MeridenMag Autumn 2020

Meriden Mag Autumn 2020

See inside for Meriden's New Junior Football Club Spencer's Retreat Farm DIY SOS - Parish Council Update

End of Year Thoughts from the Head Teacher No one could possibly have predicted how 2020 would turn out. Quite often we watch the news unfold from afar; very rarely does it impact on our lives here in sunny Meriden! The global pandemic unfolded with speed and I am so proud of the positivity and resilience shown by staff, pupils, parents and the whole school community in the face of a difficult situation.

School officially ‘closed’ on March 20th but in fact stayed open for the children of Key Workers continually through Easter and half term as well as ‘normal’ school days. On June 8th, we started to reopen in a phased manner to FS1 (Nursery), FS2 (Reception), Year 1 and Year 6. Children were placed into bubbles of no more than 15 children and I am delighted to report that the children loved being back in school with their friends and their teachers. Once we had Government permission to open further, all other classes then were invited to join us for one day a week. By the time school closed for the summer, we had seen 80% of our children again, which is testament to the hard work and commitment of the staff and governors of the school and we are grateful that the families and children in our community had faith in our procedures to keep everyone safe. We know that this puts our families and children in a much better position for returning to school in class bubbles in September.

Whilst most children were learning at home, the teachers prepared work which could be delivered by parents – quite different in some ways from what can be taught in school by people trained in the role! The curriculum was broad and varied – we know how hard it is to keep children motivated and on task, and that is without the added distraction of home life.

The virtual presence of school has increased dramatically since March and staff have looked into ways of linking with our families as much as possible, whilst teaching the children who were with us in school too. We invited families to join us in weekly collective worship, which was led by various adults and children from the different bubbles across school and from the community. We will continue to embrace this in the new term as our Friday ‘Celebration’ assemblies will be Zoomed live to families so they can join in as much as possible. Staff read stories online and will keep doing so as it proved so popular. Instead of our ‘Meet the Teacher’ assembly where children find out whose class they will be in the following year, we had a ‘Stars in Their Eyes’ reveal video – the children in school loved watching it and I know families who joined in at home loved it too! Our end of year service, rather than being held at the church as usual, was recorded and broadcast over Zoom this year.

Children across the school gave their thanks to God for their learning experiences and friendships. Year 6 pupils were gifted a bible as their leaving present and then they said their sad goodbyes through an emotional final assembly on their last day. Some of these things can be found on our YouTube channel – just search ‘Meriden CE Primary’ or log on to our website and subscribe to the channel from the home page

http://meridenceprimaryschool.co.uk/index.html.

As new families and children couldn’t visit our school, as they would normally do, Mr Beamond, our Deputy Head, also put together an amazing promotional video of our school https://youtu.be/8Fi8dkDf_Rk. Many thanks go to ex-pupil Scott Eburne (@scottebu11) whose drone filming has really captured the school in its best light.

I hope you can see how proud I am of how the whole school community joined together to make the best of a difficult and strange situation to ensure our children come through this pandemic as mentally strong as they can be. It is easy to forget that their sense of normality was turned upside down too - the excitement of spending weeks at home soon fades when they realise they can’t see their friends! As I write this at the start of August, there are no firm promises of what is to come, but hopefully September will see all of our children walking through the school gates – we are really looking forward to seeing their smiles once again.

Goodbye to our amazing Year 6 ‘Lockdown Leavers’ of 2020!

School Games – Keeping Physically Active I’m delighted that even in these difficult times we have received a certificate (shown right) to recognise our school for the ongoing commitment and achievement to the School Games Programme.

We have been praised for providing more young people with the opportunity to compete and achieve their personal best in South Solihull. Special thanks go to Miss Davis for all her hard work in keeping us all active!

Meriden also won the South Solihull SSP Virtual SG Basketball Participation Award and not only that, we came 3rd across Coventry Solihull & Warwickshire!

We are so incredibly proud of everyone who has taken part throughout these virtual games, including children at school and those who joined in at home.

Let’s keep these awards coming! #meridensports

www.meridenceprimary.co.uk @meridenprimary YouTube

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News from Meriden Library

Team4 U – Christmas Shoe boxes es

In response to Covid-19, the library service launched its ‘Click and Collect Service’ from 3 of its borough locations and restarted the Home Library Service at the start of July. For details on accessing the service please go to https://www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries In response to the latest government guidance, the library service is currently working on a recovery plan to reintroduce further library offers in the borough.

If you have any queries relating to the library service please contact. libraryarts@solihull.gov.uk or

Last year, Meriden village donated over 50 boxes which were sent to Romania. A huge ‘thank you’ to all of you who supported this very worthwhile charity. Can you help us again this year by filling a shoe box with small gifts? It can be for a boy, a girl or a home that would not otherwise get a Xmas present. Please call me during September or October to get a leaflet that tells you the suitable things to include and details of the drop off point. Boxes will need to be dropped off

Telephone 0121 704 6965

by 9th November. Lucy Ball 01676 523502

As some of you may well be aware it has been a busy few months.

We have been setting up a new Junior Grass Roots Football Club here in Meriden. The journey reached its peak at the beginning of June when we were finally able to register with the Birmingham FA the new village team, Meriden Lions.

Meriden Lions is a community football club that has at its core a simple message, football for boys and girls in the local community with a focus on improving players and helping them become the best that they can be.

We have been so lucky that we have already been able to establish two teams for the upcoming season, an under 9 and a under 12 team.

We are incredibly grateful to Meriden Sports Park and Meriden Primary School which will allow our Under 12 and under 9 teams respectively a home to play our games. This has meant that we are a really at the heart of our community and we can't wait to get started.

Once lockdown was eased at the start of July, we have been able to start training, initially with non-contact training and latterly contact training. Both teams are looking forward to playing friendlies over the next few weeks to get us ready for the start of the new season on September 6th. We have also been able to unveil our brand-new kit which naturally has a nod to the heritage of the original Meriden Football Club. A special thanks must go to Christian Sealey from "The Chimp Sessions" who has kindly sponsored the kits with an eyecatching chimp! It is a positive tie-up with Christian as he is particularly keen to promote mental wellbeing in young people through sport and through his Chimp Sessions Podcast.

We are keen to establish a girls' team and would encourage anyone that has an interest in coaching this team to get in touch. All the support, guidance and advice will be given, and we are a friendly bunch and want to ensure the Club can grow to its capacity. Over the next few years, we want to have more teams at different age groups to encourage the young people of Meriden and the surrounding areas to get involved in football.

From September we are hoping to launch the Meriden Lions cubs, this is a training session with a focus on fun aimed at children aged 3-6 and will be on a Saturday morning at the school. Please get in touch if you want to find any more information or register your son or daughter.

For any further information on Meriden Lions or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please get in touch with Phil Burrows (Chairman), Bryn Williams (Secretary) or Kelly Elwell (Treasurer) at Meridenlionsfc@outlook.com

Meriden Archers take County and Regional Championships by storm Back in February amidst Storm Ciara, the County of Warwickshire Archery Indoor Championships managed to still go ahead. A very successful day for Meriden Archery Club, coming away with three champions - one senior and two juniors. Milly Williams won the County Ladies Barebow, and for the juniors Edward Gray took the title of U14 Gent Recurve for both County and West Midlands Region. Monty Orton won the U18 Gent Recurve County and Region, and also retained his title of overall West Midlands Junior Gent Champion. So, it was worth battling the storms to bring home a bit of sunshine in the way of trophies. Sadly, there has been no summer season of competitions this year, however the field is back open, with restrictions, and archers are still training, hoping for a more positive outlook for the summer of 2021.

www.meriden-archery.org.uk

Manor Hotel, Meriden

It’s been a strange few months and we’re sure you have all been missing visiting the Manor Hotel just as much as us, which is why we are delighted to announce that we’re re opening our hotel doors on Friday 4th September 2020.

We cannot wait to welcome you back to the Manor and we Thank you for your custom throughout August following on from the reopening of Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Meriden

Manor Hotel | Main Road | Meriden | Solihull | CV7 7HN www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk 01676 522735

We hope you are all continuing to keep safe but have been able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends within the slightly less onerous current Covid restrictions Activities and fundraising for CRUK, along with all other charities, have been severely curtailed this year.

Unfortunately, due to the many restrictions still in place on gatherings in private gardens and the understandable nervousness of many of our gardeners, we did not attempt to hold an Open Garden event in August but are planning, and keeping our fingers crossed, that now summer 2021 will be the year of the Meriden garden! Our next scheduled activity should be ‘In the Pink & Blue’ with Lesley Smith at The Manor Hotel on Sunday October 25th. The decision on whether we are able to hold this event, or will have to cancel again, will be made nearer the time depending on the Covid restrictions in place then – look out for posters in the village, Meriden Facebook and contact from the committee.

We take this opportunity to record our sincere condolences to Chris Jones and her family on the death of her husband Michael. Chris has been a stalwart member of our committee for over 33 years and she and Mick always fully supported CRUK and the village events. We also thank Chris for nominating CRUK as her charity for donations in memory of Michael.

Cancer Research UK estimates they will have to consider reducing research funding by around £150million this year alone. Across the medical research sector, a significant number of laboratories have been diverted to Covid related work. As medical solutions emerge to help us all out of the Covid crisis, switching laboratories back to their earlier work will take time. Delays to research and developing solutions inevitably costs lives and impacts on life-changing treatments. If you feel you are able to help support Cancer Research UK at this time, the Meriden committee and the charity would be extremely grateful.

Please either give directly via https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/get-involved/donate , or contact Sue, Carol or any of the committee. In the meantime, we wish you well in maintaining your efforts to keep safe and thereby helping others around you to remain safe. We hope that as time moves on, we will be able to return to a more normal calendar of fund-raising events. If you have any suggestions or would like to become involved in any CRUK activities Sue and Carol would love to hear from you. Sue 01676 522540 Carol 01676 522888

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THE VILLAGE HALL IS OPEN The Village Hall Committee is delighted to welcome back all regular supporters as well as taking new bookings.

During the “Lockdown” period, the hall has been deepcleaned and sanitised and all relevant government guidelines put in place to ensure it can once more provide space for most activities. Naturally, there are still some temporary restrictions. Currently, groups are limited to 30 in number with social distancing remaining in place, and we regret that, for the moment, we are unable to accept bookings for private parties. However, clubs, societies and meetings, as well as exercise classes, are welcomed back.

Frustratingly, the Firebirds Choir are currently unable to resume due to the imposition of the somewhat Cromwellian “No Singing” order. However we feel sure that their enthusiasm and resourcefulness will find a way before too long. We do hope that our regular supporters will return, and by using common sense and personal hygiene guidelines, will feel sufficiently confident in slowly picking up the threads, not only for their much– missed activities but also to support this vital village hub.

To re-instate bookings which were cancelled and in order to keep an accurate Diary, please re-book with Val Martin on 01676 522963 or val.simon@btinternet.com

Val will provide the Covid-19 guidelines for using the hall safely and in accordance with Government requirements. Chris Copper (Secretary)

BIG PICTURE SHOW We are hoping to restart screenings in Autumn.

Naturally, audiences will have to be smaller to comply with social distancing rules. However, we have innovative ways to ensure that you can return to the Village Hall with confidence and enjoy a selection of the wonderful films that were released in 2020 but sadly were unable to be screened. In order to assess the viability of our return, we urgently need your feed-back. Please register your interest by emailing chriscopper42@me.com or call/text 07721342127. If we go ahead, tickets will need to be booked in advance by name and therefore, for the time being, will not be available from Budgens. We appreciate that many are either still shielding or are feeling nervous about joining larger gatherings, but we do hope that those who can will re-join our Saturday Screenings. The Arts have suffered a devastating blow as a result of the pandemic but we do hope that at grass-roots level we can return to some normality and support this vital industry.

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Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 1.30pm week days and now until 2.00pm Saturday & Sunday Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day Breakfast

Take away food only, available at present .

Download the SHOCAL app for deliveries Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk

QUEENS HEAD DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS Great Value - only £5.00 HAM, EGG & CHIPS COTTAGE PIE WITH GRAVY FISH & CHIPS LASAGNE PIE OF THE DAY All the above are served with chips, peas and a salad garnish

Balsall Common Country Market A market is held every Saturday from 10 - 11.30 am. at Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road, CV7 7EX. We have lovely home baking, preserves, plants, seasonal vegetables, crafts and home-made cards.

Hampers Hamperscan canbebe ordered and delivered ordered and delivered countrywide countrywide. Contact Contact 01676523007 523007 01676

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.

FULL MENU ALSO AVAILABLE EAT IN OR TAKEAWAY 12:00 NOON TILL 2:30

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 lovel lovely ly to t meet Please phone to arrange you over a cup of coffee or tea at the Pavilion.

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

Over the Summer we have had some very strange weather - some days very hot, others very windy and with heavy rain.

Perhaps the weather has been reflecting the times that we are living in - strange and uncertain with lots of change.

One particular day I had been watching the plants in my garden being shaken and blown about all over the place. I had some lovely tall delphiniums and in one particular large gust they suddenly bent over double and then, with the rain hammering down, there they stayed. That is until I went out and gently picked them back up, shook off the worst of the wet and then staked them to a cane. When the wind came again, they stood firm and strong, remaining as they were meant to be.

It reminded me of Psalm 46. The first 3 verses read like this: 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging'.

Today we do see how creation is suffering, how the earth is groaning because of the way we are treating it; but I think these words of Psalm 43 go beyond the natural world. As we look around and as we listen to the news, it seems as if there are many things that are crashing down around us at the moment; things we felt were strong like mountains that couldn't be moved; things we had put our faith, trust and confidence in - all crashing down.

The Passion Translation of the Bible says, if every structure of support were to crumble away, we will not fear because God, you are a safe and powerful place to find refuge. (Ps 46: 3) At this time of uncertainty, when perhaps we are feeling that everything is being shaken, we, like the Psalmist can have absolute trust, faith and confidence in God. He picks us up and gently frees us from the fear that has weighed us down and then binds us to him in love, so that when the storms come, which they do and will, we can stand firm and strong.

As we move through these uncertain times, I pray that you will know God as your refuge and safe place. If you would like to know more, then please come and join with us on a Sunday morning at 10.30.

With love, Jane

The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire. Please contact Alan Gabbitas on 01676 522148

Charity moves into new Headquarters.

A well-established charity, the Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC), has recently moved into its new HQ Building at Patricks Farm. Patricks Farm is located just before the river bridge on the way to Hampton.

RDAC is a charity providing driving assessments mainly for disabled and older drivers and can assist with all types of conditions including Stroke and Dementia. The requests for an assessment can be received via GPs, other healthcare professionals such as Occupational Therapists or from individuals directly who may feel that the service would be of benefit. They also provide assessments for referrals from DVLA and Motability.

The assessments are undertaken by specialist Driving Instructors working with Occupational Therapists and are designed to enable people to continue driving where possible and to see if adaptations to their vehicles would assist them in continuing to be independent.

The RDAC was established in Birmingham in 2008. As well as the new local HQ, there are also Centres in Greater Manchester, Hull, Leicester and Oxford with other outreach centres throughout the West and East Midlands and the North West of England.

RDAC is managed by a Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management Team, together with a Board of Trustees.

For further information about RDAC please do contact us on 0300 300 2240 or visit our website www.rdac.co.uk

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

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Window Locks

Key Cutting

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

UPVC Door problems Full locking mechanisms replaced/serviced New handles Dropped doors re-aligned

Local Bookkeeper

01676 523192 home 07970 119142 mobile email: aguaflameuk@gmail.com Terry Griffiths

Run for Dog lovers by Dog Lovers

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

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

fORDES onthegreen

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Opening hours: Monday 9.00-1.00 Tuesday 9.00-8.00 Wednesday 9.00-5.00 Thursday 9.00-9.00 Friday.

9.00-5.00 Saturday 8.30-4.30

We are pleased to have been able to resume our services at Fordes, from 4th July!

Beauty now has the green light to offer inclusive treatments and, to thank you for your patience, we’ve introduced some unbeatable offers to resolve those lockdown beauty blues!

Book any 2 treatments and receive 10% off! * Book any 4 and receive a whopping 25% discount !!!* For those who want to ease back in slowly, try our ‘beauty blues bundles’ and save ££££’s!!!

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Therapeutic pedicure, express facial, gel polish hands We offer this facility with confidence that we operate fully COVID secure adherence. We remain the most competitively priced, inclusive facility within the area, with no ‘clean down fee’, no additional ‘PPE fee’ and, we maintain our no cancellation fee policy.

Beauty is now available Monday-Saturday with our friendly and accommodating team; helping each of us, to support each other in these otherwise challenging times. I’ll take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to our wonderfully supportive clientele and team Louise x

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The Woodmen of Arden – continued from Spring 2020 Opposite Meriden Pool stood the Bull Head Inn, a centre for significant business meetings in the village and locality. From the reign of Edward IV (1471-83) until C17th, it was required of all able bodied men aged 16 to 60 to practise at the butts every Sunday with a long bow of their own height. This talent had waned and was no longer even a minor sport by the later C18th, when a resurgence of interest led to the reestablishment of upper class societies, especially around London and SE England.

The fourth Earl of Aylesford, owner of large estates in Meriden and resident at Great Packington Hall, decided to found a closed society of invited members from the North Warwickshire aristocracy and gentry. A newspaper advertisement indicated that an inaugural meeting would be held at the Bull Head in late 1785. Ladies, normally members’ wives and daughters, were allowed as guests to join in the sport. A committee created in 1786 chose 75 then 80 members, increased to 81 only once from 1835 to 1850 as a concession to Sir Robert Peel by special and temporary permission. During its first 18 months, the archers met in the Inn and for practices in the field behind. They wore a distinctive uniform of Lincoln Green coat, white breeches and stockings and Tyrolean hat looped up at the sides.

Several design buttons off their coats were found in this field in 1980s using metal detectors. Contests of skill helped decide who might hold principal offices: Master Forrester chosen every 12 months, Senior Verderer and Head Bowman. An Italian Signor Bonomi, architect of the new St. James church in Packington Park, was also commissioned to design Forest Hall, built by 1787 as the Society’s HQ and enlarged in 1845 at a further cost of £1300, by the Coventry firm, Ackroyd. Customs developed such as the annual Wardmote festival in August. There were two Markers, men noting where each arrow fell. If an arrow achieved a bull’s eye, they waved a white handkerchief and hat as a signal while falling on their back, legs kicking in the air.

‘Arrow Day’ 1985 – The Bicentenary of the Woodmen of Arden.

Painting by Michelle Pearson Cooper.

A distinctive vocabulary also developed, for example, a bull’s eye was known as a ‘first gold’’, and a ‘clout’ meant a direct hit. Gifts to the Society included, in 1787, a silver bugle horn in an oak frame with 2 silver chains and 42 medals adorning it (shown right) and a silver arrow presented by the Countess of Aylesford in 1788. Other trophies received were a gold medal given in 1880 by Mr. Digby of Meriden Hall. Wriothesley Digby had been a founder member. The medal was for the greatest number of hits at 100 yards, achieved by an individual archer. Another was from the Royal Scottish Archers in 1887: a silver bowl for clouts. These soon developed traditions of their own and as a child I really believed the horn had belonged to Robin Hood! By 1820s Events were popular with the rich from the surrounding counties but by the 1990s would-be members came from the entire country. Members are now nominated, seconded and then chosen by ballot.

Social activities earned money: an annual Christmas ball from 1840s and the Warwickshire Yeomanry ball after 1878. In the last century, other groups such as the North Warwickshire Golf Club hired the Hall for its annual ball, the Red Cross from 1914 for fund raising and the Ministry of Food from 1942 for distribution of ration books. The Conservative Party and Young Conservatives met there by 1956 to hear well known speakers like ‘RAB’ Butler.

The Thompsons, carpenters originally from Berkswell, employed by the archers from inception, made bows, arrows and targets. They also kept turkeys for the flight feathers. I remember the Thompsons who with no younger family members had trained Charlie Warmingham as an apprentice in the ancient craft of arrow making until the Second World War (1939-45). In retirement over 50 years later, he took up the craft once more. Featuring in a newspaper article written in 1992, it showed him in his caretaker’s shop at Forest Hall. ‘I prefer to choose the wood myself’, he said, ‘I search for naturally straight shafts’. From childhood, I can recall events here like a New Year party for 200 children in 1948, a Valentine’s evening dance in 1949 and the Coronation celebrations with an ox roast in June 1953.

Doreen Agutter

Men & Women welcome Earn free treatments with our loyalty point scheme Dual Treatment Room Gift Vouchers available Friendly and Welcoming Free Parking right outside You can rely on us to keep you safe Telephone booking essential

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07904239 239365 365 07904

Telephone 01676 540178

Normally at this time of the year we would be able to report on our summer outdoor fundraising activities and have photos of people enjoying themselves in the sunshine. Unfortunately, this year things are very different. We like everyone else, are still living with lockdown although it is now beginning to be lifted a little and life is gaining some of its previous normality. We are still unable to meet face to face and I think that situation will be unchanged for some time to come.

So, we have continued to meet at our usual time but on Zoom. From being an expressive word in a children’s comic it has become vital to our club. We can keep in contact and see each other although some of us are becoming difficult to recognize with our increasing heads of hair! We have had two speakers joining us. Robert Courts MP, who is an authority on Winston Churchill, he spoke about Churchill’s days leading up to VE Day in 1945 and it was incredibly interesting. Peter Purdom from the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club told us a little about the club and then about his opportunity to take part in one of the annual re-enactments of famous Mille Miglia 1000-mile road race that takes place in Italy driving a legendry C Type Jaguar. His talk was illustrated with some great photos. The new MP for Meriden, Saqib Bhatti, joined us informally and said a few words about his first experiences in Parliament. He will be joining us as a speaker in the autumn. We have had two quizzes, one to replace our usual President’s Evening, and they were very good fun.

We successfully applied for a matching grant to help The Rainbow Alliance in Kingshurst. We have used Zoom to hold our Club Assembly, which is an important planning meeting for the next Rotary year. We have also been able to join on line into the Rotary Great Britain & Ireland Annual Business Meeting and the Rotary International Convention in Honolulu. Two things we were not able to do in previous years due to cost and time.

Then finally on the 30th June we held our handover meeting marking the start of another Rotary Year. It is usually a very friendly and informal event with wives and families but this year it had to be online. A few days previously six of us met, socially distanced, in Lavender Hall Park and videoed a very different handing over of the chain of office which was shown on the evening when I handed over to our new President Warren for the 2020-21 Rotary year. I wish him well for a year that is beginning in a way that a Rotary year has never started before, but I know under his leadership the Club will continue to thrive and hopefully it will not be too long before we can enjoy face to face meetings again.

We have some more interesting speakers coming between now and the end of the year. Anyone that would like to join with us to hear them is welcome to make contact through our website www.meridenrotary.org.uk to request a Zoom meeting invitation. Full details of our programme including the speakers also appears on our website.

The Rotary Club of Meriden would again like to wish everybody good health during these unusual times.

Geoff Arthur

Meriden Rotary Club are very pleased to announce that they are providing two new planters for Meriden Pool

Meriden Rotary Club Calendar September – November Using Zoom meetings September 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th October 6th 13th 20th 27th November 3rd 10th 17th 24th

Guitars No Speaker Kids Out My Life in Parliament No Speaker Business Meeting Tax matters for the older generation No Speaker Into the Light No Speaker My Job No Speaker AGM

Mike Challis Steve Cartwright Saquib Bhati MP

Paul Spencer SGD Peter Brameld

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Call: Abbie on 01676 522430 Bingo every Friday, starts at 8.00pm limited to 30 people due to social distancing Come along and have a drink in our large garden, we have added extra seating for people who enjoy relaxing outdoors.

Small Grants Programme re-opened

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch Methodist Church Hall

Suspended in April due to the Covid crisis, the Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust re-opened the Small Grants Programme on 1st August. The Trust is now inviting new applications for financial support for sporting and recreational activities from Meriden organisations and residents and considering applications made before the programme was suspended in April.

Recovering from the crisis is presenting amateur sport and recreational activities with real problems in restarting activities in a safe way, in compliance with Covid advice and regulations. The Trust may be able to help in terms of special equipment needed and in other ways to make a restart possible in a safe way.

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

For further details about the programme go to the Trust’s website at meridensrt.org.uk where there are guidance notes and an application form. Application forms should be returned to Iain Roxburgh at info@meridensrt.org.uk.

The deadline for the first round is tight. The Trust is meeting on 15th September and an indication of interest in applying for a grant (not necessarily a fully completed application) is required by 10th Sept. to meet this deadline.

Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Gymnastic, Contemporary Dance Tel: 02476 467331 www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk and Musical Theatre. email: ormedance@gmail.com 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!!!

New PE Kit! From September 2020, students will be wearing a new PE kit at Heart of England for the Àrst time. Our new, Áexible and inclusive kit is modern, easy to wash and looks great!

New Year 7 students will be in the kit from the start of the year when they join us. Other students will change kit over time as o our new students m move on from Year 7 and d current students and repla re ep epla p a kit. Existing replace sstude tude de students can opt for the time if they choose and new ew kit any a y tim ti ssuppliers uppliers ppliers liiers r are r on o only providing new kit from o now o on. o from A small a team ea lea le ea by Head of PE lead icc Sykes es h have ave e been be be working on the Nic

design and make-up of the kit for about a year, looking at the existing uniform and setting out to improve the sporting experience for students and updating it to include all our new branding.

Kit Parts The new kit has fewer items and is made of modern sporting fabrics which are easy to clean and are quick drying which is good news for maintaining the kit! The ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ kits have been dropped along with the heavy, double sided rugby top and we now have a single, Áexible kit with a variety of tops and bottom items with one style of socks.

Choice Some of the items are compulsory; with a choice for all students of Àtted or a loose top and shorts or skort for bottoms. Every student will also need the new black and teal football socks with no other socks being required.

Other items which can be added to the kit include a quarter zipped lined top, leggings and slim Àt joggers. The top includes the school logo and the leg wear includes our school type motif. All these items are optional although the top and one of the leg covering items are recommended.

“We are delighted to be able Ànally to roll out our new PE kit to students and really look forward to seeing the gradual eryone transition for everyone over the next few years, beginning with Year 7,” said Miss Sykes. “It will be o great to see uss in our ours u full school colours oo ool o ol across the school and the borough and turn some heads when we’re competing off-site!”.

www.youtube.com/HeartofEnglandSchool/

Tune in to YouTube Most people don’t realise that Heart of England has had a YouTube channel since 2012 and although we have used it to upload a small number of videos in the past, the last few months has seen a sudden increase in uploads!

Over the last few months there has been a huge increase in the demand and supply of video content online as we all look to connect with each other, entertain ourselves and get information.

Our own YouTube channel has suddenly come into its own, allowing us to create online information, presentations, awards and assemblies and so far, students and parents have found them very useful.

We send out links to our videos by Twitter and e mail but you can look us up anytime at www.youtube. com/HeartofEnglandSchool/. We are planning more videos and content in the future and to add our channel to our regular communication mix.

Courage ͼ Determination ͼ Honesty ͼ Kindness ͼ Humour

Meriden Women’s Institute 1918 - 2020 Our letters and contacts continue, as well as outdoor meetings at the Queen’s Head, many thanks to Caroline for letting us use the marquee.

On Monday 3rd August and Monday 17th August, we enjoyed the company of fellow members also welcoming two visitors. No singing of Jerusalem though!

We hope September or October will see us return to the Village Hall when we can discuss this year’s National Resolutions: ‘Increase potential stem cell donor registration’ & ‘End modern slavery.’

Midland Charities Association Christmas Card Shops Due to the ongoing Covid19 situation, we have reluctantly decided not to open the Midland Charities Association Christmas card shop in Balsall Common or Allesley Park libraries this year. We are hoping to be able to sell cards from home for a limited number of charities as well as some sundry items such as wrapping paper, gift tags, money wallets etc. In order to do this, we would need to take orders in advance. If you would be interested in buying your cards in this way, please speak to Janice or Bob on 01676 534407 or email mcacards20@yahoo.com I would like to thank both volunteers and customers for all your support over the years. We will make every effort to open the shops as normal in 2021 if the situation allows.

Best wishes, Janice.

Any queries please contact Joan Russell Tel. 01676 522666

Just for fun ask the experts Medical experts were asked if it was time to ease the lockdown Allergists were in favour of scratching it, but Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves Gastroenterologists had a sort of gut feeling about it, but Neurologists thought the Government had a lot of nerve.

Obstetricians felt certain everyone was labouring under a misconception, while Ophthalmologists considered the idea short sighted.

Many Pathologists yelled “Over my dead body” while Paediatricians said “Oh grow up” Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness while Radiologists could see right through it Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and Pharmacists claimed it would be a bitter pill to swallow Plastic Surgeons said that this proposal would “put a whole new face on the matter “ Podiatrists thought it was a step forward but Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea Anaesthetists thought the whole idea was gas, and those lofty Cardiologists didn’t have the heart to say no In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes !

Meriden Church of England Primary School is looking for a new Chair of Governors to lead our Governing body.

We are a small single form entry school based in the semi-rural location of Meriden in Solihull. We are a forward-thinking school at the heart of the community with around 240 children between nursery and year 6.

The successful candidate must have experience of governance and have been on a Governing body previously as well as having a clear understanding of how a successful Governing body works and operates.

It is desirable but not essential that the successful candidate will have experience of governance in a school environment. A knowledge of how Local Authorities and public-sector services operate is key to the role to ensure that we are able to operate most effectively with key stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be expected to work in partnership with the Headteacher as well as attending and chairing, in a fair and consistent manner, a full governing body meeting each month at our school in Meriden. These meetings typically take place outside of working hours between 1800-2000. Working closely with the Clerk and the Head Teacher, the successful candidate will need to ensure that agendas and associated papers are sent out to the rest of the board in a timely manner as well as being available to the Headteacher for guidance, advice and updates.

This role is an ideal opportunity for the successful candidate to work in an exciting school in a vibrant community to use some of their experience, knowledge and ideas to help our school continue to go from strength to strength.

For more information and an application form please contact Phil Burrows on

g77pburrows@meriden.solihull.sch.uk

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Val and Chris, intrepid MM reporters, visited this place recently and met Simon Morris, a lovely man and the inspiration behind the Farm. Visit their web site for the full background story. (www.spencersretreat.com) We were blown away with what Simon has achieved so far and his desire to help other families like his own with autistic children. Simon has a full-time job teaching about health and safety, so you can rest assured that this is a very safe environment. You can see from the pictures that it is also great fun.

Bovis Homes has provided materials, including plaster and skirting board to help compete the Langdale Trust project at the farm and they would like to involve the community and local trades people who could donate a few hours of their time

The Farm welcomes visitors by appointment. It is open to everyone but is particularly helpful for families with children with special needs and disabilities. email enquiries@spencersretreat.com to book your visit Spencer’s Retreat, Spencer’s Lane, Berkswell, CV7 7BY

How Ho H ow you can get involved. Help (voluntary) is needed in areas: 5 aar r 1. People to undertake regular tasks like feeding the animals, working in the allotment or general maintenance work.

2. An accountant to manage the finances, deal with the charity commission and other companies, produce financial reports etc.

3. Tradespeople to work on the big DIY project which will develop an indoor space and also spruce up the outdoor spaces. E.g. kitchen fitter, electrician, plasterer, locksmith, door/window fitters, flooring installers.

4. Businesses who can offer donations of (second hand?) equipment, fittings, doors, windows, locks etc.

5. Animal feed donations. There’s a box by the entrance for these to be dropped off at any time.

Just call Simon on 07902 439985 if you can help. Or email enquiries@spencersretreat.com

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Message from Saqib Bhatti MP Dear Residents, The last few months have been extremely challenging and I cannot think of a single person who has not had to make some sort of sacrifice during the Coronavirus outbreak. Our economy has also endured the huge shock of a national lockdown which saw many businesses close their doors. However, I believe that as local businesses begin to reopen, we are taking small steps to return to normality and rebuild our economy.

I am encouraging everybody to think local and shop local. This means a visit to your favourite café, a drink at your local pub and supporting our great independent shops. These businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and our community and we must support them through this time. Please do follow the safety and hygiene guidelines as you do so.

The Government has introduced unprecedented measures to try and help the country through its recovery. This includes a cut in Stamp Duty by increasing the threshold to £500,000 until March 2021 which I welcome in order to give our housing market a boost.

The coming months will be very challenging for our economy, but it has been encouraging to see Meriden busy and people supporting local businesses. Since the easing of the lockdown restrictions, I have spent time in Meriden and seen some of the great community organisations which have been helping local people during the crisis. Thank you for all that you are doing and continue to do. Please keep checking on friends, neighbours and any vulnerable individuals who need support through these difficult times.

Remember - if you are ill, whether or not that illness is COVID, please do seek help. If you need advice or know someone that does, I will do my best to help. Finally, please note my office remains open as usual and we are conducting telephone surgery appointments, so do not hesitate to get in touch.

Please stay safe and stay well. Saqib

I can be reached at saqib.bhatti@parliament.uk or on 0121 711 7029 631 Warwick Road Solihull B91 1AR

A Message from Councillor Diane Howell At the beginning of July SMBC held its first virtual Full Council meeting. Whilst virtual meetings have become the norm over the last 5 months, it was still a challenge to organise and implement a video-meeting for 51 Councillors plus Officers and guests. However, the Democratic Services Team did a fantastic job and all Full Council business was conducted without a hitch, barring a Councillor’s cat who made a surprise appearance at one point! Full Council meetings are typically held every few months and are a great opportunity for every Councillor to contribute to debates and ask questions. In July the topic of debate was Social Housing (i.e. Council Housing) and a very interesting discussion was had with contributions from Councillors representing many different wards across the Borough. I think we all agree that providing secure and safe social housing is a necessity and the need is greater than ever. There is always more to be done but under our administration our record is good - with over 1000 additional social, affordable or shared ownership homes built in the last 5 years, The opposition have challenged us to build even more council housing but in a Borough with 2/3 green belt (much of it in our area) it is a challenge to find sites.

I was pleased to propose a motion at Full Council to thank our Key Workers and Community Volunteers who have kept Solihull going and provided vital services and support during the Covid 19 pandemic. I have seen at first hand the important work that has been done by so many people during these difficult times, often whilst putting themselves at risk of infection. I felt it was really important that as a Council we recognised this and put a formal vote of thanks on record.

I was delighted that the motion was unanimously accepted.

Looking ahead, the latter part of this year looks set to be dominated by a very important piece of work - the new Local Plan. This sets a vision for the future of the Borough, to enable Solihull to remain a great place to live and work. The Plan will identify sites for additional homes to be built; this is never an easy task but it ensures that the Council is in charge of this process - without a Local Plan the Borough is at risk from speculative development. As your Ward Councillor I have always been clear that any large new developments in this area cannot occur until the necessary infrastructure is in place: we need adequate parking, school places and transport systems. But the Local Plan is not just about house building.The Local Plan can identify how we can deliver more public open space - such as parks and wildlife habitats to increase biodiversity, more green infrastructure and cycle paths.

I hope that a refreshed Local Plan will reduce some of the uncertainty that our local area has faced and will provide us with a vehicle to shape the future of Balsall, Berkswell and Meriden positively.

Please do contact me at diane.howell@solihull.gov.uk

Michael (Mick) Jones 8th April 1941 – 24th May 2020

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STOP PRESS – KNOWLE FUN RUN After postponing this event from May from May 2020 to 11th October, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, Knowle & Dorridge Lions Club have now decided to cancel it entirely for 2020 and come back afresh in 2021 when hopefully we will have fewer restrictions than at present.

You will have seen that many other similar events have also been cancelled this year and we are very disappointed because we know how much the village enjoys the Knowle Fun Run.

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Anthology of Rural Life - a chance to get involved The Anthology of Rural Life is a photographic venture developed by two photographers - Oliver Udy and Colin Robins. They say…. Our aim is to produce a visual study of the continuities and differences in patterns of life within contemporary rural areas. These in turn reflect shifting economic, social and cultural forces occurring in diverse European contexts. The project has, so far, involved working within communities in south-west England, southern Finland, northern Italy and central Poland.

We have been invited to develop this work in the West Midlands as part of a GRAIN commission, a unique and collaborative arts project supported by Arts Council England and Birmingham City University.

Working within the current restrictions and guidance related to the Covid-19 pandemic, we would welcome any opportunity to photograph within agricultural environments, particularly within working farms in the Meriden area. We would welcome your participation or suggestions regarding this project. Please contact us directly or via Barbara at the Meriden Parish Council.

Contact: colin.robins@plymouth.ac.uk / 07729 000 550 Anthology of Rural Life website: https://www.anthologyofrurallife.co.uk/ Colin Robins is a Photography Lecturer at Plymouth University. Oliver Udy is Course Leader BA Photography, Falmouth University

Telephone Matt on 07817 222627 01675 443655 Email: dysonblinds@gmail.com Meriden United Charities Charities in Meriden have existed for many years; the earliest was before 1551 and always with the same purpose, to assist people in need. Initially the Charities helped with items such as bread, fuel, teaching poor girls to read and preaching sermons at the Parish Church. Nine individual charities are now grouped together and registered with the Charity Commission as Meriden United Charities. Income from the investments is limited and is managed by 9 local trustees.

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

Applications can be made to: The Clerk to the Trustees, Meriden United Charities and emailed to meridenunitedcharities@gmail.com

“All “Allhuman humanbeings beingsare areborn bornfree freeand and equal equalinindignity dignityand andrights.” rights.”– – Universal UniversalDeclaration DeclarationofofHuman Human Rights Rights(1948) (1948)

MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk What a dreadful time we are experiencing. With so many trials and tribulations for everyone, it makes me all the more taken aback by the superb response to my JustGiving Appeal. I have truly found it very moving. A gross total of £2,000.74 was raised with the net amount being £1,922.65. Along with other donations I received, £2,410 went to our charities (£ 1,205 each to The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull and Macmillan Cancer Support). I thank so very much all who made donations, but you will understand if I make specific mention of Pat Smith, who baked the most delightful cakes in return for donations to The Tree. By doing this wonderful thing, she has raised over £600. Thank you so much Pat - now aka Pat a Cakes! I also received a most generous donation from the wonderful Firebird Singers, through the good offices of Val Martin. It has felt so strange not to be able to organize The Meriden Midsummer Draw for the first time since 2006 or Funday Sunday for the first time since 2013, but all the amazing kindness mentioned above has enabled The Tree to still help the Cancer Care Charities. They are extremely appreciative. This summer, The Tree passed the landmark £50K threshold with £50,211.75 having gone to Macmillan to date. A further £17,213.50 has, to date, gone to The Hospice.

I have started preparations for this year’s Tree, the sixteenth. I was a bit uncertain as to how it would be, but as I write this on the 29th July, I am so thankful to advise that Lee Butterworth, Head of DOVETAIL GROUP, has assured me of his ongoing support by installing The Tree and Lights, as their donation. As you know, The Tree is paid for from donations I receive and I am most grateful for wonderful offers of donations from Lord and Lady Aylesford and Mrs. Pat DeMulder. At this time, it is unknown if we will be able to hold The Dedication.

Rev. Lynda Lilley, who by the way, along with Mark, is determined to keep things going when I can no longer do all that is necessary, has ideas of what form this may take. A case of watch out for notices, please.

You can have no idea how greatly I appreciate the marvellous support I am fortunate enough to receive for what I do but please be assured it is A GREAT DEAL. We are clearly not out of the woods yet, so PLEASE KEEP SAFE AND WELL. Thank you So Much…………………………………………..Alan.

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Geranium in the Sunlight by Julie Hyde 1. Using watercolour paper and paints, draw the flowerpot, and table. Make sure, that the back of the table is fairly flat. Draw just a hint of the flowers and shadow.

2. Flowers. Using puddles of: Alizarin Crimson (weak) Alizarin Crimson + Ultramarine Blue (weak purple) Alizarin Crimson + Cadmium Red (strong) Alizarin Crimson OR Permanent Rose (strong) With a medium sized brush, wet a cluster of flower petals with dashes of water in petal shapes. Drop in the weak colours to the outer edges and then the strong colour to the centre letting it spread into the flower. If the outer edge is too strong, dab with a tissue. Move on to another flower and repeat.

3. Leaves. Using puddles of: Lemon Yellow (weak) Cadmium Yellow + Ultramarine Blue (Strong) Prussian Blue + Burnt Sienna (Strong) OR Indigo + Cadmium Yellow (a strong dark green) With a medium sized brush, wet a leaf with clean water and drop in the lighter yellow at the top, then the mid green and then the dark towards the bottom of the leaf. Repeat on another leaf 4. Pot - Using puddles of: Burnt Sienna + a touch of Cadmium Red (Strong) Burnt Umber + Ultramarine Blue (Very strong dark) Dampen the pot with clean water and a large brush. Add the reddish brown all over and immediately add the stronger dark all down the middle of the pot.

Let it dry.

5. Shadow. Using a puddle of: Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson (blue/purple) Wet the shadow with clean water and add the colour, making it stronger near the pot and slightly paler as it comes away.

6. Background.

Using a puddle of: Prussian Blue + Burnt Sienna (Strong) OR Indigo + Cadmium Yellow (Strong) Start in between the flowers on dry paper and using a small brush, fill in the gaps with the dark green. Wet the background outside of the flowers with clean water and a mop brush. Add the colour close to the flowers and encourage it to spread and fade into the water. Let it all dry.

7. Panels on table. On to dry paper, add the gaps in the panels with a medium sized brush and using: Burnt Umber + Ultramarine Blue "For classes and workshop at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see website www.COEA.co.uk for more information."

Created by Julie Hyde

Email:jph300@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2020

The residents of St. Laurence Close enjoyed a sunny Street party in July to celebrate Sadie Spencer’s 3rd Birthday

Surface water flooding Main Road, in June, photo courtesy of James Baker (Facebook) Left, Dave Burgess and his son Jake completed the landmarks walk featured in the summer issue

Painted Stones along the fence at the Doctors surgery. Can you spot yours?

We invite you to meet, greet and learn about our pigs. We have two kune kune pigs named Pumba and Little Ham they have both been living and sleeping in their ark outside all summer in Millison’s Wood but as the winter draws closer, we want to renovate one of our dilapidated stable blocks so the roof doesn’t leak and they can be even warmer through the frosty winter months.

Visits to meet Pumba and Little Ham start from as little as £5, They are looking forward to seeing you!

Please contact Laura Jayne on laura.jayne8888@googlemail.com There is also a just giving page for donations at ahttps://www.gofundme.com/f/new-roof-for-pigs

Emily and family enjoy a visit to the pigs

This picture is from Bryan Fisher, it shows one of the village’s day trips in a charabanc. His late Mom Anne Fisher is centre and the lady on the right is Mrs Mclean a neighbour from Alspath Close. Do you recognise any one else?

Right shows David Essex collecting his new motorcycle from the Triumph Factory, Millison’s Wood. Photo courtesy of Lisa Cotterrell

The Bulls Head and Darlaston Court – dates unknown

Meriden Cubs Up to 26/07/2020 Zoom…. Google Classrooms…. Breakout rooms… these are a few terms I’ve had to get used to over the last three months, things I had never heard of before, let alone installed on my computer! But scouting has continued in Meriden and Atherstone District.

Meriden Cubs have continued working towards many of their badges and we’ve had some surprises in their talents. (See pictures above) From amazing guitar playing, BBQ’ing, sewing on buttons (and threading needles), farm husbandry ‘candling’ for those not in the know, this is when you shine a bright light through an egg to see if a chick is forming inside, the list is endless. I’ve issued over 20 virtual badges via our Facebook page which has been so rewarding as a leader and for giving the young people a sense, that the world hasn’t really stopped.

The Cub Fun Day was cancelled so Atherstone District Cubs held a virtual camp in June, with many activities. The theme was International and the district team played games via Zoom, sharing clips of Cubs across the world, and lots of cooking challenges. They also launched the virtual walk to Poland. Let me explain… you ask every Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer along with their siblings and parents to log how far they have walked. The miles are added together and we follow a virtual walk to Poland. Poland was chosen as it’s the next host of the European Jamboree and in sort of walking distance… well 2239+miles The Scouts have also gone virtual. The badgework didn’t take off like the Cubs but in July Atherstone District organised a virtual incident hike. Scouts from across the district talking together on one screen, playing games and learning new skills.

Leaders dressing up to play “Guess Who” Geocaching, alphabet street hunt and camping in their back gardens.

It’s been a difficult time for scouting but with the enthusiasm from both leaders and young people, scouting is still alive and hopefully soon we will be back to face to face scouting, enabling us to challenge young people through adventurous activities so that they learn and experience new things that enrich their lives.

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 07790348726

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Dear Parents, Guardians and Supporters, We wanted to update you on where we are at the Scout Group and the Odyssey Explorer Unit now that we are coming towards the end of the 2019-20 school year. For all of us this year has been like no other, with the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

This year has been one of challenges, frustrations, but also achievement in the Group.

This has been the 50th anniversary year since the Group was formally registered and we had hoped to have been able to celebrate this in a number of ways, but unfortunately due to the pandemic this has not been possible so far.

On the Scouting front, at the start of 2020 there was a national Scouting census and it is pleasing to report that once again here in Meriden our membership numbers had remained stable.

Due to all the challenges caused by the virus lockdown, the National Scout Association is preparing for a further census this coming October, to ascertain the numbers that can contribute to the national membership fees for next year.

As for our Beaver Scout, Cub Scout, and Explorer Scout Sectional Leaders they have (up until the lockdown) all been able to offer a full range of Scouting activities, both within the HQ and further afield. It is through the volunteer Leaders that Scouting is able to operate. The Leaders offer their time, commitment and energy on a week by week basis to ensure that the young people have enjoyable, safe and wide-ranging experiences. Thank you to all of them.

Since the lockdown some of the Leaders have been able to offer a different sort of Scouting through social media.

We know that a number of the young people have found this useful, during this ‘at home’ Scouting and a number of badges have been worked for. Well done everyone.

Unfortunately, our Beaver Scout Leader (Margaret O’Sullivan and her team) are having to step down from those roles at the end of this month. This is due to work and family commitments. We shall miss them all and would like to thank them for all of their work with the Group. This however does mean that once we are able to restart face to face Scouting, we shall need new Beaver Leaders or unfortunately the section will not be able to operate. Can you help to or do you know of anyone to lead our Beaver section???

We would also like to increase our Group Executive Committee membership. They work with the Group Scout Leader to oversee and support the Group in many ways including fundraising and general management of the Group.

Looking to the future we are aware of the changing situation as we slowly move out of lockdown. The national Scout Association in collaboration with the National Youth Agency is in consultation with the government about how this can happen. But it should be understood that at this time there are no dates set for reopening.

Before we are able to reopen, the Scout Association has put in place a system which means that all Scout Groups will need to have had their reopening plans assessed and approved by the local District Executive and District Commissioner. It will take some time, once we are in a position to reopen, for all these plans to be completed and approved. Therefore, we currently do not see any face to face Scouting taking place locally until at least sometime in September.

So hopefully you will see that despite all the challenges and frustrations that there have been, there has also been achievement in the Group. We continue to look to the future, so that we can serve the young people in our community.

Thank you to everyone. If you have any queries about the Group or are able to help the Beaver Cubs or on the Executive Committee in any way please do contact us.

Yours in Scouting

Gerry Russell

Mark Jones

Lynda Spratt

Andy Ruthven

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

Meriden Blinds Buy 2 Get 1 Free * On All verticals, Metal venetians, and Roller Blinds

AMS Pest Control Services ‘Experts in Protected’ Wasp Nest Treatment £60 Rodent Control Insect Infestation Treatment Discreet unmarked vans Same day service available

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Indi Sangha For a friendly, free, no obligation quote

Window Cleaning and Jet Washing Services

CALL US ON: 01676 523642 Or email:info@meridenblinds.co.uk We also stock Faux/ Real Wood venetians, a stunning range of fabrics

Serving Meriden and Millison’s Wood area for over 20 years

for Roman blinds, & a range of Perfect Fit blinds ideal for conservatories

Call 07949 227402

All prices quoted include measuring fitting and VAT *Terms and conditions apply

unit it

Barkers’ Butts RFC

Back again with socially distancing measures

Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR

To comply with Government guidelines

n

Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £5.00 per session

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

LARCH TREE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE TREATMENT OF MUSCULAR AND SKELETAL PAIN, SPORTS AND PERSONAL INJURIES

Liam Halton B.Sc. (Hons) Ost 49 Larch Tree Avenue (Off Broad Lane) Tile Hill , COVENTRY CV4 9FT

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

T’ai Chi T’ai Chi

and and Meditation and Relaxation Meditation and Relaxation Come and discover how the beautiful flowing movements of this ancient art can improve your wellbeing. Relax and enjoy simple calming relaxation and meditation techniques.

Mondays 9.30-10.30am Meriden Village Hall Call Jacqui on 07703 345210 The perfect start to your day ……….

Minister: Pastor Kevin Hunt (07970 552667)

Dear Friends I cannot believe that we started the work in Meriden 13 years ago. Time has gone by so quickly. We opened the doors of the charity shop on April 16th 2007. Then opened up church meetings first in the back room of the shop then at the Scout Hut and eventually moving to the Methodist church building. We had cream teas every Wednesday in the shop until it got hit by lightning and we had to close down for 12 weeks for repairs and we took over the bigger shop as well at that time.

We have had coffee mornings at the centre, valentine meals, organised events on the Green, ran a youth club etc. Since closing the shop, we continued to worship in Meriden as MCF Life church until lockdown this year.

It is therefore with sadness we have to inform you that we had felt a stirring in our spirits for a while regarding the work in Meriden and shortly before lockdown that God was saying our time in Meriden was over, although we feel it right to continue our work in the school. We have prayed for many people and had some miraculous answers to prayer which we are very grateful for, and as a result have entwined our lives with many people over this time. We remember with great fondness every prayer, cup of coffee and conversation we have had with you and some of the important lessons in life we learned as we walked together side by side.

We are extremely grateful to all the people who have been on this journey with us, particularly our volunteers who became great friends, and also a big thank you to the Meriden Scout Group and the Methodists for allowing us to use their buildings during our time in Meriden. It was a privilege to have been in partnership with the Methodists and St. Laurence in the work at Meriden and having built this relationship will hopefully be able to continue to meet for prayer from time to time.

For the past 12 months we have been worshipping in Meriden at 1pm and Coleshill at 6pm and will continue to meet in Coleshill as MCF Life church on Sunday evening (or will resume when lockdown eases) whilst we wait for God’s direction on “what next”.

In these very uncertain days life has changed for every single one of us. I am so grateful that whilst I may not know what the future holds, I know who holds my future.

We were going to have a farewell coffee and cakes get together with the intention of inviting anyone who wanted to come.

However, as this isn’t possible now our telephone number is above so if you would like to meet up for a catch up just give us a ring and we will arrange something in the coming weeks. Over the last 13 years there have been many changes.

People going into care homes, dying, moving house, even moving country so lots of the people we worked with are no longer in Meriden. Equally there have been many changes with lots of new people moving into the village so village life has undergone considerable change. However, I am sure not one of us was prepared for the Covid-19 pandemic which has bought the world to its knees. We pray for safety and protection over you and your loved ones and that the community in Meriden will draw closer together and be a helping hand to each other.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 says: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

This is now our time to continue the journey with Him in this new season.

God bless you. With all our love.

Kevin and Lyn Hunt xx

CAMEO REPORT Well – we’ve survived!

With restrictions lifting a little, we have ventured out on the bus. We’ve visited garden centres, had light lunches out at cafes and become used to putting on a face covering when going into a shop. But it’s so hard not to touch things in the shops!!!

Poems, quizzes and word games have continued to be enjoyed. At a distance from each other, we’ll meet in a large garden. It’s so good to see and talk to different people.

We do hope that the helpfulness and kindness shown during the ‘lock down’ will continue so that no one will feel totally alone.

God bless to all.

Telephone 01676 522666 for more information

LORD AND LADY GUERNSEY Invite you to a coffee morning In Aid of the Chapel of St. James On Thursday 12th November 10.30 a.m.-12 noon

At Packington Hall Packington Park Off the A45 CV7 7HE

Cake sale, Raffle, Books, Bring & Buy

Please bring your friends Entrance £6 to include a cup of tea or coffee and biscuit (children free)

Meriden Fish and Chips The Green Meriden Home delivery delivery Home Available for orders over £10 available for orders Call us over £10.

Call us.

You can try the rest!

But we’re the best!

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

01676 523476

www.facebook.com/budgensmeriden Freshly baked bread, cakes and savoury snacks Hot Breakfast Sandwiches Costa Coffee Award winning Lashford sausages Groceries Wide selection of Meat, Fruit and Veg. Free Home delivery on orders over £20.

Call 01676 522287

Newspapers and Magazines Send and receive parcels from here Dry Cleaning Lottery Cash Machine and Cash Back Beer, Wine and Spirits Face masks, hand gel & wipes Opening hours:-

Weekdays 6.00am-10.00pm Weekends 7.00am- 10.00pm

COVID-19 UPDATE COVID-19 has affected us all in different ways.

Thanks need to go to all our local shops and all their staff for keeping stocks on shelves and trying to keep us safe whilst we are shopping.

Social Distancing is hard in Meriden as some of our pavements in places aren’t wide enough for the suggested 2m distance. We have noticed on many occasions people at the shops having to queue into the road to avoid other pedestrians. The Parish Council have requested to Solihull to have a temporary 20-mph zone through the centre of the village whilst the COVID-19 outbreak continues.

Hopefully when you read this it will be in place.

NDP FINISHES REGULATION 16 By the time you read this latest copy of the Meriden Mag the Neighbourhood Development Plan will have completed its Regulation 16 Requirements. This was conducted by SMBC and provided any local stakeholders the opportunity to put forward their views on the plan.

If you read and commented on the plan then thankyou. The plan is an immense piece of work and conducted by volunteers. To date the plan has cost in excess of £40,000 but this has been entirely paid for through grants we successfully applied for.

To view the plan, you can head to our website. http://www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

MERIDEN POOL UPDATE

MERIDEN GOES GREEN…

Another summer well on its way, obviously an unusual one that has strangely seen the whole pool area more well used that it normally is, residents of the village and visitors seemed to have welcomed it as a quite area for a break in their day, children and adults. One effect of this, is that the ducks etc., have been extremely well fed and we thank all concerned for this.

Back in January the Parish Council declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ taking the first step in recognising the challenge we face both at a local and global level in relation to Climate Change.

It seems that our request for new members has been successful, we welcome John, Mike and Brian.

Although the lockdown has prevented a lot of projects originally planned, going ahead, some work has been carried out, the group has cleared most of the weeds from the two new hedges and generally keep things tidy. We must particularly thank members Mike and Brian, who both live adjacent to the pool for really putting a lot of hours in, clearing weeds and undergrowth in opening up a totally new area on the far side of the feeder.

For the future we have plans for this new available area to be full developed into a totally new amenity and we will be having discussions about this with SMBC as soon as possible. The same applies to the seats and planters kindly offered by various local sponsors which have previously been mentioned.

Our thanks to Peter Moss for the update and photo!

We have set up a ‘Task Group’ to explore ways that Meriden Parish can reduce the impact it is having on the environment and are keen for more people to be involved.

Climate Change is a problem for us ALL and it will require a community response to tackle the issue. If you want to know how you can make your voice heard email James.Hughes@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

JOIN THE COUNCIL

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

If you would like to make a difference, and be involved in shaping the future of your local Community, why not step forward and apply to become a Meriden Parish Councillor?

The Parish Council has been working hard over the last few months to devise a plan to get young people more engaged with the work of the council and wider community.

Meriden Parish Council is looking for a new Parish Councillor – we are a leading council locally and we are keen to always improve what we offer to the community. If you are a community focussed individual with ideas on how we can evolve and grow the influence/reach of the Parish Council, we want to hear from you!

We have recently passed the relevant documents needed to form a Youth Parish Council and will be launching this fully in the coming months. Members of the Youth Council will be made up of 2 representatives each from Meriden CoE Primary School, Heart of England Academy and Meriden Parish Council

Some exciting things we are working on at the moment are how we engage with young people, how we build on the community response to the COVID-19 outbreak and how we can minimise the impact of Climate Change. Could you provide us with our next challenge?

For more information about Co-Option and an application form, please contact the Clerk using the details below. Interviews to be arranged at a later date.

We recognise that the challenges that young people face are unique and that you are the best people to create and deliver solutions to those problems. In return you will gain a wealth of skills that you will be able to transfer both to your personal, academic and professional life.

If you want to find out more or have a chat around this topic then drop an email to: James.Hughes@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

For the foreseeable future the Parish Council will be meeting via Zoom. Anyone can attend either virtually by using Zoom via the link on our Facebook page and on all noticeboards or you can phone in using the number provided and entering the meeting ID and password. We also stream on Facebook Live if you want to watch https://www.facebook.com/MeridenParishCouncil Should you wish to contact the Parish Council, please contact the Clerk to have a private chat to address local community issues or visit our website where you can access a wealth of information.

Clerk: Barbara Bland, 55 James Dawson Drive, Millisons Wood, Coventry, CV5 9QJ T: 01676 522474 M: 07767 162423 E: clerk@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

From Left to Right: Cllr R Weaver BEM (Chair) Cllr J Barber (Vice-Chair) Cllr F Lynch-Smith Cllr J Hughes

Cllr M Woollard Cllr B Kipling Cllr M Nun

in partnership with in partnership with

MERIDEN COMMUNITY HELPLINE UPDATE MERIDEN COMMUNITY HELPLINE UPDATE Dear Resident, We are writing to you to inform you to the changes we will be making over the next few weeks and to reassure you that our support will continue albeit in a different way.

With the changes in advice from HM Government and Public Health England in relation to those who are clinically vulnerable and should shield and assessing the level of service we can offer now our volunteers begin to return to ‘normal’ life and work we will be changing the way the helpline is managed from 1st August 2020. This also comes as the average number of COVID-19 cases continues to fall and other services continue to provide their range of services.

CHANGE TO THE HELP LINE Please see the below the changes in the way we handle your calls:

Stage 1

You call the helpline on 07483 371 204

Stage 2

You leave a message with your Name, Telephone Number and Request

Stage 3 The answerphone is checked by volunteers at 14:00pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Stage 4

A volunteer is assigned to your request We are constantly reviewing the way we support all our residents in the response to the Coronavirus outbreak and how we can come together as a whole community when the outbreak is over. Should there be an isolated local outbreak, or a national lockdown imposed again we will review the service and inform you of any changes we make.

The Parish Council and Saint Laurence Church have really appreciated the time that all volunteers have given to support people within our community. With their continuing support we have so far been able to support members of our community 469 times, that is a phenomenal amount of support to our community. If you would like to continue volunteering your time and would like to enhance your skills, we can offer you training through our links. Please contact rosie.weaver@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

Photographers at Work! Did you see two guys with a large format camera, tripod and step-ladder between 17th & 20th August and wonder what they were up to? They were Oliver Udy and Colin Robins, two photographic lecturers from the South West. They were working on a commission from the Birmingham arts organisation GRAIN on a photographic project called the Anthology of Rural Life. The ARL project has involved working in rural communities in England, Italy, Poland and Finland and is an on-going photographic documentation of contemporary rural life across Europe. Examples of the project – as well as contact details – are available on the project’s website: : https:// www.anthologyofrurallife.co.uk/

PUZZLE PAGE – No. 5 Battleships 1,1 1,4 1 2,1 1,1,1,1

BATTLESHIPS - HOW TO PLAY:- The numbers around the grid indicate the no. of occupied squares in the row/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 & may occupy touching squares.

1,2

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

1,2 2

4

4

Brick Work

1,1

1,2

2,1

1,1,1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Each answer, except the first, uses all the letters – usually in a different order - from the previous answer plus one extra letter.

Word Ladder

Clues:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Free (of) (3) Slow Leak (4) Group of lions (5) Compensated (6) Had ambition (7) Idyllic Place (8) Belittle (9)

B

O

A

T

Y

A

R

D

BOXWISE – Place the three-lettered blocks in

PATHFINDER:- Starting from the shaded

the grid so that adjacent squares, marked by arrows, reveal a 6 letter word. E.g. 2 and 5 make a 6 letter word but not 5 and 9. One has been filled in to start you off.

centre letter, move up, down or sideways (but NOT diagonally) to find the path through 17 breeds of dogs.

EXTRA PUZZLE PAGE

An Amusing Story…..

A newly married couple viewed a house in the country and decided to buy it, but on returning home, they remembered that they had not noticed the W.C. so they wrote to the Vicar who had shown them around the house, and asked if he knew where the W.C. was. Being ignorant of the term W.C., the Vicar thought it meant Wesleyan Chapel, so imagine their surprise on receiving the following: I regret the delay in answering your letter about the W.C. The nearest one is seven miles away from your house.

This is rather unfortunate for you if you are in the habit of going regularly. However, it may please you to know that some people take their lunch with them and make a day of it. Those who can spare the time, walk. Others go by train and arrive there just in time. It is made to seat two hundred people at a time and the committee has decided to fit plush seats so as to secure greater comfort. These are presided over by the Vicar who gives them all the assistance they need whilst they sit together during the proceedings. The last time my wife went was ten years ago and she had to stand up all the time. I myself never go.

Hoping this information will be of assistance to you, Yours truly, I. Morris P.S. If needed, hymn sheets are found hanging behind the door.

With thanks to Sue Fuller for contributing this.

Author review:- Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-Super-Mare Jeffrey Archer is 80 years old and still actively writing. His first novel (Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less) came out in 1974. He is a former politician, convicted perjurer, and peer of the realm. He was also a Member of Parliament and appointed to deputy chairman of the Conservative Party (1985-86) by Margaret Thatcher.

He did not seek re-election as an MP after a financial scandal left him almost bankrupt but revived his fortunes as a best-selling novelist. His books have sold between 250 and 330 million copies across the world. To date, he has written 24 novels, 3 stage plays and numerous short stories, as well as the 3 volume non-fiction Prison Diaries.

Although critics often give unfavourable reviews of his writing, I enjoy his books immensely and during lockdown have been working my way through his whole catalogue.

Just before lockdown, Meriden library had all 7 books in the Clifton Chronicles series in stock, as I ordered them all in. Here is my review of one of his most recent books.

A Thank You to the Community Action Team…..

We would like to give an appreciative BIG THANK YOU to our two volunteers, Carol Buckland and David Woods, who have done a weekly shop for us, every week from the end of March. Not only that, but they have shown us so many other kindnesses.

During The V E Day celebrations we were supplied with Carol’s wonderful homemade scones and cakes for afternoon tea. She even weighed ingredients for me to bake for the first time in over 40 years! I was so excited to produce Rock Cakes!

Much needed Hair Clippers (sanitised) appeared for my husband’s mop of hair, garden items from the Nurseries were delivered and prescriptions collected.

They have enabled us to keep safe and stress free during these strange times.

A Loud Clap to them and all The Volunteers.

Sue Buzzard, Lodge Green Lane

Readers Circle…..

The group is not currently meeting, so we have no ‘official’ book or author review from them this time.

I’ve taken the liberty of providing my own.

Hopefully normal service will be resumed by the Winter Issue! Chris Bannister (co-editor)

Book Review:Jeffrey Archer – Heads You Win. This is about one extraordinary man, destined to be a leader, who escapes from the Russian KGB with his mother in a container ship. Although they toss a coin to decide which ship to actually join, the book describes, in parallel, both lives they would have lived. This is a very cleverly written story spanning 30 years, 2 continents and charts his struggle as an immigrant to succeed in the new world, mainly in the fields of education, politics, art and business. Many real people that we know feature in the story. Jeffrey Archer is a fantastic story-teller and this book does not disappoint from the first page to the final shocking twist.

I saw this bloke chatting up a cheetah.

I thought – he’s trying to pull a fast one. - Peter Kay

Post Script to ‘Meriden in time of Plague’ (which appeared in the Summer Issue) Some weeks after the publication of the Summer Meriden Mag, a friend telephoned me to chat about my latest article. This was a great bonus, as I had thought that no-one would be able to add to my tale. I thought that readers might like to hear what new information came my way. This friend came to live in Millison’s Wood about 1958, near the time of the discovery of a possible plague pit which meant it was so much later than I had imagined. My own two informants must have mentioned it not so long afterwards, the first one about 1961. That I had heard nothing earlier, firsthand, might be because I was away at University.

A lady, unnamed but assumed local, was seen standing by a ‘hole’ in the field near the top of Meriden Hill and the row of new houses fronting on what was the original main road into Coventry.

In it were bones. Apparently she reported this to Mr. John Fallowell, head teacher at the Village

School from 1951.Did he inspect the bones himself?

Did he think they were animal remains? The rule about any discovery of human skeletal parts is to notify the police initially to exclude possible felony. If it is not a police matter, archaeologists step in. That was the situation when I began my own archaeology studies near the date of the Meriden discovery, but at that time we were very dependent on observation and it was long before DNA profiling. We had our own police constable then to begin the process. Mr. Fallowell’s advice was apparently to cover the bones up again! If taken, they must still be there. Offering slack advice does not sound at all like him. I was never his pupil but knew him well, when I was an adult. I also knew first-hand what the rules said, as a skeleton was found on a dig in which I was involved.

We were not allowed to continue our work until the police gave permission.

Doreen Agutter

ACCESS TO FREE NEWSPAPERS If you have a library card, you can access hundreds of newspapers from the UK and around the globe FOR FREE? Go to the site below and sign up using your library card. https://www.solihull.gov.uk/eNewspapers If you have a smartphone, tablet or Kindle, you can also download the Press Reader App.

BREATHE EASY COVENTRY

We are still here for anyone with a lung condition or who is a carer, relative or friend.

We are unable to have our usual monthly meetings and social events due to Covid 19 but we are only a phone call away should you need information or a friendly voice to give you support at this difficult time Phone Janet (Chair) on 024 7646 0081 to see if we can be of any help. “Keep well”

I know a guy who’s addicted to brake fluid but he says he can stop anytime.

I’m reading a book about antigravity. I just can’t put it down!

Karl Marx is a historically famous philosopher but no-one ever mentions his sister Onya… inventor of the starter pistol!!

WALKING (half) PAGE

There are some pilot short walks coming soon. They include walks in Meriden, Allesley and Eastern Green. The group aims to make walks accessible to all and if you visit their Facebook page, you can say what you’d like them to do and they’ll consider that. You can also see what walks are coming up and register for them. Due to COVID, numbers will be limited and all government guidelines will be followed. They don’t charge for the walk but ask for donations to cover their costs. Well behaved dogs are welcome on some (but not all) walks. This lovely group of people is supportive, friendly and caring. You can talk if you want to but you don’t have to. Just connect, relax and breathe in the beautiful surroundings. If you have any questions or need a little bit of emotional support to walk with them, they’ll do their best to help. Just contact them on Facebook MESSENGER. Here’s the link to their Facebook page:Facebook.com/walkwbngcw

Kenilworth Road, Hampton in Arden, B92 0LP

Thanks for all the great comments on Facebook about the ‘Spot the Landmark’ walk in the Summer issue which went down well with families. I’d love to do more similar walks but would really like some help. Ideas I have are a treasure hunt or nature walk.

Please get in touch with me, Chris Bannister, (see back page for contact details) if you’d like to help or have some other great ideas.

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

Meriden Surgery

01676 522252

School House, 200 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NG Dr M Bhandal 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

Patient care during and after the Covid pandemic.

While many workers in the UK have been furloughed or unfortunately been laid off, the Balsall Common Health Centre has not been resting at all. In General Practice we have been open every weekday and also working on the bank holidays at Easter and on VE Day. There have also been “extended access” initiatives where phone appointments can be pre-booked for the weekend via the Primary Care Network. Our front doors may have been shut at both Balsall Common and Meriden but all the doctors and nurses have been in their consultation rooms either on the phone or conducting video consultations. Some clinicians if they were obliged to selfisolate, have been working from their own homes on laptops so that the number of patient-contacts could be maximised.

Unfortunately, several of our clinical and administrative colleagues have been ill due to Covid but as I write this all are well or recovering satisfactorily. We had a few weeks when we weren’t quite fully booked but now we are very busy again and I think we need to be realistic about what we can or should do.

The “new normal” is still evolving.

So far if a patient has wanted advice, a doctor or nurse has phoned back but we also can hold a video consultation if the patient has a smartphone (or a relative/friend has one)- this is useful to look at rashes, swellings, and some basic examination. We are doing virtual ward rounds at the local nursing home as the nurses there can use an iPad to let us see the patients and the residents there can see our faces while we talk with them. This reduces the risk of passing on infection and can be quicker than driving to the nursing home several times per day.

If we need to examine a patient (for something potentially serious like a cancer or heart problem) we can bring them in to the “amber corridor” at Balsall Common. We have to disinfect the room and equipment between patients so we are limited in the numbers we can bring in; hence we are strictly triaging all requests. It’s amazing how much we have been able to do by telephone and video. We can deal with larger numbers of patients than before.

It is very likely that going forward the doctors will phone all patients who ask for appointments. Many will be sorted in a 5-minute call and only some will be brought in. This is often called a “doctor-first” system. It aims to triage the requests and concentrate on the people who need the medical care -- often the very elderly frail people with several significant illnesses rather than the “worried well” who may not need to be seen so often. We need to ensure that in the future we don’t have too many people in the waiting room at the same time so triaging and only bringing in specific cases will be safer for all.

The hospitals have warned us that their out-patient departments, radiology units and operating theatres will be working at a much slower pace, again to keep far fewer people in the waiting areas and now the clinical rooms and Xray equipment are being disinfected between patients. This will have implications for us. Firstly, there is a huge backlog of people who were referred before the lockdown and haven’t been seen yet. Those who have been seen and put on theatre waiting lists may need to be reassessed to make sure they are still fit for surgery. Many people who had been referred for scans have had them cancelled and the GPs are to reassess whether they are still required.

It means that we are being dissuaded from referring too much too soon unless it is life-threatening. We are told that referrals should be through an Advice-and -Guidance referral system so the hospital decides whether they will accept a referral or not depending on what test results we may have and what the patient has done for themselves already. This system will also reduce the choice of hospitals a patient has unfortunately.

As I write this (in mid-July) we are beginning to start to provide some elective services to low-risk people – procedures such as joint injections, minor operations, family planning services and smears. We need to check over the phone that these patients aren’t unwell at all and we can’t book far ahead as there is a chance of us stopping these services again if there is a local spike in virus prevalence.

Covid won’t suddenly go away. All of us need to behave in ways which lower our risk and protect others. Hand washing, not touching your face, and keeping your distance can reduce the risk of catching it. Weight loss and good diabetic control seem to be two of the most important factors you can alter to help you survive Covid if you do get it. Exercising outdoors is helping many people with weight-control and anxiety-management so if you haven’t been taking advantage of a regular walk then it’s definitely not too late to start.

If you are eligible make sure you get your pneumococcal vaccine and your annual flu vaccine. These clinics may be held outdoors this year to reduce the risk of having crowds in our building. The flu clinics usually start in September.

Finally, thanks go to all of you who have sent messages, asked how the staff are keeping, painted or crocheted rainbows for us, sewn PPE or decorated stones. The clapping and cheering has brought a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. We have lost some very lovely patients and friends in the pandemic- let’s please all work together to prevent further loss.

Dr Aileen Carlile

Dr Susan Barratt Dr Barratt retired from the Practice on Thursday 14th May 2020 after 20 years at the practice.

Everyone at the Practice wishes her a long and happy retirement after over 20 years services to patients at the Balsall Common and Meriden Group Practice

Opposing OpposingViews Viewsof ofHS2 HS2 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, and main works are carried out by Balfour Beatty VINCI known as BBV. LM’s works closest to Meriden are concentrated near the A452, A45 and M42, which surround the site of the future HS2 Interchange Station. Throughout autumn 2020, earthworks, utility works and the realignment of the current road network will continue around Northway Island and on the B4438, A452, A446 and M42. To continue to minimise disruption, where possible, LM’s traffic measures will be carried out overnight.

During autumn 2020, BBV will complete their compound off Park Lane just north of Balsall Common. The Lane is now closed to non-construction traffic. Test piling from their Diddington Lane compound will also continue. The A452 will remain down to one lane, in both directions, between the Hallmeadow Road roundabout and the roundabout at Bradnocks Marsh Lane.

HS2 during the coronavirus pandemic - HS2 are continually reviewing the works on their construction sites in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with coronavirus. The Government’s current coronavirus strategy makes clear that construction activity can continue as long as it complies with this guidance.

Those sites that are still working are doing so because they can operate within the guidelines.

Stay in touch with HS2 - We advise subscribing to HS2 in Solihull at, www.hs2insolihull.co.uk, to receive news updates about all of HS2’s works in Solihull including traffic measures. 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 enquiries. Find out more about HS2 at: www.hs2.org.uk

H of England High Speed Railway Action Group - Richard Lloyd (Chairman) Times are rough. It's now hard to avoid the preparatory works for HS2, with numerous closures of roads and footpaths. Despite extensive discussion at the Solihull HS2 Implementation Advisory Group, it remains hard to find where the closures are, how long they'll last, and whether they're really necessary. HS2 Ltd has to consult Solihull Council "to ensure public safety and, so far as reasonably practicable, to reduce public inconvenience". It's high time that HS2 Ltd gave Solihull the information in a simple map format that could be put on the website for all to see.

Detail design of the actual railway is now going on, and after that we'll see the major construction work. Because HS2 doesn't follow existing transport corridors, this will include a mile-long viaduct on the A452 and the raising of the level of the A45 by 3 metres.

Solihull Council and HS2 Ltd seem to be locking horns over the Bickenhill Station site. This is the triangle of land, measuring well over a hundred hectares, beyond Stonebridge roundabout. 10 years ago, the scheme had a 5-storey car park, but this morphed into a sprawling mass of surface car parks and a network of access roads.

That's not quite what Solihull Council and the Urban Growth Company envisage. Reinstating high-rise carparks to make space for property development will cost serious money. Who will pay? Well we will, but the on-going argument is how to lose it in the accounts, when all the parties are skint.

These deliberations are, perhaps, put in perspective by the existential concerns of the Extinction Rebels (XR). They marched the HS2 route in June, and it was good to welcome them - young and old - despite the social distancing imposed by the virus precautions. It's the younger generation who are going to pick up the tab for the project, who will inherit the construction CO2, who will suffer the legacy of environmental destruction, who will have to figure out what to do with an inefficient, inflexible, and anachronistic fast track to London, and be impoverished by the diversion of investment from productive industries.

The clearance of trees and destruction of habitat are obvious to us all, but anyone questioning use by XR of the word "ecocide" should look beyond, to the wasteland which has been created along the whole line. Noxious weeds have replaced crops and grazing, and miles of unnecessary fencing are trapping and displacing wildlife, pushing animals such as deer and badger into unfamiliar and hazardous places where they've died, and will continue to do so.

"Before (left) and after (right)" views near Bradnocks Marsh.

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA A few things about Meriden, Connecticut. The most prominent landmark in Meriden, Connecticut, is called Castle Craig. Not a castle at all, but a stone observation tower, built atop East Peak, at an elevation of about 1,000 feet above sea level, and given to the City in 1900 by Walter Hubbard, a wealthy industrialist. This area, known as the Hanging Hills of Meriden on the west and Lamentation Mountain on the east, was formed of basalt by volcanoes 200 million years ago. On a clear day, an observer may catch a glimpse of New Haven, Long Island Sound, and even the dim profile of Long Island. To the north, the foothills of the Berkshires in southern Massachusetts are discernible. The inspiration for the tower’s design has been disputed for years. Some say that it was patterned upon an ancient fortification in Craigelachie, Scotland, that Mr. Hubbard had observed in 1883 while on a two-year, round-the-world tour.

It is also supposed that on this tour, Mr. Hubbard acquired a European love for the beehive, which found its way as a motif into the plans for the 1,800-acre park, which was donated by Mr. Hubbard and bears his name.

PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Zajac : Hubbard From the City of Meriden website: On Oct. 29, 1900, dedicatory Park in Meriden, Connecticut, showing exercises were held at which Mr. Hubbard formally presented the Mirror Lake and Castle Craig tower to the City of Meriden. … Westbound trolleys were crowded with citizens who used this form of transportation to bring them to the park area from where they had a long, arduous trek, on foot, to the tower. There were also a number of persons who drove to the top of the mountain in their own carriages. At two o’clock, it was estimated that approximately 250 guests were in attendance. Their genial host, Mr. Hubbard, had provided six barrels of clams. These were roasted over a big fire under the direction of C.W.F. Pardee of the Winthrop Hotel and P.J. Quigley, a local contractor, with the assistance of twelve men. … Three cheers were given to Mr. Hubbard by the visitors. They were called for by Judge Wilbur F. Davis, who acclaimed Mr. Hubbard as the “first citizen of Meriden.” … It is only natural that the passing of years should develop legends concerning Castle Craig … Perhaps the most unusual story concerns the fabled "Black Dog." Rumour has it that the person who glimpses this animal roaming the mountain’s upper reaches will see it three times. His first view will result in an increase of worldly goods. The second time the Black Dog is seen, the visitor will begin to suffer physical ailments and, of course, the inevitable: the third view will result in the death of the beholder.

Now, back to the beehive, for which I rely on the research of Meriden teacher, artist, history buff and “visual storyteller” Justin Piccirillo.

Hubbard included perhaps as many as eight stone “beehives” in the park. They were decorative water fountains encased in a beehive-shaped stone structure and making use of the natural springs that were abundant throughout the park

PHOTO CREDIT: Justin Piccirillo Justin poses with one of the beehive-shaped fountains in Hubbard Park.

And here’s an item from Mr. Piccirillo that ties the histories of the two Meridens together. “Organized Dec. 18, 1880, the Meriden Wheel Club comprised about a dozen Meriden men, some of whom had only learned to ride a bicycle a short time prior. With dues at 25 cents a year, the group gained a membership of about 200 people. … Years later, the League of American Wheelmen held their national convention here.”

Now, isn’t that interesting? Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com.

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Oak View Logs Established providers of premium kiln dried fire wood within the local North Warwickshire area.

Our logs are a bespoke blend of hardwoods, cut to an approximate size of either 8" or 10", ideal for home burning.

We deliver locally FREE of charge, or to other areas for a small delivery charge.

Bulk bags, loose tipped loads and kindling available.

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A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco The difficult year of 2020 continues. We are having to deal with new ways of living, wearing masks, keeping our distance, working from home. But familiar problems still persist in Meriden. Two big issues that I have recently been dealing with are the quantity and speed of traffic in Meriden and fly tipping.

In early July, I was contacted by Meriden Parish Council about the possibility of introducing a temporary 20 mph speed limit in the village centre, similar to that being put in place in Knowle. I asked SMBC officers to explore potential solutions and they confirmed that they have been able to accelerate the introduction of a temporary 20mph speed limit for the village centre as part of SMBC’s Covid-19 response. The proposed area is the village triangle and shopping area. It was proposed to introduce the changes, with the use of temporary signage as SMBC has done in Knowle in early August. Information on the changes has been published on the Commonplace portal which provides residents with a mechanism to feedback to SMBC on whether the measures are working or need to be amended. Any feedback collected will be considered by the SMBC cabinet member for the Environment and Highways to review the impact of all the measures introduced and to determine if these need to be amended, continued or removed.

The Commonplace portal is currently live for other measures that SMBC has already been put in place across the borough and also provides a mechanism to feed in ideas for other measures that residents may be keen to see come forward. The portal can be viewed at https://solihullactivetravel.commonplace.is/ I have also liaised with residents and the Parish Council about potential solutions to manage traffic in and around Leys Lane and prevent it being used as a cut-through. A much more pleasant and usable corridor could be created for pedestrian and cyclists with only minimal inconvenience for residents of the road. The installation of barriers approximately halfway down the lane could make each end a cul-de-sac for vehicles, whilst pedestrian and cyclist access would be unaffected. If this is something that residents would support then there are two options on how we could proceed: 1. We could introduce the measure on a trial basis initially. This would enable an understanding of the impact for local residents before progressing to a permanent solution.

2. Advertise and consult on possible measures, and, if supported, proceed with the measures on a permanent basis.

I will liaise with the Parish Council on these options but would welcome residents’ views on this.

Finally, I have been contacted by a number of residents about fly tipping in Meriden. Personally, I view fly tipping as a scourge: there is no excuse for it and it should not be tolerated.

I will press council officers to prosecute more offenders and also deploy more covert cameras in hotspot areas such as Eaves Green Lane. If anyone has any evidence relating to fly tippers then please contact Solihull Council.

If you wish to contact me about the issues raised in this article, or any other council matters, my email address is: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.

Your Top ‘Go-to’ Advice on Health and Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Outbreak It is important to look after yourself during this outbreak and the following websites can help:

This is a hard time for everyone and it’s normal to feel down sometimes.

There are many things you can do to support your wellbeing. Please visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ A new local NHS mental health support service offers emotional help, guidance and reassurance to people who may be finding the current situation overwhelming. The Solihull helplines are: 0-19 yr olds - Mon-Fri (8am-8pm): 0121 301 2750 - Weekends/evenings (8pm-8am): 0121 301 5500 11-25 yr olds- Counselling and support 24/7: www.kooth.com Over 18s - 7 days a week (9am-11pm): 0121 262 3555 Key workers - 7 days a week (9am-11pm): 0121 633 1217

Stopping smoking

Staying Active at Home We're all now spending a lot more time at home and that means it’s getting harder to keep active.

Find ideas at www.solihullactive.co.uk

Smokers are more susceptible to viruses and smoking can worsen or prolong respiratory conditions. You can self-refer to Gateway using the Freephone no. 0800 599 9880 to start your quit journey by phone or Skype. Or visit: www.gatewayfs.org/our-work/health-and-well being-services/solihull-lifestyle-service/

When things feel really tough….

Solihull Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS) If you are in need of support or advice around alcohol or substance misuse, please contact SIAS in confidence on 0121 301 4141 or visit www.sias-solihull.org.uk

Samaritans can listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that's troubling you. Call free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

Domestic Abuse This time can be challenging for adults and children living with domestic abuse and for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. If you or someone else is in immediate danger please call 999 and ask for the police. You can phone a 24 hour helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/domesticabuse

Staying at Home with Children Staying at home can bring a range of challenges, bored and frustrated children and increasing demands on parents and carers.

For advice on managing this time at home, please visit www.solgrid.org.uk/fivetothrive/parenting/

For general advice on the outbreak please visit www.gov.uk or www.solihull.gov.uk

Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood Autumn Leaves I’ve always loved Autumn; those bright, crisp days, admiring the vibrant colours whilst crunching through the fallen leaves! We all take for granted these defining aspects of the season, but why do leaves change colour in Autumn? Why do most trees shed their leaves? And why are evergreen trees different?

Let’s start with a reminder why trees have leaves at all. Their purpose is to manufacture the food that the tree uses to grow and sustain itself. The raw materials are water and carbon dioxide (which is why trees are so important in controlling global warming). The power supply is sunlight which is collected by pigments in the leaves and converted into food in a process known as photosynthesis. Leaves give the tree a large surface area over which to spread out the pigments and collect as much sunlight as possible (Nature’s solar panels). Through the Spring and Summer most trees have green leaves because the most significant pigment, chlorophyll, is green. However, by itself, chlorophyll can absorb a limited range of colours of light, blue and some red. Carotene and xanthophyll, which are orange and yellow, absorb different colours of light and pass the energy to the chlorophyll.

In Autumn the strength of the sunlight starts to reduce until, in the depths of Winter, there is not enough energy to power photosynthesis making the chlorophyll and leaves redundant; so deciduous trees take measures to conserve resources. The falling temperature in Autumn triggers the tree to slow down and eventually stop producing chlorophyll, and what remains starts to break down. As the chlorophyll fades, so does its green colour and the yellow and orange of the carotene and xanthophyll begins to show.

Silver Birch

Ash

Field Maple (1)

Field Maple (2)

Common Yew

But where does the red come from? In Autumn a red pigment, anthocyanin, is produced, but only by certain species in particular circumstances. Dropping their leaves is another way deciduous trees conserve resources in Winter, but they don’t want to lose the nutrients in them. The theory is that anthocyanins protect leaves from damage by excess sunlight allowing the tree a little more time to take back nutrients. Lots of hot, dry weather concentrates the sugar in the sap, and extra anthocyanin is produced, presumably so that this can be retrieved. This is also triggered by stressful conditions such as low nutrient levels or very low temperatures. So dry sunny days and cold nights produce the best Autumn colours and explain the difference between the two examples of field maple leaves above.

But what about the leaves (or needles which are modified leaves) of evergreen trees, such as the common yew? Dropping leaves conserves resources for the winter, but it does mean they have to be regrown the following year. The costs and benefits of growing and shedding leaves annually stacks up differently for trees with more robust, leaves or needles to those with relatively fragile, “cheaper” ones.

So, when you’re kicking through the autumn leaves admiring the colours, have a think about the incredible complexity of the trees which produce them.

Oak Tree in the field behind Millison’s Wood

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 Millison’s Wood Trees. Dates for conservation work parties in Millison’s Wood are also notified there.

Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com

Meriden and Millison’s Wood Trees

Living with the virus in North Devon Like everywhere in the world this has been a very strange time, after 13 weeks of lockdown we are now into the new normal.

Braunton was very quiet until June and then visitors came trickling back to the beaches. Now of course the camp sites are full and the traffic is congested through the village, although recently the weather hasn’t been that brilliant.

However, after many delays my building work started on June 1st. I am having a two-storey extension and a refurbishment of the existing property.

This has been held up because building materials are in short supply. Plaster is very difficult to get hold of (a bit like toilet rolls at the beginning of lockdown).

However, I am doing a bit more exploring of the area and have visited Rosemoor, the RHS gardens near here. Nestled in the Torridge Valley, Rosemoor is an enchanting place to visit in every season; cherry trees blossom in the spring, the iconic Hot Garden dazzles with vibrant colours in summer, while the woodlands blaze with autumn finery and the Winter Garden catches the eye later in the year.

The Queen Elizabeth Rose garden is full of colour and scent in the summer

Everywhere there are amazing sights to be seen

Once a week I do an exercise class at Marwood Hill gardens which are 5 miles from my house. The gardens were started by a doctor in the 1970s who transformed an overgrown valley into a beautiful garden with lakes and at the moment it is also full of colour. Unfortunately, the teacher keeps stopping our walk to do exercises and we can’t admire the colours and flowers!

The national collection of Astilbe is held at Marwood and it is really a sight to behold.

Page kindly supplied by Margaret Argyle, many of Margaret’s friends in the village will be pleased to hear of her life in Devon. (Margaret was the co-editor of the Mag for nearly 20 years before her move to Braunton in 2019

Growing Beetroot Freshly picked beetroot are wonderfully tender with a delicious earthy taste.

Best of all, they're really easy to grow from seed. Follow our guide for the perfect crop.

Beetroot Beetroot prefer to be grown in moist, fertile soil in a sunny spot, but will also thrive in raised beds or pots. Although early sowings can be made from late winter, raising plants can be tricky, so for fool proof beetroot, sow seeds.

Seed can be sown directly into the soil from April to July.

Make a 2cm (0.75in) deep trench with the corner of a rake in well prepared soil (or a cane will do) and drop in two seeds every 10cm (4in).

Cover, water well and label - when the seedlings are about 2cm (0.75in) high, remove the weakest of each pair to leave one beetroot seedling every 10cm (4in).

If you want a plentiful supply of beetroot, sow seeds every month, keeping rows 20cm (8in) apart.

To grow in pots (ideal for round varieties, not long cylindrical ones), choose containers that are 20cm (8in) in diameter and at least 20cm (8in) deep.

Fill loosely with multi-purpose compost leaving the compost just shy of the top.

Tap the pot gently to settle, and firm with your fingertips aiming to leave a 4cm (1.5in) gap between the surface of the compost and the top of the pot.

Sow seeds thinly across the surface and cover with 2cm (0.75in) of compost.

Water and thin out seedlings when they're about 2cm (0.75in) tall, leaving 12cm (5in) gaps between them.

As the seeds are growing remove weeds and keep seedlings well-watered, especially during dry periods as this will stunt the growth of plants.

Depending on variety, beetroot is ready to be picked when the roots are between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball - this is usually 90 days after sowing. To harvest, gently hold the tops and lift while levering under the root with a hand fork.

Remove the tops by twisting them off with your hands to prevent the plants bleeding their juice - don't throw these away, they have bags of taste and can be cooked and eaten like spinach.

There are several varieties to choose from – Boltardy is very reliable and can be sown early, Alto is long and cylindrical and makes neat slices when cooked and Barbabietola di Chioggia' which when sliced shows concentric rings of pink and white.

Beetroot Chutney 1.5 kg beetroot 750g cooking apples 225 g onions 350g brown sugar 600ml spiced vinegar ½ tsp ground ginger ! tsp salt

Dice beetroot, finely mince or grate apples and onions.

Place all ingredients in a large pan and bring to the boil, simmer gently until the desired constituency is reached. Pour into jars, cover when cool and label.

This is delicious with cheddar cheese

I usually cook beetroot in the slow cooker as it doesn’t make a mess! I leave it to cool when it is tender, skin it and slice it and pack in sealable jars in vinegar.

Beetroot has become very popular and can be served hot as a vegetable or roasted with other root vegetables

Beetroot and Chocolate Cake 50g cocoa powder 175g plain flour 1½ tsp baking powder 200g caster sugar 250g cooked beetroot 3 medium eggs 200ml sunflower oil 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped icing sugar Preheat the oven to gas 4, 180°C, fan 160°C, then grease and line the bottom of a 23cm springform cake tin. Sieve the cocoa, flour, baking powder and sugar into a large mixing bowl.

Drain and halve the beetroot, then blend in a food processor.

With the machine running, add the eggs one at a time, then pour in the oil. Blend the mixture until the liquid is just smooth.

Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix in the chocolate. Pour into the tin and cook for 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and set aside for 10 minutes, then turn out and leave to cool. Dust the cake with icing sugar before serving. (Thanks to Margaret Argyle for this page)

The Remembrance Sunday Service will be on Sunday 8th November The Service will be held entirely outside this year at the Village War Memorial

Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green 8th November Remembrance Sunday 11th November Remembrance Day 14th November Birthday of the Prince of Wales 20th November Her Majesty’s Wedding Day

British Summertime ends on Sunday October 25th.

Clocks go back an hour! r!!

Bickenhill Hours BickenhillPublic PublicWaste WasteDisposal Disposal Site Site Opening Hours Summer Summer11ststAprilApril-31 31ststOctober October Monday-Friday (except Monday-Friday (exceptTues) Tues) 9.30am 9.30am -5.00pm -5.00pm Tuesday 4.00pm Tuesday9.30am 9.30am––6.30pm 6.30pmSaturday Saturday and and Sunday Sunday 8.30am- 4.00pm Winter Winter11November November- -31 31March March Monday MondaytotoFriday Friday(except (exceptTuesday) Tuesday) -- 9.30am 9.30am to to 4.00pm Tuesday Tuesday- -9.30am 9.30amtoto5.30pm 5.30pm Saturday Saturdayand andSunday Sunday--8.30am 8.30amto to4.00pm 4.00pm Last Lastadmission admission15 15minutes minutesbefore before closing closing time Solihull booking SolihullCouncil Councilhas hasannounced announced plans plans for for an online booking system more systemtotothe therecycling recyclingcentre centregoing going live live in in September for more info infogo gototowww.solihull.gov.uk/wasteandrecyling www.solihull.gov.uk/wasteandrecyling

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Advance Sunday6th 6thDecember December Sunday MeridenRotary RotaryClub Club Meriden Santa Fun Run Santa Fun Run www.meridenrotary.co.uk www.meridenrotary.co.uk Reminderdeadline deadlinefor forthe thewinter winter Reminder issue issue stst out by 1 Decemberisis out by 1 December ndnd Monday22 November November Monday ValMartin Martin01676 01676522963 522963 Val val.simon@btinternet.com val.simon@btinternet.com

ChrisBannister Bannister07789 07789903021 903021 Chris chrisbannister56@aol.com chrisbannister56@aol.com Distribution: Distribution: PaulGreen Green&& Paul Mavis&&Ken KenEdwards Edwards Mavis ProofReader: Reader:Sue SueFuller Fuller Proof Magadvertising advertisingrates rates Mag Eighthpage page£11 £11 Eighth Quarterpage page£22 £22 Quarter Halfpage page£44 £44 Half Smallads ads(sale (saleor orwanted) wanted)£5.00 £5.00 Small Charity&&Community Communityevents events Charity FREE FREE Viewsexpressed expressedby bythe thecontributors contributorsare are not Views not necessarilythose thoseofofthe theco-editors. co-editors. necessarily Weare areunable unabletotoprint printanonymous anonymousletters letters We oror articlesalthough althoughwe wewill willwithhold withholdname name and articles and addressononrequest request address