Meriden Mag Spring 2021
See centre pages for new children's activities. Covid vaccinations update. Lots of beautiful Village photographs
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” Alfred Lord Tennyson After only one term with everyone back in school, we find ourselves in a lockdown once again, with school only open to some groups of children. The staff have, once again, risen to the challenge, delivering high quality learning over Microsoft Teams each day and supporting those pupils in school. Our remote learning offering gives all pupils the opportunity to take part, as their teacher teaches ‘live’ several times a day and assignments are set for them to work on a range of subjects, from English and Maths to Art, Technology and Music. The regular face to face class meetings also give the crucial opportunity for our children to chat and catch up with each other – vital when they are so isolated from their friends. Our full offering can be found on the website at https://www.meridenceprimaryschool.com/remotelearning Not only are the teachers providing the usual lessons but are going out of their way to make learning fun and bring the children together despite being apart. Dress up Friday in Year 1 has been a real success!
We have been humbled by the immense number of supportive and positive comments by our parents who are currently supporting their children at home whilst quite often working themselves too. The home-school partnership has never been so important or so valued. Here are just a few thoughts from parents: ‘I just wanted to say how delighted we’ve been with the routine of the live lessons and the assignments set to support the learning.’ ‘We wanted to write to you to express our thanks for the continued hard work and effort that has gone into keeping education a priority for both of our children’. ‘Thanks for today’s great lessons! It’s great to see (our son) being excited, enthusiastic and willing to learn!’ ‘It’s good for the children to come back together at the end of the day’ ‘Just want you to know how brilliantly ‘Teams’ is working for remote learn at home. He’s been engaged from the start, enjoys the live videos, is becoming increasingly independent in his readiness for learning…a big, big thank you’.
Origami Crane Project As life is so challenging and different for us all right now, we wanted to think of ideas that would bring us together as a school, as families and as a community. We want to bring joy to people’s faces and create a display that our school community played a part in so that eventually, however far away it may seem, when we come back together again, we will have a masterpiece that will make us proud of our efforts and remind us of challenges that we have faced throughout 2020/2021. Our vision is to create a sky of origami cranes in the entrance of school, similar to the pictures shown. In Japan, the crane is a mystical creature and is believed to live for a thousand years. As a result, in the Japanese, Chinese and Korean cultures, the crane represents good fortune and longevity. The Japanese refer to the crane as the “bird of happiness” and it has also become a symbol of hope and healing during challenging times. This already sounded perfect for the meaning behind our display but then we also found that traditionally, it was believed that if one folded 1000 origami cranes, one’s wish would come true. Can you help us with this vision? We are challenging our school community to make 1000 origami cranes. You can use any paper that you have at home: White printer paper, lined paper, gift wrap, magazine pages, etc. It really doesn’t matter, the variety will add to the display. We suggest a size of 20cm x 20cm but it doesn’t have to be exact! You can find tutorials on YouTube and there are lots of step-by-step guides to Google; you’ll be able to find one that’s best for you. When you have made your cranes (as many as you can), we ask that you fold them into an envelope, bag or box and then bring them to school during school hours. Please put them into the bin just inside the front door of the entrance. Each evening we will collect them, leave them for a safe amount of time before handling them and then they’ll be added to our display. We look forward to sharing a picture of the display p ywith you y in the next issue!
School SchoolFundraising FundraisingNews News Due the restrictionswe wehave haveallallfaced facedsince sincelast last Due toto the restrictions Spring, schoolhas hasbeen beenunable unabletotohold holdbig big Spring, school fundraising eventssuch suchasasthe theSummer Summerand and fundraising events Christmas Fayres. However, we have been blown Christmas Fayres. However, we have been blown away by the support and generosity of the parents away by the support and generosity of the parents and families of our children. In the run up to and families of our children. In the run up to Christmas, we heldthree threekey keyevents: events:Elfridges, Elfridges,a a Christmas, we held present shop in school, Break the Rules Daywhere where present shop in school, Break the Rules Day children paid 50p for each rule they wanted to break children paid 50p for each rule they wanted to break and then a Christmas Raffle, which was entirely and then a Christmas Raffle, which was entirely contributed to by local sponsors. We raised a contributed to by local sponsors. We raised a staggering £2040.41 which, in the current climate, is staggering £2040.41 the current truly amazing. This which, moneyin has now beenclimate, used to is truly amazing. This money has now been used to replace the old classroom screens around school, replace the old classroom screens around school, allowing all of our children from aged 3 to 11 to allowing all ofquality our children from as aged 3 of to their 11 to access high technology part access high quality technology as part of their learning. We simply couldn’t have done it without learning. We simply couldn’t done it without the donations to school and have we are incredibly the donations to school and we are incredibly grateful. grateful.
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Since the last update in the Meriden Mag, we have had another stop/start time with fixtures being cancelled due to Covid and then of course the national lockdown. Whilst we are really frustrated with this, we understand that keeping our players, families and communities safe is a priority. We have been able to play a couple of games and the kids have loved playing in the Great British weather! Whilst we may not have had many matches and training has been impacted, we have continued to work as one team and have recently been nominated and subsequently won an award through Thanks Kids Awards. Across the club, players, their families and supporters collected food items to donate to the food hubs running across the city to help provide free meals for children and families who may be in need. Thank you to all at Rise Coventry & Warwickshire, local NHS partnerships, David Busst and the Jimmy Hill legacy fund for celebrating the brilliant work of our young people across Coventry & Warwickshire. As well as the great work that the kids and their families did in collecting all the food for families in need, we also answered a call for action in November to help collect advent calendars to donate to Coventry Comfort Carers (CCC) for donation across Coventry and Warwickshire. In total 114 advent calendars and 14 selection boxes were donated to CCC and were shared out between: - Children's respite units - Children with life limiting illnesses - Homeless family units
The families of our players have been amazing in supporting these initiatives through these challenging times and we would like to publicly say a big thank you!
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. 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. Phil Burrows. For more information about Meriden Lions or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with: For more information about 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 Phil Burrows (Chairman), Bryn Williams (Secretary) or Kelly Elwell (Treasurer) at meridenlionsfc@outlook.com
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COVID Vaccinations Balsall Common Practice is working with its Rural Primary Care Network (PCN) colleagues at Hampton, Dorridge and Arden to deliver the COVID vaccination locally to our patients. We are proud to offer this service locally to our own patients with members of our own practice team. However, we owe a debt of gratitude to some amazing volunteers in the team including members from the Lions, 41 Club, Rotary, Ladies Tangent from Balsall Common and Dorridge who come whenever called to our aid. The practice team have also called on other nurses and doctors to bolster team resilience as we aim to keep our service to others with long term conditions and new urgent problems running to the best of our ability. This project, delivered locally, was fought for by our management and nursing colleagues and without tireless hours of organisation, meetings, emails, calls and site readiness, would not have been possible locally. I want to say thank you to them personally: Joanne Hope, Sarah Chare Balsall Common, Kirsty Millard from Hampton and Dr Julia Markham from Dorridge. The nurses and doctors are also supported by BSol CCG who have been fantastic at adding additional resources to keep people safe. The power cuts have caused losses of other travel and baby vaccines in the past, so we ask for public support to understand why we need a loud noisy generator to keep us all safe. Our team has been helped by volunteers and PCN new additional roles team of care co-ordinators and clinical pharmacists. I can say I realise what I love about being a doctor is seeing patients face to face and the pleasure of giving peace of mind, a sense of freedom and this precious vaccine to our most frail and vulnerable first, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I know my colleagues willingly give up their weekends and free time to vaccinate as many people as we possibly can. The speed of the campaign is limited by the supply. Calling people to offer a vaccine is also a pleasure. However, I know the distress of those who remain waiting and those lower down the JCVI Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/priority-groups-for-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccinationadvice-from-the-jcvi-30-december-2020. We will call you and we know you wait patiently for your turn. Those who are listed as extremely vulnerable or those who have been shielding for months are those we want to reach now as soon as possible. The mass vaccination sites and community pharmacies have a place for those young and mobile who have opportunity to use them.
Opposite are some statistics to show the efforts of the team so far: As at 04.02.2021 The following vaccinations have been given at the Balsall Common Health Centre to patients from the Balsall Common, Meriden, Arden, Dorridge and Hampton Practices, and also front -line health workers.
80 years and Over 75-79 Years Old 70-74 Years Old Under 70 Total Vaccine Given
2870 1536 1315 758 6479
When you have been vaccinated please continue to follow the rules. When you have symptoms please follow the rules. Together if we are selfless, follow the rules and vaccinate quickly I hope 2021 will show the signs promising that we can escape the pandemic. The scientists are learning and will reassure us soon about the new variants and the success of the vaccination campaign nationally. Dr Richard John Horsley
On behalf of the whole Village, we would like to express our grateful thanks to the whole team at Balsall Common Health Centre for the very speedy, efficient and safe way they have carried out these vital vaccinations.
News from the Village Hall Regular users of the Village Hall will be missing all their usual activities whilst the Hall is closed. When restrictions eased last summer, we saw a welcome return of bookings as groups resumed their various activities. We are most grateful to all these groups who adhered to the social distancing and sanitizing procedures that we’d put in place. We’d made plans for a welcome return of the Big Picture Show in the New Year and many tickets were booked. Those who made ticket reservations will be contacted once we have dates for the postponed screenings, so that they may hold or cancel their booking. We do apologise for the disappointment this has caused. Like many commercial businesses, the Village Hall finances are seriously under pressure. Support grants are currently being sought as, even when closed, we are faced with fixed costs of over £7,000 per year, which have to be met just to keep the premises ticking over. These include: insurance cover, car park maintenance charges, utility bills and general maintenance to name but a few. However, over the years, the Village Hall has survived rockier times and we are determined to ensure the survival of this invaluable community facility. Therefore, as soon as restrictions allow, we would urge everyone to re-book their regular slots and naturally, we will welcome any additional bookings for new ventures. In the meantime, Stay Safe, Get Jabbed and look forward to the next copy of The Mag when, hopefully, we will have much cheerier news of a welcome return to all the village activities that take place in our Village Hall. Chris Copper
.
STOP PRESS! MERIDEN’S BIG PICTURE SHOW PRESENTS “LOCKBUSTERS” A Free-to-View home movie service Whilst we wait impatiently for the return of our much-missed film screenings in the Village Hall, Live and Local are kindly offering a free service to view films in our own homes. If you have a DVD player, we can supply a pack of selected DVDs from which to choose a film. The films can be reserved and viewed then passed on to the next family on the list of participants. The first pack, to suit a wide variety of tastes will contain “Emma”, “A Personal History of David Copperfield”, “Jo-Jo Rabbit” and “Doolittle”. They will be accompanied by the book of the film if you prefer the written word and a pack of supporting information. The packs are changed frequently, giving us the opportunity to view recent releases until cinemas and local screenings return. We hope you will want to participate in this Lockdown initiative. If you wish to register on the list of participants, or just want more information, please call or message on 07721 342127 or e mail
chriscopper42@me.com. REMEMBER – IT REALLY IS FREE!
For more information or to book your child’s place please contact us at info@littleangelsgroup.co.uk or 07394 984233
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A huge ‘thank you’ for supporting us and we hope to welcome you back very soon. 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.
Minister Rev Jane Braund Tel: 01676 Ps 533737 If you are around on the second Friday of every month between 2 and 4 it would be lovely ly to 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 last few weeks it has been so lovely to see the signs of Spring at last. The days are once again getting longer and there is a sign of new life all around. It has been a difficult time and the prospect of brighter days brings hope and a fresh joy. Although the Chapel has been able to open at times, sadly for a large part of the last 12 months it has had to remain closed. However, it has been good to remember during that time that Church was never supposed to be about the buildings but about the people within that community. Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath but he was more often to be found out and about with people. He always had time for others, always cared for others. He was with those that others didn't care about - the marginalised, the vulnerable, those who were looked down on by society. As we draw near to Easter once again, we remember how Jesus, even on the cross, cared for one of the criminals who was crucified with him; how, when he was in agony, he ensured that there was someone to look after his mother who stood weeping at the foot of the cross. The love that Jesus had for others then is just as real and alive today. Jesus died for us - each one of us. He held nothing back but gave his all because he loved us. Just as his arms were outstretched on the cross so they are outstretched now to hold us and to love us. It is he that can bring us comfort and healing from the last months as we grieve for those we have loved and lost. He knows what it is to lose loved ones - he mourned for his cousin John the Baptist when he was beheaded; he wept for his friend Lazarus who died. He also took the anger and hurt of Lazarus' sisters who asked him why he hadn't come when they first sent for him. Jesus came to earth as a human being so he could live our life and identify with us in every way. He has experienced and knows our emotions, what we feel, our hurt and our pain. He also knows what it is to laugh and enjoy life. He was killed in a cruel and brutal way but after 3 days he rose again. That is why we can say with real assurance that Jesus is a safe place to come to in our grief and sorrow because nothing can separate us from his love. If you would like to talk about any of these things or would like to pray with someone then please don't hesitate to contact me. With love, Jane Chapel currently remains closed. For information regarding online services, Bible studies or Bible Course please contact Jane
The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire. Please contact Alan Gabbitas on 01676 522148
The Meriden Mag – then and now I recently realised that it is 20 years since Margaret Argyle and I (my name then was Val Wesley) joined Jacqui Drayton, to help her produce the Meriden Mag. So, it seemed time for a trip down memory lane. Below is an article from Jacqui outlining the origin of the Mag
Meriden Mag Beginnings I can’t remember the exact date, but it was sometime in 1996 that I had this crazy idea of producing a village magazine. Both children were at Meriden Primary School and I felt that it was a way of reaching out and getting the community more involved in school life. We had a competition amongst the children to come up with a name and Saul Goodsir won with ‘The Meriden Mag’. And so, it was that I put together one double sided sheet of information and requests for input and printed off 1400 copies in my study at home. I won’t go into the rants at the printer jams or ink cartridge failures, but suffice to say, I drank a lot of tea that day! Delivery? Easy…walk the village. I hand delivered all the copies I had and the response was fantastic; feedback was coming in fast and it gave me plenty of material for the next edition. I remember that the next issue went to two pages – and I had offers of help to get it delivered. And so, it went…more articles, more pages, more help. And then, when the printing of The Mag became too much for one small printer and the school photocopier, we approached the then Vicar for his help as he owned a printing press. And, again…more articles, more copies and advertising and more offers of delivery. We were then at a point where the task had grown too large for just one person and that’s when Val Martin and Margaret Argyle stepped in to help carry the load, eventually relieving me of the task altogether when my own business was gathering pace and needed my full attention. It’s fabulous to see how The Mag has developed and grown. It must surely be one of the best local magazines in the country! Well done to Val and Margaret and all of the other people who have come on board over the years…I’m happy to have been part of something that has become so popular and of great value to residents.
Jacqui Fisher (Drayton)
An Update When Margaret and I joined Jacqui, Sandra Robbins became the Treasurer. After Sandra sadly died, Ian Spencer enthusiastically took over the job and eventually Adele Fox came to join us in 2003. Adele was a very valuable member of the team as treasurer until 2018. I still use the system that she set up for us. In 2017 Margaret and I were delighted to receive a Solihull Civic Honours Award for our work on the Mag, and we were invited to the Mayor’s parlour for a presentation. Many of you will know that Margaret Argyle moved to Devon in 2019 to be nearer her family. We are grateful that Margaret still contributes a colour page for us each issue. When Margaret left, I was very pleased to be joined by Chris Bannister. Chris brings a new fresh look to the Mag with her ideas and organisational skills. A very important role in the production of the Mag is proof reading. Claire Rose wielded her red pen for us for many years and since 2019 Sue Fuller has also fulfilled this role admirably. Thanks are also due to the distributors who deliver the bundles of Mags round the village (there have been so many over the years) and our faithful team of deliverers who put them all through your doors. Chris Copper very kindly checked this list for us to make sure the whole village was covered. Everyone involved with the Mag is a volunteer and we are very proud to have served the community for so many years. Of course, the Mag could not continue without the loyalty of our many advertisers. We just include enough adverts to pay our printing bill, ensuring there is enough space for Village news and photos. Lastly, I would like to mention our printers Norwood Press who have cheerfully helped us out on many occasions and make such a good job of printing our efforts. I feel I must say a big thank you to Jacqui for having the original idea and the confidence to proceed with it. We are a team and we couldn’t manage it without you all.
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At last some good news…the days are getting longer and more and more people in and around Meriden are benefitting from getting their Coronavirus jabs! Opportunities for fundraising in 2020 were thin on the ground but we’re hoping that 2021 will gradually see us getting our activities back on track and to quote Cancer Research - “Covid-19 may have slowed us down, but we will never stop”. You may have noticed that February 4th was World Cancer Day, an initiative that unites the entire world in its fight against cancer. Normally our volunteers would have been out on the high street with their buckets collecting money, but this year things had to be done a little differently. Carol set up a CRUK virtual bucket on the Meriden Facebook website. This was our first foray into using social media for fundraising and many thanks to all who saw it and contributed. We’re very grateful. Hopefully we’ll be able to use this medium alongside our ‘in person’ events in the future. At the moment it is still impossible for us to organise any local events but we are still hopeful that Open Gardens will be possible in July. If you would be interested in opening your garden please contact Sue. Any type, size or style of garden is welcome - the more the merrier. Maybe when the Summer edition of the Mag comes out there may actually be a firm date on something! In the run up to Christmas many people helped raise funds not only by buying our cards but by purchasing various knitted or crocheted gift items. Even if you didn’t buy one you might have been lucky enough to be on the receiving end! We would like to follow up on the success of these little ‘knitted things’ for other events – Easter in the first instance. So, if you have any surplus wool you would be willing to donate or you would like to offer your skills as a knitter, crocheter, or sewer-up then please contact Sue, Carol or any of the Committee. Cancer Research, along with all other charities, has seen a major fall in their finances but they continue to focus their work in four key areas; 1. Prevention – reducing people’s risk of developing cancer 2. Diagnosis – spotting cancers earlier 3. Treatment – developing new cancer treatments – CRUK’s research has played a role in developing 8 of the world’s top 10 cancer drugs. 4. Optimise – make cancer treatments more effective
Every time you contribute to CRUK you help them in this work – thank you. If you would like to become more involved in any of our activities Sue and Carol would love to hear from you.
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Su Ruthven
Andy Birch
Samantha Al-Dabbagh
Hannah May Thorpe
Samantha Mooney
Lewis Edwards
Raj Nagra
Val Martin
At the start of 2021 President Warren gave a report to members covering the first six months of his extraordinary year as President of the Rotary Club of Meriden. Here is an extract of what he said: Six months ago, when I took office, I became resigned to accepting that we have lost all opportunity in this Rotary year of raising any money at all. How wrong can I have been when you witness the hard work and resilience shown by individual members. We have managed to completely refurbish the Santa Sleigh to its former glory and whilst the temptation was there to go round the community, sadly Health and Safety requirements and Covid restrictions would not allow it, but Santa is looking forward to his outings in December 2021. What would we do without our ideas man Peter who had the idea of Santa’s Letter? This concept took a lot of hard work from other members and their collective efforts worked well and shows a lot of promise for 2021 when it will be run as a full part of the Santa Sleigh activity. The virtual Santa Fun Run this year was a great success even though it was short on entries compared to last year and the concept was new to us, but it worked well and the generous sponsors also showed their faith by maintaining their sponsorship for the event. There is a full report on the Santa Fun Run below. We have continued holding our weekly meetings on Zoom with a good proportion of members attending. We have enjoyed speakers on Zoom with topics ranging from defibrillators, the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower, whale and dolphin conservation, the experiences of one of our members during the miners’ strike and more. We normally look forward to our Christmas meeting with friends and family, but of course, that could not take place either but we all joined in a Zoom meeting for a quiz that was informal and great fun. We have also joined other clubs as guests at their Zoom meetings and we hosted a Zoom meeting of the District Quiz Final that should have taken place face to face in April. We were still able to lay our wreath for Remembrance Day at the War Memorial in Meriden but no church service, just two members socially distanced by themselves. For several years on Christmas Eve, we have been doing a food collection from Aldi in Sheldon and taking it to the Coventry Open for Christmas charity who provide Christmas lunch for homeless and deprived people. Mike Holdsworth worked very hard on it this year and was able to arrange collections from Aldi in Sheldon, Radford and Gallagher Retail Park enabling 150 people to be fed by the charity on Christmas Day, all socially distanced in three sittings. In fact, the quantity of food collected enabled them to feed a further 100 people a day for several days. Meriden Rotary Club is extremely grateful to Aldi for their generous donations of food. The provision of meals was able to continue longer due to the generosity of Marks and Spencer. Mike received a phone call a few days after Christmas inviting him to collect more food and that was sufficient to top up stocks at Coventry Open for Christmas with more going to the Salvation Army in Coventry. We have also now been able to start a regular weekly collection from Aldi for the Salvation Army. Moving on to the beginning of the second half of my year, sadly we will again not be able to host the Senior Citizens Party for only the second time since Meriden Rotary Club was formed, but we have been trying to keep in touch with our guests by sending Christmas cards and an explanation letter. No Burns Night again this year and the President’s Night also looks doubtful but I do feel confident that we will have a proper Handover Evening in July. Also, on the positive side, in early January I had the pleasure of welcoming two new members into the club. On a sad note, however we were shocked in January by the passing of Judith, the wife of Past President and long-time member John. She was not only a great supporter of Meriden Rotary Club but also a past member of Meriden Inner Wheel Club. The Rotary Club of Meriden wishes everyone good health during this very difficult start to 2021. Anyone who would like to join with us and listen to any of our speakers would be most welcome. Full details of our programme can be found on our website www.meridenrotary.org.uk where there is a link to request a Zoom invitation. Geoff Arthur
This year was our ninth event and was due to take place on Sunday 6th December 2020.Due to Covid 19 restrictions we could not hold the event as normal and instead held a Virtual Advent Event allowing participants to do the run wherever they choose and on any day in December up to 24th December. The take up was reasonable in all the circumstances with some 35 participants who reported having great fun. Photographs can be seen on our website http://www.meriden-santa-fun-run.org.uk/ as well as on Facebook. We felt that it was important to keep what has become an important community event going with the expectation that we will be able to operate as normal in 2021. So far, we have raised over £27,000 for important charities including Marie Curie and local charities. We are supported by Meriden Parish Council and Solihull Council who license the event and road closures in normal years. We also have great support from many local companies and this year we were fortunate to receive very generous financial sponsorship which together with entry fees and further generous sponsorship from runners and Rotary Members enabled us to raise £1800. This year more than ever charities are struggling to raise monies and we are pleased to be able to donate to Marie Curie as usual plus other Rotary supported charities. Our event is truly a fun event with runners pushing prams with baby Santas, doggy Santas and even horseback Santas who regularly follow the course after the main event. We hope that you will take part next year and make it another special fun Christmas event.
Tony Hill
The King family raring to go!
This Christmas was difficult for most people – many of us were unable to see family and friends as planned and most of us had to change or put-on hold plans, we had been looking forward to for some time. With this in mind HERO (Heart of England Retirement Organisation) decided to purchase and distribute Christmas hampers to those elderly people we knew, who would be on their own or unable to visit others as planned at Christmas time.
The hampers were all delivered personally by the HERO Trustees and the most common reaction was, ‘What a lovely surprise’. The hampers were made for us by the staff at Oakes Farm and looked very attractive. As well as these gifts distributed to the elderly, we also provided gifts for those who usually attend the Memory Café in Balsall Common although it has been temporarily closed due to Covid. Previously we helped with the cost of acoustic panels in the Jubilee Centre and provided a bench in Station Road for those needing a rest as they walk up the hill. HERO is a small local charity (Regd Charity 518680) that may provide small financial grants or gifts for the elderly in Balsall Common, Berkswell, Meriden and surrounding areas. Assistance is given to individuals and groups. For more information or an application form go to
www.balsallcom.com/hero or contact the Secretary, Mrs Ann Crossley on 01676 533056 We are aware that many more people would have been on their own at Christmas and other times. Please feel free to suggest anyone you know who would benefit from financial assistance or a gift (when we next distribute) by contacting the Secretary, as above, or me on clmap18@gmail.com.
Barrie & Claire at Oakes Farm
The Roche Family
Claire Laland, Chairman HERO
President Warren’s Family
Our very successful Christmas events, hosted differently this year, saw over 70 families visiting us. Other positive news is that we’ve been granted full planning permission for change of use, 4 families to visit at any time, 12 events per year and a disabled toilet. Once lockdown eases, please watch our website (www.spencersretreat.com) and also Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/berkswellretreat/) for our events and family We hope to welcome you back days. Support - We have amazing support from our 5 Trustees and 12 volunteers, who all enable us to keep everything going. We still have 2 Trustee vacancies (Funding and Accounts) and are also looking for more volunteers to help with Fundraising, Event Support, Community Networking, Tree Planting, Gardening & Maintenance as well as Web Design and Photography. If you can help, please email
simon.morris@the langdaletrust.com We also desperately need financial support and have set up a ‘GoFundMe’ page. If anyone is able to donate to help save the farm and keep our animals fed and warm, we would really appreciate it. The link is
https://gofund.me/0f72870d
It is so sad that our beautiful village village is constantly blighted by fly-tipping. fly-tipping. Many thanks to Richard and Samantha Al-Dabbagh Rob & Petra Pike, David Poynton Poynton and everyone else who has picked picked up someone else’s rubbish!
Animal Food Wanted If any local businesses have any fruit, salad or veg left over, our farm animals would be very grateful. Drop off point is by our main gate in Spencer’s Lane, Berkswell, CV7 7BY or, for larger collections, please email me Thank You! Simon.
simon.morris@the langdaletrust.com
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A Message from Councillor Diane Howell As I write this we are in the midst of a third national lockdown - 2021 has not started the way we would have liked. However the vaccination programme is being rolled out incredibly quickly and we are fortunate to have a vaccination centre in the Ward at the Balsall Common Surgery. I have had some very positive feedback from residents about this: the vaccinators and surgery staff are working incredibly hard to organise the campaign along with support from community organisations such as the Lions who have been marshalling the clinics. I hope by the time you read this there will be light at the end of the tunnel and we will be contemplating a return to some sort of normality. I would like to echo the sentiments in Cllr Tony Dicicco’s article - this last year has been incredibly challenging and we all owe our thanks to the frontline staff who have treated the sick, kept us safe and kept Solihull going. Despite Covid some important projects are still moving forwards that will affect us all. Our Conservative Council Leadership are committed to tackling the Climate Emergency and are aiming to be a carbon neutral Council by 2030, with the region aiming to be carbon neutral by 2041. These are very ambitious targets but we are committed to making the changes needed - we have a huge responsibility to play our part in tackling this global crisis. In November all Councillors had the opportunity to attend a net zero workshop, commissioned by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Planning & Housing Cllr Andy Mackiewicz. We explored various ways of reducing our carbon emissions and modelled what this might look like in terms of meeting our targets. It was very thought provoking: our results showed that decisive action was going to be needed and that it wouldn't be enough for just Council assets to change - as individuals and businesses we are all going to need to play our part but is important that support is available and that no one is left behind. The Covid crisis has hit individuals and businesses hard - but we will recover, and this is a huge opportunity to reflect on what we do and how we can all contribute to a Green Recovery. One important part of this in Solihull will be the Council’s Low Carbon Energy Centre. This is adjacent to Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and will supply some town centre buildings with affordable low carbon heat and power. Energy will be generated by renewable and low carbon methods such as air source heat pumps. In Solihull 57% of our greenhouse gas emissions come from energy used in our buildings so this will form a key part of our Climate Change Strategy. Closer to home, I’m pleased that the 20mph remains in the Village centre at present. It will be reviewed later this year as part of a Borough wide review of speed limits and I’d like to hear your thoughts as to whether it should continue. I’m also pleased that the Council will be establishing a new cycleway to connect Millison’s Wood and Meriden. Using our cars less will help improve air quality and reduce our carbon footprint, and we need Active Travel infrastructure like this to support us all in making these changes. I know that some residents are concerned about the safety of walking this route and myself and Ward Colleagues will be raising this with Council Officers. Finally, thank you to all the residents who participated in the draft Local Plan consultation. I have made my own response and I hope to be able to present this during the examination in public. If you have any questions or concerns please do contact me diane.howell@solihull.gov.uk
1st Meriden Scout Group At the time of preparing this item the Meriden Scout Group are unfortunately still closed due to the national Covid19 lockdown, in line with government regulations. However there is still a lot of work going on in the background to prepare for when we are able to reopen. Mrs Eleanor Willis has kindly agreed to join the Group as the new Beaver Scout Leader. Eleanor is looking forward to meeting the Beavers hopefully in the near future. The Group has also bought additional safety and a range of cleaning materials to enable us to be Covid19 safe when the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers are able to once again enjoy their Scouting. The Group Headquarters have continued to be maintained, and there has been a sort out of the section storage cupboards. The annual membership census has been completed for the national Scout Association and the annual membership fees have been paid. This membership fee is paid to ensure that all our members are covered for insurance purposes. It also helps to cover the costs of Scouting at national, county and district levels. Obviously the past year has been challenging for all of us in so many ways, from the Group’s viewpoint we have had to continue to pay the usual outgoing expenses associated with any building (building insurance, maintenance, utilities etc.) at a time when our income from the weekly subscriptions from the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers has been nil. So, our financial reserves have taken a hit. When we are able to re-open we will contact our existing members and we shall also be able accept new members both boys and girls (Beavers 6 to 8, Cubs 8 to 10½, Scouts 10½ to 14 and Explorers 14 to 18 year olds).10/1/2 Yours in Scouting
Gerry Russell – Group Scout Leader. Phone: 01676 522666 Email: g.j.russells@gmail.com
MR FIX IT *Plumbing problems *Broken Garden Tools *Soldering *Welding *Brazing *Gates Fixed *Sheds Felted *Fencing *Household Items Fixed *Riveting *Garden Tools Sharpened *Security posts Fitted
If it can be fixed, I'll do my best to fix it. Collection service available. Public Liability Insurance: Simply Business MHGB2291989XB
Telephone Paul on 07889 789110 or 01676 521661
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”
ST. LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Priest in Charge: Church Wardens:
Vacant Jonathan Douglas 01676 522455 Carol Clarke 07500 700679 churchwarden.meriden@gmail.com
Church Website: https://stlaurencemeriden.wordpress.com Find us on Facebook: St Laurence Church Meriden
Spring Service Details Date 7th March
Service * Holy Communion th 14 March Morning Prayer 21st March Holy Communion th 28 March Morning Prayer th 4 April Easter Service – Holy Communion th 11 April Morning Prayer th 18 April Holy Communion 25th April Morning Prayer nd 2 May Holy Communion 9th May Morning Prayer th 16 May Holy Communion rd 23 May Morning Prayer 30th May Morning Prayer All services are at 10:30 am. * Holy Communion services are subject to availability of a minister. Please check the web site.
With due regard to guidance by the
Government and the Church of England, there will be no services at St Laurence before the end of February. We hope that services will recommence in March. We are mindful that this may change at any moment. Please check on our website and Facebook page for up-to-date information. Join us on 16th May on Meriden Green for the Cyclist’s Memorial Service – the 100th Anniversary of the Unveiling and Original Dedication Service.
I’m writing this in January, but you are probably reading it in March. We have high hopes that in March and April, the situation with the Covid-19 virus will be starting to look brighter, and the weather should be improving. Well I do hope that is the case! Since the middle of February, we have been in the church season of Lent and looking towards Easter on 4th April. Lent should be a contemplative time, but that’s a bit odd when this virus has forced many people to slow down their lives and perhaps think about how they live and what really matters to them. Have we been in a sort of ‘Lent’ for many months already? Many people have suffered in so many ways, not just with the Covid illness but with all the other problems that have disrupted normal life so much. What have we seen? What have we endured? What can we learn? Some of the damage from this nasty virus has been very dark, many deaths, interrupted education, delayed medical treatments; the list is longer and so worrying. But now, let’s look forward in the warmer weather and brighter days of Spring to the renewal of more normal living in our daily lives, and be inspired to realise again that there is a greater and more fulfilling renewal for us in the salvation offer of Jesus. The message of the Christian Church is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and a very big light indeed. It is through Jesus Christ that we can find the right ways to think, speak, act, and live. When we get that idea, we see all the problems fall away and we can feel the freedom of life with Him. Jesus went through the darkness of the crucifixion and brought back the glorious light of the resurrection to give us understanding, confidence, and joy in that great answer for the world. Happy Easter!
Jonathan Douglas Any enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs please contact the church warden:
Carol Clarke 07500 700679
The All Together community cafe, run in conjunction with Meriden Churches Together, will resume as soon as we are able. 2pm-4pm second Friday of the month at The Pavilion.
Meriden Floral Society Have sent us a beautiful selection of their work, the arrangements have ng been made by members at their monthly meetings at Meriden Village Hall or at home during zoom meetings. During lockdown village hall meetings have been suspended but would normally be held on the third Monday of each month. ntth. n
The Flower Club welcomes new members. In February 2022 the club will be looking for a new Chairlady, Secretary and Treasurer. For more information please contact Pam Kimberley 01676 522 159
Iris Design by Julie Hyde 1. Lightly draw the flowers and leaves in pencil. Try to think of the shapes as a design rather than a botanical drawing. 2. Wet one petal with a small to medium sized brush and clean water so it stays glossy wet. Add the colours, starting with the palest and then adding the next so that they blend and merge in. I used: Cerulean Blue (Pale Blue - weak) Ultramarine Blue (Darker Blue - strong) Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson (Blue/Purple - very strong) If it’s too wet or the colours you put in are too watery, the edges of the petal will dry more quickly and you will get a dark line around the edge. If you do get this then that’s fine, as long as all the petals are the same. Move on to your next petal. 3. Next petals. Repeat the same process of wetting and dropping in the colours but leave a small 1mm gap between any adjoining petals. 4. Stamens. Wet the stamen area and add: Lemon Yellow (Pale Yellow) Cadmium Yellow (Darker Yellow) 5. Bud sheath. Wet the area and add: Raw Sienna or Yellow Ochre (weak) 6. Leaves and stems. Repeating the same process of wetting one area at a time, add varying shades of green but try and get the colour to follow through on the leaf that you are painting and gradually change along the leaf. Make sure that you leave the 1mm gap at any adjoining petal or leaf. I used: Cadmium Yellow + Ultramarine Blue (Yellowy Green) Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Yellow (Blue Green) AND some leaves with: Cadmium Yellow + Prussian Blue (Blue Green) Lemon Yellow + Prussian Blue (Bright Green) 7. Background. You can leave the background white or add the background between the leaves and flowers. Wet one area at a time and leave the1 mm gap. Mix a big strong puddle up, I used: Ultramarine Blue (Dark Bluestrong)
Hopefully we will be coming out of the lockdown very soon but if you want to join me for a Zoom art class then email me on:jph300@hotmail.com
Created by Julie Hyde
Email:jph300@hotmail.com
Copyright © 2021
With thanks to Charlie Beaty For this lovely page Meriden Farm is a mixed farm, with both livestock and crops. We have sheep and cattle, which are farmed to produce lamb and beef for people to eat. We also grow crops, such as wheat, which is grown to make bread! Lambing time at Meriden Farm begins in February. The female sheep, which are called ‘ewes’ are brought into the sheds to lamb. When they have had their lambs and the lambs are strong and healthy enough, they are put in the fields. When you are out for a walk in the countryside, keep an eye out for ewes and their lambs in the fields! Please remember though, it is very important that you stick to the footpath and keep your dog on its lead whenever you are near livestock. The cattle at Meriden Farm are a breed called a ‘Simmental’. We have a herd of 85 breeding cows, which will calve each year. The calf will stay with its mother until it is around 6 months old. By 6 months, the calf no longer requires milk and will get all the energy it needs by eating grass. Over the winter months, we house the cattle in big sheds, and feed them on grass that we have cut, baled and wrapped over the summer months. This feed is called ‘silage’. Everything that our cows eat is produced on our farm! We also keep some of the female calves that are born on our farm, to breed from when they are fully grown. A female cow that has not had a calf is called a ‘heifer’. As well as looking after all the livestock and crops on our farm, we spend a lot of time looking after the wildlife too. We do this by planting wildflower crops for insects, birds and small mammals to use as food and habitats. These crops are also very good for organisms found in the soil, such as earthworms. The soil is full of life, which helps our crops grow, so we have to look after that too!
Crossword Use the clues from the article above to complete the crossword! ACROSS 5. Grass is cut, baled and wrapped to produce food for the cows called s_____. 7. Important organisms within the soil! 8. What is a female cow that has NOT had a calf called? DOWN 1. What breed of cattle are farmed at Meriden Farm? 2. Wheat grown at Meriden Farm is used to make...? 3. When walking in the countryside, you must always stick to the f_______. 4. Farm animals. Anagram - Slocktive 6. What month does lambing begin at Meriden Farm? 9. What are female sheep called?
Cows are very inquisitive
Important earthworms in the soil
A ewe licking dry her new born lambs
WORD SEARCH CAN YOU FIND: LAMB
The ewes coming into the pens for a regular check over!
HARVEST WHEAT FIELD STRAW HAY CHICKEN TRACTOR EARTHWORM BEE
Oats being harvested by the combine harvester
Thank you! Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for the donations to local hospitals of all things to soothe hands and faces. For the drinks, the energy bars and wonderful cards of encouragement in support of nursing colleagues. Your generosity and love have been well received and so appreciated. I placed a note in each gift bag to say the goodies were from neighbours in Meriden village. I have to say, I really enjoyed being the delivery girl! Julie Hutt
Answers on the back cover
More pictures of our beautiful Village The lockdown and the recent winteryy weather seem to have inspired p all the talented photographers p g p in the Village. g Manyy of these photographs p g p were taken en from Facebook, with thanks to all the contributors.
Meriden Tree of Thought
Looking forward to spring – Iain Roxburgh
‘Snow Scene’ - Karen Slocket
‘Night Scene’ – George Jarrett ‘Morning Meriden’ – Katie Wallyn
Fresh Morning - Petra Morgan Pike
Leys Lane Duck Pond – Dawn Oakley Godfrey
Quiet Christmas Morning in the Village - John Jarrett Alex’s snowman
Meriden Pool – Mark Thompson
Wildfowl – Carol Stafford
More Morebeautiful beautiful Meriden Meriden pictures, pictures, taken taken from from Facebook
Planting seeds in Spring Now is the time to think about what to grow in your garden this year. One way of
providing plants easily and cheaply is to grow them from seed. Here are a few tips on how to achieve success. You will need an all-purpose potting compost, pots and containers (margarine and super market tubs) or even egg boxes. There are many different varieties of vegetable seeds. Look on the back of the packet to see when they should be sown. An easy way to start plants off is to grow them in compost in pots or containers with drainage holes. This means that the seedlings when hardened off will be earlier and have escaped the weather, mice and birds’ attention outside. Peas and beans can be planted in modules towards the end of March and placed in a cool place to grow. When they are big enough, place them in a sheltered outside space to harden off before planting them in the ground. Tomatoes are easy to grow indoors. Plant a few seeds in the potting compost in a tray and place in a plastic bag. I put mine in the airing cupboard to germinate for a few days. Once they appear, place them on a shady window sill to grow without the protection of the bag. When they are big enough to handle, plant them individually into pots (yoghurt pots are useful here) and watch them grow. Stage 1 plant carefully in the compost and cover with a layer of the compost. water gently.
Stage 2 tomato seeds coming through the compost
Cucumbers and courgettes can grow individually in small pots to begin with, covered initially to prevent drying out. Only water when the seeds are planted and don’t be tempted to water more because the seeds might rot. Many vegetable seeds can be planted directly into well prepared soil, for example, beetroot, parsnips and carrots. However, peppers, sweet corn and aubergine thrive better when started in pots in a cold frame or greenhouse. Some flower seeds also do well in trays. Try sweet peas, cosmos, rubeckia, nigella, snapdragons and pansies. In the late summer, wallflowers, foxgloves and sweet Williams can be started from seed. Just have a go!
Spiced Red Lentil Soup Fry 1 chopped onion in 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir in 1-2 tbsp red Thai curry paste depending on taste Stage 3 Pepper seedlings planted individually in pots. You can buy mixed seeds in supermarkets and health food shops. Usually the mix contains pumpkin, sesame, linseed and sunflower seeds. They are an excellent source of protein, fibre, omega 3 and polyunsaturates. They can be used in many ways. Try adding some to a crumble topping or home-made bread, with cereals, muesli and porridge.
Add 300g dried red lentils and mix to coat in the paste. Pour over 1.7 litres vegetable stock. Simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender. Blend with 200g coconut milk and reheat until hot Add chopped spring onions if required EASY AND EXCELLENT
The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch Methodist Church Hall
Tel: 02476 467331 www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk
n Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Gymnastic, Contemporary Dance and Musical Theatre. Aged 2 ½ years upwards
email:ormedance@gmail.com
Principals - Jennifer and Samantha Faulkner F.I.D.T.A BA.Hons
Barkers Butts RFC Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR
11 Mini & Junior age groups from 6-16 years Girls teams U/11 U/15 U/18 Under 18 Colts Side
Our facilities are 1st class and all our coaches are RFU Qualified and CRB checked
Contact Ian Hawkeswood 07399 689682
We also have 4 Adult sides 1st XV to Vets
There will be a special welcome for new and returning players to the game.
Fellowship Teaching Degree Dip A.B.R.S.M
Beginners Adult Tap Classes 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!!!
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’aiChi Chi T’ai
and andand Relaxation Meditation 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 ……….
MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk I am proud, very grateful and delighted to be able to tell you that the total raised to date has risen to £72,152 During the summer months, £3,168 was raised and then a further £4,438.75 over the Christmas period. As ever, this has been achieved thanks to amazing support from all quarters. I clearly don't know the names of everyone who contributed
in one form or another. However, I must express my true gratitude to those of whom I am aware. I received donations from Lord and Lady Aylesford, Mrs. Pat DeMulder, Pertemps, Cassidy Group, Saqib Bhatti MP, Chris Forbes (CFS Motors), Packington Estates Social Club, Len and Margaret Bunting & Lesley, Budgens, Tom and Diane Corbett, Cllr Diane Howell, Cllr Tony Dicicco, Lynda and Mark Lilley, the Strawberry Bank, Jacqui Fisher and Grace & David Tuckey. On top of these direct financial donations, terrific support was given in other ways. Once again, Dovetail Group installed The Tree and the lights and Steve Gilks (Derron Electrical) PAT Tested the system. These essential tasks were done without charge. Such kindness!! In addition, I cannot fail to recognize the wonderful gestures on the part of Pat Smith (Pat-A-Cakes) along with her ‘assistant’ Kevin. Her kindness has accounted for over £ 900 of the year's total. Also Rachel's Take Away, for her donation from the sale of Vinyl records. I was unsure of what the response would be to the sale of previous Christmas Cards. I am, however, so thankful for so much uptake. 1450 were sold and I only have 35 remaining unsold. They raised £ 435 and again I am grateful for the enthusiastic support from our local Lloyds Chemist and Budgens. I have no doubt that I am repeating myself but I make no apologies for stating my sincere thanks for your support for what I do with MTOT. I obviously had no idea when I created Meriden Tree of Thought in 2005, that it would become something of an institution giving pleasure to thousands of people whilst giving priceless support to the dreadful number of those living with cancer. You must know just how much it means to me to realize that the thousands of hours I have dedicated to The Tree is achieving such a great deal. Alan.
BALSALL COMMON U3A Unfortunately, due to COVID, our Core meetings and face-to-face Group meetings have been cancelled for the time being. However, some Groups continue to meet virtually and Group Leaders are planning for when meetings can resume. Please visit our website www.balsallcommonu3a.org for further details and Enrolment forms for new members.
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HOW TO KEEP YOUNG. You will never grow old if your heart keeps young And your mind is fresh and keen, If you look ahead, and can turn your back On the things that might have been. You will never grow old if your thoughts keep pace With the swing of life’s swift stride. If you keep in step with the stir of things In a world that’s big and wide. You will never grow old if you have a goal And a purpose to achieve, You will never grow old if you have the power To dream and to believe You will always be young if you take your place In the march of new ideas For you’ll have the zest and the best of youth, The wisdom of the years. Thanks to Joan Russell for supplying this poem. Author not known.
Meriden Fish and Chips The Green Meriden Home delivery available after Home delivery 5pm - withinfor 3 mile radius available orders on orders £15 over £10. over Call us.
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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
Usually we’d be advertising our latest hair and beauty treatments and offers in the Mag or, as in recent times, advising our reopening following previous lockdowns. It’s the weirdest feeling knowing the fate of your business is out of your hands. Having run our own business for over 30 years now, getting up every day with your clients and staff at the forefront of your mind for the day, working late into the night and weekends on endless admin tasks, firefighting issues you discovered an hour before you open to trade, establishing childcare when your kids are just babies; a guilt everyone feels as a working parent! We’ve grown a ‘thicker skin’ over the years, when faced with many trials and tribulations, often feeling at the time, they were insurmountable. It’s unbearable to be unable to deliver what isn’t ‘just a job’ but a lifelong vocation and, our services under government closure due to the current circumstances but, more importantly, see our clients; friends and confidantes over many years and, our greatest support network, who we miss immensely. It’s hard to remember what day it is, without our regulars’ appointments catch up! Finding perspective can be so difficult at times like this, when facing the biggest challenge of most of our lifetimes but, ensure we make time (which we have of), to and consider those who face ownhard individual battles We heed plenty their courage determination and, aretheir working andmaintain have been for some time; for our many clients who work within the NHS, to everything from a distance, to move forward battling this, through everyinday. great anticipation for our return, as soon as we are allowed. We heed their courage and determination and, are working hard to maintain everything from a distance, to move forward through this, in great anticipation for our return, as soon as we are allowed.
We are always available: info@fordesonthegreen.com fb: Lous hair share Louise Forde
Richard Naughton Bespoke Joinery *WINDOWS* *PORCHES*
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*GREEN OAK PORCHES* Traditional and contemporary bespoke work Free quote service
Phone 07836 338814 and leave a message
richardnaughton@live.co.uk Tippers Hill, Fillongley CV7 8DJ
Meriden Library www.facebook.com/meridenlib
Book Review: The Repair Shop Tales from the Workshop of Dreams by Karen Farrington Foreword by Jay Blades
At the time of writing, Meriden Library is currently closed to support the national lockdown. For anyone unable to get out and about, our Home Library Service may be able to help. When you get in touch, a member of the library team will contact you by phone to assess your individual needs and circumstances. They will explain how the service works and answer any questions you may have. They will also find out what sort of books you enjoy – this will help our staff to choose items for you. We’ll then arrange a time to visit. Rest assured, our team all use the correct PPE and practise social distancing in line with Government recommendations. If this is something you think that you or someone you know may benefit from, do give us a call on 0121 704 6947 or email us at libraryarts@solihull.gov.uk and we will take it from there. For information about the services you can find online, including joining the library and access to a range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers, please visit www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries.
Yes, folks! For all you devotees, like me, this is the book to accompany the television series! There are nineteen items featured and the book provides greater details of the owners and their families as well as interesting and relevant historical background. A Sewing Table tells of the hardship of seamstresses when many women were family breadwinners. A ‘Rusty Bucket’- or cell – was filled with weapons and parachuted into occupied France during World War II for use by French Resistance fighters against the German army. A Village School’s Deeds on a plaque from 1839, describes the achievement of universal education from when young children worked in mills and coal mines to their present day entitlement. A Lifeboat Binnacle – another wartime adventure! – the binnacle is a souvenir from the lifeboat on which three teenagers were cast adrift - having been forced off a merchant ship crossing the Atlantic - by a U-boat crew in September 1939. There is a further twist to this tale, involving the same U-boat captain, resulting in the ‘scavenging’ of an Enigma machine and its cipher books by HMS Bulldog in 1941. A good ‘dipping’ book. Lots of photographs and details of how the items were restored by those so-nice experts at The Repair Shop. Sue Fuller
Keep up to date with our news by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meridenlib checking on www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries or calling 0121 704 8001. All information is accurate at the time of writing.
Readers’ Circle News At present, there are no planned meetings. They will resume, however, as soon as Covid restrictions allow.
Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green 8th March – Commonwealth Day 10th March – Birthday of the Earl of Wessex 21st April – Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. 23rd April – St. George’s Day (St. George’s flag) 9th May – Europe Day 16th May – Cyclists’ Memorial Service
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PUZZLE PAGE – No. 7 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.
Battleships 2,1,1 2,1 1,1,1 2,1 1 1,4
WORD LADDER: -Change one letter at a time, but not the position of any letter, to make a new word on each rung, from top to bottom, using the exact number of rungs
1,1 1,1,2
1,1
4,1
Brick Work
2,1
1
4,1
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.
BOXWISE – Place the three-lettered blocks in 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.
Clues:1. Tennis Court divider (3) 2. Hire Charge (4) 3. Come in (5) 4. Contemporary (6) 5. At the heart of (7) 6. Denied (a belief) (8) 7. Cast a spell on (9)
Word Ladder P
I
N
K
B
L
U
E
NUMBERFIT – fit the numbers into the grid
EXTRA PUZZLE PAGE – LOGIC PUZZLE Here’s a different kind of puzzle for a change, for those of you that like something a bit more challenging. I love these puzzles. A tip - you have to go through the clues several times and also use the grid to gradually build up the answer. Good luck and hope you enjoy it. Chris (co-editor) Five friends went out for a meal at their local Italian Restaurant, but were horrified to discover when the bill came that they weren’t going to be able to pay it. Nobody had thought to bring a credit card and the embarrassed group had nothing more than a bit of loose change among them. From the clues given below, can you discover what each of the five pals had to eat and drink, and how much money each person was able to contribute when it was time to pay? 1. Amy, who ate a pepperoni pizza but did not drink lemonade, managed to scrape together more than £1.50 from inside her purse and from various pockets
Meriden Blinds Call now for an appointment to see our latest stunning range of samples for Verticals, Romans, Rollers, Metal, Wood Venetians, and Perfect fit.
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Call: Call: Call:Abbie Abbie Abbieon on on 01676 01676 522430 01676522430 522430 Bingo Bingo every every Friday, Friday, starts startsat at8.00pm 8.00pmlimited limited to to 30 30 people people due due to to social socialdistancing distancing Come Come along along and and have haveaadrink drinkin inour ourlarge large garden, garden, we we have have added addedextra extraseating seatingfor for people people who who enjoy enjoy relaxing relaxingoutdoors. outdoors.
Pat-A-Cakes Homemade Cakes Baked with Love 01676 523644 07930 190267 patacakes2020@gmail.com Hygiene level 2 certificate, registered with North Warwickshire Borough Council Hygiene rating 5 and fully insured. ! " # $ %& % ' ! ! ( ) * $ ( + * ; ) ' $ < " ! $ $ $ " I also make celebration cakes and welcome enquiries. I offer free local delivery and as they are baked and delivered the same day ask for 5 days’ notice to order
Prices start from £6.50 for a small fruit loaf cake. Over 65’s, who live locally, 20% off any cake if you quote Meriden Mag.
Message from Saqib Bhati MP Dear Residents,
I can be reached at saqib.bhatti.mp@parliament.uk or 0121 711 7029 631 Warwick Road Solihull B91 1AR
I hope you and your families are keeping well and are staying safe. I would like to begin by thanking you for all that you are doing to stay at home and stay safe. I know how difficult being in lockdown can be, especially not being able to see your family. As I write this, Covid infection figures across the borough are beginning to show a small decline and the majority of wards in the borough show a promising fall in case numbers. Whilst the decrease is slow, it is still welcome news and shows that our combined efforts to curb the spread of the virus are working. Sadly, the strain on hospitals remains incredibly acute and our local NHS is under great pressure, so it is crucial that we continue to stick with the restrictions to protect lives. The ongoing vaccine deployment programme gives us reason to be hopeful as we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Globally, the UK has one of the largest vaccination deployment programmes, having already vaccinated over 9 million people nationally. Only two countries – the US and China – have vaccinated more people than the UK and we are third for vaccinations per capita globally. Locally, we are making great progress too, and at the time of writing this, the Midlands has administered 1,274,961 doses of the vaccine, which is more than any other region, and looking at the data more closely, 141,604 doses have been administered across the Birmingham and Solihull area including all care home residents. As you will be aware, there are new vaccination centres being opened up every week to expedite the roll out; currently we have 1,000 GP-led services, 200 hospitals and locally, the closest sites to Meriden are Balsall Common Health Centre, Chelmsley Wood, Monkspath Surgery and Richmond Medical Centre all of which are administering the vaccine. Thank you to the brilliant team of staff and volunteers who are working around the clock to deliver the vaccine. If you are in one of the top four vulnerable groups and are called to receive a vaccine, please do take it – this will protect you and our community. As you can see, we have a great momentum going and we can all contribute to the national effort. The Prime Minister has outlined that in order for us to make real progress and start having restrictions lifted, our unprecedented mass vaccination programme must be coupled with the current guidelines, so please do all you can to stay at home. I am also aware of the difficulties being faced by businesses across Meriden. From my experience in business and through conversations with local business owners, I know just how eager our businesses are to open their doors to customers again. To support business owners through this challenging period, I was proud to launch my constituency wide Business Forum. The forum is an opportunity to hear directly from businesses to ensure that we are doing all we can to offer them appropriate support, but also for me to feedback on my work in Westminster. If you run a business in Meriden, I would love to hear from you. For more information and to join, simply sign up on my website: https://www.saqibbhatti.org.uk/business-forum. Better days are near, and we can be confident when we say that there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is the final push, so let’s do everything we can to beat Covid together. Finally, please note my office remains open as usual and we are conducting telephone surgery appointments, so do not hesitate to book a slot.
Best wishes and please do stay safe, Saqib Bhatti MP
Meriden Meriden Women’s Women’s Institute Institute 1918 1918 -- 2021 2021
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Despite with letters letters and and emails. emails. Despitethe therestrictions, restrictions,we wehave have continued continued to to communicate communicate with AtAtChristmas members received a parcel of goodies, hand cream, a crocheted iciclebook bookmark, mark,aa Christmas members received a parcel of goodies, hand cream, a crocheted icicle Christmas thanks to to Della Della Mannix Mannixfor forassembling assemblingthis. this. Christmastree treedecoration, decoration,sweets sweets and and chocolates. chocolates. Many Many thanks We evening of of each each month. month. Wecontinue continuetotomeet meetvia viathe theZoom Zoom App App on on the the first first Monday Monday evening st On Africa. Lionel Lionel will will tell tellus usabout abouthis hiswork workrescuing rescuing OnMonday Monday11stMarch Marchwe weare arehaving having aa speaker speaker from from South South Africa. animals (wolves bears lions etc) abandoned in Zoos in Ukraine and such places and rehoming them allover over animals (wolves bears lions etc) abandoned in Zoos in Ukraine and such places and rehoming them all the world. the world. th On handmade bags bags from fromthe thePhilippines. Philippines. OnMonday Monday12 12thApril AprilAnaliza AnalizaJones Jones will will tell tell us us about about her handmade th May willbe beour ourAnnual AnnualMeeting. Meeting. May1010thwill IfIfyou events you you will will be bemost mostwelcome. welcome. youwould wouldlike liketo to join join us us at at any any of these events Please or email: email: g.j.russells@gmail.com g.j.russells@gmail.com Pleasecontact contactJoan Joan Russell Russell Tel Tel 01676 01676 522666 or
Meriden the reign of James 1 1603 -1625 part1 Thein Shaftes Springe Meriden in Alspath running from the bottom of the Hill to just beyond the present Green owed its development in part to the great road passing through it from London via Coventry to Chester. On the hill top was the original village of Alspath with the vicarage, two half- timbered farms (1), cottages and the parish church of St Laurence. Hamlets like Eaves Green had its own Green, a pond and thatched cottages around it though only Byrchen Grove remains now. Several families lived here; husbandmen like the Barnetts and Lucases. The Keelings, Johnsons and Berrys included farm labourers but many of the poorest folk are difficult to name. English society was fluid so we find the Barnetts increasing significantly in status while the Lucases, from being gentry c 1400, drastically declined. The settlement called Meriden began at the bottom of the steep hill with its centre at an earlier Green with stocks and a maypole opposite the Red Lion (now Bull’s Head) from which led Whittels Lane and routes across the Heath towards the river Blythe and Hampton in Arden. There were other thriving hamlets within the parish, north at Hollyberry End and at mid-point Summerland’s Lodge (Lodge Green). The parish boundaries linking Meriden to Great Packington, Fillongley, Allesley, Berkswell and Hampton in Arden were defined, as in most parishes, by sandstone boundary markers. Though in many ways Meriden was similar to its neighbours with farming its chief economic activity involving roughly 80% of its population, it also prospered because of its inns and ale houses (2) as well as craftsmen like blacksmiths and wheelwrights offering services. Without any surviving church registers or manor court rolls, we cannot comment with certainty on the size of its resident population though wills and inventories and occasional documents help. By modern standards it was very small, measured only in hundreds. Elizabeth 1, the last Tudor monarch, died in the early hours of 24 March 1603 at Richmond Palace. Her maternal cousin Lord Carey raced to Scotland to advise James Stuart (James VI of Scotland) that he, a Tudor descendant, was now also King of England. Carey arrived in Edinburgh filthy and bruised after falling from his horse. James in contrast set off at a leisurely pace down the Great North Road towards London. Meriden in the Forest of Arden could be divided into two distinct sectors: heavy, rich clay soils with coppices of deciduous trees: oak, ash, birch, alder, beech, holly bushes and briars. Many small, hedged fields had been cultivated by freehold farmers north of the road since 14th century. There were also three areas of Common or Open Fields: left of Fillongley Lane to just beyond the site of the present school; right of the lane running parallel with the Main Road as far east as Old Road and thirdly from the present lower Church Lane to Berkswell Lane. The rest was Heath of sand and gravel used for common grazing and where horses and cattle were raised. Grass meadows in front of Meriden Hall followed the Horn Brook to the River Blythe.
(2) Left: - The Talbot Inn, Meriden Green, dating from the late 1500s.
We know something about inhabitants’ social status if, as gentlemen, they left a will and were linked to a house history. Mr William Androws was a property dealer, owner of Meriden Hall and also leased Walsh Hall. Or Mr Humphrey Harper a literate, wealthy cattle dealer resident from c 1604 who bought and extended Lanesfield after 1621. There was a small cattle market here in Meriden but a much larger one in Berkswell. The Halsall family came from Lancashire c 1597 eventually living in one of the larger houses in Alspath. The vicar Thomas Rotton who died in 1617 said they were his neighbours. Next in lower rank were yeomen. Marlbrook Hall was home to Thomas West till his death in 1617 and then his son Henry, both prosperous wood-mongers selling wood in various local markets for house building. The Mottersheads from Cheshire where the name is still found, Ralph, Ann, their children and his brothers came to the village via Maxstoke in 1592 leasing various inns: the ‘Bell’ near the bottom of Meriden Hill and the Cock on the present Green. Ralph died in 1607 and his only surviving son Thomas in 1612 leaving 3 under age sons. Ignoring claims of his wife Ursula, he gave full responsibility for the children and the business to his widowed mother, Ann. She was probably the richest woman in her own right in the village as widows had full control of money and properties. Her 1618 will contains vast information. The rank of husbandman or working farmer often with leased or copyhold land, the mass of labouring, landless poor and paupers complete the social pattern. A long period of plague affected the country from 1603 to .1610 and there was a national bout of influenza c 1615 onwards. From this time we have the inventory of a female pauper in debt to the parish whose scant possessions were worth nothing, her tumble-down dwelling on the edge of the Heath near the present entrance to Meriden Hall.
Doreen Agutter (to be continued)
(1) Moat House Farm, Church Lane. Built c1482
The Old Manor House
Braile’s Cottage, Fillongley Rd, built c1603
Tuckey’s Shop, Meriden Green, demolished 1969
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 J. Murphy & Sons known as LM, and main works are carried out by a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and VINCI known as BBV. LM’s works closest to Meriden are concentrated near the site of the future HS2 Interchange Station. During early 2021, we will continue to remodel and improve the existing road network and create new routes on HS2 land, using phased traffic measures on and around Northway Island. We will also carry out intermittent traffic measures on the A452, A446 and M42 until April. BBV has now completed its compound off Park Lane, just north of Balsall Common, and occupancy will begin from mid-February. The lane remains closed to non-construction traffic. BBV’s compound near to the Berkswell Train Station has also been completed and test piling off Diddington Lane in Hampton-in-Arden has concluded. HS2 during the coronavirus pandemic - HS2 is continually reviewing the works on its 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 longg 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 - 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 its Helpdesk team all day, every day of the year on 08081 434 434, and at hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk . Find out more about HS2 at: www.hs2.org.uk
Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group - Richard Lloyd (Chairman) The preparatory works for HS2 have been hard to miss, with the widespread felling of trees and hedgerows and periodic road closures. Further from Meriden, footpath closures have become a serious inconvenience, and are set to continue for years. However, residents should keep an eye on what comes next. The basic shape of HS2 was set years ago and won't be changed, but there is still a huge amount of detail design that has to be done, and then approved by Solihull Council. The usual public consultation arrangements are curtailed, but are still there for those taking an interest. So far, HS2 hasn't built a reputation for design quality. The new "People Mover" at Birmingham International will deposit people in the Airport forecourt rather than inside the terminal like the old "Air-Rail Link". The Interchange station has open-air walkways rather than covered bridges, and a concourse area at the side of the tracks rather than centrally above the platforms as at International. Don't imagine that HS2 won't affect you if you Tree felling near Burton Green want to travel in the years ahead. Other major structures for HS2 include dualcarriageway viaducts on the A45 and A452, remodelling of the Stonebridge junction, and the railway viaduct across the Blythe outside Hampton. We can't expect a modern version of the Ribblehead viaduct, but a lot of the modern road bridges near us have been mellowed by expanses of brickwork. There needs to be some public debate as to what the future should look like, as we're all the poorer if the area is blighted by masses of artless concrete. Unsurprisingly, Chris Packham's latest petition against HS2 soared past the 100,000 signatories needed to get it debated by Parliament. Significantly, less than a quarter came from constituencies on the line, and there's nowhere from St Ives to Shetland, and Dover to Fermanagh, that hasn't signed. All these voters are dismissed in the latest campaign by the HS2 internet trolls as "HS2 haters". Well, judging by Doug Oakervee's recent explanation of his "Recommendation to Proceed", the only supporters are those with a vested interest. He said the decision was driven by the amount of money already spent, concern for the construction companies, the amount they'd over-paid for land along the route, and the usual mantra that the current railway is "full". Nine years ago, Theresa Villiers said there was a "capacity time bomb", when in fact half the seats were empty. With services slashed due to the pandemic, few doubt the "new normal" will see a huge reduction in long distance commuting.
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Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA Cardona puts Meriden on the map - Meriden? What's that? Meridian? No, that's in Mississippi. This is Meriden, Connecticut, a small city in New Haven County, at latitude 41.5382 and longitude -72.807. With a land area of 23.79 square miles and a median household income of $52,590, the erstwhile "Silver City" has, according to the 2010 Census, a population of 60,868 people, 28.9 percent of them (in the language of the Census Bureau) "Hispanic or Latino of any race." Now that we've established that, it should be noted that 2020 has been a lousy year for the whole world and the whole country, including Meriden. The coronavirus pandemic has killed a lot of people, sent the economy into a tailspin, forced businesses to close, people to lose their jobs and school-age kids to do "remote learning" -- which, no matter how brave a face you put on it, comes perilously close to meaning no learning at all. That said, Meriden recently enjoyed a brief moment in the limelight, at the end of a gloomy year, because President-elect Joe Biden has named city native Miguel Cardona, Connecticut's education commissioner, to be the next U.S. Secretary of Education. Biden has called him "someone who understands the need to prevent the pandemic from further exacerbating the inequities in our education system" and someone who will lead the struggle to educate students safely during the pandemic. The pandemic, Cardona said, "has stolen time from our children," and that impact will take a toll well into the future. Cardona, whose parents came to the mainland from Puerto Rico, is a product of the Meriden public schools and Wilcox Technical High School, plus Central Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut. He came back to Meriden to teach the 4th grade, was promoted to principal of Hanover School and, eventually, to assistant superintendent, and last year Governor Ned Lamont named him State Commissioner. Yes, I'm sure picking Cardona was part of Biden's sometimes excruciatingly correct arithmetic designed to achieve landmark ethnic, racial and gender diversity in his Cabinet. But so what? Cardona is a great pick and stands in stark contrast to the minister he replaces, the highly underqualified Betsy DeVos, who has been a champion of religious education and private schools but is widely seen (including by Biden) as an opponent of public schools. As secretary, she did her level best to please her boss by undoing whatever reforms the Obama Administration had made. She has even called on career Department of Education employees to "be the resistance" when the Biden Administration takes over. When the pandemic hit, Cardona led the effort to deliver more than 100,000 laptops to students across Connecticut, but he has increasingly pressed schools to reopen, saying it's harmful to keep students at home. This can be expected to put him in a bind, caught between the parents who are desperate to send their kids back to school, where there are teachers, and the teacher unions, which have called for school buildings to be closed until safety measures are met. Cardona can probably expect some kind of a honeymoon period from the unions -"Finally we have a candidate who is going to lead public education, understanding the system as an instructor and as a parent," said Meriden Federation of Teachers President Lauren Mancini-Averitt -- but it ain't going to be easy. "Isn't," I mean. Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com.
Berkswell and District History Group News We trust that all members, friends and their families are well. Undoubtedly everyone has found 2020 to be a most difficult and peculiar year. We are living in uncertain times and that applies to the future plans of the History Group. Normally we hold our AGM in January but, given the current situation, we decided to postpone it, probably to late March. It is doubtful if face-to-face, indoor meetings will be feasible by then so it is likely to be an electronic, Zoom type, meeting. Would you support and take part in this type of meeting? Please respond by email to Glyn Price at j17price@btinternet.com or if you are not on email by ‘phone on 01676 535782. It has been our custom to hold speaker meetings every other month in April, June, August, October and December. We remain hopeful that this may still happen in 2021 but we will have to review the situation nearer the time. As already advised, all membership subscriptions paid in 2020 will be carried forward to 2021 and no additional fees will be payable. Our contributions to The Bugle have continued and, hopefully, you will have seen the recent articles on the Balsall Common hostelries. We will continue with this activity and would welcome any thoughts you have on topics or research activities for the future. For more information about the group, have a look at our Website www.berkswell-history.org
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A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco
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This time last year,from as I sat down to write article A Message Councillor Tonymy Dicicco for the Meriden Mag, little did I realise what the This 12 time last year, as Ihave sat down to write my article next months would in store. The Everyday for the Meriden Mag, little did I realise what things that we took for granted, like popping the down the pub or next 12 would have store. Everyday going to amonths restaurant are nowinon hold.The It has been difficult thingsinthat we tookitfor granted, likefor popping the or living Lockdown: is not natural humandown beings topub have going to a restaurant are now on hold. It has been difficult to avoid social contact, but we all know it is vital that we do living Lockdown: it is not natural beings to have so. Theinheart wrenching images we for seehuman daily on the news to avoid social all know it isis. vital thatspoken we do bring home howcontact, terriblebut thewe Covid-19 virus I have so. The heart wrenching images we see daily on the news to a number of friends who work in our local hospitals, on the bring home how terrible the Covid-19 virus is. I have spoken front line in the battle with the virus. The last few months, in to a number of friends who work in our local hospitals, on the particular, have been very difficult, and I really cannot express front line in the battle with the virus. The last few months, in strongly enough my gratitude for all the NHS staff who are particular, have been very difficult, and I really cannot express working so hard to protect us. Of course, it is not just NHS strongly enough my gratitude for all the NHS staff who are staff who deserve our praise. Many people are working hard working so hard to protect us. Of course, it is not just NHS to ensure life can as normally as possible. staff who that deserve our continue praise. Many people are working hard Solihull Council staff have suffered with Covid-19 or have had to ensure that life can continue as normally as possible. to self-isolate: this has caused problems with maintaining Solihull Council staff have suffered with Covid-19 or have had some council services as street cleaning litter to self-isolate: this hassuch caused problems with and maintaining collection. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I some council services such as street cleaning and litter have also been very impressed with the number of people collection. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I willing to volunteer help the community duringofthis difficult have also been verytoimpressed with the number people time. This included Community Champions who have willing to has volunteer to help the community during this difficult helped keep usincluded informed; the volunteers who deliver food time. This has Community Champions who have and medicines vulnerable and stewards to help helped keep ustoinformed; thepeople volunteers who deliver foodout atand themedicines vaccination centres. It is great and to see the fantastic to vulnerable people stewards to help out ongoing effort to vaccinate our most to vulnerable. at the vaccination centres. It is great see the fantastic Itongoing hasn’t been for national government to deal efforteasy to vaccinate our and mostlocal vulnerable. It hasn’t been for national and local government deal effectively witheasy the problems caused by the virus and,to with effectivelysome with things the problems caused bybetter the virus and, hindsight, could have gone . But, thewith hindsight,work some things could have gone betterout . But, the excellent that is currently being carried to vaccinate excellent work that is currently being carried out to vaccinate so many people should make us all proud. I received some so many people shouldfrom makeMeriden us all proud. I received some very positive feedback residents who have very positive feedback from Meriden haveand recently received the vaccine at Balsallresidents Commonwho surgery recently thewith vaccine Balsall Mass Common surgery and were veryreceived impressed the at process. vaccination were very impressed with the process. Mass vaccination offers us the quickest and safest way out of the need to lock offersthe us the quickest andallow safest out of the to lock down country. It will usway to re-build theneed economy and down the country. It will allow us to re-build the economy and start returning to our pre-Covid life. I sympathise with the start returning to our life. Iand sympathise withhave the lost businesses severely hitpre-Covid by Lockdown others that businesses severely hit by Lockdown and others that have their livelihoods. Both national and local government havelost their livelihoods. Both national and local worked hard to help these businesses butgovernment there is no have worked hard to help these businesses but there is no substitute to being able to operate without restrictions. We substitute to being able to operate without restrictions. We can all play our part in bringing Lockdown to an end by can all play our part in bringing Lockdown to an end by continuing to observe social distancing & being vaccinated. continuing to observe social distancing & being vaccinated. We face a difficult year ahead trying to get back on our feet, We face a difficult year ahead trying to get back on our feet, but we can all do our part by supporting local businesses and but we can all do our part by supporting local businesses and community to the the communitygroups. groups.II look look forward forward to to getting getting back back to village hall to watch some films at the Big Picture Show. am village hall to watch some films at the Big Picture Show. II am working funding to to workingwith withthe theVillage Village Hall Hall committee committee to to obtain obtain funding help it through the current Lockdown. I am also working with help it through the current Lockdown. I am also working with the the first first theParish ParishCouncil Councilto to try try to to obtain obtain funding funding to to make make the floor The floorof ofthe theLibrary Librarysafe safe for for use use as as aa community community space. space. The Village Hall and Library are key assets for our local Village Hall and Library are key assets for our local community. for your your community.And Andfinally, finally, II would would like like to to thank thank you you all all for patience, patience,understanding understanding and and perseverance perseverance during during an an extremely extremelychallenging challenging year. year. IfIf you you wish wish to contact me about this thisarticle articleor orany anyother other local local issues, issues, my email address is:
tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk. tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.
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Trees of Meriden and Millison’s Wood The May Tree (Hawthorn) Hawthorn is a small tree (or large shrub) growing to no more than 15 metres, but as a hedging plant has shaped our landscape more than any other, and “the May”, has great significance in folklore. On the eve of May Day, young people used to go into the woods and fields a-maying, coming back at dawn laden with blossom from the May Tree, an ancient symbol of fertility. Women would wash their faces in the dew from the flowers to enhance their beauty and men their hands to improve their craft skills. The May Tree is the forerunner of the Maypole and was used to make up the May Queen’s garland. But the joyous celebrations for the arrival of Spring were always outside; it was believed bringing hawthorn indoors invited bad luck, illness or possible death to someone in the family. Other old names for the May Tree include quickthorn and whitethorn with hawthorn coming from the Anglo-Saxon word “hagedorn”, meaning hedge thorn. As a hedging plant, Hawthorn symbolises a darker period in our history. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the wealthy planted hedges of hawthorn around land, excluding the common people from land formerly The May, in all its glory used for communal open field farming. 200,000 miles of hedgerows were planted in the English Midlands throwing many into poverty. As Spring gives way to Summer, their remnants can still be seen today blooming in local lanes and fields, along the Birmingham Road, over Meriden Hill and into Millison’s Wood.
Midland Hawthorn Flower
Common Hawthorn Leaf
Midland Hawthorn Leaf
Hawthorn Fruit
Thorns and Buds
There are two native species of Hawthorn, Midland and Common. Both have lobed leaves with serrated edges, but this is less pronounced in the Midland variety and the serrations appear all around the edge whereas they are only at the tips of the lobes on the Common. Both are hermaphrodites with male and female parts on every flower. The Midland variety has two stamens (the female parts) and therefore two seeds in the fruit. In both species, the thorns grow from the same point as the buds. Hawthorn can support more than 300 insect species. The flowers provide food for the caterpillars of many moth species, nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects. Hawthorn shield bugs lay their eggs in Spring and, over the summer, the nymphs feed on the ripening red berries before developing into adults from late August. The fruit is valuable food for birds including dunnocks, yellowhammer, Hawthorn Shield Bug Wood Mouse Yellowhammer bullfinches and and thrushes, particularly in winter. The thorny thickets provide safe nesting sites for birds and small mammals such as wood mice. Historically, Hawthorn has stocked the larder for humans as well. The leaves and flowers were used in salads and the fruit and flowers for teas, jellies and wine, sometimes to treat diarrhoea and heart conditions as well as for culinary purposes. As I’m writing this, it’s snowing outside and its seems a long time before the May will be out, but by the time you read this it should just be a couple of months. Right now, a reminder of joys to come is very welcome and picturing the hedgerows bursting with snowy white blooms has certainly lifted my spirits! If you’re interested in our trees, local wildlife and conservation in general, I’d love to hear from you. Or visit the Facebook page Meriden and Millison’s Wood Trees where you can see dates for conservation work parties in Millisons Wood.
Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com
Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees
WALKING PAGE
For the residents of Meriden, the tangible existence of A Coventry Way probably only manifests itself during the day of the annual challenge event, usually held in April. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement and adrenaline as up to 250 participants leave The Queens Head to embark on the 40-mile countryside route encircling the city of Coventry, some returning in as little as 6 hours, whilst others return after considerably more than twice this long! A Coventry Way is primarily the result of one person's endeavours: Cyril Bean, who studied the layout of the footpaths in the surrounding countryside and proposed that they could be joined to form a continuous loop. In 1974 he became the first person to walk the route in its entirety. He spent the following decades promoting it, eventually succeeding in gaining official recognition for it as a Long Distance Trail designated on Ordnance Survey maps. Since his death in 2012, the annual challenge event has been named in his honour. A memorial gate in Meriden churchyard dubs him "Mr A Coventry Way". A noticeboard outside The Queens Head displays a map of the route and locals will be familiar with the ‘Three Spires’ waymarks appearing on gates and stiles. A Coventry Way Association continues to promote the route, holds regular working parties to clear overgrown footpaths, install and maintain kissing gates, footbridges and way-mark posts, as well as organising the challenge event. For updated information, please visit the website:
Some countryside views below from A Coventry Way.
Approaching ApproachingHill HillHouse HouseFarm, Farm,Berkswell Berkswell
www.acoventryway.org.uk. There are 2 publications available to download as pdf files: the ‘Green Book’, which details maps and directions for the entire A Coventry Way route; and the ’21 Circular Walks’ book, which details maps and directions for 21 walks linked to the Way. These walks range from 2.5 to 12 miles in length and can all be accessed using public transport. Very interesting environmental and historical information is also available on the website. In addition, there are GPX files available to download to your GPS device and/or Ordnance Survey mapping software. Both local walkers and those from further afield are always pleasantly surprised by the beautiful countryside on our doorstep. There is significant variety to be enjoyed, including the Rivers Avon and Sowe, Oxford Canal towpath, Kenilworth Greenway, Brinklow Motte and Bailey, ancient lanes, packhorse bridges, plenty of open fields and, in season, Meriden Shafts are stunningly carpeted with bluebells. Fans of church architecture will have particular reason to linger, as the route takes in the parish churches of Meriden, Stoneleigh, Bubbenhall, Rytonon-Dunsmore, Brinklow and Ansty, while it is only a short detour to Kenilworth Castle and Abbey Fields. A Coventry Way truly showcases both wonderful walking and wonderful views on well-maintained paths. Enjoy!! Editor’s note - Many thanks to Anne for this lovely article. Anne Wade (January 2021)
River River Sowe Sowethrough throughStoneleigh StoneleighMeadow Meadow Above Above photos photostaken takenininSpring Spring2000 2000byby Duncan DuncanBean. Bean.Lots Lotsmore moreon onthe the website website––go gohave haveaalook look––it’s it’sgreat. great.
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WALKING PAGE 2 A 6 mile stroll – lovely circular walk starting at the Queens Head. d From the Queens head, walk slightly downhill towards Main Road. Before the junction, go through a kissing gate on the right into the field. Walk across the left side of the field, cross over a small footbridge and immediately turn right. Continue along the footpath as it follows the field boundary, going gently uphill to reach Fillongley Road and the outskirts of Meriden. Cross over the road and turn right to walk a short distance along the pavement and cross the road bridge over the A45. After the bridge, turn immediately left through a kissing gate onto a footpath walking above the A45 towards Birmingham. After a short distance, you emerge into a field below Brailes Farm. Follow the footpath as it gently rises and crosses through 4 fields/kissing gates to reach Sparrows Grove Woodland. Continue onto High Ash Farm enjoying wonderful open views towards Birmingham and the airport/NEC. (Pic 1). On reaching the farm, keep straight ahead to reach the bottom left corner of Church Wood. Pic 2. Enter through the gate and walk along the path to reach a right-hand junction. Turn right here and continue uphill to follow the path which eventually emerges into a woodland clearing (pic 3) onto Fillongley Road. From here, walk left along the grass verge to reach Shaft Lane (pic 4). Walk along Shaft Lane, which is a single-track road, to reach a track which leads past Stone House Farm. Walk along this track as it winds its way above Meriden Shafts. Follow the bridleway around to the right and continue along it to reach Showell Lane at the old waterworks. Turn right onto Showell Lane and walk downhill past the caravan park and round the sharp right-hand bend into Lodge Green Lane, going slightly uphill. At the top, turn left across an open field, following the path which passes a row of spaced out Oak trees leading down to Walsh Hall and emerging onto Walsh Lane. Turn left and continue until you reach the junction with Eaves Green Lane. Turn right and all that remains is a short walk along the road back to the Queens Head. Pic 1
Pic 2
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Pic 4
Many thanks Paul Reeve, who Many thanks toto Paul Reeve, who lives Millison’s Wood, lives in in Millison’s Wood, forfor providing this lovely walk. Paul providing this lovely walk. Paul is is also offering to run this as a guided also offering to run this as a guided walk once Covid restrictions walk once Covid restrictions areare lifted. does a lot Charity work lifted. HeHe does a lot of of Charity work Zoe’s Place Coventry and forfor Zoe’s Place in in Coventry and would a £5 donation them would askask forfor a £5 donation toto them if you’d like join guided walk. if you’d like toto join hishis guided walk. You can contact him 07932 You can contact him onon 07932 Check out Paul’s website many Check out Paul’s website forfor many 602399 or by email to 602399 or by email to exciting and worldwide adventures. exciting UKUK and worldwide adventures. paul@skyblueadventures.com paul@skyblueadventures.com https://skyblueadventures.com) https://skyblueadventures.com)
Paul’s website does not Paul’s website does not yetyet show any guided local walks show any guided local walks but aims start offering but hehe aims toto start offering these, covering Meriden, these, covering Meriden, Balsall Common, Berkswell, Balsall Common, Berkswell, Fillongley, Corley etc. soon Fillongley, Corley etc. asas soon as allowed to do so once as allowed to do so once restrictions relaxed. You restrictions areare relaxed. You can contact him 07932 can contact him onon 07932 602399 email 602399 oror byby email toto paul@skyblueadventures.com paul@skyblueadventures.com
Reminder deadline for the summer 2021 issue Saturday 1st May Delivery will be by the beginning of June Val Martin co-editor and treasurer 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Chris Bannister co-editor and advertising 07789903021 chrisbannister56@aol.com Distribution Paul Green, Mavis & Ken Edwards Sue Riley & Steve Chance Proof reader Sue Fuller
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Refuse Collection Information The green bins will be emptied again during the weeks beginning 29th March or 5th April depending on which route you are on, for more info go to www.solihull.gov.uk search - calendar
Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Pre booked slots only. Please do not turn up without a booking or you will be refused entry. To book go to www.solihull.gov.uk Or telephone 0121 704 8000 Sunday March 28th British Summer time begins Don’t forget to put your clocks forward one hour
Solution to Meriden Farm Word Search