March 2015 Edition 20

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Home Secretary Visits Coleshill Police Station

Photograph: L to R: Cllr Peter Fowler, Home Secretary Theresa May and Conservative Party Parliamentary Candidate Craig Tracey outside Coleshill Library.

BY MATT LINES THERESA May visited Coleshill (on the 19th March) to discuss the work of local police forces, principally the merging of Warwickshire and West Mercia police. She was keen to emphasise that despite the close alliance between forces both retained their individual identities.

Mrs May added: "The alliance here is actually one of the ones I quote nationally in the House of Commons of a very good example of how forces can work together while maintaining their identity, which is very important to me."

Alongside the Conservative candidate for North Warwickshire, Craig Tracey, and Peter Fowler, County Councillor, May discussed how both police forces are saving money through pooling resources to tackle local issues like boy racers and parking for lorry drivers.

The Home secretary commented “"I am here today to look at how the local police are looking at the possibility of using the new legislation on anti-social behaviour the government brought in to address these kind of issues. These issues need people to work with police.

It’s about communities working with the police”.

Cllr Fowler in particular presented the need for a HGV Lorry Park near to Hams Hall to prevent drivers using local residential areas as parking before and after their drop-offs.

Craig Tracey, who will take over from the incumbent MP Dan Byles as the Tory candidate in May’s election, said: "It's fantastic to have Theresa here in Coleshill, not only for the two highlighted issues, but for her to get the feedback first-hand from the police with regards to how the alliance is working and how the new powers they are getting are helping them do their job better."

When asked about Labour’s proposals to scrap Police and Crime Commissioner, May was defiant saying it would be a mistake. She went on to say that the PCC is “doing a good job” and that the role helps “local forces to focus on local issues” whilst at the same time improving accountability.

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Issue #20 - March/April 2015 Published in Coleshill, North Warks.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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Izzard opens campaign office

The Coleshill Post

FROM Hollywood to Atherstone the Comedian and film star Eddie Izzard was in North Warwickshire on 1st April to open the campaign office of Mike O’Brien.

Eddie Izzard has done sell out gigs cross the UK and America, including the Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden and starred in films like ‘Ocean's Twelve’, ‘Ocean's Thirteen’ with George Clooney and ‘Valkyrie’ with Tom Cruise. He arrived in Atherstone and met volunteers at Mike O’Briens Campaign Office before cutting the ribbon.

The intention was that Eddie would join Mike in the town centre at a street stall with a petition against privatisation of the NHS for half an hour but the rain pelted down so Mike and Eddie - followed by an ITV camera crew - went for a cup of tea in the Old Bakery in Long Street. Local people were delighted to meet the famously transvestite man turned up in a dress and lipstick who seemed able to make everyone laugh. Later passers by were stunned to see him walking down Long Street chatting to people with Mike, followed by a TV crew.

Eddie said, “This is the most marginal

Tory held constituency in Britain with a 54 majority and its crucial that Labour win it to we save the local hospital. The Conservatives tried to privatise it last year and if they get elected they will try again.

"Mike was the MP for 18 years and I just think its great that he did not walk away after 2010, but stayed to fight local campaigns because he cares about people here.”

Under questioning from journalists he dismissed claims that Labour was anti business, saying, “I am a successful entrepreneur, a businessman, I can fill the Hollywood Bowl and make lots of money and I believe people should be allowed to be rich; but I also support Labour because I don’t want people to be poor or to have to queue at a food bank. I don’t want unfair zero hour contracts. I don’t want the more divided Britain we have seen in recent years. Labour is comfortable with wealth but it is the party that represents working people too.”

Mike O’Brien said, “I was delighted to have Eddie Izzard open my campaign office.

He not only has star quality but also has a warm and engaging personality. The volunteers loved him. He also enjoyed his tea in the Old Bakery in Atherstone."

Conservatives Campaign for safety measures at notorious Trinity Road Junction CONSERVATIVE Parliamentary Candidate for North Warwickshire, Craig Tracey joined forces with Tamworth MP, Christopher Pincher at Planters Garden Centre this weekend to gain local support for his proposed new safety measures to be implemented at the notorious Trinity Road and Overwoods Road junction near Kingsbury.

Craig & Christopher were joined by Angie Walker who tragically lost her son, Dion, sister in law, Maggie and nephew, Damian in an accident here in 2013.

Shoppers at Planters were asked to sign a petition asking the Warwickshire County Council to improve the safety of the junction by implementing traffic lights, better signage and lighting and nearly 400 signatures were collected on the day by campaigners, which included friends and family of Angie.

Craig said: “As part of my Safer Roads Campaign, this junction was highlighted as an area of real concern by local residents and most people will be aware of the terribly tragic accident which occurred here in December 2013.

This is such a busy road which sees a large flow of HGVs from the nearby oil depot, which is the biggest in Europe.

“There are regular accidents on the road and in particular at this junction. When I brought the Safer Roads

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LENT LUNCHES On one day every week during Lent the churches of the

Coleshill area are giving everyone the opportunity to partake of a soup + cake lunch at their various premises.

The money raised will go to Christian Aid and CAFOD - hence the terminology which is sometimes used of Famine lunches.

Pictured is Rev Nick Parker, the Vicar of Coleshill with Maxstoke, his son Matthew, Reader Emeritus Tom Wilson and Chrissie Dance, President of the Women’s Guild at St Nicholas Church, Curdworth. They are partaking of the lunch provided this week by the Parishioners of St Nicholas Church, Curdworth.

Thank you to the congregation of Curdworth and their team leader Isabel Potter. There are four more lunches all between 12noon and 2 p.m.:Sat. 14th March Maxstoke Village Hall Tues. 17th March Coleshill Market Hall Fri. 27th March United Church room Coventry Rd, Coleshill Tues. 31st March The Link, Water Orton.

Minister, Robert Goodwill MP to the junction recently he couldn’t believe how busy the road was and described the junction as “dangerous”.

“It is important that we address the situation on Trinity Road/Overwoods Road as soon as possible so that our local people can drive safely and other families are not put through the same devastation as Angie’s have.”

Angie Walker added: “Firstly I was amazed and overwhelmed by the support we received yesterday. Although any improvements will be too late for our family, we are comforted by the support for the campaign to make this junction safer, as it means the loss of life of our loved ones will not be in vain and hopefully will prevent someone else from suffering the loss we have.”

Christopher Pincher commented: “I was really pleased to join Craig and Angie help collect signatures for better safety measures on Trinity Road. The junction with Overwoods Road is a terrible hazard and I know many of my constituents in Wilnecote are not prepared to use it as they believe it too dangerous. Local councillor Tina Clements has raised this issue too.”

“I hope the work that Craig and Angie are doing gets results. It was certainly supported by hundreds of people at Planters on Sunday morning.”

If you would like to support the petition contact Craig Tracey – craig@nwarksconservatives.co.uk

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

North Warwickshire is the latest constituency to join the mass movement, which has seen over 52,000 collective actions by people in towns, cities and rural areas across the UK placing estate agency style signs outside their homes calling on David Cameron and Jeremy Hunt to stop the irreversible sell-off of the NHS. The UK’s entire health system is now up for sale because of the coalition government’s Health and Social Care Act. Since 2012 almost 70 per cent of NHS contracts put up for sale have fallen into the hands of the private sector, and the Trans-Atlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP) , threatens to lock in the privatisation of the NHS for good. The UK has the power to VETO the NHS from this ‘free trade’ deal between the EU and USA, and residents are calling on Cameron to ‘Stop the Sale’ of OUR health care.

W.King of Norton Rd, Coleshill said: "I’ve been having NHS treatment at the QE for the past two years and every department was superb, family wouldn’t have treated you better. The NHS is tremendous, I’m full of praise for it we shouldn’t take it for granted though, we need to do all we can to protect it from privatisation."

Mr Noel Fennell of Ennersdale Road, Coleshill said: (MAIN PICTURE) "I feel very strongly about the NHS, people take the issue very seriously and realise how important it is for all of us. I’ve been lucky, myself and my family have used the facilities for serious injuries and diseases in hospitals such as Selly Oak, Solihull and Heartlands. I have a lot of gratitude and respect for staff in the NHS as they work hard and do a good job and we can’t take them for granted they are completely overstretched and we need to stop the service from being run into the ground. The NHS is what makes this country the best in the world, I have travelled a lot and seen some awful instances of private healthcare, like in Johannesburg where an ambulance left an injured man struggling on the pavement because he didn’t have the right health insurance. Our system is creeping in that direction and we must stop it, we must save the NHS from private sector involvement as they seek to profit from our ill health, it must be kept public with public interests at its heart. " Liam Kelly of Ennersdale Road, Coleshill said: (RIGHT) "I have close family who work in the NHS, and since the Health and Social Care Act Came in they’ve seen their work life change enormously, from caring for patients to looking at numbers . Their part of the NHS has been taken over by a private health company who have cut down the time they can spend with

What is the TTIP? The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.

Proponents say the agreement would result in multilateral economic growth, while critics say it would increase corporate power and make it more difficult for governments to regulate markets for public benefit.

After a proposed draft was leaked in March 2014, the European Commission launched a public consultation on a limited set of clauses and in January 2015 published parts of an overview.

patients, so the patients are stressed and the staff are stressed, it’s all too much pressure on the system and there’s not enough time to do the job they way they want to do it, instead all they have time for is bare minimum. They hide behind the NHS brand which is being damaged by bad management by the private sector. Morale is now very low, so low a few are taking early retirement because they can’t cope.

We can’t afford for the NHS to be run like this anymore."

Kay Almquest of Nortion Road, Coleshill said: "The NHS is the best thing about our country, my mum died in hospital a couple of years ago and I watched the staff manage as best they could, but the stress on their faces was clear to see. They said they only had time to for essential care, they didn’t have capacity to do their jobs the way they wanted. I was a nurse in the NHS for years and I know that pressures existed back then, but nowhere near as bad as it is now, the system is being squeeze and is basically running on the good will of the staff and that’s not fair on patients, public or workers."

John Randle of Norton Road, Coleshill said: "I can see that waiting lists have gone up under this government , it happened to me in with multiple cancellations of surgical appointments to fix my hernia."

All the parliamentary candidates in North Warwickshire have been contacted to support the campaign which calls on them to both campaign for the repeal the Health and Social Care Act which is privatising our NHS, and ask Cameron to use his VETO to exclude the NHS from TTIP which compounds

privatisation concerns. However, only the Labour candidate Mike O’Brien, Green Party candidate Ian Banner and TUSC candidate Eileen Hunter bothered to respond to the concerns of residents by pledging to support the campaign.

After contacting candidates by email and social media, campaigners approached the Parliamentary candidates publically at an ‘Election Question Time’, at Richmond Retirement Village in Bedworth at 7pm on Tuesday 24 March. The People’s NHS questioned the Conservative candidate, Craig Tracey, and UKIP candidate, William Cash, who refused saying they would look into it further before signing. Both of which have been approached since the hustings but have still not responded. This is despite North Warwickshire residents having already fought tirelessly to save the George Eliot Hospital from privatisation as well as saving the Patient Transport Services from being taken on by an inferior private firm.

Coleshill residents have now joined the thousands of households who have already taken action by raising the ‘Cameron & Hunt’ estate agency boards across Hereford (Jesse Norman MP), Pershore (Harriet Baldwin MP), Stafford (Jeremy Lefroy MP), Burton and Uttoxeter (Andrew Griffiths MP), Solihull (Lorley Burt MP), Yardley (John Hemming MP), Battersea (Jane Ellison MP), Reading West (Alok Sharma MP), Dorset West (Oliver Letwin MP), Cardiff North (Jonathan Evans MP), Broxtowe (Anna Sobury MP), Morecambe and Lunesdale (David Morris MP), Dumfries & Galloway (David Mundell MP), South Antrim (David Forde MLA) and Stockton South (James Wharton MP).

It was expected that the agreement would be finalised by the end of 2014, but it has been rescheduled for 2015.

The trade deal is being negotiated behind closed doors, between EU bureaucrats and delegates from the United States.

It is the largest bilateral trade deal ever negotiated and threatens to make the ongoing privatisation of the NHS irreversible by giving the profits of corporations precedence over national lawmakers. TTIP could grant American multinationals, or any firm with American investors, the power to sue the government if it ever attempted to take privatised health services back into public ownership.

Facebook Page: peoplesnhswm Twitter: @peoplesnhswm

Cole End Park Litter Pick Churches Together, Coleshill in Bloom, Boys and Girls Bridge and residents will be meeting in Cole End Park on Saturday the 25th of April at 10am to litter pick the park and a number of areas in the town too. Please come and join us to help clean up our town. Litter pickers and bags etc will be provided.

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MORE than 100 voters in our North Warwickshire constituency took part in an unprecedented nationwide mass movement by raising ‘Cameron & Hunt’ estate agency boards calling on David Cameron to use his veto to get the NHS out of the dangerous trade deal called TTIP.

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More than 100 Coleshill households call on politicians to veto NHS from trade deal

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£25,000 for improvements to Council websites

The Coleshill Post

A council partnership is to benefit from a government grant of £25,000 to improve their websites and encourage more people to go online for services.

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

Nancy’s charity chop raises nearly £600 for good cause And it’s not too late donate some more DONATE HERE: justgiving.com/Nancy-Chance-Osman/

North Warwickshire and Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Councils are amongst the 27 local authorities awarded a total of £390,000 from the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Digital Experts programme. The aim is to give a helping hand to councils so they can develop technology and put more services online.

The partnership between the two councils has existed for some years, enabling them to share expertise on website design and content, reduce duplication and spread the costs. In the last 12 months both councils have seen an upsurge in people using Smartphones and tablets to access council information and services.

As Linda Bird, Assistant Director: Corporate Services at North Warwickshire Borough Council explained: “ We plan to work together to improve our websites so that they are easier to use on phones and tablets. We also plan to increase our use of social media and involve our Contact Centre staff more in online advice for customers. “ Alan Franks, Managing Director at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council added: “ Our aim is to make our website more responsive, easier to use and usable on a variety of devices including Smartphones. We are looking forward to working with North Warwickshire Borough Council on this joint project.”

The new improved websites should be up and running by the autumn of this year.

LOCAL girl Nancy Chance Osman made a huge sacrifice for a cancer charity recently by having her lovely long locks chopped off at Heads of Coleshill Salon.

The Little Princess’s Charity provides wigs for young children going through cancer treatment.

Nancy said: “I decided to have my waste length hair cut short so that I could donate it to those children who are suffering with cancer and need a wig. So far I have raised nearly £600 through my just giving page and I would like to thank everybody who supported me.”

Salon owner Sharon Davey commented: “We all know how important our hair is to us and especially so for youngsters like Nancy. It took real courage to do what she did and we are all so proud of her. It’s a really good cause that she has supported and gives a little bit of normality back to those little ones suffering with such a devestaing disease.”

The Little Princess Trust was launched in 2006 by the parents of Hannah Tarplee, along with help from friends and from Hannah’s school, Hereford Cathedral Junior School.

Hannah was the original Little Princess. Sadly she was diagnosed with having a Wilms tumour and after a brave battle, died in 2005.

At that time, finding high quality wigs for children was very difficult and only after a long search was a suitable company eventually found which made a wig for Hannah.

She very much enjoyed wearing her wig, particularly on special occasions.

After Hannah passed away, so many kind people offered help, financial and practical. Hannah’s parents, Wendy and Simon decided that the most fitting way to use this help was to launch a charity dedicated to providing specialist real hair children’s wigs. Like so many Little Princesses, Hannah loved her hair and losing it was very traumatic.

Since its inception, the charity has now helped thousands of boys and girls. We work with suppliers throughout the UK and Ireland, all of whom supply beautiful, real hair wigs. We continue to look for new suppliers all the time.

If you like to support Nancy by giving whatever you can afford then visit www.justgiving.com/Nancy-ChanceOsman/ Thank you for your support.

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Celebrate the WI centenary and meet the market EVERYONE is invited to a free coffee morning to celebrate the Centenary of the Women’s Institutes and the 46th birthday of Coleshill Country market on Saturday, April 25, at Coleshill Town Hall from 10 to 12 noon.

Enjoy your free coffee or tea, meet the members and find out all that the WI and Market do and how you can join and be part of the fun. The Market will be running a produce stall at the coffee morning and the WI will be exhibiting some of the craftwork their members have learned through the Institute – including needlework, art and decoupage.

The WI, meeting at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of each month in the Town Hall, welcomes visitors to a varied programme of interesting speakers, demonstrations and social times plus the chance to

make friends and be part of the largest and most important women’s organisation in the country.

The Coleshill Country Market was started in 1969 on April 25th by the WI and gives its members, men and women of all ages, the chance to sell their homemade cakes pastries and preserves, vegetables, flowers, fruit and original craft items. It is held every Friday in Coleshill Parish Room from 8am to 12.30.

“We’re keen to recruit more members for the WI and for the Country Market,” said WI President Christine Jones “and we’re looking forward to welcoming anyone interested at the coffee morning.

Both the WI and the Market are great social occasions and good places to get involved with different aspects of Coleshill. We all learn a huge amount as well as making lots of new friends.”

For more details,, ring Christine Jones on 01675462012 or Sue Hyde on 01675-462279

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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Retirement, Red Noses and The Commonwealth Coleshill Town Mayor Update

On Monday 9th March the Mayor of Coleshill Cllr Harry Taylor presided over Coleshill's first celebration of Commonwealth Day. Representatives from local school, the Royal British Legion, Coleshill Town Band and councillors were invited to attend. At 10:00am he raised the Commonwealth flag to fly over the roof of the Town Hall and read out a message from the Queen and also an extract from the Commonwealth Charter. Cllr Taylor said, "This is the first time Coleshill has taken part in celebrating Commonwealth Day and I'm very proud that we have. We were one of around 750 organisations both civilian and military from across the Commonwealth that raised the flag of the Commonwealth at 10:00am. It was a successful first event and it gives the next Mayor the opportunity to build on this and make it a bigger event."

On Friday 13th March Mayor of Coleshill Harry Taylor and consort Jane Hopkins visited Chantry House to attend a Comic Relief bake-off and judge the best cake. He spoke with staff from Candidate Source and Wilmott Dixon who spent the day in fancy dress to raise funds for the charity. The Mayor also donned a red nose and made a donation to Comic Relief.

On Friday 27th March the Mayor opened the new McCarthy & Stone retirement development on the Coventry Road. He was shown around the new build by staff and met some of the future residents. Harry said, "It was a pleasure to open the new development after all the years of waiting for something to be done with the old site. The new residents seemed very happy and most seemed to be either people moving back to Coleshill or people staying in Coleshill which shows this has been a positive development for the town."

On Sunday 29th March the Mayor with his fiancee Hannah Bottomley attended the Civic Service for the Chairman of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Brian Moss, at St Peter & St Paul Church, Kingsbury.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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World Book Day comes to Coleshill

Mary Ann Evans Hospice

The Coleshill Post

There's nearly a quarter of the year gone, so it must be time for a fashion show/clothes sale!

Sure enough it will take place on Tues 19th May. As ever, the show will be held at

The Cameo at 7.30 & admission will be £3. Tickets are avilable form either of The Hospice Shops or from Jackie on 01675 465661.

Please get your tickets early as we're expecting a full house!

Photograph: Encouraging an enthusiasm for reading that lasts a lifetime! Pictured with Headteacher Mr Kershaw are the winners in their creative costumes.

Coleshill C of E Primary School celebrated this year’s World Book Day with a special dress up day.

There were some fantastic costumes and a real sense of excitement in school. Highlights included staff and children in Year 6 dressed as characters from ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens – a book they are studying; fairy tale creatures from the many traditional tales we read in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1; as well as classic children’s favourites from Julia Donaldson, Roald Dahl, David Walliams and JK Rowling.

After much deliberation, a winner from each class

was chosen and presented with a £5 book token to continue their love of reading. All children also received a £1 voucher which can be exchanged for one of ten specially published World Book Day books.

Headteacher Mr Kershaw said, “It is wonderful to see our pupils engaging with literature in this way.

Children who read regularly and share books with others are more likely to develop better vocabulary as well as higher level language and creative thinking skills. This dress up day is a fun way to get pupils’ imaginations fired up and encourage them to become avid readers.”

Well done to everyone who took part!

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

A County Council Committee has called for a report about a missing mobile phone app.

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Last year the Council allocated a grant of £6000 to a Coleshill resident to pay for an app promoting the town, but the app has not been seen.

The Council Scrutiny Committee has now called for a report on the issue. It is not known whether any money was spent, but last year business leaders had been assured that the app would be provided by ‘Coleshill Online’ a group run by Mr Mark Jones.

In the February meeting of the business group ‘Love Coleshill’, a County Council Officer was asked about the non appearance of the app and she replied that the matter was being investigated, but she was unable to say more.

Controversy over the app was sparked when an FOI answer from the County Council alleged that the £6000 grant had been approved by both Conservative Council Leaders and the Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Richard Chattaway. Cllr Chattaway was furious because he had not approved the grant and the FOI answer was quickly withdrawn and amended to omit Cllr Chattaway’s name. The County Council has so far not said whether there is an app or whether the money was spent. The issue has political implications because Mark Jones is standing in the Borough Council elections.

This is the second time controversy has surrounded county council funding in Coleshill. A different incident arose in November 2011 when County Councillor Peter Fowler had his front drive tarmaced by a council sub contractor free of charge. Councillor Fowler insisted it was a mistake and was cleared of any dishonesty by the Council.

On November 28th 2011, a neighbour of Cllr Fowler wrote to the County Council to ask why a councillor had had his front drive tarmaced free of charge. Later there were requests under the Freedom of Information Act for disclosure of documents on the matter. A trail of emails was provided by the council.

It appears that each year the County Council can allocate funding for work in areas like Coleshill. In 2011 a council committee decided that the priority for spending that year was to tarmac the pathway on Grimstock

Hill on the A446 opposite the petrol station. This is in front of the home of Cllr Fowler.

Cllr Fowler accepts that when the County Council sub-contractor arrived outside his home to carry out the work on the footpaths they spoke, but he denies asking him to tarmac his drive. The drive was a large rough parking area with space for several vehicles.

During the day the council sub-contractor laid tarmac over the front drive. Councillor Fowler said that when he returned home he was surprised to find his front driveway tarmacked.

A Freedom of Information trail shows that local concerns were first raised by a neighbour on 28th November 2011. Cllr Fowler emailed the County Council Leader on 6th December 2011 to explain, “As there was a slight drop between the footpath and my drive the contractors informed me that they would lay down a small amount of tarmac on to my drive. You can imagine the shock and surprise I got when I returned home to find that nearly 90% of my drive had been tarmaced.”

The County Council looked into the matter, but only revealed emails being sent between officials. The exchange between the officials tells us that: “WCC has indirectly paid for the surfacing material on CC Fowler's drive.”

The official County Council response to the neighbour who had complained said, “There is no suggestion that Councillor Fowler has acted improperly in this matter, indeed this has now left a problem for Councillor Fowler as these were not planned works, no proper foundations were laid and the 'skim 'will be required to be removed.”

The response from the contractor said that, “The Forman did genuinely do the drive as a good will gesture as part of the accommodation works, maybe the fact that the owner of the property was a council representative swayed his judgment and he thought he was actually doing a favour.”

An independent inquiry was sought by opposition councillors, but the Council refused, saying there “is absolutely no suggestion that Councillor Fowler has acted improperly in this matter.”

Meantime in relation to the app, ‘Love Coleshill’ has decided to launch its own app promoting the town.

@ColeshillPost

Missing phone app raises question marks over County Council funds for Coleshill

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“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

8

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

Coleshill Neighbourhood Plan News: @ColeshillPost

Work continues on the Neighbourhood Plan

The Coleshill Post

BY DOMINIC MOORE, MRTPI Director, Ascension Planning

FOLLOWING on from the article in the last edition, the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group has developed a flexible timetable for the production of the Neighbourhood Plan and for consultation with the local residents.

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All members of the Steering Group are busy bringing together all relevant information for the first ‘big’ draft of the Neighbourhood Plan, which we hope will be ready by the end of March. This first draft will then be reviewed by the Steering Group and its resident Town Planner, shaping it into a readable and manageable document.

Once the Neighbourhood Plan has been refined and appropriate images and photos have been included, the Steering Group will then organise a se-

ries of public consultation events. These events will give the local community the opportunity to see what the Neighbourhood Plan looks like and the comment on the proposals included in it.

The Steering Group will review all comments received from the consultations and appropriate final amendments will then be made to the Neighbourhood Plan. At present, we are aiming to hold the consultation events in the summer with details being advertised locally.

Once any amendments have been made, the Plan will be officially submitted to North Warwickshire Borough Council for approval and reviewed by a Planning Inspector. On receipt of their approval, a referendum will be held in the town for local residents to vote on the adoption of our Neighbourhood Plan. We are currently hoping to hold the referendum in late October, we will confirm the date nearer the time.

NP Steering Group visited by the Department for Communities and Local Government ON WEDNESDAY 11th March the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) held a training day at Coleshill Town Hall.

The event, aimed to raise awareness of Neighbourhood Plans, included a tour around Coleshill by some of the members of Coleshill Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (CNPSG). The day was a huge success and looked not only at Neighbourhood Plans in general but also how Coleshill’s developing Plan will benefit the town, as well as some first-hand experiences of Steering Group members.

The DCLG extended their thanks to CNPSG. Here are a few comments back from their team: “I thought Zoe, Bill and Dom demonstrated the Coleshill Neighbourhood Plan was in safe hands.

Please come and see us at these forthcoming events:

CIVIC SOCIETY 14TH MAY & TAMEFEST 25TH MAY Further information on the Neighbourhood Plan can be found at: www.coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk Email: zoe@coleshilltowncouncill. gov.uk or call 01675 463 326

They were helpful and clearly knowledgeable on the requirements of a Neighbourhood Plan, and in my view, the work done so far ought to produce results for the locality. They certainly had up-to-date intelligence on the local area and the tour route was well thought out.”

“Please pass on my thanks to Bill, Zoe and Dominic for their hospitality. I thought their presentation was very interesting and informative. I’ve read the theory of Neighbourhood Plans but their talk really brought it to life. I could see how much work they put into it and their passion for this project.”

“The guys from Coleshill, they made us feel really welcome and it was good to get an insight into the work they have been doing which they clearly all feel passionate about.”

Area Forum South 26TH FEBRUARY saw members of the Coleshill Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group (CNPSG) give a presentation to the Area Forum South meeting at Coleshill CofE School, Wingfield Road.

Chairman of the CNPSG Cllr. Bill Richards, Dominic Moore from Ascension Planning and Deputy Town Clerk for Coleshill Town Council Zoe Hillcox took the audience through the information gathering process including residents’ responses from questionnaires and engagement with community groups.

The audience were also told about the writing of the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan, which includes chapters on Environment, Facilities, Housing and Transport. It is hoped that this draft will be available for residents to comment on by summer 2015.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

THE Digby Trust who own the Parish Room (the meeting room / community hall to the rear of 132 High Street) are seeking to sell or let this property as bookings are not sufficient to cover running costs and it requires significant capital expenditure to maintain it.

The room regularly hosts the WI Market, White Dove, Philately Club and has played host to Boys and Girls Brigade, a pop-up cafe as well as many private functions over the years. Trustees were sad to make this decision but recognise their duty under Charity Commission law to ensure the greatest income possible for the trust – and therefore that the

current situation of losing money year on year could not continue.

For the time-being (until a buyer or tenant is found) it will continue to function as before.

Reverend Nick Parker, chair of trustees, said, “We very much hope that the room will find a new lease of life and continue to benefit the local community. Although it lacks parking and has limited facilities its prime location on the High Street could allow for a number of potential uses and exciting possibilities.”

Interested parties should contact Charles Miller (Miller Briggs & Co).

If you have any photos of events held at the room please send these c/o The Vicarage, High Street, B46 3BP as when a closing date is finalised we plan to hold a special event celebrating and giving thanks for all that has been over the years.

The Digby Trust, a local Coleshill charity, makes grants to individuals suffering hardship, and, through the schools, to individual pupils whose families require financial help in order for them to access extra-curricular activities. Enquiries should be made to the trust clerk c/o The Vicarage or via email: jabakkerb461@yahoo.com.

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Coleshill Town Council New Bus Shelters February saw the unveiling of Coleshill Town Council’s two new bus shelters, one in the High Street by the Town Hall and another by the entrance to St Pauls Crescent.

Another two shelters are planned by Brendan Close/Coventry Road and Gorsey Way/Lichfield Road in April/May all in the fine green and yellow

livery of Coleshill Town Council.

Late last year a new brick bus shelter was also installed in Station Road replacing the damaged one at Martin’s Newsagents. Coleshill Town Council is committed to maintaining and improving the town for its residents, for details of other projects please visit our website on www.coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk

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The Coleshill Post

Trustees hope the building can stay in the community

@ColeshillPost

End of an era as Parish Rooms put up for sale

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www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost

The Coleshill School

News and events

The Coleshill Post

The great Comic Relief Bake-off

ON THURSDAY 12th March 2015, 7 teams of sixth form students gave up two hours of their time to compete in the Great Coleshill Bake Off before selling on their finished products to the students of The Coleshill School on Comic Relief Day. The competitive streaks of our 16-

18 year old’s grew in anticipation of the event. With the brief of developing a “show stopping comic relief themed cake” which had to be completed in the 2 hours; each cake had to be made from scratch – hence why our judges described some of our less experienced baker’s cakes as “too sweet”, “uncooked” and by one of our judge’s faces, Katie Brayley, “just

plain disgusting”.

Both Katie and Mrs Steele, (our co-ordinating staff member). judged the competition jointly and worked hard to deliver yet another fantastic Sixth Form charity event, ensuring all students competed fairly and that they also enjoyed the whole experience! Without their careful organisation and planning, this event would not have been possible.

The support from our sixth form students as a whole was exceptional.

Their participation in the day as a whole proved their status as ‘leaders of learning’. Students of the Coleshill School in lower years approached Sixth Form Students during the extended lunch in order to pay for their non-uniform wearing.

A huge thank you is in order for all who participated and helped during the bake off and selling phase of our event. With a total of £132.90 raised by this Sixth Form event alone we continue to raise the standards of our charitable events, developing our creativity year by year.

Coleshill’s very own code-breakers Bletchley Park is proud to offer its Enigma Outreach programme, an initiative designed to give schools the opportunity to host a visit from a genuine, working WW2 Enigma cipher machine.

Outreach visits have been made to various organisations, but by far the most popular venues are secondary schools and colleges, particularly as Enigma can provide context for a number of topics taught across the curriculum, with the story of Bletchley Park being a useful backdrop for WW2, and the mathematics behind Enigma proving essential for discussing its complexity and effectiveness.

We feel very fortunate to have been able to host one of these visits due to the generosity of the Coleshill Grammar School Foundation, for which we are enormously grateful. We wanted to use this fantastic opportunity to engage with some of our brightest and most able mathematicians.

Mr. Tom Briggs from the Outreach Team gave 3 presentations throughout the day lasting between 45 minutes and one hour each. The first was with most able mathematicians from year 7, the second with years 8 and 9 and the last with pupils from our feeder link schools and also Kingsbury Primary School.

The presentations provided

Heads message Ian Smith-Childs Associate Headteacher

“I am bursting with pride as I write to you after what has been a sensational term for the school.

Our recent edition of Coleshill Matters (available via our website: www.thecoleshillschool.org. uk) really captures the culture of success that we are building in the school. From budding scientists in STEM week to sporting superstars, there is so much to celebrate and so many of our young people of whom we are immensely proud.

All of our students have the potential for excellence and this is what has been driving every member of our school community, from student to teachers, from support staff to parents and carers. Wher-ever you look in the school you see happy faces and students who want to learn. The most im-portant thing is that our young people love coming to school; they are happy and feel safe. Only with these ingredients only can we expect them to flour-

ish and be the outstanding learners we know they all can be.

I am thrilled to report that, for the first time in seven years, we will be full in year 7 next year.

This reflects the increased confidence in the school from the local community. We are also receiving an increased number of Sixth Form applications as we look to grow our Post 16 provision over the coming years. This is fantastic news for the school and means that we will now grow together, year on year, which will enable us to ensure that all the students get the outstanding education they de-serve.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents for all they do for our young people.

As a father of three primary aged children (one of whom is about to take his SATs!) I know how hard you are all working to ensure the very best for your children.

I wish you all a good Easter break. Next term will be the most exciting term yet and I look forward to sharing it with our talented and amazing young people”.

students with a general introduction to the history of codes and ciphers from the time of Julius Caesar to the present day. They also included a brief history of Bletchley Park and the feats of ingenuity, intellect and invention that were performed there. A demonstration of how a genuine Enigma machine works followed each session and our students then had the opportunity of a hands-on codebreaking workshop getting to grips with the making and breaking of codes and ciphers using methods actually used by cryptologists in the past. Mrs Phillips, teacher of mathematics, who had organised this event said “students found the presentations and workshop really fascinating and worked hard as a team to break the code! They were so excited to have seen, touched and used a genuine Enigma machine which was used all those years ago to help us win the war.”

Solar Eclipse Breakfast at The Coleshill School What a perfect way to spend the last day of STEM week with our solar eclipse breakfast here at The Coleshill School!

Students and staff were determined to get a glimpse of the solar eclipse at 9.30 am by using different methods. The eclipse today will mark the last total solar eclipse in Europe for over a decade. The next one will appear on 12 August 2026 so it was a very memorable moment for all concerned!

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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Cllr Adam Farrell

Coleshill Youngest Town Councillor

REGULAR COLUMN

I’m 22 years old and yes I’m active in politics. I care about our town and I want to see certain things change to make this an even better place to live.

My age is important because I bring a different perspective to some issues, although, on the whole, the views of most young people are similar to those of any other age.

Young people care just as much as everyone else about bus services, policing, the NHS, education and jobs. And that’s not a surprise because the NHS cares for our grandparents, the bus service gets us to school, college or our job, education matters for our future, the Police keep us safe, our parents need a job and we all need a better future. The idea that young people don’t care is wrong.

Locally Labour has many young members, activists and Councillors. I was shocked recently when at a Town Council meeting a middle aged Conservative dismissed a consultation on the future of the Memorial Park by telling us that a lot of young people responded; as if a young persons view about the park didn’t matter.

I’ve have had to get used to these kind of attacks on young people. I don’t mind being attacked on policy, on my political views or the way I vote, but now I am being attacked for being only 22 years old? Locally the Conservatives have increasingly resorted to personal attacks.

In the past week I have been told to ‘grow up’, called ‘childish’ and a ‘rude young man’ by political opponents. One said I was ‘grotesque’ because I supported Labour. I’ve also been accused of sponging off my parents and not paying tax. Let’s be very clear; I have

brought my own home, a good job and I’ve worked since I was 16.

A few months ago anonymous clippings from the Coleshill Post were sent into the Town Hall where scribbled comments attacked the weight and appearance of both Labour and Independent Councillors. Now I see the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Parliament has put out a little black leaflet, which contains nothing except a personal attack on Mike O’Brien. Nothing positive, all negative. There is a horrible nastiness about some politicians that I could never have expected when I first agreed to put out leaflets for my party.

Some people should be ashamed that personal attacks have dominated their party literature recently. I am told this is new to local politics and I think it is a very sad change. The real issues that we should be talking about are the impact that Daw Mill & HS2 will have on our town, how we can improve parking, the Memorial Park, how first time buyers can get on the housing ladder, improving job prospects for local people, reviewing public transport to make it cheaper and more accessible for the community, ensuring we have Police in our town and protecting local services.

Instead of talking about the real issues facing our town people are getting personal attacks on others pushed through letter boxes. It should stop. I hope on May 7th in Coleshill the Nasty Party will get the message that local people don’t like nastiness.

As Margaret Thatcher once said, “if they attack one personally, it means they have not one single political argument left.” And you know, this one time, I agree with Mrs Thatcher.

The Coleshill Post

Not personal attacks www.ironingangelsofcoleshill.co.uk and name calling

@ColeshillPost

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Politics is about ideas and action

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www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost

RECRUITMENT

Providing local jobs for local people

The Coleshill Post

Commis Chef Upto 15K plus tips Full Time

Full Time

Administrative Assistant

General Operative / Driver

Duties to include:• Working as part of our Sales team.

• Telephone answering.

• Data entry onto Lightspeed and Sage sales order process systems.

• Liaison with “shop floor” reference order progress and despatch.

Must have Full Clean Driving License to drive Long Wheelbase Renault Traffic Van. Forklift license an advantage.

Normal hours:8.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Thursday 8.00am - 4.00pm on Fridays.

All applications by email to:Richard Hoyland richard@central-wheel.co.uk Please attach an up to date CV and an accompanying letter detailing your personal circumstances.

This position is permanent and available for immediate start.

Central Wheel Components Limited 8 & 9 Station Road, Coleshill Birmingham, B46 1HT

Full Time Position ideally with Motorcycle / Motocross knowledge To handle semi technical enquiries via phone and internet with regard to replacement Wheels, Rims, Hubs and Spokes.

This position will suit a mature individual with good all round computer skills. A lively disposition and good communication skills are essential for this challenging role.

Duties to include:• Telephone answering • Data entry onto Lightspeed and Magento order system.

• Posting and monitoring ebay listings • Handling all Social Media administration.

All applications by email to:Richard Hoyland richard@central-wheel.co.uk

All applications by email to:Richard Hoyland richard@central-wheel.co.uk

Please attach an up to date CV and an accompanying letter detailing your personal circumstances.

Please attach an up to date CV and an accompanying letter detailing your personal circumstances.

This position is permanent and available for immediate start.

This position is permanent and available for immediate start.

Central Wheel Components Limited 8 & 9 Station Road, Coleshill Birmingham, B46 1HT

Teaching Assistant Apprentice Vacancy Title : Teaching Assistant Apprentice Salary : £ 81.90 per week Hours : 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:45-3:30 Skills Required : • Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills • The ability to establish good working relationships • To have an acceptable level of computer literacy Woodlands School caters for students with a wide range of learning and physical difficulties. We require a number of apprentices that could start from April or September. Successful applicants will study the level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools.

Applicants should be committed to pupil welfare and own professional development.

For further details please visit www.schoolsapprenticeships.co.uk, or contact Stacey Pavitt on 0844 249 0733 or email stacey.pavitt@schoolapprenticeships.co.uk Closing Date for applications is 14th April 2015.

Woodlands School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff & volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Central Wheel Components Limited 8 & 9 Station Road, Coleshill Birmingham, B46 1HT

Gardener/ Groundsman Gardner/groundsman required for private small holding.

For more information or to apply for this position please call 01675 464446 or 07789 445566

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01675 467189

Alternatively you can email shannon. edgington@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Commis Chef required for this Gastro Dining Resturant located in Coleshill north Warwickshire.

We are looking for a Commis Chef who has some previous experience of Gastro Dining to join our kitchen brigade.

To apply for this position of Commis Chef you will need to have completed at least NVQ level 2 or Hospitality diploma with at least a years’ experience in a hotel or restaurant.

In return you will be given further training in all aspects of the kitchen, working in a small team as they gain further accolades which can only enhance your personal knowledge and future employability.

As Commis Chef you will be expected to complete daily prep lists under the supervision of the head chef aiming to run the section/kitchen.

This is a great opportunity for a chef to develop their CV in a great property under a great Head Chef.

Benefits • Excellent Basic Salary of upto £15,000 (Depending upon experience) • Equal Share of Staff Tips • Opportunities to complete further NVQ Training available 28 Days Holiday If you are looking for a fresh challenge as a Commis Chef please contact Lucas Marshall or Adam Stokes on 01675464260.

To apply for the position you must be legally able to work in the UK/EU and be able to attend a working interview within the next 7-10 days Please email your CV direct to thenortoncoleshill@hotmail.com Also please look at our website

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

MEET YOUR LABOUR 2015 ELECTION CANDIDATES

Harry has been a Coleshill Town Councillor since 2011 and is currently Mayor of Coleshill.

He recently organised and chaired Coleshill’s public meeting about the proposed Daw Mill development and the detrimental

£50,000 for local good causes through grant funding applications and Dom is currently the Community Safety Ambassador for the Warwickshire PCC. Adam and Dom said “If we are elected we will

traffic impact on the town. Carol has been a Borough Councillor in North Warwickshire for a number of years so has the experience and knowledge to deliver for Coleshill.

Between them Carol and Harry sit on the

always put Coleshill first. We need action on parking, to protect our green space, to invest in our Memorial Park, our street lights back on and a more visible Police presence”

boards of numerous charities and are active members of the local community. Carol and Harry said “We’ll be a strong voice for Coleshill, always putting local people first.”

Coleshill South Harry Taylor & Carol Fox

Curdworth Celia & Mike Banner

Celia has a wealth of knowledge of local government. She has been a Borough Councillor before and has also been a Parish Councillor.

She was a member of the Hams Hall Trust that was very successful in getting various environ-

John has been a Councillor for 26 years and has been a leading voice in opposing HS2. As a former miner, John is a strong advocate of bringing new jobs to North Warwickshire. John will be a strong voice for Water Orton, standing up for what is right for the village and the

mental projects completed in Curdworth. Mike has stood for election before and has a lot of experience of campaigning for local people’s rights. Celia & Mike feel that it is important that the community has representatives who will

people who live there.

Tom Foley has lived in Water Orton for a number of years. Tom is currently a Water Orton Parish Councillor. Tom has sought improvements at our Train Station and is firmly opposed to HS2. He would like to see a

stand up for their rights, especially at a time when there are so many threats to every aspect of public services.

greater Police presence and wants solutions to the traffic and parking issues affecting the village. John and Tom want to see action taken to limit the congestion being caused by the prolonged work taking place on the railway bridge.

Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Coleshill, Water Orton & Curdworth

Water Orton Tom Foley & John Winter

Where Mike O’Brien stands on local issues:

Parliamentary Candidate Mike O’Brien

• He opposes HS2. Whatever the party line, Mike has always put local people first.

• He spoke against HGVs at the Daw Mill protest meetings because they will damage Coleshill and local villages.

• He won his fight to stop the privatisation of George Eliot NHS Hospital.

• He is campaigning to switch the streetlights back on.

In North Warwickshire your council tax is split into four parts:

1. Labour Borough Council - FROZEN 2. Tory County Council UP 1.95% 3. Police Commissioner - UP 1.99% 4. Town/Parish Council – Varies The evidence in North Warwickshire is clear, a Labour Council costs you less and at the same time delivers improved services.

Labour is listening to local people.

Mike has delivered for this area:

• He got funding for the new Coleshill Parkway Station in 2007.

• 6000 jobs at Hams Hall, Birch Coppice and Prologis Business Parks.

• He helped bring the BMW engine Plant to Hams Hall.

Under the Conservatives

O Council tax increased time and time again O Wasted £100,000 planning a new Council HQ and allowed staff to have 72 lease cars.

Under Labour

P P

Council Tax frozen for four years.

Services protected and efficiency savings achieved from back of house.

O Failed to invest in Coleshill Leisure Centre P O Some of the worst recycling rates in the county P in 5 local Police Officers cut, turned off our O 1streetlights P and closed Coleshill Police Station.

Opened a new Leisure Centre in Coleshill.

to ‘reconsider’ the HS2 route in 2010. P O Promised Once elected, they extended the route further

Invested £100,000 to fight against HS2 and secure a better deal for local people.

into North Warwickshire.

P

Recycling rates up with a new recycling system.

New CCTV in Coleshill and ANPR cameras across the Borough.

Labour will be tough on crime.

BREAKING NEWS - LABOUR FREEZE COUNCIL TAX FOR A 4TH YEAR Promoted by Sara Doughty at 249 Plough Hill Road, CV10 9NZ on behalf of Mike O’Brien at 19 Melrose Avenue, CV12 0ES. Promoted by Jacky Chambers on behalf of Adam Farrell, Dominic Ferro, Harry Taylor, Carol Fox, Celia Banner, Mike Banner, John Winter and Tom Foley all at Green Farm, CV9 2LW.

The Coleshill Post

Coleshill North Adam Farrell & Dom Ferro

Adam and Dom both live in Coleshill. They’ve represented Coleshill North as a Town and Borough Councillor for the last eight years.

Between them they sit on the board of four local charities. Adam has raised over

@ColeshillPost

BREAKING NEWS - LABOUR FREEZE COUNCIL TAX FOR A 4TH YEAR

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Working For Coleshill Local Conservatives Craig Tracey Parliamentary Candidate for North Warwickshire Working For Coleshill ADVERTISEMENT

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

“My plan for North Warwickshire will support our town centres, fight against HS2, support our local hospital, build a strong local economy with job security, make our roads safer, give more career opportunities for young people and protect our local green belt & Parliamentary Candidate for North Warwickshire communities from unwanted developments such as the Daw Mill “My plan for North Warwickshire will support our town centres, proposals.” fight against HS2, support our local hospital, build a strong local economy with job security, make our roads safer, give more career for young people and protect our local green belt & opportunities Adam Richardson communities from unwanted developments such as the Daw Mill proposals.”

Stopping boy-racers & tackling 

Craig Tracey

Coleshill North Peter Fowler

Coleshill North Peter Fowler Adam Richardson

Coleshill South Stacey Ingram Coleshill South Stacey Ingram

Mark Jones Mark Jones

the HGV parking issue 

Cleaning up graffiti

   

Clearing up litter Stopping boy-racers & tackling Continue to fightissue HS2 the HGV parking Support Cleaningresidents up graffitiover Daw-Mill



Clearing up litter



Continue to fight HS2



SupportCouncil residents Cutting Taxover Daw-Mill



Improving bus & transport services in Coleshill

 

Ensuring local taxpayer’s Cutting Council Tax money is spent wisely Improving bus & transport Working with Police to tackle services in Coleshill crime Ensuring local taxpayer’s Protecting our local green belt money is spent wisely

    

Working with Police to tackle crime

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Protecting our local green belt

www.craigtracey.co.uk facebook.com/craig4nwarks 104 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL Promoted by David Lydiat on behalf of North Warwickshire Conservatives, both of 104 High St, Coleshill, B46 3BL

www.craigtracey.co.uk

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

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A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM

WILLIAM CASH Dear Voter

“I’VE HAD ENOUGH, HAVE YOU?”

The Coleshill Post

I am proud to have been selected to stand up for North Warwickshire on your behalf.

Until I was selected by local people, I trusted our politicians to run the country on an efficient basis. But that trust no longer exists as we see politicians – of all parties – betraying the promise of so-called ‘Localism’ in favour of projects like HS2, unwanted mass housing and uncontrolled immigration. If you vote UKIP, you get UKIP. My party stands for a return to common sense.

I joined UKIP because I passionately believe that our Westminster politicians cannot relate any more to the real needs and fears of local communities. North Warwickshire is a community of communities whose votes are not ‘owned’ by any party. It is owned by all of you, for all to live, work and enjoy.

We will scrap HS2, wind farms and the sort of proposed giant solar park that will ruin the countryside around Grendon. We will protect the greenbelt around Atherstone and preserve the identity of our market towns and villages like Coleshill that make Britain the envy of the world.

They should not be dumping grounds for mass housing and infrastructure projects that will not benefit locals.

Under the Labour governments, our population was boosted by 3.6 million migrants. When Labour candidate Mike O 'Brien was Immigration Minister, migration numbers nearly quadrupled.

Cameron has also wholly failed to control the number of migrants coming here.

We will control our borders, re-introduce passport checks and end the ‘freedom of movement' across Europe that is putting such a strain on our nation's hospitals and ambulance services. We will reclaim British sovereignty from the EU superstate that now makes so many of our laws.

British workers will be given first crack at the 800,000 jobs we currently advertise to EU workers.

We will cut the wasteful foreign aid that prioritises sending money to corrupt foreign countries over helping our own, invest £3 billion into the NHS and save the British pub. Locally, we will put the street lights back on, clear up the litter and make people proud again to live in this special part of Warwickshire.

Our NHS must be world class and free at point of delivery. But we will scrap hospital parking charges and end the ‘health tourism' that allows for your taxes to pay for health and maternity services for ‘overseas visitors' and immigrants. Because of the strain on hospital staff, private agencies are charging the NHS up to £3,250 for an A & E doctor to work for 24 hours. Foreign patients must pay to use our NHS.

About William • From a local textile family business, Cash’s of Coventry • An award winning national editor who speaks his mind • A West Midlands family man, married to a milliner • A champion of heritage who fights for the English countryside

UKIP polled over 26% in the last local elections so local support is strong. The media say this will be a ‘key battleground' seat on May 7. I want to make people proud to live in North Warwickshire.

That is why - as my party's Heritage spokesman - I have launched the ‘Warwickshire is GREAT' campaign encouraging more people to visit our wonderful part of the heart of old England.

I was proud to attend the Richard III celebrations this week in our area, including attending the service in Leicester cathedral. The Atherstone area has long played such an important role in the history of England - from hosting Henry Tudor before the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 to hat making. My wife Laura (right) makes hats for a living.

Locals should be rightfully proud of their old England heritage. Instead of our old hat factories being abandoned as eye-sores, we must regenerate our local heritage. If elected, I will campaign for a new Local History Centre in Atherstone - with a cafe and exhibition gallery - that rightfully celebrates the rich history of the town.

See www.voteforcash.co.uk to read more about the local issues that concern me and my articles in the national press in which I have stood up for this area.

Sincerely,

William Cash

If you can support my campaign by volunteering, please contact me via www.voteforcash.co.uk

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William is a West Midlands family man, married to Laura who makes hats. He also works in the West Midlands tourism industry.

Promoted by Mowbray Jackson, Iconoclast, Nine Elms Pier, London SW8 5PZ. Printed by Hectic Media.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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Phil Costello

Motoring

The Coleshill Post

Advanced driving could save your life So there I was driving down the road at a perfectly normal speed when all of a sudden I thought I could drive like Colin McRae and took two corners like a mad man, to where I found that at the age of 20 with many hours behind the wheel, I knew nothing on what to do when a car suddenly does something out of the ordinary.

Long story short, I let off the throttle round

As I was in my prime with super-fast reflexes

while hooning around a ring road in his new

and a brain full of knowledgeable Gran Turis-

BMW. Friend then decided to turn his stability

mo hours you can imagine how well I recov-

control off and let him get to the next island.

ered the skid. As I’m still talking to you, I ob-

What happened next, destroyed a friendship

viously survived but not from my own skill. I

but did make a point of how much we depend

tried to turn into the skid as you’re supposed

on the cars electronics these days.

control.

Now I’ve taken up drifting and in a few sessions on the track I have really become more comfortable with driving in bad conditions as I now know and have experienced all sorts of moments that you fear the most while driving.

For those who feel they need a bit of space to find their own skills and cars potential, a track day is perfect, and from £60 quite cheap as well. It is the safest way for you to experience the horrors of either entering a corner too fast or losing control and finding out what to do. Now for you others who wouldn’t mind a bit of tuition for either you or your child,

to, but way to late as my thoughts were filled

Now the Finnish driving test comprises of

there are companies that teach you advanced

with “you’re going to die”. Luckily my car took

advanced driving and skid pan experience.

driving and time on a skid pan. This experi-

control and helped me out but from then I re-

That may be too much, but when you count

ence is priceless if you ask me, and one way

alised I knew nothing on how to control a car

the amount of rally and racing drivers who

to make the younger drivers realise how easy

when things go wrong.

come out of the country, there must be some-

it is too loose control of a car and how hard it

the corner thinking everything would be fine

A friend of mine told me he got fed up and

thing in it. In comparison getting a licence in

is to then gain control in a safe and controlled

but unfortunately the car had other ideas as

bravely decided to test his mate who went

England is a lot less comprehensive and there-

environment without curbs and trees to make

the rear end started to catch up with the front.

on and on about how good of a driver he was

fore lacking in experience when it comes to car

it a one-time lesson.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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4 PAGE PULL

OUT The Coleshill Post

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Could you save Money on your Mortgage ?

By Phil Salinas

Coleshill Mortgage Services Ltd 01675 467196/ 07795630520

RECENT figures have shown that the mortgage market is increasing in activity.

According to data released by the Bank of England, lenders approved 61,760 mortgages in February – an increase of 1.7 per cent on January and the third consecutive rise.

With the housing market now improving and the likelihood of the Bank of England increasing base rate in the near future it is becoming more important for existing mortgage borrowers to look at what interest rate they are paying. As borrowers have come to the end of their initial deal with their lender and whilst some have remortgaged to a new lender or agreed a new deal with their existing lender, an increasing number have taken no action and now their mortgage rate is based on either the lenders standard variable rate or linked to Bank of England base rate.

With many new fixed rates below lenders standard variable rates it is now more likely

that you can save money by reviewing your mortgage and looking for a new deal. Lenders will assess your ability to afford to pay your mortgage now and in the future even if you have been paying your mortgage for several years without any problems and they all have different criteria and so it is important to seek independent advice to find the best deal.

Therefore whether your mortgage is linked to Bank of England base rate or on a lenders standard variable rate it is important to now look at what rate you are paying and consider whether to remortgage to a fixed rate before interest rates rise. Before you make this decision you need to consider whether you intend to move house, need to borrow more money for home improvements or some other purpose or if you are likely to receive a large sum of money with which you could repay your mortgage. These are not the only things to consider but are some of the keys points.

The rate you will be able to get will be based on the amount of equity you have in your home i.e the difference between its value and what you owe on your mortgage. Even with as little as 10% equity there are 2 year fixed rates available which are below most lenders variable rates and

5 year fixed rates in the mid range of variable rates. Therefore if you do not have much equity you can at least protect yourself against future increases in mortgage costs and depending on who your existing lender is may even save some money. With just 15% equity there are a few 5 year fixed rates under 4% so not only saving money against a lot of lenders variable rate but also giving you peace of mind over future interest rate rises.

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 me and I will be happy to help.

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

Corstorphine & Wright completes Father Hudson’s Society’s new Coleshill headquarters WARWICK based architecture practice Corstorphine & Wright has completed a new £1.4 million headquarters for the charity Father Hudson’s Society, in the Coleshill conservation area of Warwickshire.

The charity’s new headquarters at St George’s House comprises a multifunctional Chapel for daily congregational and private worship, training rooms,

meeting rooms, modern office space and large break out spaces for staff.

The architects have carefully designed the building to suit the specific needs of the charity, which offers social care and adoption services. The building is lightfilled, open and inviting. On the upper floors, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the break-out space deliver spectacular views across North Warwickshire. Corstorphine + Wright also designed large and spacious communal areas to allow freedom of thought and privacy for the

Coleshill Mortgage Services Limited

01675 467196 07795 6btc3on0ne5ct.2co0m 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

guests and employees working with them.

The brick and glass materials used for the building’s exterior portrays a simple, elegant and minimalist appearance which responds to the context of its surroundings.

A unique feature on the building’s exterior façade of a stain-coloured glass crucifix window is revealed through the chapel on the side of the building.

This colourful carving pronounces the peaceful nature of the building’s interi-

or. Inside the chapel, wooden panelling surrounds the alter which delicately outlines the seal where bespoke doors close off the area to offer privacy. The artworks on the walls of the chapel have been commissioned and out-sourced from Bethlehem, adding value and delicacy to the interior design.

Tim Bradford, Chief Executive of Father Hudson’s Society, said: “We are delighted to accept the keys for our new office. It is a superb building that helps to secure our future by providing

us with state of the art accommodation that will be far more efficient to operate.

Corstorphine & Wright has done a first class job in working with our team and the development consortium led by Trebor to get us to this stage”.

St George’s House is the start of a wider redevelopment scheme, with plans to regenerate the historic nurses’ homes, hospital and convents on the same site into retirement homes, affordable and market housing and apartments for independent living.

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

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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McCarthy and Stone: Dugdale Court provides key to happy retirement

The Coleshill Post

RESEARCH* shows that being independent and socially active are the most important factors for people seeking a long and fulfilling retirement and McCarthy and Stone, the UK’s leading retirement housebuilder, is shaping its latest Retirement Living development of 38 apartments in Coleshill around these important priorities.

Exclusively for over 60s, Dugdale Court on Coventry Road is on track to

be a thriving community where homeowners can enjoy the privacy of their own apartment, yet still have the peace of mind of a range of 24/7 security and support services, as well as a host of new friends on their doorstep Gill Sabin, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for McCarthy & Stone, explains the Retirement Living offer: “At McCarthy & Stone we are committed to helping older people stay independent for longer. Retirement Living offers the independence of retaining

Awarded 5 stars for customer satisfaction

home ownership, while living in a secure, low maintenance and energy efficient apartment. What’s more, with the maintenance of all external and communal areas taken care of, homeowners can spend more time enjoying their retirement with family and friends.”

Facilities at Dugdale Court include a stunning homeowners’ lounge ideal for socialising with friends, beautifully landscaped gardens in which to relax and a convenient guest suite should

homeowners have friends or relatives to stay. The development also benefits from a Treatment Room, where homeowners can relax and enjoy a range of therapies. Dugdale Court also has its very own House Manager, who will ensure the smooth running of the development. Security features include a secure entrance system, plus 24-hour emergency call points for added peace of mind for both homeowners and their families.

Dugdale Court’s location provides the

best of both worlds with picturesque surroundings for residents whilst a host of local amenities are only a short stroll away including a local butchers, bakers, Post Office as well as healthcare services including a Doctors surgery and Dental practice.

Apartments are currently available to reserve off-plan, so for more information or to book your appointment, please call Nicky Broda on 02476 244607, or visit mccarthyandstone. co.uk

Arden Heights | Coventry Road | Coleshill | B46 3ED

We’ll invade yours so * you can invade ours!

Part Exchange available †

(must reside on planet Earth)

WIN A FAMILY HOLIDAY

TO BARCELONA*

Part Exchange benefits include: Visit our development at Arden Heights to enter and you could win: • Return flights and 5 nights luxury accommodation for 2 adults and 2 children • Morning hot air balloon flight over Catalonia** • Evening dinner and observatory tour • Family tickets to PortAventura theme park To celebrate the launch of HOME Bellway has teamed up with DreamWorks Animation to offer this amazing prize.

• A good offer for your old home • Stay in your existing home until your new house is ready • No Estate Agent fees • Stress free move

Arden Heights, Coleshill. Spacious 3 storey homes, at the heart of this charming market town, with easy access to Birmingham and the M6. Prices from £253,495.

Call: 01675 466642 Click: www.bellway.co.uk Visit: Thursday from 10.30am - 7.30pm and Friday to Monday 10.30am - 5.00pm.

Sat Nav B46 3ED.

DreamWorks Home © 2015 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.*Open to residents of the UK, not open to employees of Bellway, their immediate families, or any related third parties who are directly connected with the promotion. Entrants must be over 18. Closing date 8th May 2015. Winners will be selected within 1 month of the closing date. No cash or other alternative prizes are available, prizes cannot be transferred or sold by winners. The winner agrees to take part in publicity in connection with the prize draw.

The holiday is for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 to be taken before June 2016. Only one entry per person. No purchase necessary. **Minimum age for hot air balloon is 6. Price correct at time of going to press. Specification on site may differ. Pictures for illustration purposes only. †Bellway reserve the right to refuse a Part Exchange, terms & conditions can be found at www.bellway.co.uk

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Stunning apartments in Coleshill available to reserve off-plan

ARTISTS IMPRESSION OF DUGDALE COURT

DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR PRE-LAUNCH PRICES We are proud to announce that apartments at Dugdale Court are now available to reserve off-plan. With almost one third of our apartments already reserved, don’t miss out on the opportunity to

Dugdale Court is a new age exclusive development located in the heart of Coleshill. With a special Treatment Room, landscaped gardens and a House Manager on hand, Dugdale Court is a fantastic place to enjoy your retirement.

Begin an enjoyable new chapter in your life and let us take

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reserve the apartment of your choice.

care of all the gardening and external maintenance, giving you a lot more free time to do the things you enjoy.

For more information or to book an appointment, please call 02476 244 607^ Coventry Road, Coleshill, Warwickshire B46 3AT Visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk/dugdalecourt ^ Charges may apply for mobile phone users.

LP-MI-OMA-RL-2926-B

take advantage of our pre-launch prices.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

LABOUR UKIP TUSC CONSERVATIVE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS GREEN PARTY

Sunday 19th April - 7.30pm The Town Hall Coleshill ALL ARE WELCOME Questions prior to the meeting may be posted at Coleshill Library or submitted by e-mail to coleshill.hustings@btinternet.com

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The Coleshill Post

Question and answer session with your parliamentary candidates

@ColeshillPost

Hustings meeting

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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SERIES CONTINUED: The Coleshill and District Civic Society HERITAGE

The Coleshill Post

PART FOUR

The story of Peggs Barn THE Society had known for some time that a 15th century timber framed barn at Daw Mill Colliery was in danger of collapsing.

Save the Town Hall From Demolition

In 1990 the vicar announced his intention to demolish the Town Hall and sell the site for housing.

The Town was in uproar. This community hall had been built in 1926 by public subscription on land gifted by the Digbys’. A Public Meeting was called and a ‘Save the Town Hall Action Group’ was formed. The hall was ultimately saved and bought by the Town Council in 2001. It remains in community use.

Brian Teall, our secretary, entered into negotiations with the Manager to try to save the building. They were not interested, so it was suggested that they should give the Barn to the Civic Society to dismantle and rebuild for the Scouts.

It took 6 months of negotiations before they finally agreed, but there was a proviso that we removed the barn completely within one month. Brian rallied Cubs, Scouts and their parents together with Civic Society committee members, and brick by brick, tile by tile and timber by timber, it was all taken down and stored on pallets by friends.

Sir William Dugdale lent a disused farm building in Shustoke, where Brian repaired all the timber over the next two years. He had marked it all before dismantling for ease of reassembly. When this was finished, the Cubs creosoted it all.

While doing this, the search for a new site began. Very many were investigated and rejected, but eventually the old station site at Whitacre Junction was bought for £2000, which the Coleshill Grammar School Trust very generously donated.

There was a slight problem, however. Where the

Barn was to be re-erected there was a large pond which drained into the River Bourne. The Local Highways Authority were persuaded to run a 12 inch drain right across the site from a drain in the road to the hole in the culvert. The road, which had flooded regularly after heavy rain, never flooded again.

One of the provisions of the sale of the old station, was that a two metre weld-mesh fencing on concrete posts was to be erected, which would have cost as much as the purchase of the site.

Brian heard that a school in Coventry was having new security fencing all round their playing fields and the old fencing was available. More hard work to dig out the concrete posts, which were set in concrete. Peggs Barn had its fencing for free.Foundations were dug, concrete poured and the floor laid. Water and sewerage trenches were dug and the pipes connected. A three foot sandstone plinth on which the timber would stand was erected and the pegs driven home.

A great debt is owed to Brian Teall for all his energy and hard work in this project.

The Foundation Stone was laid by Lord Plumb and a celebration was held with much Press and TV coverage.

“Wimpey Homes” apprentices did the brick infill, the Thermalite lining was provided free by Thermalite, Wimpy Homes carpentry apprentices built the staircase, and the Scout leader built the kitchen.

The roof was tiled with the help of teams of Cubs passing the tiles up, and the apprentices from Baileys did all the electrical work. People were so helpful and generous with their help and with gifts in kind. The whole project had cost only £10,000.

Brian Teall had been in touch with HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, who kindly came and officially opened Peggs Barn in July 1993. Subsequently the project won several awards, including a Europa Nostra award, which is the highest architectural award in Europe.

In 2007 problems emerged on a number of fronts.

The scouts were having their own problems due to lack of numbers. There were two large floods within three months of each other, no sooner had the first been cleared than the second occurred. We decided that the damage required outside help and a local firm was asked to replace the kitchen and flooring. Unfortunately there was an accident and we had to use the insurance company to pay damages. At the same time electrical problems were encountered which were probably due to squirrels chewing the cover off wires and a major rewiring would be needed if we were to allow public access.

Reluctantly a decision was taken to sell Peggs Barn and it was sold to the person making the highest offer.

The Birmingham Northern Relief Road (M6 Toll) IN 1990 there was a proposal to build yet another motorway, the Birmingham Northern Relief Road, now M6Toll in the one-mile wide Coleshill Corridor separating Coleshill from Birmingham.

The first Public Meeting was held in 1991 when 140 attended. A ten years struggle ensued. The town formed an Action Group, 'Coleshill Road Awareness Group' (CRAG), to raise funds. CRAG made a video ‘A Road Too Far’ in 1993 and lobbied MP’s. It joined the Alliance Against the Motorway, held protest demonstrations, supported the Tree People and joined in marches. The Public Inquiry began in 1995 and was the longest Inquiry ever held. The Society briefed Counsel and com-

missioned two expert witnesses.

Sadly after a General Election the road was approved. The Society fought on, even carrying a coffin carrying turf representing the Green Belt across Birmingham's Centenary Square and doing a Maypole dance outside Parliament. The case was taken to the High Court. The Alliance was granted a Judicial Review, but unfortunately that was the end.

Today the results are easily visible.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

PARTNERSHIP Incorporating

COLESHILL HUB

TIMETABLE MONDAY 10AM-1PM

Drop In Service - including UK Online and Energy Best Deals

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

TUESDAY 10AM-1PM

Drop In Service - including Job Club and UK Online one to one

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.

WEDNESDAY 10AM-1PM

Drop In Service - including Energy Best Deals

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

The Coleshill Community Partnership is delighted to announce the granting of £8000 from the Awards for All Big Lottery Fund for a new suite of Computers for the Coleshill Community Hub. In the last 3 years since the Hub was initially set up the orginal laptops have had a lot of usage and provided a much needed ‘free’ facility to the local residents. Now we will be able to buy some new laptops, with the latest up to date software on, to take the Hub forward.

So please ensure you support your local Community Hub by dropping in to use the new computers and see all the other great services and support that we can offer.

The recent Spring Market held in the Visitor Centre attracted many people from Coleshill and beyond, giving local businesses and shops an opportunity to showcase their wares.

Over 200 people passed through the visitor centre during the day and they were treated to some wonderful local products and services such as delightful cupcakes, framed photos, hand made silver jewellery, bags and purses, vinyl re-

cords, faux fur hats, craft accessories and aloe vera products.

Exhibitor Rachael Chitrakar has now taken a weekly popup stall to promote natural healing. She will be there every Friday offering Angel Card readings, Head Massages and other therapies. You can find more information by visiting www.naturalhealingshop.co.uk Anybody else interested in a pop-up stall should contact the Visitor Centre or email megan@coleshillcommunitypartnership.org.uk

Community Allotment News

By Richard Mason

Shed Administrator & Volunteer

The Shed Project is well under way now. The Shed Project has been created for long term unemployed and homeless people to enable them to gain new skills meet like-minded people and help them back into employment.

Nothing would be possible without the help of our loyal volunteers and more are needed.

The shed has been erected and some parts of the allotment have strawberries, rhubarb, onions and potatoes planted already and other areas have been dug and are ready to plant vegetables and flowers. Help has been coming from fellow allotment holders Bill

and Mick who laid the base for our shed.

Phil has provided equipment for the allotment and shed and Richard barrow loads of manure.

We have two allotment plots to manage.

One has not been cultivated for about ten years. We have created a compost area too made from pallets. We have transformed the plots already but there is a lot of work still to be done. We have created our own cold frames which already have broad beans growing in them. We hope to have masses of vegetables, fruit and flowers for the members when they are ready. We have also recently had a successful volunteer day on the 22nd February. We will have another coming up in April too which we hope you will be able to attend.

The members have been busy too Gary sorted out the guttering on the shed. Ste-

phen and Nino have treated the shed with a green preservative, Peter has also been working hard digging and getting the ground ready for planting. Richard helped plant the Strawberry patch. Matthew has planted nearly all the early potatoes and onions.

We had a great day at Kingsbury Water Park learning to do Hedge Laying on the 25th February. We had to clear the hedge and then chop the base of the stem bend the sapling over and weave them into each other whilst adding posts to bind them in. We hope there will be another hedge laying day in the future.

If you want to get involved please get in touch with Allan on 07912604298 or the Coleshill Hub on 01675 238309 every morning except Thursday. Anyone can help us with the shed project and we would welcome you with open arms.

Coffee Morning

10:30AM-12PM - Drop in for a hot drink and a chat with our friendly volunteers.

FRIDAY 10AM-1PM

Drop In Service - including UK Online Make use of our facilities; including our laptops, printer, scanner and photocopier. The Freephone and volunteers will be on hand to help.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Saturday 20th June 10.00-4.00pm

LOVE COLESHILL SUMMER MARKET @THE VISITOR CENTRE, CHURCH HILL

VISITOR CENTRE TIMETABLE WEDNESDAY 10AM-2PM - ART GROUP, Tourist Information, Souvenirs, Pop-up Stalls, local events and promotions.

THURSDAY

10AM-2PM - WALKING GROUP 10am start from The Visitor Centre, Church Hill. Coffee and biscuits afterwards, Tourist Information, Souvenirs, Pop-up Stalls, local events and promotions.

FRIDAY

10AM-2PM - Tourist Information, Souvenirs, Pop-up Stalls, local events and promotions.

SATURDAY

10AM-2PM - HARRYS RECORDS ALTERNATE SATURDAYS, Tourist Information, Souvenirs, Pop-up Stalls, local events and promotions.

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

www.coleshillhub.org.uk

The Coleshill Post

COMMUNITY

Charity awarded nearly £8k to purchase new IT Suite for Coleshill

Community Partnership supports Love Coleshill Market

@ColeshillPost

COLESHILL

COMMUNITY

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

EXPERTS ON OUR DOORSTEP

NETWORK WITH KEY PLAYERS IN THE B46 BUSINESS COMMUNITY Do you have business interests in B46 and want to attract new customers or suppliers?

We’re a business to business networking

group for the B46 postcode. Our monthly,

breakfast meetings maximise local expertise and opportunities.

Our aims include: • Active networking at a local level • Build profitable relationships • Access advice and support • Cultivate local business • Harness local talent

OUR NEXT EVENT HOSTED AT

OLD SALTLEIANS RFC “Speed Networking”

Watton Lane, Water Orton, B46 1PH 13th May 2015, 7.30 - 9.00am

£15 for non-members | £7.50 for members

Our next event will see us returning to our normal breakfast format. On Wednesday 13th May, 7.30am the event is being hosted by Old Saltletians at their newly refurbished Rugby Football Club, Watton Lane in Water Orton.

The event will feature speed networking and top tips on how to network successfully.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

SPONSORED BY:

01675 434583

info@business46.co.uk

@Business_B46

business46.co.uk

Contact the B46 team to book or to find out more about the business network by contacting us below.

MONTHLY EVENTS 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. START TIMES & VENUES VARY.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost

find us on facebook

jj-k9

Pet Product Marketing's "Dog Product of the Year 2014" Available at J-K9 Since moving to our new premises, J-K9 has gone from strength to strength. Alongside our many regular and loyal clients, we are also having a large number of new clients coming to us, mainly through word of mouth recommendations.

We pride ourselves on providing a high quality service, tailoring the groom to suit the owners requirements whilst maintaining the highest quality care for their beloved pet. We are pleased that Rachel has now joined us full time and will be doing her City and Guilds Level 3 qualification in dog grooming in June. You can rest assured that when you are leaving your dog at J-K9, you are leaving them in the hands of a team of highly qualified and experienced animal care professionals.

Unit 12a Jubilee Estate, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, B46 1JU 01675 465775 | 07850 840 239 | www.j-k9grooming.com |

Our Dog Day Care is proving to be very successful as more people are seeing the benefits that the stimulation and exercise their dog has throughout the day is having on them. The lovely reviews and comments we have had on our Facebook page shows that we have a formula that works.

To compliment our services, we are going to build a brand new canine Hydrotherapy pool at our centre so we can continue to rehabilitate dogs and provide an extra activity for those dogs in day care. We will also be expanding our range of dog foods and accessories, including raw foods. For anymore information or to book an appointment please call us on 01675 465775.

The Coleshill Post

J-K9 GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

• Dog Day Care • Dog Grooming • Highest Quality Foods • Hydro-Therapy

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

EXPERTS ON OUR DOORSTEP

JOIN OUR EXPANDING NETWORK OF EXPERTS AND GROW YOUR OWN BUSINESS

Penny Sheward PS Consulting

Anna Plotnek AP Designs

Jemma James Trutac

Brand, Design & Digital Agency

Tachograph Analysis

Recruitment Solutions & Outsourced HR Support

T 01675 434 583 E anna@apdesigns.co.uk W apdesigns.co.uk

T 02476 690 000 E Jemma.james@trutac.co.uk W trutac.co.uk

T 07917 859 107 E penny@psconsultinggroup.co.uk W psconsultinggroup.co.uk

T 01675 467 189 E info@thecoleshillpost.co.uk W thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Gary Marriner Sil-mid Limited

Daniel Partington Shawbury Vintners

Marie Stephenson The Marketeer

Industrial & Domestic

Aerospace & Chemicals

Local Fine Wines Supplier

Business Coach & Marketing Consultant

T 01675 464 009 E blytheelectrical@aol.co.uk W blytheelectrical.co.uk

T 01675 432 850 E garym@silmid.co.uk W silmid.com

T 01675 481 516 E contact@shawburyvintners.co.uk W shawbury-vintners.co.uk

T 01675 463 400 E marie@the-marketeer.co.uk W the-marketeer.co.uk

Richard Harwood The Colehill Post Local Newspaper

Blythe Electrical Julie Smith Blythe Electrical Electrics for Commercial,

01110010101011101010100100 111001010101110101010010010 110010101011101010100100100 10010101011101010100100100 001010101110101010010010010 010101011101010100100100100 10101011101010100100100100 010101110101010010010010010 101011101010100100100100100 01011101010100100100100100 101110101010010010010010010 011101010100100100100100100

AJN Accountancy Ltd Andrew Niven AJN Accountancy Ltd

Peter Holmes Old Saltleians

Jerry & Joshua Holcroft Data Productions

Ian Wright Broadlee Printers

Accountancy Services

Local Rugby Club

IT Services

Printing Services

T 07702 815 142 E andy@ajnaccountancy.co.uk W ajnaccountancy.co.uk

T 0121 748 3380 W oldsaltleians.com

T 07779 794 886 E Jerry@dataproductions.co.uk W www.dataproductions.co.uk

T 01827 872 200 E sales@broadlee.co.uk W broadlee.co.uk

Water Orton

CONTACT US FOR DETAILS ON MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES, BENEFITS & ATTENDING OUR EVENTS

01675 434583

info@business46.co.uk

@Business_B46

business46.co.uk

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost

BUSINESS46

NETWORK

Venue by Deckerdence Wine by Shawbury Vintners

Attendees actively networked and enjoyed plenty of fine wines provided by Daniel Partington of Shawbury Vintners. Daniel’s wine tasting tips were as well received as his delightful range of wines from independent producers around the world.

Daniel commented “I thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Being able to present my rage of wines to a new audience proved a great opportunity.”

Commbus showcased their Dekerdence venue to local businesses and the amazing setting was well received by all who attended. Claire Macleod from Commbus stated “we were pleased with the number of attendees and the feedback we received. We are looking forward to growing the business and working with the Business46 team.”

At the event the Business46 team welcomed various

new attendees and members, many of whom are already gaining business from the friendly, local business network.

Newly joined members Jerry and Joshua Holcroft from Data Productions found the evening highly enjoyable and made a number of new contacts. Joshua said “the event was both interesting and productive as we networked with lots of local businesses in a great setting. We are looking forward to the next one.”

The next Business46 event will see them returning to their normal breakfast format. On Wednesday 13th May, 7.30am the event is being hosted by Old Saltletians at their newly refurbished Rugby Football Club, Watton Lane in Water Orton. The event will feat9ure speed networking and top tips on how to network successfully.

Contact the Business46 team now to book or to find out more about the business network by emailing info@business46.co.uk. Events are normally priced at £15 for non-members and £7.50 for members. New attendees are welcomed and the team guarantee a friendly reception into the group.

BUSINESS46 AND LOVE COLESHILL JOINT NETWORKING EVENING Join us for an information and networking evening and learn more about Free Business Support. A presentation by Rachael Delich, from Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub will detail opportunities for local businesses to access finance to encourage growth, innovation and diversification.

21st May, 6pm - 8pm

Grimstock Hotel, Gilson Road, Coleshill, B46 1LJ £7.50 Love Coleshill & B46 Members | £15.00 Non Members

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

01675 434583

info@business46.co.uk

@Business_B46

business46.co.uk

The Coleshill Post

An amazing, unique venue and some very fine wine

On Thursday 5th March over 40 local business leaders attended a fabulous evening event of wine tasting and networking at the unique Deckerdence bus and marquee in Coleshill.

The event was hosted by Commbus and organised by the Business46 networking group.

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

New Owners, New Management, New Era for The Bell

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

SEVEN months ago new landlady Sue Fletcher arrived at The Bell Inn, Coleshill,

After some years of neglect by the previous owners Sue had her work cut out but luckily she could see the potential. Now fully refurbished throughout The Bell is really starting to return to it’s former glory. A combination of good beer, relaxed surroundings and great food has attracted the former regulars back to the pub, along with some new ones.

Sue told us: “When I was first offered the pub last year I was a bit hesitant to take it. There was so much to do to get the place back up to my standards. But now I’m glad I said yes as it’s really turned around.

The refurbishment is great and the addition of a new door separating the bar from the lounge is really popular with the regulars.”

“I always like to have a few world beers stock to cater for everybody’s tastes. At the moment we’ve got Birra Moretti from Italy, Estrella

from Spain, Heiniken from Holland and my own personal favourite, Quality Assured Guinness. We also have Doombar Real Ale on at the moment.”

Every Saturday Sue puts on a live music act or DJ which is a really popular night.

Sue finished by saying: “This is a real drinkers pub again now, we are busy all day every day which is exactly what a pub like this deserves. With our homecooked menu launching soon I expect we will be even busier.”

Sue was full of praise for the locals too: “The customers here have made me feel so welcome, I can’t thank them enough for their support over the last few months, thank you all.”

Lunchtime regular Mr Jarvis commented: “Sue and her team are brilliant, they have worked so hard to bring the place up to scratch and we’re really pleased to have her here.”

If you haven’t been to The Bell for a while you should get on down there, you’re certain to be impressed.

COLESHILL AND DISTRICT CIVIC SOCIETY

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN UPDATE PRESENTED BY

Bill Richards, Dominic Moore & Zoe Hillcox In the

OLD MARKET HALL, CHURCH HILL, COLESHILL On THURSDAY MAY 14th, at 7.30pm 102 HIGH STREET, COLESHILL B46 3BL

01675 463777 or 01675 467722

All welcome Coleshill & District Civic Society is a Registered Charity. No 519224

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

PICTURES BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Emma Stokes

emma.stokes@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

SRB raise the roof at Chubby’s

Photograph: The Sam Rogers Band headlining Chubby’s at The Old Market Hall, Coleshill. (RIGHT) Former Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Andy Bennett whipping up the crowd.

A NEW club night named Chubby's opened for music fans in at the Old Market Hall on Church Hill, Coleshill on Saturday March 28th.

The Sam Rogers Band headlined the night to a sell-out crowd and Andy Bennett from Ocean Colour Scene supported with an acoustic set.

Chubby's is the brainchild of three local businessmen Mark Clark, Harry Taylor and Richard Harwood, all music fans who wanted to set up a music night in Coleshill. Mark said, "We were talking one night about how good it would be if there was a live music venue in the town, something not held in one of the pubs.

Between the three of us we have played in bands, organised gigs and put on live events so we thought well, why don't we give it a go?"

The first night of Chubby's received rave reviews from punters and the artists enjoyed the venue which was kindly hired out by Coleshill Civic Society. The event was strictly ticket only with the accredited doormen turning people away on the night. Richard Harwood said, "We had a strict entry policy to reassure

LIV E MU SIC

HAL L THE OLD MAR KET ESH ILL B46 3AJ CHU RCH HILL COL

fans that it would be a good, safe night out in the historic Old Market Hall. In the end it was a very successful night and we're looking forward to getting to work on the next one over the summer."

Harry Taylor said, "We roped in friends and family and called in a couple of favours to get the first one off the ground.

I had my dad and fiancee behind the bar, we had Adam from the Norton to lend us his mixer for the sound and Mark Clark played a blinder in providing much of the gear. It worked well and was an excellent night."

Mark, Harry and Richard are hoping to make Chubby's a quarterly event catering for different musical tastes. Mark said, "We want to put on a Blues night and also a Jazz night. There's certainly scope for a folk night as Coleshill used to have a folk club. We want Chubby's to be about more than one style of music and about getting more bands and music fans into Coleshill."

We asked the three where the inspira-

tion for the name came from? Richard said, "We were getting pictures of Harry cut out from the local press and sent back to the Coleshill Post with abusive graffiti on them, probably from some of Harry's political opponents. One of the regular taunts was calling him 'Chubby'". Harry said, "The best way to deal with these things is to make something positive out of it and that's what we've done. We've adopted their term of abuse and had a good old party with it and will continue to do so."

Music fans can expect to hear more on the next Chubby's night in the coming months.

Facebook Page: chubbysnights Twitter: @Chubbys_Club

Local talent wows at Water Orton Open Mic Water Orton C.C. hosted a second ‘Singer songwriter’ evening on Saturday 21st Feb. A healthy crowd enjoyed no less than 8 artists, performing their original songs, with a few well know favourite sing alongs, thrown in to complete the nights entertainment. (thank you for those Daisy) The performers crossed many geners of music from Folk, Country, Humour, Political, Inde & even a mini Rock Opera! Thank you to Paul & Pete Smallwood, who performed 2 sets of the highest quality that brought a hush to the room, with their beautiful harmonies & powerful lyrics.

Helen Goodfellow, a local performer who’s combination of classical guitar & melodic ballads, blended nicely with Alex law, a performing arts student, who had more than a hint of Jake Bugg in his style, dare I say!

You can always rely on Cal Doonican (AKA Michael Callaghan), for full audience participation & he didn’t disappoint. Giving us another taste of

his repertoire from his CD ‘Still’, that left the regulars shouting out “What kkind of country have we got ?” long into the night. Multi instrumentalist & composer, Neil Bevan, gave a pocket sized, sneak preview of his soon to be released rock opera. Almost macabre Neil!

Amongst all of this assembled talent, one star shone brightest. Daisy Taylor, a first time performer, asked if she could go on first & “get it over with”. Those first night nerves soon gave way when the cheers & applause rang out. Safe to say, there was no contest for a fitting finale, as Daisy ensured the crowd stayed for a rendition of her Johnny Cash medley.

A big shout out to Mick ‘the sound’ Hooper, who ensured a top level of acoustics, lighting & photographs, were provided for all. Finally, many thanks to all you music lovers who came along & supported this event.

Another, evening is being planned for later in the year & we will keep you posted on the date.

FOOD & DRINK

I’VE recently learned there are two things which can save you from the ‘mid-week slump’. A hot, delicious curry and a food festival competition.

As a food blogger, I visit different restaurants in Birmingham each month with the intention of finding the best ones to review. A few fingers have already started pointing to one hidden gem which currently sits at #4 on Trip Advisor for Coleshill. The restaurant is quietly tucked away just off the high street.

The Spice Lounge

10 Birmingham Rd, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1AA - www. spiceloungecoleshill.co.uk

WE all know that Coleshill is spoiled when it comes to curry- houses. But after reading positive comments online about the Spice Lounge, (and the fact it has been graced with the presence of famous Birmingham chef, Glynn Purnell), the opportunity to visit was too great to miss.

Arriving as a couple on a cold Wednesday night, the 90-seater restaurant - which used to be a former church building – played host to numerous couples, families and friends and the atmosphere inside was warm and friendly.

As the name suggests, ‘spices’ are the key ingredient to a large majority of their dishes. However, I curse my sweet tooth in choosing the sweet Tikka Mahoki (chicken cooked with sliced mango, ground almonds, coconut and cream) which came served on a big square plate. The food arrived quickly and was freshly cooked. Both hot and enjoyable, I didn’t forget to dip in and out of my other halves spicy lamb naga curry, accompanied by the juiciest naan bread.

I highly recommend trying the variety of different sauces (even the luminous green one) alongside the crunchy poppadoms for starters. The red onion in the spicy sauce is by far the winner.

Please don’t regret ordering the extra serving of egg fried rice either - it’s one of the most appetising and filling dishes on the menu.

The Spice Lounge runs a special offer from Sunday –Wednesday which includes any starter, main course and side dish for just £9.95. The take away service should also be taken advantage of.

The place is open until 11pm and is a fully licenced restaurant, but they welcome you to bring your own tipple! You can find more information and deals on their website or call 01675 467388.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO ‘FOODIES FESTIVAL’ I’m happy to announce that the ‘Foodies Festival’ - the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink are giving away two pairs of tickets to two lucky readers of The Coleshill Post.

The winners will get to hang out in Cannon Hill Park with Birmingham’s top chefs, where you can eat yourself happy in the pop-up restaurants and street food tents. An experience set for the whole family, the event runs between 15-17th May. To be in with the chance of winning a pair of tickets, simply email emma.stokes@thecoleshillpost.co.uk with your name and contact details. Two winners will be chosen at random and contacted on April 30th. For more information, visit www.foodiesfestival.com. Good luck!

The Coleshill Post

The Spice Lounge Review & ‘Foodies Festival’ ticket giveaway

@ColeshillPost

REVIEW & COMPETITION:

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yourcomments...

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

Dear Editor

The Coleshill Post

It appears that half of residents in the County would like to see the street lights switched back on during the night and half would like them to remain off.

Your views count so usethenews and be heard!!

Holiday Chalet

Letters to the editor...

As most of the lights are now able to be controlled remotely can the council not employ some common sense and just switch half of them off, maybe every other light.

Elections and Street Light Blues

Environmental and financial savings can still be made whilst making those who in the community who are more vulnerable feel a little safer.

Do we switch street lights off in the dead of night when most of us are tucked up in our bed or do we make more people redundant? That was the difficult decision WCC had to make.

Coleshill Resident

IN LOVING MEMORY

As an environmentalist I welcomed switching off lights would not discount an evaluation of a PIR-LED system. The feral criminal world will still operate lights on or off, but what are the

Margaret Warren My family and I would like to sincerely thank everyone that came to pay their last respects to Margaret it was a wonderful gesture by you all, and so much appreciated by us.

We would also like to sincerely thank Sue and Barry Gascoigne and the Rev’d Becky Stephens for the most dignified and caring service,and also for all the help they have given us throughout this sad time.

facts people ask? I have not been made aware of a ‘crime explosion’ since the switch off began; indeed I read that some crime has fallen.

The street light debate may rumble on but those candidates who fail to see that there are other issues of concern to the electorate, do so at their peril.

Yours Faithfully Derek Axe

Coleshill United Church now hosts a number of activities to serve the community If any person or organisation would like to use the premises they contact Miss Sally Gisborne on 464939.

To find out more about the church why not visit our web site on www.coleshillunitedchurch.weebly.com

Cyril and Family.

Tywyn-Aberdovey in Happy Valley

Every comfort, 2 bedrooms, shower, sitting room, well equipped kitchen, all electric, TV and heaters, outdoor decking with table and sun chairs.

In a delightful scenic situation, North Sea and Sands. Short drive to shops and amenities, Amusements and Golf

TELEPHONE (Coleshill) 01675 466 902 or Mobile 07971 939 059 for brochure Happy Birthday Courtney

SWEET 16

Love from Mom, Tyler & Dainton

Monday Ladies keep fit 10.30am Coleshill gardening club 2 pm Tuesday regular Bible study takes place at 7 pm.

Wednesday Coleshill Ladies Choir at 7pm Thursday Boys and Girls Brigade Friday The church holds a coffee morning every Friday 10 am to 12 pm where all folk are welcome to attend Saturday occasionally Coleshill Churches Together men’s breakfast club Sunday 10.30am Service

107 High Street, Coleshill Birmingham, B46 3BP

BALTI COTTAGE

Tel: 01675 - 464 122 01675 - 464 945 www.balticottage.com e: balticottage@yahoo.com

FULLY LICENSED Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine

Open 7 days a week inc Bank Holidays 5.30 pm till midnight

SUNDAY BALTI NIGHT...

Bring your own Alcohol Night FREE DELIVERY SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK TO Coleshill Water Orton Shustoke

Only Sunday night bring your own alcohol

15% DISCOUNT for takeaway on collection

MONDAY & TUESDAY NIGHT...

3-COURSE MEAL NIGHT Starter, Main Dish Rice or Nan

£9.95

From our Special Offer Menu

rson per pe

Terms apply

Whitacre Heath Curdworth

3 course meal Group 6 persons or more

£9.95

Minimum order £15.00 (Cash on delivery) Best Ethnic Restaurant

per person

Available Sunday to Thursday ask for special offer menu

Award winner 2014

BEST ETHNIC RESTAURANT

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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.

Louise’s Salon is a community based hair salon, providing services in the heart of Whitacre Heath.

BUSINESS

In October 2014, Louise Cummings, Owner of Louise’s Salon attended business workshops de-

based hair salon, providing a central hub for the community to come together.

livered by Pera Consulting UK Ltd (partner de-

Louise and Rita agreed to meet, to discuss the

Louise’s Salon is receiving business coaching from Rita Booth, business coach delivering Warwickshire Rural Growth Network, to develop business management skills and to generate new enquiries to develop Louise Cumming’s business into a full-time enterprise.

livering the business coaching element of Rural

business and explore ways in which to grow this

Growth Network), in response to the start-up

business into a full-time proposition. Following

Louise met Rita Booth, a business coach at Pera

ance from Rita Booth, business coach at Pera Con-

The business coaching is providing Louise’s Sa-

Consulting UK Ltd, on 21st October 2014 at a

sulting UK Ltd and Warwickshire Rural Growth

lon with an opportunity to develop strategic man-

workshop relating to Simplifying your Finance. At

Network, Louise is now working on planning her

agement skills to grow the business and generate

this point, Louise had identified a gap in this mar-

business to attract more people into the salon and

new enquiries.

ket, launched Louise’s Salon as a local, community

grow.

business support available through Rural Growth Network programme managed by Warwickshire County Council. The workshop programme supports local businesses and entrepreneurs to start a new business.

this initial diagnostic meeting, Rita and Louise have developed an action plan to grow this business and plan marketing activity.

Through ongoing professional support and guid-

Elections and The MER

BY MARGARET WARMAN The voice of a generation

REGULAR COLUMN

WITH elections coming soon I ask which party is prepared to listen to a Coleshill voter. My request would be, to make better use of the fire station, the potential is there for Fire, Ambulance and Police to be all in one building which is heated 24 hours a day for no particular use.

M.E.R is already located there and one Ambulance based there would be a great help with an emergency.

Coleshill is surrounded by motorways, we also have a very large industrial estate, all that added to the threat of H.S.2 coming closer we need all these services.

Also I would ask what provision has been made for all the extra people and cars with the addition of the building estate on the now defunct Father Hudsons plot.

With only one doctors surgery already at bursting point and car parking spaces in Coleshill almost impossible find this affecting the trade to our shops; (get us

a traffic warden) which party could sort out these problem I would give them my vote.

M.E.R this medical response team are fully medically trained volunteers, This remarkable service is so important to Coleshill and surrounding areas.

These people sign on in their own time and should a call come through to the ambulance service N.H.S a responder will be sent immediately, this giving the patient care before the ambulance arrives, even saving a life.

This service only has its funds raised by charity and giving life saving events such as the one held recently at the Town Hall, Coleshill.

The Coleshill Brass Band held a really good concert also at the Town Hall to a capacity audience, all funds were raised for M.E.R, please give generously when you see any of the team with collection tins by Morrisons or in any shops that have them.

Based on the High Street we offer a friendly, professional service

Tel: 01675 466344 Fax: 01675 466559

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

Chalk & Linen

Clothing and Curtain Alterations in Oscars - 07800 555 343

Chalk Paint, Furniture, Gifts & Coffee Shop - 01675 238 080

Alan Forman Piano tuning and

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

Church End Brewery Ltd Ridge Lane, Atherstone, CV10 0RD,

Coleshill Community Hub Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BG, 01675238309

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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

& District Civic Society Birmingham Scaffolding Coleshill 1 Church Hill, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 LTD 24 Springfields, Coleshill, B46 3AD, 01675462727

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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

Camlec 103 Park Hall Crescent,

Coleshill Self Storage www.coleshillselfstorage.co.uk 01675 46 44 46

Commbus.com Blyth Hall Farm, 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

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Blackfirs Lane, Bickenhill, B37 7JE, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham B36 9SU Tel: 0121 749 4546 Mobile: 07929 246 802 01675462323

Carter's Electrical 128 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BJ, 01675462277

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

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

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Gascoignes of Coleshill 100 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675462294

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Harry’s Records

The Old Market Hall, Church Hill, Coleshill, B46, 07906760494 Harben Barker The Courtyard, 112 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL, 01675466344

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Birmingham, 01675466040 Atherstone Road, Furnace End, Coleshill, Jem Lines 124 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BJ, Jenny Wren 88 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675462444

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Business Coach & Marketing Consultant 07985 724 842

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Wellbeing Holistic Therapy Centre, The Courtyard, 112 high Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL, 01675466550

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Kane is Able

Boxing May 2nd will see Floyd Mayweather face Manny Pacquiao to decide who is the best in the world, pound for pound.

Audley Harrison (MBE) has officially announced his retirement from boxing.

The former World Boxing Foundation & European professional Heavyweight champion, has said enough is enough.

BY JIM MCKAY

FOOTBALL

SUMMER is around the corner, the birds are tweeting louder than Katy Hopkins with an online bee in her bonnet, the domestic football season is drawing to a close and very shortly the nation will be switching it’s attention to the Czech Republic and the European U’21 Championship – with English hopes largely resting on the broad shoulders of the surprise sensation of the 2014/15 Premier League season – Harry Kane.

Kane has been prolific since being given the opportunity to prove himself over the struggling 26 Million Pound Man Soldado at White Hart Lane late on last year – a goal scoring run since, reminiscent of Michael Owen breaking onto the scene has seen Kane win his first England senior cap which was repaid in typical Kane fashion – and after replacing Wayne Rooney in the second half of the game against Lithuania, scored just 80 SECONDS later.

This kid IS the real deal, make no mistake about it.

The only question hanging over Kane’s head right now should be is he already too good to risk at an under 21 level? …should Hodgson wrap him up in kid gloves until the seniors take centre stage at the European Finals 2016?

Listening to Gareth Southgate’s assessment of the big man the answer is definitely not – “Roy and I know that the seniors are in a good group position and he feels that the experience of going to the Czech Republic in the summer will be more beneficial to Harry than the two games he has got.

"That is absolutely the case regardless of his displays between now and then.

"We are not short of good players in the seniors but understandably for Harry to be there this time, against Lithuania, was merited.

"We still feel we can give the players the best possible preparation to go into the seniors and achieve success if they have got the experience of the European U21 Championship behind them. That is still the case with Harry.”

So there you have it, straight from the horses (sorry Gareth), Kane WILL go to the U’21’s which means for those searching for a money making market this news represents the closest thing to a dead cert since punters were able to back Tiger Woods chances of winning a round of golf (pre scandal) ….nailed on.

Get On ‘Our Arry’ To Win The U’21 Euro’s Golden Boot

The market hasn’t been prepared by our friends at the bookmakers as of yet with this news being so hot off the press but the 5/1 readily available for England’s U21’s to win the tournament suggests that he’ll open up around 12/1 – 16/1.

TOURNAMENT OUTRIGHT WINNERS: GERMANY U21 - 2/1 ENGLAND U21 - 5/1 PORTUGAL U21 – 5/1 ITALY U21 – 11/2

Jason Lowe

SERBIA U21 – 8/1 DENMARK U21 – 9/1 CZECH REPUBLIC U21 – 10/1 SWEDEN U21 – 10/1

After 38 professional fights and going up against names such as Julius Francis, Danny Williams, Michael Sprott, Irelands Martin Rogan and Coleman Barrett, David Haye, David Price and USA mean machine Deontay Wilder.

On May 9th Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena near the NEC will open its doors to what looks to be one of the best organised and seat filling shows this town has seen

since Tommy Owens event at the Aston Villa ground.

Frankie Gavin, Matthew Macklin, Gamal & Kal Yafai and the newly crowned WBC International Silver Welterweight champion, Sam Eggington.

The Matchroom Sports event, will see the best of the Midlands has and one show that’s a defo don’t miss.

Gavin Faces Crunch Ibf Clash Against Van Heerden In Birmingham Hometown favourite faces South African on May 9 FRANKIE Gavin will challenge Chris van Heerden for the IBF International Welterweight title clash on May 9 at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, live on Sky Sports.

Gavin will headline in the second city in Matchroom Sport’s first major show there for 13 years and his first fight in the city since September 2010, and his meeting with the South African visitor will follow an appearance on the undercard of IBF World ruler Kell Brook’s first title defence in Sheffield on March 28 as the Birmingham star chases a future showdown with ‘The Special One’.

Van Heerden has beaten British opposition before having defeated Matthew Hatton in March 2013 in his then-hometown of Johannesburg, defending his IBO World title for the second time in the process. The 27 year old now fights out of California and picked up the belt he defends against ‘Funtime’ in Birmingham in January , knowing a victory on foreign soil would see him burst into World title contention in the lucrative 147lb division.

“It’s a massive fight for me and a huge one for my first big night in Birmingham,” said Gavin. “Fighting in Birmingham means so much to me and now I am going to do so in a massive fight as the headliner of a great bill. It’s time to get my profile up, get happy, get winning, looking good again and getting on the path to a World title.”

World rated Middleweight Matthew Macklin boxes in Birmingham for the first time in almost five years as he looks to bounce back from defeat to Jorge Sebastian Heiland, unbeaten Super Flyweight sensation Kal Yafai will be in title action on the card and his brother Gamal will continue his rise in the pro ranks while all-action Stourbridge youngster Sam Eggington will be hoping for a major title bout on the bill should he beat Shayne Singleton in Hull on March 7.

Tickets are on sale at 9am today (February 18) to Matchroom Fight Pass members priced at £40, £60 and £100 and £150 VIP from www.matchroomboxing.com Tickets priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.barclaycardarena.co.uk and VIP tickets priced at £150 exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

YAFAI TO FACE MEGRINO FOR WBC SILVER TITLE ON MAY 9 KAL Yafai will face Rey Megrino for the WBC Silver Flyweight title at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on May 9, live on Sky Sports.

Yafai is gunning for a World title shot at 112lbs after making a successful debut at the weight in Sheffield on Saturday night, and victory of Megrino will catapult him into the mix for the green and gold belt.

Philippines ace Megrino is ranked at number eight with the WBC and has been a feature in the top ten of the rankings since a famous third round stoppage of former WBC champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam for the International

title in 2012.

“Now is the time for Kal to dive in at World level,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The WBC Silver title is a huge one to collect on your way and Megrino will bring huge ambition.

The atmosphere at the Barclaycard Arena will be fantastic – this is his breakout night on the World scene, victory here and we expect a World title shout within the next six to nine months.”

Yafai’s clash with Megrino is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham, as Frankie Gavin faces a crunch clash on home turf against

Chris van Heerden for the South African’s IBF International Welterweight title World-rated Middleweight Matthew Macklin boxes in Birmingham for the first time in almost five years as he looks to bounce back from defeat to Jorge Sebastian Heiland, unbeaten Super Flyweight sensation Kal Yafai will be in title action on the card and his brother Gamal will continue his rise in the pro ranks.

Tickets are on sale now priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.barclaycardarena.co.uk and VIP tickets priced at £150 exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

37

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Tournament success for Coleshill Club Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March 2015 saw the second tournament of the year for Coleshill based Tae Kwon Do club ITF Fusion, when they traveled to Guildford to compete in the UK Open Championships 2015.

Current England squad member Reuben Williams, 3rd degree black belt was the first of the team to come home with a medal having battled in sparring to win the gold.

The three junior students all took part in their individual patterns throughout the morning, the hard work and commitment to their training prior to the tournament was well rewarded when they all came away

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with medals, Jack Smith and Ty Thomas both won gold and Taylor Smith won bronze having gone out to the eventual winner of her group.

Sparring followed for the youngsters later in the day, Jack was the first to spar and came up against tough competition especially from the Irish team, he battled brilliantly through 4 rounds and won the gold.

Ty was next up and also won a gold medal with an outstanding performance in each of his rounds leading up to his tough final.

Taylor was the last of the team to compete, and showed incredible courage and determination to win a well deserved silver medal having battled through her rounds

despite problems with her knee.

Jack and Ty hold the titles of Under 14s UK Open Champion 2015 in both Patterns and Sparring for their respective grades.

ITF Fusion promotes self defence, confidence, discipline and fitness where all ages and ability are welcome. All students train under current ITF England coach, Wayne Burns, 4th degree black belt who runs classes from Coleshill Leisure Centre on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings.

For more information and your first free lesson, please contact Wayne Burns on 07889 557934 or visit www.facebook.com/ ITFteamfusionTKDETA / www.itffusion. co.uk.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

@ColeshillPost

Clinical Old Salts brush Moseley Oak aside by 46 – 5

The Coleshill Post

After a slow start, Salts build to overpower Oak with an impressive display of running rugby.

Scorers Salts: Tries: Beaty - 1; Burrows - 4; Mann - 1; Luke Turner - 1.

Conversions: Beaty - 4.

Penalties: Beaty - 1.

Moseley Oak: Tries - 1.

Reporter's Man of the Match Tom Burrows.

Old Salteians Rugby Club delivers rugby into Coleshill C of E School COACHES from Water Orton

shaw, for allowing them to have

based rugby club, Old Salts,

the opportunity to introduce rug-

have completed a five week

by to his pupils.

programme of non-contact tag rugby at Coleshill C of E school.

Approximately, one hundred boys and girls from year five and year six attended the programme, which has now resulted in a num-

Since completing the programme at Curdworth school the Old Salt’s and the coaches plan to roll out the programme in more local schools, the next being Water Orton primary.

Director and Secretary of Old Salts, Colin Gardner commented

ber of the pupils joining the rugby

saying: “The pupils took to the new

club based in Watton Lane, Water

sport with great enthusiasm. They

Orton. The Old Salt’s coaches and

have learned the importance of

representatives sent out their

working together as a team whilst

thanks to head teacher, Mr Ker-

having fun.”

SALTS visited Billesley Common for their return League fixture with Moseley Oak on a fine, dry but bitterly cold afternoon with the effects of the north easterly breeze, the pitch was in excellent condition, favouring open play.

It would have been understandable if Salts had been intimidated as Oak took the field with a bulky, sizeable pack of forwards that seemed likely to promise trouble in the set pieces!

Oak kicked off with determination and physical presence that quickly had Salts on the back foot, a characteristically slow start.

Flanker Morris's quick hands fielding loose ball punctuated an early attack by the homeside. Reassuringly for Salts, Oaks' heavyweight pack failed to measure up to their potential and Salts were able to secure possession without undue difficulty.

Scrum half Evans was the subject of some close marking and attention, but following the charge down of a clearance kick, he quickly fielded the rebound for a second, this time successful, clearance.

After 15 minutes, Salts were penalised for an infringement only to be marched back 10m for an inappropriate comment.

Suddenly, Salts were in trouble, 5m out from their line, on the back foot. Oaks' forwards exploited their physical advantage to the full driving Salts back and over their line for the opening try of the match, the conversion attempt went wide, 5 - 0.

Salts remained under pressure after 20 minutes, clearly still unable to settle. However, with play in midfield, an Oak move broke down on their 10m line, outside half Beaty swept the ball up and with a familiar side step broke through to score a splendid solo try which he also converted. Against the run of play, Salts found themselves in the lead by 5 points to 7.

Salts confidence grew, Oak, despite the physical size of their forwards, their backline lacked serious threat. Beaty added a penalty goal following a high tackle on skipper Adam Lee, 5 - 10.

With the break imminent, Dwaine Evans broke from a scrum on Salts' 10m, he set off on a weaving run midfield, a brilliant

looped pass was collected by right wing Zac Mann, clear to score a second try, Beaty added the conversion. The referee's whistle for half time followed with Salts leading by 5 points to 17.

From the restart, Salts were quickly on the attack, following a scrum midfield, Evans launched the backs, Beaty's pass found outside centre, Tom Lee in space and at pace, his pass reached Tom Burrows flying on the left wing and able to touch down in the corner, Beaty added a superb conversion from a wide angle, 5 - 24.

Oaks' resistance began to crumble as Salts exerted a succession of attacks from their backline. From a breakdown in play on Oaks' 10 m line, flanker Luke Turner emerged with the ball and attacked down the left touch line to score in the corner, Beaty's conversion attempt went wide, 5 - 29.

Oaks' counter attacks were founded on wind assisted kicks for territory, on one occasion full back Micky Ho collected the ball on his 22m, setting off at pace, he eluded Oaks' defence attention before reaching the opponents' 10m. Salts' progress was briefly interrupted when Dean Morris was yellow carded for an infringement. Ho was again prominent with some effective defensive tackling.

The match was about to come to a dramatic conclusion as Salts' backs cut loose with a surfeit of possession as Oaks' forwards tired. In the final quarter of an hour, the fleet footed Tom Burrows ran in three more tries on the left wing, benefitting from incisive breaks by Lewis Beaty and Tom Lee. Unfortunately, inside centre James Mason, ever present in attack and defence, had to leave the field with a shoulder injury.

As the final whistle sounded, with the score rested at 5 points to 46, Salts could be well pleased with an impressive win. Skipper Adam Lee as usual led his forwards from the front, scrum half Evans orchestrated play and his backs, ably supported by outside half Beaty and the penetrative running of Tom Lee. A final noteworthy fact was Tom Burrows' success in breaking the Club record for the number of tries scored in a season.

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The Coleshill Post - March/April 2015 - Issue 20

COLESHILL Cricket Club are looking for young female cricketers to take part in its 2015 Junior cricket season. The Club are setting up its first Junior Girls Section, which was unveiled at the Coleshill Xmas Fair in November 2014.

Female cricket has become very popular in recent years but as recent evidence shows that there are not enough girls getting involved in organised sport. At present no female sport takes place at the Memorial Park. To tackle this Sport England has launched the ‘This Girl Can’ national campaign, which is a celebration of active women up and down the country.

The campaign was launched during a Coronation Street advert break and the YouTube video has had over 4 million hits.

To support the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, Coleshill CC and Complete Cricket Coaching will be running the first Coleshill CC Girls Summer Coaching Programme. The sessions will be starting on Wednesday May 6th and will run every Wednesday night up to July 15th from 6.00pm - 7.00pm at Memorial Park, Coleshill.

The programme is aimed at Girls aged 6 - 11 and covers softball cricket. The Club and Complete Cricket Coaching will be providing fully ECB and DBS qualified coaches, with all playing equipment supplies.

Adam Harrison, Coleshill CC Junior Cricket Manager and Chairman explained, “This is a really exciting initiative for the Club and I am really looking to it. Complete Cricket Coaching are providing some excellent coaches and we hope we can get a Women’s England International Cricketer to launch the Girls section.

“I must thank North Warwickshire Borough Council, Cllr Dominic Ferro and Chestnut Tree Nursery for their financial support to this programme.

This initiative supports the ongoing investment at the Memorial Park and at the Memorial Park Sports Centre, which is making the Park a hotbed for sporting and recreational activities.”

During January the Club’s winter indoor coaching programme began at the New Coleshill Leisure Centre.

The sessions run every Sunday 4.455.45pm, cater for Hardball and Softball cricket sessions and focus on ages 6 to 14. The Club’s junior sides will play competitive matches in the Warwickshire Cricket Board League’s

at Under 9s, Under 11s and Under 14s age groups in 2015. The Club are also exploring entering into a softball under 8s league.

For more information on the Sport England ‘This Girl Can’ campaign go to: http://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk For more information, please contact: Adam Harrison - Junior Cricket Manager. Tel: 07921 160 248 Email: ColeshillCCYouth@outlook.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. The club also play in the Lichfield & District Sunday League Division 4.

Contact Play Cricket Coleshill.play-cricket.com Facebook.com/ColeshillCricketClub Twitter.com/ColeshillCC

Coleshill Town Youth U7’s

Football Trial’s Coleshill Town Football Club will be holding football trial’s for the 2015/2016 season. These trial’s are open to children that are currently in year 2 going up to year 3 in September 2015

BY ALAN BECKETT

Saturday 7th March Dunkirk 0 v 3 Coleshill Town

A comfortable and convincing win for Town against relegation threatened Dunkirk. Goals by Shane Benjamin and Deqwon Ebanks gave Town a 2-0 half time lead and Rickie Cutting made it three just after the break.

Tuesday 11th March Birmingham Senior Cup Semi Final Coleshill Town 0 v 0 Birmingham City

Little Coleshill Town took Birmingham City through 90 minutes, through 30 minutes extra time and then five penalties, but were undone in the sudden death shoot out when the City keeper made a great save. Coleshill did the Town proud and a healthy crowd of close on 350 saw all the action.

Saturday 14th March Coleshill Town 3 v 1 AFC Wulfrunians

Coleshill maintained their title charge with a hard fought win over an impressive Wulfrunians. Simeon Cobourne and Jacob Wright gave Town a 2-0 lead. AFC hit back to make it 2-1 but Leon Weller secured the points late on.

Tuesday 17th March Coleshill Town 3 v 2 Tipton Town

Coleshill once again opened up a two goal lead against the league’s bottom side but Tipton never gave in and forced their way back into the game to level the scores.

Young Simeon Cobourne was once again the hero as he made sure of all three points at the death.

Saturday 21st March Lye Town 2 v 1 Coleshill Town

A run of 14 undefeated league games came to an end at Lye. The home side scored first but Town equalised shortly after the break and looked in confident mood to go on to win the game, however a disputed penalty put Lye back in front and although Coleshill through everything at Lye they couldn’t break down a stubborn defensive resistance.

Tuesday 24th March League Cup Semi Final First Leg Rocester 1 v 0 Coleshill Town

It’s advantage Rocester for a place in the League Cup Final but Coleshill played really well and were unlucky not to get something from the game. However they will be confident that they can turn things round in the Second Leg at Pack Meadow on Tuesday 31st March.

Saturday 28th March Shepshed Dynamo 0 v 5 Coleshill Town

This was too easy! 3-0 up by half time with a Simeon Cobourne “Double” and a record breaking goal from Shane Benjamin. 37 goals in a season is a new club record!

Dean Rathbone and Mykel Beckley made it five in the second half but it could have been more!

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LEAGUE TABLE (Top Six)

Free Trial’s dates: 6th, 13th and the 20th June 2015 @ 10:30 am Focussing on fun, development and enjoyment for potential players and parents Venue: Coleshill Town FC, Packington Lane, Coleshill B46 3JE To find out more information please call Aaron on 07891921157

Basford United Coleshill Town Long Eaton United Lye Town

39 37 38 40

89 77 73 71

FIXTURES Saturday 18th April Away to Rocester.

Wednesday 22nd April Away to Continental Star. 19.45.

Saturday 25th April Home to Coventry Sphinx.

The Coleshill Post

COLESHILL CRICKET CLUB

Coleshill Town FC Match Reports

@ColeshillPost

Coleshill Cricket Club 2015 Girls Junior Cricket Programme

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Your Local Community Newspaper: The only source for local news & community information

CALL PAUL BILLIN

G 07990 553029

Unlucky Town but Well Done!

COLESHILL TOWN TAKE BIRMINGHAM CITY ALL THE WAY IN SEMI-FINAL PICTURE BY: STEPHEN REG CAVE

Under 8’s Spike snapped up by Wolves

COLESHILL Town Under 8’s goalkeeper Spike Whitehouse has been scouted by Wolverhampton Wanderers whilst playing a match at Packmeadow.

Spike who has lived in Coleshill all his life and attends Coleshill Primary School is an avid West Brom fan but he jumped at the chance to play for arch rivals Wolves.

Spikes mom Julie explains: “Although Spike has always followed football at Albion games and on the tv he never played for a team. Last year, around April/May he was asked by a friend to come along to Coleshill as they were forming a new under 8’s team. Spike went along and really enjoyed it. On his second visit he ended up, by chance, standing in goal where to everyone’s surprise he started to make some fantastic saves. From that day Spike became the under 8’s goalkeeper! He started his first season in September 2014 and was spotted by a Wolves scout at the beginning of November.

I was approached at a game and told that Spike had really impressed him and they would like him to come for a training session at Wolves. I told Spike I had good and bad news! The good news was that he had been scouted but the bad news was it was Wolves.”

“A week later we arrived at Compton Park (Wolves brand new training ground and academy) and Spike played in goal with the presigned players. At the end of the session I was told that the coaches were really impressed and they would like him to come again 2 days

later. On that second visit, Spike was invited to play his first match that coming Saturday against Burton Albion. Before we knew it we were travelling to Wolves every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (straight from school with Spike eating his tea in the car) and then matches every Saturday.”

“Spike has played away at Blackburn Rovers, Brentford and Chelsea which was a really exciting experience. Spike was recently scouted

by Aston Villa whilst playing at Coleshill but Wolves wanted to make sure they hung on to him so offered him a pre-registration contract.

The rules state that boys cant be signed until the 3rd Saturday in May before the under 9’s season. The pre-registration is a promise from them that they will sign him officially and a promise from us that we will also sign. Spike has now been given the full kit and although at his age he is “pre-academy” he will be become part of the academy next season for the under 9’s.”

“If Spike hadn’t gone along to Coleshill when he did we would not have realised what a budding goalie he was and who knows if we ever would have! Previously I never enjoyed football but I absolutely love watching Spike play and hearing all the compliments he receives. As a goalie’s mum, it is a nail biting experience every time the ball comes up his end but there is simply nothing like watching him perform an outstanding save! I am so proud of him and delighted that Wolves have recognised his talent.”

Spike says “I just love playing football whichever team I am in but playing , and beating, Chelsea was amazing. I love playing for Coleshill on Sundays and have made some really good friends. I want to play for England when I grow up.”

Under 8’s sponsor Ian Wright, owner of Broadlee Printers tells us: “Spike came to Coleshill Town FC through the Soccer school program which was introduced less than 12 months ago and is based at CTFC, introducing both boys and girls from the age of 6 years of age. Spike was an instant hit at Coleshill Town and became the goalkeeper for the Under 8’s which I sponsor.”

Spike proved to be an excellent keeper and straight away had people thinking he’s really good in goal, word soon gets around in football and it wasn’t too long before Spike was spotted in goal by lots of different football club scouts, who obviously report back their findings. Congratulations to Spike from everybody at CTFC.” The under 8’s are actually looking for players at present, please contact the Paul Billing on 07790 553 029 The Soccer School is still running at CTFC and anybody interested should call John Rodwell on 07884 233 020 or contact the club

BY ALAN BECKETT Coleshill Town 0, Blues 0 (aet)Blues win 5-4 on penalties

Blues squeaked past Coleshill Town on penalties to reach the final of the Birmingham Senior Cup. Nick Townsend sprang low to his left to save decisive spot-kick, from William Worthington, in a shoot-out.

Kamal Guthmy slotted in the first penalty when it reached sudden death and then Townsend broke the hearts of the plucky Midland Football League highfliers.

After the sides failed to find the net in 120 minutes of hard-fought action, it all came down to who could hold their nerve and rely on technique from 12 yards at Pack Meadow. Blues netted their opening three penalties via Liam Truslove, Mitch Hancox and James Fry before the first stop, from Townsend.

When Reece Brown then followed up by despatching the next penalty, Blues were 4-2 up.

Simeon Cobourne made it 4-3 and Charlee Adams had the chance to seal it for Blues, but Chris Jay made a fine save from his penalty.

Coleshill scored their fifth penalty to take it into sudden death, with Guthmy stepping up first to put the pressure on the hosts.

The whole night could have been a lot different - and easier for Blues - had Truslove not uncharacteristically steered a firm free header wide from a Josh Cogley cross in the 19th minute.

Denny Johnstone, on his return to Blues from loan at Cheltenham Town, brought out a smart save from Jay

at his near post as Blues continued to threaten more in the first-half.

Fry blazed over after initially having a header blocked at a corner and, into the second-half, Johnstone couldn’t quite adjust to get the ball from out under his feet at the front post after Cogley teed him up.

Viv Solomon-Otabor carried a major menace with his pace and dribbling, Brown showed his quality, but on a bobbly pitch neither side could trust a reliable bounce of the ball when in possession or knocking it about.

As the second-half wore on Coleshill came more and more into it in the attacking sense.

It was clear to see why they have gone 15 games unbeaten, winning 13, as they were sure of one another, well organised and then made more headway following the introduction of pacy substitute Cobourne.

Townsend had to be alert to save at his feet and, with nine minutes to go, Cobourne hit the post after forcing his way past a couple of challenges and deep into the Blues area. Blues repelled a series of Coleshill corners before the semi-final reached extra-time. And at the onset, Townsend dived to his right to superbly push away a fierce drive from Coleshill’s captain and prolific striker Shane Benjamin.

Blues tended to get bogged down the longer things went on and were unable to find that necessary knockout punch.

But they defended with great determination and not on any ceremony when required and eventually found a way to prevail via penalties, to set up a final showdown with either West Bromwich Albion or Nuneaton Town.

Blues: Townsend, Cogley, Hancox, Adams, Harding, Fry, Otabor (Guthmy 110), Truslove, Johnstone, Brown, Bell (Cooper 9Cool. Not used: Kelly, Trueman.