Meriden Mag Summer 2021
See inside for details of : Meriden Open Gardens, New Model Aircraft Site, Water Saving Tips, Community Minibus and Children's pages
Faith Week Each year, in addition to our broad and multi-faith RE curriculum, we hold a ‘faith week’ that focuses on either a religious or philosophical question. This year we focused upon the question, ‘Why and how do people pray?’ Each class/phase of the school had a different faith perspective from which to answer this question. Faiths included Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. Each class engaged with their question, researching it using various artefacts and sources, including through a range of virtual visitors across the school. The children’s learning culminated in a showcase of what they had learnt to parents on the last day of the term.
Meriden Gets Reading! Whilst we were sad that we couldn’t celebrate World Book Day in the normal way, we planned some activities which were just as exciting!! The children entered our school competition...THE MASKED READER! They were asked to guess the identity of 6 members of staff who took on the roles of Peacock, Monkey, Racoon, Fox, Panda and Lion and also which book they have chosen to read an extract from! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1fVBLqwiMM The big reveal went out live on World Book Day - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqU0L0JUV58
Families of Meriden CE Primary School have also been raising money to help fund some brand new books for the school library! In partnership with Mrs Bryan’s Book Box we have been holding a sponsored read (or if you are in EYFS a sponsored listen) and have already collected over £1000 which is absolutely astonishing! Thank you to everyone who supported this. We have also taken part in a community book pledge where members of our community have been supporting us with donations- we would like to say a huge THANK YOU! Current donations stand at £366 from the community. Are you able to support our Community Book Pledge and donate to our school fund? All donations go towards new Usborne books for our school library. If you’d like to help out you can go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-buy-books-for-meriden-primaryschool?teamInvite=QMCVqhdhzibuuCEWMZPLelUMZqeIs8KJ46NvUcSOBGe8uZptEfpUnkQXk0EGNjIX or use: www.paypal.me/mrsbryansbookbox
School life is resuming!
Origami Crane Project
It is so lovely that this term we have started to be able to have things like outdoor sports clubs and the music service back into school. Although there is still a long way to go, it is lovely to hear the steel pans on a Thursday morning! We are also able to have volunteers back in school, masked and tested with the lateral flow tests twice a week. The children really benefit from regular reading sessions with our parents. Let’s hope that this continues.
You may remember that in the last issue of the Meriden Mag we asked for help to create an art installation in the school to give us faith that we will all be together again soon and remind us of the challenges we have faced this year. The crane represents good fortune and longevity and the Japanese refer to it as the “bird of happiness”. We now have the start of our flock of cranes in the entrance hall. Don’t they look amazing! Thank you to all who contributed.
Since the last update in the Meriden Mag, the season was restarted in March. All three of our teams have been in action and it has been amazing seeing all the players back out enjoying training and playing matches. Our Under 9 team continues to grow and we have now around 16 players coming to training each week. Due to the popularity, we are now creating a second team to start playing League fixtures in September. The team have played well in their opening fixtures following the restart and they are improving each week and developing their own game and learning about positioning and the importance of being part of a team.
Under 12s in action at home against GNP in April
The Under 12 and Under 14 teams continue to train and play at the Sports Park. Both teams are enjoying playing football and are developing with each game. The pitch and the facilities at the Sports Park are excellent and both teams love playing there. Since the FA restarted the season, the teams have had both midweek games and weekend games and we are trying to ensure that the teams get all their missed fixtures in before the end of the season. A big thanks to all the coaches and parents that give up their time to ensure that the fixtures can go ahead. A special thankyou must also go to the Sports Park staff and the committee for keeping the pitch in such excellent condition. EQUIPMENT DONATION
Under 12s returning to training.
We are delighted that the club have been given a donation of football equipment by David Busst (ex Coventry City footballer), The PFA and Sports Direct. The club is immensely grateful for such a generous donation which will help the coaches and the kids alike!
Our Under 14s playing following the restart.
As the club continues to grow, we need to recruit some additional players to each of our three age group teams for next season. We need players for our U15 (year 10 in September 2021) Under 13 (year 8 in September 2021) and our Under 10 (year 5 in September 2021). Please contact the following people:
Richard (Under 15) – 07930215354 Bryn – (Under 13) – 07867486720 Phil – (Under 10) - 07773545451
Meriden Lions Under 12 and their coaches with the donated equipment.
We are keen to establish additional teams at various age groups and also a girls' team. We would encourage anyone who has an interest in coaching a 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. In June, we are looking to launch Meriden Lions cubs. This is a training session with a focus on fun aimed at children aged 3-6 and will be on a Saturday morning at the school. Please get in touch if you want to find any more information or register your son or daughter. For any further information on Meriden Lions or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please get in touch with Phil Burrows (Chairman), Bryn Williams (secretary) or Kelly Elwell (Treasurer ) at Meridenlionsfc@outlook.com
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
Summer Service Details Date 6th June 13th June 20th June 27th June 4th July 11th July 18th July 25th July 1st August 8th August 15th August 22nd August 29th August
Service * Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Morning Prayer
All services are at 10:30 am. * Holy Communion services are subject to availability of a minister. Please check the web site. Sunday Services in church resumed in late March, so we are now holding a normal pattern of services every Sunday at 10:30am.
We are looking into resuming, as soon as possible:The All Together Community Cafe, run in conjunction with Meriden Churches Together. This will be at 2pm-4pm on the second Friday of the month at The Pavilion.
It is a great relief that the restrictions on our lives are being gradually lifted and many things can get back to more normality. At the Church we are back to having a service every Sunday. Soon we will be allowed to have greater numbers at funerals and weddings, and also be allowed to sing hymns again. However, our services are not very ‘normal’ because, while we have no permanent minister in Meriden (no vicar!), we are getting along by having lots of different ministers come to take our services. The variety of styles and messages is refreshing and exciting! Meanwhile, the work of finding a new minister is underway, but it is a long and rather slow process. I have read recently that lots of people today say they are ‘Spiritual but not Religious’. As someone who is obviously religious and tries to be spiritual when God helps me, I am tempted to laugh at this. It seems like maybe a soldier who says they want to fight but doesn’t want to be in the Army, a nurse who wants to care for people but doesn't want to do medical training or someone trying to build a big new hall without the help of an architect. I get it that Christianity and the other major religions seem like a lot of old-fashioned ideas. Science and ‘modern’ thinking change the way we see the world and we all like to think we can find the answers ourselves. I write these words and you read them but if I could talk to you face to face and you said to me that you are spiritual but not religious, I’d reply that while you may do what you like in our free country, you’d be well advised not to kid yourself. So please go ahead, try looking at other ways that are called ‘spiritual’ but, before you finish looking, have a read of the Gospels in the Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)and I mean REALLY read them. There you can listen to the words of a teacher called Jesus. You will find that all the other ways seem to be relatively OK but, I assure you, you will find Jesus rather better, amazingly right in fact. People like me don’t talk about Jesus because we are religious, that would be upside-down and inside-out. We take up religion because of what Jesus says when he talks to us. That’s a proper reason to be spiritual. Most people probably skip this whole ‘church’ page. You have read nearly all of it. Please do yourself a favour and go further – find out more about Jesus now, as soon as you can, and every day.
Any enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs please contact the church warden:
Carol Clarke 07500 700679
The Cyclists’ Memorial Service will now be on September 5th. A larger turn out is expected this year as it is the 100th anniversary of the building and unveiling of the monument in 1921. The service will start at 11.00 am as usual.
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A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco
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A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco Firstly, I would like to thank the voters of Meriden for showing faith inthe mevoters and of Firstly, I would like to thank re-electing me as your SMBC councillor. It is Meriden for showing faith in me and a great honour represent the area where re-electing me astoyour SMBC councillor. It is I have lived overhonour 22 years. During thethe election campaign, afor great to represent area where I haveI had lived to speak with many residents across the opportunity for over 22 years. During the election campaign, I had the ward and there to was a lotwith of strong about the the speak manyfeeling residents across the opportunity damaging effectwas that HS2ofconstruction was having ward and there a lot strong feeling about theon our local community and construction concern about future damaging effect that HS2 was having on development on Green land.about As a local resident, I our local community andBelt concern future development on GreenThere Belt land. a local resident, share these concerns. wereAsalso a number of I share concerns. Theresuch were number road of to Meriden asalso the aproposed issuesthese specific issues specific such asBridge the proposed road the diversions duetotoMeriden the Fillongley replacement, diversions due to the Fillongley Bridge replacement, proposed long-term changes to Leys Lane, speedingthe in proposed changes to Leys Lane,lanes. speeding the villagelong-term centre and fly tipping in rural I willinbe the village and the fly tipping in Parish rural lanes. I will be looking tocentre work with Meriden Council, looking to work the Meriden Parish to Council, residents, SMBCwith officers and the police find effective residents, SMBC officers and the police to find effective solutions to these issues. An example of what can be solutions to these issues. An example of what can be road achieved by such collaborative working is the latest achieved by such collaborative working is the road safety improvements in Berkswell, around thelatest dangerous safety improvements in Berkswell, around the dangerous Meriden Road/Lavender Hall Lane junction. These Meriden Road/Lavender Hall Lane junction. improvements will deliver benefits to both These road users improvements will deliver benefits to both road users of and residents at a junction which has seen a number and residents at a junction which has seen a number of serious road accidents over the last few years. serious road accidents over the last few years.
Even though HS2 construction does not directly affect Even though HS2 construction does not directly affect residents in Meriden to the same extent as those living residents in Meriden to the same extent as those living in Balsall Common and Berkswell, it was still raised as a in Balsall Common and Berkswell, it was still raised as a key area of concern by many people that I spoke to. Now key area of concern by many people that I spoke to. Now thatI Ihave havebeen beenre-elected re-electedfor foranother another33years, years,I Iintend intend that towork workhard hardto toaddress addressthis thisconcern. concern.This Thismeans meansthat thatI I to willwork workwith withresidents, residents,my myfellow fellowcouncillors councillorsand andthe the will Meriden Parish Council to hold HS2 to account. It is not Meriden Parish Council to hold HS2 to account. It is not HS2Ltd's Ltd'scontractors contractorstotosimply simplyturn turnup up goodenough enoughfor forHS2 good withlittle littlenotice noticeand andstart startchopping choppingdown downmature maturetrees trees with and removing hedgerows. As a community, we need and removing hedgerows. As a community, we need morewarning warningofofplanned plannedworks worksso sothat thatwe wecan canchallenge challenge more themwhere whereappropriate. appropriate.For Forinstance, instance,we weneed needtotoknow know them what work is planned, when and why and what what work is planned, when and why and what safeguardswill willbe beput putininplace placetotoprotect protectlocal localwildlife, wildlife, safeguards especiallyatatsensitive sensitivetimes timesofofthe theyear yearsuch suchas asthe thebirdbirdespecially nestingseason. season.I Iwill willalso alsobe beobjecting objectingto tothe the33HS2 HS2 nesting planning planningapplications applicationswhen whenthey theycome cometotothe theSMBC SMBC Planning Committee. These planning applications Planning Committee. These planning applicationsseek seektoto use constructionvehicles. vehicles.I,I,and andmy my uselocal localroads roadsfor forHS2 HS2construction fellow local councillors, Diane Howell and Ken Allsopp, fellow local councillors, Diane Howell and Ken Allsopp, want wantto tosee seeHS2 HS2Ltd Ltdusing usingaaroute routeon onits itsland landalongside alongside the theline lineofofthe thetrack, track,avoiding avoidingunsuitable unsuitablelocal localroads roadsand and lanes. lanes. And Andfinally, finally,thank thankyou youagain againfor forgiving givingme methe the opportunity to be your local Councillor. youwish wishtoto opportunity to be your local Councillor.IfIfyou contact contactme, me,my myemail emailaddress address is: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk. is: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.
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. Like many things, the year of Coventry as the City of Culture has had to be pushed back. Hopefully by the time you are reading this edition of Meriden Mag it will at last have started but the delay will have caused many changes to have been made to the programme. The Methodist Church has a world-renowned Methodist Art Collection and during September will be exhibiting some of the pieces of art in various churches including Balsall Common and Fillongley. Alongside the artworks there will be workshops and other displays and I would encourage you to come along and see them at the weekends in the various churches that are displaying them and to follow the trail that is being organised. Whilst the Methodist Church in Meriden will not be hosting pieces from the art collection, we are planning to hold other workshops later in the year of Culture and look forward to welcoming you all then – details to follow. As Summer beckons there is a sense of relief as we emerge from lockdown – not just that we can attend events like the one above, but everything seems brighter. There is the promise of meeting friends and having some semblance of normality again in our lives. Yet there has also been great loss – not just in this country but around the world. Things that we have taken for granted are now appreciated as something precious. In the Bible there is a book called Lamentations. As Jeremiah laments all that has happened to him and to his people he suddenly declares, that in spite of all that has happened ‘The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Jeremiah knew that whatever we go through God’s love never fails. His mercy and his faithfulness strengthen us and renew us. As we emerge from this time changed by our experience, so we have a choice to put our hope and faith in God. As Romans 15 says, ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God bless you, Jane The Methodist Church Hall is available for hire. Please contact Alan Gabbitas on 01676 522148
Warwickshire Watercolourists Art Exhibition Bank Holiday 28 -30th August 2021 Berkswell Reading Rooms Meriden Road Berkswell CV7 7BE 10.00am – 5.00pm daily Free Entry
Ample Parking & Disabled Access Many original water colour paintings cards & prints for sale Refreshments available proceeds to charity All subject to Government COVID regulations For updated information contact WawickshireWatercolourists@gmail .com
The Methodist Church is now open on the second and fourth Sunday of every month
Pat Stanley 17th January 1937 – 25th April 2021
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Regional Driving Assessment Centre Hampton Lane Locally based charity the Regional Driving Assessment Centre (RDAC) has recently recruited a new Chief Executive Officer, Sean Barratt. Sean took on his new role, on the retirement of Colin Barnett at the end of March 2021. Colin had formed and developed RDAC when it moved out of the NHS in the late 2000’s so that the RDAC charity is now the largest Driving Assessment Centre in the country. Colin will continue his involvement with the national ‘Driving Mobility’ organisation.
This picture on the right shows Colin (left) handing over the RDAC keys to Sean. Behind them is Gerry Russell Chairman of the RDAC Board of Trustees. Prior to becoming the Chief Executive, Sean had been managing the RDAC northern region centres from the Manchester base. Following the appointment of the new CEO a new senior management team has been formed. They are (L to R) Clare Jones (Assessment Team Manager - Midlands), Steve Dent (Assessment Team Manager - South), Sean Barratt (CEO) Amy Leddington (Administration and Marketing Manager) For further information about RDAC the contact telephone number is 0300 300 2240, the website is www.rdac.co.uk.
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MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk To say the very least, the past 12 months plus have been deeply worrying and, in far too many cases, heart-breaking. I say this as I have been truly moved by the way in which a considerable number of you have still considered the plight of others living with terminal illness. Just to remind you, £7,607 was raised by the Meriden Tree of Thought during 2020 and already this year £1,270 has been sent to the charities. This means a great deal to me but, much more importantly, to the people going through the most dire time of their lives. I’m delighted to say that, since I created the MTOT in 2005, it has raised £73,422 for the charities. The Easter Draw, organised by Pat Smith, and so well supported by those of you who bought tickets or generously donated the lovely prizes, raised over £610. I have decided not to have a Midsummer draw this year as I don’t think it seemly to seek prizes from supporters who have sustained large losses due to the pandemic. This is a shame as it always generates much valued funds but will hopefully be seen as the responsible approach. However, Pat is looking to run another Draw in October, by which time it should be possible to look to my supporters again for their kind input of delightful prizes. As at the time of writing it is not possible to say if there may be a Dedication of the Tree. I’ll have to see. Yet again, let me say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ for supporting what I do with the Meriden Tree of Thought.
BALSALL COMMON U3A We are pleased to announce that following Government advice, several of our outdoor activity groups have been able to safely re-commence. Walking Football and Petanque have started and the Ramblers Group are doing twice monthly 4-5 mile walks as well as monthly 3-mile walks. Meanwhile, many indoor groups are meeting using Zoom. See our website www.balsallcommonu3a.org for up-todate information. Planned Core Meetings are as follows:1st July - “Backroom Stories from the Birmingham Rep” Talk given by Linda Hisgett & Angela Maloney 5th August – AGM followed by a talk given by Carol Trigg on “St John’s Ambulance” These meetings are held in St. Peter’s Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common at 2pm. There is no charge and prospective members are welcome to attend.
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Report from President Warren: I cannot believe how quickly time has passed as I find myself looking at the last quarter of my Rotary year. The year has started on a quieter note due mainly to the Covid restrictions. Under normal circumstances by now we would have had our Senior Citizens’ Party followed by the President’s Evening, both these events have now passed. On a more positive note, we should have all our ducks in line for Incoming President Charles Perry. Most of the major work on the Santa Sleigh is all done with just a few finishing touches needed and we can look forward to a great Christmas Party and Santa Fun Run. The memorial to our founder president Cliff Whitney, is currently in Lavender Hall Park in Balsall Common but it has been vandalised more than once and has needed work since just before the first lockdown. Cliff deserves better and we need to look for somewhere more suitable, perhaps in Meriden. During a recent Zoom meeting a visiting Rotarian, President Rick Smallwood, from Yardley and Sheldon Club announced to our club that sadly his club has decided to close down at the end of this Rotary year in June owing to their diminishing membership numbers. Rick has formally requested that five of their members would like to continue their Rotary Service by joining the Rotary Club of Meriden at the start of the new Rotary year in July 2021. I have spoken to the club Secretary Jane who has already sent Rick the application forms so that they can be included in our Members’ Hand Book for 2021-2022. For many years our club has had a close association with Yardley and Sheldon and although we are sad that their club is closing, we will welcome them into our Club. In the absence of meeting in person each week, one of the things that has kept our momentum going is the quality and number of very good speakers we have all enjoyed, for which I must thank David Burton and Charles Perry. Our weekly Zoom meetings have been very popular, not only amongst members, but also non-members and of course visiting Rotarians. We have been able to listen to speakers who fly doctors to remote parts of the world; a Royal Navy doctor who told us about medical care during the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq; the NSPCC and Childline; tracing our ancestry; Marie Curie; life as a barrister; looking after our hearts; Investigative Forensic Police work and more. A speaker from the President’s charity would normally talk to us early in the Rotary year but these are not normal times. Debra, the charity for people whose skin does not work, supports people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and is our main charity this year. We have very recently had two of their team to tell us more about it. Hugh Thompson, the director of fund raising and communications, explained that the charity sponsors research into this terrible disease and supports sufferers. Fortunately, it is very rare but he explained it is almost impossible to touch the skin of badly affected sufferers without it erupting into blisters accompanied by severe itching which at all costs must not be scratched and it is life limiting. Their President, Simon Weston, explained that during his treatment for the horrific burns that he received during the Falklands War,
he experienced itching and blisters too, but he knew that he would eventually recover but sufferers of this disease will not and it will probably get steadily worse for them so he has great empathy. Some of us have also joined the Zoom meetings of other clubs and we have been mystified by a brilliant magician in Nuneaton, enjoyed the history of transport with Tamworth Anker and listened to one of our own members, David Maugham, talking to another club about one of his WW1 heroes. Most of us think our own jobs are uninteresting and boring because we are so familiar with them, but they often turn out to be among the most interesting topics. One of our newer members Bob Woolley told us about his life associated with the motor trade and it was one of the best “my job” talks we have had. Neville Riley talked about his experiences during many years of motorcycling. Unfortunately, in February due to the local Covid situation, we had to take the difficult decision to suspend our weekly collection of food from Aldi for the Salvation Army in Coventry, but I am pleased to say that due to the improvement in the Covid situation that has now restarted. Also, on the brighter side we have begun to look forward to the time when we can all meet again in person. We are looking at where we meet, our meals and how we meet, as well as how to restart our activities. We are hoping that circumstances might allow us to come together for the handover meeting on 29th June when my year will end and I will hand over to Charles Perry, who will become the 43rd President of the Rotary Club of Meriden 2021 – 22. The Rotary Club of Meriden wishes everyone good health during what we hope is now the beginning of a return to some sort of normality. 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 the club website www.meridenrotary.org.uk where there is a link to request a Zoom invitation. PANKAJ WARA, President
Meriden Floral Society Note to all members: we are next meeting at Meriden Village Hall on Monday 18th October. Hope to see you all there.
The King family raring to go!
Contact numbers Sue 01676 522540 Carol 01676 522888 Our article for the Summer 2020 Meriden Mag talked about the impact Covid was having on our lives and the Cancer Research fundraising events needing to be cancelled. Who thought then that we would be still talking about it a year later? At last, with fingers crossed and continued caution, we look to be on the route to living with the virus and getting back to “normality”. We have already started fundraising again and are looking forward to organising more events over the coming months, which hopefully will raise much needed funds - cancer has not gone away and the need to find treatment solutions remains. Our first 2021 event, which hopefully generated a smile or two, was our knitted Easter Crème Egg sale. What started as an “egg-cellant” fundraising idea quickly “eggsploded” into a significant campaign, with a tireless team of knitters making a range of hats, chicks, ducks, mice and rabbits on the Easter theme. Initially we thought we might sell 100-150, but word got round about these highly desirable characters and we ended up selling an amazing 439. Thanks to everyone who knitted, sewed, donated wool and materials and of course, those that bought them. We are planning a range of Christmas themed items for sale later in the year so look out for them at future events. If you would like to help us in this endeavour, either by knitting, crocheting, sewing up or donating wool or materials, please contact Sue or Carol. We collected £353 at Tesco Canley with the Cancer Research “Race for Life” and “Tesco turns Pink” initiative. The community fun runs had to be held remotely due to Covid, so many congratulations to the families in Meriden that undertook their own team runs and raised loads in sponsorship. The fun runs will now be held on 5th September in Solihull and 9th October in University of Warwick (Coventry). If you fancy joining in, please look for “Race for Life” on the Cancer Research UK website for further details. Our next major event is the often rescheduled Meriden Open Gardens 2020 21! We are now confident that we will be able to hold this spectacular on Sunday 4th July, which will include gardens big and small, plant sales, refreshments and tombola. If you are interested in adding your garden to our schedule – the more the merrier, please contact Sue or Carol. Full event details are shown in our advert and will be further promoted around the village and on Facebook during June. Later in the year we will be holding our In the Pink & Blue evening at the Manor Hotel, on 17th October and our Christmas Party at The Heart of England Social Club, on 12th Dec. Further details will appear in due course. As we all come out of lockdown, it may prove challenging for many of us and much, much worse for others who have had to deal directly with the worst of Covid amongst their friends and family. We wish you all well, and whilst keeping safe, welcome you to any and all of our events. Sue & Carol.
Maxstoke Castle and Gardens Open Day Coleshill B46 2RD
Sunday 6th June 11.00am – 5.00pm Part of the National Gardens Scheme Adults £8 Children £5 Home Made Teas
Meriden Open Gardens Sunday 4th July 11.am – 6.pm £5 per head - children go free. Come and explore lots of beautiful gardens, big and small. Including some new gardens. Main ticket and maps sales at Meriden Village Hall 208 Main Rd CV7 7NG Please come along and support this lovely village event. *Plant sales* Refreshments * *Tombola* All proceeds to Cancer Research
Due Dueto tothe thetherapeutic therapeuticbenefits benefitsthat thatits itsuniquely uniquelytailored tailoredapproach approachhas hasfor forvisitors, visitors, Spencer’s Spencer’sRetreat Retreathas hasachieved achievedhigh highprofile profileregional regionalmedia mediaand andnational nationaltelevision television coverage coverageand andreceives receiveschildren childrenand andfamilies familiesfrom fromaround aroundthe thecountry country––some some travelling travellingfrom fromas asfar faras asthe thesouth southcoast coastof ofEngland, England,Wales Walesand andthe theLake LakeDistrict. District.The The trustees trusteesof ofthe thecharity charityhave havebuilt builtup upaagreat greatnetwork networkof oflocal localvolunteers volunteersand andcompany company partnerships, partnerships,providing providingdonations donationsand andresources resourcesto tohelp helpdevelop developthe thefacilities facilitiesat at Spencer’s Spencer’sRetreat. Retreat.However Howeverunfulfilled unfulfilledpromises promisesby byHS2 HS2LM LMare arecurrently currentlycausing causingaa great greatdeal dealof ofupset. upset.We Weare, are,however, however,very verygrateful gratefulfor forthe thework workthat thatthey theyhave havedone. done.
HS2 Unfulfilled Commitments.
What they actually did:-
What they promised to do:- Repair the track leading down to the farm and add animal signage - Resurface the carpark and main entrance off Spencer’s Lane - Renovate the stables, install a kitchen, sitting area, sensory room and replace the doors and windows - Install a canopy to shelter from sun and rain. - Renew all the fencing down the track to the farm, around the site perimeter and splitting the fields. - Revamp the natural play area with plans to landscape it, supply and install play equipment, tunnels and hills for the children - Install a bird hide and nature area. - Create a small, decked area for parents to be able to sit on and watch their children playing - Create a wheelchair path around the farm - Install mains power to the farm This would have all been wonderful, making us the best special needs / disabled children’s farm in the UK and we were going to have a full opening ceremony this summer.
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What can you do to help? 1. Visit our GoFundMe page and donate what you can afford. https://gofundme/6047d2a6 2. Sign our petition to ask HS2 to keep their promise http://chng.it/nRhk2pD4N2 3. Offer your time and skills to progress the projects HS2 have not completed. Contact us through Facebook Messenger orenquiries@spencersretreat.com 4. Like us on Facebook
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Completed the track Resurfaced the car park Undertook part of the fencing work Confirmed that they would no longer do all the remaining previously promised work, but just repair some fencing and do some work on the stable To date, they have not returned to site to do this and are not showing any signs of doing so
Resulting Funding Issue:We desperately need financial donations to purchase (kindly discounted) building materials that would have been donated by HS2’s supply chain if they had kept their promise.
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
Yvie-Mai is 12yrs old, she has a twin brother Zaak, 11-year-old brother Noah and Olly who is 6. She attends West Coventry Academy in Tile Hill but previously attended Meriden Primary School. She started dancing at the age of 3 trying a few genres of dance - tap, ballet and jazz but slowly ballet became more of a focus for her. We applied to 3 top UK ballet schools in 2020 but she was not successful in gaining a place. She was very upset about not getting a place but this challenged her to work harder to fulfil her dream of going to a full-time ballet school. We carefully chose some ballet schools in and around Birmingham and Solihull - Nicholson School of Dance, Lisayne School of Dance and Sophie-Jane Ballet Coaching to support and train Yvie-Mai to be audition ready to apply to schools again. The audition season runs from the autumn before the September they wish to start, so we applied in autumn 2020 for a place Sept 2021. We applied to 6 top ballet schools by sending in photos and an application form. Yvie- Mai was invited to attend preliminary auditions but due to the pandemic these auditions were to be parent recorded class work from home. Yvie-Mai and Sophie-Jane Harrison (one of her teachers) worked together via Zoom and when possible in the studio to create and film her video to submit to these 6 schools. We waited to hear the results and amazingly Yvie-Mai was offered a place at 4 schools but had to audition again to try to be awarded funding to attend. She also was invited to attend Royal Ballet School in London for an in person final audition as well as Elmhurst Ballet school in Birmingham. Unfortunately she did not secure funding from many of these schools, she was put on waiting lists for funding and also was told there was no funding left. Moorland International Ballet Academy in Clitheroe came back to us and offered a substantial scholarship for Yvie-Mai to board with them in Year 8 from September 2021.
We are immensely proud of what Yvie-Mai has achieved and she has done all this through a pandemic with numerous lockdowns. Kelly Talbot email: kellytalbot76@googlemail.com
We have accepted this offer but do have to finance the shortfall in her fees and other expenses of £2,700. So, we have decided to try to fund raise for the rest of the fees. I have contacted local charities and also started a Go Fund Me Page, the link is https://gofund.me/02adee16. Your donations, however small, would be most gratefully accepted to help Yvie Mai realise her dream Kelly would like to thank everyone who has already donated especially the Firebird Singers for their most generous donation of £500.
Meriden’s Own Calendar As a new resident, I recently joined Meriden News and Views on Facebook. I thought it would be a good way of getting to know what was going on locally – especially with everything closed because of lockdown. I was very impressed with the standard of photographs that people were uploading and had the idea of producing a Meriden Calendar. At the end of each month people submit photographs which are reflective of that particular month and one is chosen The calendar will be published later in the year and will be ready well before Christmas. All proceeds from the sale of the Calendar will go to Meriden CE Primary School. I would like to say special thanks to Sallie Garbett for her help with the weird and baffling world of Facebook! Please see the autumn issue of the Mag for more details about availability and prices etc Mark Thompson 07538324631 Editor’s note these photos are just examples and may not necessarily be included in the finished calendar
CAMEO - Come and Meet Each Other The Cameo group have kept in touch very well for the last 12months with Newsletters and Zoom meetings. In April we had a socially distanced meeting in a garden, it was most enjoyable to chat together with friends .
Our next outdoor venture will be lunch at the Queen’s Head. We have been very appreciative of the lunches that Caroline has been delivering On Friday 25th June we shall be meeting in the Village Hall for strawberries and cream!
We celebrated Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday singing at her front door!
On Friday 23rd July Stephanie and Ken will show us slides of one of their worldwide holidays. For more details of our meetings on the 4th Friday afternoon of each month at 2-4pm, please contact Joan Tel 523507. All are welcome.
Heart of England Aeromodellers is a radio-controlled model flying club. We fly planes, helicopters and drones. We’ve recently relocated to our new site off Maxstoke Lane due to HS2 taking our old site. To find out more about radio-controlled flying, please visit our web site www.hoeaflyers.club. We currently have membership places available and would welcome new members, whether novices just getting into the hobby or those who are more experienced modellers. Non-members are welcome to come and watch – just call in if you see craft flying. We’re planning an Open Day for the new site in June but at the time of going to press, are still awaiting details of what is allowed. Refreshments will be available to buy during these events, so check out the web site to see when they are taking place.
Where to find us
LOCKSMITH ez
Lee Clements & Sons 01676 578278 Full Mobile Locksmith Service All locks changed supplied and fitted Garage Locks / High Security Locks Extra Security / Window Locks / Key Cutting
UPVC Door problems Full locking mechanisms replaced/serviced
Boiler servicing and repairs Boiler replacements New radiators and valves All plumbing work carried out Fully qualified in Natural gas and LPG
Under floor heating New Bathrooms
New handles / Dropped doors re-aligned Visit our shop for key cutting and lock sales & service – based at 473 Beake Avenue Coventry CV6 2HT
Balsall Common Country Market A market is held every Saturday from 10 - 11.30 am. at Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road, CV7 7EX. We have lovely home baking, preserves, plants, seasonal vegetables, crafts and home-made cards.
01676 523192 home 07970 119142 mobile email: aguaflameuk@gmail.com Terry Griffiths
Run for Dog lovers by Dog Lovers
Harvest Hill Kennels
Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide
Contact 01676 523007 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 wartorn countries overseas.
Harvest Hill Cottage Harvest Hill Lane, Allesley Coventry CV5 9DE 02476 404608 or 07584 294144 Harvesthillkennels.co.uk Family run business with over 40 years combined experience in ALL breeds. Offering boarding, taxi service, training and advice. Viewings welcome by appointment, or simply give us a call for a friendly chat to discuss your best friend’s needs.
Gary Franklin & Andy Hawkins Family Funeral Directors Extending a hand of friendship and support We understand that every family is different and we will tailor all arrangements to suit your needs, requirements and budget. *Traditional and Themed funerals* Private Chapels of Rest * *Available 24hours a day * Pre-Payment Funeral Plans *
The Acorn Funeral from £1250 (plus disbursements)
*Will Writing Service * *Help and Advice with DSS and Social Fund; both happily accepted*
02476 47 3000
333 Tile Hill Lane, Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9OU
With branches in Tile Hill and Marston Green we are ideally situated to serve the communities of Coventry, Solihull and the surrounding areas.
0121 779 5577 50 Station Road Marston Green Birmingham B37 7AU Available 24hours a day 365 days a year
Web site: www.franklinfunerals.co.uk Email: info@franklin funerals.co.uk
A message from Councillor Diane Howell Many of us have been spending more time walking outdoors over the last year. We’re very lucky to have many footpaths and open spaces in our local area and whilst most of us respect these areas, unfortunately there has been an increase in litter and fly tipping over the last year. This is a problem across the country, not just in Solihull, and I’ve been working with my Ward Colleagues Tony Dicicco and Ken Allsopp to tackle this issue. We have asked for more deterrent measures such as signage and covert cameras to catch fly tippers. However deterrents can only do some much and I do believe that we need stronger enforcement to catch those who drop litter or fly tip. I’m pleased that the Council will delivering a new litter enforcement service this year and I hope that this will make people think twice before littering in our community. I know that many Meriden residents regularly litter pick and have continued to do so individually during the Covid restrictions. I’d like to thank them for their efforts in helping to keep our community tidy and I hope we can resume group litter picking once Covid restrictions allow. HS2 construction is progressing in the Ward. I have spoken to a lot of residents over the last few months who are very concerned at the amount of tree and vegetation clearance in many areas of our community. Myself and my fellow Ward Councillors are continuing to have robust conversations with HS2 - they need to show far more respect for our local area and give us advance notice of what work they intend to do in order that we can scrutinise it. Finally, I’d like to thank residents for re-electing Tony Dicicco to serve a third term as Meriden Ward Councillor. Tony, Ken and I will continue to work as a team to represent you. Andy Street’s election success along with the Conservatives increasing their majority on Solihull Council means that we have strong, joined up local leadership. This will be really important as we rebuild our communities after the Covid crisis. diane.howell@solihull.gov.uk
We are sorry that Doreen Agutter Is not able to contribute this time. Due to family commitments she is unable to submit her follow up article on “Meriden in the reign of James I.” Hopefully Doreen will be back with us in the autumn issue
News from Meriden Village Hall We are hoping to restart the Saturday evening film shows in September. Please check the autumn issue of the Mag for more details.
Hoping to see you there! A mate of mine has just been sacked from the dodgems but he’s doing them for funfair dismissal. – Peter Kay
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”
ĊĆĉ ēĞęčĎēČ Read. Read anything. Read the things they say are good for you, and the things WKH\ FODLP DUH MXQN <RX·OO ÀQG ZKDW \RX QHHG WR ÀQG -XVW UHDG µ ² 1HLO *DLPDQ It probably won’t surprise you to know that reading has surged in lockdown with a third of people reading much more in the last year. Young people are topping the charts of those reading the most, ZLWK ÀFWLRQ RI DOO JHQUHV SURYLQJ WKH PRVW popular thing to read. During March we celebrated World Book Day DQG DOO WKDW ZH ORYH DERXW ERRNV WKH fact that they keep us company, allow
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Connect with Heart of England @HoE_School www.facebook.com/HeartofEnglandschool/ www.heart-england.co.uk
www.instagram.com/heartofenglandschool/ youtube.com/heartofenglandschool enquiries@heart-england.co.uk
WALKING PAGE A 5.2 mile – lovely circular from Berkswell. From the parking area in Berkswell, walk along the Meriden Road towards Meriden for about 700m to reach a footpath on your right just beyond Home Farm. Walk across the centre of the open field and turn left following the hedge line through to Back Lane. Turn left on Back Lane and walk to the opposite side of the road to reach a white painted brick house named Sunnybank. Turn right onto the driveway of the house and walk along the left-hand side for a few steps to reach a stile into a field. Continue straight over the next 3 fields to reach a gate. Turn right onto the track and then immediately left to enter into another field. In the foreground you will have expansive views towards St Laurence Church, Meriden. Walk across this field slightly downhill to the bottom right corner. Cross over a small wooden footbridge and follow the hedge line on your right to reach Church Lane. Turn right and walk beyond the church to reach a footpath on the corner of a sharp left hand bend. Enter into the field and follow the electric wire on your left to a farm track at Moat House farm. Walk left along the track and to reach a kissing gate further along the track. Continue through to reach another gate and turn left to enter a field with Millisons Wood in front of you. At this point ignore the worn path around the edge of the field and instead walk through the centre of the field (public footpath) to reach the bottom right corner of the wood. Walk through the kissing gate and continue along the hedgerow keeping it to your right to pass through a further 3 fields below Pickford Grange Farm. Turn right over the small footbridge and ascend the small hill which leads to Shirley Lane (Private road). Turn right onto Back Lane and walk down the hill to reach the driveway entrance to Greenways Farm Shop. A short distance beyond the farm driveway turn left through a kissing gate to enter a farm track leading to Hill House Farm. As you reach the farm, walk through a kissing gate leading to an open courtyard and walk through onto the Farm driveway. After 100m, turn right into a field keeping the farm on your right. Walk along the left hand hedgerow and into a further field staying on the boundary to reach a wooden kissing gate leading onto a track which passes Blind Hill Farm. Cross over the cattle grid and arrive back on the Meriden Road. Turn left and the finish point is a short walk away.
This walk starts in Berkswell but you could start it from Church Lane in Meriden or Millison’s Wood if you prefer. Many thanks to Paul Reeve for another lovely walk. Check out Paul’s website for many exciting UK and worldwide adventures. https://skyblueadventures.com) Machu Pichu, Kilimanjaro and the Amazon & Galapagos are coming up!
Footpath from Meriden Road to Back Lane
From Millisons Wood towards Eastern Green
Duck pond by Shirley Lane
Field by Hill House Farm
Paul’s website does not yet show any guided local walks but he aims to start offering these, covering Meriden, Balsall Common, Berkswell, Fillongley, Corley etc. as soon as allowed to do so once restrictions are lifted. You can contact him on 07932 602399 or by email to paul@skyblueadventures.com
Bluebell Woods (near the church) by Julie Hyde 1. Lightly draw the main trees and a suggestion of the pathway and gateway, the wall and hedge. 2. First layer, Mix puddles of:• Blue • Light Yellow (Lemon yellow) • Darker Yellow (Cadmium Yellow) • Light Yellow+ Blue (yellow/green) • Blue and Darker Yellow (blue/green) Wet all of paper with clean water to the top of the wall. Working with a big brush and from the top downwards, add the colours. Add the yellows and greens to the top area. Do not cover the whole of the paper with colour, leave patches WITHOUT paint on. Add a weaker yellow/green to the middle field. Add a stronger blue/green to the background trees while it’s still damp. With a clean, dry brush, lift out the tree trunks. Let it dry 3. Leaves on trees. Mix strong puddles of the same greens as before using a clean, slightly damp, textured sponge, dip into paint and very lightly sponge patches over area of trees on dry paper. Add a little sponging to the foreground. To the right hand hedge, sponge on a little of the greens but then, while this is still wet, tidy up the top and bottom using the yellow greens and the blue greens with a brush. 4. Bluebells. Mix washes of:• Blue (Ultramarine Blue) • Blue + a touch of Crimson Red (blue/purple) Using a dry bristle brush, on the bottom two thirds of the bluebell area, stipple on patches of bluebells, dab with dry kitchen roll straight away if the blobs are too big. 5. Add the path, the wall and gateway with varying strengths on to dry paper: Brown Add patches of varying greens between the bluebells with: Light Yellow+ Blue (yellow/green) Blue and Darker Yellow (blue/green) 6. Tree Trunks. Mix strong washes of:• Blue + Yellow (green)) • Blue + Dark Brown (dark brown/grey) Add the green to parts of the tree trunks. Add some of the darker colour in patches to the shadowy side of the trunk. Use these colours to add a few branches in-between the clusters of leaves 7. Foreground. Using the greens: Light Yellow + Blue (yellow/green) Blue and Darker Yellow (blue/green) Add more patches of colour in vertical zigzags. Add more of the blue/greens into the shadowy areas. I am currently running art classes on Zoom. If you want details of these then please contact me on:- 01676 523357 email:-jph300@hotmail.com
With thanks to Charlie Beaty For these lovely pages Summer is almost here which means that harvest time is not far away. Soon the roads will be full of tractors and trailers, first harvesting grass for hay and silage to feed to the livestock, then harvesting the crops. We grow a range of crops including oats which will be made into porridge oats and wheat which will be made into flour to make bread. Today, the bull (who is called Bluey) was put in the same field as the breeding cows. He will mate with the cows over the next couple of months. This means that it is nine months until we will start having calves born on the farm again! At the moment we are busy planting wildflower seeds in little plots of land all over the farm. We call these areas “stewardship” plots. The plants will provide food and shelter for lots and lots of insects, birds and small mammals. It’s very important that we look after the wildlife that lives on the land we farm, as well as our crops and livestock. Having lots of biodiversity on the farm is both good for the environment and the farm. The crops we grow require insects to pollinate them, such as bees and butterflies. In some of our fields we have lots of Lapwings. Lapwings are very rare. Numbers of lapwings are so low that they are on a “Red Alert” list. They are especially vulnerable to predators and human disturbance as they nest on the ground. They especially like rough, bare ground that their nests will not be easily spotted on. To try and help increase numbers of them we leave small areas of ground fallow to encourage them to nest there.
Lapwing
To ensure that Lapwings and other ground-nesting birds are not disturbed, we please ask that you stick to the footpath when you go for a walk, and always keep your dog on a lead. Whilst there may be no livestock around, your dog may disturb or damage the nests of these extremely rare birds.
‘Bluey’ the Bull enjoying the sunshine
We mow any extra grass and bale it so that we can feed it to the cows and sheep over the winter months. The combine will soon be out of the shed and harvesting the fields
WILDLIFE WORDSEARCH The animals listed are all found in the British countryside. Can you find them in the wordsearch? FOX HEDGEHOG BARN OWL FROG HONEY BEE STOAT HARE LADYBIRD This bull calf was born at the start of May. It’s the second calf this cow has had, she was born here at Meriden Farm too!
LAPWING NUTHATCH Answers on back page
These calves are about 8 months old and are out in the fields for the first time! They have been weaned from their mothers as they no longer require milk in their diet. They are very happy munching fresh spring grass!
Bumble bees enjoying the wildflower mixes. These bumble bees are very important pollinators!
Water Saving Tips The Great British Rain Paradox “People might wonder how the UK, with such a reputation for rain could reach a tipping point where demand for water outstrips supply. This could become a reality in just 25 years if we don’t act now. A convergence of factors, underpinned by climate change, has led us to this frightening prospect. But if we all take concerted action now, there will be enough water for generations to come.” Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency
The average UK home uses 143 litres of water per person per day. A lot of this is wasted, but you still have to pay for it, so adopting some of these tips will also save you money if you are on a metered supply. Savings shown are for average usage households. Dripping taps and other water leaks should be tackled quickly as they can waste a massive amount of water. Report any water leaks promptly to Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444.
In the Kitchen
In the Bathroom
Fit a water saving bag in your cistern to save over a litre per flush or £11 per annum on average. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth to potentially save over £16 per annum Taking a shower instead of a bath can save 30 litres. One minute less in the shower could save you £7.50 per annum.
In the Garden/Outside
A sprinkler can use a massive 1000 litres per hour costing you £2.50 per hour. Use a watering can instead if you can. Your lawn might look dry and brown but you don’t need to water it. It will recover after a rain shower. When planning your garden, pick drought tolerant plants that don’t need to be watered. A layer of decaying leaves, bark or compost on you soil’s surface will help prevent water from escaping and stop weeds from growing too. Wash your car with a bucket and sponge rather than a hosepipe.
Peel your veg in a bowl rather than under a running tap to save up to 20 litres per minute. Most modern dishwashers use less water and energy than washing up by hand, as long as the dishwasher is full. Just using the eco setting can save nearly £4 per annum Filling your washing machine each time and reducing your washes by one a week could save £6.50 per annum. Only fill the kettle with the water you need. This saves energy costs too.
Water Saving Products – Free from Severn Trent Shower Timer Buffaloo – a bag to put in your toilet cistern Swell gel – reduces the need for plant watering Shower Save – regulates your shower flow but with no pressure loss Tap Aerators – reduces the water coming out of the tap but with no pressure loss. Leak Detection Tablets - for your toilet Shower Head
Subsidised Products Water Butts of various sizes. To order, go to www.stwater.co.uk/wonderful-ontap/save-water/free-ways-to-save/
Right now, some of the world’s poorest people don’t have clean water to drink, decent toilets to use or good hygiene to protect them. Without these basics, overcoming poverty is just a dream. But when you help us to dig a well or install a tap stand in a community, you’re changing their lives for the better. They can dream again.785 million people in the world – one in ten – do not have clean water close to home. You can help by donating whatever you can afford. Just go to www.wateraid.org/uk/donate
Your Garden in Summer After a long time of being at home, people have been busy gardening. By the time the summer Mag is delivered most people will have planted up their tubs, hanging baskets and borders with annual flowering plants. Here are a few ideas on how to maintain your garden during the summer months.
Weed, feed, water and deadhead Feed tubs and hanging baskets every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser
Dead head roses, geraniums and other flowering plants to encourage more flowers
Ideas for a summer barbecue
Water regularly especially in dry windy weather Cover fruit bushes with netting to deter birds Put straw under strawberries to stop slug damage and rotting fruit Watch out for blackfly on beans and nip the growing shoots out Prune spring flowering shrubs Feed tomatoes with a high potash feed when fruits start forming Maintain water features in dry weather Avoid cutting the lawn or raise the cutting blades Paint sheds, arches, fences and arbours Most of all enjoy your garden Some ideas to go with the usual grilled steak, chicken and sausages. Try barbecuing courgettes from the garden
Try making your own burgers This easy recipe makes 4 burgers 500g minced beef 2 onions finely chopped 4 cloves garlic grated ½ tsp salt I stock cube crumbled up, 80g breadcrumbs Mix all ingredients together with your hands and shape into 4 balls and flatten to 2cm (a burger press helps here) Heat oil in a large pan and fry gently for 3-4 minutes on each side. Serve in a burger bun with a squeeze of lime juice
Eton Mess 250g ricotta cheese 150g Greek-style yoghurt 4 meringue nests roughly crushed 225g hulled and quartered strawberries 160g raspberry coulis Mix the ricotta cheese and yoghurt together Fold in the meringues and strawberries and divide between 4 dessert glass dishes Pour over the raspberry coulis, decorate with leftover strawberries and serve straight away
A different kind of coleslaw to accompany your barbecue 250 ml mayonnaise 2tbsp cider vinegar Zest and juice of one lemon 1 tbsp whole grain mustard 1 tsp celery salt Mix the above ingredients together and season well ¼ head white cabbage ¼ head red cabbage 2 carrots sliced 1 large red onion sliced 2 sticks celery thinly sliced Add the cabbage, onions and celery. Mix well and store in fridge.
Did you know there are 29 gardens within 15 miles of Meriden that are open in the summer as part of the National Garden scheme? At the moment to visit a garden you need to prebook, check on the NGS website to find out more.
Meriden Library Click and Collect - Meriden Library is currently operating a Click and Collect service. The library is open for books to be collected and returned every Friday morning between 10am and noon. This service can be accessed online at www.solihull.gov.uk/clickandcollect or by telephoning the team at nearby Balsall Common Library on 01676 523590 who will make arrangements with you for collection. Photo shows Barbara Bland using this service. Home Library Service - 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 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 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, you can call the Home Library Service team on 0121 704 6947 or email libraryarts@solihull.gov.uk and we will take it from there. Online Content - There is also a wealth of content available online such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and eNewspapers, simply visit www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries for more information on how to access this content from the comfort of your own home, for free with your library card. We’re so excited to reveal the theme for the Summer Reading Challenge 2021! This annual challenge helps school age children to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the long holidays. This year, join the Wild World Heroes for the Summer Reading Challenge and discover how you can make a difference to the environment too. We’re teaming up with WWF for a very special nature-themed challenge that will inspire you to stand up for the planet! Wild World Heroes will be digital again this year and feature awesome rewards and plenty of ideas for taking care of our environment.
Keep up to date with news about the Summer Reading Challenge and more from Meriden Library by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meridenlib All information is accurate at the time of writing in May 2021. For the most up to date information about Meriden Library, see our website at www.solihull.gov.uk/Libraries/Meriden-library
Book Review: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty This is the first book by this Australian author that I have read. She is best known for Big Little Lies that was recently serialised for television, and The Husband’s Secret (THS) will also hit our screens soon. Now, for the book itself, without giving away too many spoilers… THS starts with three gripping chapters on the main women, two of whose husbands have significant secrets, and who are linked to the third woman apparently just by the fact that she is the secretary of their children’s school. Oh no! It’s not as simple as that. An unsolved murder, love affairs, misplaced loyalty, broken trust and a road traffic accident are amongst the many incidents that crowd the pages and drive the plot forwards. This is a well written, tightly plotted, page-turning who-dunnit that also tugs at the heart strings as the women struggle with both emotional and life-threatening challenges. A great piece of escapism for the long flight (remember those?), the beach or, dare I say it, during lockdown. Certainly not the last Liane Moriarty I’ll read. Mike Watkinson. (Oh, and when we get to the end… well, make sure you get there!)
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 2nd June– Coronation Day 13th June – Official Celebration of Her Majesty's Birthday (Trooping of the Colour) 21st June – Birthday of the Duke of Cambridge 27th June – Armed Forces Day 17th July – Birthday of the Duchess of Cornwall 15th August – Birthday of the Princess Royal
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
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
Principals - Jennifer and Samantha Faulkner F.I.D.T.A BA.Hons
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!!!
Come along to A warm welcome with Candy at Meriden Village Hall
Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £5.00 per session
Contact Glen Southwell 07598 980546
WELCOME BACK!
Pilates Thursday evenings 7.00pm £5.00 per session
Enjoy both sessions for £8.00 ZUMBA Zumba is a fun Latin inspired dance/exercise class suitable for all levels
T’aiChi Chi T’ai
andand MeditationandandRelaxation Relaxation Meditation 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
PILATES style conditioning A slower paced class for all over body conditioning to improve muscle tone, strength, balance and flexibility
Meriden Village Hall
Please ring 07828 709650
07703 345210
Call Jacqui on
For more information The perfect start to your day ……….
CASHMORE 07710 676792 Garden and Property Care
PA ELECTRICS (17th edition qualified) . Part P Registered
All aspects of domestic installation and repairs
Lawn mowing/strimming
Bush/Hedge trimming
Lawn Care
Garden tidy up
10% Off your first service
Fence/Decking treatment Jet Washing Interior/Exterior painting General grounds maintenance
O.A.P. Rates available Fuse box upgrades Test and inspection Extra lights and sockets Security lights Full or partial rewires Digital TV aerials Free quotations
Phone Paul Telephone: 0121 764 5872 Mobile 07979 064835 Email: paulheath11@yahoo.com
Domestic and Commercial cashmoregardenandpropertycare@gmail.com
Do you need a cleaner? Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for?
Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861 Domestic Cleaning, Office Cleaning Professional Cleaning Service
Flowerpot Mosaics Learn how to make your own beautiful mosaic by attending a workshop with a small relaxed group. Take home with you a lovely piece of art that you have designed and made yourself. Have a really enjoyable and relaxing day, where the only sounds you will hear will be birdsong and the nipping of tiles! If you would like to treat someone else, I can provide a lovely voucher for you. My lovely studio (see photo below) is just outside Meriden with ample free secure parking. Simply contact me to book. Anne.tyson@me.com Mobile: 07904 063500 More details on the web site www.flowerpotmosaics.co.uk
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.
You can try the rest! But we’re the best! Opening hours Monday – Saturday 11.30am - 2pm & 4.15 – 9.30pm Closed Sundays
01676 523476
www.facebook.com/budgensmeriden Freshly baked bread and cakes Hot Breakfast Sandwiches Costa Coffee Award winning Lashford’s sausages Groceries Wide selection of Meat, Fruit and Vegetables Free Home delivery on orders over £20
Call 01676 522287
Newspapers Send and receive parcels from here Dry Cleaning Lottery Cash Beer, Wine and Spirits Face masks, hand gel & wipes Weekly special offers Opening hours:Normal
Weekdays 6.00am-10.00pm Weekends 7.00am- 10.00pm
Including Bank Holidays
A. PETTIFOR & SON LTD SELF STORAGE CONTAINERS
Warehousing & Distribution Now available For home and business 10ft &20ft (600&1200 cubic ft) Lockable containerised units Easy access with your own personal key Drive direct to your clean and dry unit 10ft Containers from £18 per week 20ft Containers from £30 per week Discounts available for longer periods Berkswell Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7LB Tel: 01676 522403 Mob: 07917518724 Fax: 01676 523181 Email: martin.pettiforandson@gmail.com
Servicing g Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes
Call us for a quotation for your motoring needs
01676 521010 Brand new premises Off Marsh Lane Near Lincoln Farm Truck Stop, B92 0LS Call for directions
1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut We are back. After over a year without face-to-face Scouting in Meriden, at last the 1st Meriden Scout Group was able to reopen with the Explorer Scout section (14 to 18 year olds) on Monday 19th April, then the Scout section (10.5 to 14 year olds) on Tuesday 20th April. The Beaver Scouts (6 to 8 year olds) met on Monday 26th April and the fourth section Cub Scouts (8 to 10.5) reopened on Thursday 29th April. All the boys and girls enjoyed coming back to their different sections, meeting their friends and having fun evenings. A small marquee had been erected next to the Scout Hut just in case of wet weather. The young people and the Leaders all had great times with outdoor activities such as tent pitching, outdoor cooking, and a selection of games.
Beaver Scouts at the HQ on the 26th April 2021
Prior to reopening, the Scout Hut was thoroughly cleaned and Covid-19 safety and cleaning materials purchased. The Scout Group Leaders have also completed a Covid-19 Risk Assessment procedure, which has been approved so to ensure that all the young people and adult Leaders are in a safe environment. The Group Sectional Leaders: Mark Jones, Steve Gill, Lynda Spratt, Andy Ruthven, and Eleanor Willis all enjoyed their return to face-to-face Scouting, (in Eleanor’s case this was her first meeting as the Beaver Leader). The responses of the young people showed the importance of the sections all restarting.
Scouts Safely lighting different types of fires, For cooking, and pitching tents. And generally enjoying their time back at Troop nights.
There are now a number of young people who would like to join the different sections, but to let them join safely we really do need more adult Leaders. This is especially true in the Beaver and Cub sections. If you could help either on a regular basis or by offering to come along once a month or so, you would be most welcome. Without additional adult support, we will not be able to accommodate all the boys and girls who would like to join us.
The Scout Group and more importantly the young people need you and support. If you are able to help, please do contact any of the Leaders or me, Gerry Russell 01676 522666 or g.j.russells@gmail.com Gerry Russell – Group Scout Leader
Neighbourhood Development Plan Update By the time this latest copy of the Meriden Mag hits your doorstep you will have had the opportunity to vote in the referendum on Meriden’s Neighbourhood Development Plan. We very much hope the result will show clear support for the ‘Yes’ vote as this document will become a piece of planning law that Solihull Council must take into consideration when deciding on planning applications. This has been a massive piece of work for the Parish Council and we are so grateful to have been supported by the residents on the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, it has been a rather long journey getting to this point and without them we would have been lost. Thank You Sue, John, Sarah, Lewis, David, Gerry, Mel, Paul, James, Barbara, Rosie and to our consultant Neil.
Welcome To Our Newest Member After a formal recruitment process, at April’s Full Council Meeting, we were delighted to formally Co-Opt Carmen Smith as the newest Parish Councillor in Meriden. Carmen displayed an unwavering passion and commitment to Meriden, and we are excited to have her on our team. Meriden residents are lucky to be supported by a team of Councillors that represent the diverse population of Meriden. As the team look to build on the what we have achieved over the last 12 months, residents can be assured that we place residents at the heart of our decision-making process. If you want to get involved in one of our projects, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank You
Tea and Talk
Barbara, our Clerk, has supported us as a team of Councillors through what can only be described as an avalanche of change since March last year and has helped us to deliver more for the community than we expected in the pandemic. She has done all this whilst adapting to the change that many of us have faced, to working remotely and in implementing the sometimes-daily change in legislation and guidance from government.
Our Tea and Talk Sessions continue and are an opportunity for residents to meet informally with your Councillors to share concerns, ideas or just have a friendly chat (We don’t bite!)
We would also like to thank the Sports Park Company Board of Directors for ensuring that the park has been as Covid-19 safe as possible, to protect all our residents.
Saturday 15th May’s session will have seen Cllrs Woollard and Eburne welcome our PCSOs Emma Harkin and Aaron Murdoch. We plan on inviting along guests to most of our sessions and would welcome any suggestions. The next one will be held on Monday 7th June at 14:00pm. For the time being these sessions will be held via Zoom and the meeting details will be published on our website and Facebook page. You don’t need internet access to attend the meetings as you can dial in using a mobile phone or land line. If you need any assistance, please contact the Clerk who will be happy to assist.
Annual Parish Meeting Feedback 28th
On Wednesday April the Parish Council, for the first time in history, held our Annual Parish Assembly virtually via Zoom. The Annual Parish Meeting is not a council meeting. It is a meeting of the Parish electors that takes place between 1 March and 1 June. You as electors can contribute to the Agenda and in practice these meetings often celebrate local activities and debate current issues in the community. This year’s focused on our achievements over the last 12 months and our plans for the next year. If you want to watch the meeting, please head to our Facebook Page or Website.
The Parish Council Annual Meeting Again, by the time the Mag is published the Parish Council will have held its Annual Meeting where Councillors were appointed to positions and we took the opportunity to review important documents that govern the way we work. The meeting will have been followed by a Parish Council Meeting, which will have marked the last time we meet virtually due to an end in emergency Covid-19 regulations. Until such time as it is safe to do so, following Public Health advice, the Parish Council will not meet face-to-face. Our work will continue, and you can still contact the Clerk but keep an eye on the noticeboards, website and Facebook for any updates about our next meetings.
Opportunities To Get Involved
Are you aged 10-21? Join our Youth Council and help improve Meriden as a place to live for young people. For an informal chat contact James.Hughes@MeridenParishCouncil.org.uk Do you have a passion for protecting the Environment and tackling Climate Change? We are setting up a working group to see what we as a council and community can do to reduce our impact. Want to learn more? - contact Rosie.Weaver@MeridenParishCouncil.org.uk Do you enjoy a trip to Meriden Pool? The Friends of Meriden Pool are always looking out for people to join the team that helps maintain the area. If you want to assist then please contact Clerk@MeridenParishCouncil.org.uk Fed up of seeing motorist speed through the village? We need more volunteers to help us run Community Speed Watches. If you have an hour or two to spare then contact Jon.Barber@MeridenParishCouncil.org.uk To help keep Meriden clean and get involved in litter picking contact Marie.Woollard@MeridenParishCouncil.org.uk
Meet The Team Row One Left To Right – Cllr R Weaver BEM, Cllr J Barber, Cllr R Kipling, Cllr A Eburne
Row Two Left To Right – Cllr J Hughes, Cllr M Woollard, Cllr M Nunn, Cllr C Smith
Clerk: Barbara Bland, 55 James Dawson Drive, Millisons Wood, Coventry, CV5 9QJ T: 01676 522474 M: 07767 162423 E: clerk@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
Annual Report 2020 to 2021 (Abridged Due To Space) This certainly has been a difficult year for many people. COVID-19 has affected us all in different ways. We will all know people who have lost their lives to this dreadful disease and those of us linked to the Parish Council send condolences to their friends and family. We have planted a cherry tree on the village green to commemorate those people. To support residents to cope with Covid-19 and its effects of lockdowns, illness and reduced social activities, a Meriden Action Team was set up with St Laurence Church at the start of the pandemic. The telephone helpline is answered every day between 8am and 8pm by volunteers and we recruited more volunteers to support people to do shopping, pick up prescriptions, and offer a listening ear. To date we have answered 750 phone calls. A big thank you to you all. Without you we would have been unable to have such a coordinated response to support our community. Thank you to Rev Lynda Lilley for being a core team member and the Parish Council wishes you and your husband the best of luck in your move to a new parish in South Warwickshire. The Parish Council has been able to develop a Parish Action Plan which will be the focus on the Annual Parish Assembly on 28th April 2021. Some of the key outcomes will include developing a working group on climate change; recruiting young people for a youth council; and taking the Neighbourhood Development Plan to referendum on 6th May 2021. This plan is the culmination of over four years’ work. The Parish Council would like to formally thank the members of the Steering Group in helping us get it completed. We formally advertised a Parish Councillor casual vacancy and from the recruitment process the successful candidate was Carmen Smith. We were successful in securing a grant from the War Memorials Trust and restoration and maintenance work has been completed on the Memorial on Berkswell Road. The Quarry Liaison Group has managed to meet during the lockdowns and there is a lot of activity on the quarry sites that continues to affect the community including dust, noise and extra lorries. Discussions continue re this with the Environment Agency, SMBC and our local MP. We have continued liaising with SMBC Highways colleagues for traffic calming measures to be imposed for the parish rural highways. We have taken on board residents suggestions and this has fed into the wider plan for Meriden. The Parish Council have been having monthly ZOOM rebranded “tea and talk” sessions during the restrictions and we continue to engage with the West Midlands Police Rural Team on parish policing. Members of the public can access these meetings either via the internet or phone. We want to thank the Meriden Mag and Meriden Bloomers who have donated seats to Meriden Pool and a new Memorial Bench will soon be installed on the Village Green. So, despite all the restrictions this year, the Parish Councillors and the clerk have worked really hard to keep things moving forward. Cllr Rosie Weaver BEM Chair
PUZZLE PAGE – No. 8 Battleships 1,2 1 1,4 1 1,1,2
BATTLESHIPS - HOW TO PLAY:- The numbers around the grid indicate the no. of occupied squares in the row/column. E.g. 1,3 means the row contains one occupied square then at least one space then 3 consecutive occupied squares. There may be spaces before the single square and after the 3 consecutive ones. Fill in the grid so that the numbers tally and it contains 3 cruisers (4 squares long), 3 launches (2 squares long) and 3 buoys (single squares). Boats are always horizontal or vertical in the grid & may occupy touching squares.
1,1 14 2
4
1,1
1,1,1
1,1,1
1,1,1,1,
1,1,1
WORD LADDER: -Change one letter at a time, but not the position of any letter, to make a new word on each rung, from top to bottom, using the exact number of rungs
Using these 9 letters can you answer these clues? Every answer must include the letter O. Which word uses all 9 letters? 7 LETTERS 5 LETTERS 6 LETTERS Diversions Bitterly French place of Alpine call Booted out pilgrimage Less young Catalogued Pull down Path taken More noisy Ruffled (hair) Pilfered Town South of 8 LETTERS Tale Gloucester
BOXWISE – Place the three-lettered blocks in
Misleading
Word Ladder P
O
N
D
L
I
F
E
NUMBERFIT – fit the numbers into the grid
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.
3 DIGITS
4 DIGITS
5 DIGITS
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.
AMS Pest Control Services ‘Experts in Protected’ Wasp Nest Treatment £60 Rodent Control
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Indi Sangha Window Cleaning and Jet Washing Services Visit: www.meridenblinds.co.uk All prices quoted include measuring, fitting and VAT. If you know the measurements, I am happy to give you a quote by email. Please send your details to: info@meridenblinds.co.uk
Serving Meriden and Millison’s Wood area for over 20 years Call 07949 227402
uunit niit
Heart of England Social Club BERKSWELL ROAD MERIDEN CV7 7LB. Call Abbie on 01676 522430 We are pleased to announce that the Social Club will be re-opening on Monday 17th May at 5.00pm. We are pleased to announce that the Social Club will be re-opening on Monday 17th May at 5.00pm. Abbie and staff are looking forward to welcoming customers back to our club following the Government lockdown and customers will be welcome to drink both indoors & outdoors. Government restrictions will still apply and you will be required to sign in with your name & telephone number or scan the OR code. A face covering will be required until you are seated, once seated you will be able to remove your face covering and staff will provide a table service. The restriction will apply to a max 6 people to be seated together or 2 households. Staff at the club have undertaken a deep clean at the club and hand sanitisers are available throughout the club for your hygiene too ensure we offer the best protection to keep you safe. Bingo will be back on Friday 21st May, doors open 7.00pm. Room hire bookings for your party or event will be taken provisionally and we will be guided by government guidelines as to when larger groups can mix together at functions.
Room Dressing and catering available for your Party or Function. Contact Abbie
Lovely safe outside space
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. Since I last wrote, we had the very sad news about the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. We have lost one of the greatest symbols of public service that we have had – a role model for us all. On behalf of all my constituents, I passed on my condolences to Her Majesty The Queen for her loss. I trust that you have been making the most of the easing of restrictions by supporting our local pubs and restaurants in Meriden. The last year has been incredibly challenging for people and businesses, so it is great to see doors open again, local businesses thriving and people catching up on lost time with friends and family. Our local businesses need our support, so please do all you can to think local and shop local in the coming months. I would like to take a moment to appreciate how far we have come. When I last wrote to you, the vaccination roll out was gaining momentum, but the situation was still acute – hospitalisations were high, the NHS was under pressure and the virus was very much present locally. A few months on, at the time of writing, we have vaccinated over 33.7 million people and we have completely turned the tide of the virus. Of course, we are only in this position because of the great sacrifices we have all made, so thank you to each and every one of you for doing all you can to follow the guidelines and for having your vaccine if you have been offered one. We have made promising progress and will continue to do so, provided we remember to continue washing our hands, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance where necessary – HANDS, FACE, SPACE. I am pleased that my campaign for greater healthcare provision across our constituency has gained some significant momentum with plans for a new Health and Innovation Campus at the Arden Cross development. We recently welcomed the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, to the proposed site at the HS2 Interchange where we discussed the possibility of a new hospital which will not only provide world class healthcare for residents, but also leading medical research right here on our doorstep. For many months, Andy Street, Cllr Ian Courts and I have been lobbying for this health campus to extend healthcare provision for residents; my ambition is to make sure that we have the best healthcare provision in the country which is easily accessible and on your doorstep. Remember to keep checking on friends, neighbours and any vulnerable individuals who may require additional support. Remember - if you are ill, whether or not that illness is COVID, seek help. And if you need advice or know someone who does, I will always do my very best to help. Finally, please note my office remains open as usual and we are conducting telephone surgery appointments, so do not hesitate to book a slot. My contact details are below:
saqib.bhatti@parliament.uk
Best wishes and stay safe, Saqib Bhatti MBE MP
Meriden Women’s Institute 1918 - 2021
Meetings held 1st Monday of the month at Meriden Village Hall, Main Road, CV7 7NG
Despite the restrictions, we have continued to communicate with letters and emails. We have met via the Zoom App on the first Monday evening of each month. In April, Analiza Jones told us very interesting information about the tradition in the Philippines of preparing and using plant fibres to make decorative bags. This has been developed for the tourist trade but it is hoped that younger people will still learn the traditional arts. Our open Zoom meeting was very successful, we have welcomed 4 new members, with others showing an interest Here are the dates of future meetings at Meriden Village Hall:
Monday 7th June 7.30pm 2021 Annual Meeting Monday 5th July 7.30pm Monday 2nd August 7.30pm If you would like to join us at any of these events you will be most welcome Please contact Joan Russell Tel 01676 522666 or email: g.j.russells@gmail.com
Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group - Richard Lloyd (Chairman) What a 3 months it's been. Preparations for HS2 construction have become all too obvious, too painful and too adversarial. It would be a lot easier for everyone if HS2 abided by what they'd said and treated the residents and our environment with a little respect. For more than a decade, groups such as HHAG have been identifying the potential impacts and lobbying Solihull Council and Parliament to contain and mitigate those impacts. Now, with planning applications under consideration, and very visible malpractice, a new wave of local residents has taken up the struggle. The potential harms are no longer theoretical, they are immediate, and capable in most cases of mitigation if our elected representatives used the powers granted to them. Things have become quite heated in Balsall Common, where HS2 Ltd have persisted with plans to send heavy construction traffic through the village and along country lanes. For many years, local people and the Parish Councils have advocated a haul route contained within HS2 land, using a temporary bridge over the existing railway. HS2 Ltd did nothing to evaluate the proposal. However, publicity on social media triggered a "grass roots" outcry, leading to a petition that soon surged past two thousand signatures. Exposure on television, and crucial support from the West Midlands Mayor, our MP Saqib Bhatti, and local Solihull councillors got the planning applications put on hold, but HS2 Ltd won't stop pushing for what's cheapest for them. Meriden needs to sit up and take notice, as it can't be long before more mega planning applications come along for the land just across Stonebridge roundabout. The western sky is about to be darkened by a vast multi-storey car park. Of course, that was the original proposal from 12 years ago! As HS2 said, a surface car park would be so huge "that walking distances and times from the remote parts of the car park could easily negate much of the train service time savings". They proposed a 5-floor car park with 7000 spaces, taking up 200m x 200m. Everything changed when they realised the land had development value, so the approved scheme had sprawling fields of cars taking 22 acres of green belt land instead. Ten years of haggling have resulted in the reinstatement of the multi-storey plan, but with the £95 million cost coming out of "local" funds, rather than the HS2 budget. (Neat little trick, eh?) In other bleak news, it's reported the pay of the Chief Exec of the Main Works contractor was cut to just £1.2 million last year, despite signing the HS2 contract - but his reward may improve as the building work gets under way. On the other hand, the Early Works contractors have done well, judging by the number of trees they've been paid to cut down. All the platitudes given to Parliament about limiting felling to the absolute minimum were soon forgotten, with each mature oak fetching thousands of pounds when converted into woodchip biomass for power stations. Most people sign up for "renewable" energy on the basis the fuel resource will be renewed in somewhat less than 2 or 3 hundred years! Road and footpath closures are an issue that's about to get worse. If you walk anywhere near the line of HS2, you're likely now to find the footpath closed, without any diversionary option. The HS2 Act requires HS2 Ltd to balance public safety and public inconvenience, and their Information Paper E5 says that where several neighbouring public rights of way are affected, temporary closures will be phased. Unfortunately, there are the usual weasel-words "where reasonably practicable". It's not just the natural environment that's taking a beating. There is huge concern about the destruction of the Victorian structures along the Kenilworth Greenway, and the threat to the archaeological record elsewhere on the route if there's the same cavalier attitude. The story from HS2 Ltd is that "Items submitted as part of the Petitioning do not necessarily filter through to HS2 Officers or the supply chain". Three successive years of tree felling during the bird nesting season are a fair indicator of the ineffectiveness of the institutions that should be holding HS2 Ltd to account. But recent weeks give a lot of hope that ordinary people can make up for these system failures, and steer us toward a better future.
Men & Women welcome Lovely Spacious and Safe Salon Fully compliant with all COVID guidelines Experienced, professional and friendly therapists Gift Vouchers available Free Parking right outside Telephone booking essential
Blitz 9-11 Birmingham Rd. Millison’s Wood Your local beauty salon for 16 years
Tel 01676 521100
All aspects of Beauty Therapy including; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Massages, Treatments for Eyes, Face, Body and Nails, Tanning, Vertical Sun bed and Vibroplate Opening Hours: - Mon, Tues closed, Wed, Thurs & Fri 10-7, Sat & every other Sun 10-4
Call us or visit our new website for more details or to go on our special offer mailing list www.blitzbeauty.co.uk Join us on Facebook & Twitter
Meriden Surgery
01676 522252
School House, 200 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NG Dr M Bhandal Dr A Carlile Dr T Nadeem Dr R Horsley (Partners) Associates GP; Dr A Omokanye, Dr T Edwards, Dr D Manickam and Dr K Hayes-Lawrence
www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00 For details on how to obtain medical help when the surgery is closed please phone
01676 935000
COVID VACCINATION VACCINATION UPDATE UPDATE21.04.2021 21.04.2021 not have have any any information informationat atthis thistime timeregarding regardingthe theissuing issuingofofCOVID COVIDVaccination VaccinationPassports, Passports,the thewebsite website will updated soon We do not will bebe updated asas soon asas from NHS NHS England Englandhave havebeen beenreceived. received. directions from honourallallthe theappointments appointmentswe wehave havebooked bookedsosofarfar and any 2nd vaccinations that good supply supply of of vaccines vaccinesat atthe themoment momentand andcan canhonour and any 2nd vaccinations that We have a good are due due and and patients patients still stillneeding needingthe the1st 1stvaccination vaccinationininthe theappropriate appropriatepatient patientcohorts cohorts1-9. 1-9.We Wehave havespare spareappointments appointments and have staff are and wewe have staff contacting patients patients to to book bookthese. these. contacting We are are not not routinely routinely booking bookingfirst firstvaccination vaccinationappointments appointmentsfor forPfizer; Pfizer;these thesewill willonly onlybebebooked bookedunder underexceptional exceptional circumstances. We circumstances. (46 years and above and patients of any age over with Should any patients contact us to ask about 2nd vaccinations or 1st vaccinations age over 1616 with a a Should any patients contact us to ask about 2nd vaccinations or 1st vaccinations (46 years and above and patients of any medical condition that requires a vaccination or a carer or front-line worker) they will be informed that they will be contacted by us so that medical condition that requires a vaccination or a carer or front-line worker) they will be informed that they will be contacted by us so that can be be arranged. arranged.These Thesewill willnot notbe bemade madeatatreception. reception. an appointment appointment can an NHS England England have have informed informedus usthat thatany anypatient patient45 45years yearstoto18 18years yearswho whodo donot nothave havea amedical medicalcondition conditionthat thatrequires requires a vaccination will NHS a vaccination will notnot be invited invited to to be be vaccinated vaccinatedat atthe themoment. moment.Once Oncethis thiscohort cohortofofpatients patientshave havebeen beenreleased, released,we wewill willbebecontacting contacting patients order age be patients in in order ofof age with the the oldest oldest first. first. with BLOOD PRESSURE PRESSURE CHECKS CHECKS BLOOD you have have been been requested requestedto tohave haveaablood bloodpressure pressurecheck checkand anddo donot nothave haveyour yourown ownmachine, machine,please pleasemake make appointment with a health IfIf you anan appointment with a health care assistant at the practice, use the blood pressure monitor in the Balsall Common waiting room and pass the slip to reception or visit care assistant at the practice, use the blood pressure monitor in the Balsall Common waiting room and pass the slip to reception or visit a a local pharmacy (we have been informed by the pharmacy that there is no longer a charge for them to take your blood pressure). local pharmacy (we have been informed by the pharmacy that there is no longer a charge for them to take your blood pressure). SOCIAL PRESCRIBER PRESCRIBER SERVICE SERVICEFROM FROMBALSALL BALSALLCOMMON COMMONAND ANDMERIDEN MERIDENSURGERIES SURGERIES SOCIAL The practice offers a social prescribing service (please speak to reception yourGP/Nurse GP/Nurseif ifyou youwish wishtotobebereferred). referred). The practice offers a social prescribing service (please speak to reception ororyour video (shortcut below) will provide you with more information explaining what this service is. The following The following video (shortcut below) will provide you with more information explaining what this service is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9azfXNcqD8&feature=emb_logo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9azfXNcqD8&feature=emb_logo FIND MY NHS NHS NUMBER NUMBER FIND MY numbergo goto tothe thefollowing followingweb webaddress: address: To find your NHS To find your NHS number https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/?fbclid=IwAR0https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/?fbclid=IwAR0xS0C2pTwNtAnt5RyjWWxwDT5nn7qH8XHODrS4QPFYUwXqDVPH51_-34 xS0C2pTwNtAnt5RyjWWxwDT5nn7qH8XHODrS4QPFYUwXqDVPH51_-34 FACE COVERING -- INFORMATION INFORMATION FACE COVERING Information regarding facecovering coveringcan canbe befound foundat: at: Information regarding face https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own thishas hasbeen beentaken takenfrom fromthe theabove abovewebsite websitedocument document EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES CERTIFICATES--this EXEMPTION health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering: If you have an age, If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering: you do do not not routinely routinelyneed needto toshow showany anywritten writtenevidence evidenceofofthis this you you do do not not need need show showan anexemption exemptioncard card you advice orrequest requestaaletter letterfrom fromaamedical medicalprofessional professionalabout aboutyour yourreason reason not wearing This means that you do not need to seek This means that you do not need to seek advice or forfor not wearing aa face covering. face covering. However, some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could However, some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign. Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law. Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and is not required by law. If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download exemption card templates. You can then print these yourself or If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download exemption card templates. You can then print these yourself or show them on a mobile device. Please note that the government is not able to provide physical exemption cards or badges. show them on a mobile device. Please note that the government is not able to provide physical exemption cards or badges. If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of these templates in a more accessible format, please If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of these templates in a more accessible format, please email publiccorrespondence@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Please say what format you need the template in and what assistive technology email publiccorrespondence@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Please say what format you need the template in and what assistive technology you use. For exemptions in different parts of the UK please refer to the specific guidance for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. you use. For exemptions in different parts of the UK please refer to the specific guidance for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. NEW PATIENT REGISTRATIONS – PROOF OF ID AND ADDRESS NEW PATIENT REGISTRATIONS – PROOF OF ID AND ADDRESS All patients registering at the practice now have to provide Proof of ID and Proof of Address before their registration is accepted by All patients registering at the practice now have to provide Proof of ID and Proof of Address before their registration is accepted by the Practice More information is detailed on our website in "How Do I" - "Register With the Practice" the Practice More information is detailed on our website in "How Do I" - "Register With the Practice" EARLY APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE AT EARLY APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE AT Lloyds Pharmacy BALSALL COMMON AND MERIDEN SURGERIES Lloyds Pharmacy BALSALL COMMON AND MERIDEN SURGERIES Don’t forget to collect your free NHS lateral flow Covid tests from We now have early morning appointments at Don’t forget to collect your free NHS lateral flow Covid tests from We now have early morning appointments at Lloyds Chemist. Balsall Common - Tuesday 7.00am to 8.00am Lloyds Chemist. Balsall Common - Tuesday 7.00am to 8.00am There are 7 tests in a pack and it is recommended that you take a test Meriden - Thursday 7.00am to 8.00am There 7 tests a pack and it is recommended twice are each week.inFull instructions are provided. that you take a test Meriden - Thursday 7.00am to 8.00am Please ask at reception provided. twice each week. Full instructions are The Government recommend even fully vaccinated people take the Please ask at reception The Government recommend even fully take the test; it is still possible to pass Covid onvaccinated whilst youpeople have no symptoms. test; it is still possible to pass Covid on whilst you have no symptoms.
MERIDEN SURGERY (Continued) CANCELLING APPOINTMENTS If you are unable to attend your appointment, please help the surgery reduce wasted appointments by cancelling your appointment You can cancel your appointment by using the following methods; By telephoning Balsall Common Surgery 01676935000 or Meriden Surgery 01676 522706 By secure email to solccg.bccancelappointments @nhs.net Face to Face at Reception In Writing Via our website www.balsallcommongrouppractice.co.uk using the on-line service or practice message Please give other patients the opportunity to use your appointment if you cannot attend SICK NOTE REQUESTS If you require a sick note please make a telephone consultation appointment with your usual doctor to discuss this. If you have recently attended hospital (which is the reason for the sick note to be issued) the hospital should give you a sick note for the expected duration you will be away from work following the procedure, on this occasion you should contact the hospital for your sick note. CLINICAL QUESTIONS OR ENQUIRIES VIA EMAIL We are unable to respond to clinical questions / enquiries via email. Please make a telephone consultation with a doctor to discuss your question / enquiry. TEXT MESSAGING – MOBILE NUMBERS We are now operating a text message reminder service; please ensure your mobile number is correct and up to date on your medical records. Please speak to Reception or email balsallcommon.practice@nhs.net with your name, date of birth and mobile number to add it to your records. EMAIL YOUR PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS Prescription requests can now be sent to the practice using the following email address: bcm.prescriptionrequest@nhs.net
Barbecue Rules We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore, it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion. 1.The woman buys the food 2. The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables and makes the dessert. 3. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill, beer in hand. 4. The woman remains outside the compulsory three-metre exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities takes place without the interference of the woman.
Here comes the important part 5. The man puts the meat on the grill. 6. The woman goes inside to organise the plates and cutlery 7. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat
Important again 8. The man takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the woman. 9. The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces and brings them to the table. 10. After eating the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
And most important of all 11. Everyone praises the man and thanks him for his cooking efforts. 12. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed her night off and on seeing her reaction concludes that there is just no pleasing some women!!
Available Financial Support for local Sporting, Recreational and Leisure activities Do you know of a local sporting, recreational or leisure Association/Community Group serving the interests of Meriden residents that might need a small financial grant to help them get back on their feet? The Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust operates a Small Grants programme designed to support non-commercial groups and their members with small amounts of financial assistance in order to develop their sporting, recreational and leisure projects for the benefit of those living in or close to Meriden. In recent times, the Trust has been able to assist the 1st Meriden Scout Group, the Heart of England Arts Centre, the Junior section of the Meriden Lions Football Club and the St. Laurence Churchyard Gardening Group.
The Trust is keen to receive applications for small grants throughout 2021. For further details about the Small Grants programme please go to the Trust’s website at meridensrt.org.uk where there are guidance notes and an application form.
News from the Firebird Singers We are all very excited to be holding rehearsals again at the Village Hall under strict Covid guidelines and reduced numbers. We now have two future concerts booked at the Manor Hotel: Sundays 26th September and 12th December, so we will be looking forward to welcoming our audiences back. Depending of course on the guidelines at the time and with possibly reduced audience numbers. On a much sadder note, we were very sorry to hear of the death of Pat Stanley. Pat was a much-loved member of the choir with a beautiful voice. She joined us in 2010 when the choir was still rehearsing at St. Laurence Church and has been a very popular regular member ever since, singing at all our concerts. She was part of our family and will be very much missed. We are very honoured that the family chose a CD of the Firebirds singing Pat’s favourite songs to be played at her funeral and one of our members, Abbie, provided a recording of ‘Over the Rainbow’ to be played at the end of the service.
HS2 NEWS: 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. In 2021, phased traffic measures will remain in place on and around Northway Island, including on occasion short sections of the B4438, A452, A446 or M42. From mid-2021, BBV will begin preparations to remodel sections of the existing road network near the future station. This work will be mainly concentrated on HS2 land. BBV’s compound off Park Lane is now fully occupied and operational. The lane remains closed to non-construction traffic. In the coming months, BBV will carry out surveys alongside various carriageways outside Meriden, but no traffic measures will be required to complete these activities. Stay in touch with HS2 - HS2 has launched a user-friendly interactive map to make it easier and simpler to keep up to date on current and upcoming works that are being carried out in your area. You can access the map at www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/map. 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. HS2 continues to review all its works, including engagement, to ensure that they are in line with Government and Public Health England (PHE) advice on dealing with coronavirus. Find out more about HS2 at: www.hs2.org.uk
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West Midlands Midlands On-demand On-demand isis aa new newtype typeof ofbus bus service available available in in our our area. area. ItIt does does not notfollow followaaspecific specific route. You can book book aa journey journey without without needing needingto touse useaa specific bus number number or or stop. stop. AA minibus, minibus, with withspace spacefor for one wheelchair, will will pick pick you you up up at at the the time timeyou youchoose. choose. It is available Monday Monday to to Friday, Friday, 7am 7am until until7pm 7pmin: in:
Assistance dogs dogs are are allowed on the the bus bus but all other dogs dogs are prohibited. prohibited. You You need to register register for for the service before before You You can can either either download downloadthe theapp app you can book. or call 0345 034 034 8670 8670 to to book book aa trip. trip. You Youcan canbook book immediately or up up to to two two days days in in advance. advance. Sometimes Sometimes the app might suggest suggest you you take take aa normal normalbus busservice serviceto to save time. You can can choose choose to to ignore ignore this this and andcontinue continueto to book the on-demand on-demand bus bus service. service. Ticket Ticketprices pricesare arebased based on journey distance distance and and you you can’t can’t use useyour yourSwift Swiftcard cardor or free travel pass. pass. More More details details are are on on the theweb website: site:-www.wmnetwork. www.wmnetwork. co.uk/ways-to-travel/buses/onco.uk/ways-to-travel/buses/ondemand-buses. demand-buses. IfIf you you have have any any queries, queries,you youcan canalso also email: wmondemand@tfwm.org.uk wmondemand@tfwm.org.uk
Lavender LavenderHall HallLane Lane Berkswell BerkswellCV7 CV77BN 7BN 01676 01676530 530299 299/ /07949 07949119 119436 436 Cafe Cafeopen opento tothe thepublic publicfrom from 8.00am 8.00am––1.30pm 1.30pmweek weekdays days and andnow nowuntil until2.00pm 2.00pmSaturday Saturday&&Sunday Sunday Serving Servinghot hotand andcold coldfood food Specialising Specialisingin inan anall-day all-dayBreakfast Breakfast
We Welook lookforward forwardto toserving serving you youall allagain againininour ourCovid Covid safe safeenvironment environment Welcome WelcomeBack Back! ! Gates Gatesopen open at at7.00am 7.00am close close at atdusk dusk
QUEENS HEAD DAILY LUNCHES Great Value Specials for just £5 Choice of:- Ham, Egg & Chips, Cottage Pie, Lasagne, Fish & Chips or Pie of the Day. Full Menu also available.
SUNDAY ROAST LUNCHES - £8 These are very popular! Order by Saturday night Choice of Beef, Pork or Chicken
******************** EAT DELIVERED EATIN, IN,TAKEAWAY COLLECT ororDELIVERED
12:00 2:30 Call -NOON 01676 TILL 522256
Call - 01676 522256 ******************** HEATED OUTSIDE AREA Come and enjoy a drink or lunch under cover now (hopefully inside will be allowed too by the time you read this). The outdoor area is nice and cosy and well lit. Great for meeting friends and family safely this Summer. A huge ‘thank you’ for supporting us. See you soon.
ADVANCE NOTICE The NEW Fillongley Show 2021 The Show will be going ahead this year! on Saturday 11th September 2021. NEW VENUE Heart Of England Events Centre Meriden Road Fillongley Coventry CV7 8DX https://www.fillongleyshow.org.uk
HURLEY MOTORCYCLES MOTORCYCLE MOT TESTING 01827 872489 East House Farm Hurley Lane Hurley Warwickshire CV9 2GY
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FACT OR FICTION? Whatever you write….
Balsall Common Writers welcomes new members and invites you to join us We hold evening sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Balsall Common * Please contact info.bcwriters@gmail.com *by zoom until restrictions lifted
All our training is adapted and tailored around your dog’s individual needs. Individual or group classes are available by appointment and are fully flexible. Take a look at our Facebook page
‘Grangemead Training’ Call onon CallDorothy Dorothy 01676 01676542471 542471 To book your
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Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood The Elder Tree The fragrance (and flavour) of elderflowers is a personal favourite and always reminds me of the bright, optimistic, sunny days of May and June. Happily for me, elder is widespread across the UK, growing in hedgerows, woodland, scrub and on waste ground; it’s an early coloniser of disturbed ground and as such, can be an indicator of sites of possible early human activity. The grey-brown, corky, furrowed bark suggests great age but they are not long lived (up to 60 years growing to a height of 15 metres) and maintain their presence with saplings. The elder foliage consists of oval leaflets with toothed edges, in groups of 5 or 7, opposite pairs with one at the end; if touched or bruised they have an unpleasant odour. The masses of tiny, creamy white, fragrant flowers grow from structures that resemble the framework of an umbrella. They are hermaphrodite (each flower has both male and female parts) with 5 petals and full of scented, pale yellow pollen. The flowers are a magnet for many varieties of insect which collect the pollen and, in so doing, move the pollen to the stigma (female part) enabling pollination. The resulting black elderberries replace the elderflower clusters, ripening between August and October. The berries are a food source for birds and mammal, from dormice and bank voles (who will also eat the flowers) to badgers and rabbits; elder trees can often be found near badger setts and rabbit Elder Tree in flower
warrens, where the animals leave the seed in their droppings. The leaves are also eaten by moth caterpillars, including swallowtail, dot moth and white spotted pug.
Elder Bark
Elder leaves
Elder flower
Elderberries
Bank Vole
Whilst elder trees are not the most imposing of trees, they were held in high regard in folk lore, with funeral artefacts from 2,000 BC shaped like elder leaves. Their name is believed to combine the Anglo-Saxon word eldrun, which comes from aeld, meaning fire, with the name of the Scandinavian tree-spirit Hyldemooer. The Spirit of the tree was seen as an elderly woman, a mother figure with powerful magic, who could be both benevolent and vengeful so you must ask her permission before cutting anything from the tree. A single elder near a house was believed to give protection from witches and lightning, but many might result in the mysterious death of the inhabitants. Christianity adopted the legends; it is known as the tree Judas Iscariot hanged himself from, cuttings growing in consecrated ground carried as a charm and it was thought that if you burned elder wood, you would see the Devil. Harry Potter fans will be well aware of the possibility of making powerful wands using elder wood, but there are many more practical uses for its products. With the pithy interior removed, branches were used to make bellows and by children for pea shooters or whistles. The timber is exceptionally light with a fine grain and was used for fishing floats and by watchmakers for tiny components. With their pungent smell, elder leaves were tied to horses’ harnesses and as a switch to protect animals from flies and disease. Elder leaves were used to make tea, remedy for coughs, colds and flu and smoked like tobacco. Blue and purple dye was obtained from the berries, yellow and green from the leaves. Of course, it is still used to make elderflower cordial and elderberry wine. Last year I made elderflower cordial using both hedgerow foraged and pink flowers from my garden. The smell was wonderful and so evocative of when I made it with my mum as a child. Easy recipes can be found on the internet, but if you decide to have a go, remember to ask the spirit before you pick and leave some for me. I’m going to try making elderflower liqueur this year!
Making elderflower cordial
If you’re interested in our trees, local wildlife and conservation in general, it would be great to hear from you. Collaborators very welcome! Or visit the Facebook page Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees. Dates for conservation work parties in Millisons Wood are also notified there.
Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com
Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees
Warwickshire Warwickshire Wildlife Wildlife Trust Trust launches launches £3 £3 million million appeal appeal Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is launching a new fundraising appeal to bring wildlife back to Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. This is the Trust's most ambitious plan ever and reflects the urgent need to act now. The appeal goal is to raise £3 million and create a Nature Recovery Fund used to buy land. This target has been set to support local action on the three biggest threats that our planet has ever faced; the ecological crisis, the climate crisis and the human health crisis, particularly the desperate disconnection of people with nature. The Nature Recovery Fund will be used to buy land of low wildlife value, improve this land by restoring lost habitats and also reconnect people with nature. It will also help the Trust to help others do the same on their land and double the land managed for wildlife by 2030. In the past the focus was on saving special places, however this new land will be for the creation of new special places. Thanks to some substantial recent donations and legacies, the Trust already has £1.5 million in the Nature Recovery Fund. This appeal aims to double this, to create a £3 million fund to bring back Warwickshire’s wildlife In January 2021, the One Planet Summit saw 50 countries pledge to protect 30% of land and sea for nature, in a bid to tackle the unravelling of our delicate ecosystems, halt the mass decline in wildlife and combat climate change. The UK is part of the coalition but was ahead of the curve, and in September 2020 the Government committed to restoring 30% of the UK to nature by 2030. The Wildlife Trust’s CEO Craig Bennett, whilst welcoming that Government commitment, “warned that we now need to see a much greater level of urgent action on the ground to deliver on the ambition set out by the Prime Minister, and to put nature into recovery.” And so, on the ground, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is preparing for action. Webinars on Bringing Wildlife Back Local people can hear more about the fundraising appeal, why it is so important and the need to act now, by registering for a series of webinars on the Nature recovery Fund Appeal. Please visit www.nature-recovery-fund-bwb.eventbrite.co.uk to register The average price of land in Warwickshire is approximately £10.000 per acre and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust needs to buy at a large enough scale to create new, connected habitats for local wildlife. Large or small a donation will help to bring wildlife back. The trust is asking local people to donate on line today and be part of natures recovery on their doorstep
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/appeal
Hedgehog by urban wall credit Tom Marshall
About Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) is one of the 45 UK Wildlife Trusts. Established in 1970 we are a grass roots organisation in every sense governed by 12 trustees elected from a membership of 24,000 people, 99% of whom live in the county, and supported by over 600 active volunteers. We manage an estate covering 1,000ha across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull and no one living or working in that area is more than 6 miles from one of our 67 nature reserves. More than 23,000 local children joined in our environmental education programme last year, and thousands more people came to our two visitor centres or took part in our varied programme of events. For more information please visit www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
FILLONGLEY ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT. This £4.5 million scheme is finally set to get underway. The council has confirmed that activity will ramp up in June and the road itself will be closed from July 13. However, full details of the timescale and diversions for drivers are still being thrashed out. A council spokesman said: "We are currently working with our contractor to determine the closure requirements and will officially release the traffic management plans, diversion routes and durations in due course." The council has argued that decades of "heavy use" has left it with no choice but to take steps to upgrade a structure which is nearing the end of its natural life. Meriden residents will need to keep a close eye on diversion plans, given the narrow lanes that predominate in this rural part of the borough. Anyone with questions or concerns about the project can email fillongleybridge@solihull.gov.uk.
BERKSWELL OPEN GARDENS FOR NGS SUNDAY 27th JUNE 11am to 6pm Eight Berkswell and Balsall Common residents will be opening their gardens to visitors this year under the National Gardens Scheme. The gardens are large and small, formal and informal with beautiful borders and productive vegetable gardens. There will be something for everyone and plenty of ideas to take home. Plants will be for sale at some gardens, as will teas and home-made cakes. £6 per person will give entry to all 8 gardens. Children are admitted free of charge and very welcome, so please all come along, enjoy the gardens and raise some money for charity.
Yellow signs will direct you to the individual gardens listed on the map which can be downloaded from www.berkswellsociety.org.uk. Tickets will be available on the day on the Village Green or at any of the gardens. In the meantime, you can learn more about the NGS and the individual Berkswell gardens by visiting https://ngs.org.uk/view-garden/32172
Community Transport - CT Passenger have been providing minibus services in the Meriden area on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, since 2019. These fully accessible buses take passengers to local shops, community centres and Coventry’s shop mobility three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The free service is mainly for those who cannot access normal public transport and is considered vital for the elderly and vulnerable residents of the area. Passengers have to register. This can be done easily by calling: 01902 910263 or emailing: passengerservices@communitytransport.org. Once registered, they can book their journey in advance. Drivers will pick up from a home address at an allocated time, between 9am and 3pm. Spaces are limited, so it is run on a first come basis. During the pandemic passenger numbers declined, but the service has still been running, as it is considered essential for those who struggle to get out of the house.
NEW!! - CT Travel Club – is due to launch in July 2021 when restrictions ease. This will be easy to join with a simple annual membership fee. This fee will cover local trips and days out on fully accessible vehicles, driven by experienced and trained drivers. This will provide regular trips and outings to local places of interest around the West Midlands and planned excursions further afield. The idea is to promote community travel, by friends joining the club at the same time and travelling in a group. Or by meeting new people, so enjoying days out together. This will provide a more rewarding way to travel. To join and begin a new adventure –
call: 01902 910263 or email: passengerservices@communitytransport.org to register interest.
Reminder deadline for the autumn 2021 issue is August 1st Delivery will be by the beginning of September 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
Mag advertising rates Eighth page £11 Quarter page £22 Half page £44 Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the co-editors. We are unable to print anonymous letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request
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Bickenhill Waste Disposal site Pre booked slots only To book go to www.solihill.gov.uk phone 0121 704 8000
One of the residents of Meriden Pool. Picture Carol Stafford (Facebook)
Solution to Meriden Farm Word Search Two pictures from Sally Taylor (Facebook) *Beautiful Goldfinch eating dandelion seeds* *This year’s ducklings*