and regional events. In later years, when she and Dick moved to 1 The Laurels, she would often be seen picking up the litter on Shepherds Lane – she had a good chuckle from the friendly hoots of horns as the locals went past.

When Richard suddenly died in 2006, although a great loss for her, Ann was determined to carry on without anyone feeling sorry for her. She regularly attended courses at The National WI’s Denman College, which was of great comfort to her, with so many people there in similar situations. She made a great many friends within the WI. The onset of Alzheimer’s did not deter her and she coped admirably with the disease, never once complaining. Her parting words when anyone left after visiting were always “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me” Ann has six grandchildren and, luckily, got to see her first great granddaughter, who was born last April. The family would very much like to thank everyone for the heart felt messages and letters they have received.

Doug Hickson – Millison’s Wood 1930 – Mar 2019 Doug, Bessie and family came to Meriden in 1965 when Doug was offered a job at the Rugby Autocar, which later became Power Torque Engineering. Suzanne and Kevin attended Meriden School. Doug and Bessie attended St. Laurence Church for many years, where Doug enjoyed ringing the Church bells. Doug was involved in many clubs and enjoyed village life. His passions were many and varied.

He set up the History Group, learning about local buildings and people. They looked into the history of local pubs, street names, Walsh Hall and the Archery Ground. Dr. Karl Chinn and Doreen Agutter – as guest speakers - swelled the attendance. Walks around the village to see local historical buildings and places were also well attended. Doug attended the Readers’ Circle at the Library. He loved photography and set up film shows and Magic Lantern Type films (Laurel and Hardy type). Doug would always use the opportunity of a cinema night to raise money for charity. Doug and Bessie were on the committee for Cancer Research. Doug was the Secretary for 24 years and later President, Doug loved vintage cars and would take his car to charity events. Local fetes and Gala days were part of his fun. He loved steam trains and another hobby was visiting steam trains around the country. His love of steam trains moved to his house and garden. A model train was set up in his garden and in winter, a train went through the lounge and hall. Sending a cup of tea and biscuits by train was enjoyed by all. Doug was quietly active in the village. A skilled engineer and a very valuable person who enriched Meriden village life with new ideas and great fun. At his funeral, his family gave a moving tribute to their Grandad.

Peggy Walters (nee Thompson) Peggy was the daughter of Fred & Maggie Thompson of the Forest Grounds, Meriden, where she was born and brought up. At the age of 19 she married Frank Walters, a local lad, and they continued to live at the Forest Grounds until Frank was called up into the Army due to the Second World War. After initial correspondence, communication between them ceased and after a period of 2 years the Ministry got in touch with Peggy and reported him missing, presumed dead.

Peggy never gave up as she always believed he was alive.

After 5 years Frank returned home. Apparently, his Regiment had been deployed to Singapore and he was taken prisoner by the Japanese and interned into a Prisoner of War camp. Along with other prisoners he helped to build the Burmese railway.

On his return Peggy & Frank resumed life at the Forest Grounds, then they were allocated the first prefab to be built in the village where their son was born. They eventually moved to Marston Green then to Water Orton where they settled. Frank died about 20 years ago and Peggy continued to live at Water Orton on her own. After a number of years Peggy decided she couldn’t cope on her own any longer and moved to Father Hudson’s Care – St Joseph’s, Coleshill where she was very well looked after.

Peggy died peacefully on Christmas Day 2018 at the age of 97. She was a lovely lady.

Rest in Peace

When I am out and about on holiday, I don’t always look to paint a whole scene, often I see just a little doorway or window which is crying out to be painted…so let’s have a go at this one!

You will need watercolour paper, paints and some cling film.

1. Lightly draw the window, the bricks and a hint of the flowers.

2. Add the shadows and the glass, on to dry paper with:  Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Umber (blue/grey) 3. Background wall. Mix varying strength puddles of:  Yellow Ochre (Yellowy Brown)  Burnt Sienna (Reddish Brown)  Burnt Umber (Brown)  Get some Clingfilm ready then wet all around the window and over the bricks, with clean water making it glossy wet. Using a No. 12 brush, quickly add the colours in patches, letting them run together a little. Lay the Clingfilm onto the wet paint, encouraging it to crinkle slightly LET IT DRY 4. Bricks. On to dry paper, paint the bricks, leaving a small gap between each one. Use fairly strong mixes of the same colours used on the background wall.

Touch in different colours into each brick as you work, while the brick is still wet. Make sure that you get the slight angle to the inside of the right hand row of bricks.

5. Add the pattern to the glass and more shadows on to the frame, on dry paper and a small brush with:  Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Umber (blue/grey) 6. Add the flowers and leaves. Mix small puddles of:  Red  Light Blue  Dark Blue  Yellow + Blue (green) Add dots of colours for the flowers and leaves. Leave some white spaces for white flowers.

7. Window Box. On to dry paper using a strong mix of: Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Umber (blue/grey) add the window box slightly below the flowers. Dot some of the dark colour in-between the flowers.

"For weekly classes and one-off workshops at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see website www.COEA.co.uk for more information."

Copyright © 2019

Village Life in colour

Touchwood St Patrick’s fundraiser ‘reels’ in £1076 for MacMillan Cancer Support Veteran fundraiser, vocalist and local musician David McGrath entertained shoppers with song and music on Saturday 16th of March raising over £1000 in just 3 hours for MacMillan Cancer Support. The Mayor of Solihull Cllr Flo Nash and a team of volunteers were on hand to support the event. The proceedings also had an additional boost from the Kidd School of Irish dancing who were also performing in Touchwood and teach at the Solihull Women’s Institute. This is the fourth year that David and his team from Meriden has entertained the shoppers of Solihull on or around Touchwood raising thousands of pounds for the Alzheimer’s Society and MacMillan Cancer Support Said David ‘Saturday afternoon was a great Irish themed event– Touchwood looked amazing with the balloons and bunting. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and support including the wonderful staff at Touchwood.

On Saturday 6th April, the Orme School of Dancing held a very enjoyable cabaret evening at the Massey Ferguson Social Club.

On Sunday 12th May several Meriden Roads were closed to allow the Velo Cycle Event to come through the village.

Thanks to Roy Hands for the photographs

With the recent demolition of Shirley’s Garage to make room for new housing we thought readers may be interested in this old photograph.

Unfortunately, we do not know the date it was taken. It is just possible to make out the Strawberry Bank Hotel in the background.

Editors’ note we are always interested in old photographs of Meriden and promise to return them safely to their owners

Meriden Flower Society is celebrating its Emerald Anniversary this year. Chairperson Pam Kimberley cut the celebration cake, and members were each given a pen to mark the occasion, the club continues to thrive with members and visitors alike enjoying the meetings every 3rd Monday of the month, new members and visitors are all very welcome

John Bentick, Chairman of the Firebird Singers, presenting a cheque for £3300 made out to Meningitis Research to choir member Rose, who has survived Meningitis twice!

Meriden resident Evie Anne enjoying her much-needed hot tub facility which provides her with welcome relief from the ongoing pain she experiences daily.

The hot tub was provided by Meriden Rotary Club through donations made by the community to the Santa Sleigh collection and Santa Fun run, and a Rotary matching grant.

Photograph by kind permission of Evie Anne’s Mom.

There has been a lot of activity at Meriden Pool this spring with the arrival of the swans and lots of baby ducklings, however this family have sort refuge in the garden of Laurie Twigger of Main Road, We believe he has been kept busy feeding the little brood.

The triumphant senior and junior members of Meriden Archery Club

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Cub Scouts: have had another busy time at the Meriden Cub Pack, they have done a lot of Scouting, a lot of learning and have had lots of fun. Starting off with First Aid skills training using resuscitation 'Annie'. 'Annie' the model is well used at the Meriden Group.

A project was started to help the Cubs through their DIY badge, this involved making Bottle Top Beer Mats, this is where the dads could help! Firstly the Cubs had to cut out the wood frames and carefully attach the frame with nails, a brave dad lent his skills at holding the nails in place while the Cubs used the hammers....next choosing the beer tops (this was the dads contribution, drinking the beer). Then the tops were placed in cement. Finally varnishing the whole lot, it was a messy job but at the end they did look good!

The Cubs also covered their Road Safety Badge, an essential part of growing up around our busy road network. Then they invited their families to a two-course meal they had planned and cooked themselves. Andy (Akela) officially organised the enjoyable chaos. It was a busy night with over 30 covers being served, the Cubs may have had to use mugs to serve the Eton Mess in, but it all tasted good, the parents and Leaders were all very proud of the efforts the Cubs had made to make such a lovely evening.

The Cub Pack is looking forward to the Group Camp in May, involving over 30 young people from Meriden as well as the Leadership Team. A weekend of hiking, cooking on open fires and other activities such as archery, pedal go cars, and crate stacking.

We continue to welcome more adult support for a successful Pack and Group, so if you are interested please do please contact us.

Scouts: Once again, we’ve tried to keep our programme packed full of a wide range of activities since the start of the year.

We have continued with some traditional Scouting activities of First Aid, knotting and fire lighting but have added a little more flair by making them scenario-based. e.g. - actual simulated casualties to deal with, casualty evacuation making stretchers using knots etc.

We've also undertaken some more creative tasks making peg planes for races down static wires and making mini hot air balloons with tissue paper, straws and candles.

Since returning from Easter holidays we have started preparing for group camp with tent pitching and flag pole making.

Beyond group camp in May are once again attending the Strategy camp in Cirencester hosted by Gloucestershire Scouts.

In the Orienteering and bases activity completion held on the Saturday we have improved each year; you never know a podium place could be in the offing.

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

Explorers: Since January we have continued to have a varied programme including a Pilot Rescue navigation exercise, cooking one pot meals on a hike stove and designing a campfire sprinkler system (marginally successful). We've run a tent pitching and pancake making challenge and undertaken plenty of map and navigation training to prepare for the Chase Walk.

The Unit entered a team in this year’s Chase walk with 4 out of the 5 entered finishing the 40 mile orienteering completion over Cannock chase. The Team finished well up the leader board and are already talking about improving on their position next year, which was quite surprising considering the comments and the way they were feeling for the last 8 miles. They were all very stiff on Sunday morning and taking tents down was quite a struggle.

Evolution Camp beckons once again in June and this year we're entering two teams. They just missed out on podium place last year so great things expected. Fingers crossed. The unit continues to grow so all bodes well for the future.

1st Meriden Scout Group The Group is planning ahead, and are organising a Group camp, just up the road at Rough Close, this will be a chance to say goodbye to some of our Leaders as they are moving on. So if you enjoy a bit of a challenge and like giving the young people of Meriden these different experiences we can offer in Scouting, please drop us a line and come and join us.

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

Hez

Heart of England Social Club

BERKSWELL ROAD MERIDEN CV7 7LB

COME ALONG FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT AT OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY CLUB AND MEET OUR NEW STEWARDS ‘ABBIE AND JAMES’  Large Beer Garden at Rear  Bingo every Friday night – 8.00pm  Country and Western Night last Sunday of each month, live music starts at 7.30pm

Call: Abbie on 01676 522430

Upcoming Events ROOM HIRE AVAILABLE FOR WEDDINGS, PARTIES, CHRISTENINGS etc.

CATERING, MUSIC & ROOM DECORATION CAN BE ARRANGED

 Friday 31st May 60’s Night prize for best 60’s dress  Saturday 29th June ‘Family Garden Party’ (Disco-BBQKids inflatables)  Saturday 6th July Cabaret Night, tickets £5 from the Club  Saturday 27th July Cabaret and Disco Night with Micky Dean, tickets £5.00  Saturday 3rd August ‘Reggae Night, tickets £5

Local Bookkeeper

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch

" Making Tax Digital" Are you ready for the new system of VAT filing with HMRC ?

This comes into effect as from April 2019 - Let me do it for you !

I am a local bookkeeper / accountant looking to take on new clients to process your bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and accounts preparation digitally using Sage Software.

I will ‘collect and deliver’

Call Fran on 07940 700284

Jennifer Faulkner

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

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

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

Tel: 02476 467271

www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

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

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

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

Meriden Library 01676 522717 Monday . Ask staff 10am -for 6pmmore information.

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

Summer Reading Challenge – it’s back - for the 20th year! We are thrilled to announce that the theme this year is Space Chase, an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children taking part in the Challenge will join our super space family, The Rockets, for a thrilling mission to track down books nabbed by mischievous aliens!

The Challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays for children aged 4 to 11 years – Children's reading can 'dip' during the long summer holidays. The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get 750.000 children into libraries each year to keep up their reading skills and confidence. You can sign up at the library, then read six library books of your choice, collecting rewards along the way – all FREE. Look out for the colourful displays in Meriden Library and come along to sign up and join in the fun when the challenge begins on Saturday 13 July.

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

Reading Café – Romance, crime, historical, classics, family sagas, thrillers and so many more; what’s your favourite theme? Drop into the library between 10:30 and 11:30 for our Reading Café and meet other readers for a chat about books, authors, reading or anything else over a coffee.

Monday 17th June Books that make you smile Monday 15th July Dogs in books Monday 19th August Poetry Regular Events Reading Zoo – Our exciting children’s activity is aimed at preschool children - every Monday, 2.30-3.15pm, including school holidays. Every week, we read a story starring a different animal and enjoy painting their pictures. Warm water is provided to wash hands but wearing clothes that can get messy is advisable.

Learn My Way – Looking to learn the basics of how to use a computer and the internet? In our weekly sessions, we will help you get into the Learn My Way website that teaches you computer skills at your own pace. 2:30pm to 3:30pm every Thursday. Please ask staff for more details.

THE TEST

By NATHAN LEAMON There have been many books written about the game of cricket, but very few novels. This one has a particular authenticity, as the author was for 9 years a performance analyst with the England cricket team.

The action takes place over the five days of the final deciding test match in a five match Ashes series, James McCall, the stand-in England captain for this game only, tries to get his exhausted team over the finishing line. The publishers describe the book as a love letter to Test cricket and it certainly supplies the reader with a grasp of the atmosphere from the inside, including the pressures on the captain from the game and his personal life. The on-field cricket details are obviously described very accurately and lot of the story is written in an almost poetical like prose. This book is aimed at cricket lovers particularly of the long and original form of the game, (where all players wear white and play with a red ball) Peter Moss Readers Circle .

Wednesday 12th June Small Island

By Andrea Levy A novel based on The Empire Windrush story.

July and August Summer break If you are interested, please give Peter Moss a call on 01676 523590 for further information and the venue Free Computer and Internet Access Meriden Library offers free to use computers • 2 hours free internet access for library members • Microsoft Office • Printing facilities (charges apply) • Scanning facilities You will need your library card to use a computer.

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

Library members can use a computer for up to 2 hours free of charge each day. Sessions can be extended for £1.60 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

DID YOU KNOW? - The U.K. is the world’s most tornado-prone country!

MUM’S BISTRO

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, be it 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

Come along to A warm welcome with Candy at Meriden Village Hall

Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £5.00 per session

Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR n

  

Pilates Thursday evenings 7.00pm £5.00 per session

Enjoy both sessions for £8.00

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.

ZUMBA

Zumba is a fun Latin inspired dance/exercise class suitable for all levels

PILATES style conditioning

A slower paced class for all over body conditioning to improve muscle tone, strength, balance and flexibility Please ring 07828 709650 For more information

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

Passes through Meriden on Thursday 13th June. Expanding to six stages for the first time in its history, the 2019 OVO Energy Women’s Tour will take place between 10th – 15th June. Upon leaving Suffolk, this year’s tour features the race’s first stages in Kent and Oxfordshire, a hill-top finish in Warwickshire and the hardest two days in race history in the Welsh counties of Powys and Carmarthenshire!

KidFit Fitness should be fun!

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

Contact Glen Southwell 07598 980546

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

Mondays 9.30-10.30am

KidFit is a games-based fitness session, specifically, for children. £3 per session, no contracts, no upfront fees

Meriden Village Hall

Thursday evenings from 6-7pm

07703 345210

At the Jubilee Centre Balsall Common just have fun and get moving!

For more information,

call Laura on 07803621818

Call Jacqui on

The perfect start to your day ……….

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

Summer 2019 already, wow! Where is the year going? As I was thinking of the seasons and the changes that take place all around us in nature, it made me think of the seasons we go through in our lives. For instance, being born, learning to walk and talk, starting school, doing exams, leaving school and going to uni or finding a job, getting married, having your own children and then hopefully grandchildren. All of these different changes in life bring along challenges, and how we handle them determines how stressful or joyful they are, or how hard or easy they can be to accept. One thing is for sure though, change will come and we will have to adapt to it.

For me being a Christian has brought along its own challenges as God has directed me through the different seasons of my life. I’m a person who thrives on change and enjoys the challenge of it, in fact I need change at various times in my life to keep me focused, but I’m fully aware that change for changes sake isn’t always a good thing and I’ve had to learn to be patient over time and only change when God tells me to and only go in the direction He’s telling me to go in. There have been many times when I’ve not done that and have found myself in a right mess. God has a plan for every season of our lives and it’s the best plan we could ever hope to have, but unfortunately, we often think we know best and decide to run our lives our way and do what we want to do, instead of doing what’s best for us. Which is why the world is in such a mess. God created us all uniquely, with different gifts and abilities to serve Him and work in harmony with one another, and when we allow God to direct us and put us where we’re supposed to be, doing what we’re supposed to be doing, then there is a peace and harmony that follows and we get a sense of joy and achievement. But it’s all about choices. And the choices we make determine the outcome of our lives.

Jesus told a parable about choices in Matthew 13:3-9 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.’

He then explained it in Matthew 13:18-23 ‘Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 when anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.’

The choices we make in this lifetime will determine where we spend eternity. I lived my life my way for 22 years and then I started to live my life by following Jesus, and I have to say that between the two the latter has definitely been the hardest but has been the adventure of a lifetime, because God truly is awesome. Having experienced life without Christ and with Him, I personally would NEVER choose to go back to living my life my way without Him. I’ve had tough times (some of them really tough), during my lifetime, but the difference between going through them without Jesus and going through them with Jesus is a world apart. I know that without Him I probably wouldn’t have made it through some of them. So whatever season you’re at in your life whether with Christ or without Him, know that change will come and the choices you make will affect your future for good or bad, depending on the one you make. My advice based on experience would be to follow the way of Jesus. I pray that your seed falls on good soil and yields a good crop of blessings in your life.

Kevin and Lyn Hunt.

David Deakin Plastering Services

Interior plastering and coving work.

Insurance work welcome.

Free Estimates.

Reliable, friendly, clean service.

Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Is paper obsolete? Not quite yet!

So, I was having a deep thought the other day. "Gee," I thought (it seems that my deep thoughts often start with "Gee").

"Gee, I haven't seen a dictionary in quite some time." I used to have one on my desk. Red, it was. A heavy tome. Sure enough, after a brief search of the newsroom, here in Meriden, I found one. But why would I consult Mr. Webster, nowadays, (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, to be specific), when I have Mr. Google, and oodles of dictionary sites on the internet, as well as the spell checkers that are built into most computer writing programs, including the one I'm using right now?

Well, here's why. Sure, I can google any word at all, even if I have only a wild idea of how it's spelled. Better than that, the machine will anticipate my intentions by out-thinking me: I just type "anti" and it gives me anticipate ("regard as probable; expect or predict"), bracketed by antithesis ("a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else") and antiquated ("old-fashioned or outdated"). Terrific. All that's missing are the hundreds, maybe thousands, of words that I would have been exposed to, that might have caught my eye, if I'd been leafing through the pages of a dictionary instead of just clicking where it says "search." Words that I might have paused to peruse and parse while poring over all those pages. For instance, Terpsichore ("the Greek Muse of dancing and choral song"), perhaps, . is grilled or broiled after being soaked in a seasoned soy while looking up teriyaki ("a Japanese dish of meat or fish that sauce marinade"). Or maybe mazuma ("slang: money") when what I was actually looking for was mazurka ("a Polish folk dance in moderate triple measure"). What's more, the book will also tell me that teriyaki comes from the Japanese words meaning "to shine" and "to broil"; that mazuma comes from Hebrew, via Yiddish; and that mazurka also means a woman from the Mazovia region of central Poland.

What's missing, you see -- when I google ("to use the Google search engine to obtain information about someone or something on the World Wide Web") instead of reaching for a dictionary ("a reference book listing alphabetically terms or names along with discussion of their meanings and applications") -- is serendipity ("the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.") Even the boldface label words, telling you the first and last words defined on each page, are invitations for further aimless rambling: churchgoer / cilia on one page, ciliary / Cinque Ports on the next. Or dirtily / disk. Or jetport / Jim Crow. And what is the derivation ("the formation of a word from another word or base, as by the addition of a usually noninflectional affix") of serendipity? Well, it was coined around 1754, by Horace Walpole, after The Three Princes of Serendip (i.e. Sri Lanka), a Persian fairy tale in which the princes make such discoveries.

Now, isn’t that interesting?

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

Have you got your 30 mile per hour Wheelie Bin Sticker?

They really do work! On a Wednesday morning I notice cars visibly slowing down when they see my bin by the kerb.

If you live on Main Road or Fillongley Road, make sure you collect your free stickers from Meriden Library. Stickers with a child on are also available.

Let’s make Meriden a safer place for us all to live and drive!

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

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

Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood Ash Trees and Ash Dieback After the devastating impact of Dutch Elm Disease on the population of elms (and species b them), there is a new, significant threat to our trees, Chalara Ash dieback. The common ash tree is now on dependent on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Identifying Ash Trees Tall and graceful, the common ash can grow to 35 metres. The compound leaves, are made up of 3-6 pairs of oval leaflets with long tips, up to 40cm long with a single leaflet at the end. The winged seeds, traditionally known as keys, appear in conspicuous clusters in late summer and autumn, falling in winter and early spring to be dispersed by animals. In winter look for the black buds in opposite pairs.

Ash Behind the Church I know of a number of common ash trees in and around Meriden. To name a couple, there is the ash behind the church I featured in the Winter Meriden Mag, (one of several in the

Ash Behind the Church churchyard) and there’s another example in Millisons Wood, on the footpath between the Triumph estate and Albert Road. The photograph of the latter (taken late April) shows two other features; ash is one of the latest trees to green up (and to lose their leaves) but this allows us to see better the upward sweep at the end of the branches which is characteristic of ash.

Chalara Ash Dieback Chalara ash dieback was identified in Poland in 1992 believed to be infected by ash imported from east Asia. It spread across Europe with the first identification in Britain in 2012. It probably arrived both on infected imports and from fungal spores blown across the sea; it is now widespread. The latest outbreak map (dated 02.04.19) has no recorded cases in Meriden but has

Ash in Millisons Wood

been found in the Ordnance Survey map 10 km grid squares to the north, east and west. The fungus blocks the tree’s water transport systems initially causing affected leaves and stalks to wilt and blacken in mid to late summer; this is the best time to detect the signs, later it’s hard to distinguish this from normal seasonal change. The infection progresses into the branches causing cankers or dark lesions around the joints often an elongated diamond shape. The tree canopy thins gradually showing more and more bare twigs and branches until the crown retreats downwards. The fruiting bodies of the fungus develops on the infected fallen leaves and stems and will release their spores further infecting the host tree and blowing on the wind to others.

Ash Leaves Ash Seeds Ash Buds Effect of Ash Dieback Lesion on Twig Fruiting Spores So, what will happen to our ash trees? Sadly, experience from the rest of Europe suggests that most will eventually die, having a devastating effect on close to 1000 species that use the ash as a habitat, including blue tits, bats, lichens and wood mice. In Continental Europe, young and coppiced trees succumb relatively quickly once infected with mature trees keeping going for much longer, potentially up to 20years and it can be other infections that finish them off.

But British scientists are on case and the picture may not be entirely hopeless. There is a tree, nicknamed “Betty”, found to be strongly tolerant of the fungus. Betty is in a woodland in Norfolk which includes other ash trees with varying degrees of tolerance. In eastern Asia, where the fungus originated, it has limited impact on the local ash species which evolved alongside it. So breeding strains with immunity must be feasible and this research is underway. What’s more, the three genetic markers which scientists use to predict the degree of tolerance have been found to be more prevalent in British trees than elsewhere.

We must wait to see how the future of the common ash unfolds in Britain but we can’t take for granted the landscape and wildlife around us. Appreciate them and do what you can to support preservation and protection; the world, country and our little corner of it will be so much poorer without our resident trees and the wildlife they support.

I’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in our trees and wildlife in general. Or visit the Facebook page Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees. Collaborators very welcome!

Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com

Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees

Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group Richard Lloyd (Chairman) The vultures are now gathering over HS2. Nearly 4 dozen councils have called on the Government to stop the preparatory works until the final plans have been reviewed and approved.

TheMeriden date for Primary that has School been put back the end of the year, Fayre and this year there On Friday 13th July PTA heldtotheir annual Summer at the earliest, so the present preparatory activities are little short of wanton destruction, aimed at creating was a definite football theme! Stalls were based on countries competing in the Fifa World Cup andthe illusion of progress.

Let's hope Nature can heal the wounds, but the recovery time will be years, if not decades.

Habitat is we were lucky enough to be supported by 'Coventry City FC in the Community'. The Sky Blues sent a being destroyed as hedges and tree are ripped out, while miles of fencing are displacing wildlife to areas in which they well known former player, David Busst, who ran a speed shot competition and the club donated cannot survive. match tickets for on the29th winners!

PTA were amazed by number of of businesses willingMPs from A debate in the Commons April The showed how isolated thethe supporters the project who havewere become. to support the event, farWarwickshire too many to list thank here!

However, the village particular Buckinghamshire, Staffordshire, andand Coventry hammered thewithin hapless junior minister.

With climate change now rising up the agenda, profligate materials andThe energy, in the Bank, build The and Bulls operation HS2, look thanks have to go to The the Triumph Bar atuse TheofManor Hotel, Strawberry Head of and 50 years out of date, as only 5% of passengers are expected to transfer from more polluting forms of transport.

H2L Lettings. Thanks to the amazing support of these and many other businesses, and the great A recent study by the Midlands Economic likely costthat to build HS2 and associated transport links is weather meaning a great turn out,Forum we areshows proudthe to announce a total of £2,775 was raised for now over £150 Billion. The running costs are expected to equal those of the entire existing rail network, and the our school! The PTA would like to thank everyone involved in making this our most successful economic case is based on daily use by passengers equivalent to 10% of the complete West Midlands workforce. date.

People areSummer likely toFayre haveto seen some of the works in progress, both north and south of the A45, including ground investigations and diversion of pipelines and power-lines. Some of the works will have to go through the Solihull planning permission process, because Solihull MBC has the right of refusal on certain grounds, such as the local environment or amenity, road safety, the free flow of traffic, archaeological or historic interest, nature conservation, and compliance with the HS2 Act of Parliament. However, permission can only be withheld if there are "reasonable" alternatives.

With the delay to the project, it's hard to know whether there'll be planning applications in the near future for large structures like viaducts, but there should be applications for the "temporary" Kenilworth Greenway, running south of Balsall Common, and for another roundabout on the A452 at Park Lane. HS2 Ltd only wanted a temporary island - of cones and barriers - and it's only to be made permanent because Solihull MBC insisted on it. If enough people thought there were too many roundabouts already, maybe Solihull would change their mind!

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

Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Pruning Strimming Weed Control –Pesticide Licensed Leaves Cleared No Job Too Small Competitive Prices - Free Quotes

Call Martin 07922 241 181 Meriden Play Group Where friends are made Meriden Methodist Church Hall

Meriden Play Group Every Tuesday during Term Time 10am-12 Join us for a fun playtime with your child, where you can make new friends, do crafts, play with different toys, sing songs and enjoy a healthy snack (and a cuppa.) £2 for one child + 50p for each additional child.

Call Eleanor Willis 07762823050

DID YOU KNOW?? - The United States has no official language.

COVENTRY COUGARS FLAG AMERICAN FOOTBALL Flag football is a 5 a side, non-contact version of American football. Are you aged between 6 and 99?

Well come along and give it a go! We have 5 teams to suit all ages, both males and females welcome. We train every Sunday 2-4pm at the War Memorial Park in Coventry. If you park in the south car park off Kenilworth Road, we are based on the bottom field to the left.

FIRST 4 TRAINING SESSIONS ARE COMPLETELY FREE!

Then it’s just £3 a week.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: Coventry Cougars Flag American Football Team FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT MARK ON 07976756780 or: mbarrett26@sky.com

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 June 2019 – The Pavilion  22 July 2019 – The Pavilion

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

Community Surgeries 11am-12pm:  Monday 10 June 2019 – Meriden Library  Monday 8 July 2019 – The Pavilion  Monday 5 August 2019 – Meriden Library Meriden Neighbourhood Plan meetings 6.30pm 8.00pm:  Wednesday 26 June 2019 – The Pavilion  Wednesday 24 July 2019 – The Pavilion

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

–

Your Parish Councillors, duly elected without contest, are:

Rosie Weaver BEM

Matthew Nunn

Bob Kipling (co-opted)

Frances Lynch-Smith

Jon Barber

Marie Woollard

James Hughes

Vacant seat

Your District Councillor, duly elected, is Cllr Diane Howell

Your District Councillors elected in 2018 and 2016 are:

Becoming a Councillor With the one vacant seat remaining to be filled at Meriden Parish Council, our parish councillors can coopt a member of the public who resides in Meriden.

Cllr Ken Cllr Tony Allsopp (2018) Dicicco (2016)

If you are interested in becoming a parish councillor for Meriden, please contact the Clerk.

The Parish Council would like to thank Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, Bruce Brant, for getting a new picnic bench sited at Meriden Pool.

A very big Thank You to Mel Lee, Paul Lee and Mandy Haque who have decided not to stand again as Parish Councillors. Their input and the years they have given their local community has made Meriden a better place to live.

Mel will continue to chair Meriden’s Neighbourhood Plan steering group and steer the plan to fruition.

Another farewell is to David Bell who has faithfully served as a SMBC councillor for Meriden Ward for many years.

We hope he enjoys a well-deserved retirement and we are delighted that David has chosen to remain on the Neighbourhood Plan steering group.

Highways update Implemented in May 2019 is the Part-time School 20 mph Speed Limit.

New Parking Restrictions (Phase 1) – No date yet but programmed for Mid-June at latest. Notice will be issued in due course.

Further Proposed Parking Restrictions (Phase 2) is at the information gathering phase.

Increased Presence of Parking Warden – Residents will see a greater presence in the area by the shops and school.

Zebra Crossing Fillongley Road – SMBC plan to remove temporary traffic calming features within 2 to 4 weeks of 20mph speed limit being introduced. The impact of the speed limit will be monitored and the results shared with the parish council to then seek agreement to either do nothing or put the traffic calming features back in permanently, potentially with some additional parking restrictions which links nicely to an opportunity to pick any other parking issues in the village (Phase 2).

Community Transport update from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) In April, the 89 bus service changed service provider to Diamond Bus and the Meriden Area Community Bus changed over to Coventry Community Transport.

Jon Hayes, Head of Network Delivery at TfWM updates us further: “I'm really pleased the new service (and driver!) are meeting the requirements of the community.

“As it stands, the current arrangements are due to run to the end of October after which we will look to re-tender the service. We fully appreciate the need for stability but I'm afraid we are required to periodically seek competitive tender to ensure we are getting best value for money.

“Likewise, because the contract was let on an emergency basis, we need to get better clarity on cost from both sides. Subject to them bidding competitively, I'm sure the current operator will be in a good position to retain operation of the service.

“The current operator is enjoying running the service and can see opportunities for improvements and also to increase use. We've met with them recently and they are going to come back to us with some proposals and thoughts.

“Clearly, we will share these with you and perhaps at a public session prior to making any changes. If the PC or service users have any thoughts, then please let me know.”

A message from Councillor Diane Howell It is a privilege to be elected as Councillor for the Meriden Ward and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. I have lived in the Ward for 17 years and it will be an honour to represent my home community. I will be working very closely with my Ward colleagues Cllr Tony Dicicco and Cllr Ken Allsopp to represent ALL residents in Meriden, and I hope to continue the good work of retiring Councillor David Bell who has stood down after 19 years service to the area.

As there are over 9000 residents in this Ward it has not been possible for me to speak to every one of you during the campaign. However, many of you that I have spoken to have raised concerns about the future of our area. The Meriden Gap is under pressure like never before, particularly with Coventry City Council’s plan to build thousands of homes to the west of the city. Traffic through Meriden is increasing, and with the disruption caused by HS2 in other areas of the ward we may see even more vehicles pass though the village.

Meriden Parish Council are working hard on a Neighbourhood Development Plan which will be very important in securing the future of Meriden village and I’m delighted to see it progress through each stage of completion.

We will be facing some challenges in the years ahead, but I’ll be working hard with my fellow ward Councillors, with the Parish Council and with other local organisations to ensure that Meriden continues to be a great place to live.

Activity Camp in school Holidays for Children aged 4-11 OFSTED REGISTERED.

First Aid Trained

2019 Summer Dates :Mon 22nd July to Fri 30th August Short Day 9am to 3pm £13 Long Day 8am to 5.30pm £22 Call 07812 127772 or laactivitycamps@littleangelsgroup.co.uk Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad! – Peter Kay

BERKSWELL & DISTRICT FARMER’S DISCUSSION CLUB Tuesday 11th June Day out at The Domestic Fowl Trust in Snitterfield, CV7 0LP Alister Jones & Becky Smith - “Everything for Small Scale Poultry Enterprises. Hens and Houses” Lunch at a local pub. Please bring washable footwear.

Shared cars - Contact Heath on 01564 775518 Tuesday 9th July. 7.15 pm Andy Tuffin. Sheep farmer. Location to be confirmed.

Please bring washable footwear Saturday 13th July. 6pm Skittles Social Night. Westwood Heath Leisure Gardens, Westwood Heath Road, Coventry. CV4 8JJ Bring your own BBQ & drinks - (salads & sweets provided) £5 per person. Children under 15 free.

Tuesday 13th August. 7.15 pm Country Walk at Lapworth, Navigation Inn, Old Warwick Road, Lapworth. B94 6NA Although the title is ‘Farmers Discussion Club’ you don’t have to be a farmer - many members aren’t! Everyone is welcome.

Enquiries to Bill Howes 02476 466117

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

Meriden Blinds Your local blind specialist

Buy 2 Get 1 free On all verticals, Metal venetians and Roller Blinds *terms and conditions apply

Call now for an appointment to see our latest stunning range of fabrics for Roman blinds and a range of Perfect Fit blinds for conservatories

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

Visit www.meridenblinds .co.uk All prices include measuring , fitting and VAT

unit

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

The Showground, Church Lane, Corley, Coventry, CV7 8AG www.fillongleyshow.org.uk A day of entertainment for the whole family with attractions such as vintage tractors, classic cars, cattle, sheep, pig and horse classes, a very popular horticultural section, dog show and poultry section with a variety of classes to enter plus a large craft marquee In Praise of the One Day Show - 2019 marks the Centennial Year of Fillongley Agricultural Society with their Annual Show being continuously held since 1919, apart from 1940 – 44 and one year due to foot and mouth disease.

Many people in Meriden regard it as their ‘local’ show and the support of local villages contributes to its undoubted success. The familiar one-day show format has remained more or less the same, although a very controversial democratic committee decision was made to ban vehicle parking around the main ring. The livestock classes have reflected the waxing and waning in popularity of the various breeds. From the early 1960s, continental breeds such as the Charolais and Limousin were imported and continue to feature in Show classes.

“Your Show is County Standard” was the comment made by Sir Henry Plumb, when he visited the show in 1983. He was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture from Zimbabwe. Was there a better way to introduce his guest to the culture of rural England? The high quality of the exhibits, shown with obvious pride, included a comprehensive range of livestock, garden produce, craft work and equitation skills.

The one day agricultural Show remains at the core of village life - and rightly so. T.M. Knowles 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

LOCKSMITH Lee Clements & Sons 01676 578278 Full Mobile Locksmith Service All locks changed supplied and fitted Garage Locks

High Security Locks

Extra Security

Window Locks

Key Cutting

Upvc door problems Full locking mechanisms replaced/serviced New handles Dropped doors re-aligned

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

PA ELECTRICS (17th edition qualified)

Part P Registered

For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:

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

We service, repair and care for your vehicle

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

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

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

BERKSWELL & DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP

The aim of the History Group is to give its members and the general public the opportunity to acquire information & understanding on items of historical interest, through meetings visits & research projects Wednesday 7.45 for 8.00 pm 12th June at Berkswell Reading Room.

‘Old Pubs & Lost Hostelries of Warwickshire’, A Talk by Richard Churchly.

Admission Free for Members, £5 for Non -Members.

Wednesday, 7.45 for 8.00 pm, 14th August at Berkswell Reading Room.

‘The History of Transport in the West Midlands.’

A Talk by Roger Cragg.

Admission Free for Members, £5 for Non-members.

Refreshments will be provided at these events Why not join the History group?

Membership is £15 per year

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

Meriden Surgery

01676 522252

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

www.balsallcommon grouppractice.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00 For details on how to obtain medical help when the surgery is closed please phone

01676 935000

General Practice Forward View Dr Richard Horsley April 2019 General practice is changing. Over the next 5 years primary care will undergo possibly the most important GP contract changes since the NHS foundation in 1948. This process began in 2016 with the publication of the General Practice Forward View https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/gpfv/ (GPFV)

Working at scale The practice recognises that some patients find it hard to attend when they have work commitments. Since 2018 we offer appointments via ‘extended access’ which means Balsall Common and Meriden patients now can book GP and nurse appointments Monday to Friday from 18.30 until 20.00 and weekend mornings in our extended access ‘hub’ at GPS Knowle. We are also now working closely with Hampton, Dorridge and Arden practices in a grouping called the rural Solihull Primary Care Network. We also aim to continue local services by working with a GP service provider called Solihealth. We can then continue to offer patients services such as blood thinning medication in the practice as we have the skilled staff rather than referring to hospital.

Online Access and services The GP Forward View sets out a vision for changes to modernise general practice. If you haven’t done so already then please sign up to book appointments and view results online. The practice expects to enhance your online access to have over 25% of directly bookable appointments available online. Soon 111 will also have access to book appointments directly. We are keenly awaiting the development of NHS Apps to further improve access and communication with the practice. Your referrals will move to be 100% electronic so you can have increased choice and control on your hospital care. Balsall Common and Meriden Group Practice has been recognised by NHS Digital for having over 75% of electronic prescriptions. The practice is utilising text messaging for reminders, communication and feedback.

Contract changes: * IMPORTANT CHANGE* MINOR INJURIES TO A+E We have accepted the Birmingham and Solihull Universal Offer contract which recognises many of the services we already provide.

We already offer many in-house enhanced services in comparison to practices in Birmingham such as phlebotomy, COPD nurses, ECGs and walk-in blood pressure monitoring. However, with the CCG changes mandate we must now signpost patients with minor injuries such as falls and cuts to a minor injury unit or A+E. This is to focus GPs on long term conditions, frailty, elderly, palliative care, enhancing self-care, preventing deterioration early to keep patients at home and preventing illness. For instance, if you are over 40 and eligible please book for an NHS check. Other practice services are likely to change but we will strive with the support of our Patient Participation Group to keep services locally.

New practice team members/services

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 l4th June Little Himalaya - Richard on Salt therapy Friday 12th July Brochiectasis - Jane Scullion - Respiratory Nurse Consultant Friday 9th August Asthma – Beverley Bostock – Education Lead Clinical specialist

We have a new salaried GP Dr. Lisa Broom who is covering for Dr. Whitehead. The practice recognises that the population number is increasing and patient needs are increasing. Each patient is experiencing more complex medical conditions and takes more medication. Our new ‘Primary Care Network’ will soon hope to deliver extra new staff, improved access and services over the next 5 years. This year we hope to have a pharmacist and social prescriber in the network. The nursing team will continue to deliver (enhanced) hub services because we have the skills locally. Our advanced nurse practitioner offers minor illness clinics for new onset ‘acute’ illness. For instance, a condition that needs a prescription and perhaps 111 or the pharmacist has signposted you to the practice.

Training practice The practice wants to increase the primary care team and maintain the future workforce for the growing patient needs. We have two GP trainers who mentor qualified medical doctors who are completing GP rotation attachments to become GPs. For many years we have hosted medical students from Imperial College (London) but now we also offer placements to our local Warwick Medical School student doctors.

The next five years…

We are already prepared for these changes and all the staff are motivated to deliver improved access to high quality local patient care.

Ode to a Cashless Society - by Richard Allen

LITTLE ANGELS PRE-SCHOOL NOW TAKING SEP 2019 AND JAN 2020 BOOKINGS. OFSTED REGISTERED. SET IN HEART OF MERIDEN

Childcare for 2-4 year olds.

Open 7.30am - 5.30pm (excluding Thursday mornings). Private garden area.

We offer fun filled sessional or all-day care for your little angel. We accept 2, 3 and 4 year funding and tax-free childcare schemes alongside non-funded places - all families are welcome! To find out more or to book a viewing please contact us on

01676 522144 or info@littleangelsgroup.co.uk

The bosses of the underworld held crisis talks tonight Cos something happened, something bad that gave them all a fright Word was out that cash were gone, defunct, abolished, dead They’d have to do their dirty deeds by chip and pin instead.

Meriden Mike was first to speak, he said he couldn’t hack it Business wouldn’t pay by BACS to fund protection racket.

Fillongley Frank had big ideas, cryptocurrency’s better than cash High-class junkies have bitcoins to pay for skunk and hash.

Chequebook Clive, a pragmatist, who came from Corley Moor Detested that because he said twas biased against the poor.

Hampton Hugh controlled the girls but thought they looked a mess And might misunderstand him if he mentioned contactless.

In room next door the local police, known as the Berkswell Bill Held crisis talks cos crime was down and cells were hard to fill.

They umm-ed and ah-ed on vital matters, scratching in the dark Looking for alternative ways to pay the copper’s nark.

Prison screws and magistrates, lawyers, judges et al Held crisis talks about the fact of where the axe might fall.

When in walked man from Home Office, upon he it was incumbent To tell them all from this day forth they’d all been made redundant.

And so the good guys and the bad guys formed an orderly line Outside the local labour exchange and along the dots did sign, Along with manufacturers of tills and slot machines The workers at the Royal Mint and others unforeseen.

And somewhere down at Parliament the air had been turned blue By red-faced politicians who had clearly not thought this through.

Dog Walking and Pet Services

07825 684539

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

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 and Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed, Vibration plate and Ultrasonic Liposuction Monday closed, Tuesday 10-5, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 10-8, Saturday & Sunday 10-4

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

Village Diary DATE Mondays Thursdays 02 June 03 June 08 June 09 June 10 June 11June 12 June 13 June 14 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27 June 28 June 28 June 1 July 2 July 8 July 12 July 13 July

EVENT Reading Zoo Learn My Way Maxstoke Castle Open Day WI Big Picture Show Pentecost Sunday Community Surgery Rotary 40th Anniv Dinner Readers Circle OVO Womens’ Cycle Race Community Cafe Fathers’ Day Reading Café Rotary Club Meeting Meriden Rotary Megaride Parish Council Meeting Rotary Club Meeting Neighbourhood plan meeting WWI remembrance - Private George Poole School Summer Fair CAMEO - Away Day WI Rotary Club Meeting Community Surgery Community Cafe Start of Summer Reading Challenge

13 July Concert on the Course Picnic in the Park / 14 July Funday Sunday 15 July Reading Café 15 July Flower Club Balsall & District 20 July Horticultural Show 22 July Parish Council meeting 22Jul-30Aug Little Angels Sports Camp 24 July Neighbourhood plan meeting 26 July CAMEO – Strawbs & Poems 1 August Meriden Mag Deadline 5 August Community Surgery 5 August WI 9 August Community Cafe 11 August Fillongley Show 19 August Reading Café 23 August CAMEO - Trip to Canada Warwickshire 24-26 Aug Watercolourists Exhibition 26 August Barston Fete

VENUE Meriden Library Meriden Library Maxstoke Castle Village Hall Village Hall Methodist Church Meriden Library Manor Hotel call for details Meriden Village Green Sports Pavilion

TIME 2:30 -3:15 2:30 -3:30 11am - 5pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

CONTACT 01676 522717 01676 522717

7.30pm

Joan Russell 522666 Chris Copper 522645 Rev Jane Braund 533 737 01676 522717 Mike Holdsworth 522 492 Peter Moss 01676 523590

2 – 4 pm

Rev Lynda Lilley 522825

Meriden Library Manor Hotel Queen's Head Pub Sports Pavilion Manor Hotel Sports Pavilion

10.30–11.30am 7.30pm 12-5pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 6.30-8.00pm

01676 522717 Mike Holdsworth 522 492 Neville 01676 532709 Barbara Bland 01676 522474 Mike Holdsworth 522 492 Barbara Bland 522474

St Laurence Church Meriden School Bourton on the Water Village Hall Manor Hotel Sports Pavilion Sports Pavilion

8:45am 5-7pm Full day 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.00- 12noon 2 – 4 pm

Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 see Advert Joan 523507 / Pam 523372 Joan Russell 522666 Mike Holdsworth 522492 01676 522717 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825

Meriden Library North Warwickshire Golf Course

10am

01676 522717

From 4.00pm

Paul Blewitt 523229

Meriden Sports Park Meriden Library Village Hall St Peter's Hall, Balsall Common Sports Pavilion call for details Sports Pavilion Sports Pavilion

12-4pm 10.30–11.30am 7.30pm

see Advert 01676 522717 Ann Lea 07725478624

Meriden Library Village Hall Sports Pavilion Church Lane, Corley, CV7 8AG Meriden Library Village Hall

11.00-12noon 7.30pm 2 – 4 pm

Barbara Bland 01676 522474 07812 127772 Barbara Bland 522474 Joan 523507 / Pam 523372 Val 01676 522963 01676 522717 Joan Russell 522666 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825

Full day 10.30–11.30am 2pm

www.fillongleyshow.org.uk 01676 522717 Joan 523507 / Pam 523372

Berkswell Reading Rm Bulls Head, Barston

10am -5pm from 1pm

02476 465651 See Advert

11.00-12noon

2pm 7.30pm 8am-5:30pm 6.30-8.00pm 2pm

Carrots Carrots come in all shapes and colours and are a very versatile vegetable. Look out for round carrots as well as red, yellow or even purple. Carrots require an open sunny site and a fertile well drained soil. They can be grown in containers as well as in the ground and the main time to sow is between April to early July. Be careful when thinning out as crushed foliage attracts carrot fly, cover with fleece to prevent these pests flying in and laying their eggs. Surrounding the seedlings with a barrier 60cm high prevents this as the flies do not go very high. They are ready for harvesting after 12 weeks from sowing. Good cultivars are Early Nantes (for an early variety) Flyaway(resistant to carrot root fly) and Autumn King for autumn cropping. There is nothing quite like the taste of home grown carrots.

Zesty carrot and ginger loaf 100g butter 100g dark muscovado sugar 50g golden syrup 50g black treacle Zest of 1 orange Zest and juice of 1 lemon

5 balls of stem ginger (from a jar) finely chopped I large carrot grated (approx. 140g flesh) 175g SR flour ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda 2tsp ground ginger 2 eggs ¼ tsp ground black pepper 140g icing sugar

Heat oven to180C/160C fan/gas 4 Butter and line a 900g loaf tin Put butter, sugar, treacle, golden syrup and half the zests into a large saucepan and melt together.

Add the carrot, ¾ chopped ginger, all the flour, bicarb, ¼ tsp salt, ground ginger, pepper and eggs to the pan and Carrot and Coriander Soup stir well until you have a smooth batter.

450 g carrots Pour into the tin and bake for 45 minutes until dark brown 1 large onion and risen and a skewer comes out clean 50g butter Cool for 20 minutes in the tin and the turn out onto a wire 1.5ltre vegetable stock ½ tsp crushed coriander tray.

2 tbsps ground rice Sift the icing sugar into a bowl add the remaining zests Juice of 2 oranges and the lemon juice about 4tsp should be enough to make Salt and pepper a smooth thick icing.

Slice the onions and carrots thinly and sweat with the Spread the icing over the cake and allow to dribble over butter in a large covered saucepan until soft. the sides.

Pour in the stock and coriander, bring to the boil and Scatter with the remaining chopped ginger. simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the ground rice and orange juice and continue to simmer for 30 minutes. And add seasoning.

Balsall & District Horticultural Society's

Annual Show Saturday July 20th Exhibits of Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts St Peter's Church Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common Doors open at 2pm.

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

Carrot and Ginger Salad 450g grated carrots 145g raisins 4 tbsp orange juice 20g finely chopped crystallised ginger Mix carrots, orange juice and ginger together in a large bowl.

Cover bowl with cling film and refrigerate until flavours blend from between 30 minutes to overnight.

Out and About this Summer The Antiques Road Show is visiting Compton Verney on Tuesday 2nd July 9.30am - 5.00pm

Compton Verney.

Something for everyone to enjoy. 120 acres of stunning parkland and lake surround an award-winning art gallery, with a family friendly café and gift shop.

Wander through the historic ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, marvel at the world-class art exhibitions or have fun in the outdoor adventure playground. All ages are welcome 9 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Collecting Birmingham: Who Is Birmingham?

EXHIBITION

Open Tues to Sun & Bank Hols 10.30am – last entry 4pm Barston Fete. Bank Holiday Monday 26th August Bulls Head Pub from 1pm.

Arena event is 'The Extreme Mountain Bike Show' led by Danny Butler, 5 times British and European Champion. Bring along your pooches for our novelty Dog show. Classes for all dogs. See our Facebook/Barstonassociation for full details

Barn Dance - Saturday 6th July – 6pm St Swithins House Garden, Barston.

Adults £5, children free.

BBQ, Teas, Cake, Bar, Children's Fun activities available. Live Music.

All proceeds to local Charitable Causes.

Contact Pete on 07870 483505 or at pete.sumner@btinternet.com

Discover new collections that reflect the experiences of diverse Birmingham people – from working lives, to community activists and protest movements.

This is the final exhibition of the Collecting Birmingham project, an innovative acquisitions and engagement project that has collected objects and oral histories over the past three years, focusing on stories of people from Aston, Soho, Nechells and Ladywood.

FREE ADMISSION BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY CHAMBERLAIN SQ B3 3DH

In association with .

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

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

BBQ Food Bar Cakes,

Snacks Ice cream Other Attractions Club Displays Tombola Trade Stands

Supporting :

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

Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com

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 Samaritans HopelineUK 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 Free phone Prevention of young suicide Ken Allsopp Diane Howell Tony Dicicco Gerry Russell Sue Harper New non-emergency no.

Valerie Martin

Reminder deadline for autumn issue out by 1st September is Thursday 1st August

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Chris Bannister 07789 903021 chrisbannister56@aol.com Distribution: Paul Lee & Paul Green Proof Reader: Claire Rose New Mag advertising rates Eighth page £11 Quarter page £22 Half page £44 Small ads (sale or wanted) £5.00 Charity & Community events FREE Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the coeditors.

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