Meriden Mag Winter 2007

MERIDEN C. OF E. SCHOOL DEDICATION PTA OF CHRISTMAS FAYRE MACMILLAN SATURDAY 1 ST DECEMBER TREE OF 1.00PM – 3.00PM THOUGHT FRIDAY 30 TH Gift Stalls galore, raffles, tombolas and NOVEMBER loads of great games Come and meet Santa and 4.00PM ON have your picture taken THE GREEN with him Come and join the children from Entrance 50p Meriden school Pre school children free singing carols around the tree CAROL SINGING ON THE GREEN SATURDAY 22 ND Dedicate a light to a friend or loved one; DECEMBER forms are available from Meriden Tea - 4.00PM Rooms, Spar Shop, Blitz (Millisons Wood)

Lloyds Chemist, Corley Canine Pool and EVERYONE WELCOME Mills Newsagents (Balsall Common)

ROTARY CLUB OF MERIDEN CHRISTMAS S LEIGH COLLECTION

Once again Santa and his sleigh will be flying through the village. Santa and his collectors will be out in the following areas. Proceeds will be split between the County Air Ambulance, Local and Rotary International Charities

Monday 10 ththth December Tuesday 11 ththth December Wednesday 12 ththth December 6.30pm Millisons Wood 6.30pm Meriden Tile Hill Starting at Albert Rd, Starting at Leys Lane, Bonneville Close, Alspath Road, Thursday 13 ththth December James Dawson Drive Fairfield Rise, Fillongley 8.00pm Meriden – Main Rd, The Croft, Glovers Close, Maxstoke Lane, Friday 14 ththth December Strawberry Fields. Highfield.

STRAWBERRY BANK HOTEL & RESTAURANT MAIN ROAD MERIDEN CV7 7NF Telephone 01676 522 117 Fax 01676 523804 Email [email protected] www.strawberrybank.co.uk

Open: Tuesday – Friday 12 noon – last orders 1.45pm Monday – Saturday evening 6.30pm last orders 10.00pm Sunday lunch 12 noon – last orders 1.45 pm 2 course lunch Tuesday – Friday £7.95 (starter & main course) excludes December 3-course evening TDH menu Monday – Friday £15.95 Saturday evening £16.95 excludes December 3 course Sunday lunch £15.95 Also A La Carte menu available except Sunday lunch We have 2 function rooms available for parties from 20 up to 200 Please feel free to call in and view We also offer excellent conference and wedding facilities

Christmas brochures available Now booking for Christmas party theme nights in December Please contact reception for information or booking or visit our web site

Congratulations to Eileen and Bill Powell on the births of their third and fourth great grand-children. Niamh was born on June 20th a sister to Caelan and their cousin Harry arrived on 14th August, a brother for Elliott. Eileen and Bill have nine grandchildren and welcome the new additions to their family.

Lavender Hall Lane Berkswell

01676 530 299 / 07949 119 436

Painting and decorating Cafe open to the public from 8.00am – 2.00pm daily Contractors 7 days a week Coving Specialists Serving hot and cold food Specialising in an all day breakfast General for £3.90! BuBuBuildingBu ilding Repairs 5 fishing lakes in glorious Tel: 01922 631750 countryside Now selling a complete range of baits Mob: 07831 600829 Mob: 07785 333636 Gates open at 7.00am close at dusk

Hello to everyone from all at Meriden School. School is gearing up, planning events for the children for the end of the year. Some of the children will be on the Green for Carols around the Tree on 30 th November. I’m sure many of you will come along too. We look forward to seeing you all at our PTA Christmas Fair on Saturday 1 st December.

We hope to welcome our village friends to a special Carol Service on Thursday December 20 th at 10am, to join in singing some favourite Carols and enjoy a cup of tea afterwards. We will be having all the usual events that make up a Primary School Christmas- the whole school visit to the Pantomime, our Christmas school post, children’s Christmas lunch and parties. Our Junior Choir will take part in a big concert at Town Hall on 3 rd Dec as part of a massed choir- not to be missed! Charity We will be supporting the Rotary Club Shoe Box Appeal – filling them with small presents to make a disadvantaged child’s Christmas a happier one. On Children in Need day (16 th November) the children are invited to ‘Do Something Different’ by dressing up as a grown-up and making a contribution to the charity. We have decided our major charity of the year will be Acorns Children’s Hospice, and during the spring Charity Week will be a chance to raise money for them. “Inspire” Workshops We are happy to continue to welcome parents in to work with their children in our special “Inspire” Workshops – every class takes it in turn to host one. It is a fantastic chance to spend time in school together doing a useful activity to help the children’s learning. New Classroom I’m sure you will have seen the building site on the playground – it is very exciting watching the walls for our new classroom rise from the ground. We are looking forward to having Nursery part of the main school building! Once Nursery children are in the school work will begin to make part of our shared building with Beechwood Childcare into the Children’s Centre. Eco-School Award Thanks to the hard work of the children, the School Council and Mr Jennings, we have achieved Eco- School status. This recognises our energy saving and recycling initiatives – well done to all! May I take the opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Yours sincerely Jacky Smith Headteacher Heart of School 50 th Anniversary Celebrations 250 former students, 43 former teachers, 3 deputy Head teachers and 4 Head teachers were amongst the guests at the glittering anniversary reunion. Visitors travelled from across the country and as far away as France and Australia to take advantage of a guided tour, speeches and cabaret provided by former students. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the reunion buffet where former school friends and sweethearts met again for the first time in many years and had an opportunity to trade memories and stories spanning the generations. Mr Edgar Richards, the first headmaster, gave a moving account of his time at Heart of England before wishing the school even greater success for the next 50 years.

Several letters of thanks were received after the celebrations:

“It was lovely to see everyone talking about the school with such pride-clearly well deserved. We had a super time and were made to feel very welcome – our thanks again to everyone involved” “Please give heartiest congratulations to the organising committee and to all who took part. It was a wonderful evening in all respects.” I am in awe of the accomplishments of the Heart of England Business and Enterprise school. The Acorn to Oak emblem could not have been more appropriate.” “It was outstanding in every way and gave such enjoyment to all present. It was a privilege being on the staff close to the beginning of what is now a superb place of learning.” Mr Edgar Richards aged 91 and Miss Mary Schofield

ST LAURENCE CHURCH NEWS Rector Rev Michael Dawkins Tel 01676 522 719 The Rectory The Green Meriden CV7 7LN Church Wardens Marian Theobald Tel 01676 523 475 Linda Barnett Tel 01676 523 277

Christmas lingers in our culture – though the message is lost and the belief is gone. We are still rich enough to avoid disaster – though there may be some hesitancy to let go of belief and hope altogether. As long as we are on the charity-giving side we are OK. It will never happen to us. The strident voices of the ‘God deny-ers’ and the ‘religion damn-ers’ crowd out our thinking. Great if they challenge what is currently evil, but they don’t, and they are not dealing with the fundamental problem of evil, they are funking it. They are merely witch hunting, and that is very irrational. But it is irksome to be preached at by a vicar. It is like jun k mail being pushed through the letterbox of a mind, which doesn’t want the clutter. I wonder what stage we are at in our culture. If likened to a gestation period is it to be a long one? Are we at the beginning of it, somewhere in the middle or at the end? Is it morning sickness we are feeling or birth pangs? I suppose most of us are just grumblers and the older we get the better we become at disillusion! But do we even have time to bother? Of course not, people never have, the first Christmas shows that. It was totally disorganised – government arrogance, military bullying, taxes and cruelty, travel and exhaustion, darkness and anxiety, and a baby born into poverty. It was the human condition. Shall I say ‘full stop’, no fantasizing? Yes. But what if it was something from heaven? What if the human soul can receive something from heaven?

After a pause … let me remind you that St. Laurence church building is closed for the time being for major roof repairs. The Methodists have very kindly welcomed us to thei r services including the Christmas ones. Do venture out this Christmas time – their church building is very much warmer than ours! Michael Dawkins

Angela Southwick nee Jacques 1951-2007

Angie was born in Stratford into a family with one brother and two sisters. Their father died when they were very young leaving their mother with four children under the age of six. This meant a lot of work for her s o the children had to grow up very quickly. Angie met John when they were both working for Geoffrey Parker Bourne Solicitors and they were married in 1976. For a time they lived in , but when Angie secured a position of Manager of The Firs they moved to Meriden in 1985. John, who was beginning to have health problems, also worked part PART TIME CLEANER time for Jephsons, as well as hiring a mini coach to take the REQUIRED FOR MERIDEN residents for holidays. In addition to her duties for the residents Angie, until recently, also tended the gardens and mowed the HOUSEKEEPER/ CLEANER extensive lawns. Required for prestigious They made many friends in Meriden, mostly based around the Queen’s Head where John played the keyboard and sang. headquarters at Meriden Hall from Sadly John died just after Christmas 2000 at the age of 47. 7.30am to 1.30pm After that her dogs were everything to her. Walking them gave Monday to Friday her plenty of exercise, especially as they had to be walked The role will include some separately. Tragically Angie, like John died at the young age of housekeeping duties 56. Her sudden death has been a great shock to all, not least the residents at the Firs. We shall miss her loving concern for everyone’s welfare and her quiet efficiency in dealing with our Please apply in writing to problems. Sue Wilcox, Director We give thanks that she has entered her rest beside John in Pertemps Investments Ltd such an easy way but regret the loss of a good warden, a good friend and part of the family, someone still in the midst of life. Meriden Hall, Meriden CV7 7PT Merle Dawson

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On behalf of the Cricket Club I would like to thank all those who have contributed in making this season so successful. Barkers Butts have very kindly agreed to let Meriden us use their ground as our home ground, which is great Cricket Club news. We had a well supported six-a-side competition there in August, which we won. On August bank holiday Sunday we held a FunDay for the village and raised an amazing £900.00, which was divided equally between Cancer Research, Acorns and the Cricket Club. A big thank you to all of you who helped to make it so successful, and we hope you will be as generous if not more so next ye ar and congratulations to the King’s Knights, and Roped In (men’s and ladies 2007 tug o’ war champions). The cricketers enjoyed going on tour to Westward Ho in September, didn’t do too well as far as the cricket was concerned but that didn’t matter, they got to go to the seaside! I would like to thank the following, Ace Garage, Exotic Thai, Moor Farm Stables, Paul Ryan, Richard Tidsdale of FC and Turmeric Gold for their generous prizes for the Cricket Club Ball. The Heart of England Social Club and the Queen’s Head for their continuing support and a special thanks to Rick and Pat Wise for the fantastic quizzes they present for us at the Queen’s Head. If you would like to be involved in helping us make Meriden C.C. a successful club for the village please contact Mike Gallagher 01676 521085 Meriden Methodist Church

Minister Jenny Dyer BA MTh Tel 01676 533737 Phone to arrange Marriages, Baptisms and Funerals Services: Sunday morning 10.30am (Junior Church & crèche for children) rd Sunday evening 6.30pm 3 Sunday in month only

I know that the congregation of St Laurence's are eager to see scaffolding go up and work start on the roof of their ancient and beautiful church. Looking after a building that is an historic monument as well as a place of worship must be such a responsibility. Meanwhile, we are delighted that, while their church is closed, they are joining us for worship, in our smaller, newer, building opposite the duck pond. It is a delight to have our congregation swelled to greater numbers, and to find ourselves doing more together. In our planning, it is becoming difficult to work out which services are "Methodist", which are "St Laurence's" and which we are doing together. And the answer of course is that it doesn't matter; they all belong to God, as do both the buildings, and we ourselves. Of course, it is not always easy to worship when the services are different from what you are used to, but I hope the people of St Laurence's will feel welcome among us. And I hope that our working and worshipping together are going to establish ties that will never be undone. We are, after all, all part of the one people of God. This Christmas, our services will be conducted together, in the name of both our churches, and the details are below Do join us as together we celebrate the birth of our one Lord.

Rev. Jenny Dyer Meriden Methodist Church

Christmas Celebrations

Advent Sunday 2nd December 10.30am TOY SERVICE led by John Horsler. Donations of new or good second hand toys will be distributed to needy families & children through the Coventry City Mission Monday 10 th December 6.00pm Meriden School Christingle Service Thursday 13 th December 7.00pm Church’s Christmas Party – Entertainment - talk by David Howe titled “BA! Humbug!!” Sunday 23 rd December 4.00pm Carol service with tea / coffee & mince pies Monday 24 th December 11.30pm Christmas Eve Midnight Communion. Service of carols & Holy Communion led by Rev Dr. Stuart Jennings (Free church Chaplain of Warwick & Coventry University) Christmas Day Tuesday 25 th December 10.00am Family Service led by Peter Wright & Ann Bayliss Sunday 13 th January 10.30am Covenant Service followed by lunch at Strawberry Bank Hotel February 13 th 7.00pm Supper Club, speaker Mr David Kershaw “Needs of all young people”

Numbers for Christmas party, Covenant lunch & Supper Club to Maureen please 522148

Friends in Retirement We are still thriving in Balsall Common with many members from Meriden. Activities include Art, Bowls, Bridge, Rambling, Ambling, Patchwork and monthly coffee mornings. Unfortunately due to lack of support the Tai Chi has been discontinued. The new social group has arranged a visit to Aladdin at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry on January 2 nd . Please contact Frank Byrne for details on 02476 713662 The Coffee mornings have a new venue – The Jubilee Centre (the old Bals all Common Library) Friday December14 th, Friday January 18 th , Friday February 15 th from 10.00am- 12 noon

New members are always made very welcome please ring 01676 532537 for more information

The Farm Shop Heart of England Berkswell Traditional Social Club Farmstead Meats

Larges Farm Back Lane Meriden Come along and visit us! Tel & fax 01676 522409 The club offers a warm welcome, with excellent www.farmsteadmeats.co.uk facilities for all, including a large concert room For meats of outstanding quality & flavour with live entertainment, lounge with the best • Fresh Turkeys, geese, cockerels and ducks view in the village, bar, games room, snooker • Licensed to sell Game room and beer garden with play area. • All cuts of beef including beef on the bone We now have • Free Range Chickens Premiership • Famous Berkswell Ewes Milk Cheese Football on • Traditional pork with real crackling • Real home cured bacon Satellite

Warwickshire’s only accredited traditional television!!! breeds butcher Listed as one of Rick Stein’s “Food Heroes”

Have a truly X’mas opening hours Room hire available for private functions Traditional Sat 22 nd & Sun 23 rd Heart of England Social Club Christmas with 9.00am - 6.00pm Berkswell Road,Meriden Phil Tuckey X’mas Eve 8.00am – 2.00pm 01676 522430 “The Country Re-open Friday 28th Butcher” Farm 522318 Meetings are held

in the Village Hall Wilja Potatoes on the first

Monday in the

month at 7.30pm Fresh cut turf, rockery stone Contact Topsoil and other garden needs Our speakers Joan Russell Village delivery

01676 522666 Monday Jan 7 th Bill Davies "A Pinch of Salt" BEECHWOOD TREES Monday Feb 4th Oxfam in Cambodia - Penny & Andy Hemsted Arboricultural Experts ALL YOUR TREE NEEDS… Today’s Women working for For free professional advice Tomorrow’s World On your trees and shrubs call your local Arborist on Congratulations to Terry and Julie Dyer 024 7640 2137 On the birth of baby Local Authority approved contractors Henry Spike Chandler Dyer ARB assoc risk assessment certified 15 S Rotheram NDTM & Arb Born th October 2007 [email protected] A little brothbrotherer www.beechwoodtrees.co.uk

for Millie All work is carried out to BS3998 and insured to £5 million The Centre Charity Shop 01676 523050

Dear friends, Well, how things have changed since the last publication of the Meriden Magazine. Although we said that God works in mysterious ways we didn’t expect the silver lining to be that we would re-open after the lightening stri ke in bigger premises. Its fantastic being able to display so much without having to put it all outside – particularly when its pouring down with rain we don’t have to dry it all off!! We have had new regular customers from , and Shirley for both the Charity Shop and the cream teas, which is a blessing.

Also by now you will have noticed that the original shop has been turned into a bookshop. All the wood and brackets were donated so it cost nothing to get it up and running. Kevin and Ronnie worked extremely hard doing all the shop fitting to avoid having to pay any labour charges – it’s amazing what we can do when we have to look after the pennies!! Now that the weather is turning wintry and cold we have decided to serve home made so up and crusty bread on a Wednesday afternoon. The new time is 1.00 – 3.00 p.m. Of course you can just pop in for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat if you wish during this time. We would like to thank everyone who helped with the re-decoration of the n ew premises, as we only had a few days to get everything up and ready it really was a race against time!! Thanks to those of you who have kept us well stocked with new items so that we have the opportunity to change the stock regularly - there is always something new to see so pop in often and you won’t miss out. We would like to say a big thank you for the volume and quality of the items donated please keep up the good work. On a practical note, although we have a washing machine at the Centre it’s very difficult to dry things in this weather so it would be very helpful if the items you send were freshly laundered – our immense gratitude to those of you who already do this!! Also if anybody has an hour to spare to do some ironing for us, either at the C entre or at home we would be extremely grateful. If this is you, then either pop in and have a chat with me (Lyn) or telephone and leave your details. Also if you have some free time and would like to help out there are numerous ways you could do this e. g. counting jigsaw pieces or doing them and then sealing them and bringing them back, cleaning small brass or silver ornaments, At the moment we are inundated with hangers so we don’t need any more at present, we do however need large black or green bags as they are so expensive to keep buying and we are trying to keep costs to a minimum. If you send your donations in big black or green bags could you knot the tops very loosely because then we can reuse them (I have damaged the guide in my wrist and han d from trying to untie really tight knots so I just have to cut the tops off if they’re too tight!). By the time you read this edition the auction for the beautiful dolls house may be over, if so we hope you enjoyed the lighthearted competition involved, if not then please look out for details of how things are proceeding when you come in or past the shop. On the Ministry side of our work God has given miraculous answers to prayer, not through anything we have said or done but by His Grace he has freely given way beyond our expectation. It has been a delight to share in your lives and cares and we trust that those who have come in for prayer will continue to update us on their situations and would say to those of you who would like to have fellowship with us – be brave and take the plunge we would welcome your Company. “ I will love you O Lord, my strength. The lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18 v 1-3. We look forward to seeing you soon. Kevin and Lyn Hunt.

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Meriden Village Hall is available for privat e Q.What do monkeys sing at Christmas? parties etc. Contact Valerie Martin 01676 A. Jungle Bells, Jungle Bells. 522963 Rates are £9.00per hour (£10 from Jan) Queen’s Head BERRYFIELDS FARM SHOP Old road Meriden

Monday night is music night, Berryfields Farm, Berkswell Road, come along and join us, Meriden CV7 7LB music starts 9.15pm approx 01676 522155 Dry Cured Bacon 3 rd December Stevie Best Gammon, Honey Roast 10 th December Kate Ashby 17 th December Kellie and Breadcrumbed Hams 24 th December Brothers Grimm Fresh Succulent Pork Sausages (3.30 – 6.30pm) Pork pies, Cooked Meats and Faggots st 31 December New Year’s Eve Party Free Range Eggs Andy - male vocalist Locally produced Lamb and Honey

7 th January Marade (to be confirmed) Fowlers Cheese and Berkswell Cheese 14 th January Keith Brett st 21 January The Buskin Rambler *****For Christmas***** 28 th January Kellie (to be confirmed) Bronze Turkeys,Geese,Cockerels and Ducks We breed and rear Opening times: - 4 th February Guy Surtees th all the Pork we sell Tuesday – 11 February Backbeat 18 th February Julie Christie and we prepare and Saturday th 25 February TBA cook everything 8.00am- 5.30pm ourselves.

Walk 19-“ Ancient Arden” from the new book of circular walks

This is the fifth in a series of walks provided by the Coventry Way Association. It starts from Watery Lane Corley Moor. Cars can be parked opposite the Bull & Butcher Public House. Meriden Library now has one copy of the new version of the 21 Walks book for reference, and copies of the book for sale at £6.00 each

More information regarding the Coventry Way Association from John Green 02476 503044 Peter Page 02476 413553 Main Walk 1. Walk down Watery Lane from the triangle for 250m to T/R into Green Lane. At the end of this lane T/L until a large double metal gate is reached on right. X-stile at side & follow track with fc-right towards wood T/L to field c orner. Thro gap into fenced path, T/R & follow path, passing stile on left , to its end. X-stile, wood right to field corner, x-stile. Keep wood right thro’ hedge gap to WMP. T/L cross-field, over f/b, fwd cross-field to x-stile & s/b onto road. 2. T/L along road to Ivy House on left, just past ruin opposite, T/ R to x-stile. Hg-left over three fields to x-stile into sunken track. T/L for a short distance & then T/R into the woods. Walk down thro’ woods to x-stile & s/b, then gradually climb two “horse jump” fields. X-stile in hedge left of wooden building, fwd hg-left to x-stile onto road (Showell Lane). 3. T/L along road & as road turns right fwd over cattle grid & along farm road. V/L where track leads to farm on right (Alspath Hall Fm). Fwd on track to pass pool on left. Shortly x-stile on right, fwd by contouring round (same level) cross-field keeping parallel to fence line on far right. X-stile, fwd fc-left go down to culvert, fwd uphill, leaving fence on left to top of rise. Downhill to ‘far left” corner. T/L over brook (culvert), thro’ k/g, T/R , hg-right, up for 200m to go thro’ k/g on right & over f/b. T/L , hg-left over 2 fields via k/gs to enter road at Harvest Hill Farm ( Route A see below). 4. T/L up Oak Lane for 45m & go thro’ k/g on right. Hg-right, pass pond on right, through k/g into farm area. Follow round to the left keeping hg/fc-left. Thro’ 2 paddocks with hg-left (3k/gs & s/b). Hg-left & after 120m thro’ k/g on left. T/R , hg-right to pass pond on right. Just past pond T/R thro’ f/g gap, T/L hg-left. Shortly thro’ k/g on left, T/L & with hg-left go downhill to bottom, bear round left to x-stile onto farm road. Cross over road & x-stile, T/L uphill, hg-left to x-stile in top corner, cross- field, barn on left to x-stile opposite. V/R to cross field, x-stile & s/b. H/R plus cross-field to go thro’ f/g in hedge. V/L cross- field to x-stile, f/b, H/L cross short corner of next field to x-stile onto road. 5. T/R along road passing junction with Clay Lane to the junction with Bridle Brook Lane / Washbrook Lane. Fwd down farm track (L.A.Swann Animal Feeds in 2007) thro’ k/g to shortly go thro’ p/g on left opposite barn. Hg-right to field corner, over brook thro’ k/g. V/R cross-field to f/b over River Sherbourne. Hg-left over small field to k/g between Holly & Ash. Cross- field towards two telegraph poles, go thro’ k/g. Hg-right to go thro’ k/g into stable yard. Fwd across yard into lane. 6. T/L , pass stables & house on left to enter field. Hg-right over next 3 fields to road. T/L down Pikers Lane for 50m, thro’ k/g on right, cross-field to go thro’ k/g. T/R , hg-right to Wall Hill Road. Thro’ k/g opposite, fwd cross-field to go thro’ k/g. Fwd cross-field keeping the incoming hedge on left. Aim for outer hedge corner to go th ro’ k/g near holly bush. With wood boundary on right continue up narrowing field to go thro’ k/g at end. T/L , hg-left over four fields to reach road. T/R & shortly take left fork to Corley Moor. 7. Fwd for approx. 250m along road, thro’ second k/g on left (just past Slashpitts Farm), H/R , cross-field to go over stream & thro k/g. Fwd cross-two-fields thro’ k/gs. Enter enclosed path & go thro’ 2 k/gs & x-stile onto road. T/R & walk up road to triangle. Route A At end of Note 3, T/L for 20m, T/L along enclosed path, thro’ k/g, V/L cross-field thro’ k/g, fwd cross-field to pick up outward corner on left. Fwd , fc-left to go thro’ k/g on left, continue along enclosed path and front garden to road. T/L along road for short distance and T/R thro’ k/g, fc-left to go thro’ k/g. With hg-left over five fields thro’ k/gs and f/gs. On reaching fc-right fwd to outward corner & continue fwd cross-field to go thro’ k/g. Cross-field to pick up hg-right & thro’ k/g onto drive (Hollyberry Hall Farm). T/R to road, T/L down road to corner, thro’ k/g, fwd cross-field to left of building, with hg-left, up & round right thro’ a series of gates to farm drive. T/L opposite farm thro’ pig. V/L cross-field to go thro’ k/g. Hg-left to go thro’ f/g, cross track to k/g (stables left), keep f/c right to go thro’ k/g onto road. T/L to join main walk at Note 7. Music for a Winter’s Night Saturday 12 th January 2008 7.30pm

Holy Trinity Church Beauchamp Avenue

Gaynor Keeble 12 days of Fitness and Friends presenting a Treat yourself to the gift of health programme of songs this Christmas from opera, operetta and 12 consecutive days of full leisure musical theatre membership at the Leisure Club, passes must be activated by th Music for a winter’s night has become December 26 2007. a popular annual event –this year all the proceeds will be donated to the Please contact the club on 01676 526107 County Air Ambulance for more deta ils and to arrange your free tour of the facilities. Tickets £12.50 / £11.00 concessions 01676 533072 or 07702 721775 Other gifts available at the Forest from email: [email protected] Cedarwood Spa and Golf Shop

A Smile Christmas Dinner at A smile costs nothing, but gives much the Forest It enriches those who receive it Without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, yet Dinner includes 6 course The memory of it sometimes lasts forever. meal and a visit from None is so rich or mighty that He can get along without it and Father Christmas none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home In the Broadwater fosters goodwill in business and is the £69 per adult £19.95 per child countersign of friendship It brings rest to the weary (4 – 12 years) under 4’s free cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or In the Arden Suite stolen £62 per adult £19.95 per child (4 – 12 for it is something that is of no value years) under 4’s free to anyone until it is given away Some people are too tired to give you a smile so Call 01676 522335 ex 608 to book give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so www.MarriottForestofArden.co.uk much as he who has no more to give. A Message from Caroline Spelman MP One of the big issues across the borough, as well as up and down the country, is the never ending ‘garden grabbing’, an issue I have championed for many years as your Member of Parliament. Meriden has done qui te well to escape the onslaught from developers seen nearby, but unless national legislation is changed to reclassify gardens, I have no doubt Meiden will be infiltrated too. Of course I understand the need for affordable housing but rarely does building on back gardens meet this need. I was lucky enough to be able to bring a Private Members Bill before the last session of Parliament to address the issue, but unfortunately, despite cross-party support, the Bill was ‘talked out’. The problem arises because gardens, in planning terms, are classified as ‘Brownfield sites’ – something we usually associate with disused railways or derelict factory sites. Developers are using this inappropriate classification to maximise the value of the real estate in our area. So, as well as ‘garden grabbing’ becoming a well known term, the words ‘domino effect’ are also becoming synonymous with Labour’s planning law, when a whole line of traditional houses are demolished, being replaced with high density, out of character accommodation. What is needed is for gardens to be correctly classified as green space, not as Brownfield as at present. Then we need to take the powers back from the unelected regional assembly to determine the number and density of housing suitable for our com munity. It is local people through their elected representatives who should decide that.

Remember 1 machine can do To contact Caroline or make an the work of 50 ordinary men. appointment for a surgery please But no machine can do the work contact of 1 extraordinary man Rachel Anderson on 020 7219 4189 www.carolinespelman.com [email protected] Attenborrow Roofing

Caroline Spelman advice surgery dates

Date Time Location Saturday 9am –10.30am 1st December Library 11.am – 12noon Arden Hall Castle Bromwich Friday 14 th 4.30pm – 6.00pm Meriden Village Hall Registered with Solihull & December Birmingham Age Concern Saturday 9am – 10.30am Chelmsley Wood Solihull Trading Standards

Library (Ship Shape ) 12th January 11am – 12noon Arden Hall, Castle Bromwich All Roofing Work Friday 25 th Meriden Village Hall Felt, Tile or Slates January 4.30pm – 6.00pm Canopies Saturday 2 nd 9am-10.30am Chelmsley Wood PVCU Fascia & Guttering February Library Small Building Work – Walls etc 11.am – 12 noon Arden Hall Castle Contact Bromwich Friday 29 th 4.30pm – 6.00pm Knowle Village Hall Robert Attenborrow February 0800 073 0294 Sat 8 th March 9am- 10.30am Chelmsley Wood mobile 0788 065 7381 Library Local recommendations available 11am – 12 noon Arden Hall Castle

Bromwich All insurance work undertaken

Rotary Club of Meriden

Lottery Funding for Katherine’ s Wood

The Rotary Club of Meriden is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a Big Lottery “Breathing Spaces” award of £8750 towards a second area of tree planting of Katherine’s Wood, at Lavender Hall Park in Balsall Common. The first area of planting of nearly two acres was completed last winter, paid for by family, friends and colleagues of Katherine Courts of Balsall Common, who was tragically lost in March of last year. The trees are a variety of local native species, such as oaks, ash and holly, and this fulfils a wish Katherine made for more woodland to be planted in the area. The Metropolitan Borough of Solihull has provided valuable advice and support for this project, which has been very kindly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Meriden. It is hoped that other local community groups may be interested in becoming involved in the project, and an area for (e.g.) memorial planting by others is being considered. Information on Katherine’s book can be viewed via the web site www.weightofwords.net For more information contact Ian Courts: [email protected]

Meriden Rotary Club is operating the Rotary Inner Wheel Club of Meriden Beetle Drive Shoe Box scheme, we supply the boxes, you fill them, we distribute them to needy people in We would like to thank everyone in Meriden who Eastern Europe. supported this evening. Despite stiff opposition For more information please contact Neville Riley, from the Rugby World Cup we had a fun evening 01676 532709 e-mail [email protected] and made a profit of £150 for Acorns Hospice

Part of a world -wide service organisation, we in Meriden are a mixed bunch of professionals aged 30 -70, male and female, who meet regularly for friendship, fun, and a meal. A warm welcome awaits you. Drop in on Tuesdays at The Manor Hotel 7.15 for 7.30, or call Roger Swindells 01675 481754 or Jane Budd 02476 473998 for more details: www.meridenrotary.org.uk

Macmillan Coffee Morning Little Courgette Pancakes A very big thank-you to everyone who supported (Serves two as a main course, four as a side dish) the Macmillan coffee morning at the Centre on 8oz grated courgette Alspath Road in September. 2 eggs beaten 2 oz grated onion Dash of milk You raised £270 for Macmillan Cancer Support! 2 oz self-raising flour Salt and pepper Thanks to all those who attended, who brought 3 oz grated Cheddar cheese Oil or butter for frying in or sent donations. Thanks to Pat Delaney for all her help and Vicky Goodsir for her Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well excellent Tombola. Thanks to together. Heat a large frying pan with a little milk or Janet and Vicky for their help butter. Place heaped dessertspoons of the mixture in the also Ann who helped in the pan and cook for two to three minutes until brown. kitchen. Turn over and cook the other side for a further two to three minutes. Serve at once. Meriden Parish Council Thanks to Sue Fuller for this recipe.

Letter from Meriden, Connecticut, USA

What no Owners manual?

Any time you do any serious cleaning or straightening out in any home that’s been occupied for any length of time, one thing you’re sure to stir up is a nest of old owner’s manuals – those booklets you never bothered to look at from the last two TV sets and maybe the fridge and the electric drill and the cordless phone and the last three coffee makers (which means that you now curse your stupidity every time the power goes off for half a second and you have to try and figure out all over again how to re-program the gosh-darn thing so you can awaken gently to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee instead of being thwacked out of slumber land by the EEP! EEP! EEP! of that gol-dang alarm clock, all of which could have been avoided if you only kept that instruction book handy) and any other small appliances that might be kicking around. In many cases, still inside the clear plastic envelope with the manual you’ll also find the postcard you were supposed to fill out, but didn’t, which w ould have activated your warranty, but didn’t, as was all explained to you right there in black and white, in at least three languages, which you could have read, but didn’t. The bigger and more expensive the appliance, of course, the bigger and fancier th e owner’s manual can be expected to be. When you buy a car, for instance, you feel entitled to something really nice – like a slick magazine full of fuzzy photos and purple prose about the pros (many) and cons (none) of driving your new Exceeda Splendora 5 00, and what a fine motor vehicle it is, and what a clever move it was on your part to buy it, and what a special person that makes you. Often this little exercise in self-esteem-boosting will come tucked into a smart leather folder. But if those who sell us even such trifles as small electrical thingamabobs feel a responsibility to include at least a minimally useful owner’s manual, why, oh why, does the biggest purchase most of us are ever going to make come without one? I’m talking about houses. More tha n that, I’m talking about neighbourhoods, since every house comes with one. Big picture, I’m talking about lifestyle, because every house comes with one of those, too. And as someone who is only now discovering this problem, having spent the past 40 years (if you include dormitory days) as a renter, let me tell you that I’m somewhat at sea as to how to get started. The first thing I did was to buy a garden hose, which seems to me one of the most important totems of homeownerdom. It has to be a good one, min d you, because cheap ones always kink, and nobody wants that. Then, in my continuing effort to get into the spirit of the thing, I went out and purchased a brand - new, bright-red Lawn Czar that clearly is big enough and powerful enough to mow and mulch and leaf bag just about anything from the tiniest blade of grass to a medium sized cow. Now it would seem, I’m cooking with gas. But am I? After I don’t have granite counter tops, I don’t have (nor do I want) hardwood floors. And I may have a couple of pretty good rooms, but I don’t have a “great room”. I even think it’s kind of creepy – those cheepy-cheepy things that make a racket in the trees at night, and the houses that go all dark after 9 except for the bluish flicker of TV sets. And what about the weirdo in the yellow house? And what about that pain-in-the-dupa two doors down? I’m still learning the code, you see, I’m playing it by ear. And all because houses don’t come with owner’s manuals. There ought to be a law.

Glenn Richter, Assistant Managing Editor, Record Journal, Meriden Connecticut.

Editor’s note: Glenn Richter has just moved house so his article is from the heart The creepy-creepy things are cicadas and the word “dupa” is Polish and means, um, roughly “derriere” The children from Meriden School have been The Orme thinking about what it takes to be a special School of Dancing person, in this issue of the Mag you will find Meriden branch some of their “recipes” and drawings Methodist Church Hall A recipe: Why I am a special person Classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Freestyle and Contemporary Ingredients: Principal Sandra Clarke FIDTA M.B.B.O 1. A spoonful of smiles, 2.100 sprinkles of fashion, Advanced Diploma (hons) 3.A mixture of fun; Fellowship Teaching Degree (hons) 4.A jug of talents Tel: 02476 467271 5.A dash of love and tears Helping to keep dance available in Meriden 6. A pot of prettiness. Method: Help wanted 1.Firstly get all your ingredients and put them in a bowl In a previous ‘Ma g’ we featured an article about 2.Whisk them all together, 3. Sprinkle your fashion carefully making sure you put Gunner Arthur Huntbach . We have received a lots and lots in your mixture request for more information about Gertrude, 4.Put your fun, talent, love, tears and prettiness into Arthur and their families? Huntbach’s, Barton’s your jug and Hollis’s . If any of our readers can help please 5. Heat in your microwave for 30 seconds email 6. Pour into your body and seal it tightly, 7. Leave it in your freezer over night to chill. [email protected] Serve: serve your Georgia to family and f riends making Or contact the Meriden Mag sure they truly enjoy it with care and affection!

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1st Meriden Scout Group

Any one who has a child aged between 6 and 10 interested in joining us, or if you are an adult who is happy to help, please contact the leaders on the numbers below.

1st Meriden Beaver Colony (ages 6-8) Meeting Mondays 6.30pm –7.30pm Telephone Jo 522625 or Gaynor 523191

1st Meriden Cub Pack (ages 8-10) Meetings Tuesdays 6.30pm –7.45pm Telephone Remembrance Day Parade Lis Willis 521080 11th November 2007 or Liz Mackenzie 523674

THANK YOU!! The Scout Hut is currently undergoing some much needed repairs and refurbishment. This work would not be possible without the kind generosity and support of the following people. Wendy Merricks who supplied the Scout Hut with new doors. Paul Morgan from Heart of England Property Services for fitting the new doors. Paul Pugh of Pugh & Sons and Wythall Roofing Centre for the renovation work. Mr & Mrs. Papa Constantinou from Meriden Fish and Chip Shop. Councillor Will Markham. The Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and their Leaders would like to say a huge Thank You to you all for your support

Don’t forget the Meriden Mag now has its own web site, where you can view back issues or friends and relatives not in the area can catch up the local news. www.meridenmag.co.uk CAMEO Come and Meet Each Other at the Community Centre on the 4 th Friday of the month at 2.00 p.m.

We have once again had some interesting meetings. In August we had the annual meeting where we bring along our favourite poems to share with each other. There were amusing poems and thought provoking ones and it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

After such a disappointing summer we have had a beautiful dry and warm autumn, and it was fitting that at the Harvest. Meeting in September Julie Wright from Garden Organics (a national charity for organic growing) based at Ryton spoke about their work. The charity was founded in 1954 by Laurence Hills as

The Henry Doubleday Research Association in order to promote organic farming. They offer a free advisory service to promote good healthy practices so that pesticides are not needed. Julie showed a film illustrating their work. In Kenya they are working on promoting drought resistant trees, in Sri Lanka they are helping farmers to regrow crops after the Tsunami and in Afghanistan they encourage people to grow organic raisins for export. The proceeds from the following bring and buy sale were sent to Ryton to help with their overseas projects. In October Pam and Jim Cooper talked about their once in a lifetime trip to Antarctica and the Chilean fjords. They explained the terms of the Antarctic Treaty, which, amongst other things, ensures that the

Antarctic is used only for peaceful purposes and guarantees freedom of scientific research. There are strict rules governing the environment and as a result the area is pristine with penguins, seals and birds enjoying an unspoilt existence. The number of people visiting the area is strictly controlled and permits are required. Jim and Pam then put on a DVD, which showed highlights of the trip. Members were able to gain some idea of the size and number of the icebergs floating past the ship and to experience the beauty of the place without having to also experience the cold temperature! We look forward to welcoming more friends to our meetings so if you need information or a lift please telephone: Ellen 522534 or Peggy 522221 Forthcoming Meetings: - 14 th December - Christmas Celebrations with Mike and Gill Hare 25 th January - Kevin and Lyn Hunt from Heart of England Outreach (The Centre Charity Shop). 22 nd February - A Speaker from Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.

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In this sixth article focusing on the Officers and Men named upon the Meriden War Memorial, Paul & Melanie Lee re-feature Lance-Corporal Stanley Waterton Cook. , who died during the First World War. They also feature Private Douglas Glynn Harries who died in Italy during the Second World War.

th Lance-Corporal Stanley Waterton Cook , No. 9674. 9 Battalion, The Royal Regiment was the son of John Cook and Sarah Harriet Cook ( nee Waterton) and was born in Row ( the Victorian cottages opposite Meriden Green ). His father’s family were carpenters on the Aylesford Estate, whilst his mother and grandmother Harriet Waterton ran a small clothing shop in the front room. Stanley was keen to join up soon after the War began and he enlisted into The Royal Warwicks in Coventry, his destination being the Dardanelles. He was a quiet, thoughtful young man remembered by the late Basil Warmingham. On Stanley’s last leave he gave Basil, then only four, a piggyback ride. Basil was later told that Stanley had a premonition that he would not return. He died in the trenches of Gallipoli on the 28 th November 1915 from exposure. Stanley’s niece, Sheila Cooke, who provided his photograph, said he was frozen to death in the trenches, as the soldiers’ uniforms were sodden and inadequate.

The following information is taken from the 9 th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment war diary and gives an insight into the terrible conditions endured by Lance-Corporal Cook and his battalion. The month of November basically consisted of trench occupation, advancing and digging new trenches. The troops would go out at night under the cover of darkness to advance their line by digging new trenches; this must have been tremendously hard work and many of the men suffered fatigue. On the 26 th November around 6:00pm a terrific thunderstorm led to their trenches being completely flooded, all parapets and parados (the bank of earth behind a fortification trench) were swept away, the dugouts were all filled and the men also lost much kit, being swept away, trench stores were also lost beneath the earth. It was not until almost midnight that the storm subdued. The effective strength of the Battalion on the 26 th was 18 Officers and 686 other ranks, compared to the beginning of November’s effective strength of 21 Officers and 809 other ranks. On the 27 th , following the flooding, a frost set in, it is not surprising that the officers and men who by this time were drenched were in a very bad condition and unable to dry their clothing. On the 28 th the parapets were being repaired but several of the men were in a critical condition from exposure. Lance-Corporal Cook along with two other men finally succumbed to the horrific conditions that they had endured for so long. By the end of November the effective strength was down to 14 Officers and 483 other ranks, many being admitted to hospital with frost bitten feet. Unfortunately, Stanley’s body was never recovered and he lies somewhere on the Gallipoli peninsular, and is remembered on the Basra Memorial to the Missing in Iraq.

nd Private Douglas Glynn Harries , No. 5115085. 2 Battalion, The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment (secondary regiment The Royal Warwickshire Regiment). Private Harries was born in Monmouthshire, the son of Thomas Glynn and Ada Elizabeth Harries of Meriden and died whilst serving with The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment in the region of Assisi during the Second World War. Private Harries died on the 28 June 1944 and is buried in Assisi War Cemetery (section 1, row D, grave 8). Following the Allied armistice with Italy on 3 rd September the Allies invaded Italy who re-entered the war on the Allied side. Although stiff resistance was encountered, the advance through Southern Italy was swift until checked for some months at the German winter defensive position, the “Gustav Line”. The line eventually fell in May 1944 and the Allies took Rome on the 3 rd June. It is likely that Private Harries was killed as the Germans made their first attempts to stop the Allied advance north of Rome as most burials in the cemetery are from the surrounding battlefields. We visited his grave during a trip to Italy in September. Assisi War Cemetery lies below the town. Standing at his grave, the town and the Church of St Francis of Assisi are in view, a really beautiful setting, which provides a tranquil resting place for one of Meriden’s fallen sons. Many thanks to Doreen Agutter for providing the photograph and information from Stanley’s niece, Sheila Cooke. We would also like to thank The Royal Warwickshire Regimental Museum for access to the 9th Battalion war diary.

If you have further information on the officers and men commemorated on the Meriden War Memorial, please contact either John Moorhouse or Paul & Melanie Lee via the Meriden Mag.

Meriden Village War Memorial Joint Committee

Many would agree that one of the finest, most valued and visible features of Meriden is the War Memorial, that has stood on‘ the main road at the foot of Berkswell Road for so many years, with the impressive figure of Jesus Christ on the Cross. I know that many visitors in particular, but others of us walking by, sometimes just stop for a moment to gaze at the memorial; and I’m sure many motorists can’t fail to notice, even in passing. And of course the annual remembrance Day Church Service traditionally ends with a gathering at the Memorial for the solemn Act of remembrance. It’s a well-known memorial, but what you may not know is that there is a Meriden Village War Memorial Joint Committee whose dedicated role is to look after it. The Committee was formed several years ago when the Memorial was damaged and worse still, the figure of Christ stolen. Although the figure was eventually recovered, the work that was faced then by everyone involved, including the Parish Council, the Churches and those in the village with special interest in this work, for example through British Legion links, showed up the value of having a joint standing committee to collaboratively oversee, on an ongoing basis, the upkeep and maintenance of the Memorial including the site. It has continued to fulfil its given remit ever since. The committee comprises representatives of Meriden Parish Council, St Laurence Parish Church, The Meriden Methodist Church and members with a special interest in this work in the village, for example through British Legion Links. The committee meet normally once a year in addition to any necessary activity in between. It is a good illustration of a range of stakeholders and interests in Meriden working well together for the benefit of the community as a whole. Past and present representatives of the council, the Churches and others are perhaps too many to list in this short article. I would like to at least just mention Bob Hurton and John Moorhouse who with Ra lph Ledbrook have in the past undertaken voluntarily some of the practical maintenance work on the memorial that has been identified by the committee. Particular acknowledgement is also clearly due to the late Ron Owen who helped set up the committee and who was a stalwart member. It has been a privilege to serve in this way alongside members like Ron whose involvement is very fondly remembered. The committee’s role is a permanent one and it will continue to do its best to try to ensure the war memorial is protected and kept in good condition as a sign and a place for respectful remembrance for the whole village. If you would like to know more about the work of the committee please do let me know. Peter Wright, Secretary, Meriden War Memorial Joint Committee 01676 522414

The Road (Closure) to Remembrance

As you may be aware this year’s Remembrance Day saw the introduction of the Safety First Policy, an initiative between Borough Council and the Police. In, short an application had to be made for road closure and the event had to be marshalled for the first time since its inception in 1919. Many people have contributed and we would like to acknowledge their generosity and time. Steve Hammon , Heart of England Entertainment, for his continued contribution in making the Act of Remembrance such a moving experience. Alec Barstow for his continued supply of electricity on Remembrance Day. Meriden Parish Council for providing hi-visibility waistcoats and Remembrance Sunday signs. The Marshals, Ralph Ledbrook (who also cleaned the memorial and cut back vegetation and supplied additional traffic cones), Mike Gallagher (who also sourced the barriers and closure signs, courtesy of Handy Concrete and Erris Builders). Bob Hurton, Steve Wake, Ian & Sharon Tuersley and Barry Chainey. Chris Higton for providing valuable contacts and advice. Parish Councillors Will Markham & Melanie Lee (marshal) for their assistance in the assembling and positioning of the Remembrance Sunday closure signs. Julie Hall , Parish Clerk, for contacting local media to advise of road closure and promote the event . Roger and Parish Councillor Marilyn Hamilton for supplying chains and padlocks to secure the Remembrance Sunday signs. Ron Plant for supplying the tools to affix the road closure signs. PC Pete McBride and WPC Suzie Pugh Police for their advice, guidance and location visits. Paul Tovey , Solihull MBC for his advice and guidance. Mark Reed, DMN Road Services, for his kind donation of signage frames, traffic cones and sandbags. And finally many thanks to all of those who attended to honour the fallen. John Moorhouse Event Organiser Paul Lee Marshal Co-ordinator

WINTER GARDENING NOTES

WINTER FLOWERING PLANTS There are several winter flowering plants that provide interest and scent in the winter garden. One of the most attractive is the Hamamelis or witch hazel. This small tree grows to 10-15' high with fragrant blossoms in the first weeks in February. A tolerant plant happy in partial shade to full sun. Varieties to look out for are:

H. x intermedia 'Pallida': H. x intermedia 'Diane' Perhaps the best known variety, this Hamamelis This variety's sumptuous and intense produces large, sulphur- red blooms are smaller than those of yellow blooms with a 'Pallida', yet still manage to brightly delicate, sweet scent, stand out against bare branches. which seem to glow in The National Collection of the winter light. Hamamelis can be seen at Swallow Hayes, Albrighton, . Mrs Hayes the owner can be contacted on Tel 01902 372624. Chimonanthus or wintersweet Flowering from December to February. Christmas flowering Chimonanthus comes to life in the dead of winter, its bare woody stems covered with fragrant, pendent yellow flowers that are tinged with purple in the centre. As spring approaches, the fading flowers are replaced with new, young leaves that smother the once bare branches. This deciduous shrub can be treated as a specimen plant, part of a shrub border, or trained against a sunny wall.

Winter Honeysuckle Lonicera fragrantissima The fragrance of the blooms of winter honeysuckle is usually why most people grow this large, fully hardy arching shrub. Tiny white flowers appear anytime January until the beginning of March. Birds love the red berries that appear after the blooms fade and eat them as fast as they ripen Sweet Box Sarcococca confuse

Sweetly scented, pure white flowers from December to March and lustrous, dark green leaves. This winter-flowering, dense, evergreen shrub is perfect for a shady border or woodland garden. To fully appreciate the fabulous, vanilla-like fragrance plant in moist, well-drained soil close to an entrance or path. Copes well with dry shade and urban-pollution.

Hellebores

Hellebores produce gently nodding flowers that open as early as January and carry on until late April. The plants produce large saucer-shaped flowers and are ideal for the front of an early spring border. Ashwood Nurseries at , West Midlands have the National Collection and hold Hellebore weekends in February Tel 01384 401996. A visit to Ashwoods can easily be combined with one to the Hamamelis collection.

Thanks to Elaine and Brian Hitchens for this interesting article, they are members of Balsall and District Horticultural Society, which meets on the last Thursday of the month in The Village Hall Balsall Common at 7.30 for 8.00pm. Phone 01676 533315 for further details. At the October meeting they had a talk on caring for indoor flowering plants by David Howell. He suggested that we should be careful when buying Poinsettias from local shops as they may have been moved in and out during cold weather. Chill is fatal, but they will tolerate temperatures of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, so gradually introduce them from a cool room for at least a week. The light factor is important and leaves will turn yellow if kept in the dark or allowed to become water logged.

Meriden Telephone : 01675 443333 E-mail : [email protected] Volunteers for Cancer Research

“In The Pink” evening at the Heart of England Club was very successful. A professional belly dancer, a make-up demonstratio n and a colour consultation entertained us. We made a profit of £800. Many thanks to those who supported us. Our next event is the Christmas Quiz night on th Friday December 14 at the Heart of England Club. Teams should have a maximum of 6 members. Tickets are £2 each and will include wine or sherry NETWORK EXECUTIVE CARS and mince pies. Small teams can be joined with YOUR LOCAL CHAUFFEUR another small team on the night. Do bring your SERVICE friends and enjoy our Christmas evening. If you AT PRIVATE HIRE PRICES know you are entering a team or need any other 24 HOUR - 5* SERVICE information please telephone 5,6,7 & 8 SEATER EXECUTIVE VEHICLES 522160, 522986 or 0711613905. MINIBUS AND COACHES ALSO Mary Warr & Carol Lindique AVAILABLE “Together we will cure Cancer” TELEPHONE 01675 443333

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Art Classes with Julie Hyde Meriden Toddler Group at Methodist Church Hall 01676 523357 Main Road Tuesdays 10,00-11.30am

Even though our outdoor painting sessions were a bit of This is an informal, friendly group for adults a wash out this summer, the art classes would like to who care for young children and bab ies. Come thank the owners of Maxstoke Castle, Walsh Hall and and meet other parents and carers for a Elaine of Silver Trees for their hospitality in allowing us into their grounds. A special thank you comes from chat, refreshments are provided for children me, to the few artists who came along despite pouring and adults at a small cost of £1.50 per family. rain or freezing winds, it was great to have your Children can play safely in the hall or garden. support and enthusiasm even if we had to abandon the Each week there is a different craft activity painting session! and song time for the children The classes are now full with a waiting list so if you are Sally Thompson 01676 522858 interested in coming along please contact Julie on 01676 523357. Keep an eye open for some of our work 1st Meriden Guides displayed in the library from time to time. Have a great Girls!! If you are 10-14yrs Christmas and keep sketching! and want to have lots of fun,

Q.What did the bald man say enjoy challenges and would like to make new friends then come along and when he got a comb for join us. Meetings are at the Christmas? Meriden Methodist Hall, Main Road, A. Thanks I’ll never part with it! Meriden Wednesday evenings during term time: 7.30pm-9pm

Tom’s Butchery Phone Hazel Matthews 01676 522862 Established 25 years 3 The Green Meriden T’ai Chi Telephone: 01676 522822 and • Genuine Scotch Angus Beef Meditation and Relaxation sold as seen on TV • Wide selection of prize winning Come and discover how sausages the beautiful flowing movements of this ancient • Best quality English Lamb & art can improve your pork well-being. Relax and enjoy • Local farm turkeys, boneless simple calming relaxation and meditation techniques. turkey breast, fresh farm chicken Mondays 9.30-10.30am • Wide selection of bacon Meriden Village Hall including dry cure English Call Jacqui on 07703 • 345210 Deli counter with a wide selection of cheese, pies and

cooked meats …the perfect start to your day! Meriden library MERIDEN LIBRARY READERS' GROUP We have been delighted to welcome new members 01676 522717 who have contributed to some lively evenings. Our Open Monday 10.00am – 7.00pm future programme is that in December we shall be Thursday 10.00am – 7.00pm having our usual Christmas Miscellany Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm with appropriate refreshments and mind-bending activities. January - books read and/or received over Now winter is here why not visit the library and Christmas; February - Diaries and Diarists and in choose some books for the long winter evenings. March, Poets and Poetry. We have something for everyone, novels, sport, We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at hobbies, travel, war stories, cookery, the list is 7.30 pm - details of the venue from Meriden Library endless and it’s all free!! staff. Please think about joining us - you will be Our A ge Concern computer sessions continue to most welcome. be very popular. If you are over 50 and would like to take a course of lessons, please call in or Sue Fuller telephone. We are now taking bookings for 2008. Children under 5 can enjoy stories and craft BALSALL COMMON activities in the librar y on Monday afternoons during term time from 2.45pm – 3.15pm. Come and join in the fun. During December we shall be offering 2 for the price of 1 on children’s videos. So 2 videos can be hired for 1 week for 75p. BALSALL COMMON U3A celebrated its first year with If you are looking for ideas for Christmas presents, ‘Founders Evening’ in the form of a social wine and we sell National Book Tokens in £1 £5 and £10 cheese event for the Coordinators of the Interest Groups. denominations. Our Christmas stock of book token Balsall Common U3A was founded in 2006 with a cards will arrive shortly so why not come in and steering committee of Anne Santos, Peter Westlake and Peter Driffield; in April 2007 an executive committee take a look. was voted in. Our Coffee Mornings continue to be the last The U3A group is proving to be very popular with 115 Thursday of each month and our Christmas Cof fee members from the villages of Meriden, Hampton in th Morning will be on 20 December. Please join us Arden, Knowle, Dorridge and Solihull and the 20 interest for coffee mince pies and a chat. We look forward groups – Rambling, Mus ic Appreciation, World to seeing you Religion, Spanish, French, Crea tive Writing, Poetry Books, Bridge , Books, Questers, Heritage, Church Visits, Meriden Knights Chess Club Lunch Club, Strollers, Art Appreciation, Current Affairs, Mah Jong & Photography offer members a wide choice. There is no waiting list. Membership is £15 payable in April reducing by £2.50 each quarter. T here is a monthly meeting on the 4 th Monday of the month at 2-00pm in

The Village Hall, Station Road, Balsall Common and prospective members are always welcome. For further information phone 01676 534003 or email [email protected] Meriden Knights have won four out of five games so far this season. They play on Tuesday evenings in the Coventry and District Chess LARCH TREE OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE

League. TREATMENT OF MUSCULAR AND When not at home at Meriden Methodist Church, SKELETAL PAIN, SPORTS AND opposite the pool, they play at Whoberley, PERSONAL INJURIES Newdigate, , Massey Ferguson and Warwick University, against their division three Liam Halton B.Sc (Hons) Ost. teams. We charge £1.50 per session and meet in 49 Larch Tree Avenue, (Off Broad Lane), the Dawson Lounge at 7.30pm. Tile Hill, Anyone interested in joining us, if only for an COVENTRY, CV4 9FT odd home game, can contact us on 01676 521259. Graeme and Shirley TEL: 024 7647 0019

blitz Beauty Salon Telephone 01676 521100 Men and Women welcome Open 7 days a week Monthly offers available

New dual treatment room Gift vouchers available All aspects of Beauty Therapy to include; Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Eye treatment, Faci als, Caci facials and body treatments, microdermabrasion , massages, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Gel Nail Extensions, Body Wraps, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning and Vertical Sun bed.

Clinics available for Restylane, Muscle relaxing injections and Teeth whitening Also the home of Blitz the Bulge slimming club!! Monday 9-5, Tuesday 9-9, Wednesday 9-9, Thursday9-9, Friday 9-7, Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-2 For more details or to go on our mailing list Telephone 01676 521100

More work from the Ingredients: grab 1 George H, a bag full of reasoning, a pupils of Meriden School glass and ½ of indulging specialness, a tablespoon of playfulness, 6 drops of talent, 1 computer with mouse and keyboard, 1 dashing of laziness and an extra smooth chair. How to make: 1. Grab your George H and slowly bit by bit add the glass and ½ of indulging, creamy specialness and mix thoroughly. 2.Sprinkle in the bag of delightful reasoning, and carefully not to bruise tablespoon of talent drip it in and stir slowly for 2 mins. 3.Add 10ml of water from the closest cold tap mix carefully, spoon-by-spoon shake in the nutritious I am special because I take care of Mummy lovely 6 drops of talent and leave to infuse for 10 mins James Holliday in the fridge. 4.Add the lovely laziness and mix thoroughly. Place on comfy smooth chair attach the mouse to hands until you are taught everything about computer. Note: usually its will take 5 days to learn everything if not call this number 01676-50001-267 , or make another ingredients: grab 1 George

Hodge, a bag full of a glass More items from Meriden School A Recipe for a Special Person: Ingredients: You will need a Natalie, A pot, and a dollop of talent, bubbling water of laughter, a tablespoon of love, a pen and paper, kindness and knowledge (add as much as you want), a box of personality and a forkful of beauty. Method: First you will need a Natalie (this will add flavour) drop her into a pot of boiling bubbling laughter. Secondly add a dollop of talent then wait until that has dissolved. Then a sprinkle of love and mix in well until it becomes a thick paste. You can add a pen and paper and a splash of kindness. Finally pour in a bottle of knowledge and a box of beauty. When your I am special because mixture is complete put it the oven for 10 minutes then I am new in School serve with a bit of custard immediately!!!!! Grace Brown R. J.KENNING

Painter and Decorator All aspects of decorating undertaken

Interiors, Exteriors

Woodwork

Papering & Painting

Free quotations available References available on request

No job too big-No job too small Established over 25 years A reliable and friendly service

02476 460754 Mob 07902 343950

BRI ASSET MANAGEMENT PLC

BRI is an independent firm based locally in Meriden offering expert investment management for: • Stocks and Shares • I am special because Unit Trusts I am good at writing • Peps and ISAs Elysia Griffiths • Personal Pensions

We also provide advice on planning for Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax. Please call us for a free review of your existing investments

“Local professional Investment Management”

To find out more information, please contact Paul Cusack BRI Asset Management plc BRI House, Meriden Business Park, Meriden CV5 9RL Tel 01676 523550 Fax 01676 522799 Email: [email protected]

BRI Asset Management plc is authorised and 024 7640 2137 regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Monday 11 th December18 JuneMonday £ Meriden

Floral Society

Monday 10 th December “Merry Christmas” Lorena Dyer

For the very best for your dog, Meetings are held in Meriden Village Hall at contact… 7.30pm prompt Roy & Lesley Thompson, at

For further information Meriroyles Telephone Val Miller on 01676 540380 118 Fillongley Road, Meriden. Sandra Jones on 01676 523023 Telephone 01676 522405

Q.What happened when the snow girl fell out with the snow boy?

A. She gave him the cold shoulder.

PILATES CLASS Sophie’s Small Pet Holiday Home MERIDEN METHODIST CHURCH HALL Tuesday evening 6.15pm – 7.15pm 118 Fillongley Road Meriden Classes run in Are you going away and 6-week courses don’t know where to put your small animal? 1 to 1 Pilates reformer equipment at Yes? Well I can help. The Hampton Gym, Hampton in Arden Your pet/s will be housed in a comfortable hutch Free trial session with this advertisement situated in a well-ventilated room Proprietary pelletised pet food will be supplied For more details contact Jo on 07952 473526 Sophie 01676 522405

Major new nature reserve on your doorstep

Fantastic news- the RSPB has acquired a brand new nature reserve in the heart of the midlands. RSPB Middleton Lakes stretches across 160 hectares of the north Warwickshire- Staffordshire border and will open to the general public in 2009. The RSPB, Europe’s foremost nature conservation charity will be working hard to restore the former gravel quarry over the next 2 years, transforming it into a wonderful wetland spectacle. Endangered wetland birds such as Lapwing and Redshank will benefit as well as Otters and many kinds of invertebrate. This dramatic vision will be realised with the support of the

Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust. You can find out more in the reserve’s quarterly newsletter by Lapwing contacting the team at [email protected] Copyright RSPB Images or phoning 01827 251628.

BALANCE HEALTH AND FITNESS

Brings SHAITSU to Meriden WHAT is Shiatsu? An ancient form of treatment, working on the same principle as Acupuncture. The practitioner’s hands, elbows, knees and feet are used to activate changes in life energy of the person rather than needles. WHAT CAN SHAITSU DO FOR YOU ? It works to help the body self heal thereby strengthening and rejuvenating. HOW DOES SHAITSU FEEL TO RECEIVE? The experience is very individual but we believe everyone agrees that it is a pleasure to receive and deeply relaxing. Experience for yourself this safe and deeply effective therapy in the comfort of your own home or in a wonderfully peaceful setting at our local therapy room. For further details contact Ernie Boxall or Anne Brown on 01676 521393 or 07862 216833 Initial treatment offer, saving £5

Tips from the Cop Shop

For any advice or literature on Crime Prevention Phone Cheryl Tyler On 0845 113 5000

With the darker nights now upon us and Christmas fast approaching, police in Solihull would like to remind the local community to keep themselves, their homes and belongings safe. The darker nights can provide more opportunities for a burglar to get into your home. Following the advice below can help to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime: • Always keep the doors and windows of your home locked and secure, and certainly if you are out of the room • Make sure all valuables are kept away from exterior doors and windows • Ensure you keep any Christmas presents in a secure place • Consider investing in a good quality burglar alarm • Buy timer switches for your lights so that you can use them when you are out • If anyone knocks on your door claiming to be an official, make sure you ask for ID, which you can verify by calling a number for the company. You should find this number independently using Yellow Pages or Directory Enquiries. West Midlands Police in Solihull wishes you a safe and happy Christmas

DISTRACTION BURGLARIES This is a message from West Midlands Police to make you aware of Need help with a a number of distraction burglaries that have occurred across Solihull in recent weeks. drug problem? The offenders have been claiming to be from official companies, and then stealing the homeowner's property once they are inside the What to do: house. The burglars often claim to be from the Water or Gas Board, You could talk to your GP sometimes saying there has been an explosion or water leak and they Or phone Welcome on 0121 678 4730 need to get inside the property. Or drop in at Welcome – 15 Larch Croft, To prevent yourself from becoming a victim of this type of crime, use Chelmsley Wood. Mon - Fri 10.30 – 4.30 Or phone the Drug Intervention a security chain on your door, and only let people in who can prove Programme (for offenders) their identity. Ask to see an identity card, which can be verified by On 0121 788 0753 you calling the company - always use a number that you have Or phone FRANK, the national helpline, obtained through Yellow Pages or Directory Enquiries. A genuine On 0800 776 600 official won't mind waiting. For any more information please phone Solihull Crime & Disorder Solihull Police on 0845 113 5000 Reduction Partnership

Make A Better Life T rust (MABL)

0800 032 6317

If you need to talk to someone in confidence about Domestic Violence please call the above number. It is open 10am till 12 noon Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) We will listen We will believe Meriden Surgery and Pharmacy News - Updated information

Appointments Available from BALSALL COMMON & MERIDEN GROUP PRACTICE Old School House, Main Road, Meriden CV7 7NG Tel 522252 MONDAY AM THURSDAY 2.00pm Surgery Hours MONDAY PM FRIDAY 8.30am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am to 6pm Wednesday 8.30am to 12.00 TUESDAY AM FRIDAY 2.00pm Repeat Prescription Requests TUESDAY PM MONDAY 8.30am We prefer these to be ordered using the list attached to your previous prescription. • Post to the surgery WEDNESDAY AM MONDAY 2.00pm • Hand to the surgery WED PM CLOSED • Fax 01676 523865 to the surgery If necessary telephone requests will be taken between 10.00am THURSDAY AM TUESDAY 2.00pm and 12.30pm & 2.00pm-4.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & THURSDAY PM WEDNESDAY 8.30am Friday. Please quote your computer number. 48 HOURS NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN FOR ALL FRIDAY AM THURSDAY 8.30am PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS FRIDAY PM THURSDAY 8.30am IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL PATIENTS TO CHECK THAT PRESCRIPTIONS COLLECTED (EITH ER FROM THE CHEMIST OR THE SURGERY) DETAIL THE MEDICATION In an “out of hours” emergency ORIGINALLY REQUESTED. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GIVEN The Practice uses a GP co-operative BY THE PRACTICE FOR MEDICATION DISPENSED BUT NOT Badger for emergencies outside normal REQUIRED surgery hours. For details on how to Home Visits : If patients are too ill to attend the surgery, or are housebound and need a doc tor to visit them at home please obtain medical help when the surgery telephone the surgery BEFORE 10.00am. is closed please telephone Comments : If you would like to make any comments, complaints or suggestions concerning the surgery please contact Joanne 01676 532587 Hope , Practice manager on 01676 532213 or in writing to the sur gery. PRE BOOKED APPOINTMENTS

We would like to make patients aware that appointments can be booked with doctors in advance of 48 hours. We understand that patients have commitments that require them to book appointments with us further in advance than 48 hours. We have therefore allocated a number of appointments that can be booked in advance, these are included every surgery taken by a doctor with the exception of locums . Once these appointments have been allocated the remaining will be available on the 48 hour booking rule .

Please ask at reception if you would like to book further in advance than 48 hours.

CHRISTMAS OPENING AT THE MERIDEN & BALSALL COMMON SURGERIES

Meriden Surgery Balsall Common Surgery

th Monday 24 th December 8.30am TO 1.00pm Monday 24 December 8.30am to 1.00pm th Tuesday 25 th December CLOSED Tuesday 25 December CLOSED th Wednesday 26 th December CLOSED Wednesday 26 December CLOSED th Thursday 27 th December 8.30am to 6.00pm Thursday 27 December 8.30am to 12.00 th Friday 28 th December 8.30am to 6.00pm Friday 28 December 8.30am to 6.00pm th Saturday 29 th December CLOSED Saturday 29 December CLOSED th Sunday 30 th December CLOSED Sunday 30 December CLOSED st Monday 31 st December 8.30am to 1.00pm Monday 31 December 8.30am to 1.00pm st Tuesday 1 st January CLOSED Tuesday 1 January CLOSED nd Wednesday 2 nd January 8.30am to 12.00 Wednesday 2 January 8.30am to 6.00pm

Lloyds Pharmacy The Green Meriden Chemist’s Rota for Christmas & New Year Tel/ Fax 01676 522722 period Monday – Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm The following shops will be open between 1.00 & 3.00pm only Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm Christmas Day Sunday Closed Asterwell Ltd 275 Longmore Rd, Shirley Christmas opening hours Boxing Day Christmas Day - Closed Lloyds Pharmacy 59 Yew Tree Lane, Solihull Boxing Day - Closed New Year’s Day New Years Day - Closed Dovehouse Pharmacy 351 Warwick Rd, Solihull

FLU TIME AGAIN!

The Flu season is upon us and the annual vaccination campaign has already begun. Flu usually occurs most often in the winter months, usually peaking between December and March. Flu is highly contagious and is transmitted from person to person by droplets of respiratory secretions (sneezing or coughing). It enters the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth or eyes. After an incubation period of up to 4 days, there is a sudden onset of severe malaise (feeling unwell and tiredness) and exhaustion. Other symptoms of flu may include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite and dry cough, generalised aches and pains most commonly in the back and legs. In children, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain may also occur.

People most at risk of complications or even death from contracting the flu are recommended to have the influenza vaccine to protect them from the virus.

The Flu vaccine is recommended for The pneumonia vaccine is also now • All people aged 65yrs and over recommended for all people detailed opposite. Both vaccines can safely be given at the same All people in High-risk groups – time. • Diabetes • Coronary Heart Disease Book your flu and pneumonia • Respiratory conditions (Asthma, COPD, Bronchiectasis) vaccine appointment and make • Chronic Renal Disease sure you are protected this year • Impaired immune systems

National Blood Service. The next session for blood Donors will be Thursday 13 th December at the Heart of England Social Club 1.30 –3.30pm & 4.30 - 7.30pm for enquiries please ring 0845 771 1711

Need your windows guttering or fascias cleaned? Sparkling UPVC frames and Turmeric Gold conservatories a speciality @ Meriden Also carpet cleaning and other handyman tasks

Phone Paul Healthy * Lifestyle * Cuisine

Telephone: 0121 764 5872587 222 Tel: 01676 521055 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Mobile: 07979 064835 LUNCHTIME 12 Noon – 2.00pm PHYSIOTHERAPY Lunchtime menu available REFLEXOLOGY 2 course £7.50 3 Course £8.50 COMPLEMETARY THERAPIES Ideal for business lunches or for pleasure Treatment for pain, stress, acute and EVENINGS chronic conditions 5.30pm – 11.00pm Monday – Saturday Alison Stain 5.30pm - 10.30pm Sunday M.C.S.P., S.R.P., I.T.E.C. The Meriden Hotel The Therapy Centre, 155 Main Road Meriden CV7 7NH Balsall Villa www.turmericgold.co.uk 287 Kenilworth Road Balsall Common Christmas Bookings now being taken Tel: 01676 521066 MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL Your Parish Councillors are: The public and press are cordially invited to all meetings Graeme Goodsir in the Village Hall at 7.30pm An opportunity will be given Shirley Goodsir for the public to speak. 12 th December 2007 Parish Council Meeting Marilyn Hamilton 16 th January 2008 Finance Meeting / Sub committee Bob Kipling 28 th January 2008 Parish Council Meeting 13 th February 2008 Sub-Committee Meeting Melanie Lee 25 th February 2008 Parish Council Meeting Sarah Markham Your Parish Council can be contacted: Will Markham The Clerk to Meriden Parish Council

Mrs J Hall Rosie Weaver 111 Fillongley Road Meriden CV7 7LW District Councillors are:

Tel/Fax: 01676 522553 Mr Ken Allsopp Email: [email protected] Mr David Bell Website: meridenparishcouncil.org.uk Dr Peter Lea

NEIGHBOURHOOD COORDINATOR RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE Your Neighbourhood Coordinator REPRESENTATIVE at Solihull MBC WPC Sharon Williams Susan East. Tel:0121 704 6435 Tel: 0845 113 5000 ext 79286264 [email protected] [email protected]

PARISH CLERK We are pleased to have appointed Julie Hall as the new Clerk for Meriden Parish Council. Julie can be contacted at the address above. We would like to wish Mavis Edwards all the very best in her retirement.

Note from Mavis Edwards, retiring parish clerk. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the last eight and a half years and for the kind words, good wishes, and gifts I have received on my recent retirement. Special thanks to Margaret & Val, and all who contribute to the production and distribution of the ‘Mag’, which has been a tremendous asset to communication with residents. Wishing Julie Hall every success in her role as Clerk to Meriden Parish Council . Mavis Julie Hall 1) SOLIHULL IN BLOOM Presentation Evening at Notcutts Garden Centre 18 th September was by invitation, entries reaching the final round. LOCAL WINNERS :

Notcutts Prize for Community Involvement – 2 nd place - Meriden Parish Council for The Green . Thank you to Brian and Elaine Ball for their dedication to looking after the planting around the village and specifically The Green for the quality of planting and grass cutting.

Notcutts Hanging Basket Prize – 1 st place - Barbara Cookes and John Douglas (Plants Lawrence Wood).

Notcutts Past winners Hanging Basket – 3 rd place – Lawrence Wood.

The Solihull Times Pub/Hotel/Restaurant Frontage – 2 nd place – White Lion, Hampton in Arden (Plants Lawrence Wood). CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL.

2) NEW WEBSITE - meridenparishcouncil.org.uk Our new interactive website aims to provide you with the latest village news. Your parish council, elected in May 2007, decided on 8th August that this was one of the best communications channels that we needed to introduce for you to let us know what you think. Please use the Village Blog link! We need your views!

3) OUR VILLAGE APPRAISAL IS UP AND RUNNING

On 24 September, the village hall played host to over 80 attendees at the public launch meeting. Rosie Weaver, Chair - Meriden Parish Council and Iain Roxburgh, Chair – Village Appraisal Steering Group, presen ted reasons for a Village Appraisal. And the key reasons were summed up as:

 It is the first step in enabling local people to shape the future of our village and community  It identifies the issues that people care about and actions they want to see taken  It provides evidence of community support and local need to help in attracting funding for future local action

Over 30 residents volunteered their services towards the Village Appraisal. The first meeting of volunteers was on Monday 8 October at the Village Hall, which involved a workshop session to identify three things that are really good about Meriden Parish and three things that should change to make it a better place/community. Common themes emerged:

Good • Village/rural feel and good environment • Location at the centre of England with good access to transport facilities • Good range of shops and amenities • A good sense of community with many community and sporting organisations Change • Engage young people positively in the life of the village • Better play areas for young • Better facilities for older people • Community policing • Decrease the volume and speed of traffic

The Steering Group also started to take shape when volunteers for Secretary, Information Managers, Resource Managers, IT Managers, Communications Officers and Distribution Manager were put in place. Also in attendance was David Deanshaw, a key player in Balsall Common’s Village Appraisal and he encouraged all to keep the momentum going and seek other residents’ views. Everyone’s views will help formulate the questionnaire due to be published and distributed in Spring 2008.

The momentum carried on the following week at the Heart of England Social Club. The Steering Group identified 4 key groups and organisations to target for a series of focus groups along the lines of the workshop session on 8 October. As you read this, these focus groups will be taking place. In the meantime, the Steering Group welcomes your views and you can do so by emailing the Meriden Parish Council at [email protected] . You can read more about the Steering Group’s meetings on the Parish Council website and Village Blog at www.meridenparishcouncil.org.uk .

We still need more volunteers……even if you only have a spare hour we could use you!

4) PLAYING FIELDS There has been a further request for plans to be on show again in the Library for residents to be able to make comment. It is hoped that they will be available shortly.

5) RURAL NEIGHBOURHOOD – JOINT POLICE & COUNCIL SURGERIES PC Sharon Williams representing the Police along with Susan East, Solihull Council Neighbourhood Co-ordinator will continue to attend Meriden Library on Monday mornings 10 00am- 12 00noon on the 17th December, 21 st January and 18 th February. If you have concerns or queries please come and see them.

6) PUBLIC CONVENIENCES Disappointingly, a very limited response was received to the option appraisal held in September. Further discussions regarding alternative uses/demolition have been had with Solihull MBC and their advice is awaited.

Take part in the Meriden Parish Village Appraisal

Identify three things that are really good about Meriden Parish and three things that should change to make it a better place/community. That’s what the Village Appraisal Steering Group did at the first workshop on 8 th October at the Village Hall. Now we want your views. So far, the Village Appraisal has followed the check list supplied by the Rural Community Council:

• The Parish Council decided to produce a Village Plan in August  • A public meeting was held to launch and form the Steering Group in September  • Volunteers set up the Steering Group at this public meeting  • The Steering Group applied for grants in October  • The Steering Group ask the views of organisations/communities of interest 

What should the Steering Group do next?

• Ask the residents of Meriden and Millison’s Wood for their views

So, here is your opportunity to contribute to the Village Appraisal. By answering the two questions below, you will help the Steering Group formulate the Village Appraisal Questionnaire that will be delivered to all households next spring. You are kindly invited to complete the form below.

   Write down 3 things that are really good about Meriden Parish

Write down 3 things that you would like to change to make it a better place/community

Please cut out this form and drop it off at one of the following collection points:

Meriden Library  Meriden Surgery  Meriden C of E Primary School The Centre Charity Shop  The Spar  The Queen’s Head  Blitz Beauty Salon

Alternatively you could contribute your views about the village on The Meriden Blog at www.meridenparishcouncil.blogspot.com MERIDEN PARISH COUNCIL

Tenders are invited for Contracts to be awarded for the forthcoming financial year 1st April 2008 - 31 st March 2009. If you are interested in tendering for any of the following 6 Contracts please supply information to Clerk, Mrs J Hall 111 Fillongley Road, Meriden CV7 7LW by Friday 7 th December 2007 marking the envelope TENDER .

CONTRACT 1 - April 1st 2008 - 31st March 2009 Playing Fields April to October. (Subject to weather conditions). • To weekly pick litter and cut grass. • To weekly empty bins. Between November and March • To weekly pick litter • To weekly empty bins. • To clear and cut weeds round the edge of the field and ditches, once. • To cut the inside of the hedge, once. The Green April to October. (Subject to weather conditions). • To weekly collect litter both on the green and under the fir tree on the green, cut grass and trim. • To annually fertilize. Planting • Summer planting of trough arrangements around village (28) and watering through season. • Winter planting of troughs around village (28). • To maintain garden around Meriden Cross and supply of summer and winter planting. Allotments - Leys Lane . Between November and March • To cut hedge on Leys Lane, once. Fir Trees – Fillongley Road • To weekly litter pick under the trees.

CONTRACT 2 - April 1st 2008 - 31st March 2009 Playing Fields • Clean around Play Equipment and Buildings/Field at Maxstoke Lane weekly. Monthly Rate

CONTRACT 3 - April 1st 2008 - 31st March 2009 Bus Shelters . • To clear litter and sweep weekly. Monthly Rate • To remove any graffiti weekly. • Notify Clerk of any problems with Shelters.

CONTRACT 4 - April 1st 2008 - 31st March 2009 Bus Shelters • To repair Bus Shelters (10) and paint, as and when requested (Excluding materials). Rate / hour

CONTRACT 5 - April 1st 2008 - 31st March 2009. Benches and Notice boards • To maintain and treat benches (20) and notice boards (5). Rate / hour

CONTRACT 6 - April 1st 2008 - 31st March 2009. Public Conveniences, Main Road • To unlock, lock, inspect and clean daily. Monthly Rate N.B. All persons submitting tenders must: 1) Provide own tools and equipment for Contracts. 2) Accept responsibility for all Health and Safety issues involved with the Contracts.

You are also invited to register with the Parish Council for emergency / essential maintenance contracts, such as painting, cleaning or repair work. If you are interested please supply information to Clerk.

A Riot in Meriden

He knew what he would do. He must appeal to the Queen herself, ‘to her most excellent Majesty...’as her ‘humble, true, obedient subject’, before he became the laughing stock of the village and totally lost face before these rogues and vagabonds. Hadn’t his manservant Edward Starkey whispered what they were saying in the village inns and alehouses: The Bulls Head, The Bell, Falcon, Cock and Red Lion. That wench Katherine, Crowe’s niece was spreading it abroad that when she took her uncle some repast into the field that day, Crowe had said, ‘Stay a while and you shall see good sport about carrying away Foster’s corn,’ while Elizabeth Taylor a small holder’s wife was heard to boast how given a chance she too would have punched hi m. But as soon as the villagers were questioned they refused to co-operate saying they did not know who was responsible, there being many strangers on the roads working for a day or so and then moving on. John Crowe will not get away without punishment he mused. This was but one stage in a long-standing quarrel. Crowe wanted status to mirror his wealth and it was rumoured when he was away from home, he even dared to style himself ’gent’.

In the 1570’s Meriden villagers knew their place or they might end up in the stocks or worse. They were expected to respect their social ‘betters’ like William Foster, Esq. owner of Meriden Hall who had entertained the Queen on her visit here. Women were obliged to play minor roles in all matters, keeping their own counsel. Yet despite these prevailing beliefs, it seems Foster lacked the respect due to the lord of the manor.

Imagine you are standing on what was once called the Coneygree or Rabbit Warren on the edge of Meriden Heath, beyond the telephone exchange. Here though the land was poor and very dry, on ‘Plough Monday’ 2nd January 1577, Foster’s men began to plough up the land and plant a crop of rye. Suddenly a group of ‘vagabonds, brawling contentious persons’ but in fact no less than several leading villagers, tried to sabotage their efforts. Foster boasted afterwards that his peers were astounded he had tolerated it for so long but if we read between the lines, he had little alternative and had lost control of events... until he brought the aggressors before the county assize court where they were bound over to keep the peace. On 26th August trouble started once more... Led by John and Thomas Crowe, in contempt of court, a group of men and women ‘ diverse sundry other disobedient persons ‘according to Foster but in reality once again some of the best known villagers, began to load a wain with Foster’s corn and grass. It was at this point that 15-year-old Katherine Crowe arrived in the field with food and drink. Tipped off by his own servants, Foster told how he hurried with Starkey to the Coneygree to intervene, initially in a peaceful yet masterful manner but as he told them to stop, Thomas Crowe, ‘with a huge pitchfork did strike at Foster, and about 12 others hiding in shocks of corn pushed him face down in a hay cock so he thought he would suffocate. Bruised, in great pain and shaken from being beaten up, he was unable to determine the culprits who, to avoid suspicion, had scattered across the field giving the impression they were busily working and not involved in the assault. To save his reputation and get even he appealed to the Queen for redress in Star Chamber, a special court dealing with affrays against this ‘seditious assembly’. There were counter-accusations naturally. Foster, as an excommunicate by the bishop of Lichfield was no fit person to bring charges! The Crowes pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ saying Foster had attacked them while engaged in their lawful work for the Earl of Derby whose steward or local representative John Crowe was.

Doreen Agutter

Barking Solutions CHRISTMAS TREES Do you need? From £5 • Basic Web design HOLLY WREATHS • Flyer Drops Crosses, chaplets, garlands • Mail –Outs • Logo Design Holly arrangements from £4.50 • Leaflets • Banners Gibson’s Nursery If so contact Millisons Wood Hill Max Barker on 07919101593 Meriden Email [email protected] 01676 522233

PC Technical Services Tile Hill Lane, Coventry Heart of Home Computer Repairs, Upgrading & Problem Solving England Telephone 024 7667 4952

Independent personal attention Property Internet & e-mail, troubleshooting & tuition Maintenance ‘Meriden Mag’ would like to thank Peter for his help with recent computer problems and are pleased to r ecommend him to our readers Plumbing Carpentry Samantha Faulkner ABRSM General Maintenance Associated Boards Royal School of Music Painting & Decorating Teaching Diploma Piano Flute and Music theory 33 Manhattan Way Contact Paul Morgan on Bannerbrook Park Coventry 01676 542745 CV4 7GE 07917 692948 mobile 02476 467331 07704 553808

EXOTIC THAI

DEE HAS MOVED TO QUEENS HEAD PUB OLD ROAD MERIDEN

Exotic Thai cuisine cooked in the traditional Thai Way

OPEN 5 days a week Tuesday to Saturday Food can be ordered between the following times: Tuesday – Thursday 7.00pm till 10.00pm (closing) Friday – Saturday 7.00pm till 10.30pm (closing)

Book in advance to avoid disappointment 01676 523740 (6.00pm till 9.30pm)

The management reserves the right of admission

Meriden Tree of Thought 2007

Our third spec ial Village Tree is, as ever, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Once again, we will have 1,600 lights on a 28-foot tree. The purchase of this is only made possible through the outstanding generosity of local businesses and other organisations. At the time of writing (27 th October), these are: -Cassidy Developments, De Mulder Enterprises, Groundwork Cov&Warks, Lord and Lady Guernsey, N.E. Hawthorne and Son, Pertemps, Rockwell and The Strawberry Bank Hotel. Support is even coming from as far away as London . This is from Lothbury Lodge through the good offices of Gary Olsen (Meriden Tea Rooms). I am hugely encouraged by the fact that so many of you wish to dedicate a light to a friend or loved one and, at the same time, know you are helping to provide vital support to many local people who are at what is, believe me, an unthinkable stage of their lives. The work done by the Macmillan Nurses is purely and simply, priceless! The forms will be available from: - Meriden Tea Rooms, Spar Shop, Blitz (Millison’s Wood), Lloyd’s Chemist, Corley Canine Pool and Mills Newsagents (Balsall Common). I am also receiving terrific assistance in the installation of the tree from Clive Jones, Steve’s Industries of Dorridge and Gilbert Curry Industrial Plastics of Coventry. To all of those mentioned I give my sincere and humble thanks. When I created the Tree, I did not anticipate or realise that so much kindness would manifest itself, albeit for such a worthwhile cause! Memo! Do please come along to the dedication at 4.00pm on Friday 30 th November on the Green . I truly hope you will all enjoy the presence of the Tree and have the best possible Christmas and New Year. Alan Lole

ROCKWELL SHEET SALES LTD

THE WORLD OF BUILDING PLASTICS HERE IN MERIDEN Right here in Meriden you have available to you one of the largest ranges of Building Plastics in the U.K.

POLYCARBONATE AND P.V.C. SHEETING--INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CLADDING-- GARAGE FLOOR TILES

Multiwall polycarbonate. Shower boards and bathroom cladding. Multiwall 4mm. greenhouse panels Huge range of u.P.V.C. marble and patterned planking 10mm. 4-wall with double sided protection Respatex Shower boards—alternative to tiling! 16mm. honeycomb with double sided protection Greca profile diffusing opal corrugated polycarbonate Rockwell Architectural trims . Over 40 types in Multiwall corrugated polycarbonate stock to turn your house into a stately home.

Cut to size service for multiwall polycarbonate, In 10mm,16mmor 25mm in clear ,bronze or opal Plastic glass blocks (Polystar). Lightweight and simply click Also solid polycarbonate and acrylic (2-3days) together.

Dynotile —now you can turn your garage into a showroom! For only about £350 (single garage) or £650 (double garage) you can have an easy to lay insulated floor that will take the Freefoam Fascia and Soffits . heaviest car and look great. See www.dynotile.co.uk These are lead free and fully u/v protected to give a very long life. A 20 year guarantee is available Floplast Rainwater goods. Gutter and pipe in a range of (ask for details). Don’t accept inferior products. Colours. Brand leading easy to fit products, which carry the BS Kite Mark of Quality. ROCKWELL SHEET SALES LTD. MAIN ROAD, MERIDEN, COVENTRY. CV7 7NH. TEL 01676 522 224 FAX 01676 522 985 OPEN: MON-FRI 8:30A.M.-1 P.M. AND 2-5P.M. SAT A.M. 9-12 www.rockwell-meriden.co.uk , [email protected]

Tone Up, Lose Weight & Inches, Reduce Stress And Feel Great!!

Enjoy Personal Fitness Training, Pilates or an Aromatherapy Massage in the comfort of your own home or in our local fully equipped studio.

For more information and to book your Free 30 Minute Consultation to find out how we can help you reach your health and fitness goals, please contact:

Nikki: 07786 548 828 or Email: [email protected]

OA P DAYS TUES& WED Opening times Monday Closed Thursday 9.00-5.30 Tuesday 9.00-5.30 Friday 9.00-7.00 Wednesday 9.00-7.00 Saturday 9.00-5.30

More special people from Recipe for a special Person Ingredients: Meriden School A Bradley P. A dash of team spirit. A cherry red cricket ball weighing 5 and a half oz. A sparkling white cricket kit cleaned, washed and ironed. Freshly carved wickets. A freshly cut field with boundaries. And a little bit of experience. Method: 1. Sprinkle the freshly cut cricket pitch into your tray and lay the boundaries around the side. 2. Carefully place the Bradley in the bowling position and put it in the oven for 20 mins at 150*. I am special because I play nicely with my Dad 3. Then dab the cricket ball into the hands of the Alex Chester Bradley. 4. Shake the white cricket kit onto your Bradley. 5. Carefully put the cricket stumps onto the end of the bowling area. 6. Throw in the pound of team spirit. 7. Cut up the experience add it and voila, here you

have your Bradley playing a good game of cricket. Out and About this winter

Shustoke Reservoir Shustoke Reservoir is owned by Severn Trent Water . It is also the home of Shustoke Sailing Club , which regularly have competitions on the larger of the two reservoirs. The smaller reservoir is used by Shustoke Fly Fishers . There is a very pleasant walk around the large reservoir, with good parking facilities for visitors in the main car park off the B4114, Coleshill - Nuneaton Road. It would be an ideal place for a winter stroll to walk off the Christmas pudding! The reservoir is also famous for some of the more unusual bird visitors that come into the area. The banks are covered in wild flowers in the spring, especially with Cowslips and Celandines. Water from the reservoir is pumped to Whitacre Water Works where it is treated and then piped to Nuneaton and the Coventry area. The water used to fill the reservoir comes from the River Bourne, which runs al ong the North of the two reservoirs. There is a pleasant walk between the River Bourne and the railway, which is accessed by leaving the main reservoir walk at the East

end and going over the metal bridge.

The Annual Lions Festive Walk Canal Boat Light Parade Will be held on Sunday 30th December 10.00am Sunday 9 th December Walk off your Christmas pudding with Knowle and Dorridge Lions & help raise funds for Birmingham City Centre canals –The Mailbox to NIA Acorn's, Meningitis Trust & Jennifer's Trust. The parade features 20 beautifully lit canal boats forming There is choice of 4, 7, or 10 mile signposted a spectacular light show along the canal and ending with a walks from Baddesley Clinton National Trust House dazzling fireworks finale. Details 0121 303 3008 along country lanes, towpaths and footpaths, all passing at least one country pub! Full details online at www.KnowleandDorridgeLions.com/walk Who’s going up the beanstalk and what Or phone Simon Newell 07770 641027 will they find there? To find out come along to Christmas Pantomimes and Shows Centre Stage’s production of

Dick Whittington Solihull Arts Complex “Jack and the Beanstalk” 7th December - 6th January by Dave Buchanan. 0121 704 6962 At Heart of England School

Balsall Common. Aladdin Belgrade Theatre Coventry th th th 27 th November –12 th January Thurs 6 , Fri 7 & Sat 8 December at 7.30pm th th 024 7655 3055 Matinees on Sat 8 and Sun 9 December at 2.30pm

Aladdin Birmingham Hippodrome Tickets £6 and £4 (concessions) 19 th December- 27 th January 0870 730 1234 Available in person from If All the World were Paper Warwick Arts Centre Atkinson & Stilgoe’s office 1st December – 5 th January 024 7652 4524 or phone Box Office

Santa Claus the Musical Alexandra Theatre Birmingham 7th December –30 th December 0870 607 7533 01676 532179 Did you know? 01676 534444 Nova Dry Cleaners We now sell 180, Station Road, Gloves Balsall Common CV7 7El Handbags Ties etc.

Call in and see our For all your dry cleaning and laundry requirements range

 Dry cleaning  Laundry services Nova Dry Cleaners  Alterations  Shoe repairs  Curtains 4 items  Quilts cleaned  Bedding 10% off any  Wedding gowns for £14.99item with this

Branches Throughout the Midlands voucher Wolverhampton, , Redditch, Castle Bromwich, Coventry, Bromsgrove and Balsall Common Suit counts as 2 items

Head Office and Factory - Garretts Green 0121 786 1792

Want a great night out! Want a fun night out! Then celebrate Christmas with us!

We are now taking bookings for Christmas Lunches and Evening meals in the The Bridge Restaurant. Price £19.95 for 3 Courses.

Whether organising a private dinner for friends, family reunion or Company Christmas Party, during December we are also organising a number of Casino Party evenings where you can try your luck on the Roulette & Blackjack tables then dance and party the night away to our Disco!!

Sat 1st December - 3 Course Meal, Casino & Disco £27.50 Fri 7th December - 3 Course Meal, Casino & Disco £27.50 Sat 8th December - 3 Course Meal, Casino & Disco £27.50 Fri 14th December - 3 Course Meal, Casino & Disco £27.50

All other nights are Party Nights - 3 Course Meal & Disco £24.95.

For all enquires please call Lynn on 01676 522442 ext.2 or to receive a copy of our Christmas brochure. ALL ENQUIRIES Stonebridge, Somers Road, Meriden, T: 01676 522442 F:01676 522447 [email protected] VILLAGE DIARY DATE EVENT VENUE TIME CONTACT 1st Dec Christmas Fayre School 1.00 – 3.00pm 01676 522488 2nd Dec Toy Service Methodist church 10.30am Rev J Dyer 01676 533737 3rd Dec Schools Choir Concert Birmingham Town School Hall 01676 522488 6th 7th 8 th 9 th Jack & the Beanstalk Heart of England 2.30pm and 01676 532179 Dec School 7.30pm 9th Dec Canal Boat Parade Mailbox to N I A Evening 0121 303 3008 10 th Dec Flower Club Village Hall 7.30pm Sandra Jones 01676 523023 10 th Dec School Christingle Service Methodist Church 6.00pm Rev J Dyer 01676 533737 10 th /11 th Dec Rotary Sleigh Collection Village 6.30pm Chris Swindells 01676 523510 12 th Dec Readers Circle 7.30pm Sue Fuller 01676 522721 12 th Dec Parish Council Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 01676 522 553 13 th Dec Church Christmas Party Methodist Church 7.00pm Rev J Dyer 01676 533737 13 th Dec National Blood Service Heart of England 1.30 – 3.30pm 0845 771 1711 Club 4.30 – 7.30pm 14 th Dec FIRS Coffee Morning Jubilee Centre 10.00am-12noon Angela Keedwell Balsall Common 01676 532537 14 th Dec CAMEO Community Centre 2.00pm Ellen 01676 522534 14 th Dec Cancer Research UK Heart of England Mary Warr 01676 522160 Christmas Quiz Club 17 th Dec Police & Council Surgery Library 10.am- 12 noon 20 th Dec Cricket Club Quiz Queens Head 7.30pm Mike Gallagher 01676 521085 20 th Dec Carol Service School 10.00am School 01676 522488 20 th Dec Coffee Morning Library 10.00am 01676 522717 22 nd Dec Carol Singing The Green 4.00pm Rev Dawkins 01676 522719 24 th Dec Midnight Communion Methodist Church 11.30pm Rev J Dyer 01676 533737 25 th Dec Christmas Service Methodist Church 10.00am Rev J Dyer 01676 533737 30 th Dec Lions Walk Baddesley Clinton 10.00am Simon Newell 07770 641027 2nd Jan Firs Pantomime Trip Belgrade Theatre Frank Byrne 02476 713662 7th Jan WI Village Hall 7.30pm Joan Russell 01676 522666 9th Jan Readers Circle 7.30pm Sue Fuller 01676 522721 12 th Jan Gaynor Keeble Concert Holy Trinity Church 7.30pm 01676 533072 Leamington 07702 721775 13 th Jan Covenant Service Methodist Church 10.30am Rev J Dyer 01676 533737 16 th Jan Parish Council Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 01676 522553 18 th Jan FIRS Coffee Morning Jubilee Centre 10.00am-12noon Angela Keedwell Balsall Common 01676 532537 21 st Jan Police & Council Surgery Library 10.00- 12 noon 25 th Jan CAMEO Community Centre 2.00pm Ellen 01676 522534 28 th Jan Parish Council Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 01676 522553 31 st Jan Coffee Morning Library 10.00am 01676 522717 4th Feb W.I. Village Hall 7.30pm Joan Russell 01676 522666 4th Feb Meriden Mag Deadline 13 t Feb Parish Council Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 01676 522553 13 th Feb Readers Circle 7.30pm Susan Fuller 01676 522721 13 th Feb Supper Club Methodist Church 7.00pm Maureen Gabbittas 522148 15 th Feb FIRS Coffee Morning Jubilee Centre 10.00am-12noon Angela Keedwell Balsall Common 01676 532537 18 th Feb Police & Council Surgery Library 10.am- 12 noon 22 nd Feb CAMEO Community Centre 2.00pm Ellen 01676 522534 25 th Feb Parish Council Village Hall 7.30pm Julie Hall 01676 522553 28 th Feb Coffee Morning Library 10.00am 01676 522717

Recommended last UK and International Meriden Post Office Last Collections posting dates before Christmas Please note that the last weekday post (As supplied by Royal Mail) collection time is now 5.00pm, on Saturday it is 10.30am International Airmail There is no longer a Sunday Collection There is a weekday collection at 7.00pm 7th December South and at Balsall Common and 7.30pm at the Central America, Caribbean, Bishop Street sorting office in Coventry. Africa, Middle East, Asia, Far East (except There is still no news on the future of Japan), Australia and New Zealand Meriden Post Office. To make sure this valuable th 10 December USA, Canada, Japan and amenity stays open Eastern Europe USE IT OR LOSE IT. 13 th December Western Europe SAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS STAMPS At this time of the year we all get lots of mail. UK last posting dates Don’t forget to save those used stamps for 14 th December Standard parcels Guide Dogs for the Blind . 17 th December Second Class There is a collection box at Lloyds Chemist in 20 th December First Class the village. Please ensure you leave about a 21 st December Special Delivery centimetre around each stamp when cutting Saturday guarantee them from the envelope. 22 nd December Special delivery Many thanks.

When contacting advertisers please mention The Meriden Mag

Reminder!! Deadline date for the spring issue BICKENHILL PUBLIC WASTE DISPOSAL SITE Monday 4th February 2008 contact OPENING HOURS st st Val Martin 174 Main Road, Meriden 01676 522963 Winter 1 November – 31 March [email protected] Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm Saturday & Sunday 8.00am - 4.00pm Margaret Argyle 3 The Croft, Meriden 01676 522453 [email protected] Summer 1 st April – 31st October Treasurer: Adele Fox 16 James Dawson Drive, Meriden Monday – Friday 8.00am – 8.00pm Deliveries: Keith & Kath Nightingale 01676 522125 Saturday & Sunday 8.00am – 4.00pm Last admission 15 minutes before closing time Proof Reader: Claire Rose Useful Village Contact Numbers Meriden Primary School Mrs. J. Smith 01676 522488 MAG ADVERTISING RATES Meriden Library 01676 522717 Eighth Page £8.50 Meriden Surgery 01676 522252 Quarter Page £17.00 Lloyds Chemist 01676 522722 St. Laurence Church Rev.Michael Dawkins 01676 522719 Half page £34.00 Meriden Methodist Church Rev. Jenny Dyer 01676 533737 Small ads (sale or wanted) Centre Church Rev. Kevin & Lyn Hunt 01676 523050 £3.00 Parish Council Julie Hall (Clerk) 01676 522553 Community Centre Warden Pat Delaney 01676 522867 Charity & Community “ “ “ Val Friend 01676 522867 information & events FREE Solihull M B C 0121 704 6000 Views expressed by the District Councillors Ken Allsopp 0121 782 2408 David Bell 01676 535211 Contributors are not necessarily Dr. Peter Lea 01676 532577 those of the Co-editors Member of Parliament Caroline Spelman 01676 534359 We are unable to print anonymous Girl Guides Group Hazel Matthews 01676 522862 Letters or articles although we will Boy Scouts Group Gerry Russell 01676 522666 withhold name and address on Cricket Club Mike Gallagher 01676 521085 request Post Office Sue Harper 01676 522230 Rural Police Sector Sgt Melvin King 0121 712 6123