Coleshill Post Issue 13 July/August 2014

Your Local Community Newspaper: The only source for local news & community information Issue #13 - July/August 2014 Published in Coleshill, North Warks.

The Coleshill Post @ColeshillPost

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PICTURE BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK >

MILES HUNT INTERVIEW

25 YEARS ON FROM EURO PRESIDENCY

PART IV: THE LORD PLUMB SERIES

TESCO STAFF RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY

See Page 24

See Page 22

See Page 7

TRUCKING HELL! Scheme go ahead could see 1,000 HGV’s a day go through Coleshill

IF a planning application submitted by the owners of Daw Mill Colliery is approved by NWBC the main route in and out of Coleshill could soon be inundated with 1,000 HGV lorries every day according to figures published within the application.

Harworth Estates, which owns the 46 hectare site, has applied for planning permission to redevelop 31 hectares of the

site for industry, storage and distribution.

There will be an open storage area together with car parking and importantly, there is a railhead.

Two public meetings have been called.

The first at the Nether Whitacre Parish Hall on 12th August at 7.30 pm for people in the villages near Daw Mill. The second meeting is in Coleshill at the Town Hall at 7.00 pm on 14th August to discuss the impact on the town. Continued on page 10...

Green Man crossroads worst affected

PLAGUED: Green Man licensee, Helen Ray, continues to lobby the powers that be for a solution to the HGV problem on B4114.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

The Earl of Coleshill @ColeshillB46

The Coleshill Post

What a Man In a chaotic and ever changing world, there are three constants that provide a stable foundation to life in Coleshill - Paddy will always be sat on that bench, Chavs (and their Chavmobiles) will always be an irritant to the good folk of Coleshill, and Dr Watkins will always educate our children.

departure from Coleshill School could shake those foundations to the core.

This is a man who attended Coleshill School as a pupil, and aside from completing his degree at the University of Birmingham, he has been an ever-present feature at the School for decades, and is quite literally part of the history of the school.

The biggest response that my twitter account ever received was to a picture of Dr Watkins, with the simple words, ‘what a man’.

It’s simply the way that it has always been. So the reverberations of Dr Watkins’

It went viral, which is testament to the affection that current and past pupils hold for him. It is evident that for many Coleshillians, Dr W (which is his gangster rap alias) was their favourite teacher, as he was seemingly able to connect with so many pupils in a way that many others were not able.

He is a superb orator, whose speeches were legendary, and he always made himself available to talk to. In fact, I would wager that he is probably the most accessible Doctor in Coleshill.

Dr Watkins has been educating the people of Coleshill for so long that he will have undoubtedly taught many children of former pupils, and it must have been reassuring for those parents to know that their children will also benefit from his teaching. His departure is not only a great loss to the school, but to Coleshill as a whole, and I for one would like to thank him for all that he has done for this town, and to wish him the very best in his new post.

To Dr Watkins (port in hand).

PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in our contributors articles are not the views of The Coleshill Post. They are the views of the author of each article.

Council’s ‘firm but fair’ approach to Council Tax collection pays off

Our News Desk is now open at Coleshill Town Hall Monday-Friday 10am-1pm

editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

01675 467189 Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BG

COUNCIL Tax in year collection rates in North Warwickshire are above the national average at 97.96%, despite the impact of ongoing welfare cuts, and for Business Rates amongst the highest in the country according to statistics released this week by The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG.) Against a backdrop of falling Council Tax collection rates

nationally from 97.4% to 97%, the Council outperformed more affluent areas with its Council Tax collection rate placing it 121st in the country of 326 councils whilst its business rate collection of 98.94% placed it 52nd in the rankings.

Bob Trahern, Assistant Chief Executive (Community Services) said: “ Our ongoing high collection rates reflect our firm but fair approach

Getting in touch

A message from the Editor:

People & Departments

THIS month we commemorate 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. A war that affected every single Coleshillian, young and old, throughout it’s four year duration between 1914-1918.

Editorial

Richard Harwood - Editor richard.harwood@thecoleshillpost.co.uk Andrew Hay - Columnist andrew.hay@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Advertising

Michael Moore - Sales Director michael.moore@thecoleshillpost.co.uk Lee Coley - Sales Executive lee.coley@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Photography

Adrian Jones - Photographer adrianjonesphotographyuk@gmail.com

Community

community@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Telephone 01675 467189

Post

The Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill B46 3BG

The Coleshill Post @ColeshillPost

Produced and published by Hectic Enterprises Limited in Coleshill North Warwickshire. Printed in Worcester on behalf of The Coleshill Post by Newsquest Contract Print (Midlands) Ltd. Frequency Monthly.

For the younger generations it will be understandably difficult to truly appreciate the scale of suffering and loss that this town, and every other town like it, witnessed in the name of pride and honour.

It is for this reason that I would like to dedicate this edition of the Coleshill Post to the memory of all those fallen whilst fighting for King and Country. The sacrifices they made so that future generations could live in peace and democracy should never be forgotten. But memories fade

with time, there are very few left who were there to witness the evils of The Great War so we must do what we can to keep their memories alive.

This month, with the help of a few very talented individuals, I have produced a broadsheet newspaper titled ‘Coleshill Past’. The idea behind the publication is to gather memories, images, records of events and news from Coleshill’s rich history and collate it into a monthly newspaper.

It is the best way I can think of to document a bygone era and help bring our community back together by instilling a sense of pride in our town.

Coleshill is a truly great town and it’s rich heritage can now be brought back to life, reminding us of how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful place.

Yours

R Harwood

at North Warwickshire Borough Council which involves the Council working very closely with the CAB, Chapter One and Warwickshire Welfare Rights to achieve these results in the current economic climate. This involves making sure those in difficulty who contact us being given the right help and advice around benefits, budgeting skills and debt advice and ensuring that we offer a variety of ways to pay making

payment even easier “ Residents can now make payments online or register for an electronic bill by registering at www.northwarks. gov.uk/accountsonline If anybody is having difficulty paying bills on time, needs a benefit check or help with managing their money, help is at hand by logging onto the Councils website (www. northwarks.gov.uk) or ringing 01827 715341.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

NEW VISITOR CENTRE NOW OPEN Left to right: Cllr Mick Stanley (leader of NWBC), Helen Whittaker (Project Co-ordinator), Cllr Harry Taylor (Mayor of Coleshill), Megan Davies (Project Assistant) and Cllr Adam Farrell (Chairman of Coleshill Community Partnership).

Hundreds turn out for new At 76dental we Visitor Centre opening day offer more than DESPITE the rain hundreds of local people turned up at the Old Market Hall on Saturday 21st July, to witness the official opening of Coleshill’s new Visitor Centre.

The new Centre has been opened by registered charity, the Coleshill Community Partnership in conjunction with Love Coleshill and Coleshill and District Civic Society. The Centre aims to promote the High Street, local shops, events and activities that take place in the town to get people to stay local, shop local and spend local.

The Old Market Hall will continue to be home to Coleshill and District Civic Society with the ground floor having been transformed into a Visitor Centre including space for 6 pop-up shops, small exhibitions and tourist information.

The Mayor of Coleshill Cllr Harry Taylor who officially cut the ribbon

just after 11AM joined local residents at the event. Cllr Taylor said “I’m delighted to have been asked to officially launch this new venture. A Visitor Centre is just what the town needed and will be a great asset going forward as we aim to encourage people to shop and spend locally. The Old Market Hall has a vast array of books, leaflets and guides about our town which for too long have been underused. I have no doubt that anyone who hasn’t yet visited the Old Market Hall will discover something new about Coleshill.”

The new Visitor Centre was set up by the Coleshill Community Partnership and funded by North Warwickshire Borough Council after a thoroughly prepared and well researched bid was put to the members of the Council.

Cllr Adam Farrell, Chairman of the Coleshill Community Partnership said “I was delighted with the launch event, it was a great success with lots of local people turning up throughout

the day. This has been a project that has taken nearly 8 months of planning; it’s been a real team effort. We found out we had been successful in our grant application at the end of June so the last three weeks have been manic. I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Helen Whittaker and Megan Davies, our two staff members who have worked so hard to ensure we could open on time. I’d also like to thank our volunteers and members of Love Coleshill and Coleshill and District Civic Society who have been so supportive and helpful over the last few weeks. In particular thanks to Rosalie Whitehead, Peter Rafferty and John Hoyle who between them have offered hours of their time to support the project.”

The Visitor Centre is now open Wednesday – Saturday 10AM – 2PM at the Old Market Hall so please drop in to Discover more about Coleshill.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

The Coleshill Post

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

Cllr Dominic Ferro and Emma Todd from ‘Keep Coleshill Tidy’ visited St Edward’s RC School recently to thank the pupils there for their help in designing posters for the on going Keep Coleshill Tidy Campaign. Emma Todd commented: “We had lots and lots of entries

but the winner was Beth age 9, with runners up Erin and Darcie.

It was a tough decision because all of the entries were very good.”

The KCT campaign is a permanent fixture now in Coleshill and aims to remind people to Keep Coleshill Tidy.

The Coleshill and District Ladies Probus Club

COLESHILL Ladies Probus is 25 years old this year. The club started in 1989 with encouragement and help from the Men’s Probus Club.

er followed by a Speaker. We have

cutting the Celebration cake at

learned new facts about many dif-

the A.G.M. Betty Brennan, Brenda

ferent subjects. Members also have

Childs, Jean Taylor, and Beryl Rob-

gained a wide variety of experience

inson.

Monthly meetings are held at the Coleshill Hotel for lunch togeth-

throughout their many differing

Our Summer outing this year is

working lives. Four founder mem-

to Baddesley Clinton, the National

bers still regularly attend meetings,

Trust moated property near War-

and are seen in the photograph

wick.

For the last four years, it has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of North Warwickshire & Bedworth as both a constituency MP and a national legislator.

Before becoming an MP I served in the Army for nine years, deploying on operational tours in Bosnia and Kosovo. By the time of the 2015 General Election, serving my country will have been the primary focus of my professional life for some 14 years. For myself and for my family, whose support and understanding have been unerring throughout, I believe it is now time to move on to new challenges. I will therefore not be standing for re-election in 2015.

As I hoped it would be, my time in Parliament has been hard work but uniquely rewarding. I am proud of what we have

The Coleshill Post

BY DAN BYLES MP

achieved as a Government - putting Britain back on the road to recovery following the worst economic collapse the country has ever faced. I am particularly grateful for the personal contribution I have had the opportunity to make, as a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee; Chair of three active All Party Parliamentary Groups; on the Bill Committee of the Energy Act 2014; and as the sponsor of an historic Private Members Bill on House of Lords Reform.

With almost a year still to go before the General Election, I remain absolutely committed to my constituents and to tackling the important issues that face us locally, such as HS2, ensuring that the George Eliot Hospital has a safe and secure future, and building on our recent successes in the local economy. It will be business as usual in North Warwickshire & Bedworth for Team Dan. This has by no means been an easy decision, and I owe a great debt of gratitude to my parliamentary and constituency staff who have worked so tirelessly for the last four years on behalf of local people. I would also like to thank all of the local Conservative Party volunteers and councillors. Without their support, successfully overturning 18 years of Labour incumbency to return a Conservative MP with a significantly above average swing would simply not have been possible. My Conservative successor is extremely fortunate to inherit such a dedicated and experienced team. I will of course work closely with everyone to ensure a smooth handover and the best chance of success in 2015.

@ColeshillPost

Dan Byles MP: My reasons for standing down

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

We need a vision for the future

SOLIHULL Council has announced plans for a new 'Garden City' situated in the Meridan Gap. It will involve building thousands of houses and a new business area just south of Coleshill and it will have a big impact on our town.

Many people in Coleshill will instinctually react

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

Cllr Adam Farrell, Coleshill’s youngest ever Councillor discusses the plans for a new ‘Garden City’ in the Meriden Gap and explains why he believes this can be the start of a discussion on the future of Coleshill.

negatively to the plans because large scale developments often frighten people living close by. However we need to build more homes. Those born in the 80s and 90s are trying to get on the housing ladder; older people are living longer; buy-to let properties are increasingly purchased; so the available housing stock is shrinking. We have a housing shortage and many of our existing houses are too expensive for young families to buy. There are currently (13/07/2014) 136 properties for sale in the B46 postcode with an average asking price of £298,080. That is £50,000 more than the average house price in Britain. Yet the average wage remains at just £26,000.

Where do young people in Coleshill get a well paid job to enable them to buy a home at those prices? In North Warwickshire we have more jobs than people, but on the whole they are low skilled and low paid warehousing jobs that don’t pay enough to cover a large mortgage. The homeless charity Shelter recently published research that showed in North Warwickshire 36% of people aged 20-34 who are working, still live at home with their parents. This compares to a national average of 25%.

To get a decent job someone who graduates with a good degree will probably travel into Birmingham or further afield and then the starting pay wouldn't be enough for them to save up for a deposit whilst also renting a place to live in Coleshill.

A young person living in Coleshill who works hard and wants a place to live is more likely to move out of the town to rent or buy a property, taking their skills and disposable income with them. There are currently 15 properties available to rent in the B46 postcode at an average cost of £173 per week. Take into account council tax, gas, electric, transport out of town to work, phones, broadband and other living costs and it

is not unrealistic to say a person needs at least £2000 a month after tax to cover the costs of renting a property. That means earning around £30,000 before tax a year to afford to rent a property in Coleshill. And that is without saving up for a deposit to buy your own home.

Disposable income is important; not just for individuals, but also for Coleshill’s local economy. We want to protect our High Street; yet with housing in Coleshill becoming more expensive and wages covering less and less, disposable income is falling. On average people are £1,600 worse off since 2010. Our High Street relies on disposable income to survive. No one is obliged to buy a bike, a handbag or some new curtains; they do so because they choose to. It's disposable income that keeps the High Street alive. Higher than average property prices combined with average or lower than average wages is a recipe for decline.

We need to encourage businesses locally that will create high skilled, high paid jobs, so that we can ensure Coleshillians can afford a home here.

Maybe the new garden city near the airport will create some of those jobs. Rather than react with fear about this “new town”, we should seek more details so that we can assess its potential impact on Coleshill, good and bad. A new town a stones throw away with highly skilled and highly paid jobs may enable local people to live, work and spend locally. This column isn’t written in support of the new ‘ Garden City’, it simply tries to raise important questions about the future of our town.

Of course we should ask questions about how our roads will cope with the extra traffic and how our already sparse car parking spaces will not buckle under the pressure? These are valid questions. But we must also ask ourselves how we provide high skilled and higher paid jobs in the local economy for the current and next generation of local people? How do we ensure local people have access to affordable housing?

And how do we ensure that Coleshill residents have enough disposable income to support the local shops and small businesses that in turn create jobs and growth in the local economy?

Too many local politicians don’t get it; many are too interested in where their next vote is coming from. Old ideas that are historically accepted as the norm are often pushed forward and relabelled. In the recent ‘Philip Gould Memorial Lecture’ Tony Blair warned that “Old ideas in new clothing are still old ideas & exposed as so when undressed by reality”. He was right about that.

Coleshill has lacked a real vision for the future for a generation. Things have tended to just tick along. The same problems have existed in Coleshill for years; poor transport, a lack of parking, poor leisure facilities, problems accessing health services, a feeling of disconnect from the local councils, too much litter, anti-social behaviour on a Friday and Saturday night, not enough for young people to do, not enough for older people to do, no regular market, a lack of community events, poor communication with residents…the list goes on. People say this is a wonderful town and that is true but it is a wonderful town with solvable problems that need to be solved.

Coleshill is not unique in the difficulties it faces;

many of them exist in small towns across the country. To deal with them we need a real vision for the next 25 years. We need to have a vision of a growing town that attracts investment precisely because it is such good place to live.

Politics has been myopic - lacking vision - for too long. Conservative Councillors do what it says on the label – they conserve things. They don’t change them. The town has been let down. Coleshill South has only ever elected one Labour Councillor since 1974 and between 2003 and 2011 there wasn’t one single Labour Councillor elected in Coleshill. Conservative Councillors conserved and the problems remained.

Since 2011 that has begun to change and understandably conservatives – with a small c - dislike that.

My message to those people is very clear. We need a real debate about the future of our town. If you continue to put up barriers to change and if you continue to oppose ideas for political reasons, you are holding back progress in this town. We who are interested in politics should enable change to take place.

As a town we need to agree our vision of a future Coleshill. The next generation needs fundamental opportunities on education, buying their own home, accessing local high skilled and high paid jobs and good public services and the opportunity to live in a community that cares about one another We have already started developing a vision for our future. The Town Council has led the way over the past three years in understanding the issues our town faces and developing and delivering solutions to change them. There is more to do but the journey towards the future has begun with many achievements along the way.

One member of the Town Council has been at a forefront of developing a vision for our future. Cllr Bill Richards, has led a Steering Group to create a Coleshilll Neighborhood Plan setting out a future vision for Coleshill. Bill’s work is important. Bill is someone who seizes opportunities and who wants to leave a legacy for the next generation of Coleshill people. Bill probably won’t like being singled out like this but that is part of his character, he is modest. Bill hasn’t done this alone and he wouldn’t want people to think that but without Bill it wouldn’t have happened and we should all be thankful to him for leading this important process.

The Neighborhood Plan will go a long way towards creating that vision but there are other discussions to be had before we can truly be satisfied with the town we leave for future generations. This new ‘Garden City’ provides solutions to existing problems but will ultimately deepen existing issues around parking and traffic. Lets look at this proposal in detail and make an informed decision about its impact on Coleshill.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

76 Dental in Water Orton have held a charity week to raise funding for the Willow Foundation.

Tesco staff ‘shave’ the day for charity

The Coleshill Post

This charity raises money for 16-40 year olds to send them out on special days to share everlasting memories with family and friends.

They are affected by life threatening illnesses such as cancer, motorneorone disease, cystic fybrosis etc.

The founding member of this foundation is former Arsenal

goalkeeper and T.V presenter Bob Wilson and his wife Megs. Their daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 26 years old and passed away at 31.

They used her love of life and experiences as the charities inspiration, Mandy from 76 Dental and all of the practice would like to thank all patients for their support and a big thank you to everyone who donated raffle prizes.

The total raised was £810.

@ColeshillPost

76 Dental raise funds for Willow Foundation

Thank You Goes a Long Way PEOPLE in Coleshill were recognised for the time they spend helping others this week.

The Volunteer Centre North Warwickshire held a recognition event in the town hall for people who volunteer in the local community and beyond.

Over fifty people turned up to be awarded a special Volunteers’ Week certificate by the centre, which makes rewarding people who volunteer one of their top priorities.

The Mayor of Coleshill, Town Councillor Harry Taylor handed out the certificates to people from the Coleshill Hub, The Coleshill Charity Knitting Group, The Mary Ann Evans Hospice Charity Shop, Warwickshire Association for the Blind, Coleshill in Bloom, the Royal British Legion, the Coleshill Help at Hand Team, Coleshill Civic Society, the Toy Library Project, the Coleshill Parish Trust Fund and many more…

The Mayor of Coleshill said “It’s great to see so many people at the event, there are more people than I thought there would be. It’s really good that so many of our residents sacrifice their time to help others when they themselves are so busy with other things in their lives and their families. The Volunteer Centre North Warwickshire have put on a really worthwhile event for the community of Coleshill. It’s great recognition for people who don’t usually get a thank you” The event comes off the back of a special year for volunteering. 2014 marks the thirtieth year of Volunteers’ Week – a national campaign that recognises volunteering across the country.

After the presentation of certificates people were treated to a buffet lunch and cakes.

Patrick Foster Smith volunteers every week at the Coleshill Hub. He said “the event was a brilliant idea. A thank you goes a long way. I have got more out of being a volunteer than what I put into it.

I would encourage everyone to volunteer, especially youngsters – they can learn so much from it” The event was funded by the Coleshill Parish Trust Fund who gave the Volunteer Centre North Warwickshire some money to promote and develop volunteering in the town.

The Volunteer Centre’s Julie Airey planned the event and said “I am pleased that the afternoon was a success and that people enjoyed themselves. I would like to thank everyone who helped us make everything possible” The Volunteer Centre will continue to work in Coleshill for the rest of the year developing volunteering.

If you are an organisation or know of one who works with volunteers in the town, you can register with the centre and start benefiting in a number of ways.

There’s help with recruiting volunteers, promoting volunteering opportunities, volunteering and the law, general good practice around volunteer induction and expenses as well as access to training and specialist knowledge. It is free to register with the Volunteer Centre – go to their website now www.vcnw.org.uk to find out all you need to know about volunteering in North Warwickshire..

Or you can give the centre a ring on 01827 717073.

On Friday 25th July Tesco stores across the Midlands held a charity event in aid of Diabetes UK, the retail giants chosen charity. Each store was tasked with raising cash using any chosen method.

The Coleshill store decided to bake cakes and sell them on for a small donation. They dressed down for work and maybe the most heroic method of them all, Manager Mike

Green and his colleague Andreas, shaved their heads outside in the street. There was also a tour de Tesco where a couple of members of the team cycled to each store in the area to help raise even more cash.

Coleshill came second in the medal table raising £152.78 for the worthwhile cause, less than £10 behind winners Green Lane who raised £161.82.

Well done to all the staff at Tesco and a big thank you to all of those

who donated.

These are the totals raised by each store for our Tour de Tesco on group 218: Green Lane - £161.82, Coleshill - £152.78, 4 Oaks - £145.65, Fazeley - £133.00, Great Barr - £100.98, Kingstanding - £68.01, Netherstowe - £59.14, Maney Cnr - £63.95, Water Orton - £62.23, Shenstone £51.10, Bromford - £51.05, Streetly - £48.38, Amington - £38.20, Boldmere - 50 pence. Group total raised £1136.79.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

FIRE SAFETY Online electoral registration available Stay calm and keep for the first time safe - Don't get burned

With Chris Thompson Station Commander, Coleshill Fire Station

NORTH Warwickshire residents should have recently received a letter from the Electoral Registration Officer informing them of the change to the electoral registration system – a move from the old ‘head of household’ registration system to Individual Electoral Registration (IER.)

The Borough Council reports that just over 6,000 local residents were not automatically transferred to the new electoral register. Anyone who received a letter telling them they were not transferred

can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register to vote online.

Jerry Hutchinson, Chief Executive and Electoral Registration Officer, said: “Many North Warwickshire residents have received a letter from the elections team to tell them that they have automatically moved onto the new registration system. However, some residents were told that they needed to provide extra information in order to register under the new system. It’s important that they now do this, which can be done at www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote .

This is the first time that people can register to vote online and it’s quick and simple. This should appeal to many young people or students, so if you’ve just turned 18 or you’ve not registered before, get online to register to vote.”

The Electoral Commission, the UK’s election watchdog, has called for the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration since 2003 as it will lead to a more secure electoral register.

If you did not receive a letter contact the Council’s elections team on 01827 719221 or email info@northwarks.gov.uk

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Did you know that cooking fires are the most common causes of home fires and home fire injuries? Pans left unattended while hot on the cooker are obvious culprits but there are a number of less obvious causes that may be news to you.

Most fires in the home happen in the kitchen, so it is good to be prepared in case of emergency. Oven fires are frightening, but are usually easily contained and can often be easily prevented.

Why it happens

Your oven can catch fire for a few reasons: If you are cooking something with a lot of fat and grease, it can splatter and cause a flame.

If you are baking, the batter could overflow, drip to the bottom and start a small fire.

Sometimes food scraps or other items might be left in your oven, and they could catch fire.

Forgetting something in the oven can also lead to burned food, lots of smoke and in some instances, a fire.

Some people have even reported their ovens catching fire when they had the self-cleaning feature on.

What to do 1. Leave the oven door closed!

2. Turn off the oven and allow the fire to burn out on its own.

3. If it does not go out on its own, leave the house and call 999.

4. If it does go out, then open your windows.

5. Carefully open the oven door (it will be smoky!) and remove the hot pan.

6. Allow the smoke to clear before determining the cause of the fire and possibly resuming cooking.

Although Step 1 may seem counter-intuitive, opening the door will only cause the fire to expand. By keeping the door closed and turning off the heat, you are starving the fire, since it can’t burn without oxygen. Only when you are sure the fire is out should you open the oven door and proceed.

Here are some tips to prevent kitchen fires and keep your family safe.

Stay in the kitchen Watch your clothing

Long, flowing sleeves, large-fitting shirts and even aprons can catch fire. When cooking, wear short or close-fitted sleeves and keep your baggy shirts tucked in or tied back with a well-fitted apron.

Be aware of the items around your cooker

Kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords and even curtains can easily catch fire if set near a hot burner. Always move flammable items away from your cooker. Be careful when using towels to move a pot off the burner. Ideally, use an oven mitt, but if using a towel, be sure it doesn't dangle down and touch the burner.

Also remember change the batteries in your smoke detector.

Have a fire escape plan

Sit down with your family and have a fire escape plan that includes getting out of the house and meeting outside in a designated area. It's important that your family – especially your kids – know what to do before a fire occurs. Practice your plan every month.

Don't ever hesitate to call the fire service – even if you have successfully put out your fire. It's better to be safe than sorry. Practice fire prevention measures every time you are in the kitchen, and be sure to pass the measures on to your kids.

Keep your cooking equipment clean

Cleaning the oven is one of the most hated chores in the home and with good reason. It’s dirty, messy and usually involves hours of scrubbing. But the good news is there are a number of ways to make the job easier. All you need are the right tools, the right products and some insider know-how. The time spent keeping the oven clean could save a life and protect your family and property from fire.

How to clean an oven

How to prevent common fires in the kitchen

Loosen dirt first before cleaning.

Place a heatproof bowl of water in the oven on high for half an hour.

The steam will soften grease and grime, making stains easier to remove.

According to the Fire Service, cooking fires are not only the leading cause of home fires, the majority of kitchen fire injuries occur when victims try to fight the fire themselves. Wouldn't it be smarter to avoid cooking fires altogether?

The best tool for scraping tough stains off the door and floor of your oven is a glass scraper - the sort used for paint splashes on windows.

If the glass door is removable, unscrew it, soak in a hot solution of

Use a glass scraper

biological washing powder, then scrape to remove stuck-on food residue.

Use soda crystals

Old-fashioned soda crystals, under £1 per bag from most supermarkets, are a brilliant eco-friendly kitchen cleaner that cut through grease with ease. Spread a thick layer on the bottom of the oven and cover with a damp tea towel. Leave for several hours, then vacuum them out (empty the vacuum cleaner immediately after use!) and rinse thoroughly. Soda crystals also work well on heavy stains in grill pans.

Dissolve the crystals in hot water and leave to soak before washing as normal.

Paint on a gel cleaner

You can use a shop-bought solution, generally they come with a brush that makes it easy for you to reach the back of the oven and doesn't have that potent chemical smell. Always follows the manufactures instructions when using these products. As with all chemical cleaners, wear rubber gloves and protect floors with newspaper.

Put filthy shelves into a cleaning bag

Often oven shelves are harder to clean than the oven itself when grease is baked on. An easy solution is to soak shelves in plastic bags with specialised cleaners that you can buy from local stores.

Generally you have to use the cleaning agent provided in a re-usable bag, then leave overnight for best results. No effort required and the results can be impressive.

Allow the element to burn off grease naturally Most chemical cleaners cannot be used on the element. The simplest way to clean the element is to turn the heat up to the highest setting and just let the grease burn off.

The oven may smoke for a while, so make sure the room is well ventilated.

Use baking soda

Keen to avoid harsh chemical cleaners? For a home-made eco cleaner, professional cleaning experts recommend using a mixture of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and vinegar. Moisten the cold oven with water, spread on a thick layer of baking soda and leave for three hours. Spray vinegar on the baking soda and watch it fizz into action.

Let it sit for a few more hours then wipe with warm water.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Speeding at St Edwards

9

The Coleshill Post

THE children at St Edwards RC School are extremely exhausted after running the total of a whopping 10 K as a school!!! They ran the 'Race for Life' and were deeply inspired by cancer patients that they knew and loved.

matter how tough their situation

membered Mrs Davidson our head

seemed, ploughed through and

teacher and so many others I knew

finished! Their head teacher sadly

and loved, so I carried on. An unbe-

died recently from cancer and this

lievable experience!'

Hollie Hebblethwaite, a year 6 child

line, so I stayed behind with the

Each class jogged 2- 6 laps de-

participant, comments on the day

reception children and my friend.

pushed the children to finally cross

Beth Stratton, a year 5 child

the finish line. I bet she would be

participant comments on the day.

very proud of them all!

'I struggled to make it to the finish

'I was scared because it was so hard

Thoughts about Mrs Davidson

pending on their age (each lap

running through heat but I knew it

helped me to jog to the end.'

was 400 metres) and did extreme-

was all for a good cause.'

We would love to congratulate

ly well-bearing in mind that the

Ellen Stratton, a year 6 child par-

and thank all of the children for all

youngest are only 4 and 5 years

ticipant, comments on the day.

their hard work.They raised a total

old! The whole school really pushed

'I struggled to get through the heat

of over £2000 for cancer patients!

themselves to the limits, and, no

and almost stopped. But then I re-

They should all be very proud.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

THE POSSIBILITIES: • 1000 HGV movements per day. • 1500 commuters to and from

The Coleshill Post

...Continued from front page The plans promise to bring around 1500 new jobs to the borough, a fact which the developers are using to support their application to NWBC. But as well as 1500 new daily commuters the scheme also boasts the capability to bring in 10 trains a day via the existing railhead. With each train comprising of 50 containers thats a whopping 500 incoming units per day requiring 1000 HGV movements to and from the site.

One of the most affected routes is the Green Man junction on the B4114 in Coleshill. Already a notorious bottle neck the addition of 1000 trucks and 1500 comuters will almost certainly add to the traffic chaos, not only during rush hour, but 24 hours daily if plans go ahead.

In an open letter to the Head of Development Control Services at NWBC, Landlady of the Green Man Public House Helen Ray commented: "I have worked and lived at The Green Man for over 12 years now. Over the years I have seen many changes in Coleshill which have all put more pressure on the cross roads here.

When a customer told me about the application I didnt believe anybody could suggest such a stupid location for a container port. But I see from the application that they can and have.

When I heard about the development last year I though it was going to be an employment hub. I didn't realise that was developer talk for container port."

The site has been likened to the Hams Hall and Birch Coppice developments but there are fundamental differences.

Former MP for North Warwickshire Mike O'Brien who supported previous developments said: “This site is not like Hams Hall or Birch Coppice where I supported business parks. The problem with Daw Mill is that it is located on the B4098 Tamworth Road, which is unsuitable for HGV container lorries. The traffic would have to go through villages,

along narrow roads and negotiate difficult junctions.

“It looks like Haworth Estates propose to use the rail access to bring things in. The proposal includes a large area of “open storage” which suggests that containers may be used.

This looks to me like a potential intermodal freight container terminal.

“People realise there will be some development on the site, but the problem would be granting consent that allowed HGV container lorries to be run out of the site.”

The application by Haworth Estates identifies the routes out of the site.

These include south through Fillongley village with the narrow road in the centre of the village; north to the Kingsbury Island negotiating the railway bridge with restricted height near the island and along the Coleshill Road into Atherstone; but the most likely route is to the Furnace End cross roads, then down the B4114, around the sharp corner at the Griffin Inn, through the winding roads after Shustoke and then having to get across the busy cross roads at the Green Man Pub in Coleshill.

“The lorries would rattle the foundations of the old pub.” Mike says.

“Anyone who knows this area like I do, knows that large container lorries using these routes would be a recipe for mayhem on local roads. It affects not just the old site that will be affected but villages and towns for miles around.

“The colliery could have up to 10 trains a day. Harworth Estates have not said they propose anything like that, but these things sometimes lead to creeping applications. They get permission for one thing then seek to expand the site. 10 trains with 50 containers each could mean 500 containers a day with 1000 HGV movements along unsuitable roads.

“I ask the borough council to treat this planning application with a mas-

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fully what is being proposed. I believe it is imperative for the welfare of the community over a very wide area that our representatives urgently seek additional answers from Harworths and work closely with them to arrive at a reduced scheme that is more able to be absorbed into an already overstretched situation."

Ross Jones, who's home overlooks the former Coal Mine, has worked tirelessly from the outset to uncover truths and question spurious facts and figures. He has also managed to bring the scheme to the attention of the public and hell keep it fresh in our minds. In a letter to NWBC he asked: "If this proposal is approved the residual cumulative impact on the exPICTURED: An incident in May 2014 at The Griffin Pub on the B4114 near Shustoke. isting highway infrastructure will be An HGV crushes a caravan against the pub walls as it’s driver struggles to negotiate the severe . I know your council is well notorious 90 degree bend. (between 5-12 years) aware of the problems in the centre of sive degree of caution and scrutiny. for 24/7 operation so there will be no Coleshill and had recognised the need for a by pass to mitigate the effect of The site is clearly unsuitable for con- respite from this intolerable situation any further increases in traffic . I retainers. Local people need guarantees night or day 7 days a week. fer to your councils document "Living I feel it is incumbent upon Harworth that HGV containers will not be used.” with the Line " although I am aware One of many parish's affected by Estates Ltd. to be more open about that this has since been removed from the proposal is Nether Whitacre. Phil exactly what is planned for the site in the document ...

Mason, Chairman of Nether Whitacre order that the full impact of the develIs a new by pass now in the Warwickopment can be properly assessed. For Parish Council told us: shire County Councils Highways Pro"There is no doubt, that if permitted example, what is the end use of the gramme ? in its present form, this development largest building (approx. 3.5 acres in In order to properly respond to the will have a very far reaching negative size) proposed for the site. Will it be planning proposal in respect of Daw impact not simply for our Parish but for a logistics company perhaps, or a Mill please confirm what highways supermarket distribution centre. Ad- improvements are already in your profor people from miles around.

The idea of an industrial park on the ditionally, what specific use do they gramme and what further mitigation scale proposed is totally flawed from have in mind for the existing railhead measures have been offered by Harthe outset due to its geographical lo- at the site?. Will this be used for an worth Estates" cation. Commercial traffic, principally intermodal rail operation commensuThe initial public meeting held to 40 ton artics, will have to travel ap- rate with a container port and produc- discuss Daw Mill's future was ill pubproximately 7 miles in any direction to ing over 1000 HGV movements per licised and consequently ill attended. join the national motorway network. day?.

The public will have an opportunity They will be travelling on narrow, This is an outline application at the to question our representatives more bending B roads through settlements moment but if once approved it will be closely on these and many other issues such as Fillongley, Furnace End, Shus- too late to start considering its overall at the two planned meetings. It is vitoke and Coleshill. Additionally, up to impact on the community when it gets tal that as many as possible of those 1500 private motor cars either end of to the detailed application stages later. affected by Harworth Estates scheme the working day will add to already I unreservedly call upon officers, attend the meetings, to listen to what overcrowded pinch-points along these elected members and Parliamentary they have to say and more importantly routes on a daily basis. The proposal is representatives to consider very care- have them listen to you.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

In a letter to the Head of Development Control Services at NWBC, Helen Ray, licensee of The Green Man Public House, explains why she believes that plans for the former Daw Mill site must not go ahead. In her twelve years at the popular pub she has suffered first hand the problems that HGV traffic causes including damage to the property and car park, very real danger for pedestrians trying to navigate the busy junction during rush hours and the damage caused by polluting exhaust emissions to the exterior of the listed building. Below is her letter in full.

NOTICE!!

HOW WILL THE DAW MILL PLANS AFFECT YOU? VOICE YOUR CONCERNS AND HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!!

2 PUBLIC MEETINGS TUESDAY 12TH AUGUST 7.30pm

NETHER WHITACRE PARISH HALL CHAIRED BY NETHER WHITACRE PARISH COUNCIL

THURSDAY 14TH AUGUST 7.00pm

COLESHILL TOWN HALL

CHAIRED BY CLLR HARRY TAYLOR, COLESHILL TOWN MAYOR

ALL WELCOME

The Coleshill Post

LANDLADY VOICES VERY REAL CONCERNS

@ColeshillPost

the site daily. • 24 Hour industrial scale operation. • Pollution of Shustoke Reservoir

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Cllr Mick Stanley - Leader of NWBC

Dan Byles – nice fellow, but better suited to other things

After the election the new government announced an extension of the route that hit North Warwickshire even harder. For many opponents of HS2 like me that was the great betrayal.

Dan Byles was elected, but he has decided not to face the electorate again.

He wants to do other things. I genuinely wish him well. I have dealt with him in my role as Council Leader and he seems a nice enough fellow. I hope he finds a new role that better suits his abilities.

As most people know Dan and his family have lived in 7 bedroom Grade 2 listed farmhouse in Wolverhampton during his period as MP. When I heard it had been up for sale for something just under a million pounds, I had

“

I lead a Council so I know it’s tough to be in politics. It means dealing with the criticism, creating coalitions to bring about change, smoothing ego’s and it’s often frustratingly slow to make change.

thought he might finally be moving to the constituency, but the new rumour is that he is off to a new job in the private sector. I’m sure he will tell us when the time is right.

Although he is likeable, I always felt Dan wasn’t really cut out to be an MP. For one thing he lacks a thick hide.

He has struggled to deal with the constant criticism faced by those in a democratically accountable position.

He tends to over react to criticism. He takes things too personally.

Let me declare an interest here by saying that Labour’s Mike O’Brien has been a friend of mine for 20 years. Politics is a tough old game and it takes

a certain kind of person to do it well.

It’s not about being thick skinned so much having an attitude to politics that recognises that being criticised is part of the legitimate democratic process. It comes with the job. You can’t afford to get too upset about it.

I lead a Council so I know it’s tough to be in politics. It means dealing with the criticism, creating coalitions to bring about change, smoothing ego’s and it’s often frustratingly slow to make change.

Some politicians like Mike regard themselves as gladiators in the political arena fighting for what they believe in. They are engaged in the fray

TUESDAY

”

rather than trying to be above it. They accept the foibles of human nature but still regard our condition as capable of improvement. I think that is why he didn’t walk away from politics after losing by such a small margin.

Others believe themselves to be made of better stuff, to be above ‘the other ranks’. For them, things are much harder and politics is not really their game.

I don’t know what people will decide at the next general election, but I am totally biased. I want Mike to win, because he is Labour, because he is a mate and because I have worked with

him closely for over 20 years and I know that he cares deeply about local people and because North Warwickshire needs his experience and knowledge to fight for our area in the bear pit of Westminster.

I am sure Dan Byles cares too. I think he has tried to do his best, but I just think he’s better off doing a job that is better suited to his talents. He will be happier.

I also think it must also have been very hard for him to pass without recognition through as series of reshuffles where others were promoted. A week after the latest reshuffle he announced his resignation. The prospect of six more years as a backbencher cannot have been what all he hoped for on the day he was first elected. I don’t doubt he will succeed in something other than politics.

Dan deserves some credit for his personal opposition to HS2. But I can say this with certainty. Whether his successor is Labour or Conservative, he or she will be someone equally committed to opposing HS2. Frankly, they’ve got to be or they won’t be elected here.

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The Coleshill Post

North Warwickshire is in the most marginal Conservative held Parliamentary seat in tahe UK. It was won by 54 votes in 2010 after Labour announced HS2 and the Conservatives promised to review the route of HS2.

13

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Coleshill Ladies Singers, Summer Concert

The Coleshill Post

ONCE again Coleshill United Church would like to thank the Coleshill Ladies Singers for their Summer Concert entitled “A Medley of Patriotic and War Time Songs”. Under the excellent musical direction of Beryl Smith and Mavis Gordon the choir transported us back to WW I and WW II with an evening of musical items and poems.

The concert began with a med-

ley of many favourite songs which included "I'll be seeing you", "We'll meet again", “Lili Marlene" and "the White Cliffs of Dover", all very much appreciated by the audience.

The second half began with the rousing "Soldiers Chorus" followed by" Rose of England" the audience took great delight in joining in the choruses especially 'A long way to Tipperary" and "Pack up your troubles".

Violet and Sally brought some

humour into the evening with their rendition of "You're in the army Mr Jones", Rosemary, Beryl and Risa gave us some beautiful songs either as duets or solos and poems were read by Christine and Gwen.

The highlight of the evening was the finale with the audience on their feet and waving their flags while singing "Land of Hope and Glory".

A most pleasant and enjoyable evening was had by all.

Coleshill Civic Health and Fitness Club

ORIGINAL over 60’s keep fit commenced in 1983 at Coleshill Clinic.

In 1990 as the numbers increased it was decided that 2 groups should be formed.

The first group back at the clinic where called ‘breakaway’ this was

back in 1990. The over 60’s kept fit to town hall.

I think it says a lot that two groups of keep fit are still going in great numbers, due to aches and pains many can no longer do some of the exercises, but a cup of tea and a biscuit and see old friends is

better than all the tablets.

Although a month ago some nice young boys and their teachers came to show us new skills, a big thank you to them. They thought we were quite fit.

May we keep shake, rattling and rolling for many years to come.

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

AT the July meeting, former detective John Kavanagh talked about his career in the police force and his role in helping to solve the Enderby Murders in the 1980s. The case involved the first use of DNA evidence which convicted a local man, Colin Pitchfork of the rape and murder of two girls in Leicestershire. Pitchfork became the first person caught as a result of mass DNA screening and was sentenced to life in prison in 1988.

Ann Beaty of Packington and Maxstoke WI, our representative at the National AGM at Leeds in June

reported that the motion encouraging everyone to clarify their wishes on organ donation in good time was passed overwhelmingly. Although relatives can still overrule a loved one’s wishes after their death, signing up to the organ donors’ register. There are currently a 7,000 people waiting for donor organs and many die while still on the waiting list. One popular speaker at the AGM was former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, talking about landscape and the environment.

The WI welcomed two visitors who enjoyed the speaker’s talk and also joined in social time, a game called ‘Socks’ in which groups of members were handed a bundle of socks, each containing an article to be identified by ‘feel’. These included a 20 pence coin, a clothes peg and a cookie cutter, a glue spreader, a nappy pin and a golf ball.

Muriel Townsend won the competition for an unusual vase, with Betty Oakley second and Bena Stuart third. The next meeting is on September 9th when the speaker Jo Carter will give a talk entitled ‘Top to Toe – the price of Vanity.’

The competition is for an unusual scarf. October’s speaker will give a talk on the work of Water Aid and the competition is for a poem with the opening line:“Water, water everywhere...”

Visitors welcome as always.

Pictured: Muriel Townsend with her winning entry in the competition for an unusual vase.

Middleton Mutts – an event for dog lovers and their pampered pooches MIDDLETON Hall have laid on a fabulous day of entertainment for dog lovers and their pampered pooches on Sunday 10th August. The 42 acre Middleton estate is a fabulous dog friendly venue with a number of scenic walks which take in an SSSI area. To encourage more dog owners to visit the site the Middleton Mutts Event is set to celebrate our love affair with ‘Man’s Best Friend’ The Griffin Clickers Dog Display

team will be treating visitors to an impressive presentation of heel work to music. Watch these amazing dogs and their owners dance and when the professionals have shown you how it’s done they will help you put your dogs through their paces with treat trails and other fun activities for you and your dog.

There will be competitions for the best dressed dog, the dog with the waggiest tail and other fun categories for children and their dogs to

enter, with prizes donated by Husse Premium Pet Food and Barkleys Dog Grooming. Pamper your pets at one of the many stalls featuring pet supplies and accessories or capture your dog’s likeness with a pet portrait. Meet volunteers from dog charities such as The Retired Greyhound Trust and PAT Dogs and see what fantastic work they do.

Children will be able to have a bounce on a host of inflatables and pit their wits against friends in a gladiator duel. A host of food and drink stalls will keep visitors refreshed while they enjoy all that’s on offer and dogs won’t be left out.

The Hall will be open with experts on hand to share the stories of the families who lived there over seven centuries, together with the walled gardens, 42 acres of beautiful dog friendly grounds and play parks for the children. Take in Middleton Hall Courtyard before you leave and get some gift inspiration, or just treat yourself.

The day runs from 11am to 4pm.

Adult entry is £3, Concessions £2.50, Children go free.

For further details contact Jo Walker on 01827 283095 or email jo.middletonhall@gmail.com

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The Coleshill Post

BY SALLY JONES

in

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@ColeshillPost

Coleshill Women’s Institute’s July meeting

BRING YOUR PARTY TOwww.thecoleshillpost.co.uk OUR PARTY!

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

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MIDLANDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE community first responders PREsENts...

The Coleshill Post

SATURDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2014

COLESHILL TOWN HALL 9.00am - 4.00pm

EmERgENCy sERviCEs will bE iN attENdaNCE duRiNg thE day.

Come along and learn some valuable Life-Saving Skills! refreshments will be available from coleshill ladies circle

www.mercfr.org Registered Charity No. 1155553

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

Love Coleshill is proud of its aim to ‘promote local loyalty’ and three members – the Chestnut Tree Nursery, Coleshill Cricket Club and Coleshill Roofing are proof that the Love Coleshill aim is being met!

When Coleshill Cricket Club obtained funding from SITA Trust for improvement to the Memorial Park Centre, built in the 1960’s, they chose Coleshill Roofing to carry out the project on the roof. The Cricket club is a Community Amateur Sports club which promotes athletic and social pursuits.

It runs three sides on Saturdays and the club also plays in Division 3 of the Lichfield and District Sunday League. The club runs a thriving junior section, currently with three teams and welcomes players of all ages and abilities. To find out more please email stattojenks@aol.com or go to www.coleshill. play-cricket.com Chestnut Tree Nursery were pleased that the funding was secured and are grateful to SITA because this has secured the long term future of the Memorial Park Centre for a variety of groups including their nursery.

Chestnut Tree’s goal is to provide outstanding early years education that is affordable to everyone and they offer a completely flexible service to suit families and their changing needs. Recently awarded an ‘Excellent’ from Ofsted they offer sessions starting from as little as 2 hours care per week for children aged 2 – 4 years. For more details visit their website www.chestnuttreenursery.co or call 01675 462120.

Coleshill Roofing have built up an excellent reputation for high standards and quality of work and their aim is to ensure customer satisfaction. Jane Harris from Coleshill Roofing said: ‘When we started the project we were really pleased to be working on a local job.

We all live in Coleshill and this project is a great showcase for our work. Our first priority was to make sure everybody was safe, especially given that there was a children’s nursery on the premises. It took about three weeks altogether for us to strip off the old roof, re-board and put a new high performance felt system on.’ Visit www.coleshillroofing.co.uk for details.

If you are a local business interested in joining the Love Coleshill Consortium why not take a closer look at the long list of benefits that the consortium members enjoy? Membership costs just £10 per month and with the benefits expanding to include reduced price membership of local organisations and bodies, free advertising on the Morrisons notice board and lots more. Marie Stephenson who is responsible for the Marketing budget said ‘I have been working to increase the benefits to members, especially those who are local business but do not have a high street presence. There is no reason why all of the companies in Coleshill should not be members. By promoting local loyalty - checking out local suppliers first we can all benefit. Visit www.lovecoleshill.co.uk and take a look at the consortium page for full details of membership and benefits or contact info@lovecoleshill.co.uk

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WORLD WAR ONE SLEEPOVER AT COLESHILL SCHOOL SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW!!

Our next event is the fantastic World War 1 Sleepover – A Night in the Trenches - to be held at the Coleshill School on Saturday 13th September.

We have an amazing line up of activities including a storyteller in full uniform, music, songs, crafts and 1000’’s of sandbags!

The Civic Society are providing artefacts for people to investigate and we will be showing original film footage. There will also be an opportunity to do some creative writing! Places are still available and we have extended the deadline, so if you would like to attend this informative, educational and fun experience, why not visit Penny Johnson Flowers or Heads of Coleshill for an application form or download one from our web site www.lovecoleshill.co.uk Sharon Davey, owner of Heads of Coleshill said ‘We are really excited about working with the Coleshill School for this project – it is such an unusual event. I

hope that everyone will understand our aim is to educate and inform, but in a fun and interactive way. Of course 100 years is a long time and many people have no idea of what happened or how life was for the people in the First World War so we are hoping that our event will give them lots of information and even inspire people to learn more’.

The Sleepover is set for the night before the French market so those people who sign up will be receiving a true continental breakfast when they wake up.

The French Market was a huge success last year and attracted over 1000 visitors to the town.

This year we hope to have even more visitors and we are hoping to put on events in 2015 that will appeal to even more members of the community. Our aim is to ensure that lots of people visit Coleshill and that local businesses benefit from working together to promote local loyalty.

We are always looking to expand

our Consortium and so are inviting local businesses to consider joining. Recently we have included additional benefits to our Consortium Membership Package in a bid to entice new members from the local business community.

Sometimes our consortium is perceived as ‘for the High Street’ but, although we have many supportive traders from the High Street, we also have over half our members who do not even have a High Street presence! These businesses benefit from our services just as much as those who have a shop and we are increasing the business to business services to include a whole package of benefits. We have liaised with local organisations to enlarge our offer and we can now provide a service to local businesses that will enlarge their network, enlarge their reach to the local community and heighten their profile. For more details visit the web site www. lovecoleshill.co.uk or email info@ lovecoleshill.co.uk

The Coleshill Post

Love Coleshill members work together on joint Coleshill project

@ColeshillPost

Love Coleshill

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Your Shop Shustoke has a lot to offer this summer!

The Coleshill Post

Your Shop Shustoke at Shustoke Village hall is brimming with new events and news this August!

There is the Mad Hatters Tea Room, a visit by some fantastic creatures including Baby Bear Cat ‘Baloo’, a Young Enterprise Club and a new range of pies being launched at a tasting.

Mad Hatters Tea Room is open in Shustoke Village Hall from 12 to 3pm every Monday to Saturday af-

ternoon service tea, cakes, freshly made sandwiches and much more.

Large parties can be catered for with

gust from 2 – 4pm along with lots

a fantastic opportunity to learn

of other animals such as a skunk,

some basic business skills and how

reptiles and birds. If you have seen

to make money! To book your place

Jungle Book then you will under-

contact Lori on 01827 719 220.

stand where Baloo gets his name

Who ate all the pies? Your Shop

from! He is one of only a handful of

Shustoke are stocking a new range

Binturong in the UK. Zac will be ex-

of handmade pies from Chadwick

plaining about their backgrounds,

End Fine Foods limited and to

handling and care. He takes them

launch the new range they are hold-

all over the Country, including into

ing an open evening on Tuesday

schools so it is fun and education-

19th August from 7pm to 8.30pm.

al. If you would like to go and meet

Why not go along and sample the

Baloo and his other animal friends

new range including Pork Pies, Pas-

under the watchful eye of their own-

ties, Sausage Rolls and meat pies.

er Zac he will keep you entertained

Light and crispy pastry with gener-

with his latest fun activities.

ous tasty fillings will be available to

What could you do with £3? A

prior notice and they are always

Young Enterprise Club for ages 7 –

looking for volunteers!

try and you can buy them too as the pies will be on sale.

11 was being launched on 21st July

Your Shop Shustoke is a commu-

‘Baloo’ a ‘Baby Bear Cat’ is a Pal-

and the next session is on Tuesday

nity store managed by Carol Fox.

awan Binturong from South Asia,

19th August from 10am – 12 noon

For more details on all of these

reared by Zac in the West Midlands

– booking is essential. Get messy

events please visit their web site

and he will be visiting Shustoke Vil-

and creative, meet new friends and

www.yourshopshustoke.co.uk

lage Hall on Wednesday 20th Au-

watch your money grow!

call: 01675 481 519.

This is

or

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

Lest we forget

The Coleshill Post

hymns for the congregation to sing to. In a poignant moment, band leader, Stephen Fagg played the ‘Last Post’ on his Cornet as Mike Walpole lowered the Union flag.

Throughout the hour long ceremony Band Sergant, Simon Toon, along with band-mates Helen and Katie Alder (pictured) extinguished a candle for every soldier from Coleshill that fell during the 1914-18 conflict. £362.17 was raised on the night for The Royal British Legion.

@ColeshillPost

Hundreds of Coleshillians flocked to St Peter and St Pauls Church on Church Hill to remember the start of the First World War. People across the town were asked to leave on a single light or candle to commemorate the moment that Herbert Asquith, the then Prime Minister announced that Britain had declared war on Germany thus entering us in to the First World War at 11pm on 4th August 1914.

Coleshill Town Band performed

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Beta Bodz: The Friendly Gym

The Coleshill Post

PICTURED: Martyn Ford stands tall at the entrance to his Beta Bodz Gym.

EIGHTEEN months ago, Personal Trainer (PT) Martyn Ford was a man on a mission.

With ten years experience under his belt as a PT, a degree in Sports Science and a plethora of individual and team sporting achievements, Martyn was growing tired of the stereotypical gym's which he felt lacked that relaxed and friendly atmosphere that sometimes put people off joining, usually the people that need it most.

With this in mind he set up Martyn Ford's Beta Bodz Gym in Minworth.

Starting from scratch with one Personal Trainer and zero members the gym now has a steadily growing membership of around 100 people and employs four personal trainers.

Martyn said: "It's a friendly place here, new and existing members become friends very quickly. It's an educational gym I suppose, we show people how to get results and teach them how to train effectively. It's important that people feel comfortable, we have a lot of female members and we run some women only classes."

If you are wondering where you have heard the name Martyn Ford before, he used to play cricket for Warwickshire until injury ended

his career. He also competes in various bodybuilding events and often fights in UFC matches so his knowledge and experience are vast. As you can see from the photo Martyn is a mountain of a man at the peak of his physical fitness, people come from all over the Midlands to seek his advice so it's well worth popping in to see him.

He continues: "The equipment we use is plate loaded which helps more towards body tone and body build. Most of our machines are made by Hammer Strength, one of the leading manufacturers of gym equipment. I am looking to expand the gym within the next 6-8 months, just to make it a little bit bigger than it already is to accomodate more equipment and obviously more members. " "We are running a great deal at the moment, off-peak memberships at £22.50 or £3 day passes off-peak from 8am-4pm. We also offer personal sessions for £10."

To sum up, if you want a gym where you can feel comfortable, make friends, learn from the best and ulitimately achieve your goals, then you must pay Martyn Ford's a visit before you try anywhere else, it's a great gym run by great people.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Andrew Hay

Ukraine and Gaza: Tragedy through the pinhole of political narratives

toll continues to rise as the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict rages on without any sign of remission. In both cases the needless loss of civilian life under such circumstances is beyond justification and should be approached as a humanitarian crisis that demands the attention of a global community unified by a desire to understand these issues in the widest possible terms in order to prevent such senseless loss in the future. Unfortunately, this is not a view that is shared by many political figures that, in the age of rapidly dispersed social media, waste no time in using tragedy as a means of reinforcing the narratives that are used to shepherd public opinion into positions that coincide with their obscured agendas. Whilst most of us want access to undistorted information that would allow us to get closer to the truth, we are presented with rhetoric and imagery that is sculpted to tell us stories that help to reinforce the unseen logic that underpins hidden ideological projects.

In the aftermath of the MH17 disaster David Cameron has been very clear about his position regarding the issue.

Cameron published his suspicions and suggested that the tragedy was “…a

direct result of Russia destabilising a sovereign state…” Although neither the source of the rocket that brought down flight MH17 nor Russia’s involvement had been conclusively proven at this point the British Prime Minister carved a channel down which public opinion could easily trickle to the wrong conclusion. Surely it would be advisable for a head of state to reserve such inflammatory comments until conclusive evidence has been attained.

At the same time as Cameron, openly condemned Russia for its unconfirmed support of Ukrainian separatists he remained reluctant to criticise Israel for its continued bombardment of civilian areas in Gaza; a moral contradiction that makes little sense until you stop to consider a number of global developments that have somehow managed to escape the attention of the mainstream media.

You don’t have to be an expert in global affairs to know that Ukraine has a wealth of resources that are of value to the economic stability of both the Europe and Russia. This means that any change to Ukraine’s economic structure could result in wider economic ramifications for both parties hence giving Europe and Russia a motive for attempting to draw Ukraine into their respective economic orbits.

This battle over access to Ukrainian resources is intensified by the fact that Russia is currently in negotiation with China, Brazil, India and South Africa in an attempt to establish an economic alliance that would give these countries the capacity to free themselves from the direction of global organisations that currently dictate the conditions of global trade such as the IMF and the World Bank. Should these negotiations result in an agreement being signed, we could see the emergence of a bi-

Maxstoke Remembers

MAXSTOKE Church are organising an event "Maxstoke Remembers" to commemorate the start of the First World War on Saturday 6th September.

This will be an opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the beautiful and tranquil grounds of Maxstoke Castle.

Guests are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy to the sound of the City of Birmingham Brass Band before heading to the 'sunken garden' for two period plays (related to World War One) by The Coleshill Drama Group - one

light-hearted and the other suitably thought-provoking. The evening will finish with some patriotic pieces from the City of Birmingham Brass Band and a spectacular fireworks finale.

Some will remember a similar event in 2008 when Romeo and Juliet was performed but on this occasion it will not rain all day and we have live music accompanying the fireworks! Tickets are the same price as then - £20 - and are available from Richard King -Richard.king54@gmail.com or via 01675 462740. They are also for sale at Gascoignes, 100 High St. Coleshill: 01675 462294.

polar global economy; a development that would present nation states with a choice between alternative economic models. This situation would ultimately diminish the power of those that enjoy dominant positions in the current global economic order.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is embroiled in negotiating two trade agreements: the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The TTIP would effectively lock the EU into a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. If both agreements are implemented the U.S. will be at the centre of global trade block that accounts for 60% of global GDP. There is a significant amount of controversy surrounding these negotiations due to the proposed introduction of a mechanism known as investor-state dispute settlement. This mechanism would give private corporations the power to subordinate the will of democratically elected governments via private tribunals. There is growing resistance to this type of economic order which is seen by many as akin to corporate dictatorship. The emergence of choice, coupled with an appetite for change, is a threatening combination for those empower by the current global economic structure, hence the sudden return of political discourse reminiscent of the cold war. The battle for hearts and minds is already underway and as these largely unspoken upheavals threaten to split the global economy in half, Ukraine has found itself at the forefront of an ideological tug of war.

From here it is easier to understand why the U.S. immediately recognised the unelected group that overthrew a democratically elected government in Ukraine as legitimate leaders of the country; a move which immediately cast citizens that refused to accept this

externally ratified legitimacy as separatists. The only difference between Ukrainian nationalists and Ukrainian separatists is that, due to their pro-European agenda, the nationalists had their will externally validated by powers that shared the same economic ambitions. Russia countered by validating the will of Ukrainians resistant to the gravitational pull of the E.U. Neither side has a more legitimate claim than the other, hence the ongoing battle to win international consent via the construction of political narratives that present complex global issues as a battle between good and evil. The truth is that we are witnessing an old fashioned power struggle.

Within hours of the MH17 disaster, political voices began to shape this human tragedy into an emotional fulcrum that could be used to lever public opinion into a consensus that suited their own agendas. They didn’t wait for the evidence of an independent inquiry, they quickly mobilised their words and stuck their respective flags in the ground at a time when the emphasis should have remained on the human aspect of this devastating event.

The crisis in Gaza is not one that can be so easily crafted into a similar digestible shape. The economic and political trajectories of Israel and many western governments are intertwined in a number of ways with the Israeli arms trade providing one relevant example.

The ongoing conflict in Israel has led to the dramatic growth of the Israeli arms industry; spurred on by the fact that prospective buyers of their military technologies have the assurance that they have been tested in live combat situations. This industry has become integral to the Israeli economy and the technologies that they produce are now exported worldwide with the UK among

its primary customers. In effect arms deals such as this support the growth of an industry that has a direct and devastating impact on the civilian population of Gaza, a fact that exposes a number of high profile political figures as hypocritical. Opposition to the targeting of civilians should not be contingent on whether it is compatible with long term economic and political projects, it should be universal.

So as power holders and media groups continue to develop narratives designed to enhance conditions that coincide with their interests, the general public are left to view global events through a pin hole that only allows us to see stories that cultivate our consent. We don’t get to see the protests in London where Rabbis march with Palestinians, unified by a common outrage at the situation in Gaza. We are shown a hopeless situation rooted in irresolvable religious difference; a picture that blunts our political interest with the notion that solutions are a childish ambition. And we aren’t shown independent analysis that attempts to uncover the truth behind MH17; we are positioned by emotive language that preys on our anxieties.

Those responsible for bringing down flight MH17 should be brought to account but this will only be possible once the truth is uncovered. The problem is that the truth seems to be a secondary concern to political strategists who appear to view tragedy as an opportunity to load their barren narratives with emotional content. The more these narratives dominate our interpretations of global issues, the less chance we have of understanding the true nature of what we see and if these conditions prevail, the potential for justice will be lost and the future will belong to those who tell the best stories.

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As we all know, on 17th of July Malaysian Airline’s flight MH17 came down in Ukraine claiming the lives of 298 civilian passengers; a human tragedy that is beyond the comprehension of most of us who will fortunately live out our lives without ever directly experiencing the consequences of such a catastrophic event. Meanwhile in Gaza the death

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post PICTURE BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

Harry Taylor

Lord Plumb: Europe & The Plumb Presidency - 25 years on IT IS 25 years to the month since Lord Plumb of Coleshill finished his term as President of the European Parliament. On 20 January 1987 Sir Henry Plumb (as he was then known) was the first Briton elected as President of the European Parliament at a pivotal time for the European experiment.

The Single European Act was set to come into force five months after his election whilst the UK media and Parliament seemed ever more distant and suspicious of Europe.

The new directly elected European Parliament met for the first time in Strasbourg in July 1979. There was little serious media coverage by the majority of the British press who preferred to concentrate on the unfortunate mistake of the Union flag being hoisted upside down outside the Palace of Europe. Technically this represents a sign of distress and there were plenty who commented that it was a sign of things to come.

Although Margaret Thatcher had come to power three weeks before the European elections of 1979 she had yet to reveal her anti-Europeanism and scepticism of foreigners. She had, after all, been in favour of Britain joining the EEC and memorably campaigned in favour of Britain staying in Europe when Harold Wilson’s Labour government had held a referendum on continued membership. However, Ted Heath, whose lasting achievement as Conservative Prime Minister (197074) was to take us into Europe was now viewed as weak by the new breed of Conservative who almost in kneejerk fashion rejected anything seen as “Heathite”. A united Europe with Britain as a central player was as Heathite as it got.

Sir Henry Plumb was elected as Conservative MEP for the Cotswolds in 1979. Despite initially seeking a break from farming politics he sought and succeeded to be nominated as a member of the Agricultural Committee with a view to becoming chairman. His main interests were reforming the Common Agricultural Policy and how European Farming related to the world around it, especially the developing Third World economies. He found the contact and working relationship with elected members of other nations rewarding with the knowledge that they were working towards a bigger goal.

During his initial years as an MEP he became convinced, he says, “that regardless of any such differences in approach resulting from varied historical and cultural backgrounds, it is in Britain’s interest to engage constructively with our neighbours in helping to organise and shape the future of our common continent.”

According to Plumb it would be a huge mistake for Britain to not actively and positively contribute to the future of Europe. He was marking himself out

in his words and deeds as quite distinct from Mrs Thatcher who, despite being a supporter of the Single Market, seemed blind to what the likes of Plumb saw as the obvious necessity of further political integration.

Plumb commented later that “what is extraordinary is that someone of Margaret Thatcher’s breadth of education and experience should be so deeply tainted with this corrosive Europhobia.” Sir Henry found himself, as leader of the British Conservatives in the European Parliament, having to try and conduct business with a Prime Minister that didn’t overly trust the institution to which he belonged nor knew where Tory MEPs fitted in to her party’s structure as a whole.

It was a difficult period for the Conservative Party and its relationship with Europe. Plumb says of he and his fellow MEPs: “our very existence was an unwelcome reminder of a policy domain the leadership would have preferred to pass over in near-silence…It was hard to get the message across that we were

representing our constituencies, and putting forward Conservative policies, in the European Parliament in the same way that our colleagues were doing in Westminster.” This distrust, as in the media, seemed to run deep in the consciousness of the party, “by some we were regarded as operating behind enemy lines, by others as potential - if not already actual - conspirators involved in a plot to take away Britain’s nationhood.”

With the hostility of the British media and even his own Prime Minister and party towards the work he and fellow Conservative MEPs were doing in the European Parliament, it is perhaps surprising that Plumb went for the Presidency. He admits that it wasn’t until late 1986 that he considered becoming a Presidential candidate, “I was forced to do so in a great hurry by a small group of colleagues from the European People’s Party who felt that with my candidature the European Democratic Group had a slight chance of winning the Presidency.” It was a

political calculation that paid off, a British Tory was more likely to get the support of other centre-right parties in the Parliament.

Plumb’s opponents were Marco Pannella, leader of the Italian Radical Party and Paul Staes, a Belgian Green, both long shots, and the Spanish Socialist Enrique Baron Crespo who was perhaps the favourite. Plumb found himself having to approach a variety groups to secure votes for the top job and that necessitated doing a deal with Jean-Marie Le Pen, leader of the Front National. Le Pen’s group were poised to vote for Enrique Baron to deny victory to the centre-right grouping whom he felt were plotting against him on one level and too politically soft on another.

Le Pen held a crucial 16 votes that could decide the winner. Plumb recalls, “It was an awkward mission. News of the meeting could easily have leaked out.

I was at Le Pen’s mercy as regards its confidentiality and could in any case have been spotted in the precincts of the Assembly. Such news would almost certainly have driven away enough of my natural supporters to have sunk my boat - but it was my only chance.”

Plumb found Le Pen reserved and rather casual in their conversation with Plumb promising as President to treat all groups in accordance with the letter and spirit of the rules. The votes later would suggest that Le Pen had either voted for Plumb as President or abstained from the vote. Either way Le Pen didn’t swing his support behind Enrique Baron and that was enough for Plumb. Another strange pairing was Irish republicans voting for a British Tory with the Fianna Fáil members, in all likelihood looking at the figures, voting for Plumb.

The day of the Presidential election was 20 February 1987 and Plumb remembers it as a long and hectic one.

There were three ballots: First ballot: Baron 209, Plumb 199, Pannella 61, Staes 14 Second ballot: Plumb 233, Baron 219, Pannella 35 Final ballot: Plumb 241, Baron 236 It was then, in the emotional moment of victory, that Plumb declared: “I was born an Englishman; I shall die a European.” I was an utterance that has stuck with him and will do forevermore but, as he says now, “I meant it.”

Overnight his life and job were transformed. “my weekly routine was transformed at once. I was going to have to spend even more time than hitherto away from my home base, for the demands of the Presidency would keep me on the Continent for most of the working week.” He was no longer leading a political group but an entire institution and one in a state of transition. “There was a lot at stake, in that if the European Parliament was seen not to rise to the challenge of its new role under the Single European Act, its whole future could be called into question…I was determined not to become the captain of a sinking ship.”

The role of President has been likened to that of the Speaker of the House of Commons who presides over debates in the House. However the European Parliamentary President must deal with a multinational chamber and a greater number and variety of political parties. National parliaments such as Westminster have had centuries to evolve and create a relatively smooth running machinery, something the European Parliament up to then had been trying to achieve in just a few years. So there was an element of the pioneer in the new President and his staff heading an institution barely eight-years-old. They did not have the procedural machinery or wisdom found elsewhere, like Westminster, so there was “always an element of adventurous improvisation on the part of the President and his administrative supporters.”

A matter of weeks after winning the European Presidency Plumb was made a life peer in the House of Lords in recognition of his achievement, becoming Lord Plumb of Coleshill on 28 April 1987. Not bad achievement for a Coleshill farmer.

Once President, Plumb set about setting his own goals for his two-and-ahalf year Presidency: “The first priority had to be the successful application of the Single European Act - then awaiting final ratification…then to improve the profile and standing of the European Parliament both in its dealing with other institutions and in the member states, especially the UK, and in the outside world.” With a long, hard slog in front of him, Plumb’s established work ethic was based firmly on his experiences at Southfields as a boy farmer; “rising early to milk cows and staying out in the fields to bring in the harvest…it stood me in good stead.” Its a good job too as at this point Lord Plumb also held three UK-based non-executive directorships in the agrochemical, food-processing and banking sectors. But he found it “beneficial to remain in constant touch with the ‘real world’.”

Plumb feels now that only his first priority was fully met as, though the other two depended on that initial success, he didn’t have enough time in office to see them fully achieved.

Though, as he admits, “improvement of the European Parliament’s profile and standing in public opinion remains an on-going task, by no mean nearing its end.”

The implementation of the Single European Act was the first major revision of the 1957 Treaty of Rome and set about establishing a single market by New Year’s Eve 1992 and a forerunner of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. It was seen as the biggest European advance of the decade and ensured that there could be no turning back on the road to further integration. This was pioneer country and the lad from Coleshill was leading the pack.

Next Month: We’ll be looking at Lord Plumb’s career in the House of Lords and what he is currently working on.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

World War One Centenary Commemorative Edition

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official with the first in local horses by government officials. came more arguably what would become a weekly Roll of this with Along short-sighted outlook on the local Honour on 12th September.

Nevertheless, the inevitable conimpact, there is also a decidedly oplargetimistic tone regarding coverage of sequences of this increasingly the war itself in August 1914. The scale military involvement would announcement of war on August soon be demonstrated in the news8th is combined with a confident re- paper. The 5th September issue beport of 8000 losses within the 7th gan a weekly section reporting ‘Day German Army, along with many By Day’ news from across the conothers fleeing to Holland. One week tinent, while lists of wounded and later, the broadsheet tells of anoth- killed local men followed. The first er dismal German defeat at Namur, of such lists reported three deaths Belgium, in contrast to strong ad- and five severe injuries on 31st Ocvances from Britain’s Russian allies. tober. By November 14th this would However, within a month, the become a weekly staple of the paper, It was not until page 4, after every newspaper had begun to turn its atquickly incorporating names of soland entrant in the flower, dairy tention to the direct impact of mil- diers from across Warwickshire. horse competitions of the show had itary recruitment within the local The Coleshill Chronicle appeared been listed, that the Chronicle made area. For example, the 5th Septemto be somewhat taken by surprise reference to the outbreak of war. ber issue listed all those Coleshill following the outbreak of conflict The statement that “we should soon residents who enlisted for “Lord across the continent. However, it is be engaged in one of the most ter- Kitchener’s New Army”, as well as noteworthy that the weekly publirible conflicts in history” suggests describing how, at Church Hill, the cations were able to adapt to reflect that locals held genuine concerns Coleshill Town Band “played patrithe public’s new feelings and needs relating to the imminent conse- otic airs and then marched with the within a relatively short amount quences of these hostilities. Howev- (military) cars in procession down 1914, the see off of time. By the end of er, more focus was initially placed the hill as far as Cole End” to as sense Chronicle had established itself upon the war’s short-term impact. these volunteers. A profound for the young men a vital source of information Rising prices of products such as of pride towards those war during the town’s residents, reporting on bacon and tea were reported, along had evidently developed and abroad. home at both news bethis and war, the of with the acquisition of a number of first weeks

BY RONAN DAVIS

On 8th August 1914, the 8-page Coleshill Chronicle broadsheet began in a way that differed significantly from the norm. Following an opening page of local advertisements, the broadsheet would usually begin with numerous short stories from across the conurbation. However, for this issue, those stories were pushed back. Instead, page 2 was dedicated entirely to one event.

The Atherstone Summer show.

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Contact Us Editor Richard Harwood Writers Sarah Jane Veevers Mike Walpole Ronan Davis Colin Green Telephone: 01675 467189

Great Britain Declares War on Germany

Declaration last night after ‘unsatisfactory reply’ to British ultimatum that Belgium must be kept neutral

The King’s Message to his Navy

Government to take control of all railways Admiral Jellicoe to be in supreme command of the Home Fleets

Huge Crowds Cheer Their Majesties at Palace

£100,000,000 voted in Commons in five minutes German invasion of Belgium with airships

GREAT BRITAIN DECLARES WAR ON GERMANY ROARS OF CHEERS FOR

Great Britain is in a state of war with Germany. It was officially stated at the Foreign Office last night that Great Britain declared war against Germany at 7.00pm.

The British Ambassador in Berlin has been handed his passport.

It would seem as if Germany, in her ambition to control the destiny of the whole of Europe, were ready to embark on any grandiose scheme of adventure, however precarious her

OF COLESHILL LTD Established 1900

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TAKEN FROM THE COLESHILL CHRONICLE, SEPTEMBER 1914

SHOCKING MOTOR FATALITY AT COLESHILL. INQUEST ON THE BODY.

A terrible accident occurred at Coleshill on Saturday morning last, resulting in the death of Thomas Joseph Govan (52), residing in Parkfield Road, Coleshill.

There is little evidence to be obtained except as stated at the inquest held on Wednesday. The accident occurred at the bottom of the hill, close to St. Paul’s Homes. Dr. Jones was called immediately, but on seeing the terrible nature of the injuries he gave instructions for the unfortunate man to be removed to the General Hospital, Birmingham, and a motor-car was requisitioned for that purpose. Nothing could be done for the injured man, and he died the same evening. Much sympathy has been expressed with the widow and family, who reside in Parkfield Road. The funeral took place at Coleshill Cemetery on

Thursday morning.

The inquest was held at the Victoria Courts, Birmingham, by the City Coroner (Mr. Isaac Bradley). According to the evidence, the deceased left his home about 5.30 on Saturday morning to go to his work at the Corporation farm at Minworth. A witness named Frank Carl Genders said he saw the deceased cycling down the High Street, Coleshill, on the right side of the road, and with his head bent downwards. A motor-car, driven and owned by Mr. Perceval Maggs, of Manchester, was proceeding up the hill, and when within a short distance of the cyclist the vehicle was swerved to its right, but not before the deceased crashed into the car and fell on his back.

Albert George Sampson, another witness, said Govan, was riding on the left side of the road.

The owner of the car said the deceased was free-wheeling down the hill on the right-hand ing flags. side of the road. Witness steered his car to the middle of the road WHY THERE IS WAR and sounded his horn. The deThe following statement was issued from the Foreign Office last night: Owceased attempted to cross to ing to the summary rejection by the his proper side, with the result German Government of the request that a collision occurred. Dr. made by his Majesty’s Government Sampson, of the General Hospifor assurances that the neutrality of tal, Birmingham, said the man Belgium would be respected, his Majdied on the day he was admitesty’s Ambassador in Berlin has reted from a fractured base of the ceived his passport, and his Majesty’s skull and a compound fracture Government has declared to the Gerof the thigh. man Government that a state of war The jury returned a verdict of Gerexists between Great Britain and “Accidental death”. many as from 11.00pm on August 4.

THE KING

The King and Queen, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and Princess Mary, were hailed with wild, enthusiastic cheers when they appeared at about eight o’clock last night on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, before which a record crowd had assembled.

Seeing the orderliness of the crowd, the police did not attempt to force the people back and went away.

A little later the police passed the word around that silence was necessary as the King was holding a meeting in the Palace, and except for a few spasmodic outbursts there was silence for a time.

Afterwards the cheering was renewed with increased vigour and soon after 11.00pm the King and Queen and Prince of Wales made a further appearance on the balcony and the crown once more sang the National Anthem, following this with hearty clapping and cheering.

After the departure of the royal party some minutes later many of the crowd dispersed. Several enthusiasts, however, stayed outside keeping up the demonstration by shouting and wav-

chances.

So far as Great Britain is concerned, her attitude has always been plain, straightforward and perfectly intelligible. She was prepared to stand aside from the conflict that has now involved practically the whole of Europe.

But she insisted and had to insist on two things: these were that Belgium’s neutrality should be respected; and that the German fleet should not bombard defenceless French towns.

Germany tried to bribe us with peace to desert our friends and duty. But night.” path The German reply to our request, Great Britain has preferred the officially stated last night, was unsat- of honour. isfactory.

CHIEF OF THE FLEETS Sir John R Jellicoe has assumed THE KING AND HIS NAVY The King has addressed the follow- the supreme command of the Home ing message to Admiral Sir John Jel- Fleets, with the acting rank of Admilicoe: “At this grave moment in our ral. Rear Admiral Charles E Madden national history I send to you and, has been appointed to be his chief of through you, to the officers and men staff. Field Marshal Sir John French, of the fleets, of which you have as- the famous cavalry leader, has been sumed command, the assurance of appointed Inspector General to the my confidence that under your direc- Forces. tion they will revive and renew the old Mr Lloyd George subsequently anglories of the Royal Navy, and prove nounced in the House that the Govonce again the sure shield of Britain ernment was engaged in preparing a and of her Empire in the hour of trial.” scheme for the distribution of food, The above message has been comhoped that it would be completand municated to the senior naval officers ed in the course of one or two days. on all stations outside of home waters.

The House unanimously passed in It was reported yesterday evening five minutes all outstanding votes, that Germany had taken the first amounting to over £100,000,000. hostile step by destroying a British An Order in Council has been ismine-layer. declaring it expedient that GovAt the present time Germany is in a sued should have control over the state of war with: Great Britain, Rus- ernment railroads of Great Britain. sia, France and Belgium.

War was Germany’s reply to our request that she should respect the neutrality of Belgium, whose territories we were bound in honour and by treaty obligations to maintain inviolate.

Speaking in a crowded and hushed House the Premier yesterday afternoon made the following statement: “We have made a request to the German Government that we shall have a satisfactory assurance as to the Belgian neutrality before midnight to-

GASCOIGNES

The aim of Coleshill Past is to gather peoples stories and memories together so we can share them with the world. More importantly it’s a great way to preserve our history at a time when so much of it is beginning to disappear, making way for the future Coleshill.

This first edition is dedicated to the commemoration of the outbreak of World War I. As we reach 100 years since the outbreak of the Great War it becomes more apparent that fewer people remain who have real experience of that time.

Hopefully this edition will be kept for years to come so that future generations of Coleshillians will never forget what happened here. The characters, the buildings, the events and our customs will all be chronicled in future editions of this publication, a publication that will capture Coleshill’s history in both words and pictures, keeping memories alive for many years to come.

It is a monthly publication and each edition will contain articles from a broad section of our modern history. But we can’t do it without you.

We need your letters, memories, photographs, anecdotes, facts. Whatever you have that relates to by-gone Coleshill is of great interest to us and our readers of course.

A lot of work goes in to producing a publication like this. It is thanks to the generous support of local businesses that we have been able to get things off the ground. We plan to produce the first three editions free of charge to you, however, in order to cover production and distribution costs, Coleshill Past will need to become a subscription only publication. We would love to be able to offer it free of charge but costs just will not allow it. I hope that you like what we have created for you and that you feel compelled to help secure many future editions by filling out our subscription form below.

SUBSCRIBE

Visit/Post: Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill B46 3BG

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In order to produce the Coleshill Past on a monthly basis we need to charge a small fee for each edition to cover production and distribution costs.

If you like what you see and would like to receive a copy through your door each montth then please fill out the form below and return it to us at: Coleshill Past, Town Hall, high Street, Coleshill B46 3BG. If you require further information please call 01675 467189 or if you prefer, pop in to our news desk at Coleshill Town Hall.

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Subscription costs £2.50 per edition including postage, paid annually, a one off payment of £30 should be made to ‘The Coleshill Post’ as a twelve edition subscription charge.

Pay over the phone with your debit or credit card by calling 01675 467189 or enclose a cheque for £30 (Thirty Pounds) made payable to ‘The Coleshill Post’.

Here are just some of the things that we will be offering: • Excerpts from historic editions of local newspapers such as The Coleshill Chronicle.

• Features on prominent figures, what they did for Coleshill and how they influenced the town • Histories of landmark buildings.

• Lesser known facts of past events and those involved.

• Readers’ letters and memories along with photographs.

• Historic sporting fixtures and results.

• Spotlights on generations of Coleshillian families, some still with us today.

• Exclusive offers for local events The Coleshill Past has only been made possible by the hard work and commitment of a few dedicated individuals. I would like to say a huge thank you to Dr Sarah Jane Veevers, Mike Walpole, Ronan Davis, Colin Green, The Coleshill Civic Society and Coleshill Remembers amongst others.

Also the services of Coleshill Library have been essential to our research and without use of their archives this would not have been possible. A big thank you to you all.

Richard Harwood, Editor

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‘MORE THAN JUST A HARDWARE SHOP’

WITH such a colourful and rich history, this beautiful town has many stories to tell. Well now there is a broadsheet newspaper dedicted to preserving that history in print.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

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Richard Harwood

Interview: Miles Hunt - The Wonderstuff

PICTURE BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The Coleshill Post

THE late eighties, early nineties was a real melting pot for a myriad of musical genres. We had The Stone Roses, Inspiral Carpets and Happy Mondays in the north propping up the Madchester scene. The Shamen, The Prodigy and a plethora of DJ's purveying their popular brand of Acid House in the south.

But for me, growing up in the early nineties, the most exciting scene of all was right here in the Midlands.

Bands like Pop Will Eat Itself (PWEI), Neds Atomic Dustbin, Jesus Jones and EMF were all part of a scene described by many as ‘Grebo’ but in my opinion the sound was cross genre incorporating many different styles.

At the forefront of the scene were The Wonderstuff, arguably the most commercially successful of them all, and at the head of the Wonderstuff, the charismatic, energetic and endeering front man Mr Miles Hunt.

I caught up with Miles recently in Hockley and we chatted over a few beers. I was keen to discover more about the man who influenced my

teenage years so heavily and possibly lay a few myths to bed at the same time.

I asked him about his early years growing up and where his first influences came from, both musically and personally.

"I was born in Marston Green hospital, but I think just about everybody I know was born there for some reason.

We came back to live in Marston Green when I was nine and I loved it there.

I went to Whitesmore School in Chelmsley wood from 1977-82 and I can honestly say that Whitesmore is where I met the three people who would have the biggest impact on my life, teachers Mr Burr, Mr Scragg and Mr Turner.

I remember one History lesson when Turner, a very stern, strict bloke, slammed my book on the table and said 'what's this youngman' referring to Echo and the Bunnymen which was scrawled across it's cover. I thought I was in for a bollocking until he said 'They sound like a band I like called The Doors and a little bit like The Velvet Underground. Tell you what, you bring me in your Echo and The Bunnymen and I'll swap you with mine.'

I just thought that that is the greatest fucking education I could have ever had. I was 14 and being introduced to bands I would never have found on my own. I didn't really like the Doors but I liked Velvet Underground."

Any body who attended Whitesmore School during the 80's and 90's will certainly remember Art teacher Mr Scragg. I ask if he has any memories of the legendary educator: "He used to take me to the pub, ha ha ha. Joking of course but he was the most amazing man, he had a real ability to get through to the kids and we all loved his lessons.

Oddly after I'd left school I was at a family party with my uncle BIll, who played in ELO and Wizard, when Burr and Turner walked in. Turns out they and my uncle Bill all went to college together but they never said anything in case they had to go easier on me!"

Miles tells me he was expelled from school in his last so didn't get to sit any O-Levels, but the support from his parents was unwavering, but like most mothers, his insisted 'if you want to be a rock star thats fine, but you must have something to fall back on."

Sat next to me is Adrian Jones, our Coleshill Post photogropher. He interjects: "Before we go on I've got to ask this.

I went to Stourbridge college like yourself, and when I left I went to work at Sandwell Council...."

Before Adrian could finish Miles interupts: "Do you know Hazel Pit?" Now myself and Adrian had debated this only 30 minutes earlier in the car so it was a bit of a surprise that Miles should remember her so vividly.

Miles continued: "Well me and Hazel lived together for four years, she designed the logo for us and our merchandising. She's doing really well now with exhibitions around the country."

Adrian continues: "At that time Stourbridge College seemed to be a real hotbed of muscial talent, PWEI, Neds, Fuzzbox. Why do you think that was?"

Miles ellaborates: "Well I played there as a drummer when I was in Clints band in the early eighties and it was just an amazing place to play, loads of talent there, really good times for music back then."

You say you were a drummer in Clints band, could you talk a little more about that and how it all came about.

"I was about 15 living in Marston Green and I put up an advert in a drum shop in Dale End as I was a drummer.

I was looking for a band who were into Echo and the Bunnymen and Joy Division, then a guy called Chris Fradgley who was from Kingswinford, near Stourbridge, called me the same afternoon and I went and auditioned for them, and thats where I met Malc Treece who was the original guitarist in The Wonderstuff, and Clint and Adam who went on to form PWEI. We did that for about two years and me and Clint just became best mates.

I left home when I was 19 and moved into a flat with Clint near Halesowen.

PWEI had just started and they were really good at forcing themselves on people such as John Peel and A&R men."

"Pop Will Eat Itself led the way for us all and Clint would pass me phone numbers for various people so basically thats how we managed to get noticed and it just took off from there."

I ask about any stand out memorable moments and unwittingly jump ahead to 1994 and the Stuffies last ever gig at Phoenix Festival in Stratford-upon-Avon where they played a legendary set containing almost every song they’d ever recorded: "I was over it by that point. I was like lets just get the gig done and get on with the rest of our lives. I just didn't want to do it anymore. So from there I went on to work on my show for MTV for a couple of years."

At the height of their career The Wonderstuff made one of British music's most memorable collaborations with two of the biggest names in alternative comedy at that time. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer had their Channel Four show called 'Vic Reeves BIg Night Out'.

A hugely popular show on Friday nights sandwiched in between The Word and Eurotrash if I remember correctly.

Loved by students across the land, in hindsight the obvious coupling, alternative comedy and seemingly alternative music. The question on everybodys lips, how on earth did that come about then?.

"Well theres actually another PWEI connection here, our friend who promoted The Wonderstuff, Nigel McIntyre, brother of Phil McIntyre the big comedy promoter, invited me to go and see Ben Elton play in London on

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

people to say yes?

"I'd got the Sunday papers which I don't usually do and I noticed a quick Q and A, ten questions with Greg Davies. I knew who he was and I liked him and he'd put as his favourite bad 'The Wonderstuff - there is nothing I don't know about that band!'. He was actually asked to go on Celebrity Mastermind, he wanted the Wonderstuff to be his specialist subject but they refused, so he told them to stick it!

"Anyway I read that on a Sunday morning and my mate is a comedy manager, I got Greg's number and found out he was playing a charity event that night in Ludlow. So I text him to say ‘thanks for mentioning us, I’m only 15 miles away, stick us on the guest list’. And he did and I went. Realising he's a big fan I just asked him straight, 'Do you wanna be in wonderstuff video'. Straight away he said yes, before he even knew the details. 'Fuckin me, in a Wonderstuff Video, fuckin yes. I'll do it.'

"Because he's such a physical pressence we were like what can we do to use his size, and a friend of mine had built a stupid little spaceship car and we thought cramming Greg Davies in there would be great, and it was."

We talked for some time about many other topics, but I will save those for next month when we talk about The Book and Miles favourite contemporaries amongst other things.

Meeting Miles has been an absolute pleasure for me, a real musical hero of mine who gave me the physical inspiration to do better. The Wonderstuff graced the sound track to my youth and bring back wonderful memories of growing up, it's great to see them still writing and playing. And how he has kept his voice exactly the same for 30 years is just incredible.

Thanks for your time Miles and apologies to the rest of the band, I promise to interview them all backstage at Moseley Folk Festival!!

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about another band he formed after the Wonderstuff had split called Vent 414.

"Aha, Vent, I'm glad you asked about that, it gets overlooked quite a lot.

I was working at MTV in 1995 and I thought I was just sick of being in bands, I hadn't played for about a year and I just got the itch, I had to play.

Heat had just split up and the drummer, who we'd toured with, was like, 'dya wanna get a band together mate'.

So we started rehearsing just for fun.

But then he told me The Senseless Things were splitting up and Morgan was available. I was like who's Morgan, 'you've never heard Morgan Nicholls play the bass? You've gotta see this geezer.' He was taught by John Entwhistle from The Who and now he's in Muse.

Anyway he was desperate to play with Morgan so we did it for like 6 months just rehearsing, lovin it, going the pub.

Then we went gigging for two years and it was absolutely brilliant. Billy Duffy from The Cult was with us for the first tour in Europe, we did Reading Festival then Billy left us and Morgan just got sick of playing the bass and wanted to do more keyboard and programming.

Then me and Pete were like well theres nothing left of the band now Morgans gone so we called it a day."

Knowing that Miles and the rest of the band had just finished rehearsals around the corner I am keen to find out what the future plans are for the stuffies in their present incarnation: "Well 2016 is the 30th anniversary of the Wonderstuff so I'm gonna writre an album next year, record it and release it by the end of 2015, and then we'll

tour it in 2016 for our 30 year celebration. We're doing festivals this year and I've also written a book which I'll be doing readings from at various places including The Old Joint Stock in October which is sold out now."

Talking of book readings reminds me of Howard Marks and the legendary tours he has done with Mr Nice and so on: "Oh yeh I know Howard very well, he went on tour with Pete Hook from New Order and they interviewed each other, bizzare. But Howard is a super intelligent lovely man."

I want to find out more about another partnership with a comedian. In the video for 'Oh No It's The Wonderstuff' Miles is joined by non other than Greg Davies, famous for his role in The Inbetweeners and his sell out stand up tours. I am genuinely intrigued and ask Miles exactly how do you get these

@ColeshillPost

a press night. We were in the third row, Bens written it, French and Saunders are in it etc. Then this bald guy sits next to me and I'm like, I know that face from somewhere. Turns out it was the guy who played Les in Vic Reeves Big Night Out only I didnt recognise him without his lab coat and glasses, spirit level, chives ha ha ha. Then Vic and Bob come and sit next to him and I'm like, look it's those two guys from Big Night Out. Anyway we all ended up at a party after at the Cafe Du Paris and Vic was looking at me and I was looking at him, I said to my missus 'he keeps looking over at me', 'well go and say hello then you daft bastard' she said.

So I went over and he said 'Alright mate, I fucking love your band, me and Bob saw you live last year in Liverpool.'

I'm like err no you didn't, 'Fuckin' did', no you didn't we didnt play there last year, 'listen mate, your dead smart but I was there, me and Bob were there.' no no we didn't play there. Then in his unmistakable voice booms 'Well are you in Pop Will Eat Itself or not!'

"We were playing Bescott Stadium in Walsall so I asked if he would like to come and compare the gig. He did that for us and a week after asked if we could return the favour and be his band for his next record. He had already released Born Free which had got to around number 4 and he said 'If ar do me next single wi yew it'll be number wun'.

So we had three songs to choose from; Ring of Fire, Damnation Alleyway or Dizzy. So we chose Ring of Fire and rehearsed it for a while, then Vic came along and said 'No they're shit, lets do Dizzy.' I'd never heard it before but we recorded it and that was it.

I was actually talking to him last night, we are still great friends. He's putting on an art exhibition in Harborne in December so look out for that one. It's nice to know that after meeting at that party 24 years ago we are still good mates, in times of trouble we help each other out like good friends should."

Moving on I ask Miles

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

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Fashion Monique Berry

The Coleshill Post

Too cool for the pool!

WITH the summer holidays finally here, it’s that much needed time of year to take a break and head for the beach. Whether you’ll be vacationing in the UK or sunning yourself abroad, choosing the right swimwear for the beach or pool is highly essential.

Swimwear shopping is often considered a nightmare for the female population, but it needn’t be as there are an array of swimwear styles and trends to suit all shapes and sizes.

Whether you’re small or large chested, tall and slim, plus-sized or pear shaped, there’s swimwear out there to suit you.

Small-busted: For ladies with a small chest, boost your bust and create cleavage by wearing a swimsuit or bikini with padded cups. Halter necklines and asymmetrical straps are perfect for your shape as they create the appearance of broader shoulders and help to define and accentuate your chest. Bright patterns, bold prints and playful frills are also perfect for emphasising your upper half.

An advantage of having a small bust is that deep necklines, twisted bandeau and busti-

er bikini tops compliment your small chest, and do not appear as salacious as they would on other body types. So be bold and maximise your cleavage!

Large busted: Fed up of wearing bikini tops that fail to support your large chest? Solution – find a swimwear range that specialises in large cup sizes. Bikini tops with built in, full underwire cups fit like a bra, therefore accommodating your chest and providing the support you require. For additional support, bikini tops with thick adjustable straps are ideal.

If you wish to create the appearance of a smaller bust, try a swimsuit or bikini top featuring a dark coloured band. This emulates an empire waistline; enabling you to show off some cleavage whilst preventing the likelihood of a wardrobe malfunction.

Also, wearing subtle prints and fewer patterns helps to keep attention away from your chest.

If you’d rather not hide your large bust this summer, why not wear a flattering deep v neckline and show off your cleavage!

Tall and slim: If your body shape is straight up and down, opt for a one-piece swimsuit rather

than a bikini. Unlike a bikini, a one-piece has the ability to create a desired hourglass figure, and a shapelier silhouette.

Highlight your chest and hips and display your thin waist with a strapless, one-piece swimsuit. When shopping for your swimsuit, look for curve enhancing details such as a gathered bust or sweetheart neckline, as these features give more curves. With visual trickery on your side, you’ll be looking cool and curvy all summer long!

Plus-sized: Searching for swimwear that compliments your curves? Well look no further. Lycra one-piece swimsuits are perfect for plussized ladies as the material provides support for your body and creates a sleek and slender appearance. Also, swimsuits with sturdy straps provide extra support.

A swimsuit with detailing at the waist, such as draping or gathered material, creates a division between your chest and hips; whittling your waist and flattering your full figure. A plunging neckline is also convenient for bringing attention away from your midsection and onto your chest.

Although black is known to be a slimming colour, do not feel that it is your only op-

tion. Other dark colours such as grey, purple or navy blue are just as slimming; while printed swimsuits are idyllic for hiding any problem areas your feel you may have. Don’t be shy - show off your curves and bring a new lease of life to the beach!

Pear-shaped: As pear-shaped females have a more prominent lower than upper body, the key is to look for swimwear that forms balance and brings attention to your upper half. Try to avoid skirted swimsuits as they tend to emphasise your hips. Instead, steer towards swimwear such as mix and match bikinis or one piece swimsuits with cut out sides.

When wearing a mix and match bikini, a detailed patterned top worn with plain, high cut briefs draws attention to your upper body and produces a more proportional appearance. Similarly, side cut outs on a solid colour, one piece-swimsuit accentuates your waist and tapers your figure. Why not wear

a striking, stripy swimsuit this holiday and point out your narrow waist!

Remember, no matter your shape or size, being comfortable and having an enjoyable holiday is pivotal. So embrace what you have and flaunt it!

For more fashion illustrations by Monique Berry, visit: www.berrymillustrations.co.uk

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

BY ANDREA APPLEBY

Stay at home moms had a vast and reliable support network, an abundance of advice was readily available, from skilled and experienced mothers, grandmothers, aunts, neighbours. The community meant ‘community’.

A woman or in some case men were not made to feel that they had, no public or societal worth if they chose to stay at home and, be a full time parent. Parents were given the governmental and community support, to choose. Parenting was protected and celebrated. No one felt shame, or had condemnation for stay at home moms.

Now moms and dads are rushed back to work, the option to be a stay at home parent is being stripped away. Remember this government only values those that put in! Your value is placed on your tax input, not if you rear healthy balanced human beings for the future. It doesn't matter that, you wish to spend these short years, with your children until they go to

are interchangeable. Some times it all gets, to much. All we want to do is be good parents. So what do we do for the best?

Not all mothers want to return to work, not all mothers want to stay at home.

Some children flourish and progress well in a childcare environment from early years, other children don't. We know our children, we can recognise if it's individually beneficial or the opposite.

We worry and concern ourselves with our children, we want the best for them.

But let's also consider the negative impact on the parent. The extra strain, the forced severance of parent child relationship. The guilt. How many mothers are experiencing depression anxiety and illness, related to these choices.

The vulnerable in our society those that may suffer from mental health issues, are relying on an under budgeted service, not enough provision and relying on a small percentage of NHS funding to sustain it self. According to sky news,"Mental health is receiving just 10% of NHS spending across England, with some areas dedicating more like 6% of their budgets to it, " So let's hope our overworked and undervalued parents stay fit and well.

The Coleshill Post

The family dynamic has changed so dramatically over the years.

Roles of parents and grandparents are a far throw from my childhood.

school! It doesn't matter that you wish to give your chilld, the emotional nurture, while there tiny minds are absorbing all around. No, back to work you must go!

However Jobs are limited, even more so are those job opportunities for working parents, to enable the child and parent relationship to flourish. Why is it so wrong for a parent to want to remain at home with there child until school age?

Does this society and government do enough to support our families.

A large proportion of parents have very little choice. If your in a marriage or dual relationship, you have even less help or support. Financial obligations and restraints, dominate! If you work, you face the phenominal cost of child care. Costing which can be equivalent to paying a second mortgage. In some cases parents are literally working to pay child care.

Mothers and fathers are expected to sever the bond earlier and earlier.

A similar system is already up and running in Sweden, however studies are now showing the alarming damage, that is being potentially inflicted on children, in regards to aggression behaviour and mental health problems.

With all these added pressures to the family unit. Responsibilities and roles,

@ColeshillPost

Health & Lifestyle

27

NEW Coleshill Walking Group Starting Thursday 21st August 10am meeting at The Visitors Centre in The Market Hall Come and join a friendly walking group that will meet every Thursday starting from 21st August. We will walk for up to an hour and go for refreshments afterwards at the Market Hall.

It’s a great way to get some fresh air, meet new people & get out in your local community. Just turn up dressed for the weather!

For more information contact Steph on 01827 719271 or email walking@northwarks.gov.uk

Search North Warwickshire Walking Groups

Water Orton Dental Centre is delighted to introduce a

New Denture Clinic in Water Orton This clinic is being run by experienced Clinical Dental Technician Kevin Thomas in partnership with Dr. Zubair Sacranie, the practice principal at Water Orton Dental Centre.

What is unique about this service is the: • Personalised and expert clinical care • Superior quality of dentures • Clinical collaboration between dentist and dental technician • Treatment delivered by the experts who make the product A typical visit to a dentist for a new denture would usually involve the dentist sending a patient’s denture mould off to be made at dental laboratory, with no clinical interaction between the dentist and technician, and no consultation between the technician and the patient. At Water Orton Dental Centre, however, having this in-house denture clinic allows patients to benefit from the team work and shared expertise of Kevin Thomas and Dr Zubair Sacranie to achieve the most comprehensive treatment plan and best possible results for all of the following:

• Complete or Full Dentures • Partial Dentures • Chrome Dentures • Denture Repairs • Bespoke Dental Implant Supported Dentures Kevin Thomas (GDC No. 145573) has been a Dental Technician for over 35 years. He holds a City &Guild Certificate in Dental Technology, and a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology from the Royal College of Surgeons. Mr Thomas has a relaxed and friendly approach which puts patients at ease, and draws on his extensive knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care and advice. Dr. Zubair Sacranie (GDC No. 78020) is a highly qualified and experienced dentist, particularly in the fields of cosmetic dentistry and dental implantology. He has been the practice principal and owner of the Water Orton Dental Centre since 2006. Dr Sacranie qualified at The University of Dundee in 2000 and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Dr. Sacranie was awarded a Certificate in Implant Dentistry from Warwick University and attained his Master of Science degree in Dental Implantology from Sheffield University in 2009. He has worked extensively throughout the UK with leading cosmetic and implant surgeons, and he routinely receives referrals from other dentists in the Midlands for restorative and implant dentistry as well as facial aesthetic treatments. Dr. Sacranie is pleased to be offering this new denture service which complements his implant and cosmetic dental clinics at the practice.

“I am excited to be working alongside one of the most experienced clinical dental technicians in the West Midlands and I’m delighted to be introducing this innovative new clinic to my patients.”

For more information or to book your complimentary denture or smile makeover consultation, please contact the practice today on 0121 749 4980 or enquire via our website at www.waterortondentalcentre.co.uk

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Gardening Phil Page

The Coleshill Post

Open Gardens EARLIER this month I spent two delightful afternoons as a visitor to the Nether Whitacre Open Gardens: an event raising money for Parkinsons and Alzeimers charities. There is nothing that gardeners enjoy quite as much as having a look at other peoples' gardens and when you're actually invited into them, it's even better!

And what a variety there was! In size they ranged from small plots behind a row of terraced houses to larger gardens of an acre in size. The variety of design and planting was equally varied but they all had several things in common: all the gardens were products of love and enthusiasm coupled with dedication and no small amount of exper-

tise.

It would not be fair (or wise!) for me to identify individual gardens and obviously any opinions I have are personal and betray my own likes and dislikes.

However, I was extremely impressed by what I saw and so, in general sense, I want to write about what I thought really 'worked'.

The gardens I liked best were those that were designed to have an element of surprise in them. This had nothing to do with size but rather with breaking up space so that not everything was seen immediately. There were 'hidden' paths and screens of plants and shrubs that created this effect. One garden had lovely sweeping curved beds and there was another vegetable garden that contained corners and paths that

led the visitor to one splendid bed after another.

Water features were popular and these ranged from a large carp pond to a small feature on decking that produced the sound of trickling water. I was able to compare notes with some of the gardeners on how ineffective plastic herons were/are in deterring the 'real thing'!

All the gardens made use of containers and these were particularly effective in bringing colour to patio and decking areas. I only use terracotta pots of differing shapes and sizes in my garden and so I liked the way one garden used a unified Japanese theme for its pots.

The Open Gardens scheme is growing in popularity throughout the country both nationally and locally and long may it flourish! From 'wild' gardens to the neatly manicured ones they reveal our love of this most demanding, creative and at the same time relaxing of hobbies !

Open Gardens – Water Orton On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July in Water Orton, seven gardens opened to the public. It was a very good and successful event. On Saturday, despite the terrible weather, 45 people came to visit us - with umbrellas in the

garden. But on Sunday, there was gorgeous weather and 105 visitors.

Thank you to everyone who took part and also the visitors. The money raised was for The Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull.

Nino

Nether Whitacre Open Gardens

The Open Gardens weekend in Nether Whitacre was a great success.

Many people came to admire the 18 gardens over the Saturday and Sunday of July 12th13th.A total of £3060 was divided between Alzheimers and Parkinsons and the Methodist Church was kept busy supply-

ing tea and cake, raising £416.

This means that altogether, the magnificent sum of £3476.00 was collected for charity.

The gardeners had worked hard to prepare their plots and on the day rotas of volunteers did all the jobs required to make the event run smoothly.

We must not forget the cake makers whose contribution

was so vital for an enjoyable day. Thanks to everyone who worked, visited and gave.

Even the weather was marvellous so the Ansley Morris Dancers were able to perform outside on the lawn of garden number 15 .They even managed to encourage others to get up and have a go at dancing too.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

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Are Mortgages taking longer to arrange?

BY PHIL SALINAS

Since my article in May’s edition of The Coleshill Post in which I wrote about the new regulations coming in to effect for lenders to adhere to I have now seen how lenders are applying these in practical terms.

There is now a large variance in how each lender will assess an application but the one clear point is that all applications are taking much longer to process.

Additionally lenders are requiring more documentation to evidence the information supplied on an application and once they have checked this documentation quite often raise queries in regard to entries on bank statements or further details regarding employment and income. This is then having the effect of extending the time to progress an application leaving vendors especially wondering why valuations have not been arranged. It is quite normal for a lender not to instruct the mortgage valuation until they are happy with all the documentation and all queries answered and with some lenders taking 7 days

or more to look at applications and subsequent queries it becomes easy for an application to extend in to weeks before the valuation is arranged. If you are also buying in an area where the valuers are very busy it can then take another week or two for this stage before the application is anywhere near ready for a mortgage offer to be issued.

So what can you do to help speed up the process and keep your new purchase or remortgage on track.

The first is preparation, if you are thinking of moving home or buying for the first time you must arrange to see a mortgage adviser before you start viewing properties. This will allow you to find out how much you can get as a mortgage under the new lending rules which is vastly different with all lenders but also be aware of what level of documentation you will need to support your application and to what standard that documentation needs to be. As an example some lenders will not accept internet downloaded bank statements unless they conform to a certain standard and this will then require ordering replacement statements from your bank which you will have to wait for and is another delay in the application pro-

cess. Therefore being prepared will mean that when your application is submitted it can be sent in with all the required documentation first time. If your current mortgage deal is nearing the end and you are looking for a new deal or additional borrowing then it is important to look at this sooner than later with ideally at least three months before you need to switch rate or draw down new funds to allow enough time to complete the process.

Lenders are most definitely open for business and willing to lend and invariably even when they raise queries or ask for additional documents it is not because they are trying not to lend but in order to comply with new rules on a sustainable mortgage market. Last month I also wrote about how it is likely that the Bank of England will raise interest rates soon and we have now had the June inflation figure published showing an increase to 1.9% which will add pressure to increase rates. Therefore if you have not already done so and are able to you should review your mortgage and look towards securing a fixed rate whilst they are still relatively low. If in any doubt seek advice.

I have worked in Financial Services

for over 25 years and the last 8 years specialising in providing independent mortgage advice and have built up a large amount of knowledge as well as personal contacts with the majority of lenders. This means that I am kept well informed of changes lenders introduce and have people who can help support placing mortgage applications successfully.

A professional service is important to me and I always try to do whatever I can to make obtaining a mortgage as straightforward as possible.

Therefore if you are looking for a new mortgage or have a mortgage deal expiring shortly then please contact on me and I will be happy to help. In all cases we charge a fee for mortgage arrangement of £195 on completion of the transaction plus any commission paid by the lender.

Alternatively, you can choose to pay a fee of 1% of the mortgage amount subject to a minimum of £995 and receive the commission from the lender Phil Salinas Coleshill Mortgage Services Ltd 01675 467196/ 07795630520 Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Coleshill Mortgage Services Limited

01675 467196 0 07795 6btc3on0ne5ct.2com phil.salinas@

mortgages Buying a property can be the biggest decision made in our lives. It is for this very reason that impartial advice is critical from qualified advisers.

coleshillmortgages.co.uk In all cases we charge a fee for mortgage arrangement of £195 on completion of the transaction plus any commission paid by the lender.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

WANTED

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

Properties in Coleshill, Water Orton, Castle Bromwich and surrounding areas.

BUYERS WAITING It’s your choice make it FirstCHOICE

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE VALUATION

CALL: 01675 466793

140 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BJ | www.firstchoiceproperty.co.uk enquiries@firstchoiceproperty.co.uk

CALL DENNIS R WALKER INSURANCES TODAY! For your Buildings/Contents or Landlord’s Insurance! 01675 462682 Email: sales@walkerinsurances.co.uk

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

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@ColeshillPost

E

TY

ER

OP PR

OF

TH

K

EE

W

D L O S

45 Windleaves Rd, Castle Bromwich

DRS L O S 24 H IN

• An extended spacious detached bungalow in a desirable location • Double Glazed Porch • Spacious Reception Hall • Through Lounge • Summer Room / Family Room • Fitted Kitchen • Utility Room • Two Double Bedrooms • Tiled Bathroom With Separate Shower • UPVC Double Glazed • Centrally Heated • Block paved driveway • Garage • Rear Garden With Open Views

• Mid town house having convenient location • Reception Lounge • Fitted Kitchen • Three Bedrooms • Bathroom • Centrally Heated • UPVC Double Glazed • Gardens Front & Rear • Garage in Separate Block

• Semi detached family home • UPVC Double Glazed Porch • Reception Hall • Lounge • Dining Room • Fitted Kitchen • Utility Area • Three Double Bedrooms • Shower Room • UPVC Double Glazed • Centrally Heated • Garage • Off Road Parking

£285,000

£170,000

£185,000

4 Fairview, High Street, Coleshill

• Second floor flat • Reception Hall • Lounge • Fitted Kitchen • One Bedroom • Bathroom • Attic Room • Majority Centrally Heated • Allocated Parking • Extended Lease On Completion

£119,950 3 Weland Close, Water Orton

OLD

S

Due to a huge increase in sales we need more properties Call now for your free valuation 31 Doris Rd, Coleshill

D L O S

3 Yew Tree Farm Cottage, Whitacre Heath

• A much improved & extended semi detached family home • UPVC Double Glazed Porch • Reception Hall • Lounge • “L” Shape Fitted Dining Kitchen • Fitted Cloaks • UPVC Double Glazed Conservatory • Master Bedroom With En-suite Bathroom • Three Further Double Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Central Heating • Double Glazing • Integral Garage • Off Road Parking • Rear Garden With Open Views

£345,000 220 Station Road, Whitacre Heath

D L O S

• Semi detached family home • Cul-De-Sac Location • Double Glazed Porch • Reception Hall • Lounge/Dining Room • Fitted Kitchen with Integrated Appliances • Three Bedrooms • Fitted Bathroom • Centrally Heated • UPVC Double Glazed • Secluded Rear Garden • Off Road Parking • Tandem Double Garage • New Cavity Wall & Loft Insulation

• Extended semi detached family home • UPVC Double Glazed Porch • Reception Hall • Lounge • Dining Room • Extended Fitted Dining Kitchen • Three Bedrooms • En-suite Shower Room • Tiled Bathroom • Shower Room • UPVC Double Glazed • Centrally Heated • Large Block Paved Driveway • Rear Garden

• A detached family home in a rural location • Double Glazed Porch • Reception Hall • Fitted Cloaks • Through Lounge With Dining Area •Kitchen • Lean To • Four Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • Majority Centrally Heated • Majority UPVC Double Glazed • Balcony Views • Rear Garden To Open Countryside • Two Garages • Off Road Parking

£197,500

£199,950

£349,950

enquiries@firstchoiceproperty.co.uk www.firstchoiceproperty.co.uk CALL DENNIS R WALKER INSURANCES TODAY! For your Buildings/Contents or Landlord’s Insurance! 01675 462682 Email: sales@walkerinsurances.co.uk

The Coleshill Post

18 Penns Lane, Coleshill

The Cedars, Station Road, Arley

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Buying a property can be the biggest decision made in our lives. It is for this very reason that impartial advice is critical from qualified advisers.

Mortgages, Remortgages and Buy To Let mortgages We also arrange: Life Insurance, Critical Illness and Income Protection Buildings & Contents Insurance

Coleshill Mortgage Services Limited 01675 467196 / 07795 630520 phil.salinas@btconnect.com

coleshillmortgages.co.uk In all cases we charge a fee for mortgage arrangement of ÂŁ195 on completion of the transaction plus any commission paid by the lender.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

CALL DENNIS R WALKER INSURANCES TODAY! For your Buildings/Contents or Landlord’s Insurance! 01675 462682 Email: sales@walkerinsurances.co.uk

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Just £1,532 down... could be all the deposit you need to buy a new home at Colliers Green

With shared ownership you really can afford a home of your own! Pay for as little as 25% of your new home at Colliers Green in New Arley now and pay a reduced monthly rent on the remainder. Get all the benefits of home ownership but for less.

The rural village of New Arley is situated between Nuneaton and Coventry and within commuting distance of Birmingham, yet you can walk to the shops, the local school and the pub.

2 bedroom homes from £30,625* 3 bedroom homes from £34,250* with Help to Buy Shared Ownership

Colliers Green, Ransome Road, New Arley, Warwickshire, CV7 8GW Fully furnished showhome open Thursday to Monday 10am - 5pm. Tel: 0845 60 10 878 or 01676 542456 www.bromfordhomes.co.uk

*Prices equate to a 25% share, monthly rent and service charges also apply. Share purchases between 25% and 75% subject to HCA & Bromford Homes criteria. Deposit shown equates to 5% of a 25% purchase of a 2 bedroom home. Offers available on selected plots. Subject to terms and conditions. Prices correct at time of going to press.

CALL DENNIS R WALKER INSURANCES TODAY! For your Buildings/Contents or Landlord’s Insurance! 01675 462682 Email: sales@walkerinsurances.co.uk

36

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Fellowship to lay wreath in Westminster Abbey

The Coleshill Post

MEMBERS of the George Eliot Fellowship have a chance to take part in a special biannual wreathlaying event in Westminster Abbey next week.

There is a plaque in the floor of Poets’ Corner in the Abbey dedicated to George Eliot, placed there by the Fellowship in 1980, 100 years after the author’s death.

Every other year the Fellowship invites a special guest to lay a wreath and say a few words in a short service laid on by the Abbey authorities. It will be at 6pm on Thursday 17th July and a coach is going from Nuneaton, picking up members and friends from Whitestone, Bulkington, Bedworth and Coventry. It leaves at 9.15 from Nuneaton and drops people off either in the West End of London or

across the river close to Tate Modern and the Globe. You then have the afternoon to make your own arrangements and then to be at Westminster Abbey for 6pm.

It is closed to the public so the Fellowship has the vast abbey to itself for the 20 minute service. The guest of honour is Dr Beryl Gray, an authority on George Eliot.

The coach then picks everyone up at about 7pm for the return journey.

Tickets are available still for both members and non-members at a cost of £20.

They can be booked online via the website www.georgeeliot. org or by phone from chairman John Burton on 024 7661 9126.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Coleshill company ‘on track’ to raise vital funds for charity

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The Coleshill Post

A Midlands based IT and recruitment company is on course to raise at least £14,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK – the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

Staff at Crimson Ltd, based in Coleshill, have recently embarked on a number of fundraising events in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the company’s chosen charity for 2014. The latest event saw a team of 14 employees taking part in the annual Coast-to-Coast cycling challenge. The team cycled some 140 miles over a three-day period through difficult terrain and in the blazing summer heat. This event alone has contributed to the £10,000 the company has raised already over the last month.

The intrepid group of cyclists, which also included Crimson Managing Director Rob Mallaband, set off on their three-day challenge last month, starting in Whitehaven and cycling the breadth of the country to finish in Sunderland.

This is not the only fundraising event the company has taken part in for Alzheimer’s Research UK. In the same month as the Coast-toCoast, Crimson held a charity golf

day and dinner, which was attended by ex-Liverpool and England footballer, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock. The dinner also included a charity auction of vintage sports memorabilia, which raised over £4,000, setting Crimson well on the path to achieving its £14,000 target.

The company has also taken part in the Shenstone Fun Run and has organised a charity summer ball which will take place later in September 2014.

Upon completing the Coast-toCoast challenge Rob Mallaband commented: “This truly was the hardest thing I have ever taken part in, but as we cycled across the Pennines, it really became a team event, with everybody motivating one another. I am delighted that we have been able to raise such a fantastic amount so far for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and the great work they do. It made the numerous steep hills we encountered all the more worthwhile.”

Miranda Johnson, Head of Corporate and Community Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Having the support of the Crimson team is very important to Alzheimer’s Research UK and we can’t thank them enough for choos-

ing us as their charity of the year.

“There are hundreds of thousands of people across the UK living with dementia today including over 10,000 people in Birmingham. Dementia poses one of the greatest threats to public health now and in the future but funding for research still lags far behind other serious diseases. We rely on public donations to fund our work and support from businesses like Crimson plays a key part in helping us progress our world-class research.

“We’re very grateful to everyone who took part in the gruelling cycling challenge and for all of the fantastic fundraising initiatives so far.”

Crimson is committed to helping support both local and national charities. In recent years the company has supported a number of worthy causes including the Help Harry Help Others charity, which was the company’s chosen charity for 2013.

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK and how to support the charity’s crucial research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Longship, By Lawrence Rider and Rebecca Teall

BY PHIL PAGE This graphic novel, published by TimeBomb Comics, is the first foray into the world of published graphic novels by this papers own cartoonist, Rebecca Teall. As its title suggests it deals with Norse theme and the construction of modern times, of a Viking Longship.

The main character, Gary, was brought up in a house that increasingly reflected his fathers interest in and obsession with,

Vikings. Now that his father has died, Gary plans to fulfil his last wish that he be given a Viking funeral. The planned ship funeral pyre attracts crowds of people and media interest but there are no modern Health and Safety issues that the original Vikings did not have to contend with!

The illustrations are colourful and well-drawn and the continuity of characterization (always a bugbear with illustrations) is skilfully maintained. I like the way as much attention has been paid to the landscapes and backgrounds as it has the human characters.

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

Rebecca has made effective use of ‘futharc’, the runic alphabet, as a design ingredient, although perhaps translation footnotes might have been useful here.

The book is obviously a labour of love and testament to the collaborative efforts of both writer and illustrator and is well worth a look.

About Phil Page Phil Page is an experienced freelance illustrator who has worked on books for Hodder and Stoughton, W.H.Smiths, Puffin among other publishers.

Braceys Garden Centre & Lavender Tea Rooms and Restaurant

Try a Lavender Tearoom Full English Breakfast or a Homemade Lunch, Clotted Cream Tea's and sandwiches served all day.

Traditional Home Cooked Roast served every Sunday.

Excellent Quality Summer Bedding, Hanging Baskets and Plants.

Plants Now In Stock Ready Made Hanging Baskets to pick up and hang up no messing.

Browse around the gift shop.

We have Fabulous Quality Luggage at Sale Prices Stockist for Tigi Ladies Wear Handbag Sale Greetings Cards Jewellery and Scarves

Braceys Garden Centre and Lavender Tea Rooms Catherine de Barnes Lane, Bickenhill, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 0DB

01675 443590 – 01675 442587

Family run business

Val & Lynne invite you to visit

Come and see Val to discuss your planting and landscape requirements Stockists of Kettler Garden Furniture

Afternoon Tea for 2 £15.99

Selection of sandwiches, home made scones, clotted cream and jam.

Tea or Coffee

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

plus 500 business cards totally FREE when you book for 12 months...

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Lights Out

The Coleshill Post

COLESHILL Remembers, in conjunction with the Royal British Legion, invited you to participate in a national moment of reflection.

Lights Out was an invitation to everyone to turn off their lights from 10-11pm, leaving on a single light or candle to mark the moment Britain entered the First World War a hundred years ago. Centenary candles are available from Marks and Spencer's with proceeds going to support serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.

A a vigil was held Monday 4 August at 10pm at St Peter's and St Paul's Coleshill. 100’s attended.

'The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time.' Sir Edward Grey

TIMETABLE MONDAY

Drop In Service

10AM-1PM - Make use of our facilities; including our laptops, printer, scanner and photocopier. The Freephone and volunteers will be on hand to help.

TUESDAY

Drop In Service

10AM-1PM - Make use of our facilities; including our laptops, printer, scanner and photocopier. The Freephone and volunteers will be on hand to help.

WEDNESDAY Drop In Service

10AM-1PM - Make use of our facilities; including our laptops, printer, scanner and photocopier. The Freephone and volunteers will be on hand to help.

Coffee Morning

10:30AM-12PM - Drop in for a hot drink and a chat with our friendly volunteers. An ideal opportunity to share your ideas on a Coleshill Conversation topic.

FRIDAY

Drop In Service

10AM-1PM - Make use of our facilities; including our laptops, printer, scanner and photocopier. The Freephone and volunteers will be on hand to help.

Job Club

10AM-12PM - Our job club can help you with your C.V, interview skills, job searching and preparation for a new job.

YOUR HUB & VISITOR CENTRE NEEDS YOU NOW! We are always looking for new volunteers to come and join the team. If interested please contact Helen on 01675 238309

WWI Exhibition

WWI exhibition at Coleshill Town Hall on Sunday 24 August, 2-4pm.

Come to the Town Hall to view WWI weaponry, learn how to start researching your WWI history and view images from the era. www.coleshillremembers.co.uk

Appeal

Do you have a WWI photo of Coleshill you’d like to share?

Are you related to a Coleshill soldier and have mementos of their service? If so, Coleshill Remembers would love to see them. Contact us on info@coleshillremembers.co.uk or alternatively pop into the town hall and leave your details.

New Visitor Centre was launched on Saturday 19th July ALTHOUGH the rain tried its best to dampen this event, it did NOT succeed. The opening of the new Visitor Centre at 1 Church Hill Coleshill, located in on the ground floor of the Coleshill Market Hall was a huge success.

Many local residents joined local dignitaries such as Cllr. Mick Stanley NWBC, Coleshill Town Mayor Harry Taylor, MP Dan Byles, Mike O’Brien and other town councillors and members of Coleshill Civic Society to see the start of this new exciting facility in Coleshill.

The VC will be a source of local information on many areas like places to visit, local history, cycle paths, footpaths, places to stay, places to eat and things to do in and around Coleshill and North Warwickshire.

Staffed by local people on a voluntary rota, to support and promote their local community. This is an ideal opportunity for all residents to get involved within Coleshill community, new volunteers, new ideas and new initiatives are welcomed and encouraged, and the VC is an ideal place to inspire one another to create a closer, more effective Coleshill Community.

The Discover Coleshill VC is the sister

project to the Coleshill Hub located on the first floor on the Coleshill Town Hall and these two venues will support each other, sharing Volunteers and providing different services. The success of the Hub since opening in 2012 and the good work it has done in supporting the community with IT courses, information on benefits and local services, liaising with other agencies and organisations on behalf of users, has been most impressive and fundamental in filling the ‘gap’ in Coleshill for local access to borough and county and national information.

Local author launches new book at Coleshill Visitor Centre The WW1 Exhibition at the Old Market Hall and on 4th August was a resounding success.

The sound of brass bands and the hail of gunfire heralded the launch of “In My Father’s Footsteps” by Patrick Foster Smith, and with an estimate of well over 80 people attending; there was a vibrant Coleshill community atmosphere in the Old Market Hall. Guests came with their own photographs and were enthusiastic in sharing their own stories and family experiences of the war.

We can only guess the number of visitors as we were so busy with serving tea/coffee and gorgeous cake, including a gluten free option, from Brownies Café, as well as enjoying the spirit of the Coleshill community: Patrick “would like to thank all the people of Coleshill who helped to make this night such an outstanding success”; so much so that Patrick (also known locally

as Sean) has almost sold out of books and will be ordering reprints shortly. Patrick is also engaged in getting the books translated into French, thanks to Sue Hundleby, who runs the Family History courses at the Coleshill Hub for the U3A. Sue has been the main driving force behind encourag-

ing Patrick to organise his research and has given up many hours of her own time to mentor Patrick through the process of publication.

The next Family History course will be starting in September 2014 so look out for dates. For further enquiries contact the Coleshill Hub 01675 238309 or email either Susan@LeaOrchard.com or helen@ coleshillcommunitypartnership. org.uk. You could also visit the Hub, where there is also further information and a display of the course structure. Course dates are also available at the Visitor Centre: Come and meet our amazing team of volunteers at either venue and see what else we do.

If you missed the exhibition at the Visitor Centre, Patrick will be exhibiting at the WW1 Exhibition, run by Coleshill Remembers at the Town Hall, Sunday 24th August 2.00 – 4.00pm.

Call 01675 238 309 Visit Coleshill Community Hub @ Coleshill Town Hall

www.coleshillhub.org.uk

Standing ovation for Town Band

The Coleshill Post

The event was sold out weeks in advance and featured music of the period and readings of contemporary press reports, letters home and stories of the Coleshill locals who were affected by the Great War. The Town Band were helped out on the night by members of the Air Training Corps who ensured that civillians, servicemen and dignitaries alike were met with a very special welcome. A great night organised by the increasingly popular Coleshill Town Band which ended with a standing ovation, and rightly so.

PICTURED ANTICLOCKWISE: Members of the ATC on hand to welcome guests.

Band leader Stephen Fagg is welcomed by Band Sergant Simon Toon in front of a packed audience.

Simon Toon and Dr Sarah Jane Veevers outside the Town Hall welcoming guests.

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@ColeshillPost

ON the 2nd August 2014 Coleshill Town Band presented a World War 1 commemoration concert in aid of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine Patient Welfare Fund.Â

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

PICTURES BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Motoring

Phil Costello

The Coleshill Post

The best cars to buy and why!

AS a mechanic I’m constantly asked what cars are best to buy.

This is a difficult question as any car I suggest will obviously break down, fall apart and eventually explode.

So instead of getting into the debate of German vs Japanese or Ford vs Renault, I am going to question the first thought on everyone’s mind when buying their next car. MPG. It appears to be the only thing that anyone cares about these days. Not how nice the car drives or even if you like the look of the thing, it is purely all about MPG. Just the mention of a mid-sized petrol engine these days will have people turning away before they even look at a car.

Now I’m not saying that everyone

shouldn’t care about MPG figures when buying a car. If your average day is counting down junction numbers then yes a TDI, DSi, CDTi or any other abbreviation of a diesel is probably a better buy. I’m talking to the people who don’t have company cars and do average miles. That second hand car your about to buy might be joining a whole load people who bought a 60,000 mile diesel with claims of 65MPG and an engine life of 250,000 miles but realistically ended up with 30 to 40 MPG, a yellow light on their dash cutting power just as your about to overtake and a bellow of smoke from the exhaust every time you pull out of a junction. This is the realistic side of owning a second hand diesel, but not all is lost. There are many

things you can do to help keep your diesel running sweet. Firstly forget these long life 17000 mile service intervals. No matter how good the oil is and how many preservatives it contains, there is nothing better for an engine than regular oil changes with good oil. We have quite a few customers come in every 7000 to 10000 miles for an oil change and swear it keeps the big bills away.

Now with regular oil changes helping to keep your engine and turbo’s running as long as possible it is now time to have a look around for an engine cleaner that will unclog your injectors, fuel pumps, combustion chambers, all the way through to your exhaust and pesky EGR valves (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) and DPF (Diesel Partic-

ulate Filters). This is a difficult game as there are a lot, well whole shelves worth of different products that claim more MPG, BHP and stops the plumes of smoke that almost kill off cyclists as you pass by. The problem is you never really can tell if they work or not. So right about now I am going to shamelessly plug a treatment that a local garage does but stay with me as it’s the only plugging I’m going to do for at least a month. This treatment is called Terraclean. The main reason it is leaps and bounds ahead of the other cleaners is because the cleaning fluid is carefully measured and fed into your engine by connecting the machine into the cars fuel lines. This means the fluid is at the perfect ratio to remove all the carbon deposits

that build up on the cars components.

Once the two hour cycle is done you will have witnessed all of the soot that was once clogging up your engine now being blown out of the exhaust in turn returning your MPG and power. With my shameless plug over it is now time to get to the people that are looking for their next car. Don’t immediately think a diesel is the only option. For many a petrol car is going to be the more prudent option. Fuel cost will be higher but in time you could save yourself a small fortune on repair bills.

Now stop wasting time and get out there and buy a dirty great big Mercedes C class AMG V8.

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CALL DENNIS R WALKER INSURANCES TODAY! For your Private Motor or Commercial Van/Fleet Insurance! 01675 462682 Email: sales@walkerinsurances.co.uk

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

Canine Care One of the downsides of owning a dog is having to clean up after him, but whats worse are the dog owners that choose to ignore the fact that their dog has just fouled on the foot path or next to the slide where the local children play. I always wonder how some dog owners choose to ignore this, simply walk away and don’t even give it a second thought.

What about the innocent person (usually a child) that steps in it, or even falls in it?

Letters of complaint are received daily by MPs and councillors accross the UK as local people become more and more frustrated with the situation. Dog foul is unsightly, unpleasant and can be a health hazard. Dog foul can contain

Anyone walking a dog must “pick up any fouling and dispose of it correctly.You should always carry bags to put the waste in, then you can either take it home to dispose of, use dog waste bins, or even a litter bin.

”

Toxocara (roundworm) eggs if a

ing a veterinary product) and their

human comes into contact with the

faeces should be disposed of imme-

toxocara eggs they can develop an

diately.

infection called toxocariasis. The

Local councils have the power to

best way to reduce the chances of

introduce and enforce dog fouling

developing toxocariasis is to prac-

byelaws, under which a person in

tice good hygiene. For example,

charge of a dog can be heavily fined

washing hands with soap and warm

for allowing dogs to foul in a public

water after handling pets or com-

place. The Clean Neighbourhoods

ing into contact with soil or sand.

and Environment Act 2005 applies

If you have a pet cat or dog, they

to land which is open to the air and

should be regularly de-wormed (us-

to which the public are entitled or

permitted to have access, including roads, parks, footpaths, grass verges, canal towpaths, playing fields and recreational ground. It is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog’s actions neither is not having a bag available to remove the foul. Failure to promptly clean up dog mess can result in a prosecution and fine. If you allow your dog to foul in any public place and do not clean it up you may be liable, on conviction, to a fine of up to £1,000.

Anyone walking a dog must pick up any fouling and dispose of it correctly. You should always carry bags to put the waste in, then you can either take it home to dispose of, use dog waste bins, or even a litter bin. Throwing bags of dog foul into hedges or hanging it from trees is not removing it correctly.

Please report dog fouling issues to your local council. Remember, it’s every owner’s moral duty and legal responsibility to clean up after their dog.

The Coleshill Post

The Issue with dog fouling littering our streets and parks is becoming more and more of a problem. Before owning a dog people should ask themselves if they are prepared to pick up its foul?

@ColeshillPost

Victoria Hemming

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www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Dear editor, So now we know! There are NO Monday slots ,for the public ,at all, for the new Leisure Centre planned for Coleshill School!

There are other 1 hour slots on other days ....5 IN TOTAL ...but not Monday when 20 plus badminton players meet. Some of us for over 30 years!

Surely this isn't deliberate ? IS IT? We are not scaremongers or rumour spreaders ,neither are we political . We only asked for clarification of the situation..... and that took several months!

Furthermore 2 Freedom of Information request to the council and the Leisure service were denied. Why? We do not understand why the school could not have been asked to consider existing users when they planned their timetable . This is quite reasonable.

Overall, the general view is that we will move elsewhere , probably Chelmsley Wood.

So who loses out ? The Leisure Centre but also Coleshill town , as most of us go there afterwards to have a coffee and shop.

What a shambles!

Lynda Davies

‘Happy 50th Birthday Helen!’ from the Hub

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

yourcomments...

Your views count so usethenews and be heard!!

Comment of the Month.....

Dear Editor Your headline “Shock rise in burglaries prompts call for street lights to be switched back on” is a call by Mike O'Brien (Labour) for a reversal of the Conservative-led County Council policy of turning off various street lights during the small hours of the night.

These are the figures from which he is selectively quoting: North Warwickshire Borough Violent Crime Offences 33% decrease Domestic Burglary 18% increase Burglary from commercial premises 12% decrease Vehicle Crime Offences 52% decrease Anti-social behaviour incidents 44% decrease So then, a more accurate headline might have been “Prospective MP calls for street lights to be switched back on in order to fuel increase in Violent Crime, Vehicle Crime and Anti-social Behaviour” - which with Burglary from factories etc. have all decreased since the street lights were turned off.

Of course, the truth is that the NWB figures on their own are inadequate to arrive at any

real conclusion.The figures for the County as a whole form a much larger data pool and so are more likely to tell us something reliable and these show a downward movement in all categories save for vehicle crime where there has been no change: Warwickshire Violent Crime Offences 33% decrease Domestic Burglary 13% decrease Burglary from commercial premises 28% decrease Vehicle Crime Offences 0% - no change Anti-social behaviour incidents 30% decrease We expect to be misled by politicians vying for power, but shame on you as journalists that you just accept what they say at face value.

You should not be relying on readers to correct misleading statements. We should be able to rely on you.

Oh, and I don't belong to any political party and never have.

Yours faithfully, Thomas Jeffreys

Dear Editor, I would like to thank Mike O’Brien ( former MP and labour’s parliamentary candidate for North Warwickshire ) for speaking out against the proposals for the former Daw Mill Colliery in the Coventry Telegraph on July 24th .

The threat is even greater than he fears. The planning application itself predicts an extra 1432 commuters and an extra 377 HGV’ s per day blocking totally inadequate country roads . If 10 trains per day use the container base that could mean up to another 1000 HGV’s per day .

If your readers use the narrow winding B roads from Atherstone to Coleshill or Tamwoth to Coventry , or struggle at the crossroads in Coleshill, Furnace End or Fillongley I urge them to object to this planning application whilst there is still time .

“A public meeting has been arranged at Nether Whitacre Village Hall on Tuesday, August 12, at 7.30pm, when there will be an opportunity to question our representatives more closely on these and many other issues.”

Ross Jones resident of Over Whitacre .

A Night Out In Coleshill Mike from The Post was our congenial host; he sat at the top of the table.

There was just nine, sat down to dine; three of us disabled.

We laughed and joked, as families do, of embarrassing situations.

And we did try our very best not to upset the other patrons.

Although we were all so jolly, it was tinged with melancholy.

I said there were nine, it should have been ten

but the good Lord has taken Big Mike’s dad, Den. Struck by the curse of the ‘Big C’ menace, everyone there sorely misses our Dennis.

But the show must go on as we would all agree, so we all tucked into our lovely curry.

We started the bash at around about seven, and only packed up when it was way passed eleven.

So we went home both full and hearty.

Thank you Mike for this impromptu party.

By Uncle Pete

Pete Sullivan (Uncle Pete) has written hundreds of odes and poems. If you would like Pete to write an ode to your loved one for a small fee, then please contact us via email: chantelle.budd@thecoleshillpost.co.uk, via post: The Coleshill Post, Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill B46 3BG or call 01675 467189.

Looking for help on your Family History research?

Coleshill Library are now offering FREE help on your Family History research Call in to Coleshill Library for Family History advice and guidance every other Monday between 10.00 – 12.00 or ring the Library on 0300 555 8171 to book your place

COLESHILL UNITED CHURCH COLESHILL LADIES SINGERS SUMMER CONCERT A medley of patriotic & wartime songs 7pm Thursday 3rd July £5 inc refreshments

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

The Coleshill School

News and events Presentation by Phil Smith, CEO of Cisco

From left to right, Ms Rollason, Teacher of Science, Mr Smith, Mr Howard, Assistant Headteacher and Mr Smith-Childs, Head of School

Year 9 Student at The Coleshill School

ON Wednesday the 9th of July, students from Year 8 and 9 at The Coleshill School had the amazing opportunity to take part in a special presentation and talk with the CEO of Cisco, Phil Smith.

For those of you who don't know, Cisco is a multinational company that is based around technology, for example: computing, internet security, product development and many more fields of work. Globally, they earn around 50 billion dollars in revenue a year. This meeting was interactive based and we had the chance to ask questions of our choice to find out more about Cisco and Phil Smith himself.

Mr Smith explained to the group that many different well known businesses use Cisco software online. These businesses include BMW, Mercedes, Disney, Gap, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and many more. Businesses use Cisco for online communications such as websites. He explained that the reasons why some companies do not financially perform may be due to a poorly managed online IT system that should allow consumers to purchase online efficiently. This is because our world is becoming more advanced in technology and we rely on it much more than we used to, especially for online communications.

A very well-known company that uses Cisco's technology is the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). The WWF implant is a tracking device in an elephant's tusk so that they can monitor their movement, behaviour

and also catch out poachers. As elephants are a big target for poaching, Cisco has been able to assist and create a tracking device to prevent this from happening. The tracking device releases a signal that allows the WWF to monitor their behaviour and if any unusual activity is taking place.

Mr Smith went on to talk about the business and its development, stating that the business has grown rapidly since it first started here in the UK. For UK and Ireland, the first number of employees totalled 10; now, the UK and Ireland branches have over 6,500 people that work for Cisco.

He said that many people get confused on the sort of career pathways in Cisco through their naivety. Many people think that only ICT, maths and science are vital for a chance at a career in Cisco but surprisingly, there are many more fields than we thought. Cisco looks for employees from all areas such as geography, English, media, history, languages and art & design. All of these jobs are very important in the business and play a huge role, especially as technology is becoming more advanced; they need people from all areas with a wide knowledge base.

Half way through the presentation, we had the chance to ask the CEO about the business. Mr Smith stated that the older generation are becoming overwhelmed with rapid changes in technology. He stated that "we shouldn't be scared of technology" as there are many benefits of having it. We are able to communicate across the globe through a click of a button. He said that 20 years ago, technology was far less superior as it hadn't been developed.

Back then, the internet had only just

started out for the use of simple tasks like e-mails.

A student asked what he thought "the world would be like in 2040?"

Mr Smith replied, "I think that by 2040 things will be more mobile and cities will be more connected."

There were other questions like "do you think in years to come there will be no teachers and will robots teach us?" He said that this could happen and we may even not have to leave the house for school because it will all be online.

Phil Smith stated a very important fact about our world, he said that "99% of our world is still not connected." This was very hard for some of us to comprehend as we are so used to using technology in our daily lives. We may not realise it but we use it a lot more than we think.

It is hard to imagine that 99% of the world doesn’t use technology and some may not even have the facilities to use it. A question was asked "do you think in the future online and offline will be blurred?" He replied that "online and offline is becoming more close." This means that in the future, we may not even realise that we are online for example, the possibility of being taught by a robotic teacher.

Overall, the presentation from CEO Phil Smith was very interesting and has opened our eyes on the reality of technology growth. It has made us realise that there is nothing to be afraid of with technology; it is just another platform for communication that could potentially make it easier for us to go about our daily lives.

Thank you to Phil Smith and the teaching staff for organising this event and for giving us this opportunity to engage directly with Cisco.

Celebrating Success Awards evening photographs by Rebecca Brownett

The Coleshill Post

Technology is changing everything

Written by Bethany Watts

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Advertorial

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

EXPERTS ON OUR DOORSTEP NETWORK WITH KEY PLAYERS IN THE B46 BUSINESS COMMUNITY OUR NEXT EVENT HOSTED BY WOODALL TRANSPORT Woodall have been in the transport and haulage business for over 70 years, and their vehicles are a familiar site on the roads around the Midlands. This event will give a unique insight into the family owned business as well as give them a chance to showcase their new 36,000 sq ft. state of the art facility.

Please book early as places are limited.

Woodall Transport Group Unit 2, Trillennium Gorsey Lane, Coleshill Birmingham, B46 1JU 10th September, 7.30 - 9.15am £10 (Pay in advance)

SUMMER SOCIALS Celebrating 160 years!

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

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@ColeshillPost

BUSINESS46

Apprentices

The Coleshill Post

At the Coleshill Hotel on Wednesday 9th July the Business46 team held their monthly business networking event.

The theme of this month’s event was the advantages of apprentices. Guest Speaker, Paul McCalla, Employer Engagement Manager of 3aaa, presented the many benefits apprenticeships can provide both the employer and the apprentice.

With over 40 local businesses in attendance it was a hugely successful event and there was a real buzz in the room. The Business46 organisers Anna Plotnek of AP Designs, Penny Sheward of MCD Recruitment and Jemma James of TruTac, were all proud of how well the event went.

Attendees learnt a huge amount about apprentices and the value they add to businesses. Figures show 96% of apprentice employers said they bring a tangible benefit to their business and 72% said productivity increased. With such high statistics it is clear how much value apprentices add.

Jemma stated “It was great to have apprentices in the room who spoke about their own experiences and we’ve had lots of enquiries from those wanting to take on local apprentices.”

Anna commented “there were at least five businesses in the room that already had apprentices and they were able to give real insight into the process and their experiences of apprentices. We are hopeful local young people will benefit from such employment schemes.”

At the event were representatives from both Coleshill School and Woodlands School. The Business46 team are actively supporting both schools and introducing businesses to them, so their students can establish beneficial links.

During the event the team announced they would be helping to raise funds for Woodlands School over the coming 12 months. In fact, following the event some funds have already been pledged by a local business.

Penny said “It’s amazing how in only a few hours Coleshill’s businesses can react so positively and

make a real difference. That’s the benefits of local networking and we are very proud of what is being achieved.”

The team are working closely with the Coleshill Post on a number of forthcoming ventures including charitable events as both Business46 and the Coleshill Post are passionate about the local community and supporting local charities.

The next Business46 event will be 7.30am Wednesday 10th Sept at Woodall’s Transport in Coleshill, the event will be limited numbers so anyone interested in attending is advised to book early. The price is £10 per person (including bacon roll and refreshments). Email the team to secure your place info@ business46.co.uk.

The Business46 team welcomes feedback and suggestions for venues, topics and speakers, get in touch by emailing info@business46. co.uk, call 01675 434583, tweet @ business_46 or alternatively find information on www.business46. co.uk. To see more event photos please go to the AP Designs Facebook page.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Shustoke Show a huge success

The Coleshill Post

Chairman Phil Page (Left) with Mike O’Brien enjoying a break from the midday sun in the shade of the hospitality tent.

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ls, y Hote Qualit Service y Qualit ur local o y m y fro holida coach list. specia

Call us for our latest list of events including: 6 day Isle of Man holiday Friday 3rd October 3 day 1960's and Steam Train Weekend, 10th October 5 day Isle of Wight holiday Mon 13th October 4 day Murder Mystery Weekend 31st October

Large selection of Day trips

Joseph Harwood Age 4, riding on one of the many fairground attractions at the show.

For your Coach Holidays with door to door service and Day Trips with local pick-up points in Coleshill and Water Orton

"A huge success and one of the best ever!," was how Chairman Phil Page described the Whitacres and Shustoke Show on July 26th. He paid tribute to the hard work of the committee in staging the show and to the tremendous support received from the local community.

Thursford Spectacular Nov & Dec & Classical Spectacular Sun 23rd Nov.

New Contact Details

01827 717575 www.meridiantravelbrochure.co.uk email meridiantravel@live.co.uk

See our website and you could win a £100 Holiday Voucher

Attendance reflected the popularity of this annual event and the good weather as well as the fact that admission costs continued to be maintained at 2010 prices.

The Wild West theme proved to have been really popular with main ring performances by Tod Cody and the Company of Horsemen as well as displays

by The Lawmen of Bristol re-enactors. A free com-

petition involving children searching out 'outlaw' committee members was a huge success and they enjoyed their free goodie bag rewards.

Music during the day was provided by local folk singer Maria Barham and the band LP45 was very well received at the evening hog roast.

The Chairman's Trophy for the 'Best in Show' in the Horticultural and Crafts competition was awarded to Jill Roberts, a local artist from Hurley, for her drawing 'Perhaps it will rain'.

Next year's show will be on Saturday 25th July and a 'Robin Hood' theme has already been chosen to reflect the fact that 2015 will mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta by King John.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

Saturday 13th September 2014 Mobilise at 1900 hours on 13th September Demobilise at 0900 hours on 14th September

£20 per adult - £15 per child Family ticket £60

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. To download an application form please visit the Love Coleshill website www.lovecoleshill.co.uk or visit Heads of Coleshill or Penny Johnson Flowers High Street, Coleshill. The deadline for applications is 16 July 2014

The Coleshill Post

Love Coleshill

@ColeshillPost

‘A night in the trenches’ World War 1 Sleepover at The Coleshill School

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

SAME DAY REPAIR SERVICE MISTED UNITS REPLACED

The Coleshill Post

Repairs to: Homes • Schools • Offices • Factories • Local Authorities

COLESHILL LIBRARY INVITES YOU TO JOIN THE

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE You will read 6 books (of your choice) during the summer holiday and receive gifts along the way.

If you complete the challenge you will come to a special presentation and receive a medal and a certificate.

This year’s theme is

MYTHICAL MAZE FREE TO ALL 4-12 YEARS OF AGE AND ALL WELCOME

• GLASS CUT TO SIZE • TOUGHENED SAFETY GLASS • LAMINATED • WIRE GLASS • PATTERNED • MIRROR • GREENHOUSE • PICTURE GLASS • DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS

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balti cottage

BALTI COTTAGE NOW OFFERS FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK TO: COLESHILL WATER ORTON SHUSTOKE WHITACRE HEATH CURDWORTH

Minimum order £15. Cash on Delivery

TAKE AWAY SERVICE 15% DISCOUNT ON COLLECTION ORDERS OVER £10

SUNDAY BALTI NIGHT...

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Only Sunday night bring your own alcohol if you wish to.

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3 Course Meal Night £9.95 per person

Starter, Main Dish, Plain Nan. From our special offer menu

Tel: 0121 749 4546 Mobile: 07929 246 802

These offers are for dining in with bookings only. Last minute booking accepted. Offer excludes bank holidays.

Visit our website for offers.

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The Coleshill Post

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@ColeshillPost

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

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www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

RGN CASE STUDY:

@ColeshillPost

TV feature is “Icing on the Cake” for local company

The Coleshill Post

What is RGN?

THE Warwickshire Rural Growth Network provides free business support to businesses and individuals looking to start their own business, in rural Warwickshire.

Warwickshire County Council has been selected by DEFRA, as one of five counties in England to run this new pilot business support programme focusing on rural areas.

You will be given a dedicated business coach, who will work with you to develop a bespoke action plan, to launch a new business or kick start business growth. You and your business coach will work through your journey, to achieve your goals.

To discuss this opportunity further, please do contact us on either 07768 390148 or 07920 563781.

THE Heritage Cake Company specialises in cooking historical foods and regional specialist delicacies, sometimes working with family recipes some that date back 600 years. Products

recreated include Coventry Godcakes, Bosworth Jumble biscuits, 18th Century macaroons and everything in between, including celebration cakes for all occasions. This unusual and interesting business concept has led to the company having been chosen to feature on Nigel Slater’s “Icing on the Cake” series, due to be televised in December 2014.

Leigh Waite, Founder of The Heritage Cake Company recognised that demand for her Coventry Godcakes, a historic recipe was growing and that

she needed assistance in harnessing this growth. Leigh contacted Warwickshire Rural Growth Network’s partner Pera Consulting (UK) Ltd, for business support and guidance.

Leigh met with Rita Booth, business coach at Pera Consulting (UK) Ltd in early October 2013, to discuss her business and how to manage the increasing demand for The Heritage Cake Company’s product range. Leigh and Rita explored ways in which the fledgling company could grow and how the business may develop other products, by researching more recipes specific to a region.

Following this initial meeting, Leigh and Rita developed and agreed an action plan that helped the business understand its growth potential,

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as well as how to achieve this, whilst delivering excellent products in the meantime. This action plan included understanding and putting into place Leigh’s vision for the business; marketing strategies that reached people interested in the connection between history and food and at the same time developing Leigh’s own business and management skills to manage growth whilst meeting existing orders. The overall aim was to ensure that a long-term and sustainable business.

Through one-to-one coaching sessions with Rita, Leigh has made the brave move to grow The Heritage Cake Company. To date the business has secured further contracts and now supplies to Esquires Cof-

fee House, The Transport Museum in Coventry and Hoar Park, near Coleshill. The company is also featured in the AA Food Guide, “A Slice of Britain” by Caroline Taggart. In addition to this, sales have increased through direct orders and Leigh has started her research and development, to bring to life other recipes.

With the professional support and guidance from business coach, Rita Booth, The Heritage Cake Company continues to grow from strength-tostrength.

Please do contact Warwickshire Rural Growth Network to see how we may help you and your business by visiting www.warwickshiregov.uk/ ruralgrowthnetwork or call on 07768 390148.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Experienced barber required for busy salon At prime location barbers:

Ahead, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre.

Excellent rate of pay.

Great working conditions.

Call Kate:

07738861099

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Silver valet:

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Multiple car discounts available Contracts welcome * Prices vary for 4x4 & Larger Vehicles

bespoke vehicle detailing as standard

JONATHAN Smith established Blythe Electrical in 2009. It was an opportunity to renew and refresh his career, and has never looked back.

“It is a scary and challenging time

you’ve had a new kitchen, bathroom,

the business46 network, and attend-

conservatory, extension or garden

ed networking events through the

For more information or to book an appointment please contact

landscaped

call 01675 482960 or 07548 374222 email: sales@em-valeting.co.uk www.em-valeting.co.uk

and needed electrical

business breakfasts which are always

work as part of the job I may have

useful. It’s thanks to The Coleshill

been part of the team to complete

Post too because we would not have

the job! I have grown up in Coleshill

known these networks and contacts

and attended the primary and sec-

exist without it.

ondary school here, so it is nice to set

For added peace of mind for our

have to work hard and do a good job

up a business here and hopefully be

customers, Blythe Electrical is also

if you want people to call you again

an inspiration to others who may be

TrustMark registered for all domestic

or recommend you to others. It can

thinking of setting up on their own.

installations.

setting up your own business, you

be the small things that make the

Like any business, it needs to

So if you’re looking for an elec-

biggest difference between you and

evolve and develop and that’s what I

trician…call us on 01675 464009 /

your competitors, like leaving things

intend to do. I admit that ‘market-

email blytheelectrical@aol.co.uk or

clean and tidy, turning up when you

ing’ has never been my strong point,

visit our website www.blytheelectri-

say you will, being polite and trust-

generally my business exists through

cal.co.uk, we are very happy to help.

worthy” says Jonathan.

recommendations from customers

“I enjoy my work, have strong links

which is fantastic because if people

to the area, and it is good to support

recommend you for work its far bet-

the local economy here too – I work

ter than any advert, but it is always

with a number of local businesses

good to let people know that we are

to complete projects, for example, if

here! We have recently linked into

The Coleshill Post

Come and join our bubbly, outgoing team.

Intro

Basic valet:

53

@ColeshillPost

Blythe Electrical, keeping it local The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

r

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www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

The restaurant is decorated beautifully with one entire wall dedicated to a hand painted mural depicting scenes of rural Indian life.

The staff here are brilliant, very knowledgable and friendly. I ordered a Lift-e-Daria King Prawn starter on the reccomendation of the waiter and it was mouthwatering. Two huge king prawns in a very light, fresh and mild sauce.

My main, this time a recommendation of the owner was a Chicken Jahuti Lahore. Slightly fruity with a creamy sauce this dish was out of this world.

On my daughters request we had a Cheese and Chilli Naan which really is

surprisingly very good.

The Indian Lounge is an amazing place to eat, even the onion salad has a contemporary twist. If you have never been before then it is well worth a visit. The menu is extensive catering for all tastes and preferences.

You are assured of a warm welcome at every visit and you cannot help but feel at home in this lovely relaxed environment. 10/10 from the Coleshill Post.

M

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The Coleshill Post

The Indian Lounge Restaurant on Coleshill High Street is possibly one of the most contemporary Indian restraurants in the area. I visited there recently with my daughter and I have to say that the food is just as exquisite as the surroundings.

@ColeshillPost

Contemporary Indian Cuisine at Indian Lounge

55

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

Tywyn near Aberdovey in Happy Valley

Telephone (Coleshill) 01675 466 902 for Brochure or Mobile 07971 939 059

Need a painter?

Give us a call now

Roofing and Maintenance Services Your local company Est 1984

Insurance work undertaken – Free Quotations - Fully Insured

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Lighthouse Furniture

848 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 2TX tattoo design

Tel: 0121 448 9197 *Pictures for illustration purposes only

Call the Post Classifieds team on 01675 467189 to book your space or email lee.coley@thecoleshillpost.co.uk for more information.

The Coleshill Post

Chalet in scenic surroundings, near beaches, walks, golf course and shopping.

2 Bedrooms, shower, sitting room, well equipt kitchen, all electric, T.V. ,heaters, outdoor decking with table and sunchairs.

@ColeshillPost

Holiday Chalet

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

BUSINESS LISTING Alan Forman Piano tuning and

The Coleshill Post

repairs. Hoggrills Cottages, Barnswood Lane, Whitacre Heath, B46 2EF, 01675464335, 07712630438

AJN Accountancy Ltd 29 Penns Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1BA, 07702815142

Ann McBride Chiropractic The Health Centre, 58-60 Coventry Road, Coleshill, B46 3EE, 08432899136 Balti Cottage 107 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BP, 01675464122 Barry John Marcus - House Clearances Coleshill, 07813 013111 or 01675 466026

Birmingham Scaffolding LTD 24 Springfields, Coleshill, B46 3EG, 01675464228

Books Revisited 110 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675464853

BPI Coleshill Delivering,

cleaning and janitorial supplies.

01675462791, 07726700902. ian@ bpicoleshill.co.uk

Broadlee Printers Unit 1A Trinity

Road, Kingsbury Link, Tamworth, B78 2EX, 01827872200 Carter's Electrical 128 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BJ, 01675462277

Chestnut Tree Nursery Memorial Park Centre, Park Road, Coleshill, B46 3LA, 01675462120

CafĂŠ au Lait 112 b High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675467739

Church End Brewery Ltd

Ridge Lane, Atherstone, CV10 0RD, 01827713080 Classic IT Services rear of 77 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AG, 01212850047 Coleshill Churches Together 67 Temple Way, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1UE, 01675463274

If you are interested in showing your support for The Coleshill Post please call our community team on 01675 467189 or email community@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Coleshill Community Hub Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BG, 01675238309 Coleshill Cleaning Centre 10 Coventry Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BE, 01675464058 Coleshill Cricket Club c/oWall House, 112 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL, 01675430162 Coleshill Roofing 17 Digby Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3NL, 01675462344 Coleshill Timber 47-48 Coleshill Industrial Estate, Station Road, Coleshill, B46 1HT, 01675463433

Coleshill & District Civic Society 1 Church Hill, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AD, 01675462727 Commbus.com 32 Church Hill, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AJ, 01675463555 Crimson Ltd Queen Anne House, 131 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BP, 01675466477

Dave Electrics 61 Common Lane, Washwood Heath, Birmingham, B8 2US, 07814878013 Dreamers Indian Cuisine 146 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BG, 01675467789 Dreamers Of Coleshill Sunnyside, Blackfirs Lane, Bickenhill, B37 7JE, 01675462323

Dennis Walker Insurances

Lake House, 7 Parkfield Road Coleshill, B46 3LD, 01675462682

Drinks4U 1-3 Bridge View, Lower High Street, Coleshill, B46 1BE, 01675620581

DRP Logistics Ltd The Annexe, Chantry House, High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BP, 01675462230 Duncan McNutt Dentistry 58-60 Coventry Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3EE, 01675464231 Evans Derry Solicitors 5 Church Hill, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AD, 01675464400 Gascoignes of Coleshill 100 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL,

01675462294

Glitzy Bits

109 High Street Coleshill B46 3BP Harben Barker The Courtyard, 112 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL, 01675466344 Hatton Ceramics 42 Highbrink Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1BH, 01675464907 Heads of Coleshill 75 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, 01675466040

Chiropodist @ Heads of Coleshill 75 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, 01675466040

Nails4Fingers at Heads of Coleshill 75 High Street, Coleshill,

Birmingham, 01675466040 Atherstone Road, Furnace End, Coleshill,

H G Jerromes & Son

27 Bateman Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B461EU, 01675464992 Indian Lounge 123 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BT, 01675466966 Jem Lines 124 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BJ, Jenny Wren 88 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675462444 Mary Anne Evans Hospice 59 High Brink Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1BH, 01675463305

Mary Anne Evans Hospice Charity Shop 5/6 Chamberlin Walk, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 6UT, 01675465767

MP Computer Services

9 Vesey Close, Water Orton, Birmingham, B46 1RB, 01217474537

07811403713

Nice Thoughts 3-4 Chamberlain Walk, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BZ, 01675462718

OJ's Beads & handmade Gifts 92 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL.

One-Off Interiors Wall House, 112 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL, 01675430162

PBS Embroidery The One Stop Personalisation Shop Tel: 0121 770 8000 Email: info@pbsports.co.uk Unit 8 Waterloo Avenue Chelmsley Wood Industrial Estate, B37 6QQ

Penny Johnson Flowers 106 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675463167

Perfect Harmony

Holistic Therapies & Gifts NVQ.IIHHT.VTCT Reiki Master/Teacher Mandy Beal MCThA Town Hall Sumner Road Entrance, Coleshill B46 3BH Sally Crystal Therapy Alan Iridology/Herbs Amanda Chiropody Kinesiology 01675 238217 - 07904 089904 info@perfectharmonytherapy.co.uk www.perfectharmonytherapy.co.uk

Spanners Autocentres Unit 5, Station Road, Coleshill, B46 1HT, 01675467146.

SPB Group/Coleshill Self Storage Jubilee Estate, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, B461JU, 01675464446

Spice Lounge 10 Birmingham Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1AA, 01675467388

ST-IT Limited 37 Old Mill Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1BG, Swan Hotel High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675462212

Sweet Things 2 Chamberlain Walk, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 8UT, 01675467737 Tao Tao 83 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AG, 01675462463

T E W Hickton LTD

Whitmore House, Lower High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5AB

The Coleshill Academy Coventry Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3EX, 01675462435

The Groom Room Croft Farmhouse, Coleshill Road, Shustoke B46 2BF Tel: 01675 481958 Tel: 07971 216522

View, Grimstock Hill, Coleshill, B46 1LE,

The Marketeer 37 Chestnut Grove, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1AD, 01675 463400

01675463554

Minworth Club & Lodge Rajrani Bengal & Indian Cuisine Natural World Experience Ltd 24 Forge Road, Shustoke, Coleshill, B46 2AU,

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

The Post is pleased to welcome TKA, Tamworth Kickboxing Academy’s head coach Lance Manyer to our sports pages.

Lance is a 3rd degree Black Belt and been involved in kickboxing for over 25 years, he runs a full time academy teaching Sport Karate, Kickboxing and self defence, open 6 days per week.

TKA teach kids and adults of all ages and have a recognised syllabus that can take you from beginner to black belt.

We recently caught up with Lance at his academy in Tamworth to have a chat and find out a bit more about what they do and what they want to do in the future.

Over the years they have produced many champions in all aspects of the sport, from sport karate/kickboxing where the athletes compete on the mats, to ring sports which is very similar to boxing but with kicks added.

Coleshill Post: Hi Lance nice to catch up with you, you have a great looking academy here can you tell us a little bit about your back ground in kickboxing and what you do here at TKA? Lance Manyer: Hiya, yeah sure thing.

I was living in Stourbridge in the Black Country at the time and I was looking to get fit and do something a bit different. I had always been into Bruce Lee as a kid and loved his films. I looked in the local paper for a club and went along not knowing what to expect but really enjoyed it, that was in 1989 and here I am 25 years later, still at it.

C.P : Were you a competitive fighter or did you just do it for fitness and self defence?

LM : I was very much a competitive fighter, I was part of the SKO Cobra’s team and we competed all over the country, fighting at tournaments most weekends.

It’s a great buzz and gives you a real insight into your own character and also if training is working.

C.P : What would you say are your biggest achievements in your chosen sport, is it the things you won as a fighter or is it the coaching you do with your TKA kids?

LM : Without doubt for me its definitely seeing the kids at TKA do well.

Although I loved competing I get far more pleasure from the kids/adults at

the club doing well.

We have been very lucky over the years with some very successful fighters coming out of TKA and currently we have some awesome kids that are really flying the flag for Tamworth and England as many of them have represented their country on many occasions and they won nearly all the major honours on a domestic level.

All the fighters at TKA are better than I ever was and that’s the way I like it. I want each generation to be better than the last. On a personal level I have twice been voted coach of the year by Tamworth Herald and was also runner up in the Pride of Tamworth Awards, I was also inducted into The Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2012, so its definitely the coaching that keeps me going, although that said I am back in serious training for an up coming fight in September against Lee Martin the Welsh Champion.

C.P : So would you say TKA is just about tournaments and competitive fighting or do you have a broader remit?

L.M : That’s a really good question and the answer is we are NOT just a tournament/fighting club, that’s just a small part of what we do. Most people don’t want to compete, they want to get fit, have fun, gain confidence and make new friends and this is what TKA is about. We want everybody to get as much out of their training as possible, we emphasise hard train training and really pushing yourself and being the best you can be. We like to think we ‘build fighters for life’ and give people the confidence to tackle anything that life throws at them, so the competitive side of the club, although important, is just a small part of what we do.

I would really love to get underprivileged kids and the kids who have fallen outside of the main stream into training and doing something positive. I know it can be expensive, but my academy is empty in the day, I’m sure there is something or someway to tap into the funding around to be able to give these kids some direction and aim.

C.P: What would you say are the main reasons parents bring their kids to TKA? L.M: The main reasons are bullying, discipline, overweight and to gain confidence,

Tamworth was recently voted the ‘fattest town’ in Britain, well the people who did that survey definitely did not call in and see the TKA kids because they train hard and they have fun, in these days of negative reporting about kids in general. The kids at our Academy really inspire me. The discipline side of things is very im-

portant to parents and it’s something that even the cheekiest and most unruly kids soon realise we won’t compromise on. They try it on to start with but we have some excellent instructors at the academy and before long everybody is ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’.

C.P : Thanks for having a chat with

us Lance its great to meet and we we look forward to hearing about TKA, Kickboxing and Martial Arts column over the coming months.

L.M : That’s my pleasure I look forward to writing the column’s and introducing people to TKA’s ‘rising stars’ and bringing to life some of the great stuff that the local kids are doing.

The Coleshill Post

Kickboxing The latest addition to the Post Team: Kickboxing correspondent Lance Manyer

@ColeshillPost

Lance Manyer

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Jason Lowe

Boxing

The Coleshill Post

Holt steps up a level

BY JAMES HARTE

Green gloves. Green boots. Green shirt. Green towel. Green socks. One would think that Paul Holt may be paying homage to some possible Irish roots. Either that or he is a massive Incredible Hulk fan. Yes, Paul “The Incredible” Holt is a big fan of the infamous green beast and it shows, even having a tattoo on his bicep of his skin splitting – revealing green muscle below.

Holt moved to three fights unbeaten back in June in rather unusual circumstances when some last minute shenanigans at the weigh in at The Venue in Dudley left him without an opponent. Manager and trainer got on the phone to fellow gym-mate and road warrior Michael “Mad Man” Mooney who was then at a wedding. In no time at all, Mooney was there in Dudley; gloved up and coming to win.

For twelve minutes they put their friendship to one side thrashed out a good value four-rounder in which Holt emerged an impressive 40-36 victor. It was a result that looks even more impressive upon reflection as it is sandwiched between two fantastic victories on the road for Mooney. In May he twice dropped

Welsh champion Mark Evans (then sporting a 9-1-1 ledger) and won a 39-37 decision, then following the defeat to Holt he upset home favourite (9-1) Billy Morgan at the York Hall with a six round points decision.

After winning three four-rounders on the trot, Holt is now stepping up to six-round level and having originally being pencilled in to appear on the Troy James v Ronnie Clarke undercard in Bedworth on the 27th September, he is now appearing on a bill in at the Hermitage Leisure Centre, Whitwick in Leicestershire the following day. It’s due to be a double celebration for Holt, as he turns 24 that day and will be going on holiday to Magaluf with his girlfriend shortly after. Moving on from Mooney, Wall is moving his charge up to sixround level and is expecting a decent test in the form of Andy Harris. While Harris’ current record reads 3-16-1, he is coming off a spirited (albeit losing) challenge for the vacant British Masters belt against “Tipton Slasher” Lee Glover and always comes to fight.

Holt’s aggressive southpaw style could mesh very well against Harris’ plucky and courageous attributes to be a potential cracker on the Clifton Mitchell promoted show.

Aswell as celebrating his birthday, Holt will be dedicating the fight on the 28th to a friend he lost earlier this year, Aaron Jeffers.

Three wins in a row for Truman

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BY JAMES HARTE Chris Truman marked his third win in a row with manager and trainer Jon Pegg in his corner Saturday night as he scored a last round stoppage victory over unbeaten Matt McCarthy in Essex.

And he did so under special circumstances, almost with an angel on his shoulder. Earlier in the week, Truman’s grandfather Owen Fitzsimmons had passed away and win, lose or draw – Truman was dedicating the fight to him.

“I needed to win though, I told him that I’d win for him!”

Though going into the last, Truman was down on points and Pegg told him in no uncertain terms that he needed to stop his oppo-

nent. Truman had felt lethargic during the bout, something he attributed to a sports massage he had on his legs the Wednesday before after a rather testing sprint. The stocky puncher from Birmingham was struggling to let his hands go during the scheduled six-rounder, but finally found his form in the last.

“Jon told me I needed to stop him, and I went out in that last round to hurt him! I caught him with a right hand and he went to the ropes where I caught him with a left hook – he had been avoiding similar shots earlier but didn’t get out of the way of that one, so I went for it!”

A volley of shots later and McCarthy was stopped on his feet, although apparently still wasn’t himself back in the changing room afterwards. His fans were hurling abuse at Truman after, and even

showered him with beer after he had blotted their mans record.

Truman though was non-plussed – “they’re just not boxing fans, they don’t know the sport. They don’t know what fighters have to go through!”

“It had been a tough week, I wasn’t myself. Especially in the ring, I felt as though I couldn’t throw punches – and then there was all that stuff with my granddad!”

Altogether it was a tough mental challenge for Truman who now takes his record to 12-4-2 and can now look forward to title challenges further down the line. Despite campaigning at welterweight for the last few years Truman weighed in underneath the agreed limit on Saturday and both him and Pegg believe that he can drop a few pounds and challenge for honours at light welterweight in the future.

Truman wanted to thank his supporters who have made repeated trips around the country to watch him box and made the trip to Essex to see his latest triumph.

“There’s a small group that always support me, they follow me everywhere – and I’d like to thank them. It means alot. There are certain people to – Frank, Ryan, Akash, Mark, my dad and my family who are always there for me, and they deserve a special thank you, aswell as Total Fitness gym by me who help me out too!”

But Truman’s kindest words were saved for his late grandfather, who he felt had a bearing on the contest.

“I guess he was watching over me!” he laughed. “He was a great man, brought up six kids into a great loving family. He met my nan over here, yet never picked up a Brummie accent, a true Irish man! He walked to work every day and never asked anybody for anything. I looked up to him an awful lot and he really inspired me” “A great man, who will never be forgotten!

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

Boxing

Streamed shows begin on September 12 – members get priority ticket booking period

EDDIE Hearn is proud to announce the launch of the Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass – a new membership service that gives fight fans more live boxing, as Matchroom Boxing teams up with other UK promoters to develop younger fighters, and gives members priority ticket booking to Matchroom Boxing shows and regular exclusive content from the Matchroom Boxing archive.

The Fight Pass will give members full access to up to 10 additional fight nights per year which will be streamed live in full HD at MatchroomBoxing. com. Matchroom will be working with fellow UK promoters Dave Coldwell, Steve Wood and Steve Goodwin on the shows, with the first event on September 12 as Coldwell Boxing presents ‘In The Line of Fire’ at Ice Sheffield, topped by the English Welterweight title clash between the exciting Chad Gaynor against the unbeaten Ahmet Patterson and also featuring Maxi Hughes versus Joe Murray, the rematch of the Fight of the Year contender between Jerome Wilson vs. Serge Ambomo and many more exciting young talents.

The Fight Pass has an annual cost of £29.95 and as well as the access to the

shows and advance ticket purchasing, fans get regular exclusive content in the Fight Pass area of the website including fight night highlights, interviews, a magazine show fronted by IFL TV’s Kugan Cassius, expert insight and analysis, access to archive fight nights and downloadable wallpapers, images and extras – and subscribers

will receive a welcome pack including a Matchroom Boxing t-shirt.

“Over the past three years we have been involved at the highest level of the sport,” said Hearn. “I feel we have a responsibility to grow it further by investing in all levels from grassroots to pound-for-pound champions. As our stable continues to grow, we need to be

in a position to develop the careers of our fighters and give them the opportunity to perform whenever they wish.

“I am delighted to team up with in my opinion three of the very best promoters in the country in Dave Coldwell, Steve Goodwin and Steve Wood, who have consistently put on exciting and competitive shows against the odds.

Now with the Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass, we hope they will continue to thrive and both their boxers and our boxers will progress onto shows with our major events on Sky Sports.

“Not only will fans get exclusive access to 10 live streamed shows a year they will also benefit from presale priority booking for all major Matchroom Boxing events, ensuring they get the best seat in the house. The platform will also feature extensive highlights from our major shows, regular training clips and a new magazine style show headed by Kugan Cassius.

“I’m excited to be part of the Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass,” said Coldwell. “Over the last couple of years at Coldwell Boxing we have built up a reputation for putting on exciting fights and I am delighted that we can add these to the Fight Pass and get even more exposure for our fighters.”

Fight fans are encouraged to express their interest in the Fight Pass by entering their details at www.matchroomboxing.com/fight-pass ahead of the launch in a few weeks.

Pictured: (l-r) Steve Wood, Steve Goodwin, Eddie Hearn and Dave Coldwell, the four promoters working together on the Fight Pass. (Photo taken

by Lawrence Lustig).

Macklin faces Heiland in WBC eliminator MATTHEW Macklin will face WBC International champion Jorge Sebastien Heiland in an official eliminator for the WBC Middleweight title held by Miguel Cotto at the National Stadium in Dublin on August 30, live on Sky Sports – with tickets on sale from 9am on Tuesday July 22.

Macklin is back in action for the first time since December and can take a huge step towards facing the Puerto Rican legend if he can see off Heiland, the 27 year old Heiland who is ranked at number four with the WBC and won the WBC International title in November with a fifth round KO of Billi Godoy in his native Argentina.

Macklin is ranked at nine in the division and is chomping at the bit to get back into the ring and has set his

Irishman hunting Miguel Cotto after Dublin bout on August 30 sights on a showdown with Cotto.

“For the last few years now all my fights have been in the US and while it’s been great having big fights in New York and Las Vegas I’ve definitely missed fighting at home,” said Macklin. “There’s a huge appetite among boxing fans to see big time boxing back in Dublin and there’s no atmosphere in the world like an Irish fight night. I know that Eddie can deliver the big fights for me in Dublin so it’s a very exciting time for me.

“It’s great to have an eliminator to put me straight back in the frame for another World title fight. Heiland is rated number four with the WBC so I’m sure he will be coming to Ireland with his own World title ambitions.

It’s a must win fight for me and it doesn’t matter what he brings to the

ring on August 30, he won’t be beating me.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn brings a star-studded cast of fighters to Dublin for Matchroom Boxing’s first show it the city, with Olympic gold medal hero Anthony Joshua MBE facing another step up in opponent as he faces Yaroslav Zavorotnyi, the Ukrainian who took David Price ten rounds in June.

Commonwealth Super Flyweight champion Kal Yafai defends his title against Belfast’s Luke Wilton, and there’s a spicy grudge match between bitter rivals Spike O’Sullivan and Anthony Fitzgerald meeting in the ring in what promises to be a fiery encounter.

Dublin’s Luke Keeler and Declan Garrity also appear on the bill with

Hearn set to announce more names for the show soon, as he launches a new era for Matchroom Boxing in the great city of Dublin.

“I can't wait for our first show in Dublin, the fans are in for a real treat,” said Hearn. “It's a stacked card with Matthew in a hugely important fight that puts him in a great position to challenge for another World title.

“We've seen Matthew denied of what I believe was a victory in Germany against Sturm and a great performance against Sergio Martinez – the Cotto fight would be a great event. He is straight back in at the deep end against Heiland but let’s be honest, he wouldn't want it any other way!

“Fans can expect plenty of fireworks on the undercard. Heavyweight sen-

sation AJ makes a big step up against

Zavorotnyi who just lose a 10 round points decision against DP. SF star Kal Yafai makes the first defence of his commonwealth crown and SO and AF take part in an all-Ireland grudge match. We only have a couple of thousand tickets to sell at the National Stadium and I expect those to go on the first day. Roll on a new era of boxing in Ireland!”

Tickets are on sale from 9am on Tuesday morning (July 22) priced €40, €60, €80 and €150 VIP and are all available exclusively from www. matchroomboxing.com or by calling 01277 359900. With the event expecting to sell out immediately, a limited number of tickets will be reserved for Matchroom Fight Pass members following its launch on August 1.

The Coleshill Post

Matchroom Boxing Fight Pass launches in August

@ColeshillPost

Jason Lowe

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014- Issue 13

@ColeshillPost

Jason Lowe

Boxing

The Coleshill Post

Thriller at the Villa The Pink Collar brand scores a goal with boxing show

lSA were different levels of fitness within the group and all " there the children were encouraged to support each other throughout the various tasks - good team building experience!” Funfit parent "its a great way of keeping impressionable teens out of trouble,my son talks about it a lot and has a great deal of respect for the coach as do I!!" Funfit parent

FUNFIT- get FIT, make FRIENDS and have FUN FUNFIT sessions are not only about getting the children of today away from the TV and Xbox but about being outdoors in the fresh air and living a healthy life style.

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massive mark in the fight game and in

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The show which was held in The Holt Suite at The Aston Villa Ground made a

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ity on the night.

28 women from all backgrounds entered the ring at one of Birmingham’s oldest venues for Boxing.

The Pat Benson gym housed the first

the country and hundred’s of females

shows training under the regime of my-

have started training in their areas for

self. A mix of Amateur & professional

their own local evens and more are wait-

training opened their eyes and set them

ing for their turn.

for a tough road ahead.

After 3 weeks based here, the group

www.pinkcollarboxing.co.uk looks to be what women have been waiting for.

showed they was hungry for more and

1, Sarah Cosnett v Jess Brownhill(w)

more training so a visit to The Areo Kick-

2, (w) Samantha Newman v Rachel Broug.

Boxing gym in Bissell street proved very

3, Saahirah Hussain v Helen Girona.(w)

positive as the new gym is owned by the

4, Rebecca Bloxham v Ritz Reanne.(w)

one and only former multi-Title winning

5, Jo Foster v Eimear Sammon.(w)

professional kickboxer Colin Treasure.

Colin is a master planner when it comes to training and fitness and is an old friend of mine from 1990.

Between the 2 gyms the girls was more

6, Bernadette McEntee v Cherella Johnson.(w) 7 Charlotte Farmer v Laura Ayling.(w) 8, Katrina Lliffe v Dee Dobson. (D) 9, (w)Julia Marshall v Sophie Shorthouse.

10, (w)Karen Morroll v Anthea Beckford.

11, (w)Louise Gallagher v Rajvir Bath.

School Teachers, Company Managers,

than ready when the 14 fight event

12, (w)Yasmin Nestor v Farhana Matin.

Homemakers, Self-employed, all signed

opened its doors on the Sunday after-

13, Kim Nash v Stacey Stray.(w)

up to make their mark in their own right

noon.

14, Stacey Twist v Rhonda Rolls (w)

in boxing.

For eight weeks the group worked and trained like professionals at two different gyms in the city.

Every match up on the show was a

This show gets 100% from me for every-

belter and every fighter entering the

thing. AREO KICKBOXING GYM is now

ring did themselves proud.

the home of Birmingham’s Pink Collar

The Pink Collar Brand is now all over

Boxing.

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The Coleshill Post - July/August 2014 - Issue 13

BY PHIL SALINAS

There was also strong support for the other top drivers with plenty of Ferrari, Red Bull, Mclaren and Lotus fans to name a few.

First practice went best for the Mercedes team drivers of Rosberg and Hamilton followed by Alonso in the Ferrari and Ricciardo in the Red Bull. Vettel, last years World Champion was in 6th having a less dominant season than in previous years. For once the weather on Friday for both first and second practice was really good with plenty of sun so we got to see plenty of laps from the cars and another British driver doing well was Max Chilton in the Marussia. The afternoon brought more glorious sunshine and allowed us to work on our tans

first followed by his team mate Rosberg and Vettel in third. Hamilton looked to have sealed pole position towards the end and with a wet track and backed off on his final lap not expecting any of the times to improve, However as he slowed other drivers started to set faster final times as the final sector had dried and ended up with Rosberg in pole, Vettel second, Button third ( the crowd liked this) and Hamilton ended up in 6th. He later admitted it he made a mistake and I am sure this fired him up for the race on Sunday.

Sunday arrived and with an early start we secured our positions at the front on the International Pit Straight where the start and finish line is. It was set to be a great race with Hamilton 6 th on the grid and the Ferrari’s and Williams at the back there was sure to be lots of overtaking and drama. We were not disappointed. At the start Hamilton got off to a flyer making up several places to be fourth by the time he entered the Wellington straight, back in the following field

Adam Harrison

Coleshill CC Junior update COLESHILL Cricket Club Junior Season is currently in full swing, as it part of the Clubs 160th Year celebrations. The Club’s junior teams are competing in matches in the Warwickshire Cricket Board League’s at Under 9s, Under 11s and Under 14s age groups.

Coleshill C.C are working in partnership with Complete Cricket.

Ex Warwickshire CCC player Nick James, who is currently working with our Under 11s team and his coaching efforts has seen the team achieved real successes, including back to back victories, including an exciting victory over local rivalries

Water Orton Our Under 9s team, coached by Martin Clifford, performed well in their festivals matches in June/ July and the Under 14s, coached

by Daniel Bates, also recorded back to back victories over Austrey and Castle Bromwich. The voictory over Austrey saw 106 run 2nd wicket partnership - between Ellis Tombs and Josh Siddall-Poyner In August the Club is running for the first time a “Summer Holiday Coaching” programme, which is aimed at to continue your child’s cricketing develop and love for the game over their summer holidays.

This programme will consist of session for all abilities or for those starting out playing hard ball crick-

et. If interested in attending the sessions over the 2 weeks listed, please contact me via email Club Coach Dan Bates: danbates1992@ live.co.uk or dantheman92pg@ gmail.com The Club runs weekly session every Friday evening @ Memorial Park 6PM-7.30PM until mid September 2014. The sessions cover ages 6 to 14, covering Hardball and Softball practice with both Boys and Girls welcome.

For more general junior information, please contact: Adam Harrison - Junior Cricket Manager Tel: 07921 160 248 Email: adam_harrison90@hotmail.com

About Coleshill Cricket Club Coleshill Cricket Club is a Community Amateur Sports Club, which promotes athletic and social pursuits in North Warwickshire.

Founded in 1854 the club holds Clubmark status and plays in the Warwickshire Cricket League.

The club runs three sides on Saturdays in the Warwickshire Cricket League. In 2014, the clubs 1st XI will play in Division 1, 2nd XI in the Premier and 3rd XI in Single Team Div 2 East. The club also play in the Lichfield & District Sunday League Division 3.

Raikkonen loses it exiting turn four and the resulting crash causes the race to be red flagged whilst repairs are made to the barriers. Fortunately no serious injuries resulted and the race resumed an hour later under a safety car to allow a more controlled restart.

The ensuing race saw Hamilton quickly take second place and gradually reel in his team mate Rosberg before the latter had to retire with gearbox failure handing the lead and subsequent victory to Hamilton. Bottas finished 2nd with a fantastic driver for the Williams team with Ricciardo and Button in 3rd and 4th. The crowd were willing Button on with every lap to try and get a podium finish but it just didn’t happen. Even if Rosberg had not retired I think Hamilton would have taken victory as his lap times were around a second quicker than Rosberg and clearly had superior pace and so a victory well deserved was his.

COLESHILL TOWN FC FIXTURES SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST Away to Brocton TUESDAY 12TH AUGUST Away to Loughborough University. 7.45 SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST Home to Nuneaton Griff.

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round SATURDAY 23RD AUGUST Home to Lye Town MONDAY 25TH AUGUST (BANK HOLIDAY) Home to Boldmere St Michaels. 7.45 SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST Bromsgrove Sporting or Bewdley Town FC (FA CUP)

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The Coleshill Post

We started the weekend full of excitement and anticipation of a victory for Lewis Hamilton in the 50th Annivesary year of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone at the prospect of some fantastic racing.

as well as watch more action on the track which Hamilton reverse the order with Rosberg and go into Saturday as the fastest driver.

The most notable event of the day was seeing Susie Wolff make history at Silverstone by being the first female to drive competitively at Grand Prix weekend in 22 years.

Unfortunately she only managed 4 laps before having to retire with an oil leak but when she returned in Hockenheim and put in 22 laps and was 15th on the time sheets which is very commendable.

The weather on Saturday was not so good with some showers and with a wet track practice three was a much slower and less eventful session. The Red Bulls of Vettel and Ricciardo were fastest followed by Maldonado and Grojean.

The Qualifying session ended up being very eventful with changeable weather throughout the three sessions. The first session saw Rosberg fastest with the two Williams and both Ferrari’s failing to make it through to Q2. In the second session Hamilton is dominant in

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Silverstone Grand Prix 2014 Report

63

Your Local Community Newspaper: The only source for local news & community information

Alice Hopkins helps keep Warks up in group one

BY SALLY JONES WATER Orton’s Alice Hopkins, 20 (pictured), defied illness to produce a string of fine performances as Warwickshire women’s tennis side staved off relegation and finished fourth in the Aegon County Cup elite Group 1 at Eastbourne.

Although still regaining her strength after a painful bout of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Hopkins won several crucial rubbers, just as she did when, against the odds, the side succeeded in staying up in Group 1 in 2013.

The Midlanders without the rapidly-improving Manisha Foster, 20 always knew this would be a highly-competitive group but captain Katie Shaw pinned her hopes on a mixture of youth and experience selecting

Alice plus Coventry’s Soumeya Anane, 20, and junior international Alannah Griffin, 17 from Solihull alongside stalwarts Luisa Cowper, Leyla Ogan and Natasha Hillyer. Former British number 1 Louise Kilshaw (nee Latimer) playing her first competitive tennis since having a baby daughter 18 months ago, also played for three days.

Alice, a former national junior doubles champion was talent spotted at Coleshill Tennis Club aged just 3 and went on to train on the British junior squad at Bisham Abbey, playing international junior tournaments all over the world. Although no longer competing on the circuit, over the last three years she has emerged as a gritty fighter and once again was one of Warwickshire’s stand-out players. Despite a predictable loss on Day 1 to reigning champions Buckinghamshire, she and partner Soumeya Anane at Third Pair beat their Kent opposite num-

bers on Day 2 as Warwickshire scored their first win of the week 6-3. The following day with the match against last year’s runners-up Hertfordshire evenly balanced at 3 rubbers apiece, she teamed up with Natasha Hillyer to give the county a vital rubber, thrashing the Herts Thirds for the loss of just 3 games before the Luisa Cowper and Leyla Ogan kept their nerve to clinch the victory 5-4, beating the highly experienced Herts second pair.

Although Warwickshire lost 7-2 to the well-balanced East of Scotland side on Day 4, the win against Herts had already ensured their survival in Group 1 and they finished the week with a crushing victory against Cheshire in which Alice and Soumeya Anane at third pair were again too good for their opposite numbers. Although tied with East of Scotland on 3 wins, Warwickshire were narrowly pipped for third place overall thanks to the Scots’

Shopping, Champagne and Celebrity fun at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship

BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP Nailcote Hall Hotel 5th - 8th AUGUST 2014

HOSTED BY THE LEGENDARY TONY JACKLIN CBE JOIN US FOR ONE GOLF’S BESTplease LOVED For tickets and OF sponsorship information visit: EVENTS

Enjoy a fantastic family day out, and an orunrivalled opportunity watch some www.britishpar3.com call 08453 31 30to31 of our best loved celebrities and golf professionals put their short games @BritishPar3 skills to the ultimate test, on Nailcote Hall’s Cromwell Par 3 Golf Course widely acknowledged to be Europe’s top Par 3 course!

Tented village. Catering and Competitions. Public Car Parking.

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higher rubbers total, but finished well ahead of Kent and Cheshire who were both relegated to Group 2.

“I’m really proud of how all the girls fought during our crucial matches” said captain Katie Shaw, a coach at the Edgbaston Priory Club. “We turned several rubbers around thanks to some wonderful fightbacks and it was good that we managed to stay up in such a very competitive group. Alice is a great team member – never gives up and always plays with a smile on her face. I love her attacking attitude too; she’s always prepared to go for her shots and run across the net to volley.”

“It was a tough week but really enjoyable and great that we stayed up in Group 1 at Eastbourne,” agreed Alice.

“I love my doubles and the team atmosphere of County Week – I just hope we can get our best side out and do even better next year.”

OFFICIAL CHARITY

SUMMERTIME brings some of the biggest and best outdoor events; a time to enjoy the warm weather and take in some exceptional entertainment.

The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship 2014 is set to be one of the highlights of the year, boasting top celebrities, thousands of visitors, and a fun garden party atmosphere.

In the heart of Warwickshire, the picturesque Nailcote Hall hosts the championship each year. The award-winning golf and country club provides a stunning setting to enjoy the event; the Par 3 course is replete with flowing streams and overarching trees.

Organised by events specialists Champions (UK) plc, the tournament has grown in size from local Torquay tournament to become the third largest annual golfing event in England and though top quality golf is one of the main attractions, there is plenty to enjoy for everyone. The bustling tented village is the best place to relax and soak in the atmosphere and each year, major retailers set up tents stocked with the best brands in luxury and golf.

Keen golfers will have the opportunity to browse through the latest equipment or practise their swing using state-of-theart technology. People looking for some relaxation will find a tent dedicated to providing luxury spa treatments given by experts in the health and beauty trade while champagne flows throughout the day.

Celebrity spotting is one of the main draws of the Championship and as well

as showing off their golf skills, stars will take to the stage in the tented village for exclusive Q&A sessions about their careers; a once in a lifetime opportunity for many fans. Tony Jacklin CBE, the most successful Ryder Cup Captain of all-time, will return to host the championship for the sixth year running welcoming a host of top golfers.

Some of the other stars that will be in attendance include: Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, comedian Jasper Carrott OBE, legendary goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel MBE and Peter Shilton OBE, rugby World Cup winner Neil Back MBE, British Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert, Ashes winning cricketer Matthew Hoggard MBE and snooker great Willie Thorne.

During the week, the Championship hosts three glittering events featuring three-course meals, top-class entertainment and a host of celebrities as well as

incredible charity auctions. Throughout the four days, the Sky Sports and Challenge TV cameras will be rolling as the entire tournament will be televised across major networks.

Last year’s Championship welcomed record crowds and this year’s tournament is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Headline sponsors Farmfoods will be returning once again as headline sponsors supporting the event and its £100,000 prize fund to ensure the Championship attracts elite golfers from up and down the country.

This year’s championship will take place 5th- 8th August 2014 and everyone is welcome to attend any or all days of the Championship. Visitors are certain to see some first-class golf, entertainment and more than a few famous faces.

For more information please visit www. britishpar3.com or follow the Championship on twitter, @BritishPar3