Meriden Primary School have a new football kit thanks to cash have a football kit to from private hospital from private hospital from private hospital from private hospital Castlebeck Care. Castlebeck Care. Photograph by kind permission of the Solihull News
Meriden Festival News
We are delighted that comedian Malcolm Stent has agreed to launch the 2008 Meriden Festival, at the Cyclists Service on the Green on 18th May. The Festival is a period of fun, community activities over a period of six weeks or so in the early summer, and the line-up of events planned for 2008 so far stands at:
Sunday 18th May Cyclists' Service on the Green at 11am, followed by cycle rides through the day Sunday 8th June Motorcycle 'Megaride' organised by Rotary on the playing field, with live music, food and stalls
Saturday 14th June 'Centre Celebrations' on the Green, with outreach bus, stalls, refreshments and activities
Sunday 22nd June Preachers' Tree Service in Kinwalsey Lane at 4pm, followed by tea No doubt further events will be organised, and we look forward to hearing about anything you are planning over this period. We also look forward to hearing from groups interested in running stalls and activities at the Megaride and the Centre Celebrations. Experience from previous years suggests that what works best is if some of the smaller organisations have stalls or run displays at some of the larger events, to the benefit of all parties. So this year we hope to 'grow' the Megaride and the Centre Celebrations, with more things to see, do, and buy. If any charity or community group would like to have a pitch at either of these events (money you make is for your own good cause) please contact one of us: About the Megaride: Neville Riley on 01676 532709. About the Centre Celebrations: Kevin Hunt on 01676 523050. About the Festival generally: David Maugham on 01827 68271.
STRAWBERRY BANK
Ideal setting for a family reunion whether a wedding, anniversary, christening or funeral.
Set in beautiful gardens, we cater for small or large parties in the restaurant or our two Function suites.
Our restaurant serves A La Carte English and continental menus, as well as a 3 course Dinner Menu from £15.95 Monday –Friday
£16.95 Saturday
£15.95 Sunday Lunch for three courses
NEW BAR SNACK MENU
From £3.95 to £6.95
In restaurant lounge Tuesday to Friday Lunch & Evening
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies. Visit our website for more information or come along to see us.
www.strawberrybank.co.uk telephone: 01676 522117
Email:enquiries@strawberrybank.co.uk Main Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7NF
Congratulations to Rowena and James Hogg on the birth of their daughter, Catherine Mary, on January 18th . A first grandchild for Susan and John Fuller.
open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm daily 7 days a week
Mob: 07831 600829 Mob: 07785 333636
Housing Development and Playing Fields
Open Meeting
March 19th 7.30pm Village Hall
Held jointly by the Parish Council and the Village Appraisal Steering group
An opportunity to discuss the proposed development with representatives of the selected development company and Solihull MBC
Bus Services and Airport Runway extension Open Meeting
March 31st 7.30pm Village Hall
An opportunity to discuss views and experiences in relation to the 900 bus service and the service to Solihull.
See Parish Council page for more details
Meriden Post Office Last Collections
Please note that the last weekday post collection time is now 5.00pm, on Saturday it is 10.30am There is no longer a Sunday Collection There is a weekday collection at 7.00pm at Balsall Common and 7.30pm at the Bishop Street sorting office in Coventry. There is still no news on the future of Meriden Post Office. To make sure this valuable amenity stays open USE IT OR LOSE IT.
Don’t forget to put Don’t forget to put Don’t forget to put Don’t forget to put your clocks forward your clocks
Reminder!! Deadline date for the summer issue
Monday 5th May 2008 contact
Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963 val.simon@virgin.net
Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453 margaret.argyle@mattargyle.com
Treasurer: Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive, Meriden
Deliveries: Keith & Kath Nightingale 01676 522125
Proof Reader: Claire Rose When contacting advertisers please mention The Meriden When contacting advertisers please mention The Meriden When advertisers please The Meriden When advertisers please The Meriden
Useful Village Contact Numbers
BICKENHILL PUBLIC WASTE DISPOSAL SITE OPENING HOURS
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
Meriden Primary SchoolMrs. J. Smith 01676 522488
Meriden Library 01676 522717
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722
St. Laurence ChurchRev.Michael Dawkins01676 522719
9th AprilReaders Circle 7.30pmSue Fuller 01676 522721
14th AprilPolice & Council SurgeryLibrary10.00- 12 noon
16th AprilParish Council Village Hall7.30pm Julie Hall 01676 522553 18th
180, Station Road, Balsall Common CV7 7El
For all your dry cleaning and laundry requirements
Dry cleaning
Laundry services
Alterations
Shoe repairs
Curtains
Quilts
Bedding
Wedding gowns
01676 534444 10% off any item with this voucher Did you know? We now sell Gloves Handbags Ties etc. Call in and see our range
Branches Throughout the Midlands Wolverhampton, Sutton Coldfield, Redditch, Castle Bromwich, Coventry, Bromsgrove and Balsall Common
Head Office and Factory - Garretts Green 0121 786 1792
Meriden Road Fillongley, CV7 8DX
Tel 01676 543300
Fax 01676 540365
www.heartofengland.co.uk
Dine in contemporary chic at Heart of England home of The Quicken Tree Restaurant & Bar, Fillongley. During daylight hours, the sophisticated styling of our restaurant is enhanced by the stunning views across the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. After dark, the intimate mood - controlled starlit ceiling which changes throughout the evening, exceptional food & large leather chairs help create a very welcoming & relaxing atmosphere guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience
The Quicken Tree is open for lunch from 12.00 – 3.00, & Dinner 6.00pm ‘til late Tuesday to Saturday, then 12.00 – 6.00 pm Sunday.
To make your reservation, please call now on 01676 543300
On receipt of this voucher when you eat from our A la Carte Menu during March and April 2008
FreebottleofHousewine
Out and About in Out and About in Out About in Out and About in Spring SpringSpring Spring
Warwickshire Walking Festival
Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June
A great range of over seventy walks will be on offer again this year during the fourth Warwickshire Walking Festival. The Festival features nine days of guided walks at locations throughout the County, giving everyone the chance to join local guides and experts to discover Warwickshire’s rich heritage and varied landscape.
The walks vary in length and difficulty, from easy town trails to more challenging country hikes. There are also plenty of themed walks for those who want to learn more about the County’s fascinating history and famous figures like Shakespeare and George Eliot, or the flora and fauna of our woods, farms and parks. You can also visit fascinating archaeological sites, castles and stately homes.
The following are just some of the walks available a short distance away from Meriden:
Sat 24th May:2pm “Bedworth Town Trail”
Tues 27th May: 10am “Lapworth, Baddesley Clinton & Packwood House”
Weds 28th May:10am “The Lost Castle of Henley” 7pm “Brandon”
Thurs 29th May:10am “Three Parishes Walk – Ansley, Arley & Over Whitacre” 7pm “Kenilworth Castle”
Fri 30th May:10.30am “Heart of England Way, Henley to Baddesley Clinton” 3pm “Woodland Wildlife” at Hay Wood
Sat 31st May:2pm “George Eliot’s Nuneaton”
Sun 1st June:1pm “Flora & Fauna Summer Stroll at Kingsbury Water Park”
For full details of all the walks will be available from March 2008 in the Festival Guide and on the Festival website: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/walkingfestival
Look out for copies of the Festival Guide in Meriden library, or request a copy by calling 01926 413427 or emailing: paths@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Fun Run May 11th Knowle and Dorridge Lions
This five Mile fun Run is one of the Midlands biggest fund raisers raising money for charity.
To enter this special silver anniversary event register online at www.KnowleFunRun.org.uk
Visit Visit Visit Visit Baddesley Clinton Baddesley Clinton Clinton Clinton in in in in Spring and see the Spring and see the Spring and see Spring and see daffodils beside the daffodils beside the drive or take the family drive or take family to the Easter Egg Trail to Easter Trail on 23 on23on23 on rd rdrd March March 01564 783294
Visit Millison’s Wood in May and see the bluebells
Millison's Wood was once part of the large Arden Forest, which covered much of the countryside. However due to medieval sheep grazing and more recent arable farming, only small pockets of the woodland remain. It was for this reason that Millison's Wood received Local Nature Reserve Status in 2002.
The woods attract unusual butterflies, birds and wildflowers, you can learn more about the different species by viewing the interpretation boards installed at the entrance to the woods in Albert Road
A gatekeeper butterfly For more information please contact the Park Rangers
Tel: 0121 704 8472
Come and visit our new friendly Salon in the Come and our friendly in the Village Village
• Have beautiful hands - Acrylic Nails by our Have - Acrylic by master nail technician with 17 years experience. master technician with 17 years experience. full set of the highest quality in just 30 the highest quality in mins minsmins mins
• All Aspects of Beauty All Beauty
• Top fashion hair styles for ladies and gents
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• OAP days Tuesday & Wednesday OAP days Tuesday & Wednesday OAP days Tuesday Wednesday OAP days Tuesday Wednesday
• Visit Ernie Visit Ernie Visit Ernie Visit Ernie Boxall for a consultation– Personal Boxall for a consultation– Personal a consultation– a consultation–Trainer, Trainer, Trainer, Shiatsu Therapy and Total Body Shiatsu Therapy and Total Body Therapy Total Body Therapy Total Body exercise exerciseexercise exercise
Easter Egg Trivia
Decorating and colouring eggs for Easter was the custom in England during the middle ages. The household accounts of Edward I, for the year 1290, recorded an expenditure of eighteen pence for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts.
The most famous decorated Easter eggs were those made by the well-known goldsmith, Peter Carl Faberge. In 1883 the Russian Czar, Alexander, commissioned Faberge to make a special Easter gift for his wife, the Empress Marie.
The first Faberge egg was an egg within an egg. It had an outside shell of platinum and enamelled white, which opened to reveal a smaller gold egg. The smaller egg, in turn, opened to display a golden chicken and a jewelled replica of the Imperial crown.
This special Faberge egg so delighted the Czarina that the Czar promptly ordered the Faberge firm to design further eggs to be delivered every Easter. In later years Nicholas II, Alexander's son, continued the custom. Fifty-seven eggs were made in all.
NEIGHBOURHOOD COORDINATOR
Your Neighbourhood Coordinator at Solihull MBC Susan East. Tel:0121 704 6435 neighbourhoodmanagementarea3@solihull.gov.uk
RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE REPRESENTATIVE
WPC Sharon Williams
Tel: 0845 113 5000 ext 79286264
sharon.williams@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
C
ROCKWELL SHEET SALES LTD
THE WORLD OF BUILDING PLASTICS HERE IN MERIDEN
Right here in Meriden you have available to you one of the largest ranges of Building Plastics in the U.K.
POLYCARBONATE AND P.V.C. SHEETING--INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CLADDING-- GARAGE FLOOR TILES
Multiwall polycarbonate.Shower boards and bathroom cladding. Multiwall 4mm. greenhouse panelsHuge range of u.P.V.C. marble and patterned planking 10mm. 4-wall with double sided protectionRespatex Shower boards—alternative to tiling! 16mm. honeycomb with double sided protection Greca profile diffusing opal corrugated polycarbonate Rockwell Architectural trims. Over 40 types in Multiwall corrugated polycarbonate stock to turn your house into a stately home.
Cut to size service for multiwall polycarbonate, In 10mm,16mmor 25mm in clear ,bronze or opal
Plastic glass blocks (Polystar). Lightweight and simply click Also solid polycarbonate and acrylic (2-3days) together.
Dynotile—now you can turn your garage into a showroom! For only about £350 (single garage) or £650 (double garage) you can have an easy to lay insulated floor that will take the Freefoam Fascia and Soffits heaviest car and look great. See www.dynotile.co.uk
These are lead free and fully u/v protected to give a very long life. A 20 year guarantee is available Floplast Rainwater goods. Gutter and pipe in a range of (ask for details). Don’t accept inferior products. Colours. Brand leading easy to fit products, which carry the BS Kite Mark of Quality.
ROCKWELL SHEET SALES LTD. MAIN ROAD, MERIDEN, COVENTRY. CV7 7NH. TEL 01676 522 224 FAX 01676 522 985
OPEN: MON-FRI 8:30A.M.-1 P.M. AND 2-5P.M. SAT A.M. 9-12 www.rockwell-meriden.co.uk , info@rockwell-meriden.co.uk
EXOTIC THAI
DEE HAS MOVED TO 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
Meriden Tree of Thought 2007
I am pleased to report that our 2007 Tree raised £3401 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Having last year witnessed from close quarters the work done by the Macmillan Nurses, I know we are doing something so very worthwhile. They are a special breed and as I have said previously, until a definite cure is found for cancer, what they do is priceless and well worth supporting.
I must again acknowledge the wonderful services of Carol Maclure, Revd. Dawkins and Potter’s Poultry on Dedication Day. Also the children of Meriden School who, Mrs Smith tells me, are proud to play their part and again, Potter’s Poultry and Paul Ryan for the removal and disposal of the tree.
To all businesses and individuals who supported our village Tree, MY HEARTFELT THANKS. The ever-increasing incidence rate of cancer is alarming, so you have done a truly wonderful thing.
Alan Lole Organiser.
6ALLOTMENTS
The Parish Council has a number of allotments on Leys Lane to let at £15 per year. For further information please contact the Clerk.
7DISTRACTION BURGLARIES
We urge residents to be extremely vigilant of distraction burglaries, which are on the increase in the area. Burglaries happen when somebody knocks on your door claiming to be from an official company, often the “Water Board” or “Npower” often using legitimate looking ID in order to gain access to your property.
• Always ask to see identification and check identification by calling the following telephone numbers: Water Board/Severn Trent :0800 783 4444 Npower :08456 0111 102
• Never use a number that they provide you with to check their identification. If you would like any further information about this, please call West Midlands Police in Solihull on 0845 113 5000 extension 7922 6264. Thank you.
8FOULING OF LAND BY DOGS (SOLIHULL) ORDER 2007
Solihull MBC have made an Order which makes it an offence at all times for a person in charge of a dog within Solihull Borough to fail to remove dog faeces deposited by that dog for which he or she is responsible.
9USE OF THE GREEN
Can all persons wishing to use The Green for an event / entertainment please apply to the Parish Council a month before the event. Forms are available from the Clerk and Meriden Library. There are certain implications, which might apply: double bookings, licensing, highway and footway safety, police awareness and insurance.
10‘MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT SUPPORTING MACMILLAN CANCER RELIEF’
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.
11POND UPDATE
Meriden Parish Council have been in consultation with Solihull MBC regarding the necessary repairs to our much loved pond. Preliminary investigations will be carried out in April/May to ascertain the full extent of the works required.
12COMMUNITY SURGERIES, NEW DATES
WPC Sharon Williams representing the Police along with Susan East your neighbourhood co-ordinator of Solihull Council will be attending Meriden Library on Monday mornings 10 00- 12 00, on 17th March, 14th April, 19th May, 16th June. The Clerk also attends and you can notify her of any problems and these will be passed to the relevant department.
13PRECEPT 2008/2009
The Parish Precept for 2008 / 2009 has been set at £51,750 this creates an annual increase of £6.89 for a Band D property (an increase of 13p per week). The main reasons for this increase are a suggested spending on demolishing the public conveniences, improvements on the existing Playing Field, and the continuing need to maintain / purchase the ten bus shelters.
14WEBSITE
Just a reminder of your parish website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk. Please do use the Village Blog Link!! We need your views!!
15PARKING – MERIDEN C of E SCHOOL
Following advice from West Midlands Police, parents parking along Fillongley Road should park on the road and not the pavement. It is also vitally important for the safety of the children that the coach bay is kept clear and that no cars are parked on the crossing. Thank you.
16WOODLANDS TRUST – TREE DONATION
First Meriden Scouts Group have been donated thirty young native British trees from The Woodlands Trust. Ten of the trees have been kindly given to the Parish Council. We would welcome any suggestions from residents as to where they should be planted. Please contact the Clerk with your ideas.
MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL
The public and press are cordially invited to all meetings in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to speak.
19/03/08 MPC/Appraisal Group
31/03/08 Parish Council Meeting
19.30Village Hall / Meriden (Open Meeting – Housing Development)
19.30Village Hall / Meriden (Open Meeting – Transport)
16/04/08 Annual Parish / Sub-Com.Meeting19.30Village Hall / Meriden
28/04/08 Parish Council Meeting
19.30Village Hall / Meriden
14/05/08 Annual Parish Council Meeting19.30Village Hall / Meriden
To contact your Parish Council please write or telephone the Clerk: Mrs J Hall
Clerk, Meriden Parish Council
Tel : 01676 522727 111 Fillongley Road
Meriden
CV7 7LW
YOUR PARISH COUNCILLORS ARE:
Email :info@meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
Website : www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
1OPEN PARISH COUNCIL MEETING - 31st March 2008
Bus Services & Birmingham International Airport runway extension
An open meeting will be held on Monday 31st March 2008 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. This is your opportunity to give your views and share your experiences in relation to the 900 bus service and the service to Solihull. Representatives from WMT are invited to attend. To help us plan a structured meeting, please forward the date and time of any incidents together with any questions which you would like to be raised, to the Clerk by Friday 21st March 2008.
Also on the Agenda is the proposed extension of the runway at Birmingham International Airport. Plans and documentation relating to the proposed extension of the runway can be viewed via Solihull’s website http://www.solihull.gov.uk/planningservices/15089.htm. However, if you do not have access to a computer, plans can be viewed at the Library either via the website above or on CD. Please do come along to the open meeting and let us have your views.
2VILLAGE APPRAISAL
All residents of Meriden and Millison’s Wood should have now received their copy of the January and February newsletters. If you do not have a copy they can be accessed on the Parish Council Website and they are on the parish notice boards.
3HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND PLAYING FIELDS
Playing field plans are on display in the library for information. If you do have any comments, please contact Solihull MBC on the telephone/address provided in the library.
You are invited to an OPEN MEETING on 19th MARCH 2008 at 7.30pm in the VILLAGE HALL held jointly by the Parish Council and Village Appraisal Steering Group. This is your opportunity to discuss the proposed development with representatives from the selected development company and Solihull MBC. Please do come along.
4COUNCILLOR IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Councillors have now been provided with ID cards. Please do ask to see them if necessary and contact the telephone number provided on the card should you be in any doubt as to the identification of the cardholder.
5 BUS SHELTERS
The bus shelter adjacent to James Dawson Drive has now been replaced.
Rosie Bob Graeme Shirley Melanie Marilyn Sarah Will Weaver Kipling Goodsir Goodsir Lee Hamilton Markham Markham
Meriden Womens Institute celebrates its 90th anniversary
On April 8th the WI is 90 years old. The WI movement came to England and Wales from Canada in 1915 and quickly spread through the country. It was formed to help countrywomen produce better homes.
Mrs Letitia Bankes was the founding president, she lived in Meriden Hall and was the widow of Captain Bankes who was killed in 1915 in France.
Meriden is the oldest W I in the West Midlands Federation with 55 members, the activities of Meriden WI have changed over the years, but the W I continues to provide Education, Friendship and Fun.
The WI is celebrating the occasion with a supper and an entertainer on Monday April 7th in the Village Hall.
For more details of the WI please contact Mrs Joan Russell on 01676 522666
Meriden Cricket Club Has A New Home!
With many thanks to the committee and members at Barkers Butts
Rugby Club we shall be playing our league and social home matches at their ground this year.
Look out for notices of the Sunday matches for which we would welcome your support –village cricket in the village! (well almost).
Don’t miss our famous pub quiz in April at the Queen’s Head.
For more information about Meriden Cricket Club please phone
Mike Gallagher 01676 521085 or 07775 567889
The present CommitteeThe president Mrs Joan Russell is on the right
Yoghurt
Cake
150g pot of natural yoghurt
Using the cleaned pot measure-
1 pot of corn oil
2 pots of sugar
3 pots of SR flour (approximately 8oz)
2 eggs
3 oz sultanas
Zest of lemon or orange
Method
Mix all together and put in a greased in lined 2lb-loaf tin
Bake for 1 hour at 180 degrees centigrade or gas mark 4
( for a change replace the sultanas and zest with cherries or any dried fruit of your choice)
Mrs Bankes- the Founder President
Meriden Methodist Nursery is 40 years old!
Meriden Methodist Nursery, situated in the Methodist Church Hall on the Main Road, celebrates its 40th Birthday in April this year. The Nursery was founded in 1968 by Miss Margaret Dawson, who ran it until her retirement in 1991.
There must be many, many children and adults who remember their time at the Nursery and we would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone who has worked at, is attending, or has attended the Nursery or just has happy memories of the times their children spent at Nursery to come along and help us celebrate this special anniversary on Friday 18th April 2008.
Please let us know, if possible, if you will be coming along to help us celebrate, we will be having:
Nursery/school nursery aged children- 3pm to 4pm for buffet tea. Infant/Junior school children (to 11 years)- 4pm to 5pm karaoke tea, Senior School children to 16 years- 5pm to 6pm karaoke buffet tea. Adults (over 16’s) Cheese and punch, quiz, karaoke- 7pm to 9pm We would love to hear from anyone willing to speak on their time with Meriden Nursery during the evening.
Meriden Methodist Nursery is still going strong and is open to take children from 2 years of age, bookings being taken for September 2008.
Please contact us on 01676 523472 /07882808821 / 07882705490
Marilyn Hamilton, Present Manager
50 years ago the Meriden By-Pass was opened
In 1958 traffic started to use the new by-pass on the A45, this was built to free the village of Meriden from heavy traffic. A by-pass had been planned way back in 1938, the 1 in 18 gradient at Meriden Hill, although not steep by modern vehicle standards was often the scene of accidents and serious road blockage, particularly in frosty weather.
It was part of the major works programme to build the first motorway in Britain from London to Doncaster. The first section was between St Albans and Watford Gap in Northamptonshire, with a spur to Dunchurch on the A45, thus providing an improved route to Birmingham. It was felt that the existing A45 was sufficiently free from difficulties except for the need for by-passes at Meriden and Dunchurch.
The estimated cost of the five-mile road improvement from Stonebridge to Allesley was £535,000. The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, the Rt. Hon.Harold Watkinson MP formally opened it on 13th October 1958.
The tree in the middle of the roundabout by the Green was Planted to commemorate the occasion and the inscription reads “This oak tree was planted at the traditional centre of England by Bernard Hornby Hunt, Chairman of the Warwickshire County Council on March 24th 1962 to mark the completion of the by-pass in 1958 whereby Meriden became a village once again”
The opening ceremony
Thanks go to David Walters and Barry Warman for their help with this article
The brand new road at Walsh Hall Lane Bridge
I would like to put on public record my sincere thanks to Dr. Barratt and her team for the wonderful care my Mother, Olwyn, received over many months prior to her death in November.
It was inevitable that Mum was going to go, but the level of consideration she received could not have been bettered. This made an enormous difference in, what was a heartbreaking situation.
Alan Lole.
I wish to thank all my friends who have kindly sent cards wishing me well. After three months I am still making slow progress in hospital.
I hope to see you all before too long.
Chris Burley
On behalf of the Governors of Meriden C of E Primary school we wish to congratulate Mrs Smith, the staff and children of the school on their achievement for last year’s SATs results. Taking the total Maths, English and Science scores together Meriden was joint 11th out of 52 schools in Solihull with a score of 279/300 Well done.
Stan Grundy
Meriden Football team’s new kit
Thank you very much to Castlebeck Care Hospital and Betacroft ITD local shop fitting company for the new girls and boys football kit. We have had money from Castleback Care Hospital for a new kit, which will be a large navy and light blue checked shirt. It will have long sleeves and numbers on the back and we will also be supplied with navy blue shorts and matching socks.
Again we are very grateful for the donation and all the help we have had to get our new kit. Hopefully it will make us better. We will feel confident with a cool kit and we will have enough kits to play without swapping shirts and taking up match time.
Children from Meriden School
A Fair Deal for Millison’s Wood?
I hope that residents of Millison’s Wood (MW) took advantage of the questionnaire published in the “Meriden Mag”, and gave their views to assist with the “Village Plan”. I believe it important that residents do have their say; we do after all represent 25% of the Parish population. I am of the opinion that MW has long been the poor relation within the Parish as far as our Parish Council (PC) and SMBC is concerned. Indeed, the “flyer” that came through our doors on behalf of prospective new members of our PC failed to mention MW at all, this despite much comment on how they would like to improve Meriden. It may well be the intention of our new PC to give MW more attention/consideration than it has received in the past, but this was not a good start. I realise of course, that the PC do not control the purse strings of SMBC, indeed, five years ago the previous PC told me they had no influence at all regards the budget.
I attended the meeting in the village hall that launched the Village Plan, almost an hour passed before MW was mentioned, and then simply because I raised the point. I fully accept that MW is considerably more rural than Meriden/Balsall Common/ Catherine De Barnes etc. but we are not the “outback”, the “last frontier”, and should not be treated as such. There is after all, not much that can go wrong in MW, but what can, does; and does so time after time.’ Whenever SMBC does spend money on MW, the work carried out is to such a poor standard as to beggar belief, and an insult to MW. How many of you recall the accident that occurred at the Showell Lane junction with Birmingham Road, around November 2006? It left three signposts at right angles; burrows two feet deep across the grass verge and a tree in danger of falling across what remained of the path. It took the Council until July 2007 to even contemplate putting matters right, and this following a meeting I had with our neighbourhood watch personnel. I was told at the time that the reason for the delay was because the council were waiting for the people responsible for the mess, to come up with the money to put things right! Do any of you believe this would have gone unattended for so long elsewhere in the borough? I have lived in MW for twenty-five years, I like the place and have seen the steady deterioration of standards that have taken place. I accept that I probably have a little more free time than some of you, that I have a dog that needs regular exercise and that therefore I probably see more of the area than most of you. Nevertheless, I feel that if more residents were aware of the drop in standards, and gave voice to their feelings; MW would get the consideration and quality service that it is entitled to, and in addition, deserves.
Peter Mullins
I am certain that many of you will have watched the TV adaptation of ‘Cranford’ and two other smaller stories by Mrs Gaskell last Autumn so I thought you might enjoy hearing about some of our village residents at the time, perhaps rather like those in these novels. When I viewed the series, I was surprised to note how similar some events and inhabitants were despite Meriden being not much more than a village.
You would have often seen brightly uniformed soldiers here for in 1800 Lord Aylesford had created the Warwickshire Yeomanry under the scrutiny of William Zachery, formerly Captain of the Yeoman of the Guard. He was father-in-law of Dr Kittermaster who had fought in Spain and Canada in the Napoleonic Wars. The doctor’s wife Mary ran a girls’ boarding school at Church Cottage, now Hill Orchard. Further down the lane ‘Meriden House’ was occupied by General, the Hon:Edward Finch, Lord Aylesford’s uncle. Zachery retained a house in Great Portland St, London. Many of the local farmers acted as part- time soldiers. If needed on duty, they mustered outside the Bull’s Head, even marching to Birmingham to quell riots. There was a police constable Joseph Walton living in the specially built stone house next to the Manor Hotel. It still has its cell. A descendant reliably tells me, Walton used to catch poachers, imprisoning them in this lock-up until he could take them to Warwick gaol. His wife Elizabeth a staunch Methodist was so sorry for these unfortunates who had no food or drink, she made soup and asked her son, little Joseph to hand it down to them over the top of the locked door. When ready the constable and his son travelled by horse and cart to Warwick gaol with the men for trial sentencing. This was the age of transportation to Australia. Once loaded into the cart, in order to frighten them into obedience, Walton shouted for the boy he had forgotten the gun and to fetch it out of the house. What the ‘criminals’ did not know was it was broken so would not fire but the ruse worked: no one attempted to escape! Our previous lock-up, a tiny stone cottage, still stands at the Birmingham end of the Green. A terrible accident happened to one of the soldiers, a Captain called John Miller. While repairing the roof of his home ‘The Chestnuts at the Coventry end of the Green’ he slipped off the ladder, crashing to the ground. He was so badly injured despite the efforts of the new young doctor, Edward Clarke, husband of ‘George Eliot’s sister, Christiana. Miller hastily made his will but died shortly afterwards. You can still see his tombstone in the churchyard together with Dr and Mrs Clarke, Dr and Mrs Kittermaster and General Finch.
Doreen Agutter
The Chestnuts- the house where Captain John Miller fell off his ladder Lloyds Pharmacy
– 5.00pm Sunday Closed
Good News on Re-Cycling
It is a sad fact that each household in Britain still produces one ton of rubbish each year. Although here in Solihull Borough only 16% goes to landfill, which is the lowest percentage of all metropolitan Councils. We still need to cut this down further. Our recycling has improved four fold in recent years and shortly all should have green waste collected from their property. We are also working to ensure that most residents have paper collected from the kerbside. We are recycling the chewing gum collected in shopping centres, which is then suitably treated and returned as playground surfacing. Our new street care contract starts this spring and with it comes the opportunity to develop our kerbside collections. We have plans to introduce kerbside can, bottle and plastic collections subject to consultation. This will also take the pressure off the mini recycling sites, which at times, have filled up too quickly due to the keenness of residents to recycle and there is no wish to deter this enthusiasm.
At present our recycling percentage is around 30%. This contrasts with nearby top performing council Lichfield at over 50%. However Lichfield has to landfill the remainder whilst 54% of our rubbish including plastics, if they are put in the black bags goes to Coventry to the ‘Waste to Energy Plant.’The emissions from this plant are filtered and monitored to ensure they are well within Government guidelines.
The black bags have worked reasonably well to date, but we are now looking at the potential of introducing refuse wheelie bins once our recycling has increased. In partnership with WRAP (Waste and Recycling Awareness Project) we are offering “kitchen Caddies” for the recycling of kitchen waste and home composters.
Last year plastic bottle recycling was introduced and has proved very successful. At present the plastic bottles are made into a number of plastic products including building materials, cans are very efficiently recycled and are remade into cans, the paper is recycled into newsprint and magazines and of course the green waste is treated and then sold back to the public as compost through garden centres.
Most residents are keen to recycle more and I know the council want to ensure that we can recycle in a costeffective way. We don’t want fortnightly collections, or chipped bins or other draconian measures but together I trust we will strive to ensure that our environment becomes cleaner and also greener!” I think you will see a considerable improvement over the next 8 months.
Councillor David Bell Solihull MBC
Treatment 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
The Meriden Hotel 155 Main Road Meriden CV7 7NH www.turmericgold.co.uk Need
Balsall Common
Tel: 01676 521066
Turmeric Gold Turmeric Gold Turmeric Turmeric
LUNCHTIME 12 Noon – 2.00pm
Lunchtime menu available 2 course £7.50 3 Course £8.50
Ideal for business lunches or for pleasure EVENINGS
Meriden Surgery and Pharmacy News - Updated information
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
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 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.
MONDAY AMTHURSDAY 2.00pm
MONDAY PMFRIDAY 8.30am
TUESDAY AMFRIDAY 2.00pm
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. AppointmentsAvailable from
TUESDAY PMMONDAY 8.30am
WEDNESDAY AMMONDAY 2.00pm
WED PM CLOSED
THURSDAY AMTUESDAY 2.00pm
THURSDAY PMWEDNESDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY AMTHURSDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY PM THURSDAY 8.30am
In an “out of hours” emergency
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
PRE BOOKED APPOINTMENTS
We would like to make patients aware that appointments can be booked with doctors in advance of 48 hours. We understand that patients have commitments that require them to book appointments with us further in advance than 48 hours. We have therefore allocated a number of appointments that can be booked in advance, these are included every surgery taken by a doctor with the exception of locums. Once these appointments have been allocated the remaining will be available on the 48 hour booking rule. Please ask at reception if you would like to book further in advance than 48 hours.
National Blood Service. The next session for blood Donors will be Thursday 24th April at the Heart of England Social Club 1.30 –3.30pm & 4.30 - 7.30pm for enquiries please ring 0845 771 1711
Ken Foster 1930-20007
Ken and I moved to Meriden in 1969 and enjoyed the friendliness of The Croft so much we never thought of moving anywhere else. Ken’s family moved to New Zealand but we didn’t feel we should follow. Their move enhanced our lives and we visited them often calling at exotic places en-route. Those who know us well know us as the couple that enjoyed travelling. Ken planned two holidays each year taking us to many varied destinations and in retirement we went out to play every day. However, sadly my lovely Ken was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. With help from Dr Bhandal and the Team at Meriden and Balsall Common, for which I shall be eternally grateful, not only for the medical help but also their encouragement and arrangements for the provision of oxygen, etc. so that we were able to enjoy short breaks. We had help from Macmillan Nursing by Sue Harris, who is well known within the Village for her kindness and support whenever cancer strikes. Neighbours were tremendous, as was my family, with visiting; we often had to clear the room for Doctors and nurses’ visits. Dr Bhandal often had to park his car halfway down The Croft. Some of you will have seen Ken on his little scooter on his few visits to the shops. There was always a welcome party awaiting him at many of the neighbours, a friendly chat and cuddle from the ladies, before we got on our way.
I wish to thank all those who had supported us, we had an ‘enchanted life’ together…….
Hilary Foster
Tips from the Cop Shop Tips from the Cop Shop
Tips from Cop Shop Tips from Cop Shop
For any advice or literature on Crime Prevention
Phone Cheryl Tyler On 0845 113 5000
With the lighter nights now coming upon us, police in Solihull are making sure homeowners stay safe. Officers are urging the public to take heed of the following advice:
- If someone comes to your home claiming to be acting in an official capacity regarding water in any way, please call Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444 to verify the person's identity
- Make sure that all windows and doors are locked securely, especially if you are out of the room
- Invest in a good quality burglar alarm
- If you are going away on holiday, if possible ask a trusted neighbour to put the lights on in your home every evening so it looks like someone is in.
If any Solihull residents see anything suspicious relating to crime, please call police in Solihull on 0845 113 5000. In an emergency, call 999
Need help with a Need help with a Need help with a Need help with a drug problem? drug problem? drug problem? drug problem? What to
do:do:Whatdo:
You could talk to your GP Or phone Welcome on 0121 678 4730 Or drop in at Welcome – 15 Larch Croft, Chelmsley Wood. Mon - Fri 10.30 – 4.30 Or phone the Drug Intervention Programme (for offenders) On 0121 788 0753
Or phone FRANK, the national helpline, On 0800 776 600 Solihull Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership
If you need to talk to someone in confidence about Domestic Violence please call the above number. It is open 10am till 12 noon Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) We will listen We will believe
bringing people and opportunities together
Tel: 0121 779 5547
Fax: 0121 779 3684
Email:solihull@ communitytransport.org
Community Transport Solihull Has A New Home
Community Transport Solihull
Fordbridge Club for Young People
Chapelhouse Road
Fordbridge Birmingham B37 5HA
After five years split operating from two Solihull Council sites, Community Transport is now based at a single site in Fordbridge. Development Officer David Peplow said: “This is an exciting time as with all our resources in one place, we can now provide an even better service for the people of North Solihull and the surrounding areas”. He went on to say “the improvement in quality that having our minibus fleet close to hand means that all our existing groups including day centres, Solihull schools and colleges, voluntary support groups such as SOLO and SNAP will experience an improvement in service levels and makes the fleet available for additional community and voluntary sector organisations to use seven days a week”.
This increase in service availability means that more groups will be able to access opportunities through the provision of affordable accessible transport from Community Transport. Community Transport can provide CRB checked and MiDAS trained drivers or provide training for your own drivers if cost is an issue.
Anyone interested in hiring a minibus for their group or in volunteering should contact David on 0121 779 5547 or email him at Solihull@communitytransport.org
BALANCE HEALTH AND FITNESS
Brings SHAITSU to Meriden WHAT is Shiatsu?
An ancient form of treatment, working on the same principle as Acupuncture. The practitioner’s hands, elbows, knees and feet are used to activate changes in life energy of the person rather than needles.
WHAT CAN SHAITSU DO FOR YOU?
It works to help the body self heal thereby strengthening and rejuvenating.
HOW DOES SHAITSU FEEL TO RECEIVE?
The experience is very individual but we believe everyone agrees that it is a pleasure to receive and deeply relaxing.
Experience for yourself this safe and deeply effective therapy in the comfort of your own home or in a wonderfully peaceful setting at our local therapy room.
For further details contact Ernie Boxall or Anne Brown on 01676 521393 or 07862 216833
Initial treatment offer, saving £5
Monday 11th December18
JuneMonday £
Meriden Floral Society
March 17th “Anything Goes” by Christine Pearce
April 21st “Floral Inspiration” by Jane Fox
Meetings are held in Meriden Village Hall at 7.30pm prompt
For further information
Telephone Val Miller on 01676 540380
Sandra Jones on 01676 523023
For the very best for your dog, contact…
Roy & Lesley Thompson, at Meriroyles
118 Fillongley Road, Meriden.
Telephone 01676 522405
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE
Bamber Gascoigne: What was Gandhi's first name? Contestant: Goosey
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 The Hampton Gym, Hampton in Arden Free trial session with this advertisement
For more details contact Jo on 07952 473526
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
Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research
Thank you for your support in 2007. Our financial year ends in March and so far this year we have sent £13,500 to Cancer Research UK.
We have now planned the events for 2008 and they are as follows
Sat 26th April- Black Country Night
At the Heart of England Social Club. Tickets priced at £12 will be on sale for this event, this will include a fish & chip supper to be served at 7.45pm. We are lucky to have booked Doug Palmer who is a famous comedian and Mike Stanley a singer.
Sunday 31st August - Open Gardens in Meriden
We need a variety of sized gardens, so please give us a ring, if you would be willing to open your garden.
Friday 3rd October - In the Pink Ladies Night
At the Heart of England Club. A microwave demonstration has been booked so far. Lots more to be arranged.
Friday 5th December- Christmas Entertainment Night
Peter Poticelli, a professional magician, has been booked, more to be arranged later. As usual we will have sherry/wine and mince pies and our Christmas Raffle.
We will always welcome support and new ideas. In the summer we will need bricbrac, books and of course plants for our Open Gardens Event. As usual, thanks for your support.
Meriden Volunteers Committee for Cancer Research UK Mary 01676 52260 Carol 17811613905
Olive Neal – We were sorry to hear of the death of Olive Neal who with her husband served on the committee for Cancer research UK in Meriden, for several years.
Olive was a very kind – lovely lady who was very special to us. Our thoughts are with her daughters and their families
R.J.KENNING
Painter and Decorator
All aspects of decorating undertaken
Interiors, Exteriors
Woodwork
Papering & Painting
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 07902 343950
BRI ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC
BRI is an independent firm based locally in Meriden offering expert investment management for:
• Stocks and Shares
• Unit Trusts
• Peps and ISAs
• Personal Pensions
We also provide advice on planning for Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
Please call us for a free review of your existing investments
“Local professional Investment Management”
To find out more information, please contact Paul Cusack
BRI Asset Management plc
BRI House, Meriden Business Park, Meriden CV5 9RL
Tel 01676 523550 Fax 01676 522799
Email: pjc@brigroup.co.uk
BRI Asset Management plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Tile Hill Lane, Coventry
Home Computer Repairs,
Upgrading & Problem Solving
Telephone 024 7667 4952
Independent personal attention
Internet & e-mail, troubleshooting & tuition
‘Meriden Mag’ would like to thank Peter for his help with recent computer problems and are pleased to recommend him to our readers
Samantha Faulkner ABRSM
Associated Boards Royal School of Music
Teaching Diploma
Piano Flute and Music theory
33 Manhattan Way
Bannerbrook Park
Coventry
CV4 7GE
02476 467331
07704 553808
Heart of England
Property Maintenance
Plumbing
Carpentry
General Maintenance
Painting & Decorating
Contact Paul Morgan on 01676 542745 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, Eye treatment, Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed.
Clinics available for Restylane, Muscle relaxing injections and Teeth whitening Also the home of Blitz the Bulge slimming club!!
Also treatment rooms available at the Windmill Village Hotel and Nailcote Hall Hotel
Meriden library
01676 522717
Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Spring is in the air… ….. and the library has several new collections of books to choose from! Whatever you prefer, from biographies to teenage fiction, we have something for everyone. Come in & have a look around - you may be surprised at what you discover.
“I’m bored!”
With Easter almost upon us (Easter Sunday is the 23rd March) you may be in need of ideas for the school holidays. The library has an extensive tourist information section, providing leaflets & brochures for attractions and places to visit, as well as timetables for bus services. Pop in and collect the information you need – if you cannot find something just ask the staff for help.
A world of information.
Use of the library PCs and access to the Internet is free of charge and available to everyone. Staff are always on hand to help out if they are needed. Look up places to go, things to do and activities in the local area for all the family. If you are planning a break this spring, why not come along and read holiday reviews, book flights or check out accommodation? All this information is at your fingertips and free to look at.
Relax, refresh, read.
If all that activity, or the thought of it, finally becomes too much for you, come & join us for our Easter Coffee Morning. We will be serving Hot Cross Buns & beverages from 10.00am until 12 noon on Thursday 20th March. Everyone is welcome!
And finally….
…our regular Storytimes for the under 5s continue to take place every Monday during term time, from 2.45pm – 3.15pm. Bring the little ones along for stories, rhymes, and activities.
See you there……
Meriden Knights Chess Club
MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS' GROUP
We have been delighted to welcome new members who have contributed to some lively evenings. Our post Christmas meeting was a somewhat Dickensian occasion. Owing to circumstances beyond our control (and, apparently that of the electricity company) our January discussions took place by the light of candles and a Tilley lamp! Sadly no one brought a ghost story!
Our future programme is March 12th – Poems and Poetry, April 9th – The Mitfords May 14th - Some children’s stories.
We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm - details of the venue from Meriden Library staff. Please think about joining us - you will be most welcome.
Sue Fuller
BALSALL COMMON
We have an enthusiastic membership of 124 and continue to expand as we are not starting a waiting list until necessity dictates! Our 20 Interest Groups now include Bridge, Music Appreciation, Strollers and Creative Writing. One of the attractions of U3A groups is that all our meetings are either held in the morning or afternoon in local venues such as the Village Hall, The Blessed Robert Grissold Parish Room or members homes. With the exception of social evening events. At our Christmas Meeting, Sheila Burdett’s Chanterelle Singers entertained us with Christmas Carols. In January Pam Latham organised our New Year lunch at the Ramada Inn. programme to include a Quiz Night, Wine Tasting Evening and our ‘Founders Evening’. In April we have a coach outing to Bletchley Park.
We meet on the 4th Friday of the month, except Bank holidays when it moves to the 3rd Friday, at 2-00pm in The Village Hall, Balsall Common when we have a speaker usually giving an illustrated talk. Prospective members are always welcome. Our website www.balsallcommonu3a.org will be updated after our AGM in April. For further information contact Anne Santos – 01676 534003 or info@balsallcommonu3a.org
LARCH TREE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE
This is our eighth year and Meriden Knights are top of Division 3 of the Coventry and District Chess League. We are in joint second place for the Division 3 Trophy and through to the second round of the Knockout Cup. As always we are looking for new players, all ages and abilities, whether to pop in for a few games or to join us in league matches. When at home we meet in the Dawson Suite at Meriden Methodist Church on the Main Road near the Pool on Tuesday evenings at 7.20 pm. We charge £1.50 at home to cover the room rental. 01676 521259 Graeme and Shirley Goodsir
TREATMENT OF MUSCULAR AND SKELETAL PAIN, SPORTS AND PERSONAL INJURIES
Liam Halton B.Sc (Hons) Ost. 49 Larch Tree Avenue, (Off Broad Lane), Tile Hill, COVENTRY, CV4 9FT www.larchtreeost.co.uk
TEL: 024 7647 0019
TEL: 7647
WECARE FOR YOURTREES
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
Telephone:Telephone: Telephone:
• Genuine Scotch Angus Beef sold as seen on TV
• Wide selection of prize winning sausages
• Best quality English Lamb & pork
• Local farm turkeys, boneless turkey breast, fresh farm chicken
• Wide selection of bacon including dry cure English
• Deli counter with a wide selection of cheese, pies and cooked meats
Meriden Toddler Group at Methodist Church Hall
Main Road
Tuesdays 10,00-11.30am
This is an informal, friendly group for adults who care for young children and babies. Come and meet other parents and carers for a chat, refreshments are provided for children and adults at a small cost of £1.50 per family. Children can play safely in the hall or garden. Each week there is a different craft activity and song time for the children
Sally Thompson 01676 522858
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
and Meditation and Relaxation
Come and discover how the beautiful flowing movements of this ancient art can improve your well-being. Relax and enjoy simple calming relaxation and meditation techniques.
Mondays 9.30-10.30am Meriden Village Hall Call Jacqui on 07703 345210 …the perfect start to your day!
Aloe Vera-Direct DirectDirect Direct
For the VERY BEST in Aloe Vera Products.
We offer a range of products where we BEGIN with 100% Stabilised Aloe Vera.
Look after the inner you with our Aloe Vera Drinks, the outer you with our Personal Care products, & look great with our top quality Cosmetics & Skin Care products.
All our products carry a 60-day “Satisfaction or your money back” guarantee! Call your LOCAL suppliers Gill & Spence 01676 534020 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for honest, ethical & self-motivated people who are searching for a part/full time business opportunity and want to make a difference to their lives. INTERESTED? Call 01676 534020
IDYLLIC GARDENS
NETWORK EXECUTIVE CARS YOUR LOCAL CHAUFFEUR SERVICE AT PRIVATE HIRE PRICES 24 HOUR - 5* SERVICE
5,6,7 & 8 SEATER EXECUTIVE VEHICLES
MINIBUS AND COACHES ALSO AVAILABLE
TELEPHONE 01675 443333
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
Established in 1968
Methodist Church Hall 113, Main Road Meriden
We offer children from 2-5 years of age a caring, stimulating environment with experiences that are full of fun with our qualified staff.
You can choose mornings, afternoons or day sessions to suit your needs. We can arrange collections from local nurseries.
Your child is entitled to 5 free sessions per week for terms after their 3rd birthday (until they attend school nursery or reception class).
We are OFSTED Registered and accredited to Pre-school Learning Alliance QA Scheme
To see how You and Your Child could benefit pay us a call on 07882705490 / 07882808821 01676 523472
Camellias.
Camellias comprise more than 250 species. The genus is generally adapted to acidic soils, and grows well in this area. They originate from eastern and southern Asia and are also known as the tea plant. Camellias were originally thought to be tender, as they look so exotic. We find them hardy and free flowering, but they should never be planted facing east as early sunshine damages frosted flowers. To prevent bud drop they need to be kept moist in summer, although we have found them remarkably drought tolerant. They also seem very disease resistant.
One of the great advantages is that they are very free flowering over a long period and different cultivars provide a succession of flowers from autumn to early summer. Flowers are generally white pink or red, although there are a few yellow varieties. There are a number of flower forms from single to peony to formal double. Some camellias have flowers of up to 8 inches across. White flowers tend to show frost damage more often. Camellias are happy to grow in both borders and pots.
The best known and most widely available cultivars are Camellia japonica, with over 2,000varieties. Our favourites include, Mars (red), Desire (shaded white to pink)
and the superb huge flowered and vigorous RL Wheeler
Perhaps the most important group of camellias are the hybrids developed by J C Williams. JC Williams grew camellias in his garden at Caerhays Castle in Cornwall, certainly a garden worth visiting for both camellias and magnolias. Williamsii: hybrids have become enormously popular, thanks to their vigour and quantity of flower, as well as the advantage that they drop their dead flowers. Two of our favourites are the paeony flowered Debbie (pink)and Anticipation (red).
Perhaps the most famous and widely grown Camellia is Wiliamsii Donation, Orchid pink in colour, semi-double with deeper veining. It is very free flowering over a long period, mid to late season, good-tempered, double and easy to grow. Camellia Sasanqua varieties have fewer and generally smaller flowers.
Camellia reticulata varieties are generally too tender to thrive in the Midlands, but two hybrids Inspiration and Salutation flourish and flower well with semidouble pink flowers. Inspiration
And now for the Commercial:
Join our Celebrity Evening with Author, writer and broadcaster Matthew Biggs (of Gardeners Question Time and Channel 4’s Garden Club)
“A Peep over the fence”
Treasures in the back gardens of Britain At the Heart of England School
On Thursday 3rd April 2008 at 7.30pm
Tickets £5.00 (price includes refreshments) from Robert Leeming 01676 533091 or Chris Smith 01676 530151
Thanks to Elaine Hitchens of Balsall Common Horticultural Society for this article
Desire
Anticipation
Debbie
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
What is Warwickshire Wildlife Trust & what do we do?
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the UK working to achieve the shared aim of securing a better future for wildlife. WWT is the leading local voluntary organisation concerned with all aspects of nature conservation (Registered Charity No: 209200, with over 18,000 members. We exist to create a better future for the wildlife in our county by;
• Caring for over 56 Nature Reserves
• Campaigning to protect threatened places and rare species
• Helping people to enjoy nature in town and country
• Working with schools and community groups
• Encouraging everyone to get involved
How do we achieve these aims?
• We manage over 56 reserves throughout Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull, of which most are open to the public
• We have coordinated many special projects to help recover populations of threatened species and habitats such as wetlands, wild flower meadows, otter, dormouse and water vole.
• We have an extensive programme of wildlife walks, talks, reserve work parties and events, that help people to find out about and enjoy nature conservation.
• We regularly lobby decision makers and influence local and regional plans and policies.
• WWT works closely with local landowners, farmers, local authorities and industry to encourage them to manage their land and businesses in a wildlife-friendly manner.
• We have Education, Community and Reserves Officers who visit schools, community groups and members of the public, to offer advice and guidance on wildlife and its conservation.
• WWT run environmental education activities which cater for around 10,000 school children each year
How can you become involved?
There are so many ways in which you can get involved with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, whether it’s through membership or becoming actively involved. Why not join one of our practical work parties, where you can get hands-on with conservation? You can help with activities such as hedge-laying, scrub clearance or tree planting and we need people to act as our ‘eyes and ears’, monitoring and recording species on our reserves. Full training and equipment are provided by the Trust and it is a great opportunity to get out and meet like minded people. We have over 1000 active volunteers who help in many different ways, including those who help at events, in our education department and in our offices. There really is something for everyone.
How can you find out more about WWT?
On Line Our website www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk or Email: enquiries@wkwt.org.uk
TelephoneBrandon Marsh Visitor Centre, Coventry 024 7630 2912 or Parkridge Centre, Solihull 0121 704 0768
Post Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry, CV3 3GW
SCARECROW ACTIVITY DAY
Saturday 1st March, 10.00am -12.00pm & 1.00-3.00pm, Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull
Come along to one of our fun sessions where you can follow the ‘Scared crow trail’ and make your own scarecrow on the day. You can enter the ‘Best Scarecrow’ competition – prizes to third place! There will be pond dipping activities and why not have a go at building your own den?
Cost: WATCH members £2 per session & £3 junior members, non-WATCH members £4. To book contact: 024 7630 2912
WATCH OUT FOR …………
Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th May Family Bank Holiday Weekend Fun, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry 10.30am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 2.30pm
Join us for an extravaganza of outdoor family activities - a massive mix of wildlife themed exploration.
Cost: £4 per child or £3 for WWT members To book contact: 024 7630 2912
Monday 26th May Bank Holiday Bonanza 10.30am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm-2.30pm
You have two different sessions to choose from or stay for the day and lunch in the Dragonfly Tearoom! Capture creepy crawlies and look out for the resident birds in the morning and investigate what lives in the dipping pond and build your own survival shelter in the afternoon, the choice is yours!
Location: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull Cost: £4 per child, per session To book contact: 0121 704 0768
Rotary Club of Meriden
Megaride June 8th 2008
Plans are well advanced for what we hope will be the biggest and best Megaride yet, the venue will again be on the playing fields in Maxstoke Lane. The field will be open from 11.30am to 4.30pm, the mass bike ridein is expected to arrive at about noon.
In addition to the usual attractions there will be live music with the Coleshill Town Band. We will also have the Institute of Advanced Motorists, (IAM), mobile display unit, this will be primarily aimed at motorcyclists but advice for motorists will also be available. As we are raising money for the County Air Ambulance they will be bringing along their display Pod. Local voluntary organisations that wish to be involved should contact me as soon as possible. In addition to the bikes we plan a display of classic/vintage/exotic cars, trucks etc., local owners of such vehicles are also asked to contact me.
Neville Riley, Rotary Club of Meriden. 01676 532709 neville-riley@lineone.net
Part of a world-wide service organisation, we in Meriden are a mixed bunch of professionals aged 30-70, male and female, who meet regularly for friendship, fun, and a meal. A warm welcome awaits you.
Drop in on Tuesdays at The Manor Hotel 7.15 for 7.30.
Call Roger Swindells 01675 481754 or Chris Swindells 01676 523510 for more details. www.meridenrotary.org.uk
Santa Sleigh Collection
The Rotary Club of Meriden would like to thank everyone who supported our Santa Sleigh collection just prior to Christmas. Our Rotarians really enjoy accompanying Santa around the villages and it was great to see all those smiling faces. It felt like we brought lots of joy and excitement when Santa appeared and I think some of the Children enjoyed it as well. Our collection raised £3,250, which will be used to support our main charity – The County Air Ambulance. Thank you all for you generosity. We hope you had a great Christmas and we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year. Santa says “See you next year”
Dictionaries for Schools
The “Dictionary for Life” project has been set up by the Rotary Club of Meriden in association with several local primary schools. A copy of the Usborne Illustrated Dictionary is being presented to each child in the particular year group, nominated by the school, and the child is able to keep the dictionary for him or herself for life. Response from schools has been enthusiastic. The books will be made available later this year.
Pilates Classes at Meriden
Village
Hall
Wednesday mornings 10 - 11.00am
Back by popular
by popular demand Back by
by “ The Merlin Singers” “ The Merlin Singers” Merlin Merlin An evening of musical comedy An evening of musical comedy An evening of musical comedy An evening of musical comedy For all the family family
Friday 25 Friday25Friday25 Friday 25th April 7.30 pm pmpm pm
Meriden Village Hall Meriden Hall
£7adults and £5 for children to include tea or £7adults and £5 for children to include tea or £7adults and £5 tea or £7adults and £5 tea or coffee and home-made cakes coffee and home-made cakes coffee cakes coffee cakes
In aid of the Acorn’s Children’s Hospice the Acorn’s Children’s Please phone 01676 522963 for tickets Please 01676 522963 for tickets
Suitableforalladultsincluding 60+ Contact Dawn on 07989293247
Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.
At our November meeting Elsie Boynton spoke to us about her time as a nurse in Zambia. Elsie was only 21 years old and a newly qualified nurse and midwife when she went out to work in a Mission Hospital which was 50 miles from the nearest town. Although she initially went out on a one year contract she, in fact, stayed for three years. There was only one doctor so Elsie often had to work without back up. She explained that she therefore grew up very quickly and learned to deal with many different situations. The experience taught her to study the patient when assessing treatment whereas back in England she felt doctors did not do so and relied on too many tests etc. Elsie dealt with snake bites, measles and malnourished children. She had quite a few humorous stories to tell about her time there.
In December we celebrated Christmas with Mike and Gill Hare. They had prepared a wonderful and varied programme for us. Gill demonstrated three table flower arrangements, including an Advent ring, and explained their significance as she did so. Between arrangements there were several Christmas readings and Mike played music throughout. Everyone then sang carols before enjoying mince pies and shortbread.
In the New Year we enjoyed a very good lunch at The Cottage Inn in Fillongley. Our first speakers in 2008 were Kevin and Lyn Hunt from Heart of England Outreach. They explained how their complete faith in God had led them to Meriden, a place they knew nothing about, to run The Centre Charity Shop and take over the ministry. Kevin had left a good job for one with no salary but they said they had never been happier and had really settled in and felt part of village life. They were enjoying working with people who did not attend church and had started fellowship meetings. They said they were impressed by the love and compassion shown in the shop.
We 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:-
28th March – Margaret Oliver and Singers
25th April - Rev. Jenny Dyer.
23rd May – A Speaker from Castlebeck.
Franklin Construction Services Established 1979
• The Complete Building Service for all Properties
• New build, Renovations, Extensions, Conservatories
• Full Maintenance Service
• For Plumbing, Electrics, Glazing, Joinery, Plastering, Roofing and Brickwork
Workmanship may be inspected locally 01676 521502 mob 07801 579910 Find us at www.localbusinessdirectory.co.uk Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for?
1st Meriden Scout Group
Any one who has a child aged between 6 and 10 interested in joining us, or if you are an adult, who is happy to help, please contact the leaders on the numbers below.
1st Meriden Beaver Colony (ages 6-8)
Meeting Mondays 6.30pm –7.30pm Telephone Jo 522625 or Gaynor 523191
These are Meriden Cubs and Beavers (and parents) planting trees at the Firs (part of Jephsons Housing Association) on November 10th, under the supervision of their gardener Simon. The 28 trees were a selection of native British trees including: Rowan, Silver Birch, Field Maple and Wild Cherry, which were provided by The Woodland Trust.
Plastering Services
Over skimming
Afternoon Tea Party Afternoon
Tea Party
The Eve Appeal for The Eve Appeal for The Eve Appeal for The Eve Appeal for Ovarian Cancer Ovarian Cancer
Saturday 29 Saturday 29th thth th March March March March
Individual Stalls, fantastic Individual Stalls, fantastic Individual Individual Raffle with lots of Prizes Raffle with of Prizes Refreshments Refreshments
Lucy Dyer 0779 375 2966 Lucy Dyer 0779 2966
The The The The Orme OrmeOrme Orme
School of Dancing School of Dancing
Meriden branch Meriden branch
Methodist Church Hall Methodist Hall
Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary Principal
Sandra Clarke FIDTA M.B.B.O
Advanced Diploma (hons)
Fellowship Teaching Degree (hons)
Tel: 02476 467271
Helping to keep dance available in Meriden
David DavidDeakin DeakinDeakin Deakin Plastering Services
Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome.
An easy way to get some gentle physical and mental exercise and stay fit. Join our Country Dance Sessions in the Methodist Hall, Meriden on the second, fourth and fifth Tuesdays in the month at 8 pm.
First visit free. Beginners Welcome. Contact 01676 523505 for full details.
The first three pupils from the Meriden Branch of the Orme School to take their examinations have received the highest mark of Honours. They were welcomed at the school’s Awards and Demonstration Evening at the Theatre at Bablake School in Coventry, and received their certificates and plaques. They are Hannah Brown, Rachel Bennett and Lorna Williamson.
OUTSIDE CATERING SPECIALISTS
WDF
Catering
Tel: 01676 521389 Mobile: 07767 237860
Chris’s Barbers Chris’s Barbers Barbers Barbers
Monday 10.00 -17.30
Tuesday 10.00-17.30
Wednesday CLOSED
326 Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common Tel :07702 713094 No appointment required
Thursday 10.00-19.30
Friday 10.00-17.30
Saturday 9.00-17.30
Sunday CLOSED
Whether you are hosting a party at your own premises, or seeking to hire a great venue, W.D.F Catering can help you with every aspect of your event.
*Weddings* * Engagement Parties*
*Birthday Parties* *Christenings*
*Dinner Parties* * Retirement Parties*
Please call for a Free Menu & Quote
Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA
Yrs Trly vs. the plumbing
I guess there are as many definitions of “friend” in the world as there are, well, friends in the world. But I have a new one: A friend is somebody who takes a week of vacation time away from his glamorous job in sunny Southern California (at least that’s how it seems to me, a lowly scribe here in the dreary Northeast) and flies to Frostbite Falls, Conn. — in January, no less — to work on your house.
And not just any kind of work, but electrical work and plumbing.
And not just any kind of electrical work, but work that involves scary old, brittle old wires that you can’t always tell the colors of anymore, which I hear is important when you’re planning to connect them to other wires.
And not just any kind of plumbing, but plumbing that includes installing a new wax floor seal under the bathroom throne. That’s right: yuck.
It’s easy to see how a trained professional, or even a competent amateur, could put a new light in the ceiling or a new sink in the john without having to call out the National Guard. Not a huge deal. But if, like Yrs Trly, you are neither trained nor competent in these fields — if, say, you have never so much as installed a washer in a faucet and have an abiding fear that anything you might do to the wiring would almost certainly cause a loud noise and send sparks flying — it can be a pretty big deal after all. (OK, so I don’t exactly understand electricity; it’s just Not My Thing. Also on the list of Not My Things, come to think of it, are lots of those pocket-size gizmos that do use electricity, but in such tiny amounts that it couldn’t possibly hurt you. But I don’t understand them, so it just seems easier for me to scribble things down on the backs of envelopes than to carry — let alone learn to use — a bunch of cell phones and laptops and Personal Life Organizers and all the cables and chargers and power packs and carrying cases that seem to go with them.)
Anyway, if the house in question is, um, “mature” — I mean, if it was built in 1949 and you were built in 1948, it can’t very well be considered “old,” now can it? — things can get even more interesting. In all probability, an older house has been worked on, over the decades, by one or more former owners and any number of mechanics whose knowledge and skill can reasonably be called into question the minute you start looking into the walls. So the hardest and most time-consuming part of the job is likely to be trying to figure out what the guy before you was trying to do, or what the guy some guys back was trying to do that the subsequent guys either did or didn’t figure out before trying to fix what either was or wasn’t broken.
And the old parts were pretty much all made of metal — copper, steel, cast iron, lead — so they don’t usually bear much resemblance to the new parts you need to buy at Hardware Heaven, which are pretty much all made of plastic.
Anyway, after a few days — and quite a few trips to that same emporium to pick up yet another one-anda-quarter-inch whachamacallit, two PVC thingamajigs and a left-handed dumaflinchie — the jobs were done and I was none the worse for wear.
In fact, the hardest part of the whole operation, for me, was driving my friend down to Newark Airport (excuse me: Newark Liberty International Airport) on Sunday so he could get back to L.A. Not a pleasant drive, maybe, but a small price to pay for all his help.
You see, he thought he had a reservation on a connecting flight from Hartford, but somehow he had managed to e-mail, phone-mail or BlackBerry it into thin air. Maybe he should have asked me to scribble it down on the back of an envelope.
Glenn Richter Assistant Managing Editor, Record Journal,Meriden Connecticut.
The Quinnipiac River as it winds through the Quinnipiac Gorge in South Meriden, Connecticut.
MERIDEN’S HOME GUARD
Over the last several issues Paul & Melanie Lee have used this page to remember the fallen Officers and Men named upon the Meriden War Memorial; however, in this issue they are featuring Meriden’s Home Guard from the Second World War. Mick Jones has kindly supplied the photograph and wants help in identifying all of the men pictured.
On 18th June 1940 during his “This was their finest hour” speech, Winston Churchill told Parliament “…the Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin”. Back on May 14th 1940 the Secretary of State for War, Anthony Eden, made a broadcast for Local Defence Volunteers (LDV), by the end of the month some 750,000 had volunteered. Government had expected about 150,000 men to volunteer, and by the end of June 1940 the LDV numbered over 1.3 million. On 23rd August 1940 the LDV was renamed The Home Guard and their number never dipped below 1 million until they were stood down in December 1944, finally being disbanded on 31st December 1945.
With the expected threat of a German invasion, preparations were put in place including miles upon miles of barbed wire along our beaches and the placement of concrete pillboxes around the coast and further inland for machine guns. Road signs were removed to impede a German advance. Church bells were to be rung at the first sign of invaders and people watched out for German parachutists. The Home Guard would have engaged the enemy and slowed their advance until the regulars could form a front line from which to repel the enemy. Few received weapons at first and they were armed with a wide array of weapons from shotguns, old hunting rifles, air rifles, museum pieces to knives and bayonets; some were simply armed with pieces of gas pipe with a knife or bayonet welded to the end. Eventually they were issued with more conventional weapons but these had their problems being from the First World War. Some were issued with American and Canadian weapons, problem here was that they were of differing calibration and should the wrong bullet be loaded into the wrong weapon the consequences would have been severe. Fortunately the Home Guard didn’t have to engage the enemy, however, what is for sure is that these brave volunteers would have shown the same grit and gusto as the regulars did, should the need have arisen.
The Home Guard was given the honour of mounting guard at Buckingham Palace on the 20th May in 1941 and 1943. This shows the high esteem in which they were held, as some regiments in existence for hundreds of years have never had this honour bestowed upon them and yet the Home Guard received the honour twice in the space of 4 ½ years.
all others as yet not identified Mick knows that the following are pictured: Austin, George Ellard, Joe Ellard. Can you identify them or indeed any of the others, as well as information on any of those pictured? Doreen Agutter was able to identify James Warmingham.
Many thanks to Mick Jones for supplying the photograph; Mick’s father Ernie stands sixth from the left on the Back Row. If you can help in identifying the others or provide information on any of them please contact Mick Jones, John Moorhouse or Paul & Melanie Lee via the Meriden Mag.
Back Row: (left to right) Fred Malin, Stan Ivans, Lol Holtom, ?, Stan Fisher, Ernie Jones, Charlie Davies, ?, George Sweet, ? Middle Row: All as yet not identified apart from George Wilcox fifth from left.
Front Row: (left to right) George Pegden, Cecil Hallard, ?, James Edward Warmingham,
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
Are you still thinking about implementing your New Year resolution but keep using the excuse that it is too late now? Well, if your resolution was to get fit, then all your excuses have just been taken away.
The new £12 million leisure centre at Tudor Grange in Solihull town centre opened its doors just a few weeks ago. This is something every Borough resident can be proud of.
When so many local Councils are closing leisure facilities, Solihull Council has managed to open this state-of-the-art facility and, at the same time upgrade the facilities in Chelmsley Wood. This is quite an achievement and the local Councillors should be congratulated on driving this forward and making it happen.
The new Tudor Grange has a 25m, eight lane swimming pool, a special diving pool with adjustable floor, a fitness suite with 100 stations, a multi-use sports hall and indoor tennis courts – definitely something for everyone. There is even a crèche for those too young to use the other facilities. I do like to keep fit and quite often use the gym in the ‘Westminster Village’ or cycle to my office. With 2 burly teenage boys and one figure conscious girl I am delighted to have a public facility like this so close to hand. Next time you are in Solihull, why not go to Tudor Grange, just to have a look, even if you don’t use the pool or the gym.
To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Rachel Anderson on 020 7219 4189
Caroline Spelman advice surgery dates
DateTime
Saturday 5th April 9am –10.30am 11.am – 12noon
Location
Chelmsley Wood Library Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
Friday 18th April 4.30pm – 6.00pmMeriden Village Hall
Hats, fascinators, headwear for all occasions - hire or buy. Handmade hats and headpieces made to order
Dusting - "A house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture!"
Attenborrow Roofing
with Solihull & Birmingham Age Concern Solihull Trading Standards (Ship Shape)
Fillongley Agricultural Society
was founded in excess of 80 years ago, by farmers within 10 miles of Fillongley Church, who felt that they would benefit from friendly competition amongst themselves. Today, farms, livestock and crops are judged every year by visiting farmers from other societies. Members, not necessarily farmers, are invited to enter a Garden Competition judged in June each year.
The highlight of the year is the Fillongley Show, held at Corley Moor on the second Sunday in August.
Here there are horticultural tents with varied entries of vegetables, flowers, cakes, photographs as well as sections especially for children. Craft tent, Horse show, Cattle, Sheep, Pigs and Poultry – providing there are no outbreaks of foot and mouth or Bird Flu! Trade stalls, vintage Tractors and Tug O’ War between the local Young Farmers clubs whom we hope will join us to keep the society going forward. We do have a web site www.fillongley-show.co.uk So do have a look and if you would like to join us as a member, please contact our honorary Secretary Cheryl Brookes on 02476 460287 or email fillongleyshow@fsmail.net
LocalFarmersMarkets
Solihull- High Street
First Friday in the Month 9.00am-3.00pm
Coventry- Spon Street by St John's Church
Second Thursday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
Sutton Coldfield-The Parade Second Friday in the month 9.00am-3.00pm
Kenilworth- Abbey End by the clock tower Second Saturday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
Shirley- Stratford Road by Aldi Third Thursday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
Warwick- Market Square Third Friday in the month 10.00am-3.00pm
Leamington Spa- Bottom of the Parade Fourth Saturday in the month 9.00am-2.00pm
The new leisure membership option for the over 60s
A discounted membership to use the club Monday to Friday 6.00am to 5.00pm
Try the club – 5 consecutive days for £10
Includes a free cup of tea or coffee every day*
Exercise programmes tailor-made for your needs and classes to suit you Pool, Sauna, Steam Room and Jacuzzi
Please call us to arrange your trial on 01676 526107* Trial offer ends 31st May 2008
*Call
This is the sixth in a series of walks kindly provide by the
Main Walk
1.From The Peeping Tom Pub car park T/L along road for 50m, cross over road to enter walkway on right. At its end x-stile, walk around field boundary in enclosed path to far right corner. X-stile on left, fwd hg-right to x-stile, over gap, hg-right for 120m. Xstile on right, H/L cross very short corner of field to x-stile, T/R, hg-right to x-stile at end of field. H/R, cross-field to x-stile in fence, H/R over s/b to wood boundary, T/L, fwd over sb & x-stile with wood/hgright to go thro’ k/g up to Greenway. Fwd over and down steps, x-stile, over s/b hg-right to go thro’ gate (gap) to road.
2. T/R along road to junction, T/L along Hob Lane on pavement until it ends, continue down road until it bends right. Just after entrance to Moat Farm cross f/b & stile on left. Fwd cross-field over s/b (old stile), V/R up to x-stile in fence. H/L cross-field under OPL to x-double stile, hg-left to x-stile & cross-field to far left corner near lane. At stile do not cross, T/R, hgleft to field corner, x-stile on left, T/R hg-right thro hedge gap. T/L, hg-left to field corner, ignore s/b and stile ahead. T/R, hg-left and go under OPL, thro’ gap over s/b, hg-left to x-stile & s/b to road.
3. T/R for a short distance & T/L up drive to farm for 80m. T/R thro f/g, hg-left, over f/b before pool, xstile follow path barn on right, fwd, conifers right over f/b and pick up track to right. T/L along track to xstile by large pool on right. Fc-right then hg-right to x-double stile in corner. (Route A see below).
4. V/R cross-field to Greenway. T/L along Greenway, for approx. 750m, passing under three bridges. 200m after third bridge T/R off Greenway.
5.Down steps, hg-left over small field, thro’ gap (s/b) hg-left to x-stile, under OPL hg-left x-stile to track. T/R and shortly x-stile on right, H/L cross-field, thro 2 p/gs onto narrow road next to railway. T/R up road, T/L down road and keep right at Y-junction.
6.At T-junction cross road to x-stile left of house. Thro k/g, fence on right, fwd cross-field to go over stile & concrete f/b. Cross-field to x-stile, over f/b, hg-right to continue over bridge & stile, hg-right for 100m to x-stile on right. Fwd cross-field towards two large hedge gaps, pass thro right hand gap to pick up hg-left & x-stiles (two) onto road. T/R along road using pavement to junction. T/L for 80m, x-double-stile on right.
7.Initially cross-field and pick up hg-right, x-stile in fence ahead, hg-right to x-stile into drive. T/R to road, T/L, to cross over Lant Close, after 40m turn back up right behind houses to go over railway bridge. X-stile, H/L down bank cross-field to go thro’ 2 k/gs & s/b, hg-left follow up and round past large conifer. Continue for 100m to xstile on left.
8. Fwd cross-field to x-stile into enclosed track to road. T/R for The Peeping Tom or T/L for station. Route A At the end of note 3, T/L, hg-left x-stile to go over Greenway bridge, bear round to left and follow enclosed path around sub station. X-stile, T/R, go over farm track, thro k/g to pick up path between high hedges. At road T/L and after 80m x-stile on right. V/R to oak tree right of farm buildings then V/L to f/g at left hand field corner near farm track. Thro f/g or x-fence stile and fwd up enclosed area to x-stile on left at end. Fwd fcleft to stile, do not cross. T/R, cross-field to x-stile into enclosed track to road. T/R for The Peeping Tom or T/L for station.
Meriden Library now has one copy of the new version of the 21 Walks book for reference, and copies of the book for sale at £6.00 each. More information regarding the Coventry Way Association from John Green 02476 503044 Peter Page 02476 413553
Meriden Village Hall is available for private parties etc. Contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963 Rates are £10.00 per hour
Queen’s Head Queen’s Head Queen’s Head Queen’s Head Old road Old Meriden MeridenMeriden
Monday night is music night, come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx
3rd March Terry Fox
10th March Nicki (back by popular demand)
17th March St Patrick’s Night – Brothers Grimm
24th March Paul Tracini
31st March Adam Lacey
7th April Justine Claire
14th April Andy
21st April Sophie Hardy
28th April Asa Payne
5th May Hannah Dallas- new female vocalist
12th May Keith Brett
19th May Alan Penny
26th May Little Kat
Pop in for good food and good company Phone 01676 522256 for further information
MERIDEN
Meriden C of E Primary School, Fillongley Road, Wednesday 6.30 – 8.00pm Classes also available in Solihull Call Sandra or Jenny on 0121 705 7078 www.rosemaryconley.com
Class Fee - £5.35 Membership Fee - £10 * Trialists lost on average 7.25lbs in two weeks.
** Valid until 30/09/08 - Cut out this ad and bring it with you to claim free membership.
free membership**worth £10 plus free portion pots worth £4.99 when you pay for six weeks
He who lives by the sword will be shot by he who doesn’t!
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
Dear Friends,
The Centre Charity Shop 01676 523050
Firstly I would like to thank you so much for the lovely donations we have been receiving; in particular the washed/ironed clothing has been very much appreciated as we have had very high volumes of new things coming in each day and it means we can turn the stock around that much quicker without it being stuck in washing or ironing queues!!
On a practical note the only type of hangers we need at present are skirt hangers (the type which clip either side as the extendable ones keep snapping due to the cold and the clothes end up on the floor)!! As always we can always utilise black or green large sacks and thanks to those of you who have already supplied these for us. The cream teas will resume once the weather warms up considerably, so please look out for notices in the shop regarding the details of opening times so you can join us if you wish.
As a Charity we have decided to give some of the money generated by The Centre back into the Community so if you have any suggestions of local organisations in need of extra funds please let us know either in person or drop a note through the letter box with details and a contact name and number. As you can appreciate we only have small amounts of extra cash to give so although we will consider all applications, only a few will be successful –we will keep you updated who the recipients are so you will see how your generosity has helped local causes/institutions.
Some people have been asking when we hold church services at the Centre so we will be printing a sheet for that month’s meetings and putting it in the Centre window, so that anyone who wishes to join us knows exactly when and where we are meeting.
An extra special thank you for our very hardworking staff, Doreen, Gaye, Margaret, Sandra and Victoria without their help the volume of work would be impossible for us to cope with. Again a big thank you to Ronnie for all the practical help and hard work he supplies us with, we really appreciate it.
Also thank you to the couple of people who have been doing the jig-saws for us to check all the pieces are intact – please keep up the good work.
For anyone who has asked us to pray for them at The Centre or in their home then please keep us updated so we know how you are doing and we are reminded to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
I cannot believe the new shop has been up and running for five months now, it is such a blessing to be in such a lovely big space and I hope you are all enjoying the extra room which allows us to display so much more stock and allows our customers to stop and chat to us and each other without feeling they are in the way. Its great to have the book shop open but at the moment we would ask for no more donations of books for now because we are inundated with them. Unfortunately they are so heavy to move from place to place so we need the weather to brighten up in order that we can have a sale of them outside.
We’ve had lots of new people visiting the shop over the past few weeks, and some of them have become regulars so if you’ve never visited us before please come in and see what you think!! See you soon.
Kevin and Lyn
Show me your ways Oh Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my Salvation; On you I wait all the day. Psalm 25 v 4 & 5
Heart of England Outreach
The Centre The Green Meriden
Coventry
CV7 7YT
Tel: 01676 523050
Kenneth Lucas 1922 – 2007
Ken was born in Coventry and became a pupil apprentice at Daimler during the war, subsequently being made a Freeman of the City, from where he joined the army and served in the War Office. Having always enjoyed visits to Meriden, it was a natural choice as his retirement home in 1984, having been for 34 years a sub-postmaster in Coventry. Apart from enjoying the countryside around the village, his “second home “ was the local library where he could indulge his love of reading medieval history, wildlife and Shakespeare, ably helped by our “library ladies”. He will be sadly missed by his wife Beryl and daughters Sarah and Hilary.
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
• Superb home made sausages and burgers
• Licensed to sell Game
• All cuts of beef including beef on the bone
• Free Range Chickens
• Famous Berkswell Ewes Milk Cheese
• Traditional pork with real crackling
• Real home cured bacon
Warwickshire’s only accredited traditional breeds butcher
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.
Our speakers
Listed as one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes” Meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the month at 7.30pm Contact Joan Russell 01676 522666 Phil Tuckey “The Country Butcher”
Opening Hours
Monday –closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Sunday 9.00am-1.00pm Sunday evening Bingo at 8.30pm
Monday 3rd March
“Women in Coventry”-Lynn Hockton and Angela Atkin
Friday 4th April
Skittles and pub lunch at Bretford
Monday 7th April
90th birthday celebrations American Supper and entertainment
Friday 25th April
Scrap booking craft day Jacqui Gilbert
Wednesday 7th May
Resolution evening, members craft show & musical quiz
Tea & Natter afternoons are held once a month
Today’s Women working for Tomorrow’s World
BEECHWOOD TREES
Minister Jenny Dyer BA MTh
Tel 01676 533737
Methodist Church News
Phone to arrange Marriages, Baptisms and Funerals
Services:
Sunday morning 10.30am (Junior Church & crèche for children)
Sunday evening 6.30pm 3rd Sunday in month only
As I write this, Lent is fast approaching and, as you read it, will be well underway. Last year, I decided not to give up chocolate biscuits, alcohol or coffee (the exploits of previous years) but to attempt to give up the car. This proved partially successful, and I intend to try again (but harder!) this year.
I discovered that, with a bit of careful timing, it is quite possible to travel from my home in Balsall Common to Meriden on the bus. Indeed, it is criminal that I had lived in Balsall Common for five and a half years before attempting this. I discovered that it is quite possible to get to my church in Tile Hill by putting the bike on the train. I took the bus to Solihull Hospital, train and bike to Heartlands Hospital, train to the QE, and train and bus to Walsgrave. However, I had to admit defeat and drive to Warwick Hospital.
I discovered a few things along the way: that some car drivers think that public transport is expensive. That isn't true. The Church pays my travel expenses, at 40p a mile if I take the car. If I drive to Solihull Hospital and park in the car park, it costs the Church £7.60. If I take the bus, it costs the Church £2.80. Of course, it takes more time. But I can read, which I can't while driving. And on a bus, I am higher up, and so can take the long view, both literally and metaphorically. Looking across the fields, I see the beautiful world that God has made, and the need to protect it. And knowing that I am trying to do a little bit towards that, I can look down my nose at the car drivers below!
Rev. Jenny Dyer
MOTHERING SUNDAY 2nd MARCH
Service at 10.30 am. All uniformed organisations, Nursery and Toddlers Groups have been invited. Posies will be distributed during the service. Coffee in Church Hall afterwards.
WOMENS’ WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
FRIDAY MARCH 7th 2.00 pm.
Followed by refreshments in the Church Hall.
Interdenominational service prepared by Christian women of Guyana Theme ” God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding”.
Our own minister Rev. Jenny Dyer will be leading this service.
EASTER SERVICES
PALM SUNDAY MARCH 16th 10.30 am.Distribution of Palm Crosses.
MAUNDY THURSDAY MARCH 20th 6.00 PM. Service of Meditation and Holy Communion
EASTER SUNDAY MARCH 23rd Morning Worship 10.30 am.
SUPPER CLUB
WEDNESDAY APRIL 2nd 7.OOpm.Slide Show by Richard Smith “Foot loose in the French Alps” Everyone welcome cost £4.00 Numbers to Maureen please (522148)
There will be a Lent study on Thursday evenings during Lent. Theme The Lords Prayer. Further details from Peggy (522221)
Friends in Retirement Friends in Retirement
We are still thriving in Balsall Common with many members from Meriden. Activities include Art, Bowls, Bridge, Rambling, Ambling, Patchwork and monthly coffee mornings.
A trip to Liverpool is arranged for Tuesday 8th April and a trip to the Royal Horticultral Society Garden at Wisley on Wednesday June 25th. Please contact Frank Byrne for further details 02476713662
The Coffee mornings have a new venue – The Jubilee Centre (the old Balsall Common Library)
Friday March 14th, Friday April 18th, Friday May 16th from 10.00am- 12 noon
New members are always made very welcome please ring 01676 532537 for more information
First–classcarefor yourcariscloserthan youthink!…
Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call
Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924
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-timbered 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 about 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.
This year the new resource room is opening. This is housed in an almshouse outhouse, which has been specially converted. All the archives are stored in here and will be available to the public by appointment.
The museum is open on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays at Easter and from May to the end of September and at any other time by request, contact 01676 532138. Afternoon teas are available in Berkswell Reading Rooms.
Berkswell and District History Group
Berkswell and District History Group and District History Group and District History Group
Meetings are held in Berkswell Reading Room at 8.00pm unless otherwise stated.
Thursday 13th March “ Solihull As It Was” Joy Woodall (2.30 pm Jordan Room)
Tuesday 8th April Visit to RAF Museum Cosford (all Day)
Wednesday 14th May “Baron Ash and Packwood House” Mike Miles
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
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
The News at Time of Writing
Margaret, co-editor, has asked me to write up a report on the restoration of the church roof. An update: it’s at its worst. Only yesterday I was on the roof and saw rot far worse than I had envisaged, and with the scaffolding inside as well we could look at it from underneath. I was amazed at the complete disintegration of the ends of beams and the size of holes rotted out behind the face of the largest wooden structures by beetle activity, I suppose over many, many years. It is providential that the repair work has come about at this time. It is in time and will have St. Laurence, that visible stone structure, symbol of our nation’s foundation truths and civilization, standing for a long time.
Do you believe in hell? I was reading various reports about the teenagers who kicked to death the man who remonstrated with them. The family tragedy is hell but there is something far worse going on in the lives of these kids – worse because they are multiplying tragedy. For me the most brilliant article, the deepest explanation, was one by a lady with an impossible name, doing wonderful youth work in London – Camila Batmanghelidj. With authority she describes the terror of these kids’ lives. They have been under a savage and vengeful parenting, a savagery which continues out on the estates. There has been no effective adult intervention, call it love, compassion, guidance, what you will. Life is therefore experienced as valueless. The terror alarm is always set. Reaction explodes to inflict hurt and humiliation on anybody else before it is on them again. This is internal and external hell, maybe not yet eternal. Then in the same paper on the same day was another article about the lack of love. Nearly 60% of women want to get out of their marriages. You only have to be a husband to know they may have good reason! Isn’t love the hardest thing to learn, to take care of, to exercise with perseverance and courage? Aren’t the results in mutual affection long in coming sometimes? They are like a darn seed under the ground which doesn’t come up and it is easy to suppose it never will. It is mental hell to be assaulted by a soul already ‘divorced’ from you and you jump out of a window with your two kids in your arms.
We need help, but I think we have shifted from the number one foundation stone of our whole civilization. ‘Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.’ That is an old Christian hymn. It expresses the fundamental nature of life-giving love. We need to be loved, to be sheltered in love, before we can love. Does it make any sense if I say we need to wear (by faith) the precious gold cross of Jesus around our spiritual necks again? God’s love is atonement which ‘pays’ for our hopeless failure in love and gives us the foundation and power to live and love again. Good Friday and Easter services will be at the Methodist Church. Hear the stories again and perhaps discover a real connection with a real God. We have appreciated the kindness and ministry of the Methodists. Financial help with the roof restoration would still be much appreciated from villagers.
Michael Dawkins
Olive May Neal 25th February 1924 – 5th January 2008
Olive moved to Meriden in 1984, having previously lived in Yardley Wood, Shard End and Castle Bromwich. She worked in the Spitfire factory during the Second World War.
As her husband Jim neared his retirement they decided to make their home in Meriden and became involved with village life. They were involved with the Cancer Research Group, Jim was on the Committee and Olive helped with fund raising events. They were members of the Community Centre and attended many of the trips and social events. When Jim died in 1995 neighbours, friends, local shops, the Community Centre, Meriden WI and Cancer Research became even more important to Olive and helped her to feel involved and far from alone. Olive never had good health and suffered from several illnesses for many years, but she would never give in to them. A great deal of her time in later years was spent visiting Meriden Doctors or going to Solihull Hospital for one appointment or another. All through this she tried to remain as independent as possible and she was always positive.
Olive and Jim were always there for their daughters and their families and would help and support them when needed.
When she died Olive was the last of her generation as her sister and brother and Jim’s sisters all had died and now they are all reunited. Olive will be sadly missed by all her family, friends and neighbours.
Hello from Meriden School
It’s been a hard term with disruption from builders, and dust and resources all over the Infant part of school. Now it looks as though it’s all been worth it – Nursery have inherited their newly refurbished home next to Reception, and Year 2 have moved into their brand new classroom at the front of school. The finishing touches are continuing in our building, and the main work has moved on to the creation of our own Children’s Centre in the building we share with Beechwood Childcare. We are hoping to hold a grand combined opening ceremony just before Easter.
This Spring term is a very short one, due to Easter’s early appearance. We will be holding our Charity Week commencing Monday 10th March, when the children think of ways to raise money for others. This year our charity is Acorns Hospice. The children are always creative in coming up with ways to support the charity!
We have a focus group of parents who are helping give us their ideas and their time. Currently they are working hard to help write a Travel Plan with school. We hope to find more active ways to get children to and from school.
Another new project in school has now spread to all classes from Reception up – French. Primary age is the best age to learn new languages, and we are grateful to our volunteer ‘Madame Haque’ who comes into the Infants and runs a lunchtime club as well as teaching classes. The Junior classes are all learning French too, with Mrs Arnold and their class teachers.
During ‘Anti-Bullying’ week in November we focussed on finding ways to overcome any bullying behaviour within school. Although Ofsted found the children’s behaviour outstanding we do not sit around complacently and are always looking at ways to help build their skills for life. Our year 5 ‘Play Leaders’ spend some of their lunchtimes teaching games and playing with the other children, and our Peer Mediators help children who fall out with each other to find agreement.
Thanks to Mr Wainwright and some of our parents, the football teams will soon have new kit – we’re glad you though of us! Local firm Ardenvale Hospital kindly donated money towards the new strip –you may have seen the photo in the Solihull News.
I hope you enjoy the children’s contributions throughout the Mag, they have produced some lovely pieces for you.
Until next time – let’s hope Spring weather is kind to us all!
Kind Regards
Jacky Smith Headteacher
Poems written by year 5 pupils of Meriden School
Happiness is…….
Happiness is like the first sight of a baby,
The tingling feeling inside when you lick ice-cream. Like the first step on earth, When your birthday is just around the corner.
By Jordan
Joy is…..
Like a hot summer’s breeze , A circle of friends, Like a gentle wave, A smile everyday, Scoring a goal.
By Evie
Excitement……
Excitement is like a blue sea on a summer’s day, The first swim in a peaceful ocean, Like an unfolding water dam, A new planet is going to be discovered, My favourite caramel mars bar melting in my mouth,
