Meriden C E Primary School’s boy’s football team success!!
Meriden Mag Spring 2006 2005 2005
MERIDEN FESTIVAL
The association’s AGM was held on the 12th January, those present agreed that we should continue the good work of promoting the Festival under the chairmanship of John Yates assisted by a new vice-chairman, David Maugham, a member of the Meriden Rotary Club. The secretary, treasurer and committee members remain as before.
Everyone present agreed that the Festival makes a valuable contribution to encouraging a more effective community spirit within Meriden and the surrounding areas. Although some problems were experienced last year over public liability insurance, the officers of the association are confident that these issues can be resolved for future activities.
The 2006 Festival will commence with a launch at the Cyclist’s Memorial service and sponsored rides on Sunday the 21st May, the Centre Celebrations on the 10th June and conclude with the Meriden Motorcycle Megaride on the 25th June. The dates for other events have yet to be confirmed. Any organisation wishing to have an event included in the festival should contact John Yates – Meriden Festival, PO Box 470, Meriden CV7 7YT or e-mail David Maugham –maugham97@aol.com
The Meriden Mag now has its own web site, issues of the Mag from March 2003 are available to view. The address is http://www.meridenmag.co.uk The email is: info@meridenmag.co.uk
Meriden C E Primary School’s boy’s football team has had a fantastic start to the season.
Now nearly half way through they have played 5 matches, won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 and currently sit at the top of the league.
The boys are also through to the second round of the Solihull Primary School’s Football Association cup.
L-R Robert Tench, Shaun BradnockDavis, Ryan Neary, Louie Edwards, Macaulay Phillips, Daniel Stanley, Ben Andrews, Reece Squires, Sam Marsh, Alex Maclure.
Cyclist’s Memorial Service
Meriden Green May 21st
History Meeting
Thursday April 27th Village Hall Meriden 7.30pm
Susan Moore will be talking and showing slides of her book “I Remember Bare Bottoms and Stinging Nettles”
This is a book about thelocal village schools including Meriden and should be very interesting.
Admission £2.50 to include refreshments.
For more details phone 01676 522453
More about Susan’s book inside the Mag
STRAWBERRY BANK HOTEL & RESTAURANT
MAIN ROAD MERIDEN COVENTRY CV7 7NF
Telephone 01676 522 117 Fax 01676 523804
Email enquiries@strawberrybank.co.uk www.strawberrybank.co.uk
Open: Tuesday – Friday 12 noon – last orders 1.45pm
Monday – Saturday evening 6.30pm last orders 10.00pm
Sunday lunch 12 noon – last orders 2.00pm
2 course lunch Tuesday – Friday £6.95 (starter & main course)
2 course evening TDH menu (starter and main course)
NEW
Monday – Friday £11.95
Saturday evening £12.95
2 course Sunday lunch £10.95 ( starter and main course)
Also A La Carte menu available except Sunday lunch
We have 2 function rooms available for parties from 20 up to 200 Please feel free to call in and view
We also offer excellent conference and wedding facilities With our lovely gardens as an added feature
Please contact reception for information or booking or visit our web site
Used/Old Stamps
Guide Dogs for the Blind association have a box for the collection of any used or old stamps in Lloyds Chemist on the Green. Any donations will be gratefully received
Your local service for
Needleworks – Paintings – Photo’s
Prints – Coins Medals – or any 3D Objects- Football Shirts or Trophies
Mirrors made for your Home. All work done on the premises.
National Blood Service
The next visit by the National Blood Service to Meriden will be on Thursday 18th May 2006 between 1.30 – 3.30pm and 4.30 – 7.30pm at the Heart of England Social Club, Berkswell Rd. Please ring 08457 711711 for details
Next to Deeleys’ – Customer Car Park
Tuesday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm And Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm
530 299 / 07949 119 436 Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm daily 7 days a week
Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day breakfast for £3.60!
5 fishing lakes in glorious countryside Now selling a complete range of baits Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk
Meriden Floral Society
Monday £
Monday March 20th
"Heads & Tails" by Tania Sharp
Monday April 10th
"Simply Flowers" by Jane Evans
Monday May 15th
"From the Garage" by Lesley Cole
All at 7.30pm in the Village Hall For further information
Telephone Val Miller on 540380 or Sandra Jones on 523023
Sophie’s Small Pet Holiday Home
118 Fillongley Road Meriden Are you going away and don’t know where to put your small animal?
Yes? Well I can help. Your pet/s will be housed in a comfortable hutch situated in a well-ventilated room Proprietary pelletised pet food will be supplied
Sophie 01676 522405
For the very best for your dog, contact… Roy & Lesley Thompson, at
118 Fillongley Road, Meriden. Telephone 01676 522405
PHYSIOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Treatments for pain, stress, acute and chronic conditions
Alison Stain
M.C.S.P., S.R.P., I.T.E.C. The Therapy Centre Balsall Villa
287 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common
Tel: 01676 521066
PILATES CLASS
MERIDEN METHODIST CHURCH HALL Tuesday evening 6.15pm – 7.15pm
Classes run in 6-week courses
1 to 1 Pilates reformer equipment at Club Motivation Hampton in Arden Free trial session with this advertisement
For more details contact Jo on 07952 473526
BROAD LANE VETERINARY SURGERY
2 255 BROAD LANE
Appointments 9am-7.30pm
Please ring for appointments Mon-Fri Open Surgeries: 8.30-9am
324 RADFORD ROAD
Please ring for an appointment
KENILWORTH ROAD, BALSALL COMMON
Please ring for an appointment
LOW COST VACCINATION SCHEME (including) FREE PUPPY PARTY ENTRY & FREE 5 MONTHS CHECK UPS.
FREE ADVICE BY APPT WITH OUR 4 QUALIFIED NURSES IDENTICHIP VISA&MASTERCARD
EASY PARKING
EMERGENCY SERVICE
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
MH Dawkins Rector Tel 522719 Main Service 10.30am Welcome to all Church Wardens Tel 523475 & 523277
A little girl, whose name we are not told, was captured in a war between Israel and Syria and enslaved. She served a general’s wife but she does not seem to have been terribly unhappy. The general ‘caught’ the equivalent of cancer for those days and was in a sorry old mess. The little girl cared about it.
As far as her faith was concerned she was in exile. She was alone. Her religion could hardly have mattered less to those around her. For them ‘useful idolatries’ were all that mattered. But she dared voice the hope that Naaman would be healed if only he could get to God’s man in Samaria!
Her conviction broke through and off to Elisha the sick man went. He had no idea of personal religion. Religion was either magic he could pay for or nothing. And for a start he got nothing. He was told to wash! What kind of religion was this that demanded such a personal response?
Did that little girl really have something personal between her and an unseen God? Naaman the general was persuaded to risk humbling himself before this ‘Unseen’ –and he was remarkably healed. It went to his heart and he chose to live committed to this God of cleanness and love.
It will be Easter before the publication of another magazine. It will be Jesus’ cross and coming to life again. Is this the Unseen God? Is His cross the proper handling of sin? Is His resurrection the power of a new life only God can give? Does He submit it to a personal decision from us? Is this the way of cleanness and love and hope for the world?
Details of our Easter services will be put up on the Church notice board. We would welcome you to come. We hope we will help in just a little way like the little girl did in Syria.
Pam Bull
Pam Bull, who died in November 2005, was 67. She died in Myton Hospice, Solihull and had been ill since February. Pam was the daughter of John and Clarice Pointon, she married John Bull and had two children, Simon and Sally. Although thought of by many as a Meriden girl, she actually lived in Balsall Common for most of her life, but spent much of it visiting her parents or daughter and family in Meriden. She owned the field on the corner of Church Lane by the Village Hall and many people will remember her in the shed chopping wood for her beloved open fires and pushing a wheelbarrow down to the cottages in Old Road.
She belonged to Meriden Flower Club, Meriden WI and was a keen and enthusiastic member of the Meriden Cancer Research Committee, who will be holding a race night in Meriden Heart of England Club on Saturday 13th May in her memory.
With her husband, John, and a team of friends from the skittles they organised Charity Race Nights for many years. Many people may remember one race night for Cancer Research and another for Meriden School funds. In fact any charity that asked for their support were accepted. Pam was directly involved with all of these events until she became ill. The race night team is now reaching its100th Race Event. In her spare time she loved walking and playing in the Skittles Team. John and Pam were treasurers until John died very suddenly of liver cancer. Her mother had died 5 months earlier, so Pam had had a very stressful time. She decided to continue the renovations of her mother’s cottage and wanted to do it ‘by herself’. Although she brought in professional help for electrical and plastering work, Pam did much of the work herself. Over a cup of coffee, she would mention that she had made a step yesterday and would be doing the skirting boards tomorrow! She moved into her cottage in Meriden in August 2005 and only spent a few months there before going into hospital.
Pam was a keen gardener and loved all aspects of country life. Her healthy lifestyle- no smoking, drinking or red meat and loads of water were admirable, but failed to protect her in the end. Everyone loved Pam because she was so self-effacing and interested and kind to everyone. Caring for some old people in Balsall Common became her hobby and her friends always found her bouncy, energetic and cheerful. Even in the last two weeks of her life she was always asking about everyone and didn’t want to talk about herself. She was very loved and will be sadly missed by Simon, Sally and their families and her many friends in Meriden and Balsall Common.
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For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:
ACE GARAGE
RADFORD
024 7659 7879
KENSINGTON GARAGE EARLSDON 024 7667 0054
Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924
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Services
METHODIST
CHURCH
Minister
Rev Jenny Dyer BA MTh Tel 01676 533737
Phone to arrange Marriages Baptisms and Funerals
Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100
Men and Women welcome
Monday closed,Tuesday 9-9, Wednesday 9-9, Thursday 9-9, Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-2.
All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, back and body massages Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed.
Monthly offers available, call for details or to go on our mailing list
9-11, Birmingham Road, Millisons Wood, near Meriden CV5 9AY
Services Sunday Morning 10.30am (Junior church & Creche for children)
Sunday morning 10.30am (Junior Church & crèche for children)
Sunday evening 6.30pm 3rd Sunday in month only.
Sunday evening 6.30pm 3rd Sunday in the month only
Women’s World Day of Prayer Friday March 3rd
2.00pm Methodist Church followed by afternoon tea in the church hall.
The Christian ladies have prepared this year the service. In South Africa it is a united serviceeveryone is welcome, ladies and gentlemen. Mothering Sunday 26th March
Family Service at 10.30 am with distribution of posies, followed by coffee in the church hall
Maundy Thursday 13th April Service 6.00pm
Easter Sunday 16th April 10,30am and 6.30pm
Supper Club Thursday 27th April 7.00pm
Speaker Rev G Smith (From Eastern Green Church)
‘All the World’s A Stage’ Book on 522148
This week I have heard about two very different deaths. One was the death of a lady of 101, who had been living in her own home until well into her 102nd year. The other was the tragic sudden death of a father of a family. Just as the circumstances of death vary, so too do the ways in which bereavement affects people. For some people, the loss of someone they love can make them say, “That’s it, there can’t be a God,” especially if the circumstances have been particularly harrowing. Others find that the death of someone close to them makes them aware of their own mortality, and causes them to explore the spiritual side of life as they search for strength, comfort, and meaning. Some, indeed, will discover that God, whose own Son died on the cross, is particularly close to them at this point in their lives.
If you’ve experienced bereavement and would like someone to talk it through with, do get in touch.
Rev. Jenny Dyer
Lent Talks- So What is going on?
Methodist Church, Saturdays 10am coffee 10.30am
speaker
11th March Mrs Beryl Moppett “Action on Homelessness” Solihull
18th March Rotary Club
“What is happening in our Patch”
25th March Mrs Mandy Clynick” Dudley Lodge”
1st April Mrs Jillian Wall”Stroke Club”
THE THAI DELIGHT RESTAURANT EXOTIC
THAI CUISINE
Cooked in the Traditional Thai Way Open five days a week – Tuesday to Saturday
Food can be ordered between the following times Tuesday – Thursday 7pm till 10.00pm Friday – Saturday 7pm till 10.30pm
Book to avoid disappointment Telephone 01676 522005 (10.00am until 10.30pm)
DEE HAS MOVED TO NEW NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT AT
MERIDEN HOTEL
MAIN ROAD
MERIDEN
I Remember Bare Bottoms & Stinging Nettles
Local book by Susan K.Moore
In times past, most village schools were not idyllic. Meriden, compared with other village schools, was one of the better equipped with a superb headmaster. Most school classrooms, with few resources, and no electric lighting could be dismal. Teachers struggled with unruly ‘free-range’country children and just like today, lived in fear of exam results and the school inspector. Intertwined with the history are photographs and memories of past pupils and teachers. They illustrate, using their own words, what life was actually like. The book was selected as ‘History Book of the Month’by Warwickshire Libraries, has won an Award and been commended by the Arts Council. Available from The Centre, Meriden and the Farm Shop.
-SCHOOLS INCLUDED-
Arley C of E. Herbert Fowler, Gun Hill, Astley, Corley, Corley Open Air. Fillongley, Little Packington, Maxstoke, Meriden, Shawbury(Shustoke) Industrial School. Susan Moore is available to give a talk &slide show to local groups on the History of Village Schools and making of the book. Tel 01676 541866
Meriden Methodist Nursery Main Road Tel: 01676 522337
Pre-school education and care for children aged 2 to 5 years. We offer flexible hours –Sessions or whole day: 8.30am – 3.30pm
Main Session 9.15 to 11.45am Cost £7.50
Afternoon session 1.00 to 3.30pm cost £7.50
Lunchtime supervision 12.00 to 1.00pm cost £2.25
Collection of children from Meriden & Berkswell nurseries & early care may be arranged 5 free sessions are available the terms after the child’s 3rd birthday when not attending a nursery school. Vacancies available on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays
For more details pay us a visit or call Mrs Russell 01676 522337
Registered with OFSTED Early Years & gained accreditation with The Pre- School Learning Quality Assurance Scheme
Need your windows, Fascias, or guttering cleaned?
THE FARM SHOP
Proprietor: Philip Tuckey BERKSWELL TRADITIONAL FARM STEAD MEATS BACK LANE, MERIDEN (Off Berkswell Road, at the Four Oaks Crossroads))
We are the only Accredited Retailer for the RARE BREED TRUST for Warwickshire
Beef from our native breeds, raised and matured in the most natural way, is both a delight to eat and among the safest available. Raised on small farm units in non-intensive conditions, the meat retains all the old fashioned virtues of succulence, tenderness and full flavour.
Traditional breeds do not fit into intensive farming systems. They thrive in the old-fashioned way of open fields and yards and take longer to reach maturity. But when they are kept naturally under these conditions, they provide much crispier bacon, better milk and tastier lean lamb and mutton
Our pork is sumptuous and delicious and makes proper crackling. There is a little more fat than in commercial pork and that is where the tenderness and succulence comes from. Try a joint from a local breed such as the Large Black or Gloucestershire Old Spots for a real mouth-watering treat. Or dry-cured bacon from the Tamworth – full of flavour.
SELECTION OF BARBECUE MEAT
LICENSED TO SELL GAME
REAL HOME CURED BACON
9am-5pm Tues-Sat 9am-1pm Sundays
FREE RANGE CHICKENS
FAMOUS BERKSWELL EWES MILK
CHEESE
FREEZER SUPPLIES
HOME DELIVERIES
Barbecue MeatsUnrivalled!
For your quality fresh meat and bacon requirements, avoid difficult parking and the rush and bustle associated with high street shopping. Receive individual attention served by experienced butchers with time to chat and advise you on your personal requirements. Try our home-cured bacon with no added water, real bacon like it used to taste.
Meriden Women’s Institute
.
Meetings held in the Village Hall on the 1st Monday in the month at 7.30pm.
Our speakers are varied and our outings are really enjoyable.
Monday March 6th Allesley Hall- ‘Walled Garden’ Maureen Harris
Tuesday March 14th Skittles and Pub lunch at the Queen’s Head Bretford
Wednesday March 15th Tea and Natter 2-4pm Village hall
Monday April 3rd The Enigma of the famous Daisy- Countess of WarwickBarbara Waller
Tuesday April 11th Craft day school
Village Hall
Wednesday May 3rd
WI resolution Meeting and members craft show
Tuesday May 16th Trip to Warwick Castle.
New Members are always welcome, why not come as a visitor to see if you would enjoy being a member!
Please Contact Mary Timms 01676 522693
Heart of England Social Club
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.
Dates for the Diary
Tues - Fri Centre Shop open 10.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday worship Centre of England Community Church meets at "The Centre" The Green 11.00am & Thursday Fellowship 2.00-3.00pm
Hebrews 13. v. 8 "JESUS IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER."
A favourite expression often heard is "things ain't what they used to be." Our ancestors didn't have the advancement in technology, and medicine that we have today, yet maybe they had something precious that money can't buy.
A quality of life where the family unit was so important, the majority held moral values and respect. Sunday was reserved for attending church, returning to the traditional roast around the table. It seems unfashionable to attend worship on Sundays for many, but God hasn't changed, he is the same yesterday, today and forever.
When spiritual revival broke out in the early 1900's in the Hebrides, people fell on their knees in the streets overcome by the power of God. Perhaps this is what our nation needs to bring us back from spiritual bankruptcy. Why not join us? All most welcome.
Forthcoming Events
Visit of Country Music Singer George Hamilton IV Thursday 30th March 7.30pm
Easter Celebration Sunday 16th April 6.30pm
Both at THE STRAWBERRY BANK HOTEL
Weddings, Funerals, Home Visits by arrangement, please ring 01676 523050 Every Blessing Rev John & Pam Yates.
Do you need a cleaner?
Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for? Then call
Coming to Meriden Country Music Singer GEORGE HAMILTON IV IN CONCERT (Abilene, Canadian Pacific etc)
Thursday 30th March 7.30pm
The Strawberry Bank Hotel
Tickets £10.00 adults
£5.00 children under 15. Available from The Centre, The Green, Meriden. 01676 523 050 Book early to avoid disappointment
Meriden Knights Chess Club
Meriden Knights Chess club are presently meeting every Tuesday at 7.20pm at Meriden Methodist Church. We charge £1.50 per session. We have some keen junior players but desperately need more adults to help coach or even be coached with a view to us going back into the Coventry and District Chess League.
For details phone 01676 521259
Shirley and Graeme Goodsir
A Ghost at Church Farm barn?
The late Mrs French, who moved to Church Farm shortly before World War 2 with her husband and baby son, related these experiences to me in 1992. I can offer no rational explanation for what happened. Suggestions are invited. Minor remains of the farm’s stone buildings stretched into the field below the house, one of which the French’s used as a garage. Mrs French had developed the habit of opening the field gate and barn doors in the early evening so that her husband could drive straight in after an exacting day at work, especially when early winter brought darker nights, made worse by the problems of the ‘blackout’. To do this, she left her child for a few moments, sleeping safely in his cot.
On this particular evening, as she entered the field, she looked to the right at the barn, noticing a faint light, apparently inside it. The doors were already open. Puzzled, but assuming her husband had arrived early, while she was in the house, she thought the wavering light was from the small torch that he carried to help him lock up the vehicle properly and see how to close the barn door. Advancing towards the building, she called, "You’re early! I didn't hear you drive ……." but before she could complete her sentence, she felt an irrational fear. In the door, bending as if to look for something, stood a figure that at first she though was a burglar. Within a second, she took in his appearance: knee breeches, lapels on a long jacket, cravat type shirt and buckled shoes. Terrified she took to her heels. Locking herself in the house and shaking with fright, she rushed to see if the baby was safe.
About 15 minutes later, Mr French drove in, finding in the doors open for him as usual. He was therefore startled to hear his wife's tale and not too tactfully implied she had imagined it: a trick of the moonlight? However, on a subsequent occasion, he had a similar experience, and discovered they were not alone in seeing the shadowy farmer.
‘Whom do you think he might have been?’ Mrs French asked me. The description of his clothing seemed late 18th century, so the man who fitted the picture best was surely William Harper the older, tenant until 1791. The Harpers claimed to be the builders of the old house. That might be true, but I suspect that the date, once inscribed on the front of it before the fire, referred to the Halsall family, agents to the Earls of Derby, the Chief Lords of the Manor until 1782, They moved from Lancashire to Meriden in 1579 as the earl’s stewards. The Local Authority architect asked me what date I considered Church Farm had been built. My suggestion was 1612, based on the Halsall family's history. They owned it until 1709. The architect put forward 1610, using its construction features as a guide. The Harpers rented this farm from the 1730’s after marrying the daughter of a former tenant.
Doreen Agutter.
"2007" is the Heart of England School's 50th Anniversary.
We are planning a number of events throughout our Golden Anniversary Year, including a school reunion event. Former pupils are invited to register on: www.heart-england.solihull.sch.uk click on: "Alumni"
Details of events will be send via email to all pupils registered. Look forward to seeing you all in 2007.
Meriden Tree of Thought
I realise that by the time you read this, Christmas will, probably, be a fading memory. What is however, truly memorable is the out come of our first 'Tree of Thought'. As many of you will already be aware, it raised the wonderful total of £3796.00 for Macmillan Cancer Relief. This was only achieved because of the kindness, consideration and generosity of all those who contributed through donations, light sponsorship and shop collections. There are so many people to be thanked for their participation, most of whom I have already named in the 'Mag' and in the Press.
I must however, specifically thank Clive Jones and Graeme Goodsir for the amount of assistance they have given me throughout. The Parish Council as a whole, must receive credit for giving me their blessing for the project in the first instance. The statement of account, on display at the library, has been prepared, at no cost, by Kimberley & Co. Accountants of Meriden.
I have been told by many people of their delight in being able to remember someone dear to them, by dedicating a light on the tree.
This in itself, is a very pleasing thought, particularly as it appears, in many cases, they have done so irrespective of whether the person of whom they were thinking has or had cancer.
I, truly, hope that everyone experienced a great deal of pleasure from the presence of the tree. In addition, what can give considerable pleasure is the knowledge that the village has given very significant help to many people at a time when they need it most.
Again, my sincere thanks
Alan Lole
State Registered Chiropodist
Mrs C Booker SRCh, MChS Home Visiting Practice only 01676 534265
R.J.KENNING
Painter and Decorator
All aspects of decorating undertaken
A big thank-you to Steves Industries for all their help in putting-up and removing the tree.
The Inner Wheel Club of Meriden Invite you to an evening of Musical Comedy for all the family. The merlin singers Friday 5th May At Meriden Village Hall 7.30pm
Tickets £6.00 children £4.00 including refreshments. All proceeds to “Feed The Children”
Please contact Mrs Pamela Whitney 01676 535675
Free quotations available
References available on request
No job too big-No job too small
Established over 25 years
A reliable and friendly service 02476 460754 Mob 07742 317532
In Africa, the natives have a custom of beating the ground with clubs and uttering blood-curdling yells. Anthropologists call this a form of self expression. In Europe we call it golf!
Perennial Bedding Plants
Bedding plants, along with perennial shrubs, heathers and bulbs are the mainstay of flower and decorative gardens.
But selecting what to grow is another matter, with the hugest range of options available. Most of us will be buying and planting a range of annual bedding plants for the range of almost instant colour they provide. So what if the heavy investment, in anything but the tiniest plot, ends up on the compost heap in the autumn – we can start again next spring with the same again, or an alternative range of plants! The option of changing the colour scheme, year on year, is very attractive, and with careful planning and shopping this is perfectly viable.
But an alternative route is to invest in a range of perennials, which with a little care and maintenance, will reward you with growth and colour for years to come. I’m not suggesting that you plant no annuals, because there will always be gaps to plug after perennials fail or you need to remove overgrown shrubs and plants which have become straggly or lopsided. Simply get the benefit of perennials as your mainstay (or think of them as a framework within which annuals can be planted) and build everything else around them.
A downside with many perennials is size! Many are simply too large for small gardens, and even in larger gardens they need to be planted so that they don’t screen off the view of smaller plants.
So what to grow? The possibilities are almost endless! Nurseries tend to grow a range of perennials from plants such as hostas, which are really grown for the foliage rather than flowers, through to pinks, hardy fuchsias, chrysanths, dahlias (but tubers need lifting for winter), climbers like clematis and honeysuckle, foxglove, lupins and so forth.
For those given to browsing (and maybe dreaming) on the internet there are lots of nicely illustrated websites featuring perennials by the ton including WWW.vanmeuwem.com, www.suttons-seeds.co.uk, www.thompson-morgan.com, www.bakker.co.uk and so on which are guaranteed to give you ideas.
David Limer
Age Concern Solihull
Volunteers Needed for our
Neighbourhood Care Scheme
Age Concern’s Neighbourhood Care Scheme, funded by the Big Lottery helps older people with a little extra support at home. We offer a befriending service where a volunteer will visit on a regular basis to provide company and enjoy a chat and a cup of tea. We can help with transport where assistance is required, to appointments or shopping trips and sometimes to clubs depending on drivers available. We can also help with odd practical jobs that an older person may find too difficult or dangerous and has no family to help them, such as changing a light bulb or a battery in a smoke alarm, fixing a curtain rail or taking curtains down to be washed or a bit of light gardening, that sort of thing. And if we can’t help we usually know a man who can!
The Scheme has been very successful throughout central Solihull and is getting busier in the north and rural areas as lots of people are becoming aware of it. We have a small number of clients in Meriden and Balsall Common and more on our waiting list mainly for befrienders. Could you help an older person in your area that may be lonely or housebound? Our waiting list is now outweighing our volunteers! An hour or so a week or even just occasional help would be greatly appreciated. We value our volunteers and besides the full support you will get from Age Concern we hold regular Neighbourhood Care Scheme meetings for those who want to attend, there is an annual volunteers’ lunch and we also offer training opportunities.
If you would like to be a volunteer, want information on the Neighbourhood Care Scheme or want to refer someone please call
Age Concern Solihull on 0121 705 9128
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
Mast Madness
Under current legislation, mobile phone masts seem to be popping up everywhere, like forests and continue to be a never-ending problem. Local communities across the UK face another 130,000 more mobile phone masts – with local people having little say on where they go. Recent comments from industry figures have indicated that new ‘3G’ technology will require four times as many masts than at present. This suggests additional 209 masts on average in every single Parliamentary constituency – including Meriden.
The Government did hold a public enquiry into the health risks of mobile phone masts but it was inconclusive. However, the Chairman, Professor Stewart, recommended that masts should not be erected where the main beam of transmission might fall across a school or a hospital. However, the Government did not adopt this precautionary principle
There is a presumption in favour of development inherent in the current planning system, which overrides local, environmental and safety concerns. We all want to be able to use a mobile phone, but this doesn’t mean masts should be constructed without any regard for the well-being of local people. In my role as both your MP and the Shadow Secretary of State for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, I will continue to call upon the Government to address the feelings of powerlessness and frustration experienced by those living under the threat of badly sited masts.
Caroline Spelman advice surgery dates email caroline@carolinespelman.com
Date Time Location
Sat 4th March 9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
Thurs 16th March 5pm-6pm Dickens Heath Library
Fri 17th March 4.30pm – 6.00 pm Constituency Office 285 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common
Sat 25th March 9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Sat April 22nd 9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Fri 5th May 4.30pm – 6.00 pm
Sat 20th May 9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Fri 24th Feb 4.30pm – 6.00pm
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
Constituency Office 285 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
Constituency Office 285 Kenilworth Rd Balsall Common
1st Meriden Beaver Cub Group
Mondays 6.15-7.15pm at the Scout Hut
Is there anyone out there who would be willing to run or help run a Cub group? At the moment we have Beavers (age 6-8) and Cubs (age 8-10) meeting together, but there are more than enough children to have 2 separate meetings, but we need an adult or two to HELP. Have you got an hour or so to spare any night and enjoy working with children?
Please contact Jo Mulcahy on 522625 or Gerry Russell on 522666 for more information or to offer help of any kind.
To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery at Chelmsley Wood, Castle Bromwich or the Balsall Common Office, please contact Katy Steele at the following address
Constituency Office 285 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7EL
Tel: 01676 534359 Fax 01676
We wish John and Andrew Ralph good luck when they run in the Paris marathon in April
Arden Vale Hospital Showell Lane
Meriden
In Showell Lane, Meriden, the redevelopment of land and buildings on the site of the former Penderells Nursing Home finally reached completion before Christmas. A new state-of-the-art care facility, Arden Vale Hospital, houses 25 people with learning disabilities who have very challenging behaviours. They are cared for by a staff of 45 who help them with their behaviours and developing self-help skills.
It is one of 15 centres run by Castlebeck, a leading specialist healthcare and rehabilitation service for people with learning disabilities which provides physical, mental, psychological, emotional and social support to people in its care.
Manager Steve Plant explains the ethos of care: “Our aim is to ensure that people live their life to their optimum potential and we give them every encouragement through educational and recreational activities so they can feel a sense of achievement.”
Residents are referred to Arden Vale by Social Services or Health Authorities in the Midlands.
“As well as providing local jobs, we have already made good use of the local shops and services, so people can see that they will be benefiting from us being part of the community. It’s a nice feeling when we get greeted by local people in the street,” explains Steve.
CATHOLIC PARISH OF SACRED HEART & ST TERESA
Serving : Coleshill, Curdworth, Meriden, Marston, Maxstoke, Water M Orton, Shustoke & Whitacre Heath
Parish Priest: Fr Marcus Stock Tel 01675 463939
Assistant: Fr Edgardo Dizon Tel: 01675 430325
Address: 67, Coventry Road, Coleshill B46 3EA
TIMES OF MASS DURING THE YEAR
*Weekday Mass times are sometimes subject to change
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Mass of Sunday
Sunday 10.30am Sunday Mass
Monday-Friday 9.00am* Weekday Mass
Tuesdays 9.15am Mass at St Edward’s School (Term time)
Saturday 11.00am Weekday Mass
HOLY WEEK& TRIDUUM LITURGY TIMES
Palm Sunday 9April 10.30am Palm Sunday Mass
Holy Thursday 13 April 7.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Friday 14 April 3.00pm Good Friday Liturgy 7.00pm Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday 15 April 8.30pm Easter Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday 16 April 10.30am Easter Sunday Mass
Greetings to all parishioners living in Meriden. If you have not yet registered your name and address with us, please do come along to Sunday Mass and fill in one of our registration forms. We wish you a happy Easter.
Shopping in Meriden 76 years ago.
Grace Tuckey has lent the Mag her Mother-in-Law’s grocery account book. Mr & Mrs Tuckey owned and ran the Butchers Shop which was where the Co-op is now. Mrs Tuckey shopped atAllen’s Shop(now the Centre of England Stores) and had her purchases recorded in the small red book. She shopped almost every day but only settled her account at the end of the month. Her grocery bill for April 1930 came to £4.1s. 8 ½ d £4.08p). She spent a lot of money on cleaning materials including boot polish, soap flakes, emery paper, Lifebuoy soap, Vim, Brasso, Zebo and various cleaning cloths and mops. Sugar was 2 ½ d (1p) a pound and one pound of butter was 1s 9d(9p), a tin of Ovaltine at 3s (15p) seems quite a luxury!
SOLIHULL CARERS CENTRE ARE YOU A CARER? 0121 7881143
A Carers Support Worker can meet you at
Your home
Our offices (Chelmsley Wood and Solihull Centre)
Another convenient place
Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research UK
We had an enjoyable winter’s evening being entertained by the beautiful voice of Margaret Wilson in early December, raising £600. Also, many thanks to Russ and Kate Thomas of Albert Road, who once again switched on their Christmas lights adorning their house and raising £220 for Cancer Research UK.
Our future events include on March 31st at the Heart of England Club at 7.30pm an “In The Pink” themed ladies evening with beauty demonstrations, flower arranging, jewellery on display and an inspiring talk by Mary Johnson- a breast cancer survivor. A glass of bubbly pink fizz and nibbles are included in the ticket at £5.
We are holding a race night on Saturday 13th May at the Heart of England Club at 8pm, in memory of our fellow committee member, Pam Bull. These evenings are a lot of fun, so come along and place your bets!! Programmes are £1. On July 16th due to popular demand, we are holding another Open Gardens!!! If you would like to show your garden, whatever the style or size, we would like to include you in our afternoon. We do need new gardens. So, don’t be modest – you would be supporting a very worthy cause. Mary Warr 01676 522160 Carol Lindeque 01676 522343
Meriden Village Hall is available for private parties etc. Contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963 Rates are £9.00per hour
Queen’s Head Old road meriden
Monday night is music night, come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx
March 6th Julie Christie
March 13th David (ex‘2 in May’)
March 20th Kelly
March 27th Gilly Oke
April 3rd Backbeat
April 10th Leena Carole
April 17th Voices
April 24th The Players
May 1st David (ex ‘2 in May’)
May 8th Justine Claire
May 15th Julie Christie
May 22nd Paul Tracini
May 29th Sky High
Pop in for good food and good company
Phone 01676 522256 for more information
Now working in this area Elite Assistance is a company you can truly rely on. We are fully insured and only use fully vetted, high quality staff.
We aim to provide a Professional, Reliable and Trustworthy service
Full range of Domestic Services offered at times to suit YOU, Regular or One Off Contracts, Spring Cleans, Ironing Call us to discuss your requirements or to obtain a quote
Tel: 01676 530305
Email: info@eliteassistance.co.uk www.eliteassistance.co.
MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL
The public and press are cordially invited to all meetings in the Village Hall at 7.30pm An opportunity wil be given for the public to speak.
March 2006
15th Sub-Committee Meeting
27th Parish Council Meeting.
April 12th Annual Parish Meeting
Followed by sub-committee meeting 24th Parish Council Meeting
May 17th Annual Parish Council Meeting.
Your Parish Council can be contacted: The Clerk to the Parish Council Mrs M Edwards
3 Thebes Close Millison’s Wood Coventry CV5 9QW
Tel/Fax: 01676 522076
Email: Meriden_PC@yahoo.co.uk
Web site: Meriden-pc.org.uk
Your Parish Councillors are: Clive Jones (Chairman), Bob Kipling (Vice Chairman), Jackie Eccleston, Graeme Goodsir, Shirley Goodsir, Stan Grundy, Jane Isham and Nigel Robinson.
Registering of Interest.
Are there any local businesses who would like to register with the Parish Council for possible employment opportunities for small contracts such as general maintenance / painting? Please supply details to the Clerk.
Your Parish Councillors are: Clive Jones (Chairman), Bob Kipling (Vice Chairman), Jackie Eccleston, Graeme Goodsir, Shirley Goodsir, Stan Grundy, Jane Isham and Nigel Robinson.
Environmental Crime.
Incidents of environmental crime such as fly tipping, littering, fly posting and dog fouling can be reported by phoning 01217048369 or e-mail address environmentalhealth@solihull.gov.uk . Report forms will be available on the web site in the near future.
If anyone sees any environmental crime being committed but is unwilling to give a formal statement, Solihull MBC will not be able to take any formal action, but can send an advisory letter to the offender. Solihull MBC is also able to serve a Fixed Penalty Notice if anyone sees litter thrown from a car if they are given the registration number and description of the vehicle and details of the time and place the offence was seen. ‘Tree of Thought’.
2) Seconded Patch Manager for Meriden, Jo Williams, continues to attend Meriden Library the last Thursday of each month between 10am and 12noon when she will be pleased to discuss your problems relating to highways, refuse collection etc. and will pass your concerns onto the correct departments within Solihull MBC. Contact number 0121 704 6549.
3) SAVE OUR VERGES
Meriden Parish Council on behalf of residents, wish to thank Alan Lole for the time and effort he personally put into arranging for the wonderful Christmas Tree and lights on The Green this year which were appreciated by many local people. As you are probably aware, many organisations and individuals sponsored lights with a magnificent amount of money going to Macmillan Cancer Relief. Alan is already talking of Christmas 2006 and it is hoped he is again well supported.
Parking of vehicles on grass verges not only causes unsightly bare patches but is an offence under the Highways Act 1980.
Precept 2006/2007
At the last Parish Council Meeting it was agreed that a Parish Precept of £35,688 be set, a Parish Charge of £29.91 for Band D, an increase of £3.34, 12.6% on this year.
Parking on verges has increased in recent years due to a number of reasons:
The main reason for this increase is that Meriden Parish Council has taken over responsibility for the Public Conveniences, Main Road, from Solihull MBC to stop them from being demolished, which is estimated to cost in the region of £7,000 annually.
.
More people owning one or more cars
Vandalism and theft when parking “out of sight” of residential homes.
More traffic on the road.
Patch Management Surgeries.
Meriden Parish Council has just received a letter and Notice, regarding Patch Management surgeries at Meriden Library, which have recently ceased.
“Patch Manager surgeries will no longer take place.
Whilst we cannot provide off road parking in all areas, the Authority can give consideration to schemes that will prevent damage to the verges and in some cases provide improved parking for residents. Applications for Vehicle Access crossings can be requested to see if it is feasible to allow access to residents frontages over the footpaths. Costs vary for the crossings but quotes will be given following receipt of an application, these can be obtained by contacting Solihull Council on 0121 704 8000.
This is the result of a merger of two Council sections to form the Transport, Highways and Environment Division and, amongst other things, the merger is aimed at improving the way we work and at reducing duplications in our services. The former Patch Management functions are included within the remit of 3 new Neighbourhood Management Teams, which will cover all wards throughout the Borough and, although we are still developing the systems and processes to deliver Neighbourhood Management, we still intend to be very receptive to our customers’ needs and feedback. If you require any further information about Neighbourhood Management, please either dial 0121 704 6000 and ask to speak to your local Neighbourhood Manager or one of their Neighbourhood Co-ordinators or e-mail: customer@solihull.gov.uk.”
If you are aware of parking difficulties or areas where damage is being caused, please contact the Patch Management Team and advice can be given on preventative measures. From: Community Liaison newsletter.
West Midlands Police, Rural Sector.
From 1st February, Inspector Peter Wilson will take over responsibility for rural areas. The rural area has been divided into 2 Neighbourhoods with Meriden and Balsall Common being run by Sergeant Melvyn King.
Village Valet Dry Cleaners
180, Station Road, Balsall Common
For all your dry cleaning and laundry requirements
Dry cleaning
Leather & suede
Laundry services
Alterations
Shoe repairs
Curtains
Quilts
Bedding
Wedding gowns 01676 534444
Friends in Retirement
We are still thriving in Balsall Common with many members from Meriden.
Our Tai Chi class Wednesday 3.00pm in Balsall Common Village Hall has room for new members, if you are interested, it is highly recommended for breathing, balance and flexibility. If you want to know more about this or any other of our activities please ring the number below.
Dates for our coffee mornings areFridays March 17th, April 14t h and May 19th, all at the Village Hall, Balsall Common.
Thursday 6th April Coach trip to Bristol, cost £10 leaving The Bull’s Head Car Park at 8.45am.
Thursday 22nd June Coach trip to Trentham Gardens, cost £5 leaving the Bull’s Head Car Park at 8.45am Phone 02476 713662 for further details
New members are always made welcome to groups. The phone number to ring for further information is 01676 532537 . ALL ENQUIRIES
S T O N E B R I D G E
Wed. 22nd February Wed. 22nd March Wed. 10th May
(please call on the day to book your table £5 per table including free sandwiches & soup) TRIBUTE NIGHTS
Stonebridge, Somers Road, Meriden, T: 01676 522442 F:01676 522447
emma.clifford@stonebridgegolf.co.uk
Fri. 21st April – ROD STEWART Experience Sat. 20th May – Colin Perry as ELVIS Fri. 6th October – Red Mick as MICK HUCKNALL from SIMPLY RED All £11.95 per person, including finger buffet BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL – THESE SELL OUT QUICKLY
A Coventry Way
This 40 mile long distance footpath circles Coventry and goes through Meriden. It is never further than 5 miles from the city centre. A Coventry Way Guide was published in 1995, and it became clear that to encourage walkers to use these local paths, a series of walks linked to the Way would be beneficial. This would not only acquaint walkers with the location of A Coventry Way but would help in keeping the paths open and up to a reasonable standard.
Starting off with a modest seven circular walks the project grew like the proverbial Topsy. It came to a closure when 21 were reached and by then the Way had been virtually covered. A book called 21Circular Walks has been printed and describes all the walks, ranging from 2.5 to 12 miles in length, most walks include a shorter version. Every walk has its own wildlife notes written by local ecologist Ian Tanner, and brief interest/history notes. Details of bus routes and bus stops are given together with suitable car parking places. Two walks start at the Queen’s Head Pub. For further details visit A Coventry Way’s web site www.acoventryway.org.uk
A design project by Meriden School children
Alltypesofgardenwork andmaintenanceundertaken FreeAdviceandEstimates PortfolioandReferences
Available
Advance Notice
A
flower festival is to be held at St Laurence Church Meriden on July 29th 30th and 31st
One thing a man learns from a woman is how to be a good loser!!
In the Autumn Term, Year 5 were set a task to build a mask. Firstly we drew some ideas in a booklet and worked out the materials we would need. Mrs Smith moulded some thick foam into the basic mask shape. We then followed our main design and selected the materials we needed to create our masks. These pictures are of some of the masks we made:
James Bird & Tim Smith (Year 5)
Cameo
Come And Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00pm
,
2005 ended with an interesting film and talk in November when we heard about the effect the Gideons’ work has had on some of the lives of people who have read the bible left by the Gideons in hotels, hospitals etc. and which either gave them comfort or helped them to change their lives for the better. At our December meeting we were fortunate in having Pauline Simpson entertain us with her keyboard and excellent singing. Everyone then joined in to sing their favourite carols before enjoying tea and festive mince pies.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a bo
Garden Plant Supply
Supplier of plants and hanging baskets to The Bulls Head, Meriden four times winner of “The Solihull in Bloom Award”
Hanging baskets for summer 2005
Price for size of your empty basket refilled
New Baskets supplied
Baskets Ready in Two Weeks
2006 promises to be another enjoyable year and already we have heard Doug Timmis talk about the trip he and a group from the Balsall Common Methodist Church made to Iona . He had brought along a lovely film on the history of the island and the community there to help illustrate the beauty and tranquillity of the place.
An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged for the year as well as a whole day of activities arranged for June when we are having a ‘Holiday at Home’.
We therefore look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Peggy 522221
Forthcoming Meetings:-
March 24th Speaker Dorothy Hall will illustrate “Looking forward to Easter” with a flower arrangement.
April 28th A meeting when we swap interesting anecdotes etc.
May 26th Speaker Dan Oliver Director of “Youth for Christ in Coventry”
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use a net and he won't bother you for weeks!
Summer Bedding Plants Supplied At Best Prices in the Area
Urns, window boxes and containers supplied and filled
A selection of wrought iron work also available Please ask for quote
Lawrence Wood, 34 Grace Road (off Albert Road)
Millisons Wood, Meriden Tel 01676 522122
Cheques payable to L WOOD
Ladies and Senior Citizens
Your hair styled in the comfort of your own home
Ring CATHY 02476 405135 or mobile 07811049929
To Let –Wooden Holiday Chalet
On the beach at Dunster Beach Holidays Nature Reserve near Minehead, Somerset.
Sleeps Four- one bed settee and two single beds. Fully equipped kitchen. Small washroom with toilet (showers and toilet block 50 yards). Dining area, radio/CD, TV, rear patio with furniture, overlooking lake. Peaceful, safe and relaxing situation. Local to Minehead Golf course, Nature Trails, sandy beach, lake and wonderful walks. Close to Site shop.
From £200 per week
Phone Standley on 01676 532453 or 07851038518
ARE YOU ONE OF THE MISSING MILLION?
Diabetes Mellitis is a common and growing disease. It is estimated that in the Uk one person every 5 minutes is newly diagnosed with Diabetes. According to the World Health Organisation, there are a million people walking around with diabetes who don’t know that they have the disease. By 2025 it is estimated that 300 million people will have diabetes worldwide.Many people may have actually had the disease for many years before they recognise that there may be something wrong.Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and its function is to regulate the blood glucose (sugar) levels so that they remain stable. In Diabetes, the glucose levels become raised
There are 2 types of Diabetes.
Type 1 occurs in children and young adults where the cells in the pancreas die and so insulin production ceases. These people need insulin injections for life to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes generally occurs in people over 40 years of age. Insulin prodution becomes reduced and the body’s cells become resistant to the insulin that is circulating in the blood stream.
This is a gradual process and so symptoms are not often recognised by the patient because they presume they may be due to increasing age or leading a busy and stressful lifestyle.
The most common symptoms of diabetes can include –
Tiredness
Excessive thirst
Passing urine frequently
Changes in vision (sometimes blurred vision)
Weight loss
Recurrent infections such as urinary tract infections or thrush.
How to reduce your risk of developing Diabetes
Risk factors include –
Family history of diabetes
Over weight/ Obesity –particluarly central obesity
Lack of exercise
Raised cholesterol
Eat a healthy diet –low fat – eat more white meat (chicken or fish), avoid pastries, sausages, crisps, cheese, use a low fat spread (flora light/diet)
low sugar – choose “no added sugar” products and diet drinks. Reduce/avoid cakes, biscuits, chocolate
Eat 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day
Exercise regularly –
Walk daily
Aim to do 20 minutes of brisk exercise for a minumum of 3 times a week – walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, cycling, join a gym
Testing for Diabetes
A simple finger prick test at the chemist will indicate if your glucose levels are within normal levels
A blood test at the surgery can be taken that will be tested at the hospital.
A urine sample can be tested at the surgery, although this is not as accurate as a blood test
Please contact the surgery if you have any concerns or would like more information surrounding Diabetes
Rotary Club of Meriden
Invite you to a celebrity guest speaker evening
Tricia Stewart (The original Miss October) will be talking about the last six years of
“The Calendar Girls”
Tuesday 21st March 7.00 for 7.30pm at the Manor Hotel Meriden Tickets £21 including three-course dinner.
This evening promises to be a sell out get your tickets now from Chris Swindells 01676 523510
John Martindale 01676 523141
Lloyds Pharmacy
1 The Green, Meriden
Tel /Fax 01676 522722
Mon – Fri 9am to 6pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm
Sunday
Closed
We operate a prescription collection service for the convenience of our customers. Prescriptions are collected from the Meriden Surgery once a day at 8.30am. Please allow 24 hours before collecting your medication from the pharmacy.
INANOUTOFHOURSEMERGENCY
The Practice uses a GP co-operative Solidoc and Deputising Service (West Midlands Medical Duty Service) for emergencies outside normal surgery hours. The co-operative has a Primary Care Centre based in the Fracture Clinic at Solihull Hospital. West Midlands Deputising service cover from 12.00 midnight to 8.30am every day but Sunday. Solidoc cover all other out of hour emergencies. 01676 532587
Meriden Surgery and Pharmacy News
BALSALL COMMON & MERIDEN GROUP PRACTICE
Old School house, Main Road, Meriden CV7 7NG Tel 522252 Surgery Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00
Emergencies - when closed please telephone 01676 532587
Repeat Prescription Requests
We prefer these to be ordered using the list attached to your previous prescription.
Post to the surgery
Hand to the surgery
Fax 01676 523865 to the surgery
If necessary telephone requests will be taken between 10.00am and 12.30pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm Mon-Fri. Please quote your computer number.
48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL PATIENTS TO CHECK THAT PRESCRIPTIONS COLLECTED (EITHER FROM THE CHEMIST OR THE SURGERY) DETAIL THE MEDICATION ORIGINALLY REQUESTED. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GIVEN BY THE PRACTICE FOR MEDICATION DISPENSED BUT NOT REQUIRED
. Home Visits: If patients are too ill to attend the surgery, or are housebound and need a doctor to visit them at home please telephone the surgery BEFORE 10.00am
Comments: If you would like to make any comments, complaints or suggestions concerning the surgery please contact Joanne Hope, Practice manager on 01676 532213 or in writing to the surgery
Appointments at Meriden Surgery
The surgery operates a 48-hour booking system for an appointment with a Doctor at the Practice
For example: if you ring on Tues at 10.00am we aim to offer an appointment with a Doctor by Thursday 10.00am.
Some clinics may be able to be booked 2 weeks in advance.
To book an appointment at the Meriden Surgery the following time scale applies:
Appointments Available from
MONDAY AM THURSDAY 2.00pm MONDAY PM FRIDAY 8.30am
TUESDAY AM FRIDAY 2.00pm TUESDAY PM MONDAY 8.30am
WEDNESDAY AM MONDAY 2.00pm WED PM CLOSED
THURSDAY AM TUESDAY 2.00pm
THURSDAY PM WEDNESDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY AM THURSDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY PM THURSDAY 8.30am
LLoyds Chemists Medicine Review
Are you getting the best from your medicine? Would you like a medicines use review? What is a medicine use review?
A medicines use review is a free consultation with a pharmacist about your medicines. The pharmacist will review the medicines you are taking and discuss them with you. The pharmacist can also advise you on how you can use your medicines more effectively.
1. Make an appointment with the pharmacist at your local Lloyds pharmacy. The consultation is free and will take between 15 & 30 minutes.
2. Think about what you would like to ask the pharmacist. Possible questions include; Why am I taking this medicine?
How long will I need to take it for?
While taking this medicine, should I avoid any other medicines/activities/food/drink?
3. Make sure you bring all your medicines to your appointment. This includes all medicines prescribed by your doctor, plus those bought over the counter or borrowed from other people.
4. Talk to the pharmacist about your medicines to make sure: You know how and when to take your medicines.
You fully understand what your medicine has been prescribed for. You do not have any problems when taking your medicine
You are not experiencing any side effects.
You are happy with the medicine you are taking.
5. The Pharmacist will give you advice and let you know whether you need to change the way you take your medicines to ensure you get the best from them. Both you and your doctor will be given a copy of the review.
IMPORTANT You will still need to have regular medication reviews at your doctors surgery, this is so that your doctor can monitor your medical condition and your treatment.
The Pharmacy also offers a free diabetes and blood pressure screening service. No appointment necessary.
Mother’s Day Sunday 26th March
On Mother’s Day we will be open from 9am to 1pm for all your gifts and flowers delivered in the area
We also stock greeting cards and gift-wrappings
Meriden Nursery
Toddler Group at Methodist Church Hall
Main Road
Tuesdays 10,00-11.30am
This is an informal, friendly group for adults who care for young children and babies. Come and meet other parents and carers for a chat, refreshments are provided for children and adults at a small cost of £1.50 per family. Children can play safely in the hall or garden. Each week there is a different craft activity and song timefor thechildren
Emily Roxburgh on 01676 522496
1st Meriden Guides
Girls!! If you are 10-14yrs and want to have lots of fun, enjoy challenges and would like to make new friends then come along and join us.
Meetings are at the Meriden Methodist Hall, Main Road, Meriden
Wednesday evenings during term time: 7.30pm-9pm
Phone Hazel Matthews 01676 522862
BALSALL COMMON & MERIDEN CARS
B OOKINGS WELCOME
A IR CONDITIONED CARS
L OCAL PRIVATE HIRE COMPANY
S TATION / AIRPORT TRANSFERS
A LL U.K. AIRPORTS COVERED
L ONG & SHORT DISTANCE SPECIALISTS
L IMOUSINE & WEDDING CARS ARRANGED ON REQUEST
M ULTI SEATER / MINI BUS
E XPERIENCED, SMART
R ELIABLE & FRIENDLY DRIVERS
I NDIVIDUAL PERSONAL SERVICE
D ELIVERY & PARCEL SERVICE ON REQUEST
E STIMATES & QUOTATIONS GIVEN
N OTHING IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE
Meriden library
01676 522717
Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Meriden Library Readers’ Group
We have 2 bicentennials - in March, Elizabeth Barrett Browning - and in April, Isambard Kingdom Brunel - so we shall be reading about them and their contemporaries. PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE - the March meeting will be on Wednesday 15th March. We shall then descend from the sublime to books featuring female crime-solvers for May. Please come and join us at 7.30 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (except March).
Sue Fuller
The art on display in the Library is by the students of Julie Hyde’s art groups held in the Village Hall on Thursdays. For details phone Julie on 01676 523 357
BERRYFIELDS FARM SHOP
Berryfields Farm, Berkswell Road, Meriden CV7 7LB 01676 522155
Dry Cured Bacon
Gammon,Honey Roast and Breadcrumbed Hams
Fresh Succulent Pork Sausages
Pork pies, Cooked Meats and Faggots
Free Range Eggs
Locally produced Lamb and Honey
Fowlers Cheese and Berkswell Cheese
We breed and rear all the Pork we sell and we prepare and cook everything ourselves.
Opening times:Tuesday – Saturday 8.00am- 5.30pm
Meriden Library, The Green
Thursday advice surgeries 10.00am – 11.00 am 10.00am – 11.00am
A representative from Age Concern will be in attendance on March 16th April 20th May 18th
Call in for an informal chat and advice
With spring around the corner, now is the time to come into the library and look at the gardening books and plan what you are going to do in the garden. The holiday guides and leaflets can be useful when planning holidays and days out. If you don’t have the Internet at home, you can use a library computer to get more ideas.
Coffee mornings continue to be held on the last Thursday of each month, usually with a community representative attending. There will be an extra Coffee Morning on April 13th (Maundy Thursday) to which all are invited to have coffee and hot cross buns with the staff.
Physiotherapy and Acupuncture
Treatments for: -
* Back and neck pain
* Sciatica
* Muscle sprains and strains
* Arthritic pain
*Sports injuries
Any acute and chronic conditions
Kiran Sharma
MCSP, SRP AACP
(Chartered and state registered physiotherapist)
Physio Matters 164 Kenilworth Road
Balsall Common
Tel: 01676 533106 Mobile 07905 124932
Tips from the Cop Shop
For any advice or literature on Crime Prevention
Phone Laura Russell or Cheryl Tyler On 0845 113 5000
You may have seen in the media recently that vehicles have been taken by car-jackers. Tips to be safe……….
Ensure that valuables are not left on the passenger seat or dashboard when travelling. Thieves will be more tempted to target a vehicle if the goods are visible. Keep your doors and your boot locked when driving in urban areas.
Make sure that you know the route you are using to travel to your destination. Car-jackers may be more likely to target motorists who look unsure of where they are going, or looking at maps at traffic lights.
Have your keys ready when you approach the car.
Always ensure that you take your keys out of the vehicle if you are going into shop or a petrol station, even if there is someone left in the car. Similarly, keep windows closed if possible.
Always try to leave a gap between your vehicle and the car in front when parked at traffic lights. If you are attacked by car-jackers, being too close to the vehicle in front will prevent you from escaping,
If your car is nudged by another vehicle and you are suspicious of the intention of the other driver, do not stop, try to take the car details down and report the incident to the police. Some car-jackers use the tactic of nudging another vehicle and then attacking the owner when they stop.
If your vehicle is under attack, dial 999 if you have a mobile phone and sound your horn to draw attention to your car. Finally we would ask you to think about preventing crime generally, there is no need to become obsessive about it and we have no wish to raise the level of fear about crime, please take reasonable and sensible action to prevent yourself becoming a victim.
If you require any further information please phone 0121 704 8575
David Deakin Plastering Services
Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome.
Free estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service.
Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860
Tai Chi
The Tai Chi class on Wednesday afternoons between 4.30 and 5.30pmat Meriden Methodist Church has temporarily stopped. We are hoping that if we can get more interest from the village the classes will restart. Jan, our teacher is keen for the class to continue but with poor attendance she struggles to cover the room rent. Tai Chi is a very gentle relaxing exercise. It helps destress, helps breathing and general aches and pains. It is great for any age group. The charge is £3 per session. The classes will be every Wednesday during term time, immediately following the Balsall Common class
Contact Val Friend on 01676 522867
If you are interested
Brook Farm Country Hospitality
Civil Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding Reception Venue
Functions & Dinner Parties
Business Lunches
Turpie School of Dance (Formerly known as Meriden Dance Studios)
CLASSES IN BALLET, TAP AND MODERN
Meriden Methodist Hall on Monday evenings from 4pm
Coaching for Royal Academy, Imperial Society examinations and festival work For Details telephone 02476 394372 – Dionne Turpie
Remembrance Day Service
Letters Page
I would like to put a few lines in the Meriden Mag about the Remembrance Service on Sunday November 13th 2005. It was nice to see so many people attending the Remembrance Service this year at the Church and at the War Memorial. A lovely service was given at the Church conducted by Mr. Peter Wright, it was nice to see so many children and younger people attending. Remembrance Sunday is a very special day when we should all pay our respects and remember the men who gave their lives for our freedom today.
Ron Owen, Eaves Green Lane, Meriden
End of an Era
Off Licence Millison’s |Wood
We would like to express our sincere thanks for all who organised the fantastic send off held in Aggie’s garden.
We never dreamed that so many people would be there. Also a very big thank-you for all our gifts, including money, and 135 good luck cards.
We have made many friends over the last 26 years and would like to say a very big thank-you to all, too numerous to mention. We will be staying in the village for the time being. A happy New Year to you all and thank-you.
David and Mary Perks
Grace and Lucy Ball would like to say thank-you to every one who supported them by helping with selling and buying at their coffee mornings and other events. £110 was raised for The Meningitis Research Foundation, £100 for Multiple Sclerosis,£50 for The British Heart Foundation, £100 for the Trinity Fellowship and £80 for the Turners Syndrome Society.
Samaritans Purse
Thank-you Meriden School, Library, St Laurence Church, Pertemps and Chase Norton for donations and shoe boxes. We sent 141 boxes. Over 1.5 million shoe boxes went from England for Christmas 2005.
Meriden Tree Of Thought
I would just like to to say a very big thank you to young Alan Lole for the eight & a half months of hard work he put in to make the 'Tree of Thought' happen! Anyone who saw it on the Green can only say what a magnificent sight it was! The lights really shone out at night and everybody I spoke to said it was the best tree we had had in many a year. The dedication service on December 1st was wonderful, although it rained for most of it, it did not spoil our parade! With parents and children having a good time the culmination of Alan's hard work had paid off as people rushed to sponsor the lights. Finally a big thank you to the people who put up the tree and to Ron Potter Esq. for all his help. Long may this continue to be a tradition in Meriden Village!
Well done Alan!! Councillor.
G.J. M. Goodsir
Old School Photograph
Regarding the school photograph in the Winter edition, there were four houses at Balsall Common School- Normans, Saxons, Romans and Vikings. This photograph was of Norman house taken in the front playground of the school. There should be three more photographs in existence of the other houses some where.
Alan Large Australia
Editors note – we are still waiting for a response –surely somebody has recognised themselves and their friends. Don’t be shy give us a call!
HAND FINISHED MADE TO MEASURE CURTAINS
Tie backs Swags Tails Valances Cushions Pelmets
Roman Blinds Soft Furnishings and Bedspreads 25 years experience
Lucy Ball is collecting tinfoil for Hereward College funds. If you can help please take to Lucy at 9, Winspear Close
VILLAGE DIARY
Meriden Motorcycle Megaride
The next Meriden Motorcycle Megaride is to be held on Sunday 25th June, a mass ride- in from Leamington Spa will arrive at the Playing Fields at 11.30pm where there will be a display of motorbikes together with stalls and activities of general interest.
Any local organisation wishing to have a stall or display on the day is invited to contact Neville Riley of the Rotary Club of Meriden, tel. 01676 532709 or e-mail Neville-riley@lineone.net
There will be no admission charge to the field for pedestrians, however there will be opportunities for those wishing to make a donation to do so.
The three previous Megarides have raised over £17,000 for Children’s Hospices and Macmillan cancer Relief, we look forward to generous support for our chosen charity this year.
Don’t forget to put your clocks forward one hour on Sunday 26th March
Reminder!! Deadline date for the Summer issue
Tuesday 2nd May contact Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963 val.simon@virgin.net
Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453 Margaret.argyle@mattargyle.com
Treasurer Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive, Meriden
Useful Village Contact Numbers
Meriden School PTA
would like to thank every one who came to our Christmas Fayre and made it such a tremendous success. Yoy helped us to raise even more money, which helps to improve facilities for the children.
Planned events for this year18th March Race Night- more details nearer the date.
Date to be confirmed (end of June or early July) A Traditional Summer Fayre (it may include vegetable growing competitions, minature gardens, a small pet corner, morris dancing etc.)
If you have any ideas please contact Emily (PTA chair) on 01676 522496
Fly Swatting
A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Hunting flies” he responded.
“Oh! Killing any?” she asked.
“Yep, three males, two females”, he replied. Intrigued, she asked, “How can you tell?” He responded “three were on a beer can, two were on the phone”
Winter 1st November – 31st March
– Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm
& Sunday 8.00am - 4.00pm Summer 1st April – 31st October Monday – Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm
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. Jenny Dyer 01676 533737
Centre Church
Rev.John & Pam Yates 01676 523050
Parish Council Clive Jones (Chairman) 01676 522819
Parish Council Mavis Edwards (Clerk) 01676 522076
Community Centre Warden Val Friend 01676 522867
Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000
District Councillors Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408
Member of Parliament
Girl Guides Group
David Bell 01676 535211
Dr. Peter Lea 01676 532577
Caroline Spelman 01676 534359
Hazel Matthews 01676 522862
Boy Scouts Group Gerry Russell 01676 522666
Cricket Club Alan MacEvoy 01676 522444
Charity & Community information & events FREE Views expressed by the Contributors are not necessarily those of the Co-editors
We are unable to print anonymous Letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request
Rural Police Sector Sgt Melvin King 0121 712 6123 BICKENHILL PUBLIC WASTE DISPOSAL SITE