Meriden Parish Council invited businesses / shops in the Parish to enter a competition for the best window display depicting an event / life relative to Meriden, displayed 27th / 29th May.
Margaret and Val, editors of the ‘Mag’ judged the competition. A cup was presented to the winner, ‘The Centre’, Heart of England Outreach for their display by Margaret. The Parish also presented bouquets to Margaret and Val for judging the competition and the valuable time and effort they have freely given to producing the ‘Mag’, for the last five years.
Thank you to everyone involved.
The End of an Era
It was 18 years ago that Jen Harrison started work at Meriden Library and during that time she has become one of the best known members of the community.
Jen retires on 17th August and we shall all miss her in so many different ways. Nothing is too much trouble for her and her vast knowledge of so many facts often makes her a first port of call for many members of the village when they need information.
From my point of view she has been a wonderful colleague and friend, we have shared many happy hours together giving us a wealth of memories. I know Jen has lots of plans for the future, hopefully these plans include finding more time to read and therefore we shall see her regularly in the Library.
All the best Jen, for a full and happy retirement. Marion Dodd
The Meriden Festival has been a great success this year with many activities taking place. The generosity of the village was amazing – The Open Gardens raised £5,363.56 for Cancer Research UK,Alan Lole raised £1,775 for Macmillan Cancer Support with a Midsummer Draw, Meriden Primary School PTA raised over £2,000 for school funds at the Summer Fayre and the Megaride raised over £2,500 for Riders for Health.
A really splendid effort.
The Meriden Art group exhibition attracted many visitors with displays by Meriden Floral Society
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Friday 29th September 10.30 –12 noon
At the Community Centre, Fairfield Rise
Harvest Festivals
Sunday 24th September 10.30am
At the Methodist Church Sunday October 1st 10.30 am at St Laurence Church
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday November 12th 10.00am at the Methodist Church 10.45am at the War Memorial
3rd SeptCoventry Way ChallengeStart Village Hall6.00amBob Carey 02476 455251
We are planning a number of events throughout our Golden Anniversary Year, including a school reunion event.
Former pupils are invited to register on: www.heart-england.solihull.sch.uk click on: "Alumni"
Details of events will be send via email to all pupils registered. Look forward to seeing you all in 2007.
Melon and Grape Salad with Ginger, Honey and Lime Dressing
1 medium size melon
125g green grapes, halved and de-seeded
Juice and zest of 1 lime
4tsps runny honey
1 tsp grated root ginger or ½ tsp ground ginger
Fresh mint leaves to garnish
Halve and de-seed melon and cut into bite size pieces
Mix melon and grapes together
Mix together honey, lime juice and zest and ginger.
Drizzle over the fruit
Garnish with mint and serve at once
The open Gardens Day was wonderful, the people were so generous in opening their gardens, offering drinks and cakes, John, I think you’ve got competition, David at Tanglewood is going to practise on his blackcurrant jam and scones! Good luck to you both.
Thanks to the girls at the farm on the A452you worked so hard.
We couldn’t get over how hard everyone worked to keep your gardens so amazing and all so different.
Thank-you for a wonderful day.
Vron
Thank-you to all the residents in The Croft who generously gave to Kidney Research in July. The collection came to £30.64
Ellen Watkins
Thank you to everybody who sent messages of sympathy and support when Ian died in February. Your kindness means so much, I feel privileged to have so many good friends. Donations in his memory sent to Macmillan Cancer Support came to the magnificent total of £768.00 A very special tribute. Thank you for your generosity.
Elizabeth Spencer and Family
U.F.Os and Flying Saucers
So the flying saucer enigma is finally solved, after some 50 years of mystery. Under the freedom of Information Act the scientific answer has been released.
The scientific definitive answer whilst in itself is quite amazing, it does in fact ring true. Charges of electricity can cause glowing plasma gas, which then become sculptured into aerodynamic shapes.
Furthermore it is reported that Electro Magnetic Fields (EMFS) have been proved medically to cause responses in the temporal lobes of the brain. This, it is stated can cause extended memory retention, and repeat experience. Hence all of those people who went ‘flying with the saucers’ really did experience that effect. Maybe.
I am truly amazed that Electromagnetic Earth Fields can control our brains. Surely this effect puts a complete world of thinking into life’s state. Is it for good, or is it for evil? Already the aerodynamics of flying saucers are being looked into for military purposes.
The fact that plasma formed gas is flying saucers does explain to me why radar never picked them up, as of course the radar transmitted pulse would go straight through it and give no reflected pulse back. Those that were picked up on radar were usually flocks of birds.
If EMFs actually do affect the brain where they appear possibly without always producing plasma, then how much of these fields control mankind’s evolution.
My radar training makes me feel sure that this flying saucer enigma is in fact these electrically charged plasma gas. In fact during the last world war many RAF pilots experienced a glowing ball of pure light called St Elmo’s Fire, which travelled inside and sometimes alongside the bombers. No doubt a variant of this electrically charged plasma. What a coincidence we are now making plasma TV screens that have been searching for those flying saucers on radar which are themselves electrically charged plasma. One plasma searching for another plasma and nobody knew. There are many EMFs around the world both manmade and natural. I do know that the earth’s geography and climates cause evolution in mankind, so is it not possible that EMFs can also affect our life’s direction. At least EMFs will have caused us to think about making them i.e. flying saucers. With all of the latest scientific thinking with subatomic particles, gravity, plasmas and DNA we live in fantastic times. Perhaps we don’t have all the free will we thought we had. Any thoughts out there? Write to me at Fentham, Church Lane CV7 7HX
Frank Mills - Clifton
The planned mobile phone mast opposite the Bulls Head Pub. If you take a stroll over there now you will see that Orange have craftily installed a fake hollow telegraph pole, which is just a support for the antenna that is just visible at the very top. Adjacent is their equipment cabinet.
I wonder if this fake pole has fooled any dogs yet - It hasn't fooled us !
Stuart Hammond
Don’t forget put your Don’t forget put your Don’t forget your Don’t forget your clocks back one hour back hour on Sunday 29th on Sunday 29th Sunday Sunday October 2006 October
A tribute to Ian Spencer .
I remember Ian and Elizabeth as a young couple when they first came to live in the village. We shared some happy times together, worshipping at St Laurence’s, and later in the local history group. Ian was always willing to do that little bit extra. I shall always be grateful to him for ringing our ancient tenor bell nine times for the burial of my father's ashes just as it had done marking each villager’s death until the Reformation.
However, to Ian goes the supreme accolade: he was responsible for a historian's dream come true! It was in the days when he cared for the church clock, regularly climbing the narrow staircase in the tower. One day he approached me in earnest manner, saying, "What can you tell me about Henry Williams, and the graffiti in the tower room?" I was puzzled and responded, "I didn't know there was any." “Oh yes,” he said, "and next to it is a drawing of a pig…. with a curly tail ." I was so flabbergasted, I could hardly answer him.
Amongst the archives at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a valuable deposit of documents about Meriden dating from Tudor times. In them, I had discovered two letters written in 1585 by the Rev Henry Williams (1541-1604), vicar of Meriden from 1582 to 1589. I shall tell you the story revealed by these letters and how Ian’s amazing discovery added it in dramatically.
Queen Elizabeth 1st’s government sought to appoint well-educated parish clergy, preferably men who had been to university. It wanted to make a clean break from the old-fashioned homely sort of men like Williams's predecessor who did not deliver government policy! Williams of independent financial means had been to Oxford but greatest change of all perhaps was he was a married man, with children. It is obvious from the story he’d fallen foul of some of his parishioners.
We must imagine the Rev Williams, sitting in his study in the newly built vicarage almost opposite the church. He is writing a letter to the lawyer Arthur Gregory, who runs the village's legal affairs for the lord of the manor, the Earl of Derby, far away in Lancashire. Mr Gregory had borrowed £10.00 from the vicar, who wrote that when he returned from a business trip to London, for the Rev Williams was a worldly man; he would arrange terms, converting this into a long-term loan. Almost as a throwaway remark, he mentioned a case involving himself about to be presented before the Meriden Manor Court, which met in a building that stood next to the present Methodist Church. Edward Smith, he wrote, was a knave who out of spite had brought a case against him. Our Manor Court ruling, as in many villages, said that by May Day, ‘everyman shall yoke and ring his swine and so keep them yoked until harvest be ended and to remain all the year ringing, upon a 6 day warning upon pain of default 12 pence (5p)’: this to prevent damage to valuable crops. Smith and several other farmers, his friends we assume, claimed that Williams had ignored the rule so should be fined like any ordinary villager. It was a nuisance the vicar added, that the local Justices of the Peace had refused to deal with the case, saying it must be tried in Meriden, but never mind, he had his witnesses to prove his innocence and his wife, Joan would speak on his behalf in the court.
The second letter shows that matters had gone disastrously wrong for Mr Williams. He began by announcing to Gregory, that his trip to London had cost him £40.00,and the offer of a loan was withdrawn. He then lost his cool! He was astounded, that instead of believing him, Smith, lying on oath, has won the case helped by a known troublemaker, rich cattle dealer John Crowe, (who features in another story some years earlier!) William’s witnesses were dismissed out of hand yet his wife had produced the man who ringed the pigs with an exact date as well as a second man who provided the yokes. Other named villagers who could support his assertions were not allowed to testify. His wife had been publicly rebuked and told to be quiet when she persisted in speaking on his behalf in court. Smith and his cronies claimed Revd Williams should be fined for six pigs. He agreed that there was one pig breaching the rule, but it was disgraceful that these men should, ‘trample over me, false knaves without conscience, able to undo honest men’.
There can be little doubt the graffiti relates to this story but who had carved it and why? Ian true to type went up the tower with his camera, as I could not manage, taking several photos. I compared the carved signature with that on the letters and thought it might well be the work of Mr Williams himself. Was he making a statement that only one pig was involved despite his being fined for six? And if so for who was this defiance intended? Did the Vestry meet in the tower room so that each time the members sat there they’d be reminded of the true facts? We shall never know but I remain permanently indebted to Ian for his observation. Henry Williams took another richer living at Aston Parish church in 1589 but he sometimes revisited Meriden for I have found his signature as a witness on a later document. Doreen Agutter.
Meriden Floral Society
18
Monday October16th 7.30pm
JuneMonday £
Floral Tonic by Joan Boothaway
Monday 20th November 7.30pm
Passionate about Flowers
By Juddi Cripps
Village Hall Meriden For further information
Telephone Val Miller on 540380 or Sandra Jones on 523023 PHYSIOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY COMPLEMENTARY
Sophie’s Small Pet Holiday Home
118 Fillongley Road Meriden
Are you going away and don’t know where to put your small animal?
Yes? Well I can help.
Your pet/s will be housed in a comfortable hutch situated in a well-ventilated room
Proprietary pelletised pet food will be supplied
Sophie 01676 522405
For the very best for your dog, contact… Roy & Lesley Thompson, at
Treatments for pain, stress, acute and chronic conditions
Alison Stain
M.C.S.P., S.R.P., I.T.E.C. The Therapy Centre Balsall Villa 287 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common
Tel: 01676 521066
PILATES CLASS
MERIDEN METHODIST CHURCH HALL Tuesday evening 6.15pm – 7.15pm Classes run in 6-week courses
1 to 1 Pilates reformer equipment at Club Motivation Hampton in Arden Free trial session with this advertisement For more details contact Jo on 07952 473526
BROAD LANE VETERINARY SURGERY
2 255 BROAD LANE
Appointments 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri Open Surgeries: 8.30-9am 332 RADFORD ROAD KENILWORTH ROAD, BALSALL COMMON LOW COST VACCINATION SCHEME (including) FREE PUPPY PARTY ENTRY & FREE 5 MONTHS CHECK UPS. FREE ADVICE BY APPT WITH OUR 4 QUALIFIED NURSES IDENTICHIP VISA&MASTERCARD EASY PARKING 24hr EMERGENCY SERVICE FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT ANY OF THE ABOVE SURGERIES PLEASE RING COVENTRY (024) 7646 4789
On September 3rd starting at 6 am from the village hall at Meriden the challenge is to follow the 40 mile countryside route that is known as ‘A Coventry Way’, returning to where you started in Meriden by 9pm. Each year up to 100 people take up our Challenge and complete the route, which is made up of rights of way following footpaths, bridleways with only the minimum of road section. From Meriden ACW makes its way to the dismantled railway track, a greenway that leads past Crackley. Crossing Kenilworth golf course ACW soon reaches the Stoneleigh Estate and villages beyond. Passing through Bubbenhall, Ryton, Wolston and Bretford to reach Brinklow. ACW crosses Smite Brook at Pedlar’s Bridge to pass along the Oxford Canal tow path to reach Ansty. Leaving the waterway the route takes in the village of Barnacle before squeezing through Bedworth to Astley, Breach Oak and Corley Moor. From here it is virtually downhill all the Way via Meriden Shafts to return back to the village hall
There are seven official checkpoints – Kenilworth; Bubbenhall; Wolston; Brinklow; Bedworth; Breach Oak Lane; Corley Moor.
A variety of people take part each year. There are the long distance walkers for which the event is one of many throughout their year and there are those who have been building up to walk the distance over the preceding weeks. We also encourage runners and relay teams. The runners start at 9am, with relay teams earlier or later depending on their aspiration. There are certificates for all, however the goal for solo finishers will have been having qualified to join the 40-miler club and wear with pride the precious 40-miler T-Shirt.
Whilst the aim of event is simply for all to have a good day out in the countryside, there is the subject of ACW records – the fastest being of Coventry Godiva - Colin Kirkham who recorded the time of 5 hours 22 minutes in 1999 knocking 67 minutes off the efforts of Ralph Chaplin a year before. Leading woman is Coventry teacher, Anne Wade in 6 hours 55 minutes (2003). Sphinx AC hold the relay record at 4 hours 35 minutes (2003). There is also a record for ‘walking’ the route, which is held by Rick Medlock at 9 hours 39 minutes (1999).
Several charity groups use the challenge as a walking relay. The G.U.T. group (the Digestive Tract Cancer Support Group) have completed the full 40 mile circuit as relay teams but with all legs starting at the same time (9:00amThe teams comprised of cancer sufferers and carers and the day provides them with a special challenge of their own. In 2004 Paul Watts, a blind road runner from Hertfordshire chose our challenge as a means to celebrate his 40th birthday and completed along with his guide Syd Wheeler in 14 hours 18 minutes. No mean feat as there were* many stiles to negotiate.
Why not put September 3rd 2006 in your diary? You will find entry details on our website www.acoventryway.org.uk
Or from Bob Carey 106 Oxendon Way, Coventry. CV3 2GR. 024 7645 5251
• much effort is in hand to replace majority of the stiles along The Way with kissing gates.
Halloween Charity Ball 26th October 2006
In aid of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance
Registered charity no.1098874
Live entertainment from The Elio Pace Band
Venue: The Heart of England Events Centre
Meriden Road, Chapel Green.
Commencing: 7.15pm Champagne reception
Three Course Dinner
Casino, Auction and Raffle throughout the evening
Dress code: Black Tie/Lounge Suit
Brooms must be parked around the back!
Tickets £50.00
(£45 for Air Ambulance supporter’s Club members)
Contact Air Ambulance Office on 02476 639043 for Bookings www.wnaa.co.uk
The U.K’s Leading Air Ambulance. Funded entirely by donations.
Carriages at Midnight
Tips from the Cop Shop Tips from Cop
For any advice or literature on Crime Prevention
Phone Laura Russell or Cheryl Tyler On 0845 113 5000
Neighbourhood policing is a new style of policing that went “live” in Solihull on April 3rd. This new style of policing allows police, partner agencies and the local community to work together to tackle crime and make local people feel safer.
The aim of this new way of policing is to create neighbourhoods that are safe – and feel safe – for the people living within them.
Neighbourhood policing means a team of Officers is still available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies, but they work alongside new dedicated teams who are responsible for policing local neighbourhoods. To allow neighbourhood policing to take place, the borough of Solihull has been divided into three areas: north, south and east, each of which is headed by an Inspector. These areas have been further sub divided into ten neighbourhoods, each of which has a specific neighbourhood team. These teams will be made up of a sergeant and a number of police constables, special constables and police community support officers, (PCSOs), as well as members of partner agencies.
Neighbourhood policing means you should know the name of your local sergeant and be able to contact them directly with the issues that matter to you. The team can then tackle the problems you believe are blighting your community. In the long term, we believe neighbourhood policing will make the police more accountable, visible and accessible to you.
The Neighbourhood Sergeant for Meriden and Balsall Common is Mel King who can be contacted on 0845 113 5000 followed by the extension 7601 6271 or e-mail balsallcommonmeriden@west-midlands.police.uk
David David David David Deakin Deakin Deakin Deakin Plastering Services
Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome. Free estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service.
Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860
(Formerly known as Meriden Dance Studios)
Meriden Methodist Hall on Monday evenings from 4pm
Coaching for Royal Academy, Imperial Society examinations and festival work
For Details telephone 02476 394372 – Dionne Turpie
Dionne Turpie School of Dance
Meriden library
01676 522717
Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
The Reading Mission has again proved very popular with children this summer. We are hoping that a record number of children will be receiving their medals in September. (The challenge finishes on September 9th).
As always this is the month the new evening/daytime classes start, the prospectus are arriving now, so why not consider a new interest? Alternatively for the over 50’s there is an opportunity to have computer lessons with a tutor from Age Concern. Please ask in the library for further details.
There will be a display in September for Local History Month, if you have any photos or appropriate memorabilia you would be prepared to lend to the library please, we would be delighted to hear from you. It is a month of change in the library, Jen goes and we welcome Donna. Matt also leaves, to go to University and we give him our very best wishes.
A representative from Age Concern will be in attendance on September 21st, October19th and November 16th
MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS' GROUP
From September we shall have a CHANGE OF VENUE. Please ask for details at the Library. In September we shall be talking about our favourite holiday read.
October - Gardens and Gardeners - fact or fiction.
November - South American novels.
December - our usual Christmas meeting with seasonal refreshments and cerebral challenges.
Please come and join us on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm.
Sue Fuller
Please come and join us - 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm in the Library. You will be most welcome. Sue Fuller
Well after 18 years in Meriden Library I have just retired. I would like to say a very sincere thank-you to everyone who has come into the library and helped make this time so enjoyable. I can honestly say there is nowhere I would rather have worked.
My biggest thanks go to Marion, it has been a joy to work with her.
My very best wishes to you all Regards Jen Harrison
We breed and rear all the Pork we sell and we prepare and cook everything ourselves.
Opening times:Tuesday –Saturday 8.00am- 5.30pm
Inner Wheel Club of Meriden
Friday 20th October 7.30pm Village Hall, Main Road
Teams of four or six people
£5.00 per person to include refreshments, Please bring your own drinks
All proceeds to the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance
For more information or to register your team please ring Valerie Martin 01676 522963 or Celia Parker 01675 481443
Florist
THE GREEN MAIN ROAD MERIDEN 01676 522294
Flowers for Flowers for for for all occasions, all occasions, birthdays, birthdays, anniversaries, anniversaries, weddings and weddings and weddings and weddings and funerals
local local Deliveries Deliveries Deliveries Deliveries
We also stock We also stock greeting cards and greeting cards and greeting and greeting and gift-wrappings gift-wrappings gift-wrappings gift-wrappings
Meriden Nursery
Toddler Group at Methodist Church Hall Main Road
Tuesdays 10,00-11.30am
This is an informal, friendly group for adults who care for young children and babies. Come and meet other parents and carers for a chat, refreshments are provided for children and adults at a small cost of £1.50 per family. Children can play safely in the hall or garden. Each week there is a different craft activity and song time for the children
Sarah Markham on 01676 521472
1st Meriden Guides
Girls!! If you are 10-14yrs and want to have lots of fun, enjoy challenges and would like to make new friends then come along and join us.
Meetings are at the Meriden Methodist Hall, Main Road, Meriden
Wednesday evenings during term time: 7.30pm-9pm
Phone Hazel Matthews 01676 522862
Balsall Street Primary School 1957
This photograph has been given to us by Mrs June Reading on behalf of her sister Mrs Pat Jackson (nee Butler). It is of Viking House and is part of the set of four houses. Mrs Reading writes that it would be nice if someone out there has a photograph of the Roman, Saxon and Norman houses to complete the set.
Meriden Surgery and Pharmacy News Meriden Surgery Pharmacy News
BALSALL COMMON & MERIDEN GROUP PRACTICE
Old School house, Main Road, Meriden CV7 7NG Tel 522252
Surgery Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00
Emergencies - when closed please telephone 01676 532587
Repeat Prescription Requests
We prefer these to be ordered using the list attached to your previous prescription.
• Post to the surgery
• Hand to the surgery
• Fax 01676 523865 to the surgery
If necessary telephone requests will be taken between 10.00am and 12.30pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm Mon-Fri. Please quote your computer number.
48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL PATIENTS TO CHECK THAT PRESCRIPTIONS COLLECTED (EITHER FROM THE CHEMIST OR THE SURGERY) DETAIL THE MEDICATION
ORIGINALLY REQUESTED. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GIVEN BY THE PRACTICE FOR MEDICATION DISPENSED BUT NOT REQUIRED
Home Visits: If patients are too ill to attend the surgery, or are housebound and need a doctor to visit them at home please telephone the surgery BEFORE 10.00am
Comments: If you would like to make any comments, complaints or suggestions concerning the surgery please contact Joanne Hope, Practice manager on 01676 532213 or in writing to the surgery.
FLU TIME AGAIN
Appointments at Meriden Surgery
The surgery operates a 48-hour booking system for an appointment with a Doctor at the Practice
For example: if you ring on Tues at 10.00am we aim to offer an appointment with a Doctor by Thursday 10.00am.
Some clinics may be able to be booked 2 weeks in advance.
To book an appointment at the Meriden Surgery the following time scale applies:
Appointments Available from
MONDAY AMTHURSDAY 2.00pm
MONDAY PMFRIDAY 8.30am
TUESDAY AMFRIDAY 2.00pm TUESDAY PMMONDAY 8.30am
WEDNESDAY AMMONDAY 2.00pm WED PM CLOSED
THURSDAY AMTUESDAY 2.00pm
THURSDAY PMWEDNESDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY AMTHURSDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY PMTHURSDAY 8.30am
The flu season will soon be upon us and the annual vaccination campaign will begin on September 30th . Flu usually occurs most often in the winter months, usually peaking between December and March.
The influenza virus, of which there are 3 types A, B, and C, causes influenza or flu.
Flu is highly contagious and is transmitted from person to person by droplets of respiratory secretions (sneezing or coughing)
It enters the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes.
After an incubation period of up to 4 days, there is a sudden onset of severe malaise (feeling unwell and tiredness) and exhaustion. Other symptoms of flu may include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite and dry cough, generalised aches and pains, most commonly in the back and legs.
In children, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain may also occur.
People most at risk of complications or even death from contracting the flu are recommended to have the influenza vaccine to protect them from the virus.
The pneumonia vaccine is also now recommended for all people detailed above. Both vaccines can be safely given at the same time.
Saturday morning clinics at Balsall Common surgery will start on 30th September where we will carry out major vaccination sessions as well as daily short clinics at the surgeries
“Book your flu and pneumonia vaccine appointment from the beginning of September and make sure you are protected this year”
Address: 67, Coventry Road, Coleshill B46 3EA TIMES OF MASS DURING THE YEAR
*Weekday Mass times are sometimes subject to change
Saturday5.30pm Vigil Mass of Sunday
Sunday 10.30am Sunday Mass
Monday-Friday9.00am* Weekday Mass
Tuesdays9.15am Mass- St Edward’s School (Term time)
Saturday 11.00am Weekday Mass
Greetings to all parishioners living in Meriden. If you have not already registered your name and address with us, please do come along to Sunday Mass and fill in one of our registration forms.
SHARMA MCSP, SRP CHARTERED AND STATE REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST A wide variety of techniques are used to treat
and neck
Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924
Q. Why are married women heavier than single women?
A. Single women come home, see what’s in the fridge and go to bed. Married women come home see what’s in the bed and go to the fridge.
In and out of hours emergency
The Practice uses a GP co-operative Solidoc and Deputising Service (West Midlands Medical Duty Service) for emergencies outside normal surgery hours. The co-operative has a Primary Care Centre based in the Fracture Clinic at Solihull Hospital. West Midlands deputising service cover from 12.00 midnight to 8.30am every day but Sunday. Solidoc cover all other out of hour emergencies 01676 532587
Tel /Fax 01676 522722
Mon – Fri 9am to 6pm Saturday9am to 5pm SundayClosed
We operate a prescription collection service for the convenience of our customers. Prescriptions are collected from the Meriden Surgery once a day at 8.30am. Please allow 24 hours before collecting your medication from the pharmacy.
CAMEO
Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.
,
At our May meeting Dan Oliver the Director of Youth for Christ in Coventry spoke about the worthwhile work he and other youth leaders are doing to reach the young people of Coventry both on the streets of the city and in the schools. Our summer programme has included a visit to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens where a very knowledgeable guide helped make the visit most interesting. We then enjoyed a very welcome cup of tea and a cake before returning on the bus kindly loaned to us by the Coleshill Stroke Club. At another meeting we shared our favourite poems followed by a strawberry and cream tea! The highlight of the summer has undoubtedly been our first ‘Holiday at Home’ at Berkswell. After coffee on arrival, participants enjoyed making very professional looking greetings cards whilst chatting to friends and then a member of Berkswell Church gave a talk about ‘Jesus the Man’. A delicious lunch followed and the only complaint received was that the portions were too large! After lunch several classes from Berkswell Junior School arrived to entertain us for half an hour with an excellent variety of songs. The children were delightful and very talented. Mike Hare then joined us with his accordion to play a number of well-known tunes. We were fortunate in having warm but not exceptionally hot weather so ended the afternoon sitting out in the sunshine enjoying an ice cream and the occasional game of quoits and bowls before returning home with a stick of rock! Everyone agreed that the day had been very successful and we intend to hold another one next year when we hope more people will join us. If you need information about our meetings or a lift please telephone:
Ellen 522534 or Peggy 522221
Forthcoming Meetings:-
September 22nd Harvest Celebration Speaker Ivy Arnold
October 27th “Looking back it wasn’t so bad after all” – when we exchange stories about our past employment.
November 24th Beyond the Frame speaker Audrey Hobley talks on art.
Garden Plant Supply
WINTER FLOWERING PANSIES
for size of your empty basket refilled
Also available; half baskets & wall brackets
New Baskets Supplied
Holly Wreaths made to order for Christmas £5.50 & £7.50 each Urns, Window Boxes & Containers also filled.
Lawrence Wood, 34 Grace Road (Off Albert Road) Millisons Wood, Meriden
Tel: 01676 522122
Do you need a cleaner?
Domestic cleaning, Office cleaning Professional cleaning service “ “Vivaldi” mixed and separate colours £1.50 per box of six
Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for? Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861
Ladies and Senior Citizens and Senior
Your hair styled in the comfort of your Your hair styled in the comfort of your Your hair in comfort your Your hair in comfort your own home home
Ring CATHY Ring CATHY Ring CATHY Ring CATHY 02476 405135 or 405135 or mobile 07811049929
Local Farmers Markets
September, October and November
Solihull- High Street
First Friday in the Month 9.00am-3.00pm
Coventry- Spon Street by St John's Church
Second Thursday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
Sutton Coldfield-The Parade
Second Friday in the month 9.00am-3.00pm
Kenilworth- Abbey End by the clock tower
Second Saturday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
Shirley- Stratford Road by Aldi
Third Thursday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
Warwick- Market Square
Third Friday in the month 10.00am-3.00pm
Leamington Spa- Bottom of the Parade
Fourth Saturday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
Coleshill Church Hill
Fourth Friday in the Month 10.00 am-2.00pm
Swap Shop
A young Australian boy and his Father from the distant outback were in a shopping mall. They were amazed by almost everything that they saw, but especially by two shiny silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again. The boy asked, “What is this Father?” The Father responded, “Son, I have never seen anything like this in my life, I don’t know what it is.” While they were watching with amazement, a large old lady in a wheelchair moved up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched the small circular numbers above the walls light up sequentially. They continued to watch until it reached the last number and then the numbers began to light in the reverse order. Finally the walls opened up again and a gorgeous 24-year-old blonde stepped out. The Father, not taking his eyes off the young woman said quietly to his son… “Go get your mother.”
S&J
Plastering Services
1st Meriden Scout Group
At the Scout Hut on Monday evenings, during term time 6.15pm to 7.15pm - we have a Beaver Colony for boys and girls aged 6-8yrs.
This September a Cub Pack will start for boys and girls aged 8-10yrs. If you are able to offer any help or you have children who would like to join: please contact –Jo Mulcahy: 01676 522625 or Gerry Russell: 01676 522666
Nova Dry Cleaners Nova Dry Cleaners
Friends in Retirement Friends in Retirement Friends in Friends in
We are still thriving in Balsall Common with many members from Meriden. Activities include Art, Bowls, Bridge, Swimming, Rambling, Ambling, Patchwork, Tai Chi and monthly coffee mornings. A theatre group is now being considered.
Dates for your diary: -
Coffee mornings at the village Hall Balsall Common
Friday September 15th
Leather
Laundry
Alterations
Shoe
Curtains
Quilts
Bedding
Wedding
TRIBUTE
Friday October 13th
Friday November 17th
Thursday 5th October
Coach trip to Cambridge at a cost of £8.50
Names to Frank Byrne on 02476 713662
New members are always made welcome to groups. The phone number to ring for further information is 01676 532537
MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL
The public and press are cordially invited to all meetings in the Village Hall at 7.30pm An opportunity will be given for the public to speak.
September 2006 13th Sub-Committee Meeting
25th Parish Council Meeting.
October 11th Sub-Committee Meeting
23rd Parish Council Meeting
November 15th Sub-Committee Meeting 27th Parish Council Meeting
Your Parish Council can be contacted: The Clerk to the Parish Council Mrs M Edwards 3 Thebes Close
Your Parish Councillors are: Clive Jones (Chairman), Bob Kipling (Vice Chairman), Jackie Eccleston, Graeme Goodsir, Shirley Goodsir, Stan Grundy, Jane Isham and Nigel Robinson.
NEIGHBOURHOOD COORDINATOR:
Your Neighbourhood Coordinator at Solihull MBC is Susan East. Tel:0121 704 6435 e-mail neighbourhoodmanagementarea3@ solihull.gov.uk
Susan East was a Community Support Officer with the police and recently joined Solihull MBC. I took Susan on a site visit round Meriden, she appeared very proactive and keen to become involved.
RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING
A letter has been received from Peter Wilson, Neighbourhood Inspector, wishing to maximise officer patrol time with the use of pedal cycles. With each parish having dedicated officers he asks for the parish to support their local officers and sponsor two bikes at a total of £1600. The Parish draws up a budget for the year in January, so obviously the money is not available this financial year.
1ST MERIDEN SCOUTS
A donation has been given to help the Scout Group with repairs of the Scout Hut to bring it up to the required standard. Offers of physical help were also given.
RECYCLING FACILITIES, BULLS HEAD, MAIN ROAD.
You are probably aware by now that the Bulls Head / Brewery requested the removal of recycling facilities from the car park. The Parish Council heard from Solihull MBC on the day the first of the recycling banks was to be removed, Solihull have tried to persuade the Brewery to retain the well used central community facility but the Brewery wanted rid of them completely.
RECYCLING FACILITIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE QUEENS HEAD CAR PARK.
PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY OFFICER, SOLIHULL MBC
David Keaney, attended the last Parish Council Meeting, speaking on various issues.
A ‘Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan’ is currently being developed for the Borough. This Plan when completed will guide how Solihull MBC manages and improves the public rights of way network for all over the next ten years. They are currently collecting information to help with the development of the plan and need to know your views to ensure it is right.
A number of tailored questionnaires seeking the views of different groups and individuals have been prepared by the council and are now available. If you would like to receive a copy please contact David Keaney on 0121 704 6429 or visit the website at www.solihull.gov.uk
Responsibilities of users in relation to rights of way.
• Follow the Country Code.
• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Leave all gates as found.
• Keep your dogs under close control.
• Keep to public rights of way across farmland.
• Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls.
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone.
• Take your litter home.
• Help to keep all water clean.
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
• Take special care on country roads.
• Make no unnecessary noise.
Meriden Village Hall is available for private parties etc. Contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963 Rates are £9.00per hour
Queen’s Head Queen’s Head Head Head
Old road Meriden road Meriden
Monday night is music night, come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx
September 4th Backbeat
September 11th John Santee
September 18th Justine Claire
September 25th Keith Brett
October 2nd Lizzie
October 9th Cassie Mckay
October 16th Kellie
October 23rd Julie Christie
October 30th TBA
November 6th Marade
November 13th Keith Brett
November 20th TBA
November 27th Terry Fox
Phone 01676 522256 for more information
Pop in for good food and good company
For details of your local Rosemary Conley class (Meriden, Balsall Common, Solihull)
Call 0121 705 7078
First class free with this voucher! All classes include weigh-in, talk & optional exercise www.rosemary-conley.co.uk
(membership £10 class fee £5)
Art Classes in the Village Hall
will be starting back the first week in September. Thursdays 10.00am-12.00 noon and 1.00pm-3.00pm
A few places available.
Structured lessons with demonstrations and help on hand.
There are also classes in Coleshill, Water Orton, Old Arley and a new evening class starting in the Tile Hill area.
Contact Julie Hyde on 01676 523357 for more details
Elite Assistance Limited
HOME CARE SERVICES
Care Assistants supplied on a regular or one off basis to assist with the full range of personal and domestic daily living tasks
We are registered with the Commission for Social Care, fully insured and only use fully vetted, professional, high quality staff.
Call now to discuss your requirements or to obtain a quote
As you know the weather for our open gardens was so very hot, perhaps a little too hot!! But that didn’t put people off visiting and admiring the many different style gardens that were open for the day. In some gardens one could sit leisurely and enjoy afternoon tea or even a glass of wine! We had plant stalls, bric-a-brac and tombola.
The open gardens were a huge success and a massive £5363.56 was raised. Many thanks to everyone who so kindly opened their gardens and all those who supported us.
Our next event is the Black Country Night to be held at the Heart of England Social Club on November 3rd, with Anuk & Ayli (a comic duo) and a professional singer. If you would like some tickets at £12 each to include a fish & chip supper please ring us.
Mary Warr 01676 522 160
Carol Lindeque 07811613905
THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE
This May, Meriden resident John Moorhouse accompanied Paul & Melanie Lee on a trip to the Somme to pay their respects to all who perished there during the First World War. Paul & Melanie are part of a military research group who have for the last 7 years specialised in recipients of the Victoria Cross, their main aim is to further the information on grave locations and they are also compiling a detailed list of memorials to the memory of all Victoria Cross recipients. Through John’s enthusiasm and organisation of the Remembrance Service, they decided to research the names inscribed upon the Meriden War Memorial and locate their final resting places and to date have located all but one of them. Over the next few issues of the Meriden Mag these men will be featured.
Not far from Thiepval lies the Pozières British Cemetery in OvillersLa-Boissele where the last resting place of Private H J Massey was visited. Private Massey served with The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 6th Battalion and died on 18th August 1916. In Achiet-leGrand Communal Cemetery Extension, lies Captain Edgar Godfrey Izon who was attached to 14th Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was the son of William Izon and Mary Woollaston Izon of ‘Hillside’, Meriden. Captain Izon enlisted with the 2nd Battalion in 1907 and died on 27th September 1918, aged 27.
The trip also included excursions into the Pas-de-Calais region, and at Hermies Hill British Cemetery lies Lance-Corporal Philip West of 2nd / 4th Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment. He was the son of Thomas and Mary West, of Waterfall Cottage, Meriden. Lance-Corporal West died on 12th September 1918, aged 41.
Although not named on Meriden’s War Memorial Private George Henry Knight was born in Meriden. He enlisted into 11th Battalion of The Royal Warwickshire Regiment in Coventry and lived in ‘Oak Yard’, Claybrooke Magna, Leicestershire. Son of George, a farm labourer, and Hannah Knight, he died on 11th April 1917, aged 23 and lies in Tilloy British Cemetery, Tilloy-les-Mofflaines. He is named on Claybrooke’s War Memorial.
H HEELLP P S SOOLLVVE E A A M MYYSSTTEERRY Y::
During this trip Paul, Melanie and John visited the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme which records the names of over 73,000 men from across the Commonwealth who were killed and lost in action. Amongst them are two men from Meriden, Lieutenant Reginald Ernest Melly, son of Ernest Louis Melly, a solicitor and Florence Melly of Highbury Bank, Meriden. Lieutenant Melly served with The King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, 20th Battalion and was killed on 30th July 1916, aged 28. His name is recorded on Pier and Face 1D, 8B & 8C. As well, he is commemorated with a plaque in St Lawrence’s Church, Meriden. Private Louis Callow who served with the Hampshire Pioneers, 11th Battalion is also recorded on the memorial on Pier & Face 7C & 7B. The son of John & Sarah Ann Callow, of Meriden, Private Callow died on 9th September 1916, aged 19.
As previously mentioned all but one of those named have been located; A A//B B F F C Chheeaaddlle e is recorded on the Meriden War Memorial as being killed in the Second World War but Paul & Melanie cannot find him listed as such. However, two F Cheadle’s are listed as casualties from the First World War; one had the rank of Acting Bombardier that possibly matches the A/B rank on the War Memorial. Does anyone have information on F Cheadle or indeed on any of those named on the memorial; they wish to further their research and would be most grateful to hear from anyone who has information, photos, etc. Paul & Melanie can be contacted via the Meriden Mag or alternatively, please contact John Moorhouse.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943) from ‘For the Fallen’ 1914
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
Sometimes the constituency name of Meriden can be rather confusing as it is both a village and a parliamentary constituency. However it does help to pinpoint its location, as a recent email I received indicated. I have been contacted by a resident of Meriden - in the USA. This year Meriden, Connecticut, USA celebrated its bicentenary and I was forwarded a special section of the local paper outlining the event. Indeed, I did send a message of congratulations for the bicentennial celebrations. I have now received further emails from Meriden, Conn., requesting to be put in touch with a group of “older people” in “my” Meriden, perhaps a retirement home or group of senior citizens who meet on a regular basis. My American correspondent wishes to contact such people for their reminiscences of living in Meriden, UK during World War II.
It seems that the older folk of Meriden, Conn., have been reminiscing recently and have come to the conclusion that the war years were the best time of their lives. It seems that there were blackouts and rationing, but much less draconian than here in the UK. There was a sense of common cause felt by those living across the pond.
My contact appreciates that it was probably quite different here, although I am sure the common cause still very much applied. Being located between the target cities of Coventry and Birmingham must have been quite frightening.
If you and your friends do ever reminisce about your life in Meriden during the war years, then please do contact my constituency office on 01676 534359 or email caroline@carolinespelman.com and I will put you in touch with Meriden, Conn., USA.
To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery at Chelmsley Wood, Castle Bromwich or the Balsall Common Office, please contact Katy Steele at the following address Constituency Office 285 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7EL Tel 01676 534359 Fax 01676535147
email caroline@carolinespelman.com
www.carolinespelman.com
Caroline Spelman advice surgery dates
DateTimeLocation
Sat 2nd Sept9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle
Bromwich
Fri 15th Sept4.30pm – 6.00 pmConstituency Office
285 Kenilworth Road
Balsall Common
Fri 29th Sept9.30am – 11amSt Barnabas
Church Hall
Overgreen Drive, Kingshurst
Sat 30th Sept9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Sat 28th Oct9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle
Bromwich
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle
Bromwich
Fri 10th Nov4.30pm – 6.00 pmConstituency Office
285 Kenilworth Road
Balsall Common
Sat 25th Nov9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle
Bromwich
MERIDEN MOTORCYCLE MEGARIDE 2006
The 2006 Megaride was a great success despite the lower attendance, probably due to a certain football match that day.
Although we had fewer motorcyclists, more villagers came and seemed to enjoy themselves. We had good support from the Meriden branch of the Triumph Owners Club who won the prize for the largest group attending, they had fifteen bikes, beating the 1066 MCC from Birmingham by one! The motorcyclist travelling the greatest distance came from Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, a distance of over 560 miles! He travelled overnight and was returning on Sunday to be at work on Monday!
The IFMR GB & Ireland, (Rotary’s motorcycle fellowship) also helped us, in addition to helping on the day, they donated £500.
Warwickshire Constabulary provided four police motorcyclists to escort the ride-in, they did a great job controlling the traffic and keeping the bikes together.
We had good press cover before the event in the Coventry Telegraph and various Motorcycle magazines, on the day a reporter from the Leamington Courier was present in Leamington and a reporter from The Classic Motorcycle magazine was at Meriden.
The birds of prey display added a new dimension to the event and was very popular.
The total raised for Riders for Health will exceed £2,500, which will contribute to the excellent work they are doing in Africa. The four Megarides held so far have raised over £20,000 for the various charities.
Although numbers were down, the Megaride provided an opportunity for local people and organisations to work together for a good cause at the same time helping to put the centre of England, Meriden, on the map.
Neville Riley, Megaride committee chairman, Rotary Club of Meriden
Meriden Tree of Thought - Midsummer Draw
I imagine that most of you will already be aware that the Draw raised £1775. There is no way of adequately thanking those of you who supported the event and me, to raise additional funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief. It is worthy of note that they have changed the name to Macmillan Cancer Support.
I think you will all agree that the generosity of those who donated the excellent prizes was outstanding!
The statistics relating to cancer are truly alarming so, until a definitive cure is found, the work done by Macmillan is priceless! Sadly, far too many of us are affected by this dreadful illness, at some time, either directly or indirectly. It is a possibility none of us choose to contemplate. However, it is there and a fact of life which needs to be addressed. This means that your support is playing a vital role in providing the best possible quality of life to many local people living with cancer. So well done and my heartfelt thanks to all those who participated.
I have started preparations for the Tree and am aiming to have the dedication on Friday 24th November, as the children from Meriden School are not able to be there on 1st December.
I am hoping that, being a Friday, more people will be able to attend, and ever hopeful that the weather would not be unkind to us as it was last year!
Alan Lole
A letter from the Coventry Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support
I am writing to ask if you would let your readers know how grateful we are for their support of the Meriden Tree of Thought's Mid Summer Draw. The event which was organised by Alan Lole raised a magnificent £1775.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support helping local people and their families who are affected by cancer. Alan has worked tirelessly in his fundraising efforts and we are indebted to him and those who have supported him. It is only thanks to Alan and your readers that we are able to move a step closer to our vision of the very best cancer care for all.
Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We are a source of support: providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. We are a force for change: listening to people affected by cancer and working together for better cancer care.
One in three of us will get cancer. 1.2 million of us are living with it. We are all affected by cancer. We can all help. We are Macmillan.
Your Safety Our Priority
The West Midlands Fire Service is committed to delivering fire safety and fire prevention action and advice to the whole community within the West Midlands. As part of this we are currently talking to children in both Key Stages II & III in school and highlighting fire related aspects of citizenship with regards to ‘Deliberate Fire Setting’ and ‘Hoax Calls’. This is being done by firefighters on a rolling programme where we visit schools in Coventry and specifically target children aged 10 – 14. The visits highlight the whereabouts of Coventry’s Fire fighting resources, and the possible implications of needlessly calling out the Fire Service.
We are also promoting the opportunity for people to have a FREE fire safety check of your home, carried out by firefighters from your local fire station. This assessment will look at all areas of accident and fire risk within your home. We will advise you on how to stay safe from fire, including kitchen hazards, candles, heaters, electric blankets and dangers from harmful substances. All our assessment visits are made by appointment only, and are pre-arranged with you. The firefighters calling will always be in uniform use an agreed password and show an ID card
At the end of the assessment all smoke alarms within the premise will be checked and replaced where necessary or a new ones fitted where the need arises totally free of charge. All the new detectors fitted with a 10-year life battery.
If you have any queries regarding this article then please contact your local Fire Station on 0121 780 3619.
Denis Murphy Community Fire Safety Officer Coventry Fire Safety Centre
State Registered Chiropodist
Mrs C Booker SRCh, MChS Home Visiting Practice only 01676 534265
Painter and Decorator
All aspects of decorating undertaken
Hair City
Unisex Hair Salon Tel: 024 7646 6767
38 Nickson Road Tile Hill
(just off Gravel Hill near Tile Hill & Hereward College) Coventry
How do our prices compare to your regular salon?
Cut & Blow Dry £15 Wash & Blow Dry £10 Foils from £20 Full Head Colour £25
Perms short £30 long £40 (all-inclusive)
Free quotations available
References available on request
No job too big-No job too small
Established over 25 years
Reduced prices for Senior Citizens Tues, Wed & Thurs
Open Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am – 5.00pm, Friday 9.30am – 7.00pm Saturday 8.30pm – 3.00pm
Gardening in the “Information Age”
If you were born in the country in a culture, which saw every bit of land as a potential source of food or beauty – or even a source of income, you probably learned about gardening by a form of osmosis – it just sank in!
When I was a teenager newspapers ran regular columns, usually written by well known gardeners like Fred Streeter or Percy Thrower, not to mention Adam the Gardener, who appeared in cartoon form in the Sunday Express and other papers. My father was a devoted fan of a gardener/writer by the name of A G Hellyer.
Perhaps Percy Thrower was the first TV gardener and a string of them have followed up to today’s “crop” of Monty Don, Alan Titchmarsh, Rachel de Thame and others.
If you want to know about gardening there are literally hundreds of books in garden centres and bookshops, TV and radio programmes (still the best pictures!) – but do they cover what you want and when you want to find it? Perhaps the easiest answer for those of IT bent is the internet. Search engines like Yahoo, Google, Ask and others open up a world of websites covering everything from the broad and general to the very specific and specialist – including where to get the seeds, plugs or whatever is appropriate and what to do with them. The old “Yellow Pages” adage “let your fingers do the walking” was never more appropriate.
So what does the BBCs “How to be a gardener” (www.bbc.co.uk/gardening) say you should be doing this coming autumn?
Early
o Bring in tender plants under cover before the first frosts
o Plant or move evergreens and conifers while the soil is still warm
o Plant spring bedding such as wallflowers or polyanthus
o Plant spring bulbs
Mid
o Tidy perennials, remove dead stems but leave seed-heads for birds to eat
o Plant deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers
o Lay new lawns if soil is not too wet
o Batten down the hatches ensuring nothing can blow about and cause damage on windy nights
Late
o Plant shrubs, roses and hedging plants sold with bare roots
o Clear up fallen leaves and compost them
o Plant tulips and hyacinths
o Move deciduous trees and shrubs once they have lost their leaves
o Take hardwood cuttings from shrubs and roses
All you need to work out now is when early, mid and late occur – you have to do some of the work yourself!
The Berkswell Annual Art Exhibition will be held on 28 and 29 October 2006 at Berkswell Reading Room
Please contact Jane Edwards for details on 01676 532138
OUTSIDE CATERING SPECIALISTS
WDF Catering
Whether you are hosting a party at your own premises, or seeking to hire a great venue, W.D.F Catering can help you with every aspect of your event.
Centre of England Community Church 01676 523050
Dates for the Diary
Tues - Fri Centre Shop open 10.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday worship Centre of England Community Church meets at "The Centre" The Green 11.00am & Thursday Fellowship 2.00-3.00pm
Psalm 23 “I am your good shepherd”
My children, I am your shepherd, you will not want, I am making you lie down in a green pasture, so often I have to make you lie down in a green pasture. My children, I‘m leading you beside quiet waters that you can drink from, that will not overwhelm you, water that I provide for your refreshment, your life. I am guiding you on the right path, for the sake of my great name. Even though in the valley of deepest darkness, don’t be afraid, I am there with you, I’m not standing at the far end of the valley. I’m with you without a doubt. And while the sides of that valley are so steep, it’s so dark that you can’t see. Don’t be afraid. I am here. I am with you, my rod is in my hand to protect you, my staff is with me to tap out the way in the darkness, so you will not be lost, my rod and staff are in my hand to bring you encouragement. I will never leave you or forsake you. I prepare a table for you, even though your enemies are all about you. A table to satisfy you with all good things. I am anointing your head with oil, the place where there is often so much hurt, but I pour the oil upon you to take the soreness away, the oil upon you now. Your cup is overflowing, I tell you this, dear ones, there is absolutely no doubt, no question, that my goodness, and my loving kindness will cling to you all the days of your life, and know this, you and I will dwell together for ever and ever and for ever. I am your Shepherd, I am your Lord, I am your King, I am your God. Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world, be not afraid. I am with you Praise his wonderful name.
This is the most well known psalm in the Bible, but a modern interpretation, it really blessed us when we first read it, so I hope it does the same for you.
Just a reminder “The Centre” shop is open 10.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday. We are also here to help where we are able. Please support our local shops, they have high overheads, may be a little more expensive but when they are gone they will not be replaced, and that would be very sad for the village & community life.
Need a home visit – ring the above number, Weddings and funerals by arrangement Every blessing Rev John and Pam Yates
Opening Times: Sundays and Bank Holidays
1st May to 1st October
2.30pm to 6.00pm
Special Visits by arrangement 01676 532138
Admission Free
Donations gratefully received
Disabled access limited to ground floor
Meriden Knights Chess Club
Meriden Knights Chess Club are having their interhouse competition at the moment with two adult prizes and one junior. Prizes kindly donated by Tom the Butchers, Meriden Fish and Chip Bar and our local Spar shop. Many thanks to them all for their support. The club will be open for the rest of the summer and hopefully will join the Coventry and District Chess League after a year’s absence.
We charge £1.50 per session and welcome all ages and abilities at the Dawson Lounge on Tuesday evenings at 7.15pm at Meriden Methodist Church. If you would like to come along for an odd game but cannot come on a regular basis, feel free to join at any time.
For details phone
01676 521259
Shirley and Graeme Goodsir
The Farm Shop
Mi
Berkswell Traditional Farmstead Meats
Larges Farm Back Lane Meriden
Tel & fax 01676 522409
www.farmsteadmeats.co.uk
For meats of outstanding quality & flavour
• Selection of Superb Barbecue Meat
• Licensed to sell Game
• Real Home Cured Bacon
• Free Range Chickens
• Famous Berkswell Ewes Milk Cheese
• Superb home made Sausages & Burgers
• Home Deliveries
Warwickshire’s only accredited traditional breeds butcher
Meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the month at 7.30pm. Our speakers are varied and our outings are really enjoyable.
Please contact Mary Timms 01676 522693
Monday September 4th “India, Puskhar and the Taj Mahal”- Colour slides by John Wilson
Wednesday September 20th Ladies Day
Monday October 2nd “The Story of the Mary Rose” by W.H. Davies
Wednesday October 18th Tea and Natter
2.00 - 4.00pm
Monday November 6th Annual Meeting
Wednesday November 15th Tea and Natter
2.00 - 4.00pm
A flower arranging day is to be arranged.
Heart of England Social Club
Come along and visit us!
The club offers a warm welcome, with excellent facilities for all, including a large concert room with live entertainment, lounge with the best view in the village, bar, games room, snooker room and beer garden with play area.
We now have Premiership Football on Satellite television!!!
Room hire available for private functions Heart of England Social Club Berkswell Road,Meriden 01676 522430
Arboricultural Experts ALL YOUR TREE NEEDS…
For free professional advice On your trees and shrubs call your local Arborist on 024 7640 2137
Local Authority approved contractors ARB assoc risk assessment certified S Rotheram NDTM & Arb ssrotheram@aol.com www.beechwoodtrees.co.uk All work is carried out to BS3998 and insured to £5 million
THE THAI DELIGHT RESTAURANT EXOTIC
THAI CUISINE
Cooked in the Traditional Thai Way Open five days a week – Tuesday to Saturday
Food can be ordered between the following times
Tuesday – Thursday 7pm till 10.00pm
Friday – Saturday 7pm till 10.30pm
Book to avoid disappointment Telephone 01676 522005 (10.00am until 10.30pm)
DEE HAS MOVED TO NEW NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT AT
MERIDEN HOTEL
MAIN ROAD
MERIDEN
Design and Construction
• Cultivated Turf & Lawns
• Patios - Paths - Yorkstone
• Block Paving - Drives
• Decking - Pergolas
• Fencing - Trellis Work
• All Brickwork - Ponds
• Garden Maintenance Free advice & estimates
Portfolio and references available
Meriden Methodist Nursery Main Road
Pre-school education and care for children aged 2 to 5 years. We offer flexible hours –Sessions or whole day: 8.30am – 4.00pm
Main Session 9.15 to 11.45am Cost £8.00 or 9.15-12.15pm Cost £9.60
Afternoon session 1.00 to 4.00 pm cost £9.60
Lunchtime supervision 12.15 to 1.00pm cost £3.00
Collection of children from Meriden, Berkswell and Fillongley school nurseries may be arranged
5 free sessions are available for the terms after the child’s 3rd birthday when not attending a school nursery Vacancies available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
For more details pay us a visit or call Mrs Russell 01676 522337
Registered with OFSTED Early Years & gained accreditation with The Pre- School Learning Quality Assurance Scheme
All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; All of Beauty to include; All of Beauty to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Facials, Eye treatment, Facials, treatment, treatment, Caci facials and body treatments, Caci facials and body treatments, and treatments, and treatments, Back and body massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Back and massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Gel Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed. Stone Spray Tanning Vertical Sun bed. Monthly offers available, call for details or to go on our mailing list
9-11,
Birmingham Road,
Millisons Wood, near Meriden CV5 9AY
METHODIST
CHURCH
Minister
Rev Jenny Dyer BA MTh Tel 01676 533737
Phone to arrange Marriages Baptisms and Funerals
Services
Sunday morning 10.30am (Junior Church & crèche for children)
Sunday evening 6.30pm 3rd Sunday in month
Harvest festival Service Sunday 24th September 10.30am
Harvest Supper Thursday 28th September 7.00pm
Supper Club Thursday 2nd November 7.00pm Speaker Mr Smith
Subject “Old Post Boxes” (Numbers for Harvest Supper and Supper Clubs to Maureen Gabbitas 522148)
After a lengthy gap, I suddenly find that I have three baptisms coming up in my various churches. Funny how you can wait for ages and then they all come along at once... It's always good to welcome a family and all their friends to church to celebrate the birth of their baby, and the first milestone in the child's Christian journey. The baptism service is rich in symbolism. There is the water, a sign of being washed clean and of dying and rising with Christ. There is a candle, a sign of belonging to Jesus, the Light of the World. And the baby is carried round the church to meet the congregation, a sign that he or she has just become part of a new family, the family of the church.
Parents make three promises: to care for their child, to give their child an opportunity to learn about the Christian faith and to set before their child a Christian example. For those who do not feel they can honestly make these promises, there is the alternative of a thanksgiving service. In this, we thank God for the child's birth and pray for him or her, but without the element of Christian initiation, and without the water. This leaves the child free to decide later whether he or she wants to be baptised. If you would like to talk about a baptism for your child, or a thanksgiving service, give me a ring.
Rev. Jenny Dyer
01676 533737
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
Rector Rev Michael DawkinsTel 01676 522 719
The Rectory The Green Meriden CV7 7LN
Church Wardens Marian TheobaldTel 01676 523 475
Linda Barnett Tel 01676 523 277
Lay Reader Peter Wright Tel 01676 522 414
Dates for your diary
Sunday October 1st Special Harvest Festival and Meal 10.30am
Sunday November 5th Bereavement Service 4.00pm
Sunday 19th November Dedication of the Christmas Shoe Boxes 10.30am
I have been asked again and again to publicize the building problems of the church. The roof problems, as presented to English Heritage for the third successive year, at only half a million pounds! And there is more, but does it matter? What’s a building?
When God came down to us and ‘housed’ Himself in human life He chose, as far as we know, a ramshackle stable, a lean-to behind a village inn. And this is significant because it represented exactly where He wanted to be in human life – in the ramshackle, the stuff that needed rebuilding. The whole of His life said that. He was a healer, a rebuilder.
So what’s the point of restoring a stone building if we don’t restore human life? I am not sure there is any. Yes, I want to lead the worship of God – that loving interflow between us and God. I want to teach the Bible – spiritual cavemen need it! (Are we returning to that level spiritually? Maybe.) But restoring the building? We may be only kidding ourselves.
What would Jesus do? Get Himself into trouble. Awaken immense hunger in some for ‘eternal life’ – God restored and directed life, and immense antagonism in others – who have got it ‘sorted’, like. Whatever, it is the ramshackle and unsanitary slums of our human hearts that He wants to come into, not ‘lovely, old, stone buildings.’
O yes, I know, I am meant to be plugging away for your pennies, but I am not that interested. Unless, unless, it is an almost child-like game centred around Jesus. Children know how to be happy around a good-un. The editor wants me to put our service times in – 1030am every Sunday and you are welcome but when you come you won’t find anything posh, we are just learners – Jesus’ word, disciples.
Michael Dawkins
Ex Urbe Concert in St. Laurence Church on 16th July was a great success. Thank-you to the folk from Hampton in Arden again. The music was new to many of us – 25 voices singing English songs without any instrumental accompaniment but with remarkable skill. The tenor with the pianist was also very pleasing and accomplished – mustn’t forget the young pianist, he was very able. I say ‘English’ – yes, the kind of unassertive but confident music which has the feeling of our onetime quiet selfhood, our kindly relationships, our landscape, our humour – a tolerance which enjoys our country and each other. Then add the cakes and tea and we have had it all! Thank-you to Richard and Christine Cook for arranging it.
Bereavement Service
Sunday November 5th at 4.00pm
This service of thanksgiving for our loved ones who have died will be held at St Laurence Church at 4.00 pm .If you would like to share in a simple and dignified service to give thanks for their lives and all they have meant to you, then you are warmly invited to this service, Whether your loss was some time ago or recentor whether you normally go to church or not, don’t worry – you are very welcome because we have wanted to put on this service for you, your family and friends, indeed anyone of us who travel the long road of bereavement. We do look forward to seeing you. There will be tea and refreshment afterwards.
Meriden CE Primary School News
The end of the year brings many events, trips, visitors and extra opportunities to everyone here at school. We all enjoy the thought of the summer break after the rush- but by the time you read this, it will be the beginning of a new academic year!
Artsmark Silver Award
Our MP, Caroline Spelman came to the end of year service at St Laurence church, to present us officially with this award. We are very proud, as it relates to the enormous number of opportunities children get to be creative, join choir, dance, have musical and other artistic experiences here at school. It represents a lot of extra work and commitment from the staff and children- so congratulations all round!
Sports Day
We were very lucky on the Sports Day morning with the beautiful weather - and it was lovely to see so many families and friends picnicking on the field afterwards. Congratulations to all in Oak House for winning the Sports day trophy – and to all the children for competing in a sporting way in our traditional events.
Junior Performance: ‘Fleeced’
The story of Jason and his search for the Golden Fleece was another superb production performed at the end of term. It never ceases to amaze me the talent and confidence our pupils show! All the junior children took part, or helped by making and organising props, lights and so on. Well done to all of them for making it such an entertaining performance!
PTA Summer Fayre
I hope you all managed to attend the Summer Fayre, with its traditional theme. We love to see our village friends here at school! It was a very successful event, raising over £2000 for school, and we are ever grateful to the PTA members for organising another super day!
Goodbyes- and Hellos!
The Leavers’ Service on the last day of term was a reminder of some of the best memories year 6 children have of school. We are so proud of them with their confidence to face the world of Secondary school, well prepared we think to cope with its demands. We hope they don’t forget us, and continue to let us know how they are getting on in the future!
We are saying farewell to a couple of members of staff. Mrs Foley will be leaving us to emigrate to Australia. We say a big thank you to her for all the hard work, enthusiasm and team spirit she has shown during her time here. We will miss her and wish good luck to her and her husband in their new adventure.
Miss Cubitt-Smith is also leaving as her Maternity contract has finished, and she too will be off travelling later in the year. Although she has only been with us for twelve months, Miss Cubitt-Smith quickly became one of the team, and will be missed by everyone!
We will be saying ‘hello’ to two new members of Staff. Mr Street, our new Deputy Head, and Mr Jennings, will be teaching in the juniors next year- welcome to both!
Building improvements
As is often the case, this summer holiday sees building improvements going on at school. The last of our old, insecure windows have been replaced, along with the rotten panels along two sides of the school. The exterior is being painted and the whole site looks much better because of it.
Finally I hope that all Meriden residents feel that school is at the heart of the village. We welcome any of you as helpers, whether in class to listen to children read, or help them learn to cook; as visitors to our events and concerts; or even as employees as Lunchtime Supervisors for instance. With exciting plans to make us a possible ‘Children’s Centre’ we would be able to offer a community room for you- for classes, for getting together with other parents, for accessing local services. Let’s hope we can make it happen!
Also A La Carte menu available except Sunday lunch
We have 2 function rooms available for parties from 20 up to 200
Please feel free to call in and view
We also offer excellent conference and wedding facilities
With our lovely gardens as an added feature
We now have our Christmas menus, telephone or call in to reception for details
Please contact reception for information or booking or visit our web site
Congratulations to Mavis and Ken Edwards on the birth of a grandson –George Mark Robert on July 4th,a son to Juliet and Paul Edwards and a brother for Charlotte.
Picture Framing
Your local service for
Needleworks – Paintings – Photos
Prints – Coins Medals – or any 3D Objects- Football Shirts or Trophies
Mirrors made for your Home. All work done on the premises.
Also congratulations to Chris and Allan Copper on the birth of their first grandchild – Luke William on July 11th, a son for Rachel and Adrian Mitchell.
Tel: 01676 535792
Next to Deeleys’ – Customer Car Park
Tuesday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm
And Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm daily 7 days a week
Serving hot and cold food
Specialising in an all day breakfast for £3.60!
5 fishing lakes in glorious countryside Now selling a complete range of baits Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk
And Finally
A very big thank-you to everyone who has contributed to the Mag this time. We have had such a lot of interesting items and everyone has made the effort of remembering the deadline date. This is what makes the Mag a success. If you have any news you wish to share please get in touch.
Val and Margaret
English
Sometimes I think all English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.
In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?
Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a fat chance and a slim chance be the same?
And finally why doesn’t Buick rhyme with quick?
Reminder!! Deadline date for the winter issue
Monday November 6th contact
Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963
val.simon@virgin.net
Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453
Margaret.argyle@mattargyle.com
Treasurer: Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive, Meriden
Deliveries: Keith & Kath Nightingale 01676 522125
Proof Reader: Lesley Rhodes
Useful Village Contact Numbers
Bulky waste collection Service
A collection and disposal service is available to residents to collect up to 10 large items of household waste such as beds, furniture, cookers, fridges and freezers.
Fridge/freezer (inc 9 items) - £25
Single item - £10.25
Between two and five items - £15.90
Between six and 10 items - £21.00
Phone Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000
Composting at Home
Home composting is a good way to use your kitchen and garden waste to produce a free fertiliser for your garden. Get a composter for your garden for £6.00 by contacting Solihull Council
Order Hotline - Blackwall Solihull Offer 0845 130 6090
Last admission 15 minutes before closing time
Meriden Primary SchoolMrs. J. Smith01676 522488
Meriden Library 01676 522717
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722
St. Laurence ChurchRev.Michael Dawkins01676 522719
Charity & Community information & events FREE Views expressed by the Contributors are not necessarily those of the Co-editors We are unable to print anonymous Letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request
