MERIDEN COVER SUMMER 2017.qxp_Layout 1 15/05/2017 15:33 Page 1 MeridenMeriden MagMag

Summer 2017 See inside for Opening of Meriden C of E Primary School Peace Garden Taxi Bus – 89 Bus Service - Ring and Ride Update Funday Sunday 4th June • Rotary Megaride 25th June • Churches New Altogether Café

OPENING OF THE PEACE GARDEN

On Friday 24 March, we were honoured to have Dame Caroline Spelman MP and the Mayor of Solihull,

Councillor Mike Robinson at the unveiling of our Peace Garden, in memory of Chris Fryer. See front cover of this issue.

The garden is designed to be calming and consists of seating areas, pebble mosaics, a water feature and a mixture of plants chosen to provide colour and draw in local wildlife. A focal point in the garden is the ‘tree’, a dedicated spot for people to remember loved ones with students able to attach leaves bearing the names of those that have been lost. All those present were given a holding cross, crafted from olive trees in Bethlehem as a special gift.

The Mayor said, “To see the official opening of the Peace Garden gave me great joy. The garden will give pupils the chance to take themselves away from the hustle and bustle of school life and really unwind. It is a beautiful space and I am sure it will provide lots of comfort over the years to come.”

Caroline Spelman tweeted @spelmanc ‘Thank you @meridenprimary for inviting me to open their new #reflectivegarden earlier today!’

If you would like a leaf attached to the tree of remembrance, please let us know by calling into the office, sending a note into school or by emailing us at [email protected] the leaf will have the name of the loved one your child wishes to remember burnt on and then will be attached to the wall. Although there won’t be a charge for the leaf, a small donation towards the upkeep of the garden would be most appreciated.

OUR ANNUAL FAITH WEEK

To finish off our Spring Term at Meriden CE Primary school, we had our annual 'faith week' focus.

This year we focused on the question 'what do you believe?' Each class had a different faith to explore where the children took part in exciting activities to uncover the key beliefs of the major world faiths. The school was a hive of energy throughout the week as the children took part in activities as far ranging as cooking to collage; from investigating Fibonacci sequences to making face masks. The week climaxed with each class showing off their work to other classes around the school and of course our amazing Easter production led by Years 3 and 4.

At the beginning of April, our netball team competed in a tournament. They played 6 games, won 5 and lost 1, placing them 3rd out of 14 teams! Well done! The team has also

achieved a final league position of 2nd across

the borough, which is a tremendous achievement.

On 4th April, Troy from Wasps Community Rugby came into school to teach some basic rugby skills to Years 5 and 6. All the children (and teachers!) had

a fun day. Thank you Troy!

We said a sad goodbye to Mrs Ryan at Easter. Mrs Ryan had worked at Meriden for ten years and so is known by a lot of the village community.

However she is now moving away from the area. A lovely tea party was held with the children and parents who wished to say goodbye to her.

We wish her and her family every success in the

future.

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Priest-in-Charge: Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 Mobile: 07811 545 247 (for emergency use only) email: [email protected] +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Lay Reader: Peter Wright 01676 522414 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Church Wardens: Jonathan Douglas 01676 522455 Lis Willis 01676 521080 Although I www.stlaurence-meriden.co.uk

Services are held every Sunday at 10.30 am

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” John 14:6 Meriden Churches together are hosting a Life is a journey from our beginning to our end, but like any journey new initiative – a community cafe. We have there are many twists and turns. Occasionally we take the wrong path, a fantastic community here in Meriden but we take the scenic route. Sometimes we need to make a ‘U’ turn when we’d like to make it even better! Come along we realise that we are going miles off course. We take rest stops – to The Pavilion on the second Friday of the sometimes planned sometimes not. Our journeys in life are often month for a cuppa and cake. We will be difficult – but what better way to travel through life than with someone launching this on Friday 9th June from alongside you who knows the way. Jesus said, “I am the way.” Following 2pm-4pm. We hope that this will be an Jesus means that we won’t get lost; our journeys won’t necessarily be opportunity for the community to come smooth and trouble free because we all make bad decisions, but He is together – All Together – to meet new always there to guide us back to the right path because not only is He the people, develop new relationship and provide a friendly environment in which way but He is also the truth. we can all support each other. If you want life, in all its abundance, the best place to start is at the very beginning. The first step, for you, or your child, is to consider inviting Christ into your, or their, life. Baptism (also known as a Christening) provides this opportunity. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Choose LIFE. Come along to enjoy What is Baptism? a cuppa and cake. Baptism is a statement of personal commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church. Originally it was for adults who became Christians, but it soon 2pm-4pm began to involve whole families. So children of Christian parents were Every second Friday of the month naturally baptised too. at The Pavilion. There are two sides to the baptism “coin”. FORGIVENESS: We all need God's forgiveness, and Baptism is a washing The new social venue for everyone. or “cleansing”. Just as we wash our dirty hands, or dirty dishes, baptism is about being clean on the inside. NEW LIFE: Our forgiveness cost Jesus His life, and God offers a new life The church will be open on Sunday as we turn to Him, and give ourselves to Him. afternoons from 12noon to 4pm from So in baptism we receive God's forgiveness, and turn over the coin to April 23rd to October 22nd. start a new life with Him, following Jesus. Everyone is welcome to visit this If you are interested in finding out more we will be holding a beautiful historic church. Baptism Preparation evening at 7pm on Monday 3rd July at St. Do you have a spare hour or two on a Laurence church. All are welcome. Or call me to arrange a Sunday afternoon? Why not volunteer chat. to help keep the church open to visitors.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it Please contact Flick Blewitt on 523229 abundantly.” John 10:10.

Choose LIFE. Choose JESUS. With blessings, Friends of Meriden Churchyard. Lynda Lilley nd This group meets at the Church at 10.00 am on the 2 and 4th Wednesdays each month to do some gardening Enquiries for Baptisms and and other maintenance in the Churchyard for a couple of hours, and also to share coffee, cake, and Weddings please contact Lynda on conversation. For more details please contact Pat & 01676 522825 for further details Peter Wright on 01676522414

We apologise to our loyal supporters for the unavoidable change in screening date for “Lion”. The distributers chose to delay the release date (after we had been assured we were licensed to screen it in May). However, we have been At Meriden Village Hall 7.30pm able to re-adjust our screening schedule to show “Lion” in SUMMER PROGRAMME June and “La-La Land in May.

“Lion” (PG) The Big Picture Show will take a break for July and August but will be back with you in September, watch this space ! Saturday 17th June 2017 at 7.30p.m

We are delighted to have finally secured the early release date for this much acclaimed film. It tells the story of a five-year-old Indian boy who gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of miles from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25years later, he sets out to find his lost family. A’ Must See ‘tipped to be Film of the Year.

Tickets £5.00 will be printed and available for sale 3 weeks before each screening but can be reserved in advance of this date. Tickets and advance reservations available from Chris Copper (01676 522645) and are also on sale at Fordes on the Green, Hairdressers, on Meriden Village Green.

£5 off Voucher Parties and when two or outside catering more people available dine in

Take away service 10% discount on collection Free home delivery service 4 miles radius Minimum order

£15 Quote from the Coventry Telegraph: “Revealed: Best Indian restaurant in the West Midlands isn’t in Birmingham!” “Want the best curry in the West Midlands? Then head for Meriden, according to official One free chicken Tripadvisor statistics. Meriden Spice Indian restaurant situated in Old Road Meriden has or vegetable been crowned the region’s best-rated restaurant for Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi curry with every food on the popular review web site.” Takeaway order Meriden Spice, Old Road, Meriden, CV7 7JP of £25 or more Not to be used with Tel: 01676 523740 any other voucher Entrance and parking at rear of Queen’s Head Pub Minister Rev Jane Braund Tel :01676 533737

Please phone to arrange marriages, baptisms and In Meriden funerals Keep a look out for Services: Sunday 10:30am. Over the last few weeks, like many of you I expect, I have been working in my garden. It had got quite overgrown and needed a lot of cutting back, pruning, digging and weeding. It is also very dry from the lack of rain. The grass had got long and not only needed cutting, but it also needed the seeds that had fallen from the trees removing from places they were not meant to be! As I cleared a space for new things to be planted I made sure there was plenty of compost and nourishment for the new plants and watered them all well.

As I worked in my garden, I was reminded that throughout the Bible there are many references to gardens. Two of the more well known are the Garden of Eden at the beginning of the Bible(Genesis 2), and the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26: 36 - 46), where Jesus went to pray before his arrest and crucifixion. In John 15 Jesus tells his disciples that his Father is the Gardener (John 15: 1). That's why the Bible is so rich with analogies of gardens and the various processes involved in gardening - because he is a Gardener. God's gardening is a universal theme in which he wants our lives to bear fruit - good fruit - and the source of the production of that good fruit is Jesus1.

The Bible compares our lives to a garden. So often our lives can get messed up. If we aren't careful they can get clogged up with weeds, some of which have long roots that go down deep into our lives causing bitterness and hurt. They can get overgrown, full of things that no longer produce fruit and keep light out, affecting how we look at things, keeping things dark and in the shadow. We can become stony and hard hearted.

As the Gardener who loves us, God sees our potential, sees all that we could and can be. He is a Gardener who tends gardens very carefully with attention to detail, knowing the right season to do everything in. He clears the ground of stones (Isa 5: 2). He uproots and tears down, digs up and prunes (John 15), getting the ground ready for all that he wants to plant in our lives - so that our lives can flourish. These things might not always be comfortable as we pass through these seasons, but when we trust God for the outcome, we are already starting to show new fruit.

God's desire for our lives is not about being under pressure to perform and be productive - that is the world's aim. God's desire is that we flourish, and are freed to love him and others. God wants each one of us to be 'like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail (Isa 58: 11).

Next time you stand in a garden, whether it be yours or someone else's, admiring the beauty of it, remember that is how God sees us. He is more committed to our abundance - our growth and our fruitfulness - than we are. Whatever the harshness of our surroundings and situations, whatever the weather, we can each rest in his care today1.

May you know God's blessings in your life in this coming season, Jane Meriden Methodist Church Diary Dates The Methodist Church Hall 9 June - Coffee in the Pavilion from 2.00 – 4.00pm Is available for hire 18 June is the Kinwalsey Tree Service at 4 pm - bring a packed tea. Please contact 14 July - Coffee in the Pavilion from 2.00 – 4.00pm Alan Gabbitas on Sunday services every week at 10.30 except for the 1st Sunday in the month 01676 522148

Meriden Floral Society The FThe FirebirdFirebird Singers Meetings are held at Present Meriden Village Hall TThehe Magic of Sondheim and 7. 30 – 9.30pm approx rd Lloyd Webber On the 3 Monday of th every month Saturday 10 June 7.00pm The Blue Coat Church of England School June - Club Annual Outing and Music College 17 July - Oranges and Lemons - Kerry Stress Terry Road, Coventry CV1 2BA

August - No Meeting Tickets £10, £8 concessions Please ring Val 01676 522963 New members are always welcome For more information please contact Our chosen charity for 2016/17 season is the

Mo Reynolds 01676 521457 Alzheimer’s Society Registered charity number 296645

Queens Head Old Road Meriden

01676 522256 Monday night is music night come along and join us, music starts 9.15pm approx.

th June 5 Keith Brett th 12 Karen West th 19 Chrissy

26th Darin Day *

rd July 3 Marade * th 10 Sam Southall 17th Micky Dean * th 24 Stevie Best * st 31 TBA

August 7th Keith Brett th 14 2 Left Feet st 21 Chrissy 28thA LLAN Marade SMITH * SLATING

∑ To be confirmed

Pub lunches Mon – Sat 12.00- 2.30pm Pop in for good food and a warm welcome Take away available 01676 522256

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Heart of England Social Club Come along and visit us! Families welcome The club offers a warm welcome, with excellent facilities ∑ Newspapers and Magazines for all, including a large concert room, bar, games room, ∑ Beer and Wine snooker room, darts and a beer garden with play area ∑ Cash Machine and New and Non Members Welcome cash back available ∑ Dry Cleaning • rd Every 3 Thursday – ∑ Lottery ‘Open Mike Night’ ∑ Award winning • Every Friday evening – Cash Bingo, Lashford sausages Meat Raffle, ‘Open the Box’ ∑ Send and receive parcels and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ from here

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Heart of England Social Club, Spar, 1 The Green, Meriden Berkswell Road, Meriden 01676 522430 01676 522287

Meriden Archery Junior Section

Have continued to fly the flag for Meriden, putting us on the map across Northampton, Wolverhampton, Cheltenham and Lilleshall, to name but a few. Along with target archery, Junior Club on a Saturday morning has had coaching from “Grizzly

Jim” Kent demonstrating the traditional instinctive side of archery, widening their interests across different disciplines. The photograph shows Monty and Paddy Orton - each winning their respective U14 and U12 shooting categories in the Cheltenham Archers Charity Easter Bunny Tournament on Monday 17 April, raising funds for the Gloucestershire Kidney Patients Association.

Interested? Contact www.meridenarchery.org,uk/contact-us

We are delighted to announce that Meriden has been Escape from Meriden 201720172017 invited to enter Channel 4 TV programme: On Friday evening 2nd June lots of competitors from all VILLAGE OF THE YEAR 2017 over the country will leave the warmth and safety of Meriden Methodist’s Church Hall and set off at midnight This summer, Penelope Keith and her from the Village Green to see how far they can travel on team of judges will be visiting villages foot in 24 hours. across the UK to determine a winner, The winners of the event that took place in November with a £10,000 prize up for grabs. It is 2016 managed 105 miles and ended up in Merseyside. quite an honour to be approached by See last issue of the Mag for details. Channel 4 to encourage us to enter. We have a lot to be proud of, so if you We are encouraged to go and wave them off ! see Penelope and her film crew out and For more details see about tell her why you love living in www.escapefrommeriden.co.uk Meriden.

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Around Meriden Green Part 2‘

At the eastern[[[[[[[Kinwaldsey, or Coventry endWilliam of the son Green of Gerard stood (possibly an old building Geoffrey’s previously brother elsewhere the ‘Swan called Inn ‘but ‘ Gilmyn’), in its latter Richard days Hill a farm with a grocer’s andthe butcher’s Mason, Nicolas shop owned Godyng by and Percy many and others. Mabel I imagineTuckey. them To enter all crowding the farm round yard youlistening, passed all through of 700 yearsa half- ago. timbered coaching arch where, to your left stood the kitchen, slaughter house and cowsheds. On the right was a high almost blank brick wall, at theDoreen rear of Agutter. a group of late C18th cottages. The Chemist and Co-op now stand on the site. For centuries Meriden thrived on travellers passing through this village on route to or from the Capital, the North East and

North Wales. As now residents were drawn to work or study in London while the road acted as a conduit attracting new inhabitants. The property had begun life as Edward Smith’s cottage ale house: ‘the Cock’ in 1570s but in the hands of the enterprising Mottershead family from Prestbury in Cheshire, it developed into a sumptuous first-class establishment: a rural inn attracting wealthy clients, as many as 20 a night, who might hire a suite of rooms or the ‘Court Parlour’ or the ‘Paradise’ offering silver service and a four poster bed with fine Holland sheets on a feather mattress. The business was largely self- sufficient with home killed roast meat and gallons of own brewed ale. After almost 100 years by 1682 two great- granddaughters of the original Mottershead, Ralph sold out to their manager William Smith leading to another 100 years in the Smith family’s hands though frequently employing a working landlord. Once more contemporary ‘improvements’ led to a barn at the end of the farm yard being remodelled as cock pit, cock fighting being a popular sport and laying out a bowling green near what is now the start of the Straight Mile. The building underwent changes too with the previously mentioned cottages built along the eastern side used by small craftsmen: a carpenter and a weaver. The main wings were brick encased hiding the wooden structure set into the sandstone base. The Overseers of the Poor and Highway Surveyors conducted meetings here as did those planning Enclosure after 1785. Now called the ‘Swan’ the Earls of Aylesford became the owners by the early C19th. Local men applied to be licencees. The last one Thomas Hunt had previously run the Fillongley Lane brickworks near Lodge Green for the Aylesfords. The ‘Swan’ finally closed its doors in 1868 though its name was still recalled nearly 100 years later. Road transport had dwindled as the railway took over from coaches, horses and carts. There was insufficient local demand for its ale and spirits with competition from the Bull’s Head, the Queen’s and a beer house on the opposite side of the Green. The Tuckeys came to Meriden soon after the Great War when life here was still very rural. Their milking cows grazed on the Green itself, meandered to pasture down Maxstoke Lane in the 1930s or were still driven up Fillongley Lane in the early 1950s. They remained until the premises which they bought in 1925, were demolished in 1969. I enjoyed working in the house and shops for 8 years in my school and university holidays. Each morning my first task was black leading the kitchen grate. The schedule included cleaning a different room each day as well as tidying the kitchen, making tea and coffee for everyone, helping to prepare and cook the lunch, washing up and taking telephone orders. One day Mr Tuckey told me my weight, spot on. Amazed I asked him how he had worked it out. ‘I quartered you up like a cow’, he replied. Well; after all he was an experienced butcher. Many years later I discovered there had been an earlier Meriden butcher called Tuckey… at the time when Ralph Mottershead rebuilt the Cock Inn c. 1600. Doreen Agutter Tuckey’s Shop in1969 before demolition LITTLE ANGELS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP PC Technical Services Please come along and join in Tile Hill Lane Coventry the Fun and Activities with other

children aged 0 to 5 years, term time only. Home Computer Repairs Our Sessions are: Upgrading & Problem Solving Wednesday and Friday 9.30am - 11.30am Meriden Sports Pavilion (Next to the Park) Telephone Thursday 9.30am - 11.30am Jubilee Community Centre (Balsall Common) 024 7667 4952 Admission is £3.50 for 1 Adult & 1 Child + 50p 07963 850001 for Additional Child Includes a drink and toast. Independent personal attention Call Rachel Platt 07812 127772 Internet & e-mail for more information. Troubleshooting & tuition

A desert love story Once upon a time there was a very handsome male camel named Alfred with two huge camel humps. He fell in love and married a beautiful female camel named Marie who had one perfect hump and beautiful lips. As time progressed they became proud parents of a wonderful baby boy camel born with no humps. They contemplated long and hard on what to call their beautiful little boy, they finally decided on (are you ready for this ?) HUMPFREE

Summer Fun 24th July - 1st September

Nature Babies and Nature Tots will be running as The Parkridge Centre normal throughout the summer. Brueton Park, Solihull, B91 3HG Set in the middle of Brueton Park, on the edge of Solihull ALL OTHER SUMMER EVENTS will have two daily Town Centre, 5.5 acres of tranquil beauty offering nature sessions at 10:30-11:30 & 12-1 themed activities for babies and children, holiday events We will be pond dipping, learning about bats, and Really Wild Birthday parties. Tearoom and shop for bees, butterflies, foxes, owls and creating wildlife refuelling and treats! art. Dens will be built and also teeny tiny den Nature Babies every Monday morning 10- 12 building for our youngest visitors. There will be Drop-in format and exclusively at our Parkridge Centre site in stories, games, a compass challenge, creative Solihull. Wonderful gentle nature themed sensory play, a mud sessions and lots, lots more. good chance to meet other parents and make new friends. Nature Tots every Friday 10:30-12 or 1:30-3 If you fancy discovering nature at night our Absolutely perfect for active 2-4 year olds. Family Bat Night (5+) on the 25th August, £5 per Really Wild Parties Very competitive prices, offered every person or 2 adults and 2 children for £15 weekend throughout the year for up to 20 children could be just what you’re looking for! OUR EVENTS COST £3.50 per child Learn some facts and play games. When dusk All 2017 events now booking online: arrives you will take your detector and hopefully www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on hunt out some of our batty friends, a great night

for the whole family 7:15 till 8:45

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Private William Thomas Price (No. 28004)

The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 10th (Service) Battalion

Since the publication of ‘The Fallen of Meriden, Great & Little Packington during the Great War 1914 – 1918’, two members of the First World War Meriden committee visited the grave of Private William Thomas Price at Hébuterne Military Cemetery, Pas-de-Calais, France, whilst on a trip to attend the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Private W T Price is also recorded on the Ring of Remembrance (L'Anneau de la mémoire) a memorial that records the 579,606 names of the fallen in Northern France (Pas-de-Calais and Nord) during the First World War.

It is a 328m ring consisting of 500 sheets of bronzed stainless steel listing all the names. Its innovative construction enables 20% of it to cantilever out horizontally as the landscape falls away. It was inaugurated in November 2014 at a cost of £3.9 million.

It is adjacent to the French National Military Cemetery, Notre Dame de Lorette, at Ablain-St-Nazaire.

Also named on the Ring of Remembrance are Meriden’s Captain Edgar Godfrey Izon, Lance Corporal Philip West and Private Thomas Pointon.

THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE

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Gates open Special at 7.00am offer close Coffee & at dusk Cake £3.00

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WARWICK OFFICE BALSALL COMMON OFFICE 07703 345210 61 Coten End 2 Meeting House Lane Warwick CV34 4NU Balsall Common CV7 7FX Tel:01926 499889 Tel 01676 533755 …the perfect start to your day! Fax: 01926 499552 Fax 01676 533699 www.macnamaraking.com CAMEOCAMEOCAMEO Come and Meet Each Other at the Sports Pavilion th on the 4 Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m. CAMEOCAMEOCAMEO I n February we welcomed Reverend Jane Braund, the new Methodist Minister. Jane was born in Bristol where th she lived untilCome she wasand 11Meet years Each old Otherwhen the at thefamily Community moved to CentreDartford on in theKent. 4 She Friday lived of there the until coming to Balsall Common.month Jane’s at 2.00 father p.m. was a Methodist Minister. Her first job was with the Royal Army Medical Corps at the Ministry of Defence in London which she loved. During the Toronto Blessings she had a profound spiritual experience which re-focused her life once again on Jesus, having invited him into her life when she was 11 years old. Jane married Andy and they have two children. She worked for a while in a crèche for the children of Kosovo. refugees and then for some years as a driving instructor. During all of this time, she was attending and working within her church and for six years served as a Circuit Steward. Jane then decided she should train as a local preacher which she did, knowing this was her first step on the road to Ministry to which she now felt called. Eventually she was accepted and studied at Queen’s College in Edgbaston before being allocated to the Meriden, Balsall Common and Fillongley Churches where she is happy and has settled in well.

We were fortunate to have Dame Caroline Spelman, our local Member of Parliament, speak to us in March about her role as Second Church Estates Commissioner. This is an unpaid honorary position which is held by a

lay member of the Church of England who is a Member of Parliament from the Governing Party. David

Cameron asked Caroline to undertake this role in 2015. The job is a link between the House of Commons and the Church of England. Caroline therefore introduces required legislation and answers oral and written questions about Church of England matters. Fortunately, her former experience as a Cabinet Minister helps her to answer on her feet. She also hosts events in Parliament on behalf of the Church of England to showcase the fantastic work which the Church is doing in the community. Caroline then detailed a few such community projects being carried out and described how, although some Anglican churches are closing, others including

Cathedrals are expanding. Caroline concluded by answering questions on matters such as the loss of the taxi bus and school funding etc. before leaving to take part in the television recording of The Politics Show.

In April we had our annual trip out for lunch and this year 32 of us enjoyed a meal in The Cottage in Fillongley. We presented Ellen Watkins with a bouquet on her retirement from the Committee in recognition of all her hard work in setting up CAMEO in Meriden and helping to run it since 2003.

We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Joan 523507 or Pam 523372

Forthcoming Meetings:-. Ju ne 23rd – Holiday at Home

July 28th – Poems and Strawberries

August 25th – Illustrated Talk on Peru by Ken and Stephanie Sherlock,

Please note this meeting is at the Village Hall

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Just before writing this article I was preparing an 'Order of Service' to do my Aunts funeral on the 2nd May and was remembering all the fun I used to have with my family, and my aunts, uncles and cousins when I was a child. I came from quite a big family as my mom was the youngest of twelve children so I had lots of extended family. We always seemed to be together growing up and this made for some great memories. We didn't have all the expensive toys children have today and we certainly didn't have the smart phones, computers, iPads etc. that everyone now has and which they use to converse with each other on the impersonal 'social media'. But what we did have was a great one to one relationship and a real sense of belonging and endless hours of fun playing together, either at each other’s houses or more often than not, taking over a section of Elmdon park. This has resulted in our family still being a close knit one and even though we don't see each other as much as we used to or as much as we'd like, there is still a commitment to one another and a love that will always be strong. This all sounds great, and it is but it came at a cost, it took effort and commitment, there were bad times as well as good, there were tough times as well as easy ones and as time has gone by there have been a lot of sad farewells as different members of my family have passed away. But as the old saying goes 'It is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all'. And I have to say having all those memories has meant that none of my family members have gone completely, because I still have them in my heart and mind. In John's gospel chapter 14 Jesus is telling His disciples that He is going away to prepare a place for them and that He will come back to take them to be where He is, and tells them that they know the way to the place where He is going. To this Thomas replies; ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ 6 Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.’ 8 Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ 9 Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing his work.' (John 14:5-10). Jesus' response to Thomas' and Philips questions is a great example of how we build relationships and memories. The disciples had been with Jesus for almost three and a half years, they had ate with Him, ministered with Him, been taught by Him been empowered by him. They weren't just His disciples at this point they were considered by Jesus to be His close friends, and family. As a Christian I now belong to God's family, I now know Jesus as my Lord, Saviour and Friend. I am able to talk with Him, listen to Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him and build memories with Him. Knowing with absolute assurance that I will one day be with Him in the place that He has prepared for me, because I know the Way to the place where Jesus is. I also know that when I die I will once again see certain members of my family and friends, those who received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour before they died, and will once again rejoice with them. I have no doubt in my mind that I have been blessed to be part of such a large and loving family, and now have my own children and grandchildren to build memories with, and that others aren't as fortunate as myself. However, I now belong to an even bigger family, one that I'm still building memories with. Anyone can belong to it, and it functions much the same as my natural family with its ups and downs, good and bad times, and is based not only on natural love but God's supernatural Love. That family is my church family, whom I've been a member of for the past 36 years and whom I love deeply. This family is made up of people from all different backgrounds and with different life experiences but has one thing in common, the thing that holds it all together, our love for Jesus. Not because we first loved Him but because He first loved us and gave Himself up for us. Over the years I've been supported, loved, encouraged, and at times discouraged but always felt part of an amazing group of people called by God to serve Him and one another. Church isn't about religion, it's about relationship, with a God who truly loves us and wants us be part of His family. So if you're looking for friendship, and maybe trying to make sense of this life, and would like to know more, why not join us at MCF Life Church. We come together at 12:30pm each Sunday as well as other times in the week, and we meet in the Methodist building in Meriden. We'd love to meet you. It's how memories are made. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10) Every blessing. Kevin and Lyn Hunt

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MERIDEN TREE OF THOUGHT

As a start, I will confirm that all monies raised to date have been paid to The Marie Curie Hospice, Solihull and Macmillan Cancer Support. As I stated in the previous Mag, this totals *** £51,365. ***.

FUNDAY SUNDAY 4th JUNE

11.00am until 3.00pm approx

Writing, as I am on the 24th April, I am up to my eyes in preparation for the event on The Village Green. I am receiving much appreciated support from several people in various ways. There will, again, be many excellent prizes in the Midsummer Draw (Tickets on sale in Meriden Tearooms, Our Spar Shop and Lloyd's Chemist). The number of Tombola prizes is growing, thanks to those who are donating, very kindly. On the day, there will be a number of features. To give you some idea, these include (as at this moment) A Barbecue, A Refreshment Tent, The WI Bottle Stall, Hook a Duck, Face Painting, Tombola, Candy Floss, A Combined Churches Craft Stall, The Village Stocks, The Skittle Alley (There will be, again, a Spar Voucher for the best overall score!), Meriden Parish Council, and Guess The Name for a fabulous Teddy. As usual, there will be, on sale, tickets for The Draw I would just say that my prime motivation for organizing FUNDAY ON OUR VILLAGE GREEN is to provide a few hours enjoyment for our residents at The Heart of The Village. Clearly, I hope that it will also generate a useful amount of money for The Charities. I do hope that many of you will come along and support the effort put in by a considerable number of people. Thank you Alan.

Meriden United Charities Samaritan’s Purse Correction

is a small, registered charity, administered by In the last issue of the Meriden Mag we were told that eight nine local Trustees, meeting three times a year shoe boxes were sent to the Middle East. In fact the figure should be eight thousand!! to help people in need, although there is one condition, all recipients must reside in Meriden. Well done to all concerned

Financial assistance is also available to support education, further education and people with Thank You special needs. The Meriden Mag team would like to thank all our readers who have made donations towards our postage costs or general All enquiries are strictly confidential and expenses. applications can be made to: Your generosity and kind comments are much appreciated The Clerk to the Trustees, Meriden United Charities, c/o Meriden Library, The Green. Dear Editor, St Patrick's Day fundraiser nets I should like to thank the Coventry Way Association over £600 for Alzheimer's Society for erecting the lovely new fence on our Fillongley walk last week and also for the replacement of stiles A successful St Patrick's Day charity fundraiser has netted with gates or kissing gates. £648.44 for the Alzheimer's Society. Meriden musician and fundraiser David McGrath entertained We do a lot of short walks around North and South shoppers singing for 4 hours and then travelled to the Queens Warwickshire and further afield and it is so sad Head pub putting on free entertainment for the local patrons when farmers have removed signs or chosen not to leave a walkway through their crops (even when it is David's father - Irish born Waterford man - died of dementia a public footpath). and 'The day was to honour his memory' said David. 'But all of If anyone is interested, I have three books of walks our volunteers have a relative or friend living with Alzheimer's so it was a joyous and emotional day to receive such amazing available on Amazon and we are now re-walking the support' first book to make changes and put the walks on the “There are an estimated 3,100 people living with dementia in internet as single walk PDFs. Solihull. We were amazed at how welcoming and positive everyone was My books are: towards us - sometimes joining in for a jig. Many people also • Walks in Warks related personal stories of friends or relatives living with • More Walks in Warks

dementia • Midlands Meanderings (completed last year) Collectors raised £648.44 for Alzheimer's Society Thank you See centre pages for colour photograph Kind Regards Julie Chiswick

Governor Vacancy

The Meriden Plumber The Governing Body at Meriden C of E Primary School NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL is seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual to join an effective and cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set the Fully Qualified in Natural Gas & LPG strategic direction.

Our services include: • Although governors are volunteers, excellent support and Full Central Heating installations development opportunities are provided through an induction • process and a full programme of training as well as having an Landlord Gas Safe Certificates & Servicing • experienced governor as a mentor. We don’t expect you to be Boiler Replacements an expert in education and welcome governors from all walks • Cooker & Fire Installations of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need • Power Flushing to be committed to supporting our school community and the educational outcomes of our students. However, we are • Shower installations particularly interested in hearing from anyone with skills, • External & Internal Taps experience or understanding in any of the following areas: No. 544788 1. Finance • Blocked Drains 2. Business development • Underfloor Heating Systems 3. Data analysis

• Bathroom installations from start to finish 4. Marketing

(inc electrics, plastering, tiling & carpentry work) “The governing body All Plumbing Work Undertaken provides effective support and challenge to the school” Ofsted, 2016

07972 868 512 For an informal conversation about the role or to receive a email:[email protected] full role description, please contact the Chair of Governors, www.themeridenplumber.co.uk Dr Adam Boddison on [email protected]

BALSALL Run for dog lovers by dog lovers

COMMON

VETS Harvest Hill Kennels

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Open by appointment Monday – Friday 11am-6pm Sat 9am-10am Harvest Hill Cottage Local friendly practice, established over 40 years Harvest Hill Lane, Allesley Highly qualified and experienced staff Car parking at rear of surgery Coventry Selling food, toys and other pet care items CV5 9DE 24 hour emergency care & advice 02476 404608 or 07584294144

Tel: 01676 530792 www.broadlanevets.co.uk Family run business with over 40 years combined experience in ALL breeds. Our surgery at 255 Broad Lane CV5 7AQ is open until 7.30pm weeknights, Offering boarding, taxi service, Saturday 8.30am-5pm & Sundays 11am-3pm training and advice. Viewings welcome by appointment, or simply give us a call for a friendly chat to discuss your

best friend’s needs.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month 7.30pm at

Meriden Village Hall. Contact

Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 Margret Watts came to talk to us in March about ‘Save the Children’. The movement was founded in 1919 by Dorothy Buxton to help children in Europe suffering after WW1. She thought it would only be needed for a few years but sadly 100 years on the situation is worse than ever. Every penny donated is sent to workers in the field; and she herself has been to Mozambique and seen workers in action training local people as health visitors and nutritionists, paying particular attention to the survival of young children and providing invaluable help in refugee camps.

In April Paul Noble gave a short talk about his life on the Royal Yacht Britannia, where he had been a serving officer for many years, he felt very privileged to have served and was greatly saddened on her de-commissioning.

We welcomed Paul Thompson again in May; this time his talk was titled ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’ and related to the home front in WW1. He had many interesting examples of items that were sent to the men at the front.. Apparently some officers received hampers from Fortnum and Masons delivered by 16 year olds in their F & M uniforms! He also talked about the important role that women played in those times having to do the jobs that had been done by men. Many worked in the munitions factories as well as running their homes Future programmes On Wednesday 10th May we held the Meriden Group 5th June Antiques Jeremy Thornton meeting, comprising W.I.groups from Meriden, rd 3 July ‘Everyone loves a wedding’ – Molly Murray Allesley, Earsldon and Eastern Green. There will be

7th August Social Evening a report on this next time. Elizabeth Spencer Elizabeth Spencer

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FILLONGLEY SHOW - SUNDAY, 13TH AUGUST, 2017

This year will be Fillongley Agricultural Society’s 93rd annual show. Quite an achievement! However, as old as the show is, the event is very much up to date and full of entertainment for the whole family. Despite its name the show ground is in Church Road, Corley, CV7 8AG, not Fillongley, and very easy to get to.

Fillongley is a traditional, small, agricultural show with the regular attractions of vintage tractors, classic cars, cattle, sheep, pig and horse classes, a very popular horticultural section and dog show and the poultry section with a variety of classes to enter.

As part of our main ring attractions we are glad to welcome back the very popular 'Quack Pack' with Meirion Owen and the audience having lots of fun herding the ducks. New to Fillongley this year is the BMX Bike Stunt Show with Ben Savage's team of fearless and inventive riders performing stunts designed to astound us. There will be a chance for people to try out BMX Stunt Riding for themselves on Ben's purpose-built track under supervision.

We've got Circus Whiz, Face Painters, Birds of Prey, Rare Breeds and, as always, the Bouncy Castle, Bouncy Trampoline and the Quad Bikes. New to Fillongley this year is Clayzer, a laser based Clay Shooting game, and we think it is going to be an exciting popular addition to Fillongley Show.

Main Ring attractions include horse showing, heavy horse classes, and the Champions Parade. All of these can be enjoyed on ringside seating, or, for Members, from the viewing area of the Member's Marquee, and of course the popular and the hilarious Pantomime Horse racing events.

The horticultural section is known around the Midlands as one of the best. A visit to see the wide range of vegetable, plant, flowers and produce entries is not to be missed. Why not enter your own famous home made jam or cakes? It includes photography and art classes, many children's classes and much more. The artisan craft tent is becoming more popular each year and is packed with items for you to admire and buy. Throughout the year the Farm and Field competitions, including Gardens and Allotments take place and are available for you to enter if you meet the criteria. We hope to see you there!

The show will be open all day from 9.00am until 5.00pm.

Download one of our schedules to enter at www.fillongleyshow.org.uk.

Heart of England High Speed Railway Action Group

HS2 is in a lull at the moment. More environmental surveys, ground investigations, and enabling works are underway, but the serious business of mitigating the construction impact and knock-on developments can't start until contractors have been appointed. Brexit and the General Election add further uncertainty. A new Parliament will doubtless want to think again as to whether HS2 is value for money and the best way to boost the economy of the Midlands and North. The new elected Mayor of the West Midlands will have control of local transport expenditure. Current plans are aimed at connecting the HS2 station at Bickenhill with the tram system, but areas either side of Birmingham may not feel this will compensate for a reduction in fast services on the current main line. HS2 also affects the proposed A46 - A45 link road, but no further details have emerged.

Richard Lloyd Chairman

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Balsall Common U3A Are you retired or semi-retired; have you considered joining the Balsall Common U3A? The local U3A is part of a national voluntary learning co-operative whose aim is to encourage activities for people no longer is full time employment. Members join not only to learn new subjects but also to meet and socialise with likeminded people.

We have over 310 members and 30 active groups providing something different on each week day. Beside the group activities, each month we have a core meeting. Included in the core meeting is a talk on subjects of interest to the group, the subjects and speakers for the next few months are as follows:

Date Topic Speaker 1st June 2017 Food Banks – Trussell Trust Ann Danks 6th July 2017 Eastern Europe by Scooter in the 60’s - behind the Iron Curtain Ian Lester 3rd August 2017 Lasting Power of Attorney - Made Simple Jackie Lewis

Core meetings are held in St Peters Hall, Holly Lane, Balsall Common and start at 2:00 pm. Prospective members are always welcome to attend. For more information see our web site www.balsallcommonu3a.o rg or telephone the Chairman Jim Melville 01676 534938.

Steven Russell

Singing Teacher Singing for fun, choral Director

Graded exams and Oxbridge Choral Bank Holiday Scholarship preparation 26th – 28th August 2017

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www. maintenance! We are TheJobSquad. available whenever co.uk you need a “spare pair of hands”.

Small odd jobs such as assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging pictures and televisions, changing light bulbs in awkward places, finishing that job you started! Our local handymen are always on hand to help. At a time that suits you. All work guaranteed Free estimates Fully insured Charged in half hour units State pensioners discount No call out charge Minimum one hour Established 1996 Got a job - Large or small - but not sure who to call? Call the Job Squad!! 01676 532833 01926 803 803

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Bennetts Road North Corley Coventry POTS AND PLANTS TO YOUR DOOR CV7 8BG Wenday can supply11th D all types of composts to enhance your garden plus 01676 540178 topsoil/turf/flowers and plants / New Coffee Opening hours summer bedding/shrubs and trees to order Shop now open Mon-Sat 9.00- 5.00pm Garden Canes/Trellis etc Sun 10.00 – 4.00pm

All delivered to your door Call Chris or Tina Hanging baskets made to order. 07973834579 /07875475990 Many of our bedding, herbaceous and perennial plants are home grown.

JC Gardening Services and Maintenance 07710676792

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Hedge cutting, Fence Treatment, Lawn Mowing, Weeding, Mulching,: General Garden Maintenance, Strimming, Edging Planting. [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 07904 239365

Bennetts Road North Corley Coventry POTS AND PLANTS TO YOUR DOOR CV7 8BG Wenday can supply11th D all types of composts to enhance your garden plus 01676 540178 topsoil/turf/flowers and plants / New Coffee Opening hours summer bedding/shrubs and trees to order Shop now open Mon-Sat 9.00- 5.00pm Garden Canes/Trellis etc Sun 10.00 – 4.00pm

All delivered to your door Call Chris or Tina Hanging baskets made to order. 07973834579 /07875475990 Many of our bedding, herbaceous and perennial plants are home grown.

JC Gardening Services and Maintenance 07710676792

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Hedge cutting, Fence Treatment, Lawn Mowing, Weeding, Mulching,: General Garden Maintenance, Strimming, Edging Planting. [email protected]

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A child asked his father, "How were people born?" So his father said, "Adam and Eve made babies, then their babies became adults and made babies, and so on." The child then went to his mother, asked her the same question and she told him, "We were monkeys then we evolved to become

MERIDEN A Coventry Way Challenge 2017

The 20th A Coventry Way Challenge took place on 9th AGUAFLAME UK April 2017. This 40 mile Challenge started and finished at The Queen's Head in Meriden. The route encircles Coventry, always outside the City boundary. • The 250 limit was reached early in 2017, with walkers and Boiler servicing and repairs runners plus several relay teams taking part. The • Boiler replacements Challenge web master, Peter Page has produced a comprehensive list of 'results' which can be found at • New radiators and valves www.acoventryway.org.uk. Albeit not a race, the fastest round was Graham Stevens from Kenilworth and Matthew • All plumbing work carried out Ma from Milton Keynes in 6 hours 17 minutes - 32 • minutes ahead of Warwick man Michael Scandrett. First Fully qualified in Natural gas lady was Sarah Booker (5th home) from Rugby in and LPG 7:08. There were times all the way through to 14 hours • Under floor heating 51 minutes! Apart from a warm welcome at the Queen's Head, those • New Bathrooms taking part visited nine refreshment points along the Way. Many of those taking part had collected sponsorship for their own particular charity. Local charities will benefit from the surplus from the event entry 01676 523 192 home fees.

Frank Hodgson provided the following recommendation - 07970 119142 mobile "A big thank you to everyone involved in organising and supporting the event. It was my first long challenge walk email : [email protected] and I enjoyed it . The registration, check points, extra water stations, and the finish were all so efficient, friendly Terry Griffiths and helpful it was a joy to be a Coventry Way walker". No doubt Frank will be walking it again in 2018 - the date has been set as April 8th for the 21st Challenge Event.

Here is an interesting picture for you to have a go at… You will need watercolour paper, watercolour paints, a pinch of salt and a bit of imagination. 1. Draw a few goldfish, draw as many as you like but vary the size and shape 2. Background. Get a pinch of salt ready (fine sea salt works best). If you know you have problems with getting an even background, then wet the background first and then re wet after you have mixed the colours. Mix big puddles of strong washes of:- • Blue • Blue even stronger • Blue + a touch of Yellow (strong) Wet the paper carefully around the fish, making sure that it has an even glaze but is not sitting in puddles. Working quickly with a big brush, backwards and forwards, from the top down, apply an even covering of the blue (avoiding the fish). Add other colours to this straight away while still wet for the weeds. Add a pinch of salt and leave it to dry. 3. Shading. Brush off the salt when it’s all dry. With a smaller, very weak puddle of:- • Blue Wet one fish at a time and add the shadows to the sides of the fish. 4. Colours on fish. Using small strong puddles of:- • Yellow • Red + Yellow (orange) • Crimson Red • Blue • Blue + a touch of Brown (very dark blue/grey) Wet one fish at a time with the yellow, then add the stronger colours letting them run together. Move on to another fish. The choice of colours is up to you, you can add spots of dark blue if you wish or leave white patches. 5. Details. Using the same colours as before but a lot weaker, add a few hints of scales. 6. Add the eyes with a little:- • Blue + a touch of brown (very dark blue/grey)

For more information on art classes at Centre of England Arts contact Julie on 01676 523357 or see the website www.CoEA.co.uk We now run pottery and stained glass glasses as well as painting classes.

Created By Julie Hyde email: [email protected] Copyright © 2017 On 23On 23rdrdrd February 2017 Storm Doris hit Meriden --- felling a large tree on Main RRRoadRoadoadoad,, opposite the VVillageillage GreenGreenGreen,Green,,, onto a parked car.

Very happily no one was hurt!hurt!hurt!

Luckily Councillor Paul Lee was passing at the time and was able to contact Dovetail FacilFacilFacilitiesFacilities Management who rapidly responded to remove the debrisdebris.... Photographs courtesy of Councillor Lee

In March The Orme School of Dancing once again presented their annual ShowTime at the Royal Spa Theatre Leamington

Above the Adult Tap DTap DancingDancing class

Right Seniors dancing to “One”to “One”

“A Dream is a Wish

Your Heart Makes”

performed bybyby

Rosette and theand the

Preparatory Ballet. David McGrath and friend at the St. Patrick’s Day fund raising event in Touchwood shopping cshopping centrecentre Solihull. David raised an amazing £648.44 for the Alzheimer’s Society

***************************

BBelowelow Meriden Archery Club Juniors have had a very successful few months,

LLefteft to righteft right:right::: “Grizzly Jim” Kent and friend

Monty Orton winning the Junior Gents Recurve Trophy at the West Midlands Archery Society Novices Tournament in Mayin May

TTrainingraining Session at the Meriden Archery GroundGroundGround

Meriden in springtime photographs courtesy of Roy Hands

1st Meriden Scout Group – News from the Green Hut Beavers Early spring saw the Beavers working towards their Digital Citizen Badge. To achieve this they had to learn about the different parts of a computer, create a piece of digital media and send an email with the link to their favourite website.

The Beavers also got 'crafty' creating lovely valentines and Mother’s day gifts. They also worked on their Communicator Badge and have started their International Badge and Adventure Challenge Awards ... As part of this badge they will take part in archery, den building and mud creations, to name but a few. In June some of the Beavers will be attending the Warwickshire Scout County 'away day' at the Heart of England Conference Centre, where they will participate in a range of activities. In July the Beavers will achieve their Time on the Water Badge, with the Cubs where they will take part in Bellboating. Finally the summer term period will conclude with an end of year party, no doubt with a lot of water being splashed around. As you can see a very busy fun time ahead. Cubs The Cubs Section have recently been working on quite a few badges and awards, namely being the Pioneer Activity badge, for which the Cubs built simple frames / ladders by using simple knots and lashings that they had learnt, two of their Navigator Staged Activity Badges, whereby they completed a whole list of tasks which included; locating where they lived on a local map of the village, creating simple maps of the village from memory, identifying Ordnance Survey map keys and symbols, going on a local walk and navigating their way around using local services and key points on an OS map, using grid references and 8 point compasses and using tracking signals. We also brought out the creative side of our Cubs by working on their Artist Activity badge, whereby they designed and made Mother’s Day cards and created posters based on their favourite elements of Scouting. The Cubs are now working towards their Science Activity badge, where they have already taken part in a Star Wars inspired night of experiments where they had fun making water filled / compressed space rockets from plastic bottles and a foot pump, vinegar and bi-carb self-inflating "Death Star" balloons and generating electricity from lemons! They will also complete their Our World Challenge badge this term by understanding what local services there are within the local / immediate area (and even get to visit one of them), take part and understand different faiths and cultures, which includes visits to different places of worship, take part in different cultural celebrations and play different games from around the world. All in all, the Cubs are enjoying being very busy in earning as many badges as possible and having LOADS OF FUN in doing so! Scouts Once again we’ve tried to keep our programme packed full of a wide range of activities since January. We had an interesting ready steady cook evening with some interesting creations from the Patrols, reinforced our skills with Maps and Compass and had a ten-pin bowling challenge evening. We’ve spent time looking at Hiking equipment, Rucksacks and how to pack them in readiness for our annual weekend visit to Snowdonia for some walking in the mountains. We had a great badge evening where several Scouts finished off their Digital Citizen and Writing badges. Some of the ‘stop’ animation done with their phones at home was really impressive. Maybe some budding film makers in the making? We finished the spring term off with a visit to a Sikh Gurdwara Temple. This is what Niamh thought of the visit: “On Tuesday 4thApril we went for a visit to Gurdwara Guru Nanle Prakes Sikh Temple in Coventry. We were made to feel very welcome in the beautiful and decorative temple. We had to wear something over our heads as a mark of respect for the Sikh religion. A member of the temple explained the history and beliefs of Sikhism, it was very interesting and educational.Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world. It is over 500 years old and was founded in the Punjab region of India. I have learnt that it is important to respect people’s religious believes even if they differ from your own. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to experience some Sikh vegetarian food that was offered to us but it did smell lovely!” 1st week back for start of summer term we undertook a one minute Olympics. Lots of silly games timed to a minute. Getting a biscuit from your forehead into your mouth with no hands was hysterical. Coming up we have our weekend up to North Wales, shortly followed by taking Part in the Strategy Camp weekend down in Cirencester, as well as an exciting summer programme. For more detail of what we’ve been doing and what we have planned please visit our blog site at 1stmeridenscouts.blogsp ot.co.uk and if you think Scouting’s for you get in touch. If Bear Dares why don’t you?

Please contact the Leaders below if you would like to join – Go on, come and meet some new friends, learn something new and have FUN!! Beavers: Girls and boys aged 6-8 years meet on a Monday at 6.30pm. Contact Becky 07967674308

Cubs: Girls and Boys aged 8-10½ meet on a Thursday at 6.30pm. Contact Malcolm (07967 325520)

Scouts: Girls and Boys aged 10½-14 meet on a Tuesday at 7pm. Mark (07801 773352) or [email protected] We also need help from any adults out there that would be willing to spare some time with any of the sections – even if it is just for the odd hour or two each month

Showtime at the Orme School of Dancing Meriden Branch

The dancers at The Orme School of Dancing’s Meriden Branch danced beautifully at ‘Showtime 2017’. The annual show included show stoppers such as ‘Stepping Out With My Baby’, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and our youngest dancers looked gorgeous in their ‘Finley the Fire Engine’ and ‘ZingZillas’ dances. The senior dancers sparkled in their show pieces which included a large group dance to ‘One’.

Local Bookkeeper If you would like to get your child involved in ballet, tap and modern jazz sessions at our Meriden With 25 years’ experience is looking to take on new Branch on Mondays at the Meriden Methodist clients in the area. Church then please get in touch on 02476 467271 “Let me take the stress away by completing your or at www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk. We have

different classes suitable for children from 2 years ∑ VAT/CIS/ Self-Assessment Tax returns of age up to senior school age as well as our adult Wages /PAYE ∑ tap class where there isn’t an age limit. ∑ Auto Enrolment Pension

Leaving you to concentrate on your business.” Please see advert below and Please call Fran to discuss your needs centre colour pages for photographs 07940 700284

Jane West The Orme School of Tel: 07715 Dancing 861067 Meriden Branch Methodist Church Hall Classes in Ballet, Tap, Psychic Medium and Crystal Vibrational Therapist in Meriden Jennifer Faulkner Modern Jazz, Gymnastic 1-2-1 face-to-face readings, group parties and Contemporary Dance F.I.D.T.A BA.Hons (up to 6 people), email readings aged 2 ½ years upwards Email: [email protected] Fellowship Teaching Degree Tel: 02476 467271 Facebook: Dip A.B.R.S.M www.ormecoventrydance.co.uk Jane – Medium and Crystal Vibrational Therapist Principal Sandra Clarke F.I.D.T.A (Hons) M.B.B.O. (Hons)

Guitar and Ukulele Beginners Adult Tap Classes Adult Tap Class at The Orme Tuition School, this is especially for beginners Monday evenings at our Meriden Venue 7.15 – 8.00pm Individual or Group Sessions Any age, any shape, Experienced Adult Education Tutor 2 left feet everyone will be very welcome. Eastern Green You just need a big smile and Contact 07742 288113 a good sense of humour!!!

Meriden library Reading Café – Romance, crime, historical, classics, family sagas, thrillers and so many more; what’s your favourite 01676 522717 theme? Drop into the library for our Reading Café and meet Monday 10am - 6pm other readers for a chat about books, authors, reading or Thursday 10am - 6pm anything else over a coffee. Dates and themes for summer Saturday 10am - 1pm are: Monday 19 June Learning What’s on this summer at Meriden Library? Monday 24 July Summer Reads Monday 14 August Favourites! Summer Reading Challenge – it’s back! We are delighted to announce the theme for the 2017 Summer Meriden Library has free to use computers and offers: Reading Challenge is Animal Agents! The summer • 2 hours free internet access for library members reading challenge takes place every year during the • summer holidays for children aged 4 to 11 years. Microsoft Office packages Children's reading can 'dip' during the long summer • printing facilities (charges apply) holidays. The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get • scanners three quarters of a million children into libraries each year You will need your library card to use a computer. If you’re to keep up their reading skills and confidence. Because not yet a member, joining the library is easy and quick, so everything changes when we read. You can sign up at the ask staff for more details. library, then read six library books of your choice, Library members can book a computer for up to 2 hours free collecting rewards along the way – all FREE. of charge each day. Sessions can be extended for Look out for the colourful displays in Meriden Library and £1.50 per hour or part of an hour. come along to sign up and join in the fun when the Computers are available until 15 minutes before the library challenge begins on 15 July. closes. Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer Opportunities - For further information please contact Amanda Jones, Are you 14 or over? Do you want to gain experience, Neighbourhood Library Manager. Tel: 01676 532590, develop skills working with children, discover more about Email: [email protected] working in libraries or help encourage children to read? Solihull Libraries, Arts and Information are looking for BOOK REVIEW “THE READER ON THE 6.27” volunteers to work across the whole of Solihull for Animal by Jean –Paul Didierlaurent Agents, the Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge This is a heart-warming tale which should appeal to all 2017, between 15th July - 2nd September. You will be those who enjoy a well structured narrative, which paints asked to commit to a minimum of 9 hours across the vivid portraits of its characters with tenderness and humour. summer and training will be given. The final closing date Guylain Vignolles, a self-doubting, eccentric 36 year-old, for applications is Saturday 17th June 2017. lives on the edge of existence. He works in a book-pulping Email: [email protected] factory in Paris, in a job he abhors, not only for its tedium

Children’s Craft Table - Come along and join in our but for its very destructive nature. He has but one pleasure summer activities at the library during August. There will in life. Sitting on his commuter train each day, Guylain be a drop in craft table for children and their families recites aloud to his rapt audience of fellow travellers, from throughout August with different crafts and activities to do pages he has saved from the hideous jaws of the pulping each week. No need to book – just pop in when you are machine. passing and have some fun! But it is when he finds a memory stick which contains the diary of a lonely young woman, Julie, who works in a Story time for the under-fives – Our Story Time session similarly horrid job and who feels as lost in the world as he is aimed at pre-school children and will continue to take does, that his journey truly begins. place every Monday 2:45- 3:15. Please come and join in “This is a charming, clever, funny and humane work that our lovely group of parents and carers: make friends and champions the power of literature” Sunday Times. enjoy some stories and a craft. A perfect summer read whether on a sunny beach or curled Rhyme Time – Come along with your preschool children up indoors on a rainy day. every Thursday 2:45-3:15pm to sing along to some classic It will raise a smile, restore the soul and will certainly not nursery rhymes as well as learning some new songs. We disappoint. C.C. look forward to welcoming you to our lively group.

Board Games Club – Come along to our monthly board Readers Circle games club for 7-11 year olds and join in the fun. Play 14th June. A book by Terry Prachett games, design your own board game to take home or join in the quizzes and activities. Booking essential. 13th September. Our Summer/Holiday Reading

Wi-Fi - Free Wi-Fi access is available at all Solihull We are taking a summer break for July and August. libraries. Ask staff for more information. If either of these appeal, please give Peter Moss a call on 01676 523590 for further information and the venue. Did you know that Meriden has had a golf course for over 100 years?

It goes by the name of North Warwickshire Golf Club (NWGC) and is located on the left side of Hampton Lane as you leave the village. Founded in 1894, this heathland course was built on what was originally known as Meriden Common and included a horse racing circuit! During the Club’s centenary in 1994, over 2000 trees were planted as part of the Forest of Arden regeneration scheme paid for by the EU in conjunction with Solihull and Warwickshire Councils. The planting was carried out by Club members and volunteers from the village. The area is now well established.

It is a members’ owned club with a delightful, challenging 9-hole golf course with 18 different tees! We are family friendly. Recently two of our members revived the Junior section (from 7-years-old) and, under the guidance and instruction of our professional Andy Bownes, we are introducing golf to youngsters who perhaps were only previously aware of the game electronically! We are in contact with local primary and secondary schools to promote the game. We have an active social section which supports the monthly Free Draw and Treasure Chest night and the Bridge section (you may play as a guest) meets on a Thursday evening.

In local golfing, we are best known for the simple fact we are weather proof, except for snow. We are built on sand and gravel, conditions that are ideal for drainage, and so, very rarely closed, even in winter. In the wettest winters (or summers) if you want to play golf, you can. We are playable when others nearby are closed. We are also well known for our friendly atmosphere, having an “honesty bar” (how unusual is that?) and being able to get snacks and meals.

You might have heard rumours that the course was to be sold. To reassure everyone, at an EGM in April 2017 the membership rejected, by an overwhelming majority, offers to buy the site for sand and gravel excavation.

Modern day life seems very full on, especially with families. Our course can provide a haven for stressed out mums and dads as well as children. One of the issues with golf is that it can take a large chunk of time to play e.g. an 18-hole round in 4 hours plus of course the possibility of the 19th hole! However, our 9-hole set up enables players to enjoy a shorter, natural game, at a reasonable cost, yet fitting in with family commitments.

I have measured my 18-hole round as a 5.2-mile walk, if I can get to play twice a week, that means I walk over 10 miles but I wouldn’t go for a 10 mile walk otherwise. There is the quote "Golf is a good walk ruined". For myself and many golfers, golf is the reason for a good walk.

Si solum (if only) is the Club motto. It can refer to: the missed putt, the tree that hadn’t been there, keeping one’s head down – but in my case if only I had started playing golf sooner. If you are interested in golf and want more details, contact us by telephone or by calling in.

Paul Blewitt Hon Treasurer and Vice Captain

Office Manager 01676 522915 Professional (Andy Bownes) 01676 522259

Captain David Hartley Ladies Captain Diane Blake

EXTEND provides exercise to music for senior people and for anyone of any age with a disability. Our mission is to promote health, increase mobility and independence, improve strength, co-ordination and balance and to counteract loneliness and isolation. Come & Join me at Meriden Village Hall and exercise whilst sitting or standing 7th June 2017 2pm – 3pm Every two weeks with tea/coffee and a natter for afters !! Jay 07983 979 404 Qualified EXTEND fitness instructor North Warwickshire Golf Club It’s good to talk…but it is even better to listen

For my latest message I thought I would start by talking about a new messaging system West Midlands Police has launched as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping in touch with local communities. The service is called ‘WMNow’. It is free to sign up to and you can register according to your interests and where you live and work.

While I will continue to share messages in this publication, and I thank those involved for allowing me to continue doing this, WMNow will also add an extra opportunity for me and the team to provide updates about what’s happening - whether it’s details of incidents, timely crime prevention advice, community events or appeals for information. As well as sharing our messages we’re keen for this to be a two way process. We want to hear from you about any issues or concerns you have and also any important information you may want to share. This service allows you to tell us, directly, about local issues which will allow us to intervene early and potentially prevent matters from escalating into bigger problems. The information we receive can be absolutely crucial in preventing and detecting crime and anti-social behaviour, so the more people that join WMNow the safer our communities will be. Signing up takes less than five minutes, so we’d encourage everyone to visit www.wmnow.co.uk and join today. Talking about making communities safer, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share some tips on how we can make this summer even safer. Our first reminder goes to green fingered residents. This time of year can see a traditional increase in burglary and thefts from gardens and sheds. Opportunist thieves can also take expensive items from the back of vans or trailers or even mid-job as the worker turns their back for a cup of tea or rest. At the end of a long tiring day in the garden it may be really tempting to leave equipment such as spades and ladders in the garden ready for the following day. While these items are relatively inexpensive they could be used to gain access to your property. So please lock away all gardening tools and make sure ladders are kept securely locked. As well as gardening, some of you may have other home improvements planned that require professional assistance. If you choose to get someone else to complete the work for you then we’d strongly suggest that you visit the Citizen Advice Bureau website for a host of information and advice you should consider before getting work completed. Remember to get several written quotes from reputable firms before deciding which one is best. If in doubt talk it through with someone in your family or a trusted friend. Don’t let unexpected callers to your door pressurise you into having work completed that doesn’t even need carrying out. Don’t forget if you think someone is acting suspiciously - call us immediately. If you are going on holiday then don’t forget to cancel the burglar! In the eagerness and excitement that precedes a holiday it can be easy to forget things. Whether you are leaving your home unoccupied for a fortnight, a week or even a few days we are asking you to follow some simple advice. Don’t discuss your holiday plans online. Adding a photo of you on the beach could let strangers know that your home is empty. Make your home looks lived in by setting timer switches on lights and/or radio. Cancel the milk and papers if you get them delivered and get a trusted friend or neighbour to collect your post. Something else we traditionally at this time of year is an increase in anti-social behaviour. In particular I’d like to ask parents, grandparents and young people for their help with this issue. I am aware that the behaviour of a small minority of young people must not give a whole generation a bad reputation. There are some incredible young ambassadors for our communities. The team and I see evidence of this when we visit schools and clubs throughout the community. All I would ask parents and guardians to do is simply CAT MINDER

remind young people to be mindful of how their behaviour I am offering a service that will stop could affect other people. The last thing we want to be doing is knocking on their doors and telling them their the worry of putting your cat/s into loved one has been involved in anti-social behaviour. a kennel while you are away At the same time we’re also keen to remind young people The service I provide will include that we are also here for them. If they have any concerns • Feeding/changing water about the safety of themselves or their peers we are always • Clean and change litter trays/accidents here to help and offer advice. • Spend time fussing your cat/s Finally I will finish with the promise that I and colleagues • Any other needs your cat/s may have. across Solihull will continue to keep you updated about the latest news via WMNow. There are so many ways that you If you are interested in this service please contact me can get in touch with us so if something is affecting the Gail on 07913 872280 or email safety of yourself or your family please do not hesitate to [email protected] get in touch. and I will come and meet you and your cat/s.

Thank you. Police Sergeant Mick Lloyd Reference available, security checked/fully insured. . SUPREME COURT BACKS CHARITIES AGAINST ADULT CHILD IN WILL CLAIM CASE

Faye Scotter, Evans Derry Solicitors, Coleshill

Clarity has been brought to the 1975 law permitting claims on the grounds that a will has not made sufficient financial provision - the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The Supreme Court has now highlighted the importance of limiting financial awards to adult children, and gives weight to the wishes of the testator and the period of estrangement. The Court has also recognised the importance of charitable legacies, highlighting that they depend heavily on testamentary bequests for their work. The unanimous judgement of the Supreme Court is the final chapter of the ongoing saga that is the case of Iliott v Mitson, which has made headlines in recent years, due to the various appeals made by the parties. A summary of the background is this: Mrs Iliott was the only child of Mrs Jackson, from whom she had been estranged for 26 years. Mrs Jackson died in 2004, having made a valid will leaving her estate worth approximately £486,000 to various animal charities. Mrs Ilott was married with 5 children and received benefits. She brought a claim under this 1975 Act for financial provision. In the first instance, the court held that the Will did not make reasonable financial provision and she was awarded £50,000. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal replaced this with an award in favour of Mrs Iliott in the sum of £143,000 (to purchase her home) and a capital sum of £20,000, sums intended not to impact on her state benefits entitlement. Following the appeal to the Supreme Court, the charities’ appeal was allowed and the original award of £50,000 was reinstated. The decision is clearly a victory for the Charities concerned, but will no doubt have an impact on adult children contesting a Will, making it more difficult and potentially less likely for them to succeed.

Faye Scotter, Evans Derry Solicitors, Coleshill 01675 464400 email: [email protected]

StrawberriesStrawberriesStrawberries Strawberries are incredibly easy to grow. Strawberry plants can be grown almost anywhere – in borders, containers or hanging baskets. And of course the fruit is extremely popular – home-grown strawberries taste delicious and are great value too! Water frequently while new plants are establishing. Also water during dry periods in the growing season. Water from the bottom as overhead can rot the crown and fruit. During the growing season give the plants a liquid potash feed – such as a tomato feed – every 7 to 14 days. In early spring apply general fertiliser such as Growmore at a rate of 50g per square metre. As fruits start to develop tuck straw underneath them to prevent the strawberries from rotting on the soil. Otherwise use individual fibre mats if these are not already in position. The straw matting will also help to suppress weeds. Weeds that do appear pull out by hand. After cropping has finished, remove the old leaves from summer fruiting strawberries with secateurs or hand shears. Also remove the straw mulch, fibre mat, or black polythene, to prevent a build-up of pests and diseases. Expect strawberry plants to crop successfully for three years before replacing them. Crop rotation is recommended to minimise the risk of an attack by pests and diseases in the soil. Strawberries make an excellent dessert, on their own, in a meringue basket with cream or crème fraiche, as a sauce for ice cream, strawberry gratin and strawberry shortcake.

Strawberry gratin Strawberry Shortcake 300ml double cream For the shortcake 300 ml natural yogurt Cream together 150g soft butter 75 g caster sugar 225gm strawberries, sliced Add 225g plain flour and form into a dough Grated zest of 1 lemon Roll out into an 8 inch circle ½ inch deep. Caster sugar to taste Cook in an oven 160 degrees gas mark 3 for 25 Lemon juice to taste minutes until top feels dry. 115 g demerara sugar Remove from oven and cut into pieces, sprinkle with

Whisk the double cream to soft peaks and fold in the caste sugar and leave on the tray until cold. yogurt add a few strawberries and the lemon zest and Spread with cream and top with strawberries. sugar to taste. Fill the bottom of 6 ramekin dishes or one large dish with The 69th annual Whitacre’s and Shustoke show the remaining strawberries top with the cream mixture and Saturday 29th July carefully spread the demerara sugar over the top. At Blythe Hall Shustoke Leave in fridge for at least 2 hours to form a crust. • Minibeast road show

• Falconry centre Fillongley Show August 13th • Punch and Judy Best allotment kept by a bone-fide amateur gardener • Rockwood dog display team on one site within 10 miles of Fillongley church. As well as the usual features of a traditional local Entry fee £3. Judging to take place on June 17th country show , this year will feature the Bolddog To enter please contact Ken Whittaker Lings Freestyle Team provide a unique, non-stop 0121 443 5237 show, using Britain’s best motocross and extreme Email: kandtatwhittsend@hot mail.co.uk sports participants, introducing the articulated mobile freestyle ramp.

Balsall & District Horticultural Society's M.J. Mowing Annual Show [email protected] Saturday 22nd July Exhibits of Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts Grass Cutting Hedge Cutting St Peter's Church Hall, Holly Lane Pruning Strimming Weed Control –Pesticide Licensed Doors open at 2pm. Leaves Cleared Admission by donation No Job Too Small Competitive Prices - Free Quotes Free parking, Refreshments, Plant Sales, Raffle Call Martin 01675 465 204 07922 241 181

Meriden Rovers Football Club We are looking for new players to join the team in www.petstay.net [email protected] 07940 146 063 01789 608 021 preparation for the next season of the Central Warwickshire Youth Football League.

Heart of England Cricket Club Your child must be in the current Year 7 school year (age 11/12). At the time of writing this the club are getting ready for the cricket season which hopefully If your child would like to come along to our will be as successful as last year. training session and meet the coach/team, please With the promotion of the Saturday Xl to contact Malcolm Eggar on 07967 325520 or Division 8 in the Warwickshire League we had to join with Leamington Khalsa. It has been a great start for the team with 2 Kim Blackman on 07853 237158. wins from 2 games putting us at the top of the table. A strong start to the batting has seen Rakesh scoring 2 consecutive 100's th and Sreekesh, Arun and Harris scoring half centuries. Not to be 12 Heart of England outdone Sriram has taken 7 wickets followed by Kiru taking 4. Bike Ride The fixture list for home games being played on a Sunday and Sunday 16 July Tuesday is displayed at the pavilion. Knowle and Dorridge Lions hope You can follow the club via our facebook page. you will join this year’s ride from Packwood NT House around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Gear up, get your friends and family A sad farewell to Tom’s Butchers together and take on the challenge of the 12, 18, 30 or 60 mile routes, and raise funds for the British After 35 years beside the Village Green Tom’s butchers shop Heart Foundation and local causes. After your ride closed in March. This family business, run by Tom and his two enjoy a free visit to the House and Gardens and sons Kevin and Terry, will be greatly missed by their something from the Lions BBQ. More details and customers. On everyone’s behalf we would like to thank them register online via

for so many years of service to the community. www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/bikeride Another independent shop closes!

Meriden Play Group

“Where Friends are made” Experienced Van and Driver Hire

For private or commercial use

Meriden Methodist Church Hall Local or National delivery or Every Tuesday during Term Time 10am-12 collections Join us for a fun playtime with your child, where you can make new friends, do crafts, Vans and drop side vehicle available play with different toys, sing songs and Please call Peter enjoy a healthy snack (and a cup of tea or coffee.) £2 for one child + 50p for each 07768350933 additional child. Call Sharon Corrigan 07811 588504, or [email protected] Vanessa Florey 07876 301620 for more information

Meriden Parish Council The Centre of England

The public and press are cordially invited to all parish council meetings at 7.30pm. An opportunity will be Should you wish to contact the Parish Council, please given for the public to speak. Look out for the agenda contact the Clerk or drop into the Parish Council office and venue which is posted on the parish notice boards on Monday mornings where you may access and our website www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk information or have a private chat with the Clerk to prior to the meeting. address local community issues. The next Parish Council meeting dates are: • 26 June 2017 - The Pavilion • 24 July 2017 - The Pavilion Barbara Bland • No meeting in August The Pavilion Meriden Sports Park Community Surgeries 11am-12pm: Main Road • Monday 05 June 2017 – Meriden Library Meriden CV7 7SP • Monday 10 July 2017 – The Pavilion • Monday 07 Aug 2017 – Meriden Library

Police Beat Surgeries at the Library 11am-12pm: (Welcome to our new PCSO Toni Rheeston!) Tel: 01676 522474 (Mondays) • Thursday 22 June 2017 Mobile: 07767 162423 • Thursday 20 July 2017 Email: [email protected] • Monday 14 Aug 2017 Web: www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk

Your Parish Councillors are:

Rosie Weaver Frances Bob Kipling Melanie Lee Paul Lee Mandy Haque Jon Barber Matthew Nunn BEM Lynch-Smith (Chair) (Vice-Chair)

Quarry news - update on the Sand Martins Following rumours that the Sand Martins’ nests have been destroyed, we would like to reassure everybody that NRS Wastecare Ltd are looking after the care of the birds. Wayne Wardle from NRS explains, “The nests were checked and as there were no young in and 90% were not completed - checked with a snake camera - part of the colony has moved to the top of the lagoon with the rest of the colony which is not being touched until after the breeding season. “The NRS Meriden site has had two very large colonies for the last three years. These birds are also netted and tagged each year by professionals for monitoring as will the colony at Area E. “These actions were planned, done with due care and attention, and I believe correctly carried out due to the pressure from the council, Environment Agency and other bodies to complete the work.” Solihull Neighbourhoods in Bloom axed for 2017

With the rising cuts in spending in local authorities across the nation, Solihull Council has had to make the decision to cease its Neighbourhoods in Bloom initiative from this year. Meriden won best kept village in 2014 and 2015, placing second in 2016. We’d like to thank everyone who helped us achieve these awards over the years. As best we can, the parish council will aim to maintain its floral displays throughout the parish – see ‘The Parish Council would like to thank’ on the next page. We will also be planting purple crocus bulbs throughout the parish supporting the initiative from the International Rotary Club to eradicate polio. In 2018, we will enter RHS Britain in Bloom, Heart of England Region, having received a Silver Large Village Award in 2015. Volunteers are needed to meet the exacting competition standards!

The Parish Council would like to thank

Bruce Brant, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, Sarah Jones from NAP (Neighbourhood Activity Programme) and the Neighbourhood Rangers for the wildflower bank at Coronation Island, benches for Meriden Gate public open space, spring bulbs for the parish, and nesting boxes for the Copse. Our wonderful volunteers Lynn Parker, resident representative for Quarry Liaison Group, Sarah Sharland, Tree Warden and Rosie Nunn for administrative assistance to the Clerk, for their invaluable support. Wayne Wardle of NRS Wastecare Ltd for his support and protection of the Sand Martin colony in Meriden Quarry. Mrs Jeanette Gray and Mrs Pat Mills who have tirelessly campaigned on behalf of residents for community transport and reinstatement of the Ring & Ride Service. Lee Butterworth and his team at Dovetail Facilities Management for their rapid response during Storm Doris to our request to remove the fallen tree from Main Road.

Taxi Bus - 89 bus - Ring & Ride update

There have been several meetings with Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and IGO with the parish council and the residents’ committee led by Mrs Jeanette Gray and Mrs Pat Mills. Following TfWM’s public consultation which ran up until 10 February, they introduced a feeder bus to ferry people from their homes to the 89 bus stop. However, this was deemed unsuitable by the residents’ committee as many of the people who were used to the Taxi Bus service could not, by any means, board the 89 bus due to accessibility issues.

Then it was agreed to introduce a shuttle service to carry people from their homes to the post office, doctor, library and to the local clubs on the following days and times: • Tuesdays and Fridays 0945 to 1400 • Wednesdays 0900 to 1600

Also at one these meetings, a timetable was discussed whereby the 89 would travel to • Coventry on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 0900, 1307, 1553 • Solihull on Tuesday and Thursday 0950, 1150, 1550

The 89 service does also furnish the Heart of England School from 0815 to 0830 and again in the afternoon 1535 to 1550. Supposedly, it is not a school bus, but does carry a 'school service' notice on the front of the bus.

Mrs Gray said, “The new 89 bus service does 'roam' around the areas, as per the timetable. Again this has not proved popular, consequently people with disabilities and elderly cannot use ordinary public transport as some cannot even walk down their own garden paths. Hence the need for the Taxi Bus or Ring & Ride service.

“The journey to Coventry from Meriden takes one hour and the bus is too large to take people to the mobility centre in Coventry, and as for the journey to Solihull, the 89 does not go into the hospital. The Taxi Bus did! The 89 cannot take blind people as it has no communication system.”

Aggie Wathes, member of the residents’ committee, added, “The Taxi Bus does not run in Meriden anymore. The service we are getting at the moment is what they call the feeder bus. This is unofficially the pathetic answer to getting people on the 89 bus, but that is not what is required. What the Taxi Bus gave was a service which picked people up from their homes and took them shopping, to the post office and library on a regular basis.”

Since the Taxi Bus service ceased in September, there has been continuous dialogue with TfWM and IGO which prompted them to conduct the public consultation. Changes have been made and there is still an opportunity to improve services further e.g. potential to drop residents at Hall Meadow Road to access the Balsall Common Surgery and to open up dialogue with Ring & Ride. A meeting was held on 9 May to meet with Ring & Ride, TfWM and IGO representatives, together with Meriden, Hampton and Catherine De Barnes representatives. You can read the updates from this meeting on the Parish Council website.

Failing to ‘scoop the poop’

Dog fouling continues to be a problem in Meriden Parish. Once again we would like to remind you that if you take out a dog you must clean up after its mess, regardless of whether you are the owner or not. This anti-social behaviour is taken very seriously by the Police and Local Councils. As well as being an unsightly, unpleasant nuisance, dog mess can also be a health hazard. This is why Meriden Sports Park is a dog-free zone.

It is an offence to allow a dog to foul in a public place, without clearing the mess up; reference The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, previously The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.

Solihull environmental health officers make regular patrols and respond to complaints. For first time offenders fixed penalty notices of £75 (reduced to £50 if paid within 5 days) are given. Persistent offenders can be fined up to £1000 and have gone to jail in Solihull for such an offence. Reports of dog fouling can be done online @ http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Pests-pollution-food-hygiene/animal/dogfouling. Please be vigilant and responsible.

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@HoE_School www.facebook.com/heartofenglandschool/ www.heart-england.co.uk Language Success A former Heart of England could then ask the speaker questions, which the speaker had to student has been part answer. of a debating team that The team prepared for the event with hours of research, has been victorious rehearsals and team meetings. A team of Erasmus students in a competition with were on hand to help out. Cambridge University. Whilst at Heart of England, Kirsty studied French, Spanish, Kirsty Giffen, who was also English Language and German. She is currently in her first year Head Girl, is a member of at the University of Exeter studying Modern Languages; French, the winning University of Exeter debating team. Spanish and German. The achievement is made more remarkable because the debate “I feel honoured to have represented my university in such a was conducted entirely in French! The University Final of French prestigious and intellectually challenging event. As Head Girl at Debating event took place at the French Institute in Kensington, Heart of England, I was fortunate to have had practice at public London. speaking by delivering assemblies and presenting at Open Evenings,” said Kirsty. “We were debating political issues facing France, specifically At the moment Kirsty is teaching English at a school in France, the future of the French Army. All of the debating was done in and is an Ambassador for Routes into Languages. She has also French,” said Kirsty. given talks at schools in Devon about the benefits of studying There were four students on each team, each with a specific role languages. in the debate. Individual students had to speak for six minutes “I am incredibly grateful for the skills my experiences and Heart of with interruptions allowed after two minutes. The opposing team England have given me.” Making It All Add Up Heart of England students across the school have been taking “It’s really good to put this on my part in a Maths Challenge over the last few months with amazing UCAS form and talk about it at results including gold, silver and bronze awards all round. interviews for university,” said Lynne. “It was a good experience with lots of It started in November 2016 when Year 12 and 13 students took challenging questions.” the challenge, with a recent challenge in February being taken by Years 9-11. The challenge will continue with Years 7 and 8 taking There were gold and silver awards for up the baton in April. our Year 10 and 11 students too with Annabel and Sarah achieving gold The Challenge and five silvers from Maddie, Charlie, The challenge itself consists of a multiple choice question paper, Megan, Kevin and Lauren. which incorporates different problem solving questions. Maths Year 13 student Will said: “There was no pressure like in a normal teacher, Richard Bowman said: “Some of the questions have exam, which made it more interesting. It was very different to A content that is covered in classes but most of the problems are Level lessons because the questions made you think about the based on using maths in different situations to what they see in maths in a very different way.” lessons. This means it doesn’t feel like a test but the questions Year 9 are very challenging.” Student mathematical prowess was not limited to upper school The Maths Challenge is run by the United Kingdom Mathematics either with bronze awards for three students and a silver for Alice, Trust which promotes and advances the education of children all from Year 9. Not bad from a group of seven! and young people in mathematics. “We’ve done really well and the students have worked to hard,” Glittering Success said Mr Bowman. “Lynne and Will have both been invited back to Gold and silver was the order of the day for our Sixth Form complete in the next stage of the challenge.” students; Lynne Ye-Evans, William O’Farrell and Alex Hawkins all The next Maths Challenge for Year 7 and 8 students took place achieved gold and Oliver Schiffman and Katherine Hickson both on 27 April. Here’s hoping for more awards from our youngest gained silver awards. students! GCSE Art Show Students have celebrated their achievements in art in an exhibition where the work was marked and then viewed by parents, staff and students. “It’s really great to show-case the creative talent of the students,” said Head of Art Mr McLarnon Courage ∙ Determination ∙ Honesty ∙ Kindness ∙ Humour

MARK STEPHEN WILLIAMS 31/08/1972 – 24/12/2016 Mark was the first born son to Marilyn and David Williams, joined 2 ½ years later by brother Alun. Mark was a model son, easy-going and popular with his friends. He started school on his 4th birthday, at Meriden infants’ school, where Marilyn was a playground supervisor. He could already read when he started school and was a good scholar. When he was ten, Mark started having trouble with his sight and was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumour. The operation to remove the tumour resulted in the loss of his pituitary gland and most of his sight. The loss of his pituitary gland meant he had to have growth hormone treatment, which was very successful. After a lengthy recovery period Mark became a boarder at Exhall Grange Special School. Later he went to Coventry University and gained a Degree in Business Administration. Mark worked at Pertemps for a while, but was better known for his fund raising for Guide Dogs for the Blind and Royal National Institute for the Blind, as anyone who tried to get past him and his collecting box will testify. With his many hormone problems, Mark gained a lot of weight and was selected for a Gastric Band operation. This was very successful and he lost 8 stone over 6 months. Mark was always cheerful and outgoing; he worked tirelessly as a volunteer in the Disabled Resource area in Solihull Library, teaching Braille and keeping up with all the latest aids for people with sight loss. Mark was a talented poet and his friends will remember his poems and the Quiz’s he devised for the VIP’s (Visually Impaired People). His long term efforts as a volunteer resulted in his nomination to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen, Mark was very proud of this honour. It was a great shock to Marks’ family, friends and colleagues when he suddenly suffered a fatal heart attack on Christmas Eve. His cheerfulness, his smile and eternal optimism will be greatly missed in the village.

MRS DOROTHY PATRICIA MURIAL SIMPSON (PAT) OF ARDEN CLOSE, MERIDEN Pat passed away on the 25th November 2016 aged 84 after a short illness. Pat was a very private person, but very kind and helpful when she got to know you. I am sure she will be missed by all who knew her. The funeral took place on January 16th 2017 at Robin Hood Cemetery. Thank you to all friends and neighbours who attended. Connie Curtis

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Meriden • 18m Indoor Heated Swimming Pool • Spa Bath, Sauna & Steam Room Contact - Nina 07971 945 242 • An exciting new studio timetable with [email protected] over 30 classes per week • 2 Floodlit Outdoor Tennis Courts Please quote MMAGFI6 when enquiring or joining the membership Marriott Forest of Arden, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden Coventry, CV7 7HR, MarriottLeisure.co.uk 01676 526 107 *Subject to availability *Fees applicable on joining Healthwatch Solihull: Keeping Solihull Healthy

About Healthwatch Solihull – questions and answers

Healthwatch Solihull is working for you to ensure Solihull provides the Health and Social Care services facilities you need. We listen to your comments and concerns about the support you receive and feedback your views to Solihull’s

Health and Social Care providers. By doing this we facilitate the continual evaluation and improvement of services in the Borough. We want to hear from you so talk to us by calling on 0121 704 7861 (between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday) or by email to [email protected]

What is Healthwatch Solihull? Independent of the Health Service, we are your way of engaging with the Borough’s Health and Social Care system. Healthwatch Solihull is both a gateway and a watchdog to help local people navigate the Health and Social Care world. We want to ensure that your opinions and experiences are heard by those who plan, run and regulate Health and Social Care so we can improve their services to you.

Are you a business or part of the Council? Neither, we are an independent partnership of five local charitable organisations who are already accessible to you and helping you in other ways. Together the Citizens Advice Solihull Borough, Colebridge Trust, DIAL Solihull, Experts by Experience – Solihull and Independent Advocacy are working, on appointment by the Council, to deliver Healthwatch Solihull.

So, what does Healthwatch Solihull do? If you need a Health or Social Care service and do not know where to get it then contact us and we will help you find the right place to go. Sometimes things do not work as we expect so you might want to make a complaint about a service you have received. Talk to us and we will help connect you to the right people and make your voice heard.

Improving Health and Social Care in Solihull? We are passionate about making Solihull the best place to be so we encourage you to let us have your views about the Health and Social Care services you or your loved ones have received. By listening to and feeding back information about your experiences, we can understand what is great about our local services and, also, what is not so good. As trends emerge from your feedback, we will liaise with those providing our services to influence both the spread of good practice and to seek improvement. So, let us know about your stays in hospital, the response of paramedic and ambulance services, visits to GP surgeries, opticians and dentists, taking prescriptions to pharmacies, visits from care services to the home and the experience of relatives in residential homes. Your opinion counts.

How can you get in touch?

We can be contacted by phone on 0121 704 7861 (between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday) or by email to [email protected]

You can also send feedback via the website, www.healthwatchsolihull.org.uk where the online Feedback Centre lists most local service providers and gives an opportunity to make comments simply online.

Also, look out for our reply-paid postcards in the Information and Advice Centres at The Core, Solihull and Chelmsley Wood library, in doctor’s surgeries and some other public places.

How can I get more involved?

We are looking for people to be part of our team of Ambassadors. If you can offer a small amount of time and you would like to make a big difference, join us as a volunteer to encourage others to tell their stories and help us to build that overall picture of the Health and Social Care services across the borough of Solihull.

By gathering the views and experiences of people using our services then Healthwatch Solihull can turn these into a strong ‘patient voice’ in the system and encourage long term improvements.

We would like to hear from anyone who would like to get involved in this way so contact us via phone or email and let us know you can help.

Meriden Surgery 01676 522252 School House, 200 Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NG Dr M Bhandal Dr S Barratt Dr A Carlile Dr T Nadeem Dr R Horsley (Partners) Associate GP Dr L Whitehead www.balsallcommon grouppractice.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00

For details on how to obtain medical help when the surgery is closed please phone 01676 935000

The NHS Central England Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme is hosted by the vascular department at Heart of England Foundation Trust (HEFT) and provides screening to men aged 65+ within Birmingham, Solihull, Sandwell, South East Staffordshire and East Staffordshire. The screening programme screens and refers patients to two vascular networks at HEFT, University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals (SWBH). What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm? The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The condition is most common in men aged 65 and over. Men due to turn 65 will be automatically invited for screening. Men aged over 65 who have not been screened before can contact the programme to arrange a test. Is an abdominal aortic aneurysm serious? Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. As the wall of the aorta stretches it becomes weaker and can burst, causing internal bleeding. Around 85 out of 100 people die when an aneurysm bursts. An aorta which is only slightly larger than normal is not

dangerous. However, it is still important to know about it so that we can check if the aneurysm is getting bigger. How common is the condition? Coventry Breathe Easy Around 1 in 70 men who are screened have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. For more information Why is screening important? please ring Janet on If you have an aneurysm you will not usually notice any 02476 460081 symptoms. This means you cannot tell if you have one, will not or Cynthia feel any pain and will probably not notice anything different. 02476 440316 We offer screening so we can find aneurysms early and monitor or

treat them. This greatly reduces the chance of the aneurysm A support group for all those affected by a lung causing serious problems. condition, including friends, family and carers. What will happen when I go for screening? Meets on the 2nd Friday of every month. We use a simple ultrasound scan, similar to that offered to 2 – 4 pm, Eadon Hall, Central Hall, Methodist pregnant women. This is very quick and usually lasts less than 10 Church Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA, minutes. except in the winter months when we meet for At the clinic we will check your personal details, explain the scan a coffee at Conroy’s and give you the chance to ask any questions. We will ask you to lie down and lift or unbutton your shirt. You Friday 9th June –Ramandeep Singh /Amanda – will not need to undress. We will put a cool gel on your abdomen. Pharmacists – A day in the life of a Pharmacist We will then slide the scanning sensor over your skin. The scan Q & A. will show a picture of the aorta on a screen and we will measure it. We will tell you your result straight away and also send a copy to Friday 14th July Mike McKevitt – BLF London your GP practice.

Friday 11th August – Beverley Bostock – For further information or to arrange an appointment Clinical Specialist-Asthma please contact; 0121 424 3612/ 0121 424 1200 or email [email protected]

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Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to live with dementia? Could you turn that understanding into action? Every action counts no matter how small.

Anyone of any age can be a Dementia Friend by attending a Free Dementia Awareness Session. The informal and enjoyable sessions last for around 45 minutes and can take place in local venues or business organisations.

Caroline Bates and Geraldine Davies are Dementia Champions trained as volunteers by the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver Awareness Sessions to groups and organisations.

If you are interested in attending or being part of a future session, please contact either Caroline or Geraldine and we can arrange local sessions for you. From a small group of friends and family to a company or business, all can be accommodated, so please get in touch.

Help us spread the message by raising awareness of people living with dementia and how we can all make a positive difference!

Caroline Bates Geraldine Davies

07734 383509 07798 703007

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Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA

Memories of Kensington Congregational Church

Berlin, Connecticut, is the next town north of Meriden and the geographical center of the state. The western district of town is called Kensington, and the eastern part Worthington. There’s also a little village called East Berlin, whose name reminds me of the Cold War. The whole area was originally called the Great Swamp.

In the early 1700s, the colonial General Assembly in Hartford granted permission for the establishment of the Great

Swamp Ecclesiastical Society, authorizing the locals to build their own rude little church. They did so around 1712, on Christian Lane, at a cost of 60 pounds, near the fort they had built for protection against “the dreaded Indians.” Now they wouldn’t have to trudge for miles every Sunday, on unpaved roads, in all weathers, “to attend the public worship of God.” But eventually they outgrew that church, and in 1774 (during the reign of King George III, who would soon have a great deal of trouble coming from these parts) the congregation broke up — not without rancor; those old Puritans could be a quarrelsome lot — and built two new meeting houses, one each in Kensington and Worthington. It is said that they divided the boards and nails from the old church equally. `m. Kensington Congregational is very much a classic New England meeting house — small, wooden, painted white, and originally quite austere, with a few embellishments that were added much later. In colonial days it was also the center of local civic authority. The Puritans ran a theocracy in those days, with very few Catholics around to frown upon, and some Methodists. (It’s unclear to me whether the “piscopalins” mentioned in a town history were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, or the C. of E.) But unlike their forebears, the Congregationalists of today are associated with the very progressive social and political views of the United Church of Christ, which has no hierarchy to speak of, and certainly no bishops. Anyway, by 1961 it appeared that the old place might be structurally unsound, so a renovation began, which I followed closely because my father was a trustee of the church and a member of the renovation committee. Steel braces were installed to beef up the roof. A new heating system allowed the removal of a floor grate in the main aisle that used to go “clomp” when people stepped on it. The dark wood and blood-red upholstery of the old pulpit furniture gave way to a new, lighter, airier decor. But blood-red hymnals were chosen, mainly to satisfy old Mr. Clarence Baldwin, a pillar of the church. Parts of the new chandelier were made in our garage. Olin McAdoo, a neighbor, who didn’t belong to the church but whose family owned a small foundry, cast two metal eagles and donated them for the hymn boards. A lot of other materials and labor were donated by church members. All told, it was and is a clean, well-lighted place — no graven images, no stained glass, no incense, no mysteries of any kind, thank you very much. Communion consisted of small squares of bread and tiny glasses of grape juice — certainly not wine! — but when people put down their empty glasses all at once, it made a bit of a clatter, so plastic sleeves were added to the holders that received the empty glasses, to hush the unseemly noise. For the same reason, I believe, the collection plates were lined with felt; no need for the noise of coins being dropped in to embarrass anyone! I remember that, for baptisms, our pastor at the time, the Rev. Joseph Reeves, used water from the River Jordan, which he had collected in a canteen on a visit to the Holy Land. I also remember the time when old Mrs. Ellsworth became ill during a service, and the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department had to be called to take her away in their old Cadillac ambulance. And we would chat with Eunice Humphrey Williams, a lovely old person who often wore a Persian lamb jacket and sometimes had lipstick on her teeth. (As even I can now see, my church experience in those days had to do with almost anything except the liturgy.) .The front of the church has a round window, inscribed with latitude and longitude lines that I believe symbolize the universality of the Christian Church. Sometime during the 1980s, my father and brother built new double doors, replicating the old ones, which had weathered rather badly. Another delightful detail of this lovely building is that the belfry structure is slightly skewed with relation to the rest of the building. If you stand far enough away and line yourself up exactly on axis with the church, you can see a bit of the left face of the belfry, but nothing of the right face, because the belfry is slightly twisted, in a counter-clockwise direction from a bird’s eye view. Finally, some of the siding on the meeting house was removed for repairs a few years ago, and I took some pictures. I can’t help wondering whether some of the very rough old boards that were revealed might have come from the original Great Swamp church. After all, those old Puritans were nothing if not frugal. Anyway, may the Kensington meeting house last for another 243 years.

Reach Glenn Richter at [email protected].

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BERKSWELL & DISTRICT HISTORY GROUP

The aim of the History Group is to give its members and the general public the opportunity to acquire information & understanding on items of historical interest, through meetings visits & research projects. Meetings are held at Berkswell Reading Room at 7.45pm for 8.00 pm start unless otherwise stated

Wednesday14th June, “Bodices and Bloomers.” A presentation by Paul Thompson. In Paul’s own words: “A hands-on exploration of Victorian fashion using a selection of original garments to illustrate the basics of men’s & women’s outer clothing and women’s underclothing from the latter 19th Century.”

Wednesday, 2.00 – 4.00 pm 12th July at Balsall Common Village Hall. Open meeting about Balsall Common. Co-ordinated by Stephen Gill. Please bring along your photographs or documents of the area. Share your recollections. This is a Free Meeting for both members & non-members. Refreshments Provided.

Wednesday 9th August “Victorian Warwickshire through the Eye of a

Stereo Photographer.” A presentation by Dr Bob Pryce. If you think you can; or For our latest news visit the website: www.berkswell-history.org you think you can’t – you or telephone 01676 535782 are right! Village Diary

DATE EVENT VENUE TIME CONTACT 2nd June Escape from Meriden Village Green Midnight 4th June Funday Sunday Village Green 11.00-3.00 Alan Lole 01676 522138 approx 5th June WI Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 5th June Community Surgery Library 11.00am– Barbara Bland 01676 12noon 522 474 8th June GENERAL ELECTION Village Hall 7.00am – 10.00pm 9th June Churches All Together Pavilion 2.00-4.00pm Rev Lynda Lilley Community Cafe 01676 522825 10th June Comedy of Errors Packwood House 7.30pm 03442491895 10th June Firebird Singers Concert Blue Coat School 7.00pm Val Martin 01676 522963 11th June Maxstoke Castle Open Day Maxstoke Lane 11am – 5pm 14th June Reader’s Circle 7.30pm Peter 01676 523590 17th June BIG PICTURE SHOW Village Hall 7.30pm Chris Copper 01676 522 645 18th June Kinwalsey Tree walk 4.00pm Jane Braund 01676 533737 19th June Reading Cafe Library 10.30- 11.30am 01676 522717 22nd June Police Beat Surgery Library 11.00- 12 noon 23rd June CAMEO Holiday at Home Joan 01676 523507 25th June Rotary Megaride Queens Head 12.30 – 5.00pm Neville 01676 532 709 26th June Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 3rd July W.I. Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 7th July School PTA Summer Fayre Meriden School 5.00- 7.00pm 01676 522488 10th July Community Surgery Sports Pavilion 11am–12noon Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 14th July Churches All Together Pavilion 2.00-4.00 Rev Lynda Lilley Community Cafe 01676 522825 15th July- Summer Reading Challenge Library 01676 522717 2nd Sept 16th July Heart of England Bike Ride Packwood House 17th July Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Mo Reynolds 01676 521 457 20th July Police Beat Surgery Library 11.00 – 12 noon Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 22nd July Balsall & District St Peter’s Hall B C. 2.00 – 4.00pm Horticultural Show 24th July Parish Council Meeting Sports Pavilion 7.30pm Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 24th July Reading Cafe Library 10.30- 11.30am 01676 522717 28th July CAMEO Sports Pavilion 2.00pm Joan 01676 523507 29th July Whitacres & Shustoke Show Blyth Hall Shustoke 1st August Meriden Mag Deadline 01676 522963 / 522453 7th August W.I. Village Hall 7.30pm Flick Blewitt 01676 523229 7th August Community Surgery Library 11.00am– 01676 522717 12noon 13th Fillongley Show Stonehouse Farm 9.30am – Pat 07794 622824 August 5.00pm 14th August Reading Cafe Library 10.30- 11.30am 01676 522717 14th August Police Beat Surgery Library 11.00 – 12 noon Barbara Bland 01676 522 474 25th August CAMEO Village Hall 2.00pm Joan 01676 523507 26th -28th Warwickshire Berkswell Reading 10.00am – August Watercolourists’ Room 5.00pm Art Exhibition

Out and About this summer

Brandon Marsh Nature Centre is the headquarters of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. Set in 220 acres, the reserve consists of large pools created by gravel extraction. It consists of reed beds, willow carr, grassland and woodland. It is outstanding for birds and there are eight bird hides throughout the reserve The Visitor Centre is a great place to visit including a Tea Room and well stocked gift shop. Around the Visitor Centre you’ll find the Orchard, mouse maze, bird watching hides, Education garden, Sensory garden, as well as an under-cover picnic area. Younger children will enjoy our brass rubbing trail: find the brass plaques Brandon Lane hidden near the visitor centre to create colourful pictures on your rubbing sheet. Coventry CV3 3GW Then it's off to the Onyx Nature Trail which guides you around the wildlife habitats of the nature reserve. Admission Charge £2.50 for adults, (£1 per child - under 4's enter free), £1.50 concessions, £6 per family (2 Adults and up to 3 children (under 16).

Opening times Spring and Summer 1st April to 30th September Mon to Fri 9.30 am - 4.30pm Weekends 10.00 am - 4.30pm

Lapworth Museum of Geology Maxstoke Castle B46 2RD Birmingham University Open Day Last year saw the completion of an ambitious expansion Sunday 11th June project, transforming Lapworth from a niche academic By kind permission of Mr and Mrs Fetherston-Dilke institution into a dynamic, public-facing museum telling Approximately 5 acres of garden and grounds with the story of the world’s four billion-year history. herbaceous shrubs and trees surrounding the From rocks and fossils to volcanoes, earthquakes, and 14th century moated castle. even dinosaurs, the Museum captures the imagination of all ages.

The interior and gardens will be open between 11am and 5pm No wheelchair access to house

Admission £7.50 Free Parking

The museum has been shortlisted for the £100,000 Art refreshments and homemade teas Fund Museum of The Year 2017 it is one of the five Plant and gift stall museums which have been selected as finalists for the Proceeds in aid of the National Gardens scheme world's largest and most prestigious prize for museums. Admission is free Packwood House B94 6AT Getting there, it is part of the university site and is within walking distance of Birmingham University train station. Comedy of Errors Opening hours Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday 10th June 7.30 pm Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon - 5pm Box Office 03442491895 .

7 Sunday 25Sunday 25ththth JuneJuneJune

MarieMacmillan Curie Care Contact Neville Riley 01676 532709

Bickenhill Public Waste Disposal Site Opening Hours Reminder deadline for autumn issue st st Summer 1 April- 31 October out by 1st September is Monday-Friday (except Tues) 9.30am -5.00pm Tuesday 1st August Tuesday 9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am- 4.00pm Val Martin 01676 522963 Useful Village Contact numbers [email protected] Meriden Primary School Mrs L. Winkler 01676 522488 Margaret Argyle Meriden Library 01676 522717 01676 522453 Meriden Surgery 01676 522252 [email protected] Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722 Distribution: Paul Lee St. Laurence Church Rev Lynda Lilley 01676 522825 Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Jane Braund 01676 533737 Proof Reader: Claire Rose MCF Life Church Meriden Pstr. Kevin & Lyn Hunt 01676 523050 Parish Council Barbara Bland 01676 522474 Mag advertising rates (Mondays only) Eighth page £10 Methodist Hall bookings Alan Gabbitas 01676 522148 Quarter page £20 Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000 Half page £40 Solihull District Councillors Ken Allsopp 01676 522301 David Bell 01676 248651 Small ads (sale or wanted) £5.00 Tony Dicicco 07780 438290 Charity & Community events FREE Meriden Scout Group Gerry Russell 01676 522666 Views expressed by the contributors are not Post Office Sue Harper 01676 522230 necessarily those of the co-editors. Rural Police Sector Sgt Mick LLoyd 101 New non- We are unable to print anonymous letters or emergency no. articles although we will withhold name and Meriden Village Hall bookings Valerie Martin 01676 522963 address on request