The Rotary Club of Meriden entertained a student from Meriden Connecticut in July of this year. Lauren-Nikai Harry was the guest of Rotarians Sheila & Ian Courts of Balsall Common. She was invited as part of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). This is Rotary’s leadership training programme for young people aged between 14 and 30. Lauren spent several days with Sheila & Ian before joining 9 other young guests from all over the world on a Rotary barge for a 10-day canal trip. While she was in the area Lauren came to see the ‘other’ Meriden.
On 23rd July 2009, A Coventry Way Association Chairman, John Green presented Gerry Russell, Scout Leader of the 1st Meriden Scout Group, a Cheque and a Book of Circular Walks.
This presentation afforded the Association the opportunity to show their appreciation for the assistance received from the good folk of Meriden when the Association organise the Annual International Challenge Event, which is a 40 mile circuit around Coventry beginning and ending in Meriden.
1st Meriden Scout Group
News from the Green Hut
Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm.
Contact Jo (522625) or Gaynor (523191)
Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Tuesday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080) or Liz (523674)
Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Thursday at 7pm Contact Jim (523309 )
The Group were excited at the news of the appointment of the new Chief Scout Bear Grylls and look forward to the new challenges in Scouting!
We sadly said farewell to our Scout Leader Russellwe would all like to thank him and his wife Natalie for starting up the Scouts again and for all their hard work and wish Russell every success in his new Job. We welcome Jim Higginson and Paul Morgan who will be taking over the Scout Troop in September and wish them well. We would still like help for the sections so please get in touch if you could spare a few hours a month.
All three sections have recently held Investiture and Awards ceremonies, where new members make their Promise and Activity and Challenge badges are awarded.
Russell receiving his certificate of thanks from Mick Judd
At the recent Scout Investiture Scouts were awarded with Outdoor and Adventure Challenge badges and Russell received a ‘Thank You Certificate’ signed by the outgoing Chief Scout Peter Duncan and presented by Mick Judd (Atherstone District Commissioner) in recognition of his service to Scouting. The Scouts are now preparing for a summer camp in Leicestershire with the Shipston Sea Scouts.
Cub Scouts have been working towards their Fitness Challenge badge in which they have been trying out new sports and activities as well as keeping records of what they eat, if they eat a balanced diet and learning about food groups. The term ended with a tag rugby session – Thanks Paul (Joe’s Dad)
Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!!
After a busy term, which included pizza making, rounders match, ceramics painting, games and quizzes and the girls completing their ‘Entertainer badge’, we have said goodbye to three of our Brownies. We wish Emily, Emily and Imogen every success for the future. Three new Brownies will be joining us after the holiday.
Girl Guiding celebrates 100 years during the next year and we begin our Centenary celebrations with an event at the NEC which promises to be spectacular and memorable with hundreds of Brownies taking part. The whole year promises to be an exciting one with lots of activities and events taking place. Recently we welcomed Lisa Hughes as a new Brownie Leader. We have a long waiting list but if you have a daughter who would like to join please contact us on the numbers below
Jane 01676 542501 Sharon 01676 522591
Lisa 01676 522131
Greetings from Meriden School
As the end of another school year draws near, we have been reflecting on a year that has brought many wonderful opportunities for our pupils on top of the full range of lessons and academic learning. These include visitors to school, special assemblies, workshops, PTA events, musical extravaganzas, and many, many trips to varied and fascinating places to name but a few! In the last two weeks alone pupils and parents have been entertained by the Juniors with their wonderful production ‘Rainmaker’, had our cars washed as part of Year 6’s version of ‘The Apprentice’, Yr 4 enjoyed a Roman Day, Y2 have taken part in a Cluster Schools Singing Festival. Year 5 have participated in a Cricket festival, Nursery have had their Teddy Bear’s Picnic, the whole school had ‘Mad Science’ workshops, we managed to go ahead with Sports Day and the annual picnic (in fairly dry conditions!) and played on a ‘Fun Bus! All these events go towards making an enriched, varied school life for our children. As we say goodbye to our Year 6 pupils, we know they will be leaving Meriden prepared for their new schools and with some wonderful memories!
The annual Summer Fare was once again a huge success. It was nice to see so many of you there, helping the PTA raise money for the ‘extras’ school would not normally be able to buy. A big thank you to the PTA for all their endless hard work, and to you for spending your hard earned money in a time of recession!
Cannon Eardley very kindly agreed to take the end of year service at Laurence’s earlier this week. It was so nice to be able to visit church again, and thank God for a full and happy year. Again, we were lucky that the rain held off while we all walked back to school!
As usual there will be building work going on during the summer holidays. We are always looking to improve the building and facilities at school. This year we are having a new classroom built, which will in turn provide us with a bigger Library and Resource Room. I have written to all parents asking for their cooperation in September, as space on the playground before and after school will be limited, and thank them in advance.
That just leaves me to say have a safe and happy summer, whatever you are doing or wherever you are going.
Yours sincerely
Jacky Smith Headteacher
Year 4 enjoying their Roman Day
Our roman day was really good first we all dressed up in our home made roman costumes and came to school, after that we had a look at each others costumes and they had been worked on very hard. Georgina’s costume was really good! We did activities in the morning, we did cooking narn bread and we also cooked stuffed door mouse, we also made mosaics, shields and made a scene of entertainment for the afternoon. Just before lunchtime we all got our shields and we practised two things that Romans did to stop their enemies from killing them, the tortoise and the arrow. After lunch time we split into two groups and one group were rich Romans and the other group were the rich Roman’s slaves. The slaves had to get the food for the rich Romans and also feed them. I had to be a rich Roman at first then we had some entertainment and we swapped over groups then I had to be Taylor’s slave (I had to masarge her feet aswell!) then we sat in a semi- circle and we watched more entertainment. Finally at the end of the day we laid down and had our story roman invasion. By Skye
On Wednesday 8th July we had a Roman day. We even had to dress up as a Roman! We had a look at each others costumes and took a photograph. Then Mrs Delany put us into groups. We learnt many different formations of Roman defences when they went into battle. We made stuffed dormouse (not real ones!), mosaics, shields and afternoon entertainment. In the afternoon we practised to be rich Romans or Roman slaves. Then we got into partners and one of us was a rich Roman while the other one was the slave. Then we swapped places. The slaves had to feed the Rich Romans. After lunch we showed some entertainment that we had created. Finally it was home time and I had the best day at school EVER!! By Cara
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
Lay Reader Peter Wright 01676 522414
Church Wardens Marian Theobald Tel 01676 523 475 Linda Barnett Tel 01676 523 277 Services are held every Sunday at 10.30 am
News of the parish church in this issue includes the retirement of the Revd. Michael Dawkins as Rector of the Parish of Meriden and Packington, the arrangements that will apply during the vacancy that this creates, ongoing services, and importantly, information on the major restoration work to the tower. Firstly, after almost 25 years service in the parish, Michael has now retired and has moved away from Meriden. The Rectory on the Green will be occupied by the Coventry Diocese but not in connection with the parish church. Although he has retired as the Rector, Michael will be undertaking a specific role on behalf of the Coventry Diocese and the church over the next few months for overseeing the major building project that is now underway to repair the tower of the church. This is a specific responsibility that he will carry until the conclusion of the work. This means that Michael will still be around the church and village from to time over the next few months, looking after this particular project for the church. We are very grateful indeed that Michael is able to continue to help the church in this particular way. Michael will continue to work with the church on this important project until the necessary work on the tower, and therefore all the current restoration work on the church, is all completed. In fact, Michael has helpfully contributed news and important comments on the work to restore the tower which appear later in this article.
While he is still working with the church in this way, and will still be around from time to time, Michael and we feel it would be premature at this stage to try to mark his ‘leaving’ in any formal way just yet but we will be able to acknowledge this more fully and formally in due course.
The vacancy is likely to extend for at least 12 months to allow plenty of time for consultation before a new priest in charge can be appointed to the parish. As is normal for any Anglican parish church during a vacancy, the two Churchwardens (Mrs. Linda Barnett and Ms. Marian Theobald) have responsibility for maintaining the services and other work of the church under the oversight of the Rural Dean of the Kenilworth Deanery. The churchwardens in charge are supported by the Parochial Church Council and the Licensed Lay Minister (Reader), (Peter Wright).
During the vacancy all regular Sunday and occasional special services will be maintained as normal. We are very grateful for the help of Canon John Eardley, a retired priest from Kenilworth, who has kindly agreed to assist regularly with some of the services.
Canon Eardley is leading a Holy Communion Service at St. Laurence Church at 10.30 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month. On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month the 10.30 Morning Service is a shared one between St. Laurence Church and the Meriden Methodist Church. On the 1st Sunday of each month this joint service will take place at the Meriden Methodist Church and on the 3rd Sunday of each month it will take place at St. Laurence Church. It has been enriching for the two congregations to share in worship with each other as we were happily able to do while St. Laurence Church was closed for roof repairs and we welcome the opportunity to continue to do so. On a 5th Sunday, where this occurs in any month, there will be a regular Morning Service with Songs of Praise at 10.30 a.m. at St. Laurence Church.
So the pattern of services each month is:
1st Sunday - 10.30 a.m. Joint Morning Service at Meriden Methodist Church
2nd Sunday - 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion at St. Laurence Church
3rd Sunday – 10.30 a.m. Joint Morning Service at St. Laurence Church
4th Sunday - 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion at St. Laurence Church
5th Sunday – 10.30 a.m. Morning Service with Songs of Praise at St. Laurence Church. All are welcome to all services as ever, of course. Special services will also continue as normal. A lovely End of Year Service for Meriden Church of England School was held at St. Laurence on 14 July during which Year 6 pupils, the leaving class, were presented with individual Bibles. St. Laurence Church, the Meriden Methodist Church and the Meriden Christian Fellowship got together to help make this presentation possible. Forthcoming special services to note include the annual Bereavement Service which will take place at St. Laurence on Sunday 1st November at 4 p.m. and the Remembrance Day Service, also at St. Laurence this year, on Sunday 8th November at 10 a.m.
Outside of services, all existing contacts and involvements of the parish church in Meriden will continue as normal during the vacancy. Enquiries specifically for weddings, baptisms and funerals should be made to 01676 523277 or 523475 in the first instance or if not available 01676 522414. All other enquiries should be made to 01676 523277. We look forward to ensuring the life and work of the parish church of St. Laurence continues to serve the community as ever and we look forward to the welcome and continuing support of everyone during this period.
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS CONTINUED ST CHURCH
Finally in this necessarily somewhat extended news from St. Laurence Church, Michael has helpfully contributed on the important major restoration work to the tower that:
“St. Laurence is itself a 'large statement' on the hill outside the newer Meriden. It points to the glory of God, His presence with us, His care of us and our hope of heaven. It speaks more quietly of a way that is right for us as we live together as fellow human beings.
Our forbears built St. Laurence, starting nearly a thousand years ago, and generations have maintained it, sometimes with great difficulty. We in our turn are doing the same. We have rebuilt the roof and now must do major restoration work to the tower. It is not without joy - we have been helped so much.
It has taken six months to work out the project. The surveyors, the engineers, the architects and others have been working carefully and in great detail. About a hundred and thirty sheets of plans and instructions have gone out for planning permission and tender and we await the responses.
In the meantime we continue to work on raising the money. Over and above the grants we need £115,000. It would be wonderful if the 'village' could take special interest in the project. There are so many ideas different people could have, but they always need a team to carry them out. Could they be stimulated and encouraged by a committee and chairman, like John Horton did for us many years ago? Barn dances, concerts, safari suppers etc. etc., and gift-aided donations - some people would feel that is the right way for them and that could help enormously.
As Christians we pray. No easy answers but hard work and in the end we see how God has blessed. That is what happened with the roof and in the lives of many before us.”
This is a time of change and great opportunity for us all, for all the fellowships together and the community in Meriden, and we take heart from the words of Paul to the Church at Ephesus (Ephesians 3: 20-21): “To Him who by means of his power working is us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask, or even think of; to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, for all time and for ever! Amen.
Peter Wright, Lay Reader
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In Meriden Minister: Rev Andrew Charlesworth BSc BA
Tel: 01676 533737 - Phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and funerals Services: Sunday 10:30am (Junior Church and crèche for children) Sunday evening 6:30pm (4th Sunday in month only)
You cannot really tell in black and white, but this photograph was taken a few weeks ago in glorious sunshine on the Scottish Island of Iona, in the Inner Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland. Iona has for many years been a place of pilgrimage. I was fortunate to spend a week there on a church trip.
I had never been to Iona before and so I did not know what to expect. Due to its location, it has something of a reputation for being very remote and I did expect the weather to be quite rough. I was half-expecting howling gales and torrential rain, but in the event we had a week of brilliant sunshine and gentle breezes.
Funnily enough, I was a little bit disappointed!
Do not get me wrong, the church had a fabulous trip and people were able to appreciate the incredible beauty of the Island. I very much enjoyed the chance to get away from it all and to spend time in a setting, which has been a place of prayer for Christians throughout the centuries.
However, as I indicated, I was expecting some fairly stern weather. I had convinced myself that part of the Iona experience, to feel the remoteness of the place, was dependent on enduring the wind and the rain. When it did not materialise, I thought that perhaps I had missed out in some way. Ironically, when the wind did blow on the last day, I wanted the sunshine back!
So the weather on Iona completely confounded my expectations. And I suspect life can be full of either people or places that confound what we might be expecting. I guess this is part of the rich variety of life. I had the privilege of attending the leavers assembly at the village school back in July, and I would imagine that it is one of the joys of teaching when a child confounds the expectations that people have put on them. It reminds me that Jesus confounded the expectations of the people of his day. When he appeared and people started to think he might be the long-awaited messiah, there were many who were hoping that he would overthrow the Romans and re-establish Israel as a political power. His message of God’s love, peace and mercy confounded many expectations.
Although the church has seemingly become irrelevant in today’s society, I believe that Jesus continues to confound people’s expectations. In fact, I suspect many would find a very different Jesus from the picture you might have. Perhaps most importantly, you certainly would not be disappointed.
Love, peace and joy, Andrew.
Dates for your Diary
Saturday 26 th- Sunday, 27th September Harvest Celebrations
Saturday from 6-8pm Family Event for Harvest Sunday 10:30am Service led by Rev Andrew de Ville.
Sunday 1st November
Joint Bereavement Service with St Laurence Church, at 4pm.
Sunday 22 nd November Church Anniversary. Service 10:30am led by Rev Dr Stephen Plant.
PHYSIOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY
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Treatment for pain, stress, acute and chronic conditions
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287 Kenilworth Road
Balsall Common
Tel: 01676 521066
David and Sally Bell’s busy year as Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull
Sally and I passed on the baton of the Mayoralty in May to this years Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Norman Davies and his wife Brenda.
The year flew by as we rather thought it might. We attended over 600 events and met probably about 15,000 people all around the Borough. What was most impressive was the great number of volunteers that we met who help those less fortunate than themselves and also those who give of their time freely to make our borough a better place in which to live and work .I am conscious that your village Appraisal team and Parish Council have devoted many hundreds of hours to doing just that.
There are over 600 charities in our borough, there are wonderful uniformed organisations, amateur dramatics, a music service for schools that is second to none and committed teachers that help our schools to be recognised as some of the best in the Country.
We opened 2 new hotels, 3 shops, 2 funeral parlours, a woodland, 3 homes for the elderly, a leisure complex, a school garden, a training office for Land Rover and a bus interchange. We met Prince William and Princess Alexandra, the Duke of Kent and the Duke of Wellington. It was good to remind them that the NEC, Airport and international railway station are all in Solihull!
We visited many good schemes for encouraging at risk youngsters to play sports or train for the fire service and some great programmes for those with learning difficulties. We visited Hindus, Muslims, Mormons, and 12 Churches of various denominations all carrying out excellent projects in the community.
Being Mayor and Mayoress was a wonderful experience that we were very fortunate and privileged to enjoy for 12 months. It is something that we will never forget .We were very proud to represent this Borough and hopefully gave some recognition to some of the many hard working volunteers that we have in our midst in charities, and service organisations such as Round Table, Lions, Rotary and Soroptomists as well as to the military both past and present. Councillor David Bell
I have started making preparations for this year’s tree, which will be our fifth. As ever the proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support (charity no 261017).
At the time of writing (28/07/09) the generosity of our local organisations has started to manifest itself. I have received a donation from Groundwork Cov &Warks and undertakings from DeMulder Enterprises and The Centre of England Charity Shop. I sincerely thank them and those mentioned below, for their continued support.
Following the disappointment of last year’s poor, bananashaped tree, I am assured of a good quality one this year. Not only have Steve’s industries of Dorridge, yet again, offered to install the tree, they have also undertaken to select and earmark one for us.
Mr Ron Potter of Potter’s Poultry has again said he will provide the marquee and lighting for DEDICATION DAY, which is on Friday 27th November at 4.00pm. PLEASE MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDARS!! DO PLEASE COME ALONG. The children of Meriden School will again be singing for us and they deserve the support and encouragement of the Village. The Revd Canon John Eardley, who is now overseeing the parish, has kindly agreed to conduct the proceedings.
Alan Lole Organiser
Meriden Tree of Thought 2009
The Centre Charity Shop 01676 523050
Dear Friends,
I can’t believe that the next issue of the Meriden Mag is under way. Where have the last three months gone!! Kevin and I had a lovely holiday but it seems strange that we went so far away to get exactly the same weather as we’ve been having in England – rain, rain and more rain!! We did have a few nice days and it was good to just have a change of scenery and relax.
The youth work has closed for the summer holidays. It will re-open in September – we will put a notice up in the shop nearer the date. We are pleased with the way this work has been developing and look forward to our regular youth returning and maybe some new ones coming along too.
Thank you to our faithful staff for their commitment and hard work and to all who send us donations – with all this rain it’s so helpful that most of you send your donations freshly laundered!! We continue to need large black or green refuse sacks so if you have any that are surplus to your requirements we would be grateful to receive them.
At the moment all of our small furniture has been sold, so if you have any that you don’t want, that you feel is good enough to sell, then please ring and let us know what you have so that we can let you know if we can fit it in. Thank you to all our customers both the ones who come to buy and the ones who come to chat. It helps to pass the day much more pleasantly when the shop is busy. This past week has been lovely because we have had lots of small children in and it’s great to hear their chatter and giggles as mum tries to have a mooch around the shop.
On the fourth Sunday of each month Meriden Christian Fellowship, The Methodist Church and St Lawrence have a joint celebration meeting at 5.30 p.m. and it has been great to worship together as one church. We have had a break for August and it resumes on the 4th Sunday in September anyone wishing to join us would be very welcome.
Hope to see you soon
Kevin and Lyn Hunt
Spend time with Spend time with me……… me……… and change the way and change the way and the way and the way you think of think exercise……
3 Ways to help you Ways to you enjoy your recreation enjoy your recreation and improve your and your
Fit as a fiddle is a major programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund and launched by Age Concern that will help older people all over England to live more healthy, active and fulfilling lives. We have activities in the rural areas of Solihull and a craft club, which meets fortnightly in Solihull Library Café. So far over 250 people have been involved in the project, which includes badminton, Extend, Tai Chi and yoga and healthy eating talks. Once again thank-you to everyone who has joined us at Meriden Village Hall for our Extend activity. Extend is gentle exercise for the over 50s which includes seated and standing movements all done to popular and traditional music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays 1.30pm-2.30pm. We start again after the summer break on Wednesday 2nd September. Cost is £1.50 per session, which includes refreshments at the end.
For more information contact Tracy Curtis, Fit as a Fiddle Project Co-ordinator 0121 705 9128, The Priory, Church Hill Road, Solihull, B91 3LF or email tcurtis@acsolihull.org
Queens Head Head Old Road Meriden Road Meriden
Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx
Sept 7th Keith Brett
Sept 14th L. inc (Duo)
Sept 21st Players
Sept 28th Guy Surtees
Oct 5th Justine Claire
Oct 12th Terry Fox (to be confirmed)
Oct 19th Steve Aston
Oct 26th Paul Tracini
Nov 2nd Backbeat
Nov 9th Stevie Best
Nov 16th V. J.
Nov 23rd Terry Fox
Nov 30th L. inc (Duo)
Now serving breakfast on Sunday mornings
10.00am-1.00pm Full English £5.25
Pop in for good food and good company 01676 522256 for further information
Friends in Retirement Friends Retirement
We are still thriving in Balsall Common with many members from Meriden.
Activities include Art, Bridge, Ambling, Walking Patchwork and monthly coffee mornings. We are hoping to form some new groups in September including Computers and paper crafts. It costs £2 per annum to join Firs and all the groups are self-supporting.
Our next coach trip is on Friday September 11th and we are going to Kidderminster to catch the Severn Valley Railway train to Bridgenorth and returning on the 3.50 pm train back to Kidderminster. The cost is £21.00 to include the coach and train fare and will pick up from Meriden at 9.45am. Please contact Frank Byrne on 02476 713662 to book.
The Art Group is holding an exhibition at the Methodist Church Hall Balsall Common on Saturday October 17th from 10.30am-3.30pm.
Coffee mornings are on Fridays Sept 18th, Oct 16th and Nov 20th in The Jubilee Centre Balsall Common
New members are always made very welcome
Please ring 01676 523505 for more information
The Hampton Players
All events are held at The Fentham Hall Marsh Lane Hampton-in-Arden
QUIZ NIGHT
Sat 5th September 2009 at 7.30 p.m.
Tables in teams of 6 persons only
Cost £6.00 per person and includes a 'Ploughman’s Supper'.
(Bring your own beverages/bottles/cans)
”LAYING THE GHOST” BY SIMON WILLIAMS
a play of chaotic hilarity for your enjoyment Weds 18th to Sat 21st November 2009
7.45 p.m. start
Ticket Prices £8.00 each
Concessions Weds 18th & Thurs 19th only
Licensed Bar and raffle every night
Tickets from: The Corner Shop, Marsh Lane 01675 442454 or Mo George 01675 442432.
Franklin Construction Franklin Construction Services ServicesServices Services
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• Full design, planning and build service.
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• Window and door replacement in UPVC, timber and aluminium.
• Conservatories erected, kitchens and bathrooms fitted.
The Midlands Charities Association Christmas card shop will be back in Balsall Common library for seven weeks from Monday, October 26th until Saturday,December 12th .
The shop will be operating at all library opening times during that period i.e. Monday & Thursday 10 am -7 pm
Tuesday & Saturday 10 am –5 pm
Friday 1 pm-5 pm (closed Wednesday)
There will be cards from 16 different charities. We are looking for volunteers to help in 2-hour slots on our rota so if you can help, we would be very pleased to hear from you, especially all those kind people who have helped previously.
Judith Woodcock 533428
Pam Brown 532580
Solihull
Parks Events
At the Queen’s Head Queen’s Head
Old Road
Meriden Meriden Meriden
Meriden Old Road
Attractions include Tombola, Bash a Rat, Welly Wangling, Bouncy Castle, Coconut Shy, Face Painting, Bric a Brac, Bar, BBQ and lots more
Don’t forget to get your team together for the TUG O’ WAR COMPETITION FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THIS YEAR’S TROPHY
For more information about stalls and offers of help please phone Mike 07775 567889
MeridenCricketclubsupportslocalcharities
Lavender Hall Park is situated in the centre of Balsall Common Village. This quiet park has Local Nature Reserve status and has recently been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award (this is equivalent to the Blue Flag Award for beaches). The park is very popular with local residents who take advantage of a range of facilities, including a children’s play area, skate park and football pitches. An important landscape feature is Katherine’s Wood, which has a comprehensive footpath network with numerous benches for watching the abundant wildlife or simply resting. What’s more, a host of events take place at the park throughout the year, including an annual kite flying festival for the whole family.
The next event at the park is -
Leaf Rainbows on Tuesday 27th October- children will make a rainbow of autumn colour and a green man mask to take home.
Other park events includeHampton Ramble
Sunday 6th September 10.30am (2 hours) meet at Packhorse Bridge Nature Reserve Car Park
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
Solihull Council’s Response to the ‘Credit Crunch’
Many people want to know where to go for help during the current economic downturn. Solihull Council has put together several schemes to assist residents and businesses suffering from the ‘credit crunch’.
That main source of help is an information service, which has been added to the Council’s website: HYPERLINK "http://www.solihull.gov.uk/weatherthestorm"www.solihull.gov.uk/weatherthestorm . If you don’t have a computer at home, you can access this service at your local library where staff can assist you.
If you want to talk to someone directly, there are Solihull Connect walk-in centres in Library Square in Solihull, Shirley Police Station, Chelmsley Wood Housing Office, and Balsall Common Library (Thurs 10am – 2pm only). You can also call the Connect Centre (0121 714 6000) where staff can guide you through options.
The Council and several key organisations have formed an Economic Summit Group, which meets quarterly and is supported by a Solihull Taskforce, which reviews needs on a fortnightly basis, thus keeping up to date with developments.
The aim is to target residents most at need in maximising their household income, and to offer help over redundancy and unemployment. For example, for those affected by LDVs proposals, Job Centre Plus has a dedicated hotline: 0121 253 3950 (9am-5pm).
Business in the borough is also prioritised. The Council’s Enterprise for Success, which helps new businesses start up, has been extended into 2010.
A ‘Credit Crunch’ Task Force to assist small businesses has been established. Partners include the Care Trust, Job Centre Plus, Solihull College, Citizens Advice Bureau, West Midlands Police and various Council Divisions. The team is developing a list of key contacts and sources of support. Initiatives to help businesses reduce their costs and increase efficiency are being developed.
Future action is expected to include a business ‘e-portal’ to allow formation of online business groups and the development of ‘virtual working’ facilities with business mentors. The Council is also working with groups such as Business Link, Pertemps, the Shaw Trust and the Chamber of Commerce to provide business support events.
Additionally, the West Midlands Task Force is bringing together public sector and other business support groups, and Advantage West Midlands has a website HYPERLINK "http://www.supportwm.co.uk/"www.supportwm.co.uk , offering a wide range of help through organisations such as the Learning and Skills Council.
I think you will agree that the strategies adopted by the Council and its partners are sound and sensible in the face of economic uncertainty and are likely to help people in the borough overcome current problems.
To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Rachel Anderson on 020 7219 4189 www.carolinespelman.com
Thurs 29th Oct 4.30 – 6.00pm Balsall Common Library
Sat 14th Nov 9.00 - 10.30am
11.00- 12 noon
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
Thurs19th Nov 4.30 - 6.00pm Dickens Heath Library
A prayer from the children of of Meriden School Meriden School Meriden School Meriden School
Dear God
Thank-you for the people who can help us with our learning and who take care of our school. Please can you look after them?
Thank-you for the school building and the classrooms. Please help us to share and learn together in them.
Thank-you God for the climbing frame, tyres, trees and birds and flowers.
Thank-you for our field and playground. Amen
THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE
Over the last several issues Paul & Melanie Lee have featured the Officers and Men named upon Meriden’s War Memorial who fell on foreign soil. However, another photo and more information has been received. If you have information about the photos below, please email the Meriden Mag.
HEART OF ENGLAND ATC 1459 SQUADRON
We have Ron Jackson to thank for sending this photo to the Meriden Mag. It was taken at Coleshill in either 1940 or 1941. During this time, the Air Training Corps’ headquarters were based at St. Peter’s School in Balsall Common. They used to meet and parade every week. In the group there are 9 boys from Meriden who used to cycle over. Ron Jackson features in the back row, second from left. In the Spring issue of the Meriden Mag, Mike Callow gave us information on Sergeant John Henry Hollis (Jack or Mansh for short) who was shot down in Holland on 22nd June, 1944. Now we have a photo of Jack, featured here and below in the front row, right of the drum, aged around 15 or 16. Jack Shirley’s younger brother, Bill, is featured third from right on the back row. Jack served with the Air Transport Auxiliary and was killed on 7th August 1943, when his plane crashed into a mountain whilst on duty.
Left to right, Ron has identified the following:
Back row: Ron Hurford, Ron Jackson, John Davy, Bert Stokes, Percy Cudmore, Bill Shirley, Hubert Sparkes, ?
Middle row: Pilot Officer Willard, Bill Bailey, Doug Drakes, Pip Whitehead, ? , ? , Roger Simpson, Snowy Whitehead, Geoff Gaston, Denis Head, ? , Bill Askew, Pilot Officer Palmer
Front Row: ? , ? , John Hazel, Don Britain, Alf Sweatman, ? , ? , Jack Hollis, Walter Simpson, Watson, Vic Boyle, Denis Bates, Vic Ward
MERIDEN’S HOME GUARD
Both Ron Jackson and Mike Callow would like to apologise for identifying Frank Brain third from right in the back row; he’s actually second from right in the middle row. Another reader has suggested that if anyone remembers George and Jo Ellard, which one was the sergeant seated third from right?
Back Row: Fred Malin, Stan Ivans, Lol Holtom, Mr Devine, Stan Fisher, Ernie Jones, Charlie Davies, ?, George Sweet, Les Richards Middle Row: ?, Bill Harvey, ?, ?, George Wilcox, ?, George or Jo Ellard, Lieutenant Frank Brain, David Print
Front Row: George Pegden, Cecil Hallard, Mr Wakefield, Captain Hickman, George or Jo Ellard, Jack Barlow, Fran Austin
Don’t forget that this year, Meriden’s Remembrance Sunday Service will be held at St. Laurence Church on Sunday 8th November. Church service commences at 10:00am and then follows on to the War Memorial on the corner of Berkswell Lane and Main Road at 10:45am.
Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA
What a Way To Run a City
Or, a primer on municipal government in the US, with helpful suggestions for improvements and some (parenthetical) spelling adjustments
Is this a Way to Run a City?
In Hawaii there’s a serious (or at least a semi-serious) movement afoot to restore the Royal Family to its rightful place in the scheme of things. Sadly, in 1893 a junta of foreign sugar planters, financiers and the descendants of missionaries deposed Queen Liliuokalani, the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I. She surrendered her throne only under threat of force and only “until such time as the Government of the United States shall, upon facts being presented to it, undo the action of its representatives and reinstate me in the authority which I claim as the Constitutional Sovereign of the Hawaiian Islands.” Alas, it never undid, and so her grandnephew Akahi Nui, the pretender to the throne, is still waiting.
But what would be wrong with one of our 50 states having a constitutional monarch, one with no more real power than governors now wield? And what would be wrong with a town having something similar?Oh, I don’t mean that we should make these offices hereditary (your Lizzie Windsor, after all, has had the scepter [sceptre, that is] in her mitts since 1953 and seems highly unlikely to give it up, ever) but merely to introduce life tenure in order to save the money we now throw away on elections.
A perfect case would be Wallingford, a neighboring [or neighbouring] town to our Meriden, where William W. Dickinson Jr. has been mayor since before the ink was dry on the Treaty of Paris. In some election years, the opposing party can’t even find the energy to run a candidate against him. So why not simply make him mayor for life and dispense with all that costly voting? There’s little or no danger that Mr. Dickinson would start putting on airs and issuing encyclicals or something. And he’s notoriously parsimonious with the public purse.
But I should probably pause to explain what an odd assortment of municipal arrangements we have over here, which seems to be a New England quirk that doesn’t obtain in most parts of the country. A smaller town hereabouts tends to be run by a board of three or four “selectmen,” of which the chairman, primus inter pares, is called the “first selectman.”
A larger place generally will have an elected council (although its members may be called aldermen or supervisors or something elses) and an elected mayor (who may be a “strong” mayor with some real power, or a “weak” mayor whose role is mainly ceremonial) and there may or may not be a town or city manager — a professional hireling — as well. It all depends on what the city or town charter specifies.
Thus, Meriden has a “weak” mayor and a city manager who actually runs the show; Wallingford has a “strong” mayor and no manager; and Southington, on the other side of Meriden, has a town manager but no mayor. (That person, by the way, whose name is John Weichsel, also reserves to himself the titles of Personnel Director, Recycling Coordinator and Welfare Director.)
Just in case this doesn’t strike you as odd enough, each of these places also has its own police force and its own fire department — or several; there are still volunteer fire departments around here, and some towns have both kinds.
And just about every town, no matter how small, has its own board of education, which actually does run the schools — hiring the superintendent and the teachers and largely determining the curriculum – with some interference, and some assistance, from state and federal bureaucrats. These school boards, almost all of them, are elected along party lines.
Which, for no particular reason, brings me to the subject of a tiny entity on your side of the pond called the Principality of Sealand, a World War II-era antiaircraft platform a few miles out in the North Sea where a guy who styles himself Prince Michael, son of the fellow who first occupied the place in 1967 and immediately dubbed himself Prince Roy, apparently supports himself by hosting some Internet activities (which we can only assume are questionable) and by selling titles of nobility. And so my friend David, who lives in California, having sent in his check [cheque] in order to take part in this flummery, now goes by Lord David So-and-so of Sealand. Not a pretentious sort, he allows his friends to address him, simply, as “Your Grandiosity.”
But we needn’t get into any such malarkey when it comes to the modest political proposal outlined above.
After all, I’m only trying to help.Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com or (203) 317-2222
The Orme
School of Dancing
Meriden branch
Methodist Church Hall
Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary
Berkswell Village Museum Berkswell Village Museum Village Museum Village Museum
Hidden away in the centre of Berkswell Village is a small museum full of interesting items from the past with connections to the village and the surrounding area. The museum is housed in a pair of cottages built about 1500 and is very typical of the half-timber framed cottages found in Warwickshire. The cottages were turned into one property for the home of the village district nurse and midwife early in the twentieth century and were then condemned for habitation in the 1940s. It has been a museum since 1981 and consists of memorabilia, agricultural and domestic articles displayed in four attractive rooms.
Berkswell’s famous people are remembered with displays. Maud Watson – the first Ladies Singles Champion at Wimbledon, R E S Wyatt – a former England Cricket Captain and the film star Jeremy Brett – best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes. Come and see the cannon and Russian shield, trophies from the Crimean War presented to the village 150 years ago.
The museum is open on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of September and at any other time by request, contact 01676 522077 or 533716
Pied Piper Pest & Wildlife Management
and
problems A Fast Discreet Service, Domestic/Commercial/Agricultural Free Survey & Quote, Fully Insured
Traditional forms of mole & rabbit control
Tel 0121 246 8879
Mobile 07989 348 467
www.piedpiperpestmanagement.co.uk
We have had a busy three months with a variety of meetings and activities.
In June Mike Miles gave a very interesting illustrated talk about Baron Ash of Packwood House (He was not a Baron, it was his first name!) Our Quiz Team took part in the Annual Federation Quiz and achieved a very respectable fifth place out of thirty- eight teams. Later in the month several members attended a flower arranging day school.
Our July speaker was Jackie Gregory on behalf of A.C.W.W (Associated Country Women Worldwide), which is supported by the W.I. She told us about the ongoing project to improve the facilities in Kembujeh village in Gambia.
Also in July we had our usual summer evening walk and were very lucky to have chosen a beautiful summer evening!
After the walk we enjoyed generous hospitality at the home of one of our members. Thank you Barbara!
Our members evening in August was a happy occasion with a delicious buffet and a chance to try our hands at ‘Kurling’ not quite up to Olympic standard but good fun!
Future programme
Monday 7th September
‘Green Men, Grotesques, Medieval Beasties and Uglies’ speaker Dr Colin Harris (sounds intriguing) Monday 5th October
‘The Dogs Trust’ speaker Mrs Jane Hirons Monday 2nd November Annual Meeting
We are also planning a crafts day school in November
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
Save The Children Sponsored Bike Ride
Sunday 13th September
Organised by Balsall Common ‘Save the Children’ Group
There are three routes to choose from20 miles, 40 miles and 60miles
All routes are chosen for the scenery and the attractiveness of the route
There are FREE drinks and cakes at the end and entry is also free (but we do ask you to collect a minimum of £20 sponsorship)
Starts are from Meeting House Lane, Balsall Common from 9.00am
Please give your name and address to Nigel Briggs on 01676 534775
Or email info@nigelbriggsassociates.com if you are interested in receiving further details
CAMEO CAMEO
We were fortunate to have our local historian, Doreen Agutter, speak to us about the paintings of Dr. Kittermaster at our May meeting. Doreen spoke at length about the doctor who was one of the most important people in the village in his time and she explained his local family background. Canadian relatives of his had sent over to Doreen a number of his pictures and she described them in detail explaining that they are a wonderful record of local social history. It was a most interesting meeting.
In June we held our fourth Holiday at Home. After coffee on arrival, our first session with June Batchelor involved looking at an exhibition of items beautifully restored with beads. We then purchased kits for Christmas decorations all the money going to cancer charities. Although most of us purchased the decorations already made up, some of us decided to try our hand at making them ourselves! Kevin and Lyn from The Centre then led us through a number of hymns, Kevin accompanying us on his guitar, before we enjoyed our traditional pie lunch. After lunch we were entertained by the delightful children from Berkswell School with a variety of songs. Their appearance is always appreciated and has become a highlight of the day.
Ann Bayliss led us through a series of chair exercises before Kevin and Lyn once again accompanied us in singing more songs. Finally, John Tearne entertained us brilliantly with a selection of well known monologues from Flanders and Swann etc. We are grateful to the charity HERO for their generous donation to the cost of the event.
In July we had our annual meeting where we share our favourite poems. This year even more members than last year read their poems. Afterwards we enjoyed a tea of strawberries and cream.
We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Pam 523372
Forthcoming meetings:- 25th September - Speaker from SSAFA and Harvest Thanksgiving 23rd October - Speaker from the Gideons 27th November - ‘Dr Mum and Dr Dad’ speaker Chris Briggs
Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m. State
Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Ltd
Jamieson House, 326 Kenilworth Rd, Balsall Common CV7 7ER Tel 01676 532 210 Fax 01676 532 520
Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Registered Chiropodist Mrs C Booker
Liam Halton B.Sc (Hons) Ost. 49 Larch Tree Avenue, (Off Broad Lane), Tile Hill, COVENTRY, CV4 9FT www.larchtreeost.co.uk
Rotary Club of Meriden
Recent and Forthcoming events at Meriden Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Meriden held its regular Jazz on the lawn event at Meriden Hall as part of the Meriden Festival on 28th June. The event was a huge success and attracted families and music lovers from the surrounding villages who enjoyed a summer picnic to the sounds of the Jazz band and sax ensemble. Unfortunately, rain stopped play a little earlier than anticipated. Following an extremely successful year, David Maugham handed over the Presidency to Warwick Kendrick on 30th June. Warwick is a Chartered Accountant and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Meriden for 29 years and is married to Sue. His chosen charity during his presidential year is The Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) to provide support for local families who are affected by MS. During the forthcoming year there will be a number of fundraising events including a pub quiz evening, a charity auction on 14th November in Meriden village hall, Santa sleigh in December and the motorcycle Megaride June 2010. Please check your local press or our website www.meridenrotary.org.uk for details of these events. The Rotary Club of Meriden would like to thank you for your continued support.
The Rotary Club of Meriden is always looking for new members. Rotary is a worldwide organisation of more than 1.25 million business and professional members who are committed to serving their local communities. If you are interested in joining us come along and meet us.
For more details of Meriden Rotary Club
A
different way of cooking a whole chicken!!
1 350ml can of bitter beer
1 1.3 kg fresh chicken
Fresh herbs(mint, thyme, parsley, oregano –it’s your choice!)
For the rub
1tbsp dark brown sugar
1tbsp paprika (preferably smoked)
1tbsp sea salt
1tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp celery salt
Mix all the rub ingredients together
Season inside the chicken with the rub
Discard half the can of beer (or drink it!)
Carefully remove the top of the can and put the herbs and 3-heaped teaspoons of the rub into the remaining beer
Place the can in the centre of a meat dish and lower the chicken on to it until it is fully inserted. Pull out the legs so you end up with a tripod effect, the parson’s nose being one point and the two knuckles of the chicken being the other.
Place in a pre-heated oven (160 degrees centigrade or gas mark 5) and cook for 1 ½ hours basting regularily.
Check it is cooked and enjoy!
Thanks to Debbie Mckinnon of Slimrite for this recipe
For more details of Slimrite call 01676522399
523510
www.meridenrotary.org.uk
Simply Social
Are you on your own and over 50?
Do you want to update your social life?
Are you looking forward to a lonely Autumn? - we can change that!!
COME AND JOIN US!
We are a social group (not a dating agency!) for unattached/single people over the age of 50. We have been running for 15 years and have approximately 160 members.
Simply Social is non profit making, run by members, who arrange a varied monthly programme of social events including walks, meals, concerts, theatre visits, bowling, dancing (ballroom and disco), holidays at home and abroad and more…….There is something for everyone! We meet on Mondays in Rugby and Wednesdays in Kenilworth, the membership fee is £5 (plus any cost linked to an event).
For more information ring: Kenilworth: Ian 01926 857670
Rugby: Barbara 01788537889
MANPADS Neighbourhood Policing Team
Birmingham International Airport
Police Officers from Birmingham International Airport are asking for your help!!!
We are a small team of Police Officers based at West Midlands Police Operations Aviation Unit at Birmingham International Airport and our primary concern is the security of the flight path and any matters, which may affect the security of the airport
Community Engagement
As part of our role, we patrol the footprint beneath the flight path and as part of a government led initiative we are now trying to engage you, the community, to assist us by being extra "eyes and ears". We are asking residents to be extra vigilant and to report to us anything, which you deem to be suspicious or unusual, for example cars parked up in odd places, or people parked up in cars that don't seem to be there for a legitimate purpose. We must stress that the security threat level has not been changed and that there is no cause for alarm.
We have a 24hour contact number 0121 712 6151... and you can also email us at mnpt@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
We are also trying to create a register of local people who we can contact should we have any information we need to impart to you, if for instance we are looking for a particular vehicle. If you would like to register with us, please telephone or email your contact details including your email address and mobile number to us.
We offer a fabulous range of fresh local foods: meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables complemented by the finest preserves, cakes and condiments
We are conveniently located ½ mile up Berkswell Road from Meriden duck pond Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 5.30pm Sunday 10am – 2pm Closed Monday
Useful and Interesting Evergreen Plants
By Elaine Hitchens of Balsall Common And District Horticultural Society
Evergreen plants are of great value in providing colour and structure throughout the year. If they also produce really attractive flowers they can be particularly desirable. By using them in containers, evergreen shrubs can bring an added dimension to the garden, particularly on patios where they help soften the hard outline of the paving. Given that evergreens provide a year-round presence, a plant in a large pot or halfbarrel can provide a focal point that will add real character and drama much more than a mass of smaller pots could possibly do. . I will make a few suggestions about plants that might be worth looking at and that we have grown successfully.
We have found Ceanothus grow well in this area. A fast growing shrub Ceanothus 'Puget Blue' AGM is one of the most attractive, growing to about 2 metres with rich blue flowers freely produced in April/May. Ceanothus are not long lived, but are worth planting in a fairly sunny sheltered spot for their dark leaves and structure.
The long, hanging silvery catkins of Garrya elliptica (the silk tassel bush) are a striking sight in winter. With its evergreen leaves and graceful catkins, Garrya is an excellent wall shrub and a good winter-interest shrub or informal hedge.
Callistemon linearis (crimson bottlebrush) is one of the most spectacular evergreen plants in our garden in the summer and grows to a height of 1.5m (5 feet). It is easy to grow and loves warmth, moisture and sun, thought to be fairly tender we have found it thrives in this area, coming through last winter’s very cold spell unscathed. A callistemon ‘flower’ is an inflorescence formed of clusters of tiny flowers arranged along and around the branches, forming the familiar bottlebrush shape; each stamen is tipped with a dot of bright yellow pollen.
Kalmia Latifolia. This evergreen flowering shrub is also called the Calico Bush or Mountain Laurel and is native to the Eastern United States. It has glossy green leaves, which are poisonous to cattle. The flowers, which appear in June, are beautiful pink clusters several inches across. Each floret has long, distinctive stamens. Kalmia prefers part-shaded woodland conditions but it is sometimes difficult to grow and flower well.
And finally one of my own best finds in the last few years has been Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'. A compact, evergreen shrub with small, wavy, dark purple leaves and striking, dark grey or black young stems. With its distinctive rounded shape, and pretty leaves, it gives all-year foliage interest in a sunny, well-drained mixed border. In some years it produces honey-scented, dark purple flowers in late spring and early summer. We have found it quite hardy so far.
Credit Crunch!
Are you feeling the pressure?
International Healthcare Company is looking for ambitious self-motivated people here in the UK to spearhead our second phase expansion, working part time from home. If you have a supervisory, managerial, recruitment, sales/marketing, teaching or self employed background (or feel that you would like to develop an extraordinary income with one of the UK’s fastest growing companies); I would like to hear from you. There is on-going, award winning support and training available for the right people.
Call Gill Pritchard now on 01676 534020
IDYLLIC GARDENS
PC Technical Services
Tile Hill Lane, Coventry
Home Computer Repairs, Upgrading & Problem Solving
Telephone 024 7667 4952
Independent personal attention Internet & e-mail, troubleshooting & tuition
We will be holding a coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday 25th September 2009 between9.00am and midday. It will take place at the Community Centre at the top of Fairfield Rise on Alspath Road. There will be a giant tombola and a Bring and Buy Sale all in aid of Macmillan. Come and join us .We charge £1 for your first cuppa, nothing for top ups!.
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
Cyclesolihull Summer Success
Despite the disappointing weather, more and more people have been discovering the community cycle rides organised by the Cyclesolihull this summer. So far this year over 700 people have joined one of the many short rides which are designed for anybody who would like to get out on two wheels for a couple of hours with a few other people. There is nothing to pay and nothing to join – you simply turn up at the start point. Children used to riding on quiet roads with their parents are especially welcome. Full details of the remaining summer rides are available at www.cyclesolihull.org.uk. Rides will be continuing through the autumn and winter with the new programme being available during October.
A familiar summer downpour failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the riders on the ride from Meriden on 19 July.
Cycle to Solihull Day – Sunday 13 September
Cyclesolihull is promoting the second Cycle to Solihull Day during September. The idea is a simple one – to encourage as many people as possible to cycle to the town centre on this day to enjoy the town in a different way. There will be a number of organised rides in the afternoon and an information stall in the High Street. There is also planned to be a ride through the town centre parks and a ‘Doctor Bike’ session at the Tudor Grange cycle circuit. You can easily support the event by joining one of the rides or just by heading to the town centre alone or with family or friends during the afternoon. Further details are available at www.cycletosolihullday.org.uk
For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:
024 7659 7879 KENSINGTON GARAGE
024 7667 0054
Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924
S
We service, repair and care for your vehicle
If you want your dreams to come true you mustn’t over sleep!
WECARE FOR YOUR TREES
PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS TO BRITISH STANDARDS 3998
FORESTRY TRAINING COUNCIL APPROVED
FULL LIABILITY INSURANCE UP TO £5 MILLION
FELLING
PRUNING
HEDGE TRIMMING
STUMP REMOVAL
CROWN REDUCTION & THINNING
CABLE BRACING & PINNING
PLANTING
OFFERING A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE BUILT OVER MANY YEARS TO ENSURE A PROFESSIONAL & EXPERT SERVICE. FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE PLEASE CALL:
DUNNS TREE SERVICES
12, Okehampton Road
Styvechale, Coventry CV3 5AU
Tel: 024 7641 3768 Mob: 07719 005747
Website: www.dunnstreeservices.co.uk
Meriden Village Hall is available for private parties etc. Rates are £10 per hour
Contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963
Berkswell and District Berkswell and District and and History Group History Group
The aim` of the History Group is to give its members and the general public the opportunity to acquire information & understanding on items of historical interest through meetings, visits and research projects.
Wednesday, 9th September. 7.00pm in Coventry. “The Ultimate Coventry Ghost Trail - Pru Porretta. Members Only – Numbers Strictly Limited.
Thursday, 15th October 2.30pm at Balsall Common Village Hall. “Midlands Customs & Traditions” An Illustrated Talk with Dr.Colin Harris
Saturday, 21st November 7.00pm at Berkswell Reading Room. Evening dinner followed by an Historical Entertainment “The Road to Agincourt”. Entrance by ticket only; £15 per head. Telephone 01676 535782.
Visitors are most welcome at all open meetings. Admission to meetings, including refreshments, £2.50 non-members; £1.50 members.
Annual membership £5 For our latest news visit the website: www.berkswell-history.org Telephone 01676 535782 or 532645
Meriden library
01676 522717
Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Summer is nearly at an end, and so is the children’s summer reading challenge – Questseekers. The last day for completing the challenge at the library is Saturday 5th September 2009. The library has seen lots of children taking part this summer, and it’s been wonderful to welcome them all into the library with their families. We will be presenting the medals to all our Questseekers later in the autumn at both the library and Meriden Primary School – please look out at the library for a notice of the time and date for the school presentation - WELL DONE EVERYONE!
From endings to new beginnings as the school year kicks off again! The library is always here to help with homework, reading and IT resources available to everyone. Don’t forget it is free to use the computers and Internet at the library – the only charge we make is for printing. We also have an excellent collection of books called “Ready, steady, read” for those children starting to discover the joy of reading for the first time.
For those children not quite big enough for school yet, we will be running our weekly story times for the under fives every Monday during term time, from 2.45pm – 3.15pm. Come and join us for stories, rhymes and activities.
We continue to host the local neighbourhood and police surgeries at the library each month. See our notice board for dates and times, and come along to discuss issues and problems you have with your local representatives.
MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS GROUP
September already and the nights are drawing in. What could be better than a good book to lose yourself in?
The Meriden Library Readers Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. Details of the venue from Meriden Library staff.
Instead of the usual all read and discuss the same book, we have a different theme each month and often want to read another book on the same subject if other members enjoyed it a lot.
Our Autumn programme :-
9th September – Modern African Writers
14th October – English spy novels
11th November – Charles Dickens – his novels or biographies
If anything above takes your fancy, do come along and join us. We love to have different opinions.
Margaret Houldsworth
In July the half-yearly ‘in house’ newsletter ‘The Informer’ was sent to members giving them an up date. During the past months we have continued to expand to a membership of 150. All our groups remained active in spite of the unpredictable weather and our Summer Lunch organized by Peter Driffield was an enjoyable get –together at The Lakes Barston.
In September Faith Visits will be at ‘The Oratory’ and we see the commencement of a new group on a Wednesday afternoon in September with a ‘Sing-a-Long’ – this is not a choir, just a group to sing in tune or out of tune. We hope this will be followed by another new group ‘Desert Island Discs’. We are also preparing for an ‘in house’ Christmas miscellany with members suggesting a poem or prose and either offering to read or designate another member.
All our speakers have continued to inform and entertain our general meetings which are at 1-45 for 2-00 in The Village Hall on the 4th Monday in the month, unless this is a holiday and then it is the 3rd Monday. Prospective members are always welcome. There is a charge of £2.50 refundable if they join at the meeting.
More information on our programme and groups is available from Anne Santos on 01676 534003 or email: info@balsallcommonu3a.org or visit our website www.balsallcommonu3a.org which has links to our newsletter’ and our photographs on our flickr.com site.
Picture Framer
Calvin
Home Workshop
279 Kenilworth Road
Balsall Common
Wednesday-Thursday-Friday & Saturday
10.00am thru to 5.00pm
Needleworks – Prints - Photos
Medals - Artworks
Mirrors available and framed
01676 544562
Meriden Mums and Toddlers Group
Meriden Methodist Church Hall Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am
Craft activities, healthy snacks, outdoor play, cup of tea and chat for Mums and carers
£1.50afamilyandfirstsessionfree
Contact 07921 766882 for more details
Heart of England
Property Maintenance
Plumbing
Carpentry
General Maintenance
Painting & Decorating
Contact Paul Morgan on 01676 542885 07917 692948 mobile
Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100
Men and Women welcome
Open 7 days a week
Monthly offers available
New dual treatment room
Gift vouchers available
All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, aspects of Beauty Therapy include; Manicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Facia Eye treatment, Facia
ls, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear
Eye Eye Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear
Caci facials and treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Ear
ls, Caci facials and treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Candles, Gel Nail Body Hot Massage, Spray Tanning and Candles, Gel Nail Body Hot Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed. Vertical Sun bed. Vertical Sun bed. Vertical Sun bed.
Clinics available for Restylane, Muscle relaxing injections and Teeth whitening
For more details or to go on our mailing list Telephone 01676 521100
Also treatment rooms available at the Windmill Village Hotel and Nailcote Hall Hotel
Pub of the year 2008 Pub year 2008
(Sponsored by (Sponsored by Warwickshire Life Magazine)
Freshly prepared food available all day, every day until 10.00pm and 9.30pm on Sundays
Come along and enjoy our
• Garden and Terrace area
• Great cask ales
• Continental beers
• Fantastic wine list
The Bulls Head Meriden Head
Bring in this voucher, and receive a pint of Carling or a regular glass of house wine free, when you buy a minimum of two courses from the Main Menu
Offer available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays only 12 noon until 10.00pm
Limited to two drinks per voucher. Offer expires Wednesday 16th September 2009
Meriden Knights Chess Club
We still have all the equipment safe and are looking for new players. At the moment, we are playing in the Coventry Chess Club but if anyone is interested in reforming Meriden Knights please contact Graeme or Shirley on 01676 521259 For more information
onday 11th December18
Meriden Floral Society
Monday September 21st Practise Class Members only
Monday October 19th “A passion for Petals” Wendy Lawrence
Monday November 16th “A bit of a Do” Lyn Wherrett
Meriden Village Hall at 7.30pm prompt
Meriden Flower Club’s successful summer events:
On the evening of 15th June they celebrated their sapphire anniversary (45years) with a flower arranging demonstration by Lorena Dyer one of the club’s long-standing members. The Village Hall was packed and specially invited guests from NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangers), including the area President and Chairman were among the audience. The visitors enjoyed a wonderful display of flowers with a sapphire theme ending with the whole stage being lit by brilliant blue fairy lights. After refreshments with delicious homemade cakes, a raffle was held and many ladies were able to take home one of Lorena’s beautiful arrangements as prizes.
On the following Saturday the president of the flower Club Mrs Val Miller opened her garden to raise funds for ‘Breast Cancer Care’. It was a lovely family occasion on a sunny afternoon and she raised the sum of £710. Val would like to thank all the members of the club for their help and the beautiful home made cakes they all made for each event. She would also like to thank the following businesses for their most generous support and donation of raffle prizes. Nailcote Hall, Stonebridge Golf Club, The Cottage Inn Fillongley, The Bull’s Head Meriden, Meriden Fish & Chip Shop, The Spar Shop Meriden, Prichard’s Dental Practice and Walnut Tree Nursery Fillongley
Lorena at Westminster Abbey
The South Midlands Area Chairman of NAFAS asked Lorena Dyer to be one of the two people chosen from the area to arrange the flowers for the St. Peters Day Service on Sunday 28th June in Westminster Abbey.
Their brief was two pedestal arrangements – one either side of the high altar in a traditional flowing style in mixed reds and flame colours.
They were paid travelling expenses and given a flower allowance to spend and had to choose, buy and take their own flowers. A good friend of Lorena’s supplied them with greenery from her own garden.
With an early start Lorena’s husband Trevor kindly drove Lorena and her fellow NAFAS member Lucy Allan to London on Saturday 27th June, where they were met at 9.00am at the Dean’s Yard entrance to Westminster Abbey by the Abbey ‘s Flower co-ordinator.
Lorena said, “It was a great honour to be chosen and an experience I shall never forget”
For more details of Meriden Flower Club please contact Val Miller 01676 540380 / Sandra Jones 01676 523023
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Opening Hours
1.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00
When the Surgery is closed
The Practice uses a GP co-operative Badger for emergencies outside normal surgery hours. For details on how to obtain medical help when the surgery is 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 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Please quote your computer number.
48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION
REQUESTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TREATMENT FOR SWINE FLU
www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
Information : 0800 1513 513
Treatment : 0800 1 513 100
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
If you have a fever or a high temperature (over 38C / 100.4F) and have two of the following symptoms:
Unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles, diarrhoea or vomiting, you may have swine flu.
How to use the National Pandemic Flu Service
1. Go on line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513
2. You’ll be taken through a list of simple questions about your symptoms and medical history and asked to confirm your date of birth, name and address including your post code
3. If you are confirmed as having swine flu, you may be given an authorisation number which will allow your ‘flu friend’ (a family member, friend or neighbour) to collect a course of antivirals on your behalf from a local collection point in your area. You will also be given advice on how to treat your symptoms at home
When is it better to contact your doctor?
1. If you have a serious underlying illness
2. You are pregnant
3. You have a sick child under one year old
4. You or your child’s condition suddenly gets much worse
5. Your condition is still getting worse after 7 days (five for a child)
Staying at home and accessing antivirals via the National Pandemic Flu Service will reduce the pressure on your GP’s surgery and prevent the spread of the virus within your community.
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 01676522252 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.
The Green Meriden Tel/ Fax 01676 522722 Monday – Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm Sunday Closed If you can’t attend
Lloyds Pharmacy
Ramblings From The Allotments
The 2009 season started as usual in early March with everyone starting to make ready. The “unseasonal” snow in the early part of the year made picking sprouts and digging up carrots a little difficult, but I think most people managed. Clearing up the over wintered weeds were a priority and this was tackled with gusto until rain stopped play. We were still enjoying carrots in late March and early April and spring cabbage well into June and to my mind it’s the best.
The next job was to decide what seeds needed sowing and among all the vegetable seeds we must not forget my bedding plants. We actually grew approximately 332 marigold plants, half of which were planted later in may beneath the row of tomato plants. They are good for keeping little pests away. The allotment is now well planted up with the leeks, winter cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts and purple sprouting to be planted later.
A bumper crop of asparagus appeared in May and if you like this vegetable you have to have it picked and cooked within the hour, delicious. So far into the early part of the season the weather has been very kind to us gardeners and with light rain and the warm days guess what grows best, yes, of course the weeds! I would not be kidding you all if I told you I weeded 12 rows of onions, garlic and shallots. Guess how my back felt. The chickens are doing their bit and providing us with the most gorgeous eggs and the wormery is giving us plenty of liquid fertilizer. We had a new allotment holder who joined us at the beginning of the season an he seems to be getting in fine and as we all pass on unwanted plants around the allotments he will do alright. The lady gardeners are giving the men a run for their money and are gardening to a high standard.
This year we provided a stall at the Cancer Research Summer Fete where we did our bit to raise over £250. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed produce, plants and preserves for us to sell.
On a sombre note in late May two nice benches were donated to the allotments and I have to say that by the middle of June one had been stolen, if the thief is reading this then shame on you.
We had a nasty experience with a fox in early June when a vixen took five hens. We were quite upset to say the least. On a happier note, one was retrieved a week later from a garden in the Filongley Road. They have now been replaced with five rescue hens that are doing very well. The fox is still prowling around so keen eyes are called for. At the moment all the allotments are taken but should anyone care to join us for good old fashioned hard work which reaps plenty then let me know and you can be put on the waiting list and who knows maybe one of our stalwarts may decide they have had enough.
Ann Butler 01676 522745
Editors note: Ann wrote this article before the recent heavy rains, it is rather muddy on the allotments at the moment!!
We’re Back
Grand re-Opening of
Re- registration will take place in Autumn Term
Open for sessions from Wednesday 9th September Places for children from 2 years to 5 years
Come along to our Fun day, party and taster sessions on Monday 14th September 2009
9.30am to 11.00am for 2 – 3 year olds
11.30am to 1.00pm for 3- 5 year olds
Parents and carers welcome; join us for a cup of tea and cake while we discuss your childcare needs.
Free 5 sessions the term after the child’s 3rd Birthday
For further information telephone
Lucy Ison on 01676 542834 Or 07773 537081
Or Marilyn Hamilton 01676 523472 Or 07882705490
Of all things you wear, your Of all wear, expressi expressiexpressi expression is the most important. on is the most important. on is on is
180 Station Road
Balsall Common
Warwickshire CV7 7FD Behind County Dry Cleaners
Tel: 07976 039 327
Are you aged between 7 and 12?
Are you interested in learning to play either electric or classical guitar?
Lessons available for beginners and early learners only £4 per half hour FREE INTRODUCTORY LESSON CONTACT:01676 523437
Local Farmers Markets
Solihull - High Street
1st Friday in month 9am – 3pm
Kenilworth - Abbey End
2nd Saturday in month 9am-2pm
Warwick - Market Square
3rd Friday in month 10am-3pm
Leamington Spa - bottom of Parade
4th Saturday in month 9am-2pm
Coventry - Market Way
2nd Thursday in month 9am4.30pm
Coleshill - Church Hill
4th Friday in month 10am – 2pm
We were blessed with a sunny afternoon for our fete at Sue & Tony Sweeney’s hotel in Hampton Lane on Sunday 12th July. The event was very successful - lots of people visited and enjoyed themselves and we made a profit of £3,700. The committee would like to thank all of the people who helped or supported us on that day.
The Oddfellows Allotments provided a packed out stall of locally grown, super fresh fruit and vegetables. Hazel & Sally Babb supported the children’s table with an overflowing array of nearly new children’s toys and books.
The cake stall had over 100 cakes for sale and raised over £300. Many of these were provided by local W.I. organisations in Warwickshire and the West Midlands. It’s amazing how popular W.I. cakes and jams are!
“Together we can beat Cancer”
A big thank you must go to Sue & Tony Sweeney, the generous hosts who supported us with the venue, a large attractive garden, the raffle prizes, food and music and helped to make it a really good afternoon. Also our grateful thanks to Jane Isham for donating the 1st prize in the raffle - a week’s stay at an apartment in Spain.
This summer Grace Tuckey decided to retire from the Meriden Committee – although we know she will always “be there for us”. Amazingly Grace has been on this Committee for 40 years. Jan West our local organiser presented her with a 40 years medal and certificate and thanked her for wonderful work for this charity. It is very rare that people manage to put in 40 years of volunteering. Grace has been a real stalwart of this committee and we send our thanks for all her hard work and our very best wishes for a good rest!
Our next event is “In the Pink” a Ladies Night at the Strawberry Bank Hotel on Friday 9th October. Lorena Dyer will be presenting a flower demonstration; there will be a comedienne/musician and other presentations of interest to women. Please support this event, wearing pink if possible! Look out for posters for more details.
Our Christmas event is a Jazz Night at the Heart of England Club on Friday 27th November. If you would like further details, tickets for our events, or if you are interested in joining us please contact: Mary Warr (Chair) 01676 522160 Carol Lindeque (Sec) 01676 522343 Jan Wade (Treasurer) 01676 523118 Or any other Committee Member.
DIANE HORWOOD
Operation Christmas Child
Grace and Lucy Ball will be collecting boxes for the appeal from the Library in early November. For details of how to fill your shoe box please contact Grace and Lucy on 01676 523502
Congratulations to Janet Lay and Lawrence Wood on the recent celebration of their partnership at St Laurence Church
Diane, who died in May this year, was born in Henley-inArden, and came to live on the Main Road in 1966 with husband Brian and daughters Karen and Shane. She was a great home-maker and craftswoman and was particularly skilled at dressmaking and making household furnishings. She loved clothes and always liked to be smartly dressed. She worked for some 10 years, with her daughter Shane, as a housekeeper at The Manor Hotel and, later, for some 6 years, until September 2008, as caretaker of Meriden Village Hall.
In later years, her passion was for dancing - ballroom and, later, sequence dancing - and she and Shane went to meetings at the Polish and West Indian Clubs in Coventry and to the Jaguar Club in Castle Bromwich. One of her favourite trips was to go to Blackpool where she could dance in the Tower Ballroom.
Diane was a very kind and thoughtful neighbour and we shall miss her.
Sue Fuller Joan Russell
Working in Meriden
I have decided to write some articles about working in the village in past eras. Perhaps someone might like to contribute to this theme by writing about working nowadays or in C20th?
Farming in Tudor times
Doreen Agutter.
Forest of Arden parishes like Alspath (Meriden) include in them many ‘ends’ and ‘greens’ whose boundaries are imprecise. Most frequently mentioned in documents is Hollyberry End, though it has nothing to do with holly trees. It means a holy fortified place and we often find it named in ancient leases or descriptions. Why ‘holy’ I cannot say. It’s on the edge of a wooded area but looking out over higher land towards Corley Moor, suitable for grazing cattle and sheep as well as crop-growing. Members of my own family held land here as shown on a 1505 lease. In 1542 the Manor Court clerk had asked, ‘Who is the heir of William Saunders, gentleman of Burton Dassett?’ for the Earl of Derby, the chief lord (of Alspath) wished whoever the new owner was to pay an entrance fee before he could inherit.
One of the larger farms here belonged to the Flints who had moved over the parish boundary from Allesley early in Tudor times. We can deduce a good deal about how Henry Flint farmed here thanks to some 435 year old papers. Twice married, he died in 1585 a man into middle age with 2 sons and 3 daughters. His second wife Alice and their son Laurence helped on the farm; his elder son and the girls had left home and had growing families of their own. Farming was very hard work following a set annual pattern depending on the seasons. This family employed twolive-in servants and another day labourer from nearby.
The house contained a hall, scantily furnished with medieval style furniture: a table made from trestles and topped with a board, two chairs, benches and stools, a kitchen and sleeping chambers. In the kitchen, an open fire burning wood was the centre of family life. Here they roasted or boiled home killed meat or poultry catching the dripping in pans. Utensils hung on pot hooks over the flames though there were some better quality items: brass pots and pewter dishes. Many plates were wooden or of base metal and bottles leather. Senior family members slept in comfort on feather mattresses, between linen sheets. It was no longer considered a weakness to have blankets and a pillow. Chests were used to store clothing and household linens. There were even some small luxury items like a drinking glass.
This was a mixed farm with milking cows, a ‘great bull’, and 9 younger beasts, sheep, lambs, pigs and poultry. Henry owned a horse, a hay wain and large farm cart. He sowed grain crops: wheat and rye in October, oats in the spring. Hay was cut in June. He harnessed 5 oxen to plough his fields 3 times before planting, and rode to church or market on a gelding. His wife had her own mare and a house cow tethered by the door. All work about the farm was done with hand tools: many still familiar today. They included axes, bills, a hatchet, scythes, a mattock, spade, muck fork, dung pick and rake. These could be sharpened with a grindle stone. Bellows and a shoeing horn show routine smithing repairs undertaken on the premises. The women, probably Alice and her daughter-in-law Katherine nee Crowe or the servant Joyce worked at two spinning wheels while a quantity of woollen cloth indicated clothing was home made. Utensils in the kitchen like a spice mortar tell us food was spiced or fried in a pan. They made their own bread all year round, cheese from cows’ and ewes’ milk and probably butter, from April to November. There is no evidence of gardening but a kitchen garden was essential for root vegetables and herbs. There could well be a shortage of food for people and animals towards the end of winter even though the Flints were not poor. Their grandson Henry moved to Berkswell where Flints Green on Back Lane recalls his home. In another direction, relatives from Gt Packington moved to Acocks Green, now Birmingham by mid C17th where another Flints Green remains as a road name.
Next time: Running an Inn.
KIMBERLEY & CO ACCOUNTANTS
N. KIMBERLEY
FSPA
• Accounts preparation, for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies
Doreen Agutter.
• Self assessment and corporation tax returns.
• Payroll and Book-keeping services.
• CIS scheme returns.
PHONE/FAX 01676 523531
MOBILE 07802181032
50 Leys Lane Meriden CV7 7LQ
Letters
Variety Show May 2nd
I would like to thank everyone who helped in any way All who took part in the show, those who helped in the kitchen with the refreshments, also the raffle. Kirsteen for the posters and programmes, the Methodist Church for the use of the hall, and of course the audience which included the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, who sent a letter saying how much they had enjoyed the show. And, despite my untimely heart attack causing disruption (sorry) it was a great success. The sum of £558 was raised for the church tower restoration fund.
Once again thank you everyone Also many thanks for all the cards, phone calls and prayers after my heart attack.
Marion Theobold
Thank you to Brian & Elaine
The village Green looks particularly lovely this year. Thank you for a job well done.
Dorothy
& Brian Townley
Lions and Locals have a ball in Meriden!
On Saturday 28th March, Marston Green & District Lions Club held their 11th annual Charity Ball at the Strawberry Bank Hotel in Meriden. Over 100 people came along to enjoy a delicious 3-course meal, followed by the chance to dance off all those calories to the music of live band "Back in Time". Our guests were also able to try their luck at our Grand Tombola, and bid for an item of their choice on the Silent Auction. In between the dancing there was the chance to win prizes by playing "Stand up Bingo" and "Heads and Tails", plus not forgetting our special £5 raffle to win a prestigious Steiff teddy bear. The evening was much enjoyed by everyone who attended, and raised nearly £2,800 for Prostate Cancer Support and other Lions charities. Marston Green & District Lions Club would like to thank everyone who attended on the evening and helped us to raise such a fantastic amount of money. We would also like to thank the owners and staff at the Strawberry Bank Hotel, for providing a lovely meal with excellent service, and for whom nothing was too much trouble. This was the first year that we have held our Charity Ball at the Strawberry Bank Hotel, and we enjoyed it that much that next year’s ball will also be held there. Keep the 6th March 2010 free and watch this space for further details!
Lin Jones Marston Green & District Lions Club
More Meriden Memories from Mike
I have recently made a return visit to Meriden and was very pleased to meet Paul and Melanie Lee, we had a long chat and I have left some old village photographs with them, which I hope will be featured in future editions of the Mag. While I was in the village I also visited Barbara Cookes (nee Jones) who had read my memory of her father (Fen) in a previous issue, and many more memories were exchanged.
I have also received an email from Margaret White (nee Hyland) who used to live on Fillongley Road, near Arnolds Farm and went to live in Wales 50 odd years ago, and another from Doreen Agutter, known to me for her interesting articles in the Mag. Doreen knew my twin sister and her family very well from association with St. Laurence Church. Earlier in the year I went to see Ron & Joan Jackson, coincidentally, the day before Ron came up to Dot Sakne’s funeral. I was sorry not to able to attend this due to other commitments. I knew Dot quite well due to her connection with St Laurence’s, when Ted was also churchwarden. She helped Mrs Weller with the first church youth club, which met at Yew Tree Cottage.
While talking to Ron we remembered his fellow residents at the children’s home in Leys Lane just above Digby Place. We spoke of his sister, Cherry, the Perry family of whom I remember Ronnie, Reggie and Elsie plus two more, also Arthur Gould and poor little Leslie Gibbs, who apparently cried for his mother and I remember that he used to be round the back of the house, for hours rocking from foot to foot and singing.
I remember Ivy Sheasby who married Ken Constable, a lay reader and they spent much time and money trying to prevent the demolition of St. Thomas’s Church, The Butts, Coventry. One of the vicars there was an ex torpedo bomber pilot and I also recall Canon Stephen Verney, at the Cathedral who fought with the resistance in Crete and is mentioned in “The Cretan Runner”.
In a subsequent phone conversation Ron mentioned that his daughter had given him a copy of a photograph of the Meriden Rovers Football Club 1950 – 51 which was sent to the Coventry Evening Telegraph by Fred Malin, another person I remember.
I believe my father Leslie played for Meriden Cricket Club prior to his untimely death in 1935. In the old Parish Room there was a picture of, I think, the Melbourne Oval to commemorate the membership of the England Touring Team of R.E.S. (Bob Wyatt), who used to live on the Archery Ground. I remember his sister working at The Triumph Factory, as did the sister of Frank Whittle, the Father of our modern Jet travel.
Editors note: there is more memorabilia about Bob Wyatt at Berkswell Village Museum
Ron has very kindly lent us this photograph
School
Ron Jackson has very kindly lent us this photograph of Meriden School 1933 Class 4
Teacher Marjorie Reeves later Mrs Maclaren. Ron’s memory is obviously very good
Teacher Marjorie Mrs Ron’s is very good indeed but can any indeed but can one give us the names of the few unidentified names the few unidentified children? children?
Back row L to R
1. Bill Shirley
Joan Walker
Mona Chislett
5. Alan Tuckey
6. Mary Holtham 7. Dennis Roberts 2nd
1. Josephine Hemmings 2. Francis Makepiece
4. Joan Morris
5. Bill Anderton
6. Barbara Pullen
7. Jim Hudson
8. Joan Wilcox
9. Maud Basset
10.Albert Bellamy
11.Betty Parker
Do you need a cleaner?
Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got
Then call Jenny now on
Jeff Hawkins
Ron Jackson
Edna Malone
Joan Brown 5. George Morrison
Nancy Adams
Clive Poole
Kneeling L to R
Bill Harvey
Eileen Moore
5. Shelia Bond
6. Eileen Cliffe
7. Jean Pakeman
8. Elsie Pointon
Row L to R
rd Row L to R
LADIES DAY
MONDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER: £25.00
WHAT’S ON AT THE MANOR HOTEL
Looking for a truly sophisticated day out?
Fashion ideas, catwalk show, live demonstrations accompanied by an exquisite lunch.
BOOGIE NIGHT, BUFFET& DISCO:
FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER: £19.95
Take a trip back to the unforgettable 70s & 80s and strut your funky stuff.
2 FOR 1 DINNER, REGENCY RESTAURANT OCTOBER
Throughout October why not enjoy two meals for the price of one in our award winning Regency Restaurant for £28.00.
WEDDING FAYRE SUN 18TH OCTOBER
Between 11am & 4pm The Manor plays host to all manner of Wedding professionals and services. Includes Fashion Show. Free Admission
CHILDRENS HALLOWEEN PARTY
FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER. Fun packed evening filled with music, games, live entertainment, fancy dress and buffet for children 12 and under. Children £7.95, Adults £9.95
Make sure you book early to avoid disappointment The Manor Hotel, Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NH Telephone; 01676 522735 www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk sales@manorhotelmeriden.co.uk
Under New Management
24 hour Service Private Hire 4, 6 & 8 Seater Airport Transfers Executive Cars Available on Request Lady Drivers available
We have 20 years experience in providing a 24-hour taxi and executive chauffeuring service to our customers
We have employed new drivers to improve the service in Balsall Common, Meriden, Hampton in Arden, Millisons Wood and surrounding areas.
All our drivers have been CRB checked
All our drivers are licensed through the local council
We have improved the service to keep all our customers satisfied
Try our fast, reliable, friendly and efficient service and compare it to the rest !
222 Office address: 297 Kenilworth Rd Balsall Common CV7 7EL
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. Look out for the Agenda which is posted on the parish notice boards prior to the meeting.
September 2009 9th Sub Committee Meeting
28th Parish Council Meeting
October 2009 14th Sub Committee Meeting
26th Parish Council Meeting
November 200911th Sub Committee Meeting
23rd Parish Council Meeting
Your Parish Councillors are:
Should you wish to contact your Parish Council please contact the Clerk: Mrs J Hall, 111 Fillongley Road, Meriden, Coventry, CV7 7LW. Tel: 01676 522727; Email: juliehall.mpc@btinternet.com; Web:
Rosie Weaver (Chair); Bob Kipling (Vice Chair); Graeme Goodsir; Shirley Goodsir; Marilyn Hamilton; Melanie Lee; Sarah Markham; Will Markham.
1) CHAIR’S ANNUAL REPORT 2008/2009
The Annual Report from the Chair of Meriden Parish Council can be viewed on the website or at the library
2) COMMUNITY SURGERIES
A representative from the West Midlands Police along with Susan East, our Neighbourhood Coordinator from Solihull MBC, will be available for you to discuss any issues at Meriden Library on Monday mornings from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the following dates 21st September, 19th October, 16th November, 14th December.
3) TENNIS COURTS
Due to vandalism, the tennis courts on Maxstoke Lane playing fields are locked. Keys can be obtained from the Spar and Clerk.
4) COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
The Police are currently printing the necessary signs and undertaking risk assessments on the four areas highlighted in the Parish Appraisal. Sarah Markham, the Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator will be arranging the first session shortly. Should you wish to volunteer for this project, please contact the Clerk.
5) POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICER- FOR MERIDEN.
West Midlands Police have recently employed a new PCSO for Meriden. They are currently undertaking training and will commence work at the beginning of October.
WE NEED YOUR VIEWS ON…
Having a Dome hawk surveillance camera on The Green.
There have been an increasing number of incidents to which the police have had to attend at the Green lately. The Parish Council would like to hear your views on having a Dome hawk surveillance camera on the green.
Information from Solihull MBC about your new recycling service.
From 28 September 2009 you will be able to recycle tins, cans, card and plastic bottles using your existing kerbside recycling collection service.
Solihull Council will be providing you with a new white woven sack for the collection of plastic bottles and a 140 litre black wheelie bin for the collection of your remaining waste - really all that’s left after recycling.
Both the white woven sack and black wheelie bin will be collected weekly.
Your existing boxes will remain a fortnightly collection but from September, you will be able to recycle tins and cans in your black box along with the glass you are recycling at present and in your green box, you will be able to recycle card as well as paper.
An information pack will be put through your door at the same time as your white woven sack is delivered which will explain how to use the new service and when your collection starts.
Listed below are some of our most frequently asked questions however, there are more answers on our website www.solihull.gov.uk or you can ask the recycling team directly by emailing connectcc@solihull.gov.uk or phone us on 0121 704 8000.
If I haven’t got enough space in my recycling box/sack provided, what should I do?
☺ Any additional paper, glass, cans, tins, card and plastic bottles can be put into another container such as a cardboard box or other plastic box and left alongside your box/sack for collection.
☺ After emptying, your box/sack (including any additional containers) will be returned to your normal point of collection.
What if I am physically unable to move my wheelie bin and place my boxes out for collection. Is there any help available?
☺ Yes. Please contact us to request an Assisted Collection application form on 0121 704 8000 or email: connectcc@solihull.gov.uk.
What if I can’t fit all of my rubbish in my wheelie bin?
☺ As we are now able to recycle the majority of your waste, most households will be able to get their remaining waste in the bin provided. However if you have a family of five or more, you may qualify for a larger bin. If you would like to apply for a larger bin, please contact us on 0121 704 8000 to request an application form.
What percentage of the material I put in my recycling boxes is recycled?
☺ 100% of the material you put in your recycling boxes is recycled.
☺ Collected paper is taken to a bulking facility (a storage area) before being transported to Aylesford Newsprint where it is added to water and turned into pulp. It is then screened, cleaned and where required, de-inked before being made into new paper products such as newsprint, cardboard, packaging, tissue and office items. It can take just seven days for a newspaper to go through the recycling process.
☺ Collected glass is transported to Liverpool for processing and recycling. As the glass they recycle for us is mixed (green, brown, clear glass etc) a high tech laser is used to separate the glass into different colours before it is recycled.
☺ Around 90-95% of the glass is recycled into new glass bottles and jars. The remaining 5-10% is used for road surface filling.
☺ Green waste is taken to our composting site in Packington where it is dropped into long wind-rows (a natural process of open composting) and left to compost.
☺ Once matured it is used in horticulture and landscaping.
EXOTIC THAI
DEE IS AT QUEENS HEAD PUB
OLD ROAD MERIDEN
Exotic Thai cuisine cooked in the traditional Thai Way
OPEN 5 days a week Tuesday to Saturday
Food can be ordered between the following times:
Tuesday – Thursday 7.00pm till 10.00pm (closing)
Friday – Saturday 7.00pm till 10.30pm (closing)
Book in advance to avoid disappointment 01676 523740 (6.00pm till 9.30pm)
The management reserves the right of admission
Warwickshire WildlifeTrust
October Half Term events at The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull
Monday 26th October to Friday 30th October Children’s Workshops 10.30am – 12 noon and 1:00pm -2:30pm
A huge selection of workshops run throughout the October Half term. There is a different activity everyday, including Survival Dens, Autumn Watch, Hedgehogs & Hibernation.
At the end of the week especially for Halloween, Ghastly Ghouls and Halloween Horrors, all children are encouraged to dress up and join in the fun and make some Marvellous Halloween decorations to take home.
Wednesday and Friday mornings are specifically geared towards the 5 and under age group.
Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry For details of these please phone 02476 302 912
Nuts about Nature Club
This runs once a month on a Saturday morning between 9:00 – 11:00 am and everyone is welcome.
Really Wild Parties
Why not book a party at the Parkridge Centre? Party times are available every Saturday and Sunday and at other times by special request during the year. We offer a wide range of creative and exciting activities and can also provide the food, invitations and party bags for you.
Toddler Trundle Group
We also run a Toddler Group every Wednesday during term time only between 10:30 -12:00, booking is essential and the session costs £2.50 per child
Cost of each workshop is £3.00 per child or £4.00 for non WWT Members
To book any of these events please call
At Meriden Village Hall
17th September 2009 starting at 7pm
This meeting is open to the public and you are welcome to attend if you would like to learn more about the Forum and the issues it considers.
Background
The Forum was established in 2003 in partnership with the three local authorities and covers the County of Warwickshire, the Borough of Solihull and the City of Coventry. The membership of the forum includes a Councillor from each of the three authorities, as well as individuals representing various interests from across the three authority areas.
The purpose of the Local Access Forum is to advise the authorities on all issues related to the improvement of public access to land. It has a general strategic role in advising on rights of way and wider public access to the countryside and consequently does not consider specific path issues or problems.
If you would like further information please visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/laf or contact the Forum Secretary, Jo Cooper on (01926) 413424.
Apples and Blackberries by Julie Hyde
It is the season of fruit and berries in abundance so let’s have a go at painting a few. If you have some fruit, arrange it in front of you and lightly draw apples and a few blackberries. Draw highlights on apple.
With lots of water, mix up a little puddle of:-
• Yellow (very pale colour)
Paint this weak wash all over the half apple.
Mix up four puddles of paint, making them a lot stronger this time, one each of:-
• Yellow
• Red
• Yellow and Blue (giving a green colour)
• Blue with a little yellow (blue green)
Working quickly, paint the yellow all over the whole apple, omitting the highlights. While this colour is still wet, add a little red to the left hand side, the green to the middle and lower two thirds and the blue green to the lower area. Make sure you miss out the highlights otherwise dry your bush with kitchen roll and put the tip on to the highlight area and lift the damp paint back off again.
Put these colours on to the lower part of the cut apple in the same way.
For the berries mix up small, strong puddles of :-
• Blue with a little touch of purple/red (giving a dark blue/purple)
• Red (with a purple tinge) and a touch of Blue (giving a strong red/purple colour)
Paint small circles on one berry at a time with one of the colours making sure that you leave tiny light bits on each individual segment of the berry. Do the same with the other colour on the next berry. Add brown pips and stalks on the apples and green stems on a couple of the berries.
For the background mix a little:-
• Blue and a touch of Brown (giving a grey colour)
With clean water wet all over the lower part of the picture, up to the bottom of the fruit. Add a little of the grey colour close to and touching the fruit, letting it fade away into the water.
For details of Meriden Art Group contact Julie on 01676 523357
Art Classes
Weekly drawing and painting classes with Julie Hyde start again September.
Tuesday September 8th in Old Arley 10.00 - 12.00
Tuesday September 8th in Coleshill 3.00 - 5.00
NEW CLASS!!!
Tuesday September 8th in Coleshill 6.00-8.00
Wednesday September 9th in Coleshill 10.00- 12.00
Wednesday September 9th in Coleshill 3.00 - 5.00
Thursday September 10th in Meriden 10.00 - 12.00
Thursday September 10th in Meriden 1.00 - 3.00
For availability
please contact Julie on 01676 523357
Fresh Fish delivered every Thursday, orders welcome Frozen Fish always in stock
Congratulations to Congratulations to Zoe and John Zoe and on their recent marriage on their recent marriage
The progress to completion
In July, Rosie Weaver, Chair of Meriden Parish Council, and Iain Roxburgh, Chair of the Meriden Parish Plan Steering Group organised a Partners’ Workshop at Solihull Council’s Civic Suite. They were accompanied by Steering Group members Julie Hall, Tessa Roxburgh and Melanie Lee.
Once again, Councillor David Bell demonstrated his support and praise for the residents of Meriden Parish in getting this far with the Appraisal and Plan. In his introduction speech to the morning session, he pointed out that Meriden Parish has been particularly successful in their progress by engaging these important partners in such a workshop which included
• NHS Primary Care Trust
• Meriden Primary School
• West Midlands Police
• Warwickshire Rural Community Council
• Meriden and Balsall Common Surgeries
• Solihull Regeneration Department
• Solihull Planning Department
• Solihull Education and Children’s Services
• Solihull Community and Transportation
• Solihull Places Directorate
• Solihull Partnership
Iain Roxburgh then gave an overview of the Meriden Parish Plan and explained the aims of the workshop which was to consider and agree the involvement of partners in each action and agree priority in the context of timescale and resources. He then split the workshop attendees into three groups:
• Housing and development, transport, environment
• Children and young people, community safety, community
• Older people, health and care, local services
It was a very productive workshop and commitment by all partners was reinforced by their participation. West Midlands Police were pleased to announce that an extra Community Support Officer for Meriden had been approved and appointment of the Officer was imminent. They will also provide a football coach for the 2010/2011 football season. Youth Support Services promised a weekly bus road show to commence this autumn.
The draft Parish Plan, now updated with the workshop results, sits with the partners in approving and completing the Action Plan which identifies the priorities, timescales and resources for each of the issues highlighted in the Meriden Parish Household Survey Questionnaire. The Steering Group is confident that the Parish Plan will be distributed to all residents this autumn.
Rosie Weaver closed the session by thanking all attendees for taking time out of their busy work schedule to attend the workshop and contribute in such a positive manner. For the readers of the Meriden Mag, Rosie adds “a lot has been achieved so far by working in partnership with the above public bodies and the people who live and work in Meriden Parish. We now have an Action Plan which can deliver what people have said they want”.
PUTTING THE HEART INTO THE CENTRE OF ENGLAND
All you need to do is answer the following question
Where on your house do you find guttering?
Answers with your name and phone number to the Library or email to val.simon@virgin.net (subject competition) before 30th September
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. Life is too short to wake up with regrets. is too short wake up regrets. is too short wake up regrets. So love the people who treat you right.. So love the people who treat you right.. So love treat you So love treat you Forget about the one's who don't. Be Forget about the one's who don't. Be about one's Be about one's Believe lieve lieve everything happens for a reason. If you everything happens for a reason. If you reason. If you reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both get a second chance, grab it with both a chance, grab it with a chance, grab it with hands. If it changes your life, let it. hands. If it changes life, let Nobody said life would be easy, they just Nobody said life would be easy, they just Nobody said would be easy, just Nobody said would be easy, just promised it would be worth it. it worth it.
Special lunchtime deal
2 Main Courses for £9.95
Tuesday to Friday
Special evening menu
2 main courses for £11.95
Tuesday to Friday
STRAWBERRY BANK
HOTEL & RESTAURANT
Ideal setting for a family reunion setting a family reunion whether a wedding, anniversary, whether a wedding, anniversary, whether wedding, anniversary, whether wedding, anniversary, christening or funeral. christening or funeral. christening or funeral. christening or funeral.
Set in beautiful gardens, we cater for Set in beautiful gardens, we cater for Set in beautiful gardens, we for Set in beautiful gardens, we for small or large parties in the restaurant small or large parties in the restaurant or parties in restaurant or parties in restaurant or our two Function suites. or our two Function suites. or two Function or two Function Christmas menus available Christmas available
Visit our website for Visit our for more information information
www.strawberrybank.co.uk
Telephone: 01676 522117
Email: enquiries@strawberrybank.co.uk
Main Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7NF
Q. Why do birds stand on one leg?
A. Because if they picked up the other one they would fall over!
Our restaurant serves A La Carte English and continental menus, as well as a 3 course Dinner Menu from
£16.95 Monday – Friday £17.95 Saturday £15.95 for three course Sunday Lunch
Don’t forget the Meriden Mag has its own web site, where you can view back issues or friends and relatives not in the area can catch up on local news www.meridenmag.co.uk
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 £3.90!
5 fishing lakes in glorious countryside Now selling a complete range of baits
Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk
In July Lauren – Nikai Harry a student at Howard University, Meriden in Connecticut visited Meriden as part of International Rotary Friendship, Val went to meet her and Lauren has written this article for us.
When an opportunity presents itself, take it. Whether or not one may think it is the right time or not, it is there for a reason. I have been blessed to spend twenty days of my life in England, exploring the English Canal system, touring the countryside, and establishing ever-lasting relationships. I’m 19 years old, and I’ve set off to my first “real” life journey even though I was not sure I was ready. It is my first time out of the United States of America and I must admit I could not have had a better experience.
After being picked up at the airport by two pleasantly jubilant Rotarians we set off to my host family’s house and I finally experienced driving on the right side of the road for once. We all sat in a comfortable English conservatory and I sipped my first cup of English tea. So far, things were off to a pleasant start. My host family was warming and inviting, their home felt like home but better, and I was excited to be the one in the room with the different accent for once. I was able to experience the best of England with this family through indulging in excellent meals, sight seeing, meeting lovely people, experiencing the village of Meriden, going to a primary school, meeting government officials and so much more. I could not have asked for anything better.
It was my second day in a new country, and there was not a better way to start this adventure than celebrating 60 years of a great man’s life. I was thrown into a group of vibrant individuals who all shared one obvious thing in common: a rare genuine connection established through years of sharing, caring, love and warmth. After the males rotated themselves around the table about midway through the meal to keep conversation flowing, an important toast to the birthday boy was made. It was a toast to friendship sincerely highlighting the importance of it and how essential it was to every individual relationship at that table.
I was a new face in a room surrounded by a force that helps people remember why life is worth living. It was the perfect celebration of life. It was a model that proves the relationships that are made at young age are possibly the ones that will carry one through life. The relationships in this room were ones that have been developed over years I have not seen. The amount of radiation that one felt inside of this little English pub was magical. Even though not everyone was fully acquainted with each other, everyone accepted everyone. From my perspective it seems as if they were a family reuniting for the first time in years.
My host’s birthday celebration reminded me life is not defined by the dollar amount one makes, the possessions one owns, nor the image outsiders may perceive of a person; however, life will be defined by the birds one decides to fly with and what one does to stay in the natural flow of life.
A pattern started to form. It was a pattern that I noticed was also the main purpose of my trip: International Rotary friendship. The castles were lovely, and it was nice to know that Meriden had a cousin on the other side of the world; however, I couldn’t help but notice how lovely it was to spend the day sipping a cup of tea in a lovely up kept garden and communicating with people. In America, my time is spent with friends and acquaintances, or spent behind a computer concocting the perfect plan to become successful in life. I never wanted to travel until I knew I was settled and established, but now I realize the importance of it and now know the perfect time to travel is now, while I am young and able to digest my environments to improve myself and my surroundings.
The main difference between Meriden, Connecticut, USA and Meriden, England is some 500,000 people. I grew up in a relatively tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone and their business. We as well have gorgeous landscapes, green land that can be viewed from the top of Castle Craig, and great friendships. There is a handful of people back at home of whom I can trust with my life, and I know I can grow with. At the moment, I am working on making sure I have a stable life by trying something different in Washington, DC, but the village of Meriden England, and my experience here as a whole, has humbled me to a point, which I must not ignore.
I spent 10 days on a 70 foot long narrow boat with four other individuals from Poland, Czech Republic, Turkey, and Italy. I had no prior knowledge of any of them, other than a few facebook conversations with two, and we were just thrown on a boat and lead to feed, work with, and live with each other for ten whole days. The trip started in Rugby, we made stops in Leamington Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Birmingham. We ended in Worcester. During the trip, we felt our muscles work from the over 150 locks, worked well together, met various English personalities, and started to bond a friendship that will develop into something beautiful. One can describe our trip as something similar to the sculpture by Bill Ming in 1984, Against the Tides. It was a trip of struggle and some blindness, with many gaps and distractions. However, we were all held together by strong arms that protected us, and used our skills to make sure that we as a crew achieved our common goal that we set sail to accomplish.
As I sit here recapping the experiences that I’ve had over the past twenty days I realized that it passed quickly. It is the important lessons that I’ve learned from this trip that have made it more memorable than any courses in college that I have taken to date. Life is not about rushing through things and trying to get done as much as possible in the shortest time, but taking the scenic route, enjoying the company you are with, the places of beauty one has seen, and really admiring every bit of it. I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me by Rotary and the individuals that have made this possible. The people I have encountered will be missed; however, I will be making it a point to return.
The Farm Shop
Berkswell Traditional Farmstead Meats
Larges Farm Back Lane Meriden
Tel & fax 01676 522409 www.farmsteadmeats.co.uk
For meats of outstanding quality & flavour
• Fresh Turkeys, geese, cockerels and ducks
• Licensed to sell Game
• All cuts of beef including beef on the bone
• Superb home made sausages & burgers
• Free Range Chickens
• Famous Berkswell Ewes Milk Cheese
• Traditional pork with real crackling
• Real home cured bacon
Warwickshire’s only accredited traditional breeds butcher
Listed as one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes”
Phil Tuckey
“The Country Butcher”
Opening Hours Monday –closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Sunday 9.00am-1.00pm
Village Diary
2nd Sept Extend class restarts Village Hall 1.30-3.30pm Tracy Curtis 0121 705 9128
3rd Sept Blood Donors H O E club 1.30-2.30pm 4.30-7.30pm 0845 771 1711
5th Sept Quiz Night Fentham Hall 7.30pm Mo George 01675 442432
5/6th Sept Gardeners Weekend Kings Heath Park
5/6th Sept Festival of Motoring Coventry area 02476 234 270
6th Sept Hampton Ramble Pack Horse Bridge Car Park 10.30am Solihull Parks Dept
7th Sept W I Village Hall 7.30pm Joan Russell 522666
9th Sept Parish Council Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727
9th Sept Readers Circle 7.30pm Margaret 523 603
10/13th Sept Heritage Weekend Various
11th Sept Firs Trip to Severn Valley Pick up Meriden 9.45 am Frank Byrne 02476 713662
13th Sept Sponsored bike ride Meeting Hse Lane B C 9.00am Nigel Briggs 534775
13th Sept Cycle to Solihull Day
14th Sept Methodist Nursery Open Day Methodist Church Hall Morning Lucy Ison 542834
25th Sept Macmillan Coffee Morning Community Centre 9.00 am-noon
25th Sept CAMEO Community Centre 2.00pm Ellen 522534
26
28th Sept Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727
5
9th Oct “In the Pink” Evening HOE Club
14th Oct Readers Circle 7.30pm
522160
522727
23rd Oct
25th Oct Clocks go Back
26th Oct Charity Xmas Card Shop opens B C Library Judith Woodcock 533428
26th Oct Parish Council Meeting Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 522727
27th Oct
1
8th Nov
16
18/21
20
27th Nov Tree Dedication The Green 4.00pm Alan Lole 522138
27
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Out and About this Autumn
Gardeners' Weekend at Kings Heath Park
Sat 5th & Sun 6th September
Birmingham City Council’s popular gardening show, Gardeners’ Weekend, is held in the beautiful surroundings of Kings Heath Park.
Gardeners will love the stunning floral displays, prize-winning fruit and vegetables, and the fantastic array of plants and equipment to look at and buy.
And there’s plenty for the rest of the family too enjoy too!
New attractions to the show will be the famous and authentic taste of Italy, Mamma Mia’s Italian Market, and RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Gardeners’ World Live silver gilt winner, the council’s Credit Munch garden, displayed within the TV gardens at the park The show is open from 10.00am to 6.00pm on both days with free car parking.
Heritage Open Days Weekend 10th-13th September
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples.
Allesley Hall Walled Garden will be holding special events for this weekend including a Garden Market and Cookery Demonstrations on Saturday 12th and Painting and Music in the garden on Sunday 13th These events are free to attend.
COVENTRY FESTIVAL OF MOTORING RETURNS
The Festival is back and bigger and better than ever before! With the rain of last September a very distant memory, this year’s event is confirmed for 5th & 6th September. In partnership with CV One and the City Council, Festival Organisers have been working hard on creating an exciting event for everyone and as a result, there are a number of new elements to this year’s event. These exciting developments include a city centre run, which will take place on Festival Saturday, a craft fair and a much expanded car club and traders area on Festival Sunday.
The Festival kicks off on Saturday 6th September with a parade of entrants’ vehicles through Coventry city centre. This is followed by a packed programme of live entertainment including daredevil motorcycling from Motostunts International, family fun with Haurel and Lardy and music from the West Midlands Police Brass Band. There’s also the chance to discover more about some of the magnificent vehicles taking place in the Festival.
In the evening you can enjoy a civic reception and dinner at Coventry Transport Museum, with guest speaker Richard Noble. Richard will be speaking about his new project ‘Bloodhound SSC’ and his quest to achieve the first 1000mph record on land! Tickets can be purchased by calling the Museum on 024 7623 4270.
For further information please visit the Festival website: www.festival-of-motoring.co.uk
Sunday 6th September starts early as hundreds of cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles from all over the country and beyond gather at War Memorial Park in Coventry to embark on a 60 mile route through the countryside of Coventry and Warwickshire. In previous years participants have received a rousing reception from spectators along the route who held their own street parties so the Festival organisers are encouraging local residents to recreate that fantastic Festival atmosphere and give the cars and motorcycles a warm greeting as they drive past. This year’s route highlights will be: Kenilworth – Balsall Common –Berkswell – Meriden – Fillongley – Furnace End – Bentley – Ridge End – Mancetter (A5) – Wolvey – Shilton – Ansty – Coombe –Brinklow – Bretford – Wolston – Ryton – Baginton
Don’t forget to put your clocks back one hour on Sunday 25th October
National Blood Service
The next session for blood donors will be Thursday September 3rd at the Heart of England Social club
1.30-3.30pm &4.30-7.30pm
Appointments available by calling 0845 771 1711
Black wheeled refuse bins for Meriden
Our borough wide delivery schedule starts on the 18th September and runs until 7th December. It is anticipated that residents in Meriden will receive their new bin during the week commencing 2nd November with their first domestic waste collection on week commencing 9th November. All collection days will remain the same as they are now.
Reminder!! Deadline date for the winter issue (out by December 1st) Monday November 2nd
Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963
val.simon@virgin.net
Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453
margarete.argyle@googlemail.com
Treasurer: Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive Meriden
Deliveries: Mandy & Doug Bacon
Proof Reader: Claire Rose
Useful Village Contact Numbers
And Finally…….
An old Italian lived alone in Sicily. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard.
His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:
Dear Vincent,
I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days.
Love, Papa
A few days later he received a letter from his son.
Dear Pop, Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried.
Love Vinnie
At 4 a.m. the next morning, police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left.
That same day the old man received another letter from his son.
Dear Pop,
Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now.
That's the best I could do under the circumstances. Love you Vinnie
Winter 1st November – 31st March
Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday & Sunday 8.00am - 4.00pm
Summer 1st April – 31st October
Monday – Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm
Saturday & Sunday 8.00am – 4.00pm
Last admission 15 minutes before closing time
Meriden Primary School Mrs. J. Smith 01676 522488
Meriden Library 01676 522717
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722
St. Laurence Church Rev.Michael Dawkins 01676 522719
Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Andrew Charlesworth 01676 533737
Meriden Christian Fellowship Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt 01676 523050
Parish Council
Julie Hall (Clerk) 01676 522727
Community Centre Warden Pat Delaney 01676 522867
Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000
District Councillors
Member of Parliament
Scouts Group
Cricket Club
Post Office
Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408
David Bell 01676 535211
Dr. Peter Lea 01676 532577
Caroline Spelman 020 7219 4189
Gerry Russell 01676 522666
Mike Gallagher 01676 521085
Sue Harper 01676 522230
Rural Police Sector 0845 113 5000
We are unable to print anonymous Letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request
