MeridenMag Winter 2021

Meriden Mag Winter 2021

See inside for What's On, a new bus service, how to protect your property and lots more. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous 2022

Winter r Events

D E L L E C CAN

Re-Scheduled date

Sunday 16th January 2022 2.30 & 7.30pm Tickets £8

Big Picture Shows at the Village Hall Saturdays: y 22nd Januaryy 19th Februaryy 19th March

Phone: Anna 07792 525999 Val 01676 522963

Meriden Rotary Club has been keeping in regular contact with Santa since last Christmas. He was very disappointed last year that, although he did all his usual visits on Christmas Eve, he was not able to journey around the streets during December to meet all the girls and boys. He now tells us that he is full of energy and looking forward to meeting everyone again in a socially distanced way. He has sent some of his little helpers to tell us when he will be here.

Monday 6th December

Friday 10th December

Monday 13th December

Wednesday 15th December

Leys Lane

Millison’s Wood Albert Road Grace Road Bonneville Close Daytona Drive Olympus Close James Dawson Drive Amarna Drive Thebes Close Luxor Drive Birmingham Road

Old Road

Maxstoke Lane

Main Road

Maxstoke Close

Waterfall Close

Letitia Avenue

Glovers Close Strawberry Fields Fillongley Road (south side to Highfield Road

Wyatt Way

Highfield Road

Fillongley Road (north side to the school)

& Side Roads Alspath Road, Arden Road Fairfield Rise The Croft

Jubilee Close Archery Road

Santa will start his journeys around the village to meet you all at 6.00pm each evening and by 8.00pm he will be on his way back to the North Pole Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research Christmas Event at the Heart of England Social Club Friday 17th December Doors open at 7.30pm Live entertainment from Keith Slater vocalist/multi instrumentalist and former lead singer with Vivo The evening will include a Bumper Christmas Raffle Tickets are £10 available from Sue, Carol and the Club

Carols on the Green Saturday 18th December at 5.30pm Music by Bulkington Silver Band There will be mulled wine and hot chocolate with marshmallows etc.

We will be singing all the favourite carols.

It will be a really traditional Village Green Christmas carol singing event!

Come along and join us!

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

From time to time, our bridges require works 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 September 2022.

How will this affect traffic?

Unfortunately, Fillongley Road will be closed for the majority of the project, starting in January 2022. 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 Lane 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.

Contractor Welcome We’re pleased to welcome our selected Contractor to the project, Balfour Beatty. We have been working closely with Balfour Beatty over the last 9 months in preparation for the works. They will be setting up a Site Office on the south side of Fillongley Bridge, towards the back end of 2021 and would encourage any local residents to drop in if they have any questions. The Project Manager for the Contractor will be Ian Jackson and his door is always open.

How do I find out more?

Compound location opposite 179 Fillongley Road

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

Progress so far…

Prior to demolition of the existing bridge, we need to remove the current utilities and services and divert them away from the bridge. To make this possible, we have successfully installed some ducting underneath the carriageway on the A45. We have also been able to cut back some of the trees and vegetation on the embankments to create enough space for the new bridge works. Compound preparation works are currently underway with topsoil stripped and saved in a stockpile for reuse at the end of the project. Compound water pipe and electricity ducting has been installed. The subsoil has been protected with a geotextile membrane layer and stone has been placed on top to strengthen the ground. The compound location sketch above shows the location of site offices/welfare, car parking, lorry turning route and material storage.

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UPVC Door problems Full locking mechanisms replaced/serviced

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

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New handles / Dropped doors re-aligned Visit our shop for key cutting and lock sales & service – based at 473 Beake Avenue Coventry CV6 2HT

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

Balsall Common Country Market Market is held every Saturday from 10-11.30 10-11.30 am. am. st 1 Saturday of the month in the British Legion.

Legion.

Other Saturdays in the Jubilee Centre.

We have lovely home baking, preserves, plants, plants, cards. seasonal vegetables, crafts and home-made cards.

Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide

Contact 01676 523007

The The Green, Green, Meriden Meriden www.facebook.com/budgensmeriden www.facebook.com/budgensmeriden

OPEN on on

Dates for hoisting

Christmas Day Day Christmas

the flag on

till 4pm 4pm From 9am till

Meriden Green 9th January – Birthday of the Duchess of Cambridge Cambridge Wessex 20th January – Birthday of the Countess of Wessex 6th February – Her Majesty’s Accession 19th February – Birthday of the Duke of York

Free Free Home Home Delivery Delivery

Normal NormalOpening Openinghours:hours:-

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Weekdays Weekdays6.00am-10.00pm 6.00am-10.00pm Weekends Weekends7.00am7.00am-10.00pm 10.00pm

Call Call 01676 01676 522287 522287

Including IncludingBank BankHolidays Holidays (except (exceptXmas Xmasday day))

How do you protect your property?

By Martyn Musson, local security expert.

Did you know that the West Midlands is only second to London for car crime and burglaries? With Winter and the darker nights fast approaching, criminals (who don’t need any excuses) will try to use this as an advantage.

Here we look at some ways in which we can reduce the chance of these things happening to us and us becoming a victim of crime.

Lighting - Criminals like to go about their activities undetected and the cover of darkness gives them a massive advantage. One way we can counteract this is to use additional lighting - pir lighting (passive infrared).

This works very well by lighting up the areas where we keep our valuable assets. These type of lights have a sensor attached that, when activated, switches on the light. This therefore attracts attention to the area, forcing the criminal to think about whether they want to be seen or not. Having these correctly installed reduces the number of false alarms.

Burglar alarms - Having a burglar alarm fitted will greatly reduce the chance of your property being attacked. Newer alarm systems come with enhanced features like perimeter protection and light up bell boxes (when darkness falls they come with a backlight illuminating the case so it becomes easily noticeable). These can act as a real deterrent and most are also compatible with smart devices giving us that extra peace of mind. We just need to glance at our phone to check that we have set our alarm system, as well as being able to set it from anywhere and notified if activated, as long as an internet connection is present. In some situations, the Police may also be automatically notified, Closed-Circuit Television – CCTV - CCTV is a great deterrent, especially with the advancement in technology. Cameras now come with built-in technology, including software that is able to decipher between human and vehicle objects. They may also have built-in infrared lighting, giving you a better night vision. Cameras are also now easily viewed through smart devices and can be set up to alert you when movement is detected giving us the opportunity to see who is at our door before we go to answer it. .

When fitting CCTV not many people realise that there are data protection laws which we have to abide by.

It is best to seek professional guidance and help.

Centre of England Arts Closure – Julie Hyde It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Centre of England Arts at Patrick’s Farm closed at the end of September. We had 11 wonderful years of fun and laughter and of course lots of painting. The crafts and artwork created there touched many people, not just from Meriden but all around the area and far beyond. We had many talented artists join us to share their skills and passion for art and all loved coming to the Centre. Our regular exhibitions allowed people the time and space to display and sell some of their work and these exhibitions were always well supported by local people. I would like to personally thank all those who supported the Centre and hope that you continue to use the skills that you gained as well as encouraging and supporting others. NEW ART GROUP There is a small self-help art group forming in Meriden Scout Hut on Thursdays. It is untutored, but gives people time to paint and swap ideas with like-minded people.

If you are interested in joining the group, then either pop in for a couple of hours on Thursday between 10am and 3pm or contact me, Julie Hyde, on 01676 523357. Cost £5.

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

Covid Vaccination News This has been a momentous year with the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccinations and now we are starting all over again with a reinforcing booster dose in conjunction with our annual flu campaign. The team effort has been amazing, not only from our Balsall Common & Meriden staff, but also the many volunteers and helpers whose support we could not have managed without. The Covid-19 vaccinations continue, with people still attending for 1st and 2nd doses as well as booster doses which we started towards the end of September. This followed the Government announcement that all those over 50 years old, and anyone between 16-49 years with underlying health conditions, will receive a booster dose 6 months after their 2nd dose. In certain cases, some people from 12 years old will need a 3rd dose, dependent on their immune status when they were initially vaccinated. Everyone will be vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine regardless of their initial vaccines. We will be contacting patients to book booster doses, initially starting with those vaccinated at the beginning of the campaign, so please be patient. (N.B. The live shingles vaccine must have a 7 day gap between having any Covid-19 vaccine)

Flu Vaccination News We are also administering the annual flu vaccination which can be safely given with the Covid-19 vaccine at the same time. However, we have daily flu clinics available for patients to book into.

Main groups eligible for the flu vaccine are:x Everyone aged 50 years and above x 18 – 64 year olds in ‘At-Risk’ Groups x 2 – 17 year olds in ‘At-Risk’ Groups – these will receive the live nasal flu vaccine x 2 – 3 year olds – these will receive the live nasal flu vaccine All school aged children will receive their live nasal flu vaccine in school but we can only give children in ‘at-risk’ groups their vaccine at the surgery if they prefer.

Appointments We would like to take this opportunity to express that all Doctors, their teams and patients have faced an extremely challenging time during the pandemic. Despite lockdown measures lifting, the pandemic is still not over.

Face to face appointments have been limited across all of the NHS services to protect patients and keep them safe from the risks of infection. To keep everyone safe, appointments are being triaged. This helps us to give you the correct type of appointment that you need, whether that is to be seen in person, a telephone consultation, video consultation or advice from your local Pharmacy. If you need to be seen face to face you will be.

We are continuing to follow all National Guidelines that are provided to all GP Practices across the UK, along with the ever changing COVID 19 regulations. We are meeting with our team at the moment to facilitate the increase of face to face appointments but need to ensure that any changes to the present policy are made whilst considering the safety of our staff and patients alike. We are moving towards the delivery of primary care in a way similar to that before the pandemic but feel patients should remember that COVID is still out there and is a great risk to some of our vulnerable patients and staff.

Lloyds Pharmacy We are continuing with our existing face covering policy.

Don’t forget to collect your free NHS lateral This is to continue to protect our Staff and visitors that are flow Covid tests from Lloyds Chemist. attending the Practice.

There are 7 tests in a pack and it is All up to date Practice Information can be found on our Website recommended that you take a test twice each www.balsallcommonsurgery.co.uk week. Full instructions are provided.

Please be assured that General Practices are open and we are here for you when you need us.

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

Following our protracted “lockdown”, it was a delight to welcome back our loyal movie buffs to the Village Hall. The Autumn screenings have been well attended and, with seating arrangements and comfortable ventilation in place, we feel sure that our audiences have appreciated our endeavours in ensuring they can attend with confidence.

We look forward to some varied and entertaining films in the New Year.

Unfortunately, as we are governed by the film industry’s strict licensing regulations, we are not able to give advance details of the screening of specific films until release dates are granted. However we confidently hope for permission to screen such films as “The Dig” (Lily James, Carey Mulligan, and Ralph Fiennes), “The Last Bus” (Timothy Spall, Phyllis Logan) and the long-awaited “No Time to Die” starring Daniel Craig as James Bond.

Saturday 22nd January 2022 “Judy” (12A) Renee Zellwegger is a convincing Judy Garland in this moving biopic.

She performs Garland’s well known songs with power and authenticity... The film portrays the last year of Garland’s life. Set 30 years after she shot to fame in “The Wizard of Oz”, she arrives in Swinging London in 1968 to star in a sell-out performance at ‘The Talk of the Town’. Whilst her voice has grown in intensity, her personal life is crumbling and her tragic vulnerability is movingly portrayed. The film also stars Michael Gambon and Jessie Buckley. An Oscar-winning film with a bittersweet irony that Judy Garland herself never received such an award. Must be seen.

Saturday 19th February 2022 – Film to be confirmed Saturday 19th March 2022 - Film to be confirmed

Tickets (£6.00) may be reserved and purchased in advance from Chris Copper by one of the following:Telephoning 01676 522645 Messaging 07721 342127 Emailing chriscopper42@me.com

Exciting News! - Meriden Mag is now online.

With help from Keri Wills, one of our local librarians, we have now published some recent Mags on a web site called Issuu. Issuu makes it really easy to read the Mag, including from mobile phones and tablets. You can also click through to some of the websites in the Mag. This will help our advertisers too.

Just visit www.ISSUU.com In the Search box, enter MeridenMag (no space) and you’ll see what we’ve published. There are just a few currently available, but we intend to publish many more back issues, to give you a chance to have a walk down memory lane! We’ll keep you posted. Huge thanks to Keri.

Chris (co-editor)

Email: hayleystanley1@hotmail.co.uk

Open 9-5 Monday to Saturday, Sunday 10-4 Bennetts Road North, Corley CV7 8BG

07904239 239365 365 07904

Telephone 01676 540178

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 start to enter the season of Winter, our thoughts inevitably travel to Christmas. Already the shops are full of cards and decorations and, due to the difficulties with haulage and shipping, we are being encouraged to shop early, to ensure we get the presents we want to give, in time for Christmas. There is going to be a turkey shortage too, we are told. Oh, and in case you didn't know, don't forget to book an online slot in good time, as many have already gone..! How far away this is from the first Christmas recorded at the start of Luke's gospel.

Jesus was born at the time of Caesar Augustus who, according to many people, was the greatest Roman Emperor of them all.

He reigned at a time when the empire extended further than it ever had before and was known as the Empire of the Whole Earth - a golden age for the Romans. 'Pax Romana' meaning 'Roman Peace' was established during his reign and his name Augustus, which was conferred on him by the Roman Senate, means 'exalted'.

How ironic, the ‘exalted’ Roman Emperor was establishing his Kingdom and bringing in his man-made peace while all the time, God was working behind the scenes, making everything ready at the right time for the world to receive her King who would be the King above all kings, whose Kingdom would be above every Kingdom. The Messiah, who was named, not by a Senate, but in the throne room of heaven - Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

It was a three day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, but what a fitting place for Jesus to be born. Bethlehem – meaning House of Bread - where Jesus, who was, and is the bread of life, was born. It was there, over 2,000 years ago, that the greatest gift that there has ever been, was given to humanity. The promised Messiah, wrapped in swaddling bands and lying in a manger because there was nowhere else for Him to lie.

Over the Christmas period, we invite you to come and hear more about Jesus. This gift from God was, and is, for the whole world but it is also for each one of us personally. Jesus came into the world, born as a baby, for you and for me, but gifts, by definition, have to be received. This Christmas, I invite you to take time to look at the baby lying in the manger and see that precious gift which has your name on it. That gift, addressed to you, which invites you to take hold of Him and put your trust in Him.

Dates to remember:th

18 December at 5:30pm – Carols on the Green, hosted by ‘Churches Together’. If you are able to help us set up from 2:30, that would be much appreciated.

19th December at 4pm - Carol Service led by Gail Bullivant, followed by Supper Club at 5.30 with a Christmas Quiz following the meal. Please book if you wish to come, for catering purposes.

25th December at 10am – Christmas Day Service to celebrate the gift of Jesus led by Rev. Ian Coates.

9th January - Covenant Service led by Rev. Neil Bishop As we go into another uncertain year, may you know the peace and hope that Jesus brings. With love, Jane

Defibrillator Update – Further to my article in the Autumn issue, I am pleased to advise that the defibrillator outside Meriden Library is now fully operational and registered on the Circuit Database.

This was recently done by the charity, Fast Aid, who originally installed it. It is officially owned by West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Chris Bannister

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A Message from Councillor Tony Dicicco As another year draws to a close, it is only natural to look back at the key events that have defined it.. .

Thankfully, 2021 has not been as dramatic as 2020.

The UK started to get a grip on Covid-19, helped by the excellent vaccination programme. So we’ve been able to move away from damaging lockdowns and hopefully these will not return; but there are some lasting legacies from our experiences over the last 2 years.

Working from home is now more commonplace, leading to an increased focus on our local areas. More people are using our village centres as places to visit rather than to just pop into for shopping or to post a letter. More people are also taking advantage of our wonderful countryside. Concern for our environment is a key consideration for most people. Most people agree that we need to change our behaviour to address climate change. Solihull Council has a good record in reducing its carbon footprint through the Climate Change Prospectus. We have installed low-energy LED street lighting and moved to low emission waste collection vehicles, but we still have a way to go to meet the target of making Solihull borough net carbon zero by 2041. It is a delicate balance to reduce harmful carbon emissions whilst keeping the costs of delivery affordable, but that is what we must aim to do.

We can all do our bit to make sure that Meriden remains a great place to live. Disposing of our waste and litter properly can make a big difference. When I walk and drive around Meriden, it both angers and saddens me to see fly tipped waste in country lanes. How can people who do this have so little respect for the environment? I suspect that most of the perpetrators do not live in Meriden. I would like to see a hard line taken against these selfish people. I raised this recently at a meeting with the police, council officers and Meriden parish councillors. This was a meeting of the East Solihull Locality Task & Delivery Group - Solihull borough is divided into three localities: North, West and East. The East Locality is a mainly rural area covering Dorridge, Knowle, Hampton-in-Arden, Balsall Common and Meriden.

The group brings together a number of agencies to work together to deal with local problems such as crime, anti-social behaviour and social welfare issues. All the meeting attendees agreed that more needs to be done to both prevent and prosecute those who fly tip.

Incidents of fly tipping can be reported to Solihull Connect on 0121 704 8000 or online: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/doitonline. Any evidence provided will be passed to the environmental crimes team.

Our local area faces several other challenges such as HS2 construction and new housing development. My fellow councillors, Allsopp, Howell and I recently had a meeting with HS2 Ltd to express residents’ concerns about the number of its vehicles using our roads and the loss of so much mature vegetation locally. As local councillors, we cannot prevent the construction of HS2 as it is allowed for in legislation passed by parliament, but we will continue to hold HS2 Ltd to account to keep their promise of being good neighbours.

This will include working with Solihull Council to plant more trees locally and replace the biodiversity that has been lost.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. If you wish to discuss the issues raised in this article, then please contact me at: tony.dicicco@solihull.gov.uk

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MERIDEN N TREE E OF F THOUGHT www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk By the time you read this, The Tree should be on The Green. Yet again, Lee Butterworth (Head of Dovetail Group UK) is installing The Tree as his donation to the charities and I appreciate this kindness a great deal. Once again, I have ordered The Tree from Woods Farm, Shirley and it will be paid for out of donations I have received. For these, I sincerely thank the Earl and Countess of Aylesford, Mrs Pat DeMulder, Pertemps and The Cassidy Group. I can never fully express how grateful I am for the amazing support I receive. I truly find it overwhelming to see that, as at 3rd November, The Tree has raised a most impressive £75,272 for the charities.

I repeat my thanks to Julie Hyde for the most delightful, unique picture on this year's Christmas Card. They are on sale in our Lloyds Chemist and Budgens. You can also collect from them, the forms for your Symbols of Thought.

I am delighted that so many of you find this an appropriate way to think of a friend or loved one. I thank both shops so much for their continued support.

With regard to The Autumn Draw- I do acknowledge the wonderful input by Pat Smith. It was she who prompted me to hold it, in place of the usual Midsummer Draw. My grateful thanks go to the lovely people who donated the great prizes and to all of you who bought tickets. It has generated another £800 for The Charities.

Along with my huge thanks, let me wish you all Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind for Christmas and The New Year.

BALSALL COMMON U3A Planned Core Meetings are as follows:2nd December “Life as a Magician” Talk given by Neil Roberts. th 6 January “To see the beginning of time” Talk given by Andrew Lound about the Hubble Space Telescope 3rd February - “Barrow to Baghdad and Back Again” Talk given by Philip Caine All meetings are held in St. Peter’s Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common at 2pm. There is no charge and prospective members are welcome to attend.

Please also look at our web site to see all our interest groups and what they are doing – there’s something for everyone.

www.balsallcommonu3a.org

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We are also restarting some of our activities. Two of our members, Karin and Malcolm, organised a coffee morning in their garden, in aid of Afghan child refugees, that was very well supported. We have also sponsored two teams from Woodlands School to take part in the Rotary Football Report from new President, Charles Perry Festival. One of their teams won the event.

I am pleased to report that, after a most unusual 15 months, We have been busy getting Santa’s Sleigh out of things are beginning to look more “normal”. We have resumed hibernation, and beginning to prepare it for its duties this meetings at the Manor Hotel, mindful that Covid is still out year. We have also been continuing with weekly there, we now meet fortnightly, alternating with meetings on supermarket collections of food for the Salvation Army Zoom. So far, we have enjoyed a variety of speakers including homeless shelter. local MP, Saqib Bhatti, three Rotarian speakers who presented A number of us recently attended a District organised talks on travelling in the Arctic on a dog sled, internet safety lunch at The Manor Hotel on World Polio Day. Back in the and the workings of Tamworth Anker Rotary Club’s Dementia 1980s, Rotary put forward an ambitious plan to rid the Café. world of Poliomyelitis, that was subsequently taken up by My main charity for this year is Parkinson’s Disease and we the World Health Organisation and, more recently, by the had a speaker from the charity who told us more about their Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who treble any money work. We have also been told about several grizzly murders raised by Rotary. During the week before World Polio Day, that took place around Meriden in Victorian times. On a much over 7,000 lunches were held worldwide, raising over £4 lighter note, Louise Bennett OBE DL, who is currently the High million which the Foundation will make up to over £12 Sheriff of the West Midlands, explained about the historic and million. That will buy 2 million doses of vaccine. When the modern duties of her Office, as well as the duties of the project started, there were over 800,000 cases a year and Deputy Lord Lieutenant, a post which she also holds. We also this year so far, there have been just 2; one in Pakistan enjoyed a very interesting talk entitled “My Job” from and one in Afghanistan. members, Malcolm and Karin Leonard.

The Rotary Club of Meriden wishes everyone good health We have also enjoyed some socially responsible social events. during what we hope is now the beginning of a return to An Italian meal at Pavarotti’s, where we were joined by old some sort of normality. Anyone who would like to join friends and members of other clubs. We visited the RAF with us to listen to any of our speakers on Zoom would be Museum at Cosford, followed by a very good pub meal. We most welcome. Full details of our programme can be paid two visits to The Rotary Club of Tamworth Anker; their found on the club website www.meridenrotary.org.uk first face to face meeting for about 18 months and a social where there is a link to request a Zoom invitation or to th meeting more recently. On 26 October, we held a joint Past learn more about the club and Rotary Presidents’ and Awards evening for Geoff Arthur (2019-2020) and Pankaj Wara (2020-2021), neither of whom was able to have an event during their Presidential years. Guest, Simon Weston presented the following: John Wilson was 90 during lockdown in May 2020; he was presented with a large photograph of himself, signed by all the members of the club. Long Service Awards were presented for 25 years to Mike Holdsworth, for 40 years to Neville Riley, Philip Pardoe, John Wilson, Warwick Kendrick & Geoff Arthur and for 45 years to Malcolm Leonard. Dennis Walker was awarded a 50 year certificate and presented with a specially made ‘50 years in Rotary’ cake. Phil Hughes was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his excellent work with sponsorship and Rotary duties. Neville Riley was awarded a Paul Harris Sapphire award for work in Rotary, the Megaride, a District Liaison officer and ‘service above self’ supporting Rotaract. It was a great night and, with donations, sponsorship and a raffle, the evening raised over £1100 which will be split between Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund and Debra.

Following the update in the last Meriden Mag, each of the Meriden Lions teams has started the new season and has been enjoying playing football again.

Under 10s We now have both teams competing in the Coventry & Warwickshire Sunday League. Both teams are new and have only started playing together this season. We have welcomed some new boys and girls, and everyone has made both the players and their families welcome.

Under 10 Navy The Under 10 Navy team has settled well into the League and, during October, they got the results that their performances deserve. The Club has welcomed new coaches Dave & Dan to manage the Navy Team and both have completed their initial Coaching, First Aid & Safeguarding courses (many thanks to Dave and Dan.) Under 10 Whites The under 10 Whites have started the season well and have played some nice free flowing football. This football was rewarded with the team getting to the Club’s first Autumn Cup Final. Unfortunately, the team lost the final on what felt like the wettest day of the year, however all the players played really well, and the game was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Under 13s The U13s have been through a period of transition as they adapt to life playing 11 a side. They have welcomed some new players to the team and they have settled in well. The team play in the C League and have had a mixed bag of results, but performances have improved each week. The team play their home games at the Sports Park on a Sunday afternoon

Under 15 Team

Some of the team after the cup final, very wet but happy Little Lions Little Lions are going from strength to strength with around 20 young Lions enjoying learning about football on a Saturday morning at the School. The focus of the session is on fun and that is what all the boys and girls are having!

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

Under 15s Like the other Meriden Lions teams, our U15s have welcomed new players and have said goodbye to some old friends. The team is going through a period of transition and, in October, they got their first win of the season against Leamington.

A brilliant moment for them, which was followed by a 3-3 draw where they recovered from 3-1 down with around 20 minutes to go. The most recent match a was a 2-1 win with the winner coming from the last kick of the game! These results have seen the team move to fourth in the table. It’s been great to see them competing so well. Giving a good account of themselves and getting some great results along the way. They’ve got a brilliant team spirit, and everyone involved is enjoying training and matches.

New Players Wanted We need players for our under 13s (year 8 in September2021) Please contact Bryn 07867486720 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. We are a friendly bunch and want to ensure that the Club can grow. Over the next few years, we want to have more teams at different age groups to encourage the young people of Meriden and the surrounding areas to get involved in football.

On 5th September, in beautiful sunshine, hundreds of cyclists from local clubs joined residents to commemorate the Centenary of the Cyclists Memorial Service on Meriden Green.

The service was led jointly by Padre Antony FelthamWhite of the British Army and Jonathan Douglas, Church Warden at St. Laurence, Meriden. The Bulkington Silver Band accompanied the proceedings and representatives of various organisations laid wreaths at the monument in a very moving ceremony. Afterwards Meriden’s W. I. provided much welcome refreshments at the Sports Pavilion and there was also a small collection of antique bicycles for added interest.

A beautiful new stone has been installed at Katherine’s Wood, Lavender Hall Park, Balsall Common.

The inscription reads: HOPE For our tomorrow after COVID-19 OUR TRIBUTE To those who suffered, our compassion To those who helped, our thank you Katherine’s Wood 2021 Presented by Cllr Ian & Mrs Sheila Courts Sponsored by Earlswood Nurseries Balfour Beatty & Pollard Memorials

Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research held a very successful fund-raising evening at the Manor Hotel on Sunday 17th October

Lesley Smith as Katherine of Aragon with attendants

Guess the name of the Bunny (The man’s called Steve!)

A selection of Christmas gifts for sale

Grace Tuckey’s funeral cortege, Monday 18th October On 24th September the date of the MacMillan Coffee morning Berkswell Trefoil Guild and friends displayed an array of bric a brac, plants, books and produce in front of Pipers End, Main Road.

Many thanks for all the very generous donations amounting to £485

Available from the last week in November from Meriden Primary School Budgens Lloyds Chemist e Meriden Post Office Village Christmas tree Photograph courtesy of Barbara Bland

The Queens Head Please support This Village initiative

CAMEO - Come and Meet Each Other What we’ve been up to…..

In August, we had a very interesting talk and fascinating demonstration of the spinning wheel. We were shown the processing of wool prior to spinning and how the wool of different animals spun differently produces different textures. It’s an art practised for thousands of years by different methods.

In September, we had a quiz which was enjoyed by all. Pam Cooper won a box of chocolate . There was a lot of laughter and, in the end, we were all pleased with our performance.

In October, Catherine Carr came to help us all make two special cards each. We went home feeling very proud of our achievements.

In November, the Rev. Pauline Warner gave us a most interesting talk about the care of people at Abbey Park Care Home, most of whom suffer with some form of dementia.

Meriden Women’s Institute 1918 – 2021

Our Next meetings:17th December - we are having our Christmas celebrations, yet to be fully organised.

28th January - Roger Cragg will be giving us a talk on “The Civil Engineering Heritage of Warwickshire and the West Midlands” 25th February - Clare Davies will give us a talk on her gardening experiences and give us some helpful tips.

For more information on our meetings at the Village Hall on the 4th Friday afternoon of each month at 2-4 pm, please contact Joan. Tel: 523507. All are very welcome and there will be a warm welcome when you arrive.

Meetings held 1st Monday of the month 7:30pm at Meriden Village Hall Main Road CV7 7NG

The WI has been part of the Meriden Community since 1918. As part of the WI, you will forge friendships, learn new skills and make a difference in your community by joining the largest Women’s organisation in the U.K. Whatever your reason for joining, we offer all kinds of opportunities. It’s a chance to meet people, catch up with friends, learn valuable life skills or make a difference in the community through WI campaigns.

In September, Judith Rawley talked to us about her process as a textile artist and brought her art work for us to all engage with. In October, Russel Mannix focussed on keeping us all safe online and took us through some exercises to help us all avoid online scams and phishing. In November, we were joined by Sue Robertson J.P. from the Fillongley WI, to take us through 100 years of Women on the Bench, inspiring some of the members to consider exploring taking their seat on the bench as well. Along with our monthly meetings we also provided teas for the Cyclists Memorial service, local guided walks and trips to John’s Garden and the Herbert Museum to name but a few.

Dates for your diary:4th December – West Midlands WI Carol Service at St Martins at the Bull Ring 11am 6th December – Christmas Meeting 10th January – Discussion on campaigns to be supported by the WI in 2022 7th February – The Sustainable Home 7th March – West Midlands Fire Service

Please keep an eye on the Meriden Facebook pages for news of other events and activities that we’ll be hosting over the coming months For more information, please contact us via email meridenwi@hotmail.com or call Samm Bain on 07739 972046 or Della Mannix on 07920 014909

PUZZLE PAGE – No. 10 Battleships 1,1,1 1,1,1 1,1, 4,1 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.

4,1 1,1 2,1

1,2

1,1,1

2,1

2,1

WORDBUILDER

I

E

R

C

O N

U

D

T

2

4

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

Using these 9 letters can you answer these clues?

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

Discovered the total 6 LETTERS 5 LETTERS number of Eminent Gin Mixer Legal Building Male Singing voice Speak monotonously

Be aware of Chief Journalist Engaged in mob violence Journeyed round Mouse e.g.

7 LETTERS Beat easily

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.

BER CAM CAP COR

LUM MAN NEA NER

PED RED TRA VEL

Hope you enjoy doing these puzzles. If you ever want the answers, just email me (Chris, the coeditor) at chrisbannister56@aol.com If you’d like to offer any puzzles for inclusion in future issues, just send them to me. Thanks.

Normal (procedure) 8 LETTERS Articles of faith Hypersensitive, Obsessive person With an arrangement to pay later (2 words)

Word Ladder L

O

V

E

N

E

S

T

MISSING LINK – Fit 10 words into the grid so that each one connects up with the words on either side. E.G. WISHING – WELL – DONE. Read down the letters in the shaded squares to spell out a word associated with finding things.

FRONT

HANDLE

NEVER

GAMES

CORNER POKER

ASSISTANT FACTS

SOLID

RESERVES

BREAK

OUT

CHANGE AMUSEMENT

LEVER BENCH

CABIN

CUT

BLIND

EFFECTS

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A Message from Councillor Diane Howell By the time you read this, the United Nations COP26 Climate Summit will have taken place in Glasgow. The aim of this Conference is to encourage countries to take action and never has this been more important. I have written before about our own Net Zero Action Plan in Solihull and I’m really pleased that it is now being implemented. This Plan sets out a roadmap for how the Borough can become Carbon Neutral by 2041. This will involve us all making positive changes to achieve this, residents as well as businesses. You can find out more on the Council’s dedicated website netzerosolihull.co.uk and over the coming months look out for more information about how we can all do our bit.

Communication will be key - there will always be those who say the pace of change should be faster but we have to take everyone with us and ensure that no one is left behind. It’s important as a Council that we show leadership and work with our community to achieve our net zero goal. Indeed, the Council is on track to make its own operations net zero by 2030.

Transport in Solihull is the largest contribution to the Borough’s carbon emissions, but with a motorway and key A roads running through the Borough, tackling this is a challenge. If we want to reduce our reliance on our cars, we need to offer better alternatives - safe, reliable and regular public transport that takes residents where they want to go. The announcement that the Government has awarded the West Midlands over £1 billion to improve public transport is very good news, but we need to ensure that all areas of our Borough are better connected - not just our urban centres, but also rural areas such as ours. In the past, it has been difficult to sustain public transport in sparsely populated rural areas with more sporadic demand. However, the West Midlands Combined Authority are trialling a demand responsive bus service in the Warwick University area and, if successful, I hope that this model could be used more widely. I will certainly be lobbying for improved connectivity in the Meriden Ward where currently 70% of our journeys are made by car. Public transport is not the only alternative to the car: we also need to make our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists to encourage active travel. I hope our new cycle lane connecting Millison’s Wood and Meriden will encourage more local journeys to be made by bike. In addition, Solihull Council have been awarded over £2 million from the HS2 Road Safety Fund to improve road safety in communities affected by the line. Earlier this year, the Council reached out to residents for suggestions as to where this might be used and I’m pleased to see that roads in Meriden have been put forward. The Council Highways Team will be looking at all these ideas and we hope to hear in the coming months where the first projects will be progressed.

2021 has been very challenging at times for many of us. I hope that 2022 will bring us all new hope and a brighter future and I’d like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. diane.howell@solihull.gov.uk

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Claustrophobic!

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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WHAT WHATCAN CAN‘WINTER ‘WINTER PRESSURES’ PRESSURES’ON ONHOSPITALS HOSPITALS LS AND AND GP GP SURGERIES SURGERIESMEAN MEANTO TO YOU THIS THISWINTER? WINTER? YOU The constant constant subject subject of ofNHS NHSWinter WinterPressures Pressurescan can cause worry and and stress stress to to the theelderly elderlyand andvulnerable, vulnerable, especially with with the the weather weatherturning turningcold coldand andnights nights drawing in. Gaining Gaining an an understanding understandingof ofhow howthe thecare care system may work work for for you, you,should shouldyou yourequire requiremore more support, can seems seems daunting, daunting,time timeconsuming consumingand and confusing. Doing Doing nothing nothingand andkeeping keepingyour yourfingers fingers crossed that all will will be be well well isissomething somethingthat thatso somany many older, frail, adults adults rely rely on, on,because becausethere thereseems seemsno no other other option. option. Well, Well,there thereisis……….. ………..

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Coming to Meriden in the New Year Unique, Multi-Activity, Developmental Play Programme Music, Yoga, Signing, Sensory Play, Massage, Bubbles and more!

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Suitable from Birth up to Pre-School We’ve been delivering classes to families across Coventry for over 5 years Follow us on Facebook to be kept up to date with news and visit us at www.facebook.com/totsplaycoventry/ for more information

Bickenhill Waste Disposal Site Pre-booked slots only and not within 24 hours of trying to book Visit www.solihull.gov.uk or phone 0121 704 8000 Firebird Singers Update We were so thrilled to be performing again at the Manor Hotel on Sunday 26th September and would like to thank everyone who came along to support us. This year, our chosen charity is Headway, a charity which provides support to people after brain injuries.

The date of our Christmas concert has been rescheduled to Sunday 16th January 2022 – “Something to look forward to in the New Year. “ Tickets are now available, please see poster on the events page (page 2) Earlier in September, we held a very successful coffee morning at the Village Hall and raised well over £500, which will be split between MacMillan Cancer Support and Kidney Research UK. Valerie Martin 01676 522963

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

Winter Service Details Date 2nd Dec 5th Dec 12th Dec 19th Dec 19th Dec 24th Dec 26th Dec 2nd Jan 9th Jan 16th Jan 23rd Jan 30th Jan 6th Feb 13th Feb 20st Feb 27th Feb

Service * Christingle Service 2:00pm Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Carol Service at Methodist Church 4:00pm Midnight Communion 11:30pm Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer Morning Prayer Holy Communion Morning Prayer 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.

Happy Christmas! But when was Jesus born? Almost certainly not in December, and there were no spiky ever-green trees or fat blokes in red suits with big white beards!

We still must celebrate the birth of the one who gave us so much.

Jesus called himself ‘The light of the world’, and that name or description has been used by Christians ever since. Today as I am writing there is the most dazzling bright autumn sunshine, lower in the sky so the trees are lit up more brightly from the side, quite glorious.

Jesus being the light of the world isn’t really in contrast to natural darkness, but the darkness of all the things that go wrong in our lives and in the world. Just now there’s a darkness of people being very nasty to each other in politics (calling others ‘scum’), commenting on the news or publishing (‘cancelling’, to the point of people resigning from jobs), and just in social media (even FaceBook has some really damaging words). They didn’t have iPhones 2,000 years ago, but Jesus was caught up in arguments about what sort of things Jewish people should eat (an important bit of ‘identity politics’ at the time), and about which people should be treated with the greatest respect (these days, the more ‘important’ someone is, the more we seem to attack them). His replies include “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of their mouth – that defiles the person.” and “Whoever would exalt himself will be humbled, and whoever would humble himself will be exalted.” If you can’t write respectfully and positively on Twitter (or whatever) you’re making yourself disgusting, and if you think you’re so great you can insult and degrade others, watch out!

That’s just a tiny example of how Jesus is still the light of the world.

He’s still the best guide to the routes out of our problems. Celebrate his birth for these good reasons! Happy Christmas!

Jonathan Douglas

Any enquiries for Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs, please contact the church warden: Carol Clarke 07500 700679

Carols on the Green Come and join in the singing of lots of Christmas Carols on the village Green, accompanied by the Bulkington Silver Band, at 5.30 pm on Saturday 18 th December.

Wrap up warm and bring a torch. Mulled Wine and Hot Chocolate will be available.

Trees of Meriden and Millison’s Wood Trees around Meriden Pool – the Alder Long before it was a picturesque feature, Meriden Pool was an essential pitstop for drovers transporting livestock, sometimes all the way from Holyhead to London. Today, its setting has both natural and more recent decorative trees. This time I’m going to focus on the former, in the shape of the less obvious but, I think, more intriguing alder. Until I went to investigate, I didn’t realise the row of trees alongside Berkswell Road are alder, a tree that thrives in the moist ground around water where its roots help to prevent soil erosion. Before the pool was tidied up in 2019, there were alder branches bending low over the pool, which is typical of the tree.

The thin tree left of the gate into the Pool is a younger specimen and alders also grow by Meriden Hall lake. It will quickly colonise bare ground and can grow in drier areas, in woods and forests in much of Europe. Alder has a symbiotic relationship with a nitrogen-fixing bacterium Frankia alni, found in the root nodules. It absorbs nitrogen from the air and passes it to the tree, enabling it to thrive in nutrient-poor soils and improve the fertility of the soil. In turn, the tree provides the bacterium with sugars it produces through photosynthesis. The alder is relatively easy to recognise in winter from the purple/grey leaf buds. Both male and female flowers grow on the same tree, the latter, golden catkins, developing first. Female catkins are green and oval-shaped and are in groups of three to eight. Once pollinated by the wind, the female cones slowly go brown and woody, and, after releasing their reddish-brown seeds, they remain on the tree through winter. The seeds are dispersed by wind and water and, with air pockets giving buoyancy, they can float for at least a year. Alder leaves are racquet shaped, sometimes with a slight indentation at the end, leathery and deeply veined.

Alder facing Darlaston Court Alder seeds are eaten by siskin, redpoll and goldfinch. Catkins are an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and it is the food plant for the caterpillars of several moths - the delightfully named alder kitten, the pebble hook-tip, the autumnal and the bluebordered carpet moth. The wet conditions found in alder woodland are ideal for a number of mosses, lichens and fungi.

Alder leaf buds

Male and female flowers/catkins

Alder leaf

Empty female Catkins

Alder Kitten moth

The particular value of alder to humans is its durability in water. When submerged, it gradually becomes as hard as stone.

Venice and Amsterdam are built on alder pillars and Neolithic settlers used it to build paths in the Somerset Levels. It’s also been used in the construction of boats, sluice gates and water pipes. Historically, fresh alder leaves were used as an insect repellent, the bark for its antibacterial properties and dried leaves put in a bed or cushion to prevent rheumatism.

Alder burns with intense heat, so is good for forging weapons and Bronze Age archaeological finds show it was used to make charcoal. Once cut down, the pale wood of alder turns deep orange and releases reddish sap, almost as though the tree is bleeding. This may be why it’s known as the tree of war and was used to make shields by early warriors. Alder bark and wood contain tannin and were traditionally used to tan leather. A red dye can also be extracted from the outer bark, and a yellow dye from the inner bark.

Green dye from the flowers was used to colour and camouflage the clothes of outlaws like Robin Hood and was thought to also colour the clothes of fairies to conceal them from humans. Most significant to our ancestors, was alder as the tree of prophecy; smoke from alder fires and the movement of flames were used to see the future and omens were seen in the way branches moved and the rustle of leaves. Whistles made from the wood were believed to summon the wind and enlist the help of benevolent water spirits.

These days, alder wood is used for the much more mundane purposes of making timber veneers, pulp and plywood, but also for electric guitars!

Siskin

Redpoll

If you’re interested in our trees, local wildlife and conservation in general, it would be great to hear from you.

Collaborators very welcome! Or visit the Facebook page Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees. Dates for conservation work parties in Millison’s Wood are also notified there.

Sarah Sharland meridentreewardens@gmail.com

Meriden and Millisons Wood Trees

Contact numbers Sue 01676 522540 Carol 01676 522888 Season’s greetings from Sue, Carol and the Meriden Committee!

As we prepare for Christmas, scour the shops for bargains and look forward to a more social season than last year, we can report that our fundraising activity is beginning to gather pace. In October, we held our annual ‘In the Pink & Blue’ event and Lesley Smith took on the mantle of Katherine of Aragon at the Manor Hotel and, performing to a sell-out crowd, she provided an illuminating insight into our former queen’s triumphs and travails. The event included a variety of different craft stalls and heralded the arrival and sale of seasonal items, many of them created by Meriden’s nimble knitters as well as a great range of bird nest boxes and feeders designed, crafted and donated by Malcolm Ireland. On the night we raised a wonderful £3,703 and we would like to thank Lesley, The Manor Hotel, Malcolm, stall holders and all the people who continue to help and support us – including everyone who bought a ticket.

At the time of going to press we are still selling CRUK Christmas cards and hand knitted stocking fillers, so if you fancy a snowman or Santa, rocking robin or plump pudding with a Ferrero Rocher or a Terry’s chocolate orange, then give Sue or Carol a call! More photos are on the Village Photos page.

The committee sets out to organise a range of events and the money raised from the generosity of this village goes directly to Cancer Research UK. We are confident that, “Together we will beat cancer sooner” and look to put on more events in 2022 that will, we hope, raise a smile or two amongst us all and some vital cash for our chosen charity. Look out for details in this magazine and on Meriden Facebook sites.

Our last event of 2021 will be held at the Heart of England Social Club on Friday 17th December, doors open at 7.30pm.

It will feature live entertainment from Keith Slater, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist and former lead singer with Vivo and will include our bumper Christmas raffle. Tickets for this popular event are £10 each and available through Sue, Carol, other members of the committee and from the Club.

Finally, the committee take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous help provided by Grace Tuckey, a former Committee member and Chairwoman. She was a lifelong supporter of CRUK Meriden. Our condolences go to David and her family. If you would like to become more involved in any of our fundraising activities, including sponsorship or donations to future events, Sue and Carol would love to hear from you. In the meantime, we hope you have a great Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2022.

Meriden Flower Club Meriden Flower Club is Back!

Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7.30-9.30pm on the third Monday of each month except for the Xmas meeting 13th December 2021 Entry Fee £10 Jayne Edmunds ‘A Sparkling Christmas” Light refreshments available before the meeting.

17th January 2021 Entry Fee £5 Louisa Rigden Practice Class 21st February 2022 Entry Fee £3

After an enforced absence of 20 months, the club held an inspiring demonstration evening in October.

The stage was alive with beautiful designs created by Michael Montecillo, a NAFAS demonstrator, the subject being ‘Sojourn’. He entertained some 40 members with 5 colourful designs, complete with tales inspired by his travels around the world.

AGM plus ‘Colour’ Talk by Karen Hosea from La Boutique Florist, Oakes Farm Shop

Entryy feess are e paid d on n the e door.. Guestss are e alwayss welcome.. Forr more e information n please e emaill meridenflowerclub@ @ hotmail.com m

These designs are always raffled off on the evening, so there were many happy faces as members took home one of the designs.

With thanks to Charlie Beaty For these lovely pages As I write this, the clocks are about to go back an hour. The days are getting much shorter now, and it’s pretty chilly too. We’ve started bringing the cows into the sheds, where they will spend the winter months.

We do this to look after our grassland. If we left the cows outside throughout the winter, whilst it’s wet and cold, they would churn up the grass and turn it into a mud bath! So instead, we bring them into the sheds, where they spend the winter snoozing on straw (which is a by-product from the crops that we grow) and yummy hay and silage. All of the straw, hay and silage that we use to bed and feed the cows is grown here on our farm, along with the oats and barley that some of the cows are also fed. The young cattle have already come into the sheds and we’ve sorted them into groups of males and females. We will pick some of the females to keep here on the farm and breed from. Next, the cows with young calves will come in, and finally the cows with calves that are old enough to be weaned. Weaning is when the calf is no longer reliant on its mother’s milk and so they can be separated. It gives the mothers some time off before they give birth again in the spring.

The weaned calves will come into the sheds, whilst the cows will spend longer outside, grazing a forage of rape, kale and stubble turnips. We grow a forage crop to cover our soils whilst we’re not growing a crop on it. These fields will be planted with potatoes in the New Year, so, to protect the soil until then, we grow the forage crop on it. The cows will graze the crop and gain energy from it, and then, when they poo, their poo will be absorbed by the soil as a natural f ili !

We have now planted all of the crops we grow for harvest next year too. We have planted oats, wheat, barley, beans and oilseed rape. It’s been a busy time getting it all planted before it gets too wet over the winter!

Answers on a further page in the Mag

The sheep are in their mating season now. Unlike cows, which can mate and give birth at any time of year, sheep are what we call “seasonal breeders”.

This means that they mate in the Autumn and give birth in the Spring.

The rams (male sheep) have done their job, so now we have to make sure that the ewes (female sheep) have plenty to eat over the winter months, as they grow their lambs inside them.

Meriden Libraryy News

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

By Delia Owens

Opening Hours . We are currently undergoing a period of recruitment across our library service and, as a result, will be steadily increasing opening hours.

Please visit www.solihull.gov.uk/Libraries/Meridenlibrary for up to date operating hours or see local updates on our Facebook page. Alternatively, we will keep customers up to date via communications within the library.

Get Online Week and eResources. In Oct, Meriden library hosted two Digital Drop-in sessions to help customers get the most out of their digital devices.

We also showcased the eResources you can access free with your library membership - eAudiobooks and eBooks with no paid subscription! Once you are a member of Solihull Libraries, just download the Borrowbox and Libby apps from the App Store (for Apple devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices), following the prompts to activate the apps with your library card number and you will have access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers. For more information, stop by the library or head to www.solihull.gov.uk/Libraries/eBooks-andeAudiobooks. You can also find helpful guidance and advice about using the internet safely on the library website at www.solihull.gov.uk/Libraries/Internetsafety.

Winter Mini Reading Challenge. Children will be delighted to know that they can take part in a Mini Reading Challenge to keep them busy over the school Christmas holidays! The theme has yet to be announced, but we will be publicising it as soon as we know, so keep an eye on the library Facebook page and our windows as you pass.

Home Library Service – is still on hand for anyone unable to get out and about during the cold winter months. When you get in touch, a member of the team will call you to assess your individual needs and circumstances. They will ask you 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, do call the Home Library Service team on 0121 704 6947 or email libraryarts@solihull.gov.uk and we will take it from there.

Delia Owens, a wildlife scientist has had several well-published non-fiction works based on her work. This is her first novel, which is set in the coastal marshlands of North Carolina where she lives. It is in turn a part murder-mystery, a coming of age narrative and a celebration of nature and how the natural world is mirrored in human behaviour.

The story covers 17 years during the 50s and 60s. It opens with the discovery of the body of Chase Andrews – the spoilt son of a wealthy family – half submerged in a swamp. The ensuing story relates how he got there and why he might wish he had never been found.

In contrast, we meet our heroine, Kya Clark, a waif-like child abandoned firstly by a runaway mother and later by a drunken, dysfunctional father. Left alone in a tumbledown shack, Kya learns to live by her wits on the coastal marshlands. Evading interference from social services and with no formal education, she survives, and is fascinated by the behaviour of nature, and this becomes her code for life.

Known as “The Marsh Girl” and with the exception of a few sympathetic characters, she is shunned by the local townsfolk as weird and dangerous.

Then the time comes when Kya yearns to be loved. When flashy, handsome Chase and gentle, kindly Tate, two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, she opens herself to a new life with devastating consequences.

We follow the fortunes of Kya as she comes of age alongside the outcome of Chase’s demise.

The narrative is by turns both engrossing and moving. The reader not only experiences the heart-rending sadness of Kya’s loneliness, in the vivid setting of the land and seascape, but is also captivated by the author’s descriptive prose which succeeds in revealing how the behaviour of nature and wildlife is mirrored in humans.

Readers’ Circle Meetings th

Wed 8 Dec – Members’ Social Get together Wed 12th Jan – Travel Writing Wed 9th Feb – Historical Novels – Tudor Period For further information and the venue, please call Peter Moss on 01676 523590 LGBT+ History Month 2022 – will be celebrated at the library in February, recognising that it will be 50 years since the very first Pride march! Stop by any day we are open during the month to see the display.

Keep up to date with news from Meriden Library by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meridenlib

This year has seen Club members new and old returning in larger numbers. The Club has seen a welcome increase in its membership, with greater interest in flying all types of radio-controlled models – planes, helicopters, gyrocopters and drones/quads. Some of this year’s highlights have been events run by Club members. These were reported in previous issues of the Mag. In October, the Club hosted a second classic aerobatics event with Club members taking part. A number of our members who fly drones have been honing their aerial photography skills this year and mastering the art of following other members' models which takes a lot of practice.

Leigh Gillard

Club member Tony Murrell pictured with his classic Arrow 60

Aerial photography

For information on joining the Club or advice on getting started in the hobby, please contact us via our website www.hoeaflyers.club - we’re always happy to help.

YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN

www.meriden-archery.org.uk

Meriden Archery Club goes international - Meriden archers have been flying the flag not only

nationally, but internationally too. For Team GB, Tom Hall and James Woodgate performed at the Olympics; Milly Williams and Chris White shot at the European Field championships in Croatia; and, for the juniors, Monty Orton (17) made his International debut at the European Youth Cup in Bucharest. Philippa Lowe, Meriden Coach, also attended the European Youth Cup as the official Archery GB Chaperone to the team. Congratulations to everyone - a fabulous time was had and invaluable experience gained all round. Closer to home, 7 of our members took part in the Commonwealth Archery Competition of Europe. A fantastic weekend of friendly home nation rivalry held at Lilleshall Sports Centre, with the team bringing home 10 medals. Well done to Becky Tipping, Emma Davies, Tom Hall, James Woodgate, Carl Richards, Callum Platt and Monty Orton.

More congratulations are in order for Emelia Hughes (15) and Monty Orton as they became the Archery GB Junior Master Champions 2021 in their respective categories. They shot their final matches gallantly, in a complete downpour, with Emelia also competing the whole day with a dislocated knee - that’s a very determined archer!

Many more of our archers shot at competitions over the last few months - too many to mention here - shooting individually and also representing Club, County and Region, breaking a multitude of records and personal bests along the way. A huge thanks and well done to everyone involved in making it possible to take part in competitions again.

We’re proud to have so many successful archers in the Club, and we’d love to get more people involved in our great sport. We’re a friendly bunch, so why not pop along to Meriden Archery Club where you’ll be more than welcome to have a chat and find out more. www.meriden-archery.org.uk. You never know, you might just find yourself in a field next year giving it a go!

Lynn Orton

#teammeriden at the Commonwealth Archery Competition

Emelia Hughes and Monty Orton, Archery GB Junior Master Champions 2021

ĚĐĊ Ĕċ ĉĎēćĚėČč With students returning to school fulltime, many clubs and activities have restarted and that includes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award run here at Heart of England.

Three awards are on offer, Bronze, Silver (Years 10 and 11) and Gold (Sixth Form) and each of these has four main components: volunteering, physical, skill and expedition. Students have been attending training sessions during the term for one of the main parts of the award, the expedition.

Students during a DofE expedition

Our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award coordinator Mr Nance said: “This year’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes are in full swing, with over 50 Year 10s starting Bronze and 40 Year 11 students starting their Silver Award. We are excited to have record numbers this year, with many students and parents relishing the opportunity to get outdoors after so long under Covid rrestrictions.” re ict ns.” est stri rict c io ctio ions .”

The expedition training involves committing to evening training sessions every two weeks, each lasting an hour and a half. The students learn all about navigation, camping skills such as cooking, putting up a tent, how to pack their backpacks and basic health and safety. $V ÀUVW VWHS WKH 6LOYHU $ZDUG VWXGHQWV went on an orienteering walk one Sunday on a 13km trek around the area local to the school. The 50 or so students were split into smaller groups with staggered starts setting off suitably prepared with boots, water, food, maps, compasses and a good set of waterproofs.

“It’s really good to get back into the swing of things now and the students enjoying it are getting a lot out of it. We have a great bunch of students this year,” year,” year ye ,” said sai aid d Mrr Nance.

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The popular show of slapstick comedy, songs and general mayhem tells the story of rival street gangs vying for dominance with a lot of splat guns and smooth talk.

After a two year absence of any kind of show, we are excited to announce that we will be performing Bugsy Malone next year.

Auditions have already taken place and the cast is being IRUPHG DQG ÀQDOLVHG ´7KH VWXGHQWV DUH UDULQJ WR JR ,W·V been a long wait and there is real energy for the show,” said producer and drama teacher Mr Taylor.

Performances will take place 15-17 February 2022 so lookout for tickets.

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ĚėėĎĈĚđĚĒ Ćēĉ ĘĘĊĘĘĒĊēę Before a student even sits down to learn in a teaching space, a great deal has already happened to prepare for that moment. Curriculum OHDGV WHDFKHUV DQG VHQLRU OHDGHUV KDYH EHHQ ÀJXULQJ RXW ZKDW WKH children will learn and how and when they will be assessed.

making it much more accessible and easier to adapt and tweak as we move through the year.

Each year we summarise all this information for parents/carers and students in a document called Curriculum and Assessment and each subject presents what will be taught each term through the year and how and when that knowledge will be assessed.

The Curriculum and Assessment pages aim to keep parents/carers informed about the summative assessments students will complete for each subject. Summative assessments are designed to help identify how students are performing and produce a percentage mark which aid the Academic Managers and Curriculum Leaders to recognise individual progress over the academic year.

All this information is now presented online in a new format and a new Key Stage 3 assessment area of the website has been launched.

Gone is the printed booklet to be replaced with a set of dynamic pages

Mr Haston, Assistant Principal for KS3 said: “The pages are also useful as they outline suggested resources and websites that can be accessed at home to prepare children for their summative assessments.”

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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 e along g to A warm m welcome e h Candy y att with Meriden n Village e Hall

Zumba Thursday evenings 6.00pm £5.00 per session

Barkers Butts RFC Pickford Grange Lane Coventry CV5 9AR x x x

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 x

We also have 4 Adult sides 1st XV to Vets

x

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

and and Meditationand andRelaxation 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 ……….

HS2 NEWS: - HS2’s works near Meriden - High Speed Two (HS2) is the new high speed railway for Britain. Early works for HS2 are carried out by a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons known as LM, and main works are carried out by a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and VINCI known as BBV. LM’s closest works to Meriden are concentrated near the A452, A45 and M42, which surround the site of the future HS2 Interchange Station. The direction of travel for road users around Northway Island (over the M42) has now permanently changed, and depending on your direction of travel, you may be redirected from the island and back. LM will also install intermittent, off-peak lane closures along the A452, A446, B4438 and M42.

BBV will continue activities east of the M42 in the Interchange area, concentrated mainly on HS2 land. This will include the completion of a BBV compound off the A45. As well as this, BBV will continue to complete earthwork preparations in the Interchange area for the Bickenhill cutting and for the construction of the A452 link road to the new M42 bridge. We will also continue to construct haul routes in the Berkswell area, specifically between Lavender Hall Lane and Truggist Lane.

To find out more about our works in the area, please go to https://www.hs2.org.uk/solihull If you would like to receive updates from HS2, please sign up for email notifications at engagement.hs2.org.uk/join-mailing-list. You will be asked to

confirm your email address as part of the process.

If you have any questions about these changes or would like some help signing up to email updates, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team, available all day, every day on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group - Richard Lloyd (Chairman) Although a huge amount of preparation work is going on, the opening of HS2 is still 12 years away, 7 years behind plan. The rest of the world has moved on faster in the 11 1/2 years since the project plan was published. In 2010, self-driving cars and taxis weren't on the horizon. Lithium-ion batteries had made it into the first Tesla cars, but few people imagined an electric aircraft or an electric helicopter flying on Mars. Another 2 years passed before Elon Musk revealed his thoughts on an advanced high speed transport system called Hyperloop.

Broadband was clearly the coming thing, but teleconferencing was cumbersome and formal, and few foresaw how willing people would be to forego in-person meetings and contact. The Covid-19 pandemic caused an abrupt change, but it's too soon to judge what the new balance will be. The indications are that some of the shift to flexible hours, home-working, and remote meetings will be permanent, causing a significant loss of commuting and service jobs in city centres.

Because of the delays with HS2, the local effects seem to be going on forever, with extended road and footpath closures, and non-compliance with the environmental commitments given to Parliament and Solihull Council. Many matters, including the extent of tree felling, limitations on road closures, provision of alternative footpaths, control of HGV numbers, protection of wildlife habitats, and keeping the community informed, were enshrined in legislation or written agreements, but there always seems to be a good reason why no enforcement action can be taken. Unsurprisingly, the public reaction "they are a law unto themselves" is heard again and again.

The bottom line is that a total re-think is needed. With half of Phase 2 abandoned, and still no design for Euston, everyone should be asking whether the huge debt and environmental damage is justified.

In 2007, lobbyists said London-Birmingham would cost £4.3 billion. Now, despite cutting out the links to the Continent and Heathrow, we'll be lucky to get it for £50 billion. Or, should we say, unlucky?

HS2 does not fit a zero-carbon future. Even over 120 years, the claimed modal shift showed no net benefit, but soon, all competing forms of transport will be powered from the same renewable or nuclear sources, while the damage done by the volume of diesel, concrete, steel and felled trees can never be undone.

Although raising taxes can lessen the future debt crunch, it won't correct the shortages created by the scale of expenditure - for instance, of building materials and truck drivers. Nor will it release funds for non-fossil energy and tackling the climate emergency.

Stand by07904 for "needed, not yet" - yet more delay is the obvious way out for an over-spending government afraid of 239but365 admitting previous errors.

Meriden Blinds

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Pointon's Turkeys It is with regret that, after 48 years, I have decided to wind up the business.

I would like to thank all my customers for their loyal support over the years.

Susan Pointon

1st Meriden Scout Group and Explorer Unit - News from the Green Hut Beavers News - The start of the new term at Beavers saw our Group Scout Leader, Gerry Russell, perform a huge Investiture ceremony. Families were invited up to the Scout Hut to see ten new Beavers and the two new Leaders make their promises and be awarded membership badges and neckers. Since then, our number has swelled further – the Beaver Colony now has 19 members!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve worked on our Air Activities Badge, which has involved the Beavers learning about various aircraft, designing their own and even making a paper ‘whirly-bird’. We also completed our Safety Badge, learning the Green Cross and Water Safety Codes and touching on safety around railways, ‘stranger danger’ and fire safety. I’m hoping that, in the coming weeks, we’ll have some clear nights and be able to start our Space Badge. I’m sure the Beavers will love getting out and doing some star-gazing.

Remember, we can always use more adult helpers, so if you’re interested in helping out at Beavers, do get in touch with me, or contact Gerry. Eleanor Willis – Beaver Leader - 07762 823050 Cubs News - We’re back to normal, after a long-time! Voices have dropped, trousers are snapping at their ankles and we have a shortage of correctly fitting uniforms tops, but that’s not a problem. The main thing is - we are back to face to face scouting in Meriden. The Cubs went back to basics, making the most of the mild Autumn with backwoods cooking, map reading, making a compass and conker hunting. Ask a Cub - they will know the best tree in the village for a sixer!

Vikings have been the topic across the group. On the 4th November, the group came together for the first time in 2 years and celebrated with a Viking themed bonfire night with hot pork rolls, sausages and hot drinks. All Scouts have made and decorated Viking Helmets, some with horns, some not, but all made to measure, oh and many, many shields, not only to look the part, but towards gaining their Creative and Skills Challenge badges.

The Group launched ‘The Smartie Challenge’ where each child was given a full Tube of Smarties and, in return, they had to do small jobs and fill the empty tubes with money, a bit like the old Bob-a-Job week, but with a bribe! This little fundraiser with go half to the Scout Group and half to the church wall restoration fund and help gain some badges on their arms.

If you are 8-10½ years old and looking for adventure, and to learn something different, pop along to the Scout Hut and try something new. If you’re 18yrs+, why not become a helper / leader and help Meriden Scout group thrive.

Fundraising HELP needed - As the Group is growing and our hut is getting older, we are planning some major changes to the hut to make it more comfortable and safer for the children of Meriden. We are in need of a fundraising committee to help raise funds for these improvements. If you would like to join a friendly group of parent and adult helpers to organise events and write letters, we would be very grateful. This way, we can leave the Leaders to do what they are good at and lead your children into the next steps of their development. Please Email 1stmeridenscouts@gmail.com Lynda Spratt ACSL 07790 348726 – Cub Leader

Scouts News - Since the restart of the Scout meetings after the summer holiday break, the Scouts have had a busy time. Amongst their activities:- they have learnt about the use of maps and compasses and then practised their map reading skills on night hikes.

- they have undertaken team building exercises.

- they have practised their cooking skills.

- they have been preparing for the Group bonfire which this year had a Viking theme. They helped to build a (cardboard) Viking ship, which was burnt on the fire, and also made Viking helmets.

- Members of the Scout Troop have also been awarded badges for the skills and knowledge that they have gained as part of the National Award programme.

- A camp was also held at the Group HQ - Next year, the Scout County is organising a long weekend camp (GET-IN 22) at Ragley Hall, which the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are all looking forward to. Gerry Russell – Group Scout Leader - 01676 522666

Awards – on 4th November – a double celebration Gerry Russell, our Group Scout Leader, was awarded his 60 years Long Service Award by Phil Cracknall, the District Commissioner for Atherstone. This is a very rare award and, when we stop and think what that means (60 years), it is even more staggering to comprehend. Gerry was a Rover Scout, as they were known in those days, and, at the age of 19, he became an Assistant Cub Scout Leader, soon to take over the role of Cub Leader, or Akela.

In his early 30s he took on County roles with Birmingham Scouts.

Meriden has been lucky to have him as their GSL but also their DC for many years. Along with his Certificate and woven badge, Gerry was presented with a tree to plant at the hut (he won’t have to do it himself; we’ll get a scout to dig the hole!) and a bottle of Whisky from the Group as a Thank-You. His dedication to Scouting has made such an impact on so many children across the years and also to the Leaders who have been lucky to work alongside him.

The second award went to Mark Jones. Mark was also awarded a long service award, this time 30 years. Again, like Gerry, Mark has also held many different roles in scouting and comes from great scouting stock. Taking Scouts to the Himalayas and a contingent to Sweden for the 2011 World Scout Jamboree. Mark continues to take charge of the Scout section and Odyssey Explorer Unit based at Meriden, again a staggering achievement

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.

As the service continues, we need more volunteers to help us collect prescriptions and shopping for those residents who may be selfisolating. If you are interested in joining or you are already a volunteer and wish to continue please contact rosie.weaver@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

General Advice CASB Advice Line Who it’s for…Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face.

Description: We provide free, confidential and impartial advice on issues affecting people’s lives. Some examples: Debt/money, benefits, housing, employment, discrimination, Law & rights, relationships, tax, work.

Where: Solihull Borough (remote working due to Covid-19) - Telephone calls Telephone No: 08082 787976 Times: Mon - Fri 9.00am to 5.00pm

CASB Help To Claim - Universal Credit Where: Solihull Borough (remote working due to Covid-19) - Telephone calls Telephone No: 0800 144 8 444 webchat: citizensadvice.org.uk Times: Mon - Fri 8.00am to 6.00pm Who it’s for…Those who require information or advice on Universal Credit.

Description: We check eligibility, help with application forms through to making sure you receive your first payment.

Volunteering To Work Who it’s for…Working alongside Solihull Community Housing to support their tenants in gaining confidence and new skills through volunteering.

Description: Supporting unemployed people who require support in gaining a new found confidence, refreshing skills or obtaining new skills through volunteering.

Where: Solihull Borough (remote working due to Covid-19) - Telephone calls Telephone No:0121 779 6707 Email: chelmsley@casb.org.uk

Money Advice Where: Solihull Borough (remote working due to Covid-19) - Telephone calls Telephone No: 08082 787976 Email: chelmsley@casb.org.uk Who it’s for…Anyone looking for advice on money/debt/budgeting Description: Dealing with money issues can sometimes be off-putting, but if you don’t understand how things work, you could end up losing out financially or getting yourself deep in debt. We can give you the information you need to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems, and how to get your finances back into shape.

Help with and advice on the following: ● Debt & solutions ● Budgeting ● Rent arrears or Mortgage problems ● Creditors & Bailiffs ● Borrowing money ● Banking ● Pensions ● Financial advice

Energy Who it’s for…Anyone looking for advice on energy.

Description: Energy advice on fuel options, tariffs and energy grants, as well energy efficiency advice, with the aim of reducing bills and aimed at giving clients long-term relief from fuel poverty.

Where: Solihull Borough (remote working due to Covid-19) - Telephone calls Telephone No: 08082 787976 Email: chelmsley@casb.org.uk

Active Chats Who it’s for…We work with people who are inactive to increase their physical activity levels and fall into one of the following groups: ● Over 60 years old or ● Those who are rehabilitating from Covid-19 or ● Those who were shielding Description: Active chats is a weekly telephone befriending service that uses gentle low level seated exercise to get inactive people more active.

Where: Solihull Borough - Telephone calls Email:chelmsley@casb.org.uk Telephone No:0121 779 6707

Christmas Lights Thank You!

Thank you to our local business sponsors Lord Guernsey, NRS Waste Care Limited and A & A Recycling Limited for their contribution to Meriden’s new Christmas Lights.

Warm Mobile Hub Come & join us at our Chattybus mobile café for a free hot drink, friendly chat and biscuits.

Every Tuesday 10:30-am-12:30pm at The Pavilion in Meriden Sports Park.

For more info, head to the website wrccrural.org.uk/warm-hubs or you can email us at mobilewarmhubs@vasa.org.uk or give us a call on 01789 777 986.

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

Meriden Church with Holly Lamp by Julie Hyde I thought that we would have a bit of fun using salt to give a snowy effect for this one….I used 425gsm weight Bockingford watercolour paper and watercolour paints 1. Lightly draw the outline of the Church, wall and lamppost.

2. Background. Get some salt ready. I use fine ground sea salt not table salt but, on a scrap piece of paper, try different types of salt. Mix puddles of:x Indigo OR Payne’s Grey Or a mix of Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Umber (a blue grey) x Cadmium Yellow (weak) With a mop brush, wet all the paper so that it stays glossy wet. With a large brush, (no.12 or 14 round) add the grey around the picture, leaving the centre of the lamp and in front of the church with no paint on. Add a little Yellow to the lamp. While this is still wet, add a little salt all over the picture. HAVE A CUP OF TEA while it dries a little. Then dry with a hair dryer and rub the salt off.

3. Church. Using the same colour that you used in the background, dampen the church carefully with a little water and fill in with the grey. Add a pinch of salt.

4. Gate and wall. Dampen the walls with a little water first then add the grey and a little more salt. Add the gate with the same grey but on the dry paper.

5. Background trees Dot on some clean water on the tops of the branches and immediately add a little grey into the bottom of this water.

6. Window. Add a touch more yellow to the windows if required.

7. Lamp. To the inside top of the lamp on to dry paper, add x Yellow Ochre (an orangey yellow) 8. Holly Wreath. On to dry paper add the holly and berries with a couple of different green and a red.

I used:x Prussian Blue + Cadmium Yellow x Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Yellow x Cadmium Red 9. Bow. Add a bow on dry paper with:x Cadmium Red x Alizarin Crimson Try to leave some bits white.

10 Add the lamp itself with a strong mix of the blue/grey you originally used.

I am running regular weekly classes in watercolour painting on Zoom, for more information email me on jph300@hotmail.com . There is also an art club running on a Thursday in the Scout Hut in Meriden, feel free to pop in and see what that is all about or phone 01676 523357.

QUEEN’S HEAD Open Christmas Day 11am - 3pm Open Boxing Day 11am - 6pm Join us on New Year’s Eve 11am till late to say goodbye to 2021 and welcome in 2022 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 We’d like12:00 to sayNOON a big ‘thank you’ to all TILL 2:30 our customers supporting us through Call -for 01676 522256 these past couple of years.

Many thanks, Laurence and Caroline.

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.

Obituary – Grace Tuckey (nee Woodcock) Grace was born on October 16th 1925, the eldest of four children - Grace, Frank, Margaret and Joan. In the late 1920s, her parents, with Grace and Frank Junior, emigrated to Canada where Margaret was born but they later returned to Meriden, where Joan was born. As a teenager, she worked on the land with her father as she had no desire to work in a factory. During the war, she worked at Brailes Farm where she used to deliver milk. Being a village girl, she joined the local Young Farmers’ club and often attended the dances and balls which were laid on. In 1949, Grace married Len, the local village butcher, and they were blessed with a son, David. They moved into Lavender House where they remained all of their lives. During their early married years, Len continued to work in the shop and alongside this they both ran a milk round for 18 years. David, during his pre-school years, would often be seen sitting in a milk crate holding on tight to the pint he was given. In 1968, the family shops on The Green were demolished to make way for re-development. Life changed dramatically and Grace started to devote her time to the many clubs and charities in the Village.

She was a Parish councillor for 25 years and served for 40 years on the Cancer Committee, from which she received a Certificate of Appreciation in 2009 for all the fundraising and time she had given to support them. She was a member of the W.I. for 55 years, a member of the Flower Club for 45 years and enjoyed being a member of the W.I. darts team. She served on the Village Hall committee for 50 years and the Meriden Charities Committee for 45 years.

She was also a member of the Mothers’ Union. Grace was very dedicated to all the clubs she served and, as recognition for everything she did, in 1987 Grace and Len were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace and the photo proudly sits in the lounge to this day.

AG Sadly, Grace lost Len in 2002 after 53 happily married WE SHED THE TEARS NOW SHE HAS GONE years. In 2015, Grace celebrated her 90th birthday at the BUT TREASURE THE MEMORIES AND LET THEM LIVE ON Village Hall. She had a wonderful day and thoroughly WE ALL HAVE SO MANY TALES TO TELL enjoyed chatting with all her friends and family. During AND LOTS OF FUN TIMES, WE REMEMBER SO WELL FOR 95 YEARS SHE HAS SHOWN US THE WAY her later years, it was time to start winding down but AND ON EVERY SUBJECT THERE WAS SOMETHING TO SAY! Grace stayed involved with as many committees as she AN OPINION WAS GIVEN WHETHER YOU ASKED OR NOT could. David remained at her side till the day she died.

AND ON CERTAIN SUBJECTS SHE SAID RATHER A LOT!!

Grace will be remembered for her dedication to her A PERSON WHO GAVE SO MUCH HELP TO US ALL family and the Village and will be sorely missed by all.

AND EFFORT WAS MADE, WHATEVER THE CALL. MORNING NOON AND NIGHT EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK HER HELP OR ADVICE YOU COULD ALWAYS SEEK YOU MAY NOT HAVE LIKED WHAT SHE WANTED TO SAY BUT YOU ALWAYS LISTENED AS YOU KNEW IT WAS HER WAY SHE ALWAYS DRESSED SMART WHERE EVER SHE WENT EVEN TO THE PALACE, ONE DAY SHE WAS SENT TO COMMITTEES GALORE SHE GAVE HER TIME CLUBS WERE MANY, WAS THERE 3, 5 OR 9!

WE ALL HAVE OUR STORIES AND TALES TO SHARE BUT ALL OF THEM SHOW HOW MUCH SHE CARED SO WE ALL MOVE ON AND REMEMBER HER WAYS AND KEEP HER WITH US FOR ALL OF OUR DAYS CHERYL

Photo of the hearse in front of the Village Green, where Grace and Len had their shop. See the ‘Village photos’ page for a colour photo.

David and family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support following the loss of Grace.

The generous donations and attendance on the day of the funeral were greatly appreciated by us all.

TheShaftes Tuckey Springe Family of Meriden from 1919 (by local historian Doreen Agutter) The This is dedicated to Mrs Grace Tuckey (nee Woodcock) 19252021, whom I knew from aged about 8. In most villages I have known, there has always been at least one significant family.

Such, in Meriden, were the Tuckeys. Mabel Smith and her future husband Percy Edmund Tuckey had been residents from the end of The Great War - 1919. Mabel was originally from Leicestershire and had negotiated the lease of a farm and shop, at the Coventry end of the Green, from the Aylesford Estate, Great Packington and, once Percy was demobilised, they married. An 1891 photograph shows how it looked then. In recent times I discovered an earlier family of Tuckeys who, like Percy, were butchers here in the 1580s. Traditional skills like that of butchers or carpenters were passed down in families for centuries. Lord Aylesford seldom allowed a woman a lease, so Mabel must have been persuasive. She was, if her early photograph is anything to go by, very attractive. They bought the premises in 1925. She told me that once it had been called the Swan Inn. Most food and many commodities were rationed during the War (1939-45) and for long afterwards into the 1950s, so we duly signed up to buy our meat rations from them.

It was not long before my Dad's abilities found him a job working for them regularly in the slaughter house or buying animals on their behalf at Hampton in Arden market.

When I was 14, we moved to part of Elm Tree Farm on the Green and I too obtained a Saturday job in the shop and later in school and university holidays in the house as well. Many such jobs are unheard of now such as black leading the kitchen grate.

They had a live-in servant but, when she was on holiday, I was the replacement. I used to go through our orchard and into their yard by the pigsties, cow byres and milking sheds, into the kitchen door. I became like one of the family, nicknamed 'Sis'.

The cooking arrangements were quite different from my own home. Mabel spent most of her time in the shops but near lunch time she would rush into the kitchen and see if the vegetables were almost cooked on the gas stove. If ready, she would skim a set of plates along the draining board. The vegetables were strained and they too would be skimmed on to each plate. You might guess there was no meat rationing there! Percy had a chaise longue on which he lay to eat his meal, like a Roman Emperor of old. If he wanted something not on the table he would shout for it and, as the custom was, I would get up to wait on him. Behind him, on the window ledge, was the telephone. Customers rang up with orders, including many living at flats in Great Packington Hall. I had to recall names and requirements. A regular was Lady XXXXX with a cut glass accent who wanted the most inexpensive cut of meat for herself and 'a bone for the dog'.

Percy playing dominoes at the Bulls Head Mid 1950s

1952 - Alan Tuckey

Mrs Tuckey used to ask me if she had offered to pay for the bone... as if... . I was also told to go to the ''outdoor' to collect bottles of sherry. I would say, 'But I am too young to get it'' but all you needed to say was “It's for Mrs Tuckey” and I’d come out with her order.

The Tuckeys had two sons Len and Alan, known as Lan in the family. Though he was 11 years my senior, I often went with him and his friends to cricket fixtures or football matches in other villages, in a coach hired from Shirley's garage, the site recently built upon by Strawberry Bank. Lan used to employ me to clean his bright blue sports car on Sunday afternoons. I earned a box of chocolates (on Ration really) and cash too. He had a lovely singing voice and I once went to hear him singing in the Midland Institute, Birmingham, in The Huguenots, an opera by Meyerbeer. I persuaded him to take me to Astley Castle one Saturday and we dressed up in our best clothes, only to fall into the moat! I was in serious trouble at home when I came in and Mum took my pocket money to pay for the dry cleaning. On another occasion, Mabel said the police constable resident in the village was investigating some rowdy behaviour one evening on the Green. She said to him, “This is the person who was making the noise''. He looked at me in my smart school uniform and said “Mrs Tuckey, you must have made a mistake. It could not be this young lady” for I had no doubt put on my best voice copied from Lady XXXX on the phone. It was me .. and Lan! When he got married, Mrs Tuckey and I drove to St Laurence's in a taxi. She had a big feather boa hat. Percy at 6' 4", and very stout, needed a suit tailor made. He said to my mother “What do you think of it Missus?” fidgeting with the waist band. Those were the days!

I still laugh at my memories.. and these are but a few of them.

Grace (far left) with the Cancer Research Group in the early 1960s.

She was a good looking young woman.

1967 – Grace (Len’s wife) outside Tuckeys Fruit Shop Len Tuckey with the milk van – circa 1950

1968 – Front of Tuckeys

Christmas at the Manor Hotel Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Presents Young at Heart on th

Thursday 16 December 2021 Arrive at 12 for Lunch at 12:30. Leave at 3:30. £12.95 per person Those of you who are young at heart, join us, with your friends, for a delicious three course Christmas lunch plus live entertainment and a truly festive party atmosphere.

See our Website www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk for our 2021 Christmas Brochure

Message from Saqib Bhatti MP

01676 522735 saqib.bhatti@parliament.uk or

Dear Residents, 0207 219 3423 I trust that you and your families are keeping well and staying safe.

631 Warwick Road Solihull B91 1AR I would like to begin by paying tributes to Sir David Amess, the late MP for Southend West, who was so brutally murdered in October, as he carried out his constituency surgery, and James Brokenshire, the late MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup. Both gentlemen were kind, gentle and respectful and served as an example for many new MPs, including me. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. May they both rest in eternal peace.

I have been touched by the messages of encouragement that so many residents have sent me. Thank you for taking the time to get in touch with me to offer kind words of support – it means a lot. I would like to reassure you that my work as your MP will continue as normal. We will not allow such barbarism to threaten our democratic system. We will not be deterred by senseless acts of terror which threaten our way of life. Please note that my office remains open and I will continue to meet with constituents as I always have.

With Christmas quickly approaching, I hope your preparations are going well. I have got my turkey ordered and will be trying my best to get my presents sorted in good time, to avoid any last-minute shopping! We have a fantastic selection of gift shops here in the Meriden constituency, so please be sure to support your local businesses as we look forward to Christmas.

You will be aware that COP26 is ongoing (at the time of writing). I will be attending the summit in Glasgow this year and I am thoroughly looking forward to being part of this historic conversation about how we can collectively do more to protect the earth from the threats posed by climate change. I have met several community groups and residents in the Meriden constituency who have raised this issue with me. I would love to hear from you and better understand your views on how we can all be part of the solution to reducing global emissions and achieving our net-zero target by 2050. Please email me using the contact details above. Finally, my office remains open as usual and we are conducting surgery appointments, so do not hesitate to book a slot. My contact details are above. Best wishes and stay safe, Saqib Bhatti MBE MP

First class care for your car is closer than you think!…

For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:

ACE GARAGE ACE GARAGE RADFORD RADFORD 02476 597879 024 7659 7879

email: service@acegarage.co.uk KENSINGTON GARAGE x Tyres x Mot EARLSDON 024 7667 x0054 Exhausts x Service Courtesy delivery Courtesy car, collection collection &&delivery options. Call Brendan options. McManus on: 07958 Call Brendan518924 McManus on 07958 518924

We service, repair and care for your vehicle.

Garyy Franklinn & Andyy Hawkinss 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.

The Acorn Funeral

*Traditional and Themed funerals* Private Chapels of Rest *

from £1250

*Available 24hours a day * Pre-Payment Funeral Plans *

(plus disbursements)

*Will Writing Service * *Help and Advice with DSS and Social Fund; both happily accepted*

02476 47 3000

333 Tile Hill Lane, Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9OU

With branches in Tile Hill and Marston Green we are ideally situated to serve the communities of Coventry, Solihull and the surrounding areas.

0121 779 5577 50 Station Road Marston Green Birmingham B37 7AU Available 24hours a day 365 days a year

Web site: www.franklinfunerals.co.uk Email: info@franklin funerals.co.uk

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

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

Richard Naughton Bespoke Joinery *WINDOWS*

*DOORS*

*PORCHES*

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*GREEN OAK PORCHES*

Traditional and contemporary bespoke work Free quotes Call 07836 338814 and leave a message

richardnaughton@live.co.uk Tippers Hill, Fillongley CV7 8DJ

Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell CV7 7BN 01676 530 299 / 07949 119 436 Cafe open to the public from 8.30am – 1.30pm 7 days a week 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 7.30am close at dusk

Heartof ofEngland England Social Social Club Heart BERKSWELLROAD ROADMERIDEN MERIDEN CV7 CV7 7LB. 7LB. Call Call Steve on 01676 522430 BERKSWELL 522430 Themanagement managementofofHeart HeartofofEngland EnglandSocial SocialClub Clubwould wouldlike like to to The welcome Steve as the new Steward of the club and wish him welcome Steve as the new Steward of the club and wish him thebest. best. allallthe BINGO:Every EveryFriday.

Friday.First Firstgame gameisisatat8.00pm.

8.00pm.Doors Doors open open at at BINGO: 7.00pm- Raffle, - Raffle,Play PlayYour YourCards CardsRight, Right,Open Openthe theBox. Box. 7.00pm ROOMHIRE: HIRE:Book Bookyour yourspecial specialevent, event, party party or or meeting meeting in in ROOM ourfunction functionroom. room.We Weoffer offer*Room *Roomdressing dressing*Catering *Catering and and our Room Dressing Dressing and catering available Room available for for *Entertainment *Entertainment your Party or Function. Contact Steve your Contact Steve Callour ourfriendly friendlystaff stafffor forfull fulldetails detailsor orto toarrange arrangeaaviewing. viewing.

Call UPCOMINGEVENTS EVENTS UPCOMING thth December – Xmas Eve Karaoke Night in Friday2424 x x Friday December – Xmas Eve Karaoke Night in the bar area Freeentry entry the bar area ––Free st st December––New NewYear’s Year’sEve EveParty Party Night Night –– Friday3131 December x x Friday Tickets£10 £10 Tickets Saturday12 12ththFebruary February –– Valentine’s Valentine’s Night Night Show Show -x x Saturday Tickets £10 Tickets £10 FOLLOWUS USON ONFACEBOOK FACEBOOK––Heart Heartof ofEngland EnglandSocial SocialClub Club FOLLOW

Lovely safe safe outside Lovely outside space space

Bablake House

Bablake House, Birmingham Road, Millison’s Wood Meriden CV5 9AZ

Tel :01676 523689

ww.bablakehouse.co.uk

Flowerpot Mosaics

Oak View Logs

1 Day Mosaic Workshop for Beginners Would you love to learn a new hobby? I am based near Meriden and have a lovely studio (see picture below) where I will teach you how to mosaic something lovely for your home or garden. You can choose a pot or an inside/outside wall decoration. My workshops make a lovely Xmas or birthday gift and I can provide a voucher with a free small gift.

Have a look at my web site www.flowerpotmosaics.co.uk or simply contact me to book.

Anne.tyson@me.com Mobile: 07904 063500

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

Visitt - www.oakviewlogs.co.uk

Meriden n Fish h and d Chips Thee Green n 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 are in the Village Hall, Station Rd., Balsall Common. Please arrive by 2 p.m. for a 2:15 start. These are open to non-members unless otherwise stated. Entry is £5 for non-members and free to members. Why not join? Membership is only £15 per annum and you can join at any meeting.

Wednesday 15th December – Members’ Christmas Social & ‘Christmas Traditions’, a presentation by Brian Stote.

Sorry, Members Only.

Wednesday 19th January - AGM followed by “ Wayside Wonders & Country Curiosities”.

A Presentation by Richard Churchley.

Wednesday 16th February - “Local Hero- Sir Henry Parkes”. He was 5 times President of New South Wales and ‘Father of the Federation’ of the Australian States. A Presentation by Sheila Woolf.

Have you looked at our web site? www.berkswell-history.org

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN MERIDEN Now is the perfect time to consider how you travel and there is no better way than public transport. Let someone else take the pressure of driving, no need to worry about where to park and get closer to many destinations than by private car. Meriden and the surrounding areas have a number of transport options ranging from fast, frequent, modern, fixed route buses to more bespoke door-to-door options better tailored to an individual’s needs. Whether you’re starting your Christmas Shopping, going for a night out, attending a City of Culture event or going about your day-to-day activities, think about using the bus. Even better, all of the buses serving Meriden and the surrounding areas are run using the cleanest diesel technology available, meaning you’ll be doing your bit for the environment too! To get you started, we have provided a summary of the bus services available in your area below but please do visit www.tfwm.org.uk for further information on travelling in our area and the wider region. We also welcome your feedback so, if you do undertake a journey by any of the options below or have any other comments, then please do not hesitate to contact us at customerservices@tfwm.org.uk or call 0345 303 6760 The article includes ways to access digital timetable information. Alternatively, you can call 0345 303 6760 and we can post out printed information.

National Express Service X1

Diamond Service 89

This is one of National Express’ flagship services, operated using the very latest platinum buses providing unrivalled passenger comfort including free wi-fi, enhanced seats and greater leg room. The service operates from Birmingham to Coventry via Sheldon, Birmingham Airport/NEC, Meriden and Allesley Park. Buses run every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 30 minutes each Sunday. The first bus towards Birmingham from Meriden is 04.40 and the last bus 00.40. The first bus towards Coventry from Meriden is 03.42 and the last bus 23.53. In Meriden the bus stops at Hampton Grange, Maxstoke Lane, Somers Road and Meriden Green.

Further information on using this and other National Express services including ticket information are available at nxbus.co.uk

This operates Monday to Friday on a semi-fixed route between Solihull, Meriden Green, Balsall Common and Coventry. On request to the driver, or with advance booking, the bus will pick up or drop off within ‘roaming zones’ within either Meriden or Balsall Common, whilst the route is fixed elsewhere along the route. ENCTS passes are accepted (for trips after 09.30) and cash/card fares are payable for non-ENCTS passengers.

Meriden Community Bus The Meriden Community Bus is provided by Community Transport and runs every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The service is only available for any one that lives in the Meriden/Balsall Common area. The bus is fully accessible, is driven by specialist drivers and provides a door to door service to all destinations in the area including Shop Mobility in Coventry on Tuesdays; trips to The Firs on Wednesday and various Demand Responsive Travel style trips on a Friday. Advance booking is essential through Community Transport (telephone 08003169048). The service is currently free for all users.

Timetable information is available on the Diamond website at https://www.diamondbuses.com/westmidlands/bus-services/89-solihull/ .

To request a journey in the ‘roaming zone’, please call Diamond bus on 01527 813120 the day before you wish to travel. This service can be used to get to the Balsall Common GP surgery by pre booking the journey using the details above.

Johnsons Service X20

West Midlands on-Demand

This operates every hour from Monday to Saturday between Coventry, Meriden and Solihull with some trips continuing to/from Stratford upon Avon. The bus operates along a fully fixed route, with pick-ups and drop-offs at designated bus stops. First bus to Solihull and Stratford is 06.52. First bus to Coventry 06.17 and then hourly during the day time. Last return from Coventry 18.45. Last return from Stratford 16.55 (which leaves Solihull at 18.18).

ENCTS passes are accepted for trips after 09.30 (all day Saturday) and cash/card fares are payable for nonENCTS passengers. Further information, including copies of the full timetable are available at https://www.johnsonscoaches.co.uk/timetables/

This is an innovative pilot service launched in partnership between TfWM, Warwick University and Coventry City Council. The service is centred on Warwick University but is available to any residents living in the area to also travel to any destination in that zone. The service operates on demand from Monday to Friday between 07.00 and 19.00.

All trips must be booked in advance, and the vehicles cannot be hailed. Booking can be done through the West Midlands on-Demand App available on Google Play or iOS, or through a dedicated booking telephone number 0345 034 8670.

All of the buses are modern, comfortable and fully accessible.

Further details are available at https://www.tfwm.org.uk/plan-your-journey/ways-totravel/buses-in-the-west-midlands/on-demand-busesin-the-west-midlands/ The operating Zone covers a wide area extending from Meriden through Balsall Common to Coventry and even to Walsgrave Hospital. Prepayment must be made for all trips at the time of booking. There is a standard flat fare of £3.00 but with bulk tickets available at a reduced cost, more details on website. ENCTS passes are not valid at any point on this bus.

FACE MASKS - When using public transport, we expect you to continue to wear a face covering across all modes of public transport including buses, unless you are exempt. There are still vulnerable people within our communities, on and off public transport, so please respect others and let’s travel together safely. For further information on the current travel advice please visit; https://www.tfwm.org.uk/campaigns/currenttravel-advice-for-coronavirus/

The Village Diary is back! How lucky are we to have so much going on?

DATE Every Monday 1st Monday of the month Every Monday 3rd Monday of the month Every Tuesday Every Tuesday Every Wed (in term time) 2nd Wed of the month Every Thursday

EVENT

VENUE

TIME

Tai Chi

Village Hall

9:30-10:30am

Village Hall

2-4pm

Methodist Church Hall

7:15-8pm

02476 467331

Village Hall

7:30-9:30pm

meridenflowerclub@ hotmail.com

Sports Pavilion

10:30am-12:30pm

01789 777986

7pm

www.meridenrotary.org.uk

W.I. (January meeting is on 10th) Beginner Adult Tap Classes Flower Club (Dec meeting is on 13th) Chattybus (warm mobile hub) Rotary Club Meeting Playgroup Readers' Circle

Manor Hotel or Zoom Methodist Church Hall call Peter for venue and time

CONTACT Jacqui Fisher 07703 345210 Samm Bain 523507, Della Mannix 07920 014909

9:30-11:30am Peter Moss 523590

Art Group

Scout Hut

10am-3pm

Julie Hyde 523357

Every Thursday

Craft and Chat

Sports Pavilion

12:30-3pm

Debbie Barber 07455 829340

Every Thursday

Zumba & Pilates

Meriden Village Hall

6pm & 7pm

Candy 07828 709650

CAMEO (December meeting is on 17th)

Village Hall

2-4pm

Joan Russell 523507

All Together Café

Sports Pavilion

2-4pm

522666

Firebird Singers

Village Hall

7-9pm

Val Martin 522963

Every Sunday

Church Service

Methodist Church

10:30am

Rev. Jane Braund 533737

Every Sunday

Church Service

St. Laurence Church

10:30am

Jonathan Douglas 522455

02-Dec

Christingle Service (with school)

St. Laurence Church

2pm

Jonathan Douglas 522455

03-Dec

Christmas Fair

Meriden C of E School

5-7pm

Santa Fun Run

Meriden Hall Park

11am

Rotary Santa Sleigh Run

see page 3

6-8pm

16-Dec

Carols by Candlelight

St. James Church, Packington estate

7pm

17-Dec

Cancer Research Christmas Event

H of E Social Club

7:30pm

18-Dec

Carols on the Green

The Green

5:30pm

Methodist Church

4pm & 5:30pm

Rev. Jane Braund 533737

St. Laurence Church

11:30pm

Jonathan Douglas 522455

Methodist Church

10am

Rev. Jane Braund 533737

4th Friday of the month 2nd Friday of the month Every Friday

05-Dec 6/10/13/15 Dec

25-Dec

Carol Service & Supper Club Midnight Communion Christmas Day Service

16-Jan

Firebird Concert

Manor Hotel

2:30pm and 7:30pm

22-Jan

Big Picture Show Meriden Mag Deadline Big Picture Show Big Picture Show

Village Hall

7.30pm

Village Hall Village Hall

7.30pm 7.30pm

19-Dec 24-Dec

01-Feb 19-Feb 19-Mar

www.meriden-santa-funrun.org.uk

Sue 522540, Carol 01676 522888

Val 522963, Anna 07792 525999 Chris Copper 522645 Val 522963, Chris 07789 903021 Chris Copper 522645 Chris Copper 522645

What to do in the garden before winter sets in Make a door wreath with herbs Using a purchased ring, place a variety of herbs.

You can use rosemary, sage, bay and olives and place them around the ring.

If you need any more greenery, add sprigs of holly and ivy.

Add pine cones and a ribbon and wind round with a string of battery operated lights and you have an alternative door wreath.

Tip – place the hook to hang it up before you start.

Winter is a good time for gardeners to take stock, tidy up, protect plants and plan ahead Here are a few suggestions: x Clear up plants and protect from the frost, dig up dahlias and store the tubers in a dry cool place. x Replant the summer tubs with bulbs, wallflowers, pansies, violas and small cyclamen. x Clean and disinfect the greenhouse. x Clear up and dig vegetable beds, saving bean and other seeds for next year. x Net ponds to prevent decaying leaves. x Sweep up leaves and put on the compost heap. x Clean bird feeders and feed the birds in the cold months. x Read seed catalogues and order seeds for next year. x In early January, plant broad beans and sweet peas and keep in a cool shed.

Left-Over Turkey Fricassee Ingredients 50g butter 100g chestnut or button mushrooms, quartered 1 tbsp plain flour 100ml white wine or dry sherry 200ml chicken or turkey stock 150ml double cream or crème fraîche 800g leftover boneless cooked turkey, chopped into chunks or shredded Small bunch of parsley, chopped (optional) Method Heat the butter in a deep frying or sauté pan until sizzling, then add the mushrooms and fry for 4-5 minutes until softened.

Sprinkle over the flour and stir until a paste forms.

Cook for a few more minutes.

Splash in the wine or sherry and let it bubble for a minute, then stir in the stock and bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the cream.

Season, then stir in the turkey.

Simmer until the turkey is heated through, then remove from the heat and stir in the parsley, if using.

Serve with pasta, mash or rice.

Margaret Argyle

Welcome Our New Head Boy and Girl

We have had such a fantastic start to this school year with lots of things happened already. We welcomed the start of a new school year with our new head boy, Ben, and head girl, Ava. Supported by deputy head boy and girl Taylor and Charlotte, we are really proud of them and know that they are wonderful ambassadors for the school.

School Charity of the Year Each year, our school supports a charity; in September each class gave suggestions as to which one this could be and then school council voted to make the final decision. It was decided that Cancer Research UK would be our charity, as a lot of children had family members who are, or have been, affected by this disease. Our charity launch of a dress down day raised £345 and we will be holding more fundraising activities during the year to build on this.

International Cross of Nails Award – Peace and Reconciliation

We are absolutely delighted to announce that, following a detailed and lengthy process, we have been awarded status as an ICON (International Cross of Nails) School by Coventry Cathedral. International representatives of the Community of the Cross of Nails from the United States of America, South Africa, Asia, Canada and Europe all had the opportunity to scrutinise our application, and gave it their seal of approval too!

Further information can be found here: https://coventrycityofpeace.uk/icon-schools/ We are incredibly proud of the recognition of our work in peace, reconciliation and diversity and we will be planning a celebratory service soon, where the cross of nails will be presented to our school. Well done to everyone at Meriden CE Primary School!

Year 6 Red Ridge Residential Just before October half term, Year 6 spent an exciting few days braving the ‘Great Outdoors’ at the Red Ridge Centre in Welshpool, Mid Wales. The children had a great time abseiling, zip wiring, kayaking and caving, to name but a few of the activities they completed during the week! They all showed real resilience and perseverance in conquering new challenges and overcoming fears. We are so proud of each and every one of them.

Visits and Experiences Although we have only been back to school for a few weeks, the children have had an amazing time visiting forts, the church, Coventry Cathedral and going on a residential visit!

We are so pleased that they are getting the opportunity to experience our enhanced Meriden curriculum offer again, supporting our vision for lifelong learning as they build key life skills.

School’s Harvest experience at St. Laurence Church.

Thank you to all of the helpers, both parent volunteers and school and church workers, just for making this possible. We appreciate how you helped ever so much. This is what happened on Wednesday 13th October 2021. There were several stations which helped us reflect on harvest with creative activities to complete. The stations were labelled joy, generosity, patience and peace. This was fitting for the harvest theme as it links these values together. At one point, we got to stop and eat our food on the church benches, but that was nowhere near as good as what would happen next. We did pottery, then origami, then salt dough moulding and finally, we planted seeds in cups that we could grow for the next harvest collection. I personally enjoyed the pottery stall best of all! By Charlotte Walker

Lunt Fort by Evie and Anika On Wednesday 13th October, Year 4 went to Lunt Fort and met two Romans! They taught us the names of the Roman army armour in Latin. We learnt the names of the countries they invaded. We also found out that Jessica and Anika have Roman names too. As well as that, we learnt that the Roman fort we were at was made in 60 AD. The Roman soldiers took us into the arena where the gladiators fought. We got to fight with wooden swords and shields against each other safely. Year 4 played a game using shields into a shape called the tortoise. We had to try and hit a Barbarian in the eye without getting hit by balls or javelins! They gave Gurshant a Roman name called Tiberius. He got to dress in Roman armour to tell a story of a normal Roman boy who then was a soldier. Then we went back out and saw the ruins of where the Romans slept. Everyone had such a great day and we learnt so much!

A Recount of our Year 3 Archaeological Day by Ava-Rose I felt like I had been waiting years for our archaeological day. At 9am, I was buzzing with excitement. When I got to school, I quickly hung up my coat and excitedly entered the classroom.

Outside at 10am, we happily had lots of fun doing the scavenger hunt. I loved it when we did the digging I found lots of animal skins deep underground but I couldn’t get them out. I wish that I had found the skull or animal skin underground. At 11am, we researched our artefacts and sketched them. The reindeer skull was very cool.

Then we set up the museum and year 4 came in. After that year 6 came in and they were amazed too. They were amazed by the colourful artefacts. They were chestnut and inky black. I could stare at animal skins for ages they are so beautiful. I loved it 100%.

Last Posting Dates for Christmas

Meriden’s own Christmas Card.

Sold for Meriden Tree of Thought.

Available from: Lloyds Chemist and Budgens Pack Pack Pack Pack Deadline for the Spring 2021 issue is Tuesday February 1st with delivery around 1st March Val Martin (co-editor and treasurer) 01676 522963 val.simon@btinternet.com Chris Bannister (co-editor and advertising) 07789 903021 chrisbannister56@aol.com Distribution Paul Green, Mavis & Ken Edwards Sue Riley & Steve Chance Proof reader Sue Fuller Advertising costs £22 per quarter page and £11 per eighth page.

Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the co-editors. We are unable to print anonymous letters but will withhold name and address on request

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Meriden Primary School Meriden Library Meriden Surgery Lloyds Chemist Meriden Methodist Church Meriden Village Hall bookings Member of Parliament Parish Council

Mrs L. Anderton

Methodist Hall bookings Solihull M B C Solihull District Councillors

Alan Gabbitas

Meriden Scout Group Post Office Rural Police Sector

Rev. Jane Braund Valerie Martin Saqib Bhatti Barbara Bland

Ken Allsopp Diane Howell Tony Dicicco Gerry Russell Sue Harper

Rotary Club Club of of Meriden Meriden Rotary Annual Santa Santa Fun Fun Run Run Annual th December 2021 2021 11:00am Sunday Sunday 55th December At Meriden Meriden Hall Hall Park Park At Adults £12 £12 Under Under 16s 16s £6 £6 Adults Includes your your Santa Santa Suit.

Suit.

Includes Marie Curie Curie Cancer Cancer Care Care Raising money money for for Marie Raising nd oother ther Rotary Rotary Supported Supported Charities Charities aand Come Comeand andjoin joinus usfor foraafun fun 4.5 4.5kilometre kilometrerun runor orwalk walk Well Well behaved behaveddogs dogsvery verywelcome! welcome!

Find Findout outmore moreat at www.meriden-santa-fun-run.org.uk www.meriden-santa-fun-run.org.uk

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