The Rotary Club of a Christmas; we will be bringing to visit and collecting for Rotary charities on the following evenings to and collecting for Rotary on the following evenings
The Rotary Club of Meriden wishes you a Happy Christmas; we will be bringing Santa
The Rotary Club of Meriden wishes you a Happy Christmas; we will be bringing Santa
The Rotary Club of a Christmas; we will be bringing
6.30pm Albert Road 6.30pm Albert 6.30pm Leys Lane 6.30pm
7.10pm James Dawson Drive James Dawson 7.10pm Fairfield Rise 7.10pm Fairfield Rise
7.50pm Main Road 7.50pm Main 7.45pm The Croft 7.45pm The Croft 8.10pm Glovers Close 8.10pm Glovers Close Glovers Close Glovers Close 8.00pm Strawberry F 8.00pm Strawberry F 8.00pm F 8.00pm Fields ieldsields 8.20pm Highfield 8.20pm Highfield 8.20pm 8.20pm
Metho MethoMetho Methodists Hall dists Hall dists Table Top Sale 11.00am Table Top 11.00am Saturday 29 Saturday 29 Saturday 29 Saturday 29th thth th November November November November See inside for details See inside for details
Dedication of Dedication of Macmillan Tree of Thought Macmillan Tree of Thought Tree of Tree of Friday 28 Friday 28 Friday 28 Friday 28th thth th November 4.00pm 4.00pm Village Green Village Green Village Green Village Green
Come and join the children and from Meriden School singing from Meriden singing carols around the tree the
See inside for further details See inside for further details See inside for further details See inside for further details Cyclist Christmas Cyclist Christmas Carol Service Carol Sunday 21 Sunday st st December December 1.00pm 1.00pm1.00pm 1.00pm St Laurence Church St Church
Singing Singing Singing
Carol Singing Carol
on the Green on the Green on the Green on the Green Saturday 20 20th December
Saturday 6th December Saturday 6th December Saturday 6th Saturday 6th 1 pm to 3 pm to
See Santa in his grotto See Santa in his grotto See in grotto See in grotto
Lots of exciting stalls, crafts, toys, books, Lots of crafts, toys, tombola, raffles. tombola, 50 50p entrance p entrance p p –––– pre pre pre--school children free school children free school children school children
Meriden C of E Primary School, Fillongley Road of E Primary School, Fillongley Road,
Special New Year lunchtime deal
2 Main Courses for £9.95
Tuesday to Friday January & February
Christmas Menus now available call
01676 522117 for details
STRAWBERRY BANK HOTEL &
RESTAURANT
Ideal setting for a family reunion whether a wedding, anniversary, christening or funeral. Set in beautiful gardens, we cater for small or large parties in the restaurant or our two Function suites. Licensed for Civil Ceremonies. Visit our website for more information or come along to see us.
www.strawberrybank.co.uk
Telephone: 01676 522117
Email: enquiries@strawberrybank.co.uk
Main Road, Meriden, Coventry CV7 7NF
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
National Blood Service 0845 771 1711 The next session for Blood Donors will be Thursday 4th December at the Heart of England Social Club. 1.30-3.30pm & 4.30-7.30pm
open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm daily 7 days a week
Greetings from all at Meriden School
Meriden School started our year celebrating the Village Hall’s 60th anniversary –the choir took part in the concert, which brought together many happy memories, and present and past pupils too.
We were proud to see too, that our results from the end of Key stage 2- the top Juniors- showed that children in our school make ‘significantly better progress than expected’ in Maths, English and Science, as we always strive to get each child to achieve the best that they can.
When we came back from the holidays the work to put in a disabled lift on the Hall steps and make the Library into a separate room was finished. We always have plans for improving the facilities for the children; with the Government grant money for Capital we have been able to make many changes. Our next plan is to improve the Library with a ‘Resources area’ linked to the IT suite, giving much more space; with a new Junior classroom added to the front of school. This will mostly be funded by a Modernisation grant from the Government.
It seems incredible that we have already celebrated Harvest Festival. The children put on a wonderful service and brought many gifts from our families, for the Salvation Army to distribute to people in need. Captain Lloyd Jones from the Salvation Army explained to the children how their generosity would be put to good use.
An exciting new development this term is our ‘Parent Group’ which will be made up of parents from every class and help us with ideas and opinions; many thanks to one of our Parent Governors, Mrs Bennett for all her work on this so far. Our wonderful PTA continues to work very hard for the benefit of all the children, and they are planning the Christmas Fair on Saturday Dec 6th from 1-3pm- all are welcome. Of course, Father Christmas will be there as well as lots to do, so do come along!
As always, we would like to increase our Lunchtime Supervisor team. If you are interested in working for 1 ½ hours any day in the week- or all week- and would like to join our very friendly team in looking after the children, then please get in touch with us at the school office.
We are also looking for a new Clerk to Governors. Ideally it would suit someone not closely connected to school, who has a few hours to spare across the year. Please contact the school office for further details if you are interested - 01676 522488.
Classes have been learning with their teachers on a more creative curriculum, making links between subjects, and with some extra challenges. As part of the curriculum we are making links and visits outside school too- so Year 6 went to see a production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, which fired their imaginations. Our regular Meriden Library visits seem to have encouraged many more children into the Library- over 40 took their ‘Reading challenge’ in the summer. The author Adrian Townsend came in to talk to the children- a very popular visitor! The ‘Animal man’ brought his lovely- and creepy crawly- creatures with so much information about them to fascinate everyone. Fire Safety officers will be working with Year 5; Barclays Bank with Year 2 and 3; and some Year 5 children are training as ‘Peer Mediators’ to be playground pals to others.
Leading up to Christmas we have our usual plans to help make it special for our children, such as Christmas lunch and class party. We will be singing Carols round the Tree on the Green at 4pm on Friday November 28th. Our Infant Nativity is on December 10th and 11thand we end term with our Carol Service for families on Friday 19th December at 9.15am.
We invite you, our village friends to join us either at the Christingle service at the Methodist Church at 6pm on Dec 16th service, or in school on Thursday December 18th for a Carol concert, tea and a mince pie at 9.15am.
May I wish you all a successful winter season and a very happy Christmas from everyone at Meriden CE Primary School!
Jacky Smith Head Teacher
ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS
Rector Rev Michael Dawkins Tel 01676 522 719
The Rectory The Green Meriden CV7 7LN
Church Wardens Marian Theobald Tel 01676 523 475 Linda Barnett Tel 01676 523 277
At the time of writing there is the mess and difficulty of cleaning up the church after the building work – and listening to the Messiah played and performed, as so often, before Christmas. I love the swoop down of the music at the beginning of Handel’s Messiah representing the Old Testament, and history’s long ages of suffering and darkness, arriving at ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God’. The gentleness is exquisite.
Late in the summer I went to something completely contrary. It was the Tate’s exhibition of Francis Bacon’s work. He represents the human body as butchered offal. He confines, even imprisons, his pictures inside white lines or boxes screaming the limitation and helplessness of every human being. He paints despair into the faces of the most powerful human figures: popes, business people and so on. In wrestling figures he portrays the only purpose he feels the human animal can have, an intensity of lust.
I argued with him in my head. What about Archibald McIndoe who did that wonderful reconstructive plastic surgery on the butchered faces of the airmen of World War II at the same time you did some of these paintings? Surely there is a redemptive element in human experience. And isn’t your lust the same lust as war? And he would say yes, and I found myself respecting Francis Bacon more and more. He was telling a truth.
Was I telling a truth when I added to the human condition something from outside? An origin in God, which gives a beauty and unfathomable value, no matter how damaged we are. A God who communicates passionate love, whose word became flesh. Whose flesh suffered the butchery Francis Bacon portrays. Was I telling a truth when I say God creates new life in the resurrection of Jesus, a new life, which like a seed, can begin in us now? Or was Francis Bacon’s pile of offal the only truth?
There is an un-jumpable gap between these two truths. Handel in writing his Messiah is searching. He is in a deep mine following a vein of gold. Every piece of music with its words is an extraction from this vein. The shepherds, the Virgin, the Child. The Lamb. Hell. The hallelujah chorus. Handel is finding how to jump the gap! But mining gold is not easy. If you get a chance, listen to the Messiah like you’ve never listened to it before!
Services. See the Methodist Church list. I think everybody wants to keep the 10.30am service there. We may then do an evening service at St. Laurence’s. All the special services are fixed for the Methodist Church – except the Hampton Singers’ Christmas Concert on Saturday 13th December at 7.30pm and the Cyclists’ Carol Service on Sunday 21st December at 1pm (not 2 as in previous years).
Meriden Church Concert
Many thanks to all those volunteers and entertainers instrumental in making the recent variety show such a wonderful success
The total sum raised was an outstanding £620.00 for the St Lawrence Church restoration fund. Extra special thanks for the generous raffle prizes donated by the following businesses in Meriden: -
Stonebridge Golf Club, Strawberry Bank Hotel
The Bull’s Head, Zoe’s Market
Pertemps, The Spar Shop
Stars Newsagent
Marian Theobald
Hampton Singers Hampton Singers
Christmas Concert at St Laurence
Christmas Concert at St Laurence at St at St Church Church
Saturday 13th December at 7.30 pm
A concert of popular Christmas music and readings
Followed by mince pies and mulled wine
Tickets £5.00 on the door or by phone 01675 442422
Meriden Village Hall is available for private parties etc. Rates are £10 per hour
Contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963
Meetings are held in Berkswell Reading Room at 8.00pm unless otherwise stated.
Wednesday, 10th December Members Evening.
Wednesday, 14th January 2009
Annual General Meeting followed by a topical presentation.
Wednesday, 11th February 2009
“North Warwickshire Villages”
An Illustrated Talk by Dr. John Bland.
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
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)
Have you seen this man in Meriden?
Well not actually this man. This is just a random photo fit I took from the internet. But there is a man I have been looking out for over the last few weeks in Meriden. He is a young man (25ish) with blond hair and no glasses!
The man I have been looking for is a credit to the village of Meriden. One morning, this man rang my doorbell at 7:30am. The reason, he had found my wallet and was returning it to me. I did not even know the wallet was missing but he came out of his way to return it to me. If that was you, THANK YOU!
December is of course the time when the church thinks especially about the birth of Jesus. There will be various events taking place throughout the village and all are welcome to attend.
Over the centuries Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus in many different ways. But I suppose it is fair to say that over the centuries, not only have we celebrated the birth of Jesus differently, quite frankly we have done all sorts of things differently! There is a worldwide group called the World Council of Churches, and as of today there are over 349 denominations listed as members. The world’s biggest Church, the Roman Catholic Church, is not even a member. So it does not take long to see that over the centuries Christians have not always worked together as well as we should!
There have been various attempts over the years to justify the fact there is visible disunity in the various churches. It is right to point out that unity does not equal uniformity and people do like to worship in different ways. But the truth is that at times disunity has hindered the work of the church. This is a stain on the history of the church and we should not pretend otherwise!
Now, of course, the question is, why am I telling you this? The answer is that having now spent two months working in Meriden, I have discovered something very exciting. For a while now, due to roof problems, the congregation of St Lawrence Church have been worshipping with us at the Methodist Church. From this coming together we have been able to talk about shared projects and ideas. Furthermore, included in these discussions are also the Meriden Christian Fellowship, who used to meet at the Centre but have recently moved to the Scout Hut. By combining our gifts and talents, we hope that we will be able to engage in some new and exciting projects, which will benefit the whole of the village. I guess it is watch this space, but we are all very excited about some of the projects in the pipeline.
If you are reading this in December then Happy Christmas and if it is already 2009, then I hope that 2009 will be a good year for you. Season’s greetings, Andrew.
Dates for your Diary
Sunday December 7th Toy service 10.30am. Donations of new or good second-hand toys will be distributed to needy families and children through the Coventry City Mission.
CHRISTMAS
Saturday December 20th 4.00pm Carol Singing on the Green.
Sunday December 21st. 3.30pm Carol service followed by tea and mince pies in the church hall
Christmas Eve. 11.30pm Midnight Communion
Christmas Day 10.00am. Family Service.
Sunday January 18th 2009 Covenant service followed by lunch at Strawberry Bank
SUPPER CLUBS
Friday 12th December. George Formby entertainment by Joe David
Wednesday 18th February The Life and Music of Mozart by Michael Harris
The Farm Shop The Farm Shop The Farm Shop The Farm Shop
Berkswell Traditional Berkswell Traditional Berkswell Traditional Berkswell Traditional Farmstead Meats Farmstead Meats
Larges Farm Back Lane Meriden Farm Lane
Tel & fax 01676 522409
Tel fax 522409 www.farmsteadmeats.co.uk
For meats of outstanding quality & flavour
• Fresh Turkeys, geese, cockerels and ducks
• Licensed to sell Game
• All cuts of beef including beef on the bone
• Superb home made sausages & burgers
• Free Range Chickens
• Famous Berkswell Ewes Milk Cheese
• Traditional pork with real crackling
• Real home cured bacon
Warwickshire’s only accredited traditional breeds butcher
Phil Tuckey “The Country Butcher”
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.
Room hire available for private functions Heart of England Social Club Berkswell Road,Meriden 01676 522430 We now have Premiership Football on Satellite television!!! Our speakers
Listed as one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes” Meetings are held in the Village Hall on the first Monday in the month at 7.30pm Contact Joan Russell 01676 522666
Opening Hours Monday –closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Sunday 9.00am-1.00pm Sunday evening Bingo at 8.30pm
Monday 1st December Members Christmas Party
Monday 5th January Speaker to be arranged
Monday 2nd February Speaker to be arranged
Following the November AGM we are pleased to announce that Joan Russell has been re-elected President, Susan Fuller is Secretary and Jo Byrne is Treasurer. Many thanks to Thelma Astbury our retiring treasurer and Alison Stain our retiring minute secretary Today’s Women working for Tomorrow’s World
Greetings
The Centre Charity Shop 01676 523050
As usual a huge thank you to our hardworking staff for all the support they give us in helping to make The Centre a pleasant place to both shop and work in.
Thank you for the quality items, which you donate for us to sell, which are attracting people from as far as Leamington Spa, Warwick and beyond!! We even had someone in from London a couple of weeks ago – however they did just stumble across us but said they would definitely pay us a visit if they came back to this area and were very pleased with the lovely pictures they purchased.
The Friday coffee morning hasn’t been on for the last few weeks but I hope to start something up again in the middle of November – keep an eye on the shop window for details as the day and time may change – you never know there may even be mince pies as well as it will be getting very close to the festive season. As usual we will be closed for a couple of weeks over Christmas but we will put a notice up in the shop informing you of the exact dates nearer the time.
The Meriden Christian Fellowship meeting is now being held at the Scout Hall, next to the Village Hall on Sunday evenings at 6.30 p.m. for anyone wishing to attend and the details of this are up in the bookshop window.
At the moment we are in the planning stages of trying to organise a youth event for the youth in Meriden. It is exciting because the three churches (The Methodist, St Lawrence, and MCF) will be working together to provide a safe place for the young people to be able to hang out and enjoy themselves instead of being on the streets. Keep an eye out in the Centre Shop for more details.
We have had a great response to my plea for black refuse sacks so thank you, but as we use so many on a daily basis we are always in need of these so please keep up the supply.
At the moment we don’t have any small furniture in stock so if you have any you wish to donate please let us know tel. 01676 523 050. Unfortunately we can’t accept beds or three-piece suites, as they are too big for us to store. We are continuing to make changes to the shop and we hope you like how things are progressing.
For those of you who joined our Macmillan coffee morning and guessed the number of buttons in the jar, one of the Hairdressers from next door (Sandra) won the tin of Heroes – there were 474 and the nearest guess was 470. We made £30, which was sent to them so thank you for your support.
Sometime early in the New Year we will be running a three week Money Management course, backed by ‘Christians Against Poverty’ (CAP) for anyone who finds it hard to make ends meet or budget their money. More details to follow. As the next issue of the Meriden Mag will be after the Christmas period we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a Happy, contented and blessed Christmas and New Year.
(Ascribe to the Lord the Glory due to His Name; worship the Lord in the splendour of His Holiness - Psalm 29v2).
Best wishes from Kevin and Lyn Hunt.
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
Balsall Common Tel: 01676 521066
COME AND JOIN US AT MERIDEN VILLAGE HALL EVERY FORTNIGHT FOR GENTLE EXERCISE CLASSES, TAKEN BY PAT TANNER A QUALIFIED EXTEND INSTRUCTOR. TIME FOR REFRESHMENTS AND A CHAT INCLUDED!
2008 DATES: 26th November 10th December
2009 DATES: 7th and 21st January; 4th and 18th February; … further dates to follow.
Q. What do you call an old snowman? A. Water!
Each class only £1.50 including refreshments
As part of a national Fit as a Fiddle scheme to help older people stay healthy and active, Age Concern Solihull, has started Extend (gentle exercise) classes at Meriden Village Hall. The Fit as a Fiddle initiative, funded by the Big Lottery, aims to bring the benefits of physical activity to older people who may be missing out on opportunities to take part and who would benefit from the increased sense of well-being that an active lifestyle brings.
Tracy Curtis, Age Concern Solihull’s Fit as a Fiddle Co-ordinator said, “Physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure, and Extend is a fun way to keep active. Anyone who wants more details should ring me on 0121 747 9851 or come along and join in.”
Fit as a Fiddle will be running more activities throughout the borough and volunteers willing to help with a variety of tasks, such as making tea and taking the register are asked to contact Marlene McCallum on 0121 705 9128. The Charity will be very pleased to hear from physical activity instructors or healthy eating experts with recognised qualifications who would be prepared to volunteer a little of their time.
Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx
December 1st Justine Claire
December 8th Andy Marlow
December 15th Backbeat
December 22nd Keith Brett
December 24th Brothers Grimm
December 31st New Year’s Eve Party
January 5th Guy Surtees
January 12th Marade ) to January 19th Hannah ) be January 26th Sophie ) confirmed
February 2nd TBA
February 9th Keith Brett
February 16th TBA
February 23rd Justine Claire
Pop in for good food and good company 01676 522256 for further information
MERIDEN
Meriden C of E Primary School, Fillongley Road, Wednesday 6.30 – 8.00pm Classes also available in Solihull Call Sandra or Jenny on 0121 705 7078 www.rosemaryconley.com
Class Fee - £5.35 Membership Fee - £10 Trialists lost on average 7.25lbs in two weeks.
free membership**worth £10 plus free portion pots worth £4.99 when you pay for six weeks
The only Travel Agent you will ever need
The Midlands Charities Association Christmas Card shop is in Balsall Common Library until Saturday 6th December The shop is open during library hours i.e. Monday & Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm, Tuesday & Saturday 10.00am -5.00pm Friday 1.00pm – 5.00pm (Closed Wednesdays) Suzanne Barney Travel Counsellor Turning your travel dreams into reality Home visits by appointment 0845 0587 486 Email suzanne.barney@travelcounsellors.com www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/suzanne.barney
CHARITY CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP
VILLAGE HALL 60TH ANNIVERSARY
It all started in March, with a phone call from Mrs Dot Sakne (the sole surviving member of the founding Management Committee) reminding us that the Village Hall would be 60 years old in September. So, in honour of the Committees past and present, and all the faithful users and supporters of the hall, the current Trustees set to work to plan a day of celebrations to mark the occasion on 20th September 2008.
An Open House was planned for the morning and all the current users of the hall were invited to put on displays and sell appropriate merchandise. The event was a great success as many visitors, including the Mayor, Cllr David Bell, dropped by to support the organisations, to taste the Women’s Institute’s delicious Cookies and to purchase beautiful flower arrangements, made on demand by members of the Floral Society. Naturally, there was much chat and reminiscence over cups of coffee. One resident recalled that she had met her future husband 60 years ago to that date at the very first dance to be held in the hall.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor David Bell, Rosie Weaver, Chair of Meriden Parish Council, Chris Copper and Richard Tisdale the past and present Chairmen of the Village Hall Committee
Mrs. Barbara Mace very kindly arranged a Tea Dance in the afternoon and this too was so well supported that there were requests for further such events. Oh, the power of Strictly Come Dancing!
The concert in the evening was a sell-out with every available chair taken. A group of children from the Village school sang beautifully, the Beavers entertained with unspoilt charm and the Merlin Singers provided their usual polished performance.
Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the cutting of a celebration cake, performed by a very special couple. Sixty years ago Bob and Doreen Hopkins had cut their wedding cake at their wedding reception which was the very first to be held in the new Village Hall, in 1948. So it was particularly appropriate that they cut another cake and we were privileged to able to toast their Diamond Wedding Anniversary as well as the Hall’s 60th Birthday.
The Chairman and Committee are most grateful to all the support from organisations and visitors who contributed in making the day so special.
Funds for the building of the Hall were originally provided with money raised by the villagers when times were hard in Post War Britain. We owe them a great debt of gratitude. Successive generations of Trustees have maintained and continued to improve the facilities in this vital village amenity, which continues to be appreciated and so well supported by the residents of Meriden. Chris Copper
Bob & Doreen Hopkins wish to express their many thanks to everyone concerned who made Saturday 20th September so memorable. We were invited to attend the Village Hall Celebrations because we ourselves had celebrated our Diamond Wedding Anniversary on July 10th 2008 and we were the first people to use the New Village Hall in 1948. In fact it wasn’t quite completed at the time, but we enjoyed a lovely wedding reception there. We can’t thank everyone enough for a lovely day on September 20th it’s a day we will never forget. Special thanks go to Chris & Allan Copper for making the day a complete surprise too. We hope the Village Hall continues to be successful for many years to come. Once again our many thanks & best wishes to everyone Bob & Doreen Hopkins
Local Farmers Markets
Solihull High Street – 1st Friday in month 9.00am – 3.00pm
Kenilworth Abbey End- 2nd Saturday in month 9.00am – 2.00pm
Warwick Market Square -3rd Friday in month 10.00am – 3.00pm
Leamington Spa – bottom of Parade 4th Saturday in month 9.00am – 2.00pm Coventry - Market Way 2nd Thursday in month 9.00am-4.30pm
Coleshill – Church Hill – 4th Friday in month 10.00am – 2.00pm The
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
A Message from Caroline Spelman MP
As your Member of Parliament for almost twelve years, I have spent a considerable amount of time defending the Green Belt, which makes our location in the heart of the country so special. The Meriden Gap gives our area so much of its character and is one of the key reasons people love to come to live and work here. But, yet again our environment is under threat. This time it’s from masses of new houses as a result of Government planning up until 2026. According the Government proposals, Solihull Borough has to prepare itself for over 20,000 more houses over the next 20 years.
It is hard to visualise the impact of 20,000 more houses, but a good way to appreciate the enormity of this is to realise it is equivalent to building a new town the size of Lichfield.
If we cannot stop theses proposals, I don’t believe any part of the Borough will be immune from development. Meriden itself must be braced for more houses, as must nearby Balsall Common. The extra houses planned to be built on the playing fields will not be part of this new house build allocation – the requirement will be over and above this.
With our local council indicating that, at a stretch, we can only accommodate 7,600 houses, and other local authorities including Coventry, wanting extra houses to help regenerate defined areas, surely letting the local people decide would be a far better and more effective approach to future housing needs. In my opinion, a top down approach is set for failure. I am a firm believer that far more can be achieved when central Government works together with local Government rather than against them.
Fri 5th Dec 4.30 -6.00pm Knowle Village Hall
Sat 13th Dec 9.00 - 10.30am 11.00- 12 noon
Sat 17th Jan 9.00 - 10.30am
11.00- 12 noon
Sat 7th February 9.00 - 10.30am 11.00-12 noon
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall
Castle Bromwich
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall
Castle Bromwich
Chelmsley Wood Library
Arden Hall
Castle Bromwich
Fri 27th February 4.30 – 6.00pm Knowle Village Hall
Solihull & Birmingham
G GEENNEERRAAL L G GEEOORRGGE E W WHHIICCHHCCOOTTE
“Father of the British Army” and resident of Meriden
By Paul & Melanie Lee
It’s fascinating that the “Father of the British Army” chose to live in Meriden for 43 years in retirement and to be buried in St Laurence’s Churchyard, although his family connection was in Lincolnshire. Since the recent release of a new ‘Sharpe’ series on ITV with Sean Bean, it brings to life the exploits of George Whichcote’s early army career during the Napoleonic Wars from the age of 17.
George was the fourth son of Sir Thomas Whichcote, 5th Baronet of Aswarby Park, Lincolnshire and Diana, third daughter of Edmund Turnor of Stoke Rochford, near Grantham. Born at Aswarby on the 21st December 1794 and educated at Rugby School, where he entered at the age of 8 in 1803, for several terms he “fagged” for the future great actor William Charles Macready.
After leaving Rugby School he joined the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Light Infantry as a volunteer in December 1810 at the age of 16, being commissioned as Ensign on 10th January 1811. Almost immediately he embarked with the 1st Battalion from Southampton aboard the captured “Pompey”, a 74 gun old French line-of-battle ship. They were to join up with Wellington’s allied forces in the Spanish Peninsular where his regiment along with the 43rd and 95th were to form the famous light division. Wellington and the allied forces were there to drive Napoleon’s French Army from Spanish soil. George was present at the action of Sabugal on 3rd April 1811 and of El Bodon on 25th September (although his regiment did not engage) and of Alfayetes. He assisted in the siege and storming of Ciudad Rodrigo on 19th January 1812 and of Badajoz from 17th March to 7th April, where he was slightly wounded. On 8th July he became a Lieutenant and on 22nd July was present at the Battle of Salamanca, retreat from Burgos and the Battle of Vittoria on the 21st June 1813 where the 52nd took the village of Margarita with an audacious charge. He also took part in actions in the Pyrenees during July and August, Vera on 7th October, Battle of Nivelle on 10th November and Nive from 10th to 13th December, Battle of Orthes on 27th February 1814, Tarbes on 12th March and the Battle of Toulouse on the 12th April. He was allegedly the first soldier of the British Army to enter Toulouse. Whilst commanding an advanced picket, he noticed the French retreating. After sending word back to the main force, he boldly advanced with his handful of men, thus taking possession of the town. At the end of the Peninsular War his regiment was placed in garrison at Castel Sarassin on the Garonne, France and subsequently at Plymouth and later Ireland.
A few days before the news of Napoleon’s escape from Elba, the 52nd had sailed towards New Orleans. However, a fast cutter was sent to catch them with orders to proceed to Ostend to take part in the renewed hostilities with Napoleon. At the Battle of Waterloo, Lieutenant Whichcote was again slightly wounded whilst having charge of a company of the 52nd. His regiment played an important role in completing the rout of the Imperial Guard who were under orders for a general advance. Following the end of the battle he marched with the allied forces to Paris. During occupation he was quartered there from July 7th 1814 to 2nd November 1815. The 52nd were on guard at the Palace of the Louvre during the repatriation of many artistic treasures stolen by Napoleon from European cities. They witnessed Ruben’s famous triptych painting “The Descent from the Cross” and the “Quadriga of San Marco” (the four bronze horses of Venice), amongst other priceless treasures, being returned to their former owners.
Upon returning home he received the Waterloo Medal and Peninsular War Medal with nine clasps. The 52nd were then ordered to Botany Bay and he transferred to The Buffs. On January 22nd 1818 he obtained his captaincy and in 1822 again transferred, this time into the 4th Dragoon Guards, purchasing his troop from Colonel Charles de Laet Waldo Sibthorpe who was to become an outspoken Conservative MP for Lincoln. In 1877 he received the Jubilee Medal and a signed letter from Queen Victoria in recognition of his services.
The Rise to General
29 October 1825Major
28 June 1838Lieutenant-Colonel
11 November 1851Colonel
04 June 1857Major-General
31 January 1864Lieutenant-General
05 December 1871General
On retirement from service in 1848, he resided at Meriden House, Church Lane. In 1842 he had married Charlotte Sophia, daughter of Philip Monckton, of the East India Company. She died on the 8th November 1880 aged 66.
General George Whichcote died in Meriden on the 26th August 1891, aged 96 years and was buried in St Laurence Churchyard on the 31st August, joining his wife Charlotte. He was perhaps the last of the British officers engaged at Waterloo and at the time of his death was known as the “Father of the British Army”. His personal estate of £22,502 14s and 10d was proved at the Principal Registry by John Henry Monckton of Meriden. Whichcote Avenue was named in his honour sometime in the early to mid 1940’s. Should you have further information please contact Paul & Melanie via the Meriden Mag.
Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA
All roads (except Colony Street) lead to Rome
Dear readers of the Meriden Mag;
As I write this we are just a week away from the big election,and so, long overdue for a break from all of that, I’ll take my blood pressure pill and turn to the much more amusing world of local politics here in Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.A.Here are some recent excerpts from the pages of this newspaper: Oct 21st When property owner David Martorelli had an Italian flag painted onto the temporary wooden barricade fronting his vacant 19, Colony Street property last week, his idea was to make the area look a little bit nicer, he said. But city officials say that, regardless of his intentions, decorated barricades violate a regulation demanding uniform designs that fit into their surroundings. “I’m not against the Italian flag,” said Mayor Mike. S. Rhode, Monday. “But if you let that go, people can put anything they want. The idea is to have uniformity its nothing against any particular design.” The lot previously housed a decaying building that Martorelli finished tearing down earlier this month. He plans to rebuild in the spring. “I said, ‘Let me do something nice to attract business downtown,” Martorelli said, “It only offended one person – the Mayor, everyone else loved it” City officials will follow due process and “file whatever legal proceedings we need” to get Martorelli to remove the flag, the Mayor said.
Oct 22nd A dispute over the property of an Italian flag painted on a barricade has ballooned into a larger discussion over the ease of running a business downtown.
A crowd of what City councilor and Pies on Pizzeria co-owner David Salafia described as “50 angry Italians “ gathered inside and outside the 21 Colony Street restaurant, Tuesday afternoon. Salafia was giving away free pizza to protest the city’s position against the Italian flag painted onto a barricade in front of the vacant lot next door. The city’s stance caused restaurant patrons on Tuesday to comment on Italian pride, artistic freedom and discrimination. City regulations say that the wall must be a single colour and blend in with the rest of the structure or nearby buildings, according to city zoning enforcement officer Jim Anderson. Martorelli, the property owner said he has no intention of changing the wall’s look.
“I’m not going to do nothing” he said, “It’s staying the way it is”
Oct 23rd (The newspaper publishes three letters from readers, all supporting Mr Martorelli.)
Oct 24th (the newspaper publishes four more letters, all supporting Mr. Martorelli
Oct 25th: David Martorelli filed paperwork - Friday to receive City approval to display the colours of the Italian flag on the wooden barricade in front of his property at 19 Colony St.
When the flag was first painted late last week, Mayor Michael S. Rhode and other city officials said he had side stepped city rules and needed to receive approval from the city’s Design Review Board. That raised cries from some residents that the city should worry about bigger issues.
On Friday, Martorelli, filed for a certificate of appropriateness, which would sanction the flag design, said City Director of Development and Enforcement Dominick Caruso.
The design board likely will meet within the next two weeks to consider the application, Caruso said. It will then pass on a recommendation to the planning commission, which has the final say on the matter. The commission likely will vote on the certificate during its November 12th meeting,
“I’m not looking at a flag” Caruso said, “I’m just looking at whether it’s appropriate and compatible with the surrounding buildings and as a temporary situation, I think it is. It’s a vibrant type of use and its done in taste” “I think it’s important that we obey the law that’s on the books” the Mayor said earlier “I think it’s important to protect the city”
Editors note: Um, consider it protected. Special editors note for British readers: Yes the name of Colony Street goes back to what we like to think of as the bad old days!
Glenn Richter email : grichter@record-journal.com
Correspondence continues between our Meriden and the “one across the Pond” as at least one of my original friends from there continues to keep me abreast of their goings on. In fact, after two years we are more like family these days and share day to day happenings plus they can’t seem to get enough of our royals as well as our quaint village ways. How very different life is in their small town of some 65,000 souls with pageants, pet shows and parks open for flower festivals as well as shopping malls, cinemas and civic buildings etc.,in sharp contrast to our neck of the woods where the 60th anniversary of the village hall takes prides of place…… I still know which I prefer.
Beryl Lucas
The Orme The
School of Dancing School of Dancing of Dancing of Dancing
Meriden branch
Methodist Church Hall Church Hall
Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary
Chris’s Barbers Chris’s 326 Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common Tel :07702 713094
Monday 10.00 -17.30
Tuesday 10.00-17.30
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 10.00-19.30
Friday 10.00-17.30
Saturday 9.00-17.30
Sunday CLOSED
Perfectly Pink
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Pamper Parties for girls aged between 4 – 14 in the comfort of your own home or a venue of your choice. Parties include:-
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to all your pest vermin and wildlife problems
1st Meriden Scout Group
News from the Green Hut
BEAVERS
The Beaver Scouts recently welcomed a visit from the RNIB. Mark who is a former member of Meriden Scouts showed the Beavers how to use a Braille machine to write their names and his colleague Anne demonstrated some of the gadgets that are available to make life a little easier for the blind. The Beavers are currently learning the Braille alphabet for a sponsored event. There will be vacancies after Christmas for new Beavers - so if you are aged between 6 and 8 and would like to join this fun packed group on a Monday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm please contact Jo (522625) or Gaynor (523191) for further details.
CUBS
Last month on a sunny Saturday at Kineton 6 members of the Pack took part in The Frank Latcham Trophy, which is a skills competition attended by Cub Scout teams throughout Warwickshire. Sadly we were beaten by just 1 point by Nuneaton District, but the Cubs put on a great performance and were commended for their efforts especially as it was their first time in the competition.
The Pack recently enjoyed a night out at Coleshill Fire Station as part of their Community Challenge badge.
There are vacancies for new Cub Scouts age 8 to 10 and a half. We meet on a Tuesday evening from 6.30pm to 8pm. please contact Lis (521080) or Liz (523674) for further details.
The Missing Marquee
The 1st Meriden Scout Group had a large Marquee; this was bought by the group committee many years ago, to be used at camps and events.
The Marquee was made from heavy duty canvas with scaffolding poles used for the frame.
Over 3 years ago, when the group was reformed in 2005, the Marquee was found to be missing, and so far all efforts to find its present hiding place, have proved unsuccessful.
Now that the group is once again growing, with the 3 sections of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, for boys and girls aged from 6 to 15 years of age, it would be very helpful to know of the Marquee’s present location. If anyone is aware of the Marquee’s whereabouts or has any information as to what has happened to it, please do contact me.
Gerry Russell
Group Scout Leader
01676 522666.
SCOUTS
The new Scout section has started so if you are aged between 10 and a half and 14 and are looking to meet new friends, have fun and take part in exciting new challenges we meet on a Thursday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm. Please contact Russell (523823) for further information
1st Meriden Brownies
Meriden Brownies will be doing a house-to-house collection for your old Christmas Cards this year. The cards are to be re-cycled in aid of ‘The Woodland Trust’, which is the Brownies chosen charity for the year.
If your cards are not collected, you can bring them to the Methodist Hall any Wednesday during one of our meetings from 7th January onwards.
Thank you in advance for your support.
We have, at present, a waiting list for members. Please ring one of the numbers below if your daughter would like to join us We meet every Wednesday 6.15-7.45pm at Meriden Methodist Hall, term time only.
Jane 01676 542501 Tracy: 01676 541134
Sharon: 01676 522591
CHRISTMAS TREES
HOLLY WREATHS
Crosses, chaplets, garlands
Holly arrangements from £5.00
GIBSON’S NURSERY MILLISONS WOOD HILL MERIDEN 01676 522233
CAMEO CAMEOCAMEO
Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.
In August we had an outing to Charlecote Park and were extremely fortunate to have a fine day as it had rained heavily earlier that week. After a tour of the house we listened to a talk on the clothing that would have been worn by the ladies at Charlecote hundreds of years ago. This was interesting and we were grateful that we live in warm houses and therefore do not have to wear several heavy layers topped by a long coat all day long. We enjoyed a good lunch and a walk in the grounds.
At our Harvest Thanksgiving meeting in September we had a speaker from the Christian Charity MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) the non-denominational airline of the Christian Church worldwide started by Stuart King in Folkestone after he learned about the problems missionaries have when there are no roads, railways or other mode of transport. Planes are necessary to help take the Gospel to people. Every three minutes a MAF plane takes off somewhere in the world. They fly to more destinations than any other airline and to dangerous places where commercial airlines do not want to travel. They fly in Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia etc. We were shown a short film about MAF’s work. Apparently the volunteer crews have to raise their own funds. A bring and buy sale at the meeting raised £159 for the charity.
At our October meeting 95 year old Barbara Bird gave an interesting talk on her memories of living for ten years in Lebanon which she described as an adventure. Her husband was transferred there in 1950 and she later joined him with their three young children. At the time the country was half Muslim and half Christian. Mrs Bird described the idyllic life they led in a lovely house with servants in an orange and lemon grove near a private beach. At that time the country was described as the Switzerland of the Middle East. The mountains were beautiful and she told us about the famous 100 feet high cedars, which are a thousand years old. The wood from the cedars has been used to build Temples and Mosques.
We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Peggy 522221
Forthcoming meetings:
Construction Services
• The complete building service for all
• Full maintenance service.
• Plumbing, electrics, glazing, joinery, plastering, roofing and brickwork.
• All UPVC work undertaken –Doors, windows, soffits and facia.
Rotary Club of Meriden
You will see on the front page of this Mag about when The Rotary Club of Meriden's Santa Sleigh will be calling to see you this Christmas.
Rotary is a worldwide organisation that is rightly proud of its many achievements. Fundraising is a part of what we do and Santa's Sleigh is one opportunity we have for this, as well as, we hope, bringing joy and happiness to the community. Each Rotary Club elects a new President annually. This year I am honoured to hold that position and, as is usual, I have chosen a favoured national charity that will be our club's main beneficiary for the 12 months that I hold this office.
DebRA was founded in 1978 by a group of parents whose children were affected by 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.
EB is likely to affect 1 in 17,000 live births and it is estimated that there are currently 5,000 people with the condition in the UK. Because EB is an inherited condition (it cannot be caught), which is passed on genetically from parents to children, first time parents often do not know that they are carriers and will have no prior warning that the child will be affected, until birth.
In the UK DebRA is the main funder of specialist EB treatment and research facilities at national or regional level. People affected by EB therefore not only rely very heavily on DebRA-funded research to provide a long term answer to the illness, but are also very dependent on the range of specialist support services provided by the charity. Whilst considerable progress has been made in recent years in understanding EB and identifying the genes that cause the condition, there is as yet no effective treatment or a cure.
I am keen to raise as much money as possible for DebRA.
Some of you may remember the story of Jonny, The Boy Who’s Skin Fell Off that has been on TV a number of times?
Jonny had EB; tragically, it killed him. I ask you to give generously. Remember, 100% of monies donated to Rotary are given to charity. Merry Christmas.
Tel 01676 532 210 Fax 01676 532 520 www.jamiesonchristie.com email mailbox@jamiesonchristie.com Jamieson Christie Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
Cyclesolihull, the local voluntary initiative to encourage more cycling has gone from strength to strength over the summer, with more and more people discovering and enjoying the routes and rides. A variety of different rides are organised by Cyclesolihull, the majority of which are aimed
at new or returning cyclists, or indeed anyone who would like to get out for a couple of hours on a bike with a few other like-minded people. During the summer the 100th ride took place and over 1,500 people have joined the rides since they started. Highlight of the summer was the first ever Cycle to Solihull Day in September when cyclists from 12 different starting points around the borough headed for the High Street and enjoyed an unusually warm and dry afternoon in and around the town centre.
A more limited programme of rides is continuing through the autumn and winter months, with a more extensive programme planned for 2009. To join in simply turn up for some of the rides - full details are available at www.cyclesolihull.org.uk Stephen Holt Ride Coordinator
WELCOME TO A FRESH FOOD EXPERIENCE
Come and visit our brand new farm shop
We offer a fabulous range of fresh local foods: meats, seasonal fruits and vegetables complimented by the finest preserves, cakes and condiments
Come and order your Christmas turkey, goose, duck and three-bird roast Also pork pies, ham and so much more for you festive table
We are conveniently located ½ mile up Berkswell Road from Meriden duck pond
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 5.30pm
Late night Thursday Sunday 10am – 2pm
Closed Monday
Contact us on 01676 522155-email:info@berryfieldsfarmshop.co.uk
Cycle to Solihull Day
TREES FOR SMALL GARDENS
By Elaine Hitchens of Balsall Common and District Horticultural Society
This article has caused much friction in the household. What exactly is a tree and what is a shrub? Having looked up the dictionary definition the wisdom seems confused. Describing a bush as having multiple stems it then qualifies the description by saying that “A large number of plants can be either shrubs or trees, depending on the growing conditions they experience”! However I will now indulge myself in looking at some of the tree-like plants that we grow, which might suit a small space.
The range of small trees that are suitable for the smaller garden is wide. The following selection is purely subjective, but may perhaps indicate those that are suitable for our local soil. Small trees can be selected for foliage, leaf colour, fragrance, flower or habit. This is a good time of year to buy trees and shrubs as they are dormant and settle in well as bare rooted plants.
One of my favourite small trees for the winter is Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea', the Autumn Flowering Cherry. A small to medium deciduous tree, which has semi-double pale pink flowers and can be in flower from October to April, a whole seven months.
The foliage turns from dark green to red, then orange in autumn. Awarded the RHS AGM, it is fully hardy and thrives in a rich fertile soil in sun or partial shade.
A maple that is looking particularly good in our garden today is Acer palmatum “Senkaki” Coral Tower AGM. It currently has bright yellow leaves, but even after this show its brilliant coral coloured bark and stems make it valuable. Slow to grow it is very hardy and requires little maintenance.
Prunus “Autumnalis Rosea”
Looking towards the spring there are so many delightful small trees that it is hard to select a few. There are two Magnolias that are of interest. Magnolia 'Leonard Messel' (Magnolia x loebneri 'Leonard Messel) AGM is considered one of the top 10 magnolias. It produces flowers that are purplish pink outside, white within with a lovely scent and looking like exotic birds perched in the tree. If you are really adventurous try rare Magnolia .Macrophylla or “Bigleaf Magnolia” which has the largest flowers and leaves of any deciduous tree hardy in the UK.
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' is one of Roy Lancaster’s favourite small trees for fragrance. A friend recommended it to us and we have been grateful every since. The leaves are attractive silver but the creamy yellow flowers produce a scent that fills the garden in May.
Magnolia “Leonard Messel”
Embothrium coccineum var. lanceolata, the Chilean Fire Bush. a beautiful South American, semi-evergreen small tree, generally considered to be the most spectacular flowering tree that is hardy in Britain. It produces flame orange/red flowers in profusion in early summer and has a slender, upright habit. For many years it was considered a species only suitable for warm, west coast gardens. Recent climate changes have enabled many gardeners to grow this beautiful plant in cooler inland gardens. In our garden it grows well and produces spectacular orange flowers every year. “Norquinco Valley” is the best variety as it flowers all the way along the stems.
We have grown Eucryphia x nymansensis “Nymansay” ever since seeing it in Leonard Messel’s beautiful garden Nymans in Sussex. It is an evergreen and produces masses of large, glowing white flowers with striking yellow stamens in late summer. A large shrub or small multi-stemmed tree, this will reach a height of 2 - 3m and a spread of 2m after 8 - 10 years. Once established this makes a beautiful specimen plant which is delightful when in flower and a restrained foliage plant when not. It is ideal for use as a background plant in a garden or woodland area. One tree amongst the best for early summer is Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree). In late April or May, clusters of bright pink or purple (white in f. albida) pea flowers appear, they are stem-flowering blooms, curiously bursting from joints of as-yet leafless branches – in some even flowering from the main stem. Foliage is heart-shaped and, in a good year, bunches of broad purple pods appear. Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' is another form of the Judas tree, with beautiful, heart-shaped, dark purple-red leaves. Deep crimson, purple or pink flowers are borne before the leaves appear. Ideally it should be planted in full sun to part shade in free draining soil out of strong winds. We planted one three years ago and it is just starting to flourish. A tree for foliage is Cornus controversa 'Variegata'; known as the “Wedding-Cake” tree, because of its distinctive, horizontal, tiered habit. This tree makes a lovely focal point for small to medium-sized gardens; in fact we enjoy it so much that we have planted two of them. Bright green leaves with bold, creamy-white margins turn red-purple in autumn, producing clusters of white flowers in June. It makes a rounded tree with tiered branches and is a stunning sight in the garden, and is fully hardy, growing fairly slowly in sun or partial shade with no pruning required. The Royal Horticultural Society has judged it to be a plant of outstanding excellence, giving it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit. Finally a conifer deserves a mention. Brewer's spruce “Picea Breweriana” must be one of the most beautiful conifers; it has an upright shape and tiered branches like a Christmas tree, but with slender weeping foliage which drapes the tree elegantly with blue-green. The colour is very much more pronounced in late spring when the young growth at the shoot tips is bright sea green, giving the tree brilliant highlights. Plants thrive in a moist but well-drained, acid to neutral soil. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
Cornus Variegata
Tired of juggling family & work commitments?
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Would a regular part time income make a difference to the quality of your life?
If you are honest, ethical and hardworking and can follow a simple system, and want to make changes in your life then we would like to hear from you. Life is for living! Are you living the life you want?
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Contact Gill or Spence on 01676 534020 or 07817154596!
We are meeting every other Tuesday in the Dawson suite at Meriden Methodist Church at 7.30pm At the moment we are holding a competition within the club. Tom’s Butcheries on the Green have kindly sponsored the junior’s prize A Gola wristwatch. We are desperate for new players, young, old & any ability. In the next year we will have to decide the Club’s future, due to lack of players. We charge £1.50 per evening. For more details contact Shirley or Graeme 01676521259 or www.meridenchess.org
MUSIC FOR A WINTER'S NIGHT 2009
Saturday 17th January 2009
7.30pm
Holy Trinity Church
Beauchamp Avenue, Leamington Spa In aid of MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
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
Gaynor Keeble Mezzo Soprano Michael Clifton- Thompson Tenor Colin Druce Piano
with Damian Carter ( Baritone) and Esther Woods (Clarinet/ Saxophone)
Popular Music from Opera and Musicals and pieces for solo clarinet/sax
Tickets £12.50 (Full Price)
£11.00 (Concessions)
Advance Bookings please contact 07702 721775 or 01676 533072
email: impressionPR@btinternet.com
A Message from Councillor David Bell, Mayor of Solihull
The government sponsored study on future housing in the West Midlands has suggested that the housing target for Solihull up to 2026 should be increased from 7,600 to a massive 20,600. The equivalent of a new town the size of Lichfield, which would take up a large section of our precious Green belt.
`
It is thought that Solihull is being targeted because of its economic success, schooling etc. Clearly the initial reaction is one of horror and disbelief and every effort will be made to change the governments mind. No other local authority in the west midlands is faced with such a proportional increase. The debate will take place over the next 6 months. Having told you of this impending danger can I tell you of the following good news.
In September we once again won the Heart of England in Bloom competition followed swiftly with a national win in the overall City Award beating such as Kensington and Chelsea and our best result in ten years.
Our Schools won 5 awards in the regional Sports awards and the Mayoress and I have given out several hundred prizes for swimming, athletic and other sports over the last month.
On 14th October with the unanimous consent of the Council I welcomed Lance Corporal Matt Croucher GC. As the first individual Freeman of the Borough of Solihull in recognition of his exemplary behaviour and supreme heroism, selfless devotion to duty courage and comradeship. Matt is using his new status to support Troop Aid a charity founded in this Borough helping our returning wounded servicemen and one that I am making the main Mayoral Charity of my year of office.
Finally a plug for the Mayors Ball that will be held just up the road at the Motorcycle Museum on 28th March 2009. The Ball is being relaunched and the cost reduced so that it can be a"Ball for All". The proceeds will be for Macmillan Support and further details can be obtained through the Mayors office on 0121-704-6041. It should be a good night and we hope about 400 will attend.
Congratulations to the following Meriden winners:
The Queens Head
Mary Warr
John Douglas If you wish to enter the 2009 Solihull in Bloom competition please contact Becki Wood Marketing and Events Officer at Solihull Council 0121 704 6546
By the time you read this, I hope the sight of the tree will be giving pleasure to everyone. As ever all proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support (Charity number 261017). I am assured that the money raised is greatly beneficial and appreciated in that it helps to enable the Macmillan nurses to carry out their wonderful work in our area. I think it is fair to say that, in the current financial climate, the contributions made this year are even more significant. Our local businesses are again showing that they are very much behind the purpose of the Tree.
At the time of writing (1st November) I have received donations from CASSIDY DEVELOPMENTS, COGENT ELLIOTT, DE MULDER ENTERPRISES, GROUNDWORK COVENTRY & WARWICKS, N.E. HAWTHORNE & SON, ROCKWELL BUILDING PLASTICS AND THE BULL’S HEAD.
Through the good offices of my neighbour Liz Spencer, NOTCUTTS GARDEN CENTRE are giving the proceeds of their wishing well, over the Christmas period, to the Meriden Tree of Thought. Jack Spencer has again helped by producing the posters. Well done Spencer. Because our special village Tree is a symbol we can all see every day over Christmas & New Year, many of you take this opportunity to dedicate a light to a friend or loved one who is missed for whatever reason. A considerable number of people have said that they prefer to do this, rather than buying floral tributes, to pay their respects especially as the money goes to such a positive use.
DEDICATION FORMS available from: MERIDEN TEA ROOMS, SPAR SHOP, STARS, LLOYDS CHEMIST & BLITZ
In all truth I simply cannot thank all these mentioned enough. Whilst we are being swamped by negativity, at least Meriden can be proud that it is doing something positive!
I sincerely hope that you will all enjoy the Happiest Christmas & New Year possible Alan Lole Organiser
Swallowfield Country House
John Douglas’s 1st prize winning baskets
WECARE FOR YOURTREES
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• Order now for Christmas - local farm turkeys, boneless turkey breast and fresh farm chickens
• Genuine Scotch Angus Beef sold as seen on TV
• Wide selection of prize winning sausages
• Best quality English Lamb & pork
• Wide selection of bacon including dry cure English
• Deli counter with a wide selection of cheese, pies and cooked meats
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.
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Ideal Christmas presents Orders now being taken
Proprietor Zoe Wilson Zoe
Meriden library
01676 522717
Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Well here we are again! Christmas is nearly upon us and another year has flown by! If you are struggling for ideas for presents why not drop into the library and buy a loved one National Book Tokens? We stock them here – just ask a member of staff for help.
Our Christmas Coffee Morning will be held at the library on Thursday 18th December, between 10.00am and 12noon. Please come and join us for mince pies, warm drinks and good conversation! We look forward to seeing you!
Story times for the under 5s continue to take place every Monday during term-time in the children’s library. Come and enjoy stories and activities between 2.45pm – 3.15pm. Everybody welcome!
The library has free computer access, including the Internet, for everyone to use. The only thing we charge for are print outs – everything else is free! Why not come along and research a holiday in warmer climes, your family history, or even the latest advice on healthy eating to help lose those extra pounds put on over the festive period!
The library is for the whole community, and we have a wealth of information to offer – please drop in and have a look around next time you are passing!
MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS’ GROUP
Our quest for good books to read continues, and we often find ourselves reading books, which we would not otherwise have read were it not for the topics selected for the Readers' Group. Our forthcoming programme is:December - our usual Christmas Miscellany January - books received or read over Christmas February - the Brontes
We meet on 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. Details of the venue from Meriden Library staff. Do join us - you will be most welcome.
Sue Fuller
A Thank You from Marion
Thank you for all the cards, gifts and good wishes I received on my retirement from Meriden Library. I have enjoyed working in the village and would like to thank everyone for their friendship and support over the years. Special thanks go to all my colleagues for helping to make Meriden Library such a wonderful place to work. I look forward to keeping in touch and visiting the Library, when hopefully I shall meet some of you there!
With kind regards and best wishes. Marion Dodd
It is hard to believe autumn is here and our Garden visit to Batsford was the last until the spring. Our Church visits ended for 2008 with an interesting, informative and friendly visit to the Coptic Church in Hampton in Arden and we are now preparing the programme for 2009.
Our ‘In House’ Christmas miscellany to be presented by members of the Creative Writing Group and the Poetry Group of readings of poetry and prose at our core group meeting on Monday 15 December is now being rehearsed. Our two new groups Philosophy and Painting are progressing very well.
We recently had an interesting demonstration on T’ai Chi, which proved very popular so we have now started a T’ai Chi group on the 2nd and 4th Friday in the month at 11-00am at the Blessed Robert Parish Room.
Our membership is 131 with 22 ‘interest groups’. We meet on 4th Monday in the month at 2-00pm in The Village Hall, Station Road, Balsall Common. Prospective members most welcome. Further information from Anne Santos – 01676 534003 or email info@balsallcommonu3a.org. Our website www.balsallcommonu3a.org gives our monthly programme and interest groups. There is now a link to our group photographs on Flickr.com and we have now added another link to our recent copy of ‘The Informer’ our in-house newsletter.
CHRISTMAS TABLE TOP SALE TOP
Tile Hill Lane, Coventry
Home Computer Repairs, Upgrading & Problem Solving
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO PAINT BUT NEVER HAD THE CONFIDENCE?
Do you want to Enjoy Painting and not suffer for your art?
ACRYLICS FOR BEGINNERS
Acrylics is the easiest media to paint with, you make a mistake, just paint over it. Yes it’s that simple. I will teach you basic drawing skills and you will come away with a finished picture every time. Honest. Classes at Meriden Village Hall Wednesdays 10-12noon. Ring 024 7672 6820 or email me at barbarahunt1954@hotmail.co.uk
Join me and I will show you how you can paint your dreams and have a great time doing it.
Plumbing Carpentry
General Maintenance
Painting & Decorating
Contact Paul Morgan on 01676 542885 07917 692948 mobile
Beauty Salon
Telephone 01676 521100
Men and Women welcome Open 7 days a week
Monthly offers available
New dual treatment room
Gift vouchers available
All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed.
Clinics available for Restylane, Muscle relaxing injections and Teeth whitening
Also treatment rooms available at the Windmill Village Hotel and Nailcote Hall Hotel
Pub of the year 2008 the year
(Sponsored by (Sponsored by (Sponsored (Sponsored Warwickshire Life Magazine) Warwickshire Life Magazine) Warwickshire Life Magazine) Warwickshire Life Magazine)
We serve freshly prepared food all day every day until 10.00pm and 9.30pm on Sundays
Come along and relax with
• Roaring fires
• Great cask ales
• Continental beers
• Fantastic wine list
New for Winter 2008/09
Introducing the Bull’s Head Supper Club
Monday to Wednesday from 5.00pm 2 courses £9.95
Choose from: 4 starters 4 mains and 4 desserts
Replies to the village appraisal found out that many people in the village are unaware that there is affordable, quality, childcare in Meriden.
WE ARE MERIDEN NURSERY
YOUR LOCAL NURSERY
We are opposite the duck Pond in the Methodist Hall attached to the Methodist Church. You can contact us on 0788 270 5490 0788 280 8821 01676 523472
With fully qualified caring staff, large rooms, outside space, school collections, sessional and full day care. Currently for 2-5 year olds –coming soon care for 1 year olds too! Call in any time and see us or send your child for a free trial session. We will be happy to see you.
BRI is an independent firm based locally in Meriden offering expert investment management for:
• Stocks and Shares
• Unit Trusts
• Peps and ISAs
• Personal Pensions
We also provide advice on planning for Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
Please call us for a free review of your existing investments “Local professional Investment Management”
To find out more information, please contact Paul Cusack BRI Asset Management plc
BRI House, Meriden Business Park, Meriden CV5 9RL
Tel 01676 523550 Fax 01676 522799
Email: pjc@brigroup.co.uk
BRI Asset Management plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
onday 11th December18
JuneMonday £
Meriden Floral Society
Monday 8th December
‘Christmas Carols’
By Nicky Grounds
Visitors welcome
Meetings are held in Meriden Village Hall at 7.30pm prompt
For further information
Telephone Val Miller on 01676 540380 Sandra Jones on 01676 523023
For the very best for your dog, contact… Roy & Lesley Thompson, at Meriroyles
118 Fillongley Road, Meriden. Telephone 01676 522405 also
“HOLIDAY HOME FOR SMALL PETS” RUN BY SOPHIE. Telephone 01676 522405 for details
PILATES CLASS
MERIDEN METHODIST CHURCH HALL Tuesday evening 6.15pm – 7.15pm Classes run in 6-week courses
1 to 1 Pilates reformer equipment at The Hampton Gym, Hampton in Arden Free trial session with this advertisement
For more details contact Jo on 07952 473526
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
PRE BOOKED APPOINTMENTS
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
We would like to make patients aware that appointments can be booked with doctors in advance of 48 hours. We understand that patients have commitments that require them to book appointments with us further in advance than 48 hours. We have therefore allocated a number of appointments that can be booked in advance, these are included in every surgery taken by a doctor with the exception of locums. Once these appointments have been allocated the remaining will be available on the 48 hour booking rule. Please ask at reception if you would like to book further in advance than 48 hours.
The photographs show pupils in year four composing Ostinata. Three year olds from Meriden School Nursery were asked to supply the missing words in the following poems; we think they give a really good insight into their world.
m
My name is Tommy and I go to pre school,
My best friend is Harry who is really cool.
I watch Button Earnie on TV, Playing with my ball is lots of fun for me.
I just love meat and gravy to eat, And sometimes chocolate buttons for a treat.
Yellow is a colour I like a lot, My monster truck is the best present I ever got.
My favourite person is everyone is my favourite, who is a gem, So this, my first poem, is just for them!
My name is Tilly and I go to pre school, My best friend is Lauren who is really cool.
I watch Tweenies on TV, Playing dolls house is lots of fun for me.
I just love pasta to eat, And sometimes big sweets for a treat.
Pink is a colour I like a lot,
My kitchen is the best present I ever got.
My favourite person is Mummy, who is a gem,
So this, my first poem, is just for them!
My name is Safia and I go to pre school, My best friend is Ellie who is really cool.
My name is Lara and I go to pre school, My best friend is Maisie –Jane who is really cool.
I watch Tommy Zoom on TV, Playing dolly is lots of fun for me.
I just love egg on toast to eat, And sometimes mushrooms for a treat.
Purple is a colour I like a lot,
My pink shoes are the best present I ever got.
My favourite person is Granddad, who is a gem,
So this, my first poem, is just for them!
I watch Iggel Piggel on TV, Playing dressing-up, fairy game is lots of fun for me.
I just love pie, mash, carrots and sausages to eat,
And sometimes custard and chocolate for a treat.
Pink is a colour I like a lot,
My teddy and rabbit are the best presents I ever got.
My favourite person is Zack, who is a gem, So this, my first poem, is just for them!
More work by pupils from Meriden School
The crowd began to roar as the knights galloped in bellowing with confidence as they took their positions. The shiny armour reflected the sun and the horses neighing loudly could be heard all around. The faceless heads were covered with dull metal helmets and had two holes so they could see. Their cloaks were blowing in the wind like the trees ahead of them. A bell rang and a deep voice boomed out “Take your positions”, both knights turned to face each other the horses pounded the floor and charged… By Mackenzie
The crowd began to roar as the knights galloped in. The first knight that entered the arena was called Scarlet knight and the second was Sir John of Meriden. They were wearing thick steel shiny armour holding powerful solid shields in their left hand and a long sharp lance in their right hand. To protect their head they had dazzling helmets. They got into their jousting positions and they prepared to charge. They had their lance in front of them pointing to the opponent they were facing. Suddenly they charged! The horses were galloping like lightning; you could see their eyes were full of anger. They were about a second away now. The knights were about to take their first terrifying hit…. By Ojan
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Available for holiday let Location:Heredades.LuxuryaccommodationinatypicalSpanish villagewithlocalshops&restaurants. Closetothelovelysandy beachesofGuadamar&LaFincagolfcourse.35mindrivefrom Murcia &Alicante airports
Continental Market Thursday 18th –Sunday 21st December
In Malvern Park
Tree Dressing Day Sunday 7th December
11.00am-1.30pm
In Brueton Park
Christmas in the Park
Sunday 14th December 12noon – 3.00pm
Father Christmas will be in the park, there will be a Christmas treasure hunt or a craft activity for the children. £1.50 per child
Carols in the Park 1.00-3.00pm
Join with the carol singers and brass band in the park
Domestic, Office & Commercial Cleaning Service
I offer a domestic or commercial cleaning service for your home, office, workplace or communal areas Whatever your cleaning needs are I can provide a service to match them. I have FULL insurance and have an enhanced CRB (police) check
Please call Lynda on Home 02476 381 783
Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research UK
We have been busy! Despite the drizzle we had a successful Open Gardens Day on August 31st. Visitors came from near and far (Birmingham and Kenilworth!) and they were impressed by the variety of gardens and the hospitality found in Meriden. We made a profit of £3,800 – so thanks to all our visitors and to our gardeners who shared their gardens for the day. The Ladies Evening was enjoyed by everyone and was deemed to have been a packed and good value evening. Debbie King, one of our Committee members must be congratulated on her achievements this year. In the early summer she walked in the Race for Life and then in August she completed the Relay for Life at Stoneleigh, with a team made up of her family. In this event the members of her team had to be on the track one at a time for a total of 24hrs. It was a particularly wet and windy night but Debbie and her family raised £1,857 for Cancer Research. Well done and ‘thank you’ to you all.
Our next event is the Christmas Social Evening at the Heart of England Club on Friday December 5th at 7.30pm. We have a singer and a magician, who is back by popular demand. The price is £7.50, which will include wine/sherry and a mince pie. It promises to be a good evening – see you there.
Mary Warr 01676 522160 Meriden Volunteers for Cancer Research UK
Friday 5th December 7.30pm tickets £7.50
Why I walk
I walked around a track today, I walked to help a disease go away, I walked because there is a need, I walked that bodies be freed.
I walked to give a small child hope, I walked to help someone cope, I walked for a husband or a wife, I walked to help prolong a life.
I walked with my head held high, I walked for that one about to die, I walked excitedly not demure, I walked to help to find a cure.
I walked for everyone to see, I walked for you and me.
Rutkovich Breast Cancer Survivor
Turmeric Gold Turmeric Gold Turmeric Turmeric
@ Meriden
Healthy * Lifestyle * Cuisine
Tel: 01676 521055
OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
LUNCHTIME 12 Noon – 2.00pm
Lunchtime menu available 2 course £7.50 3 Course £8.50 Ideal for business lunches or for pleasure EVENINGS
The Meriden Hotel 155 Main Road Meriden CV7 7NH www.turmericgold.co.uk
Julie
The ancient road through Meriden, a cattle drove, meant animals stayed overnight for safety on rented pasture in or near the village. Though some fields were at the crest of the hill, another larger group were at the junction of the old Coventry road with a now lost main road running past Pickford Grange Farm, heading for Back Lane and eventually Worcestershire. Here the fields were damp and excellent for grazing. Drovers could stay at a small alehouse near this road junction, known from 1620s as Pinkett’s Booth- a booth being a drovers’ stop over. The cattle pound can still be traced to the rear of the cottage.
Richard Pinkett, a labourer from Barston lived from c.1627 in a self-build, 3 roomed, single- storey cottage set on 2 acres of waste: it was just in Allesley parish. To build without permission was illegal even then but the parish authorities agreed rather than pay for his and his family’s upkeep! He made a living selling ale and possibly cheese and butter, offering cheap overnight accommodation to men and animals on the move. A slack innkeeper, he lost his licence twice by letting the locals get drunk on the premises and later selling ale over the legal price. Documents in Warwickshire County Record Office exist to prove all these events and dates. Dying in 1648, one of his son-in-laws, Eburne inherited it. Sale documents tell us it was at first called Pinkett’s Booth. Later in the C17th, new owners enlarged it raising a hip roof to make an upper storey like that at the Queen’s Head. Have a look! From 1660s the cottage, for a while called ‘The Rainbow’, was frequently sold on by owners and had many tenants. John Barfoot whose relatives farmed Alspath Hall, died there in 1741 and his widow remarrying, moved to Berkswell to run the ‘George in the Tree’, a much larger droving inn that still stands, as most readers will know. Many individual innkeepers are named though it is not entirely sure if it was continuously used as an inn. There was a ‘Rainbow’ in Allesley village by 1783 and ‘Old Rainbow’ appears on the former ‘Pinkett’s’ lease to Francis Turner a brick maker in 1807, proving the original name did not die out either as is often the case. (Brailes Farm for example recalls a farmer originally there in 1430s!) At least to locals like me, the whole area around the inn has always been called Pinkett’s Booth. You can find this on old maps. From descriptions it seems Pinkett’s later holding included fields around the entire road junction. By 1830s it had changed once more to the ‘The Royal Oak’. Did ‘Oak Lane’ get is name from that? Probably, because this was not the original name for that lane. I have one of Dr Kittermaster’s drawings showing a ‘Royal Oak’. Enjoying his ale, he may have walked there with his sketchbook. It is half-timbered leading me to think it was brick skimmed quite late. Bricks were made in the near-by fields from c.1809 to 1840s until the main brick maker moved to another brick works belonging to Lord Aylesford on Fillongley Road at the junction with Walsh Lane. The Victuallers' licences and Warwickshire Directories give us the names of the innkeepers in mid C19th and the late Mr Philpot, Allesley’s local historian, found very old inhabitants who remembered it as a pub.
This would date final closure to 1890’s and is possibly consistent with the Dawsons buying the farm here.There are many fragmentary ghost stories associated with old houses, Pinkett’s being one of them though I was led to believe this ghost was originally at the farm opposite, where Bablake House now stands and it moved to the other house when its original home was demolished! I met someone about 20 years ago who claimed to have seen it flitting across the road. Doreen Agutter.
Seville oranges are available in the shops in January and February, they make a delicious marmalade, which is fairly simple to make.
3 lb Seville oranges
Juice of two large lemons
6 pints water
6 lb granulated sugar
Seville Orange Marmalade
Scrub the oranges well and pick off the small disc at the stalk end. Cut the fruit in half and squeeze out the juice and the pips. Quarter the peel and cut away any thick white pith. Shred the peel finely.
Put the pith and the pips in a jelly bag. This should be loose so that the water will circulate through the pith and pips to extract the pectin.
Place the peel, strained orange and lemon juice, the jelly bag and the water in a preserving pan and leave to soak over night.
Bring to the boil and simmer gently for about 1 ½ hours or until the peel is tender. Remove the bag and squeeze it well (pressing it between two dinner plates).
Add sugar and stir over a low heat to dissolve.
Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for a set 15-20 minutes.
Test by placing a spoonful on a cold plate and leave to cool for a few minutes, the surface should set and crinkle when pushed. If you have a sugar thermometer the temperature should be 220 degrees.
Leave for thirty minutes for the peel to settle and put in clean warm jars.
Christmas Greetings from Dorset
Dear Val and Margaret
Thank you both for continuing to send a copy of the Meriden Magazine; we look forward to receiving it and catching up on the news in and around the village.
We have decided that the time has come to stop sending Christmas cards and make a donation to one of our preferred charities instead.
May we, through the magazine, wish all our friends and neighbours in Millisons Wood and Meriden a Happy Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year?
Our best wishes to you all.
Regards
Charles and Marjorie Beesley
Meriden Home Guard Remembered
I have today read some of the Meriden Mag back numbers for the first time and can confirm that the person in the centre of the photograph (summer 2008 edition) was Mr. Hickman who lived at The Manor. I believe that he was the Commanding Officer and that he had some senior position at the Coventry Colliery. I am surprised that Basil Warmingham did not know this, as he had a brother named James, as was his father, who delivered our newspapers for many years. I sang in Meriden Church choir and rang the bells with Basil, until I married and went to live on Allesley Park. I would be interested to know if anyone remembers me.
Mike Callow (L. Michael) now at Treetops, Kenn, Clevedon, BS21 6TT. leslie30@tiscali.co.uk
Thank you
I would like to say a big Thank You to all the friends who came to visit me during my recent stay in hospital. Also for the many cards and good wishes I received and to those friends who stepped in to my rescue when I really needed help.
Many thanks,
Connie Curtis
And Again
Marjorie Barber of Oakhill Cottage, Millisons Wood wishes to thank the Good Samaritans who rescued her on 24th October when she fell outside her home.
A Kingfisher !
To Kath and Keith Nightingale who for the past two years have looked after the distribution of the Meriden Mag, we wish them well in the future and hope Keith’s health improves. We welcome Mandy and Doug Bacon to the team; in future they will be in charge of distribution.
And thank-you once more……
The Meriden Mag would like to thank Stan Grundy for all his help over the years in delivering the Mag and wish him a speedy recovery from his recent illness.
A Welcome Visitor
Just thought you and fellow villagers may like to know that the swans and geese may have gone but we have a new visitor to the pond………
A few weeks ago we thought we heard the familiar shrill a kingfisher makes but couldn’t see anything then early morning of Saturday 27th September we heard him again & this time we saw a flash of blue & then saw it perch on a post sticking out from the water at the back of the pond!
We have since heard him twice more but haven’t seen him.
The exciting news is that if a kingfisher finds water with a good perch & fish in then he will test the area before deciding whether to bring a mate to it to bring up a family there. How exciting would that be, to see in the spring…a family of kingfishers at the village pond, lets hope he likes it!
Paula Lazar
Well Done the Firs
On the 1st October the Coffee Morning Club made their meeting a special event and raised £109 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Alan Lole
Macmillan coffee morning
Thank you to all those people who came along and supported the Coffee morning on Friday 26th September. We raised £347 on the day. We had lots of donations from people who could not attend, not just money, prizes to help fund raise. Thanks to Val Friend and her daughter in law, Tracy, who helped with refreshments and to Janet Gillan for running the Bring and Buy Sale. Thanks to Vicky Goodsir for her Giant Tombola, which she provides. Thank you all for coming it was a lovely morning. Shirley and Graeme Goodsir
Painting with Julie
Autumn Leaves
With the leaves such spectacular colours this autumn how can we not be inspired to paint them?
Try this autumn leaf design.
1. Draw a design of leaves overlapping each other. You can even draw around the leaves themselves if they are small enough. If you want white edges around the leaves in your design start with the top leaves and draw the others behind, leaving a small gap between the overlapping leaves.
2. Mix some puddles of paint. Mix a puddle of each of the following: -
• Red but not too strong
• The same red but a much stronger mix
• Yellow but not too strong
• The same yellow but a much stronger mix
3. Painting ONE LEAF AT A TIME. Paint on one of the weaker washes and then, while this is still wet; add a little of the other colour but now using the stronger mix. E.g. Paint the weaker yellow mix on to one leaf and then add the stronger red while the yellow is still wet. Add the stronger colour with a small brush, either to the centre or to the edges. The colours should run and spread into each other a little
4. Move on to another leaf. Try using the weaker red first, all over the leaf and then adding a little of the stronger yellow. Work each leaf in turn in the same way.
Try a different design using yellows and blues in the same way instead. This will give you a green leaf effect. Red and a little blue will give you purple leaves
Art Classes with Julie Hyde
As well as the regular Thursday classes, Julie is again running a series of three-week evening classes exploring different media used in painting. These will be in Meriden Village Hall, Wednesday evenings, 7.00pm-9.00pm
Painting with Watercolour 21st January, 28th January and 4th February.
Playing with Pastel 18th February, 25th February and 4th March
Acrylic painting 18th March, 25th March 1st April Contact Julie on 01676 523357 to
On behalf of the Cricket Club I would like to thank everyone who has contributed and taken part in our matches and social events during the past season. To round off the year we are holding two special quiz nights the proceeds of which shall be donated to Acorns Trust to brighten the lives of their young patients. Please come and help us to help them on; Thursday 27th November 8.00pm at the Heart of England Social Club and a Christmas Quiz on Wednesday 17th December 8.00pm at the Queen’s Head
Mike Gallagher 01676 521085
Charity Quiz Night
On Thursday 27th November Heart of England Social club 8.00pm
Presented by Rick Wise
Christmas Quiz Night
On Wednesday 17th December The Queens Head 8.00pm
Presented by Rick Wise
MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL
Tenders are invited for Contracts to be awarded for the forthcoming financial year 1st April 2009 - 31st March 2010.
If you are interested in tendering for any of the following 6 Contracts please supply information to Clerk, Mrs J Hall, 111 Fillongley Road, Meriden, CV7 7LW by Friday 5th December 2008 marking the envelope TENDER.
CONTRACT
Playing Fields
1 - April 1st 2009 - 31st March 2010
April to October. (Subject to weather conditions).
• To weekly pick litter and cut grass.
• To weekly empty bins.
• To remove the glass from the tennis courts when requested Rate / hour Between November and March
• To weekly pick litter
• To weekly empty bins.
• To clear and cut weeds round the edge of the field and ditches, once.
• To cut the inside of the hedge, once. The Green April to October. (Subject to weather conditions).
• To weekly collect litter both on the green and under the fir tree on the green, cut grass and trim.
• To annually fertilize.
Planting
• Summer planting of trough arrangements around village (28) and watering through season.
• Winter planting of troughs around village (28).
• To maintain garden around Meriden Cross and supply of summer and winter planting. Allotments - Leys Lane Between November and March
• To cut hedge on Leys Lane, once.
Fir Trees – Fillongley Road
• To litter pick under the trees when requested
CONTRACT 2 - April 1st 2009 - 31st March 2010
Playing Fields
Rate / hour
• Clean around Play Equipment and Buildings/Field at Maxstoke Lane weekly. Monthly Rate
CONTRACT 3 - April 1st 2009 - 31st March 2010
Bus Shelters
• To clear litter and sweep weekly. Monthly Rate
• To remove any graffiti weekly.
• Notify Clerk of any problems with Shelters.
• To wet wash when requested. Rate
CONTRACT 4 - April 1st 2009 - 31st March 2010
Bus Shelters
• To repair Bus Shelters (10) and paint, as and when requested (Excluding materials). Rate / hour
CONTRACT 5 - April 1st 2009 - 31st March 2010
Benches and Notice boards
• To maintain and treat benches (20) and notice boards (5). Rate / hour
N.B.
All persons submitting tenders must:
1) Provide own tools and equipment for Contracts.
2) Accept responsibility for all Health and Safety issues involved with the Contracts. You are also invited to
The public and press are cordially invited to all meetings in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be given for the public to speak. Look out for the Agenda, which is posted on the parish notice boards prior to the meeting.
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
2009
Wednesday 14th January
Wednesday 14th January
Wednesday 11th February
Wednesday 11th March
Monday 15th December
2009
(Finance Committee Meeting)
Monday 26th January
Monday 23rd February
Monday 23rd March
Should you wish to contact your Parish Council please contact the Clerk or individual Councillors through the website:
Mrs J Hall
111 Fillongley Road
Meriden
Coventry
CV7 7LW
Your Parish Councillors are:
Tel : 01676 522727
Email : juliehall.mpc@btinternet.com
Website : meridenparishcouncil.org.uk
Rosie Weaver (Chair); Bob Kipling (Vice Chair); Graeme Goodsir; Shirley Goodsir; Marilyn Hamilton; Melanie Lee; Sarah Markham; Will Markham.
1 NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD CO-ORDINATOR
Sue East has returned to her position as Neighbourhood Co-ordinator at Solihull MBC she can be contacted:
2 BERKSWELL ROAD – CLOSURE
There are temporary restrictions along Berkswell Road from its junction with B4102 to its junction with Meriden Road, to enable Solihull MBC contractors to work safely whilst undertaking gas main replacement works at that location. The temporary closure will be required from 7.00am on Monday 20th October 2008 until 5.00pm on Friday 19th December 2008 or until the said works are completed, whichever the sooner. The alternative route for traffic is signed via Meriden Road, Lavender Hall Lane, Hall Meadow Road, A452 Kenilworth Road and Main Road B4102. Access for property frontages is to be maintained at all times, as is access for the emergency services.
The 192 and 194 bus services have been altered in view of this temporary road closure and the buses are not operating from all bus stops. For the 192 and 194 both directions please go to the 900 bus stop towards Coventry on Birmingham Road.
3 WEST MIDLANDS POLICE - COMMUNITY SURGERIES
WPC Sharon Williams representing the West Midlands Police along with Susan East your Neighbourhood Coordinator from Solihull MBC will be available for you to discuss any issues at Meriden Library on Monday 15th December from 10.00am – 12.00 noon. Dates for the New Year will be posted on the parish notice boards and website soon.
WPC Sharon Williams Tel: 0845 113 5000 ext 79286264 sharon.williams@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
4 MAXSTOKE LANE DEVELOPMENT
The following press release was provided by Solihull MBC at the end of September:
“Solihull Council has chosen its preferred partner for a new housing development in Meriden.
David Wilson Homes (part of the Barratt Group) propose to build around 90 new houses, which will be a mix of detached and terraced two to five bedroom homes. 40% of the houses will be affordable houses. The development will be built on the current playing fields on Maxstoke Lane, but before building work can start, the developers must provide replacement playing fields at nearby Hampton Lane.
4 (Continued)
The new and improved playing fields will be central to the village in the heart of the community and have already been designed following consultation with local people. They will encompass a cricket field, football pitch, tennis courts, a multi use sports pavilion with changing rooms, showers, toilets, and a community function room, as well as children’s play area and youth facilities, with on site car parking.
David Wilson Homes will be consulting with local people and the Parish Council as plans evolve prior to submitting of the housing planning application.
Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Ken Hawkins said: “We have a responsibility to find space for new housing developments and to make sure that they are appropriate and are sympathetic to our existing communities. This new development fulfils these responsibilities and also means that local people will benefit from new and improved leisure facilities as well as affordable homes.”
For more information contact: Angharad Lynch on 0121 704 6164 or Nina Scott on 0121 704 6444 or Gemma Shryane on 0121 704 6136. www.solihull.gov.uk
Your Parish Council will continue to consult with Solihull MBC and David Wilson Homes. Further updates will be posted on the parish notice boards/website when necessary.
Meriden Village Appraisal Household Survey results announced
A well attended Village Hall meeting on the15th October saw a presentation of the results of the Household Survey conducted in the early summer.
Giving the presentation, Iain Roxburgh, Chair of the Appraisal and Plan Steering Group first thanked all Meriden households for responding to the survey in such numbers. He described the response rate of over 60% as “a vote of confidence in the work of the volunteers who made it happen and a real indication of the commitment of Meriden people to the improvement of our environment and community”.
Some important messages from the Survey are already clear.
What most people like about living in Meriden Parish is the feeling of it being a real village in a countryside environment, yet near major employment centres and transport links. It is rural, but not remote. There is a very strong commitment to defending the Green Belt. People also like the village shops, pubs, restaurants and other facilities and the feeling of community.
Three main issues top the list of things that people would like to see changed and improved. In no order these are:
• Better facilities and activities for young people, together with better play facilities for the whole community.
• Road safety, reducing the speed of traffic and better bus services, particularly to Solihull
• Community policing and action to reduce the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.
A report on the survey results is in the course of preparation and will be published and distributed to all households before Christmas.
At the same time volunteers, working in Theme Groups, are examining the results of the survey in more detail and recommending actions and priorities for inclusion in the draft Parish Plan. If you would like to help in this work in any way, contact Iain Roxburgh on 522496 or IainRoxburgh@btinternet.com.
The answer to one question in the survey was very clear indeed. The Meriden Mag is by far and away the most used and valued source of information about Meriden and events and activities in the Parish Iain Roxburgh
Remembrance Sunday
The organisers of Meriden's Remembrance Sunday, John Moorhouse & Paul Lee would like to thank the following for again making it such an memorable one. Heart of England Entertainment, Alec Barstow. Meriden Parish Council. The Marshals, Ralph Ledbrook (who also cleaned the memorial), Mike Gallagher (who also sourced the barriers and closure signs, courtesy of Parade Civil Engineering Ltd and Haystoun Ltd), Bob Hurton, Steve Wake, Ian & Sharon Tuersley and Chris Higton. Parish Councillors Will Markham (marshal) & Melanie Lee (marshal). Julie Hall, Parish Clerk, for contacting local media. Heart of England Social Club. West Midlands Police and Solihull MBC for their advice and guidance. Finally thanks to all those who attended to honour the fallen.
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
Winter events at Brueton Park Solihull
Saturday 17th January Volunteer Work Party
10.00am – 3.00pm
Join WWT staff & volunteers to help develop & maintain our 5.5-acre nature reserve. Tasks for all ages & disabilities. Contact Amanda Henshaw.
Location: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull.
Cost: FREE EVENT
Monday 16th February Survival Dens
10.30am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Get Tribal! Make a headdress then head outdoors to see if you can survive in the wild.
Location: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull
Cost: £3 per child, £4 for non-WWT members
Tuesday 17th February Kite Flying Fun
10.30am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Make a kite from scratch and have a go at flying it in the park.
Play some really wild games.
Location: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park
Cost: £3 per child, £4 for non WWT members
Wednesday 18thFebruary Feed the Birds
10.30am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Thursday 19th February Scrap Heap Challenge
10.30am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Impress us with how much you know about recycling. Play some exciting games and make a 3D model out of rubbish. Feel free to bring along your own recycling bits.
Location: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull
Cost: £3 per child, £4 for non WWT members
Friday 20th February Nature’s Detectives
10.30am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Put your detective skills to the test and search the reserve for all manner of creatures. Follow a trail and make a mammal mask.
Location: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull
Cost: £3 per child, £4 for non WWT member
Saturday 21st February Volunteer Work Party for details see Saturday 17th January
To book any of these events please call 0121 704 0768
Help your garden birds through the end of winter by making a bird feeder. Peek through binoculars to see what birds are about.
Location: Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull
Cost: £3 per child, £4 for non WWT members
Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry
Enjoy Personal Fitness Training, Pilates or an Aromatherapy Massage in the comfort of your own home or in our local fully equipped studio.
For more information and to book your Free 30 Minute Consultation to find out how we can help you reach your health and fitness goals, please contact: Nikki: 07786 548 828 or Email: discoverfitness@hotmail.co.uk
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Information Amnesty
Review of Council Tax discount for people living alone
• Have you been claiming a Council Tax discount for living alone?
• Have your circumstances changed and you now have a second adult living with you? Let us know now, before we find out
• From January 2009 we will be using new data searching technology to find those claiming the discount who have a second adult living with them and should be paying the full rate.
• The technology can search organisations and government departments to highlight properties claiming the discount to see if any other adults are listed at the address.
• Tell us before 31 December 2008 or you could be fined up to £280 and prosecuted under the Theft Act 1968.
Let us know by calling us on 0121 704 8100 or visit our website at www.solihull.gov.uk/benefits/spd.htm
We can advise you about any other discounts or benefits you may be entitled to and provide a re-payment plan for any amounts that may be owed to us.
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Out and About this winter
Hatton Locks
An ideal place for a winter stroll, Hatton locks are about 20 minutes away from Meriden on the road to Warwick, A4177. They are signposted and there is parking on site. The flight of 21 locks at Hatton, known as the 'Stairway to Heaven' offer wonderful views of Warwick and the surrounding countryside. Close to Warwick on the Grand Union Canal, Hatton Locks is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy a picnic, or you can stop off at a cafe for light refreshments. It is fun to watch the narrow boats travelling through the locks as they make their way to Warwick or Birmingham.
You can walk as far (or as little as you like) and at the Canalside Café you can enjoy delicious refreshments after your walk. The café was winner of a Commended award within the Best Café/Tea room category at the Coventry & Warwickshire Food and Drink Awards 2006.
Knowle and Dorridge Lions Festive Walk
Sunday December 28th
Time to brush the mud off those boots and walk off some Christmas food and at the same time raise some money for Charity. Why not come along to our 16th Festive Walk on 28th December starting from 10.00 at Baddesley Clinton National Trust House? There will be a variety of 4, 7 or 10 mile signposted routes to walk all on country lanes, canal towpaths and public roads passing a number of pubs along the way who will be happy to serve refreshments.This is a family event – everybody welcome, including the dog! At the end of the walk there will be mulled wine and mince pies for you to enjoy. In 2007 we raised over £7,000 for our designated charities and this year we will be walking for Macmillan Cancer Support, Whizz-Kidz, Campaign SightFirst II as well as local causes.
Carols at the Symphony Hall with the CBSO and presented by Carol Smillie
Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd December 0121 780 3333 www.KnowleandDorridgeLions.com/walk
Christmas Pantomimes and Shows
Jack and the Beanstalk Solihull Arts Complex
12th December- 11th January 0121 704 6962
Dick Whittington Belgrade Theatre Coventry
25th November –10 th January 024 7655 3055
Robin Hood Birmingham Hippodrome
9th December – 3rd February 0870 730 1234
Beauty and the Beast Warwick Arts Centre
29th November – 3rd January 024 7652 4524
Disney’s High School Musical
Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 15th December –3rd January 0870 607 7533
Heart of England School
Common A traditional pantomime suitab A traditional pantomime suitable for all le for all le for all ages
Friday January 23rd 7.30pm
Saturday January 24th 2.30pm
Sunday January 25th 2.30pm
Friday January 30th 7.30pm
Saturday January 31st 2.30pm and 7.30pm (note there is no evening performance on Saturday Jan 24th) Tickets £6 and £4 (concessions) from Kathy 01676 532475
Or in person from Atkinson & Stillgoe’s Office
BEWARE OF PAPER IN THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE
NEW WAY TO DO CAR JACKING
You walk across the car park, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into reverse. When you look into the rear view mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view.
When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car jackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car.
And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the car jacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised!
BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED....
If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later.
There has been further progress into the investigation of card cloning in the area. Following the arrest and conviction of the 'gang of three', from Coventry, an arrest has been made in Canada according to Barclaycard Fraud Investigations.
Village Diary
Kerbside collections for all Solihull Council have promised that by the end of 2009, every household will have:
Kerbside collection for paper
Kerbside collection for glass
Kerbside collection for tin, card and plastic
A new black wheelie bin for non-recyclable rubbish
There will also be 7 new recycling sites in the Borough over the next two years and schools also have the opportunity to take place in the council’s recycling scheme for schools.
Q. What do monkeys sing at Christmas?
A. Jungle Bells, Jungle Bells.
When contacting advertisers contacting advertisers please mention The Meriden Mag please The Meriden Mag
Reminder!! Deadline date for the spring issue (Out by 1st March) Monday 2nd February 2009
Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963
val.simon@virgin.net
Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453
margaret.argyle@mattargyle.com
Treasurer: Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive Meriden
Deliveries: Mandy & Doug Bacon
Proof Reader: Claire Rose
Useful Village Contact Numbers
Meriden Post Office News
Recommended last UK and International posting dates before Christmas (As supplied by Royal Mail)
International Airmail
5th December South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (except Japan), Australia and New Zealand
10th December USA, Canada, Japan and Eastern Europe
12th December Western Europe
UK last posting dates
18th December Second Class
20th December First Class
23rd December Special Delivery
19th December Special delivery with Saturday guarantee
Coming soon to Me to Meriden Post Office riden Post Office Office riden Post Office A Pay Point Machine A Pay Point Machine “Pay all your household bills in one place” “Pay all your household bills in one place” “Pay all your in one place” “Pay all your in one place”
SAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS STAMPS
At this time of the year we all get lots of mail. Don’t forget to save those used stamps for Guide Dogs for the Blind. There is a collection box at Lloyds Chemist in the village. Please ensure you leave about a centimetre around each stamp when cutting them from the envelope.
Many thanks
Meriden Primary School Mrs. J. Smith 01676 522488
Meriden Library 01676 522717
Meriden Surgery 01676 522252
Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722
St. Laurence Church Rev.Michael Dawkins 01676 522719
Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Andrew Charlesworth 01676 533737
Meriden Christian Fellowship Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt 01676 523050
Parish Council
Julie Hall (Clerk) 01676 522727
Community Centre Warden Pat Delaney 01676 522867
Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000
District Councillors
Member of Parliament
Boy Scouts Group
Cricket Club
Post Office
Rural Police Sector
Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408
David Bell 01676 535211
Dr. Peter Lea 01676 532577
Caroline Spelman 020 7219 4189
Gerry Russell 01676 522666
Mike Gallagher 01676 521085
Sue Harper 01676 522230
WPC Sharon Williams 0845 113 5000
Charity & Community information & events FREE Views expressed by the Contributors are not necessarily those of the Co-editors
We are unable to print anonymous Letters or articles although we will withhold name and address on request
