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Advertising in WHY CHOOSE our publications HYPERLOCAL? • People prefer to buy locally In order to deliver The Post free to our readers we and they trust local print media rely on advertising revenue from local companies. above all else. • Show support for the community We work with you to create the most appropriate package for where your customers live. your business, after all it’s in our interest to make each advert work and keep everybody happy. • Hyperlocal content - every page dedicated to the local area. We can design professional artwork if needed and offer sound advice based on years of knowledge. • Bringing the community together by making all By choosing to advertise with us you are also showing your information available in support for the community and the customers you hope to serve. one place. • Affordable and effective advertising packages to help The Post Newspaper Group is small businesses promote an independent hyper-local Getting in touch themselves better and cheaper. tabloid newspaper publisher • Help to increase footfall on the High Street and boost distributing 2 titles with You can find out about prices, sizes, methods, attendance at local events. availability and anything else you’d like to over 14,000 copies to homes • Give groups, clubs and and businesses in Coleshill know by calling 0121 749 7502 / 07805 430191 organisations space to promote or email: themselves and let local people and Castle Bromwich each know exactly what is available on month, free of charge. Editorial: [email protected] their doorstep. Our main aim is to provide hyperlocal news and Sales: [email protected]

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Any views, articles and columns expressed in this B46 publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily B36 those of the Publisher, nor indeed All our papers also get put in local Libraries, there responsibility. Pubs, Clubs and Garden Centres. CIRCULATION Taylor Smith and Emily Crichton 3

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK OUR WORLD column 0121 789 6549 Taylor With the increase of coronavirus cases a greater strain is put upon FAST, RELIABLE, PROFESSIONAL our national health service, but it is the staff who are feeling the full effects of this. Both of my parents are key workers, working for SERVICE WITH NO HIDDEN EXTRAS the NHS and have done so for many years. During the pandemic 2000+ TYRES IN STOCK they have had no choice but to work longer hours or even work extra shifts with heavier workloads to meet the demand for care BRAKES SUPPLY + FIT (CAR & VAN) from coronavirus patients which is already stretching hospitals HUNTER 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT to capacity, with a backdrop of relatively few spare ICU beds and EST OVER 18 YEARS existing staff shortages. The pressure in which is being placed upon people just like my parents is not only affecting their work life but also their personal lives. PUNTURE REPAIRS In all nearly 40 per cent of doctors said that they were currently suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, emotional distress or other mental health condition relating to or Flaxley Tyres Flaxley Alignment Centre WE OFFER A FREE CHECK ON made worse by their work. A quarter of the doctors who responded said that was directly due FOR ALL YOUR TYRE NEEDS THE HUNTER ALIGNMENT SYSTEM to the impact of COVID19. The opportunity for my parents to receive their vaccinations does NEW provide some hope for the future, however, it cannot dispel the problems and dangers in which they experience regularly at work, living a life in PPE (personal protective equipment.)

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GAMING CORNER My Computing and Video Games History By Steven Graham From an early age, as long as I can remember I have always been an avid video gamer, and I still am at the age of 45 years old! Over the years I have been pleased to have owned many computers and video game systems. The release dates for The UK are in brackets alongside the machine. My interest in computing began with my parents buying me and brother a BBC Micro B (1981) computer which had very primitive games and graphics, but it introduced me to the world of computers and gaming! Then one Christmas, my brother and I were given an Amiga 500+ Cartoon Classics pack(1991). This was a huge step up games and graphics wise. As I remember the games in the pack were Captain Planet, Lemmings, Bart Simpson Bart Versus The Space Mutants, and something that I had never seen before at that age, a painting programme called Deluxe Paint III. The Amiga 500+ stayed with me for a while and I built up quite a games collection on it. My next machine was my first dip of my toe into the gaming console world. I remember that my brother and I saved up for what seemed like ages to buy a Super Nintendo Super Streetfighter 2 Turbo(1994) pack. I remember that it came with two controllers, something that new consoles now don’t, so it saved us from buying another for two players. For my next console, I was working at a video games shop in Birmingham City Centre called Electronics Boutique. We had two shops, the main one, the flagship shop was in The Pallasades. They got arcade machines, each showing the launch games which were, Ridge Racer and Wipeout. I think I remember Battle Arena Toshinden, a fighting game too being released but I’m not 100% on that. On first seeing the Playstation, I was blown away at the graphics and how fast the games were moving, to look back at those games today, you would laugh at how blocky and out of the date they looked. But at the time Playstation Ones were very most at the top of the gaming technology tree. Onto my next console The Playstation 2 (2000) I was working in Gamestation, again in Birmingham City Centre at the release. By this time this console really was a massive improvement on the last one, plus it bought big games to the fore such as Grand Theft Auto, in 3D, not top down like the previous one had been. All I remember about this release really is that it was really popular and we had to limit sales to two consoles per customer. The Playstation 3 (2007), I didn’t buy on release, I think I bought one later on. My memory ACCREDITED, PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE of the next two consoles, the Xbox 360 (2005) and the Playstation 4 (2013) is pretty vague to be honest, and again I don’t think I bought them at launch. Before we go onto my current ELECTRICAL SERVICE LOCAL TO B46, SOLIHULL, machine, I would like to say that in between owning various consoles, I owned a few handheld BIRMINGHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS. consoles too. Such as a Game Gear (1991) and a Neo Geo Pocket (1998). I really enjoyed playing on my Neo Geo Pocket, and I never really understood why it didn’t do better, shame really  ELECTRICAL  CERTIFICATION because it had some great games and being made by SNK, an arcade company, the games were INSTALLATIONS straight arcade ports, although on a much smaller screen, but it worked.  INSURANCE WORK So now, onto my current games machine. I currently own an Xbox One X (2018). I made the  REPAIRS AND  FULLY INSURED swap not long ago over from a Playstation 4. I will admit that I like the setup of the Xbox One ALTERATIONS X and the controller ergonomics feel better to me. So there you have it, my gaming history from the very early days right up to the present day.  REWIRES MAKE SURE YOUR ELECTRICAN IS REGISTERED! • Insured • Accredited by a government approved scheme • Qualified • Able to self certify their own work

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Deanta UK ltd, 400 Lancaster Way Business Park, 5 Station Rd, Marston Green, Birmingham B37 7AB Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 3NW Telephone: 0121 779 2257 6 Coleshill Civic Society February 2021 The Clinton lords of Coleshill The Clinton family were lords of the manor of Coleshill from around 1120 until 1354. Before the Norman Conquest, Coleshill had been a royal manor of the Mercian and later English kings. and it remained in the king’s hands until the early 1120s when Henry I granted it to Geoffrey de Clinton I. His family had come over to England with William the Conqueror after 1066. They originated from Semilly near St Lô in Normandy, and by 1118 Geoffrey was the King’s chamberlain, an important officer in the royal household. H was one of what were termed the ‘new men’ of Henry I’s reign as this king promoted men from lowly backgrounds into his service if they had the ability. The family took their name from another of their estates at Glympton, near Woodstock in Oxfordshire, which became slightly corrupted as Clinton. In 1121 Geoffrey was made sheriff of Warwickshire and given lands including the royal estate at Kenilworth, where he starting building work on the castle and founded the priory there. Around this time, Henry I detached the manor of Coleshill from the royal lands and granted it to him. It was to remain in the family’s lands, although not in the senior branch, until 1354. The family were a powerful influence in the Midlands, and as well as Geoffrey I, one of his nephews was Roger de Clinton, was Bishop of Lichfield between 1129 and 1148, and played a major This effigy may be of John de Clinton II who role in developing that city. Dugdale believed that this effigy in the south aisle of Coleshill church depicts John de died in 1316. (Photograph by Rex Darby). Geoffrey’s son and successor, Geoffrey II granted the manor of Coleshill around 1161 Clinton I. Within Coleshill he promoted the to his cousin, Osbert I, whose descendants were known as Clintons of Coleshill to continuing exploitation of the woodlands and distinguish them from the family’s other Warwickshire branches, which also included the encouraged migrants to settle in the town. He died in 1298 (Photograph by Rex Darby). Clintons of Amington, the Clintons of Baddesley Clinton and the Clintons of Maxstoke. The three generations of the Clintons which followed Osbert I were innovators and did much to develop Coleshill, changing the landscape of the parish through creating Established 1900 the park and clearing much of the extensive woodlands. They formalised commercial activity by developing the market and town, encouraging craftsmen and traders to settle whilst investing into infrastructure such as mills and bridges. ASCOIGNEOF COLESHILL LTD Osbert II, the son of Osbert I, bought a market charter from King John in 1207 G S giving him legal control over of a probably already flourishing market and founded the borough, or town, around the same time. According to Sir William Dugdale, the seventeenth century historian of Warwickshire, Osbert II’s son, Thomas, was a ‘man of fair possessions holding five knights’ fees of the earl of Warwick’. During his lordship the family continued to encourage traders and craftsmen to the town and market of FUNERAL Coleshill whilst also encouraging the clearance of woodlands to the west of the parish. In 1254, Thomas de Clinton obtained the grant of free warren for his lands in Coleshill, which allowed him to fence and ditch to create a park, where he could hunt what was SERVICE termed ‘small game’, including rabbits, hares and pheasants. At the same time, he probably relocated his manor house from the town into this the newly created park. Independent Family Funeral Directors Some years before his death, Thomas divided his estates amongst his sons and in 1259 settled the manor of Coleshill on his second son John before retiring to Amington Offering a complete, dignified and where he died in 1278. According to Dugdale, the effigy in the south aisle of Coleshill church depicts John I, caring service to the community who continued to promote the exploitation of the woodlands and encourage migrants for four generations. to settle in the town. His son, John II, succeeded his father in 1298 and played a part in the county administration. He fought in Edward I’s Scottish wars but he had a more limited impact on his manor and tenants than his father. Perhaps reflecting that the substantial clearance of woodlands outside the park pale was largely completed, he 01675 462294 sought to develop waste and heath land notably on the edges of the commons, by the river Tame, and in the south-west of the parish. He may be depicted in the effigy in 24 hour service | Private Chapels of Rest the north aisle of Coleshill church. He was succeeded in 1316 by his twelve-year old [email protected] son John III who once he had attained his majority made efforts to attract traders and craftsmen to the town through grants of commercially advantageous terms and the 100 High Street, Coleshill B46 3BL further developing the marketplace. John III died in 1354 leaving no male heirs and so Coleshill passed through his daughter, Joan, to her husband John de Montfort of Beaudesert outside Henley-in-Arden. The Prepayment Plans Available Montforts, later known as the Mountfords, held Coleshill until 1495, and during this time they became the most powerful knightly family in Warwickshire. 7

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Free foot check for February At Walsh Podiatry over the years, we have always offered free foot check up at the practice with a Podiatrist. Obviously, times are different now with covid, but we are determined to not let that stop us. Let’s keep Therefore, we are doing Free Foot Check-ups via telephone this year. We will be wearing available to discuss any worries or concerns you have about your feet and give our face you tips and advice on how to look after them, avoid problems and keep them in great condition. coverings It is a fact that most of us don’t pay enough attention to our feet and only think to help stop about them when there is a problem. Simple daily care can prevent this and knowing what signs to look out for can help stop issues before they become a the spread. bigger problem to us. So, during February we have 10 minute appointments available for telephone consultations with a Podiatrist. Ask them anything about your feet and they will do their best to help you with the most appropriate advice and if still necessary you can book in to see one of the Podiatrists to help. Call us on 0121 749 6313 to book in for your free foot health telephone consultation. 8

DURING COVID-19 WE’VE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH Decades of experience lost as OUR DAILY BUSINESS OPERATIONS REMAIN UNAFFECTED entire Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Unit made redundant Ben Twomey, Labour’s candidate for Warwickshire Police and Crime Rid your home Commissioner, has branded Tory plans to axe the entire Domestic Abuse Unit in Warwickshire Police a “total disgrace.” of rodents this The unit is currently made up of nine highly trained Domestic Abuse Risk Officers, with over 70 years’ experience in police service between them. Under the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, they will be replaced by police Winter constables. The rationale is that PCs can also be pulled away to deal with other emergencies, but Ben is concerned that tackling domestic abuse could then become a secondary service Whatever your in Warwickshire Police. Domestic Abuse Risk Officers must manage the vulnerability and risk facing victims so that pest control needs, the right decisions can be made to protect them. A major part of the staff role is meeting PPCS has got with victims of domestic abuse, and as they are not police officers these sessions can be less formal and allow people to be more open. you covered. Ben Twomey said: “More than half of people in Warwickshire Police custody over Christmas were arrested for domestic abuse. The increase in domestic abuse during the pandemic is a local and national crisis. “To choose this moment to cut an entire team of experienced and dedicated Domestic Abuse Risk Officers is a total disgrace. Cuts continue to affect the most vulnerable in our county because after nearly five years in the role, the Conservative Police Commissioner has never written to the government to seek proper funding for local police.” 07717 706 792 Cllr Maggie O’Rourke, Warwickshire Police and Crime Panel member, said: “Every time [email protected] there is bad news for Warwickshire, we are told in private or after the fact. Tackling domestic abuse must be a top priority in efforts to protect local people. It is vital that local people profpestcontrol.co.uk know what is happening here.” Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington, added: “The Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner has stood by as his government’s cuts hit services for victims of abuse, including women’s refuges. Residents have faced Council Tax increases for the Police Levy each year for the past 3 years - amounting to a rise of almost £50 annually for a band D property. Local people are fed up with paying more and getting less. COLESHILL “While the government claims to be reinvesting in our police, it is giving with one hand and Windows And Doors Ltd taking with the other. It is only just beginning to replace the officers cut since 2010.” If you have been a victim of domestic abuse you can call police on 101 or make a report via the Warwickshire Police website www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to- report-a-crime/ If you feel threatened or a crime is in progress call 999. If you don’t want to contact police, you can also get support and information from the Warwickshire Domestic Violence Centre on 0800 408 1552 (8.30am – 8.30pm Monday to Friday; 10am-4pm on Saturday).

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The Closure of Boots Opticians at Fort Shopping Centre As you may be aware, Boots Opticians in Fort Dunlop Shopping Centre has closed permanently. This has caused some understandable concern to many patients 2 months for who were attending there. the price of 1 on selected containers Ellis Opticians, a nearby opticians based in Castle Bromwich, have had many enquiries from minimum 6 months rental. concerned patients and about whether they would be able to take them “on their books” and Terms and conditions apply provide eye care services to them. Ellis Opticians are your local, long established independent opticians who pride themselves on providing quality eye care where you see the same optician every visit. In fact, their principal optometrist used to previously work at Boots Opticians in the Fort Shopping Centre. Ellis Opticians are happy to take on new private as well as NHS patients. They are also registered as an accredited site to provide diabetic retinopathy screening services. FROM £15PW During the current unprecedented times, COVID-19 safety measures are in place, allowing For further information and price list email: for visits with your safety in mind and given utmost importance. [email protected] Mr. Shabbir Kaderbhai, director of Ellis Opticians, told us “As an established independent practice in the city for over 25 years, we provide a unique personal one to one patient www.coleshillselfstorage.co.uk experience. Understanding our patients’ needs for quality eye care is paramount. Our Jubilee Estate, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill B46 1JU service is geared to exceed the expectations of our patients, with our staff being friendly and committed to giving the best advice at all times.” 01675 464446 • 07789 445566 Mr. M.J. visited Ellis Opticians recently, and commented “I am very happy and thoroughly impressed with the eye examination and service I received at Ellis Opticians. I was previously with Boots Opticians in the Fort for over 8 years and was quite nervous about changing opticians, however, I was delighted with the personal service and care I received. Thank you CCTV • 24/7 ACCESS • SECURITY LIGHTING Ellis Opticians.” Regular eye examinations are important because: having your vision corrected can improve the quality of day-to-day life, they can help detect certain eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which could lead to sight loss. For any enquiries, you can call Ellis Opticians’ friendly receptionists, Ann or Susan on 0121 747 2115 or go to their website: www.ellisopticians.com SERVICE REPAIR CENTRE • NOW SERVICING ALL CARS • Body Repair and Paint Shop • Service Repair Centre • Van Truck and Car Repairs BOOK NOW • Panels Repaired and Painted FOR YOUR CLASS 7 • MOT Preparation MOT Enquire now on: 01675 466601

Hallmark Van and Truck Ltd Station Road, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1JG Buyers & sellers of quality used commercial vehicles Call our sales department on: 01675 465550 www.hallmarkvanandtruckhire.co.uk 10 Wildlife Imagery Competition at The Coleshill School To encourage students to appreciate nature and to get outside during the Mr Grove commented “This was a chance for our students to get outside and take lockdown, Mr Grove, Associate Assistant Headteacher at The Coleshill photographs or draw wildlife in their local area. We had a fantastic response from our School, held a ‘Wildlife Imagery Competition’ for all year groups at the school. students and it was a really difficult decision to choose the winners. I would like to Students were asked to capture an image of wildlife through photography or thank everyone who took part in the competition and well done to the winners in each art work. year group.”

Year 7 - Corey Hanson - Spiders Web Year 7 - Joe Hall - Goat Year 9 - Emma Copeland-John - Year 10 - Leo Harper - Horse Countryside Frost

• BRICKWORK • PLASTERING Jack Deakin Borough Councillor for Coleshill North • CARPENTRY • ELECTRICAL BUILDING SERVICES • PLUMBING Let’s Vaccinate Britain! I can't believe that we're The death toll from Covid-19 is shocking. Professional coming up to almost & Reliable WE OFFER SERVICES We all need to redouble our efforts to a year of Covid19 Solutions For FROM GROUND TO ROOF! distance from others and reduce the virus's All Your Building restrictions here in the Needs UK. We have all made opportunity to spread and mutate by so many sacrifices and masking up and reducing time spent with should all be immensely proud of people outside of our households. the local volunteer groups that have Like many, I have taken strength during run throughout the pandemic here in Coleshill. I never expected in my this global crisis from the community spirit lifetime to live through times like this, I to get stuck in and do their part. I hope this know many are struggling emotionally continues post Covid19; from helping our • Planning services from • Landscaping with restrictions (more than you have drawing to approval • Brickwork previously). I get it – I feel it too. I'm local GP surgery begin the feat of vaccination • Extensions and conversions • All work guaranteed always happy to lend an ear over email for Coleshill residents to continuing to deliver • Kitchens and bathrooms • Work carried out or on the phone. essentials and medicine to vulnerable and • Windows and doors to building regulations I'm going to be blunt – if you don't follow shielding residents. I'm truly inspired and the rules to help save lives and reduce the • Small maintenance • EXTENSION SPECIALIST pressure on our NHS, then follow the rules feel our response to the pandemic is positive to complex renovations • FREE QUOTATIONS so that we can get back to normal. The stepping stone to making our community an • Conservatories only way for you to ever return to anything even greater place to live in a post Covid19 resembling normality, to having a drink with 0121 747 7124 / 07834 192 544 your mates, to being able to legally see and world. The best thing you can do right now spend time with friends and family, then you to get our country back to normal is to need to follow the rules. Restrictions will 14 LYNDON CLOSE, CASTLE BROMWICH B36 0AJ not be lifted if Covid19 continues to spread continue following the rules and vitally - get Email: [email protected] unchecked. vaccinated! 11

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Coleshill Heritage Rescue Group Update on Southbound A446 – Stonebridge Road and Beggars Well

We, CHRG, have been working together to improve the visual approaches to our small town of Coleshill. Our initial start to these improvements was back in October 2018, where we cleared an area along the southbound A446 (adjacent to Stonebridge Road allotments). Here, we planted 4,600 Ruby Giant crocuses (with the help of volunteers) for world polio day! The crocus will flower between Feb /March and every year, these will multiply in numbers to give a much denser display. Look out for the display in the next 6 weeks or so! Early 2020, we continued working on this area as it had become overgrown during summer 2019... After removing a huge amount of brambles & tall grasses from the area we planted 480 (pre sprouted) daffodil bulbs to add to the annual spring flowering display. We continued to maintain this area throughout 2020 (socially distanced) by cutting the grass regularly & generally keeping the weeds in check. During early winter 2020 we moved our attention to the narrow footpath which runs between the southbound A446 carriageway & the Stonebridge Road allotments. After clearing the walkway, we laid down several tonnes of Lime Tree chippings from the trees that were pollarded around Coleshill Church. Together, with Dewi M Jones CHRG Member and Martin Bromage Chair of CHRG this new lease of life we had given to this section of the footpath through the avenue of trees, we had also worked Spring 2021 we see us working on the continuous a large portion of this VERY overgrown wasteland, which on the previous planting area, adding 2 tonnes of topsoil to maintenance of this A446 planting area by keeping the had encompassed the re-built Beggar’s Well & almost infill the large dips in the ground, spread a 3” deep by 12” grass cut & weed control. We will also be preparing the blocked it from sight. After a lengthy fight, the brush ground with the use of a rotavator so we can sow the 6kg of wide layer of Lime tree chippings as a border between the cutter had won the battle, making way for the next weapon wildflower seeds in May for a burst of summer colour with original vegetation & the planting area. Shortly after this to be used in this war against the neglected beast… the the added benefit of food for bees, butterflies & winter we planted a further 1,000 daffodil bulbs, 100 Snow drops food for a variety of wildlife. superior rotary lawnmower. Surely this will win the war & & a large bucket of (donated) bluebell bulbs; this brings the tame this unsightly creature? Beggar’s Well, Coleshill total number of bulbs planted in this planting area & along Soon the beast was defeated & had given way for future the southbound carriageway to: Early 2021 brought us the beginning of another project visits to continue the process of taming this wild plot of which has been waiting in the wings for us to pick up & 4,600 crocus land! We will return with a lawnmower & several tools to start working on. Our first work session at Beggar’s Well 1,480 daffodils began with probably, some of the hardest work needed to make Beggar’s Well a more appealing place to admire with 200 Bluebells bring this (previously neglected area) under control. With the later addition of bulbs, plants & a better grass cover. 100 Snow drops the use of an industrial brush cutter, we managed to reduce Volunteers and donations welcome! 13

Why Should I use a professional? Bereavement advice It is usually much quicker to obtain Probate through a professional due to the time taken to arrange the Court interview if a personal application is made. Accord Legal Services A helping hand when you need it most. are experts in obtaining Probate quickly and simply. The role of Executor or Administrator is difficult and time consuming. We can ease Whether you are an Executor of a Will, that burden, we also have the expertise to deal with complex matters that may arise. In the event of a dispute or challenge in relation to the estate, it is often preferable for an a close family member or friend, we can independent professional to deal with the estate administration to ensure fairness and transparency. provide you with clear, free practical What are your fees? bereavement advice on what to do At Accord Legal Services, we do not charge any fees until we have discussed and agreed a fixed fee for the level of service you need. Our bereavement line provides free initial following the death of a loved one. advice to help you determine whether or not you need to obtain Probate and thereafter advise you accordingly. Free initial advice Contact us and we will be able to discuss what you need and if we can help. If you Our specialist team will listen to your individual circumstances and provide you with would like to use our professional services we can agree the level of fees before any advice and support in relation to: work commences. The Estate bears the costs of any probate fees, which are charged on • the next steps that you need to take conclusion of the administration procedure. • an explanation of what Probate is and determine whether you need to administer the How long does Probate take? estate The time taken varies from estate to estate and depends on; the assets held by the • who is responsible for administering the estate deceased, if there is a property, if there are any disputes in regard to the will and whether • advice on legal responsibilities, tax and other duties associated with Probate there was a will at all. • the choices available to you when deciding what to do next. If there is an Inheritance tax liability then this may also delay the process as a tax return Next Steps needs to be completed the tax paid, make final returns and adjustments. And finally There will be many things that need your attention during the bereavement period. If wait for a ‘clearance’ certificate from the revenue before you can distribute the estate. you are also responsible for dealing with the deceased’s affairs, you will be required to Most probates can be finalised within 6 months; however, where any of the above issues make decisions on many different issues, some of which may be unfamiliar to you. We apply this can take between 9-12 months to fully administer. We aim to get the Grant of will discuss your individual circumstances, confidentially and sympathetically, and will Probate as soon as possible which allows access to available funds. We may then make advise you as to what you need to do next. interim payments to beneficiaries as soon as possible, rather than them waiting for Generally, our free bereavement advice will cover information such as: everything to be finalised before they receive their legacy. • registering the death Call Paul today for free advice on 0845 055 9415 • paying for the funeral or Email; [email protected] • how to protect property, especially if it is unoccupied • arranging insurance for property and assets in the deceased’s name • benefit entitlement and advice NOT made your Will yet? We can help in the darkest of days by providing free confidential bereavement advice. FAQ: What should I do when someone has passed away? Does it worry you that... The first step is to register the death and arrange the funeral. Then, it is important to secure any property owned by the deceased and ensure it has insurance cover. Any Your children may NOT inherit all of your valuable possessions should be removed for safe keeping. home or your hard earned savings... but the What is Probate? Government and others could! Probate is the legal authority allowing the named executor to deal with the deceased’s affairs. They apply to the Court and obtain a Grant of Probate. Where there is no Will, Care Fees, Inheritance Tax, Huge Legal Fees and more one of the beneficiaries applies to the Court and acts under of Letters of Administration. devestate thousands of families, often unnecessarily. Both a Grant of Probate and a Grant of Letters of Administration are commonly referred We come to you at a time to suit you to as “Probate.” Without obtaining a Grant, you cannot usually sell or deal with any of the deceased’s assets or close any accounts or transfer funds. It is therefore a vital step for a FREE home visit. in the Estate Administration process. With the right will and advice, you can help ensure Do I need Probate? the maximum possible goes to those you love! It will depend on what assets the deceased had at the time of death. If the deceased owned any property or has cash assets greater than £5,000 then probate will usually be It all starts with a Will from £95.00+VAT* required. *standard basic Will When you notify the deceased’s bank or other investment holders after death, they will normally confirm if they require probate to release of funds. How do I get Probate? You can apply personally to the Probate Court, there will be various documents to Confused? Concerned? Call Paul! complete including Inheritance Tax returns and you will be required to attend at Court for interview. 0845 055 9415 | 07980 780709 Alternatively, you can appoint a professional to act on your behalf, such as Accord Legal Services. We would then apply to court and prepare all of the necessary documents and [email protected] you are not required to attend the interview at Court. 14

Obituary to Joan Beatrice Cole It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Joan Cole, (wife of Ken Cole) owner of Orchard Nurseries. Joan worked tirelessly for nearly 50 years on the nursery, potting-up, pricking out seedlings etc. During our first 17 years in Vicarage Lane, Water Orton, where we only had a chemical toilet, no electricity and a tap in the field, Joan never once complained about conditions. In fact she would bring the kids for a day out during the summer holidays, and take them for a trip to the park (the village green) then onto Derek Sellars for some sweets. Because of repeated break ins we were forced to move to Birmingham Road, where Joan continued working on the nursery (part time) whilst at the same time looking after her family. In 2015 Joan had a heart attack and was without oxygen to her brain for 8 minutes, this was followed later in the year by a fall in the garden which needed a hip replacement and left her using a Zimmer frame for the rest of her days. Despite this Joan continued working at the nursery when her health allowed. During 2020 and the lockdown Joan was admitted to Good Hope Hospital nine times, but was keen to help with the potting-up and pricking out the seedlings at home. In November at the end of her life, she was still enquiring how work was progressing on the car park refurbishment. Joan will be sadly missed by all her family and friends and the many customers who enquired about her regularly. RIP

Winter colour in the garden Though the days can be grey and dreary Camellias, These gorgeous evergreen shrubs We are currently open in line at the moment, the garden can still be a have varieties that flower before Christmas and good source of cheerful colour if you know many more that flower after into spring. Plants with Government guidelines. can reac 6-8’ tall and are covered in single or what to plant. Here are some seasonal double pink or red or yellow or white flowers. Just in seed potatoes, onion sets and shallots, examples:- They prefer a shadier position and acidic soil. A also fruit trees and some fruit bushes. Winter flowering jasmine, usually grown personal favourite. against a fence or wall, this shrub will have Viburnum has winter flowering varieties- Fresh range of small alpines. yellow flowers between November and March. deciduous ones that flower on bare stems or It can reach 3m but can be cut hard back in evergreen ones such as ‘tinus’ that bears pink Full range of compost. spring. Hardy and easy to grow. and white flowers all winter, usually easy to Skimma, This evergreen shrub produces grow shrubs. Wide range of bird food, clusters of red berries in late autumn which Colour can also come from stems eg the reds bird tables and bird baths. open out into creamy white fragrant flowers in and yellows of cornus or salix and berries,on spring. They like a shady spot and an acid soil. pyracantha and sorbus, also food for wildlife. Local contactless home delivery available

THE GARDENERS REST TEAROOM is currently open for takeaway 9.30 - 2.00 Friday and Saturday

Valentines cupcake boxes and Afternoon tea available to order now. Whole cakes and cupcakes available to order. Free range eggs and locally grown potatoes. 15

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Let’s keep Call 0121 749 7502 letting or email: fresh air in [email protected] to help stop the spread. 16 Future looking brighter as care home vaccinations begin Residents and staff at St Joseph’s care home are Despite the Covid restrictions, the home has managed to looking to a brighter future after receiving the first welcome several new residents over the last year as well round of Covid vaccinations. as people who have come for a respite stay. This has been achieved through a strict isolation procedure to safeguard The care home, which is managed by local charity Father vulnerable residents. Prospective residents must have a Hudson’s Care, began rolling out vaccinations at the start negative Covid test before coming to the home. They must of January. A family member of one resident described it as then isolate for two weeks on arrival. “a light at the end of the tunnel.” Registered manager, Shelley Perryman, said, “Everyone Deputy manager, Annie Frost, said, “The majority of is made aware of the isolation procedure when they first residents have received their first dose of the Pfizer enquire about coming here so they know what to expect vaccine. Those residents who couldn't have it will receive from the outset. Everyone we’ve spoken to has been happy the AstraZeneca vaccine instead. I am in contact with with that. They know we’re doing everything we can to the coordinator of vaccinations in care homes at North keep their loved ones safe.” Warwickshire CCG to arrange dates for the second vaccines To find out more about care provision at St Joseph’s for residents and those who couldn't receive the Pfizer Care Home, call Shelley on 01675 434559 or email vaccine. [email protected]. “A number of staff have received the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine and some staff have received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Hazelwood surgery are working to arrange dates for staff to receive their second vaccine for those that haven't had this. It’s a very emotional time, it’s a huge relief.” Family members of people living at the home have expressed their gratitude to the home and to the NHS for acting swiftly to begin vaccinations at the home. One said, “This is fabulous news. Thank you all for taking such good care of our relatives. Hopefully this is the start of a brighter year.” The Community Champion at Morrisons My name is Tony McConville and I am one of the two Community Champions at Morrisons in Coleshill and my colleague Tracey Davies is the other Community Champion. Every week we take the donations, brought by our customers at Coleshill, to the Kingfisher Foodbank at Auckland Hall in Smiths Wood.

Previously, over the Christmas period, the Store made donations to Care Homes, Local GPs & Pharmacies, The Coleshill Hub at The Town Hall, The Police Hub in Coleshill and Coleshill Fire Station. Further Photos can be found on our Facebook Page This week the Coleshill Store made a donation of Tea, https://www.facebook.com/morrisonscoleshillccs Coffee, Milk, Hot Chocolate, Sugar, Bread and Jams etc to the Volunteers at the Coleshill Covid Vaccination Centre, Groups and Charities can contact us via e-mail: located behind Hazelwood Group Practice, in Coleshill. [email protected] 17

‘Helping Retirees Enjoy Their Retirent’ Our Guide to helping you through the process of purchasing a new home or raising capital on your existing property

• We will discuss the options available to you.

• We will put a letter in writing to you explaining how the Lifetime Mortgage Plan works.

• If you wish to proceed with a Lifetime Mortgage Plan then call us on our Freephone number 0800 0742684:-

Stage 1 Call us and we will visit you at your home and help you complete the forms relevant to your application Stage 2 A survey will be carried out on the property by the lender Stage 3 An offer will be made to you Stage 4 A copy of the offer will go to your solicitors Stage 5 Your solicitor will carry out all the relevant searches FREEPHONE NUMBER 0800 0742684 and complete the legal documentation on your behalf WE OFFER AN INDEPENDENT NATIONWIDE SERVICE Stage 6 Once all documentation has been received by the www.hbfsonline.co.uk lender and is acceptable the lender will arrange for Email: [email protected] – [email protected] the funds to go direct to your solicitor HBFS Equity Release Limited Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - Registration Number 304106 What are the most common questions you are asked about equity release’? Please note that a Lifetime Mortgage is another name for Equity Release. This week we have been speaking to Kathy Tedstone, Director of HBFS Equity Release Ltd, whose company has been established for over 20 years. Kathy thoroughly enjoys her work and meets lots of people on a daily basis with interesting backgrounds and history. We wanted to know a little bit more about her business

Q1 - How old do I need to be to take out an Q4 - What do clients generally use the money for? Equity Release Product? A - It can be used for many things but the most common are:- • Paying off your existing mortgage/loans/credit cards etc A - These plans are available to anyone over the age of 55 • Home Improvements upwards... no real maximum age – my eldest client is 92! • Lifestyle – such as holidays, new car, additional monthly income Q2 - Do I need to own my own property? • Helping family members out / Gifting to children/grandchildren • Paying for care A - Yes and you will still own your own property if you take • Paying for Wills/Lasting Power of Attorneys (LPOA) and funeral out a lifetime mortgage/equity release plan. plans Q5 - Is the amount I receive taxable? Q3 - How Much Can I raise? A - No, any funds released to you are tax free – however you must be A - This will depend on the value of your property and the careful if you are in receipt of state benefits as it can affect any age of the client or the youngest borrower if joint. state benefits that are ‘Means Tested’

Kathy’s business is a member of the Equity Release Council which is the industry’s body for the UK’s ‘Equity Release’ sector; representing the providers, qualified financial advisors, solicitors & intermediaries. HBFS is directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority 304106. You must check that these types of mortgages will meet your needs if you want your family or others to inherit your home. If you are in doubt seek independent legal and financial advice. 18

Monday Thursday Coleshill - Toni 07971686698 Castle Vale - Donna 07516726534 Castle Brom - Donna 07516726534 Chelmsley Wood - Gina 07933588573 Tile Cross - Sarah 07930854410 Smiths Wood - Nataley 07939949136 Tuesday Friday Kingshurst - Diane 07432123206 Chelmsley Wood (am) - Gina 07933588573 Shard End (am) - Prima 07921505769 Sheldon (am) - Jacqui 07814675180 Kitts Green - Lois 07388105338 NEW CONSULTANT Ward End (am & pm) - Azra 07956853796 Castle Brom Saturday The Baptist Church Wednesday Chelmsley Wood (am) - Michael 07957510533 Chelmsley Wood (am) - Jayne 07453348184 Timberley Lane Castle Brom(am) - Diane 07432123206 from 10th January Saturday am Castle Brom - Nataley 07939949136 Sophie 07772 890733 Marston Green - Jayne 07453348184 Water Orton - Angie 07443565571

Hello from your local Slimming World groups As January ends and we move into family history (My mom and dad both had heart attacks), This really has been a journey of discovery. February, having new members I was offered a referral to Slimming World. I don’t think I now feel like I have found the real me and given back joining our slimming world at home either of us that day truly believed that anything would to Andrew some of the ‘Jen’ he had when we first met. service has been exciting for all the change. Andrew and I have completed this journey together. Even team and we’re glad to say we’ve seen so many of our This time though, something was different…. I asked existing members returning, often a little nervous, but Andrew my husband if he would come with me. So, on after Andrew got to his target weight, he carried on his usually surprised at how well it works, and results have Valentine’s Day 2018, instead of going out for a romantic commitment staying to group with me every week and been amazing! Our mission at SW is to support our meal, we walked into group. After a lovely welcome from still participates as a diamond member himself, meaning members to change habits, lose weight, lead a healthier my consultant Angie we listened to the new member he’s been at his target for over a year! His commitment life, alongside building confidence, and learning to love talk, learned all about the food optimising plan and the to me and my weight loss has been amazing – my soul and take care of themselves. As February is the month delicious meals we could create. mate. We’ve had funny moments too such as him being of love, here’s a life changing weight loss story of our My starting weight that night was 18 stone 9lb, and with able to now pick me up and run around whilst giving me valentine couple, what an inspiration! I’ve added a SW the support of the group and my husband I achieved my recipe perfect for valentines too. target weight of 9 stone 12lb less than 3 years later. A a piggyback. Wishing you a happy and healthy month ahead… Toni x total of 8 stone 9lb lost and I had gone from a size 24 to Group has become like a family. Hearing their successes (07971 698 6698) a size 10! and their ideas has encouraged me to help myself as well Jen’s Story – Learning to Love Herself I’m no longer on medication for blood pressure, my initial as being supportive to them in return. They understand medical problems have improved through my healthy what it’s like to want to lose weight and how hard it has My initial issues with eating stem right back to childhood. eating, and my mental health has improved greatly too. previously felt to do it. Together we support each other. Medical issues had to influence my diet which I found So much in my life has changed. Before Slimming World, For me it’s not just about losing weight…. It’s about myself rebelling against. I turned to comfort food and I was very inactive. Housework was generally done by once I was able to fund it at 13 with my paper round the Andrew, and I used to spend most of my time sitting in healing the past too. Breaking the cycle. If you’ve ever eating started to get out of control. In the later years at the house watching the tv. struggled with weight, I’d recommend Slimming World to school, I was a size 16 and was noticeably bigger than the Since being at Slimming World I’ve learnt to enjoy having you… we love it❤️ other girls. a go at different ways of exercising. I choose stairs instead This led to emotional eating and a pattern of depression. of lifts and enjoy going for walks. Now housework is Unfortunately, the emotional eating led to further weight no problem for me, all complete without getting out of issues and although I tried many things over the years to breath! I have so much more confidence in myself and lose weight everything was short lived and weight losses the belief that I am in control of my life, which in turn were not significant as old habits remained and no long- is helping me make better choices not only with my food term-changes were made. Instead, there was just the but also taking care to protect my own emotional health circle of depression, eating and more weight gain. and well-being wherever possible. I love cooking with new Towards the end of 2017, my GP diagnosed me with high recipes and having home cooked foods instead of my old blood pressure and I was put on medication. With my habits of several takeaways each week, I save money too! 19

Slimming World Happy February Folks! Pancakes Not quite the one we had hoped for, but at least Image 4. You then need to thread this elastic through more of us have time to get a little crafty. the fabric ‘tube’. Pin a safety pin to one end to make In light of the lack of haircuts to tame our tresses at it easier to feed through the tube. I would also the moment, more of us may be going for the ‘messy recommend pinning the other end to one edge of the bun’ than normal. One of the easiest ways to achieve tube (purely so you don’t lose that one inside the tube this is with an 80’s style scrunchie. They are super as you thread it through). easy to make and can recycle old clothes and fabrics Image 5. Once it is all the way through you need to into something new. secure the two ends together. There are two options All you need is some fabric, elastic and scissors. You to do this. Either knot the elastic ends securely (use can sew them by hand or using a machine. Or if you a reef knot so it is flat and secure) or sew the ends hate sewing, a good fabric glue will do the trick but together several times on your machine. take a little longer. Image 6. Almost done! Tuck the raw edges of the fabric You can use stretch or solid fabrics- whatever you like inside each other and turn the one on the outside over the look of. at the ends for a neat edge. Now simply stitch along Are they American pancakes? Are they Scotch To begin cut a fabric strip that is 23” x 5” (this is for this edge to secure the ends together. Make sure to pancakes? Whatever your take, a stack of these a jumbo scrunchie you can make a slimmer one with line up the seam so it doesn’t end up twisted. light, fluffy Slimming World pancakes will hit a 4” strip). Image 7. You should now have your completed the spot! Image 1. Fold the fabric piece in half lengthways keeping the right side of the fabric facing inwards on scrunchie. You can decorate them by sewing on beads/ Ready in 40 minutes itself. Sew the open edges together approx 1cm from sequins and charms (maybe off old broken jewellery), Serves 4 the edge. or buttons if you want to really customise them. 2 ½ syns per serving Image 2. You should now have a long narrow ‘tube’. These are so quick and easy to do that you can make Turn this inside out so the correct side of fabric is now lots of different ones to match every outfit. They are Ingredients facing outwards. great for kids hair as they don’t snag like elastics do • 1 large ripe banana, peeled Image 3. This is your basic ‘body’. Next you need to cut (you may need to make them a little slimmer and with • 2 medium eggs, beaten a piece of elastic to put inside. Ideally use 1cm-1.5cm a shorter piece of elastic though for smaller children wide elastic and cut a length approx 8.5”. so they suit finer hair). • 2 level tbsp self-raising flour

• Low-calorie cooking spray Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 • Ground cinnamon, to decorate • 200g fresh or frozen mixed berries (defrosted if frozen), to serve • 100g fat-free natural fromage frais, to serve

Method 1. Mash the banana in a bowl with a fork until smooth, then stir in the eggs and the flour. 2. Spray a small, non-stick, heart-shaped frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. 3. Pour a 12th of the pancake mixture into the pan and cook for 1 minute, or until the base is golden brown. Flip over the pancake and cook for a further 1-2 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Keep warm while you make 11 more pancakes. 4. Serve 3 pancakes per person with the berries and fromage frais, and dust over the cinnamon.

We used a heart-shaped egg frying pan. Or you could use a small, non-stick frying pan and pour the mixture inside a greased heart-shaped cutter (about 9cm x 8cm), cook until just set, then carefully remove the cutter. Delicious served with mixed berries and creamy Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 fromage frais! 20 HS2 archaeologists uncover Warwickshire’s answer to Hampton Court

• Archaeologists working on the Excavations undertaken by Wessex Archaeology for The house was owned by Sir Robert Digby, and experts HS2 project have unearthed LM (a joint venture of Laing O’Rourke & J. Murphy) now believe that after marrying an Irish heiress, he built his home in the modern style, along with huge formal one of the most exciting garden on the HS2 site at Coleshill in Warwickshire have revealed one of the best preserved late 16th century gardens measuring 300 metres from end to end, to show archaeological sites in England. gardens ever discovered in this country. off his new wealth and status. • More was found out at a free During archaeological investigations, the remains of Entirely unknown before, the preservation of the gardens Webinar “HS2 Archaeology In Coleshill Manor and an octagonal moat were originally is exceptional, with well-preserved gravel paths, planting picked up by air photography. As excavations progressed, beds, garden pavilion foundations and ornaments Focus: Uncovering the Medieval the remains of a massive garden dating from the decades organised in a geometric pattern. The site has parallels to manor house in Coleshill” on 28 either side of 1600 were discovered, alongside the the impressive ornamental gardens at Kenilworth Castle January: impressive manor house. and Hampton Court Palace. 21

HS2’s Historic Environment Manager, Jon Millward said: Hampton Court, Kirby in Northamptonshire and “It’s fantastic to see HS2’s huge archaeology programme Kenilworth Castle, but this one was entirely unknown. making another major contribution to our understanding The garden doesn’t appear in historical records, there are of British history. This is an incredibly exciting site, and the team has made some important new discoveries that no plans of it, it’s not mentioned in any letters or visitors’ unlock more of Britain’s past.” accounts. Wessex Archaeology’s Project Officer, Stuart Pierson said: “The form of the gardens suggest they were designed “For the dedicated fieldwork team working on this site, it’s around 1600, which fits in exactly with the documentary a once in a career opportunity to work on such an extensive garden and manor site, which spans 500 years. Evidence evidence we have about the Digby family that lived here. of expansive formal gardens of national significance Sir Robert Digby married an Irish heiress, raising him and hints of connections to Elizabeth I and the civil war to the ranks of the aristocracy. We suspect he rebuilt his provide us with a fascinating insight into the importance house and laid out the huge formal gardens measuring of Coleshill and its surrounding landscape. “From our original trench evaluation work, we knew there 300 metres from end to end, signifying his wealth.” were gardens, but we had no idea how extensive the site Coleshill is an historic market town on the south east side would be. As work has progressed, it’s been particularly of Birmingham. The documentary evidence of the manor, interesting to discover how the gardens have been known as Coleshill Hall, and its previous occupants point changed and adapted over time with different styles. We’ve also uncovered structures such as pavilions and towards a great feud between the de Montfort and Digby some exceptional artefacts including smoking pipes, coins families. The Hall came into the hands of Simon Digby in and musket balls, giving us an insight into the lives of the late 15th century and the change of ownership set in people who lived here. motion huge alterations to the landscape around Coleshill “The preservation of the gardens is unparalleled. We’ve had a big team of up to 35 archaeologists working on this and the development of the Hall, including a deer park and site over the last two years conducting trench evaluations, the formal gardens in the 1600s. geophysical work and drone surveys as well as the Excavations have revealed structures dating to the late archaeological excavations.” medieval period, with structural evidence attributed to Dr Paul Stamper, a specialist in English gardens and landscape history said: the large gatehouse in the forecourt of the Hall with its “This is one of the most exciting Elizabethan gardens style and size alluding to a possible 14th or 15th century that’s ever been discovered in this country. The scale of date. In a detailed inventory of the house undertaken in preservation at this site is really exceptional and is adding 1628, the gatehouse is specifically mentioned, further considerably to our knowledge of English gardens around 1600. There have only been three or four investigations historical sources suggest that it was not long after this of gardens of this scale over the last 30 years, including that the gatehouse was pulled down. 22 Pet Page Birmingham Dogs Home Collection Bins As key workers, Birmingham Dogs Home’s canine “Last year was a “ruff year” for us but we are very grateful carers and rehoming teams have continued to work to all of our supporters that continue to remember our collection bins are currently located in behind locked gates every single day throughout dogs and to the stores that help to collect items we need the locations below: 2020 and into 2021’s New Year lockdown too. and to all of the team at The Coleshill Post for all of their support over the years”. Areika Bickerton, Centre Pets at Home (Solihull) Morrisons Castle Brom For the dogs and dedicated staff looking after them it Manager, Birmingham Dogs Home. Donations can also Tesco Sutton Coldfield Castle Aqua Pets – was business as usual, whatever crisis was happening in be made via Birmingham Dogs Home’s website: www. (Princess Drive) Castle Brom the wider world, as every dog they receive still needs daily birminghamdogshome.org.uk care, including medical treatment, food, exercise, training and lots of TLC. Birmingham Dogs Home receives around 2,000 stray and abandoned dogs from nine local authorities across the Midlands each year. The reasons for dogs being abandoned and relinquished is always complex and the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated these difficult situations as owners have struggled with ill health or financial difficulties. For one of the region’s oldest and best loved charity’s, the pandemic has meant that Birmingham Dogs Home had to close its doors to visitors at its Birmingham and Wolverhampton centres. This has had a huge impact on rehoming as all adoptions are on hold and with costs increasing as dogs are looked after by the charity for longer. BDH collection bins are located at a number of local stores, where supporters can drop off food, treats and toys, all of which are very welcome to ensure the charity is able to continue caring for every dog that needs their help during these challenging times. Ward End Cat Rescue

Meet the lovely Bruce,the vets think he is about 6 years old. Bruce is initially very timid (until he gets to know you) and he doesn't like being picked up. He will need a quiet home with understanding owners who will Pipkins and Rambo are 2 lovely brothers who are 16 years old. Very sadly their be patient and owner passed away in the beginning of January so unfortunately they need a give him the time new forever home together. They are both very nervous and have been unsettled and space he coming into rescue. They would like a nice quiet home for their retirement needs.

Please don’t hesitate to email us for any further information on cats ready for adoption. Thanks again xx Website: www.wardendcatrescue.org Email: [email protected] Facebook: Ward End Cat Rescue Official 23

Saxon Winnie

Breed: Akita Breed: American Bulldog (cross)

Size: Large Size: Medium

Gender: Male (N) Gender: Female

Centre: Birmingham Centre Centre: Birmingham Centre

Age: 3 years 3 months Age: 1 years 4 months

Child Suitability: No Child Suitability: No

Live With Dogs: Possibly Live With Dogs: Possibly

Status: Available Status: Available

Saxon is a typical male Akita who can be head strong unsure of new people and strangers. When first meeting Saxon he can be wary Winnie is a really sweet and loveable girl once she knows you. She is completely deaf and very wary and nervous of new people and unsure of handling but once he knows you he is very affectionate. therefore is looking for an understanding family to call her forever home.

Saxon loves other dogs; He has very good social skills with them and adapts to each dogs personality. Winnie walks on a harness and she is muzzle trained and will need to wear this when out walking due to her being nervous and unsure around new people. She is looking for an experienced owner who has dealt with reactive dogs before. Winnie will require numerous He enjoys being off the lead in our enclosed areas playing with his toys, he will come back for treats once he has built the bond. meets at the centre so someone who is consistent is essential.

On arrival Saxon did display food aggression however has had work and is now much better but this will need to be continued in a She loves fuss and cuddles from her K9 carers who have shown her nothing but love and have worked extremely hard to help Winnie home environment. overcome her fears however this needs to be continued at home.

Saxon is looking for an adult only home with experience of the breed as well as resource guarding behaviours. if you can offer Winnie a loving home please call the Birmingham centre

Please call the Birmingham Centre if you can off Saxon a forever home.

Call our Birmingham Centre Please quote the Call our Birmingham Centre Please quote the Centre Rehoming Team to reference number Centre Rehoming Team to reference number enquire about this dog on: enquire about this dog on: 119150 120385 24

I’m Still Standing By Indira Mahun I found I was unable to sit for longer than a few minutes Now although I found it difficult to sit down, walking or walk unaided. My crutches became the main pillars around seemed to ease the pain and gentle back Living with pain is something understood by exercises also helped. Keeping active is so important. only those who live with pain. Trying to tell of supporting me in my daily life. Driving became someone else how it feels is useless because the problematic and I relied on a variety of painkillers to Staying on my feet and carrying on with my daily life full comprehension will not be there. Pain can help me get from one place to another. was fine. However, when it came to sitting down in affect us in several ways; it can be constant, In January 2020 I was lucky enough to have my hip front of the TV to relax and when I went to bed, the pain kicked in again. Often, it would keep me awake all or it might be intermittent. Whatever type of replacement. It would not be an understatement to say night which affected my overall health too. pain it is, it can be overwhelming, debilitating, that it changed my life. I could walk and sit again. I could and overpowering. Pain can lead to misery and Eventually, there came a day in January 2021 when sleep on my side and turn in the bed without a struggle. may cause bouts of depression and feelings of I could bear it no longer. I had, completely without I was able to know what it was like to be pain-free. The loneliness. Feelings of loneliness are commonly knowing it, overdosed on paracetamol and had put happiness and delight in being able to do things that experienced because of the hopelessness in myself at risk of liver failure. I was admitted to hospital failing to make others understand how we feel. many of us take for granted was colossal. As they say, and treated for the overdose. I am in awe of the To be fair, it’s completely plausible why no-one ‘you don’t know what you have till it’s gone’. wonderful staff that treated me; they truly are angels. gets it; to know it is to feel it – in all its intensity Nothing lasts forever though and in November 2020 In just three days, the pain had subsided, and the pins and vigour. my joy was blighted by a brand-new pain. It came out of and needles were no more. I came home with a change I have no specialist knowledge of how pain can be nowhere and shot through my right leg with such force controlled with regards to medication or other forms of medication and feeling like a new person. and intensity. It’s a one-off, I thought. However, such of pain relief, and neither do I lay claims to possessing What I want to say is, don’t give up and don’t ignore the answer to any problems related to pain. However, was my luck that the pain made my life hell again. This any type of pain. It is so easy to reach for those pills as I have lived with chronic pain for several years so my time it was accompanied, all for good measure, by the I did but they are not always the answer. In my case, understanding, and what I might offer as advice, is strangest sensation of pins and needles, constriction, they did more harm than good. Get seen, be persistent. based upon my own personal experience. and numbness. Driving became problematic again as I Don’t let anyone use the pandemic as an excuse to put Stuck in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic has couldn’t sit for long periods. My greatest regret is that I led to further complications in dealing with pain; we are you off getting an appointment. My experience showed talking about chronic pain here though I am fully aware was unable to fully appreciate my time with my grand- that people are still getting treated for cases other than that the same applies to any condition requiring medical daughter as my ability to play or lift her was severely those with coronavirus. I will forever be grateful to my attention. Phone consultations are all well and good but impeded. faith and to the truly amazing people that are our NHS. cannot, in any shape or form, replace the reassurance and grasp that face-to-face communication gives. It has become extremely difficult, if not impossible, to make an appointment to see a doctor. I found that any phone conversation I had with an actual doctor resulted in misinformation and a complete lack of understanding of my problem. I felt powerless and the only thing I could think of was to turn to prayer. This, however, deserves an article of its’ own. SHARE Sadly, this unforgiving virus has seen an end to intimacy in all relationships but, we would like to believe, it has bought us closer together as a nation. Communication via Teams meetings, Zoom, WhatsApp groups and other such media has led the way in keeping us sane and A STORY ensuring that contact remains as personal as possible under the circumstances. My painful journey has intensified as time has passed. Osteoarthritis has been the primary cause of it. I learnt to manage it in the early stages by the effective use of contact: medication and staying active. Working full time as a teacher meant I had plenty of opportunity to move [email protected] around. Of course, this was also helped by being in the younger stages of my life. The aging process has had a huge impact on the inflammation caused by the arthritis. I suppose my real fight with pain began when my right hip began to fail me. Not only was it a downright nuisance as it severely hindered my ability to remain mobile, but the pain became, quite literally, a pain in the butt. 25

Appeal in Coventry over highest ever number of potential plasma donors The antibody-rich plasma of people who’ve had the disease might save the lives of people who struggle to develop their own immune response to the virus. Professor Dave Roberts, Associate Medical Director for Blood Donation at NHSBT, said: “More people than ever can help – the time to donate is now. “We especially need donations from people in Coventry who’ve had hospital care. Men who had hospital care are around six times more likely to have the high antibody levels which might save lives.” NHSBT is collecting plasma for new trials for older people or those with cancer to treat them early in the course of the infection. More than 270 donations have been taken at the Coventry donor centre at the Ricoh Arena so far. Prof Roberts added: “We have completed two trials and analysis is ongoing. We now need to collect plasma for further planned clinical studies. We’re particularly looking at high risk groups such as the elderly and people with cancer. “Donations are vital to the ongoing lifesaving research, which gives us a better understanding of how we can best treat patients with COVID-19 and help prevent deaths in the future.” Donations are being taken at NHSBT’s 23 blood donor centres and a further 20 pop-up NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people in Coventry hitting the 28-day plasma donor centres. Donation takes about 45 minutes. Your body quickly replaces COVID recovery mark to register as plasma donors. the donated plasma and donated antibodies. All donations are tested for coronavirus People can only donate 28 days after they’ve recovered, so the number of potential antibodies. Men, black and Asian people, and people aged over 35, are more likely to donors is now at the highest ever level following the national record number of cases have the high antibody levels needed for donation. over the New Year. Nationally, more than 300,000 people have offered to donate and more than 60,000 More than 4,600 people living in and around Coventry have already registered to donations have been taken. donate convalescent plasma after having coronavirus. People can register to donate online at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk

One in every four crime victims let down as victim satisfaction falls to a record low for fourth year in a row how crimes are being handled within the county. This is a sharp rise from 15.2% of victims four years ago. During the same period, crime in Warwickshire has also risen every year, soaring to over 10,000 more crimes in 2019/20 compared to four years ago. Ben said: “These figures confirm the reality for many victims in Warwickshire. They are being let down by their Police Commissioner who has failed to take action as crime rises and justice is denied. “As the Commissioner attempted to defend the indefensible cuts to Warwickshire’s Domestic Abuse Risk Officers, he boasted that he is responsible for commissioning support for victims. Perhaps then he can take responsibility for the fact that he has been failing more victims every single year since he was elected.” Ben Twomey, Labour’s candidate Ben added: “If I were in his shoes, I would be for Warwickshire Police and Crime working tirelessly to regain the confidence Commissioner, has discovered new figures of victims of crime and put in place proper which reveal that victim satisfaction measures to support them. I will appoint a in Warwickshire has dropped every Victims’ Commissioner for Warwickshire, so single year during the current Police that for the first time the county will have a Commissioner’s time in office. dedicated champion committed to listening to The figures which were released under the and speaking up for victims. Freedom of Information Act show that victim “I will never stay silent as crime rises and satisfaction is now at its lowest levels since victims suffer.” records began. If you have been the victim of a crime, you can One in every four victims of crime (24.5%) call Victim Support to speak to your local victim reports feeling let down and dissatisfied with care team in Warwickshire on 01926 682 693. 26

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Fire, faith and fog

No quiz this month, but here are the answers His role in planning for the Allied invasion of France in to last edition’s Post puzzlers. 1944 is often over-looked but the award in 1946 of the American Medal of Freedom with Silver Palms was an We’ll reconnect to Coleshill connections unmistakable mark of appreciation. He achieved a world next month with a trip to New South Wales wide reputation as a meteorologist. His work, influence and a wander among a couple of cemetery and driving power made him a mainspring of progress in synoptic meteorology for many years. gravestones among other things. 6. What burned 216 tonnes of coal every hour if required? 1. Coleshill invasion in 1933. Who was invading? Why? What Hams Hall power station, now demolished. was scorching, apart from the weather? Numbers varied about attendance at a catholic ecclesiastical congress, but 7. Maxstoke churchyard contains the graves of a WW1 RAF the Catholic Herald reported 20,000. The High Street was pilot and a mechanic. Fillongley churchyard contains blocked with cars, and visitors brought by Midland Red the grave of a WW2 Air Training Corps cadet, Water thronged the town. Orton churchyard the grave of a WW2 RAF pilot. What A miniature hospital was set up to deal with casualties happened? What aircraft were involved? from a blazing hot day. The Warwickshire Orthopaedic Centre was open to visitors. A Handley Page 0/400, serial number D4593, of 14 During the Holy Hour, wind blew one of the side curtains Aircraft Acceptance Park took off from Castle Bromwich of the altar across the flames of a row of candles. A priest Aerodrome for a test flight with two pi-lots and five crew tried to smother it with his hands. The monstrance was on board. rescued and the priest treated by one of the nurses. The plane lost fabric from a wing causing a loss of control, 2. Coleshill’s catholic church has been served by priests crashing into a field at Maxstoke. All seven crew were who became an archbishop then a cardinal, and a bishop. killed. It was the worst air disaster for the fledgling Royal They were Father Bernard Griffin, who told his farewell ceremony that the seven years he spent in Coleshill were Air Force and the UK. the happiest in his life. Lieutenant R. E. Macbeth was the experienced pilot. Second Soon after his appointment as parish priest he became Air Mechanic H. Simmonds was said at the inquest to be a auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham and was enthroned as passenger to make up war load to pilot’s instructions. Archbishop of Westminster in January 1944 Beaufighter V8229 of 29 Squadron was shot down at He was made cardinal in February 1946. 3.10pm on 21 Octo-ber 1942 by anti-aircraft fire, the very His coat of arms are inlaid in the narthex and are also in the stained glass window day that an officer from AA Com-mand came to lecture the in the sacristy. Pictured is an embroidered squadron on co-operation with the guns. version of them. The dog (St Bernard), Hit 35 minutes into the flight, it caught fire and crashed sweet William plant and heraldic beast one mile west of Winchelsea, with the loss of pilot Sgt (griffin), represent his full name. Harold Wright and his navigator Sgt Alfred Akester. Father Marcus Stock became Bishop of Leeds after a variety of offices, lat-terly General Secretary of the The Squadron’s Operations Record Book states: “Lt Brown Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. from Anti-Aircraft Command lectured to the aircrews Bishop Stock was been elected as the new Chairman of the today. By a strange and sad co-incidence a new pilot (Sgt Catholic Edu-cation Service in 2019. He was Director of Wright) was shot down and killed by Ack Ack fire whilst on Schools for the Archdiocese of Birmingham between 1999 a sector reconnaissance”. – 2009 and Acting Director of the Catholic Edu-cation Service between 2011 – 13. An investigation into the accident put the loss down to 3. Packington Scout site is actually the remains of what? an “unfortunate error in recognition by the AA gunners. Before the Americans came in 1943 it had been a training Fresh attention drawn to pilots and crews where rules for ELECTRICAL area for British troops, then became a staging camp for US opening fire are unrestricted.” units awaiting movement to France. Three months later a similar event took place, when Bridging the Gap, a heavily illustrated paperback by another Beaufighter was hit by an A.A. battery. The crew SERVICES military historians and authors Fran and Martin Collins baled out and were uninjured. about US Army rehabilitation centres in Warwickshire and Worcestershire during the last war, has a chapter on In July 1943 Air Training Corps cadets Arthur Davies of the site. It is one of their series on American camps in the Balsall Common and Derek Colver of Fillongley were on SPECIALISTs Midlands. ATC summer camp at RAF Honiley. It lists over two pages the US Army units there before it They were passengers in an Oxford aircraft serial number became the 750-bed 77th Station Hospital and then as war HN722 of 285 anti-aircraft co-operation squadron which came to an end the 825th Con-valescent Centre. Contact [email protected] for your copy. took off on a light anti-aircraft co-operation flight, which 4. The Ringing World of 18 January 1924 reported: “Saturday, included shallow dives on a gun post in the West Bromwich January 5th, was a red-letter day in the history of ringing area. at Coleshill. Who supplied the two new trebles? What else Squadron records show that the aircraft crashed after did he give to Coleshill? the port wing disin-tegrated at the end of a shallow dive Alfred Fifield, who was a wholesale green grocer and who, and crashed into houses. All three were killed instantly, A among other things, paid for uniforms for the town band, civilian was injured. kitted out the football club and was president of the cricket club. He was a substantial donor to the town hall building Derek was buried at Fillongley churchyard. fund. 8. 18th century priest, painter, draughtsman and art writer. He also gave a big family Bible to the church (still on the Who was he? Why was the Herbert gallery in Coventry eagle lectern), and two wardens staffs. interested in him? The Rev William T Bree, one of a long He told the meeting he was thankful God had prospered line of churchmen. The gallery has some his paintings and him, and he knew of no better way of showing his  Intruder Alarms  Additional Power drawings. thankfulness than giving something back in the form of and Lighting the bells, to call the parishioners to His worship. He was a descendant of Rev Robert Bree, vicar of Fillongley  Fire Alarms 5. Air Ministry Intelligence rang the secretary to a north 1724, vicar of Maxstoke 1718-36.  All Household Warwickshire farmer’s son to ask what peas 1800, lentils Five family members were sequentially to be rector at  Security Lighting 0200 meant. Who was he? Allesley over a period spanning 170 years, between 1747 Electrical Needs A Coleshill Grammar School honours board in the market and 1917. The last two, William Thomas Bree and William hall briefly states that Ernest Gold was third wrangler at  Electrical Installations St John’s College Cambridge, in 1903. Translated, it means Bree, were father and son respectively and were to become among other things he was a fine mathematician. noted amateur naturalists. He was later to become Lieutenant Colonel Gold, CB, OBE, 9. We’re miles away from the sea, but “Bournemouth” figures DSO, FRS, and President of the Royal Meteorological in the local topography. Where is it? CALL FOR A NO FEE QUOTE Society 1934–1936. The little Bourne rises between Ansley Common and At the outbreak of the 1914-1918 war he was chosen to Dan: 07494762628 Birchley Heath, continues to Furnace End, where it is command the meteorological service set up within the [email protected] Royal Engineers to provide for military needs. joined by the Whitacre Brook, and turns to flow in a westerly direction alongside Shustoke reservoir, beyond He was an intellectual, golf and bridge player, relished the Matt: 07706099399 use of an apt phrase and inventing code words. Peas 1800, which it joins the River Tame downstream of the River lentils 0200 was a fog warning. Blythe confluence. [email protected] 28

Hazelwood Group Practice Steps in to Fight COVID-19 Who would have thought that such a tiny thing, The days leading up to “V-Day” saw the Practice take A programme like this doesn’t come together overnight. like a virus, would result in a small coaching town delivery of the specialist medical equipment, marquees, Mandy Roche and Dr Mehwish Qureshi, Programme like Coleshill making local history? outdoor lighting and heating, chairs, signage, catering Leader and Clinical Director respectively, worked nonstop supplies, stationery, computers and, of course, copious Medical personnel across the world have answered the call for weeks to organise the roll-out of this vaccination amounts of PPE and cleaning supplies. Admin and to arms to fight COVID-19 and Hazelwood Group Practice programme and lead the way so the citizens of Coleshill reception staff worked tirelessly to get the appointments also rose to the challenge. Many would not give the task and North Warwickshire could start living a more normal of vaccinating thousands of people in the community booked and to be sure patients arrived on time so that no life. The road will be a long one with many more weeks and much thought but the organisation is truly a mammoth doses of the coveted vaccine were wasted due to its very and military endeavour. short life once out of storage. months of vaccinating to come. We won’t see the wearing From the moment the world received the news that Pfizer of masks, hand washing and keeping our distance ending BioNTech and AstraZeneca had produced vaccines to any time soon but we will get there one vaccine at a time. combat COVID-19, the management team at Hazelwood When you get your phone call inviting you to attend for started weeks of planning with countless hours of your vaccination please be sure to accept it. Zoom meetings, late night emails, weekend phone calls Hazelwood Group Practice is open and operating as and organising staff to run the programme all while normal during the vaccine programme. DO NOT ignore endeavouring to keep the Practice functioning as normal. your health; if you have a medical need please be sure to speak to your local surgery. It is more important than ever during the COVID-19 crisis to look after your wellbeing. Hazelwood Group Practice could not have made this programme happen without the hard work and dedication of its staff and local volunteers. They would like to thank the amazing staff at the Practice who have been seconded to the vaccine programme and to those, in reduced numbers, who are taking on the extra work and increased hours to keep the Practice operating as usual and stepping into the unknown when the need arises. A massive “thank you” to the Coleshill Angels and Coleshill Round Table for their organisation of marshalling duties during all weathers. Thank you (and welcome back!) to Dr Powell-Tuck and Dr Shannon who came out of retirement to watch over the patients during the specified after- vaccine waiting time. The Swan Hotel and The Coleshill Social Club for the use of their parking facilities. Thank Two tiny Pfizer BioNTech and AstraZeneca vials with enough vaccine for up to you to The North Warwickshire CCG for their support and 17 injection the CCG Roving Team who have administered vaccines to Due to the nature of the Pfizer vaccine, medical hubs care home residents. Finally, to Morrisons, Café on the would need to be provided with specialist refrigeration The first recipient of the Pfizer vaccine at Hazelwood Surgery Hill and the many, many patients for providing the staff and storage equipment. Full training for the nurses and with food, hot drinks, cakes, biscuits and treats to fuel doctors, who would be administering the injections to The early morning of Wednesday 16th December 2020 them through the very long days and keeping spirits high, eager patients, had to be attended. It would be imperative was dark, wet and bitterly cold but the atmosphere inside thank you. that staff hit the ground running when the precious, the Practice was warm, bright and full of energy as the rationed supply of the Pfizer vials arrived at the surgery. first patient received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination The provision of specialist equipment was not a luxury in North Warwickshire. The smiles, laughter and afforded to every GP surgery across the country so endless gratitude from patients made all the hard work Hazelwood put themselves forward to be the vaccination worthwhile in preparing such a herculean operation. hub for the whole of North Warwickshire. The arrival of the AstraZeneca vaccine three weeks later Their own staff worked alongside staff from Dordon, saw the Practice enjoy a less stringent programme in the Kingsbury and Water Orton to share the facilities to begin outside marquee where the injections were administered inoculating the senior members of the communities, care more quickly with no waiting time for patients. It was home residents and staff. freezing but the atmosphere was full of warmth! 29

Cllr Dave Reilly North Warwickshire Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council Looking Back on 2020 and Forward to 2021? Not much of an update for you for this edition as So, an end to quarantine is in sight and decisions will be • Vesey Bridge HGV Block. Now this has been a six the world of local councils slowed over Christmas. being made in the next couple of weeks about May and year fight !!! The aim is to stop HGVs driving over June that will determine what happens. Since the start of the new year it has been a case Vesey Bridge and damaging it. of churning routine business, which doesn’t Council Tax. • HS2 Business and Local Economy Fund. Work has started by Coleshill Town Councillors to start make for interesting reading! So, what follows is Yes, it’s that time of year again. The final touches are preparing a bid to improved car parking provision an eclectic mix of updates. being put to parish council, borough and county council, and police budgets, and in February there will be a series in Coleshill and to mitigate the impact of HS2 on The Police and Covid Rules. of council and Police and Crime Panel meetings that will the High Street and also those below the bridge on consider the proposed budgets. If agreed these will make Station Road, Roman Way and Gorsey Lane. Early Thankfully Warwickshire Polices enforcement of Covid up your household council tax bill. days, but work has started. rules has been proportionate. Besides the one Rave With Covid having such an astounding impact on • Glebe Fields, Curdworth. I’ve almost sorted the under the M42 at Marsh Lane, Water Orton, we haven’t our North Warwickshire, Warwickshire and national funding to do urgently needed repairs to the seen any local issues, and just to be clear the Rave wasn’t economy, and such a direct impact on lives, jobs and footpath. The cost is ridiculous and I’ll start on the organised or attended by any local residents! business in our community, this is proving to be a very road surface once I’ve sorted the footpath. So what are the Covid rules – this will be a good pub quiz challenging budget setting process. • White Horse Crossroads. With Curdworth Parish question in a few years !! In my next article I will update you on the various Councillors we are having another go at slowing decisions that the councils and Police and Crime Panel Well the main one is Stay Home. It is straightforward and vehicle speeds coming through the crossroads. It is take. I quote: “You must not leave home without a reasonable too dangerous in its current layout. Love Your River Cole excuse”. • Lea Marston Parish Council land exchange. Lea The other key restrictions are: I have written before about the fantastic work that Marston Parish Councils ambition to work with • No mixing of households inside. You can meet the Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership is doing in our Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership and create a new community to restore and enhance the ecology of our one person from one other household outside, nature reserve is imminent. After four years we are local rivers, the Cole, Blythe, Tame and Bourne, and the maintaining social distancing. at the final, final, final point of exchanging legal land that adjoins the rivers. • Pubs, restaurants, cafes and other hospitality contracts. They’re doing more great work in securing funding that • The old public toilet site in Water Orton. Having businesses closed except for takeaways. needs to be recognised and broadcast. Following a lot completed the improvement works to Water Orton • Non-essential shops closed. of work on bids for funding The Partnership has been car park to create more parking spaces and improve • Primary and secondary schools and colleges move to awarded a grant from the Green Recovery Challenge the visual appearance of the car park Water Orton remote learning except for children of key workers. Fund which will support work at Cole End Park, Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, and two other sites just across Community Action Group and Parish Council are • Leisure and sports facilities closed, with limited the M6. now gripping the old toilet site. Some excellent exceptions. The Green Recovery Challenge Funds will support tree ideas and hard work by the Action Group is coming • Entertainment venues closed. planting, wildflower meadow creation and wetland up with some great ideas and designs that will be • Funerals of up to 30 people permitted. Weddings of habitat enhancements, as well as access improvements costed and worked up and shared with residents for up to six people. Wakes and other linked ceremonies to paths and trails. It will also be used to create and feedback hopefully before the summer. permitted for up to 6 people. support local green jobs, and offering traineeships aimed • HS2. How could I not write about HS2 !!! Huge at giving people the experience and accredited training I’m sure, like me, you are view the approaching first amounts of work now going on. Key in January required to pursue a career in the environmental sector. has been work to support Attleboro Lane residents. anniversary of the start of the first lockdown with The Prince’s Trust will also be a partner in the project Construction works have now started on the resignation, but, there is no other option but to buckle working with young people to offer first-hand experience down and comply. of the local environment and support in finding work or Marston Compound off the A4097 Kingsbury Road, where there will be a training centre, concrete When will this lockdown be lifted? Who knows. There are further training. Absolutely brilliant ! batching and manufacturing yard and a huge spoil two significant events approaching that I am watching If you want to know more about Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership, or join their fantastic volunteer group, dump. Additional tree and vegetation clearance will with interest: Firstly, the national local government Tameforce, then please have a look at their website. They also take place in the coming to prepare the land elections on 6th May; and secondly, the gathering of are doing great things in our community. where key structures supporting the main line will World Leaders at the G7 summit in Cornwall on 11th be built. It is shocking to witness, but it is lawful, June. Bits and Bobs. and it is being monitored to ensure that only what Just to assure you that I am most definitely not sitting Clearly, neither of the events can be held under existing ecology needs to go is removed. Finally, households twiddling my thumbs, here are some of the more Covid restrictions. At the moment there is no plan to in Water Orton are being sent a booklet on what the interesting live projects that I have been working during defer the local government elections and the first week proposals for the motorway overbridge at Watton January on with parish council, principle council and my of February is the critical date by which preparations councillor colleagues: Lane, Vicarage Lane and Jack O’Watton Bends will must start if 6th May is to be election day. G7, well, can • Coleshill Green Man Crossroads. Its only taken look like. Again, it’s brutal but lawful. you imagine world leaders self-quarantining for 10 days three years but we are close to publishing plans If I can be of any help my email address is cllrreilly@ before the 11th June? As fabulous as Cornwall in late for engineering works at the crossroads for you to warwickshire.gov.uk and my phone number is 07770 spring is, I think not !!! consider. 704 617. With kindest regards, Dave. 30

February news from Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens We are closed (temporarily) but there is plenty of work going on behind the end of the Holly walk. We are also currently transforming our spaces to make sure that scenes here at Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens. We hope to welcome you all we can continue to supply food and drink in a safe manner for visitors. back for calming spring walks and activities if we can from next month. For We are still preparing an events and activities programme to amuse and entertain us all in 2021, we have lots of wonderful ideas planned to celebrate our history, natural beauty now, please keep an eye on our social media and on our website for updates, and of course keep the kids busy. The Gardens will continue to keep a close eye on the details on re-opening and news from the Gardens. current situation and will only put on events when it is safe to do so for all our visitors, We have been lucky to receive new public funding for a number of projects, including staff and volunteers. making pathways and protecting wildlife in the Parkland (Green Recovery Fund in With budding branches, spring snowdrops and golden narcissus, plus the emergence of partnership with the Wildlife Trusts and local authorities) and from Historic England wildlife and the warming of the sun, there is a sense of hope and better days to come. We Emergency Heritage at Risk Fund to repair and restore the Music Room building at the hope to see you very soon, take care and keep safe. Gardener’s Tips for February

There is something reassuring about you can cultivate beds and start to warm the cyclical nature of gardening and up the soil, with fleece, polythene or the promise of new growth each year. cloches, in preparation for sowing in the coming months. Organise this year’s seeds This time of year is known to some by sowing date. Get hold of a box with as ‘Imbolc’ and celebrates the first dividers, and file your seed packets by the signs of life and renewal heralding month they need to be sown in. You will the arrival of Spring. This is the time be so glad of this effort in the weeks to when snowdrops begin to flourish, come. Check your tools are sound and your and delicate leaves and buds are garden machinery is working. Give your poking through frosty ground. tools and equipment the once over and apply a little TLC to anything that needs it. Our gardener’s will continue to tend to the There are plenty of pruning opportunities entire site despite the lockdown measures in the garden, cut back growth/old scraggly and our unfortunate (temporary) closure. shrubs to encourage the best growth when There is always lots to do despite the spring arrives and prune any fruits. You stillness of the Gardens, hesitantly could consider building raised beds to waiting for spring whist we plan out the make the most of the upcoming growing rest of the year. season, these will keep your soil warm and There are many things you could do in your protected. A reminder to keep topping up own garden or green space this February. those bird feeders and water baths whilst A little work and planning now will see you the weather is still cold and avoid heavy ready for a blooming springtime. Prepare work on a frozen lawn which will damage your seed beds. If the ground is not frozen, the grass. 31

www.ageuk.org.uk www.warwickshire.gov.uk www.carerstrusthofe.org.uk Information and Advice Warwickshire County Council Including guidance on Improving lives for Warwickshire carers. have provided a wide range of Coronavirus, local services and If you need support or information, information on their website. support, benefits and please get in touch. T – 01926 410410 entitlements, accessing social If you've been identified as care etc.. Practical support extremely vulnerable to Telephone: 02476 231999 T – 02476 258816 COVID-19 by the NHS and between 10am and 3 pm E – [email protected] need to self-isolate, call 0800 Monday to Friday or Young Carers 408 1447 for support. email [email protected]. T – 02476 632972 uk E – [email protected]

www.northwarks.gov.uk

North Warwickshire Borough @Coventry and Warwickshire Mind Council also provide up to date The Safe Haven team are on local updates and information hand to receive your call, text on their website. You can also or email if you are finding it call their Contact Centre on difficult to cope, Please do 01827 715341 as most services get in touch. are still available.

T – 02477 714 554 M – 07970 042 270 [email protected] www.coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk Safe Haven provides an out of hours support service to You can call on 01675 463 326 people across Warwickshire. Monday – Friday 9am -1pm. Or email Open – 6pm – 11pm every [email protected]. Thursday to Sunday uk

Angels of Coleshill - Community Support If you need help with contacting the right people, the Hub is here to help. Volunteers Please give us a call on 01675 462517 or email [email protected] or [email protected] Contact Numbers for Angels Monday – Friday 10am -1pm. of Coleshill: Caroline Symonds 07917 366755 Follow us on social media for up-to-date information and support - you can Anna Hayton 07921 506321 find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - @coleshillhub. Deb Bromage 07710 272677

If you have been advised to shield by the NHS, the Angels The CAB are still here to help, call on 0300 330 1193 are here to help… shopping, for a telephone appointment. prescriptions etc. [email protected] Email - [email protected] 32 HS2 reveals designs for new green public spaces in Water Orton • New designs of HS2’s viaducts at Water Orton revealed • Landscape designs will provide new areas for communities and wildlife • An opportunity for a community-led orchard below the viaducts Following public consultation, HS2 has revealed up habitats such as species rich grasslands and native area. There are also plans to re-meander an existing water new designs for two viaducts near the village species tree planting. Improved connections through the course and take advantage of the land under the viaducts of Water Orton in Warwickshire, including new Delta Junction area will be developed with new paths and in a sustainable way. These new designs protect existing landscaped areas that will provide green public cycle routes set within a nature rich corridor. habitats and connect them with newly created areas, and spaces and wildlife habitats. The new landscape design will provide a new setting for the impact of the railway is reduced through planting that the viaducts which are designed with slim support piers In Spring 2020, HS2 asked local people for their views on will integrate HS2 into the local environment.” the design of the Water Orton viaducts, and much of the to enhance their design and reduce shading of the areas Nick McGough, Associate Partner at Weston Williamson feedback focused on improving the landscape around the over which the railway will pass. + Partners said: structure of the railway. Suggestions included creating HS2’s Design Director Kay Hughes said: “Our approach at Water Orton has been to design a green space for the village which could provide a “HS2 will not only provide a greener way to travel for structures which are in constant dialogue with the recreational area and an observation spot to view wildlife, people, it also provides an opportunity for us to enhance landscape, in parts screened and concealed by vegetation as well as a pathway for walking and cycling. the natural environment in many areas along the route and elsewhere emerging into clearings, creating bold through our landscape design. We are committed to As a result, HS2’s landscape architects and engineers and dramatic views. The team has worked hard to bringing out the character of the landscape to create areas from Systra and Mott MacDonald working closely with elegantly sculpt these viaducts into the most narrow where people can connect to their local environment and architects Weston Williamson + Partners have developed and slender structures possible, with large spans which enjoy nature. new plans for a more connected and accessible area that reduce the number of piers. This minimises the locations will include tree planting and new wildlife habitats with “We’re pleased to have a committed, multidisciplinary where the structure touches the ground, improves an opportunity, subject to local interest, for a community team of engineers, architects and landscape architects the sustainability performance of the viaducts, and orchard or area of allotments. working on the project, to design integrated structures also creates opportunities for new green spaces and The section of the HS2 route where the two Water Orton and new green spaces for people to enjoy. As we develop community amenities.” viaducts are located is known as the Delta Junction, a the detailed design for the railway, we are listening triangular section of line where the new railway curves to feedback from communities like Water Orton, and HS2’s main works civils contractor BBV (Balfour Beatty west towards Birmingham and runs north towards Crewe also continue to work with them and local authorities Vinci) will build this section of the railway, and have and beyond. The Water Orton viaducts link the curve to explore further opportunities for local connectivity also revealed plans to minimise construction impacts that heads west towards Birmingham with the main line through pedestrian access and cycling routes.” in the area. This includes creating HS2 haul roads for heading north, and are needed in this location to carry Maxime Corlay, Landscape Architect at Systra said: transporting material to avoid the need to use local roads, the railway across a network of existing motorways, roads “Our goal for the landscape design around Water Orton and construction work on the site will also be kept to a and footpaths. is to tie the proposed viaduct structures into the local minimum by manufacturing the segments of the viaducts The area between the two Water Orton viaducts, which landscape and create opportunities to enhance it. in a factory outside the area. BBV have also committed to was previously the site of the Old Saltleians Rugby Club, We propose to recreate woodland blocks and frame using up to 60% sustainable alternatives to cement in the will be re-designed to provide bigger, better more joined hedgerows to conserve the agricultural character of the construction of the structures. 33

READ OUR PAPERS PUBLIC NOTICE GOODS VEHICLE ON THE GO OPERATOR'S LICENCE G Franklin of 5 Filton Croft, Castle www.postgroupmidlands.com Vale, Birmingham B35 6JR. Is applying for a licence to use: Blackgreaves Farm, Blackgreaves Lane, Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, B76 0DA. As an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating Centre (s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, Stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their Representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of the notice. A Guide of Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

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Pirate’s Pantry Recipe of the month French Onion Soup At this time of year a steaming bowl of soup with Method rich cheese atop crunchy croutons is an absolute Place the butter in a large delight. saucepan over a medium Traditional recipes may well ask you to cook the heat and, once foaming, add onions for longer, until a seriously dark brown colour is achieved. I find this can sometimes leave a slightly the onions. Stir occasionally bitter taste that detracts from the amazing caramelised for 8-10 minutes until they sweetness that sautéed onions can bring to a dish. are soft. This version of the recipe also celebrates the range Lower the heat and cook of flavours that different onions have. Seriously, for 1 – 1/12 hours, stirring experiment. Red onions, shallots, Spanish onions, occasionally until a light those wonderful cannonball onions that are currently golden brown. Add the wine available. Mix and match for a slightly varied taste sensation every time and turn the heat up slightly Ingredients: Serves 4 to cook off the alcohol. Turn • 100gm unsalted butter the heat on high and add the • 1.5kg mixed onions, sliced about 3mm thick stock. Once at a rolling boil • 125ml dry white wine throw in the thyme, turn • 2L chicken stock the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 mins. • 2 teaspoons of dried thyme Ladle the soup into bowls for serving and place two of • 1 medium clove garlic While simmering toast your baguette slices on both your freshly made cheesy croutons on top of the soup in • 8 slices of baguette, cut on the angle side. Take the garlic and ‘grate it’ along the toasted each bowl. • 500g Gruyere cheese, grated baguette slices before covering them with cheese and Garnish with the chives. • Freshly cut chives sticking under the grill until the cheese is melted and As always, please send any feedback or • Salt and freshly ground black pepper gently bubbling. comments to [email protected] 35 Police News

All your latest news and information from the Warwickshire Police Local Policing Team for North Warwickshire South (Coleshill) and West (Water Orton/Curdworth)

Vehicles Seized and Follow us on Facebook, search for: Community Policing at Collisions Attended Atherstone & Coleshill Safer Neighbourhood it’s Best Team or scan the QR code here. It’s not all enforcing the law, dealing Members of your SNT and patrol with crimes and traffic offences. Your officers have been seizing Crowds Dispersed at Water Orton Rave police officers are human too and vehicles in the area for different often they go above and beyond when reasons. dealing with Incidents. Following reports of a rave that was In the lead up to Christmas, PC2190 taking place, patrol officers based at Howells and PC2216 Corless, patrol Coleshill Police Office attended Marsh officers working from Coleshill, attended Lane, Water Orton to investigate. an incident involving two elderly residents in their 90s. After speaking to Vehicles showing no TAX and The report of an illegal gathering that was them they were informed that their TV vehicles seen in suspicious suspected to be a rave was reported to aerial was broken and they hadn’t been able to watch the TV for over a week. circumstances have been taken off police by a passing member of the public. the road following information When officers arrived they were greeted by Clearly this wasn’t acceptable and they received from the public….you a large crowd of people. Some of the crowd couldn’t just walk out and go to the next incident, so they decided to do report it and we follow it up!! immediately became abusive and something about that…. aggressive and being throwing missiles at With road conditions poor, we the police. The attending officers used their have also been dealing with a skills and knowledge to calm and disperse the crowd and details were taken number of road traffic collisions. from a number of them. Those people were reported for breaching Covid These collisions guidelines and will be notified of action taken against them in due course. range from those It appeared to officers that the majority of people who attended this event that could’ve ended felt that they were entitled to do so and that they wouldn’t be affected if they up with very serious were to catch the virus. They showed little forethought in who they may be injuries to others taking home to. If they then passed this onto elderly relatives then the where a little more enjoyment of a night out might not seem as worth it in comparison to the care and attention The result?....2 happy customers and long term effects. would help…. a working TV. Please think of others when you consider attending events like this.

Dangerous Find Whilst Magnet Fishing Avoid Becoming a Victim of

We are aware that there has been an increase in people Burglary magnet fishing in and around the area. In the main it may be just the odd shopping trolley or rusty bike that is found, As the nights draw however, on occasions, the find might be a little more in We are asking

interesting…and dangerous! you to look at the security you have Your local Safer Neighbourhood team were called to a location within your homes after a member of the public called to say that they had and perhaps con- recovered a number of grenades from a stretch of water. This sider a few things. usually means that someone has found what they think is a Simple steps taken grenade and it’s all quite innocent….not in this case. can prevent you from becoming the 19 Mills bombs or grenades were fished out of the water and put victim of a burglary. in a bag….2 of these still had the pins in! Using timer switch- es are an inexpen- The area was of course cordoned off and the nearby road was sive deterrent to closed and the experts were called in. Thankfully they were all give the impression deemed safe and the ones with the pins still in place were X- you are at home rayed and found to contain no explosives or detonator. They and by simply checking doors, have been taken away and will be disposed of. windows and gar- den gates are locked will help in Please be mindful about what you are bringing out of the water. Items might have been in keeping your prop- there for years and could be dangerous when brought out and onto dry land erty safe. 36

Platinum 0121 747 7202 07814 566657 Februaryor 07792 508819 Update We thought we’d start the year off by looking at some of the various decorative painted to match the rest of the woodwork. The area of wall above the picture rail is features of houses and the history behind them as well as giving you some known as the ‘frieze’ and is usually painted white as part of the ceiling but interest ideas on how to go about decorating them. Many of these features started life can be added by experimenting with different colours. As a point of interest, although with a practical purpose that was eventually no longer necessary and so they these days the frieze is simply a small section of wall, it was originally an ornate plaster became purely decorative. Other features were decorative from the start. moulding that ran from the cornice down to the picture rail. Cornice: This is more commonly known as coving and is used to cover the join in the Skirting Board: This is the wooden trim that runs around the base of the walls. It was corner between the ceilings and walls. Historically it was a standard feature in most introduced to disguise the transition between wall and floor and to protect the walls properties but maybe less common in more modest houses. Large stately homes would against knocks and bumps. As dado rails fell out of favour in the Victorian era skirting have very ornate designs inspired by classical architecture with the most intricate boards became bigger and more of a feature. These days they are often very minimal and designs reserved for the most prominent rooms and rooms that would host guests. simplistic in design. Dado Rail: A dado rail is a thin strip of wood that runs around the whole room at a Ceiling Rose: Rarely fitted these days, a ceiling rose is traditionally a very elaborate height of around ninety centimetres. They are more common in period properties such circular plaster moulding that would be fitted to disguise where the light is attached as Victorian and Georgian houses and are rarely installed in new properties. This is a to the ceiling. When they were first introduced people were still using gas lights. The shame because they can offer many varied options for decorating. They were originally elaborate design of the ceiling roses was intended to catch the smoke that rose from the introduced in the Georgian period when furniture such as chairs would be leant against gas lights. They were also often designed with holes in them to allow the fumes to escape the walls- the dado rail prevented the furniture from damaging the walls. Once the between the ceiling and the floor above. They are now only installed for decorative Victorian era was underway they started becoming more of a decorative feature until purposes and can be a very effective way of adding interest to an area that is often over they eventually stopped being used. They were re-introduced in the early twentieth looked. They are usually painted the same colour as the rest of the ceiling. Anyone that Platinum_ID_ad_93x70(outlinedcentury as a purely decorativetype).indd feature. 1 Most commonly these days they are painted11/08/2015 has painted 12:25a very intricate ceiling rose will know that it takes a lot of patience to ensure with white gloss, satin or eggshell in line with the rest of the woodwork. It can however you cover all the difficult corners in the design. be very effective to use darker colours on the woodwork to make it more of a feature. Architrave: This is the strip of wood that frames the doorway- sort of an extension of the Another interesting look is to paint the dado rail the same colour as the walls for a more skirting around the door frame. Its function is to hide the usually untidy join between subtle feature. It can also add interest to use a different colour or variation of the colour the plaster wall and the door casing and also to cover any cracking caused by shrinkage on the walls above and below the dado rail. and movement between the two. The word architrave comes from the beam or lintel that Picture Rail: Very similar to dado rails these are usually situated closer to the ceiling sat on top of columns in classical architecture. and were originally used to hang pictures from. If you visit any stately homes or watch Corbels: These are ornamental brackets used to decorate archways in many period historical period TV dramas you may have noticed pictures hung from chains attached properties. They can be very imposing so they require a room with a lot of space but when to the picture rail. These days they are purely decorative and as with dado rails usually done well they can turn an otherwise bland arch into a stunning feature. I DRAW. INK AND PENCIL PORTRAIT COMMISSIONS

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Coleshill Town F.C. First Team Update At the time of the Coleshill Post going to print the future of the 2020/2021 season is This time round the joint committee may decide to implement promotion and relegation undecided but at this time no games or training are allowed. The level of football that on a points per game basis. What would that mean for the Colemen? Coleshill play is regulated by a joint committee of the Northern League, the Southern The last League game that Coleshill played was a 2-0 Home win against Wantage Town League and the Isthmian League. All secretaries for all clubs in those three leagues on Monday 2nd November. That was the Colemen’s Eighth League game which took have received a questionnaire asking for opinions as to how football can progress. The them to 13th place in a table of 20. So I think it is safe to say Coleshill won’t be involved problem is no one knows if/when the government will announce it is safe to restart Non- League football. in promotion or relegation discussions should the tri -committee decide that is the way The options vary between extending the season, only playing each team in your league to go. once (Home or Away not both), or suspending the season again for the second successive Times are hard as bills still need to be paid and no income but CTFC has been going since year. Unfortunately the latter seems to be the most likely at this time. The 2019/2020 1885 and two World Wars couldn’t stop them so a little thing like a major pandemic isn’t season was declared Null and Void meaning that there was no Promotion or Relegation. going to stand in their way. Coleshill Town FC will be back, just don’t know when?

A new game begins Saturday 23rd January. If you wish to play, stand a reasonable chance of winning a big prize and help support your local football club, then contact Coleshill Town Football Alan Beckett ( 07791740976) or Colin Wheatley (07804253316) and we’ll get you signed up. Participants pay their £2 per week via monthly standing order to the Supporters Club bank account , and receive regular updates by e mail on how many numbers they Supporters Club National need to scoop the prize. The CTFC development fund has helped the Supporters Club raise money to fund a new Lottery Bingo stand at Packmeadow, repair the drive, improve match day hospitality accommodation ( We all dream about winning the national lottery (even if we don’t buy a all three are minimum requirements for entry into the Southern League) and start mini- ticket!). A ticket to your dreams for just £2 . What would we buy ? A big house, soccer & new kids teams from Under 7’s to Under 10’s. Please help us to raise funds for the club by participating in our national lottery bingo game. You never know, it could be a new car, a yacht, villa on a tropical island? The lottery funds good causes you scooping that big prize! too. So what’s not to like? The problem is the odds against winning the top prize are estimated at 1 in 45 million. Maybe a weekly game of bingo with that £2 is a better bet? Three years ago Coleshill Town FC realised that in order to improve facilities at the Packmeadow ground (in Packington Lane, Coleshill), fund a first team squad capable of getting promoted to the Southern League and to help set up a new youth team infrastructure , new ways of raising money had to be found. A group of officials and club members set up a rolling weekly bingo game based on the national lottery. The game is currently being run by the Supporters Club, a non-profit making organisation dedicated to improving all aspects of the football club. By choosing a set of seven numbers from 1 to 49 (that was the original lottery sequence), participants could check their own bingo cards every Saturday night to see if they’ve won. Players pay a £2 weekly subscription to the club for each bingo line . £1 goes into the pool and £1 to the CTFC development fund. The first person who gets all seven of their numbers wins the jackpot. The last game paid out £901 to two lucky winners (Dewi Jones and Nigel Peet, pictured below) who shared £450.50 each. Dewi Jones Nigel Peet CTFC Junior Section In normal circumstances I would be shouting from the roof tops about how CTFC Junior Section is going from strength to strength BUT due to this horrible pandemic everything has come to a standstill. However, plans are underway to keep the Junior Section going and expanding. The Mini Soccer, which is for boys and girls from three years old, was going really well on a Friday evening at the Leisure Centre and on a Saturday morning at the Memorial Park with a regular attendance of 30 or more all being put through their paces by head coach Alex Dulu and his excellent staff. And the two teams, under 7’s and under 10’s were progressing week on week. The plans for season 2021/2022 is to continue and expand the Mini Soccer and start a new team from that Soccer School and start a new team to start to fill in the gaps. By September we should have four teams, under 7’s, 8’s, 9’s and 11’s which would double up on the amount of teams we had last year, and if we do that every year it won’t be long before we have a continues pathway all the way through to the First Team. To achieve this there is a tremendous amount of hard work going on behind the scenes and I would like to thank everyone who is doing their bit towards the future of CTFC but the biggest thanks must go to our main sponsor ENVIROTECH, a local business, who have backed us from the start and continue to do so even through these difficult times. Thank you from all at CTFC Junior Section.