MeridenMag Winter 2022

Meriden Mag Winter 2022

Merry Christmas Season's Greetings See inside for all our Village Christmas events

WINTER EVENTS

Meriden Flower Club Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd December Meriden Village Hall CV7 7NG 11.00am – 2.00pm *Crafts* Jewellery* Raffle* *Tombola* Roll the Dice* Entry £2 Including Tea/coffee mince pies

Meriden Cancer Research Christmas Party Saturday 10th December Heart of England Social Club 7.30pm featuring live entertainment from “XS”, an award-winning local duo and a bumper raffle.

Tickets £10 Carol 01676 522888 Carols on the Green Saturday 17th December at 5.30pm Music by the Bulkington Silver Band

Big Picture Shows at the Village Hall

Saturdays 21st January 25th February 18th March

There will be mulled wine and hot chocolate with marshmallows etc.

We will be singing all the favourite carols.

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

Come along and join us!

Meriden Rotary Club Santa Sleigh Collections 2022 Once again Santa will be touring Meriden just to check his routes for the big night and to receive any last-minute requests from girls and boys. He will be in Millison’s Wood on Monday the 5th December and in Meriden on Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th December. His actual routes in Meriden will be slightly different from those he has followed in past years. As usual the money you so generously donate will go to our President’s charity, which this year is Debra (www.debra.org.uk) and other Rotary charities.

Monday 5th December Millison’s Wood Start – Albert Road Grace Road On to Bonneville Close Olympus Drive Daytona Drive Armana Drive Luxor Lane James Dawson Drive Main Road (finishing just beyond the shops.

Wednesday 7th December Start - Maxstoke Lane Wyatt Way Letitia Avenue Jubilee Close On to Main Road Strawberry Fields Glovers Close Waterfall Close Main Road Old Road Finishing at the Queens Head

Thursday 8th December Start - Archery Road Fillongley Road Kittermaster Road Highfield Road Fillongley Road Alspath Road Fairfield Rise The Croft On to Leys Lane Centenary Drive Mons Avenue Leys Lane Fillongley Road finishing at the bridge

Santa will start his journeys around the village to meet you all at 5.45pm each evening and by 8.00pm he will be on his way back to the North Pole

PUZZLE PAGE – No. 14 WORD CHAIN Place the groups of letters listed below into the boxes to form a chain of words, so that each box makes a word when paired up with the next box.

SHORT CODE

LETTERS

Thin Rope

We hope that you enjoy doing these puzzles. If you want the answers, just email me chrisbannister56@aol .com If you can offer any puzzles please send them to me.

Thanks.

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 Once again we are fast approaching Christmas and the usual two festive discussions take place in our household – What will the John Lewis advert be like this year? and ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas film – yes or no? Yes of course!

Well, the only reason ‘Die Hard’ is ever considered to be a Christmas film is because it takes place at Christmas, but the content of the film has nothing to do with Christmas; and this year John Lewis has said it will cut back on its advertising due to the cost of living crisis…so there, that ends those discussions.

The truth is, much of what is talked about and discussed at Christmas has very little, if anything, to do with the true story of Christmas - that God, in his love for all humanity, left the glory of heaven to come and dwell with us. He was born as a baby and given the name Jesus, humble and obedient as he served those around him - showing us through his life on earth, the way to live our lives.

Jesus can be so easily pushed out of Christmas, yet the hope and the joy and the peace that Jesus brings shines out into the darkness of these times. Jesus, as the Light of the world, has never been overcome by the darkness, and at this time, when there is so much darkness around, knowledge of his Presence which is peace, is a source of comfort and hope.

I would like to invite you to come and hear more about Jesus at our services over Christmas. On 18th December we will be having a Carol Service at 4 pm and on Christmas Day the service will be at 10 am. Carols on the Green are taking place on 17th December at 5 pm. We will also be having our Christmas Quiz Supper Club on 9th December at 7 pm – please let Mary Warr know or myself for catering purposes, and then come and join in the fun.

Jesus – Emmanuel, God with us. This is the true reason for the season. The angels declared the good news for all people when Jesus was born – ‘glory to God and peace on earth’. May you know the peace of the Lord this Christmas and in 2023 – the peace which comes from his Presence. With love Jane

Dates for your diary 9th December - Supper Club Christmas Quiz 7.00pm th 17 December - Carols on the Green 5.00pm 18th December - Carol Service 4.00pm Christmas Day - Service 10.00am

Methodist Church open for lunch and warm space

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day. The lunch is free but if you would like to make a donation then there will be the opportunity to do so.

We look forward to seeing you on future Wednesdays

THE ALAN LOLE MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT CHRISTMAS RAFFLE www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk There will be a prize draw in December which Pat Smith is kindly organising. You can buy raffle tickets now by going to www.justgiving.com and searching for Meriden Tree of Thought. The Christmas raffle site will then be shown and your donations will be converted to raffle tickets.

Tickets are £1 each or 5 for £4. There are currently over 26 great prizes. The raffle will be drawn at 2.00pm on 18th December.

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 GPs Dr.A Omokanye, Dr A Blaggan Dr N Hudders Dr.I Khan

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 VACCINACOTION UPDATE The Government have confirmed that the following people will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine this autumn.

Vaccinations at the surgery began early October 2022: • Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults • Frontline health and social care workers • All adults aged 50 years and over • Persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group • Persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression • Persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers, The practice will be giving flu vaccinations at the same time as the COVID vaccination.

Please do not contact the Practice to arrange your vaccinations, the Practice will be contacting all patients in the above groups to arrange your appointment.

Please understand that we have over 6000 patients to vaccinate and therefore ask for your patience during this very busy time.

If you have a question regarding your vaccination please email: nhsbsolicb.balsall.covid@nhs.net Unfortunately, we will not be able to arrange vaccination appointments from these emails, please wait for the Practice to contact you.

GOODBYE Unfortunately, the Practice has had to say goodbye to some of our staff members: Lucy – Medical Secretary Michelle – Health Care Assistant Dr Manickam – Salaried GP Rosy – Practice Nurse We would like to wish them all the very best in their future roles and Rosy’s retirement.

WELCOME The Practice would like to welcome the following new staff members, Vanessa – Medical Secretary Helena – Receptionist/Administrator Dr I Khan – Salaried GP Dr Khan will be in Practice Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays CHANGES TO OUR APPOINTMENT BOOKING We now offer all urgent on the day appointments as face-to-face appointments.

All appointments are to be booked via telephone only.

Telephone appointments are available as a pre-bookable option; however, these are now unable to be scheduled as an urgent on the day appointment option.

General Practices are open and we are here for you when you need us.

To keep you and everyone safe appointments are being triaged, this helps us to give you the correct type of appointment that you need whether that is for patients to be seen in person, a telephone consultation, video consultation or advice from your local Pharmacy.

We are continuing to follow all National Guidelines that are provided for all GP Practices across the UK along with the ever-changing COVID 19 regulations.

We are continuing to encourage our face covering policy, this is to continue to protect our Staff and visitors that are attending the Practice.

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

HURLEY MOTORCYCLES MOTORCYCLE MOT TESTING 01827 872489 East House Farm Hurley Lane Hurley Warwickshire CV9 2GY BALSALL COMMON U3A Thursday 1st December – “The Harvesters Appalachian Music”. A Talk by I Hartland. th

Thursday 5 January – “Shelterbox”.

A talk by Iain Wilson.

Thursday 2nd February – “History of Stourbridge Glass”. A talk by Kate Round.

All meetings are held in St. Peter’s Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common at 2pm.

There is no charge and prospective members are always 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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CAMEO – Come and Meet Each Other What we’ve been up to.

In August, we had our meal at The Queens Head, which was enjoyed by all. On the right, are just a couple of the pictures taken at the event.

In September, we had Stephanie and Ken Sherlock tell us of their exploits in New Zealand. As usual their talk was a treat. Ken makes his talks really interesting as he takes you along with him on his and Stephanie’s journey. His pictures are a delight and really show you the countryside and its wildlife which is of much interest to Ken. It was a truly entertaining afternoon and was very well attended.

They did have a four day stop-over in Bangkok which we are all very interested to hear about so another talk is probably needed, with pictures of course.

In October, Larry Watson gave us a talk entitled “The Sixties, Coventry and Me “, a nostalgic look back to living in Coventry at that time. A lot of us could relate to that time and found it full of our own memories.

We meet at the Village Hall, usually on the 4th Friday of each month at 2 – 4 pm Please contact Joan Tel: 01676 522666 for more information. Everyone is very welcome.

Winter Meetings are planned as follows: December 9th – note the earlier than usual date. Well, Christmas will soon be here again. How this year has flown!

For our Christmas meeting, the local choir, Simply Purple, is coming to entertain us again. We will have Christmas fayre for refreshments and of course the Christmas raffle draw. Good luck to all who have bought raffle tickets.

January 27th - Midlands Legal Services, a specialist willwriting company will be coming to talk to us about what they do and I for one will be very interested. I am sure they will answer any questions you may wish to ask.

February 24th - We are having a Quiz Meeting. This is always enjoyed by all of us.

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Sicily.Starring StarringColin ColinFirth, Firth,Matthew MatthewMacfadyen Macfadyenand andPenelope Penelope Wilton Wiltonthis thisisisa agood goodsolid solidspy spymovie movie– –perfect perfectfor fora awinter’s winter’sevening.” evening.”

Sat Sat18 18ththFeb Feb––“Where “Wherethe theCrawdads CrawdadsSing Sing” ”(12A) (12A) This Thisthought-provoking thought-provokingstory, story,based basedononthe thenovel novelbybyDelia DeliaOwens, Owens,tells tellsthe the story storyofofKya Kya(Daisy (DaisyEdgar-Jones) Edgar-Jones)a ayoung younggirl girlabandoned abandonedbybya adysfunctional dysfunctional family familyinina ashack shackininthe themarshes marshesofofNorth NorthCarolina.

Carolina.Kya Kyaevades evadesschool schooland and raises raisesherself herselfininthis thisdangerous dangerousenvironment environmentand andisisshunned shunnedbybythe thelocal local community communityasasbeing beingwild wildand andunpredictable. unpredictable.AsAsshe shematures, matures,she shebecomes becomes drawn drawntototwo twoyoung youngmen menfrom fromthe thenearby nearbytown, town,opening openingherself herselftotoa anew new and andstartling startlingworld. world.However, However,when whenone oneofofthem themisisfound founddead deadshe she becomes becomesa asuspect suspectininhis hismurder murderand anda agripping grippingmystery mysteryunfolds. unfolds.Those Thosewho who have haveread readthe thebook bookare aresure suretotowant wanttotosee seethe thefilm filmbut butplease, please,nonospoilers spoilers for forthose thosefilm-goers film-goerswho whohave havenot! not!

Tickets Tickets(£6.00) (£6.00)are areavailable available from fromChris ChrisCopper Copperby by:-:Telephone Telephone- -01676 01676522645 522645 Message Message- -07721 07721342127 342127oror Email Email- chriscopper42@me.com chriscopper42@me.com

Firebird Singers Update We have had a very busy few months since our last update.

We performed a very successful, well attended, concert at the Manor Hotel on Sunday 18th September. Then on Saturday 24th September we held a MacMillan Coffee morning at the Village Hall, raising £410 for this very worthy cause. £155 of this was from the sale of Malcolm’s bird feeders/boxes (see photos).

We hope to see you all at our Christmas Concert, again at the Manor Hotel, on Sunday 11th December. We will be accompanied by a show band, have many soloists and a grand Christmas raffle. Our chosen charity for this season is Coventry & Warwickshire ‘MIND’ Please see our advert on the events page of this Mag, and come along and support us.

Fabulous Firebirds!

On Sunday 4th October, Andrew our musical director and one of our members, Abbie, both ran Marathons! Andrew competed in the Chester Marathon, and Abbie was privileged to be able to take part in the prestigious London Marathon

Abbie Abbieran ranthe theLondon LondonMarathon Marathon for Kidney Research Research UK UK in in memory memoryof ofher herdad. dad.Originally Originally due to run in April April 2020, 2020, she she was wasvery veryhappy happyto tofinally finally join join Team Team Kidney at the the start start line. line.

Abbie Abbiesays saysthe theatmosphere atmosphere and and support was incredible incredible -the thecrowds crowdsand andmarshals marshals were were cheering; bands were were playing playingininthe thestreets streetsand and runners runners were checking checking in in on on each each other other- -and andititwas wasaaday day she she will will never forget. Her Her dad, dad, every everyother otherkidney kidneywarrior warrior and and everyone's generosity generosity and and support supporthave havespurred spurred her her on on in in training and across across the the finish finishline. line.Abbie Abbiehas hasraised raised over over £4000 and is incredibly incredibly grateful gratefulfor forevery everysingle single donation. donation. You can read more more about aboutAbbie's Abbie'sstory story atathttps://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/kidney-researchhttps://donate.givetap.co.uk/f/kidney-researchuk/london-marathon-2022/abbies-london-marathon-2022uk/london-marathon-2022/abbies-london-marathon-2022for-kidney-research-uk. for-kidney-research-uk.

Andrew Andrewcompleting completingthe theChester Chester Marathon Marathon Andrew Andrewbegan beganrunning runninginin2018, 2018,spurred spurred onon byby hishis friend friend Vicky Vicky Clayton.

Clayton.They Theyboth bothcompleted completeda aParkrun Parkrun challenge challenge over over that that year yearrunning running12 12different differentcourses coursesfor forcharity. charity.

During During this this time, time, Andrew Andrewgot gotthe the‘bug’ ‘bug’and andran ranmore moreand and more more often! often!

ToTo date, date, hehe has hascompleted completedaanumber numberofof5k, 5k,10k 10kand and half half marathon marathon runs runs as as well wellas astwo twofull fullmarathons! marathons!He Hehas hasalso also completed completed hishis running running leader leadertraining trainingwith withUK UKAthletics Athleticsenabling enabling him him toto lead lead others others and andhelp helpthem themachieve achievetheir theirrunning runninggoals! goals!

We Werehearse rehearsemost mostFriday Fridayevenings eveningsatatMeriden Meriden Village Village Hall Hall 7.00 7.00until until9.00pm 9.00pmand andperform performthree threeconcerts concerts each each year year atatthe theManor ManorHotel.

Hotel.

New Newmembers membersare arealways alwayswelcome welcomeplease please contact contact Val Val01676 01676522 522963 963ororAnna Anna07792525999 07792525999

Contact numbers Sue 01676 522540 Carol 01676 522888

Email MeridenCRUK@gmail.com Season’s Greetings from Sue, Carol and the Meriden Committee!

After an unseasonably warm Autumn and a red-hot political situation unfolding before our eyes, the pantomime season approaches! Collectively, we now prepare for a cooler Christmas, with thermostats turned down and our thermals pulled up! Welcome to our winter contribution to the wonderful Meriden Mag! Our September trip to Lichfield and then onwards to see Lesley Smith at Tutbury castle was as good as ever. In between glorious sunshine and blustery showers, Lesley took the guise of Nell Gwynne and gave us an insight into her life’s ups and downs! More recently, we can report that our “In the Pink & Blue” fundraiser, at the Manor Hotel, where this time Lesley took on the heavyweight mantle of Elizabeth I, was also a great success. Her crowd enthralling characterisation, the raffle and the beautiful craft stalls raised just over £3,100 for our chosen charity. Thanks to Lesley, the Manor Hotel and their staff, our stallholders and of course all of you who continue to buy tickets and support us. The event saw the reappearance of a wide range of seasonal knitted and crocheted items and, at the time of going to press, we still have some available so if you fancy a snowman or Santa, rocking robin or plum pudding, give Sue or Carol a call!

As we said previously, Meriden’s fundraising activity for CRUK and its predecessors dates back to 1952 and has involved many raffles. Looking back through our records has unearthed some interesting and unexpected prizes! For example, a prize donor in 1952 offered 50 cigarettes to our cause! Perhaps they had just given up? Amongst the prize donations in 1954 were 2 pairs of nylon stockings and a dressed fowl from a local farmer - two separate donors we believe! By 1958, two donations of 150 and 50 cigarettes were received. Perhaps by then the dangers of smoking and lung cancer were becoming more widely understood? In the UK currently around 34,800 people die from lung cancer every year, contributing to 21% of all cancer deaths (based on figures from 2017-2019). Your continuing support helps CRUK develop kinder and more effective treatments for this and all other cancers.

Our last event of 2022 will be held at the Heart of England Social Club on Saturday 10th December, doors open at 7.30pm. It will feature live entertainment from “XS”, an award-winning local duo and a bumper raffle. Tickets for this popular event are £10 each and available through Sue, Carol, all members of the committee and from the Club.

See poster on events page of the Mag. Next July will see the return of Meriden Open Gardens. If you are interested in opening your garden and supporting us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Any type, size or style of garden, whether you’re an old hand or a newbie, everyone is welcome. If you would in this, or any of our other fundraising activities, like to be involved, Sue or Carol would love to hear from you. In the meantime, we hope you have a great Christmas and look forward to seeing you in 2023.

Heart of England Aeromodellers Model Aeroplane Flying Club in Meriden.

You can find us on Maxstoke Lane (see map on the right). We are always keen to recruit new members. 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.

Terry Dingley

Meriden Women’s Institute 1918 – 2022

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The WI has been part of the Meriden Community Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month since 1918. As part of the WI, you will learn new 7:30pm at Meriden Village Hall, Main Road CV7 7NG skills, forge friendships and make a difference in your community by joining the largest women’s organisation in Winter meeting plan is:the U.K. Whatever your reason for joining, we offer all kinds of opportunities: a chance to meet people, catch up with friends, learn 5th Dec – Christmas Party valuable life skills or help your community through WI campaigns.

9th Jan – Seated exercise with The Meriden WI has been very busy over the past few months and Jacqui Fisher and Annual we now have a regular book club session at the Meriden Library Resolution discussion with ‘Dracula’, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘the Dutch House’ on the 6th Feb – Farming by Charlie Beaty current reading list. Once a month, the ladies meet for a Darts session and would welcome setting up some matches with other For more information, please contact us local ladies teams. The lunch club is well attended with the via email meridenwi@hotmail.com or December lunch at the Manor Hotel and the Store and Stove in call Samm Bain on 07739 972046 or Berkswell already booked. Monthly rambles and walks in our Della Mannix on 07920 014909 beautiful country side continue through Autumn into Winter.

Playing darts at the Heart of England Social Club

With the Mayor of Solihull

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Tuesday open atOpening 10.00am hours:Normal offers Normal Opening hours: MondayWednesday Closed Tuesday Opens- at 10am and 9.00 - 6.00 We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Monday Thursday Closed9.00Tuesday Opens at 10am available 9.00 clientele for their ongoing support.

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Like the rest of the world the Scout Association lost a very special lady in September. The Queen was our national patron.

All in Scouting will miss her longstanding support.

1st Meriden Beavers Since our return to Beavers in September we have seen quite a few changes to our Colony.

Both our Young Leaders have unfortunately moved on, Skye due to college commitments and Phoebe to start university. We’ve also had several Beavers move up to Cubs and, therefore, several new members join us. It’s all very exciting!

We recently had an Investiture, led by Group Scout Leader Gerry Russell, for some of our new starters. The children made their Promise and received neckers and membership badges in a ceremony witnessed by the rest of the Colony and their families. In November we’ll have another Investiture for our newest members.

Over the next couple of months, we will be working towards earning various Activity Badges and Challenge Awards.

We’ll also be taking part in some fund raising and social activities with the Cubs and Scouts and playing our part in observing Remembrance Day in the village.

Having lost our Young Leaders, we are now down to two uniformed leaders at Beavers and reliant on parent helpers. If you would be interested in joining the Scouting Movement and becoming a Beaver Leader, do please get in touch with me or Gerry.

Eleanor 1st Meriden Cubs September arrives and suddenly we have seven new arrivals to the pack and they all decide to stay! The summer months left us with memories of kayaking, camping and walks around our beautiful surroundings, so autumn moves us onto conkers and a visit to Canley Fire Station courtesy of White Watch.

We covered our Fire Safety badge, learning how to keep our homes safe, (always close your kitchen door before you go to sleep, as most fires start from faulty electrical equipment and a closed door will give you 20mins to escape and top tip number two, making sure our smoke detectors are all working by checking them every month).

The Cubs were shown around the station and the Gaffer did a mock up shout to simulate a real call out. Dan was able to try a full uniform on then realised not such a good idea as his body temperature rocketed, and he had a very heavy feeling due to the weight of the uniform. We then were shown around the fire engine and learnt what and why they carried so much whilst being allowed to scramble up into the cab. But apparently the wow factor was playing with the hoses and trying to tip over a cone ten metres away, I say apparently, the leaders were allowed to play and I agree with my Cubs, wow!

Oct will bring our ‘Smartie’ challenge where every Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer are given a packet of Smarties and in return they are asked to do a small job for a small fee. Once they have done their best, monies are all collected and shared between the hut restoration fund and St Laurence’s Church wall restoration.

November the 3rd was the group’s Bonfire fundraiser. Hog rolls and hot drinks were on sale along with fun and games for the youngsters, a lovely chance to get the whole group together for the night. Friends, family, and villagers, were welcome to come along the more the merrier to help raise much needed funds for the group.

Lynda.

1st Meriden Scout Troop The Meriden Scout Troop continues to offer a wide range of opportunities and experiences for 11- to 14-year-old boys and girls. The Troop meet on a weekly basis.

Over the recent months several new Scouts have moved into the Troop from the Cub Scout Pack. The Scouts have undertaken training to enable them to achieve badges and awards. Amongst the activities they have recently taken part in, there have been Night Hikes around the village, experienced canoeing with a local canoe club, and practised their indoor and outdoor cooking skills. While in November there was the annual bonfire on Thursday 3rd, this year with a medieval theme, then the annual Remembrance Service on Sunday 13th and a visit to the Solihull Council House on the 22nd.

The Scouts meet on Tuesday evenings at the Meriden Scout Group Headquarters.

Beavers: Boys and girls aged 6 - 8 Monday evening 6.30-7.30 Cubs Scouts: Boys and Girls aged 8 - 10.5 Thursday evening Scouts: Boys and Girls aged 10.5 – 14 Tuesday evening 7.00- 9.00.pm Explorer Scouts: Male and Female aged 14 - 18 Monday evening 7.45- 9.45 Please email 1stmeridenscouts@gmail.com for more information

COMMUNITY SURGERIES

The Parish Council, accompanied by representatives from NPT Solihull Rurals (Police Team), Bromford Housing and Solihull MBC Community Development will be hosting several joint community surgeries.

Venue: The Pavilion, Meriden Sports Park.

Come and meet your +

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Rural Policing Team, who will be happy to discuss your concerns, issues and worries, privately and with anonymity; Neighbourhood Coach (Bromford), your first point of contact for queries relating to your home, tenancy and your community; Community Development Support Officer, who can provide signposting, support, advice and work closely with communities and community groups.

Surgery dates 22nd November 2022 14.00-15.00 14th December 2022 18.00-19.00 11th January 2023 16.00-17.00

COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH

Meriden’s trained Speed Watch volunteers are supported by West Midlands Police, organising concerned, proactive community volunteers’ involvement in road safety. The scheme enables volunteers to work within their community to raise the awareness of the dangers of speeding and help control the problem locally. To date, 150 speeding motorists have been caught! More volunteers needed.

Please feel free to drop in for a chat, advice or an update on current issues, with those who can provide assistance to you.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic QEHB Plus - University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

YOUR LOCAL PARISH COUNCIL NEEDS YOU! ELECTIONS MAY 2023 MAKE A CHANGE - BECOME A PARISH COUNCILLOR Covid Vaccine Clinics were set up at Meriden + Are you passionate about your Sports Park on Friday 28th October for 12-15 year community? olds and Saturday 29th October for over 50s. + Do you want to make a long-lasting This initiative was brokered by the Parish Council change? and was very successful. + Do you have innovative ideas for the Council?

The SVOC operations manager commented “we only did a handful of 12-15 year olds on Friday + Influence decisions for the benefit of the but we did 120 over 50s on Saturday for autumn people you serve. boosters, which is a very good return”.

We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect their community to put Due to the success of the Covid Clinics, a future themselves forward for election. date is to be scheduled.

To find out more contact the Clerk.

Should you wish to contact the Parish Council, please contact the Clerk to have a private chat to address local community issues or visit our website where you can access a wealth of information.

Clerk: Barbara Bland, 55 James Dawson Drive, Millison’s Wood, Coventry, CV5 9QJ T: 01676 522474 M: 07767 162423 E: clerk@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

FUTURE LITTER PICKS Meet at the Sports Park and equipment will be issued on arrival

Saturday 26th November 2022 @ 11 am Saturday 17th December 2022 @ 11 am January to be advised

FILLONGLEY ROAD BRIDGE

UPDATES THANK YOU Thank you to all the litter pickers who are helping to keep the village litter free, clean, and environmentally friendly! Congratulations to our Duke of Edinburgh volunteer achievers. Well Done!

WARM HUB Warm Hub launches “hot lunches” on 1st November. Anyone is welcome to pop in for a cuppa and a chat every Tuesday 10.30 to 13.00 in the Pavilion at the Sports Park and stay for lunch for a small donation. Any resident, any age is welcome.

Volunteers needed please contact Barbara Bland.

TRANSPORT The Parish Council continues to engage with TfWM continually raising community needs for transport.

TfWM have committed to continuing the 89 service until the end of December, but it is not viable to sustain in the long term. Ward Councillors and the Parish Council are suggesting the new “On Demand” service is extended and made more user friendly, and lobbying continues for the “ring and ride” scheme for Meriden. TfWM assure residents that other bus services in Meriden and Millison’s Wood

will continue.

Work continues to replace the Fillongley Road bridge.

The actual opening date has been in a state of flux recently as SMBC have overcome a few issues with the highway reconstruction and drainage so the completion date of 8th November looks like it might now be early December. We are awaiting the next programme to confirm. Once this is finalised, residents will be advised of the re-opening of Fillongley Road and bridge.

SMBC have also received resident concerns and queries asking about the repairs to the verges on the diversion route. For information SMBC Highways will be looking to undertake these repairs but not until the spring 2023 as it will likely be abortive works to undertake sooner. A rolling programme of road repairs to the diversion route has been carried out as road defects are identified. The verges will be inspected once the Fillongley Road has reopened, and the necessary repairs and reseeding work will be undertaken.

Separately, a drop-in session at the end of the project will be arranged for residents to see and understand the scale of the work. We appreciate the bridge replacement has been disruptive, but we are pleased it is nearing completion.

MERIDEN POOL After the vandalism of the Parish noticeboard sited at the Pool, insurance has now settled the claim and a new noticeboard ordered with installation scheduled end December/early January. Reports received from concerned residents regarding the injury to the puddle duck were detailed to SMBC Rangers who attended the site. The puddle duck was observed, and the decision made not to remove the wildfowl to the Heronfield Rescue Centre in Knowle increasing its distress, as the neck wound had started to heal. It is suspected that the puddle duck was attacked by the terrapins that inhabit the Pool. However, SMBC and the Parish Council take on board local community suggestions for “Dogs to be kept on leads at all times” signage to be erected at the Pool site. Can all dog owners please observe the guidance for wildlife habitat, keeping dogs on leads.

From Left to Right: Cllr R Weaver BEM (Chair), Cllr J Barber (Vice-Chair), Cllr A Eburne, Cllr J Hughes

VACANCY

From left to right: Cllr M Woollard, Cllr C Smith, Cllr M Eggar If interested in filling our vacancy, please contact the clerk.

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

Happy Christmas!

Winter Service Details Date 4th Dec 11th Dec

18th Dec 24th Dec 25th Dec

1st Jan 8th Jan

th

15 Jan 22nd Jan 29th Jan 5th Feb 12th Feb

19th Feb 26th Feb

Service Holy Communion* Joint Service at Meriden Methodist Church Holy Communion* Holy Communion* at 11pm Joint Service at Meriden Methodist Church at 10am Holy Communion* Joint Service at Meriden Methodist Church Holy Communion* Joint Service Baptism Service Holy Communion* Joint Service at Meriden Methodist Church Holy Communion* Joint Service

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

Please check the web site.

For any enquiries about Baptisms and Weddings, or pastoral needs, please contact the church warden: Carol Clarke 07500 700679 churchwarden.meriden @gmail.com

But it’s not a real Christmas unless you have all these things, is it? (one point for each one you do!).

A) A great big roast turkey dinner.

B) Loads of presents.

C) Too much to drink.

D) Christmas cake.

E) Watch ‘Love Actually’ again.

F) Christmas pudding flaming with brandy.

G) Brand new baubles, a new style! for the tree.

H) Italian panettone.

I) Loads of twinkling lights on the front of the house.

J) Far too much Baileys (!).

K) Sprouts (never mind).

L) Remember that Jesus was born a baby, grew to be a man, taught his people, and through them, us; gave himself up to crucifixion, died and came back from death, proving our salvation from the power of sin and death, and through all this gave us the true inspiration to proper living in loving care of all we meet.

I’d recommend not wasting your money on tooooo many of the above, but embrace the last one. It’s free.

Church news: the process of looking for a new minister for Meriden keeps rolling along and we’re really optimistic there’ll be good news soon. Please pray for the right outcome for ministering the Gospel here in Meriden.

Finally, may I and all the people of this Church wish you a very happy and peaceful time at Christmas. It’s another difficult year with new challenges, but even so the gift of Jesus remains the greatest of all.

Jonathan Douglas

Carols on the Green Come and join in the singing of lots of Christmas Carols on Meriden village Green, accompanied by the Bulkington Silver Band, at 5pm on Saturday 17th December. Wrap up warm and bring a torch. Mulled Wine and Hot Chocolate will be available.

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 war-torn countries overseas. Thank You.

Ansley Chimney Sweep

DYSON BLINDS DYSON BLINDS We offer tailored Wemade-to-measure offer tailored made-to-measure blinds for any blinds for any window window solution. solution.

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Black Friday Friday 25th November 2022 Don't miss our Black Friday Deals this year, sign up to our mailing list and you will be able to gain early access to our deals! We have fantastic offers this year from a Wine and Dine Experience in Marco Pierre White’s to a Wedding package!

Christmas Celebrations The Hotel’s Christmas festivities include our magical Party Nights, Breakfast with Santa, Young at Heart, Christmas Day Lunch, Boxing Day Lunch and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Contact us for more details!

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

Message from Saqib Bhatti MP It might be too early to mention Christmas but it is never too early to talk about my Christmas card competition. With hundreds of entries pouring in, and seeing all your amazing artwork, you can see just how much talent there is in the constituency. The Christmas card competition really is the highlight of my year.

On Saturday 22nd October, I had the pleasure of joining Orson Smith, a pupil at Meriden Primary, for a litter pick. He contacted me to highlight the amount of litter on the A45 near Meriden. He also told me he had picked up 35 bags of rubbish in the past year – a fantastic achievement. I cannot commend him enough for his hard work and dedication and I was honoured to join him in Meriden for a litter pick. Hopefully, this was the first of many litter picks with Orson!

I was also thrilled to receive letters from pupils at Meriden Primary on plastic pollution. As a committed environmentalist, discussing how to tackle pollution is something I care deeply about. Protecting our environment is not just about being able to enjoy our surroundings today but it is about ensuring we leave a proud environmental legacy for future generations. I am incredibly heartened to see the pupils plough their passion into fighting pollution and I look forward to discussing how we can all work together in protecting the environment when I visit the school in November.

As you will be aware, if you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills with the Winter Fuel Payment. You will get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you are eligible and either get the State Pension or get another social security benefit.

Pensioner households will also receive an extra £300 this year to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter. This additional one-off payment will go to the over 8 million pensioner households across the UK who receive the Winter Fuel Payment and will be paid on top of any other one-off support a pensioner household is entitled to, for example where they are on pension credit or receive disability benefits. Eligible households currently receive between £200 to £300, so the payment will represent at least double the support for this winter.

If you are of State Pension Age and on a low income, you could qualify for Pension Credit. The average Pension Credit payment is worth more than £3,000 a year and it is possible to qualify even if you own your own home or have savings.

Please do get in touch if you would like any more information about the Winter Fuel Payment and the support on offer from the government.

As you will know, Rishi Sunak is now our Prime Minister. I am delighted to have supported his bid to become leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister. I feel immensely proud of Rishi and the Party at this historic time.

I believe Rishi will bring stability and calm to the nation when we need it most. I will work closely with the new Prime Minister and his team so that we continue to deliver for my constituents.

As ever, I am out and about speaking to residents from across the Meriden constituency throughout the week. If you are not able to catch me, my office is open as usual and we are conducting surgery appointments, so do not hesitate to book a slot. My contact details are below: Best Wishes and stay safe, Saqib Bhatti MBE MP

saqib.bhatti@parliament.uk 0121 711 7029

A campaign to retain a rural bus service connecting Meriden, Balsall Common and Berkswell with Solihull and Coventry has ensured that funding will stay in place until the end of the year.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street recently met with Meriden councillors Diane Howell, Andrew Burrow, and Tony Dicicco, as well as MP Saqib Bhatti and bosses from Transport for the West Midlands, to discuss the future of the number 89 bus – or identify alternative services going forward.

Cllr Howell said: “The meeting was precipitated by the threat to the number 89 bus service, which connects the most rural parts of our area with Balsall Common, where residents can access the railway station, shops, schools, and GPs surgery.

“Essentially, while there are very few passengers that use the service, those who do really need it, live in very isolated parts of those villages.

“It was going to be stopped over the summer, as it is running at a considerable loss, but thanks to our campaign we’ve managed to get the service extended until the end of this year – with its future then being reviewed.

“We are really, really concerned about this, as these are isolated rural areas. We understand the challenge of running public transport in places like this under the current cost model, but if we are going to lose this service, we need to come up with other ways to keep residents connected. “There are children that use that bus to go to Heart of England School, and we know people in Meriden that use it to go to Solihull hospital - these are important journeys.

“That’s what the campaign is all about and that’s what Andy Street is helping us with – because if we do lose that bus, what are we going to give these communities to ensure they stay connected?” the number 89 serves the Meriden Gap, running from Solihull to Coventry and passing through Meriden village, Berkswell and Balsall Common.

The No.89 was originally launched in 2016, operating under subsidy by iGo, to replace the Heart of England Taxibus, which had run since 2004.

Andy Street said: “We had a very positive meeting about this important issue and discussed several ideas, including possibly extending the current indemand bus service, so there are options that we can explore.

“It’s great that, thanks to the campaign, the funding for the Number 89 bus has been ensured until at least the end of the year, when its future will be reviewed again.

“However, it’s important that we look at how we can help residents stay connected going forward, and I’m grateful to local councillors, Saqib Bhatti and Transport for the West Midlands for their input

Stop Press: latest news received 7th November 2022 From Saturday 31st December bus service 89 will no longer operate between Solihull and Coventry via Meriden and Balsall Common.

Transport for West Midlands have had to make this very difficult decision due to low passenger use and the increased cost of providing this service. TfWM would like to thank all those passengers who have used this service and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

There are a number of alternative bus services available for residents living in Meriden; Service X1 - Coventry to Birmingham via Birmingham Airport Service 82 – Coventry to Solihull via Meriden and Hampton-inArden Details on all these services including timetables and maps are available at Find a timetable - West Midlands Network (wmnetwork.co.uk) Residents living in the area can also use the exciting, innovative and fully accessible West Midlands on Demand Services. Further details on this service area available at On-demand buses in the West Midlands | Transport for West Midlands (tfwm.org.uk) or by downloading the

WM On Demand App available on Google Play or iOS or by calling 0345 0348670.

For further details on any of the above please contact TfWM at customerservices@tfwm.org.uk or call 0345 3036760.

Solihull Councillors update (Councillors Howell, Dicicco and Burrow) In addition to working on buses as shown above we are pleased to advise that 1. The green bin service will be extended to run virtually 12 months per year. (There will be a long break over Christmas/New Year). This has been organised to meet residents’ requests given the longer growing seasons we are getting.

2. The Fillongley Road bridge is still on the (revised) schedule to reopen on 2nd December. Thereafter, an assessment will be made of what needs to be done to restore the verges etc on the diversions that were/are in place

Rising Cost of Living: How Solihull Council Can Help Rising fuel and food prices have impacted many residents and the Council have been working hard to develop local support. Between April and September, the Council paid out £1.4 million in Household Support Fund payments to vulnerable residents, assisting them with the cost of food and energy.

Details of all the support available can be found at https://www.solihull.gov.uk/here2help or by calling Solihull Connect on 0121 704 8001 Other Useful Numbers Act on Energy, (working with Solihull Council to provide advice on fuel bills and information on grants for energy saving improvements) Tel: 0800 988 2881 Solihull Council Winter Warmth Campaign, advice and grants to help residents stay warm this winter Tel: 0121 704 8080 Solihull Council Community Advice Hubs, Information & advice on debt and applying for benefits Tel: 0121 709 7590

MERIDEN AGUAFLAME UK

Boiler servicing and repairs Boiler replacements New radiators and valves All plumbing work carried out Fully qualified in Natural Gas and LPG Under floor heating New bathrooms

PROFESSIONAL EXTERIOR WALL CLEANING

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

Hampton Lane CV7 7LT (Just off the island) Fresh eggs/hens and ducks Potatoes Jams, pickles, honey Wild bird seed Logs Open 9.00am – 4.00pm

Closed Sundays Call Steve 07939 117038

Heart of England Social Club BERKSWELL ROAD MERIDEN CV7 7LB. Call Steve on 01676 522430 Bingo every Friday night, first game starts 8.00pm We would like to thank most sincerely Pertemps Meriden Ltd st generous 1 November & every Tuesday 'The Big for their sponsorship off our night Motor7.00pm Neurone Sing Choir' (come & join in).

Details on www.bigCharity Fundraising Night which took place on Friday 11th February.sing.com Details of the night will be put in next edition of 24th & 25th November -'Xmas Fayre' - free entry. the Mag. Thursday 1st December & every Thursday - 'Austin UPCOMING EVENTS Pickles - Country 7.00pm Bingo each Friday Music night, Night' first game starts 8.00pm

Friday 2nd December 'Karaoke Night’night, 7.30pm, th Friday 18 March St Patricks Karaoke freefree entry entry in the bar. th Saturday 10 December -'Cancer Research' Friday 25th March, Cancer Research Charity Night & Fundraising Charity Night. 7.30pm Fish & Chip Supper.

Saturdayth17th December - 'Family Xmas Party' - Tickets Sunday 17 April, Easter Egg Hunt & Family £3. adults - £2 children. 7.00pm Entertainment.

Xmas Eve -th'Music Entertainment Night' with - 'Two Saturday 14 May, Big Screen Horse Racing Night & Left Feet'- free entry 7.30pm Other Newentertainment Year's Eve 'Party£2.00 Night' (adults only) with Paul Room Hire: Book your special event,7.00pm party or meeting in our Shakespeare - tickets £5.00function room. We offer *Room Dressing* Catering* and Entertainment * Call our friendly staff TAKEN for details to view ROOM HIRE BOOKINGS NOW BEING FORor PRIVATE

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

PARTIESFOR–MORE ON 01676 522430 *Follow CALL us onSTEVE Facebook HeartINFO of England Social Club*

Lovely safe outside space

Visit our web site, www.meridenrotary.org.uk for more information or contact Jane Maugham (Club Secretary) by telephoning / texting 07905 377515 or email her at mrcsecretary79@gmail.com.

Here we are a third of the way through my year as President and I have to say how much I have enjoyed it so far. I need to thank David Burton for the varied and interesting speakers he is so good at arranging. The recent presentation by Malcolm Leonard about a club visit to the Houses of Parliament and Greenwich brought back good memories of that day. Thank you to David Burton for organising a very enjoyable day which ran like clockwork.

Thanks to Geoff Arthur, we have strengthened our ties with Meriden Church of England Primary School who are taking part in Rotary Young Writer and Young Artist competitions. We send them good luck and wish them well. These are just two of several competitions which Rotary organise.

It has been confirmed that the National Rotary event, ‘Kids Out Day’, will take place in 2023 and again we will be able to send students from Woodlands School in Coleshill which is to be held at Drayton Manor Park.

We are also arranging for a team from Woodlands School to enter the Rotary District 1060 Festival of Football, which they won last year.

Thank you to Pankaj Wara for arranging a social evening at Pavarotti’s Italian restaurant. It was a great success with a large attendance and delicious food.

The social visit to Eindhoven in the Netherlands was most enjoyable. We met members from the Rotary Club of EindhovenKempenland who looked after us extremely well and we look forward to their reciprocal visit in the Spring of 2024.

The social evening supporting Troop Aid charity was a great evening with good food and fellowship.

We have extended the food collections and now have new partners who are benefitting from our initial work. The Salvation Army are collecting from Aldi in Coventry twice a week and Kingshurst volunteers are collecting from Aldi in Coleshill three times a week for the food bank in Chelmsley Wood. We are still collecting from Aldi for the Junk Food Project.

The Santa Fun Run around Packington Estate is now organised (please see advert on the back cover of the Mag) and we hope to attract a good number to participate and raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Santa Sleigh has been checked over and the “Reindeer” are chomping at the bit to take to the streets.

It goes without saying a Rotary Club would not work without a team, I would like to thank Vice President Malcolm Leonard, Secretary Jane Maugham, Treasurer Steve Allcock and Attendance officer, Phil Pardoe, who deals with this thankless task smoothly and patiently. I would also like to show my gratitude to committee chairs who make events appear seamless.

If you would like to come along to one of our regular meetings, enjoy a meal at the Manor Hotel and meet the members, you would be most welcome.

Phil Hughes President 2022-2023

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch – Meriden Methodist Church Hall Principals Jennifer and Samantha Faulkner F.I.D.T.A B.A.Hons.

Fellowship Teaching Degree Dip A.B.R.S.M.

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

Aged 2 ½ years upwards Opportunities to get involved with shows, performances and exams

We are taking enquiries now for new children at our Meriden Branch. Have a look at all we do at www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk Email ormedance@gmail.com

ORME DANCE ADULT CLASSES Meriden Methodist Church Hall Beginners Tap – Mondays at 7:15pm Any age, shape or 2 left feet. Everyone is very welcome.

You just need a big smile and a good sense of humour!!!

Mellow Movers – Mondays at 8pm Classical ballet class full of beautiful movement and easy to access steps for all. Great for muscle strength and flexibility.

02475 313216 or sandraclarke.orme@outlook.com

Lucy Ball would like to thank all the kind people who donated a Christmas shoebox to the Team4U charity.

29 boxes went from Meriden and this year many of them will be sent to Ukraine and given to children who would otherwise get no Christmas presents.

Dancers from The Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch took to the stage in June and showcased dances from musicals such as The Lion King, Jungle Book, and classics from Bugsy Malone.

Showtime ’22 was a huge success and a welcome return to the stage after COVID-19 having interrupted such performances.

The dancers also managed to raise over £500 during the event on the raffle and refreshments, which went to the NSPCC. Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more about what we can offer at The Meriden Branch at The Orme School of Dancing – www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk

Santa’s Grotto c/o The Rotary Club of Meriden www.meridenrotary.org Facebook: Meriden Rotary Club UK Dear children The Rotary Club of Meriden is arranging for you to write a letter to Santa and receive a reply. Tell Santa your wishes for Christmas and in your letter include the following Your name Your School and age year group Your age What are your hobbies?

What have you achieved at school, at home in sport, music, art, dance etc?

Have you been good this year?

Anything else you would like to include in your letter What would you like Santa to bring you for Christmas?

Schools which will take part are Meriden Primary School, to date. We are hoping for more local schools to join in This is a free service, but my friends in Meriden Rotary Club have set up a VIRGIN MONEY JUST GIVING PAGE (details will be on the Rotary club’s web site and Facebook page) if you would like to donate to Rotary Charities and the President’s Charity, Debra UK. You can also send a donation by cheque, included in your letter, payable to the Rotary Club of Meriden.

There will be a Santa sack at your school for you to put your letter in. Letters will be collected on Friday 2nd December. And your reply will be at your school before the end of term I look forward to hearing from you and your family. Best Wishes and a Very Happy Christmas

Santa

WALKING PAGE

Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Rich Copland for this lovely walk and photos.

Exploring the Ash Brook and up to Millison’s Wood Meriden is traditionally recognised as the centre of England. Another geographical claim to fame is the ridge of high ground that separates the Trent and Severn River catchment areas. This boundary runs through Meriden, just to the west of Millison’s Wood. Rainfall on the Birmingham side of this ridge drains into tributaries of the River Trent and eventually runs out into the North Sea. Rain on the Coventry side of the ridge is collected locally by the River Sherbourne’s tributaries. This flows down to the Warwickshire Avon, joining the Severn at Tewkesbury, and then on to the Bristol Channel and out into the Celtic Sea. In recent years I’ve walked most of the accessible stretches of the River Sherbourne’s tributaries. This walk follows two of those watercourses; the Pickford Brook and the Ash Brook. These form wildlife corridors; connecting ponds, marsh, and woodland habitats.

Along this route are attractive stretches of clear water streams, together with countryside that is typical of the Ancient Arden landscape. The local geological features of sandstone, clay and gravel are revealed along the course of the Ash Brook. The fields are bounded by hedges, many of which are banked and include veteran oak trees.

Ash Brook

We begin the walk near the One Stop supermarket car park at Allesley Green.

(The X1 bus will get you there.) Follow the nearby footpath signpost on Woodbridge Avenue and walk upstream alongside the Pickford Brook. Listen out for the bright twittering calls from flocks of Goldfinches in the streamside trees. Beyond the children’s play area, a metal gate opens on to arable farmland, with the signed footpath running straight ahead across two fields. The brook now flows just beyond the hedgerow on the golf course.

Buzzards will usually be about, soaring in circles. Green Woodpeckers visit the golf course, hunting for ants in the grassland. Continue to the sandstone bridge that takes the footpath over the Ash Brook, near to where it divides from Pickford Brook. A long slender meadow now flanks the water. There are usually a few Sticklebacks darting about in deeper pools.

Moisture loving mosses, liverworts and ferns thrive along the damp shady banks. A lot of the stream’s route has been straightened over the centuries, but we now reach a natural stretch where it snakes sinuously. Alder trees line the banks. In the late winter mixed flocks of Siskins and Redpolls feed acrobatically on the dark Alder cones. Much of this area has had its Green Belt status removed to allow for housing development. One public right of way has already been blocked, making it necessary to do a detour onto roads. Cross the brook and follow the footpath on its south-west route. Above these open fields Skylarks sing, even during the early months of the year. On reaching the houses, turn left onto Upper Eastern Green Lane. At the junction turn left again onto Pickford Green Lane. Fingers crossed … there may be a Yellowhammer or Reed Bunting perched along the roadside hedge tops. Opposite Brook Farm, re-join the public footpath which connects again with Ash Brook. Here it is a straight culvert, with coarse vegetation along its banks. Little Egrets are elegant visitors, hunting for small fry where there is enough water. Much of this area was part of the medieval open field system which was enclosed around 1650. Many hedgerows were subsequently removed in the last century to create the larger fields we see today. Pickford Grange Farmhouse, a timber framed listed building, lies in the centre of this area and dates to the 16th century or earlier and is typical of a Warwickshire Arden farmstead. The footpath then veers away from the brook. However, just at the edge of Millison’s Wood there is a left turn to nearby Spring Wood … and the pool that is the source of Ash Brook. Whilst sheltering at this woodland edge, I once watched a fox leaping after a field mouse.

Rich Copland

Arden landscape beside the Ash Brook

Green woodpecker hunting for ants

Little Egret

Fox leaping after a mouse

The Accession, Coronation and end of Elizabeth II’s Reign 1952-2022 The Shaftes Springe (Memories of these times by our local historian, Doreen Agutter, MBE) It is hard to believe that the second Elizabethan Age is over. I remember standing outside my original home in Meriden, on the accession of the new Queen in February 1952, thinking with excitement ‘I am a new Elizabethan’. I was 14 years old and already a keen historian. On the morning of 6 February 1952, I had been woken as usual by Dad with a cup of tea at about 6am, and was soon up to begin my long journey to school. I never ate any breakfast but made myself a sandwich usually of pig’s lard from a home killed animal hanging from a hook in the kitchen ceiling. Our first Meriden home where we lived, from near the end of the Second World War, had been primitive with no electricity, gas, flush lavatory or running water. My homework was written using light from candles or a special oil lamp and coal fires were used for cooking meals on a black- leaded grate. We used flat irons for pressing clothing and heated water in a copper for washing clothes. I still own a collection of these irons. Each morning, I went out with a bucket to pump water from our well.

In winter, everywhere was covered with hoar frost. On cold mornings now, I still recall past hardships and think of my present good fortune with gratitude. Many houses in the area were like ours. Certain items were still rationed, as in the wartime, using coupons. One task in school holidays was to shop in Coleshill using the twice weekly bus, budgeting carefully. I had to account for everything purchased down to the least valuable coin, a farthing. I truly lived in the first Elizabethan Age! During that morning, a rumour spread in school that the King, George VI had died and after break, every form was summoned to the Main Hall to hear the head mistress announce this formally.

A forceful emotion engulfed the girls and most began to sob. I was determined not to give into it and fought it off successfully but that was hard to do. From the classroom window, I saw the national flag was flying at half-mast on the flag pole set in the lawn at the front of the building. I asked my Mum that evening what had caused most people to cry and why I had felt such a powerful urge to join in. She explained about mass hysteria, which means people exhibit feelings of those around them. I did feel that this would be a new exciting era in which to grow up.

Coronation Day, 2 June 1953 was a public holiday. The old cross on the Green was being moved from the extreme edge of the Green near the road island by the cross roads to its present position. I watched this activity from our landing window and took a photograph.

Most village celebrations in those days were held in Forest Ground and the Coronation was no exception. There was to be an ox roast in which my Dad was involved and I got ready to take part. Mum asked where I was going, then told me I could not go because I must spend my time revising for my O level exams which began the following week. Neither would she allow me to watch the ceremony on TV at the butchers Tuckeys, our near neighbours. It had been raining, but I sidled out with my box camera and took a few snap shots of the Green.

Another picture is of a group of Morris men dancing on the Green by Fillongley ‘Lane’. A film of the Coronation was shown at a cinema near my school with tickets costing 2 shillings and sixpence (12.5 pence). Our form teacher reprimanded me for going, as public exams were at hand. Like Mum, she told me to study instead. I was annoyed and said,’ If I do not know my work by now, 2 extra hours will not make any difference’. It was so unjust, as I always worked hard to keep my place at or near the top of the form. Society’s rules were strict. People were deferential to their elders and betters then. My comments were rude but I did pass my 9 ‘O’ levels and saw the film!

Picture - The proclamation of King Charles III in Solihull on September 11th 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary died on 8th September 2022, our longest reigning monarch of over 70 years, aged 96, perhaps from exhaustion.

My earlier sections told of some events years ago when I was a young teenager. Now I am 85, and constantly told there are few people who can recall these events. The Princess had married her 3rd cousin Phillip Mountbatten (Anglicised from Battenburg) in November1947, an event I recall only from newspaper photographs and articles at the time. St Edward’s Crown, which we saw with other regalia displayed on her coffin, is a priceless part of the Crown jewels kept in the Tower of London, of solid gold used from the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1661 after our one period as a Republic under Oliver and then Richard Cromwell. Coronations began perhaps in the 7th century about 1400 years ago. Our new monarch, Charles 3rd was proclaimed Picture – The from St James’ Palace and other formal venues in the capital Queen’s initially on 10 September and in Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

Coronation on The Queen died at Balmoral her favourite Scottish residence 2nd June 1953 in bought in 1852 by Albert the Prince Consort Queen Victoria’s Westminster husband. Our Queen’s image is one of the most recognisable in Abbey, London. all parts of the world on postage stamps, bank notes and coins as well as public displays and street furniture like letterboxes.

King Charles III is depicted facing the opposite way from his mother: that is from the left. This tradition of alternating Since the 1920s, the Green has been reduced in size for road imagery has been kept by each new monarch since the Glorious widening. In 1950, the Earl of Aylesford, Lord of the Manor who owned all the common land, gave the Green to the parish. Around Revolution in 1688. the edge of the Green were poles, linked by thin rope, with Doreen M. K Agutter BA (Hons) Lond; PGCE. (Birm), MBE triangular red, white and blue flags suspended from the rope.

It’s It’snot notall allmud mud&&wellies! wellies!

At Atthe thestart startofofOctober, October, Charlie Charlie(in (inthe theblack blackdress) dress)was wasinvited invitedto tothe the Farmers FarmersWeekly WeeklyAwards AwardsCeremony, Ceremony,to to celebrate celebratesome someofofthe thebiggest biggestand andbest best achievements achievementsand andpeople peopleininBritish British Agriculture!

Agriculture!

Ken Allsopp 16th May, 1944 – 19th August, 2022.

Former District Councillor Ken Allsopp died recently after a short illness.

He was a private man but with a lifetime of public service.

Ken was born in Napton near Southam. He worked for many years at the Triumph Motor Cycle Company and then for 15 years at Birmingham International Airport where he was a team leader in the Bonded Warehouse.

Ken married Joan in 1965 and they moved to the Borough of Solihull in 1971 spending a total of 41 years in Meriden where in 1973 their daughter Joanne was born. Joan and Ken were both interested in politics and completed courses in local government with distinction. Ken joined Meriden Parish Council and became its Chairman before being elected as a Borough Councillor in 1991 and becoming one of its longest serving members completing 31 years before retiring earlier this year.

Ken was a straightforward down to earth man and often started conversations with anxious constituents with " this may not be what you want to hear" but he would not promise something that could not be achieved.

He went about Council business in a quiet way but he knew what to do and who to speak to and fellow members appreciated his loyalty and commitment.

Our condolences go to Joan, his daughter Joanne and his three granddaughters Joan Donkin 12th May 1930- 28th May 2022 Joan was born in Leamington Spa on 12th May 1930. She moved between Leamington and Coventry during the war which obviously affected her education, but her headmistress felt she was intelligent and got her a job with the Civil Service after leaving school. Here she met her husband Walter who was from Sunderland in the northeast. They had fun riding motorbikes even as far as Sunderland and Scotland. They were married in September 1950 when she was 20. She continued her love of singing and playing piano and was a member of several choirs and dramatic societies.

Joan and Walter had four children Robert, Judith, Helen and David and enjoyed family life. There were many trips to Sunderland up the A1 which took all day. Joan’s parents, sister and family were nearer in Coventry.

Joan was widowed in 1973 when her husband died from a heart attack leaving Joan with 4 children the youngest was only 7 years old. This was a terrible shock but she loved being a mother and an active member of the community and so discovered a new life getting involved and increasing in faith.

She moved into Arden Close, Meriden in 1984 from Solihull. She was looking for a home “in the country” and in order to be nearer her ageing mother in Coventry who was beginning to need more support.

By the time she moved to Meriden David was at university but lived for a short time with Joan in Arden Close.

Joan settled in very quickly and became a very active member of the village, attending meetings, playing tennis, and walking her little dog, Meg. Those who came to know Joan found a friend who was completely trustworthy and was always willing to give help and support.

She had been a member of Meriden Methodist Church since moving to Meriden and in 1999 she was accredited as local Preacher for the Coventry and Nuneaton circuit; her age gave her wisdom and her preaching was worth hearing. She took a total of 167 services.

On Christmas Eve 2002 Joan suffered another tragedy when her younger daughter Helen and her husband were killed in a car crash. This tested Joan’s faith profoundly but she was resilient and went on to enjoy the rest of her life to the full. She was very involved in the life of the village but also as a grandmother and great grandmother. She was greatly loved by all.

She also travelled widely to the middle East and Jerusalem but also to Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

At her service of thanksgiving in June, we sang a hymn she requested “Will your anchor Hold in the storms of life.”

Well Joan’s did! She remained a faithful follower of her Lord Jesus to the end.

YOUR LOCAL ARCHERY CLUB IN MERIDEN www.meriden-archery.org.uk European Champions and more. Over the summer months archers from Meriden have travelled around the country enjoying many competitions.

They not only represented Meriden as a Club, but also as County of Warwickshire, the West Midlands Region and also for Great Britain as part of the Archery GB international teams.

There are far too many to mention but needless to say Meriden (senior and junior) made up the majority (and in some cases all) of the County and Regional teams with great success, bringing home lots of shinies.

For the internationals, Milly Williams travelled to Italy for the World 3D’s, and Carl Richards shot in the World Field Championships in USA. In the previous edition we highlighted the success of our juniors in the European Youth Cup in Romania. They were in action again in August for the second leg, the European Youth Championships held in Lilleshall. Meriden archer Monty Orton, 19, fought his way to take Gold to become the U21 European Champion. Alongside his teammates James Woodgate (Meriden & Woking) and Charlie Medhurst (Redhill, West Mids Region) the lads took Gold to become the U21 Team European Champions. Whilst not Meriden, we can’t fail to mention the U21 girls won the team gold too. What a fabulous summer for our archers.

Carl Richards GBR, World Field Championships USA

The Club is having a few changes over the next few months, to help with indoor shooting, but our doors are always open to anyone interested in finding out more. We also have our own bumper newsletter full of all sorts of archery stuff, feel free to pop in and have a look!

County of Warwickshire at the National County Team Competition

Milly Williams GBR, World 3D’s, Italy

Merle Dawson 11th July 1932 – 21st September 2022 Merle was well known by all around the village and always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. She grew up in the area and had attended at least 6 primary schools.

Her father was a local farmer and she remembered milking cows by hand and taking the horses who ploughed the land to be shoed at Berkswell Forge. Merle was an active member of the Young Farmers and eventually became secretary. She had a busy social social life attending dances and events organised by the Young Farmers. She also performed in productions at The Methodist Church Hall which were an annual event.

Merle never married but leaves behind a younger brother and great nieces and Nephews. One of her great nephews lives in Meriden.

Merle was an active member of the Methodist Church and remembered for all the time she dedicated to the church organising events, flower arranging and many more things, too many to mention. She was also an active member of Trefoil and arranged many rambles around the area with her brother and sister-in-law. She also enjoyed attending Cameo meetings. Merle will be remembered for her kind nature. She was always happy and willing to help anyone, also for her dedication and commitment to Meriden Methodist Church. She will be greatly missed by all. She passed away peacefully at The Knowles Care Home on 21st September 2022.

Editor’s note: we would like to put on record our thanks for Merle’s help in distributing the Meriden Mag, for many years, at the Firs where she lived.

QUEEN’S HEAD A friendly, traditional, local pub in historical middle England.

We offer a full range of traditional ales, beers and lagers as well as wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Pub lunches are served Mondays to Saturdays from 12 noon till 2.30pm.

Now serving our new menu.

Look out for our great value daily specials.

Come along and enjoy Good Beer, Good Food, Good Company and a Great Atmosphere.

07904 239 365

Join us on 15th of December at 8pm for “A Christmas Quiz” with our popular quiz master, Rick Wise

Congratulations to Caroline & Laurence Caroline and Laurence O’Neill are celebrating 20 years at the Queen’s Head.

They have been presented with a special award for their long service to the community, by the pub’s owners Star Pubs and Bars.

Originally just regulars at the pub, Laurence and Caroline decided to take on the licence when the previous licensee decided to retire.

And although originally planning to stay for only five years they are still here now!

The building was originally a private home but became a drinking house in the 1600s and eventually a coaching Inn called The Queen’s Head.

The Queen’s Head is a very regular meeting place for members of the community and supports a lot of local fund-raising events, quizzes and village celebrations.

During Covid lockdown, they cooked and delivered meals to many people in the village; these were very gratefully received Caroline said “The Queen’s Head has filled a central role in village life for nearly 350 years and we would like to preserve it for future generations” Credit: Photos Ian Hodgkinson/picture it.

Information from Facebook - Enda Mullen, Coventry Live,

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Watercolour painting classes with Julie Hyde are back in Meriden Village Hall on Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Also Zoom classes are available on Thursday mornings. Please contact Julie on 01676 523357 or email jph300@hotmail.com for more information.

WHICH WAY TO TURN FOR GOOD QUALITY CARE, EITHER IN YOUR OWN HOME, OR A CARE HOME THIS WINTER? Are you fed up and worried, reading all the horror stories surrounding the care sector, with its lack of funding, carers, inadequate care packages and care homes, just hoping you never have to face this dilemma?

Well, we here at Senior Care Support, understand older people’s fear and concerns, especially when at a crisis point in their life and in need of care. We also understand the importance of good care and how to source it.

BELIEVE IT WHEN WE TELL YOU THAT THERE ARE EXCELLENT CARE HOMES AND CARE AGENCIES OUT THERE TO ASSIST YOU. As experienced, senior care specialists, our local knowledge of funding, benefits, care homes and domiciliary care agencies, can be invaluable. We can also cut through the bureaucracy and the hours you spend on the telephone, or driving around inappropriate care homes, on behalf of a family member or loved one.

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A Small White Envelope – A short story (fiction) by David Deanshaw of Balsall Common Writers Group It was just an ordinary square white envelope. The address had been typed onto a label – so he was one of many to receive them. It was stiff; it obviously contained a small card – an invitation perhaps? What was he expecting? He recognised the postmark. The memories came flooding back…

For Andrew, she was the brightest star he could ever have been able to reach. Rachel would bring the stimulus that anything could be achieved if they promised to pull together. She had style, flair, and above all the integrity to provide solid support for her chosen partner. For her, it seemed that her self-esteem had been depressed by being the third child of a couple who already had two dynamic sons. After all what could women achieve in the 1960s? Now she was with a man who cared for her above all others. Andrew too had style and charm but above all he loved her deeply. For the first time in their lives, they began to understand the term “soulmate” Then Andrew recalled that together they had made a shameful decision 35 years earlier. They could have returned and undone the wrong, but both blamed each other. Perhaps it was the shame of that decision, or the fact that they would have difficulty in facing each other, knowing what they had done, that had blown them apart.

They had seemed to be so much in love. This was to have been the great love of their lives and they had made such a decision so quickly and without thinking of the consequences. After that, they had gone their separate ways, despite attempts by him to restore what was lost. So deep was the loss that he had started to write about it.

Would it be a novel, laced with creative licence? Or would it be autobiographical? So strong had his feelings been for her that, locked away in the loft in an old cardboard shoe box, he had kept all her letters. There were photographs too, as well as one truly poignant feature – a receipt for a dozen red roses with the message “Please come back.” All of this was to no avail.

Now, after over 30 years of heartache, he had the time and financial clout to mount a search for her. But was it really to be? Three firms of private detectives had drawn blanks. Had they tried hard enough? Or was the old adage, if you want something done properly, do it yourself! He found her, then like Pandora’s Box, he opened it without thinking, to find that only hope remained. Her past few years had been spent living in a tied cottage with second hand furniture working for the charity. That’s where she’d met Tom. Her job had been to stimulate the minds of these old folk; Tom had been one of them. She tried to help them to remember the good times and support them when the sad memories got the better of them. She was a kind woman. She too had loved and lost many times in her life. Most of all with Andrew, all those years ago. When briefly he’d arrived back in her life, she was overjoyed at first, then realised that his marriage was solid – he was just clearing his conscience. Perhaps they could have been happy if she had not driven him away. She had adored him all those years ago, but she had made the decision to send him away. Why? Because he could not be faithful, his looks made him a target for women, and he just could not resist. Now it looked like she was going to get married again – and once again not to him. It was probably to Tom. Andrew had met Tom, a widower, a couple of times. Tom was a dour man with a north Lancashire accent which seemed a strangely foreign sound – even in west Merseyside where the scouse dialect is so strong. Why had she chosen Tom? Security probably – not the emotional type of course, but probably financial.

Of course he hoped she would be happy, secure, comfortable and content. Was it to be a big do? Did he really want to go?

He fingered the envelope, almost not wishing to open it, turning it over and over again, thinking and remembering. Perhaps he should just send a cheque with best wishes and then forget about her completely – again. Just as he had had been forced to do forty years earlier. What would be the point of being there in the church listening to her being given away, again? But not to him. He reached for the silver letter opener – a gift from her all those years ago. It was still in pristine condition, in its original box, in his desk. The notelet, covered with roses, that said “with love” had been lost – it was only a scrap of paper and his desk had been moved many times over 40 years. But it had come from her so it would remain with him forever. He turned the envelope over so as not to face the address and stamp. He inserted the silver blade slowly and with trepidation. Could she really be marrying Tom of all people?

He was right it was a card carrying an invitation. He read the contents. The tears he expected burned in the back of his eyes before cascading down his cheek. Yes he would send a cheque.

He could not bear the thought of her lying there in her coffin.

Roatry party

Free Afternoon Tea Party The Rotary Club of Meriden are holding a free Senior Citizens party at St. Peters Hall Balsall Common on Saturday 21st January at 1.00pm There will be afternoon tea followed by entertainment, provided by a singing group called Cameo, who have entertained us several times before and are very popular. If you would like to attend or know anyone who would, please spread the word and contact the Secretary Jane Maugham, she will send you a letter and form for completion.

If you are unable to make the journey yourself, we can provide transport.

Email mrcsecretary79@gmail.com Or call 07905377515

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Meriden Library News

Please note, all information is accurate at the time of writing - November 2022.

Opening Hours Monday 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm Tuesday 10am – 12:30pm Thursday 10am – 12:30pm Telephone :- 01676 522717 Christmas & New Year Opening Meriden Library will be closed on Monday 26th December, Tuesday 27th December, and Monday 2nd January for the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

We will otherwise be open as normal during the Christmas and New Year period.

Stories & Painting Our exciting children’s activity is aimed at preschool children and takes place every Monday, 2:15 - 3pm.

Every week we read one of our favourite stories and enjoy painting pictures. We recommend wearing clothes that it’s okay to get messy in.

Christmas Storytime On Monday 19th December, join us at 2:15pm for a fun Christmas-themed story time. We’ll read one of our favourite seasonal stories, followed by some hands-on Christmas creativity.

Children’s Christmas Crafts Get in the holiday spirit with our festive craft table from Monday 12th December through Thursday 22nd December. Everyone is welcome regardless of age.

A Warm Welcome If you would like a hot drink while using the library, just ask a member of staff. There’s no charge, but donations are welcome if you wish.

Keep up to date with news from Meriden Library by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meridenlib and visiting our website at www.solihull.gov.uk/Libraries Readers’ Circle Meetings Wed 14th December – Christmas get-together Wed 11th January – Irish Literature Wed 8th February – The Natural World, fact/fiction For further information and the venue, please call Peter Moss on 01676 523590

Free for All We don’t charge overdue fines for any library members – it’s still important to bring books back on time though! We have free reservations from any Solihull Library too.

If you aren’t already a member of the library, it’s easy to join. All you need is proof of your name and address, like a driving licence or an official letter. You get access to all our books, including CD audiobooks and large print, eBooks, eMagazines, and eAudiobooks for free. Members also now get 3 hours free computer access.

Home Library Service If you can’t get to the library yourself, our Home Library Service can help. When you get in touch, a member of the team will contact you by phone to assess your individual needs and circumstances.

They will explain how the service works and answer any questions you may have. They will also find out what sort of books you enjoy – this will help staff to choose items for you. We’ll then arrange a time to visit. If this is something you think that you or someone you know may benefit from, do call the Home Library Service team on 0121 704 6947 or email libraryarts@solihull.gov.uk and we will take it from there.

The Snowdon Push I’d like to tell you about a good friend of mine. His name is Liam, a six-dan black belt in karate. Now aged 53, Liam has spent much of his life teaching karate to disadvantaged children, instilling a sense of self-discipline, strengthening minds and bodies, and growing their self-confidence. Liam would never say so, but he has changed, perhaps even saved the lives of so many. In December 2021, Liam received a terminal diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). He is embracing every moment with friends and family, creating memories, and raising awareness of this awful condition. One day this summer, whilst struggling to get him into a house with poor wheelchair accessibility, I joked that we should climb Snowdon next.

“Let’s do it!” he said.

Early in the climb - Liam and team We contacted a charity called the Backup Trust who raise funds for those suffering with life altering spinal injuries.

They had an event called the Snowdon Push planned for September 17th. Teams, each including one team member in a wheelchair, race to the top of Snowdon. Whilst most other teams, formed of marathon runners and the like, had been in training for months, we had just 4 weeks to prepare. With Liam’s condition deteriorating, it was now or never. So, we ‘seized the day’.

In the early morning of September 17th, we found ourselves at the foot of Snowdon, anxiously looking upwards. A group of friends and family, many of us not in the best physical condition, were about to pull, push, drag and lift Liam and his hastily-modified wheelchair to the top of a mountain.

We made it!

Spoiler alert, we didn’t win the race! It was tough going. Four team members turned back before the summit. At various points along the way, many of us felt that we had bitten off more than we could chew. In the end, some strange cocktail of love and determination got us to the top. We were up and down in about 6 ½ hours. In under a month, the team raised £7,855 for the Backup Trust charity.

Special thanks go to the Firebird Singers who donated £500 to our cause. Overall, the event raised £37,675 for the charity, a huge amount of money that will make such a difference to those coming to terms with their disabilities.

For us, we wanted to raise awareness about MND. We wanted to be with Liam and to make memories. Life is so short and so very precious. We do not know what is around the corner. Seize the day and make your own memories with those people that matter the most to you.

The Descent

We’d love it if our fundraising could hit the £8,000 mark.

Any donation will be gratefully received https://snowdon.backuptrust.org.uk/t/billsgearbox Eddie Walker, Meriden resident.

Millison’s Wood Runner Extraordinaire Emily Hoffman entered the Warwickshire Ring Long distance Canal Race on 25th June 2022. She completed the 111mile race on foot in just 24 hours and 40 mins non -stop with the exception of short feed stops. Emily won the award for first lady and achieved joint 9th position out of the entire field. Emily can regularly be seen running the roads and countryside around Meriden and Millison’s Wood and would encourage everyone to get out and about no matter how short or long the distance!

This year she also ran the more local ’A Coventry Way’ from Meriden and completed the 40 miles in just 6 hours and 25 minutes, finishing first female.

Emily with her trophy

Caring for your house plants in the winter months There are some beautiful flowering house plants available at Christmas time and very often we are given them as a gift.

However it is not easy to care for some of them as there is limited daylight, warm rooms and draughts which some plants do not tolerate.

Choose plants that like the conditions that you have available in your house Avoid placing plants: in a draught; where there are large fluctuations in temperature (most common if plants are displayed on windowsills); and in a hot spot caused by the central heating (such as above a radiator) Water plants by standing them in a bowl containing a few centimetres (half an inch) of water for five minutes.

Remove and allow to drain before putting the pot back in position

Cyclamen

An easy plant to have on a windowsill is the Christmas cactus, it needs little water and is a showy plant, it can be kept in a cool place when it has finished flowering until next year.

There are many different coloured cyclamen but they prefer cool conditions and careful watering from the base of the pot.

Cyclamen grow from a corm and if you are lucky and save it until next year it will grow again.

Poinsettias also hate hot rooms and draughts and can be . tricky to look after.

Usually, the striking amaryllis are easier to grow, the bulb comes in a box with a pot and the soil to plant it in. it is fun to watch them quickly grow and the flowers are big and amazing.

They are available in shops and garden centres at this time of the year and are a very good present.

Christmas cactus

Thanks to Margaret Argyle for this beautiful page

poinsettia

Amaryllis

ChristmasSnowmen Snowmen Cupcakes Christmas Cupcakes

For the buttercream For the buttercream 200g/7oz unsalted butter, 200g/7oz unsalted butter, Poinsettia softened softened cupcakes ForFor the the cupcakes 400g/14oz icing sugar 400g/14oz icing sugar 200g/7oz caster sugar 200g/7oz caster sugar 1–2 tbsp milk 1–2 tbsp milk 175g/6oz plain flour 175g/6oz plain flour ToTo decorate decorate 50g/1¾oz cocoa powder 100g/3½oz white ready-to50g/1¾oz cocoa powder 100g/3½oz white ready-tobaking powder roll fondant icing 1½ 1½ tsp tsp baking powder roll fondant icing ½ tsp bicarbonate soda orange food colouring paste ½ tsp bicarbonate of of soda orange food colouring paste pinch red food colouring paste pinch saltsalt red food colouring paste 100ml/3½fl oz sunflower 1212white marshmallows 100ml/3½fl oz sunflower oiloil white marshmallows 2 large free-range eggs black writing icing tube 2 large free-range eggs black writing icing tube 2 tbsp soured cream 2 tsp desiccated coconut 2 tbsp soured cream 2 tsp desiccated coconut 125ml 4floz boiling water 1212pretzel sticks, broken in half 125ml 4floz boiling water pretzel sticks, broken in half Preheat the oven to 170C/160C Fan/Gas 3½ and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cupcake cases.

Preheat the oven to 170C/160C Fan/Gas 3½ and line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cupcake cases. sugar, flour, cocoa, bakingpowder, powder,bicarbonate bicarbonateof of soda soda and and salt in in thethe sunflower oil,oil, SiftSift the the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking salt into intoaalarge largemixing mixingbowl. bowl.Stir Stir sunflower eggs and soured cream until smooth.

Add the boiling water and beat again until silky smooth. eggs and soured cream until smooth. Add the boiling water and beat again until silky smooth.

Scoop batter a jug and pourevenly evenlybetween betweenthe thepaper paper cupcake cupcake cases. until well risen andand a a Scoop the the batter intointo a jug and pour cases.Bake Bakefor for20–22 20–22minutes minutes until well risen wooden skewer inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to wooden skewer inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transferato a to cool completely. wirewire rackrack to cool completely.

To make the buttercream, beat the butter until pale and light, then gradually stir in the icing sugar and milk until smooth.

To make the buttercream, beat the butter until pale and light, then gradually stir in the icing sugar and milk until smooth.

Make the snowman noses with 25g/1oz of the fondant icing. Add tiny dots of orange food colouring paste using a wooden Make the snowman noses with 25g/1oz of the fondant icing. Add tiny dots of orange food colouring paste using a wooden skewer and knead until completely orange. Roll into 12 small carrot shapes about 1cm/½ in long. Leave to dry for 30 minutes. skewer and knead until completely orange. Roll into 12 small carrot shapes about 1cm/½ in long. Leave to dry for 30 minutes.

Tint the remaining icing red using the food colouring paste. Dust a work surface with icing sugar and roll into a neat 12cm/4½ Tint the remaining icing red using the food colouring paste. Dust a work surface with icing sugar and roll into a neat 12cm/4½ in x 6cm/2½ in rectangle. Slice into 12 strips about ½ cm wide, to make the snowman scarves. in x 6cm/2½ in rectangle. Slice into 12 strips about ½ cm wide, to make the snowman scarves.

Use the black writing icing to draw eyes and a mouth onto each marshmallow and stick an icing carrot just below the eyes.

UseSpread the black icingontotop draw eyescake and and a mouth each marshmallow and stick anover icingthe carrot just below theand eyes. the writing buttercream of each pressonto a marshmallow into the icing.

Scatter desiccated coconut Spread the buttercream on top of each cake and press a marshmallow into the icing.

Scatter over the desiccated coconut push two pretzel halves into each side of the cupcake for arms. Pipe black icing buttons onto the buttercream and wrap a redand pushscarf twoaround pretzeleach halves into each side of the cupcake for arms. Pipe black icing buttons onto the buttercream and wrap a red marshmallow. scarf around each marshmallow.

We hope you enjoy our quarterly update. Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who attended our Key Design Element (KDE) event where we shared our planned design for the River Blythe Viaduct.

River Blythe KDE event - We hosted two events, one in Hampton-in-Arden and one in Meriden on the 4th and 6th October respectively. Around 150 of you came to view and discuss the plans with our expert design, engineering and construction team. We are now reviewing your feedback after receiving over 30 questionnaires. After considering your feedback, we will be inviting you to join us at the follow-up ‘You said, We did’ event where we will share the latest design. We will be in touch soon with more information. Following the KDE event, we have been developing our designs in response to your feedback, with emerging themes from this most recent event focusing on landscaping and planting, footpath connections and anticipating anti-social behaviour.

BBV Road Works Near Meriden Meriden Road - The temporary traffic lights on Meriden Road were replaced with a ‘plant crossing’ on 7th November. Plant crossings allow our heavy machinery to cross the road without causing damage to the highway.

For the safe operation of the plant crossing, the speed limit was reduced from 50 miles per hour down to 30 mph.

These restrictions will be in place for an initial period of 18 months, to end March 2024. The speed limit will be in force all day, every day during that period.

A45 - The new railway will pass under the A45 near Bickenhill recycling centre. In order to build the structures to support the road, we have to first divert an existing waterpipe. To do this safely, we will need to close one lane on the slip road adjacent to the Toby Carvery pub including the bus lane. The lanes will be closed each night from 9pm to 5am from Monday 7 November until the morning of Wednesday 14 December. Please note that access to the Toby Carvery pub will be maintained at all times.

You are invited - We will be holding drop-in sessions in Meriden Village Hall on the third Thursday of each month from 2pm to 5pm. A member of your local Community Engagement team will be on hand to meet you and answer any questions. You do not need to arrange an appointment. We look forward to seeing you there!

In the last edition, I wrote of Parliament's new-found enthusiasm for cutting tax and quoted Joseph Chamberlain "we are living in most interesting times . . so full [of] new objects of interest, and new objects for anxiety". I suggested serious change could occur at such times . . . but never anticipated the state of flux into which we dropped!

It seems the pendulum has now swung the other way, with taxes due to rise and expenditure to be cut. It's true that, as a fraction of Gross Domestic Product, government debt isn't particularly high, but the financial markets know the difference between a GDP based largely on tangibles and manufacturing, and today's inclusion based on financial shuffling and all kinds of low grade activity. Loaning money to the UK is a less good bet than it used to be.

Many believe HS2 is high on the list of projects at risk, particularly with Lord Berkeley estimating the cost to completion as £155 billion.

When faced with hard choices, politicians usually opt for delay, and the slow progress with HS2 provides its own answer as to how the annual spend can be reduced. Rishi Sunak might opt to slow construction even further, saving money in the short term, and giving time to reconsider the whole scheme. Some parts could be cut out entirely, but - who knows? - stations and links could be added to make the system relevant to everyday needs.

We're not going to see trains running in 2026 - or anytime soon after - and with the Avanti service still at half its pre-pandemic level, does it really matter? It looks as if the demand for many sectors of public transport - road, rail, and air - has recovered, but not in the areas of commuting and long-distance business travel. Remote working, and other changes, have taken a chunk of business away.

For sure, we don't want the construction pain to continue forever. More and more work on the A45 and A452 is in the pipeline, and the mammoth multi-storey car parks at Middle Bickenhill are now to be done in two stages, taking 20 years.

If work is to be strung out even further, we need to know how the disruption can be minimised, and when it will end. Politicians don't find these questions easy to answer. It's just a pity they ever thought the lack of a third railway from London to Birmingham was holding the country back.

We've seen the political system at its worst. Perhaps the people of this country haven't had enough of experts, after all, and would like a long hard cold look at what the country actually needs. It was the other Johnson who wrote: "Depend upon it, Sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully." Richard Lloyd – Chairman H of E High Speed Railway Action Group

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

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

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

Bulk bags, loose tipped loads and kindling available.

Call 07758 128 031

Visit - www.oakviewlogs.co.uk

Servicing Repairs Tyres Exhausts Suspensions Brakes

Call us for a quotation for your motoring needs

01676 521010 Find us just off Marsh Lane Near Lincoln Farm Truck Stop, B92 0LS Call for directions

M.J. Mowing martin@mjmowing.co.uk

Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting Pruning Strimming Weed Control – Pesticide Licensed Leaves Cleared No Job Too Small Competitive Prices

Call Martin for a Free Quote 07922 241 181 Larch Tree Osteopathic Practice We offer a gentle and effective method of pain relief, suitable for adults and children. Can help many conditions, including joint pain, arthritis, sciatica and sports injuries.

Liam Halton B.Sc. (Hons) Ost, 49 Larch Tree Ave. Tile Hill, COVENTRY CV4 9FT

www.larchtreeost.co.uk

DOGGY DAY CARE Days, weekends or longer.

In our home – stress free, non-kennel environment.

Only limited numbers of friendly dogs at any one time. Highly experienced show exhibitor/trainer and dog breeder.

Excellent affordable rates.

TEL: 01676 522466 (Meriden)

TEL: 024 7647 0019 Berkswell & District History Group Wednesday 7th December Christmas Social with Helen Larner.

Members only meeting.

Wednesday 25th January AGM followed by “Another Icarus” an illustrated talk by Roy Smart. This is the tale of aviation pioneer Percy Pilcher and the Art of Flight.

Wednesday 22nd February “The Wandering Butler and the Little Maids” by Jill Kashi. A look at life in domestic service at Baddesley Clinton from the 1880s to 1923.

07471 938136

Meetings are held in the Village Hall, Station Rd., Balsall Common. Please arrive by 2 p.m. for a 2:15 start. Entry is £5 for non-members and free to members. Why not join the History Group?

Membership is only £15 per annum and you can join at any meeting. Have a look at our web site. www.berkswell-history.org We look forward to seeing you!

Bablake House Our respite care can be just what you need

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

Tel :01676 523689

ww.bablakehouse.co.uk

The photograph is from our afternoon lunch on Saturday 29th October at the Village Hall.

Meriden Flower Club Meetings are held at Meriden Village Hall 7.309.00pm on the third Monday of each month except for the Christmas meeting. Doors open at 6.30pm and entry fees are paid on the door. The Club hosts a wide range of local and national flower demonstrators, along with practice classes Guests are always welcome.

A lovely successful afternoon enjoyed by everyone who attended.

Our next adventure is the Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd December 11am to 2pm. See poster on events page

Forthcoming Demonstrations & Practice Classes Monday 12th December - Lorena Dyer ‘The magic of Christmas’ Monday 16th January - Lorena Dyer Practice Class Monday 20th February AGM Guests and new members are always welcome.

For more information, please email meridenflowerclub@hotmail.com

Dates for hoisting the flag on Meriden Green 9th January Birthday of the Princess of Wales 20th January Birthday of the Countess of Wessex th

19 February Birthday of the Duke of York

Balsall Common Country Market Market is held 1st Saturday of the month in the British Legion.

Other Saturdays in the Jubilee Centre.

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

Café is now OPEN! Hampers can be ordered and delivered countrywide

Contact 01676 523007

All Together Café 2 Friday of the Month Meriden Sports Pavilion Any time between 2pm and 4pm nd

9th December 13th January 10th February Drop in for tea, coffee, cake and chat.

Meet your neighbours.

Various board games.

We always have a splendid time.

Do join us soon – call 01676 522666 if you would like transport.

Meriden Sports and Recreation Trust support local non-commercial groups by providing small grants to be spent developing their sporting, recreational and leisure projects. We have helped many local groups including The Firebird Singers, Centre of England Arts, The Scout Group and Cameo. For more info about making your group’s own small grant application please visit our website www.meridensrt.org.uk

Meriden Playgroup is a weekly drop in at the Methodist Hall and is open to all parents and caregivers of 0–4-year-olds between 9.30am and 11.30am on Wednesdays in termtime. Here they are enjoying the new soft play Castle building blocks they purchased with their grant.

THE ALAN LOLE MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT www.meridentreeofthought.co.uk After the sad passing of Alan Lole in January, we were determined to continue his legacy in the way that he would have wanted. The support he received for the tree during the past 17 years meant a huge amount to him and he was always so very grateful for the donations given. The tree is a wonderful feature on the Green every Christmas. It raises money for 2 charities which were very dear to him, Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Care. This year, the tree will be delivered on the 17th Nov and switched on the following day. The Dovetail Group are once again donating their time and equipment to install the Tree and lights. This is very much appreciated.

The MTOT web site has now been updated and all donations can be paid through it. Donations in memory of a loved one, through the tree, can be made via the website once the tree is in place. In keeping with the way Alan used to do things, we will make sure that a stake is placed by the tree in memory of all those who have lost someone special. There will be collection boxes in various locations in the village, as well as charity Christmas cards for people to purchase.

To date, the Meriden Tree Of Thought has raised in excess of £75,000 and we, as new trustees, ask for continued support from all quarters of our community to keep Alan’s memory alive and raise as much as we possibly can for these worthy charities.

Thank You. Carol Todd and Cara Maclure

The Chat and Craft Group is another local group that have used a small grant to purchase craft materials and kit, to support new and existing members with projects.

Here’s a fabulous picture of the Group at the Sports Pavilion, where they meet weekly on Thursday at 12.30pm

1st Meriden Scout Group and Explorer Unit have benefited from a small grant towards camping equipment for general use supporting a range of outdoor pursuits. In turn this helps young people with life skills and their personal development and empowering them to make positive contribution to society.

The 2022/23 season started in September and our teams are all enjoying their football again. Winter training has started for all age groups as they train under the lights at Powerleague in Coventry.

Under 11 Navy

Little Lions.

The Under 11 Navys, along with our Under 11 Whites have moved to the Sports Park to play their home games. This is due to the step up to 9 a side football, bringing in all the rules of full-size football.

The games are now 60 minutes long and played on slightly bigger pitches.

Coach Andy continues to lead the Little Lions sessions on Saturday mornings. Our young lions are turning up in good numbers. The Saturday morning sessions provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to football.

Under 11 Whites

The team getting a half time team talk

The start to the new season has been a little stop-start having been paused following the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The season has now resumed starting with a cup competition.

The team are still getting used to the rule changes that the step up to 9 a side football has provided. These include off-side, larger goals, bigger pitches, and more players. Despite these challenges, over the last month the team are adapting excellently well. They are playing some great football. The Under 11 Whites have reached the quarter finals of the Winter cup and lost a very tight game by one goal at the Sports Park. The team are continuing to develop and the focus is all around player improvement and playing football in the right way.

Little Lions enjoying their football

Under 14s Our Under 14s have made a promising start to their new season.

The team have won 2 of their first 4 league games of the season, including an impressive 7-4 away win! They were also unfortunate to exit the cup via a penalty shoot-out after a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Under 16s

Our Under 14’s training under the lights at Powerleague

Our Under 16 Lions have also made an impressive start to their new season with some excellent performances. They have been involved in some thrilling matches. A late goal rescued a 2-2 draw in their first league match, this was followed by a very good win in the cup to progress to round 2. The league table does not really reflect the level of the team’s performances at the moment and the lads are looking to climb the table over the next few weeks as well as trying to go far in the cup.

Establish New Teams and Grow Meriden Lions We are keen to establish additional teams at various age groups and would love a girls’ team. We would encourage anyone who has an interest in coaching a team or just helping out to get in touch. All the support, guidance and advice will be given and we are a friendly bunch and want to ensure the club can grow.

For any further information on Meriden Lions or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please get in touch with Bryn Williams Chairman at Meridenlionsfc@outlook.com

News from Heart of England School

ěĊėĞ čĔĎĈĊ ĔĚēęĘ Sixth Form students have experienced a URDG WUDIÀF DFFLGHQW LQ D ' YLUWXDO UHDOLW\ experience during workshops on road VDIHW\ JLYHQ E\ WKH West Midlands Fire Service.

Delivered by Arron Lennon from the :HVW 0LGODQGV )LUH 6HUYLFH 5RDG &DVXDOW\ 5HGXFWLRQ 7HDP, the hour-long workshops, called (YHU\ &KRLFH &RXQWV, were jam-packed with information and activities including games, role playing and an immersive 3D driving experience.

Beginning with a run through of the )DWDO )LYH behaviours which put drivers and passengers at risk whilst travelling

Wearing the goggles to stack the cups

the most likely to be injured or worse in car accidents, with passengers being particularly vulnerable. The programme is designed to raise awareness and to create a better understanding of being a responsible driver or passenger when travelling in a vehicle.

Presenter Arron Lennon said: “We aim to empower young people to make good choices which will keep them safe. To make them think about their behaviours in a vehicle and to make changes which safeguard their futures.”

Arron spoke about protecting the most valuable aims of the lives of young people

View through the distortion goggles

in a car: speeding, mobile phone use, not using a seat belt, drink/drug driving and careless driving Arron talked about making and managing choices in a car.

'LVFXVVLQJ HDFK RI WKH ÀYH EHKDYLRXUV students were able to offer suggestions and expand their knowledge of driving.

6SHHGLQJ ZDV LGHQWLÀHG DV GULYLQJ WRR fast for the road conditions as well as keeping to the speed limit and that mobile phone distractions applied to everyone in the car, not just the driver.

The (YHU\ &KRLFH &RXQWV programme is a tailor-made presentation aimed at young people between 16-25 years old who are

The two types of vision distortion goggles

such as independence, future careers, relationships and health by making safe choices when in a car. Interesting, he suggested that our overall attitudes and behaviours can have a big impact on events and are crucial for vehicle safety.

Looking after each other in the car and having the courage to challenge unsafe behaviours is also essential and the group did some role plays to explore this.

“Make good choices for yourself,” Arron said to the students.

on coordination. There was much hilarity at the attempts to coordinate themselves and it illustrated perfectly how alcohol and drugs, including some prescription medication can affect movement and vision.

The workshop included an experience of being inside a car involved in an accident. Students put on 3D headsets and headphones creating an all-round immersive experience as a passenger in a scenario. Users witnessed the behaviours of everyone in the car and were able to look around during the journey and the aftermath of the incident.

The VR facility has been recently added to the workshops and Heart of England is RQH RI WKH ÀUVW VFKRROV WR XVH WKH V\VWHP The workshops were well presented with lots of interesting material. Every Sixth Form student was able to take part in the event and learn about how their choices can really have life-changing outcomes.

We’d like to thank Arron Lennon and the :HVW 0LGODQGV )LUH 6HUYLFH for their work and for coming to visit us. “The students were engaging and openminded,” said Arron, “keen to take part in the discussions and activities. Very enjoyable.”

By donning a pair of vision distortion masks and then attempting to stack cups the students were able to experience a simulation of the effects of drink or drugs

Arron Lennon from the West Midlands Fire Serivce

Connect with Heart of England @HoE_School www.facebook.com/HeartofEnglandschool/ www.heart-england.co.uk

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

07904 239 365

Telephone 01676 540178

MR FIX IT *Plumbing problems *Broken Garden Tools *Soldering *Welding *Brazing *Gates Fixed *Sheds Felted *Fencing *Household Items Fixed *Riveting *Garden Tools Sharpened *Security posts Fitted

If it can be fixed, I'll do my best to fix it.

Collection service available.

Public Liability Insurance: Simply Business MHGB2291989XB

Telephone Paul on 07889 789110 or 01676 521661

BREATHE EASY COVENTRY We are holding monthly meetings 2nd Friday of every month During the winter months they will held be at The Belgrade Coffee shop 10.30 until 12.00noon Committee members will wear blue identity badges for easy identification Phone Janet (Chair) on 024 7646 0081 to see if we can be of any help. “Keep well”

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

02476 265 067 www.ams-wm.uk

Indi Sangha Window Cleaning and Jet Washing Services Serving Meriden and Millison’s Wood area for over 20 years Call 07949 227402

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Village Diary – How lucky we are to have so much going on!

DAY / DATE

EVENT

VENUE

TIME

CONTACT

Every Monday

Tai Chi

Village Hall

9:30-10:30am

Jacqui Fisher 07703 345210

Every Monday

Beaver Scouts (boys and girls aged 6-8) Explorer Scouts (male and female 14-18)

Scout Hut

6:30-7:30pm

Eleanor Willis 07762 823050

Scout Hut

7:45-9:45pm

Mark Jones 07801 773352

Every Monday Every Monday

Orme School dance class

Methodist Church Hall

5.00- 8.00pm

02476 467331

Every Monday

Stories and Painting for children

Meriden Library

2:15-3pm

01676 522 717

W.I. (except Jan is on 9th)

Village Hall

7:30pm

Samm Bain 07739 972046, Della Mannix 07920 014909

Flower Club

Village Hall

7:30-9:30pm

meridenflowerclub@hotmail.com

Sports Pavilion

10:30am-1pm

01789 777986

1st Monday of the month 3rd Monday Every Tuesday

Chattybus (warm hub)

Every Tuesday

Scouts (boys and girls aged 10.5-14)

Scout Hut

7-9pm

Mark Jones 07801 773352

Every Tuesday

Rotary Club Meeting

Manor Hotel

7pm

www.meridenrotary.org.uk

Every Wed (in term time)

Playgroup

Methodist Church Hall

9:30-11:30am

Art Class

Village Hall

Morning and afternoon

2nd Wednesdays

Readers' Circle

call Peter for venue and time

Every Thursday

Art Class

Zoom (online)

morning

Julie Hyde 01676 523357

Every Thursday

Craft and Chat

Sports Pavilion

12:30-3pm

Debbie Barber 07455 829340

Zumba & Pilates

Village Hall

6pm & 7pm

Candy 07828 709650

Cub Scouts (boys and girls aged 8-10.5)

Scout Hut

6:30-8pm

Lynda Spratt 07790 348726

Firebird Singers

Village Hall

7-9pm

Valerie Martin 01676 522 963

2nd Fridays

All Together Café

Sports Pavilion

2-4pm

Joan Russell 01676 522 666

4th Fridays

CAMEO (except Dec is on 9th)

Village Hall

2-4pm

Joan Russell 01676 522 666

Village Litter Pick

Meet at Sports Park

11am

Barbara Bland 07767 162423

3rd December

Flower Club Xmas Fayre

Village Hall

11.00- 2.00pm

5th, 7th, 8th Dec

Rotary Santa Sleigh Visits

Whole Village

5.30 – 8.00pm

Jane Maughan 07905 377515

9th December

Christmas Supper Club

Methodist Church

7.00pm

Mary Warr 01676 522 160

10th December

Cancer Research Xmas party

H of E Club

7.30om

Carol 01676 522888

11th December

Firebirds Concert

Manor Hotel

2.30 & 7.30pm

Valerie Martin 01676 522 963

Festive Craft Table for children (all ages)

Meriden Library

During normal opening hours

01676 522717

14th December

Community Surgery

Sports Pavilion

6-7pm

Barbara Bland 07767 162423

15th December

Christmas Quiz

Queens Head

8pm

17th December

Village Litter Pick

Meet at Sports Park

11am

17th December

Carol singing on the Green

Meriden Green

5.30pm

11th January

Community Surgery

Sports Pavilion

4-5pm

Barbara Bland 07767 162423

21st

Big Picture Show

Village Hall

7.30pm

Chris Copper 01676 522 645

Dick Whittington Panto

Coleshill Town Hall

Various

John Kerr 07935351539

Big Picture Show

Village Hall

7.30pm

Chris Copper 01676 522 645

Every Wednesday

Every Thursday Every Thursday Every Friday

26th November

12th-22nd December

January

26th – 29th January 18th

February

Julie Hyde 523357 Peter Moss 01676 523590

Barbara Bland 07767 162423

Out and About thisWinter

at Birmingham Town Hall

Birmingham Christmas (German) Market is on in Victoria Square and New Street until 23rd December.

Open 10am to 9pm daily Belgrade Theatre Coventry

WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK

Birmingham Ice Skate and the Big Wheel are returning to Centenary Square until 8th Jan 2023 (except Christmas Day). Open 10am to 10pm.

Book online or at the venue.

Birmingham

Welcome Our New Head Boy and Girl

School Fundraising Each year our school supports a charity; in September each class gave suggestions as to who this could be and then school council voted to make the final decision. It was decided that Birmingham Children’s Hospital would be our charity as a lot of children had either had to go there themselves, or had family members who had. We look forward to working with them this year and hopefully raising lots of money for a fabulous cause! Our charity of 2021/2022 was Cancer Research UK - £830 was raised.

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

Alongside our agreed charity, we also fundraise to help our children get things that can’t be purchased through our school budget due to very tight funds. Last year we raised enough to resurface our trim trail to enable it to be used all year round, and we also had new equipment installed too.

This year our school will also be fundraising for a new set of iPads for the children through events such as a children’s Christmas Fair, the Summer Fair and a Spring Ball! We’re delighted that Biffa have already donated to school enabling us to put three towards the target of 35. If you know a company who would be able to help out, please let us know! office@meriden.solihull.sch.uk

Community Business Support We are incredibly grateful to Balfour Beatty who carried out voluntary work on our nature area during the summer holiday. They moved and painted the fences, cleared the ground and made it attractive to use once again. Our school council is very impressed!

Visits and Experiences Although we have only been back to school a few weeks, the children have had an amazing time visiting the church and Coventry cathedral. In November and December, the children will be visiting the Sea Life Centre, Tamworth Snowdome and the National Space Centre. In addition, Year 3 will be conducting an archaeological dig and we are having a fantastic STEM week! 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.

For the past two weeks, we have been celebrating harvest, giving thanks for everything we have. Last week, the children walked to St. Laurence’s Church for an ‘Experience Harvest’ event, which was supported by wonderful volunteers from the church community and our friends at Open the Book. The children learned about and reflected on where our food and clothing comes from, and how food gets to us. The older children supported the younger children with their learning, and it was wonderful to see them working together.

This week, we have welcomed Rev Rob Latham into school to help with our Harvest assembly. Year 5 led the school in poems, prayers and reflection and everyone sang their hearts out. Well done to the pupils in Year 5 for doing such a fantastic job of leading the service.

Harvest is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves, and we were pleased to receive donations of food and other goods, which will be donated to Helping Hands. Thank you to everyone for your support.

Sporting SportingSuccess Success Our Ouryear year4,4,55and and66children childrentook tookpart partininthe theSouth South Solihull SolihullCross CrossCountry CountryininOctober.

October.All Allcompetitors competitorsdid did incredibly incrediblywell wellbut butspecial specialcongratulations congratulationstotoSammy Sammy and andBen Benwho whogained gainedthe thesilver silverand andbronze bronzemedals! medals!

Maths Open Morning We had 90 parents and family members join us for our maths morning in October which was amazing!

Mrs Evans spoke about how to support children with long term memory in the subject and then parents spent time in the classrooms, working with their child on different activities. More can be found out about this on our website

Effective Learning Strategies | Meriden CE Primary (meridenceprimaryschool.com)

Useful Village Phone numbers 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

St. Laurence Church Meriden Scout Group Rural Police Sector

Rev. Jane Braund Valerie Martin Saqib Bhatti Barbara Bland

Andrew Burrow Diane Howell Tony Dicicco Carol Clarke Gerry Russell

Meriden Mag is online. Just visit www.ISSUU.com In the search box, enter MeridenMag (no space) and you’ll see what we’ve published.

Last Posting Dates for Christmas 01676 522488 01676 522717 01676 522252 01676 522722 01676 533737 01676 522963 0121 711 7029 01676 522474 07767 162423 01676 522148 0121 704 6000 01676 535 191 07487 681933 07780 438290 07500 700679 01676 522666 101

Bickenhill Waste disposal site Pre booked slots only To book go to

www.solihull.gov.uk Phone 0121 704 8000

As supplied by the Royal Mail th December Monday 19th nd 2 Class and 2nd Class signed for Wednesday 21st December 1st Class and 1st Class signed for PLEASE POST EARLY

Please be aware, that because of possible ongoing strike action by Royal Mail workers, deliveries may be delayed

Meriden Post Office opening hours Monday to Friday 10.30 - 3.30 Saturday 9.30 – 12 noon Closed Sundays Sue Harper 01676 522230

Deadline for the Spring 2023 issue out by the beginning of March is Wednesday 1st February 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 £25 per quarter page and £13 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