MeridenMag Winter 2010

Meriden Mag Winter 2010

Hi, we are year 4 and we have been on a trip to Blakesley Hall. This picture is of us looking at a Tudor house and talking about what we know, but when we got inside we had so many other facts.

Francesca

Meriden School Photographs

The picture above is of Nick and Tim dressed up as Tudors. Nick was the rich Tudor and Tim was the poor Tudor. They both wore funny trousers.

Annie

This is Nelly and Safa in Tudor women clothes. Nelly is poor and Safa is a rich lady. A rich lady wore special hip pads.

Morgan

Our Trip to Parliament

Andrew, Harriet, Archie and Hattie went on a trip to the Houses of Parliament to meet Caroline Spelman and to have a tour around the Houses of Parliament. We saw the throne that the Queen sits on in the opening of Parliament. We saw the dispatch box in the House of Commons where the Prime Minister stands for Question Time and we found that the Queen is not allowed in the Houses of Commons except by invitation. We met Caroline Spelman in her office and we spent half an hour talking about her job, environmental issues and what she would do for Meriden as our MP. We walked down to Downing Street and had an ice-cream. It was a fantastic day and a day we will never forget. Thank you Mrs Brooker and Mrs Smith for organising this trip for us!

In October Jill from Christian Aid came to the school assembly to accept a cheque for an amazing £1276.30. This was raised last year during charity week and at other times throughout the year. Well done Meriden!

The children at Meriden School have had a busy half term, Donna and Carole from Meriden Library came into school to present medals to the children who completed the summer reading challenge across the summer holidays- well done to them!

Greetings from Meriden School

I can’t believe that we are half way through the first term this year – the time has flown by! I am sure that the next half term will whiz by too with the excitement of Christmas and all the joy and activities that this time of year brings.

Our school year began amidst electricians and wires – the school is now rewired with new lighting in all areas which makes a huge difference to the working environment for our pupils. It is obviously more eco-friendly too! The children have had a wide range of experiences to extend their curriculum. Years 2 & 4 attended the harvest experience at St. Laurence’s church which they enjoyed immensely. Our year 6 pupils took part in an e-safety workshop which taught them that cyber bullying can shatter lives, be offensive and hurtful and helped them to consider what personal information they give out on the internet.

Our Year 3 and 4 pupils performed a Harvest assembly in which they sang and spoke beautifully, portraying the message of harvest and helping the needy. We had a large collection of produce which was collected by ‘Helping Hands’ and then distributed in Solihull. Thanks to all who gave so generously.

Our Open Evening was a great success at the end of the half term, with classes holding activities to showcase the learning that takes place in each year group. Our governors and PTA also discussed their roles in school with both current and prospective parents.

Next half term will see the whole school visiting the Belgrade theatre to see the pantomime ‘Cinderella’ (oh yes we are!), the Infant nativity, Carols around the tree, the Christingle service at St. Laurence’s, to finally finish the term with our own Carol Service in school. As usual, everyone is invited to the rehearsal of the carol service which this year will be on 16th December at 9.45am. If you wish to attend, please call the school on 01676 522488 so we know to expect you.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year from everyone at Meriden Primary School. Lucy Winkler Headteacher

“3 H’s” A Christmas message from the Mayor of Solihull Councillor

Ian Courts (Meriden Rotarian)

Variety is the spice of civic life.

Many people have asked me what our Mayor does and how relevant it is in today’s world. Apart from presiding over meetings of the Full Council of 51 members, a main responsibility of the office is to represent the Borough in events both in Solihull and elsewhere. If royalty enter the Borough, then the Mayor has to be the first person to greet them – and don’t forget that the NEC and airport are both in the Borough It is non-political. It is a 7 day a week job. However, for the Mayoress and me, the most rewarding part of the office is to meet and thank the many wonderful volunteers and charities that are at work in Solihull. The Rotary motto is “Service above Self”, but that could equally apply to the army of wonderful people all out there helping others less fortunate than themselves.

Over the past four months, the Mayoress and I have opened community premises, launched Fun Runs and fetes, supported countless wonderful charities and community groups; welcomed new citizens to our fine Borough; taken part in two Rahki ceremonies; supported and encouraged our hard working Environmental Champions and volunteers, as they have improved our parks and open spaces; and of course attended formal civic ceremonies. If you want to see some of what we have been doing, Google “Ian Courts Blog”

We joined dozens of volunteers from many parts of the Borough, as well as Meriden Rotarians, planting daffodil and crocus bulbs near Katherine’s Wood in Lavender Hall Park Balsall Common (see photo above) The Mayoress abseiled down Fort Dunlop, with our son and his fiancé, raising funds for Marie Curie.

On 30th September, the Mayoress and I were the hosts at Nailcote Hall for our very successful “Alternative Ryder Cup”. The day was one of the sunniest in the month and we received great support for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Prostate Cancer Charity.

Since I lost my two stones in weight, I have been trying to walk regularly. There really are some lovely country walks all the way round the village. You should try them – maybe we will meet you there!

The theme of my message at our Civic Sunday was “Health, Happiness and Harmony” and that is my wish for the readers of the Meriden Mag and their families, for Christmas and the New Year!

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS

Lay Reader Peter Wright 01676 522414

www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk

Church Wardens Marian Theobald Tel 01676 523 475

Linda Barnett Tel 01676 523 277

Services are held every Sunday at 10.30 am

It has been very good to welcome so many people visiting the church while it has been open on Sunday afternoons over the summer and autumn this year, in addition to the regular morning services and at other times. We look forward to doing this again from the spring of next year.

Meanwhile as you read this, Christmas is not far away, and before then there are still all the preparations to be doneincreasingly frantic in my case. I know that in spite of my good intentions I often feel that I’m unprepared. Often we have high hopes for the Christmas holiday, but we can find it stressful. There are so many pressures. Rushing to buy food and gifts and their high costs. Planning for getting relatives together for Christmas can be stressful as well, but so can the opposite - feeling alone. Christmas can be a confusing time. Many people do hope for more than presents at Christmas. We feel sure that behind all the fun and decorations, there must somehow be a message, something more, some key to life, hope and happiness. Can we look beyond the pressures and the busy-ness, and find any real meaning, any message for our lives today? How can we make sense of Christmas today?

It is in these places of pressure and questioning that God calls us to seek him, in the Son born at Christmas. No other person has had such an effect on human lives as Jesus. He was crucified but rose again. He overcame death, and millions know Him today as a friend and helper in their lives. You owe it to yourself to find out more about Him. Is He who He claimed to be? Can He help us in our lives today? Christmas is the time to stop and think about these important questions; you have nothing to lose!

In all events God promises that he will not leave us and that even in hard and testing times we can find in Him our security and peace. So whatever the pressures are that you may face this Christmas season, may you know the peace of God and joy in the celebration of our Lord’s birth. Come and celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas. All the Christmas services are listed elsewhere in this Mag. We do look forward to seeing you, you are sure of a warm welcome.

With

blessings and prayers for you this Christmas.

Peter Wright, Lay Reader

The Church Tower

Many of you must be wondering what is going on behind the covers and scaffolding around the church tower. Only a short while ago scaffolding was above the main body of the church. That was for the main roof to be rebuilt - a magnificent job integrating the great medieval timbers with modern construction methods and materials. Now it is the great stones of the tower. Starting from the top, the roof and the stone base of a once intended steeple have been rebuilt. Working down the tower large stone blocks are being replaced and carved pieces made to fit with great skill. Then there is metal work; glass work and clockwork all going on at the same time. The clock is waiting to be brought back to us from Cumbria and the stained glass window from the south! The stones themselves are coming from a quarry near Scotland because the sandstone is harder there than our local stone. Though each stone comes cut to size and numbered it sometimes takes the masons 3 days to shape it exactly!

The roof has been completely rebuilt

The stone masons working onsite shaping the stones to fit

The whole job should be finished before the end of the year and that will bring many years of planning and money raising to an end. Michael Dawkins, the Retired Rector, is seeing the project through. The tower work is costing about a third of a million pounds and it is hoped the final ninety thousand pounds will be raised in time. All contributions warmly welcomed!

W Thompson replaced the roof timber in 1770 and left his mark

For the very best for your dog, contact… 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

Roots, Fruits and Shoots

Jacey wishes all her customers a very Happy Christmas

3 The Green 3 The Green 3 The Green 3 The Green Meriden Meriden Meriden Meriden 01676 522822 01676

• Fresh fruit and vegetables

• Fresh farm eggs

• Fish counter, fresh and smoked fish available Tuesday – Saturday

• Locally baked fresh bread and pastries delivered daily

• Fresh cut flowers

• Christmas Hampers

• Holly Wreaths

• Seasonal flowering plants

Tom’s Butchery Tom’s Butchery E EE Established 25 years stablished 25 years stablished 25 years stablished 25 years 3 The Green 3 The Green The The Meriden Meriden Telephone Telephone 01676 522822 01676

• Fresh local farm turkey breasts and fresh turkeys and chickens. Order now for Christmas

• Hand raised pork pies all sizes

• Ribs of beef on the bone

• Free range English pork

• Top quality lamb

• Wright’s Mince pies

• Wide selection of prize winning sausages

• Wide selection of cheeses

• Wide selection of bacon including dry cured English bacon

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 5:30pm (4th Sunday in month only)

The light shines in the darkness (John 1: 5)

For Christians everywhere, Christmas is a time of hope. It is the beginning of a new story, a brighter future for the world.

This hope is captured in one of the most striking images used in the Christmas story, that of the light shining in the darkness. We celebrate Christmas just after the winter solstice, when darkness surrounds us. The Gospel of Luke heralds the birth of Jesus with a glorious and bright company of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest.” In Matthew it is a bright star that guides the Wise Men to baby Jesus.

One of my favourite images for this year in particular comes in John. Many will face an uncertain time this Christmas, with worries over jobs and perhaps their homes. It is into such uncertainty that I believe John speaks when he proclaims, “The light shines in the darkness” and he adds that “the darkness has not overcome it.”

There are no easy answers to the problems people will be facing this Christmas, but this verse reminds us that in Jesus there is “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow”

Season’s greetings, Andrew.

Diary Dates: December 10th: 7pm Christmas Supper Club (Quiz)

January 16th 2011, Methodist Covenant Service followed by lunch at Strawberry Bank Hotel Stamp Bureau.

We appreciate so much the stamps which have been collected and taken to Lloyds the Chemist on the Green. These have all been sent down to Essex and I have copied the latest information about how these stamps and other items help to bring in money to support medical work etc overseas :-

“Mr Alex Grimson continues his hard work and effort he puts into raising funds for Medical Missionary News through the sale of stamps, postcards, coins and photographs. In the last financial year over £6,000 was raised (from many parts of the UK) and we are very grateful to Alex for this. The following is a list of what Alex can accept:

•Normal postage stamps ideally with about 1/2 inch border of paper around the stamp.

•Postcards complete with stamps). New or used; British & foreign.

•Foreign Envelopes in good condition old and new.

•British envelopes Pre 1955 can be sold as they are.

•First Day Covers and special postmarked envelopes are also able to be sold as they are. Please do not fold these, as this will reduce their value.

•Coins and Bank notes, old and new, foreign and British are also of value.

•Collections of Stamps, Covers, Coins, Cigarette Cards, Postcards etc. Please send complete collections as they may be better to sell as complete sets.

•Old family photographs are sometimes postcards; please check the back. Some may have local scenes on the background; many may have been sent from servicemen and women. These can be more valuable if some relevant information about the person or place is available and can be written on the back in pencil. All items will be gratefully received.”

The work of the Medical Missionary News can be read on their website www.mmn.uk.com Many thanks, Ann Eastbury.

The Methodist church Hall is available for hire, please contact Maureen Gabbitas on 01676 522148 for details

Luxury Holiday Penthouse in Spain

Fully equipped with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private roof terrace, pool, TV and air conditioning

£250 per week rental winter 2010 and spring 2011 10 minutes drive from the sea and golf course 40 minutes drive from Murcia & Alicante airports

For more information see www.stillinspain.com Contact Malcolm Hickin 01676 533716

Queens Head Old Road Meriden Queens Old Road

Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx

December 6th Backbeat 13th Stevie Best 20th Julie Christie

th Keith Brett

January 3rd TBA

th Cover Story

th Dave TW

th Guy Surtees

st Samuel G

February 7th Jamie Malin

ALLAN SMITH SLATING

th Just Natalie 21st Nickki

Now serving Breakfast on Sunday mornings 10.00am-1.00pm Full English £5.25. Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00- 2.30pm

Pop in for good food and a warm welcome 01676 522256

“The old believe everything, the “The old believe everything, the believe everything, the believe everything, the middle middle middle--aged suspect everything, and aged suspect everything, and suspect everything, and aged suspect everything, and the young know everything.” know everything.” Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde

throughout

The Centre Charity Shop 01676 523050

Season’s Greetings to all our friends and customers,

As usual a huge thank you to our dedicated and hard working team, who give up their time willingly and freely to make The Centre a welcoming place to be. Thank you for the lovely donations we have received. Lots of people pass comment on the quality and variation of the items that come in every week, and the pleasure they receive looking through it all.

At the moment we are in need of quality men’s work boots, ladies jumpers, cardigans and coats, as the sudden change in weather has caused a lot more people to be on the lookout for warmer clothing and for the first time our rails are looking quite sparse. As always we are in need of black or green refuse sacks (now that wheelie bins are in operation I know that they are more difficult to come by) however if you have any to spare they would be very welcome.

We are intending to open at least on the first two Saturdays in December (10am -2.00pm) but will put a notice in the window nearer the time so that people who work during the week and can't come in any other time will know in advance without making a wasted journey.

Solihull

Meriden Christian Fellowship are holding their annual Carol Service at the Scout Hall on Sunday 12th December at 4 p.m. After which light refreshments will be served and anyone wishing to attend would be most welcome.

If you haven't yet been in The Centre why don't you drop in and introduce yourself to us as it's always nice to see new faces and meet new people.

See you soon, Kevin and Lyn Hunt

‘They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.’ (Isaiah 62v12).

The Midlands Charities Association Christmas card shop will be back in Balsall Common library until Saturday December 11th . The shop will be operating at all library opening times during that period i.e. Monday & Thursday 10 am –7 pm Tuesday & Saturday 10 am –5 pm Friday 1 pm-5 pm (closed Wednesday) There will be cards from 16 different charities. Please come along and support us.

Judith Woodcock 533428 Pam Brown 532580

Spend time with Spend time with me………

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3 Ways to help you Ways to help enjoy your enjoy your your your recreation and recreation and improve your times improve your times your times your times

Over 50s in Solihull can get fit as a fiddle

Fit as a fiddle is a major programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund and launched by Age UK that will help older people all over England to live more healthy, active and fulfilling lives.

UK Older People’s Day 1st Oct The Loft Chelmsley Wood Despite dreadful weather this event was really vibrant and successful with approximately 100 over 50’s attending. There were representatives from community partners including West Midlands Fire Service, Solihull Care Trust, Solihull MBC, Diabetes UK Solihull, Osteoporosis Society and the Pensions Service.

Participants were able to join in with exercise demonstrations, have a massage, make a fruit cocktail and take part in Wii Fit Activities. Thank you to the Meriden contingent for coming all that way to support us.

Extend at Meriden Village Hall

The group continues to be successful: offering gentle exercise specifically for the over 50’s. Dates for December are 1st and 15th and we re-start after Christmas, fortnightly on Wednesday January 5th. The sessions commence at around 1.30pm for an hour with refreshments to follow. There is a voluntary charge of £1.50.

Please contact Tracy Curtis 0121 705 9128 or 07709 185433 if you wish to attend

Charity Christmas Card Shop

Solihull

A Message from Caroline Spelman MP

Many constituents will be aware that our transport infrastructure is nearing capacity. Figures from the National Audit Office and Industry Reports indicate that the rail corridor from London to Birmingham will be full within 10 years. This capacity ‘time-bomb’ will have a significant effect on our local economy if steps are not taken now to alleviate the pressure on the West Coast mainline and the Chiltern Line.

That is why the Government are making steps to investigate the viability of a High Speed Rail line between London and Birmingham. This new line would reduce the journey time between London and Birmingham to just 37 minutes and improve connectivity to the North and also the Continent. It would encourage businesses to move their headquarters out of the expensive London area and a fast rail connection to Birmingham Airport, together with the proposed runway extension, would shape Birmingham into an international transport hub.

However, I am well aware that many are concerned about the impact this line could have on the greenbelt and house prices in our area. It is likely that the new line will come close to Hampton-in-Arden, over a viaduct but the protection of the Meriden Gap our side of the A45 would remain a major priority for me. I am reassured that the flood plane will be carefully monitored and the design of the aqueduct will be subject to public consultation. Although it will be painful while the line is being built, I envisage that house prices would actually increase as the Midlands area becomes a more desirable place to live, with its excellent transport connections. The Government are also committed to provide the most extensive and comprehensive compensation ever offered to those whose homes are blighted. I have personally written to the Secretary of State about this as I feel that our blight laws need to be reformed.

The next step in this process will be a public consultation set to begin at the beginning of 2011. The consultation will last for around 5 months and will address four areas. Firstly, the principle of a High Speed Rail line, secondly, the main corridor of the route, thirdly the finer details of the route and fourthly the compensation scheme. Theresa Villiers, Minister of State for Transport, recently said that this is not a ‘done deal’ and that contributors to the consultation can be assured that their comments will shape this important scheme. All being well, a hybrid bill will be introduced to Parliament in 2013 and construction of a new line will not commence before 2015 with completion expected in 2026.

To contact Caroline or make an appointment for a surgery please contact Rachel Anderson on 020 7219 4189

Before School Starts

The play ground prepares for the rampage that shatters the peace.

The fun equipment try to hide to hide in the dark shed from the children.

The play ground is alive!

In the class room pencils race to be at the bottom of the pot. Rulers slither under cupboards, frightened.

Rubbers slide behind the bin. The clock hangs on the wall making sure it’s showing the right time.

The classroom is alive!

Books in the library put each other in the right place from yesterdays use.

Cushions hop to the corner of the room. The computer does its best to calm down the mouse that’s scurrying around the desk.

The library is alive!

The yodel of the bell warns everyone. Cups neatly form into a line.

Pots fill themselves up with biscuits for the teachers.

The staffroom is alive!

Lights in the hall wake up startled from the bell. Chairs get into neat rows for assembly. The projector lowers itself down ready to show the Song words.

The hall is alive!

Pans in the kitchen help hang each other up. Knives and forks get ready for the day ahead. Plates battle to be the top plate.

The kitchen is alive.

All this happens before school. THE SCHOOL IS ALIVE!

Archie, year 6 Meriden School

West Midlands Country Markets Ltd

Solihull - High Street

1st Friday in month 9am – 3pm

Kenilworth - Abbey End

2nd Saturday in month 9am-2pm

Warwick - Market Square

3rd Friday in month 10am-3pm

Leamington Spa - bttm of Parade

4th Saturday in month 9am-2pm

Coventry - Market Way

2nd Thursday in month 9am-4.30pm

Coleshill - Church Hill

4th Friday in month 10am – 2pm

Saturday 4th December, bring the children to meet Father Christmas

A weekly market is held at Balsall Common Village Hall, Station Road CV7 7EX every Saturday from 10.00. - 11.00am Home baking and preserves Meat Plants and seasonal vegetables Crafts and home made cards For more details call June Smitten On 01676 523007

Raid Fund Raising Events

First of all we would like to thank everyone who has attended our recent fund raising events, they have been many and varied and we have had a lot of fun.

ewsletter.

The hog roast and barn dance at the Queen’s Head was a great success despite poor weather in the morning and we made in excess of £3000. In September hundreds of plastic ducks raced down the stream at Patricks Farm, cheered on by a large crowd. This event raised over £1000 and three prizes were awarded. A veterinary nurse from Nuneaton walked away with first prize of £100. The event was followed by a ‘cook your own barbecue’ which gave the very willing helpers time to dry out!

We also held another quiz and fish and chip supper which raised £800 and then at the end of October a fabulous Harvest Supper was held at the village Hall attended by 98 people and raising over £2000, at this same event we were very proud to donate the raffle proceeds of £345 to Help the Heroes, see article below

Brenda & Maz took advantage of Halloween and dressed up as ghosts and witches collecting over £100 from a Trick or Treat tour of Eaves Green Lane, followed by a party at Camp

Ladies Night M & S ‘Per Una ‘Sale

Tuesday 14th December Heart of England Club

7.00 until 9.00pm

Entry £1, by ticket only

Cash sales only

Merlin Singers

Village Hall

Friday 14th January 7.30pm an evening of musical fun for all the family.

Tickets £7.50 under 16’s £5 including light refreshments

We have had many donations of produce and books at camp which have swelled the funds by another £92

Christmas Disco and sharing buffet £5 Friday 17th December 8.00pm until late Heart of England Club Everyone brings a plate of food!

Tickets for forthcoming events available from camp or Kate Beaty 07761826854 or 01675 443623

Completing 40 miles of “A Coventry Way” long distance footpath in one day is an achievement to be very proud of. Many local walkers have attempted this over the past few years, some successful and some not. But to do it on five consecutive days is indeed a fantastic feat of endurance and mental strength. But that is the challenge that Nick Davis, a 28 year old member of the Royal Navy set himself in order to raise money for the “Help for Heroes” charity. Nick, who was born in Coventry and grew up in the city, completed the 200 miles last week and was greeted at the finish outside the Queens Head Public House in Meriden by a large crowd of supporters which included the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Brenda Kelsey. Stationed at Instow in Devon, Nick’s first idea was to walk from there to Coventry as a way of raising money, but decided to use the 40 mile circuit of “A Coventry Way” instead as the logistics of walking from point to point were rather complicated, and it enabled his supporters to see him at the end of each day as well as accompanying him occasionally on his walk. Nick had to dig deep down into his physical and mental reserves to complete the five day challenge, starting from Meriden at 6am every morning, but he was certainly up to the challenge. He achieved times from 13 ½ hours on the first day to 15 ½ hours on the final day as the distance took it’s toll on the final grueling circuit. But he finished in very good spirits and justifiably proud. The Lady Mayoress presented him with a cheque from the Coventry Way Association to add to the monies he had already been promised in sponsorship, and Nick hopes to have reached £1000 for the charity when he finally received all his supporters promised monies. Meriden Raid proudly added £345 to this total with money raised at the Harvest Supper raffle. If anyone feels able to contribute, Nick would be most grateful as this is such a worthy cause. You can donate by going to Nick’s web site www.bmycharity.com/coventryway200 . Nick Davis’ 200 miles challenge for

Duck Race Patricks Farm

'A Christmas Campaign Diary’

First of all a very Merry Xmas to everyone. Christmas day will mark the 238th day of the 24 hour vigil in Eaves Green Lane - established by local residents - to oppose the unauthorised desecration of a local designated wildlife site. I surmised in the last Meriden Mag that it would be more like 400 days before we were would be closer to any sort of resolution on this issue. And so it is that the Public Inquiry will not be heard before March 2011. Frustrated but unbowed we will maintain our campaign nearly a full year after the ‘bank holiday blitz’ which saw bulldozers (followed by barristers) attempting residential development in the Lane without any reference to planning protocols, local consultation or regard to the ecology of the site. What maintains our spirits and motivation for spending Xmas day and New Year's Eve at our protest camp?

Two BIG reasons. The first is we NEED to protect our local wildlife and the ecology of the Meriden Gap. For the sake of this generation and the others to come we cannot allow this green corridor to become scarred by ongoing urban sprawl. This site - and many others – is crucial to the health and well-being of residents and our many visitors and is also needed to counter balance the effects of the busy A45. The ‘gap' in part defines Meriden, it is why many of us choose to live here. This affects us all. Every 'green field' site is at risk if we cannot successfully resist this type of unethical development i.e. ‘bulldozers first, paperwork, people and the environment second’

The second reason is more complicated and relates to the national scene. The Meriden experience has unfortunately been suffered in many hundreds of places around the country and every week we receive emails from villages in distress. The developers describe it as ‘a bit of a trick’ because ‘90% of our planning applications fail’. Well, If I was in the business of making planning applications for residential development in the greenbelt, at designated wildlife sites, or in areas of outstanding natural beauty I might expect a higher than 90% failure rate. Unfortunately, because of current ministerial guidance this ‘trick’ has paid dividends in many parts of the country. And it is why Beausale in Hatton, Barnacle in Rugby and many others have felt the same ‘shock and awe’ development as in Meriden, leaving them feeling swamped, powerless, frustrated and anxious by the appearance of acres of tarmac and hardcore where once stood a pretty (and species rich) meadow and hedgerow. So we want to do something to address the national problem. Not simply displace the problem to the next field bought (at over market prices) in Meriden, Berkswell or Balsall Common

So what can be done? Our campaign has never been – and never will be – anti gypsy. It has been about opposition to maverick development tactics which attempts to brush aside Planning protocols at the expense of community cohesion and the environment. So we need changes in Ministerial Guidance and laws which (inadvertently) gave incentives to this type of activity. We also need stricter penalties for those who breach the rules that most of us comply with (even when frustrated). It needs to be in everyone’s interest to engage with a ‘plan led’ approach to providing well managed sites for Gypsies (and at other type of large scale residential development). Careful profiling, bias towards ‘brown field sites’ (where such development would be an enhancement), careful consultation, thought for the balance in scale between the settled communities and a new community and respect for the human rights of everyone should be the order of the day So this is why we are here. This is why we travelled to Strasbourg to protest, have raised funds to employ our own legal team (securing equal status with the Council and appellants at the Public Inquiry. This is why we give up the telly and lounge to ‘do the shifts’ to maintain our vigil. We thank everyone for their kind donations of food, fuel and funds but kindly ask for more – we are not there yet. We thank everyone who visits and takes part in our vigil and supports our fund raisers. We are after all fighting a battle with national implications on the front line in Eaves Green Lane. So, during the Xmas period pop in to the camp to bring cheer (maybe a small donation too) and find out the latest news. It is a fight that is too important to lose. And we will win! For more news visit www.meridenraid.co.uk

David McGrath is Chairman of Meriden RAID Residents Against Inappropriate Development. Write to David with your views at Innellan House, Eaves Green Lane, Meriden CV7 7JL

Doug Bacon Vice Chairman of RAID with villagers outside Solihull Council House

At our September meeting Felicity Howatson shared with us the contents of her Grandma’s workbox. It was filled with all manner of tools – some decorated with mother of pearl - that had been used in the days when clothes and household linen had all been hand sewn.

Our annual footpath walk also took place in September, somewhat later than usual. Luckily it turned out to be a beautiful evening and the walkers finally met other members at Barbara Cookes house for excellent refreshments served in her beautiful gardens. Thank you for your hospitality Barbara.

In October Paul Thompson and his trusty squire demonstrated the arduous task of ‘dressing the knight’, it was highly entertaining and we were able to examine the workmanship in all the various pieces of armour. The actual dressing took some time; it was a good job they didn’t have to get ready in a hurry!

Our Annual Meeting was held in November. We welcomed two new members to the Committee and said ‘goodbye’ to Jo Byrne who has retired after fifteen years service on the Committee. We thank her for her hard work during that time and also thank Joan Russell for agreeing to serve as President for a fifth year. Elizabeth Spencer

FUTURE PROGRAMME

2nd December

Christmas lunch at Haig’s Hotel

6th December Christmas Party

10th January Roger Cragg ‘USA - coast to coast by train’

7th February Sharon Pick ‘Homeopathy’

PLEASE NOTE JANUARY & FEBRAURY MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT 2.00pm

W.I. members and friends relaxing in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

A Royal Day Out

On 24th August ten WI members joined friends and neighbours on a coach trip to London.

A guided tour of the carriages at the ‘Royal Mews’ was followed by a very informative look at paintings, drawings, photographs, jewellery and sculpture exhibited in the Queen’s Gallery.

The third highlight of the day was a visit to the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace, a colourful, rich array of art, furniture and sculpture in spacious surroundings. We also saw displayed reminders of the events during a year of the Queen’s official engagements. It was a very special day to remember, all of us returned home with many memories and souvenirs, but lighter purses!

CAMEO CAMEO

Come

At our meeting in August Margaret Oliver talked to us about her daughter Sarah’s experiences when she worked on the Mercy Ship in Benin. Benin is in Africa and has a small population of around 7 million people of which 40% are illiterate. It is a very poor country where taxis are in the form of bikes or motorbikes. Mercy Ships is an international Christian charity using seagoing vessels that have been converted into floating hospitals and taken to developing countries to deliver life changing medical care. Sarah, a nurse, volunteered to work from May to December 2008. The ship was large enough to house a hospital complete with operating theatres, sleeping accommodation for the staff and other facilities including a Starbucks Coffee Bar for patients and visitors. All medical, catering and engineering staff were volunteers who, in addition to giving their time and talents, were asked to give blood. Additional to the ship, large buildings on the adjacent shore were commandeered and turned into clinics or reception centres for relatives. At the end of the season there had been 33,000 eye operations, 10,000 dental treatments and 5,000 other surgery procedures including facial surgery on growths and cleft palates. The ship was then cleaned and disinfected and returned to Tenerife.

The following month we shared wartime memories and memorabilia followed by a Bring and Buy sale in aid of the Mercy Ships. The proceeds, together with donations, raised £80.

In October Peter Wright, the Lay Reader from St. Laurence Church, and his wife Pat gave an extremely interesting talk about their three week pilgrimage to the Holy Land entitled ‘In the footsteps of Jesus’. This was illustrated by wonderful photographs and the relevant bible readings.

We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Pam 523372

Forthcoming Meetings:-

17th December - Christmas Celebrations with The Gospel Singers

28th January - Thelma Burns on Uganda

25th February – Heather Mills from The Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Children seldom misquote you. Children seldom misquote you. Children seldom misquote you.

Children seldom misquote you. I II In fact, they usually repeat word n fact, they usually for word what you shouldn’t for word what you shouldn’t for word what you shouldn’t for word what you shouldn’t have said! have said!

www.meridenrotary.org.uk

The Club has been working hard to support cancer charities. President Jane’s chosen charity is CLIC Sargent, dedicated to support children and young people with cancer and their families. The Club recently heard Nicola Moran from this charity and were astonished at how much work is done by the charity in providing specialist nurses and social workers, supporting young patients every step of the way in their struggle against this dreadful disease.

Jane adds that unwanted clothes would be gratefully received for CLIC Sargent. If they telephone her on 01827 705950, she will be able to arrange collection

“Music was in the air” at another Club meeting, when two sisters, Bethany and Kathryn Lewis entertained the Club. Bethany, playing the bassoon, told of her experiences in San Diego with the International Youth Orchestra. “Thank you Rotary International for giving me the experience of a Lifetime” she told the club. Each year, young musicians from all over the globe convene in San Diego for the two week intensive music camp in which they rehearse and perform with local students, to experience the powerful influence of music to promote world understanding, friendship and peace.

Both girls went to Netherstowe High School in Lichfield and were taught by Instrumental teachers from Staffordshire Performing Arts; they were members of Staffordshire Performing Arts Music Centre Ensembles.

The Club’s golfers were also out in support of the Mayor of Solihull’s “Alternative Ryder Cup” at Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, when over £3000 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Prostate Cancer Charity.

Meriden Rotary Club provided the bulbs for planting of a new daffodil and crocus meadow in Lavender Hall Park Balsall Common and members joined the Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Ian Courts and other volunteers to plant them. They are now involved in discussions with the Council on another scheme to plant crocuses in various parts of Meriden.

The members of Meriden Rotary club would like to wish everyone A Happy Christmas and A Very Happy and Peaceful New Year. Don’t forget to watch out for our Santa sleigh on its way around the village, more details in the centre pages

For MOT, service, tyres & exhausts call:

GARAGE

024 7659 7879 KENSINGTON GARAGE

024 7667 0054

Courtesy car, collection & delivery options call Brendan McManus direct on: 07958 518924

We service, repair and care for your vehicle

Meriden Village Hall is available for private parties etc. Rates are £10 per hour

Contact Valerie Martin 01676 522963

THE HOME OF ELEGANCE

• Home interiors

• Greeting cards

• Giftware

• Interior design service

Tel : Lisa Kennedy 01676 522470 Hillcrest, Birmingham Road

Millisons Wood, Meriden CV5 9AY

info@piccolo-palazzo.co.uk www.piccolo-palazzo.co.uk

WECARE FOR YOUR TREES

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGEONS TO BRITISH STANDARDS 3998

FORESTRY TRAINING COUNCIL APPROVED

FULL LIABILITY INSURANCE UP TO £5 MILLION

FELLING

PRUNING

HEDGE TRIMMING

STUMP REMOVAL

CROWN REDUCTION & THINNING

CABLE BRACING & PINNING

PLANTING

OFFERING A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE BUILT OVER MANY YEARS TO ENSURE A PROFESSIONAL & EXPERT SERVICE. FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE PLEASE CALL: DUNNS TREE SERVICES 12, Okehampton Road

Styvechale, Coventry CV3 5AU Tel: 024 7641 3768 Mob: 07719 005747

Website: www.dunnstreeservices.co.uk

Digging for facts is better mental exercise than jumping to conclusions!

Berkswell and District History Group

Berkswell and History

The aim` of the History Group is to give its members and the general public the opportunity to acquire information and understanding on items of historical interest through meetings, visits and research projects. We normally hold a meeting or a visit in each calendar month. Wednesday 8th December 8.00pm at Berkswell Reading Room. Members Only. “Memories of the 1940’s.”

Thursday 13th January 2.30pm at Balsall Common Village Hall. Members Only. Annual General Meeting & Topical Presentation.

Thursday 10th February 2.30pm at Balsall Common Village Hall. “The History of Balsall Common” Illustrated Presentation by Tony Sweatman. Open Meeting; non-members very welcome.

Membership costs £5.00 per calendar year with meeting fees of £1.50 for members; £2.50 for non-members (incl.refreshments) For our full programme for 2011 and details of our publications, including our new release“Berkswell and Balsall Common – Charting the Changes” please visit our website: www.berkswell-history.org or telephone 01676 535782.

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

trees

01676 523740 Restaurant (Tuesday to Saturday - evening only) or 01676 522256 Queens Head (all other times)

The management reserves the right of admission

Warwickshire WildlifeTrust

The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park, Solihull

CHRISTMAS 2010

All workshops are 10.30 - 12.00noon

Monday 20th December

Winter Wonderland

Join us for some festive crafts. Go on a winter walk and look for some Christmas Critters

Tuesday 21st December

Festive Fun

Go on a reindeer trail and create your own sparkling Christmas decoration and reindeer mask

Wednesday 22nd December

Festive Fun for Tots - under 5’s only

Toddler Trundle Group

We also run a Toddler Group every Wednesday during term time between 10:30 -12:00noon booking is essential, £2.50 per child.

Similar events take place at Brandon Marsh Centre, Brandon Lane, Coventry For details please phone 02476 302 912

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2011

All workshops are 10.30- 12.00noon

For age group 4-11

Monday 21st February

Survival Dens

Tuesday 22nd February

Trail Blazers

Thursday 24th February

Winter Woodland

FOR OUR YOUNGER CHILDREN…

Age group 2-4

Wednesday 23rd February

Big Bug Hunt for Tots

Friday 25th February

Winter Colour for Tots

Cost of each workshop is £3.00 per child or £4.00 for non WWT Members

To book any of these events please call 0121 704 0768

Highly Successful Business Woman

Expanding international £38 million turnover company into this area, now seeks working partners, initially part time, who must be ambitious and self motivated.

If you have supervisory, managerial, sales, marketing, recruitment or self-employed background, or feel you wish to develop an extraordinary income, with profit share, car, free international travel programme, and a balanced and flexible lifestyle, then I would like to hear from you.

Call Gill Pritchard 01676 534020 / 07817 154596

Ongoing training and support for right people

Charlie Chaplin once entered a Charlie Chaplin ‘look alike’ competition and came third!

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

evening Bingo at 8.30pm

PHYSIOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Treatment for pain, stress, acute and chronic conditions

Alison Stain M.C.S.P., HPC., I.T.E.C. The Therapy Centre, Balsall Villa 287 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common. Tel : 01676 522284

The Job Squad

Job Squad is not just for plumbing, carpentry, electrical repairs and general maintenance! We are available whenever you need a “spare pair of hands”.

Small odd jobs such as assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging pictures and televisions, changing light bulbs in awkward places, finishing that job you started! Our local handymen are always on hand to help. At a time that suits you, even evenings and Saturdays.

Meriden

Floral Society

onday 11th December18

Meetings are held at Meriden village Hall 7.30pm – 9.30pm approx

Our practice class in September was a great success. Lorena demonstrated a modern arrangement which looked extremely professional. To our utter amazement the whole class turned out fantastic arrangements that we were very proud to take home

FUTURE EVENTS

Monday 13 December: Rejoice, Rejoice- Mr Bob Harris We would like to remind members that they can bring one guest each free of charge for this special Christmas event.

Monday January 17: Practice Class - Margaret Rumens

Margaret will show us how to "do" an arrangement. Then the class will attempt their own arrangement in their own colour choice. You are most welcome to come along and have a go. Cost £4. Please contact one of the below nearer the time.

Monday February 21: A G M followed byIris Montgomery Growing up on a Cornish Flower Farm (Talk)

We would love to see YOU at any of the above events. And finally we have our own web site with more information and pictures. www.southmidlansnafas.org.uk/meriden.html

The committee would like to wish our members, guests and anyone associated with the club a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.

For more information please contact:

Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 June Brown 01676 522210

Margaret Barnsdall 01676 540 317

VILLAGE HALL NEWS

Regular users of the Village Hall will no doubt have noticed, and begun to appreciate, the new upholstered chairs which have recently been delivered. So hopefully all participants of the various meetings and societies will now be “sitting comfortably, before they begin!”

The Management Committee is greatly appreciative of the generous donation of £200 received from The Meriden Mag towards the cost of these chairs – the total outlay for which approached £2,000. If any individuals might like to make an added contribution towards this cost – perhaps in memory of a loved one or just in appreciation for the on-going community facility the Hall provides - it would be greatly appreciated. A permanent record of any such donations will be acknowledged on a display board in the hall. In the meantime, the hard-working Committee continues to strive to maintain and improve the facilities the Hall provides, for the benefit of all those who use and appreciate this vital village institution.

Any donations towards the “Chair Fund” may be forwarded to Allan Copper, The Hon. Treasurer 65 Fillongley Road, Meriden CV7 7LW. Tel. 01676 522645. Cheques should be made payable to Meriden Village Hall Management Committee, and please include details of any dedication you may wish to choose.

West Coventry Christadelphians

Finding Peace of Mind in a troubled world Sundays 6.00pm Bible talk (See Sat Coventry Evening Telegraph for details) Tuesdays 8.00pm Bible study

Give your children a moral compass Sundays 9.00 until 10am (ages 4 to 18 years) Wednesdays 6.15 until 7.30pm (ages 6 to 11 years) Fridays 7.30 until 9.45pm (11 + years)

www.christadelphians-coventry-west.org.uk

184 Whoberley Avenue, Coventry CV5 8EZ

We all need someone to listen sometimes

Any age, any experience. Anyone can volunteer to be a Samaritan

What about you?

To find out more

Tel: 024 7667 3460 (voicemail)

email:recruitment@coventrysamaritans.co.uk www.samaritans.org/coventry

Meriden Surgery 01676 522252

Opening Hours

1.

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

NHS Blood and Transplants

The next session for blood donors will be Wednesday 2nd March 2011 at the Heart of England Social Club 1.30 - 3.30pm & 4.30 - 7.30pm

Appointments available by calling 0300 123 2323 (new telephone number )

Annual Flu Season

The annual vaccination season for influenza is here! Influenza vaccine is for everyone 65yrs and above and for all patients who have a chronic illness such as Diabetes, Heart, Kidney and Liver Disease, Respiratory conditions and patients who are immunocompromised and their carers.

This year the injection will contain H1N1 (swine flu) as one component of the vaccine so patients who have already received the swine flu vaccine will probably be advised to still have the injection to ensure they are protected against the other strains of flu predicted for this year, as well as boosting their swine flu immunity. This will be confirmed nearer the time.

Vaccines are now in so don't wait for a letter; just book yourself in at our designated clinics at the Meriden surgery.

RECOGNISING A STROKE

Doctors say a bystander can recognise a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE

2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS

3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE COHERENTLY.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call help IMMEDIATELY. A cardiologist says that widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke, and prevent brain damage.

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.

If you can’t attend please remember to cancel your appointment!

Painting with Julie: Winter Robin

The season of Christmas and winter cheer is on us again so we just have to paint an image of winter. The most iconic image is a robin. Although the robin is with us all year he seems to come into his own in the winter… He becomes bold with asking for food and his bright colours make him outstanding.

• So…for this we will need some watercolour paints,

• watercolour paper,

• a few brushes

• a pinch of salt!

To draw a bird you have to think about the eggs that they come from. With that thought you can draw two eggs, one big one and one smaller one overlapping the first. Then add a line or two for wings, tail and legs and you have your Robin. We need to add a twig and a few berries for glamour…but then we are ready to paint.

We are going to do a background first. We are going to add a few grains of salt to the wet paint on the background in the hope that they will turn into snowflakes. It depends what type of salt you use as to what type of affect you will get. Normal table salt won’t work very well as the grains are too small but very chunky sea salt may be too big to form little snow flakes so you may have to practice with different types of salt first.

Background

Get a pinch of salt ready (and I mean just 20 or 30 grains no more!!) Mix up a big puddle of a strong blue green colour. Wet all the background with clean water, avoiding the robin, twig and berries. Add your colour quickly with a big brush. Sprinkle about 20 grains of salt across the wet area and lie flat to dry. Once this is completely dry, rub off the salt and start to paint the robin.

Robin

We are going to paint the palest, weakest colours first, so we will start with the grey. Mix a small puddle of: - blue with a touch of brown, giving a

blue/grey and paint this over the underside of the robin in little short stokes in the direction of the feathers. Paint this colour on the underside of the branch, wiggling a bit as you go.

Now on to the brown colour and the first layers of red.

Add streaks of brown over the head, wings and tail in the direction of the feathers, add touches here and there on the lower edge of the branch. Add a bright red on to the berries but try and leave a little patch of white paper for a highlight on each berry. Add more red to the robin’s chest.

Add darker brown to the wings and tail

Mix a very strong dark colour by mixing a dark blue and a dark brown. With this add his eye, leaving a touch of white paper for a highlight. Add the beak and a little more dark here and there for shadows on the robin, berry ends, etc..

Centre of England Arts not only holds weekly classes in watercolours and photography but also runs One Day Workshops for anyone to join in.

Before Christmas we are running:

4th December - Saturday - Life Drawing with John Hayward

6th December – Monday Morning - Make your own Holly Wreath with Gemma Turrall

6th December – Monday Afternoon - Make your own Floral Table

Decoration with Gemma Turrall

11th December – Saturday – Christmas Crafty Gifts and Fancy Present Wrapping with Barbara Hunt

New term starts week beginning 3rd January

After Christmas we have:

22nd January - Saturday – Acrylics Painting with Julie Hyde

29th January – Saturday – Portrait Workshop with John Hayward

5th February - Saturday- Wet-on-wet Landscape in Oils with Barbara Hunt

26th February - Saturday – Pastel workshop with Julie Hyde

19th March– Saturday – Life Drawing with John Hayward

2nd April - Saturday - Flowers in Acrylic Ink with Barbara Hunt

Please see the website www.COEA.co.uk or contact Julie on 01676 523357 for prices, booking and information. All places must be booked in advance.

Christmas Services in the Village

Sunday 12th December 4pm – Carol Service with Meriden Christian Fellowship at Scout Hut

Thursday 16th December 6pm –Christingle Service at St Laurence Church

Saturday 18th December 3:30pm - Carols on the Green [If the weather is poor the celebration will move to the Methodist Church]

Sunday 19th December 1pm – Cyclists Carol Service at St Laurence Church 4pm – Joint Carol Service at Methodist Church

Friday 24th December, Christmas Eve 11:30pm – Joint Midnight Communion Service at St Laurence Church

Saturday 25th December, Christmas Day 10am – Joint Christmas Day Celebration at Methodist Church

Sunday 26th December, Feast of St Stephen 10:30am – Holy Communion at St Laurence Church

sledge

The Rotary Club of Meriden wishes Rotary Club Meriden wishes you all a very Happy Christmas. all very Happy Christmas. We are pleased to be bringing We are pleased to be bringing We are pleased to be bringing We are pleased to be bringing Santa to visit, collecting for Rotary Santa to visit, collecting for Rotary collecting for Rotary collecting for Rotary charities, on the following evenings charities, evenings

Monday 13 Monday 13

Monday Monday th thth th December

Starting at 6.45pm Starting at 6.45pm Starting at 6.45pm Starting at 6.45pm Albert Road, Bonneville Albert Road, Bonneville Bonneville Bonneville Close Close Close Close James Dawson Drive Dawson Drive

Wednesday 15 Wednesday 15 Wednesday Wednesday th

December

Starting at 6.30pm Starting at 6.30pm Starting 6.30pm Starting 6.30pm

Leys Lane, Alspath Road Leys Lane, Alspath Road Leys Road Leys Road

Fairfield Rise, The Croft Fairfield The

Thursday 16 Thursday 16 16 16th thth December December

Starting at 6.30pm Starting at 6.30pm Starting at 6.30pm Starting at 6.30pm Main Road, Glovers Close Main Road, Glovers Close Road, Close Road, Close

Strawberry Fields, Fillongley Rd (lower half) Strawberry Fields, Fillongley Rd (lower half) Fields, Fillongley (lower Fields, Fillongley (lower

We will also be co will also be collecting in Hampton in Arden on Friday 17 llecting in Hampton Arden on Friday th th December December December, ,, , Blooms Garden Centre, Blooms Garden Centre, Blooms Garden Centre, Blooms Garden Centre, Kenilworth

on Saturday 18 on Saturday 18 on Saturday on Saturday th thth th /Sunday 19 /Sunday 19 /Sunday 19 /Sunday 19th

and Fillongley Village on Monday 20th and Fillongley Village on Monday 20th and Fillongley Monday and Fillongley Monday

MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT 2010.

This is our sixth Tree already-where does the time go? By the time you read this it should be in place and I hope giving pleasure to all who see it. As ever, the Tree is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support (Charity No.261017).I am truly overwhelmed by the way The Village supports such a worthwhile cause. Once again, the purchase of the tree has been made possible thanks to the kindness and generosity of local organisations. I have received donations from:- THE EARL & COUNTESS OF AYLESFORD, DeMULDER ENTERPRISES, PERTEMPS, BDW TRADING LTD, THE CENTRE CHARITY SHOP & COGENT ELLIOTT(this is at the time of writing- 3rd November)

I am so pleased that I decided to link our Tree with Macmillan especially as many people have told me that they derive so much pleasure from being able to see their tribute every day for 6-7 weeks.

Dedication Forms will be obtainable from: - Meriden Tearooms, Spar Shop, News Xpress, The Charity Shop & Lloyds Chemist. I sincerely hope that you will all enjoy the sight of the Tree and, equally sincerely, wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy & healthy New Year. Alan Lole.

Meriden C of E School Meriden C of E School C of School C of School

Christmas Fayre Christmas Fayre Christmas Fayre Christmas Fayre

Friday 3 3rd rd December 6.00pm December 6.00pm –– 8.00pm

Entrance Fee 50p under 12’s free Entrance Fee 50p under 12’s free Entrance Fee 50p under free Entrance Fee 50p under free

Santa’s Grotto Santa’s Grotto Tombola Toys Toys Crafts Cake Stall Stall

Christmas Music and Monologues Music and Monologues

Pompeian Room, Packington Hall Room,

Thursday Thursday 9 99 9th thth December 7.30pm December 7.30pm

aid of MacMillan Cancer Support In aid of Cancer

More Village Photographs

Joe Hunt receiving his Chief Scouts Silver Award, see Cubs Scout’s article opposite

Solihull in Bloom Garden Competition

Once again congratulations go to John Douglas for the wonderful hanging basket display in Barbara Cookes lovely garden. John won first prize for his hanging baskets in the past winners class.

The Queen’s Head Public House came first in the public house and inns class for the very colourful hanging baskets along the front, for which John was responsible. Ron and Mary Warr in Main Road came second in the front garden’s category .The awards were presented at a ceremony at Notcutts in October.

Solihull MBC has once again been awarded gold and best city in the Heart of England in bloom Awards 2010

The BBC comes to Meriden

In September the BBC ‘One Show’ visited Meriden.

6 year old Charlie Castle of High Wycombe is pictured here holding a letter he received from Her Majesty the Queen. In the summer of 2009 Charlie’s school organised a balloon race.

Charlie’s balloon landed in the Queen’s Gardens at Windsor Castle and to reward him the BBC gave him a ride in ‘The One Show Hot Air Balloon’ while it was visiting Meriden

John Douglas with his prize winning entry. We would like to send John our best wishes for a speedy recovery from his recent illness

Cub Scouts crate stacking

Jade Storer on the climbing wall

Queen’s Head Meriden

1st Meriden Scout Group News from the Green Hut

A BIG THANK YOU - The children and Leaders of the Group would like to thank Jo Mulcahy and Gaynor Middleton for their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm over the past 5 years. Jo and Gaynor re-started the Beaver Colony and have provided a fun packed and educational programme for the younger members of the group – some of whom are now in the Scout Troop. BEAVERS

Lis and Sarah have taken on the leadership of the Beaver Colony and look forward to continuing to provide a fun and interesting programme.

CUBS

We have had a busy few months – we welcome Jon to the pack as a new assistant leader and a number of former Beavers have joined the pack

In September the pack went off to Cub camp at Broadwater and despite a couple of chilly evenings had a fantastic time. We took part in various activities including rock climbing, shooting, crate stacking and completing the assault course. (see photos opposite) On the Saturday evening we enjoyed a camp fire along with Cub Scouts from another area with plenty of singing and games.

At the start of November we held our investiture and awards presentation attended by Mick Judd (Atherstone District Commissioner) and Len Jacob (Assistant District Commissioner for Cub Scouts) and members of the Pack received various badges including hiking, camper, outdoor challenge, naturalist and cyclist.

Joe Hunt became the second member of the Cub Pack to receive his Chief Scouts Silver Award. This is the highest award a Cub Scout can achieve before moving on to the Scout Troop – well done Joe and keep up the hard work, we are all very proud of you! (See photo opposite)

Lis has been awarded her Wood Badge; this is presented to Leaders who have completed a comprehensive training programme for adults within the Scouting Organisation.

Over the next few months the Pack will be working towards their Astronomers Badge. We will be looking at the stars, learning about and creating our own solar system.

Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!!

Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080)

Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Tuesday at 6.30pm. Contact Lis (521080)

Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Thursday at 7pm Contact Jim (523309)

We also need help from any adults out there that would be willing to spare some time with any of the sections –even if it is just for the odd hour or two each month.

'On 20th October we concluded our year of Centenary celebrations with an evening at Tudor Grange Athletics Park where at 20.10pm on 20.10.2010 we renewed our Brownie promise, along with hundreds of other Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from all over the district. We watched a laser show and each received a commemorative mug and badge. The term leading up until Christmas is always a busy one with games and crafts as well as a lesson in belly dancing! On 18th December the whole Brownie pack are going to Bedworth Civic Hall to watch 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin'. Jane, Sharon and Lisa would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and to thank everyone for their support, particularly the parents of our Brownies.

Brownies is for girls aged between 7 - 10. If you would like to put your daughter's name on our waiting list, Please call Jane 01676 542501

Meriden Mums and Toddlers Group Meriden Methodist Church Hall Tuesdays 9.30-11.30am

Craft activities, healthy snacks, outdoor play, cup of tea and chat for Mums and carers £1.50afamilyandfirstsessionfree

Contact 07921 766882 for more details

The next cyclesolihull ride from Meriden Green is Sunday 30th January 2011- 10 miles at the earlier time of 1.30pm

Also see web site for more details of special Christmas rides www.cyclesolihull.org.uk

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA

Not the ‘other side’!

Well, the election was a disaster. Day after day we watched for some smoke from the chimney up in Hartford, and at last it came. Finally we have a new governor. But enough about politics; let’s talk about me.

For the past couple of years I’ve been trying out various medical conditions, just to see what they’re like. I started out with a heart attack in 2008 and, while I was at it, decided to have a stent installed, just to make my X-rays look more interesting.

Then I slipped in the bath and hit my shin so hard it blew up to the size of a Buick and developed an abscess that had to be cut open weekly so it would heal right. That took about two months.

Then, last fall, not wanting to leave any major affliction group untried, I moved on to cancer, which has been going rather well, I think. It has to be minded, of course.

So, right out of the hospital, I spent Halloween 2009 with the blinds drawn, hoping the little goblins would pass me by. It almost worked.

But I still hadn’t tried pneumonia, which is why I was out sick for the whole week before the election, part of it at home and part of it in the hospital. That is, when I finally went to the doctor, he sent me straight to the emergency room, where I was inspected and detected and, eventually, corrected.

So, right out of the hospital, I spent Halloween 2010 with the blinds drawn, hoping the little goblins would pass me by. This time it did work.

But the big problem with hospitals is that medical people always lean toward excessive caution and an unreasonable level of safety, so they need someone – in this case, Yrs Trly – to push in the other direction. That is, my role in an ER, as I see it, is to talk them out of actually promoting me to the dreaded status of inpatient. And, if they do, it then becomes my job to talk them into letting me out as soon as possible. This dialectic, I think, creates a dynamic tension that will result in a more sensible course than if the medical folks were allowed to go hog wild with their customary hypervigilance.

Anyway, an observation or two:

Whoever designed the standard hospital gown should be shot. Posthumously, if necessary. The best thing about MidState Medical Center, should you decide to vacation there, is that all the rooms are singles. Because, believe me, when you’re feeling your worst – when you just want to curl up in the corner and die – the last words you want to hear are, “Meet your new roommate.”

And with that single room comes your own bathroom –another plus – into which you can roll your IV tower if you aren’t hooked up to too many other hoses and wires and things. The toilet is so advanced it looks like it came from outer space. The TV and bed controls do everything you could want them to do, and more. The cupboards are full of towels and blankets: everything for your convenience. And yet, you can search high and low and never find the simplest and cheapest convenience of all: a simple ashtray. Go figure.

The new Emergency Department is a big improvement. However, there seem to be two “sides” to the place, and the staff, on both sides, tend to refer to the other side as “the other side.” Unfortunately, the last place any stressed-out, disoriented and possibly delirious patient wants to hear that he’s being shipped off to is - “the other side.” He wants the emergency room, not the slumber room, just a thought. Reach Glenn Richter at grichter@record-journal.com

IDYLLIC GARDENS

Friends in Retirement

The Friends in Retirement (FIRS) at Balsall Common is a social and activity group for people over fifty. We will be meeting for our monthly coffee mornings at the newly refurbished Jubilee Centre, Station Road, Balsall Common on Friday 17 December 2010, Friday 21 January 2011 and Friday 18th February 2011. Why not come along and meet us?

As always we will be having an Annual Lunch, and this will be on Friday 25th February 2011 at Haigh’s BrasserieKenilworth Road, Balsall Common. More details for members in the Christmas Newsletter. In early October we had a successful Open Day and were able to recruit more members. If you are interested in joining us we have activity groups in Ambling, Rambling, Art, Bridge, Crafts and Paper crafts and Patchwork. We have a Social section for outings, lunches, theatre visits etc. Why not come and join us. Membership is £2.00 per annum. This is well worth the friendships you can make and the skills you can learn!

For further information contact the Chairman –Mr Malcolm Gratton on 01676 523505

Meriden library

01676 522717

Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm

Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm

Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm

“From the past…. Researching family history has never been more popular or easier to do. Here at Meriden Library you can use the internet to help you with your research. Anyone interested in discovering more about their ancestors can use the Ancestry website for free, with no charges for viewing search results. You can search the website for lots of information, from Census returns to marriages. Please ask us for more details.

To the present.

Do you know your mouse from your megabyte? Would you like to learn how to use the internet or send an email in a friendly and relaxed environment? Find out how using computers and the internet can make life a whole lot easier. Come along and register your interest and we will introduce you to the online learning sessions available using the Myguide website in the library.

Tis the season…. Christmas is coming and the library is gearing up for a busy festive season. We are having our Christmas Coffee Morning, with mince pies, on Thursday 23rd December, from 10.00am until 12noon. Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun.

To be jolly.”

Staying with the festive theme, there is a Christmas story time for the under 5s on Monday 20th December from 2pm until 3pm, with festive stories and crafts for the children to join in with. Please ask us for more details.

MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS GROUP

The Meriden Library Readers Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm. to discuss books with a similar theme. We find that this works very well as it gives us a lot to talk about and leads us often to try different authors and subjects that we wouldn’t normally read. We don't even have to search the library as there is always a good stock of the next month's theme waiting for us to choose from. You can get details of the venue from the Library or from Mike Watkinson on 521496. We are always delighted to see a new face.

8th December - Party night with Christmassy readings, a quiz and a drink or two.

12th January - Reviews of the book we most enjoyed amongst our Christmas presents.

9th February - A love story in the broadest sense. Not just a person or pet but possibly a country or hobby or anything you are passionate about. Train or car enthusiasts step forward please. There is nothing to beat a good book on a cold winter’s night!

Margaret Houldsworth

Balsall Common

Our four new groups have made a successful entry to the autumn season.

The Jazz Appreciation group got off to a good start with the VH committee room full of enthusiastic members. The Social & Political History group looked at the causes of the 1914/1918 war. ‘Money Matters’ concentrated on learning more about Inheritance Tax at their recent meeting and the group meeting for the board game ‘Diplomacy’ commenced playing. With a new member offering to be our webmaster we are looking to create a new website in the New Year.

Below is a picture of 4 members of our very talented and popular photography group which continues to increase in size. In addition to their usual activities they have been asked by the Berkswell History Society to provide them with images of the HS2 route in order that they can record what it is like now before the building starts.

For details of membership contact Anne Santos 01676 534003 or look at our current website www.balsallcommonu3a.org

Freshly prepared food available all day, every day until 10.00pm and 9.30pm on Sundays

Come along and enjoy our:

• Set price menu, available Mon – Wed 12 noon – 10.00pm Thurs – Sat 12 noon – 5.00pm

1 course from £6.95, 2 courses from £9.95 3 courses from £12.95.

• We also serve cracking roasts every Sunday from £7.95 for 1 course & £9.95 for 2 courses as well as a sharing platter from £8.95 per person

• Children’s menu We have 13 comfortable bedrooms with flat screen TV’s and

Farm Farm,

www.berkswelltraditionalmeats.co Put the best on your table this Christmas

• Order now for Christmas : Free range turkeys, geese, cockerels, chickens or try a 3 bird roast

• All cuts of beef including beef on the bone

• Range of game from local estate including pheasants, partridge and venison

• Local lamb

• Superb homemade sausages and home cured bacon

• Traditional breed pork with real crackling

Listed as one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes” Warwickshire Life’s “Butcher of the Year”

• Famous Berkswell ewes milk cheese Warwickshire’s only accredited Traditional Breeds Butcher Opening Hours Monday –closed Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Sun 9.00am- 1.00pm

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

‘Geese Peace’

Letters

Please do not feed white bread to swans and geese –it causes a disease called Angel Wing. What is Angel wing?

It is caused by feeding wild birds the wrong kind of food. Swans and other waterfowl are vegetarians and they normally eat grass and seeds.

Overfeeding of white bread causes their flight feathers to grow too fast. This diet (and general lack of exercise) causes a vitamin E deficiency in the birds, which results in disease called Angel Wing. This causes one or both wings to initially droop and later turn outwards. This hampers or prevents flying and has serious impacts since the birds cannot escape predators. Many birds are destroyed as a result.

To avoid excessive growth rates, swans and geese should be fed low protein foods like the approved wheat discs sold in local shops or other natural foods like grass and lettuce. They should not be fed white bread.

Trev Sparks, Triumph Estate

70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

I found it impossible to have space in the Village Library this year to display this event. I was very pleased to be offered space in the Charity Shop windows by Kevin. I wish to thank him for setting all the items out in the window making the show so successful, not to forget all the other staff at the shop. Stan Grundy

Thank You from the Beesley Family

As many of you are aware we had to say farewell to Charlie, a wonderful husband, dad and granddad in October, aged 95, and we would like to thank everyone who sent us cards and letters of condolence at a sad time. So it is with mixed emotion that we send all of you in Millisons Wood and Meriden, not forgetting the hard working team of the Meriden Magazine our best wishes for the Christmas season, good health and happiness throughout 2011.

Yours sincerely Marjorie, Mick and Pam

Congratulations to Ellen and David Watkins on celebrating their Diamond wedding Anniversary recently

Meriden Rovers

are looking for young players aged between 6 to 8 years old who are interested in playing football and would like to play for a local football team. This is a joint initiative set up by the Meriden Parish Council and Paul Jayes Soccer Coaching. Sessions run every Saturday 10 o'clock until 11.30. For any other information please contact Paul Jayes 07962375038 or pauljayes@yahoo.co.uk

Flight Path Protection Team

Berryfields Farm Shop

Would like To thank everyone who supported our 'Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning' and raffle. Together we have raised over £920 for Macmillan Cancer Support!

On behalf of West Midlands Police I would like to thank you for being part of our Community Engagement Register and continuing to be our extra 'eyes and ears’. Your calls and emails are very important and we ask that you keep contacting us about anything related to the flight paths that gives you cause for concern.

Remember, we are not just looking for suspicious characters in fields with weapons, but also for persons who may be planning a terrorist-related incident. This may include people photographing or videoing in remote areas, or paying a lot of attention to the movements of planes within our flight path area. We would also welcome hearing about anyone who is seen paying particular attention to a piece of land for no apparent legitimate reason. Please bear in mind that there are very few genuine plane spotters who observe aircraft further than 500 meters from an airport.

If you know of anyone who would like to join our Community Register, please ask them to get in touch.

We have changed our name from MANPADS to FLIGHT PATH PROTECTION TEAM. We have done this so that people better understand the work that we do. We have changed our email address as below. Our phone number has remained the same.

There is no new information to suggest any increased threat to the flight paths surrounding Birmingham Airport, but we must all remain vigilant to the on-going threat from terrorism. If you wish to contact us, please

David Deakin Deakin Plastering Services

The Orme School of Dancing Meriden branch Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary Principal

Sandra Clarke FIDTA M.B.B.O Advanced Diploma (hons) Fellowship Teaching Degree (hons) Tel: 02476 467271

Helping to keep dance available in Meriden

Interior plastering and coving work. Insurance work welcome.

Free estimates, reliable, friendly, clean service.

Tel: 01676 521389

Mobile: 07767 237860

Balsall Barbers

326 Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common Tel :07970 227821

Monday 9.00 -17.30 (Pat)

Tuesday 9.00-17.30 (Brian)

Wednesday CLOSED

Thursday 9.00-17.30 (Brian)

Friday 9.30-19.00 (Pat) Late Night

Saturday 9.00-16.00 (Pat)

Sunday CLOSED

Pensioner’s Days Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Friday “Dads and Lads” offers available everyday

Turkey, tinsel, Turkey, tinsel, Turkey, Turkey, trimmings and trimmings and trimmings and trimmings and treats…. treats….

The ideal place for all your Festive celebrations is the

For more details why not visit our website or request a copy of our Christmas brochure. Don’t wait. Celebrate!

The Manor Hotel, Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NH Tel: 01676 522735 www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk

Festive Lunch with Santa £15.95/£18.95

(Children half price) Traditional Sunday Lunch, a visit from Father Christmas with presents for the children plus children’s entertainment and disco. Available Sundays 5th & 12th December

Festive Dinner Dance Party Nights from £25.00 Places available: Saturday 4th & Tuesday 21st December

Traditional Christmas Day Luncheon

Houston’s Bar & Grill £35.00

Regency Restaurant £69.00

Boxing Day Lunch

Houston’s Bar & Grill £25.00

Regency Restaurant £35.00

New Years Eve Celebrations from £40.00

Choose from Gala Dinner – 4 course Dinner & Disco or 5 course Dinner, Live Band & Disco

Records show that Winston Churchill visited the Midlands twice as Prime Minister, once on September 28 1941 to Coventry Cathedral after the bombing and again on June 25 1945 for the Conservative election campaign. On this visit Churchill’s first set speech was made in Rugby. Arriving an hour late he apologised saying he had been held up on route. The Rugby Advertiser reported the speech as being the most enthusiastic political meeting in Rugby’s history.

Sir Winston Churchill and his daughter Sarah enjoying their cup of tea at Meriden, June 1945

A ten thousand cheering crowd gathered in Church Street. After the meeting Churchill left for Leamington, passing through Bilton, where he met 20 wounded soldiers from Bilton House Auxiliary Hospital. He was further delayed on his way to Leamington Spa, by the cheering crowds. He then visited Coventry, Solihull and Birmingham, arriving nearly two hours late. On route to Birmingham, exhausted as much by the heat as his schedule, he stopped by the roadside at Meriden Hill, where according to a Times report, a couple from a cottage close by came out and offered him tea which he accepted, before continuing his journey.

This extract is taken from an article written by Jon Cleaver for the Rugby Advertiser and Coventry Telegraph. If you can help with any information please contact Jon on 02476 543 996 email jon.cleaver@extracare.org.ukOr Val & Margaret at the ‘Mag’ 01676 522963/01676 522453

Meriden Charities. Part4. Charities. Part4.

Smaller Meriden charities paid mainly to other places and a ‘lost’ charity. Church and State encouraged the care of a parish’s deserving poor. Worry about paying one’s heating bills is not new. Thomas Rotten, a vicar’s son responded in 1635 by leaving 10/-(50p) annually from rents at Tyburn Croft, Lodge Green Lane; in 1831 three Digby brothers chose to give fuel and clothing for individuals or families; Henry Barnett Bellison by his 1872 will invested money to buy coal. The most colourful bequest was Susanna West’s in 1725. One of 5 sisters including two sets of twins of which she was one, she left 50d(21p) a year to help 5 poor women from rents of another Holyberry End field: the Barley Grove. I wrote before about Lapworth’s Osier Grove, which predates 1551, but there were a number of other interesting charities paid on village properties in the Middle Ages. Most of these were confiscated by the State at the Reformation (mid 1500s). Also in some cases owners of Alspath/ Meriden land wanted to give alms to other places. Church Wood is so called because it probably carried a rent charge, and may be the wood Gerard of Alspath gave to St Mary’s: Coventry Cathedral. There was possibly a second Church Grove on the edge of the Open Field, the Old Worthing near the A45 by- pass and to the rear of the school. The Lucas family’s donation from a field on Eaves Green Lane went to the Trinitarians at Thelsford Friary near Charlecote. They had bought this field in 1399 with a rent charge of 4/- (20p) a year, which was of very long-standing (c1250). We only know about it because when William Lucas inherited his estate in 1468, he found his late father had fallen seriously in arrears with payments owing 17 years rent on about 15 acres! Allesley Church received money for its upkeep in part from a cottage, garden and 2 small closes at Holyberry End with a rent of 20d (10p) until 1792 when it rose to £3.10.0 (£3.50) a year. Its origin is unknown though it was established before 1531. The 4th Earl of Aylesford added an annuity of 4/5d (22p) to this in 1785.

The site of a Chantry founded on John Wyard’s death in 1404 can still be seen at the East End of the south aisle in St Laurence’s. An endowment of £5.0.0 a year came from the rent of Godedithe Mede (Godiva’s Meadow), which was on the right hand side of Eaves Green Lane not far from the A45 bridge. This money paid the stipend of a priest who said prayers for the dead man and his family daily. The government abolished chantries in 1549. Wyard lived on the site of Walsh Hall: the chantry priest’s home was at Lodge Green where part of his house, Holly (holy) Lodge still stands. Perhaps Chantry Wood was named for its proximity to the Chantry house?

Henry West’s 1635 will set aside 10/- (50p) a year for the Fillongley poor. At about this time Thomas Holbeche of Meriden Hall wished to leave money to his birth parish: Fillongley and his later residence: Meriden. His descendants raised it by renting out a cottage and land in Berkswell, this being divided between Meriden and Fillongley poor in a ratio of 8/-(40p) to 12/-(shillings) 60p. It paid for bread each Maundy Thursday. We still recall such gifts even now when the Queen distributes Maundy money at a different venue each year. Henry Barnett of Holyberry End Farm left cash in 1781 from lands here to help charities in Corley and Keresley

Many places have ‘lost’ charities and Meriden is no exception. Mary Adcock a very talented woman ahead of her time in outlook ran a ‘grammar’school in Meriden where girls as well as boys learnt Latin as part of a wide curriculum. She had intended that her house in the Woodyard (sited in the triangle of land created by Maxstoke Lane and Birmingham Road) called Dial House because of its clock on the outside wall, should become a free school for the benefit of all young villagers. Meriden had no school at the time and more people had begun to value education. Though she took precautions it seems that her distant beneficiaries ignored her will’s provisions (1767). As she had no close relatives to check her wishes, they never materialised. Doreen Agutter

Just in fun: Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades, and had shared many adventures; lately their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day one looked at the other and said “Now don’t get mad at me, I know we’ve been friends for a long time but I can’t think of your name. I’ve thought and thought but I can’t think what it is. Please tell me what your name is.” Her friend glared at her silently for at least three minutes. Finally she said “How soon do you need to know?”

Tel: 02476 441149

Mob: 079 86385308

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.

Should you wish to contact the Parish Council

December 2010 15th Parish Council Meeting

January 2011 12th To be notified 24th Parish Council Meeting

February 2011 28th Parish Council Meeting

Your Parish Councillors are:

Please contact the Clerk:

Shafim Kauser

23 Whitehead Grove

Balsall Common CV7 7US

Tel 01676 533395

Email :shafimk@btinternet.com

Web:meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

COMMUNITY SURGERIES AT MERIDEN LIBRARY

Representatives from the West Midlands Police along with Bruce Brant, our new Neighbourhood Coordinator from Solihull MBC, will be available for you to discuss any issues at Meriden Library on Monday mornings from 10.00am – 12.00 noon on the following dates: 13 December 2010, 10 January and 14 February 2011.

NEW PLAYING FIELDS AT HAMPTON LANE

Work commenced on the new playing fields on 4 October 2010. David Wilson Homes have supplied a programme of the build project and anticipate completion by end of May 2011 and fit for purpose by July 2011.

Site Clearance

Earthworks

Off-Site Drainage

External Works

S278 Works (Highways)

Pavillion - Superstructure

Pavillion - Fit Out

Utilities

MUGA - Multi-use games area

Playground Installation

Commission & Handover

e.g. tennis courts, basketball and five-a-side football

The Parish Council are pleased to announce that all the playground equipment specified by the children and young people of Meriden is going ahead. A multi-use games area (MUGA) has also been negotiated by the Parish Council so that the planned tennis courts can also be used as a basketball court or five-a-side football pitch. More details of the programme build can be found on our website, www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

Melanie Lee Bob Kipling Graeme Goodsir Shirley Goodsir Marilyn Hamilton Paul Lee Will Markham Rosie Weaver (Chair) (Vice Chair)

THE RUNNING AND MAINTENANCE OF OUR NEW PLAYING FIELDS

When the playing fields are handed over to the parish, they will need to be maintained for the benefit of the users. This is not a parish or borough council function as such. So, the parish council has formed an advisory group with representatives from the parish council, Solihull Council, residents and our solicitor. The aim is to set up a company limited by guarantee which will also allow us to seek charitable status which will help us generate income for the maintenance of the grounds and funding of sport related projects. We’re looking for volunteers who would like to be a Director of this company, in particular, anyone with relevant financial and business experience. If you think you could offer the skills and experience we need, please contact the Parish Clerk on 01676 533395.

THE PARISH COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO THANK

Kath Hemmings and Lorna Teager from Solihull Council who pushed forward our planting scheme for the village green roundabout. Sadly, our Heart of England roses have perished and the variety is no longer available. Hence, a new selection of flowers and shrubs has been agreed with Solihull Council. Planting should commence in December.

Thanks also to Meriden Rotary Club for donating 2,000 crocus bulbs to the parish. Solihull Council will plant them on the village green roundabout. Our landscape contractor, Brian Ball, will plant the rest at the duck pond to complement the daffodils planted last year by the students from Meriden C of E Primary School.

MERIDEN PARISH PLAN ACTION GROUP – VISUAL DESIGN STATEMENT

One of the actions in our Parish Plan is to produce a Visual Design Statement. This statement will be used in conjunction with the plan as supplementary planning guidance for Solihull Council. Initial proposals have been discussed with Solihull Council in relation to the village centre and its street scene. Concerns from the Parish questionnaire results were raised which includes the width of the roads (a legacy inherited from the days before the A45 bypass) which encourages speeding; too many signs throughout the village and the safety of the new pedestrian crossing(s) proposed in the vicinity of the new playing fields.

Members of the action group and parish councillors met with Solihull Council to discuss what measures can be taken to coincide with David Wilson Homes highways work planned from December. The main pedestrian crossing will be in line with the cross on the village green, and as part of the Visual Design Statement, the action group will recommend enhancement and protection features for The Green. There’s a long way to go in fulfilling our suggested improvements since further severe cuts to public spending were announced in October by the coalition government. In the meantime, the parish council and Meriden Parish Plan Action Group are working closely with Solihull Council to achieve what is currently affordable.

82 BUS SERVICE – BALSALL COMMON, BERKSWELL AND MERIDEN WORKING GROUP

A Solihull Transport Users Forum has been formed to address the issues with Centro and their 82 bus service. The last forum was held in October and Centro was asked when the promised Working Party for Balsall Common, Berkswell and Meriden was intended to be held. Centro were proceeding shortly with their own Travel Study and it is currently intended for the Working Party to be held early December. We were assured that the matters in Berkswell, Balsall Common and Meriden would be progressed and ‘would not go away’. The parish council will continue to lobby Centro for a resolution.

UPDATES FROM WEST MIDLANDS POLICE

Sergeant Hanlon from West Midlands Police has consulted with residents and the Parish Council over issues of anti-social behaviour outside the Community Centre on Alspath Road. A walkabout was conducted in October and from the findings, Sergeant Hanlon contacted Solihull Council to request that they re-instate the domehawk camera for a three week trial period. He will also trial turning off the street light which attracts groups of young people and passing vehicles.

There are now two patrols visiting the site at different times of the day; an anti-social behaviour patrol and normal police patrol. Since the installation of the domehawk at the end of October, incidents of anti-social behaviour have reduced. At the time of going to press, Sergeant Hanlon assured the parish council that if incidents resume, they have other measures which can be implemented to move the offenders on. Alspath Road residents have organised a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. And finally, Sergeant Hanlon urges all residents to log any incidents of anti-social or suspicious behaviour. If we don’t report back to the police, they will have insufficient evidence to help.

Celia Davies from West Midlands Police passes on the following warnings:

1. Recently a male in the area of Dorridge was seen trying to sell items claiming it was part of a rehabilitation scheme organised after his recent release from prison. Contact has been made with the probation service and it has been confirmed that Staffordshire and West Midlands Police do not involve offenders in any type of doorstep selling scheme. Our advice is not to buy from any person claiming to be part of this project. Anyone contacted by someone claiming to be working with the Probation Service in this way should definitely not hand over any money and is advised to contact the police on 03451135000 or as always in an emergency please dial 999.

2. Persons are receiving calls from someone pertaining to be from Visa and MasterCard; they give a name and state that they are from Security and Fraud department at Visa. They tell you that your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase, the call continues, they are pretty slick and they never ask for any card details until the end of the conversation when they ask for the last 3 security digits on the back of your card, By then a lot of people are convinced and give out the details. Do not be taken in with this call don’t give them these details. Instead tell them that you will call VISA or MASTERCARD directly for verification. The company VISA have stated clearly that they would never ask for information over the telephone relating to any cards. So please be alert, any calls just hang up.

More tips from the police can be viewed on our website: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk.

Stepping up a gear on cycle security

CYCLING enthusiasts are being urged to step their bike security up a gear to deter thieves. Four designer bikes – three Velomax and an ‘Alez Pro’ from Specialized – were taken when a garage window was smashed in Leymere Close in Meriden between midday and 4pm on Monday October 25.

A custom-built bike – believed to be one of only a handful in the UK – was stolen from a garage in Grove Road, Knowle, on Sunday (Oct 31) evening.

Many of today’s competition bikes feature advanced braking, gear, and suspension systems – on top of bespoke carbon or aluminium frames – and can be worth several thousand pounds.

Solihull Police’s Meriden Sector, Inspector Keith Portman, said: “It’s hard to say if these bikes are being deliberately targeted or whether opportunist out-houses thieves are just striking lucky. However, we’ve had cases where garages have been broken into and valuable power tools left behind and only the bike taken. Houses are obviously more secure than sheds and garages but it’s not always practical to keep cycles indoors. If high-value bikes are being kept in out-houses then it’s important to ensure the buildings are securely locked, and if possible alarmed, and that the bikes themselves are also chained.”

Other security measures include:

• Buy a good quality lock. Hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard or robust chains. As a rule, a lock should cost around 10% of the value of the bike.

• Lock your bike to an immovable object, anchor or rack. Secure the frame and both wheels and any quick release accessories.

• Keep the lock off the ground as this makes it harder to break and keep the gap between the lock and bike as small as possible

• Register your bike at www.bikeregister.com

The bikes stolen from Leymere Close are each worth around £1,000.

One is said to be a very small, pearl white Velomax race bike with flat bars; the second is a small time trial bike with a yellow frame fading into red at the rear; and the third Velomax is a medium-sized racer in a dark blue ‘flamboyant’ finish. The Specialized Alez Pro racing bike is silver with yellow detailing. The cycle taken from Grove Road in Knowle – all black in colour – is said to be worth around £4,000.

Anyone with information, or who has been offered bikes matching the descriptions for sale, is asked to call 0345 113 5000 and speak to either the Meriden or Knowle neighbourhood police teams.

Pied Piper Pest & Wildlife Management

The solution to all your pest vermin and wildlife problems

A fast discreet service Domestic/Commercial/Agricultural Free Survey & Quote, Fully Insured

Traditional forms of mole & rabbit control Tel 0121 246 8879 Mobile 07989 348 467

www.piedpiperpestmanagement.co.uk

www.broadlanevets.co.uk 384a Kenilworth Road Balsall Common CV7 7ER

• Private car park

• Low cost vaccinations

• Free puppy parties

• Microchipping

• Free five-month development reviews

• Premium pet foods for sale/to order

• Qualified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Please phone for an appointment 01676 530 792

Franklin Construction Services

Established 1979

• New build, renovations, maintenance, extensions, on domestic, commercial and industrial properties.

• Full design planning and build service

• Free Quotations

• Window and door replacement in UPVC, timber and aluminium

• Conservatories erected, kitchens and bathrooms fitted.

• Tiling, carpentry, plastering, brickwork, slabbing, plumbing and double-glazing repairs carried out.

Workmanship may be inspected locally 01676 521502 Mob: 07801 579910

Grove House

Bed & Breakfast

Bill and Sheila Hunt would like to welcome you to Grove House Grove House Grove Grove

A spacious and friendly quality B&B offering luxury rooms and delicious food

Located off a quiet lane in Meriden, we are newly opened and AA graded.

• Airport Transfers

• Secure parking

• Business people catered for

• Warm friendly environment OPEN

8, Whichcote Avenue, Meriden Coventry CV7 7LR Email: enquiries@grovehousebandb.co.uk 01676 523295 www.grovehousebandb.co.uk

STRAWBERRY BANK

Paddy shouts frantically into the phone "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!"

"Is this her first child?" asks the Doctor. "No", shouts Paddy, "this is her husband!"

Acanthus Picture Framer

Calvin Home Workshop

279 Kenilworth Road

Balsall Common

Wednesday-Thursday-Friday & Saturday

10.00am thru to 5.00pm

Needleworks – Prints - Photos

Medals - Artworks

Mirrors available and framed 01676 544562

of England

Property

Maintenance

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

Over 60’s special

Wednesday 9.00am-3.00pm

Manicure £15

Pedicure £20

Back Massage £15 Or 15% off any treatment

Also complimentary tea and biscuits

All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, All aspects of Beauty Therapy Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Waxing, Waxing,

Eye treatment, Facials, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages,

Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Wraps, Hot St Stone Massage, one Massage, one Massage, one Massage,

Eye treatment, Caci facials and body massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot St

Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed. Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed. Tanning and bed. Tanning and bed.

Monday 10-5, Tuesday 9-7, Wednesday & Thursday 9-9, Friday 9-5.30, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-2

For more details or to go on our mailing list

Telephone 01676 521100

Also treatment rooms available at the Windmill Village Hotel and Nailcote Hall Hotel

Ramblings From the allotment

In the latter part of July and early August the weather had started to change, so on the drier days quite a lot of harvesting was done. We picked a whole row of peas, which was a bonus as last year we did not do very well with them. All the onions and garlic were lifted and duly dried off before we brought them home. We had picked our first discovery apples and we also did very well with the nectarines. The trouble with these though is the wasps love them too. We managed to salvage some and I stewed them - very nice. The fig tree has given us around 2lb of figs this year and they are so sweet. It’s not very often you get to try fresh figs but they are lovely. We had runner beans coming out of our ears and some of you that came to the open gardens scheme for Cancer Research may have purchased a lovely soup recipe for them, and talking of soup I have made a great watercress soup, I have not tried it yet but my daughter thinks it is wonderful. August 22nd The Open Gardens.

RAMBLINGS FROM THE ALLOTMENTS

I would like to thank everybody for coming to visit us and for buying our produce. At the time of writing we made a combined grand total of £435. This amount includes sales from teas and cakes, the raffle; produce sold and guess the pumpkin weight. The prize for guessing the weight of the pumpkin was won by Allan Copper with a guess of 100lbs. What a whopper! Many thanks to the grower, Terry Stanley, for donating the cash prize. A lovely hamper of produce and preserves was made up and raffled; it was won by a lady from Kenilworth.

I would just like to thank everyone who donated produce and the ladies who made all the scrummy cakes and for all the help on the day, you all made it a great success. They say the sun shines on the righteous and it did this day. We also enjoyed a barbecue at the end of the day.

Just in case you were wondering, the chickens are fine, but we have lost a couple of hens since last time. They are all laying eggs quite well and the last lot of rescue ones are now nicely settled in. Not very much happening now. We went on holiday at the beginning of September for two weeks, but had a lot of tidying up to do on our return. We did really well with pumpkins and squashes this year so they will keep us in soups and roasted veggies. You will have noticed from the last issue of the Mag that John won the Fillongley Show best allotment, well he could not have done it without me! You know what I can do with weeds if you are a follower of this item.

On a more sombre note we have had one or two incidents on the allotments where several sheds have been broken into. It appears to be quite random with very little taken. It leaves us with the inconvenience of repairing the sheds. We do not keep money in our sheds, we have learned that lesson, so what the persons responsible are after I am not quite sure. I will tell them however that the Police have been informed on all occasions and are patrolling the allotments on a regular basis. There are no allotments available as yet, but a little bit of moving around is going on to accommodate tenants who need more or less ground.

Whisky Fruit Cake

600g mixed dried fruit

115g butter

250ml water

140g brown sugar

3 eggs

280g self-raising flour

2 tsp mixed spice

2 heaped tbsp marmalade

30g nibbed almonds

115g cherries

3 tbsp whisky

Line 2 1kg (2lb) loaf tins

Put the dried fruit, water, butter and sugar in a pan and heat until the butter has melted.

Cool and add the beaten eggs, flour, spice, marmalade, cherries, almonds and whisky. Mix thoroughly and put into the prepared tins.

Bake at 180C/350F/Gas 4 for 1 hour

Thanks to Elizabeth Manson for this recipe which has come from a book of recipes from the Shetland Isles. You can eat one and put the other in the freezer.

CHRISTMAS TREES

HOLLY WREATHS

Crosses, chaplets, garlands

Holly arrangements from £5.00

GIBSON’S NURSERY

MILLISONS WOOD HILL

MERIDEN 01676 522233

Christmas Turkeys Locally Grown

Barry Pointon

If you want the best, this is the place to come!

Collect or deliver

Fed on cereal and vegetable diet No hormones or animal by-product proteins

All sizes available from 10lb up

Ann Butler 01676 522745

Allan with the giant pumpkin

Terry weighing the pumpkin

We’ve been busy and we’ve had fun!

Our open gardens event in August was a great success. The weather was very good in spite of rain all week beforehand. 18 gardens were bursting with flowers and chat and in some circumstances food and drink as well. It was a truly wonderful social event and we made £6,200 profit too! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard.

Lesley & Wendy manning the Tombola Stall

Elizabeth I entertained us at our ‘In the Pink Night’ at Strawberry Bank! (see photograph) and Temptation a ladies singing quartet provided the music. Everyone had a really good laugh and by popular demand Lesley Smith will be back September 30th 2011 as Nell Gwynn. This evening raised £940, so thanks to everyone for supporting us.

Our next event will be on Friday 3rd December (see advert for details). This professional live band play nationally and are very popular on the Midland Circuit. I can guarantee you will love their varied music – party sounds from the 50’s to present day.

We will also be holding a Christmas Raffle, and look forward to seeing you all there. For tickets please ring: 01676 522160 01676 522122 01676 523118 07811613905 Mary Warr

Contact Chris 07825 182 770

To get more details or book your place

Weight Loss challenge New You for Christmas What do you have to lose?

Are you serious about losing weight?

Course running now at Heart of England School

Gipsy Lane Balsall Common CV7 7FW every Monday at 7.00pm

Where losing weight pays!

Join the challenge –only £39

For the full 12 weeks £600 in cash prizes (based on a class of 30 people)

“VIVO” LIVE MUSIC QUARTET

at the Heart of England Club at the Heart of England Club at the Heart England Club at the Heart England Club Friday December 3 3rd rdrd rd at 8.00pm at Tickets £8 to include sherry Tickets include sherry and a mince pie and a mince pie and a mince pie and a mince pie

The living classroom

In the morning the school bell welcomes the children and calls them to their lines.

The classroom door breathes the pupils in. Desks open wide and hungrily swallow reading books and pencil cases.

The classroom is alive!

The computer awakes its face lights up and quickly begins work.

Unblinking, the projector stares at the whiteboard. Chairs support sitters.

The classroom is alive!

Recycling rubbish is gobbled by the bins. Dictionaries throw words at students. The tap spits angrily at the dirty hands. Boards grab work and they display it.

The classroom is alive!

Ella year 6 Meriden School

Mayor of Solihull Opens New Arts Centre

Centre of England Arts was formally opened by the Mayor of Solihull on the 23rd October where an exhibition of students work was on display. The event was well attended by 50 to 60 people, which included local businesses, other art societies, members of the art classes already running there and friends and family of the founder, Julie Hyde.

Centre of England Arts opened its doors this September with weekly art and photography classes and a variety of Saturday workshops. The centre, which offers structured courses and one off workshops in various forms of art, is proving to be a popular venue for people wanting to enjoy and improve their education and artistic skills.

With all classes having step by step instruction, demonstrations and practical work it is attracting everyone from the beginner to the more accomplished, so much so that many of the classes are already full with waiting lists.

Julie Hyde, the founder of the centre has been teaching art locally for 7 years and has set the Centre up as a non profitable centre.

“I have created Centre of England Arts for adult education and potentially in the future, children’s classes as well. The aim of the centre is to enable everyone to appreciate and, more importantly, enjoy the arts. This is just the start; I hope to get more tutors involved and get a wide range of different aspects of art classes and workshops going to interest everyone.”

There are regular weekly classes and one-off workshops in various subjects including; drawing, watercolours, mixed media, photography and much more. Located in the rural Midlands and equidistant from Birmingham and Coventry, the Centre is a converted barn sited on a working farm which retains the peaceful ambiance of the countryside.

Centre of England Arts is at Patrick Farm Barns, Meriden Road, Hampton in Arden, See website www.COEA.co.uk for more details.

Marriage is like a pack of cards. You start off with two hearts and a diamond and end up wishing for a club and spade!

Warehousing & Distribution

Julie with the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull

Village Diary

Out and About this winter

Crackley Wood, Kenilworth

Crackley Wood lies one mile north of Kenilworth and the dismantled railway from Kenilworth to Balsall Common runs through the wood. It is ancient woodland with a mixture of woodland types, grassy glades, ponds, ditches and boundary hedges. This wood is within easy walk of the town centre and has a hard surface path, which allows for disabled use. On entering the wood you are greeted by mature chestnuts, which create an impressive sight. The wood is traditionally managed; coppice, standards regime and hedge laying can be seen on the perimeter, it is good for a wide range of woodland wildlife, mammals and birds. The wood also links to to Berkswell on the Coventry Way which is a 4 mile walk into the countryside. The wood is an excellent place for a winter stroll to work off the Christmas food.

Knowle and Dorridge Lions Festive Walk

Tuesday December 28th 10.00am

On Tuesday 28th December Knowle and Dorridge Lions will be holding their 18th annual Festive Walk at Baddesley Clinton NT House. This year’s walk will raise funds for the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, The Stroke Association, Knowle and Dorridge Scout groups as well as a variety of other local causes. “Last year we had over 800 walkers step out and burn off the Christmas calories – a record,” said Lions organizer Ute Smith. “This year we are hoping to attract 1000 walkers for the first time, and hope to raise thousands of pounds for these very worthy causes.

There are 3 completely new walks – at 3, 5 and 8 miles they are slightly shorter than usual. All pass through wonderful Warwickshire countryside using country lanes, public footpaths and canal towpaths. All ages are welcome especially if you get your efforts sponsored, but if arranging and collecting sponsorship will be a hassle you might prefer to walk and just make a donation. Each route passes a pub along the way and afterwards all walkers are invited to join the Lions for hot mince pies and mulled wine. Registration is free by visiting the Lions website at www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/walk where you can obtain more details and a sponsorship form or telephone 08458 33 58 94. The Lions hope that everyone will commit to taking part now and bring along friends and family and go online to register. Or just turn up and WALK

Queries to Dave Carter 01564 770749

Events in Solihull in December

Father Christmas is popping into Brueton Park on Sunday 12th December from 12 noon to 3pm. There will be Christmas Carols accompanied by a brass band from 1-3pm. Christmas craft markets will be in Mell Square on Wednesdays 1st, 15th and 22nd December and in the High Street on Wednesday 8th . There will be a Farmers Market in the High Street on Friday 3rd December.

Christmas Pantomimes and Shows

Aladdin Solihull Arts Complex

10th December - 9th January 0121 704 6962

Cinderella Belgrade Theatre Coventry

30th November – 8th January 02476 634523

Dick Whittington Birmingham Hippodrome 18th December – 30st January 0870 730 1234

Hansel and Gretel Warwick Arts Centre 26th November –10th December 024 7652 4524

Spamalot

Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 7th December –1st January 0870 607 7533

Centre Stage Present

Alice in Wonderland

At Heart of England School Balsall Common

With a With a With a With a Cheshire Cheshire Cheshire Cheshire Cat, a White Rabbit a Cat, a White Rabbit a Cat, a White Rabbit a Cat, a White Rabbit a Caterpillar Caterpillar Caterpillar, ,, , an anan an unruly playin unruly playin unruly playing card army and of g card army and of g and g army and of course a Mad Hatter and March Hare, course a Mad Hatter and March Hare, This This is a show is a show show show to to to to remember remember remember remember.

Friday January 28th 7.30pm

Saturday January 29th 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Friday February 4th 7.30pm

Saturday February 5th 2.30pm and 7.30pm

HS2 – what does it mean for Meriden?

Date for your diary – an exhibition by the Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group (HHAG) is coming to Meriden, to explain what the HS2 project might mean for us. It’s to be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 15th January, and will be open from 10 am to 4 pm. The exhibition will include maps of the route plus information boards representing varying shades of opinion

The good news is that the proposed railway doesn’t go through Meriden parish, as it will be on the far side of the A452. But the bad news is that we will be affected during the construction phase, and we’re in the catchment area for the Interchange Station at Middle Bickenhill, by Stonebridge roundabout. The Meriden Gap could shrink even more. It’s estimated that construction will create 10000 new jobs. It seems that massive disruption will be hard to avoid, as the A45, Stonebridge roundabout, and the A446/452 are to be completely rebuilt. Building of the line itself, the station, numerous bridges and viaducts, drainage works, and the electricity supply system will entail years of earth moving, heavy vehicles, and damage to the environment. Construction roads and depots will be needed, also temporary offices and housing.

Once the line opens in 2026, its economics depend on an unprecedented surge in passengers. The government estimates that 27% of journeys would not have been made if HS2 wasn’t there. It’s likely there’ll be 10000 extra commuters to London – creating intense housing pressure and extra traffic. A 5-storey car park with 7000 places is planned at Bickenhill.

It’s said the current railway will run out of capacity in 7 years time, although today’s trains have just 40% of the seats of those proposed for HS2. The economic case is also contentious, it being unclear why 10 minutes off the journey should create billions of pounds of economic growth. Some experts fear that people and money will simply flow more quickly to the stronger economy in the South-East: high quality shopping and entertainment in the Midlands could fall victim to off-peak high-speed trips to London. Similarly, HS2 will cause increased CO2, emissions due to the extra journeys, its 3-fold higher energy consumption, and people driving to the station. More information can be found on the website www.hhag.org.uk, through which you can contact the Action Group. However, it’s well worth coming along to the exhibition to discuss issues in person.

When contacting advertisers please When contacting advertisers please When contacting advertisers please When contacting advertisers please mention The Meriden Mag mention Mag

Reminder!! Deadline date for the spring issue

(Out by 1st March) Friday 4th February 2011

Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963 val.simon@virgin.net

Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft Meriden 01676 522453 margarete.argyle@googlemail.com

Deliveries: Mandy & Doug Bacon

Proof Reader: Claire Rose

Useful Village contact numbers

BICKENHILL PUBLIC WASTE DISPOSAL SITE OPENING HOURS

Winter 1st November –31st March

Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.00pm

Saturday and Sunday 8.00am-4.30pm

Summer 1st April- 31st October

Monday-Friday 8.00am-8.00pm

Saturday and Sunday 8.00am-4.30pm

Last admission 15 minutes before closing time

MeridenPrimarySchool MrsL.Winkler 01676522488

MeridenLibrary 01676522717

MeridenSurgery 01676522252

LloydsChemist 01676522722

St.LaurenceChurch PeterWright 01676522414

MeridenMethodistChurch Rev. Andrew Charlesworth 01676533737

Meriden Christian Fellowship Pstr.Kevin&LynHunt 01676523050

ParishCouncil ShafimKauser(Clerk) 01676522727

CommunityCentreWarden PatDelaney 01676522867

SolihullMBC 01217046000

DistrictCouncillors KenAllsopp 01217822408 DavidBell 01676535211

Dr.PeterLea 01676532577

MemberofParliament CarolineSpelman 02072194189

BoyScoutsGroup GerryRussell 01676522666

PostOffice SueHarper 01676522230

RuralPoliceSector SgtTonyHanlon 08451135000

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