We would like to thank everyone for their support in making us feel part of the communityin Meriden for the past twelve years. Although we have now finished running the Bull's Head, we will be staying in the village, where we have made our family home with Matthew and Rebecca. We look forward to welcoming many of our friends and customers to our new venture at the Red Lion in Earlswood in the near future. David and Jayne Taylor.
The new manager at the Bull’s Head is BarryChainey. We would like to welcome him to Meriden and wish him all the best in his new venture
The Village has looked lovelythis spring with all the seasonal flowers on the Green and the beautiful daffodils along the verges of Birmingham/ Main Road. Well done and thank you to all concerned.
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6
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1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th
5th Aug Firs
7th Aug
8th Aug
9
15th Aug Print making
17th Aug FIRS AGM
21st Aug Parish
25th Aug
31
VILLAGE DIARY
01676 522717
"2007" is the Heart of England School's 50th Anniversary.
We are planning a number of events throughout our Golden Anniversary Year, including a school reunion event. Former pupils are invited to register on: www.heart-england.solihull.sch.uk click on: "Alumni"
Details of events will be send via email to all pupils registered. Look forward to seeing you all in 2007.
The Merlin Singers
What a wonderful evening we had when the Merlin Singers entertained us on Friday5th May, the Village Hall was full and we were treated to a fun packed evening of music and laughter. The Inner Wheel Club of Meriden would like to thank everyone whoattended and especiallythe Merlin Singers who so generously performed for free. The evening raised over £600 for the charity “Feed the Children”.
A Prayer for the Stressed
Grant me the serenityto accept the things Icannot change,
The courage to change the things Icannot accept And the wisdom to hide the bodies of those Ihad to kill today
Because theygot on mynerves.
Help me be careful of the toes Istep on today
As theymaybe connected to the feet Ihave to kiss tomorrow.
Help me always give 100% at work
12% on Monday
23% on Tuesday
40% on Wednesday
20% on Thursday
5% on Friday
And help me to remember when Iam having a bad day.
And it seems that people are trying to wind me up It takes 42 muscles to frown 28 muscles to smile And only 4 to extend my arm and smack someone In the mouth!!!
to Maths Quiz
PARIS MARATHON 2006
The weekend had finally arrived for us to take part in the Paris Marathon. All the training has been done now we just have to go out there and run. We arrived in Paris on Friday 7th April and had to go to their National Exhibition Centre to register for the race and pick up our race numbers and electronic chips to tie onto our running shoes, (these are activated when we cross the starting line and at various places during the race and when we cross the finishing line) The chips are issued to stop anyone from cheating. Sunday dawned and everywhere you looked there were runners limbering up and stretching trying to get the muscles warmed up. The race was due to start at 8.45am from the Arc de Triomphe down the Champs-Elysees. Competitors had to get into pens before the start of the race. Depending what time you were expected to complete the marathon as to which pen you went into. There were 36,000 applications accepted for the race, 32,000 actuallystarted the race and just over 31,000 completed it. The weather was perfect for running, no wind and mainly cloudy. I started off running with two girls from Northbrook running club at an easy pace carefully trying to avoid being tripped up by old discarded items of clothing such as T shirts, plastic bin liners and water bottles. After about 8 miles one of the girls decided to up the pace but I was happy with my pace of 9 minute per mile. The route around Paris was quite flat and very scenic. We passed the Place De La Concorde, The Louvre Museum, De Bastille, along the river Seine and passed Notre – Dame Cathedral, and at long last the Eiffel Tower by that point we had covered 22 miles and I was feeling a bit tired but confident that I would finish. I pushed on by myself for the last 4 miles only stopping at the drinks and food stations to see what was on offer, (plenty of fruit, cake, sugar, wine, beer and even oysters). The finish in the Avenue Foch came very quickly after the run through the Bois de Boulogne Park and I can honestly say that I enjoyed the whole 26.2 miles but was glad to finish in 4hrs 15mins.
After I ran the London Marathon I said never again. I am glad that I ran the Paris Marathon but that one was definitely the last one, training during the cold winter months and clocking up over 700miles for one run is too much like hard work.
Needless to say Andrew finished in 3hrs 33mins just ahead of his club mates and he also enjoyed his run. Although hoping for a better time, due to injury and a virus infection his training schedule was badly interrupted. This is the second time that Andrew has competed in the Paris Marathon and would definitely take part again, not only for the race but any excuse to go to Paris for a long weekend. It is a really beautiful city; the atmosphere around the course is terrific with all the crowds urging you on. You have to be a part of it to appreciate the feeling you get when you cross that finishing line. Don’t take our word for it tryit yourself! John and Andrew Ralph.
Andrew (left) and John
“Enjoying” the Paris Marathon!!
Hello to everyone from Meriden School.
It is always busy at school – in the summer we have sports and end of year events to look forward to. At the end of last term we put on a Music Evening, which was great fun – and there were some excellent performances! Now there are so many children taking up singing or playing an instrument we thought it was an ideal chance to let them all show off what they’ve been learning. It was an inspiring occasion and I hope we can make it an annual event! Thank you to the Meriden Rotary Club who have donated trees to enhance schools grounds, and helped us by taking away some chestnuts that were dying. The new trees should grow and make their contribution to a lovely outdoor environment for pupils for years to come!
The outside of school will be redecorated in the next weeks, and all the old windows in poor condition around school will be replaced soon. We have managed to have much work done over the last few years to improve the learning environment. Year 6 are also very pleased to have brand new desks that arrived today!
Learning Workshop, Thursday 22nd June
If you are a parent at school you will know all about the “Inspire” workshops that children and parents have been to together. Every class has invited parents to come and get stuck into some fun but rewarding activities over this year. Our final workshop will be on the theme of “learning” and all families and children are invited to take part that afternoon. We hope everyone will go away knowing a little more about some new approaches to learning that Meriden School is involved in.
Extra Opportunities
There are lots of clubs and activities to add to our normal list. It is “tres bien” to know that all our Juniors now have a French lesson every week – it will give them a flying start with a foreign language! Also, through the Government’s scheme to encourage healthy active lifestyles, we have been able to offer basketball, tennis, cricket and even golf sessions to the juniors. Year 6 will soon be having their Cycling Proficiency training to help keep them safe on the roads.
Year 5 & 6 will be having a course of “Embrace” training that helps them think about respect for others, including those of different races, run by Solihull Children’s Fund. The Children’s Fund also supports the training of our next group of Peer Mediators who help other children solve their squabbles. We have also booked an Anti-Bullying roadshow for all the children in our drive to give them skills to help each other and themselves be good friends.
Summer Fayre Saturday 8th July, 1-4pm
I hope everyone in the village – and beyond – puts this date in the diary. I am thrilled that our hardworking PTA are able to organise a summer fayre again, and with a traditional village fayre theme it should provide lots to do and see for everyone. Look out for the publicity nearer the time and come along and join in!
Junior Production – Village invitation 11th July 10am
Please come along to watch if you can – details of the performance available from school nearer the time. It looks like another cracking show from the children!
We have entered a team of runners/ walkers in this event for seven or eight years now, and have raised lots of money for school whilst having fun training and running. This has been due to the support of an adult “trainer” – i.e. someone prepared to run weekly practice runs and gather the team on the day. Is there a successor to Mrs Mathews, interested in getting fit, who’d help us this year? Mrs Mathews has offered to explain all to anyone who offers…so go on have a goal to your jogging and help the children out!
Lunchtime Supervisor
You may think “Dinner lady” but a gentleman would be very welcome too! Due to changes in staff, we have a vacancy to help look after the children at lunchtimes, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are interested in a little employment – 1½ hours a day – and joining a friendly team, then please get in touch with us at school on 01676 522488.
Chess
Our third appeal! Would anyone like to help run a chess club after school? We had a very keen and lively bunch of chess nuts and would love to be able to get a team going again. Please let us know if you are interested. I’ll close by wishing you all a very good summer season!
Mrs J A Smith Headteacher.
Helen Langdon
0121 704 6789
Email: hlangdon@solihull.gov.uk
I recently gave a talk at a local church in Olton. The following poem was read out to the group and I feel it really manages to get a point across. One thing I would like you to remember is that Solihull Council offers all Solihull residents a free security check, door chains, locks and door viewers can be installed for you where necessary free of charge. Please contact me for more information and to request this service.
Such a Sad Sorry Saga
This is the tale of Freddie Frewer Who said “I’ll Make my home secure With so many criminal types about Must take steps to keep them out.”
“I’ll need locks for windows – chains for doors To deter those rogues who flout our laws. From Homewatch News and Police advice I can purchase these at a reasonable price.”
With such enthusiasm we reach a conclusion He’ll fit these items to prevent intrusion But with other jobs he seems to find This basic security escaped his mind.
Even when ‘Knockers’ chanced to call And children claimed. “We’ve lost our ball” No hint of suspicion entered his head As nightly he made his way to bed.
With Freddie in a blissful dream
Some villains committed their break-in scheme With no window locks or safety chains To prevent their haul of ill-gotten gains.
Imagine next morning – just after dawn To discover one’s cash and valuables gone Fred is crestfallen and sad to relate His expensive oversight had tempted fate.
There’s a moral to this simple rhyme It’s ACTION THIS DAY – NOT some other time Don’t follow the example of Mister Frewer Fit safety devices and feel secure.
The Train of Life of Life
Some folks ride the train of life Looking out the rear, Watching miles of life roll by, And marking every year.
They sit in sad remembrance of wasted days gone by, And curse their life for what it was, And hang their head and cry.
But I don't concern myself with that, I took a different vent, I look forward to what life holds, And not what has been spent.
So strap me to the engine, As securely as I can be, I want to be out in the front, To see what I can see.
I want to feel the winds of change, Blowing in my face, I want to see what life unfolds, As I move from place to place.
I want to see what's coming up, Not looking at the past, Life's too short for yesterdays, It moves along too fast.
So if the ride gets bumpy, While you are looking back, Go up front, and you may find, Your life has jumped the track.
It's all right to remember, That's part of history, But up front's where it's happening, There's so much mystery.
The enjoyment of living, Is not where we have been, It's looking ever forward, To another year and ten.
It's searching all the byways, Never should you refrain, For if you want to live your life, You gotta drive the train!
A
Walk around Meriden Village Courtesy of “A Coventry Way Association”
For more information visit our web site www.acoventryway.org.uk
Or telephone John Green on 02476 503044 john@jagtlg.plus.com or Peter Page peter@cvpages.plus.com
This is walk 21 from a book published by A Coventry Way Association called Circular Walks. It starts and finishes at the Queens Head Pub Old Road
There is a choice of 2 walks: 4miles or 2.5 miles
A COVENTRY WAY ANNUAL CHALLENGE
Now in the tenth year this event takes an anticlockwise circular route around Coventryon the first Sundayin September. Start time is between 6am and 10am depending whether the entrant intends to walk/run the complete 40 miles or to walk just a short section. The route makes its waythrough villages and hamlets around the Cityusing recognised footpaths and short sections of road. Refreshments are available along the wayalso at the end which for some hardy(tired) souls means 9o'clock in the evening.
With the path now officiallyacknowledged as a Long Distance Walk and featured on Ordnance Surveymaps, entrants from all over the countryassemble for the occasion (120 last year) whilst two years ago a blind walker age 61 years completed the Challenge. So please come and join us whether to take part or just to witness those completing the event. The Queens Head makes a verygood viewing point.
Tips from the Cop Shop Tips the Cop Shop
For any advice or literature on Crime Prevention
Phone Laura Russell or Cheryl Tyler On 0845 113 5000
Garden Security.
With the approach of longer daylight hours now is the time to consider crime issues, which mayappear during the summer months. Give thought to the securityof gardens and sheds. Manyof us spend hundreds of pounds on garden furniture and luxuryitems like gas patio heaters. Take time to propertymark them. Secure hanging baskets to their wall brackets.
With the popularitytowards larger garden ornaments think about making them a permanent fixture, property mark them as well as taking a photograph. Sheds are notoriouslyeasyto get into so make the effort to strengthen the door and frame securing it with a good padlock. Outside door hinges should be secured with coach bolts or non-return screws. Consider fitting a battery-operated alarm.
Sheds are not designed for safe storage; it would be better to have a strong lockable box or cage inside fixed to the floor. Note the serial number of garden maintenance equipment. Think about removing a vital part rendering it difficult to sell on should it be stolen. Get insurance. If you alreadyhave insurance then make sure that it covers belongings kept in sheds.
And finallywhilst much of this is common sense, it is often necessaryto remind people that the simple things can make all the difference. Time spent now taking this advice will hopefullymean more time to enjoyyour garden.
David Deakin David Deakin Deakin Deakin Plastering Services
Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome.
All local singers are invited and welcome to join Hampton Singers in the annual SINGALONG in St Mary& St Bartholomew Church, Hampton in Arden on Saturday 15th July 10.30am – 6.30pm
John Bayleywill conduct, with orchestral accompaniment bySolihull SymphonyOrchestra.
A single dayrehearsal and concert performance of Vivaldi “Gloria” & Mendelssohn “Hear my Prayer” will be undertaken.
Turpie School of Dance
(Formerlyknown as Meriden Dance Studios) CLASSES
Meriden Methodist Hall on Monday evenings from 4pm
Coaching for Royal Academy, Imperial Society examinations and festival work For Details telephone 02476 394372 – Dionne Turpie
Registration will be from 10.00am for a prompt start at 10.30. Snacks are available or singers can bring a picnic lunch and eat in the grounds or the Church Hall.
There will be a full concert performance at 5.30pm Concert audience admission free Singer’s tickets are £10 including loan of music and earlybooking is advisable.
Parking nearby, disabled parking onlyin Church Hall Car Park,
More information and applications for tickets contact David Bixby 59 Meriden Rd
Hampton in Arden B92 0BS Tel: 01675 442979
Dionne
Meriden library
01676 522717
Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
The annual Reading Challenge will be launched on 8th July. The theme this year is Reading Mission. Children will be able to follow the adventures of two special agents and their dog. The collecting folder is designed to look like a special agent attaché case, which reveals its secrets to the children who accept the challenge. As the children read six books during the summer they will receive stickers, spy cards and on completion a certificate and medal so come and join the challenge and make the most of your local Library. Do look out for the film Storm breaker, which is tied to this year’s challenge, and is to be released on July 21st
We have two children’s activities during the holiday. The first is a visit from author Sally Tonge on 8th August and the second is Printmaking on 15th August. Free tickets for these events will be available in July.
Do you, or anyone you know, enjoy reading but find it difficult to get to the library? If so, please phone the library and we will try to arrange home visits.
Finally, when you are planning your days out this summer, do visit the library where the new leaflets are now coming in thick and fast!
A representative from Age Concern will be in attendance on June 15th July 20th August 17th
MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS' GROUP
Our bicentennial evenings featuring E B Browning and I K Brunel proved most interesting and enjoyablerather to our surprise! Having, therefore, become somewhat 'hooked' on this period of history, for July we shall be reading around some 18th and 19th century social reformers - for example, Elizabeth Fry, William Wilberforce, Florence Nightingale. For June - novels about Africa or by African writers. For August - "My Favourite Place" - in fact or fiction - and for September - our best holiday read.
May I also record our thanks to Jen and Marion, our librarians, for their unstinting support of the Group and for getting such a wide selection of books for us to choose from.
Please come and join us - 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm in the Library. You will be most welcome. Sue Fuller
Macaroons
4 oz shortcrust pastry
2 oz caster sugar
2 oz ground almonds
1 beaten egg
Raspberry jam
1/2 teaspoon almond essence
Roll out pastry and using a three-inch cutter line 9 patty tins.
Mix almonds, sugar and essence with beaten egg to make a soft mixture.
Place a little jam in each case and top with a spoonful of mixture.
Sprinkle with caster sugar, then make thin strips of pastry to make crosses on the top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes in oven 200 degrees C, 400 degrees F or Gas Mark 6
Thanks to Hylda Pointon for this recipe
Margery Borkett
We breed and rear all the Pork we sell and we prepare and cook everything ourselves.
Opening times:Tuesday –Saturday 8.00am- 5.30pm
Wishes to thank all her kind friends for their cards, messages and best wishes. She is now making a good recovery.
Meriden Nursery
Toddler Group at Methodist Church Hall Main Road
Tuesdays 10,00-11.30am
This is an informal, friendly group for adults who care for young children and babies. Come and meet other parents and carers for a chat, refreshments are provided for children and adults at a small cost of £1.50 per family. Children can play safely in the hall or garden. Each week there is a different craft activity and song time for the children
Emily Roxburgh on 01676 522496
1
st 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
Meriden Surgery and Pharmacy News Meriden Surgery and Pharmacy News
BALSALL COMMON & MERIDEN GROUP PRACTICE
Old School house, Main Road, Meriden CV7 7NG Tel 522252 Surgery Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00
Emergencies - when closed please telephone 01676 532587
Repeat Prescription Requests
We prefer these to be ordered using the list attached to your previous prescription.
• Post to the surgery
• Hand to the surgery
• Fax 01676 523865 to the surgery
If necessary telephone requests will be taken between 10.00am and 12.30pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm Mon-Fri. Please quote your computer number.
48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL PATIENTS TO CHECK THAT PRESCRIPTIONS COLLECTED (EITHER FROM THE CHEMIST OR THE SURGERY) DETAIL THE MEDICATION ORIGINALLY REQUESTED. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GIVEN BY THE PRACTICE FOR MEDICATION DISPENSED BUT NOT REQUIRED
Home Visits: If patients are too ill to attend the surgery, or are housebound and need a doctor to visit them at home please telephone the surgery BEFORE 10.00am
Comments: If you would like to make any comments, complaints or suggestions concerning the surgery please contact Joanne Hope, Practice manager on 01676 532213 or in writing to the surgery.
European Health Insurance
The old E111 has now been replaced with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). To claim help when travelling in the EEA or Switzerland make sure you've got an EHIC as well as private health insurance. The quickest and easiest way to apply for an EHIC is online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers Your card will be delivered within seven days. Alternatively you can apply: By calling 0845 606 2030 - your card will be delivered within 10days; Or by post, using a form from the Post Office - your card will be delivered within 21 days.
Appointments at Meriden Surgery
The surgery operates a 48-hour booking system for an appointment with a Doctor at the Practice
For example: if you ring on Tues at 10.00am we aim to offer an appointment with a Doctor by Thursday 10.00am. Some clinics may be able to be booked 2 weeks in advance.
To book an appointment at the Meriden Surgery the following time scale applies:
Appointments Available from
MONDAY AM THURSDAY 2.00pm MONDAY PM FRIDAY 8.30am
TUESDAY AM FRIDAY 2.00pm TUESDAY PM MONDAY 8.30am
WEDNESDAY AM MONDAY 2.00pm WED PM CLOSED
THURSDAY AM TUESDAY 2.00pm
THURSDAY PM WEDNESDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY AM THURSDAY 8.30am
FRIDAY PM THURSDAY 8.30am
In an out of hours emergency
The Practice uses a GP co-operative Solidoc and Deputising Service (West Midlands Medical Duty Service) for emergencies outside normal surgery hours. The co-operative has a Primary Care Centre based in the Fracture Clinic at Solihull Hospital. West Midlands deputising service cover from 12.00 midnight to 8.30am every day but Sunday. Solidoc cover all other out of hour emergencies. 01676 532587
Lloyds Pharmacy
1 The Green, Meriden
Tel /Fax 01676 522722
Mon – Fri 9am to 6pm Saturday 9am to 5pm Sunday Closed
We operate a prescription collection service for the convenience of our customers.
Prescriptions are collected from the Meriden Surgery once a day at 8.30am. Please allow 24 hours before collecting your medication from the pharmacy.
Address: 67, Coventry Road, Coleshill B46 3EA TIMES OF MASS DURING THE YEAR
*Weekday Mass times are sometimes subject to change
Saturday 5.30pm Vigil Mass of Sunday
Sunday 10.30am Sunday Mass
Monday-Friday 9.00am* Weekday Mass
Tuesdays 9.15am Mass- St Edward’s School (Term time)
Saturday 11.00am Weekday Mass
Greetings to all parishioners living in Meriden. If you have not already registered your name and address with us, please do come along to Sunday Mass and fill in one of our registration forms.
Maths puzzles by children of year 4 Meriden School
Iam thinking of a 6-digit number. Myfirst digit is 5049. Mysecond digit is half waybetween 1 and 10. My third number is 3x2. Mylast three numbers are 0+0
Bradley
The first digit is 4+5+9-9-(1x3)
The second digit is 9+3-12 and then x by8
The third digit is 5+8-12+5
The fourth digit is 6+3-6-2 then add 2
And the last digit is 900-899+3+2-5
The first digit is 99-98+2-3+(1x3)
The second digit is 2+3+98-96-(1x2)
The third digit is 125-25-50-(5x10)+7
The last digit is 1000-995-4 Philip & Callum
Iam thinking of a 4-digit number.
The first is 1x9.
The second digit is an even number and it is 2x3
The third digit is 1+1
The fourth digit is 2x2
Iam thinking of a 4-digit number
The first digit is the same as 1x1
The second digit is <1and >4 but it is an even number
The third digit is 10-3
The fourth digit is an odd number and it is 3x3
Ashleigh & Natalie
Answers on page 30
CAMEO
Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.
,
At our February meeting Howard Wallace gave a most interesting and thought provoking talk with illustrations of the work his charity Inter-Arc is doing in Romania and India. Their main work is to give the children from the streets and poor families loving, caring Christian homes. Inter-arc is committed to long-term support of these children and hopes to develop future employment opportunities to enable them to become self-sufficient. In March Dorothy Hall illustrated her talk “Looking forward to Easter” with two flower arrangements. These represented the Cross and Garden of Gethsemane and the Resurrection. As she worked she quoted the relevant bible passages and said that each flower represented a character involved in the Easter story i.e. a thistle for Judas and drooping tulips for the disciples etc. Looking to the future, in June we are arranging a ‘Holiday at Home’. This is an attempt to bring the holiday atmosphere a little nearer to home for the older people in our community. It is hoped this will be the first of what will hopefully become an annual event. Therefore, on Friday, 23rd June we will be in Berkswell for a whole day of fun and fellowship making new friends, talking, doing crafts, playing games, singing songs etc. We look forward to welcoming more friends to this and our other meetings so if you need information or a lift please phone: Ellen 522534 or Peggy 522221
Forthcoming Meetings: -
June 21st Visit to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
June 23rd ‘Holiday at Home’
July 28th Strawberry Tea and poems
Supplier of plants and hanging baskets to The Bulls Head, Meriden four times winner of “The Solihull in Bloom Award”
Hanging baskets for summer 2006 Price for size of your empty basket refilled
Baskets Ready in Two Weeks
Summer Bedding Plants Supplied At Best Prices in the Area
Urns, window boxes and containers supplied and filled
A selection of wrought iron work also available Please ask for quote
Lawrence Wood, 34 Grace Road (off Albert Road) Millisons Wood, Meriden Tel 01676 522122 Cheques payable to L WOOD
August 25th David White speaking about the life of his mother who lived for 101 years! Do you need a cleaner?
Do you want someone to do all those household jobs you haven’t got time for? Then call Jenny now on 07901 530861
Local Farmers Markets
June, July and August
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
Meriden Tree of Thought Midsummer Draw
Feature Prize: - Center Parcs Break for 6 People 20 additional Prizes!
Draw will take place at 2.00pm June 25th 2006 at the Motorcycle Megaride on the Playing Fields, Maxstoke Lane.
Tickets on Sale at Meriden Tearooms, Spar Shop and Lloyds Chemists.
Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Relief.
Could you help by selling tickets to friends, family neighbours or at your place of work? Please contact me. Your help would be so very much appreciated. Good luck and thank-you.
Alan Lole 01676 522138
Rotary Club of Meriden Senior Citizens Party
Members of Meriden Rotary Club, members of the Inner wheel Club, their families and friends, wined, dined and entertained 130 Senior Citizens at the 25th annual Senior Citizens party on Saturday 18th February at Fentham Hall Hampton in Arden Guests were from all parts of the old Meriden Rural District Council and were transported to the venue by members and friends. The main entertainment was provided by Gordon Whitehouse of the Central & Wales Cinema organ society, playing the Compton Theatre Organ, he played popular songs from the shows and old music hall favourites, very much in keeping with the theme of the evening. The success of the evening owes much to the local companies and charities who donated generously to offset some of the cost of the event. Thanks go to;
Pertemps Investments Ltd
The Manor Hotel Meriden
Rockwell Sheet Sales
The Trustees of the William Avery Charities
The Trustees of the George Fentham Charities
Chase Norton Construction Ltd
John Martindale Community Service Chairman 01676 523141
Village Valet Valet
Cleaners Dry Cleaners Dry Cleaners Dry Cleaners
Dry cleaning
Leather & suede
Laundry services
Alterations
Shoe repairs
Curtains
Quilts
Bedding
Wedding gowns
Sat.3rd June –
th
Friends in Retirement Friends in Retirement Friends Friends
We are still thriving in Balsall Common with many members from Meriden.
Dates for your diary: -
Coffee mornings at the village Hall Balsall Common
Friday June 16th
Friday July 14th
Saturday August 5th
Art Exhibition at the Balsall Common Methodist Hall from 10.00am -3.00pm, there will be refreshments and all proceeds will go to charity.
Thursday August 17th the AGM at the Balsall Common Methodist Hall at 2.00pm. The speaker will be Sheila Lewis and her talk is "Child of the Blitz"
New members are always made welcome to groups. The phone number to ring for further information is 01676 532537
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.
June 2006
14th Sub-Committee Meeting
26th
Parish Council Meeting.
July 12th Sub-Committee Meeting
24th Parish Council Meeting
August 9th Sub-Committee Meeting
21st Parish Council Meeting
Your Parish Council can be contacted:
The Clerk to the Parish Council Mrs M Edwards
3 Thebes Close . Millison’s Wood Coventry CV5 9QW
Tel/Fax: 01676 522076
Email: Meriden_PC@yahoo.co.uk
Web site: Meriden-pc.org.uk
1) RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING
Inspector Peter Wilson
Sergeant Melvyn King
Your Parish Councillors are: Clive Jones (Chairman), Bob Kipling (Vice Chairman), Jackie Eccleston, Graeme Goodsir, Shirley Goodsir, Stan Grundy, Jane Isham and Nigel Robinson.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
COORDINATOR:
Your Neighbourhood Coordinator at Solihull MBC is Fiona Kane based at Moat Lane, Telephone 0121 704 8304 and Email FIKane@solihull.gov.uk.
Attended a meeting in March giving a presentation on new Neighbourhood Policing giving emphasis for the citizen on Access, Influence, Intervention and Answers. The intention is to be Visible, Accessible, Locally Known, Knowledgeable and Accountable
2) BEST WINDOW DISPLAY
Meriden Parish Council has invited businesses / shops in the Parish to enter a competition for the best window display depicting an event / life relative to Meriden. To be displayed 27th / 29th May. All entries to Clerk.
3) JOAN BROWN.
A supporter of the Parish Council for many years Joan died 3rd February 2006 after recently celebrating her 80th birthday. Joan attended Barrs Hill School in Coventry, becoming a teacher in Keresley. Much of her life was spent living at Croxall’s House, Eaves Green Lane, Meriden, where her father Herbert Brown was registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths for Meriden Rural District Council. A generous person giving time and interest to life in Meriden and a past member of the Village Hall Management Committee. Joan spent her later years at Bablake House just outside the Meriden boundary.
4) BULLS HEAD, MAIN ROAD.
The Parish Council on behalf of the Parish would like to say they are very sorry that David and Jayne Taylor will be leaving the village and express appreciation .for the support and community involvement they have given to Meriden. In particular the appearance and entrance of the Bulls Head into “Solihull in Bloom” competition, winning prizes on numerous occasions. Wishing them success for their future.
5) LOCAL OFFENCES
Someone must see or hear damage being caused around the village. If the police are to apprehend the people who commit offences, then it helps if theyare informed at the time theyare being committed. Not 12 hours after the incidences, as happened recently. It is difficult to catch offenders whilst theyare committing crimes, unless the police have the assistance of the public. If theydon't get that assistance the task becomes harder and frustrating for the police. No doubt residents are not happyto see and suffer damage, so please remember CONTACT THE POLICE.
Meriden Village Hall is available for private parties etc. Contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963 Rates are £9.00per hour
Queen’s Head
Old road Meriden
Monday night is music night, come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx
June 5th Backbeat (60’s Duo)
June 12th John Santee
June 19th Kelly
June 26th Keith Brett
July3rd Jackie Lee
July10th Lizzie
July17th The Cadillac Brothers
July 24th Leena Carole
July 31st Keith Brett
August 7th The Players (Duo)
August 14th Karen Jennings
August 21st Terry Fox
August 28th Marade
Phone 01676 522256 for more information Pop in for good food and good company
For details of your local Rosemary Conley class (Meriden, Balsall Common, Solihull) Call 0121 705 7078
First class free with this voucher! All classes include weigh-in, talk & optional exercise www.rosemary-conley.co.uk
(membership £10 class fee £5)
in the Village Hall 11.00am until 4.00pm Sunday 11th June
Drawings & paintings by local artists
Also floral & quilting displays
Tea & Coffee available
Admission free
HOME CARE SERVICES
Care Assistants supplied on a regular or one off basis to assist with the full range of personal and domestic daily living tasks
We are registered with the Commission for Social Care, fully insured and only use fully vetted, professional, high quality staff.
Call now to discuss your requirements or to obtain a quote
Admission £2.50 children free maps available from Lavender House, near Village Hall or any participating garden
Plant and bric-a-brac stalls
Refreshments available at some gardens
Parking at Village Hall Main Road
Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research UK
What a superb evening our “In the Pink” Ladies evening turned out to be. It was held at the Heart of England Club on 31st March and raised £830. We had an entertaining floral demonstration from Lorena Dyer, expert beauty tips from Tania of the Beauty Salon in Coundon, gorgeous jewellery to buy and an insight into one lady’s battle with breast cancer; from the discovery of a lump through to the reconstructive surgery of her breast. Mary Johnson is a Cancer Survivor!
Olive & Bob Hewitt held a skittles night with £175 profit donated to Cancer Research. We thank them for their support.
The Manor Hotel Meriden had its own Ladies Day. Cancer research UK was nominated as their chosen charity and they donated £138 from the proceeds of the raffle and £77 profit from Cancer Research cards sold.
Open Gardens Sunday 16th July. Make a date to have a summers stroll around our gorgeous village and enjoy some of the local gardens on your way. To have your garden “open “ for the day does not mean that it is perfect – it means that you enjoy gardening! If you would like to share your garden with others – please ring us. There will be a bric-a-brac table and a plant stall too, so any contributions are very welcome
. Mary Warr 01676 522160
Carol Lindeque 01676 522343
Featured here are some short stories written by year 3 children of Meriden school
The ostrich at the pool by Richard Beaty
Once there was a young, plump ostrich gazing at his reflection in a pond. He could hear the male lions coming through the Savannah like maniacs. He could feel the cool, fresh water on his feet. He could taste the cool, fresh, salty water on his rough tongue. He could smell the dry Savannah grass and the blood of dead animals. Finally he found his reflection again in the sparkly pond. When he saw his tail he said “I am delighted about my bushy tail but my legs are so skinny,” with a proud voice. But he wasn’t there for long “WHAT’S THAT?!!” he said. It was a lion. He could see even more lions. What should he do? “RUN!” he bellowed. “HELP!!!!” he screamed. He sprinted but his tail got stuck in a bush. “Roar,” said the lions and no more came out of his mouth. The end.
Moral: Sometimes we do not see our strengths.
The Silly Penguin
By James Smith
Once there was a clever penguin, he was looking at his reflection in the ice, which had water on top. He could hear loud, strong waves and big, heavy icebergs falling. He could feel strong winds brushing through his thick fur and he felt lots of cold, heavy rain. He could taste salty, glorious, cold, fantastic water as he drank it. The penguin could smell wet, tasty fish and cold, dirty gristly ice. Suddenly from the corner of his eye he could see his reflection on some freezing cold water, which was on some white ice. He boasted about his strong flippers and called “Oh my flippers are so strong but my body is so slim!!” He felt so sad because his body was so slim but he felt good about his shiny black beak for catching fish. “Oh what’s that?” screamed the silly penguin. Then out of the foggy mist came a “WALRUS!” It charged right for the silly penguin so he jumped into the cold water, his slim body helped him to squeeze between the ice and keep warm but his flipper got caught on a piece of cold ice and the walrus ate him up for lunch. Moral: Sometimes we do not see our strengths.
The tiger by the Puddle
By Clare Scruby
One fine, sunny day a young scary tiger was looking in a wet puddle at her reflection. She could hear birds tweeting, beautiful and sweet water waving. She could feel cool, windy air and soft stones under her sharp claws. She could taste fresh water and juicy apples. She could smell fresh air and ripe apples.
Suddenly she noticed her long reflection, she said “ What a lovely, long tail I’ve got, but what nasty fat legs, oh I wish I did not have fat legs,” but she felt better about her tail! She did boast it. “What’s that? Oh run!” her strong legs carried her fast but her tail got caught in a rabbit hole and she died by being shot by a gun.
Moral: Sometimes we do not see our strengths
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
We are seeing a dramatic increase in housing density in Meriden and surrounding area imposed by the Deputy Prime Minister, totally out of keeping with the scale of housing around. The other problem that comes along with this overdensification is the pressure it puts on local services such as schools, doctors and dentists, never mind the road congestion.
The council has had very little power to oppose this over-development because the density figures from the government are binding and the definition of back gardens as Brownfield mean that these sites are prioritized for development. When the council has objected, in many instances the Planning Inspector has overruled its decision on appeal. The craziness of this situation is that the luxury flats and executive homes being built under these priorities are beyond the pocket of the 5,000 people on the waiting list for housing in the borough.
I have been looking around to see how other councils are approaching this problem and have discovered that Trafford city council, which has reached its housing target, has secured a moratorium on in-fill development from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Our situation is slightly different as Solihull is part of an agreement across the West Midlands region, with no maximum target in place. There could be light at the end of the tunnel if we could get a similar moratorium for Solihull, ensuring that its motto of Urbs in Rure does not become a thing of the past. This is why I have started a petition to be presented to Mr Prescott requesting a moratorium. If you would like to add your name to this please either email me at spelmanc@parliament.uk, or telephone my office on 01676 534359 for a petition form.
To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery at Chelmsley Wood, Castle Bromwich or the Balsall Common Office, please contact Katy Steele at the following address Constituency Office 285 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7EL Tel 01676 534359 Fax 01676535147 email
Caroline Spelman advice surgery dates
Date
Time
Fri 9th June 4.30pm – 6.00 pm
Sat 24th June 9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Fri 7th July 4.30pm – 6.00 pm
Sat 22nd July 9am – 10.30am 11am – 12 noon
Location
ConstituencyOffice 285 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common
ChelmsleyWood Library
Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
ConstituencyOffice 285 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common
ChelmsleyWood Library
Arden Hall Castle Bromwich
1st Meriden Beaver Cub Group Mondays 6.15pm-7.15pm at the Scout Hut
Is there anyone out there who would be willing to run or help run a Cub group? At the moment we have Beavers (age 6-8) and Cubs (age 8-10) meeting together, but there are more than enough children to have 2 separate meetings, but we need an adult or two to HELP. Have you got an hour or so to spare any night and enjoy working with children?
Please contact Jo Mulcahy on 522625 or Gerry Russell on 522666 for more information or to offer help of any kind.
An Apology
Because of the poor print quality of the last issue of the Meriden Mag, this item was unreadable. We would like to apologise for this and are repeating the article.
We now have a new printing company and hope this won’t happen again!!
Shopping in Meriden 76 years ago. Grace Tuckeyhas lent the Mag her Mother-in-Law’s groceryaccount book. Mr & Mrs Tuckeyowned and ran the Butchers Shop, which was where the Co-op is now. Mrs Tuckeyshopped at Allen’s Shop (now the Centre of England Stores) and had her purchases recorded in the small red book. She shopped almost every daybut onlysettled her account at the end of the month. Her grocerybill for April 1930 came to £4.1s. 8 ½ d £4.08p). She spent a lot of moneyon cleaning materials including boot polish, soap flakes, emerypaper, Lifebuoysoap, Vim, Brasso, Zebo and various cleaning cloths and mops. Sugar was 2 ½ d (1p) a pound and one pound of butter was 1s 9d(9p), a tin of Ovaltine at 3s (15p) seems quite a luxury!
Age Concern Solihull
Volunteers Needed for our Neighbourhood Care Scheme
Age Concern’s Neighbourhood Care Scheme, funded by the Big Lottery helps older people with a little extra support at home. We offer a befriending service where a volunteer will visit on a regular basis to provide company and enjoy a chat and a cup of tea. We can help with transport where assistance is required, to appointments or shopping trips and sometimes to clubs depending on drivers available. We can also help with odd practical jobs that an older person may find too difficult or dangerous and has no family to help them, such as changing a light bulb or a battery in a smoke alarm, fixing a curtain rail or taking curtains down to be washed or a bit of light gardening, that sort of thing. And if we can’t help we usually know a man who can!
The Scheme has been very successful throughout central Solihull and is getting busier in the north and rural areas as lots of people are becoming aware of it. We have a small number of clients in Meriden and Balsall Common and more on our waiting list mainly for befrienders. Could you help an older person in your area that may be lonely or housebound? Our waiting list is now outweighing our volunteers! An hour or so a week or even just occasional help would be greatly appreciated. We value our volunteers and besides the full support you will get from Age Concern we hold regular Neighbourhood Care Scheme meetings for those who want to attend, there is an annual volunteers’ lunch and we also offer training opportunities.
If you would like to be a volunteer, want information on the Neighbourhood Care Scheme or want to refer someone please call Age Concern Solihull on 0121 705 9128
Despite the high cost of living, have you noticed how it remains so popular?
Toad of Toad Hall Toad of Toad Hall Toad Toad Hall Toad Toad Hall
Adapted
by
A. A. Milne
Troika Productions proudlypresent the perennial favourite, ‘Toad of Toad Hall’ adapted for stage by A. A. Milne from Kenneth Grahame’s ‘Wind in the Willows’.
Meriden Park off Moor End Ave Chelmsley Wood Thursday 10th August 2.30pm &
Brueton Park off Warwick Road Solihull Sunday 13th August 2.30pm
Tickets £4.00 in advance/£5.00 on the gate
Family of four* £14 in advance/£18 on the gate
Bring your own chairs or blanket and a picnic
Box Office Solihull Arts Complex 0121 704 6962 or in person at Solihull Library *2 adults & 2 children
This evergreen tale, beloved bycountless generations of children and adults alike, transports us to another world, there to befriend Mole, Ratty, Badger and, of course, the indomitable Toad. Adventures abound as the four friends fend off the evil Wild Wooders and help Toad to overcome his obsession for motorcars and regain his beloved Toad Hall. A tale of friendship, courage, and hope. A picnic basket full to overflowing with the choicest fare. A cornucopia of delights! A ride you won’t want to ever forget! So what are you waiting for? Climb aboard! Poop! Poop!
State Registered Chiropodist
Mrs C Booker SRCh, MChS
Home Visiting Practice only
01676 534265
R.J.KENNING
Painter and Decorator
All aspects of decorating undertaken
Free quotations available
References available on request
No job too big-No job too small
Established over 25 years
A reliable and friendlyservice
02476 460754 Mob 07742 317532
Meriden School PTA
Traditional Summer Fete School Field
Saturday 8th July 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Bouncy Castle
Dad’s Tug of War Go Karts
Beat the Goalie Children’s Games Stalls
Entry 50p (pre school free)
Hair City
Unisex Hair Salon
Tel: 024 7646 6767
38 Nickson Road Tile Hill
(just off Gravel Hill near Tile Hill & Herewood College) Coventry
How do our prices compare to your regular salon?
Cut & Blow Dry £15
Wash & Blow Dry £10
Foils from £20
Full Head Colour £25
Perms short £30 long £40 (all-inclusive)
Reduced prices for Senior Citizens Tues, Wed & Thurs
Open Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am – 5.00pm, Friday 9.30am – 7.00pm Saturday 8.30pm – 3.00pm
Meriden Pool
One purpose of my column is to ensure village traditions are kept alive. So I am always disappointed when I see a property advertisement for a Darlaston Court flat mentioning it is opposite the ‘village duck pond’. The Pool has a long, interesting history so a more unique name seems appropriate.
The Horn Brook begins in Meriden Shafts where a series of springs, hence the name Shafts, flow out of the hillside. It is piped nowadays under the main road and the footpath and I believe is now a source of Pool water. Tory Row was demolished in 1959 but until then a little flagged pavement behind these cottages next to the Pool was always wet from a stream fed by another spring. Exaggerated illustrations by George Downes in the Aylesford Collection, Birmingham Reference Library and one of Dr Kittermaster’s paintings show how extensive the Pool used to be.
It is artificial, created by John Reynolds owner of the Bull Head Inn from 1707 till his death in 1756, probably so that his wealthy customers might have fresh fish on the menu. In its original form, it ran across the line of the present Berkswell Road which before c.1786 formed a cross roads with a footpath that is now Leys Lane. Perhaps Reynolds simply excavated and dammed up an existing smaller pool for in the 1540s there was a public clotheswashing place in the heart of the village. Alternatively this might have been an area in front of Meriden Hall. By 1879 it had become part of an open sewer no doubt accounting for fine catches of fresh water fish. In 1864 the Aylesford Estate netted 100 tench and pike there. It was not until 1960 that the village acquired the Pool from Lord Aylesford. The swans are hopefully re established. They appear prominently in another of Dr Kittermaster’s paintings of the Bull Head in 1832 but left the Pool at the outbreak of World War II. Villagers also believed that if the water levels fell and the Pool began to dry up, there would be a War. I was told of drastic falls in 1914 and 1939 but the Meriden Rural District Council Report 1959 denied any problems before 1947.Even so keeping the legend in mind, we all watched with grim fascination the loss of water in 1962 during the Cuba Crisis. There had been serious investigations by the Parish Council in 1960 to trace the cause of unpredictable rises and falls in levels. It seemed that springs with erratic discharges and loss of puddling clay might explain matters. Many villagers blamed the 1939 reduction on the effects of the water tower at the top of Meriden Hill. Relining the Pool and repairing the retaining wall in 1993 seem to have prevented its drying out in recent years. But maybe we ought to allow for a little of the mysterious in our Pool? Doreen Agutter
Help Wanted Please
An estimated 2700 people have some form of dementia in Solihull. The Alzheimer’s Society supports manyof them. Could you help raise moneyto continue our support by volunteering to collect on our flag day? We reallywould appreciate anyhelp at Blooms Garden Centre Balsall Common on Sat 8th July and Tesco Stores, Timberley Lane Castle Bromwich on Fri 11th & Sat 12th August. To volunteer or find out more please contact Margaret Walker 0121 474 3800
MERIDEN RIDING CLUB
Unaffiliated Dressage Series 2006
Peastockings Showell Lane Meriden (Easy access off the A45)
Show Jumping, X- Country, Best Rider, Showing Classes and Gymkhana Dressage in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere
Ideal for beginners, young horses or inexperienced riders Why not give it a go?
For all enquiries on these events call Jo on 07730 388058 or email johan@horton9312.freeserve.co.uk
Centre of England Community Church 01676 523050
Dates for the Diary
Tues - Fri Centre Shop open 10.00am - 4.30pm
Sundayworship Centre of England CommunityChurch meets at "The Centre" The Green 11.00am & ThursdayFellowship 2.00-3.00pm
John 4 verses 1-42 and verse 13
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Recently we saw a billboard outside a church that said if you want to know tomorrow's news, read it in the Bible today!
Through experience we know that many people neglect their spiritual lives, partly because they think they are too bad, which is so sad. But the good news is that Jesus died for sinners. Remember the thief on the cross; Jesus told him he would be with Him in paradise. The adulterous woman Jesus met at the well was forgiven. She recognised who Jesus was. It was customary at that time for a Jew not to mix with a Samaritan, but through that encounter, many from her town became believers. Both of these people reached out to Jesus, and He met them at their point of need. For the last ten years at "The Centre" we have seen many folks helped and restored, and we have always endeavoured to meet people at their point of need, regardless of colour, creed or social standing. Our aim has always been to serve the community and further a field when able. Recently we have been able to send 50 sacks of aid to poorer countries within the FSU, Russia and Siberia, with the anniversary of Chernobyl many families are still desperately suffering the effects. Regular donations are sent to Northern India to support a Medical Mission there, an area ravaged by monsoons, a high-risk malaria belt where many die because of lack of medication. Every blessing Rev John and Pam Yates
Opening Times: Sundays and Bank Holidays
1st May to 1st October
2.30pm to 6.00pm
Special Visits by arrangement 01676 532138
Admission Free
Donations gratefully received
Disabled access limited to ground floor
URGENT REQUEST
Good quality unwanted household items required for our SILENT AUCTION on JUNE 10TH 2006, as part of the CENTRE CELEBRATIONS. We can take small items of furniture. Items will be displayed in the window, with lot numbers as before, and you can come in and place a bid in the shop.
Saturday 10th June The Green 10.30am 3.00pm “The Centre Celebrations
Live Music
ActivityBus
Puppet Show
Face painting
CharityAuction
“Jam” the Clown Games and activities
Bran Tub for the children
Cream teas and home made cakes
Please come and support us and the other events of the Meriden Festival and preserve our community life in the village
Meriden Knights Chess Club
Meriden Knights have some new members, but are still undecided about rejoining the Coventry District Chess League.
Later in the year some of our club will be going off to university and others have work commitments. During May the club will be playing at Whoberley in the Summer Cup.
The Knights will have a stall on the Playing Field at the Megaride on June 25th.
From June onwards we will be meeting every Tuesday at 7.20pm at Meriden Methodist Church in the Dawson Suite. £1.50 a session.
Any age, any ability, all chess players are welcome.
For details phone
01676 521259
Shirley and Graeme Goodsir
The Farm Shop The Shop
Berkswell Traditional Farmstead Meats Farmstead
Heart of England Social Club
Larges Farm Back Lane Meriden
Larges Farm Back Meriden
Tel & fax 01676 522409 fax 01676 522409 www.farmsteadmeats.co.uk
For meats of outstanding quality & flavour
• Selection of Superb Barbecue Meat
• Licensed to sell Game
• Real Home Cured Bacon
• Free Range Chickens
• Famous Berkswell Ewes Milk Cheese
• Superb home made Sausages & Burgers
• Home Deliveries
Warwickshire’s only accredited traditional breeds butcher
New Members are always welcome, why not come as a visitor to see if you would enjoy being a member?
Please contact Mary Timms 01676 552693
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.
for
THE THAI DELIGHT RESTAURANT EXOTIC
THAI CUISINE
Cooked in the Traditional Thai Way Open five days a week – Tuesday to Saturday Food can be ordered between the following times Tuesday – Thursday 7pm till 10.00pm Friday – Saturday 7pm till 10.30pm
Book to avoid disappointment Telephone 01676 522005 (10.00am until 10.30pm)
DEE HAS MOVED TO NEW NON-SMOKING RESTAURANT AT
MERIDEN HOTEL
MAIN ROAD
MERIDEN
The Five Stages of Female Life
1. To grow up 2. To fill out
3. To slim down 4. To hold it all in AND 5. To hell with it!!
IDYLLIC GARDENS
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
01676 522 828
Mobile : 07976 205143
Meriden Methodist Nursery Main Road Tel: 01676 522337
Pre-school education and care for children aged 2 to 5 years. We offer flexible hours –Sessions or whole day: 8.30am – 3.30pm Main Session 9.15 to 11.45am Cost £7.50
Afternoon session 1.00 to 3.30pm cost £7.50
Lunchtime supervision 12.00 to 1.00pm cost £2.25
Collection of children from Meriden & Berkswell nurseries & early care may be arranged 5 free sessions are available the terms after the child’s 3rd birthday when not attending a nursery school. Vacancies available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
For more details pay us a visit or call Mrs Russell 01676 522337
Registered with OFSTED Early Years & gained accreditation with The Pre- School Learning Quality Assurance Scheme
Need your windows, Fascias, or guttering cleaned?
Sparkling UPVC Frames and conservatories a speciality. Also carpet cleaning
Phone Paul Telephone: 0121 764 5872 Mobile: 07979 064835
All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; All of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Facials, Caci
Eye treatment, Facials, Caci
Eye Caci Eye Caci facials and body treatments, facials and body treatments, facials and body facials and body Back and body massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Back and massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Extensions, Wraps, Extensions, Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed. Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun
Monthly offers available, call for details or to go on our mailing list
9-11, Birmingham Road, Millisons Wood, near Meriden CV5 9AY
METHODIST
CHURCH
Minister
Rev Jenny Dyer BA MTh
Tel 01676 533737
Phone to arrange Marriages
Baptisms and Funerals Services Sunday Services
Sundaymorning 10.30am (Junior Church & crèche for children)
Sundayevening 6.30pm 3rd Sundayin month only.
Wesley Tree Service
Sunday 11th June Service at 4.00pm
at KinwalseyLane, followed byrefreshments at Hillwood Cottage
Walk commences from The Green at 2.30pm Please bring your own chairs, parking in the paddock at Hillwood Cottage.
Summertime, and the living is easy... For me, the summertime is a gentler time of year. Iam busiest from September through to Easter, with Christmas and Easter being particular points of frenetic activity. Then the meetings thin out as people go awayon holiday, and Iget a chance to catch up with the tail Ihave been chasing. The 23rd Psalm – “The Lord’s myshepherd” – is full of summeryimages, like “green pastures” and “still waters”. The person who wrote it knew what it was to enjoythe good things of life. He talks about God spreading a table before him, and his cup overflowing. But he had evidentlyalso lived through difficult times. He knew what it was to have enemies and to “walk through the valleyof the shadow of death”. In all these things, he says that God is with him – “thyrod and staff theycomfort me” – and he is confident that God’s goodness and mercy will follow him all the days of his life. At the end of the Psalm, he says that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In other words, that he will give thanks and praise to God for giving him good times and being with him through the bad times. Through good or bad, God is with you. Trust in him, and his goodness and mercywill follow you always.
Rev. Jenny Dyer
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
Rector Rev Michael Dawkins Tel 01676 522 719
The Rectory The Green Meriden CV7 7LN
Church Wardens Marian Theobald Tel 01676 523 475 Linda Barnett Tel 01676 523 277
Lay Reader
Peter Wright Tel 01676 522 414
There is a little storyabout a pearl beyond price. Ihave never been in the pearl buying business nor even had a hankering for anyjewel! Readers must forgive me for this ignorance and for myfailing to feel what theymight feel. Jewels are obviouslyverybeautiful and to experience what a treasure is and what is precious must be wonderful. Is it a sort of drawing out of your heart, a sort of love, a sort of joy, a feeling wrapping around something? The merchant who found this pearl, Jesus said, sold everything to have it! Now Iam beginning to feel that is crazybut Imust be wrong. What did Jesus mean? He was telling a storyto get something over to us. Was He talking about Himself?
If He was, He was talking about the mysteryof God coming to ‘the market of this world’ and, as an expert, setting His eye on what was most precious. Again, Iget that feeling of craziness. What did He see? Sinners! Did He reallypaythe highest price, everything, for them? That is His story!
Or, was Jesus talking about us? What market are we in? What soul search? Have we got the expert eye to recognise the pearl beyond price? Not so much a crazyfeeling now but a struggle. Ifeel that something is being offered me and there is a real possibilityof myhaving it even when Ican’t afford it! Dare I, dare you let your heart be drawn out to wrap around ‘The Pearl Beyond Price’?
Michael Dawkins
Ian Spencer 1930-2006
Ian was born and educated in Salford. After leaving school he did his National Service in the RAF. He was posted to a small radar station in Norfolk, where he spent off-duty times learning to sail and developed a love of sailing that remained with him for the rest of his life. He then trained to be a teacher at Chester College and took up his first teaching post at the Royal School for Deaf Children in Edgbaston. It was there that he met Elizabeth, his future wife, when she began teaching there on the same day.
They moved to Meriden in 1961, when Ian was appointed teacher-in-charge of a new partially hearing unit at Priory School in Coventry. He eventually went back to working in Birmingham and finally became head of Longwill School for the Deaf.
He enjoyed living in Main Road, Meriden and they had four children, Matthew, Judith, Jill and Katie and there are now four grandchildren.
He took early retirement in 1982 and was then able to be involved with village affairs. He acted as Treasurer for the Parochial Church Council for many years and he and Elizabeth were involved in the alteration and modernisation of the Church facilities and helped to raise money for this. They also spent many hours maintaining the churchyard and mowing the grass.
Later he became Treasurer of the Meriden Cancer Research group. He was meticulous and very well respected by his friends on the committee.
He was also acting Treasurer for the Meriden Mag and he was always happy to help out and share his skills.
Ian loved classical music and enjoyed going to concerts and was a keen member of the National Trust.
Ian and Elizabeth had a very happy marriage and had celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a family party in January this year.
Throughout his life, Ian maintained his involvement with deaf people, doing voluntary work with the adult deaf. By a quirk of fate, he himself became deaf in his fifties, but never let that impede him in any way. He lived a very full life until he became ill in 2004 and he died on February 8th this year.
Meriden Floral Society
Monday June 19th 7.30pm
JuneMonday£
Open Evening “Summer Delights” by Andrew Lloyd
Tickets £6.00 to include refreshments
Village Hall Meriden For further information
Telephone Val Miller on 540380 or Sandra Jones on 523023
Sophie’s Small Pet Holiday Home
118 Fillongley Road Meriden
Are you going away and don’t know where to put your small animal? Yes? Well I can help.
Your pet/s will be housed in a comfortable hutch situated in a well-ventilated room
Proprietary pelletised pet food will be supplied Sophie 01676 522405
For the very best for your dog, contact… Roy & Lesley Thompson, at
Treatments for pain, stress, acute and chronic conditions Alison Stain
M.C.S.P., S.R.P., I.T.E.C. The Therapy Centre Balsall Villa 287 Kenilworth Road
Balsall Common Tel: 01676 521066
PILATES CLASS
MERIDEN METHODIST CHURCH HALL Tuesday evening 6.15pm – 7.15pm Classes run in 6-week courses
1 to 1 Pilates reformer equipment at Club Motivation Hampton in Arden Free trial session with this advertisement
For more details contact Jo on 07952 473526
BROAD LANE VETERINARY SURGERY
2 255 BROAD LANE Appointments 9am-7.30pm Mon-Fri Open Surgeries: 8.30-9am 332 RADFORD ROAD KENILWORTH ROAD, BALSALL COMMON LOW COST VACCINATION SCHEME (including) FREE PUPPY PARTY ENTRY & FREE 5 MONTHS CHECK UPS.
FREE ADVICE BY APPT WITH OUR 4 QUALIFIED NURSES IDENTICHIP VISA&MASTERCARD EASY PARKING 24hr EMERGENCY SERVICE FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT ANY OF THE ABOVE SURGERIES PLEASE RING COVENTRY (024) 7646 4789
STRAWBERRY BANK HOTEL & RESTAURANT STRAWBERRY BANK HOTEL RESTAURANT
Also A La Carte menu available except Sunday lunch New snack menu at lunchtime (no Sundays) for the summer months
We have 2 function rooms available for parties from 20 up to 200 Please feel free to call in and view
We also offer excellent conference and wedding facilities With our lovely gardens as an added feature
Please contact reception for information or booking or visit our
Don’t underestimate love at first sight. Many of us might not pass a second inspection!
Picture Framing
Your local service for Needleworks – Paintings – Photo’s
Prints – Coins Medals – or any 3D Objects- Football Shirts or Trophies
Mirrors made for your Home. All work done on the premises.
Tel: 01676 535792
Next to Deeleys’ – Customer Car Park
5 fishing lakes in glorious countryside Now selling a complete range of baits Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk Would you like a piano? Upright piano free to a good home
Tuesday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm And Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm
7 days a week
Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day breakfast for £3.60!
Reminder!! Deadline date for the autumn issue
Tuesday 1st August contact
Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963
val.simon@virgin.net
Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453
Margaret.argyle@mattargyle.com
Treasurer: Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive, Meriden
Deliveries: Keith & Kath Nightingale 01676 522125
Proof Reader: Lesley Rhodes`
Useful Village Contact Numbers
Winter 1st November – 31st March Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm Saturday & Sunday 8.00am - 4.00pm
Summer 1st April
Meriden Primary School Mrs. J. Smith 01676 522488
Meriden Library 01676 522717
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722
St. Laurence Church
Rev.Michael Dawkins 01676 522719
Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Jenny Dyer 01676 533737
Centre Church
Parish Council
Parish Council
Rev.John & Pam Yates 01676 523050
Clive Jones (Chairman) 01676 522819
Mavis Edwards (Clerk) 01676 522076
Community Centre Warden Pat Delaney 01676 522867
“ “ “ Val Friend 01676 522867
Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000
District Councillors
Member of Parliament
Girl Guides Group
Boy Scouts Group
Cricket Club
Rural Police Sector
Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408
David Bell 01676 535211
Dr. Peter Lea 01676 532577
Caroline Spelman 01676 534359
Hazel Matthews 01676 522862
Gerry Russell 01676 522666
Alan MacEvoy 01676 522444
Sgt Melvin King 0121 712 6123
(sale or wanted) £3.00
Charity & Community information & events FREE Views expressed by the Contributors are not necessarily those of the Co-editors
We are unable to print anonymous Letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request
