An exiting new venture for the young people in Meriden has been announced.
Meriden Youth ‘MY’ was launched on 14th and 16th of April and is now continuing every Thursday at the Methodist Hall, Main Road, from 4.30 – 6.00pm
There is the chance to play lots of games including pool, table tennis, indoor football, Xbox/Wii and many more. The age range at present is between 11 and 16 but as the project is still in the early stages this may change to suit demand.
This is an initiative where the churches in Meriden are working together and pooling their resources to fulfil a need in the village. We have received some initial funding from Solihull Borough’s Youth Opportunities Fund.
If you are between the ages of 11 and 16 and haven’t yet been along to try it, do come and give it a go.
The Centre Charity Shop 01676 523050
Oh what a glorious start to spring, let’s hope it’s a sign of things to come. The last two summers have been so wet it will be nice to have some decent weather even if it is short lived!!
. Greetings,
As always a huge thank you to our staff for their dedication, hard work and reliability as this makes the Centre easier to manage. Also thank you to the increasing number of people who send in their items freshly laundered, ironing isn’t such a problem but washing and drying in such large quantities is a huge job.
In the last issue of the Meriden Mag we mentioned that if there were not enough people requiring a stall for the Centre Celebrations we wouldn’t be hosting one this year and as we only had three people confirming they wanted one the Centre Celebration will not take place in June. There are other events that will be taking place in Meriden during the Festival so look out for these and give them your support as they are put on for your enjoyment.
Its great that Saint Lawrence’s parish church has re-opened now that the work on the new roof has been completed and I’m sure the congregation are pleased to have their doors open again after this long period of waiting and anticipation.
At the moment we don’t have any records in stock, we do however have quite a lot of record collectors popping in to see if we have any in so if you have any 70’s or 80’s LP’s these are really popular and we would welcome deliveries of these. Other popular items are chests of drawers, small tables, garden recliners etc., and we often have people asking for these in particular so if you have a surplus of these we would be happy to receive them.
At the moment we are still not taking books because we have such a huge backlog to sort. However this week we have overhauled the bookshop so there are lots of new titles for you to browse through.
From the household survey we know that lots of people in Meriden have never visited our shop, if this is you pop in and say hello, you don’t have to buy anything, just come and have a look round.
Bye for now,
Kevin and Lyn Hunt.
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 106 v1)
with time
Are you fit as a fiddle? We are!
3 Ways to help you enjoy your recreation and Ways to help you enjoy and improve your times your times
• Circuit Training Circuit Training Circuit Circuit
• Tai Chi Chi
• Shiatsu Therapy Shiatsu Therapy Therapy Therapy
Balance your workouts with Balance your workouts with Balance workouts Balance workouts
Ernie & Anne Ernie & Anne Ernie Anne Ernie Anne ernie ernie ernie ernie--boxall@yahoo.co.uk boxall@yahoo.co.uk boxall@yahoo.co.uk 01676 521393 07962 216833
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our ‘Extend’ exercise classes for the over 50’s in Meriden Village Hall. The group has grown beyond our expectations. We keep active, have fun and meet other people. Classes are fortnightly on a Wednesday afternoon.
Places are now very limited; for more information please contact Tracy Curtis, Fit as a Fiddle Project Co-ordinator 0121 705 9128, The Priory, Church Hill Road, Solihull, B91 3LF or email tcurtis@acsolihull.org
Fit as a fiddle is a major programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund and launched by Age Concern that will help older people all over England to live more healthy, active and fulfilling lives.
DOT SAKNE 1913 – 2009
The Village was deeply saddened at the passing of Dot Sakne, one of Meriden’s oldest residents, in her Ninety-Sixth year. Born and raised in Liverpool, she and her husband Ed moved to Coventry with their small son, Allan, in the Thirties, when Ed had been commissioned as an electrical contractor, to work on the building of the new Owen Owen store. Fate dealt a huge unexpected blow when their new home was bombed in the Blitz of 1940 and the Saknes were hurriedly rehoused on “a temporary basis” in Meriden. Thus, “temporary” soon became “permanent” as the family quickly warmed to the kindness bestowed upon them, and they soon became involved in so many aspects of village life, for the rest of their lives.
Dot certainly epitomised the old adage of “If you need anything doing, then ask a busy person.” Though small in stature, Dot was an energetic and feisty character. Whilst sometimes appearing brusque to an outsider, she was honest, forthright and unfailingly loyal to her many causes. Although she was closely involved with the family electrical business, she found time to contribute so much, in so many ways, to the life of the community. Together with Ed, she ran the village youth club for many years. She was a founder member of the Village Hall Management Committee, a founder member of the Meriden Cancer Committee and served for many years on the Parochial Church Council. There was still energy to spare for creating their wonderful, productive garden. It was always a picture and, arguably, their sweet peas were the best in the village!
A staunch Anglican from childhood, Dot was a faithful member of the congregation of St Laurence Church. She served for many years on the Parochial Church Council and was very much to the forefront of fund-raising as well as being treasurer of the Parish Magazine. But her over-riding passion was for the Mothers’ Union. She was enrolled as a member in 1945 and offered unconditional support to the Branch Leaders and the Diocese for over 50 years. It is no coincidence that the organisation promotes the importance and stability of family life. Dot lived out these ideals to the full. Her love and devotion to her husband and family, whilst never flamboyant, were plain for all to see and she was never happier than being at the epicentre of family gatherings and celebrations. The private Dot had a steadfast faith, which was to sustain her through many difficult times. Her resilience aided by her wonderful Scouse sense of humour was inspirational. Whilst more recently in acute failing health, she still remained passionately interested in the life of the community as well as maintaining concern for her family and her wide circle of friends.
As the Village extends its sympathy to her son Allan and his family in their sad loss, we shall remember one of the village stalwarts with gratitude, respect and affection.
Shipshape
The register of Solihull Home Improvement Professionals
Shipshape is a Trading Standards Scheme for Home Improvement Professionals to demonstrate their commitment to fair, professional and honest trade.
Solihull Council's Trading Standards Service operates the register. The aim of the register is to give consumers a list of traders they can rely on. It also gives legitimate businesses the opportunity to show they are committed to providing a good service to their customers.
To join the scheme, businesses must agree to meet minimum standards, these are assessed by Trading Standards.
Please note that inclusion on the register does not mean the business is 'approved' by the Council, neither is the Council responsible for work carried out by scheme members
You can obtain a copy of the list by calling Trading standards on 0845 3303313 or by visiting www.solihull.gov.uk/tradingstandards
Minister: Rev Andrew Charlesworth BSc BA
In Meriden
Tel: 01676 533737 - Phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and funerals
Services: Sunday 10:30am (Junior Church and crèche for children)
Sunday evening 6:30pm (4th Sunday in month only)
This is Stuart Maconie, a TV and radio presenter, journalist, columnist and author. Just after Easter, I picked up a copy of his latest book called, “Adventures on the High Teas”, subtitled “In Search of Middle England”. It is a follow-up to his previous work “Pies and Prejudice” exploring the North of England. Anyway, as I started to read his new book, this is what I found on page 1.
“Imagine that you are a very particular kind of Englishman or woman. One burdened by strange and terrible fears. You are terrified of the sea, suspicious of the Scots and consumed by a loathing of France and all things French. …. Well, this is where you would come. Meriden, Warwickshire. Population 2,735. 93 miles equally from the Irish Sea, the Wash and the North Sea.” (Maconie S. (2009) Adventures on the High Teas. Ebury Press).
He had come to Meriden on a sleepy Sunday and so most things were closed. However, in the few pages written there are mentions for The Cycling Memorial and Service, The Centre Charity shop, the Fish and Chip shop, the Centre of England Florists and the Spar. He also spoke with a lady in pink jogging bottoms, so if that is you, you have been immortalised in print.
This is my fourth article in the Mag, which must suggest that my first year as minister in Meriden is almost complete. As I continue to get to know people and the village, it was interesting for me to see how an author experienced the place on a first visit.
In a book about Middle England, it made geographical sense no doubt to begin with Meriden, but I also think his experience in the village captured an important aspect on modern day Middle England. He spoke of the Sikh family in the Spa eating Monster Munch and wrote, “this along with Eccles cakes, the quickfire Punjabi, the Rastas, chips and gravy, cycling memorials, Strictly Come Dancing and pakoras, makes this late Sunday in Meriden a nicely bamboozling hors d’oeuvre for the hearty repast that is Middle England.”
His summary captures something of the variety of modern day life, which we experience in Meriden like elsewhere. The village has, of course, faced many changes over the years, some being very painful and affecting many people like the closure of the Motorcycle factory. But as time progresses, there is little doubt that the village adapts and moves forward to the changes and challenges it faces. This seems to me, as one who is still relatively new to the village, as a wonderful strength and a great tribute to the people who live here.
Love, peace and joy, Andrew.
Dates for your Diary Sunday 21st June, 4pm: Kinwalsey Tree Celebration. Part of the Meriden Festival
A group will be walking up from the village to the Tree where John Wesley, the Founder of Methodism is reported to have preached. We hope to convince Andrew of the benefits of joining us on this walk. Parking will be limited at the Tree this year so we will meet at Farrow Oak on Becks Lane beforehand and fill as few cars as possible from there. After the service there will be a celebration picnic at Farrow Oak on Becks Lane. Many Thanks to Jonathan, Karen and Isabel for hosting us.
PHYSIOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY
COMPLEMETARY THERAPIES
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
Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924
We service, repair and care for your vehicle
“Blessed are those who are able to laugh at themselves, for they will never cease to be amused.”
Robert Holden
Berkswell and District and History Group History Group
Meetings are held in Berkswell Reading Room at 8.00pm unless otherwise stated.
Tuesday 9th June
Group visit to The Black Country Museum Numbers limited Phone 01676 535782
Wednesday 8th July
“In the Footsteps of the White Monks” with Jan Cooper
Wednesday 12th August
“ Drainpipe Trousers to Rock n’Roll The 1950’s –with Graham Sutherland
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
Rector
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
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
Services are held every Sunday at 10.30am
“Her brother, in London, was viciously attacked five years before and ended up with a steel plate in his head. When her husband was interviewed on Crimewatch he hoped her assailant, in Little Bookham, Surrey, would be caught and given the help he needed. He was thrilled to the depths of his being that his wife was alive and that he had seen her wonderful smile again. Abigail, able to communicate with eyelid blinking, was deeply grateful and so happy that her little son Joseph was unharmed. He had had that knife at his throat, on their way back from the toddler group Messy Monkeys, before it was plunged into her neck. Now she was totally paralysed and expecting another baby. Her grieving mother said the real tragedy was the suicide of the supposed assailant.”
What a family. Not suddenly Christian but surrendered to the love of Christ and the discipline of learning His ways over many years. And when the crisis came they shone. They are not self conscious or assertive. It is a reality shining out of their lives. And real is real, whatever people say.
Abigail writes in April 2009:
I first visited Lourdes as a healthy, energetic 19-year-old … I walked into the sanctuary .. seeking direction and peace. … And yet I was sceptical and questioning.
Eight years later I returned … now married with two healthy, energetic young children, and as a wheelchair user myself. I found myself living the mystery of Lourdes from the "inside", but it was not as I had expected. Since my spinal injury the previous year, I had prayed for healing. And now in Lourdes I asked God to "heal me in the way I need most, according to Your will." He did heal me - not physically - but He freed me to love life and to know daily the joy I had longed for. To my surprise, I find that I have more to give now that I'm paralysed than I did when I was able-bodied. This is one of God's little miracles.
Abigail quotes Catherine Simon who has written the book Nine Lives Changed by Lourdes – "Now ... I know the beginnings of what faith truly tastes like, what pain resembles and what wonders God can achieve." And Abigail’s mother concludes – "Abigail's life is a triumph of the Cross. Not the world's usual triumph of strength, but rather one of vulnerability and love."
Church Tower restoration proceeding:
£242,000 offered. £10,000 raised.
£115,000 to find.
Happiness is……..
Teasing my annoying brother
Eating delicious chocolate
Cooking with Mum
Being loved by my brilliant family
Making my friends laugh by saying “fish”
Learning new things at school.
Going to make-up shops in town
Playing with my kitten at home
Sunbathing in bright sun
Having warm cuddles in bed every night
Seeing my friends at Brownies
Dancing and messing about at parties
Happiness is a way of life
By Cara Maclure, Meriden School
Mrs Cissie (Violet) Morris
Mrs Cissie Morris died on 6th April at the age of 94 years. She had lived in the village for over 70 years. Her husband George died 18 years ago and she leaves a daughter Margaret and a son Malcolm. Her dear brother Cyril has shared his home with Cissie for the last few years.
Cissie left school at 12 years old and went to live in Temple Grafton where she was in service. Moving to Meriden she lived in Eaves Green Lane, later in Fillongley Road and finally in Highfield Road. At one stage she worked at “The Ring of Bells” in Hampton and later at Gibson’s Nursery Millisons Wood. Her love of flowers was obvious – especially roses. Her spectacular rose beds brought many admirers and many neighbours and friends ‘popped in’ for her fabulous cakes and pastries. Her mince pies were boxed and given away as Christmas presents. She was fond of dogs and had three Chihuahuas over the years. People at her funeral reminisced about lovely days growing up near to Cissie, her friendly smiling interest in you plus her roses, cakes and dogs proved to be a wonderful experience.
1st Meriden Scout Group
News from the Green Hut
WE NEED YOU!! The Scouts need a helper for their meetings on a Thursday evening – please contact Russell if you could help to provide much needed assistance. No experience is required –you only need to be over 18 and be enthusiastic about supporting the younger members of our community!!
The whole group recently took part in the St Georges Activity Day held at Broadwater. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts took part in a wide range of fun activities including rock climbing, abseiling and archery. A BBQ lunch was provided and a good time was had by all.
In February the Cubs and Scouts braved the snow and spent the weekend up at Broadwater. The central heating was an advantage, however the cold weather did not stop any of group taking part in a fun packed weekend (including helping in the kitchen with the cooking and washing up). At the end of the weekend the new members of the Scout Troop were invested and the Cubs were presented with their various activity badges.
In April the Scouts took part in the ‘Great Escape’, which was a themed camp for the Scouts in Warwickshire. Broadwater had been turned into a WWII POW camp and the Scouts had to devise cunning ways to escape the clutches of the evil camp guards which included treks, making false passports, camouflage painting and interrogation! For some of the Scouts it was their first experience of Camping and they all had a fantastic time.
Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm.
Contact Jo (522625) or Gaynor (523191)
Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Tuesday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080) or Liz (523674)
Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Thursday at 7pm Contact Russell (523823)
'Meriden Brownies would like to thank everyone who has supported us during the past year. If anyone has a skill they would like to share with the Brownies and would be happy to give up an evening and come along to a meeting, please contact either Jane or Sharon on the numbers below. At the end of this term a number of Brownies will be leaving us - we wish them lots of luck for the future.
Jane 01676 542501 Sharon 01676 522591
Greetings from Meriden School!
What a busy year we are having here at Meriden School!
It’s always good to build links with our community, and we’ve certainly been benefiting this year. In assembly we’ve had visits from the local police, from Rev Charlesworth from the Methodist Church, and also a new regular slot from a local puppeteer! Year 2 had a very exciting visit from the Fire Brigade (complete with shiny red fire engine!), and Year 5 have just completed their Cycle Training. The good news for those who have now passed their tests is that following consultation with parents and children, we have a brand new cycle shelter to house children’s bikes - now they can make a healthier choice in the way they get to school!
Speaking of being healthy – following our success in gaining National Healthy School status, our junior children will again be benefiting from a visit from the Life Education Bus this term. Last year, the sessions in the bus with Harold the Giraffe really made our children think as they learned about the effects of different substances on our bodies and considered ways of developing their assertiveness when responding to peer pressure.
Thinking of our world-wide community, we are very excited to know that we will be helping people in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the world as we have so far raised a stunning £1127 for Christian Aid this year. Much of this was raised through another very successful charity week organised by our children and staff. It’s great to see so much energy and creativity being put into raising money for people in very different circumstances to our own. Well done, everyone – and thanks to all those of you who sponsored our children or made donations! Term was rounded off brilliantly with our Easter Service and Easter Bonnet Parade – many of the hats really proved again just how creative the people of Meriden can be!
There’s so much for our children to look forward to this summer too, what with our (always spectacular) junior production, Arts Week, residential trips for Years 5 and 6, and our choirs performing at both Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall (to name but a few things).
One more thing! When our two local police officers came along to assembly, they mentioned that local residents could train to use ‘Speedwatch’ speed-readers. The police are looking for concerned villagers to use these to record speeding vehicles. The information then goes to the police to contact the drivers as part of their education programme. If you are interested, then do contact the police – they are really keen to hear from you. Have a lovely summer! Best wishes from all of us at Meriden.
Mark Street Acting Headteacher
Year one invited parents and friends to their toy museum, with toys from Tudor to modern times.
Meriden School children at the Easter bonnet Parade
Quee Quee Quee Queens Head ns Head ns
Old Road Meriden Old Road Meriden Old Old
Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx
June 1st John Sante
June 8th Steve Aston
June 15th Backbeat
June 22nd Paul Tracini
June 29th Hannah Dallas
July 6th Terry Fox
July 13th Stevie Best
July 20th Justine Claire
July 27th TBA
August 3rd Cliff Bywater (Guitarist)
August 10th VJ
August 17th Julie Christie
August 24th Backbeat
August 31st TBA
Pop in for good food and good company 01676 522256 for further information
Friends in Retirement Friends in Retirement
We are still thriving in Balsall Common with many members from Meriden. Activities include Art, Bridge, Ambling, Walking Patchwork and monthly coffee mornings.
A trip to Buxton is arranged for Tuesday 9th June, which will pick up in Meriden. Please contact Frank Byrne for further details on 02476 713662
Our Coffee mornings are held in The Jubilee Centre (the old Balsall Common Library) on Friday June 19th, Friday July 17th and Friday August 14th from 10.00am- 12 noon. The AGM is on Thursday August 13th at 2.00pm in the Village Hall, Balsall Common. New members are always made very welcome
Please ring 01676 523505 for more information
Cream Teas
Bottle tombola Refreshments
Bric-a-brac Lucky dip
Name the teddy bear Plants Cakes
Established 1979
• New build, renovations, maintenance, extensions, on domestic, commercial and industrial properties.
• Full design, planning and build service.
• Free quotations.
• Window and door replacement in UPVC, timber and aluminium.
• Conservatories erected, kitchens and bathrooms fitted.
Legendary Liverpool Goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar delighted the audience at The Manor Hotel, Meriden, recently with amusing tales of his illustrious career from his early days growing up in Zimbabwe to his more recent escapades relating to allegations made in a national daily newspaper about match fixing!
Bruce still has ties with Liverpool FC and was due to watch the 2 – 0 victory against Sunderland, however he travelled down to Meriden instead to accept a cheque for a massive £22,000 raised for DebRA by the Rotary Club of Meriden. David, President of the club, raised more than £19,000 of this amount by donation from his former employer, Thomson Holidays, aka Tui UK.
The money was the proceeds from customers donating unwanted foreign coins at Thomson Holiday Shops throughout the UK. “I am so grateful to Thomson for their generosity and I would urge anyone to hand in those unwanted foreign coins when they return from their holidays. They will do so safe in the knowledge that their donation will always go to good causes” said David.
DebRA is the national charity working on behalf of people in the UK with the genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa. The money will go towards their campaign to find a long lasting cure for this terrible illness. In addition to this huge donation, a further £1500 was raised on a hugely enjoyable evening where the entertainment was enhanced by the hilarious compering of local comedian and impressionist Steve Tandy.
"The Rotary Club of Meriden's big fundraising event of the year is the biannual Jazz on the Lawn at Meriden Hall from 1pm. As usual, the wonderful Heart of England Jazz Band will provide the entertainment. Also performing will be Staffordshire Performing Arts Saxophone Ensemble. There will be the usual stalls, tombola, bric-a-brac etc.
The setting in the grounds of Meriden Hall is beautiful and the afternoon promises to be a real treat for everyone. The admission charge for adults is £6, £3 for children or a ticket for the family is just £15. Bring along your own picnic and relax in the summer sunshine (!) and have a lovely day.
All the admission money raised will go to the president's charity for the year, DebRA.
Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a very rare genetic condition in which the skin and internal body linings blister at the slightest knock or rub, causing painful, open wounds.
It is estimated that there are currently 5,000 people with the condition in the UK. In more severe forms all the body is affected and the wounds heal very slowly, giving rise to scarring, physical deformity and significant disability.
Sunday 28th June from 1.00pm
Bring along your own picnic and seats and enjoy the music, stalls, tombola and an exhibition of paintings by the Meriden Art Group
All proceeds to the DebRA appeal
People with the more severe types of EB also have an exceptionally high risk of developing skin cancers, shortening their lives by approximately 30-40 years. In its most severe form, the condition is fatal in infancy.
A breakthrough was recently announced on Channel 4 news that gives hope, but more money is needed NOW to help find a cure for this terrible illness. Please support your local Rotary Club and come along on Sunday, 28th June and have a great afternoon.
David Maugham, President, Meriden Rotary Club
L to R.Tony Eckersall, regional fundraising manager for DebRA, Bruce Grobbelaar and David Maugham
CAMEO CAMEO
Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.
We have enjoyed a varied and interesting programme of speakers and outings, which cheered us up during the first few dismal months of 2009. In February twenty one of us went to Haig’s Hotel for lunch. Fortunately, the hotel had very kindly agreed to let us postpone it for a week when heavy snow fell the day before the original date booked. We had a delicious meal and everyone enjoyed themselves.
.
At that month’s meeting we heard about life on the canals. One of our members, Dulcie, described what it was like to spend her childhood living in a house at Knowle Locks where her father was a lock keeper. He won best-kept lock for his painted gates and flowerbeds. They would swap vegetables for coal from the barges, which were pulled by horses. The canal was filthy from toilet buckets, rats and dead dogs and so the children were discouraged from going near it and forbidden to speak to the people on the barges. She handed round photographs. Anne Gale then spoke about life on a canal boat. Anne is married to a Church Minister and they decided to live on a boat when he retired. She described their terrible experience in 2007 when there was torrential rain and within a short time the towpath flooded and then the water began to spread across the field. When the water was running at twenty five miles an hour and crashing against their boat they telephoned the Police for help. The Police kept in contact with them for the next five hours whilst they tried to locate them and eventually they were winched to safety by a helicopter leaving the boat stranded in the field!
In March we welcomed Christine Philp to share with us what has happened to her as a Christian. She described how on a number of occasions she has felt a clear call to do certain things. She edited the Berkswell Parish Magazine for eighteen years before becoming a Churchwarden for thirteen years. There were a number of times in her life when she felt she had been sent help when she desperately needed it.
Following a talk on Berkswell cheese making last November, we were fortunate to have a follow up visit to Ram Hall in April to see the cheese being produced. We then went for tea at the Berkswell Tea Room before returning to watch the sheep being milked. It was a very interesting and informative visit.
We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Pam 523372
Forthcoming Meetings: - 26th June ‘Holiday at Home’ 24th July Poems and Strawberries 28th August Sister Celia Hare
Meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the month at 7.30pm Contact
Heart of England Social Club
Come along and visit us! The club offers a warm welcome, with excellent facilities for all, including a large concert room with live entertainment, lounge with the best view in the village, bar, games room, snooker room and beer garden with play area.
Joan Russell 01676 522666 Sunday evening Bingo at 8.30pm
After a poor attendance at our first two meetings of 2009, due to snow and ice, the weather relented in March and 44 members were able to hear Janice Thorpe talk about her experiences in Hong Kong and China. On 6th April 35 visitors joined us for our Open Meeting when the subject was ‘Elgar Country’ Tony Cross and George Wallis gave us an insight into the composer’s life and played delightful excerpts of his music. The May meeting was the Resolution Meeting. This year there is only one resolution, calling on the Government to commit more funding to research the factors contributing to the bees’ disappearance. All members present endorsed the resolution. We also had a visit from Jagjit Lidher from ‘Solihull Striders and Strollers’. She extolled the health benefits of walking and hoped we might set up a walking group in Meriden.
Future programme
Monday 1st June- “The Baron of Packwood” speaker
Mike Miles
Monday 6th July- “ACWW and ‘Kembujeh Project’ speaker Jackie Gregory (ACWW is the world’s biggest organisation for rural women and aims to raise living standards through education and community development programmes) Monday 3rd August- Members evening – an opportunity to socialise and enjoy an American Supper
We have also arranged a flower arranging Day School in June and are planning an evening walk. In August we hope to organise an outing.
Elizabeth Spencer
Brailes Farm 522318
We now have Premiership Football on Satellite television!!!
Room hire available for private functions Heart of England Social Club
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE WARWICKSHIRE WATERCOLOURISTS EXHIBITION
At Berkswell Reading Room, Berkswell.
It is an exciting and dynamic exhibition of accomplished artists and talented beginners, and it will inspire the amateur leisure painter and give pleasure to all who enjoy viewing original art work.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN DURING AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND.
Berkswell Village Museum Berkswell Village Museum Village Museum Village Museum
Hidden away in the centre of Berkswell Village is a small museum full of interesting items from the past with connections to the village and the surrounding area. The museum is housed in a pair of cottages built about 1500 and is very typical of the half-timber framed cottages found in Warwickshire. The cottages were turned into one property for the home of the village district nurse and midwife early in the twentieth century and were then condemned for habitation in the 1940s. It has been a museum since 1981 and consists of memorabilia, agricultural and domestic articles displayed in four attractive rooms.
Berkswell’s famous people are remembered with displays. Maud Watson – the first Ladies Singles Champion at Wimbledon, R E S Wyatt – a former England Cricket Captain and the film star Jeremy Brett – best known for his role as Sherlock Holmes. Come and see the cannon and Russian shield, trophies from the Crimean War presented to the village 150 years ago.
The museum is open on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of September and at any other time by request, contact 01676 522077 or 533716
Traditional forms of mole & rabbit control Tel 0121 246 8879 Mobile 07989 348 467
www.piedpiperpestmanagement.co.uk
Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA
Are my 15 minutes up yet?
Now that I'm a Big Radio Star, I'm not sure how much time I can spare for this little column thing. But I suppose that calls for a bit of explanation.
Last spring, you see, I had a tasteful little heart attack — and I milked it for all it was worth. That is, I wrote seven columns about it (and, come to think of it, here’s another one).
First I was treated at our local hospital in Meriden, and then I was treated to a high-speed ambulance ride up to a place that people kept referring to as “the lab” at a bigger hospital.
The treatment was successful, which is why I'm still able to hold down a keyboard here at the word factory. And it led to my becoming the subject of a radio commercial for the hospital in question.
Once I was on the mend, I went back to the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Hartford Hospital (voluntarily this time) and watched them do to someone else what they had done to me just a few weeks before. And then I wrote about that, too.
For the record, “the lab” was entirely more pleasant than the Frankensteinian vision I had conjured up in my Hollywood-addled mind. No great arcs of electricity crackling and dancing between polished-metal electrodes; no oversize switches and dials that might have come from the boiler room of the Titanic; no clanking-chain mechanism for hoisting not-quite-human beings out of vats of mystery fluid; no one who looked even remotely like Boris Karloff or Elsa Lanchester.
No, it was a clean, well-lighted place staffed by clean, well-lighted people. The kind of place where clichés like “state of the art” are often heard. In fact, the only thing even slightly edgy about the joint was the leopard-print smock that one of the surgical nurses was wearing. And I couldn’t help noticing that the music coming from the overhead speakers, very faintly, was something by The Cure. Otherwise, it was Big Science all the way.
But I suppose it must seem pretty strange to those of you who live much closer to the Greenwich Meridian that most hospitals here are private, capitalistic operations, and that they advertise — a lot. They’re constantly badgering us with appeals, either to go to their hospital rather than another one, or to have some procedure done that we may or may not have heard of and that may or may not be necessary. Or even desirable. Anyway, “my” commercial ran on several stations in this state, for weeks on end, to the point that everyone was asking me about it. But I was slightly shocked to find that some people assumed I got a big fat fee (or at least a small thin fee) for my 15 minutes (or was it 15 seconds?) of fame. Would that it were true.
Actually, would not. Because that would have been completely unethical for someone who might, from time to time, opine about matters medical, and who does quite a bit of editing and headline writing. How would it look if I were to write a headline that seemed unreasonably favorable to Hospital A, which I had taken money from? And how would the fine folks at Hospital B feel about that?
So here’s how the commercial happened: The appropriate public relations specialists at the hospital asked about doing an ad of some kind and I said it’s fine with me if you use anything we have already published, but I won’t give you any new material specifically for that purpose. What I had expected, actually, was that my little story would wind up in one of those fold-out color brochures that turn up in your mailbox from time to time to tell you all about how your local hospital is pretty much the greatest place on the face of the earth and how all they do, night and day, is wring their hands trying to think up ways to make your life better. That is, the kind of brochure that goes straight from the mailbox to the wastebasket. Oh, I forgot: You don’t have that problem either. Glenn Richter email:grichter@record-journal.com
•
THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE
Over the last several issues Paul & Melanie Lee have featured the Officers and Men named upon Meriden’s War Memorial who fell on foreign soil. However, more information has been received on the Meriden Home Guard and volunteers are needed for Remembrance Sunday.
MERIDEN’S HOME GUARD
In the last issue of the Meriden Mag, we featured Mike Callow and Ron Jackson’s memories of the Officers and Men named upon Meriden’s War Memorial. After it was published, Ron Jackson contacted the Meriden Mag having identified six further names of the Meriden Home Guard. It now leaves us with five more to identify, circled right. So, from left to right those identified are:
Back Row: Fred Malin, Stan Ivans, Lol Holtom, Mr Devine, Stan Fisher, Ernie Jones, Charlie Davies, Mr Brain, George Sweet, Les Richards
Middle Row:?, Bill Harvey, ?, ?, George Wilcox, ?, George or Jo Ellard, ?, David Print
Front Row: George Pegden, Cecil Hallard, Mr Wakefield, Captain Hickman, George or Jo Ellard, Jack Barlow,
Ron Jackson was the second reader to confirm that it was Captain Hickman, centre front row and not James Warmingham. Both readers confirmed that he had lived at the Manor House. Ron also offered more information on those he identified. Mr Brain (third from right on back row) lived at the Woodlands on Eaves Green Lane; Les Richards (first right on back row) was the second son of the Workhouse Master; Mr Wakefield (third from left on front row) moved out of Coventry during the Blitz and lived in the Vicarage with his family and Fran Austin (first right on front row) lived at the top of Meriden Hill. Mick Jones who supplied the photograph knows that George and Jo Ellard appear in the photo but unsure which of these men are them. Ron Jackson identified these brothers but he is unsure which is George or Jo. Can you identify them or indeed any of the others, we would also welcome more information on any of those pictured. Contact the Meriden Mag with the details.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
It may seem a little early to be thinking about Remembrance Sunday but as you may be aware for the last two years Road Closures have been required in order for the Act of Remembrance to take place here in Meriden. The Safety First Policy was introduced in 2007, an initiative between Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the Police.
These Road Closures are the responsibility of the residents of Meriden and fortunately we have many volunteers who ensure that the Act of Remembrance has gone ahead over the last two years. However, with the change of venue this year, with the completion of work at St Laurence, we need more volunteers, as there will also be a Parade from St Laurence to the War Memorial. This will mean additional Road Closures and also Marshalls required for the Parade. Some of the volunteer Marshalls are required to be in such a location that they are unable to take part in the Church Service, Parade or indeed the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. We have volunteers in place but need more who would be prepared to sacrifice an hour or so on Remembrance Sunday in order that the Parade and Act of Remembrance can go ahead.
Our plans for Remembrance Sunday and the implementation of the road closures will need to be presented to West Midlands Police and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in June and therefore volunteers are urgently required.
Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Paul & Melanie Lee via the Meriden Mag.
Fran Austin
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
Your Community Needs You
I am sure that many of you reading this column will tell me your lives are already impossibly busy but just in case you have some time on your hands can I make a big appeal on behalf of our local umbrella voluntary organisation SUSTAIN?
SUSTAIN has recently run a campaign to raise awareness of the huge numbers of charities and voluntary organisations in the Borough who need your help. This is an important step forward as a recent survey the organisation carried out indicated that very few people could name a local charity or community group.
I find this astonishing, as I would have thought the awareness would have been much higher. As I chair two local charities, Welcome and Make a Better Life [MABL] which help those who suffer from drug addiction and domestic violence respectively this is quite worrying.
Whether you are someone who needs to use the services of a local charity or wish to support one in a variety of ways, lack of awareness is a big hurdle to overcome.
Worse still, SUSTAIN’s survey revealed that quite a lot of older people said they were lonely and didn’t get out much. So please, if that fits your description, consider volunteering as a way of getting out and about and meeting new people. It can be so rewarding, give you social life and that great sense of pride in helping other people. There are so many opportunities for a tiny sliver of your precious time to make a huge difference - involvement with a charity can really change the lives of volunteers as well as those who the charities aim to serve.
People I’ve recruited to help me on the Boards of charities I run say it’s one of the most rewarding things they do. So join us now – as I say in the title of the column, your community needs you so join the noble army of our unsung heroes – our volunteers – who help make Solihull a great place to live.
SUSTAIN can be contacted through their website at www.solihull-sustain.org.uk or call 0121 770 8889
Make A Better Life Trust (MABL)
0800 032 6317
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
VILLAGE HALL NEWS
The Management Committee has recently been successful in receiving a grant of £6,500 towards the £7,000 cost of replacing the windows with double glazed units. This will not only result in more energy efficiency, but will also increase the comfort conditions for the users of the hall. The work has also enhanced the general appearance of the building.
The generous grant was received from SITA Trust, an agency representing the Landfill Industry. The Trust makes grants to communities, which are in close proximity to a landfill site for projects that have an environmental benefit. The Hall also received a sizeable grant from the same trust some years ago, towards replacing the roof, which had some asbestos content.
The Village Hall continues to be well supported for all manner of events, meetings and celebrations. To book the hall, please contact the Bookings Secretary:
Mrs Val Martin (Telephone 01676 522963). The current rate is £10 per hour including full use of the kitchen.
Caroline Spelman advice surgery dates
The 2009 cricket season has started and we are looking forward to playing our league matches at Barkers Butts RFC after Coventry 20 Overs League officials approved the ground. Hopefully this season the weather will be more favourable as last year many matches were cancelled. A list of this season’s fixtures can be found displayed at the Queen’s Head and Barkers Butts RFC. As ever we welcome new blood, young and old as players and spectators, we look forward to seeing you. If you are interested in playing we hold nets practice every Thursday from 6pm onwards in the field behind the Queen’s Head.
Next Sunday game at Barkers Butts is on 28th June.
Our social events raised a considerable amount of money for local charities thanks to the generosity of all those who supported our Fun Day and quizzes at the Queen’s Head and Heart of England Social Club. We raised £2022 for Acorn’s Children’s Hospice Trust, £62.50 for BBC Children in Need Appeal and £500.75 for Marie Curie Solihull in support of Dina Hunt who will be cycling across the Rocky Mountains for this cause.
A big thank you to all who supported these events.
Mike Gallagher Chairman - 077750567889
Meriden Cricket Club Meriden Cricket Club Meriden Club Meriden Club
Diary of Events 2009 Season Diary of Events 2009 Season of Events 2009 Season of Events 2009 Season
Every Thursday, , , Nets Practice, Queen’s Head, Old Road, Meriden. 6pm (Weather permitting. Phone Terry on (Weather Phone Terry 07970 119142) 07970 119142) 119142) 119142)
Thursday 25th June 7.30pm
Meriden Cricket Club Pub Quiz, Queen’s Head, Old Road, Meriden.
Sunday 28th June 2pm
Meriden CC v TBC at Barkers Butts RFC
Sunday 19th July 11am
Diane King Memorial Trophy Six-a-Side Tournament at Barkers Butts RFC
Sunday 30th August 1pm
Meriden CC Fun Day at the Queen’s Head
For further information contact Tina –01676 521085
6-week membership
for 6 consecutive weeks
from 1st July – 31st August
Just 2 ½ miles from Meriden is Ram Hall Farm in Berkswell. Peter and Stephen Fletcher run the 320-acre dairy and arable farm. 20 years ago Stephen established a flock of sheep for milk production and at the same time his mother Sheila went on a threeday cheese-making course. In the beginning the ewe’s milk was used to make yoghurt and both hard and soft cheeses. After six years of running both the milking sheep and dairy cows, they made the big decision to concentrate on sheep and give up the cows, although sheep are high maintenance compared with cows. Now the farm has 600 ewes that lamb throughout the year to ensure a regular supply of milk for their main cheese; ‘Berkswell’ - a hard cheese with a sharp flavour, and a soft mould ripened cheese called ‘Kelsey Lane’.
The sheep are milked twice a day and cheese is made daily by a team of four people. It is stored on racks to ripen and is turned regularly until mature at four months. It is sold throughout the UK and as far away as Canada, USA, Japan and across Europe.
Neal’s Yard of Covent Garden, London distribute the cheese, buying up to 600 at a time, they even have their own storeroom on the farm.
Randolph Hodgeson the owner of Neal’s Yard considers Berkswell Ewe’s milk cheese as one of the four best British cheeses.
Berkswell Cheese can be bought locally at Berryfields Farm
Hill Close Gardens Warwick
The townsfolk of Warwick who lived above their businesses and wanted to escape from the town centre once used these Victorian Gardens. Owners and tenants came here after work or on Sundays, to tend their flowers, fruit and vegetables or just to relax. Sadly the gardens fell into decay and were acquired for building purposes, however the historical importance of the gardens with their summerhouses was realised and 16 gardens were saved, a trust formed and they were restored, with the help of various grants.
Volunteers tend the gardens and vegetables, flowers, fruit and chickens can be seen. Some of the summer houses have been restored and two are listed buildings. The gardens are by Warwick racecourse, (follow the signs for the racecourse to park your car) They are open to the public from Easter to the last weekend in October on Saturdays and Bank Holidays between 11.00am and 5.00pm and Sundays from 2.00 to 5.00pm
There is a café with light refreshments, a small gift shop and a plant stall. It is a 5-minute walk from the gardens to the Lord Leicester Gardens so Both gardens could be visited on the same day. Special events are arranged throughout the summer call 019266 493339 or visit www.hillclosegardens.com for details.
Open Gardens at Maxstoke Castle
This 14th century moated castle was built by William de Clinton, Earl of Huntingdon. Although a stone bridge has replaced the original wooden bridge and drawbridge, the gatehouse, crenellated curtain walls and corner towers remain complete. It is surrounded by 5 acres of gardens, which are only open on one day a year, this year it is
Sunday June 21s t from 11.00am to 5.00pm. All proceeds go to charity.
Light refreshments, plant and gift stalls.
What’s on at the NEC this summer 10-14th June Gardener’s World Live 23-26th July Antiques for Everyone and at the NIA
Walking with Dinosaurs 12th to 16th August
Main Marquee filled with displays of vegetables, flowers and plants. Outside cattle, sheep and goats, a tent full of rabbits, a dog show and 3 rings of horse and pony classes. Schedules can be obtained from the website.
www.show.shustoke-warwickshire.co.uk
Sit in the summer houses and enjoy the view
Talk to the gardeners as they tend their plots
Village Diary
The Farm Shop The Farm Shop The Farm Shop The Farm Shop
Berkswell Traditional Berkswell Traditional Farmstead Meats Farmstead Meats
Larges Farm Back Lane Meriden
Larges Farm Meriden
Over skimming
Tel & fax 01676 522409
Tel & fax 01676 522409 & fax 01676 & fax 01676
www.farmsteadmeats.co.uk
For meats of outstanding quality & flavour
• Fresh Turkeys, geese, cockerels and ducks
• Licensed to sell Game
• All cuts of beef including beef on the bone
• Superb home made sausages & burgers
• Free Range Chickens
• Famous Berkswell Ewes Milk Cheese
• Traditional pork with real crackling
• Real home cured bacon
Warwickshire’s only accredited traditional breeds butcher
Listed as one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes”
Phil Phil Phil Phil Tuckey Tuckey Tuckey Tuckey
“The Country “The Country “The Country “The Country Butcher” Butcher”
Dry lining
Over boarding
Rendering
Stud walling
Arches
All plastering requirements
Opening Hours Monday –closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Sunday 9.00am-1.00pm
Village Appraisal
Thank you to all those residents who attended and contributed at the open meeting on 15th April at the Village Hall. Publication of the parish plan is on course.
For home and business 10ft &20ft (600&1200 cubic ft) Lockable containerised units
Easy access with your own personal key Drive direct to your clean and dry unit 10ft Containers from £17 per week 20ft Containers from £28 per week Discounts available for longer periods Warehousing & Distribution
A Coventry Way Challenge
5th April 2009
This year the 12th annual 40 mile A Coventry Way Challenge, which starts and finishes at Meriden village hall, was moved from it's traditional September date to April 5th. The reason for the change was to beat the spring growth of vegetation and hence reduce amount of work needed to clear the Way prior to the Challenge. The new date was also thought better placed to encourage entries from schools. In fact April proved to be very popular, with 197 entries. This was almost double the previous years' turnout, including a large entry from Princethorpe College. Parking at the Hall was relieved, thanks to The Manor Hotel who made their facility available.
The day started with a frost before the dawn start for walkers at 6am. The sunshine throughout the day, together with a light breeze keeping was welcomed by all.
Peter Jaworisky of Innsbruck set a new record in 5 hours 21 minutes, beating by one minute the previous best set by Coventry Godiva's Colin Kirkham in 1999. Coventry schoolboy, Sam Lazarus-Keene (15) did spectacularly well to record a time of 8 hours 41,as did Brett Butler in 15 hours 38, the longest out there on his feet. A four footed friend, "Shadow" outlasted the humans of his family to also complete the 40 miles.
Comment from those taking part –" ACW (whether run or walked) is, in my opinion, probably one of the toughest physical and mental endurance Challenges you can find in Europe. It's a clever and (almost) engineered course that makes you feel you're racing through the unspoilt Warwickshire countryside.” Peter Jaworisky. " I do intend to come back next year, but to walk it. I want to enjoy your beautiful countryside at a slower pace.” Paul Wilkinson.
Details and full results from the event can be found at www.acoventryway.org.uk. Date of the Challenge for 2010 is Sunday April 18th, put a note in your diary.
Courgette cake
3 eggs
9 fl oz sunflower oil
12 oz caster sugar
12 oz grated courgette
4 oz oats
7 oz plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsps bicarbonate of soda
1 tbsp cinnamon 6 oz raisins
6 oz chopped walnuts Method
Line a 9-inch square tin with baking parchment or greaseproof paper.
Mix all the ingredients together and bake at gas mark 4 or 180 degrees for one hour or until a skewer comes out clean.
Cool slightly before turning out.
Happiness is……
Playing with my Mummy
In the summer breeze and having a picnic.
Watching the sunset go down and going on my trampoline on sunny days.
Watching movies before bedtime and learning while I enjoy myself while learning!
By Georgina, Meriden School
Enjoying a well earned break at Meriden Village Hall Runners at the start of the event outside the Village Hall
STRAWBERRY BANK HOTEL
Special lunchtime deal
2 Main Courses for£9.95
Tuesday to Friday
Special evening deal
2 main courses for £11.95
Monday to Friday A grenade that fell onto a kitchen floor in France resulted in Linoleum Blownapart!!
& RESTAURANT
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Telephone: 01676 522117
Email: enquiries@strawberrybank.co.uk Main Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7NF
Don’t forget the Meriden Mag has its own web site, where you can view back issues or friends and relatives not in the area can catch up on local news www.meridenmag.co.uk
Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm daily 7 days a week Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day breakfast for £3.90!
5 fishing lakes in glorious countryside Now selling a complete range of baits
Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk
Living History in Spon End,Coventry
Tucked away in Coventry’s Upper Spon Street is a piece of the city’s medieval heritage, Black Swan Terrace is a rare example of a timber frame building constructed in about 1450. The building faced demolition in the 1990s but it was saved by local people who formed a Trust to restore the buildings and put them to community use. English Heritage have classified the building as Grade 2* which means that it is of great historical significance and the Trust embarked on a restoration project with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and Coventry City Council.
The work was completed in 2007 and since then the Trust has been able to show the results to the public on a series of Open Days. Highlight of the project is the Weaver’s House, which has been recreated to look as it would have done in the 1520s when it is known that a weaver named John Croke lived in the Terrace. The upper floor contains a loom, which has been donated to the Trust and where demonstrations of weaving are given by volunteers and re-enactors on Open Days. Visitors can hear talks on the history of the building and the restoration project, and much can be learned about the life of a weaver from the displays in the adjacent Activity Centre. Behind the house is a garden, which is in the process of being recreated to look as it may have done in the 1520s. Raised beds have been constructed to grow a range of herbs and other plants popular in those times. Herbs would have been grown not only for cooking but also for medicinal purposes and dyeing which was an important part of the weaving process.
Volunteers maintain the building and garden, some of them are working on constructing a clay oven, which is representative of the period. Plans are underway to develop the garden further and volunteers are always welcome to come and help maintain it.
A series of Open Days is planned for some Saturdays during the summer of 2009, each with a medieval theme with different crafts and skills on display. The next is on Saturday June 20th from 11.00am to 4.00pm and the series will culminate in Heritage weekend on 12th and 13th September. If you are interested in volunteering, or just coming along to have a look, leave your contact details on 02476 257117 or at info@sebpt.org.uk and someone from the Trust will get back to you.
To visit:
By bus: 900 bus to Meriden St (Aston Court Hotel) cross over at traffic lights and walk down Barras Lane. By Car: Along the Allesley Old Road, go under railway arch, turn left over the hump back bridge (20mph limit) and park the car.
Brian Brown (a Black Swan Volunteer) is able to help you with any more details 01676 522210
In April Cyclesolihull celebrated attracting 2000 riders since the rides started in 2006.
Cyclesolihull Community Cycle Rides will be taking place throughout this summer, starting at various locations around Solihull. They ideal for anyone who would like to get out for a few hours on two wheels with a few other people. There are Sunday Cycle Rides of between 10 and 20 miles most weekends at 2 pm and 10 mile Evening Explorer rides on alternate Wednesdays at 7 pm. There is also a monthly longer ‘Saturday Stretcher’ ride. All the rides are free and open to everyone who is comfortable riding on quiet roads – just turn up at the start point. There will be thirteen rides in June and July including a 16-mile ride starting from Meriden Green on Sunday 19 July. Further details of all the rides may be found at www.cyclesolihull.org.uk.
Togetherness
An elderly couple were sitting down to lunch when a young man noticed they had only ordered one meal and an extra cup. He watched as the elderly man divided everything in half including the drink and then stared to eat his lunch.
The Young man kindly asked the couple if he could buy them another meal! The gentleman replied “Oh no, but thank you for offering. We’ve been married 50 years and we share everything 50/50”. The young man then asked if the lady was going to eat, to which he received the reply “Not yet she’s got to wait for her turn with the false teeth!”
Knowle Parish Church Sat 6th June 10am 20-25 S6 Monkspath (Shelly Farm Shops) Wed 10th June 7pm 10 Taster ride Dorridge Park (Arden Rd Car Park) Sun 14th June 2pm 5
S7 Malvern Park (Car park at play area) Wed 17th June 7pm 9 L2 Dickens Heath Library Sun 21st June 2pm 18
S2 Knowle Parish Church Sun 12th July 2pm 9
M5 Meriden The Green Sun 19th July 2pm 16
S4 Dickens Heath Library Wed 22nd July 7pm 9
S3 Catherine de Barnes (The Boat Inn) Sun 26th July 2pm 9
Clare Stretton. 1932- 2009.
Clare Stretton sadly passed away at the end of February this year, after a long and distressing illness. She leaves her son Steve and daughter in law Sue, and grandchildren Jenna and Stuart, who live in Meriden. Clare and her late husband, Orson, ran the Post Office and Top Set hairdressers in the village for several years. Coming originally from Leicester the couple and Steve settled in Meriden and made many friends here. Clare was a vibrant bubbly woman and was always immaculate. Their small grocers in Barrowupon-Soar in Leicester was the first and smallest self service supermarket in the country, and they enjoyed having the PG Tips chimps visit with TV crews on their opening.
The move was made later to Meriden and they became part of village life, even entering a float in the village fete.
When Steve married and left the post office to work in Birmingham, Clare and Orson sold up to Reg Harper, and moved on to Shirley, Birmingham, where they ran 2 hair salons until 1989, before retiring down to their dream in Dartmouth South Devon. They were keen Petanque (French Boules) players and founded the Dartmouth Petanque Club, which is still popular today.
Sadly Orson passed away in 1995 aged 61. Clare remained in Dartmouth and lived a full and happy life until she was diagnosed with 3 degenerative diseases, which resulted in her having to move back up to a care home in Corley where her family could look after her.
FILLONGLEY SHOW. SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST
Fillongley Agricultural Society are holding their Annual Show on 9th August at Stonehouse Farm, Stonehouse Lane, Corley, CV7 8AG (put this in your ‘sat nav’). If you haven’t got ‘sat nav’ don’t worry, there are plenty of signs to the Show. There will be a variety of attractions, some of them are: The Working Craft Tent, Beer Tent, Afternoon Teas, Show Jumping, Vintage Tractors and Cars, Tug-O-War, Young Farmers, Clay Pigeon Shooting. Dog show where you can enter your ‘pampered pooch’ or ‘ ‘mollycoddled mongrel’. Children’s Fancy Dress, Punch and Judy, Morris Dancing, Nuneaton Flyball Team, Trade Stands, a wide variety of Livestock, not forgetting our wonderful Horticultural Tent with superb displays of Flowers, Vegetables, Cakes, Preserves, Art works and Photographs, also there are categories for children to enter. If you are an amateur who would like to display something you have grown, photographed or wish to make a cake, please obtain a schedule which details all the categories for you to choose from. These can be downloaded from our website www.fillongley-show.org.uk or by contacting our Secretary: Mrs Cheryl Brookes by telephone on 02476460287 or email fillongleyshow@fsmail.net.
Fillongley Show is on your doorstep, if you have been before you will know what an enjoyable day it is, and if you haven’t come and have a look, it is a fun filled day for all the family. We are always looking for new members, so if you like what you see, come and join us. Make a note in your diary, Hope to see you on August 9th
Admission prices are the same as 2008. Adults £6, under 16’s £3. And FREE PARKING
Happiness is……..
Happiness is going to the beach
Happiness is going to the shop
Happiness is going to see my Daddy in Essex
Happiness is going to see Sian
Happiness is playing at school with my friends
Happiness is eating pizza at Pizza Hut
Happiness is playing outside in the street
By Ryan Storer, Meriden School
Heart of England School PTA Garden Party
July 4th from 12 noon to 4.00pm at 86, Meeting House Lane, Balsall Common (If wet at the school).
Musical entertainment will be provided by students from the school and there will be a barbecue, prize draw and a variety of stalls including books and homemade cakes .
Admission 50p adults, students free Julie on 01676 530708
The computer swallowed Grandpa. Yes, honestly it’s true! He pressed ‘control and enter’ And disappeared from view.
It devoured him completely The thought just makes me squirm
He must have caught a virus
Or been eaten by a worm
I’ve searched through the recycle bin And files of every kind;
I’ve even used the Internet, But nothing did I find.
In desperation I asked ‘Jeeves’ My searches to refine.
The reply from him was negative, Not a thing was found ‘on line’
So, if inside your ‘Inbox’ My Grandpa you should see, Please ‘copy, scan and paste’ him And send him back to me.
Carpentry and joinery
Cleaning PVC goods and conservatories Painting and decorating Electrical repairs Glazing
tiling Gardening and paving Phone Paul Telephone: 0121 764 5872 Mobile 07979 064835
EXOTIC THAI
DEE IS AT QUEENS HEAD PUB
OLD ROAD
MERIDEN
Exotic Thai cuisine cooked in the traditional Thai Way
OPEN 5 days a week Tuesday to Saturday
Food can be ordered between the following times:
Tuesday – Thursday 7.00pm till 10.00pm (closing)
Friday – Saturday 7.00pm till 10.30pm (closing)
Book in advance to avoid disappointment 01676 523740 (6.00pm till 9.30pm)
The management reserves the right of admission
Warwickshire WildlifeTrust
Summer events at the Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull
Wednesday 22nd July – Wednesday 2nd September Children’s Workshops
10.30am – 12 noon
A huge selection of workshops run throughout the summer holidays. There is a different activity everyday, including Folklore and Fairytales, Marvellous Mayflies, Big Bug Hunt, Wild Tales for Tots, Alfresco Art, Brilliant Bushcraft, Pond Pirates and ending up with Scarecrows And Scared Crows where children can celebrate Harvest Festival and build a scarecrow in teams.
Wednesday and Friday mornings are specifically geared towards the 5 and under age group.
Nuts about Nature Club
This runs once a month on a Saturday morning between 9:00 – 11:00 am
Saturday 13th June – Mammals
Saturday 11th July – Insects and Bugs
Saturday 8th August – Art in the Wild
Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry For details of these please phone 02476 302 912
Really Wild Birthday Parties
Why not book a party at the Parkridge Centre? Party times are available every Saturday and Sunday during the year and we offer a wide range of creative and exciting activities and can also provide the food, invitations and party bags for you.
Toddler Trundle Group
We also run a Toddler Group every Wednesday during term time only between 10:30 -12:00, booking is essential and the session costs £2.50 per child
Cost of each workshop is £3.00 per child or £4.00 for non WWT Members
To book any of these events please call 0121 704 0768 Or
8) COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
Training took place with West Midlands Police on 29th and 30th April. Sarah Markham has kindly volunteered to become the Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator. The first community speed watch check will be held soon on the four roads that were identified in the Village Appraisal as causing concern. If you would like to volunteer please contact the clerk.
9) ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Are you suffering Anti Social Behaviour?
The definition of Anti Social Behaviour is: “behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as him/herself”
Examples of such behaviour are shouting, swearing, spitting, criminal damage, throwing missiles, litter, drunkenness, and abuse to passers by, intimidation, threats of violence or playing loud music.
If you are, you can contact the POLICE and the ASB TEAM at SOLIHULL MBC for assistance.
HOW TO CONTACT THE POLICE
(the following info has been obtained for you from the police).
• Dial 0845 113 5000
To report a crime
To contact your localpolice station
To get police assistance in a non-emergency
For generalenquiries
• Dial 0845 113 5000 ext 7601 6273
To contact your localneighbourhood team to talk through localissues such as ongoing anti-socialbehaviour.
• Dial 0800 555 111
To report crime anonymouslyto Crimestoppers.
• Dial 999
If life is in danger or a crime is in progress.
How will the police respond?
• “Immediate” calls are emergencies and require police attendance within 10 minutes.
• “Earlyresponse” calls should have a police response within 30 minutes or as quicklyas possible thereafter.
• “Routine” calls are non-urgent and should be dealt with byan officer during the following 2-3 days.
Don’t forge t
IN ALL CASES, PLEASE ASK FOR A “LOG NUMBER” TO ENSURE THAT ALL CALLS ARE RECORDED AND THE NAME OF THE PERSON RECEIVING YOUR CALL.
Police Priority Setting Meetings
The police hold quarterly Priority Setting Meetings which residents are invited to attend to meet with their local police and to discuss the issues theywant the police to address. Please look out for details of the next meeting, which willbe put on the parish notice boards.
SOLIHULL MBC ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR TEAM
(Information taken from the SMBC website www.solihull.gov.uk/community/antisocialbehviour.htm)
You can report anti social behaviour to the Anti Social Behaviour Co-ordinator on 0121 717 1515 email cdrp@solihull.gov.uk. The police and the local authority will recognise the distress caused by anti social behaviour and willsupport you and your family.
When the police or localauthorityis involved you maybe asked to take ownership of the problem by:
• Completing a diarywith details, dates, times and events.
• Take photographs or video for evidence, if this is appropriate and doesn’t put you in danger.
• Report incidents to SMBC and the police, (noting down the police log number and name of the person receiving your complaint).
• Talk to your neighbours who maybe suffering problems and ask them to keep diaries.
The public and press are cordially invited to all meetings in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. An opportunitywill be given for the public to speak. Look out for the Agenda, which is posted on the parish notice boards prior to the meeting.
June 2009 10th Sub Committtee Meeting
22nd Parish CouncilMeeting
July2009 8th Sub Committee Meeting
27th Parish CouncilMeeting
August 2009 24th Parish CouncilMeeting
Should you wish to contact your Parish Council please contact the Clerk:
Your Parish Councillors are: Rosie Weaver (Chair); Bob Kipling (Vice Chair); Graeme Goodsir; ShirleyGoodsir; Marilyn Hamilton; Melanie Lee; Sarah Markham; WillMarkham.
1) CHAIR’S ANNUAL REPORT 2008/2009
The Annual Report from the Chair of Meriden Parish Council cannot be featured here, as it would take up too much space in the Meriden Mag. However, it can be viewed on the website or at the library
2) COMMUNITY SURGERIES
A representative from the West Midlands Police along with Susan East, our Neighbourhood Coordinator from Solihull MBC, will be available for you to discuss any issues at Meriden Library on Monday mornings from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the following dates: 15th June and 20th July. Further dates willbe advertised on the notice boards shortly.
3) PARISH COUNCIL AUDIT
Notices will be posted end of May displaying Audit Date 27th July with a summary of electors’ rights for Year End Accounts 2008/2009.
4) UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT AT MAXSTOKE LANE/HAMPTON LANE
David Wilson Homes (part of the Barratt Group) willbe holding a public consultation at the Village Hallon Friday 5th June. As soon as the Parish Council receives further detailed information about the public consultation, notices willbe displayed on the parish notice boards.
5)
TENNIS COURTS
Due to vandalism, the tennis courts on Maxstoke Lane playing fields are locked. Keys can be obtained from the Spar Shop and Parish Clerk.
6) MERIDEN POND
The Parish Council is continuing to work with Solihull MBC towards the repair and refurbishment of the pool. The councils would like to involve the whole of the community in this project and will be working together on this including a joint bid for funding.
Healthy waterfowl – Feeding waterfowl white bread, leads to them developing a disease called ‘Angel Wing’ which causes their flight feathers to grow too fast. This is where one or both wings droop and turn outwards (sometimes mistaken as a broken wing). This hampers or prevents flying and has serious impacts, since the birds cannot escape from predators. To avoid this, swans and geese should only be fed low protein foods, or other foods such as grass, lettuce or seeds – they should not be fed white bread. The appropriate food for waterfowl will shortly be available for purchase at “Zoe’s Market” on the Village Green
7) NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT AT MAXSTOKE LANE PARK
The new playing fields at Hampton Lane will not be completed for at least another two years. During that time the children in the parish of Meriden will have to continue using the facilities at Maxstoke Lane. In view of this, the Parish Council are delighted that a new piece of play equipment, “The Matrix”, which has been chosen by the children of Meriden School should be installed in Maxstoke Lane park by the summer holidays. The Parish Council wishes to thank Solihull MBC who have assisted with funding this project. Their thanks also go to the children and head teacher of Meriden School.
Super Summer Special 2 for 1
Summer Special 2 for 1 2 1 2 1
Credit crunch, Recession, Depression Credit crunch, Recession, Depression –– all words you won’t hear when you visit the Manor’s words you hear when you visit Manor’s award winning Regency Restaurant and enjoy the fantastic value of our award Regency and enjoy the of our Summer Two for One Dinner Menu. Summer One Dinner Menu.
Available Fri Available Fri Available Available Friday 3 day day rd July until Friday 4 July until Friday th September
Applicable to the three course fixed price menu, normally £28.00 Applicable to three course price normally
The Manor Hotel, Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NH The Manor Hotel, Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NH Telephone; 01676 522735 Telephone; 01676 522735 01676 522735 01676 522735 www.manorho www.manorho www.manorho www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk telmeriden.co.uk sales@manorhotelmeriden.co.uk sales@manorhotelmeriden.co.uk
Old friends of Meriden and former pupils of the Heart of England School descend on Meriden for good old fashion knees up.
On Friday 13th March 2009 two former pupils of The Heart of England School, Sue Malin (Pointon) and Brenda Curtis (Smith) held a reunion for their former school friends and old friends of Meriden.
The weeks leading up to the event were frantically filled with hours in front of the computer tracking down old friends, sending messages to and fro via Friends Reunited and putting posters up around the village. It was taking time but the guest list was growing and everyone invited was waiting in anticipation to see if they could recognize their old friends. It was the night of the reunion and early on it didn’t look like many people were going to turn up and the event was going to be a wash out but this all changed when about 45 friends from days gone by walked through the doors of the Heart of England Social Club, as many entered the room they instantly recognized some old familiar faces and struggled with some that they couldn’t.
Throughout the night old friends swapped stories of days gone by and searched through old photographs for themselves and other familiar faces.
The drink was flowing and late into the night we ladies took to the dance floor setting ourselves up as the backing dancers for the DJ who was playing some of our favourite tracks from our youth. It was such a shame that the night had to come to an end as everyone was having such a great time.
' It was great to see so many old friends back together again; the people that sadly didn’t attend really did miss out on a great night. Thank you everyone for coming along and making it such a great night, especially those who travelled hundreds of miles to attend.'……………..
SUE MALIN (POINTON) AND BRENDA CURTIS (SMITH)
Painting With Julie Hyde Tree in a landscape
Using water and watercolour paint mix up two puddles of paint; One each of: -
• Blue
• Yellow with a little Blue added, (giving a yellowy green colour.)
With a large brush, wet all of the paper with clean water. You will need to use paper for watercolour painting. While this is still wet, add the blue to the top half and the yellowy green to the bottom half. Use a little kitchen roll and blot on to the sky area and form fluffy clouds. LET THIS DRY. Mix up a little puddle of: -
• Yellow and Blue (giving a green colour)
With a smaller brush add a few streaks and blobs of this colour where the sky and land meet to give the impression of distant hedges. Don’t do any detail here. For the leaves on the tree, mix up two puddles of paint, making them a lot stronger this time, one each of: -
• Yellow
• Blue with a little yellow (green)
• Blue with a little dark brown (dark grey colour)
Using a small piece of damp sponge, dip this into the yellow mix and sponge on to the right hand side of the picture in a few places. Do the same with the green colour, putting this next to and just underneath the yellow sponging. Then repeat with the dark blue grey colour.
Using a little dark brown and a small brush, paint on a tree trunk and a few branches in between the leaves
With a little weak mix of blue and water, add a few streaks of this wash across the grass for the shadows under the tree.
For details of Meriden Art Group contact Julie on 01676 523357
WECARE FOR YOUR TREES
FORESTRY TRAINING COUNCIL APPROVED FULL LIABILITY INSURANCE UP TO £5 MILLION FELLING PRUNING HEDGE TRIMMING STUMP REMOVAL
CROWN REDUCTION & THINNING
There will be an exhibition of the Art Group’s work at the Jazz on the Lawn on Sunday 28 th June and also at the Old Market Hall Coleshill, from 1 st to 8 th July LARCH TREE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE
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
ZOE’S MARKET 3,The Green, Meriden 01676522822
Vegetables Fruit Pet Foods Fresh Farm Eggs Fresh Fish delivered every Thursday, orders welcome Frozen Fish always in stock
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
More Meriden Memories from Mike:
Of the names, which have appeared in the Mag, I well remember Mrs. Topp, who lived in one of the thatched cottages off the Green, and kept pedigree Alsatians. She also sang in the church choir and I have happy memories of singing carols round the village for a week before Christmas, when Mrs. Weller was organist. I think she took on the job as a stopgap and carried on with it for quite a few years. I also remember Rose Cranmore at Triumph and that reminds me that we used to walk over the fields at lunchtime, to see how the Meriden By-pass was progressing. The shopping list from Mrs. Tuckey also brought back memories of her Father –in -law, Percy, having the butchers shop and supplying offals to my mother during the war, when they were not on the ration. I also remember mum buying some sweetbreads, which I loved, in Wales when we were on holiday and complaining about the price as she said Mr. Tuckey used to give them to her for nothing. I recall my grandmother and aunt talking about the Kittermaster family and saying that the wife of an old ringing friend of mine used to stay with them. The reference to Meriden Pool brought back memories of being told to keep away from it and particularly not to go on the ice when it was frozen, as there were "whirlpools". I well remember the row of cottages known as "Tory Row" (after Victoria) and some of the people who lived there. The one at the East end had the communal well in the front garden and was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Nicks. I recall Mrs. Nicks as a greatly loved member of the church choir, who was sadly knocked down and killed by a lorry in the blackout. The then Vicar, the Reverend Cuthbert Casson, was so moved by her death that he rang the tenor bell, during the war-time ban, and was nearly arrested by the Home Guard. He was a Cambridge rowing "blue" and I recall the commemorative oar being proudly displayed on the wall of his lounge. With the names of the "eight" inscribed. Next door were Mr. and Mrs. Draper. I believe that he was Waggoner for the corn merchant at Kent House, now Meriden Hotel, although I can’t remember whether it was in the time of J.O. Jones of W. Price; probably both. After his death Mrs. Draper flew to Australia to see her son, a very rare action at that time and probably almost the first time she had left the village. Then there was Mrs. Southern and her daughter Betty but I don't remember Mr. Southern very well, so he probably died early on. The other thing I remember about the pool was that the swans were known as Tom and Daisy.
The "parish room" was on the South side of the pool, off Berkswell Lane, and the roof collapsed in the forties, due to the weight of snow, and a lady purchased and rebuilt it at the bottom of the "Straight Mile" as a transport cafe. During the war I remember walking over the fields to Hornwood Farm with my twin sister, to play with the Kibble girls, Doreen and Janet, and one occasion was the morning after the April 1941, Coventry blitz. We didn't know what we should find, as we had experienced "stray" bombs in the village. Fortunately, we survived the trip without encountering anything.
On another occasion I remember "Fen" Jones, who had a farm at the bottom of Meriden Hill, trying to throw an incendiary bomb out of his cowshed when it exploded and caused an injury to his arm, from which I don't think he ever recovered. I think he was the only human casualty in the village, although one or two cows were inflated by the blast. I hope these further ramblings may be of some interest to someone.
They don't seem to print as neatly as I type them. I shall have to find out why. I have only had my laptop for a few months and have so far done a Start IT course, at the age of 78.
I have just remembered something else! Following publication of my letter about Meriden Home Guard, I received a Christmas card saying "yes, I do" from Alan Jones, who lived opposite me in Whichcote Avenue when we started school; 74 years ago. We have since exchanged 'phone calls and e-mails.
Playing water fights in the summer sun. Being invited to play at my friend’s house. Drawing animals with a sharp pencil. Going to the shop when I have enough money to buy a toy.
Playing football with my cousins who I hardly ever see.
Aiden Winter Meriden School
Happiness is……
Happiness is being at the seaside
Playing in the garden on a sunny summers day. Having a best friend party at my house. Opening the presents on Christmas morning
Helping my friends when they’re in trouble
Having a freezing cold ice cream on a boiling hot day.
Ella Swift Meriden School
Meriden Shafts
This edition’s village history article is in response to a request. ......“and a grove called Shaftes Springe” (1525) a description of this wood in a lease- time of Henry VIII. By 1625 it was simply, ‘a grove called the Shafts’ in a sale deed.
An article in the Birmingham Post in March 2008 may have given rise to the query asking me what is the true meaning of this place name. The author stated categorically, ‘the Shafts is the only remnant of a once thriving mining industry,’ an error repeated in other publications over the years including a walk publicised on the Internet now. We need to find the earliest written references to any place to assess the original meaning and as the Tudor description indicates, it referred to water welling out of the ground in this woodland which is situated on a fault line on the edge of the East Warwickshire plateau. Streams run down the field slopes to form one: the Horn Brook which even now in a flash flood can swamp the bottom of Meriden Hill. In former times it flowed behind Tory Row, formed Meriden Pool, then ran into the grounds of Meriden Hall creating another pool, to cross the Heath before draining into the River Blythe. In the Middle Ages the northern part of the parish was covered in trees and glades, part of the ancient Forest of Arden, Arden meaning high land. There are references to all our woods not just the Shafts, many of historical interest. The Shafts covering over 120 acres belonged originally to the main manor, the Alspath Hall estate. An early document (1308) tells us about poachers using ferrets and nets whom the lord of the manor caught. In 1523 Thomas Botiler the then lord died leaving four daughters. The youngest Marjorie was unmarried so her father set up a trust fund for her: the rents from part of the Shafts. His second girl, by then Mrs Elizabeth Brooke inherited the main wood and her descendants retained it until the early 1800s. As the Brooke family lived in Shropshire, it was always leased out to local men.
A major way of earning your living in Meriden was as a wood monger. In the mid-1500s a family called Harding was prominent making hurdles to pen in animals for sale in Coventry or Rugby markets. The Wests of Marlbrook Hall made a fortune from 1570s to 1630s selling whole trees, which they cut down, loaded on sledges and had dragged by oxen and horses for sale locally and as far as Lutterworth. You can still see part of Henry West’s gift: the rough hewn lid of his Poor Man’s Box created from such a tree. From 1770s to 1860s another family made besoms (brooms) and brushes from the lesser branches and twigs there.
Dr Kittermaster painted the Shafts, his best pictures being on his walk from his home by the church to Hollyberry End House. A photo on the Internet shows one of the gates near the Heart of England Way, which looks just like my painting by the Doctor dating from 1832. His trees were deciduous and conifer but during the First World War demand was such that nearly all the trees were cut down. I was told of a terrible accident during this war work. I knew the man’s widow, as she was one of our neighbours. After the Great War the Forestry Commission replanted the wood with conifers. Now it is something of a nature reserve. And on one night in 2004, 34 species of moth were counted in it.
‘Friends of Lavender Hall Park’
The Rotary Club of Meriden has just received news that it has been awarded a grant of £5000 by the Big Lottery Fund in its latest "Breathing Places" programme, which is linked to the BBC's Springwatch series. The award is for its project at Katherine's Wood, Lavender Hall Park, Balsall Common and will be for a new community project carried out in conjunction with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Solihull Council, involving the development of a bird feeding station, along with interpretation boards / signage and identification workshops. Private fundraising and an earlier Big Lottery Award has already enabled the Club to plant nearly four acres of Lavender Hall Park as woodland in 2006 and 2007. Following this, the Council was able to declare the Park as a Local Nature Reserve and the Rotary Club wants to see Katherine's Wood enhanced and improved for the local community through this latest grant.
‘Friends of Lavender Hall Park’ was set up by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in March 2009. The group aims to improve the environment in the park, to widen opportunities to access funding and training, and to make sure everyone that uses the park is happy. Staff from both Solihull Council and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust attend the meetings, so it is a good opportunity for you to express your ideas and make them happen.
The group meets once a month. The next meeting is: Wednesday 10th June from 7:30pm at Balsall Common Methodist Church, Station Road If you would like more information, please get in touch with Izumi Segawa at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, email: izumi.segawa@wkwt.org.uk, Tel:02476 302912.
Doreen Agutter
“Together we can beat Cancer”
We have just finished our financial year and are very pleased to have raised £16,000 for Cancer Research UK. Thanks to everyone who has supported us and also to the local volunteers committee who have worked hard to make this possible.
It is with sadness that we hear of the death of Mrs Dot Sakne who was a wonderful fund-raiser for this charity in Meriden. Dot was 95 years old and until recently lived in James Dawson Drive. We have records showing that she was actively collecting in 1952 and probably before that date. I visited her recently and she remembered collecting £11.4.6d on her own and “they were all cottages then you know”!!
In 1966 a committee working for the British Empire Cancer Research Campaign was formed. This was to be changed to Cancer Research UK and Mrs Sakne was the secretary and treasurer. Fortnightly whist drives, cheese and wine parties and rummage sales raised money.
We thankfully acknowledge her hard work and enthusiasm, which drove this local charity committee for 22 years until she resigned in 1988, and for her commitment before any formal group was formed.
A Black Country night was held recently in the Heart of England Club and was a great success financially. We all had a lot of laughs and enjoyed wonderful fish and chips.
On Sunday July 12th we will be having a summer fete at “Swallowfields” Hampton Lane the home of Mrs Sue Sweeney. This will start at 2.00pm. There will be many stalls and a fantastic raffle, activities for children, hot dogs, burgers and drinks, fresh produce from the allotment, jams, pickles and plants will be on sale. There will be entertainment and Irish dancers. See you there for a good community event.
On Friday October 9th we will be having our annual “In the Pink “ ladies night this year it will be held at The Strawberry Bank Hotel, more details in the next Mag.
On Friday November 27th we will be having a Trad Jazz night at the Heart of England Club more details later. Our thanks go to our treasurer Lawrence Wood, who resigned at the end of the year and welcome to Jan Wade our new treasurer,
Thanks for all your support in the past and we are looking forward to your support again this year.
“Together we can beat Cancer “
Mary Warr 01676 522160
Carol Lindeque 07811613905
Jan Wade 01676 523118
Summer Fete Summer Fete
At Swallowfields At Swallowfields At At Hampton Lane Hampton Lane Hampton Lane Hampton Lane
Sunday 12 Sunday th th July July 2.00pm 2.00pm
Tickets:
£5 Child/OAP
£6.50 Adults
Stalls, Fantastic Raffle, Plant sales
Stalls, Fantastic Raffle, Activities for children Activities
Hot dogs, burgers and drinks Hot dogs, burgers and drinks Hot dogs, burgers and drinks Hot dogs, burgers and drinks Fresh produce Fresh produce from the allotments from the allotments the allotments Irish Dancers Irish Dancers Irish Irish Free Admission Free Admission
At Meriden School
Saturday 4th July at 1.00pm All proceeds In aid of In aid of In aid of In aid
Available from the School or Meriden Library or phone 522334
Followed by our Summer Fayre Games stalls, refreshments –Fun for all the family
If you are interested in having a stall please contact Sarah 01676 522334 (School PTA)
Pyramid Pantomimes Presents Aladdin
Meriden Methodist Nursery closed for the final time on Friday 3rd April 2009 after nearly 41 years - Marilyn, Pat, Tracy and Glynnis would like to thank everyone for their cards, presents and good wishes for the future - Pat and Glynnis will see the children up at the school and Beechwood, Tracy (and Marilyn on occasions) will see some of the children at the new playgroup facility which will be opening for two hours three times a week in the Methodist Hall - but please feel free to pop round and see me anytime at home - feed the ducks, play in the tree house or just have a chat and of course a drink and a biscuit! –
'People always say that change is a good thing, but what it really means is that something that you didn't want to happen, has happened'
Marilyn Hamilton
Although the Methodist nursery has closed its doors for the final time a new playgroup is operating in the Methodist hall. This playgroup is open on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 9.15am to 11.15am and is for children 20 months to 5 years.
Parents DO NOT have to stay; it is fully staffed at all times. The cost is £8 for a morning and all staff are trained or training to NVQ level 3 in childcare.
Prospective Parents and carers are welcome to call in at any time the nursery is open.
Learning with my friends, Eating chocolate, watching TV
Playing with my dog.
Shopping with my friends
Acting in the theatre, People trusting me
Visiting my Dad in snowy Scotland.
Seeing my Dad every fortnight
Dancing on the stage, Doing tricks on the field
And looking after pets.
By Harriet Kennedy Meriden School
The Mayor’s Ball
The Mayor, Councillor David Bell, re-launched the Ball at the Motor Cycle Museum, at the end of March and it turned out to be the biggest and possibly the best ever. All the tickets were sold two months before the event which was attended by 588 guests including Mr and Mrs Jasper Carrott, Civic Heads from all over the Midlands and many others from the Council, Airport, Land Rover, Parkridge and Salway Bradbury Many local companies provided sponsorship including Touchwood and Gallaghers and £14,000 was raised for Macmillan Support and £4,000 for Troop Aid. Dancing was to the Earl Grey Band and Mr Brian Chapelhow of Verve Promotions (based in Meriden) was the MC.
The Committee, including local Soroptomists and Rotarians, did a fantastic job and The Mayor would like to thank everyone who contributed to make this evening such a great success.
of Beer and Wine Cash Machine and Cash Back available
Open Weekdays 6am-10pm Weekends 7.30am-10pm
Spar 1, The Green, Meriden 01676 522287
Lord and Lady Aylesford invite you to a cream tea in the garden at Packington Hall on Thursday July 2nd at 2.30pm In aid of St James Church Great Packington
Do come and bring your friends Entrance £3.50 on the door If wet in the Pompeian Room
Brian Chapelhow, Steve Gulati and Jasper Carrott
The Mayor, Councillor David Bell Photographs courtesy of Steve Evans at www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00
When the Surgery is closed
The Practice uses a GP co-operative Badger for emergencies outside normal surgery hours. For details on how to obtain medical help when the surgery is closed please telephone 01676 532587
Repeat Prescription Requests
We prefer these to be ordered using the list attached to your previous prescription.
• Post to the surgery
• Hand to the surgery
• Fax 01676 523865 to the surgery
If necessary telephone requests will be taken between 10.00am and 12.30pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Please quote your computer number. 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION
REQUESTS
TRAVEL HEALTH
How safe is your holiday
destination?
Have you booked your holiday for this year yet?
With the current economic climate this may be something you will leave to the last minute depending on your financial status. However cheaper last minute deals could save you money but have you given any thought to the health risks that you may be putting yourself and your family at risk from.
Unfortunately travel agents don’t usually like to divulge that travel vaccinations may be needed for certain destinations as this may put you off booking with them and of course they are not experts in travel health.
Many holiday destinations in Europe as well as Africa, Asia and central and South America require travel vaccinations which may need a minimum of 4 weeks to administer, especially if a course of vaccinations are needed.
The most common vaccinations that may be required are Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio, Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid. Certain other vaccinations may also be recommended depending on the area of travel, type of trip and duration of travel such as Rabies, Japanese B Encephalitis, Tick-Bourne Encephalitis and Meningitis ACWY.
Malaria advice and preventative medication is also very important. The nurses at the surgery are all trained in travel health and would be happy to give advice over the telephone or in person to assess your travel risks but don’t leave it too late as most vaccinations take 2 weeks to give the maximum amount of protection. Even if you have booked a last minute holiday it is still worth having the vaccinations, as they will give some amount of protection, which is better than none at all.
Travel information can be obtained from www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
Please remember to cancel your appointment if you can’t attend!
Home Visits
If patients are too ill to attend the surgery, or are housebound and need a doctor to visit them at home please telephone the surgery 01676522252
BEFORE 10.00am
Comments
If you would like to make any comments, complaints or suggestions concerning the surgery please contact Joanne Hope, Practice manager on 01676 532213 or in writing to the surgery.
Lloyds Pharmacy The Green Meriden Tel/ Fax 01676 522722
Monday 15th June Open Evening “A Sapphire Celebration” by Lorena Dyer
everyone welcome
Tickets £6.00 to include refreshments
Meriden Village Hall at 7.30pm prompt doors open at 7.00pm
Open Garden & Afternoon Tea
Saturday 20th June
2.00pm to 5.30pm at Stone Cottage
Blackhall Lane
Fillongley CV 7 8EG
In aid of Breast Cancer Care
Admission £3 including tea and cake. Raffle & Bring & Buy & plant stalls
Please bring a garden chair or rug
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 also “HOLIDAY HOME FOR SMALL PETS” RUN BY SOPHIE. Telephone 01676 522405 for details
Pub of the year 2008 Pub of the year 2008 Pub of the 2008 Pub of the 2008
(Sponsored by (Sponsored by (Sponsored (Sponsored
Warwickshire Life Magazine)
Warwickshire Life Magazine)
Warwickshire Life Magazine)
Warwickshire Life Magazine)
We are now serving our new summer menu
Freshly prepared food available all day, every day until 10.00pm and 9.30pm on Sundays
Come along and enjoy our
• Garden and Terrace area
• Great cask ales
• Continental beers
• Fantastic wine list
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition in the spring edition of the “Mag”
Congratulations go to:
Bob Hurrion of Berkswell who won a meal for two and a bottle of wine at the Bull’s Head by correctly stating that the date on the wall of the Bull’s Head Pub is circa 1603.
Meriden Knights Chess Club
Myself, Clive and Bill are still playing with the Coventry Chess Club (formerly Whoberley and Massey Fergussons) at Massey’s social club and various away venues. We have stored all of the quality sets, boards and clocks for the time being. We would love to rekindle the Meriden Knights, but obviously we need players. If you have any interest in playing chess, whether competitively or otherwise please contact us as soon as possible.
Graeme Goodsir 01676 521259
BRI is an independent firm based locally in Meriden offering expert investment management for:
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
Picture Framer
Calvin Home Workshop
279 Kenilworth Road
Balsall Common
Wednesday-Thursday-Friday & Saturday
10.00am thru to 5.00pm
Needleworks – Prints - Photos
Medals - Artworks
Mirrors available and framed
01676 544562
Meriden Mums and Toddlers Group
Meriden Methodist Church Hall Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am
Craft activities, healthy snacks, outdoor play, cup of tea and chat for Mums and carers
£1.50afamilyandfirstsessionfree
Contact 07921 766882 for more details
Heart of England
Property
Maintenance
Plumbing
Carpentry
General Maintenance
Painting & Decorating
Contact Paul Morgan on 01676 542885 07917 692948 mobile
All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing,
Eye Eye treatment, Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear ls, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear ls, microdermabrasion , massages, Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Stone Massage, Tanning and Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Stone Massage, Tanning and Vertical Sun bed. Vertical
Clinics available for Restylane, Muscle relaxing injections and Teeth whitening Also the home of Blitz the Bulge slimming club!!
For more details or to go on our mailing list Telephone 01676 521100
Also treatment rooms available at the Windmill Village Hotel and Nailcote Hall Hotel
Meriden library
01676 522717
Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Once again summer is fast approaching, along with the usual question on everyone’s mind, will it be a scorching or squelching one?! However, here at the library, we are sure to have the perfect book for you - whether you end up reading it lounged on a sun bed with a cold drink ……or wrapped up in a blanket sheltering from the downpour. Let’s hope it’s the former!
For those lucky enough to be holidaying in these credit crunch times, we have a wide selection of guidebooks on numerous countries, as well as places of interest in and around Britain. We have an extensive range of tourist information leaflets for the local area and farther a field. Plan a day trip for the family, a romantic weekend away or two weeks relaxing by the pool - it’s up to you!
Our annual Summer Reading Challenge for children will be starting again mid July. This year’s theme is Quests, so come along and embark on the quest to read six books (or more) over the holiday. If you manage to complete the challenge, you will receive the ultimate treasure of a “gold” medal and a certificate. Meriden library will also be holding an event for the children, which promises to be a lot of fun - look out for more details in July.
If you’re not able to surf the waves down in Cornwall or somewhere more exotic this summer, why not spend your time surfing the Internet instead? We provide free Internet access to all library users, which you can book over the phone or just drop in to use as you pass by. Our PCs also have word processing facilities and other applications for you to use.
MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS GROUP
We were sorry to learn of the death of one of our longstanding and staunch supporters - Jo Jenns. Jo was a lively minded lady who would tackle any topic with enthusiasm – and a voracious reader. We used to ask her whether the books she took out from the library on a Saturday would be sufficient to last her until the Library opened again on Monday! We shall miss her presence at our meetings.
Our summer programme:
June (NB Wednesday 3rd June) Literature about World War I (e.g. Pat Barker, Sebastian Faulks)
July – the Waugh Family (Auberon, Alec and Evelyn) August – a recent favourite read. We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (apart from June) at 7.30pm. Details of the venue from Meriden library staff. We have a theme for the evening but we do not all read the same book – a selection is available at our meeting from the library. Please come and give us a try –you will be most welcome. Sue Fuller
In April we held our third AGM in the Village Hall. Sadly we learned that Jo Jenns from Meriden had died. Jo was the first person to join our U3A and was an active member with the Strollers, Garden Visits, Current Affairs and the Lunch Group.
The U3A is unique in its concept, we the members have joined because we acknowledge we are in the third age of our lives and we have a desire to increase our knowledge or interest and it is important that we keep this ethos in mind - for this is what we are all about, expanding ourselves and taking on new challenges, being part of and contributing to the fellowship of this group.
During the past year we introduced ‘Pony Express’ whereby members on email take on the responsibility of printing out and delivering to a non-email member information, in particular ‘The Informer’ our twiceyearly in-house newsletter. The social aspect of our group is also important and this coming session we will be organizing a summer lunch, a members evening and a visit to The Talisman Theatre.
As an organisation we are now well established with 136 members. We are not, as yet, proposing to adopt a waiting list.
A new retractable wall-mounted screen (bought by the U3A from a generous donation given by Balsall Common Lions) had recently been installed in the village hall thus allowing a power point presentation to be shown landscape. This year the U3A’s accounts were shown in a visual presentation.
The new programme of speakers, details of the interest groups and the Executive Committee has been updated on our website. On Monday June 22nd the speaker is Alan Winterbourne on “Little Known Warwickshire” and on Monday July 27th Peter Glover’s talk is “Mespot”. All meetings are at 1-45 for 2-00pm. The Village Hall Balsall Common.
For visitors and prospective members there is a charge of £2.50, which is refundable on joining.
Contact: Anne Santos on 01676 534003
Or email – info@balsallcommonu3a.org
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table you manage to knock something else over?
Oxfam Book Fair at the Guild House in Knowle
Tuesday 14th July 10.am – 4.30pm
Free entry, Cream Teas, Knowle Local History Society Display
Part of the ‘Oxfam Bookfest’ 4th – 18th July 2009
A fortnight of romance, adventure and world change. Fourteen days of nationwide events in Oxfam shops and beyond to celebrate our unique book offer.
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The Knowle Shop is located on the High Street next door to the Greswolde Hotel, with friendly and helpful staff all with a love of books. Why not come and see what we have to offer and support Oxfam at the same time.
For more information about the Oxfam Shop and the Book Fair
• Wide selection of bacon including dry cure English
• Deli counter with a wide selection of cheese, pies and cooked meats
T’ai Chi 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!
It is not too late to enter the Solihull in Bloom Competition– entry forms are available from your local library and printed in the Solihull Times as well as applying online at www.solihull.gov.uk. There are various categories from schools to pubs and restaurants to residents’ gardens and hanging baskets. We had some good entries last year and the presentation evening at Notcutts is always well attended. In 2008 Solihull Council were really successful in the national Britain in Bloom competition winning the coveted “City Category” and a silver gilt award for the quality of the environment and landscaping all over Solihull. The borough also received a gold award from the regional judges. If you wish to help by entering one of the categories don’t forget to fill in your form, the closing date is June 30th .
Summer Events in Solihull
Solihull Carnival -Saturday 6th June Tudor Grange Park
Heart of England Kite Day –Sunday 7th June 11.00am-3.00pm Lavender Hall Park Balsall Common Music in the Park – Sunday 7th June 1.00pm-3.00pm
Tree Trail - Sunday 14th June 10.00am (2hours Approx) Millison’s Wood
“As You Like It”- Theatre in the Park Tuesday 23rd June 7.30pm Mini Beast Madness Saturday 27th June 10.00am-3.00pm Elmdon Park
“Wind in the Willows” – Outdoor Theatre Tuesday 21st & 28th July 7.00pm Brueton Park Love Parks Week Road Show - Saturday 25th July 10.00am-4.00pm Mell Square, Solihull Butterflies in Brueton Monday 3rd August 1.00-3.00pm Brueton Park
This is just a selection of activities in or around Solihull. You can find out more by reading the new Events in Solihull’s Parks and Open Spaces Guide which was launched in January filled with lots of events for all ages –from brass bands in the park to scarecrow making and conservation groups to fun festivals. So please down load a copy from www.solihull.gov.uk, visit your local library or call 0121 704 8000 for a free copy
Credit Crunch!
Are you feeling the pressure?
International Healthcare Company is looking for ambitious self-motivated people here in the UK to spearhead our second phase expansion, working part time from home. If you have a supervisory, managerial, recruitment, sales/marketing, teaching or self employed background (or feel that you would like to develop an extraordinary income with one of the UK’s fastest growing companies); I would like to hear from you. There is on-going, award winning support and training available for the right people. Call Gill Pritchard now on 01676 534020
Do you enjoy relaxing in beautiful gardens, or perhaps want advice on what to plant in your own garden?
Then a Sunday afternoon visiting Solihull’s Open Gardens is for you!
Here is your chance to explore around twenty of the Borough’s finest gardens, when they open this year for charity. It is very likely that at least one of them will be near you!!
This year for the first time on June 14th we have a group 26 allotments in Shakespeare Drive displaying flowers, soft fruits and vegetables.
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
These varied and delightful gardens will be open to the public over three Sundays, starting on 7 June, with gardens open on the following Sunday (14 June), and 12 July. Three of these gardens will open to the public for the very first time. Many of the gardeners will be offering additional treats for visitors, with homemade refreshments and superb selections of home grown plants for sale. Visitors can also win an alpine trough, and other prizes in competitions run during the season. As a special bonus, Solihull College will join the event by holding their open day on 7 June, when, amongst many attractions and displays, the grounds of Tudor Grange will be open, and their extensive Animal Centre with snakes, lizards, birds, and many domestic pets will also be open to the public. This is a perfect treat for the children or grandchildren, with free entry for the children to see all that is going on!
All the money raised goes to help the three Citizens Advice Bureaux in Solihull to provide free and confidential advice to all who need it.
Details of prices and opening arrangements are available from the website –www.solihullsopengardens.com, from posters in local garden centres and from Solihull Tourist Office in May, or by phoning 0121 705 1059 .
Herbaceous Plants
By Elaine Hitchens of Balsall common and district Horticultural Society
Despite the march of the weeds it is a beautiful time to be in the garden. The herbaceous border is springing into vibrant growth and I thought that it might be a good time to look at a few of the herbaceous plants that we find grow well for us, as well as some of our failures. We are now growing Crambe Cordifolia successfully at the second attempt. This is a large and impressive plant producing a huge sweetly scented cloud of starry white flowers in early summer. It grows to 6 feet and is definitely not for the front of the border, but has the merit of being attractive to bees. Our first failed attempt was in a damp position and success has been achieved by planting in a well drained sunny position.
We grow a number of Hemorocallis or Daylilies. The flowers last for only one day as the name suggests, but new buds keep developing, so the display lasts for many weeks. They are almost indestructible and can be transplanted at any time. Preferring a well-drained, fertile soil, they will tolerate poorer soils and heavy clay. We enjoy growing “Stafford” which is scarlet with a yellow throat. Chimes’: is typically free-flowering, it has yellow, star-shaped blooms with gorgeous mahogany backs to the petals; the buds are reddish-brown. This plant along with 'Helle Berlinerin' (creamy-white midsummer flowers) has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM). There are also a number of double hemorocallis that are worth looking out for.
. I enjoy growing Agapanthus, which add an exotic feel to the summer garden. Their colours range from shades of blue through to violet, but there are also pure white forms. Suitable for a sunny border, they can be left outside in winter. However they flower best when their root run is restricted and the choice darker blue varieties tend to be tenderer. Therefore, it is helpful to plant them in their pots in the ground and they will flower better. A useful tip that I was given suggests surrounding the pots with old carpet to keep them well insulated through the winter.
The Campanula or bellflower is a huge genus of about 300 species, growing just about anywhere, from rock gardens to woodland areas. The colour range runs from mostly blue, with a scattering of white and the occasional pink. They make good feature plants. We are particularly fond of 'Prichard's Variety' (AGM), which bears dark, violet-blue trusses of open bell-shaped flowers throughout the summer. Plant in sun or partial shade in rich moisture-retentive soil to encourage plenty of growth and flowers
I find Penstemons useful when planted to the front of the herbaceous border as they come in a wide range of colours, with long lasting summer flowers. They are hardy, resistant to slugs and other pests but attractive to bees, oblivious of drought and rain, thriving in most soil conditions in containers or borders, in sun or part shade. Propagation could not be simpler, just a glass of water and they root in a very short time. However I do find that they can become woody and leggy if they are not pruned annually in April or May.
And finally we have had mixed success in growing Eremurus or foxtail lilies, but are still trying out different corners of the garden in the hope of success. . Foxtail lilies are stately plants which make exotic additions to summer borders. They produce a magnificently tall flower spike, which can exceed 6 feet in height. Individual flowers are small but numerous, star- or cup-shaped. Their natural colour range is yellow, pink and white but this is has now been extended to include striking golden and coppery yellows, deep pinks, oranges and red. Eremurus need to be planted in fertile but welldrained soil with the crown not far below soil level, they are hardy, flowering in June and July. They like their own space and resent being crowded
A date for your diary: Balsall & District Horticultural Society Members Flower show at St Peter’s Church Hall, Balsall Common, Saturday 18th July. Open to the public.
Crambe cordifolia
Hemorocallis “Stafford”
Agapanthus
Campanula “Pritchards” variety
Penstemon
Eremurus
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Friday 5th June between 4.00pm and 8.00pm At Meriden Village Hall, Main Road, Meriden
David Wilson homes has announced that is to hold a public exhibition of its future plans to develop land with new homes at Maxstoke Lane, Meriden and the approved new sporting facilities in Hampton Lane, Main Road.
Prior to the submission of a formal planning application, David Wilson Homes is keen to ensure that the local community is provided with the opportunity to comment and provide feedback on the proposed residential scheme.
The exhibition will show details of the latest proposed residential scheme and approved new sporting facilities. Members of the project team will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have. The exhibition will also provide the opportunity for comments received to be fed back into the final plans.
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact our free phone information line on 0800 298 7040 (during office hours)
Reminder!! Deadline date for the autumn issue
(Out by 1s September) Monday 3rd August 2009
Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963
val.simon@virgin.net
Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453
margarete.argyle@googlemail.com
Treasurer: Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive Meriden
Deliveries: Mandy & Doug Bacon
Proof Reader: Claire Rose
Useful Village Contact Numbers
1st April – 31st October
– Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm
& Sunday 8.00am – 4.00pm Last admission 15 minutes before closing time
Meriden PrimarySchool Mrs. J. Smith 01676 522488
Meriden Library 01676 522717
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722
St. Laurence Church Rev.MichaelDawkins 01676 522719
Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Andrew Charlesworth 01676 533737
Meriden Christian Fellowship Pstr. Kevin &Lyn Hunt 01676 523050
Parish Council
Julie Hall(Clerk) 01676 522727
CommunityCentre Warden Pat Delaney 01676 522867
SolihullM BC 0121 704 6000
District Councillors
Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408
David Bell 01676 535211
Dr. Peter Lea 01676 532577
Member of Parliament Caroline Spelman 020 7219 4189
Scouts Group
Cricket Club
Post Office
GerryRussell 01676 522666
Mike Gallagher 01676 521085
Sue Harper 01676 522230
RuralPolice Sector 0845 113 5000
We are unable to print anonymous Letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request
