Meriden Mag Spring 2020
See inside for See inside for: Easter Services, V.E.Day Celebrations and a lovely spring walk
We’ve had a wonderful autumn term with lots of celebrations. Christmas seems so long ago already! Years 1 and 2 entertained family & friends with their incredible performance of a ‘Magical Christmas Journey.’ We gave a ‘thank you’ tea to our amazing helpers who support us during our year. We had Christmas parties, a talent show, a Year 4 steel pans concert, a further afternoon tea for some of our elderly Meriden community, carol singing on The Green - followed by a fantastic Christmas Fayre, where we raised an amazing £3200!! We have already spent the money on much needed playground and PE equipment. Thank you to all those who came along to support our various events and help raise funds for our school, you are amazing!
Remembrance Service - On 11th November, Year 5 treated the whole school to a fitting and powerful remembrance service, including piano performances, dance and readings. Following the service and one-minute silence, Year 6 walked to place the school poppy wreath underneath the cross in Meriden.
Young Voices 2020 written by Danny and Avani, Year 6
“On the 21st January, the Meriden School choir went to the Resorts World Arena (NEC) joining 6000 other children, to sing and dance to numerous songs and medleys at the Young Voices event. We were fortunate to sing with different musical performers including Tony Hadley (ex Spandau Ballet) and Ruti (the winner of ‘The Voice UK 2018’). We had one of the most fun nights of our lives! We would like to thank all those teachers who helped us learn the songs and who took us to and from the venue safely.”
Sports - At the end of November, our netball team had their first match of the season. They showed fantastic teamwork and had a well-deserved win of 7-3. Well done girls! During December our boys’ football team were absolutely fantastic and secured their first win of the season! It was a very close and competitive game. Well done! Our girls’ football team also had a great start to their season and both teams are looking forward to more matches this school year.
Year 6 Coventry trip Trips and visits enhance the learning in the classroom and make things come alive for our children. One of the trips involved Year 6 visiting Coventry Cathedral, the Transport Museum and The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. They undertook an ‘evacuee’s experience’ where they were dressed up and roleplayed being evacuated to the countryside, along with visiting a real bomb shelter. The message of peace and reconciliation was very sobering and helped the children understand a little more about the importance of love and forgiveness, supporting their ‘Behind the Bombs’ autumn term topic.
Meriden Library Visits We have once again started to visit our community village library. Each school class visit the library several times per year, to enhance the learning of the topic they are currently focusing on. Thank you to all the librarians who help prepare the books for our visit and always make us feel very welcome.
VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020 and it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. The 75th anniversary will provide our nation, and our friends around the world, with an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who saw us through this dark and terrifying period. To commemorate this important time, we are organising VE Day 75, a three-day international celebration that will take place from 8th May to 10th May 2020. Meriden Parish Council in conjunction with Precious Events will be organising a special community day on Friday the 8th May at Meriden sports park from 12pm to 6pm to mark this poignant celebration. There will be stalls run by local businesses and community groups. The Firebird Singers will entertain you at about 1.30pm with songs reminiscent of both World Wars, so ‘Pack up your Troubles’ and bring a chair or a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy the music. There will also be a performance by a local dance group, food stalls and refreshments, bouncy castles, face painting and a bake-off competition.
Fun for all the Family
Fashion Fashion Show Show and and Sale Sale Thursday Thursday 12 12thth March March 7.30pm 7.30pm Tickets Tickets £5 £5
Fish Fish and and Chip Chip Supper Supper with with Vivo Vivo w th V o Friday Friday 24 24thth April April 7.30 7.30 for for 8.00pm 8.00pm Tickets Tickets £14 £14 For Fortickets ticketssee seeCancer CancerResearch Researcharticle articleon onseparate separatepage page
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Saturday 25th April 2020 7.30pm “Judy” (12A)
Saturday 28TH March 2020 7.30pm “Official Secrets” (15) GCHQ worker Katherine Gun (Keira Knightley) receives a sensitive memo. It reveals details of strong-arm US/UK tactics designed to bully the UN Security Council members into backing the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Feeling for the 30 million civilians who would suffer, Gun decides to leak the documents to the press, putting her job and her life in jeopardy. Gavin Hood who directed “Eye in the Sky” produces another gripping depiction of whistle-blowing deliberations and political subterfuge. Ralph Fiennes, Matt Smith and Matthew Goode also star in this thoughtprovoking and chillingly accurate portrayal of contemporary international politics. Not to be missed!
Tickets (£5.00) are available for sale from Budgens General Stores on the Village Green. In addition, tickets and advance reservations are also available from Chris Copper (01676 522645)
Renee Zellwegger captures a convincing depiction of Judy Garland in this moving biopic, and she performs Garland’s well-known songs with power and authenticity. The film portrays the last year of Garland’s life. Set thirty years after she shot to fame in “The Wizard of Oz”, she arrives in Swinging London in 1968 to star in a sell-out performance at ‘The Talk of the Town’. Whilst her voice has grown in intensity her personal life is crumbling and her tragic vulnerability is movingly portrayed. Tipped for an Oscar!
Wednesday 20th May 2020 7.30pm “Calendar Girls” (12A) Starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, this is film is based on a true story about the members of Rylstone W.I in North Yorkshire who produce a nude calendar to raise funds for leukaemia research. This screening will be run by Meriden W.I. to celebrate the fact that their group is to continue in the village,
Tickets (£5.00) will be available from Budgens General Store in the Village or from Joan Russell 01676 522666
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The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Gymnastic, Contemporary Dance Tel: 02476 467331 www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk and Musical Theatre. aged 2 ½ years upwards
Principals Jennifer and Samantha Faulkner F.I.D.T.A BA.Hons Fellowship Teaching Degree Dip A.B.R.S.M
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 Women’s Institute normally meets at Meriden Village Hall on the First Monday of each month at 7.30pm. Please contact Joan Russell 01676 522666 for more information Monday 2nd March - Jo Vaughan from Knowle Artisan Chocolates Monday 6th April Analiza Jones – Hand woven bags from the Phillipines Monday 4th May – Annual Meeting
Meriden WI has been reprieved! We thought this would be our final report for the Meriden Mag, detailing our Christmas celebration at Strawberry Bank and then winding up in January -- BUT NO! Thanks to a group of local ladies reading of our plight and deciding to try and help us to continue, we have a future. After a meeting with our President and committee they became members and agreed to serve on the committee. So, the future seems secure for the moment. Joan Russell and Flick Blewitt will continue as President and Treasurer until the Annual Meeting in May when new officers and committee will be formed. Thank you, ladies, – Here’s to the next 100 years! In January we welcomed a number of new ladies and discussed our voting preferences for the coming 2020 National Resolution. Every WI member has a vote, we shall see the final choice in May. In February Jeni Mabey came to talk to us about caring for our skin and gut with products that have no chemicals or harmful ingredients. On Wednesday 20th May we are holding a film show at Meriden Village Hall. The film is Calendar Girls, very appropriately about a group of W.I. Ladies in Rylstone North Yorkshire who decide to produce a nude calendar to raise funds for leukaemia research, as a husband of one of their members has the disease. We will be hosting the evening and providing the refreshments, with any proceeds going to our funds. Please come along and support us, it will be a fun evening. Nearer the event tickets, costing £5 each, will be available from Budgens on the Village Green or Joan Russell on 01676 522666 g g
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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 ly to 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. This year is already speeding past and Spring is fast approaching. It's lovely to see the days getting longer and the colours of the spring bulbs brightening up the garden again. It's a sign of new life, as the earth wakes up from its winter sleep. The season of Spring is a very important time in the life of the Church. After Jesus had been baptised, he was led out into the desert and spent 40 days and nights alone with God his Father. We call this time Lent and we remember how Jesus was tried and tested but resisted all the temptations that come to him. When after 40 days he left that place, he was ready to begin his ministry. Many people, even now, do something to mark these 40 days. They might give up chocolate or alcohol, some give up various forms of technology, but Lent is really a time to replace what has been given up with drawing closer to Jesus, closer to God. As Lent draws to a close we come to Palm Sunday - the day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people loved him, thought he was the Messiah, the one who had come to save them from their oppressors. He had...but not in the way that they thought he would and so just a few days later we remember how Jesus shared a meal with his disciples before he was arrested - betrayed by one of his friends. On Good Friday we think with wonder and gratitude how Jesus was beaten, tortured and killed for each one of us on a cross. At any point he could have said 'no', but he chose, for our sake, to surrender completely. He endured the cross so that all who believe in him can live. That invitation is open to everyone - the whole world. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory that Jesus has won over death. When the women went to the tomb on that first Easter morning, they found the stone from the tomb where Jesus had been laid, rolled away. The tomb was empty. Jesus had risen. Jesus offers everyone new life in him. For those who take up that offer we enter into a relationship with him. It doesn't mean that life is always easy, but it is a life that is lived with him as he guides us through life's ups and downs. If you would like to know more about this Jesus then you can read about him in the Bible, especially the four books of the Bible called the gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You would also be very welcome at any of the three churches that meet in Meriden, and details of all three can be found in this magazine.
MERIDEN AGUAFLAME UK
I look forward to seeing you soon. Jane
Dates for your diary 6th
March 10.30am Women’s World Day of Prayer (everyone welcome– men &women) - St Swithin’s, Church Barston 27th March 7.00pm Friday Supper Club 9th April 7.00pm Maundy Thursday - Churches together, Communion Methodist Church 12th April 10.30am Easter Sunday Easter morning service led by Mrs Alison Gee, Methodist Church For further details contact Rev Jane Braund on 01676 533 737
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
The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire. Please contact Alan Gabbitas on 01676 522148
email : aguaflameuk@gmail.com Terry Griffiths
Forest Ground We take for granted the names of places in the village but new residents may not know them, as I discovered last year when I was asked, ‘Where is Forest Ground?’ I should not be surprised as I only discovered where the once famous ‘Oak Walk’ had been two years ago by putting together clues in an old newspaper and parish council minutes recorded in the Gt War. Soon after 1740 a new section of road was pegged out from the Green towards Great Packington replacing the original alignment that ran in front of buildings that now include the Library and shops, through the area on the left of Maxstoke Lane then known as the ‘Woodyard’, crossing the field called the ‘Galley Irons’ a corruption of Gallows Hyrne or Corner and beyond, following the ancient parish boundary. The two roads defined an area previously just part of Meriden Heath that became known as Forest Ground. Two cottages, one ancient and part half- timbered, face the field and for years I wondered why. It is because they were originally built near the edge of the earlier route way, the Victorian cottage possibly replacing an older building. The road heading towards the small village and church of Great Packington and beyond to the bridge across the Blythe, ceased to exist, for in 1761 Great Packington was imparked (enclosed) by Act of Parliament. At the entrance to the Forest Ground is a cottage and dog kennel built in the mid- 1740s. The Italian architect Joseph Bonomi accepted a commission in 1788 from the 4th Earl of Aylesford after his work at St James’s Church, Great Packington to design and build an octagonal Hall as the HQ of the Woodmen of Arden, the archery club then 3 years old. It was a storey high with 3 tall arched French windows and described in an 1829 gazetteer as, ’a small but pleasant building’. Dr James Kittermaster painted it with the ballroom added in 1845. (see picture on right) A modern, factual description may be found in Pevsner. It is considered of special architectural and historic interest. In my childhood, many significant events took part in the Hall and grounds such as the V.E (Victory in Europe) celebrations in the spring of 1945 and the coronation of our present Queen, 1953. In my teens I learnt to score on Sunday afternoons for our village cricket matches but long before at the coronations of Edward VII 1902 and George V 1911 the children enjoyed parties given there. The Red Cross trained in the years shortly before and during the Great War while funds might be raised
for village projects including a Reading Room in 1914. The Ministry of Food used it from 1942 for its local arrangements. After the creation of Meriden Parliamentary constituency in 1955, the Conservative Party Paarrt rty rented rreenteed ren d it it as as its its HQ. HQ. To To be be continued cco ontin inu ueed in in next neext Mag n Maag M The Woodmen Doreen TTh he W ood oo dm meen n of of Arden Arrd deen n Do D ore re e en n Agutter Aggu A utttte er
A very big thank you to Jodie and her family who found my basic, but useful mobile phone in Leys Lane in late December. They not only took the trouble to find out who it belonged to but brought it to our home. I am very grateful. Ellen Watkins
Meriden Play Group ‘Where friends are made’ Meriden Methodist Church Hall Call Rachel Platt on 07812 127772
EEvery ve eryy Tuesday TTu uTuesday eessd daay during duduring du ring Term TTeerm Every Time 9:30-11:30 am. Term Time 9.30 - 11.30am Join us fun playtime Jo oiinus usfor ffor fo oraafun funplaytime fu p pl lay aytim i e Join with your child, where with child, where with your y ur yo u child d, whe ereeyou yyou yo u can make new friends, do can can make ca maake new m neew friends, n ffrrie iend nds, do d crafts, play with different ccrafts, cr raaffftts,play p pl lay aywith w ithdifferent di d ifffferent toys, sing songs and enjoy ttoys, o s, sing oy singg songs si son ngs and and enjoy an enjjoy a a healthy snack healthy snack h he eaallltth hyy(and ssn naaccakcuppa) ((and aan nd a cuppa.) £2 for one child and 50p for £ 2 ffo ofor r on o ne cch hilild aan nd 5 0p ffo or £2 one child and 50p foreach eachadditional additionalchild. child
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A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco Over the last eight years as a local councillor for Meriden Ward, I have dealt with many issues which affect residents. Issues such as HS2, local development and the environment are ongoing and very high among people’s concerns. Public safety issues are becoming more of a concern to residents in Meriden, even though Meriden is a relatively safe place in which to live. In mid-January, I attended a public meeting at Meriden Village Hall to debate community safety, in particular: burglaries, fly-tipping, antisocial behaviour and drug taking/dealing. The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was also there to answer residents’ questions. This was well attended by residents. It was clear that, on the whole, residents are appreciative of everything that the Police and Solihull Council (SMBC) do on their behalf. However, there was a general perception that Meriden is under-served as a policing priority and that more resources are required to increase police visibility in the local area. Residents want the police to be more proactive in talking to residents to gain information and build an accurate picture of local issues. They also want improvements in the 101-reporting system which is viewed as being complicated to use and ineffective. The PCC promised to refer this concern to the Chief Constable and the West Midlands ‘Police and Crime Panel’ for action. The majority of residents indicated that they were willing to pay slightly more through the Police Precept (which is levied by the PCC) to ensure more police resources in Meriden. I reminded the meeting that the Police Precept had been increased significantly in 2019/20 and that the Government is also looking to increase spending significantly on policing through direct grants from 2020. This should ensure more police officers for neighbourhood policing to deal with issues such as property crime and Anti-social Behaviour (ASB), including drug use and drug-dealing. There was also considerable concern around fly-tipping. This is a scourge faced by many local authorities and dealing effectively with it is very challenging, especially in Meriden given the large area to cover. The PCC reminded residents that dealing with it is a council responsibility and that evidence suggests that Travellers carry out a lot of fly-tipping. The PCC indicated that SMBC should be more proactive by setting up a Travellers’ transit site in Solihull. I countered this by saying that residents do not support such a site - Meriden residents will remember the problems over Eaves Green Lane, following which, after much work by SMBC, a permanent site was established in the borough and traveller incursions actually appear to have increased!. SMBC is already pro-active when dealing with fly-tipping: we have employed an investigating officer, are deploying covert surveillance cameras and a number of enforcement cases are underway. I found the meeting to be very useful and I took a number of actions – these will be considered by a senior SMBC officer and an action plan will be developed which will be shared with residents. Finally, it has been a great honour and privilege to have represented the residents of Meriden over the last eight years – thank you for giving me that opportunity. I hope to continue after the local elections on 7th May. If you wish to comment on the issues in this article, or any other local issues, please contact me. tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.
Firebird Singers Update We would like to thank everyone who attended our sell-out Christmas concerts. Thanks to your generosity we raised over £3,700 towards this year’s charity appeal, Parkinson’s UK. We hope you will all support us again on Sunday 5th April at the Manor Hotel where we will be performing ‘Our Greatest Hits’ concerts. 2020 is our 10th Anniversary year and we have put together a concert of all our favourite songs over the years. Tickets are available now at £8 each, please book early to avoid disappointment. See the advert on the Mag’s events page. In those 10 years we are proud to have donated over £31,000 to various charities. We were delighted to be asked to perform at the VE celebrations in the village on Friday 8th May where we will be singing many of the favourite songs from the first and second World Wars, that we performed at our Christmas concert 2018. Bring a picnic chair or blanket and enjoy the music. We look forward to seeing you there.
Valerie Martin 01676 522963
Meriden Mag Editorial Policies 1. We restrict the amount of paid advertising to a level that covers the cost of producing the Mag, in order to create a balance with items of local interest. 2. All those involved in producing the Mag give their time voluntarily and any monies paid are just to cover expenses. 3. Paid adverts are given a maximum of half a page, are produced in black and white and do not feature on the front or back pages. 4. All advertisers must have a strong local connection. 5. If there are too many adverts for the same type of service, then priority will be given to the most local advertisers. 6. New advertisers may be requested to pay for their first advert in advance. 7. Regular advertisers are invoiced after each issue, unless they’ve paid in advance. 8. Advertisers who fail to settle their invoice for one issue of the Mag may be removed from subsequent issues at the discretion of the co-editors.
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Well, the time passes and now we are half way through the Rotary Year. Christmas has come and gone and we are in 2020. In the middle of October twenty four of us, members and partners, went to Winchester for a fellowship weekend away. We had a good hotel, better weather than we expected and so a great time. We undertook a gentle walk organised by Warwick Kendrick to raise money for Children in Need. The club has had interesting speakers with topics including, how to make our photos more professional, charity work to help disabled bikers and Past President Mike told us about his visit to New York including a Rotary meeting in China Town. New member Peter Brameld told us about his business life working around the world including lunch with Robert Mugabe and meetings with other wellknown people. We also had speakers who told about how Solihull Council is working for the environment and a look into who killed the “Red Baron” at the end of WW1. Meriden Rotary Club competed against seven other teams in the local round of the Rotary District Quiz and we finished second loosing by only one point to the Rotary Club of Kenilworth! Seven of us had a good evening visiting the nearest neighbour Club, Yardley and Sheldon who were holding a dinner at the Birmingham Airport Holiday Inn to celebrate 60 years since they were formed. We mentioned last time that our club had agreed to take part in the first Midland Community Draw and in November the draw took place at Solihull Cricket Club. The draw proved to be well worthwhile as it raised over £16,000 for local organisations and we are confident after such a good start it will do even better next year. December is always a very busy month starting with the Santa Fun Run which is reported on separately in the Meriden Mag, followed by a collection in Meriden for Marie Curie and also the Santa Sleigh street collections in aid of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund and other Rotary Charities. The weather was quite kind to us as although it was cold every night we were out, but it did not actually rain! Santa’s first visit was to Hampton in Arden where he switched on the new Christmas lights and then he visited Meriden, Millison’s Wood Kingshurst, Keresley and Hampton during the following two weeks. We are very pleased to announce that we raised a little over £ 2,400 which is an increase of over 29% on last year and some money is still to come in. Meriden Rotary Club want to thank all those who helped with the summer storage of the sleigh, its maintenance, all the collectors who walked so far to raise this money and of course all of the local people who gave so generously. We held a great Christmas dinner with entertainment at the Manor Hotel whose staff provided us with a great evening as they always do. We do not meet for two weeks during the Christmas period but about a dozen of us met for an informal Indian Meal at Jalabi,Sheldon, Birmingham. We are a busy and friendly club and you can find out more about our activities and Rotary in general on our new web site, which is still under development, just Google “Meriden Rotary”. If you would like to come along to one of our regular meetings, enjoy a meal at the Manor Hotel and meet our members you would be most welcome contact Jane Maugham (Club secretary) by telephoning / texting 07905 377515 or email her at mrcsecretary79@gmail.com.
Geoff Arthur, President Meriden Rotary Club
Meriden Meriden Floral Floral Society Society Meetings Meetingsare areheld heldatatMeriden Meriden Village VillageHall Hall7.30 7.30––9.30pm 9.30pm on onthe thethird thirdMonday Mondayofofeach each month (except December) month (except December) 1616ththMarch March ‘For Sophie ‘Forthe theLove Loveofofit’it’ SophieO’Keefe O’Keefe 2020ththApril April ‘Between ‘Betweenthe theCovers’ Covers’ Lucy LucyAllan Allan 1818ththMay May ‘Car Boot ‘Car BootCollection’ Collection’ Lynne LynneSharpe Sharpe
Visitors Visitorsare aremost most welcome welcome For Formore more information information contact contact Ann AnnLea Lea 07725 07725478624 478624
Kenilworth Road, Hampton in Arden B92 B92 0LP 0LP
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WALKING PAGE Fancy taking part in the 23rd ‘A Coventry Way Challenge’ on Sunday 5th April 2020? You’ll walk (or run) the 40 mile circular countryside walk around Coventry. Time limit is 16 hours for walkers and 14 hours for runners. Walkers set off between 5 and 7am, runners between 7 and 9am. The finish closes at 9pm. Start point is our very own Queens Head pub. You need to bring a mug and no dogs allowed. The route is shown on OS maps EX221 and 222. Web site:- http://www.acoventryway.org.uk Online entry:- http://www.SiEntries.co.uk Cost is £20.00 for solo entrants or £40 for relay teams of up to 8 members. This includes a comprehensive route booklet with maps & description, drinks & food at 7 checkpoints, plus a hot meal and certificate at the finish. “Full Circle” technical T-shirts are available to purchase on completion Here’s a nice easy walk to get you moving in 2020! Only 3.5 miles around Meriden. Start in Old Road with the Queens Head (1) to your right, go through the metal kissing gate on the road side before heading north along the field edge walking uphill before exiting the field via a metal kissing gate to join Fillongley Rd (2). Taking care, cross the road and turn right, walking away from the village. After crossing the bridge which spans the A45, take the first footpath on your left directly after the bridge. Having gone through the metal road side kissing gate, you follow the line of the A45 before turning right through another gate and then heading across the field walking away from the main road. On the far side of the field, you will cross a stile and then follow the path as it traces the field edge past Sparrows Grove towards High Ash Farm (3). Here you will need to cross the farm drive, with the farm building on your left, before continuing to follow the footpath towards and then into Church Wood. Shortly after entering Church Wood, the footpath will split. At this point, marked by a yellow topped marker post, turn right following the established path through the woods and down towards Fillongley Rd. Before reaching the main road, a path will be available to you on your left marked by another yellow topped post. Take this path which will take you along the edge of Chantry Wood before it joins the junction of High Ash
If anyone would like to contribute a walk please get in touch with Chris Bannister (see back page for contact details)
Farm drive and Lodge Green Lane North (4). Continue heading down Lodge Green Lane North until you reach its junction with Fillongley Rd. Here you will need to take care and cross Fillongley Rd, before continuing along Lodge Green Lane for approx. 350m. Just before Landor Cottage, there is a public footpath on your right (5) . Take this footpath across the field and follow it until you join Walsh Lane opposite Walsh Hall. Turn left here and walk along Walsh Lane crossing over the A45 again. Continue along Walsh Lane. Shortly after its junction with Eaves Green Lane take the footpath on your right located opposite the Village Farm. Follow this footpath along the field edge as it takes you back to your starting point on Old Road.
Why not buy the local Ordnance Survey Map? It has loads of information, and shows all the footpaths. Explorer 221 is the one you need. Buy from www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/shop/maps.html
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CAMEO Come and Meet Each Other er At the Sports Pavilion On 4th Friday of the he month at 2.00pm The visit to Meriden School was once again most enjoyable, hearing all the children singing beautifully. The older children hosted us with friendly chat, cups of tea and Christmas cakes. In January, we met to see what makes us laugh; TV programmes, books and theatre together with amusing anecdotes. A quiz about Theatre shows reminded us of shows past and present that we have all enjoyed. Singing in the Rain – remember that?!! 28th February – Susan Tall telling us about Frances Ridley Havergal (hymn writer, poet and authoress) March 27th - A Meal Out at the Lake at Barston April 24th - Rev. Pauline Warner from Abbey Park Care home May 22nd - Helen Essex with her Spinning Wheel
All over 50 are welcome to join us. If a lift is needed, please telephone: Joan 523507 or Pam 523372
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. Meeting are open to non-members for an admission fee of £5 whilst members attend free of charge. The meetings below are held at Berkswell Reading Room. Please arrive by 7:45 for an 8pm start. Wednesday 1st April 2020 ‘ Berkswell & Neighbouring Parishes During the 17th Century Civil War’ Presented by Jill Tomkins Bailey and Brenda Murray Wednesday 3rd June ‘Wayside Wonders & Country Curiosities.’ A presentation by Richard Churchley Refreshments will be provided at these events Why not join the History group? Annual membership is only £15. Have you looked at our website? www.berkswell-history.org ww w ww.berrkkswellllll-h hiissttory.org rg
Balsall Common U3A Balsall Common U3A is for retired and semi-retired people. Locally we have over 300 members and over 30 activity groups. You can join as many or as few groups as you want.
To see a full list of groups and activities, please visit the web site - www.balsallcommonu3a.org As well as our activities, there is a monthly meeting with a talk given by a guest speaker. The Spring programme is as follows: 5th March "The King’s Loosebox” 2nd April “British Mammals” 14th May " Back Stage Stories from the Rep." Talks are held at St. Peters Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common and start at 2pm. For more information please see the website.
ĔĈęĔė ĆĚĘęĚĘ Drama students from GCSE and A Level classes have attended a performance and workshops of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus as part of their studies. Year 9 were also able to watch the play with the other students before returning to lessons.
of practitioner Brecht and aim to create theatre to inspire young people. With minimal set and props, they multi-role as all of the characters, showing students that they too can create amazing theatre without a West End sized budget,” said Miss Owen, Head of drama.
The play was performed by theatre company Splendid Productions in the main hall using three actors and various props and costumes. After the play, the Years 10 to 13 students took part in creative workshops in the drama studio and drama space classrooms.
Written by Christopher Marlowe c. 1590, the play tells the tale of scholar Doctor Faustus who wants to know more than logic, medicine and religion allows and who gives his soul to Lucifer in exchange for the knowledge of magic. After the performance of the play the
understanding around directorial ideas to help them with their course. The other workshop was based on storytelling and acting. Led by theatre group members Tania and Nick, the session was noisy and vibrant; at one point there was an army of worms being FKDVHG DQG WHUULÀHG E\ DQJU\ ORRNLQJ birds! In smaller groups the students worked on improvised pieces based on traditional fairy tales which had to be created and performed without words and included vocal sound effects and noises. GCSE and A level students will be evaluating the Doctor Faustus performance as part of their written exams at the end of the course. Year 9 and 10 students will be inspired by their experience and may use this style in their own work later in their studies of Drama.
Doctor Faustus performed by Splendid Productions Adapted from the original text by director Kerry Frampton and with musical direction by Ben Hales (Splendid Productions), the production of Doctor Faustus was engaging and intense with a few moments of audience interaction which made the play vibrant and relevant to those studying the work. “Splendid Productions always bring something different to the table in terms of their style, based on the methodology
students were divided into two groups to participate in workshops led by the actors which took place in the drama department, with each workshop focussing on different content. One workshop led by actor Grace was based on ‘the directors view’: what were the contributions of the director to the piece and how did they manifest themselves? The students in this group were chosen to strengthen their
The Splendid Productions Company specialise in performing and exploring syllabus texts for GCSE and A Level students. The performance at Heart of England was number 98 of about 150 planned since September 2019 so they are pretty busy! The group perform six to eight shows a week and they estimate that around 15,000 students will witness their production of Doctor Faustus this year. Thank you to our visitors who were inspiring and motivational and it looks like our students have had a day to remember DQG ZLOO ÀQG LW XVHIXO IRU WKHLU VWXGLHV Miss Owen said: “The work that the students created in the workshops was fantastic. They worked quickly and diligently and created some quality pieces inspired by the actors’ energy and vision. What better way to spend a Tuesday morning?”
ĆęčĘ čĆđđĊēČĊ Some of our Years 9 to 11 students have begun to take part in the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge run by the UK Mathematics Trust. The nationwide contest, held on Thursday 6 February is a 60 minute multiple-choice problem solving competition. The students have the chance to win either gold, silver RU EURQ]H FHUWLÀFDWHV 7KRVH ZKR GR exceptionally well may have the chance to take part in the Kangaroo Challenge later on in the year. Good luck everyone!
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ĊĈĎĘĎĔēĘǡ ĊĈĎĘĎĔēĘǨ Our students in Year 9 are coming to the end of their studies in key stage 3 (Years 7-9) and now it is time for them to prepare for their choices for the next stage of their education. As the students enter Year 10 they will begin the next phase of their education in key stage 4: the GCSE courses.
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This is an important time for them to decide which subjects to study based on what they like, what they are good at or perhaps with an eye to a future career. Along with tutor help the students will have a special booklet full of information and the chance to experience some of the subjects in a special ‘taster day’.
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MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk What can I say? The Tree has been, yet again, a great success. I obviously cannot mention everyone who contributed, but I must acknowledge the following, from whom I received generous donations: - Lord and Lady Aylesford, Pat DeMulder, Pertemps, Tobook, Cassidy Group, Fordes on The Green, Chris Forbes (CFS Motors), John Williamson, The Firs (Maxstoke Lane), Tom & Diane Corbett, Packington Estate Social Club, Budgens (The Nijjer Family), Barbara Barnett and Vivienne Murphy. As many of you are aware, thanks go to Lee Butterworth, aka Dovetail Group, for his terrific donation in the form of installing and then removing The Tree, free of charge. We had a unit failure on the lighting system. The replacement was kindly fitted by Steve Gilks (Derron Electrical Services) free of charge. At the Dedication of The Tree, The Manor Hotel very kindly donated the money taken to The Tree. The Rev. Lynda conducted proceedings and Carol accompanied on Keyboard for the Fifteenth Time. Once again, the children sang their little hearts out and were rewarded with the sweets, generously provided by Dawn Bennett and Budgens. Sadly, the numbers were down, but we had the weather to thank for that. My thanks to those of you who bought the special Christmas cards, featuring the delightful picture painted by Julie Hyde and to Lloyds Chemist, Budgens and Pretty Green Interiors for selling them. Put all these things together and I am able to inform you that, over Christmas, The Tree raised £ 3,132. This gave a total for the year of £ 4,387 Thus, the total raised to date is a wonderful ***£ 64,545*** for the Cancer Care Charities. Sincere, Heartfelt thanks to all who support what I do and for making the time I spend so worthwhile. Alan Lole Please see certificate below from the Macmillan Team Thanking Alan for all his fund raising
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Message from Saqib Bhatti MP Dear residents, Firstly, thank you. Thank you for placing your trust in me to represent you. It is a huge honour and not one I take lightly. I feel very fortunate to be representing this constituency, we have beautiful countryside, successful local businesses and all against the backdrop of such a vibrant community spirit. I feel we are unique. This is my first column in the magazine, I look forward to writing regularly to update you on local and national issues and telling you what I’ve been doing. The 2019 General Election gave the Conservative Party a strong mandate to finally take the UK out of the EU. Having campaigned tirelessly for Brexit almost four years ago, casting my first vote in the House of Commons for the Withdrawal Bill was a significant moment for me. However, I am determined to deliver for my constituents on local and national issues. During the election campaign, countless local residents told me that crime is a big concern for them and I firmly believe that an active police presence is crucial for everybody in our community to feel safe. This is why I am fighting the proposed closure of Solihull police station which currently serves the whole borough. Since being elected, I have held several meetings with the local authority on this issue and have secured a pledge from the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate to keep the station open, should he be successful in the May elections. Another big local issue is the environment. I understand the problems in our area with noise and air pollution and I wholly support the Council’s clean air policies and the climate agenda. As your MP, I will do all I can to help maintain and improve the quality of life for all of my constituents. I will be holding regular surgeries and drop-in sessions so please contact my office for more information on these. I intend on being the MP for everybody, whether you voted for me or not, I will always do everything I can to represent you in the best way. If you have any issues you think I may be able to help with then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Best wishes Saqib saqib.bhatti.mp@parliament.uk
A message from Councillor Diane Howell It has been a privilege to have served as your Councillor for almost one year. Being a ward Councillor is incredibly varied. We represent the local area when decisions are taken by the Council, we help resolve residents’ issues and we sit on committees that deal with Council services or other projects. One of the Committees I sit on is the HS2 Implementation Advisory Committee. This is chaired by my ward colleague Cllr Tony Dicicco and acts a link between the Council, local residents and HS2. At the time of writing we are still awaiting the results of the Government Review into the project; however, the enabling works are ongoing and we will continue to hold HS2 to account during this time. Some HS2 work requires approval from the Planning Department and I have spoken at the Planning Committee to represent residents’ concerns and to ask for concessions to mitigate the disruption in our local area. As part of their commitment to tackling climate change the Council has a robust air quality monitoring strategy. Many Meriden United Charities residents have raised concerns to me about particle Charities in Meriden have existed for many years; pollution in the village. I have raised this with the the earliest was before 1551 and always with the Council’s Public Health Team and a programme of air same purpose, to assist people in need. Initially the quality monitoring commenced last year. This data is Charities helped with items such as bread, fuel, continuing to be collected and analysed as a large volume teaching poor girls to read and preaching sermons of data is required to identify trends. I will continue to at the Parish Church. Nine individual charities are work with residents and the Public Health Team to identify now grouped together and registered with the any areas of concern and actions that need to be taken. Charity Commission as Meriden United Charities. Meriden Parish Council works hard to maintain the local area. It is a pleasure to work with them and support initiatives such as the Speed Watch and Litter Picking Groups. These are excellent examples of how the local community can get involved to make a real difference. Please contact the Parish Council if you would like more information. I’ll continue to work hard for all residents in Meriden. If you would like to raise an issue with me please contact diane.howell@solihull.gov.uk.
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 and who are in need.
Applications can be made to: The Clerk to the Trustees, Meriden United Charities and handed in to Meriden Library Or email meridenunitedcharities@gmail.com
Phillip Bowkett Bowkett15 15ththApril April1952 1952––77ththDecember December2019 2019 Phillip
th Keith Barber 31st December 1958 – 7January January 2020 Keith Barber 31st December 1958 – 7th 2020
would like liketo tothank thankall allofofmy myfamily, family,friends friendsand and II would neighbours for your kind words and condolences the neighbours for your kind words and condolences ononthe passing of my darling huband Phillip Bowkett. passing of my darling huband Phillip Bowkett. We have have lived livedininthe thevillage villagefor fornearly nearly4040years, years,our our We youngest daughter was born here and both of our girls youngest daughter was born here and both of our girls went to Meriden Primary School and grew up in the went to Meriden Primary School and grew up in the village. village. We have have lots lotsof ofhappy happymemories memorieshere hereand andhave havemade madelots lots We of great friends. of great friends. Phil’s funeral funeralwas washeld heldon onNew NewYear’s Year’sEve Evewhich whichwould would Phil’s th th Wedding Anniversary. We had a also have been our 45 also have been our 45 Wedding Anniversary. We had a lovely service serviceat atChrist Christthe theKing KingininCoventry Coventryfollowed followedbyby lovely aa burial at at St. St.Laurence Laurencechurchyard churchyardininMeriden. Meriden. burial
Many people in Meriden remember Keith Barber Many people in Meriden willwill remember Keith Barber he he was born Birmingham moved to Millisons Wood, was born in in Birmingham andand moved to Millisons Wood, in 1960 in 1960 Keith attended Meriden Primary Heart of England Keith attended Meriden Primary andand Heart of England Schools and was a member of Meriden Scout Schools and was a member of Meriden CubCub andand Scout groups. After leaving school Keith joined the building groups. After leaving school Keith joined the building trade and eventually became a self-employed builder. trade and eventually became a self-employed builder. married Jane moved to Coventry. HeHe married Jane andand moved to Coventry. JaneJane andand Keith had five children. Lisa, now sadly deceased, Keith had five children. Lisa, now sadly deceased, Rachel, Dawn, Michael Robert. Rachel, Dawn, Michael andand Robert. th th died home January. HeHe died at at home onon 7 7January.
will sadly missed family friends HeHe will bebe sadly missed by by all all hishis family andand friends
I wouldlike like thank Tom I would toto thank Fr.Fr. Tom forfor conductingthe the service and Rev Lynda conducting service and Rev Lynda forfor the burial and plot at the beautiful the burial and plot at the beautiful church. church. Thewake wakewas was held Manor Hotel, The held atat thethe Manor Hotel, Main Road and they did us proud. Main Road and they did us proud. TheThe foodwas waslovely lovely and had great food and wewe had great servcice,allall such short notice. servcice, atat such short notice.
wasa asad sadday day but it was ItItwas forfor usus but it was soso lovelytotosee seesosomany many friends, family lovely friends, family andneighbours neighbours turn give Phil and turn upup toto give Phil a a greatsend sendoff. off.Kath Kath Bowkett great Bowkett
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COME ALONG FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT AT OUR FAMILY FRIENDLY CLUB NON-MEMBERS WELCOME Large Beer Garden at Rear Bingo every Friday night – 8.00pm Regular Live Music
Upcoming Events: Saturday 29th February – Charity Night for ‘Marie Curie’ tickets £15, under 12’s £5. Live Entertainment and DJ also Indian Buffet. claire.georgeson@esos for tickets 07837320703 Sunday 12th April -Easter Garden Party and BBQ. Friday 24th April – Cancer Research Charity Night with Vivo Friday 1st May Karaoke Night with Micky Dean in bar area Sunday 3rd May – Garden party and BBQ Friday 8th May V.E. Celebration Party Friday 15th May Karaoke Party Night with Micky Dean Saturday 30th May ‘Flash Dance’ Fancy Dress Party Night music from 60’s and 70’s
H of England High Speed Railway Action Group - Richard Lloyd (Chairman) The good news is that persistent lobbying can produce results! Firstly, HS2 Ltd has acceded to years of campaigning and agreed that their HGVs will comply with Euro 6 emission standards. This is a welcome change, especially with the large amount of highways work north of the A45. Secondly, there was a proposal to do works on two of the roads between Balsall Common and Berkswell at the same time, and we've succeeded in getting them phased so that there'll always be one clear route. At a strategic level, could High Speed 2 have avoided becoming a political football and turned out differently? Every politician is a train expert - they love them - why else is the subsidy now three times what it was before privitisation, and the fares 20% higher? Back in the mid-1980s, development of trains faster than 200km/h was stopped in Britain. A decade or so later, a 300km/h connection to the Channel Tunnel got the go ahead, but the route was altered by Michael Heseltine to justify the rebuilding of St Pancras, with the trains coming up to the buffers pointing south. Around this time, plans were abandoned for the Nightstar Channel Tunnel sleeper services, which would have reached places like Glasgow and Frankfurt. The prospects for High Speed Rail seemed bleak until the Greengauge 21 lobby group attracted the attention of the Labour government. Their 2007 brochure "High Speed Two" said the whole system could be built for £11 billion, including connections to the Channel Tunnel and Heathrow. OK, there's been 10 years' inflation, but the ten-fold price increase is mainly due to the insistence of Blair and Adonis that the speed had to be upped from 300km/h to 500km/h. Whereas Greengauge wanted a route following existing rails and roads, the Labour route knifed straight across the countryside without any regard for the cost of the land, the ground conditions, or the numbers of roads, rivers, railways, pipelines and powerlines that had to be crossed. Would the cost and time over-runs be such an issue if they'd heeded those battling for 10 years to mitigate its impacts? Locally, the £250 million cost of the proposed tunnel past Balsall Common seems pretty small beer in comparison with the latest price hike of £50000 million. Yet that would have saved all the present and future disruption in that area . . . and probably most of the angst. The smaller points of mitigation went the same way. The details were meant to be sorted by the committees in the Commons and the Lords, but they didn't understand the technicalities, weren't prepared to delegate to those who did, and above all, just wanted to push things through. Instead of laying down enforceable conditions - like a Planning Committee - we got platitudes laced with words like "sensible" and "encourage". They dodged setting an acceptable Decibel level, and couldn't arrange effective local control over what the massive structures would look like. The noise might not matter if the speed is cut back to 300km/h to save carbon emissions, but a recent consultation on HS2's design shows how wedded they are to concrete brutalism. Sadly, the story is repeated at the local level. Solihull Council has a combination of powers and influence that could be used to reduce the impacts on residents in the eastern part of the Borough, and much could be achieved if they exerted that "soft power". But we have continuing difficulties with footpath closures and traffic routes, and we're still blighted by work for Solihull Council's extra roundabout on the A452 near Balsall Common, which was approved without public consultation or scrutiny.
Queens Head Old Road Meriden 01676 522256
Monday night is music night. Come along and join us. Music starts 9.15pm approx. March 2nd Steve Best 9th Keith Brett 16th Dean Thomas 23rd Chrissy 30th Louise Leigh April 6th Micky Dean 13th Nick Carter 20th Just Kaz 27th K-Lo May 4th Brooke 11th Gathan 18th Benny Jay SMITH 25th ALLAN Darrel Antcliff
QUEENS HEAD DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS Great Value - only £5.00 HAM, EGG & CHIPS COTTAGE PIE WITH GRAVY FISH & CHIPS LASAGNE PIE OF THE DAY
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Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00- 2.30pm Pop in for good food and a warm welcome m 01676 522256 Take away available
Meriden Volunteers for
Please contact: Sue on 01676 522540 Carol 01676 522888 You may have noticed that the 4th February was World Cancer Day. It is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) is one of over 1000 members from across 162 countries. It is an initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. It recognises that no single person, organisation or country is going to beat cancer on its own and that we must all work together to make faster progress towards a goal of 3 in 4 people surviving cancer by 2034. At the end of January, we were fundraising for this initiative at Tesco Cannon Park and raised over £1,000. We will be back at Tesco in April, this time fundraising for the “Race for Life” initiative. If you would like to get involved in any of these runs please look at https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org for dates and locations. The Christmas party at the Heart of England Social Club entertained a capacity crowd that danced the night away to great music provided by “Retro” and raised a fantastic £1,250. Thanks, as always, to Abbie and everyone who supported us.
All the above are served with chips, peas and a salad garnish
FULL MENU ALSO AVAILABLE EAT IN OR TAKEAWAY 12:00 NOON TILL 2:30 Our next events are also being held at the Social Club. On Thursday 12th March we will be hosting a Fundraising Fashion Show. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and tickets are £5 each including a free glass of wine or soft drink. Clothes will be modelled, giving you a better opportunity to view before trying on and hopefully purchasing! On Friday 24th April our ever-popular fish and chip supper is back with a great raffle and live entertainment being provided by “Vivo”. Tickets for this sell-out evening are a bargain at £14 each. As usual, tickets for both events are available through Sue, Carol, members of the committee and Abbie at the Club. More social occasions are being planned for later in the year so look out for further information in subsequent issues of the magazine and posters around the village – but remember, a firm diary date for the summer is Meriden Open Gardens on Sunday July 5th. If you would like to become more involved in CRUK Sue and Carol would love to hear from you. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the start of longer daylight hours, the return of perennial weeds and the need to cut the grass! Many Thanks, Sue and Carol Diary Dates: 12th March - Fashion Show 24th April - Fish and chip evening – Vivo 5th July – Meriden Open Gardens
Village Life in colour
Meriden Rotary Club had a very busy and successful December. Santa visited the children in the village and lots of walkers and runners took part in the Santa Fun Run. Both events raising money for Rotary Charities.
Little Angels Play Group There was a lovely selection of Christmas Trees on display at St. Laurence Church. Here are the two winners - Little Angels Play Group was the favourite and Meriden Cubs was the most creative. Well done to everyone who entered
Meriden Flower Club members, made beautiful wreaths to sell at their annual Christmas Fayre. There was also a lovely selection of handmade gifts for sale and a chance to win a raffle or tombola prize. Left Chairman Pam Kimberley admires a Christmas Decoration made by this young man.
The Changing face of Meriden These photographs courtesy of Roy Hands
The demolition of Shirley’s Garage, Main Road. Now replaced by these smart new homes
1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Cubs
Meriden Cubs have enjoyed another term with numbers growing up to 16 young people now attending regularly. Their arms are becoming more and more populated with badges as we have focused on Digital Citizen, Naturalist, DIY and Communicators Badge. At the start of the year, the group set down the challenge to design a badge to celebrate 50 years of scouting in Meriden. The winner will be announced in February with their design becoming the new badge to be worn on their Neckers by the whole group. The Cubs won “Most Creative Tree” at St Laurence’s Church Christmas Tree competition last December, winning a tin of sweets which was gratefully received and consumed; but we were more excited by beating the Beaver and Scout section this year We have ten brave cubs who have put their names down for the Warwickshire County Cub camp to be held in June at The Heart of England Conference Centre, a two-night camp full of fun and amazing activities, gaining lots more badges so parents, hope your sewing skills are good! If you are 8-10½ years old and looking for adventure and to learn something different, pop along to the scout hut and try something new. If you’re 18yrs+ why not become a helper / leader and help Meriden Scout group thrive. Lynda Spratt
Scouts
Once again, we’ve tried to keep our programme packed full of a wide range of activities since October. We have continued with the more traditional Scouting activities of mapping, first aid and knotting with the addition of some creative nights. These have included balloon powered race cars and cooking; I think we may have some potential chefs out there. November saw us once again follow a more out of the ordinary group Bonfire party with us going for a space theme and the burning of Alien guys. This saw us holding space archery, light sabre fights and rocket launching competitions before the Scouts did some short plays in front of the fire before a short campfire sing along. For our Christmas party we held a casino night with non-alcoholic cocktails which seemed to go down well with the Scouts. Since returning after Christmas we’ve cooked an East African curry, done quite a bit of map work culminating in a drop hike in the local area. Pushing into the spring, we have a number of camps. For more detail of what we’ve been doing and what we have planned please visit our blog site at http://1stmeridenscouts.blogspot.co.uk and if you think Scouting’s for you get in touch. If Bear Dares why don’t you?
50th Celebrations This year the 1st Meriden Scout Group celebrates its 50th anniversary since it was formally established during April 1970. Some will remember the old wooden hut, which was later replaced with the current brick building that was built with the aid of parents and members of the Meriden community. All the young people in the Group (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers) have been invited to design a new Group badge to celebrate the 50th anniversary. This new badge will, in future, be worn on our neckerchiefs. During the year it is hoped to have events involving all those who have been involved in the Group over the years, so if you have been a 'Scout' at any time, Parent or Group supporter please do contact us so that we can let you know about what is happening. Gerry Russell, Group Scout Leader email: g.j.russells@gmail.com
Can you Inspire? Could you be our new Leader? Atherstone Scout District (which covers 9 Scout Groups including Meriden) is looking for a new District Commissioner (DC) to take Scouting forward in the area. Although he/she does not need previous Scouting experience, the new DC will know how to motivate people, produce a local development plan and be able to inspire the District team. Scouting offers fun, friendship and lifechanging adventure. Discover how being part of the Scouting family can be as rewarding for you, as it is for the young people.
Call us on 07881 518760 or email cc@warwickshirescouts.org.uk
1st Meriden Scout Group 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 Maggie on 07773643872 Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Lynda Spratt 07790348726 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 who 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
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
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
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Fitness should be fun!
Mondays 9.30-10.30am
KidFit is a games-based fitness session, specifically, for children. £3 per session, no contracts, no upfront fees
Meriden Village Hall
At the Jubilee Centre Balsall Common
Thursday evenings from 6-7pm just have fun and get moving! For more information,
call Laura on 07803621818
Call Jacqui on 07703 345210 The perfect start to your day ……….
Minister: Pastor Kevin Hunt (07970 552667) - Sunday Service: 1pm. In Meriden Methodist building. Well Christmas has well and truly gone and we’re in the start of the Spring months with the thought of all the spring flowers to look forward to and all the new life to watch appearing before our very eyes. It never ceases to amaze me how we often have to see things die before new life can appear, even in Australia there are new shoots coming up where the fires have burnt away everything in their path. There are seasons for us like this and sometimes things in our lives like jobs, things we’ve always done, habits we’ve acquired and many other things that can cause us to be stunted in our growth, need to die before we can move on and find freedom and sometimes a new purpose for living. I’ve found in my life there have been times when I’ve had to change the way I do things, stop doing something or even let things go that have served their purpose, and only when I’ve changed or let go can a new chapter of my life begin. Knowing Jesus has been a real help for me in being able to let go of things, especially those things that weren’t good for me, because He has given me New Life through His blood that He shed on the cross, so in effect I have died to my old self and have been re-born into a new and living way. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Each season brings with it a change or transformation from what it was to what is to come, be it Spring, Summer, Winter or Autumn and the same is true of our lives, but the trick is to be ready for the change, to embrace it and grow into what the future holds. For the Christian we may not know what the future holds, but we do know Who holds the future and can fully trust Him for every step of it. There may be a change going on in your life at the moment that is either like the Spring and is bringing something new and exciting, like the summer that is bringing a ray of sunshine in to your life, like the Autumn that is seeing something fading away or needs to be let go of, or maybe it’s like the Winter and you’re feeling sad and lonely with dark times ahead of you. Whatever the season is in your life right now know that Jesus is just a prayer away and knows exactly how you are feeling. His Word says in the gospel of John Ch 16 v 33 ‘’In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’’ Through Him, you too can be an overcomer. I pray that this Spring you will find new life and will blossom in to all that you can be and walk in the blessings of Jesus. If you’d like to talk about anything or would like to join us for fellowship then why not pop in to one of our services. We are a Pentecostal church that meets in the Methodist building on Sunday’s at 1pm. We look forward to seeing you. God bless. Kevin and Lyn Hunt.
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Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Bertha Mag has her day As we all know, Sir Winston Churchill's great-great-great-great grandfather is buried in Meriden, up on Ann Street. When he wrote his will, a couple of years before dying in 1751, he identified himself as "Timothy Jerome of Meriden in Wallingford, in Connecticut Colony in New England," and he left quite a bit of property -- including four enslaved people from Africa: Pomp, Rose, Jenny and Prince. So we know there were at least two classes of people back then: white and black. But Mr. Jerome left all the property to his sons, allowing his widow only "use of" the kitchen, "use of" one milk cow, "use of" the bedroom and "use of" the hallway. So now we have three classes: white men, white women, and black people. And it's easy to forget that Connecticut was essentially a theocracy until 1818; It took an Act of Tolerance to allow people of other denominations, such as Anglicans, to have their own churches after 1708, but they still had to pay taxes to support the official Congregational (Puritan) Church, whether they liked it or not. Not as bad as the Taliban, maybe, but tell that to the 11 folks who were put to death for witchcraft by the official church in this state in the mid-1600s. And those same Puritans also dreamed up the strict Connecticut Blue Laws for which we are deservedly infamous. It's probably a myth that mothers were forbidden to kiss their children on the Sabbath, but there was a ban on any commercial activity, plus dancing, singing, drinking, and just about anything else that's not absolutely necessary to support human life. The last blue law, forbidding the Catholics began coming to Connecticut in numbers, they sale of booze on Sundays, wasn't done away with until 2012. When . weren't exactly greeted with open arms, another chapter in the long, sad story of discrimination by people with power, against people without it. At least the Catholics shared the same Sabbath day with the dominant Protestants. But what about non-Christians? Ah, another class in this story. Enter Bertha Mag. Last year she got a measure of proper respect when the Meriden City Council acknowledged that she "was done an injustice" by the city when she was arrested and fined for working at her 153 Pratt St. meat market on Aug. 6, 1905, which was a Sunday. Mrs. Mag was Jewish, so she was unable to do business on a Saturday, which was her Sabbath, and legally constrained from opening her shop on a Sunday, which was Connecticut's official Sabbath. They threw the book at her anyway, for "not having the fear of God" (oddly, the same words used against the supposed witches 250 years earlier) when she opened her shop that day, an act that was "against the law and against the peace." The new resolution reads: "The Meriden City Council hereby recognizes that Mrs. Bertha Mag was done an injustice by the city of Meriden when she was arrested for following the dictates of her religion in the practice of the Jewish Sabbath." Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com. Mazel Tov, Bertha!
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PUZZLE PAGE – No. 3 Battleships 2,1 1,1 1,1 2,1,2, 1,1
BATTLESHIPS - HOW TO PLAY: - The numbers around the grid indicate the number of occupied squares in the row or column. E.g. 1,3 means the row contains one occupied square then at least one space then 3 consecutive occupied squares. There may be spaces before the single square and after the 3 consecutive ones. Fill in the grid so that the numbers tally and it contains 3 cruisers (4 squares long), 3 launches (2 squares long) and 3 buoys (single squares). Boats are always horizontal or vertical in the grid and may occupy touching squares.
1,2,1
WORD LADDER: -Change one letter at a time, but not the position of any letter, to make a new word on each rung, from top to bottom, using the exact number of rungs
1,1,1 1,2
1,4
1
1,2
1
4
4
Add Up
ADD UP – HOW TO PLAY: - The number in each circle is the sum of the two immediately below it. No circle contains zero. Can you fill in all the numbers?
45 54 11
3
11
A
4
7
10
3
4
7
F
W L
O
6
B
O
O
K
M
I
C
E
7
7
9
D
SUDOKU:- HOW TO PLAY. Each column, row and 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 to 9.
?
2 6
12
8
L
There may be more than one answer.
WHAT NUMBER should replace the question mark?
8
W I
3
5 4
5 B
1
2
7
7
5
8
3
9
4
7
3
5
7
4
3 ?
8
11
C
3
9
2
10
5 8 3
8
1 2 7
7
1 6
8
7
8
7
6
2 7
3
3
7
6
6
?
3
3
4
9
3
8
5
1
If you’d like to contribute to the next puzzle page email chrisbannister56@aol.com and we’ll try and include it.
Meriden Neighbourhood Plan meetings 6.30pm 8.00pm: Wednesday 18 March 2020 – The Pavilion Wednesday 15 April 2020 – The Pavilion
The public and press are cordially invited to all parish council meetings at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to speak. Look out for the agenda and venue which is posted on the parish notice boards and our website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk prior to the meeting. The next Parish Council meeting dates are: Monday 23 March 2020 – The Pavilion Monday 20 April 2020 – The Pavilion Monday 27 April 2020 – Annual Parish Assembly at the Village Hall – note, from 7pm Monday 18 May 2020 – The Pavilion Community Surgeries 11am-12pm: Monday 9 March 20 – Meriden Library Monday 6 April 2020 – The Pavilion Monday 11 May 2020 – The Pavilion
–
Should you wish to contact the Parish Council, please contact the Clerk or drop into the Parish Council office on Monday mornings where you may access information or have a private chat with the Clerk to address local community issues. Barbara Bland The Pavilion Meriden Sports Park Main Road Meriden CV7 7SP
Tel: 01676 522474 (Mondays) Mobile: 07767 162423 Email: barbarablandmpc@btconnect.com Web: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
Your Parish Councillors are:
Rosie RosieWeaver Weaver Jon JonBarber Barber BEM BEM(Chair) (Chair) (Vice-Chair) (Vice-Chair)
Bob BobKipling Kipling
Frances Frances Lynch-Smith Lynch-Smith
Matthew MatthewNunn Nunn Marie Marie Woollard WoollardJames James Hughes HughesVacant Vacant seat seat
Community Speedwatch Thank you to the volunteers who turned out to January’s Speed watch sessions. 50 letters have been sent out to speeders. If you’re Interested being a volunteer, please contact jon.barber@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
Annual Parish Assembly The Annual Parish Assembly will be held on Monday 27th April 2020 in the Village Hall. All community groups/members of the public can attend. Meriden Parish Council has made a declaration of a ‘Climate Emergency’ and will be inviting interested residents to contact the clerk to become part of the Task Group looking at what we can do for Meriden.
Meriden’s Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) - Protecting our history, planning our future Following the Regulation 14 consultation, the Steering Group has analysed, summarised and tabulated all of the consultation responses with amendments and modifications made to our pre-submission version of the NDP. A Basic Conditions Statement and Consultation Statement have also been prepared in readiness for Regulation 16 consultation which will commence on 11 May 2020. A huge ‘thank you’ to Melanie Lee who has chaired the NDP for the last three years and got us to the point we have. We wish Melanie, Paul and Vincent a successful move to Scotland. The new chair will be Alderman David Bell.
The Parish Council would like to thank Noah, aged 8, and his Mum for their recent litter picking efforts. All residents who contributed to Teams4You shoe box appeal with 40 boxes being sent from Meriden to Romania and Moldova. Your continued support is needed for October 2020. A big thank you to Library Staff for being the drop-off point too.
Meriden Pool update As one would expect at this time of year things are rather quiet at the pool. There have been a number of reports that some of the wild Canada geese, who fly in for a few nights and then move on, have been worrying and attacking Cecil, our own goose. Unfortunately this is nature and very little can be done other than make sure that he hasn’t been badly injured. A big thanks to everyone who assisted distributing The Pool Calendar and all the people who purchased one. (There are still some left which you can purchase at Meriden Library for £5.) The full results are not in yet but we are hoping that any profits can be used to purchase a few basic gardening tools. This will enable us to carry out small general maintenance jobs without having to call in SMBC every time. This leads to another request for anyone who thinks they might like to join us. We really would like some new blood on board. I understand that a recent similar request on Facebook brought some positive responses,so if those people plus any others are interested, it would be useful if you could leave contact details with myself or the clerk, Barbara Bland. We are planning a meeting very shortly and could then contact you with details. Some very good news: ‘Meriden Bloomers’ have recently donated the money for a new seat. We are very grateful for this, thank you so much. The seat has already been purchased and will be in place for the summer. The ducks, geese and swans all seem to be getting plenty of food, but there are still largish quantities of whole slices being dumped by the pool. The birds just cannot eat these, so please stop. Someone has to go in each time (twice this week) and clear up before the rats take it. (Please see picture on next page for evidence !)
Lead Friend Peter Moss - Friends of Meriden Pool Group
Defibrillators Two new defibrillators have been purchased, one for Millison’s Wood and one for Meriden Sports Park. If anyone is interested in training on how to use this equipment, please contact the clerk.
HS2 The parish council put HS2 updates on our website. We advise signing up to the HS2 in Solihull mailing list at https://hs2insolihull.commonplace.is/ to receive live updates to your email regarding all their works being undertaken in Solihull including details of any traffic management which is required. There is also an update from HS2 in this magazine
Streetwatch There is a Streetwatch initiative now in Meriden. Streetwatch is a community patrol initiative that helps you make a difference where you live. Volunteers are needed. If you are interested, please contact the clerk. Training will be given by the police.
Library update It has now been agreed by SMBC cabinet members that the co-location of Meriden Parish Council and the library will go ahead. The PC will be contributing to the strengthening works of the library floor so the upstairs can be used. This is an exciting joint initiative to enable a lovely listed building to continue to be used by members of the public and for other services to use the building. Meriden Library will be closed during the works, but arrangements have been made for drop-offs in the Pavilion and other libraries.
Litter picks will take place on the last Saturday in every month, kicking off on 28 March – The Great British Spring Clean – and thereafter on 25 April, 30 May and 27 June, meeting at the Pavilion at 10am. Everyone welcome. All routes for all abilities. Equipment provided. Meet back at the Pavilion around 11am for refreshments. Meriden Library has 5 sets of litter picking equipment for anyone wishing to do their own.
Litter Picks
On 13th January there was a very large turnout at Meriden Village Hall to debate community safety, in particular: burglaries, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and drug taking/dealing. The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was there to answer residents’ questions. It was the perfect area for residents to voice their concerns on all these issues; and for the sake of our lovely village let’s hope that we will see some positive action soon. Photograph courtesy of Jamieson Platt
The Meriden School of TaeKwondo received a grant from Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust for two young men to compete as members of the Great Britain Team at the Kickboxing World Championships in Germany, where they were very successful.
Evidence of the rat problem at Meriden Pool if too much bread is dumped for the ducks.
Meriden Cross C1900. Many of you will have seen this picture before, but it’s still worth repeating for new readers.
Who needs the Northern Lights when you can have a sunset like this in Meriden?
COMMUNITY SAFETY MATTERS IN MERIDEN
(Packed village hall meeting with Police and Crime Commissioner and local councillors calls for action on local crime and anti-social behaviour) It was probably the worst possible night for a public meeting! On a cold winter’s January evening - bathed in icy torrential rain – I had (optimistically) expected 20 or 30 people to turn up to the meeting. In fact, around 150 people arrived to express their concerns to ‘the powers that be’ regarding (1) burglaries (2) fly-tipping and (3) drug use in isolated areas (mainly nitrous oxide canisters) This was an independent initiative driven by my concern that no-one in authority seemed to be talking about (let alone tackling) issues in Meriden that we – in the community – know are real and need to be addressed For example, a local resident living in Meriden – who has very recently been a victim of crime - pointed out to me that within a one-mile radius of his house (and over a 12-month period Dec 2018 and Nov 2019) there had been 35 burglaries and 57 vehicle crimes. Appalling don’t you think? This should NOT be a ‘new normal’ and should be tackled. See: https://crime-statistics.co.uk/about Photographs I had taken locally also spoke for themselves regarding fly-tipping and the detritus of drug use in our lanes and lay- bys In a nutshell, this is what the meeting asked our elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Councillors to act upon The PCC should: Only consider further increases in the precept (amount we are charged for Policing) if he makes specific pledges to provide extra Policing in villages like Meriden (where Police presence too easily gets called away to other parts of the Borough at weekends). The PCC is currently consulting on this issue and we have asked our response to be fed into his Policing budget strategy
Hold the Chief Constable to account to encourage a ‘proactive’ grass roots Policing culture. Improved Policing levels should be underpinned by officers who get out of their cars, talk to residents, garner local intelligence and build a clear picture of the issues is our community (and perpetrators). The friendly and engaging ‘Bobby on the beat’ of old was the best intelligence gatherer. We should not forget the lessons of history!
Consider setting up a regional anti-fly tipping partnership to promote joint action with Councils and improve enforcement given the links to organised crimes.
Our Borough councillors were advised of our discontent at the Council’s poor history of enforcement action against fly-tippers (following my Freedom of Information Request). This position is however improving in the Borough and a number of enforcement cases are underway. However, the meeting was clear that: Our councillors should press Solihull Council to: (I) Increase the level and type of CCTV technology in known local anti-social ‘hot spot’ areas to
(II) identify drug users and to intervene where well-being issues are identified and prosecute as appropriate using hard evidence gained through mobile CCTV technology NB there are (R.I.P.A) regulations and other safeguards in place to prevent over intrusive or unwarranted use of CCTV in public places by the Council (III) identify and prosecute fly-tippers on a zero-tolerance basis – and raise the profile of their actions and outcomes (IV) Benchmark Solihull Council’s performance against other Councils who have introduced highly proactive and effective strategies to deter and deal with this issue. The object of this would be for the Council to learn and apply good practice locally (V) Refer these recommendations to both the appropriate Solihull Council Portfolio Holder(s) and Council Scrutiny Committee for investigation, review and response And so, a good meeting was had by all. But will it ultimately be a waste of time? We shall see. I will report back. One thing is for sure though. Our amazing residents who care (and do) so much for our community attest to the fact that ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter’ (Martin Luther King) So let’s maybe do it again some time? Check on progress? Move forward together? It is truly important that key ‘players’ in our community (Police and Council) can experience this type of authentic ‘community engagement’ and understand what being ‘held to account’ really looks and feels like. The final word goes to a resident who kindly said (on Facebook)
‘It was the perfect opportunity for us residents to voice and share concerns about some very serious problems in the area without fear of being branded as moaners’ Good on ya! Photograph on colour page opposite David McGrath Meriden Resident (meeting organiser)
Meriden Library 01676 522717 www.facebook.com/meridenlib Monday 10am - 6pm . Ask staff for more information. Thursday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 1pm Book Group / Reading Café – 10:30-11:30 am Every month we run a Reading Café, an opportunity to meet fellow book lovers for a chat about books on a topic of the month. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided! Monday 16th March Unbelievable true stories Monday 20th April Audiobooks and stories on the radio Monday 18th May Stories to make you smile Learn My Way - Are you unemployed and would like to improve your computer skills? We offer free training using the Learn My Way website with staff to guide you. Sessions can be tailored to meet your needs and skill level. From creating documents to staying safe online, you can improve your workplace IT skills with our help. This is part of the Employed for Success programme, aimed at Solihull residents aged 30-65 who want to improve their computer skills for job-hunting or other training.
The Night of the Party by Rachael English One from the Readers’ Circle’s foray into Irish writers! January 1982 In the rural village of Kilmitten, on a snowy winter’s night, the Crossan family is holding its annual party. By the end of the night, the parish priest has been found dead in suspicious circumstances. For Tom, Conor, Tess and Nina, four teenage friends who were there, life will never be the same. One of them carries a secret. The book tracks the lives of these four friends – through university, leaving home, careers, stardom and marriage. March 2016 Dublin. Catch-up time! Conor, now a senior police officer, is determined to find the killer of the priest and has reason to believe that Tom, now a prominent politician, can help to identify the killer. This brings the four friends back together – but can they confront their differences? Very readable – and satisfying for the reader that their later lives are described in Part Two of the book – and the mystery is finally solved!
Sue Fuller
Readers Circle Wed 11th March.
Journeys on Foot
Wed 8th April.
A book by Margaret Drabble
Wed 13th May.
A Booker Prize Nomination
FOR CHILDREN Reading Zoo Our exciting children’s activity is aimed at preschool children and takes place every Monday, 2.303.15pm, including school holidays. Every week we read a story starring a different animal and enjoy painting their pictures. We recommend wearing clothes that can get messy. Easterrific Spring Craft Table Throughout the school holidays commencing Saturday 4 April we’ll have a table full of seasonal crafting projects No need to book – just pop in when you’re passing and have some fun! Temporary Closure of the Library At a Solihull Council cabinet meeting on Monday 27th January 2020, the cabinet approved the temporary closure of Meriden Library for 6-8 weeks to enable first floor strengthening works to take place in Spring 2020. See the library for further updates
For further information and the venue, please call Peter Moss on 01676 523590 Free Computer and Internet Access If you have a library card, you can use one of the public computers at the library. If you’re not yet a member, joining the library is free, easy and quick. 2 hours free internet access for library members. We also offer printing facilities (charges apply) , scanning facilities and Wi-Fi access Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library closes, and staff are always on hand to help if needed.
Do you need a space? Do you organise or are thinking of starting a local group and are looking for a space? Get in touch to see if we can help by contacting Amanda Jones, Neighbourhood Library Manager. Tel: 01676 532590 or by email:
amandajones@solihull.gov.uk
YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN
www.meriden-archery.org.uk www.meriden-archery.org.uk
National and World Records for Meriden National and World Records for Meriden
During the colder months Meriden archers were out and about all around the country, During months out andseason. about all around the country, There were numerous keeping upthe thecolder good name of Meriden Meriden archers throughwere the indoor numerous keeping up the goodand name of Meriden the indoor medals, county records personal bests.through In Sherwood, Carlseason. RichardsThere shot were his way to a UK medals, records and personal bests. In Sherwood, RichardsBoth shotscores his way a UK an amazing World Record in Carl Droitwich. aretostill record, withcounty Pete Lowe shooting Record in Droitwich.toBoth scores record, with Pete Lowe shooting an subject to ratification, but regardless ofamazing that, weWorld say huge congratulations both! Tomare Hallstill subject toGB ratification, but regardless that, we say huge congratulations to both! Tom Hall in Cyprus and took Gold,of and Monty Orton helped Team England become represented GB in Indoor Cyprus Champions. and took Gold, Monty Orton helpedwhat Teamthe England become represented outdoor season Junior Home Nation’s Weand look forward to seeing Home Nation’s Indoor Champions. We look forward to seeing what the outdoor season can Junior bring us! can bring us!
CarlCarl shooting his way to ato UKa Record shooting his way UK Record
Pete after his his World Record claim Pete after World Record claim
Monty after thethe Team England win Monty after Team England win
Direct DirectCarpets Carpets&Flooring &Flooring Stockists Stockistsofofleading leading Manufacturers 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
CASHMORE 07710 676792 Garden and Property Care
PA ELECTRICS (17th edition qualified) . Part P Registered
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
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Lawn mowing/strimming Bush/Hedge trimming Lawn Care Garden tidy up 10% Off your first service
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Fence/Decking treatment Jet Washing Interior/Exterior painting General grounds maintenance
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Do you need a cleaner? Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for?
Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic Cleaning, Office Cleaning Professional Cleaning Service
Meriden 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) Associates GP; Dr L Whitehead, Dr A Omokanye, Dr T Edwards
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
* IMPORTANT SERVICE CHANGE* MINOR INJURIES Balsall Common and Meriden Group Practice is a member of Birmingham and Solihull CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group). 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. With regret from 1st April 2019 the commissioning of minor injury triage within General Practice has been withdrawn by Birmingham and Solihull (BSol) CCG. We apologise for the change to this service. If you wish to complain about this decision, we would ask that you contact the CCG by writing to them at NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, Complaints Department, First Floor | Wesleyan | Colmore Circus | Birmingham | B4 6AR Or contacting: -
Telephone 0121 203 3300 or Email: bsol.complaints@nhs.net Please also find below the CCG’s web link to this page, which will provide you with all the information that you need to know https://www.birminghamandsolihullccg.nhs.uk/about-us/compliments-concerns-and-complaints Please note that our reception staff will no longer be able to book appointments for minor injury with our GP’s or practice nurses but can signpost you to the appropriate service.
Solihull Hospital – Minor Injury Unit (24/7) Tel: 01214242000 Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 2JL Heartlands Hospital – A+E Tel: 0121 424 2000 Bordesley Green East, Bordesley Green, Birmingham. B9 5SS Warwick Hospital – A+E Tel: 01926 495321 Lakin Road, Warwick. CV34 5BW UHCW Coventry – A+E Tel: 024 76964000 Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX
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. Except in the winter months, when we meet for coffee. Friday 13th March Benefits of Exercise Jonathon Prosser Exercise Physiologist from the Atrium Friday l0th April Good Friday so no meeting at Central Hall BUT will arrange a meal out at l2.00 on Thursday 9th April instead (phone Janet for details) Friday 8th May This date has now been made another Bank Holiday so again no meeting BUT will arrange a COFFEE MORNING (as in the winter months) at IKEA (downstairs cafe) 10.30 - 12.00
Early Appointments now available at Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries We now have early morning appointments available with doctors and nurses at Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries:
Balsall Common - Tuesday 7.00am to 8.00am Meriden - Thursday 7.00am to 8.00am
Evening and Weekend Appointments Available at the Knowle Surgery Hub GP, nurse and healthcare appointments are now available at Knowle Surgery Hub for patients at the Balsall Common and Meriden Surgeries. Knowle Surgery is situated 1500 Warwick Road, Knowle, Solihull, B93 9LE The Knowle Surgery has parking and is on bus routes 88 and S3. Appointments for this service can be made through our own GP surgery reception
Extended hours: Monday-Friday: 6.30pm-8.00pm Saturday and Sunday: 8.00am-11am
“Golf is a good walk spoiled.” Mark Twain
Small Grants – Big Successes Again, this year 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. Last year the Trust provided 4 grants.
A grant enabled CAMEO, meeting at the Pavilion in the Sports Park to invite outside speakers to its meetings. A grant enabling two scouts from the 1st Meriden Scout Group to go on the ‘Camps International’ Tanzania 2020 Expedition this year. A grant towards the purchase of much needed equipment for the Meriden School of TaeKwondo, based at the Methodist Church. A grant enabling two young men from the Meriden School of TaeKwondo to compete as members of the GB Team at the Kickboxing World Championships in Germany, where they were very successful. (See photo on colour pages)
How could 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.
COULD YOU GIVE A CHILD A SAFE AND LOVING HOME? Solihull Council’s fostering team is looking for people who are interested in becoming foster parents to provide a stable home for looked after children across the Borough. Almost anyone can become a foster carer, whether you are single, married, young or retired, a home owner or in rented accommodation. All you need is a spare bedroom and a willingness to make a positive difference to a child’s life. Foster carers of all ages, cultures and backgrounds are needed who live in Solihull and the surrounding area to look after children for short and longer periods of time. In return, foster carers receive an extensive support package including training and professional development as well as a generous fostering allowance. If you think you could help or would like to find out more, please call 0121 788 4253 or sign up to our Stay Connected fostering bulletins by visiting
www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected.
Used Stamps A charity called Medical Missionary News would be very grateful to receive the used stamps off your envelopes. Please leave at least 1” all around when cutting them. Please hand them in at Lloyds Chemist on the Green. The money raised will be used to buy medical supplies for war-torn countries overseas. Thank You.
BERKSWELL CHARITIES ALMSHOUSE VACANCY FLAT FOUR. CHURCH LANE, BERKSWELL. Currently, the Charities have an Almshouse vacancy. The accommodation, comprising a sitting room, bedroom, shower, toilet and kitchen, is suitable for a couple, although individuals also will be considered. To submit an application, please contact the Clerk to the Trustees, Louise Daintith, for an application form either by phone,
01676-535190 or 07305 585770, by email, theclerkatberkswellcharities@gmail.com or alternatively you may write to her at the address below. Berkswell Charities “Stroma Broch” 52 Meeting House Lane Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7 7FX.
deborah@heartofenglandeps.com Did You Know? A snail can sleep for 3 years
Did You Know? - 1 in every 2000 babies is born with a tooth.
Stay up to date with HS2’s works near Meriden High Speed Two (HS2) is the new high-speed railway for Britain. Early works for HS2 are carried out by a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and Murphy & Sons known as LM. HS2’s works closest to Meriden are concentrated near the A452, A45 and M42, which surround the site of the future HS2 Interchange Station; roughly between Melbicks Garden Centre and the NEC. Throughout early 2020, there will be increased works on Northway Island, and the B4438, A452, A446 and M42. These activities will include earthworks, surveys and utility works in preparation for the improvement and expansion of the existing road network in this area, and the construction of new routes and four new highway bridges to service the future station. When traffic measures are required, the majority will be carried out overnight, between 8pm and 6am, to minimise disruption. We advise subscribing to HS2 in Solihull at www.hs2insolihull.co.uk, to receive live news updates about all of HS2’s works in Solihull, as well as information on community drop-in events, community and business funding, station engagement and much more. You can get in touch with HS2 via their Helpdesk team all day, every day of the year on 08081 434 434 and at hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk if you have any queries or questions.
HS2 and LM also present periodically to the Meriden Parish Council and will be returning soon to provide a works update to representatives and the Meriden community. Find out more about HS2 at: www.hs2.org.uk
“I drank some ‘make yourself invisible potion’ earlier Now I’m in A & E waiting to be seen!”
We offer tailor - made to measure blinds for any window solution, in a wide selection of fabrics, woods and colours at competitive prices.
Call now for a free no obligation home visit Telephone Matt on 07817 222627 01675 443655 Email: dysonblinds@gmail.com
Martyn Roberts oberts ssons Guitar Lessons 01676 523176 0777 4562 647 email:kathrynroberts7@tiscali.co.uk Lessons in your own home 20 years’ experience teaching junior guitar at a local music service
BERKSWELL & DISTRICT FARMERS’ DISCUSSION CLUB Meetings are on Tuesdays at 8pm at Barker Butts RFC, Pickford Green Lane, Eastern Green, Coventry. CV5 9AR 10th March A Dentist’s Life – Terry Brayson 14th April Annual General Meeting Please bring food for American supper 12th May Start of summer programme. (Provisional) Please note that you don’t have to be a farmer many members aren’t! Everyone is welcome.
Enquiries to Bill Howes 02476 466117
We service, service, repair repair and We and care for your vehicle. care for your vehicle.
email:officehancock.brown@gmail.com www.hancock-brown.co.uk
We’re looking forward to working with you in 2020 (A Message from our local Police) It may seem a little belated but, as this is my first piece of 2020, I will start by wishing you all a Happy New Year. I hope the first couple of months have been good for you and your family and that this continues for the rest of the year. My previous message focused on Christmas and time has flown by since then. It’s hard to believe a month has already passed since the festivities as I write this message on a sunny but cold January morning. Thankfully the snow has stayed away as you read this, I hope the weather has stayed kind. As the days get longer and the weather milder we see an increase in people outand-about in our communities. Some are fulfilling resolutions to be healthier while others are going about daily business or enjoying what our communities have to offer. But there are some dedicated members of our community who you may see on our streets…and you are more than welcome to join them. Last year we launched our Community Speedwatch team where you can join us in carrying out speed patrols on the roads you’ve highlighted as causing concern. We provide all the training and the equipment you need along with speed detection advice. Drivers found to be speeding will either be stopped by officers there and then at the roadside or a police notice will be sent to them urging them to reduce their speed in the future. The overall aim is to improve road safety and change the behaviour of motorists and has been really well received by all involved…even some of the speeders who were stopped appreciated the risk they were posing to themselves and others! The Speedwatch scheme is very similar to Street Watch. Both are great examples of how you can help make your community safer, without the need for policing powers. And we’re still looking for volunteers to join our growing number of Street Watch members. Groups are managed by a volunteer co-ordinator who keeps a volunteer list and provides advice, guidance and support in consultation with the local police. Volunteers patrol in pairs and we register each patrol on a website. Officers from the team look at the website before our patrols take place. If volunteers spot suspicious activity they should report it to us, but not get involved. The only condition of Street Watch is you must be 18 years or older. If you’re interested in joining either of these local schemes or you’d like some more details please get in touch with the team by emailing rural@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk We know that the schemes might not be for everyone or you might just be too busy to get involved. However, if this is the case, I’d encourage you to sign up to a system called WMNow so we can share information to keep you safe. This sharing of information can be crucial in preventing and detecting crime and anti-social behaviour, so the more people that join WMNow the safer our communities will be. Signing up takes less than five minutes, just visit www.wmnow.co.uk and join today.
You can also follow us on twitter @RuralsWMP where members of the team will also give an insight into our work. People already following us will have read how, thanks to the information you have shared with the team, we’ve been able to seize and destroy cannabis plants being grown in homes, while also taking action against obstructive parking in the areas you’ve highlighted. On a personal note, this will be my final message to you. After two years as the neighbourhood sergeant for the rural areas, I shall be moving to another role in May and wanted to end by thanking everyone for their support. I can assure you the team and my replacement will remain committed to tackling the issues you tell us matter to you and will continue to grow schemes such as Street Watch and Community Speedwatch. Please do not underestimate the difference you can make in keeping our communities safe. I have seen the difference you have helped us make first-hand over the past Sergeant Hayley Thompson couple of years.
DATE Mondays Tuesdays 02-Mar
EVENT Reading Zoo Rotary Club Meeting WI Women's World Day of Prayer Community Surgery Readers Circle Fashion Show & Sale Community Cafe Reading Café Flower Club Neighbourhood Plan Mtg
VENUE Meriden Library Manor Hotel Village Hall St Swithin's Church Barston Meriden Library call for details H of E Social Club Sports Pavilion Meriden Library Village Hall Sports Pavilion
TIME 2:30 -3:15 7:30pm 7.30pm
Sports Pavilion Sports Pavilion Methodist Church Village Hall Sports Pavilion
05-Apr 06-Apr 06-Apr 08-Apr 10- Apr 10-Apr
Parish Council Meeting CAMEO Supper Club Big Picture Show Litter Pick Clocks go forward Easteriffic Crafts Firebird Greatest Hits Community Surgery WI Readers Circle Walk of Witness Community Cafe
7.30pm 2pm 7.00pm 7.30pm 10am 1am Drop in 2:30pm,7:30pm 11.00- 12noon 7.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am 2 – 4 pm
12 Apr
Easter Day Services
15-Apr
Neighbourhood Plan Mtg
Sports Pavilion
6.30-8.00pm
Barbara Bland 522474
20-Apr 20-Apr 20-Apr 24-Apr 24-Apr 25-Apr 25-Apr 27-Apr 01-May 04-May 08-May 11-May 13-May 18-May 18-May 18-May 20-May 22-May
Parish Council Meeting Reading Café Flower Club CAMEO Fish & Chip Supper + Vivo Big Picture Show Litter Pick Annual Parish Assembly Meriden Mag Deadline WI VE Day 75 Celebration Community Surgery Readers Circle Reading Café Flower Club Parish Council Meeting Big Picture Show CAMEO
Sports Pavilion Meriden Library Village Hall Sports Pavilion H of E Social Club Village Hall Sports Pavilion Village Hall
7.30pm 10.30–11.30am 7.30pm 2pm 7:30pm 7.30pm 10am 7pm
Barbara Bland 522474 522717 Ann Lea 07725 478624 Joan 523507 / Pam 523372 Sue 522540 / Carol 522888 Chris Copper 522645
Village Hall Meriden Sports Park Sports Pavilion call for details Meriden Library Village Hall Sports Pavilion Village Hall Sports Pavilion
7.30pm 12-6pm 11.00-12noon 7.30pm 10.30–11.30am 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 2pm
30-May
Litter Pick
Sports Pavilion
10am
06-Mar 09-Mar 11-Mar 12-Mar 13-Mar 16-Mar 16-Mar 18-Mar 23-Mar 27-Mar 27-Mar 28-Mar 28-Mar 29-Mar w/c 4-Apr
Meriden Library Manor Hotel Sports Pavilion Village Hall call for details Village Green Sports Pavilion St. Laurence and Methodist churches
10:30am 11.00-12noon 7.30pm 7:30pm 2 – 4 pm 10.30–11.30am 7.30pm 6.30-8.00pm
10.30am
CONTACT 522717 Jane Maughan 07905 377515 Joan Russell 522666 Rev Jane Braund 533737 522717 Peter Moss 523590 Sue 522540 / Carol 522888 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 522717 Ann Lea 07725 478624 Barbara Bland 522474 Barbara Bland 522474 Joan 523507 / Pam 523372 Rev Jane Braund 533737 Chris Copper 522645
522717 Val Martin 522963 522717 Joan Russell 522666 Peter Moss 523590 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Lynda Lilley 522825 Rev Jane Braund 533737
Barbara Bland 522474 See back of Mag Joan Russell 522666 Rachel 07812 127772 Barbara Bland 522474 Peter Moss 523590 522717 Ann Lea 07725 478624 Barbara Bland 522474 Joan Russell 522666 Joan 523507 / Pam 523372
Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood Oak Trees – English, Sessile or Turkey? There are more oaks in Great Britain than any other tree, and they have been common since the last Ice Age around 12,000 years ago. In their prime they can grow to over 30metres tall and live for over 1,000 years, although as they age their crown will shrink back and their trunk becomes increasingly fat and hollow, protecting them against wind damage. No wonder then that they support more wildlife than any other native tree and became a focal point for ancient religions. Oak groves were used by druids for pagan rites, weddings traditionally took place under ancient oak trees and yule logs were cut from oak branches. Later in history, the wood of oak trees became key to the success of the Royal Navy. Oak is a particularly dense wood and is rich in tannins making it particularly resistant to fungi and insect attack and was therefore valuable for construction and, of course, ship building. But it takes a lot of trees to build a ship (over 6,000 for Nelson’s flag ship HMS Victory) so naturally occurring oaks were supplemented by planting to maintain supply for future generations. There are over 600 species of oak, all in the northern hemisphere, but just two are native to the British Isles. The English, or pedunculate oak, is apparent, but there is also the sessile oak. I don’t know of any sessile oaks in Meriden and Millisons Wood, but that may be because I haven’t looked carefully enough at all the oak trees around! There are subtle differences, the sessile oak has a more upright trunk and straighter branches, but easiest to spot is the difference in the leaves and acorns. The acorns of the sessile oak and the leaves of the English Oak in the Churchyard English oak have no stalks; the difficult bit is remembering which way round that is! The leaves of the English oak have deep “ear lobes”; the “lobes are less pronounced in a sessile oak and the edges of the leaf tend to gradually merge into the stalk. The acorns of the English oak each have an individual stalk, whilst those of the sessile oak appear in clusters straight onto the twig.
English Oak leaf
Sessile Oak leaf
Acorn of English Oak
Acorns of Sessile Oak
Turkey oak is native to south-east Europe and Asia Minor, from France across to the Balkans and Turkey, but was introduced to the UK in the eighteenth century as an ornamental tree. It can seed so has become naturalised. There are what look like two Turkey oaks in the churchyard near the path going down the hill. In fact, three of the trees in the group have naturally grafted together, so look like one! Whilst the leaf and acorn of the Turkey oak are broadly similar to the English and Sessile varieties, there are clear differences. The leaf is longer and thinner and the cup which holds the acorn looks almost hairy, as though it were covered in long dense moss.
Leaf and acorn of Turkey Oak
So have a closer look at the oak trees around the village and see if you can work out what species they are. Most will be English oak, but please let me know if you find a Sessile oak or other Turkey oaks.
Turkey Oaks in the Churchyard
If you’re interested in our trees, local wildlife and conservation in general, it would be great to hear from you. Collaborators very welcome! Or visit the Facebook page Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees. Dates for conservation work parties in Millisons Wood are also notified there.
Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com
Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees
Bell and Chilli Peppers There are two types of peppers, the large, crisp, red, green, orange and yellow, that are readily available to buy in stores and can be added to salads, casseroles, made into soup and stuffed. These are known as Bell Peppers. Home grown Chilli Peppers have excellent colour, texture and flavour, including many shapes and colours not readily available in shops. Plants are extremely varied; some have a mild flavour, while others are so fiery that they’ll blow your head off. Chillies can be grown in the ground, but are perfect for raising in pots. If you forget to sow seeds, or lack the necessary warm, bright place to raise good plants, then buy young plants from garden centres in late spring. You can grow peppers in containers or in growing bags or in open ground, as long as it is a sheltered, sunny spot (at the base of a wall for instance). Transplant into 7.5-9cm (3-3.5in) pots when two true leaves have formed. Further transfer plants to 30cm (12in) pots of good compost once the roots fill the 9cm (3in) pots in late April (if growing in a heated greenhouse), mid-May (if in an unheated greenhouse) or late May if growing outside. Pinch out the growing tips of chillies when they are about 20cm (8in) tall to encourage bushiness; side shoots (the shoots forming between the main stem and leaves) can be further pinched back if you want lots of smaller fruit. Alternatively, you can plant three chilli peppers in a standard growing bag. Three short sticks with strings will eventually be required to support taller cultivars., You may need to stake and tie plants in if they produce lots of heavy fruit. Water regularly and feed with a high potash liquid fertiliser once the first fruit has set. Alternatively, you can plant three chilli peppers in a standard growing bag. Three short sticks with strings will eventually be required to support taller cultivars. The Scoville scale indicates the heat value of all the varieties, below are three suggested plants to grow:
Aji Crystal Pick fruit when they are yellow and under ripe for their citrus-like kick.
Stuffed Peppers
Meek and Mild Large, heart-shaped bottle green fruit that have a mild taste.
Cayenne Very fiery, slender red peppers.
8 small red peppers, stem ends cut off, seeds removed 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika, plus extra to sprinkle 500g lean pork mince ( I used the left over pork from a roast dinner But you could use beef or lamb) 200g chopped tomatoes 200g cooked basmati rice 1 large free-range egg, lightly beaten Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Lightly prick the peppers all over with the tip of a sharp knife, then put them on a microwaveable plate and cook on high in the microwave for 5 minutes or until softened but not collapsing. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a sauté pan and fry the onion and garlic with the coriander and paprika until soft, adding a splash of water if it looks too dry. Season, then add the mince and fry for 5 minutes or until coloured. Add the tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the rice, beaten egg and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Put the peppers into a baking tray, standing upright, and fill with the mince-rice mixture. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the filling is piping hot. Serve sprinkled with coriander alongside a salad with soured cream sprinkled with paprika.
With thanks to Margaret Argyle who continues to contribute this lovely page.
Out and About this Spring Guy’s Cliffe Centre, Coventry Rd, Warwick CV34 5YD
NEED TO BOOK TICKETS ONLINE
Don’t forget the Bluebell trail in Millison’sWood from the end of April until early May.
https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/easter-egg-hunt2020-easter-sunday120420-guys-cliffewarwick-family-datickets-88418689681
Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green
Refuse Collection Information The green bins will be emptied again during the weeks beginning 30th March or 6th April depending on which route you are on, for more info go to www.solihull.gov.uk search - calendar
Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours . Winter 1st Nov –31st March Monday-Friday (except Tues) 9.30am – 4.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am - 4.00pm Summer 1st April- 31st October Monday-Friday (except Tues) 9.30am -5.00pm Tuesday 9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am- 4.00pm Last admission 15 minutes before closing time
Service on the Green And Finally: If you have a satnav that you can change the voice on. Please don’t use Bono from U2. I did that, and now the streets have no name and I still can’t find what I’m looking for!
Solihull M B C Solihull District Councillors
Member of Parliament Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector Village Hall Bookings
Rev Lynda Lilley Rev Jane Braund Pstr. Kevin Hunt Barbara Bland (Mondays) Ken Allsopp Diane Howell Tony Dicicco Saqib Bhatti Gerry Russell Sue Harper
Valerie Martin
23rd April St George’s Day (St George’s Flag) 9th May Europe Day
Sunday March 29th British Summer time begins Don’t forget to put your clocks forward one hour
Cyclists’ memorial
Mrs L .Anderton
21st April Birthday of her Majesty the Queen
17th May Cyclists Memorial Service
17th May at 11.00am
Meriden Primary School Meriden Library Meriden Surgery Lloyds Chemist St. Laurence Church Meriden Methodist Church MCF Life Church Meriden Parish Council
9th March Commonwealth Day 10th March Birthday of the Earl of Wessex
01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522252 01676 522722 01676 522825 01676 533737 07970 552667 01676 522474 07767 162423 0121 704 6000 01676 522301 07487 681933 07780438290 0121 711 7029 01676 522666 01676 522230 101 Non-emergency 01676 522963
Reminder! Deadline date for the next issue: st Friday 1 May. Out by 1stJune. Val Martin 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Chris Bannister 07789 903021 chrisbannister56@aol.com Distribution: Paul Green and Mavis & Ken Edwards Proof Reader: Sue Fuller
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 co-editors. We are unable to print anonymous letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request.