MeridenMag Autumn 2021

Meriden Mag Autumn 2021 Photograph courtesy of Solihull Libraries

Special edition to commemorate the Centenary of the Cyclists’ Memorial, Sunday 5th September

Autumn Events

Sue 01676 522 540 Carol 01676 522 888 Meriden Volunteers Committee present

In The Pink and Blue Evening” at the Manor Hotel Sunday 17th October Including a Christmas shopping event at 6.30pm Lesley Smith in the guise of Catherine of Aragon at 8.00pm Tickets £12.50

Cyclists Memorial Centenary Service Sunday 5th September Meriden Village Green 11.00am

Big Picture Shows at the Village Hall 10th

–

22nd

November 2021

The Courtyard Gallery at the Core Theatre Solihull Library B91 3RG Open to view during library opening hours.

Original and unique gifts, handmade by the Solihull Creative Textiles Group will be available to purchase

Saturdays: 18th September 17th October 13th November

See inside for details

Our Local Defibrillators What is a defibrillator?

What What toto dodo

Also known as an automated external defibrillator (AED), it is an electronic device that administers an electric shock to the heart, through the chest wall, in an attempt to restore the normal heart rhythm.

In In the the event event ofof a suspected a suspected cardiac cardiac arrest, arrest, the the following following procedure procedure should should bebe used:used:1. 1.

Call Call 999 999 oror 112 112 - ask - ask forfor the the ambulance ambulance service. service.

2. 2.

When When asked asked byby thethe operator, operator, please please give give the the telephone telephone number number from from where where you you areare calling calling and and the the location location ofof the the AED AED cabinet. cabinet.

(They (They can can often often your your phone phone using using GPS.) GPS.) locate locate

When to use a defibrillator It should only be used on someone suffering sudden cardiac arrest, presenting as unconscious, not breathing and without a palpable pulse.

Where are our local defibrillators?

We have 3 available for public use.

Millison’s Wood – operational since July 2021 and available 24/7 – located on Birmingham Road, in the phone box near the bottom of Albert Road.

Official address is:-

Public Telephone 69M from Arandora Cottage, Birmingham Rd, 6M from B4104 Coventry Birmingham Rd., Millisons Wood, Coventry, CV5 9AY Meriden Sports Park (1) – operational since Nov 2020 and available between 8am and 6pm daily.

– located on the wall of the brick building over to the right as you enter the park. Official address is :-

Meriden Sports Park, The Pavilion, 10 Main Rd, Meriden, Coventry, CV7 7SP Both of the above are owned by Meriden Parish Council and are registered with the national database for emergency services. The Circuit https://www.thecircuit.uk Meriden Library (2) – this is our oldest AED and is available 24/7. It is located on the wall to the right of the Library door and is owned by SMBC. It was originally installed by a charity.

Who maintains them? - There is a 5 year

3.3.

The The operator operator will will askask a series a series ofof questions questions which which you you will will need need toto answer answer toto thethe best best ofof your your ability. ability.

This This will will only only take take a few a few moments moments and and will will not not delay delay the the ambulance. ambulance.

4. 4.

The The operator operator will will then then provide provide you you with with thethe access access code code toto open open thethe cabinet cabinet (if (if thethe AED AED is is located located inside inside anan external external cabinet cabinet and and registered registered with with the the ambulance ambulance service) service) 5. 5.

The The defibrillator defibrillator and and resuscitation resuscitation pack pack should should bebe removed removed from from the the access access point point and and thethe ambulance ambulance service service will will stay stay onon thethe line line and and give give verbal verbal instruction instruction if required. if required.

6. 6.

Switch Switch onon thethe defibrillator defibrillator and and it will it will then then provide provide you you with with verbal verbal instructions instructions forfor use. use.

7. 7.

The The defibrillator defibrillator cannot cannot bebe used used incorrectly incorrectly asas it it will will only only deliver deliver a shock a shock toto the the patient patient if itif detects it detects it it is necessary. is necessary.

8. 8.

There There areare scissors scissors the resuscitation resuscitation pack pack toto in in the assist assist with with removal removal of of clothing clothing and and a pocket a pocket rescue rescue breath breath mask mask forfor use use with with ventilations ventilations in in CPR CPR 9. 9.

If you If you areare unable unable oror unwilling unwilling toto give give ventilations, ventilations, simply simply dodo "hands "hands only" only" chest chest compressions. compressions.

Remember Remember THINK THINK safety; safety; Look Look around around before before pushing pushing the the button button toto shock shock and and SHOUT SHOUT the the command command STAND STAND CLEAR CLEAR SHOCKING SHOCKING and and then then check check toto make make sure sure everyone everyone is is clear. clear.

Content Content of of this this post post is approved is approved byby SWASFT SWASFT Community Community Response Response Manager Manager - for - for use use with with thethe 22 AEDs AEDs owned owned byby Meriden Meriden Parish Parish Council.

Council.

guarantee for battery and pads on each. Annual Maintenance contracts are in place on both AEDs owned by the Parish Council. I was unable to confirm the details for the library AED in time for going to print.

1 - Sports Park AED

2 - Library AED

Article produced by Chris Bannister. Feedback welcome. Huge thanks to Barbara Bland for providing lots of useful information about the Parish Council AEDs. Further details will be in the Winter Mag.

Fillongley Road Bridge Replacement What is happening at Fillongley Road Bridge?

From time to time, our bridges require work to ensure they are fit for purpose. Recent inspections have shown us that Fillongley Road Bridge over the A45 is reaching the end of its life, which could affect its ability to carry heavy traffic. Given the importance of the route for traffic of all types, we plan to replace the bridge deck.

How long will the work take?

Some enabling works have started already, but the main works are due to start in November 2021 and are expected to be completed by August 2022.

How will this affect traffic?

Unfortunately, Fillongley Road will be closed for the duration of the project. A strategic diversion route has been designed to keep traffic away from Meriden Village. This will utilise the B4098, B4114, A446 and A452 with particular emphasis on ensuring HGVs use this latter route. We recognise that the full closure of local routes isn’t possible, as it would cut off local residents from some essential local amenities, as well as critically impact local farmers. However, without controls in place, these routes would be dangerous, so Walsh Lane and Lodge Green Lane will run as one way routes with speed restrictions in place and the section of Eaves Green Road linking the two will be closed as a through route. The A45 will be restricted to a single running lane on each carriageway with an additional need for some full weekend closures when undertaking demolition and lifting activities.

How do I find out more?

Please send any further enquiries to fillongleybridge@solihull.gov.uk.

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UPVC Door problems Full locking mechanisms replaced/serviced 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.

Boiler servicing and repairs Boiler replacements New radiators and valves All plumbing work carried out Fully qualified in Natural gas and LPG

Under floor heating New Bathrooms

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

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Contact 01676 523007 NEW! - Brilliant Fun Pre-School Music Classes Every Wednesday Starting 8th September Meriden Village Hall 09:45 Baby Moo (Age 0 to crawling) 10.30 Mixed Moo (Age 0 to 4 years) We use multi-sensory props, games, actions and roleplay to bring our own fun, professionally written songs to life supporting baby and childhood development. Contact Kim on 07771 780166 www.moo-music.co.uk/Coventry

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

To celebrate the centenary of the Cyclists' Memorial, Solihull Libraries Heritage and Local Studies Librarian, Tracey Williams, takes a look back at the day in 1921.

The imposing 30-ft tall granite ashlar obelisk, which still stands on The Green in Meriden, was unveiled by the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Birkenhead, on Saturday 21st May 1921 in the presence of between 10,000-20,000 cyclists. In 1963, a plaque was added to commemorate cyclists who died in the Second World War. The memorial was given a Grade II listing by English Heritage in 2001.

The memorial was funded by public subscription, with a National Cyclists’ War Memorial Committee being established in November 1919 after a public meeting. The Chairman was W. G. Howard Gritten MP (known as “the cyclists’ friend”) and the Vice-Chairman was a racing cyclist, Frederick Thomas Bidlake (1867-1933). It was Mr Bidlake who first thought of the idea of a national cyclists’ memorial. The aim of the committee was to raise at least £1000 to erect a permanent roadside memorial in memory of Cyclists who fell in the Great War. The memorial honours all of the cyclists who died during the war, not just those who were members of the Army Cycle Corps and worked as scouts or messengers.

The President of Anfield Bicycle Club, William Pagan Cook (1869-1936) was appointed District Representative for Liverpool, and members of Anfield B. C. contributed more than 20 per cent of donations to the war memorial fund.

This led Mr Cook to claim that “It is the Anfield that has assured the Memorial on Meriden Green.”

Why Meriden?

The Anfield Bicycle Club Circular, vol. 15, no. 167, notes the intention for the memorial to be erected in some Central Touring District “as a Mecca like the Meriden Cross.”

The Sheffield Star Green ‘Un, 20 December 1919, stated that: "Cyclists believe that a monument on a village green or a spot by the side of some great highway, would be more in keeping with the object of the memorial than one put up in London."

By 23rd December 1919, the decision had been taken to erect the memorial at Meriden, which was described as a very popular resort among cyclists. The Athletic News claimed the credit for suggesting Meriden, and the Birmingham Daily Gazette declared that “No more appropriate spot could have been chosen, as Meriden is not only the centre of England but it is itself within the very hub of the great cycling manufacturing industry.”

The Birmingham Daily Gazette noted on 23rd December 1919 that "The village is also a most picturesque place, and its environment will form a typical English setting to the memorial, which will take the form of a simple stone cross."

Consent for the memorial to be erected at Meriden had been obtained from the Lord of the Manor (Lord Aylesford), and Meriden Rural District Council by March 1920, with just the design of the monument remaining to be agreed. The subscription funds were also some £500 short of the target needed.

Fund-raising and design In March 1920, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, presented his bicycle to the fund so that it could be auctioned to help swell the funds. The Rudge-Whitworth machine was repaired and sold for £100 to Rev. Basil Graham Bourchier (1881-1934), Vicar of St Jude-on the Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb. The Dundee Evening Telegraph of 22nd April 1920 noted that “So far as is known, no bicycle has previously realised so much.”

The sale of the bicycle meant that the fund was reported in April 1920 as standing at £700 – just £300 short of the target. By July 1920, the Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal reported that the fund had almost reached its target.

The Lincolnshire Echo noted that the hope was architects and designers who were cycling enthusiasts would be willing to give their services free of charge as a tribute to their fallen comrades.

The National Cyclists’ War Memorial Committee decided on the form the monument would take, rejecting the incorporation of any cycling imagery as “quaint rather than dignified.”

The Coventry Evening Telegraph reported that "Designs are to be entirely gratuitous, and should be worked out to give the largest size possible for the money, in granite. The Cenotaph, an ordinary obelisk, or one of the Stonehenge monoliths, to quote an extreme example, is to be preferred as an idea upon which to lease the design rather than anything of an elaborate nature." (30 March 1920) Meriden Parish Council approved the proposed design at its meeting on 5th October 1920. The firm of monumental masons, Messrs J. White & Sons, of South Yardley both designed and enacted the works.

The memorial was described as being of unpolished Cornish grey granite, 30 feet high, and standing upon 30 tons of concrete. The granite itself weighs 40 tons, and the concrete inside 10 tons. Writing to the Birmingham Daily Post in March 1976, Mr L. N. White (1899-1988) noted that his father [Arthur Frederick White (1873-1957)] told him that there was buried underneath the memorial a copy of the Birmingham Post and the Birmingham Mail, as well as various coins of the day.

The letters of the inscription were described as being deeply cut in upon the side of the pedestal, which faces the Main Road, and depending upon shadow for their effect.

The Ceremony The Athletic News 25th April 1921 reported that the monument was nearing completion. The unveiling ceremony would be “very simple but impressive,” with ample room on the Green for hundreds to stand and get a good view of the proceedings. A small platform was to be erected which the three speakers would occupy.

Parties of cyclists and clubs arranged pilgrimages to the memorial under the auspices of organisations such as the Cyclists’ Touring Club and the National Cyclists’ Union. Many of the riders met at Stonebridge and rode in massed formation to Meriden.

The Rugby Advertiser of 24th May 1921 said the ceremony drew to Meriden "the most remarkable gathering of cyclists ever seen in this country. They converged on the village in regiments and many of them rode all through the night to get there. From the suburbs of London, the quiet towns of Devon, and the “Delectable Duchy,” from the great industrial centres of the North, and the pleasanter places of the South Coast, they came in myriads on their cycles to pay this token of respect to their fallen brothers of the wheel. Birmingham and the towns of the Midlands generally were largely represented."

The ceremony began at 6pm when a bugle called the assembled crowd to silence. The ceremony was presided over by Mr W. G. Howard Gritten MP, himself an enthusiastic cyclist, who opened proceedings by describing the occasion as unique in the history of cycling. He said that the idea of commemoration first occurred to Mr Bidlake in the summer of 1919. The memorial was to pedal cyclists – racing men, club men, and tourists alike – who left the tracks and roads of their homeland to die on foreign fields of battle: Mr Gritten said to the assembled crowd, "Their races here are finished. Their earthly journeys concluded. They have passed hence on that great wheel of Change, whose cycle, we hope, will end in everlasting rest."

In a 15-minute speech Lord Birkenhead remembered in the early days of the war, before there were so many motorcars and motor-cycles as in the later stages, the degree of dependence there was upon the humble bicyclist in France in 1914-15 paid warm tribute to the courage, endurance, and patriotism of the cyclists, whose work, with its anxieties and dangers, had been performed in solitude. Their tasks were as dangerous as those of any men in the war, and they rode along lanes, facing death in foreign countries with the same composure, courage and indifference as if they rode along the country lanes of Warwickshire.

He then pulled on a string that allowed the large Union Jack covering one side of the memorial to fall away, revealing the following inscription: “To the lasting memory of those cyclists who died in the Great War 1914-1919.”

Buglers of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment then sounded the “Last Post” and the Rev. B. G. Bourchier (who had bought the Prince of Wales’ bicycle) blessed the monument and gave the dedicatory prayer. The ceremony came to a conclusion with the singing of the Doxology, led by the Meriden school children, and the Benediction.

Wreaths from the cycling clubs were brought and laid upon the obelisk, some of them ingeniously designed in flowers to represent the wheels of the cycle. As the twilight fell the pilgrims wheeled away.

The ceremony was filmed by British Pathé News and a short film can be viewed on their YouTube channel at

https://youtu.be/uV05GZQRLAE The Meriden War Memorial Conservators On the tenth anniversary of the unveiling of the memorial, the Birmingham Daily Gazette on 22nd May 1931 reported that after other expenses had been paid, the balance of the fund was handed over by trust deed to five honorary Conservators, by whom it was invested, the interest being sufficient to provide a gratuity to the custodian who looks after the memorial and its immediate surroundings.

The five Conservators were: Mr W. G. Howard Gritten MA, then MP for the Hartlepools, who was the chairman of the Committee; Mr F T Bidlake, London (president, North Road Cycling Club); Mr W. P. Cook, Liverpool (president, Anfield Bicycle Club); Mr John Urry, Birmingham (past-president, Midland Cycling and Athletic Club); Mr S. M. Vanheems, London (hon. secretary Road Records Association).

Following the death of Mr Urry in 1928, the Conservators elected Mr Leonard Ellis, Birmingham and Midlands District Association, Cyclists’ Touring Club, in his stead.

Annual commemoration On Sunday 21st May 1922, the first annual commemoration service was organised by the District Associations of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. The worshippers stood on the Green around the memorial, and in the roadway, and the village choir led the singing of two favourite hymns – “O God, our Help in Ages Past,” and “On the Resurrection Morning.”

There was a short address by the Vicar of Meriden (the Rev. H. W. Ottaway), followed by prayers and the sounding of the “Last Post” by two Coventry Cadet buglers. After a few minutes’ silence, “Reveille” was sounded and the whole company sang the first verse of the National Anthem before the Vicar pronounced the Benediction.

The annual memorial service has taken place every year since 1921, although the large gatherings of cyclists from all over the country were suspended during the Second World War, owing to the inadvisability of attracting large crowds.

However, the continuity of the event was carried on by the holding of a special service at Meriden Parish Church in the presence of a number of cyclists from the Midlands during the period1940-1945. During the service, a wreath was presented at the Altar and then placed upon the Cyclists’ Memorial on the Green.

The 2020 event was a virtual one owing to the threat of Covid-19. The centenary event had been planned for 16th May 2021 but, with Coronavirus restrictions on large gatherings still in place at this time, the event has been rescheduled for 11am on Sunday 5th September 2021.

Additional plaques On 19th May 1963, a memorial plaque was added in memory of those cyclists who died during the Second World War. Expert advice was to add a bronze panel in preference to inserting a stone panel as there were concerns that inscribing in the stone would damage the granite surface or cause instability to the monument.

The new panel was unveiled by Mr P. E. Brodie, Chief Constable of Warwickshire before the annual memorial service.

A further plaque was dedicated at the annual memorial service on 18th May 2014, “in memory of all cyclists who fought and died for their Country.”

If you would like to find out more about the history of Meriden why not visit Solihull Council's Heritage & Local Studies Service, located at The Core Library, Solihull? For more information and to request materials please call 0121 704 6977 or email heritage@solihull.gov.uk More information on the website at www.solihull.gov.uk/heritage

Meriden Resident John Morse has sent us this information about the Army Cyclist Corps When you pass the memorial, think of Ernie – Panel 154 (South Apse) of the Memorial to the Missing at Tyne Cot, 20971, Private Ernest Gays, X Corps Cyclist Battalion, Army Cyclist Corps, aged 19 years. Our Cyclist Memorial is 100 years old and hopefully we can come together as a village to commemorate the occasion this September. Memorials to the many such as the Cyclists’ one are of an impersonal nature and I thought a first-hand account of the horrors they faced would help to bring the Commemoration more to life.

The Corps was born on 7th November 1914, although some Territorial Force Cyclist Battalions existed prior to this.

The trench warfare of World War 1 did not suit the use of cyclists who would have been used for reconnaissance or as messengers. Although in 1918 when the Allies were pushing the German Army back in the last 100 days, their true role was used once again. In World War 2, their use was limited, although such things as folding bikes for the Paras and carrying messages proved of use.

I will take two friends as an example of all those who served and, in some cases, died for the King and Country. Private Ernie Gays and Jim Smith of ‘C’ Company, Northern Cyclist Battalion.

It was said at the time that the cyclists dug up half of France and Belgium once their main role was no longer needed. Their rifles replaced by pick and shovel as they laboured each night for months.

3rd Ypres (known as Passchendaele) would see them labour through a summer of torrential rain, mud, shells, machine gun and sniper fire. Jim Smith and Ernie Gays were Pals and Ernie worked in a cycle factory prior to the War. It was natural that when he was old enough, he would join the Cyclist Corps. By 1917 the condition of the ground made cycling impossible, and they ended up supplying working parties. It was on such a working party that Ernie was killed. Jim Smith, says, ‘We were billeted in Spoilbank tunnels – a terrible place, damp and full of gas. We were up on Hill 60 digging cable trenches for the Royal Engineers and the Jerries were shelling hard. It was only when we got back to base, I learnt that Ernie had gone. He was my best pal and I felt very bad about it, but it was worse the next night when the Sergeant detailed me to ‘bury Gays’. In those awful conditions you got very callous, but when it’s your best pal it really got through to you.’ They buried Ernie on the edge of the big crater on Hill 60 and drew a sketch of the precise spot, but his body was never recovered, and he is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the missing. That night, 18 August 1917, Jim could not sleep despite being out all night. He got up and wrote to Ernie’s mother without giving details of how he died but telling her that Ernie had been buried.

Also, of his best pal Jim Smith who survived the horrors of World War 1.

John S Morse Tyne Cot

Cemetery and Memorial to the missing.

Tyne Cot is the largest war cemetery in the world and got its name from the Northumberland Fusiliers who saw the four German Blockhouses on the horizon and likened them to Tyneside Cottages. Of the three visible blockhouses today, two resemble pavilions, whilst the third has the Cross of Sacrifice above it. Flint was used for the walls and train load after train load arrived from the UK to make it. The Designer was Sir Herbert Baker and from the air it resembles a cathedral.

Some 11,961 graves are registered in the cemetery of which 8.373 are ‘known unto God’, which is testament to the horrendous fighting and the Flanders mud. Even today, men’s remains are found on a regular basis. Tyne Cot was taken by the Australians in October 1917 and the largest blockhouse was used as a dressing station and only some 350 graves were made during the war, the remainder being concentrated after the Armistice. The Cemetery also contains four German soldiers in two graves who were moved into the cemetery after the war to show unity in death. The Memorial lists almost 35,000 men from the UK and New Zealand, who died after 16 August 1917 during the 3rd Battles of Ypres, now commonly known as Passchendaele and who have no known grave. Prior to that date the names are found on The Menin Gate, Ypres, Memorial to the missing. Our own County Regiment, the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, has 1037 names on panels 23 to 28. The central Apse of the memorial is dedicated to the New Zealand forces and has 1,176 names When the memorial was completed, thousands of bereaved families streamed out from Ypres to visit Tyne Cot. It is possibly the most beautiful but saddest place in Belgium and is a testament to the futility of war. J.S.M.

Panel 154 (South Apse) of the Memorial to the Missing at Tyne Cot

Tyne Cot Memorial Wall

Minister Rev Jane Braund Tel: 01676 533737 Please phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and funerals Services: Sunday 10:30am.

In Meriden

Greetings from the Methodist Church As we go through life we find there are some who are encouragers ...and others who are not! There are some who we can walk alongside and feel our spirits being renewed, lifted; there are others who can make us feel the opposite always discouraging, crushing our spirits, whether they mean to or not!

Yet at times we all need encouragement. The Bible tells us of a man called Barnabas who was an encourager. The first time we meet him in the Bible (Acts 4) he had sold some land in order to help meet the needs of fellow Christian believers who were facing difficulty. His name was really Joseph but those who knew him gave him the name Barnabas which means 'Son of Encouragement'. How wonderful to be given a nickname like that!

Barnabas was someone who was filled with the Holy Spirit, living his life with Jesus at the centre and from that flowed his ministry of encouragement. As the young Church grew and developed, Barnabas was used powerfully by God - not just by what he preached, but by his words of encouragement too.

Encouragement builds instead of destroys. It makes us feel good and valued and gives a sense of worth. It helps us move forward instead of retreating broken. These are difficult times we are living in with everyone facing different struggles, and encouragement is greatly needed. Perhaps in these coming days you will find yourself in someone's company who needs to be encouraged and your meeting with them will change their day. Sometimes a phone call or a kind word is all that is needed. Who is it we can encourage today? Who is it we are called to walk beside and encourage this week?

If you wish to speak to anyone from the church then please call the number above and I would be only to pleased to talk with you.

With love, Jane

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A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco We are more than halfway through 2021: where has this year gone? It has been another difficult year as we try to navigate our way out of Lockdown, opening up the economy whilst still trying to keep control of the Covid-19 virus. Of course, the world-leading vaccination programme has helped us deal with the worst effects of the virus. The number of people hospitalised due to Covid-19 has been significantly reduced even though the number of cases has remained stubbornly high. I think most people realise that we have to be sensible and still take reasonable precautions to prevent transmission of the virus.

Hopefully, we will be able to control the virus better going forward but I think we will need to learn to live with it.

Of course, life goes on and major events such as Euro 2020 have given us a reminder of what life used to be like.

England’s success at the tournament gave the nation a muchneeded boost even if the ending was sadly rather predictable.

It was great to see so much support for our team with people of all ages and backgrounds getting involved. There is nothing wrong with patriotism: love of one’s country can be a very positive thing. I was reminded of this when I attended the arrival of the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) cyclists into Meriden in mid-July. These cyclists were mostly British Army veterans who had served their country in a number of conflicts, from the First Gulf War in 1991 to the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They had cycled from Aylesford in Kent to Meriden – a total distance of 175 miles – over two days in the blistering heat! These veterans usually cycle to the Menin Gate in Ypres but because of Covid-19 had to stay in the UK. They chose Meriden due to it being the site of the Memorial to Cyclists killed in the two World Wars. The event was organised in conjunction with the Meriden Parish Council and also attended by our MP Saqib Bhatti and my fellow ward councillor Diane Howell.

It was uplifting talking with the veterans about their experiences and also their two-day journey. They were very complimentary about Meriden and it is fair to say that the village looked very picturesque on what was a lovely summer afternoon. I hope they will return. We are lucky to live in such a lovely location and we must do all we can to keep it that way. We can all do our bit by disposing of our litter responsibly and also driving carefully through the village. Of course, Solihull Council has an important role to play which is why we have committed to weekly refuse collections. We also need to work with the police to curb anti-social behaviour such as fly-tipping and speeding. I would like to see effective enforcement of the speed limits throughout the village.

Whilst I am on the subject of traffic: it looks like the Fillongley Bridge replacement works will not start till October. Hence, the major traffic diversions will not start till then although there will be some minor road works before that. Cllrs Howell, Allsopp and I have worked with Solihull council officers, the Parish Council and residents to try to keep disruption to a minimum.

If you wish to discuss any of the points raised in this article or have any other council-related issues, then please contact me at: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk.

Good News! Screenings to re-start in September Saturday 18th September 2021 - “Knives Out” (12A) Starring Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Johnson, the film is an energetic, slightly satirical take on a dusty Agatha Christie-style murder mystery. Set in a gothic pile in New England, the plot follows the familiar formula of blood on the carpet, creaking floorboards, a gentleman sleuth and a social mix of characters portraying the usual and unusual suspects. In addition, there is creepy well-shot camera work and atmospheric music to add to the tension. A gentle satire on this much-loved genre, the film is a must for all whodunit fans.

Saturday 16th October 2021 - “Official Secrets” (15) GCHQ worker, Katherine Gun (Kiera Knightley), receives a sensitive memo. It reveals details of strong-arm US/UK tactics designed to bully the UN Security Council members into backing the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Feeling for the thirty million civilians who would suffer, Gun decides to leak the documents to the press, putting her job and her life in jeopardy. Gavin Hood, who directed “Eye in the Sky” produces another gripping depiction of whistle-blowing deliberations and political subterfuge... Ralph Fiennes, Matt Smith and Matthew Goode also star in this thoughtprovoking and chillingly accurate portrayal of contemporary international politics. Not to be missed!

Saturday 13th November 2021 - Film TBC

SAFETY and TICKET SALES - Tickets £6. We are working with our screen managers at “Live and Local” to ensure that seating arrangements and other safety provisions are in place, so that you can return to our screenings with the utmost confidence.

Please register your interest in attending and supply details of your ticket requirements by sending an email to chriscopper42@me.com or telephoning 01676 522645 or 07721 342127. We will then contact you personally to secure your reservation and to explain advance payment details. We apologise for the complicated arrangements but we feel sure that everyone understands the reason why.

So…. let’s “Get the Show Back on the Road”.

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AB SERVICES

I'm not sure if you realise just how much the support I receive for The Tree means to me. It is, truly, a huge amount, as it has been my main purpose for the last 16 Years.

The figure raised to date is £74,122 for the Charities.

I have started preparations for this year's Tree and have already received splendid offers of donations from Lord and Lady Aylesford, Mrs. Pat DeMulder and The Cassidy Group, as at 27th July. Yet again, Lee Butterworth (Head of DOVETAIL GROUP UK) has most generously donated their services to install The Tree. This is quite an involved process, for which I thank him so much.

I can also tell you that Julie Hyde (CENTRE Of ENGLAND ARTS) responded to my request and has painted the most delightful, atmospheric picture for this year's Charity Meriden Tree of Thought Christmas Card. It is very special and I am sure you will like it. Hopefully, you will choose them as your cards, especially as all the profit is shared equally between The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull and Macmillan Cancer Support. The Cards will be on sale at Budgens and Lloyds Chemist, Meriden. Sadly, Tina has left but I have been assured of continued support by Neil, who is her replacement.

In view of the fluctuations with the Covid situation, I think it best that I don't plan for a Tree Dedication again this year.

Unfortunate, but I believe it to be the wisest approach.

These people I have mentioned pull the whole thing together and I cannot thank them enough. The remainder depends on the kindness and consideration of the rest of you.

There will be a Prize Draw in October/November which Pat Smith has most kindly undertaken to organize. I don't know what or how many prizes there will be, but I'm sure they will be very desirable.

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AGAIN, MANY THANKS.

BALSALL COMMON U3A CORE MEETINGS 6th September – A talk on “My time as a Chef at the Savoy” by Bill Fransworth 7th October – A talk on “British Mammals” by Nick Martin 4th November – A talk on “Life at Birmingham Airport” by Andy Holding All talks are held in St. Peter’s Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common and will start at 2pm. There is no charge and prospective members are welcome to attend.

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By the time you read this my year as President of Meriden Rotary Club will have ended.

It has been a most unusual year for our Club, as it has been for everyone. Apart from a few socially distanced meetings that we were able to hold at the Windmill Hotel and Spa last autumn, we have not all met together as a Club for the whole of my year but it seems to have passed quickly, although it has been challenging but productive. The virtual world is something that we had never heard of before. In May we did begin to look forward and think about the form of our meetings after Covid restrictions were lifted. David Burton sent out a questionnaire to all members to find out how and where members thought we should meet. The results of the survey were discussed and it was agreed that we should be meeting in Meriden at The Manor Hotel, if they are still able to accommodate us.

David Burton has put in a lot of effort in carrying out this survey and with help from Mike Latimer, they have agreed terms and menus with the Manor and we are looking forward to continuing our association with the Hotel that will have lasted for over 42 years since the Club was formed.

I must also thank David Burton for organising the speakers to present on Zoom and keep the meetings to a ‘normal’. Zoom has enabled us to have speakers from further afield that we may not have had if we had been meeting in person. Virtual meetings have enabled us to build fellowship with other Rotary Clubs, in particular Tamworth Anker & Nuneaton.

During the last month, we have managed to get food collections going again from Aldi for the Salvation Army in Coventry. We have been able to enjoy speakers on several varied subjects; Raising the Scuttled Fleet at Scapa Flow, Modern Day Slavery, History of Lady Doctors, Experiences of Depression, a cooking lesson from the “Commando Chef” and a very entertaining talk by Neville Riley, one of our members, about his motorcycling experiences from a very early age.

We have just received some good news about a project we sponsored in Malawi over a year ago to improve a rural school.

Local Covid-19 problems had prevented our original project from proceeding but by changing things a little we were able to see photos of a newly refurbished classroom.

Sadly, June saw the funeral of Brian Ellender, one of our founder members. On a brighter note, treasurer Steve told us that due to donations the Club has received and some funds that we had managed to raise we would be able to give at least £3000 to Debra my chosen charity for the year and a further £1000 to Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund which was the chosen charity of Geoff Arthur the President who preceded me.

This was a very pleasant surprise as unfortunately the amount of money we have been able to raise in the last two years has been greatly restricted.

I am looking forward to working with Incoming President, Charles Perry, in my new role as Membership Officer.

PANKAJ WARA Immediate Past President (2020-2021)

First Report from new President, Charles Perry I am very pleased to be the President of Meriden Rotary Club for 2021 – 2022 and I look forward to being able to tell you some of what we do as the year goes on. I hope that this year we will be able to continue with many of the activities and events that we have traditionally been doing along with some new events for the benefit of local people and international charities.

Again, this year, the handover meeting was just restricted to Past President Warren, myself, First Vice Phil Hughes and Honorary Secretary, Jane. We should have met in Tamworth Castle grounds for a socially distanced picnic but due to torrential rain we abandoned this and met in my conservatory.

We have already transferred friends from Yardley and Sheldon Rotary Club, which sadly has closed, into Meriden Rotary Club on 1st July. They were going to be formally inducted at the first face to face meeting at The Manor Hotel on Tuesday 20th July. Unfortunately, on that day the Manor had to close because too many staff had been “pinged” and told they needed to selfisolate. We will have a formal induction in the next couple of weeks when everyone is around and back from holiday. It is good for Rotary that they will be staying in the organisation, but I think a reminder for all, is how we must work together to keep Rotary alive.

We have received generous donations from regular Zoom visitors David and Zetta Widney and David and Maureen Hill for Past President Warren’s charity, Debra.

David Burton has completed the calendar for July to December and I thank him for that. We have already had a Zoom visit from this year’s District Governor, David Clayfield. The MP for Meriden, Saqib Bhatti, was able to attend what became the first face to face meeting which was great to be able to do once again.

Looking forward, we have some interesting speakers in the autumn and, if I dare mention Christmas at this time, we are planning an extended programme of Santa Sleigh collections with the fully refurbished Sleigh.

Details will be on our Website, Face Book (Rotary Club of Meriden UK) and in the next edition of the Meriden Magazine.

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 us and listen to any of our speakers at The Manor Hotel or on Zoom would be most welcome. Full details of our programme can be found on the club www.meridenrotary.org.uk websiteThe King family raring to go!

Under 10s Following the update in the last Meriden Mag, each of the Meriden Lions teams have completed the season and avoided any further lockdowns!

Due to the popularity of our U9, now U10, we will be starting the season with two teams. Both teams will play out of Meriden School in the Coventry and Warwickshire Sunday league. This is an amazing achievement and is great to see so many kids from in and around Meriden playing and enjoying football and being part of a team.

Both teams entered a small round robin tournament in Brinklow in July and despite it being a scorching hot day, both teams did amazing well with some incredible football on display and a real sense of teamwork. We can’t wait for the new season to start on September the 12th and wish both teams the best of luck!

Two U10 teams that entered the Brinklow Summer Tournament.

Under 13s The Under 12 team (now U13) have been busy finishing all the fixtures that they missed during lockdown. This meant evening fixtures and double headers which obviously was quite demanding but very enjoyable for the players. Next season will see the team move up to a larger pitch and eleven a side. This will be a steep learning curve but all the team are working hard on training so that they can hit the ground running come September.

Under 15s Our Under 14 (now U15) have also completed the season and saw an improvement in performances and results in the final few games of the season. The team also received a special invite from our friends, Coventry United girls u14. They invited our team to attend a special match at the Butts Park Arena. Cov Utd Girls are moving out of the boys’ league for next season and wanted one final match against a boys’ team. We were honoured to be invited by John and his team to play a game and it was an enjoyable match, with both teams playing some excellent football. We wish them all the best for next season. There are several new faces in the team for next season and we have some friendlies planned ahead of the new season in September with training going really well.

Our U14s in action at Butts Park Arena

New players wanted.

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

Little Lions Our Little Lions in action.

Little Lions As mentioned in the last edition of the Meriden Mag, we have now set up Meriden Little Lions at Meriden Primary School on a Saturday morning between 1011. We have been overwhelmed with the popularity with around 15 boys and girls between aged 4 and 7 attending and having a brilliant time.

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. Over the next few years, we want to have more teams of different age groups to encourage the young people of Meriden and the surrounding areas to get involved in football.

For any further information on Meriden Lions or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please get in touch with Phil Burrows (Chairman), Bryn Williams (secretary) Kelly Elwell (Treasurer) 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

Autumn Service Details Date 5th Sept

12th Sep 19th Sep 26th Sep 3rd Oct 10th Oct 17th Oct 24th Oct 31st Oct 7th Nov 14th Nov

21st Nov 28th Nov

Service * Cyclists’ memorial Service – the Green (11am) Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Morning Prayer Holy Communion Remembrance Service at Meriden Methodist Church 10.15am Holy Communion Morning Prayer

All services are at 10:30 am. (unless otherwise stated) * Holy Communion services are subject to availability of a minister.

Please check the web site.

The All Together Community Cafe, run in conjunction with Meriden Churches Together. will be restarting on 17th Sept at 2pm-4pm and on the second Friday of the month thereafter at The Pavilion.

Any enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs please contact the church warden:

Carol Clarke

When at home with the family recently we sometimes watch some of the films and drama series produced by Netflix. I have to admit that we mostly watch the more historical and ‘period’ romantic stories, rather than the rather bleak and dystopian modern ones. There’s a problem in many of those historical stories, however, because the church is often depicted as corrupt, greedy, and cruel, and although in these films this is often the Roman Catholic church, the Protestant churches are by no means ‘off-the-hook’, as terrible things have been done in their name as well. As a modern church attempting to spread the Gospel of Jesus, these historical wrongs create just one more barrier to people listening to us, and just another excuse to criticise, or worse, to ignore us today.

Anyone out there really seeking the truth knows that in Jesus we have an example of a man who is clearly above all those mistakes and aberrations of ‘The Church’, but how can we convince you to embrace His message, when we as an institution have so much awful historical baggage ? Two things to say on this: the first is a sort of excuse, but valid nevertheless, in that as the world turns, the ages change, and things that were normal or at least acceptable in one age become unacceptable and reprehensible in another. Some of those things you find off-putting (or worse) today did not seem that way in their historical context. The second thing is to state that these old sins put the church in a position of hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is where we advocate some good moral cause while failing to follow our own ‘advice’ ourselves. Well, the only thing we can offer in that case is that at least sometimes a hypocrite is advocating something true, so the seeker for truth must look beyond the hypocrisy to find the real message behind it. Wouldn’t it be lovely if the church through history had been beautifully organised and had attained perfection in all its works? But it hasn’t, and we know we’re part of a legacy of failure and occasional folly, but we’re still here wanting you to know about the Lord Jesus Christ, whose example challenges everyone to examine themselves, believe in Him, and seek to do better.

Jesus is often shown in the Gospels to eat meals with various people. One occasion is reported like this: “When Jesus was having a meal in the house of Matthew, many tax-collectors and sinners were seated with Him and his disciples. Noticing this, the Pharisees said to his disciples, ‘Why is it that your teacher eats with tax-collectors and sinners?’ Hearing this, He said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. Go and learn what this text means, “I require mercy, not sacrifice.” – I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.’” (Matthew 9 : 10 – 13) Jonathan Douglas

The Cyclists’ Memorial Service – Sunday 5th September 11:00am on Meriden Green It is 100 years since the Cyclists’ War Memorial was built and dedicated in the centre of our Village. The annual remembrance service at the Memorial was postponed from May to September this year. We are delighted that this year the service will be led by an Army Padre and it is very appropriate as he is also a keen cyclist.

Please check the Church web site in case this event is cancelled.

CAMEO - Come and Meet Each Other Once again thank you to the Queen’s Head for the lovely lunch we had together in May, socially distanced, outdoors and with such a good choice of food.

Our meetings, hopefully, will now continue at the Village Hall, on the 4th Friday of each month (2-4pm), please contact Our Strawberries and cream afternoon in June at the Village Hall was enjoyed by 25 people, it was so good to hear memories of happy times and welcome two new comers.

Joan Tel 523507 if you would like any more details of our meetings. All are welcome.

In July, Stephanie and Ken once again showed us lovely pictures of their experiences, this time from Borneo, wild animals and the countryside there.

On August 27th, Helen Essex will tell us all about the Art of Spinning.

September and October meetings have yet to be arranged.

Meriden Women’s Institute 1918 – 2021

Meetings held 1st Monday of the month at Meriden Village Hall Main Road CV7 7NG

Our June meeting saw us all meeting socially distanced again in the Village Hall. The AGM saw the election of the new committee. We would like to thank Joan Russell for the incredible job she has done over the years leading the Meriden WI and we wish the new committee all the best for 2021.

In July we had an incredible talk by Chris Jones on Nature vs Nurture and joined by her sister they talked us through finding each other again in their 70’s. August Jill O’Keefe talked to us about her journey of becoming a Hypnotherapist and Wellbeing coach and she ended the talk by taking us through a relaxation exercise that we all thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from.

If you would like to find out more about the WI come and join us at one of our upcoming meetings at 7.30pm in the Village Hall: Monday 6 September – Guest speaker Judith Rowley talking about Tapestry Monday 4 October – Guest speaker Russel Mannix educating us about “Fraud, Scams and how to keep yourself safe” Monday 1 November Monday 6 December If you would like more information, please contact us on either email meridenwi@hotmail.com or contact Samm Bain on 07739972046 or Della Mannix on 07920014909

July meeting: Chris Jones and her sister Sandra talk about Nature v Nurture

Contact numbers Sue 01676 522540 Carol 01676 522888 At last we are able to report on our first major fundraising event of 2021 We would like to start with a massive “THANK YOU” to all of you that made our recent Meriden Open Garden event such a great success. Despite the recent difficult times, many of our local businesses supported us by advertising in our event brochure or by donating generous raffle prizes. Our thanks in particular go to Rosebourne Garden Centre, Barrett’s Sausages, Knowle Goldsmiths, Heart of England Promotions and Walter Smith Butchers. But, by far the biggest thanks and cheers must go to all you hardy souls; pack-a-mac and brollies in hand, who dodged the showers, opened your wallets and helped us raise over £4,200 for the event – a fantastic result! See pictures opposite Amidst the sun, showers and blooming flowers were the smiles of friends and neighbours reuniting after months of separation - for the garden owners it was an absolute pleasure to witness and a reward for all their labours. Thanks again to all the open gardeners who worked so hard to make their gardens so beautiful. It is our intention to run this event in 2023, so if you fancy becoming involved, you’ve got plenty of time to get sorted! Contact Sue if you are interested.

If running, jogging or just getting downright muddy is more your thing, CRUK community fun runs are being held on 5th September in Solihull and 9th October in University of Warwick (Coventry) in partnership with Tesco. If you fancy joining in or supporting, please look for “Race for Life” on the Cancer Research UK website for further details.

Our next local event is the “In the Pink and Blue” evening at The Manor Hotel on Sunday 17th October, the doors open at 6.30pm. Turn up early to take advantage of the raffle, tombola and a variety of stalls selling many interesting gifts including Christmas cards, toiletries, jewellery and many different craft items providing plenty of pre-Christmas purchasing opportunities and a chance to enjoy a social drink from the bar before Lesley Smith, curator of Tutbury Castle, informs and entertains us in the guise of Catherine of Aragon at 8pm. Tickets cost £12.50 and always sell quickly, so contact Sue, Carol or any committee member if you haven’t ordered yours already!

Later in the year our Christmas Party at The Heart of England Social Club will be held on Friday 17th December. Further details will appear in due course.

It has been wonderful to be able to raise some sorely needed funds for our chosen charity, Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

Did you know that 1 in 2 UK people born after 1960 will have a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime? We all need to help where we can.

As the green shoots of “life living with covid” emerges from the “routine of restrictions” we wish you all well and look forward to welcoming you to any and all of our events! As always, if you want to sponsor, support or have suggestions for future events, please call Sue or Carol. We would love to hear from you.

“In The Pink and Blue Evening” at the Manor Hotel Sunday 17th October Including a Christmas shopping event at 6.30pm Lesley Smith in the guise of Catherine of Aragon at 8.00pm

Tickets £12.50

Meriden Floral Society Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm On the third Monday of each month Meriden Floral Society will resume meetings with their winter programme at Meriden Village Hall, 7.30pm on the dates below.

Subscriptions will not be due until after the AGM in February 2022. Until then a fee will be charged on entry.

18th October 2021 ‘Sojourn’

Michael MONTECILLO

15th November 2021 Practice Class

Barbara COLLINS

13th December 2021 ‘A Sparkling Christmas’

Jayne EDMUNDS

Guests are welcome. For further information please email meridenflowerclub@hotmail.com

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We remain Covid compliant for your comfort and safety, maintaining our competitive pricing structure, with no price increase implemented, following our return. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our clientele for your ongoing support

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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”

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LITTLE ANGELS PRE-SCHOOL At Meriden Primary TAKING BOOKINGS NOW FOR JANUARY! We are open 7.30am - 5.30pm and have sessional and full time spaces available for 12 months - 4 year olds.

Non-funded and funded places available.

We accept 15 & 30 hour funding and tax free childcare schemes.

We can also provide afternoon wraparound care for children attending Meriden Primary School nursery. You can split your 30 hours entitlement between both settings.

We also offer breakfast and after school club for children at Meriden C of E Primary School.

For more information or to book your child's place, please contact us at info@littleangelsgroup.co.uk or 07394 984233

Zebra by Julie Hyde Hi all, and now for something entirely different! A little bit of difficult drawing for you, but it doesn’t matter if you get a stripe or two in the wrong place. I used watercolour paint and paper.

1. Draw the Zebra. When drawing the Zebra, think of the shape of the head as a rectangle and keep the eye a third down and a third of the way across. You don’t need to draw all the stripes at this stage.

2. Body colours. Mix puddles of: Red

Yellow

Red + Blue (Purple) Blue Blue + Yellow (Green) Carefully wet the head and body all over with a mop brush so that it stays glossy wet but not sitting in puddles. With a large brush, add the different colours. I tended to keep the blue colours to the shady areas. Flick and spatter some of the colours around the mane and lower body.

3. Mane. Flick up some of the colours you have already used on to dry paper.

4. Eye. Swap to a smaller round brush. On to dry paper, try to leave a white dot for the highlight and add the iris with: Dark Brown The pupil and eye surround with: Black 5. Nose. Dampen the nose and add stronger and weaker shades of: Black 6. Stripes. On to dry paper add the stripes with: Black You can draw a few stripes on to start with if you want to. Where you want You can draw a few stripes on to start with if you want to. Where you want the stripes to fade away such as the side of the neck and back, wet the end of the stripe with a little water first and then add the colour to the stripe and let it fade out into the water.

Eye Detail

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

Apples Apples are easy to grow and productive and there are varieties and growth forms for every garden. You can even grow them in containers. They should be valued as a long term investment as they take a few years to crop, but once they start, they will do so for many years. You maybe lucky enough to have a tree in your garden, but if not you can plant one.

Apples thrive in a well-drained loam, at least 60cm (2ft) deep. Add well-rotted organic matter before planting and water well through the growing season until the tree is growing well.

Plant bare root stock from late autumn until early spring.

Apples prefer a sheltered, frost-free position in full sun. You can still grow apples in frost prone areas, just choose later-flowering varieties or provide temporary protection in spring when apples are in blossom.

Provide artificial or living windbreaks on exposed sites. There are very many varieties of apple, dessert and cooking. The trees come in many different sizes. It is wise to choose a half standard or a bush which are easier to pick than a larger tree.

Apples can be grown against walls, in containers or even step overs: These are horizontal cordons on a short leg; they can only be grown in fertile soils, and need staking their whole lives; they make nice edging to kitchen garden plots.

Apple trees need pruning annually and it is wise to find out how and when to prune the different varieties.

The story of the Bramley apple The first Bramley's Seedling tree grew from pips planted by Mary Ann Brailsford in her garden when she was a young girl in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. In 1809. Mary left the house when she married and possibly never saw the apples that were produced. She died in 1852 never knowing that "her" seedling was to become famous. The tree she had planted in the garden was later included in the purchase of the cottage by a local butcher, Matthew Bramley in 1846. In 1856 a local nurseryman, Henry Merryweather, asked if he could take cuttings from the tree and start to sell the apples. Bramley agreed but insisted that the apples should bear his name.

In 1900, the original tree was knocked over during violent storms; it survived, and is still bearing fruit two centuries after it was planted. However, it was reported in 2016 that the tree was suffering from a fungal infection and may be dying. The variety is now the most important cooking apple in England and Wales, with 95% of total culinary apple orchards in 2007

Apples are extremely versatile

Apple and Almond Layer Cake 140 g soft margarine 2 large eggs beaten 225g granulated sugar 1tsp almond essence 225 g SR flour 1 ½ tsp baking powder cored 330g cooking apples peeled, cored and sliced 25g flaked almonds Grease and base line 20cm loose bottomed cake tin Cream margarine and sugar Gradually add eggs and almond essence. Fold in the flour Spread half the mixture in the cake tin, cover with the sliced apples and put the remaining cake mixture in blobs on top.

Sprinkle over the flaked almonds and bake in 160 degrees oven for about an hour. Turn out and cool on a wire rack This cake can be served warm with cream as a dessert or as a teatime cake

They can be stored in a cool dry place and used in the winter.

They can be sliced and frozen They can be mixed with other fruits such as blackberries and plums.

The first blackberry and apple pie is always special They can be added to mint and made into mint and apple jelly.

Apple sauce is a good accompaniment to roast pork A baked apple stuffed with brown sugar and dates makes a very easy pudding with custard They can be eaten with cheese and biscuits The list is endless!

PUZZLE PAGE – No. 9 Battleships 1 1,4 2,1 1,1,1 1,1,1

BATTLESHIPS - HOW TO PLAY:- The numbers around the grid indicate the no. of occupied squares in the row/column. E.g.

1,3 means the row contains one occupied square then at least one space then 3 consecutive occupied squares. There may be spaces before the single square and after the 3 consecutive ones. Fill in the grid so that the numbers tally and it contains 3 cruisers (4 squares long), 3 launches (2 squares long) and 3 buoys (single squares). Boats are always horizontal or vertical in the grid & may occupy touching squares.

1 2,1,2 1,1

4,1

1

1,4

1

WORDBUILDER

H M

S

T

G

N

A

I

R

1,2,1

2,1

WORD LADDER: -Change one letter at a time, but not the position of any letter, to make a new word on each rung, from top to bottom, using the exact number of rungs

Using these 9 letters can you answer these clues?

Every answer must include the letter G. Which word uses all 9 letters?

7 LETTERS 6 LETTERS 5 LETTERS Disgracing Blank border of Dividing (out) Appropriate Bee’s weapon a page Looking Intently Calming or Pulping (potato) Chimes Domesticating TV Viewing Figures Object Flashy and 8 LETTERS Worry, Dread Showy

BOXWISE – Place the three-lettered blocks in the grid so that adjacent squares, marked by arrows, reveal a 6 letter word.

E.g. 2 and 5 make a 6 letter word but not 5 and 9. One has been filled in to start you off.

Wrecking

Word Ladder W

I

N

D

R

A

I

N

NUMBERFIT – fit the numbers into the grid

4 DIGITS

With thanks to Charlie Beaty For these lovely pages Summer-time is probably the busiest time for us here at Meriden Farm. We spend June and July cutting grass to make hay and silage that we will use to feed the cows and sheep over the winter months. The lambs no longer need their mother’s milk and so have been weaned. The ewes (mothers) are glad for a bit of a rest!

In the months of May and June, we have LOTS of grass growing, as it’s nice and warm and there has been a little bit of rain on it over the spring to help it grow. We have too much for the livestock to eat, so we mow some and preserve it so that we can feed it to them over the winter when it’s too cold for the grass to grow. Silage is cut and then baled whilst it is still damp, and we wrap it up to stop it from going mouldy before we get chance to feed it. You might see silage bales in fields or stacked up in farm yards – they are usually black but can also be a light blue or even pink!

Hay is grass that we cut and dry out completely before we bale it. We dry it out by turning it repeatedly for about 5 days using a tractor with a machine on the back called a “tedder”. Once the grass is completely dry, we then bale it. Because there is no moisture left in the bale, it won’t go mouldy, so we don’t need to wrap these bales. But we do need to keep them stored in barns to make sure they stay nice and dry. When the cattle come into the sheds for the winter months, we will feed them the

silage and some of the hay. This allows them to eat grass all year round, which is the best food for them! The sheep will be fed some of the hay when they are heavily pregnant and when they come into the sheds for lambing (In February).

Towards the end of July, the combine gets going and harvest begins!

We grow a variety of “combinable” crops here (crops that we harvest with the combine harvester), including wheat which is sold to Warburtons to be made into flour which is then used to make bread!!

We also grow oat and barley. The oats can be eaten by both humans and animals. Porridge and flapjacks are both examples of human food that is made from the oats that we grow in our fields! The barley we grow is used to feed all sorts of animals, and we even keep some ourselves to feed to the cows in the winter.

Once the crops have been harvested it’s time to start planting again. We work the fields with a tractor and a cultivator, before the crops are planted with a tractor and drill. Just as the harvest is over, the process begins all over

again.

The tractor “tedding” the grass to make hay

The combine harvester harvesting the oats

Hay bales being loaded onto trailers to take back to the farm

Fully loaded – back to the farm

The combine harvester harvesting the barley

Summer on the Farm

Can you find these words in the word-search?

BALES BREAD TEDDER SILAGE

SUMMER FLAP JACK WHEAT BARLEY FLOUR

AUGUST HAY OATS CULITVATOR

Our favourite cow Nina had a lovely heifer calf

The lambs are all grown up now and no longer need their mothers. This is Titch, a lamb that we handreared and will be keeping at the farm to breed from!

Meriden Library News 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 Monday and 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.

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. 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.

Balsall Common Library - If you are able to get there, the library is open and you can borrow, browse or use the computers and photocopier. At the time of writing, the opening hours are Mon, Tues and Thurs: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm. In September, the opening hours are scheduled to change, so please check before travelling to the library – just call 01676 532590 to confirm we are open or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/Libraries/BalsallCommon-library 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.

Keep up to date with news from Meriden Library by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meridenlib All information is accurate at the time of writing in July 2021. For the most up to date information about Meriden Library, see our website at www.solihull.gov.uk/Libraries/Meriden-library

Book Review: - Ian Rankin A Song for the Dark Times (The latest John Rebus story) Rebus, now well into his retirement, has just completed a move from his 2nd floor apartment to a ground floor one. He is a registered c.o.p.d sufferer and also has bad arthritis, when he receives a phone call from his daughter reporting that her partner is missing. He drops everything, leaving his dog ‘Brillo’ with long term colleague and friend D.I. Clarke, who herself is just getting involved with a new murder case in Edinburgh.

Sadly, on the windy North Coast where Samantha, her daughter Carrie and partner Keith live, the disappearance soon turns into a murder enquiry and, despite instructions from the local police, Rebus is soon conducting his own inquiry. Very thorough as usual, he is soon dragging up a lot of old secrets that some locals would rather have left alone. The case is eventually solved, leaving him to try and console Sammy with whom he has had a difficult relationship for some time.

Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, the murder is cleared up, during the investigation. Maurice Gerald Cafferty, retired but still part of Edinburgh’s underworld, shows up with his own nasty little sideshow. Siobhan and D.I. Fox become involved and have to tread very carefully before everything is settled.

I doubt whether this is the last Rebus book but I find it interesting how D.I. Clarke is putting into practice a style of investigation that she has picked up from her old boss, could there be a basis for a new series here?

Peter Moss Readers’ Circle News We will be meeting on 15th September at 10.30am to discuss: - ‘Lockdown Literature and future plans’ For further information and the venue, please call Peter Moss on 01676 523590

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

Meriden in the reign of James 1 1603 -1625 part2 (continued from Spring 2021) The Shaftes Springe Meriden in Alspath was, as now, a long, straggling village on the road from London to the North West. Alspath, the original settlement with the parish church of St Laurence, several larger farmsteads and cottages, had declined. Along the highway were several prosperous large inns like the Bell at the bottom of Meriden Hill, the Bull’s Head opposite Meriden Pool, the Cock and the Talbot (2) on the present Green. In between were smaller ale houses like the Falcon by the Pool where drovers stopped with their animals, the Red Lion (now the Bull’s Head), the Queen’s Head and several others like the Antelope around the original centre where Whittles Lane branched off across the Heath towards Hampton in Arden. It is likely the earlier Green with stocks and maypole (1) was here almost opposite the Red Lion (4).

With no parish registers surviving, we cannot estimate accurately the size of the population but it was unlikely to be much more than 200. In the mid years of the reign, it increased but fertility was low and mortality high reflecting bouts of plague, typhus and influenza.

With no known Manor Court rolls or any parish registers, we are limited in our knowledge of the village at this time. A useful source of information can be found in wills though, mainly of the richer inhabitants. There were more than an average number of wills proved in this period reflecting times of illness: plague years or bouts of influenza leading to deaths among the gentry and lesser classes in the village. There was evidence of inflation and rising rents that often quadrupled with fewer land owners but an increasing population of new inhabitants, indicating geographical mobility as well as a higher birth-rate. This was not sustained because of infant mortality among the landless poor, especially in the years 1613 to 1619. More men became agricultural labourers, the labouring class becoming the largest. Many became vagrants tramping the roads seeking casual work in harvest time.

There was a fear of public disorder reflected in events like the Midland Revolt of 1607. Such events led to savage repression.

Between the gentry and the paupers was a middling group of yeomen and husbandmen using the title ‘Goodman’. The yeoman group held public office in villages such as church wardens and feoffees of charities. In contrast labourers had no voice in events.

John Betson, viewed as a yeoman by his neighbours, died about 8 February 1608. He was living in reduced circumstances, probably because of illness, and we hear his own words in the opening section of his will, lamenting his poverty and debts, feeling shame that he could not leave a charitable bequest, a mark of respectability or an inheritance to his large family. His house had two storeys and was well furnished with joined tables, chairs and benches and feather bed, pewter and flaxen sheets. We can tour his home with a hall, parlour, kitchen, buttery and upper rooms. Edge tools, an axe, bill and raw materials point to a carpenter’s trade.

His wife Joan lived over a decade longer. We learn something of her 6 children, Timothy, John, William, Ann, and two married girls Katherine Mottershead and Margery Holbeche. These two families were highly respectable, as was Humphrey Harper (3) a gentleman who helped draw up her inventory and John’s. Little had changed in the house since John died though in the kitchen there was emphasis on women’s work like spinning linen yarn and cooking where coal was used. Joan also kept swine and geese.

Though Timothy Betson died in the following reign his career is of interest as he described himself as a musician married and living in the same family home. He played a violin and a pipe and tabor (drum) and farmed.

Doreen Agutter (to be continued)

(1) The earlier Village Green with site of maypole and stocks though no longer there. It's opposite the Red Lion or Bull's Head today

(3) Left: Humphrey Harper’s house. Old Lanesfield (4) The exterior of Glovers Yard, centre of earlier village shows Red Lion (now the Bull's Head) and attached buildings

(2) The Cross C1910 with the Talbot Inn behind

It’s been a busy start to our flying season. On 16th May, we hosted our first competition and practice day for the UK Classic Aerobatic Association - more info can be found at http://www.ukcaa.org.uk/. The weather forecast wasn't great and a few competitors from further afield didn't make it but, in all, there was a good turnout from competitors and club members alike. The weather on the day was kinder than forecast and enjoyed by all.

On 1st July, we hosted our annual model flying taster session for the Balsall Common 496 Air Cadets Squadron, organised by club members John Morris and Toby Cross. It was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by the air cadets and instructors alike.

On Sunday 4th July, the club hosted the UK Scale Helicopter day - arranged by club member and scale helicopter enthusiast - Terry Dingley.

There was a great response from the UK Scale Helicopter scene - approximately 30 flyers attended plus numerous club members.

Besides the events, the warm weather and calm conditions have proved ideal for many members to get out and fly their lock down projects for the first time.

Upcoming events:September 19th – Auto Gyro Event – Cross between a helicopter and a plane. Think “Little Nelly” from the classic James Bond film!

October 17th – UK Classic Aerobatic Association competition and practice day. 10am – 5pm If anybody would like to come and have a go at flying model planes or wants advice on getting started with drones, planes or helicopters, please contact us via https://www.hoeaflyer.club/contact

Where to find us

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch Methodist Church Hall

Tel: 02476 467331 www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

n Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Gymnastic, Contemporary Dance and Musical Theatre.

Aged 2 ½ years upwards

email:ormedance@gmail.com

Principals - Jennifer and Samantha Faulkner F.I.D.T.A BA.Hons 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

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

Contact David Morris. 07557343639 Our facilities are 1st class and all our coaches are RFU Qualified and CRB checked

We also have 4 Adult sides 1st XV to Vets

There is now a new and exciting women's team coached by an experienced group of players led by Emma Sly

Contact Emma on 07557521495

T’aiChi Chi T’ai 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

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 ……….

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 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

CASHMORE 07710 676792 Garden and Property Care

PA ELECTRICS (17th edition qualified) .

Part P Registered

All aspects of domestic installation and repairs Fuse box upgrades Test and inspection Extra lights and sockets Security lights Full or partial rewires Digital TV aerials Free quotations

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

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 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

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.

CALL US ON: 01676 523642

For a friendly, free, no obligation quote

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

02476 265 067 www.ams-wm.uk

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

unit

Heart of England Social Club BERKSWELL ROAD MERIDEN CV7 7LB. Call Abbie on 01676 522430 The management & staff would like to thank all of our customers for their support since our re-opening after the enforced Co-vid lockdown, it is much appreciated.

Our congratulations go to Abbie & James on the birth of their baby daughter Milan and we wish them all the best for the future.

BINGO: Every Friday first game 8.00pm, doors open 7.00pm - Raffle, Play Your Cards Right, Open the Box ROOM HIRE: Book your special event – party or meeting in our function room. *Room dressing * Catering * Entertainment * Call our friendly staff for full details or to arrange a viewing.

Room Dressing and catering available for your Party or Function. Contact Abbie

UPCOMING EVENTS Tribute Show – Featuring: Elvis, Meat Loaf, Freddie Mercury, Blues Brothers & more followed by dancing to 60s, 70s & 80s music. SATURDAY 16th October £5.00 Family Halloween Party – Fun & Music night for the whole family SATURDAY 30th October £5.00 SATURDAY Indoor Table Top Sale - £5.00 table for sellers 11.00am, Public 12-4pm free entry. Date to be arranged.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK – Heart of England Social Club

Lovely safe outside space

1st Meriden Scout Group and Explorer Unit -News from the Green Hut Following the forced temporary closure of the Scout Group due to the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 (which was the 50th anniversary year of the Group’s registration) we were finally able to reopen during April and May 2021. Initially due to restrictions we had to meet outdoors, so we erected our small marquee next to the Scout Hut. This served us well until the night of the storm when it was blown over the fence and we were left with buckled poles and ripped canvas.

Luckily the national rules were updated, so we were once again able to meet indoors. Since reopening the sections (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers) have all had full programmes organised by the Section Leaders (Eleanor Willis, Andy Ruthven, Lynda Spratt and Mark Jones) together with their Assistant Leaders and Young Leaders.

After the holidays the sections will reopen in September with the first meeting night for the Beavers being Monday 6th September.

After a challenging period for the Scout Group along with all of us, we hope that the 2021 -2022 Scout Year will prove to be more normal and that the young people will once again have to opportunity to camp and enjoy their Scouting experiences.

Gerry Russell – Group Scout Leader

A message from Eleanor Willis (new Beaver Leader) Having volunteered to take on the role of Beaver Leader during lockdown, it was with trepidation that I approached the Scout Hut at the end of April to run my first session. I needn’t have worried! I was met by a lovely group of Beavers, who were really keen to get back to face to face Scouting, and I received a lot of support from the leaders of the other sections.

This term the original gang of eight were gradually joined by nine new members. Three of the older children have now moved on to Cubs, so we currently have fourteen Beavers in the Colony. I have quite a long waiting list, so will be making contact with some parents over the summer with a view to more children joining us on our return in September. Over the term we have worked to earn a number of badges. The children did really well learning about Scouting around the world and trying interesting foods for their International Activity Badge - I really wasn’t expecting Manchego cheese to go down so well! We also completed our Disability Awareness Activity Badge, Communicator Activity Badge (deciphering codes was great fun!) and the Book Reader Activity Badge, as well as starting the Creative and Camp Craft Activity Badges.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Scott Kirton for agreeing to become official Assistant Leader, Phoebe and Skye for being amazing Young Leaders (who’s knowledge of Scouting is immensely useful for a ‘newbie’ like me!) and all the parents who have helped out to ensure we have the requisite number of adults at each session. It’s impossible to run a Section on your own and without all these people giving up their time each week we wouldn’t have a Beaver Colony.

I have really enjoyed my first term as Beaver Leader and I hope the children enjoyed it too. If anyone out there has been considering volunteering, I would definitely recommend it!

Are you part of a local sporting, recreational or leisure association or community group That needs a small financial grant to help?

If so the Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust may be able to assist by providing a small grant. They’re designed to support non-commercial groups and their members with financial assistance in order to develop their sporting, recreational and leisure projects for the benefit of those living in or close to Meriden.

Meriden’s own Calendar 2022 Don’t forget a Village Calendar will be available to purchase in time for Christmas.

Proceeds from this calendar will go to Meriden Primary School.

Please watch out for full details of cost and where to buy in the winter edition of the Meriden Mag.

Applications may be made that support a wide range of leisure and health-based activities, across all age groups and sections of the community, that promote exercise, well-being and leisure.

The first computer dates back to Adam and Eve.

We have helped local groups such as The Firebird Singers, Centre of England Arts, The Scout Group and Cameo to name a few, for more info visit our website.

It was an Apple with limited memory, just one byte.

www.meridensrt.org.uk

Then everything crashed!

Helpline Update & Volunteer Call To Action Please remember that the Covid-19 Helpline is still operational 7 days a week 8am-8pm. If you are isolating, poorly and need support with shopping and picking up medication, please call us on 07483 371 204. This does not replace the usual emergency services number. Please call 101/999 in these circumstances.

Defibrillators In The Village There are now three defibrillators located in Meriden. These are located: On the Library Wall Meriden Sports Park Millisons Wood Phone Box

There were training sessions on how to use the devices scheduled before the pandemic which unfortunately had to be cancelled.

As the service continues, we need more These will recommence soon and if you are volunteers to help us collect prescriptions interested in attending an event please and shopping for those residents who may phone or email the Clerk on be self-isolating. If you are interested in joining or you are already a volunteer and clerk@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk wish to continue please contact:07483 371 204 or rosie.weaver@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

Thank You

Disabled Parking In The Village

The Parish Council wish to thank Brian and Elaine Ball as well as the Meriden Bloomers for all their hard work in designing and planting the beautiful floral displays throughout the Parish.

Following residents raising the lack of disabled parking in the village with the Parish Council, SMBC are introducing a Road Traffic Order to address this. The map can be seen below:

RBLI Bike Ride The Parish Council was presented with a “Tommy” at a wreath laying ceremony at the cyclists’ memorial in July. The impressive veterans’ bike ride was from Kent to Meriden with the aim of raising as much awareness as possible along the way.

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. 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 motorists 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

Clerk: Clerk: Barbara Barbara Bland, Bland, 55 James 55 James Dawson Dawson Drive, Drive, Millisons Millisons Wood, Wood, Coventry, Coventry, CV5CV5 9QJ9QJ T: 01676 T: 01676 522474 522474 M: M: 07767 07767 162423 162423 E: clerk@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk E: clerk@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

WALKING PAGE 5.3 miles – a lovely circular walk starting at the Strawberry Bank an nk Starting at the Strawberry Bank, turn R onto Main Rd and walk a short distance to reach the driveway to Meriden Hall.

Turn R along the driveway and, after 10 m, R again onto an enclosed footpath leading to open fields. Walk through the kissing gate and turn L and walk up a steep grassy bank to reach a further metal gate. Walk through this and veer L to reach a stile in the hedgerow. Cross over the stile and walk straight ahead to exit the field onto Berkswell Rd. Cross the road, go through a kissing gate and walk to the L corner passing through another gate. Turn R and walk along the field keeping the hedgerow on your L. In the distance, you will see St Lawrence Church ahead of you. Follow the footpath until it reaches Church Lane. On the lane turn R into a field and walk along the L side to reach a small wooden footbridge into the next field. Turn R and walk diagonally uphill across this field to reach a stile leading onto a track.

Turn R along the track and then immediately L into another field. Walk across the next 2 fields to reach Back Lane. Exit the field along the driveway of a white house onto Back Lane. Walk L for a short distance and, beyond the last house, turn R across the road to enter a field through a kissing gate. Walk a short distance and turn L at the next boundary.

Walk along and uphill, following the footpath as it winds round to the R to enter a further field. Walk along the field and enter through a gap in the hedge and turn L to reach a small wooden footbridge in the corner of the field. Walk diagonally across the middle of the field and through the kissing gate and follow the path to reach the driveway leading to Hill House Farm. Turn L along the drive and walk through the courtyard into the field to the right of the farm buildings. Exit the next field and follow the track around to the R to reach Back Lane for a second time. Turn R along Back Lane and walk up the winding hill to reach a 5 bar gate and kissing gate on your L. Enter through this and follow the footpath and track along and through 2 further fields to reach the bottom of Millison’s Wood. After crossing over the small wooden bridge through the gap in the hedge, the footpath crosses over the field towards the wood. In the middle of the field, follow the footpath as it turns L and walk through the centre of the field to reach a broken 5 bar gate. Go through the adjoining kissing gate and turn R along the track which takes you back to Church Lane…..

……Turn R onto Church Lane. Walk past the church on your R, following the road back to the Birmingham Rd. Here turn L and walk back the short distance beyond the duck pond to your starting point.

Many thanks to Paul Reeve for another lovely walk. Check out Paul’s website for many exciting UK and worldwide adventures. https://skyblueadventures.com Amazon & Galapagos are coming up!

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. He also runs navigation skills courses. Just contact him on 07932 602399 or by email to paul@skyblueadventures.com if interested.

QUEEN’S HEAD We are so glad to welcome everyone back into the Queen's. You are now allowed to be served at the bar. A huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone for your support throughout this tough time.

DAILY LUNCHES (MON to SAT) Great Value Specials for just £5 Ham, Egg & Chips, Cottage Pie, Lasagne, Fish & Chips or Pie of the Day.

Full Menu also available.

EAT IN, TAKEAWAY or DELIVERED 12:00 NOON TILL 2:30 ******************** Call - 01676 522256 Our covered, heated outside area is still available if you prefer

Thursdays 12:30 till 3pm @ the Sports Pavilion.

Bring along whatever craft you do, sit and chat with others, share hints and tips and enjoy a cuppa.

If you have any questions please contact Debbie Barber on 07455 829340 or email d.barber69@btinternet.com

Used Stamps Wanted 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. Thank You.

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 D Manickam, Dr K Hayes-Lawrence and Dr Hudders

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

From Monday 19th July we will be continuing to follow all National Guidelines that are provided for all GP Practices across the UK with the ever-changing COVID 19 regulations.

Following the most recent Government Guidance we will not be changing our face covering policy. This is to continue to protect our Staff and visitors to the Practice.

The Practice is continuing to offer COVID Vaccinations to all Adults over 18yrs. The Vaccination program has been a great success and we are very proud of what we have achieved as a part of the Local Vaccination site, working with Hampton, Dorridge and Arden surgeries. We are now receiving information from NHS England regarding the COVID Booster project. We will inform patient via our website when we have more information.

We would like to Congratulate Dr Omokanye on the Birth of her daughter and are really pleased that both Mum and Baby are doing well!

Welcome to Dr Yip! Dr Yip who will be providing Maternity Cover during Dr Omokanye’s leave.

The Practice would like to welcome back Dr Manickam who has recently re-joined the Practice. He is now working as one of our General Practitioners The Practice would also like to introduce two new Staff members that will be joining us in August.

Dr Hudders - General Practitioner Rebecca - Prescription Clerk.

Lloyds Pharmacy Unfortunately, the Practice has also had to say Goodbye to some Don’t forget to collect your free NHS lateral of our Staff members flow Covid tests from Lloyds Chemist.

Dr Whitehead, Dr Edwards and Diana Humphries.

There are 7 tests in a pack and it is recommended that you take a test twice each We wish them all our best wishes for the future.

All up to date Practice Information can be found on our website www.balsallcommonsurgery.co.uk

Goodbye and many thanks to Tina

week. Full instructions are provided.

The Government recommend even fully vaccinated people take the test; it is still possible to pass Covid on whilst you have no symptoms.

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us all, and wish her all the very best for the future.

She has already promised to come back next time we hold an Open Gardens event, so we will look forward to seeing her then, if not before.

WILLIAM ALLAN COPPER 26th April 1939 – 10th May 2021 Being a very fit and active eighty-two-year-old, the news of Allan’s death on 10th May, following a very short but acute illness, came as a great shock to so many.

Born and raised in Quinton, Birmingham, Allan, on leaving school, was sponsored by Joseph Lucas Industries to study for a degree in Production Engineering at Loughborough University. It was whilst at Loughborough that we met, being students at neighbouring colleges.

Following our marriage in 1965, we set up our first home together in Meriden and apart from a short assignment in New York and later, a year - long industrial project in Surrey, Meriden was to be home for 56 years. There was nowhere better to raise our two daughters, Liz and Rachel. We formed lasting friendships and become active members within the village, certainly enriching our lives in so many ways. From Day One, we were never felt to be “In-comers” and we received a warm welcome and great support - particularly from the longer standing members of the village.

Allan had a busy and exacting career in the automotive industry, remaining with Joseph Lucas for over 40 years as a Factory Manager for several of their sites, and later, before retirement, joining an in-house consultancy group. However, whilst never seeking committee roles within the community, Allan was invariably approached and recruited to serve as a volunteer by several village organisations, which he willingly undertook with quiet efficiency and enthusiasm. Perhaps the most memorable and enjoyable role was, during the Seventies, whilst serving on St Laurence PCC, being invited to Chair a social sub-committee.

This was formed to organise various fund-raising events for church restoration. Those who remain will never forget amongst other events, the (sometimes) riotous and always over-subscribed harvest suppers when P.C. stood for Parish Council and “woke” was not even a word. Simple pleasures in uncomplicated times!

As an active sportsman in his youth, in more recent times, Football and Cricket became Allan’s spectator sports. However, golf was his lasting passion being an active member of both North Warwickshire and later, Kenilworth Golf Club, even carding a creditable score playing in an event just the day before he became unwell. A loving and loyal husband, father, father-in law, grandfather and friend may he be remembered with affection and respect.

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the caring support of friends and neighbours and for the many, many heartfelt messages and letters of condolence at this sad time. Allan would have been surprised and touched by the regard in which he was clearly held, reflected in the generous donations made in his memory, totalling in excess of £1500.

Chris Copper Editors’ note on behalf of the Village we wish to express our gratitude to Allan for the many roles he has undertaken in support of our village life. In particular his financial guidance of the Village Hall for many years.

All Together Café 2nd Friday of the month Meriden Sports Pavilion Drop in for tea/ coffee / cake and a chat.

Meet your neighbours Various board games too Friday 8th October Friday 12th November Friday 10th December

Starting up again On Friday 17th September any time between 2.00 and 4.00pm

ACE GARAGE RADFORD 02476 597879 email: service@acegarage.co.uk Mot Service

Tyres Exhausts

Courtesy car, collection & delivery options.

Call Brendan McManus on 07958 518924

We service, repair and care for your vehicle.

email:officehancock.brown@gmail.com www.hancock-brown.co.uk

Mobile Dog Groomer Groomer ** Dog Dog Walker* Walker* Cat Cat Sitter Sitter DBS Checked, Insured Insured & & Pet Pet First First Aid Aid Qualified Qualified Email: tilliestailwaggingwalkies@gmail.com tilliestailwaggingwalkies@gmail.com Website: www.tilliestailwaggingwalkies.co.uk www.tilliestailwaggingwalkies.co.uk

Mobile Dog Grooming, Grooming, Solo Solo & & Group Group Walks, Puppy Puppy Visits Visits Contact Dawn NOW to book book your your dog dog in in Telephone :07825 :07825 684 684 539 539

West Midlands On-demand is a new type of bus service available in our area. It does not follow a specific route. You can book a journey without needing to use a specific bus number or stop. A minibus, with space for one wheelchair, will pick you up at the time you choose.

It is available Monday to Friday, 7am until 7pm in:

Assistance dogs are allowed on the bus.

You need to register for the service before you can book. You can either download the app or call 0345 034 8670 to book a trip. You can book immediately or up to two days in advance.

Sometimes the app might suggest you take a normal bus service to save time. You can choose to ignore this and continue to book the on-demand bus service. Note that you can’t use your Swift card or free travel pass. More details are on the web site: - www.tfwm.org.uk/plan-

your-journey/ways-to-travel/buses-in-the-westmidlands/on-demand-buses-in-the-west-midlands If you have any queries, you can also email: wmondemand@tfwm.org.uk

Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell CV7 7BN 01676 530 299 / 07949 119 436 Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 1.30pm week days and now until 2.00pm Saturday & Sunday Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all-day Breakfast

We look forward to serving you all again in our Covid safe environment Welcome Back !

Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk

LOGIC PUZZLE PUZZLE –– back back by by popular popular demand! demand! Hope Hope you you enjoy enjoy it. it.

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Bablake House

Bablake House, Birmingham Road, Millisons Wood Meriden CV5 9AZ

Tel :01676 523689

ww.bablakehouse.co.uk

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 gift 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

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

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

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

Bulk bags, loose tipped loads and kindling available.

Call 07758 128 031

Visit - www.oakviewlogs.co.uk

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

Berkswell & District History Group Meetings will resume in September 2021, and the first meeting will start with a short AGM to ensure compliance with our constitution and the requirements of our charitable status. Only members will be able to vote at the AGM. The Trustees have agreed that all members who paid their subscriptions in January 2020 or later will have their membership carried forward to cover the remainder of 2021 and 2022. New members are always welcome. You can join at any meeting. Membership is £15 per annum and ensures free admission to meetings.

Non-members are more than welcome to attend a meeting for a fee of just £5. The venue for our meetings is now the Village Hall, Station Road, Balsall Common.

Please arrive by 2 p.m. for a 2:15 start. Our planned meetings are:Wednesday 22 September - A talk by David Morse on “ Warwickshire Home Guard in WW2”.

Wednesday 17th November - A talk by by Jill Tompkins Bailey (BA Hon Dip Hist Cantab) and Brenda Murray (BA Hon) on “Berkswell and Neighbouring Parishes during the 17th Century Civil War” We look forward to seeing you!

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)

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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

I can be reached at saqib.bhatti.mp@parliament.uk or 0207 219 3423 Dear residents, 631 Warwick Road Solihull B91 1AR I hope you and your families are keeping well and are staying safe.

Thanks to our impressive vaccination roll out and our combined efforts, we have been able to lift all remaining Covid legal restrictions. As of 16th of August, the Prime Minister confirmed that if you are double jabbed, you no longer need to selfisolate if you come into contact with a positive case (the same will also apply to unvaccinated under-18s). Instead, you should take a PCR test.

Latest data shows that having both jabs reduces your chance of hospitalisation by 90%; this means that the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths has been weakened. The ONS have confirmed that nine in 10 adults in the UK have the Covid-19 antibodies which are so important to fighting the virus. We are headed in the right direction, but we cannot afford to drop our guard – that is why we will continue to reinforce our vaccine wall of defence so that every adult in the UK will be able to get double-jabbed by mid-September.

Although the Government has now lifted legal restrictions, we must continue cautiously, which means playing our part and taking personal responsibility from now on. Please continue to wear a mask in crowded areas, wash your hands regularly, isolate if you show symptoms and get vaccinated!

I was delighted to join the Meriden Parish Council in July for the Royal British Legion Industry (RBLI) bike ride which spanned across the whole country and ended right here in Meriden. It was great to welcome over 50 cyclists to the village and lay a wreath at the cyclist memorial in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms today – we will always remember them. I want to thank RBLI for organising the event and aptly ending the ride on The Green by the cyclist memorial. I would also like to extend my thanks to Rosie Weaver and her team at Meriden Parish Council who hosted the visitors. Thank you for all that you do for the village. Finally, I want to congratulate all the cyclists for their tireless efforts, braving the heatwave and raising money for this noble cause.

As we begin our return to in-person events, I would like to draw attention to my Business Forum which will soon be moving to face-to-face meetings, in line with Covid guidance. There is no doubt that the last 18 months have been immensely challenging for businesses of all sizes and I am keen to support Meriden businesses with that recovery. Over the last few meetings, we have been joined by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands as well as Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council amongst other guests, for a run down on economic issues with a follow up Q&A. If you run a local business, please do sign up via my website (saqibbhatti.org.uk/business-forum) – I would love to hear from you.

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 that 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 shown above.: Best wishes and stay safe,

Message from Saqib Bhati MP

Saqib Bhatti MBE MP

Firebird Singers update We are delighted to be back rehearsing at the Village Hall. For a few weeks we sang outside in two groups but since the Covid restrictions have been lifted we are now all together again inside, although we are still taking all necessary precautions, it’s great to be back!

We are delighted to tell you that we have two concerts booked at the Manor Hotel - Sunday 26th September at 3.00pm and 7.30pm and a Christmas concert on Sunday 12th December.

Our first concert back is called “From Now On”. It’s a concert of hope, healing and togetherness after so many miserable lonely months. We very much hope you will all come along and enjoy it.

We will be selling less tickets to enable more social distancing between seats, and all Covid precautions will be taken to ensure your safety.

Our charity for this year is Headway- “Improving life after brain injury”. This is a charity close to the heart of some of the members of the choir.

We are also holding a coffee morning at Meriden Village Hall on Saturday 18th September; from 11.00am until 1.00pm.The proceeds will be split between MacMillan Cancer Research and Kidney UK Research. One of our members Abbie Bird is running the London Marathon in 2022 for Kidney Research in memory of her late Father.

We are proud to tell you that in the eleven years we have been in existence we have raised over £39,000 for various charities and local good causes, and with your help we hope to continue with this.

Please come along and support us!

For tickets, please contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963

Anna Bird 07792525999

YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN

www.meriden-archery.org.uk

Meriden Archery Club – going for Gold!

After such a long time of lockdown, archery finally opened up and Meriden Archers took full advantage of being able to compete again - not just at numerous events locally, but they also went national, international and also to the Olympics! As there are too many archers and events to mention them all – here are some highlights to inspire you.

For Team GB, our very own Tom Hall secured a place in the Team GB Olympic Archery Team, flying to Tokyo to proudly perform on the Olympic world stage. Only taking up the sport in his late 20s, this was a dream come true for Tom, and what a fantastic experience for the whole team. In August, Monty Orton (17) will make his international debut, being selected to represent Great Britain at the European Youth Cup in Bucharest, Romania. At time of print, we wish Monty and his teammates a great shoot and to enjoy the experience – an amazing achievement by them all. Later in the year, Milly Williams and Chris White have been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Field Championships in Poreč Croatia. Good luck to all!

There were British Field Championships in May, where Milly and Tom Duncan both won Gold, Tom Hall the Silver, and Chris White the bronze. Home Nations medals were won by Tom Hall and Chris in their categories. There were also British 3D Championships with both Milly and Tom Duncan winning Gold. Further afield, Emma Davis flew to Turkey to shoot in Antalya 2021 European Championships and Tom Hall flew to Paris to shoot in Stage 3 of the Hyundai Archery World Cup. Fancy a UK record? Edward Gray (13) and Emelia Hughes (15) did! They both broke a UK Record on the same day at Cleve Archers. The longstanding records were each beaten by 2 points. Congratulations to both!! Meriden juniors also shone proudly at the Archery GB Youth Festival, a week-long event in July. Monty won a full set – Gold in Junior Gent Recurve, Silver in Junior Teams and Bronze in Junior Mixed Teams. Edward and Daniel won Silver in their Cadet Team match. Emelia narrowly missed the Bronze in her first ever appearance at the festival but put up a fantastic fight in the pouring rain. Amazing shooting from all of them – well done! At the Junior National Championships, there were medals for Edward, Emelia, Monty, Kathryn Taylor and Dillon Keen.

No doubt there’ll be more to report in the next edition, but in the meantime, if this has inspired you, please pop along to

Meriden Archery Club where you’re more than welcome to have a chat and find out more

A message from Councillor Diane Howell It was a pleasure to attend a veterans’ cycle ride organised by the Royal British Legion Industries as it finished in Meriden. 50 riders had cycled over 2 days from Kent and were treated to a finish line reception organised by the Parish Council. Saqib Bhatti MP, Cllr Dicicco and I spent some time hearing the veterans’ stories; it was truly humbling to hear the sacrifices they had made for our country and how the RBLI is supporting them.

Meriden has a long association with cycling and we are privileged to have the National Cycling Memorial on the Green. I have written before about the plans for a cycle lane to link Meriden and Millison’s Wood. I was pleased to get confirmation from the Cabinet Member that funding has been secured and work is due to commence soon, with the lane due to open later in the autumn.

At the time of writing the Tokyo Olympics are in full swing - despite the challenges of the last year the British Team are exceeding expectations: it has been fantastic to watch our athletes rise to the challenge and achieve medal winning performances. And it is less than 1 year until the Commonwealth Games come to Birmingham, but with Solihull playing an important part. The NEC complex will host 6 sports including Badminton, Weightlifting, Netball and Boxing and many athletes and support staff will be staying in hotels in Solihull Borough.

This is a once in a lifetime chance to be part of an international multi-sport event so I do hope that residents will get involved. Volunteers are needed to assist with the smooth running of events, plus there are plenty of tickets available to watch some great sporting action. For more details do take a look at the website:

https://www.birmingham2022.com I’m really pleased that Solihull Council is making the most of this opportunity; despite not being the host Authority we will still be showcasing our local area to the world and we’re looking forward to welcoming athletes and spectators to Solihull. We have a very efficient vaccine programme - let’s hope we will win the battle against Covid so we can head into 2022 looking forward to a summer of international sport on our doorstep.

diane.howell@solihull.gov.uk

“Between “Betweentwo twoevils, evils, IIalways always pick pick the the one one

“Minds “Minds are are like like parachutes. parachutes. They only

IInever nevertried triedbefore.” before.” –– Mae Mae West West

function function when when they they are are open.” – James Dewar

Tom Hall at the Olympics Monty Orton

Tom Duncan

Milly Williams

Emelia Hughes, Edward Gray, Kathryn Taylor

Daniel Bowman

Edward Gray and Emelia Hughes

Chris White

Emelia in the Bronze match in the rain

Trees of Meriden and Millisons Wood Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus Deodara) It’s unusual for me to focus on a species that is not native (or at least a common, long term resident like Sycamore), but I’m making an exception for the Cedrus Deodara, or Himalayan cedar, running from The Green along Fillongley Road. This row of trees has historical significance as well as being a prominent feature in the centre of the village; but I do have questions about them that I’m hoping someone can answer!

The national tree of Pakistan, the native habitat of Himalayan Cedar also includes Afghanistan, through India, Nepal, Tibet to China; they grow on the mountain side at altitudes of 3,500 to 12,000 feet metres. Deodara means tree or timber of the gods and its strong, durable wood has often been used to construct bridges, temples and palaces and Egyptian mummies were placed in sarcophagus made from it. Every part of the tree - wood, bark, resin, needles, and oils distilled from wood chips - are used in traditional medicine to produce ant-inflammatories, antiseptic, diuretics, insecticide, antifungals and treatments for rheumatism, diabetes, fever, skin conditions, and fight viruses amongst other things. Himalayan cedar was introduced into Europe in 1822; in some parts of southern Europe it’s grown for timber but is mainly used as an ornamental tree.

In its natural habitat, Himalayan cedar can grow 3 feet a year up to 250 feet, with trunks up to 10 feet in diameter and live for hundreds of years; their annual rings can give scientists an idea of how climate change is affecting the ecosystems they live in. In the One of the Himalayan Cedars UK they can grow up to 100 feet. When immature they are pyramid shape, broadening and flattening with age, the lightly drooping, horizontal branches can spread 10-15 feet from the trunk. The evergreen needles are longer than other cedars (around 4cm): dark blue-green and slightly curved, they grow in bundles of up to 30.

Cedrus Deodara Needles Immature Female Cone Mature Female Cone Male Flowers The Deodar has both male and female cones on the same tree. Male cones, known as catkins, give off large amounts of pollen in Autumn which is blown to the green, female cones. The pollinated female cones grow through Spring and Summer ripening in Autumn becoming brown as they mature. Each scale on the mature cone contains two seeds; after 13 months, the cones become mature and the seeds are released. Seeds germinate and grow in the late Spring after overwintering in the soil.

It can take a tree up to 45 years to become able to bear seeds, and only 1 year out of 3 is considered a good seed year.

The Civil Parishes which were part of Meriden Rural District Council in 1974 Allesley Balsall Common Barston Berkswell Bickenhill Castle Bromwich Chelmsley Wood Coleshill Corley Coundon

Curdworth Fillongley Fordbridge Great Packington Hampton-in-Arden Keresley Kingshurst Kinwalsey Lea Marston Little Packington

Maxstoke Meriden Middleton Minworth Nether Whitacre Over Whitacre Sheldon Shustoke Water Orton Wishaw

But what about the historical significance of the trees on Fillongley Road? I understand they were planted in 1974 to commemorate Meriden Rural District Council when it was abolished by the local government re-organisation; it covered a wide area and latterly had its headquarters in Coleshill. The puzzle for me is the numbers. I was told that there were 12 trees, one for each of the areas within the district in 1974, but I’ve counted 16 (including one sapling that I assume is a replacement) and the information I’ve found about the composition at the time of its abolition lists 30 parishes. So can anyone throw any light on the numbers mystery? It would also be interesting to know if there was a reason for choosing Himalayan Cedar.

If you’re interested in our trees, local wildlife and conservation in general, it would be great to hear from you, and insights into the history of the Himalayan Cedars would be very welcome!

Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com

Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees

HS2 HS2NEWS: NEWS:- HS2’s - HS2’sworks worksnear nearMeriden Meriden- High - HighSpeed SpeedTwo Two(HS2) (HS2)isisthe thenew new high highspeed speedrailway railwayfor forBritain.

Britain.Early Earlyworks worksfor forHS2 HS2are arecarried carriedout outbybya ajoint joint venture venturebetween betweenLaing LaingO’Rourke O’Rourkeand andJ. J.Murphy Murphy&&Sons Sonsknown knownasasLM, LM,and andmain main works worksare arecarried carriedout outbybya ajoint jointventure venturebetween betweenBalfour BalfourBeatty Beattyand andVINCI VINCI known knownasasBBV. BBV. LM’s LM’sworks worksclosest closesttotoMeriden Meridenare areconcentrated concentratednear nearthe thesite siteofofthe thefuture futureHS2 HS2 Interchange InterchangeStation.

Station.During Duringlate late2021, 2021,we wewill willcontinue continuetotoremodel remodeland andimprove improve the theexisting existingroad roadnetwork networkand andcreate createnew newroutes routesononHS2 HS2land, land,using usingphased phased traffic trafficmeasures measuresononand andaround aroundNorthway NorthwayIsland.

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A45.We Wewill willalso alsocarry carryout outdrainage drainagesurveys surveys and andearthworks earthworksininthe theInterchange Interchangearea. area.Throughout Throughout2021, 2021,ground groundinvestigations investigations works workswill willcontinue continueand andwe wewill willstart starttotocreate createa aplant plantcrossing crossingononDiddington Diddington Lane.

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Communication Communication- From - Frommid-August mid-Augustwe wewill willnonolonger longerbebeusing usingCommonplace Commonplacetoto issue issueemail emailupdates updatestotoyou. you.Instead, Instead,we weare areasking askingyou youtotosign signupuptotoreceive receive information informationfrom fromHS2 HS2directly. directly.We Wewill willcontinue continuetotoproduce produceregular regularupdates updates about aboutthe theproject, project,including includingnotifications notificationsofofour ourupcoming upcomingworks. works.

If Ifyou youwould wouldlike liketotoreceive receiveupdates updatesfrom fromHS2 HS2please pleasesign signupupfor foremail email notifications notificationsatatengagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list. engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list.You Youwill willbebeasked askedtoto confirm confirmyour youremail emailaddress addressasaspart partofofthe theprocess. process.The Thepersonal personalinformation informationyou you provide providewill willbebehandled handledininaccordance accordancewith withcurrent currentdata dataprotection protectionlegislation. legislation.If If you youhave haveany anyquestions questionsabout aboutthese thesechanges changesororwould wouldlike likesome somehelp helpsigning signingupup totoemail emailupdates updatesplease pleasecontact contactour ourHS2 HS2Helpdesk Helpdeskteam, team,available availableallallday, day,every every day dayonon08081 08081434 434434 434ororemail emailhs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group - Richard Lloyd (Chairman) Living outside the works area for HS2 doesn't mean you're unaffected, or that there's nothing to be learned from the way things have been managed. The cost and the wider environmental impacts might seem remote, but they leave no-one untouched. More directly, "traffic management" bears heavily on those trying to use certain roads and footpaths, and the apparent lack of regulatory control bodes ill for whatever other future projects affect the area. The footpath closure situation, reported last time, hasn't improved, but objections from various user groups and formal complaints have at least initiated meetings involving Solihull and the main contractors. However, while the HS2 Act gave the powers and responsibilities to HS2 Ltd, representatives from the company remain as elusive as ever. Some months ago, the contractors started the blanket closure of paths crossing the HS2 route and no-one knew which paths were open, or whether they'd end up braving the traffic hazards on one of our rural lanes. Solihull has a statutory duty to "assert and protect the rights of the public", and were also meant to be consulted by HS2 about any such closures. It seems everything has been done informally, with nothing recorded in writing, so it's unsurprising that path users have been left mystified, inconvenienced, and endangered. It's clear HS2 Ltd and their contractors have failed to provide the diversionary routes promised to Parliament, and aren't following the agreed processes. The formal complaints now in the system might lead to some improvement. There's no such hope with regard to matters controlled by the Planning process. Only limited powers are available to Solihull in relation to HS2, and these have been undermined by the built-in inequality in the knowledge base between HS2 Ltd and those blighted by their proposals. A recent meeting of the Solihull Planning Committee approved sending HS2 trucks through Balsall Common as objectors were unable to validate an alternative route using an existing bridge over the current main railway line. For 7 years, the Parish Councils and local people asked HS2 Ltd and Solihull to investigate the options thoroughly, but no, that would be too much bother. All told, a dismal example of officials doing nothing to protect the residents from the impacts of noise, dust, pollution, and traffic congestion. It's the same story with the temporary route that some people will have encountered as a replacement for the Kenilworth Greenway, running south from Balsall Common. HS2 Ltd discontinued the consultation meetings and went ahead without planning permission. Parliament had provided a total width of 10m, because that was what the original had, with a hard surface for cyclists, grass verges for horses, plus landscaping. For reasons unknown, HS2 decided to fence the temporary one at 4m, and put seats inside that working width. So 4½ acres of public land has been enclosed to grow weeds and users are trapped in a 2-mile prison corridor. On top of that, they used a style of fence known to block or snare wildlife and erected forests of unnecessary signs. It's deeply concerning that both officials and councillors in Solihull weren't prepared to use the powers given to them to secure improvements. And speaking of the Kenilworth Greenway, it's a tragedy that most Victorian relics from the former railway branch line have been destroyed, despite intervention by our MP. They should have been conserved. Burton Green Parish Council has taken up the suggestion of some sort of outdoor museum. It's an idea with which the minister, Andrew Stevenson, seems unfamiliar. He wrote "materials .. such as the girders will be repurposed or recycled ... retaining very large structural elements ... is impractical." So cast iron beams 30 feet long and 2 inches thick were smashed up and sent for scrap. The brave new world will be free of heritage as well as trees and wildlife.

07904 239 365

photo

Photograph courtesy of LewisHarding photography

Reminder deadline for the winter 2021 issue is November 1st Delivery will be by the beginning of December 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

Meriden Primary School Meriden Library Meriden Surgery Lloyds Chemist Meriden Methodist Church Meriden Village Hall bookings Member of Parliament Parish Council Methodist Hall bookings Solihull M B C Solihull District Councillors

Meriden Scout Group Meriden Rotary Club Post Office Rural Police Sector

Mrs L. Anderton

Rev. Jane Braund Valerie Martin Saqib Bhatti Barbara Bland Alan Gabbitas Ken Allsopp Diane Howell Tony Dicicco Gerry Russell Jane Maugham Sue Harper

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Earlier this year we were very happy to donate money to Meriden Parish Council to buy a bench for Meriden Pool. We hope residents are enjoying sitting on it!

Bickenhill Waste Disposal site Pre booked slots only To book go to www.solihill.gov.uk phone 0121 704 8000

Photo: Carol Stafford (Facebook)