The Coleshill Post - May 2014

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Issue #10 - April 2014 Published in Coleshill, North Warks.

The Coleshill Post @ColeshillPost

Your Local Property

PART 3 OF THE LORD PLUMB INTERVIEWS See page 24

for residential & commerc

Pages: The only source

ial property sales

& lettings

OUT

The Coleshill Post @ColeshillPost

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re charity’s futu

shill will help secu

in Cole New homones a development

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

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4 PAGE PUL

work BELLWAY has started will help to secure the of family homes which based in Coleshill. homes on future of a charityincorporate 74 family

HudArden Heights will occupied by the Father land which was previously on son’s Society. will be accommodated The charity’s new offices complex of 39 apartments the site and a retirementand Stone. for will be built by McCarthy provide financial stability RoThe joint venture will for the the social care agency the society, which is will enable of Birmingham. This man Catholic Diocese Coleshill and its headquarters in the charity to retain safeguardacross the region, while expand its services ing around 250 jobs. £875,000 for will also generate The development six years Borough Council over North Warwickshire Bonus. through the New Homes four and five-bedroom famtwo, Bellway is building 22 affordHeights and will deliver ily homes at Arden

of the able homes. open in May but some The sales office will have already the market and two homes are now on Stephen been sold.

Director for Bellway, for Sales and Marketing be a landmark development Rose, said: “This will the historic involved understands Coleshill. Everyone have worked site. All three parties make a significance of the ensure the new buildings closely together to area. to the character of the frontage positive contribution create a stunning new on this “Arden Heights will The four-bedroom homes along Coventry Road. selling well off-plan. part of the site are already for more family homes in “There is strong demand housing for local people. this area, as well affordable needs while be addressing these SociWe are pleased to future of Father Hudson’s helping to secure the

currently ety.” at Arden Heights are visit Four-bedroom homes For more information Solihull available from £251,995. at Hazelmead in North Bellway’s sales centre opening un5pm daily, with late on from 10.30am to Alternatively call Julie til 7.30pm on Thursdays. www.bellway.co.uk 07805 770720 or see

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BY RICHARD HARWOOD

thecoleshillpost. hecoleshillpost.co.uk

A PUBLIC meeting was held on Tuesday 18th March to discuss future proposals for the Daw Mill colliery site in

hoiceproperty.co.uk B46 3BJ | www.firstc property.co.uk 140 High Street, Coleshill, enquiries@firstchoice

Arley, North Warwickshire.

Harworth Estates believe that the most appropriate use of the site is to develop industrial and storage uses - utilising the existing road

and drainage infrastructure . North Warwickshire Borough Council expect to receive a planning application by May 2014 detailing the exact plans for the former coal mine.

See page 17...

Buffet Every Sunday

a la carte menu available on Sunday

On Tuesday 20th May the Coleshill support group will be holding their ever popular fashion show/clothes sale.

It will be held at The Cameo and starts 7.30 prompt.

Tickets are priced at £3 and are available from either of the hospice shops or from Jackie on 01675 465661.

On Saturday 14th June the group are going to try something a little different “Tea at Three”. As the title suggests, this will be an afternoon tea which will be held at Coleshill United Church.

Tickets will be £6. If you like your food then this is the place to be. Tea will consist of crumpets, sandwiches, scones and lovely cakes all delivered to the table on fine crockery. Come and join us, you won’t be dissapointed. Tickets and further information are available from Jackie on the above number.

OPEN 7 DAYS DAY A WEEK

We would like you to join us on Sunday for a buffet. We have a variety of different dishes including starters, curries, rice, nan breads and much more.

Eat as much as you like Adult £9.95 Child £3.95

Two great events in aid of Mary Ann Evans Hospice

Indian Cuisine

Sunday to Th Thursday: 5.30pm to 11.00pm 5.30pm to 11.30pm Friday & Saturday: Satu

146 High Street, Coleshill B46 3BG

FREE DELIV DELIVERY VERY YS SERVICE ERV VIC ICE (Min order of £10 within a 4 mile radius)

Tel: 01 01675 467789 Tel: 01 01675 238698

Reserve your ttable online

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@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

OPEN GARDENS REQUIRED IN WATER ORTON FOR CHARITY EVENT THIS SUMMER

Please visit The Hub in Coleshill Town Hall on Tuesdays and speak to Nino

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

The Earl of Coleshill @ColeshillB46

Parking Problems Picture the scene – you are running low on Port and need to pop to the shops to stock up, and what ensues is a journey that is I’m sure very familiar to many Coleshillians.

The search for a parking space begins with a kerb crawl along the High St, which is promptly followed by an eight point turn in the Church Hill car park, and then back to the Town Hall for a thumbs up with Paddy, before repeating the journey in the vein hope of finding a different outcome. And then of course

there’s the Parkfield Road slalom run, which can be truly terrifying if navigated during the week.

Ever since Morrisons was built on the biggest car park in Coleshill, trying to find a parking space has become an incredibly tedious task, and one wonders what impact this has on local traders. I talk to many young fillies from neighbouring business parks who would love to spend their lunch breaks in Coleshill, topping up their tans or getting some pork and stuffing from Connoisseurs, but they simply cannot face endlessly circumnavigating Coleshill, with its

confusing one way systems.

And it’s not just the volume of spaces that’s the problem. The quality of parking is often questionable too. The car park behind the chip shop gives a whole new meaning to the term ‘tight’, whilst the Morrisons car park has been engineered in such a way that every space appears to be on a slope, which presents all sorts of challenges to lone shoppers with trolleys. Even our pubs are getting in on the act, with Coleshill (Hotel) patrons being given a unique opportunity to play the little-known game of Car Park Jenga.

My final parking related gripe relates to drivers who think that hazard warning lights can be used as some sort of ‘arley barley’ to ward off traffic wardens. I appreciate that you were once able to park outside the chemist, but your use of said lights indicates that you are aware of your wrongdoing.

I have no idea what the long term solution is, but with developers seemingly building houses on any spare piece of land in Coleshill, one thing is for sure, the problem is not going to go away, but visitors might.

Mine’s a Port.

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

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

editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

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

Getting in touch People & Departments Editorial

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

Advertising

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

Photography

Adrian Jones - Photographer adrianjonesphotographyuk@gmail.com

Community

community@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

Telephone 01675 467189

Post

The Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill B46 3BG

The Coleshill Post @ColeshillPost

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

Phantom newspapers are sweeping up the country A note from The Editor YOU may or may not be aware that your beloved Coleshill Post relies totally on advertising revenue to ensure we can print every edition and keep it free to all.

In order to maintain good and trusting relationships with our advertisers we have to work hard to uphold our high standards and integrity.

Without advertisers The Coleshill Post simply would not survive, which is why it has disturbed me greatly to hear of rogue salesmen preying on hard up businesses in Coleshill. Selling ad space in newspapers that simply do not exist.

We have a permanent physical pressence in Coleshill, we employ writers, photographers, delivery people and our team behind the scenes at our Town Hall offices.

Our commitment to making this town a better place for everyone to enjoy is proven so when I hear reports of dubious companies taking advantage of our clients I feel compelled to act and give some advice on what to look out for when a salesperson approaches.

1. Always ask for a physical copy of the publication. No self-respecting sales person would venture out without the actual product they are selling.

2. Ask for testimonials and ring current advertisers to check that what you are being sold is correct.

3. Request a media pack detailing distribution and readership figures.

This is standard literature in advertising sales.

4. Check out the publication website, make sure it is current.

5. Find out where it is printed as the printers will be able to confirm frequency and whether or not it exists at all.

6. If in doubt ask to arrange a visit to their offices. If they are legit then this should never be a problem.

7. Quality over volume: The relevance of the reader is far more important than the amount of readers.

I hope this has been of some help and if you are still unsure then you can always give me a call for some friendly advice.

Yours Richard Harwood, Editor

PUBLIC MEETING: Coleshill Town Hall, Friday 2nd May 2014 at 7.30 pm COLESHILL HS2 Action Group, with the support of Coleshill Town Council, have arranged for a Public Meeting to be held in the Town Hall, Coleshill on Friday 2 May 2014 at 7.30 pm.

The meeting is to explain to

Coleshill residents what we consider to be the changes to HS2 necessary to reduce its effect on the everyday lives of the people of Coleshill. Our proposals will be put before Parliament this year during the progress of the HS2 Bill.

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Dee

BY RICHARD HARWOOD PICTURE Coleshill, 1954. Billy Hayley & The Comets were topping the charts, Roger Bannister ran his 4 minute mile, petrol cost 4 shillings a gallon and ironically Russia transferred Chrimea to the Ukraine.

But right here in Coleshill an event took place to eclipse them all. Tom and Sheila Dee were married at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church on 27th March 1954, and unlike all of those other memorable moments from that year, their’s is still going strong.

On March 27th 2014 Tom and Sheila celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, and following a tip off from their daughter Terri-Anne, Cllr Bill Richards, The Mayor of Coleshill, accompanied by the editor and photographer of The Coleshill Post, paid a surprise visit to the couple armed with a bunch of lovely flowers and a card.

Tom and Sheila first met when a dashing young

Tom pulled up on a gleaming BSA motorcycle on Coleshill High Street. He confidently approached a beautiful young lady who he thought he knew. But it was a case of mistaken identity, and after a trip the following day to Sutton Park, the rest is history as they say.

The pair have lived in Coleshill their entire lives and watched their twin boys and two girls grow up here, themselves raising their own families, giving Tom and Sheila 20 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. A fact of which they are rightly very proud.

However, we did feel a little upstaged by one certain lady when we arrived. But I think we can forgive Queen Elizabeth for sending the lovely couple a personal card of congratulations.

So on behalf of The Coleshill Post and the Town itself may we congratulate Mr and Mrs Dee on reaching their 60th wedding anniversary and judging by their vitality there will be many more blissful years to come. Congratulations to you both.

USETHENEWS Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill B46 3BG

Our News Desk is now open at Coleshill Town Hall Monday-Friday 10am-1pm editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk 01675 467189

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

The George & Dragon

PICTURES BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The Coleshill Post

Valentine Breakfast at the George Specials Treat someone Choose from special to one ofThe ourGeorge specials&this Valentines or our Dragon standard menu is available if there isBreakfast a dish on £6.50 there you love!

The Full English Breakfast £5.00 or

Breakfast Sandwiches & Baguettes from £2.20 Additional sandwich fillings & extras available.

Reserve a little romance at the George Coffee, breakfast and Wi-Fi –

BY SAMANTHA ROSE

Since becoming the proprietor Simon Kennedy has changed the décor and has organised a selection of different speciality nights. They have a resident band that play Bank Holiday Sunday’s called The Labels and live sport showing regularly in the bar.

On a Wednesday they have a pie night, featuring a selection of homemade pies which I can say from experience are fantastic. They have a marque and rooms for hire and can accommodate all sorts of functions including Birthdays, Funerals, Receptions, Christenings and business meetings. Simon and the team catered really well for the B46 crew at their networking morning. They are also featured in The Good Beer Guide. On Bonfire Night they put on a spectacular show and car park was heaving with happy customers.

There are also seven en suite rooms for hire (pictured) at a very reasonable price starting from £50 per night. They are open for breakfast from 7am and have lunch time homemade specials menu at £5.25 for one course and £6.95 for two. They also offer a homemade Sunday roast for £7.95 alongside their well known Steak and Standard menu.

a great glass way to start day.

Eat In or Take Away Free ofyour Prosecco

Served from 7am daily

for diners who reserve before 7th February!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT IS

Treat your Mom!

NIGHT

THE George And Dragon public house and hotel is a long standing community pub at the head of the High Street, situated on Coventry Road, Coleshill.

I booked a table for six recently as a treat to my family. When we arrived we were promptly shown to our seats by a very friendly waitress.

We ordered drinks and they were brought to our table. We were given time to look over the food menu along with the specials menu. We jumped straight in and ordered our mains.

As is customary we were offered a choice of potatoes, salad or peas. The food was brought out promptly and every dish was mouth wateringly delicious.

All produce is locally sourced and homemade which you can tell from the fresh taste. We ordered the beer battered fish – which is gigantic and fresh, along with various steaks which were cooked to perfection – which as a regular customer I can say this is always the case. I teamed my steak with battered prawns and a side of peppercorn sauce which gave it a real kick to form a hearty and flavoursome meal.

The George offers a good selection of desserts with a wide variety of accompaniments. The apple crumble was home cooked which I had with custard and is like no other I have ever tasted, totally scrumptious. It was the perfect end to a lovely meal.

And don’t just take my word for it, a very well known celebrity Michelin starred chef is a regular diner at The George, what more of an endorsement could you possibly wish for. Myself and my family are hooked on The George and you will be too once you’ve sampled the delights.

PIE PERFECTION

with fabulous fillings wrapped up in great flaky, golden, melt in your mouth pastry.

DON’T FORGET

All served with chips, new potatoes or mash and mixed vegetables, mushy peas or salad garnish. For only:

MOTHER’S DAY

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SHOW Choose from: HER YOU CARE. BOOK NOW TO ENSURE A GREAT TIME AT THE GEORGE! STEAkLOOK & kIDNEY, STEAk & AlE OUT FOR OUR SPECIALS OF THE DAY CHICkEN &OR HAm, COTTAGE ASK AT THE BARPIE FOR DETAILS.

& CHEESE &If POTATO PIE.it’s your Mother. it’s not one thing,

Don’t upset yours this Mother’s Day!

www.georgeanddragoncoleshill.co.uk www.georgeanddragoncoleshill.co.uk

154 COVENTRY ROAD 154 COVENTRY ROAD COLESHILL B46 3EH COLESHILL B46 3EH

Tel: Tel: 01675 01675 466586 466586

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

The local MP has been fighting against the scheme for many years and works closely with local Stop-HS2 community groups. North Warwickshire is one of the worst affected areas

by High Speed Rail outside of London.

Dan described the recent Property and Compensation consultation as ‘very important’ to residents in his constituency. The consultation outlined a number of key points including: • Express Purchase Scheme will allow owner occupiers within the safeguarded zone

lows owner occupiers who are between 120 metres and 300 metres from the line. The top figure of compensation being offered will be £22,500 staggering down through bands to £7,500 as the distance increases.

• Need to sell; the requirement to demonstrate 'exceptional hardship' will be replaced by the requirement to demonstrate a 'compelling need to sell'.

Local MP Dan commented: “For the Express Purchase Scheme, with immediate effect, the Government will not challenge any blight notices served by this group. While there is good news here for the residents of Gilson and other safeguarded areas and I am pleased that the compensation arrangements are now more

By Dan Byles MP

So it is fantastic news that the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed that crime across the country - including here in Warwickshire - has now been falling steadily since 2010.

My own experience of speaking to local people in my MP surgeries and on the doorstep is that fewer people now raise crime with me as a major concern. There was definitely an increase in the fear of crime when the County Council's controversial decision to switch off the street lights came into effect, but the evidence so far is that that fear was broadly unfounded. I know that since the switch off some local politicians have sought to link various individual incidences of crime with the lights, but the evidence doesn't support them.

According to the ONS the two principle methods of measuring crime - police recorded crime and

the Crime Survey for England & Wales (which is based on victims’ experiences rather than police figures) - both show that crime has fallen by more than 10 per cent nationally since the General Election in 2010. Other indicators also show that crime is falling – for example, National Health Service data shows the number of people admitted to hospital for assault is falling. In fact, the Independent Crime Survey shows crime is now at lowest level since the Survey began in 1981. Here in Warwickshire the latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics show that recorded crime has fallen by 11% since 2010.

When the figures show a dramatic improvement like this, it is easy to be cynical about how trustworthy the numbers are. In fact the current Government has made strong efforts to reinforce the independence and accountability of crime statistics. One of the first things it did was to transfer responsibility for crime statistics to the independent Office for National Statistics.

Last June, the Government asked HM Inspectorate of Constabulary to carry out an audit of the quality

ensure openness and transparency. I support the principle of this, but I will be very sceptical unless the commissioner is clearly independent of HS2 Ltd - and I have told the Secretary of State this.”

Dan confirmed that he intends to vote against scheme again when the Hybrid Bill is debated later this month in Parliament.

Residents who are especially impacted by Phase One of HS2, who wish to join the petitioning process, are able to do so between 29th April to 23rd May. Dan Byles MP has been granted permission by the Clerk of Petitions for his staff to take down petitions on behalf of residents in his constituency. Petitioners can contact Sandy Trickett in Dan’s office on 02476 315233.

MOT’S £35

Warwickshire Crime Figures Keep Falling CRIME is traditionally one of the issues that people raise with politicians on the doorstep, and I remember campaigning back in 2007/8 when crime was often one of the top three issues people would raise with me.

generous than before, I am still unhappy with levels of compensation being offered overall. However, it is important to note that some of the reports recently in the local press were incorrect. Some local councillors failed to properly read and understand the announcement and were quoted as saying that the higher compensation was being paid for by cutting the mitigation budget.

Thankfully this is untrue. The Secretary of State has made it clear that the higher compensation payments are being funded from the contingency budget and so nothing else will be cut in order to pay for them.

“There will also be a new Residents' Charter and an independent Residents Commissioner who is supposed to act as a residents champion and to

of crime recording in every police force, and the Home Secretary has written to chief constables emphasising that the police must ensure that crimes are recorded accurately and honestly.

So these figures are excellent news, and I am sure they will be welcomed by everyone. It is also clear evidence that the reforms of the police are working, and that those who tried to frighten people by claiming that crime would rise if we tried to make sensible reforms were wrong. The current Government had to ask the police to take a share of the burden of reducing the record deficit that we inherited from the last Government, and the police have shown they are rising to the challenge of making savings while continuing to cut crime and deliver a better service to the public. While the number of police officers in Warwickshire has reduced, initiatives such as the strategic partnership with West Mercia and reforms to working practices - in particular a strong emphasis on front line policing - are clearly working. Crime is falling, and the people of North Warwickshire & Bedworth are safer as a result.

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The Coleshill Post

NORTH Warwickshire’s Member of Parliament Dan Byles has given his views on the recent HS2 announcements.

(usually within 60 metres of the line), to serve blight notices and ask the government to buy their homes. This will be at full non-blighted market value and will also have the addition of a 10% home loss payment up to £47,000 plus reasonable moving fees including stamp duty.

•Voluntary Purchase Scheme and Cash Alternative will affect owner occupiers who are between 60 metres -120 metres from the line. Those who wish to leave but cannot sell can apply for HS2 Ltd to buy their property and they will receive the full unblighted market value for their property but they will not qualify for the additional 10% or the added uplift relating to removal fees.

•Homeowner Payment al-

@ColeshillPost

Local MP has mixed feelings over latest HS2 announcements

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

Environment Agency warned to deal with flooding threat to North Warwickshire village

The Coleshill Post Pictured: Mike O’Brien near a culvert.

LORD Chris Smith, the Chairman of the Environment Agency has been asked to intervene after problems arose with work on flood defences near the village of Whitacre Heath in North Warwickshire.

The aim is to reduce the flood risk to 304 homes and businesses.

Mike O’Brien, who served as a Minister with Lord Smith, has asked him to seek funding

to complete the flood defences around the village. The letter was sent last month after Mike O’Brien met with the Chairman Cllr Keith Woodward and Vice Chairman Cllr Tony Rumble of the Parish Council to discuss the flooding.

Mike said, “There is work underway but there is concern that some parts of the project will not be funded. I have taken the matter up after meeting with Parish Councillors.”

A copy of the letter is below.

Lord Chris Smith House of Lords Dear Chris I recently met with Parish Councillors representing the village of Whitacre Heath in North Warwickshire Borough who raised serious concerns about flood defences. The Environment Agency has looked into this matter and had identified a strategy for addressing the serious flooding problems in the area. Substantial sums of money have already been expended by the Environment Agency, however a number of problems have now arisen which I need to bring to your attention.

I am taking these matters up at the request of Parish Councillors. I was the Member of Parliament for the area for 18 years and will seek to reclaim the seat. I have taken up matters in the past for the Parish Council and so the Chairman and Vice Chairman asked me to look into this matter.

The concerns have arisen to some extent because the Environment Agency appears to have backtracked on its initial plans because of the cost. The initial plan was supported by the Parish Council which arose out of successful meetings between the Parish Council and the Environment Agency. The work was then started and appeared to be progressing.

The Environment Agency then appears to have decided late in the day to leave gaps in the defences that raise questions about whether the defences will prevent future flooding.

The gaps are: 1. culverts in a railway line, 2. the need to raise the Coton Road 3. the need for a pump for a low lying area.

In the light of recent floods and the commitment by the Prime Minister that the government will find the money necessary, I am writing to ask the Environment Agency to reconsider its position and to provide the level of flood security that local residents deserve.

The village of Whitacre Heath is in the centre of North Warwickshire. It is one of ‘The Whitacres’ - Whitacre Heath, Nether Whitacre and Over Whitacre. Whitacre Heath is actually the heath of Nether Whitacre and not a separate

parish. The Stonebridge Railway was opened in 1839 to provide a link between the Birmingham and Derby Railway (later the Midland Railway) and the London and Birmingham Railway at Hampton in Arden via Stonebridge. The line became redundant in the 1930s and the raised track bed is now a footpath for walkers.

The village itself lies in the valley of the River Tame. On the north west there is a raised railway track from Whitacre junction to Tamworth. Just beyond the track are the Lea Marston Settlement Lakes which flood from time to time. To the west and south the River Tame flows around the village near the Shustoke Reservoir.

The Agency agreed that the area was subject to flooding and proposed the remedial measures. So there should be no disagreement about the risks to the area or the need for some work to be done. An extensive flood bank has already been raised by the Agency to prevent the River Tame flooding Cottage Lane and south of the Birmingham Road. A further flood bank is being built just to the west nearer to the Birmingham Road. It was intended that this second bank cross the Birmingham Road and up to the railway embankment to the north-west.

1. The Culverts: The railway embankment protects the village from flooding from the Lea Marston Settlement Lakes. Once the flood embankments are all in place there should be an adequate barrier, except that there are two large culverts in the railway embankment. It had been understood that these two culverts would be blocked but it appears that the Agency no longer has the resources to do this. This is odd because the culverts are large and will take a lot of water. If the Lea Marston Settlement Lakes flood then the water will course through the culverts and flood the area around Coton Road and probably more extensively. This will put at risk a significant number of properties. I have been to see the culverts with the Councillors. On the face of it, it is difficult to understand the cost implications of closing the culverts. It may be that there are on going costs of diverting the streams which go through

them if the culverts themselves are blocked. I ask that the Environment Agency reconsiders its position and decide to close these culverts and divert the streams.

2. The Raised Road: The Coton Road cuts through the proposed flood banks. It seems obvious that a gap in the banks will cause the water to flow through the gap at the low lying road. This will flood the area. I understand the cost of raising the road to a level commensurate with the banks would be considerable. The problem is that the failure to raise the road compromises the efficacy of the floodbanks. In other words without raising the road the floodbanks will not do their job of preventing flooding. I ask that the Environment Agency reconsiders its position and decides to raise the Coton Road to ensure that the flood protection works.

3. The Pump: Miss Sue Russell lives and runs a business at the junction of Coton Road near to where it meets the railway embankment. Since the start of 2014, Miss Russell has been flooded on six occasions. Other houses on Coton Road have also been affected.

The Environment Agency proposed that the area be protected by the creation of some further embankments and a pump on the north side of the railway embankment. That plan on the face of it appears to be a good one. The Environment Agency say they can create and layout the hard standing and facilities for a pump but the pump itself

and its maintenance must be provided by the county council and the cost of that will be up to £1 million. The county council say they cannot afford this. The residents are therefore left with the impasse that the pump is needed, but will only be partially funded. I am looking for the Environment Agency to find some way around this impasse.

If the Environment Agency can fund the pump then we will put some political pressure on the county council to take on the maintenance. If the upfront costs of the pump were to be met then ongoing maintenance would be at a much lower cost for the county council. The government has promised more funding for flooding and therefore there should be the prospect of including this project in the program.

We have seen recently that short term cost savings on flooding can lead to long-term serious consequences for local residents, as well as the government and the Environment Agency. That is why this letter is sent to you in the context of commitments by ministers and the Environment Agency to do more on flooding. This is a project already underway. The Environment Agency accepts the need for the work. The only issue appears to be the availability of money. It would be tragic if financial constraints lead to the sorts of problems in the village of Whitacre Heath that we have seen in other parts of the country. Please look again at these issues.

Yours ever Mike

LEFT TO RIGHT: Cllr Tony Rumble, Mike O’Brien and Cllr Keith Woodward

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

First prize for talented duo’s ingenious dress But two local schoolgirls, Evie Hammond, a year ten student at Coleshill School and Tula-Angel Burd a year six pupil at St Edwards RC Primary, have teamed up to create this stunning dress from back issues of ‘The Post’.

The idea came when Evie discovered it was Earth-Day on 22nd April, a day dedicated to recycling and re-using items, which also coincided with the Love Coleshill Easter Window Competition (which they went on to win).

Tula-Angel just happens to be the daughter of Julie Burd, owner of Jem Lines fashion store on Coleshill High Street. So the pair set about creating the newsworthy garment to display in the window.

Within no time the dress was ready, finished with some beautifully hand crafted newspaper flowers.

Evie said: “I made a similar item for my coursework at school and just thought this was the ide-

Sheena Brookes

BY SHEENA BROOKES THIS year most of my time is to be spent either training or fundraising!

The reason for this is in August I am taking part in the Isle of Wight Challenge - walking 106k (65 miles) around the island which I am told will take between 24-36 hours

This will be tough enough as a challenge on its own, however this is the first of the two challenges I have set myself, the next challenge is in January when I go with some friends to climb Kilimanjaro in Africa.

This is the tallest freestanding mountain at 5,895 meters high!

We will be taking the Lemosho route, climbing at high altitude for 7 days. I travelled through Africa a few years ago and saw Kilimanjaro from a distance and I remember feeling in awe of the people that climb it - and I always hoped that one day I would get the chance to climb it myself. I have decided to make the most of these challenges and raise some money for charity. The charity I have chosen is the British Heart Foundation.

I am raising money for the British Heart Foundation as my Mom, Roy (step-Dad) and two of my uncles, Brian Turner (from Coleshill) and Bob Turner all have heart problems. My Mom had to have a pacemaker fitted as she has a dilated

heart and her lungs kept filling with fluid. Roy thought he was fine until the doctor did a few standard checks which resulted in him having a quadruple by-pass! Uncle Brian was saved by a friend doing CPR until the ambulance arrived and has now had a pacemaker fitted which will also shock his heart back into rhythm if it needs to. So as my family have been helped so much thanks to the work they do, I thought I would like to help by raising money to give them something back.

After a successful curry night at the Rajarani in March, I have now organised a fundraising mid summer ball at the Coleshill Hotel, Cameo Suite on Friday 27th of June. Guests to arrive at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25 each. This will include a glass of bubbly on arrival, a 3 course dinner, coffee/tea. A raffle and auction will then be held, after which you can dance the night away until midnight.

Dress code - get your glad rags on! Posh frocks and suits - no jeans please.

If you would like to attend the ball, please contact me by email for tickets: sheenasummerball@ live.co.uk If you would like to sponsor me , please click on the link to my justgiving page where you can make a donation. All donations will be gratefully received: http://www.justgiving.com/ Sheena-Brookes1

Cllr Dom Ferro Surgeries for Coleshill North Since 2012 I have changed my surgeries and instead of sitting at the community centre waiting to see you, I have been visiting people in their homes.

It is far more personal and I can spend more time talking to people to find out how I can help them. I am also happy to answer questions put to me on the B46 Community site. If you have any issues that you need looking into, please feel free to call me on 01675 467506 or message me on the B46 Community facebook site.

I would be happy to meet you at your home or go for a coffee somewhere. I look forward to hearing from you.

al opportunity to try it again, but this time with the help of Tula-Angel.”

Tula-Angel’s mother Julie Burd commented: “The girls have made such an amazing job on the dress. It was all done using their own initiative and creative talents. And winning the Love Coleshill competition is the icing on the cake for them both. We are very proud of them.”

Richard Harwood, Editor of The Coleshill Post said: “It is a great honour that the girls chose ‘The Post’ to create their dress.

The craftmanship really is amazing.

It’s always good to be reminded that we have such talented youngsters in Coleshill. Very well done indeed girls, I’m looking forward to finding out what the next project holds in store.”

Coleshill Counselling Service Upcoming courses: JUNE:

10 week (Award) Introduction to Counselling Skills (ICSK-L2) Course starts: Monday 9th June 2014. 6.15pm - 9.15pm SEPTEMBER: 10 week (Award) Introduction to Counselling Skills (ICSK-L2) Course starts: Monday 29th September 2014. 6.15pm - 9.15pm Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK-L2) 30 week course (part time) one evening per week 6.15-9.15pm Next course starts Tuesday 30th September 2014.

OCTOBER : Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies (CST-L3) 30 week course one evening per week 6.15-9.15pm Next course starts Wednesday 1st October 2014 Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - year 1 2 Year Part Time course - one day per week 9.30am - 4.30pm (term time only) Plus 120 client hours placement in a counselling agency Next course starts Thursday 2nd October 2014 Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - year 2 2 Year Part Time course one day per week Plus 120 client hours placement in a counselling agency (ongoing from Year 1) Next course starts Wednesday 1st October 2014

For more information: Phone: 07712 891047 Email: ev_clarke@hotmail.com www.coleshillcounsellingservice.co.uk

The Coleshill Post

WELL we thought we had seen it all, until now that is. Old copies of the newspaper are often destined to grace the bottom of a hamster cage or wrap your fish and chip supper.

@ColeshillPost

Big hearted Sheena tackles even bigger charity challenges

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

Coleshill Country Market celebrates 45th anniversary

The Coleshill Post

Coleshill WI Treasurer Christine Jones with Cllr Bill Richards at the Country Market

BY SALLY JONES The mayor of Coleshill, Bill Richards, paid a visit to the town’s weekly Country Market as it celebrated its 45th anniversary with free cake and a cuppa for scores of its loyal customers.

The Market, held each Friday morning from 8 to 11am at the Parish Room in Coleshill High Street, was founded as Coleshill WI Market on April 25th 1969 and has been running ever since. Treasurer Christine Jones, 86, the market’s only remaining founder member, showed Councillor Richards the original Accounts Book with the prices of the produce still in pounds, shillings and pence. At the very first market, exactly 45 years ago, 21 members sold £29 pounds 12 shillings and 11 pence-worth of garden produce, cooked food and eggs - the total these days is around ten times that. Among the current producers are Joan Pickworth from Nether Whitacre who joined a few months after the market’s launch and she and Mrs Jones are still closely involved, making award-winning preserves and baking scores of cakes each week.

Mrs Pickworth also sup-

The lovely ladies in action manning the stalls at The Country Market

Water Orton Community library thrives but still needs regular cash to cover costs WATER Orton Library is entering its third year as a Community Library.

It is run totally by volunteers and is open every Friday and Saturday from 9 until 5 .It is fast becoming a focal point of the village. There are regular meetings of local clubs and societies , craft sessions and computer lessons plus Rhymes for under 5's from 2 pm Friday.

Teas , coffee and homemade cake are very popular from 2 until 4 , also on Fridays.

But fundraising is a big concern as we need to raise over £100 each week to cover our costs, which is why we hold regular fundraising events.

For more information please contact Carole 0121 747 7849 or joy 0121 747 3534.

Please support us!

plies knitting and needlework plus free range eggs from her own hens.

Among the main producers are Margaret Burrell, Deanna Baker and Sue Hyde from Coleshill who cook large quantities of cakes, pastries, pickles, seasonal treats and savouries each week. Despite recent ill-health, Market Manager Margaret Stallard still supplies a variety of hand-made cards which are always in demand. Martin Cross from Water Orton grows a variety of flowering plants for the Market as well as selling wild bird food and feeders.

Dawn Bagley from Over Whitacre supplies plants and vegetables in season plus flower arrangements and the Market is renowned for its knitting, crafts, glasswork, local honey and unique gifts.

“It’s great that we’ve kept going all these years and have celebrating our 45th anniversary with free drinks and home-baked cake for everyone,” said Christine Jones. “We’re one of just four Country Markets still running in Warwickshire and the second oldest.

It’s a real social occasion each week too and often our customers come in to have a coffee and a chat by the fire.

Luckily we‘re well supported and have two newcomers, one producing cut flowers and the other selling fruit from her garden, so there’s a real variety of produce each week. The Market is open every Friday except in January and all our produce is high quality, homemade and competitively priced.

We’re always keen to welcome new members too.”

Wednesday 7th May at 6.30pm

Dementia awareness evening at Orton Manor ‘Friends of Orton Manor Nursing Home’ announce their next community meeting on Wednesday 7th May at 6,30p.m. where speakers from the Alzheimer’s Society will explore the subject of dementia and dementia care.

Visitors are invited to bring questions with them and there will be the opportunity for informal discussion over refreshments.

None of us care to think too much of aging and ill-health.

However, understanding how we are likely to age, planning our physical and mental well-being and understanding the support we might need can be empowering.

The evening is a community information event open to anyone who would like to learn more. If you are a carer who could bring the individual you care for or make alternative arrangements, you would be most welcome.

Please let us know if you plan to attend by ringing Mandy at Orton Manor Nursing Home on 0121 749 4209.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

A Coleshill man who says he hates running successfully completed this year’s London Marathon.

Proud WI member Ena Rawlinson with her 100th year birthday greeting card from Her Majesty the Queen

BY SALLY JONES THE speaker Graham Sutherland, a retired police inspector and Town Crier of Warwick gave a fascinating talk on “Wicked Women”, an account of some of the most celebrated 18th and 19th century female criminals and their victims.

Among them was the devious mass-murderer Mary Ann Cotton, notorious for having poisoned at least 20 people including 12 of her own children and step-children and three of her husbands with arsenic. She was hanged near Durham in 1873. An accomplished historian specialising in crime and social subjects Mr Sutherland also described the scandalous life of Elizabeth Chudleigh, the unscrupulous society lady who made a bigamous marriage to the Duke of Kingston in 1769 before getting her comeuppance and fleeing abroad to escape justice.

Jane Mills won the competition for a wildlife photo with a vivid study of a blackbird while Brenda Sheard’s photo of geese on the River Ouse was second.

Elaine Partridge brought a selection gifts and jewellery to raise funds for the WI. During social time, the versatile Jane Mills taught members how to make a graceful origami swan

within 20 minutes.

Committee member Joy Hancock, a much-loved former Coleshill Guide captain and Sunday School teacher, celebrated her 80th birthday with a lively party at the Town Hall. Apart from the WI, she is also a dedicated and hard-working member of a range of local clubs and organisations including the Women’s Fellowship, Trefoil Guild, Probus and Coleshill Church. In lieu of presents, guests made generous donations to the Warwickshire Air Ambulance and the Children’s Society.

Members signed a card to mark the 100th birthday of Coleshill WI’s oldest member Ena Rawlinson who lives at Servite House in Coleshill and still takes a keen interest in Institute doings. Mrs Rawlinson, a talented pianist and artist, also received a congratulations card from the Queen and enjoyed a family party given by her twin sons Brian and Kenneth.

On May 13th Rosemary Prosser’s talk, “One Egg or Two” will give the lowdown on her experiences as a landlady. The competition is for a Holiday Disaster story in 150 words. The June talk will be on the work of Birmingham Dogs’ Home with a competition for an animal made from vegetables. Visitors welcome as always.

Birthday girl Joy Hancock celebrates in style

Chris Watts crossed the finish line on London’s Mall 5 hours 40 minutes and 14 seconds after setting off from Greenwich in brilliant spring sunshine.

Speaking after the run, Chris said he was exhausted but really pleased to have finished what was such a tough challenge.

“The atmosphere out there was really amazing and the crowd really helped to pull me round the course. It’s such a relief to have finished. I’m probably going to sleep all day tomorrow.”

The 25 year old who is a Team Leader at Ikea, had been training hard for the big day by taking part in half marathons and tough

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assault courses. In the last few weeks he completed the Coventry and Surrey half marathons.

Chris has raised £633 so far for Farm Africa. The leading UK charity is working to tackle hunger in eastern Africa by helping smallholder farmers there to grow more food through agricultural training and improved technology.

To maximise the funds raised for Farm Africa, Chris plans to hold a raffle with prizes donated from local businesses - and also a pub quiz - in the weeks after his marathon run.

It’s still not too late to reward Chris for his amazing hard work over the winter getting himself fit for the Marathon. You can donate to Chris’s fundraising page here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/Christopher.Watts

The Coleshill Post

Marathon success for Coleshill man who hates running

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Double birthday bash at Coleshill W.I. April meeting

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

BY RICHARD HARWOOD

THE Cooper family have been farming the land at Mullensgrove Farm near Curdworth for over 80 years.

Their farm shop is thriving, serving both the public and many, many local restaurants.

Set in idiylic surroundings, the beautiful old farm house sitting on the banks of

a picturesque lake with the rolling North Warks countryside in the background.

But this is all set to change as phase 2 of the planned HS2 development threatens to destroy the entire farm and the Cooper's businesses along with it.

Owner of AM Cooper farm shop George Cooper commented: "Our original farm shop was in Curdworth for over 10 years but we had to move here when Asda opened their store

in Minworth. The shop is now thriving and we have some big plans for the future. However when we found out the news about the HS2 coming this way our plans had to be put on hold."

"I understand that progress needs to be made, when the motorways were being built people had similar concerns. But trying to get any sort of straight answer from HS2 Ltd is just impossible. We only found out that we were on the direct

route by looking online."

He added: "As soon as HS2 confirm the facts we can continue with our plans. One thing is for certain, and that is that we will continue to run the shop, even if the location has to change."

The shop began as a wholesale operation but is now also open to the public.

The range and quality of the super fresh produce is amazing and being a wholesal-

er you are guaranteed a bargain.

There is also a range of fresh local meat, cheeses, preserves some huge duck eggs and lots lots more.

Whatever effect the HS2 has on Mullensgrove Farm one thing is certain, George Cooper will not give up so please pay him a visit and get yourself some of the best fruit and veg around.

Delivering to local hotels and

restaurants, including sliced & chopped veg.

FARM SHOP

Open 7 days a week to the public: Monday - Saturday: 6am - 6pm Sundays: 10am-3pm

Rd, Curdworth B76 0DF Tel: 01675 470075. Mullensgrove Farm, Kingsbury

PICTURES BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The Coleshill Post

HS2 Limbo for popular local farm shop owner

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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Cllr Mick Stanley - Leader of NWBC

Local people will pay the price for housing boom

The government is manufacturing a housing boom to boost the economy before the general election. Local people will pay the price in massive new housing developments where they are not wanted. In previous columns I have mentioned the government’s tool of choice is the National Planning Policy Framework, the ‘NPPF’.

Some houses need to be built. We have consulted with local people about where to build them. In Grendon we agreed the sites. The developers have ignored those agreements and gone for the easy option of building on green fields, knowing that under the NPPF we will find it more than difficult to

As a result of the NPPF, the towns and “villages of North Warwickshire are now at the mercy of developers. The council can be overruled if we fight bad developments. refuse them.

The NPPF is affecting people in Grendon right now and threatens other areas of North Warwickshire like Atherstone and communities across the whole country. It basically removes power away from councils and gives it to developers. It’s a dictatorship from Whitehall.

My council unanimously refused the planning application in Grendon. The developer appealed and said the NPPF meant we had to give permission. The Planning Inspector said, “…in accordance with paragraph 14 of the NPPF

the scheme would be sustainable development to which the presumption in favour applies.” In other words the government has rigged the process in favour of developers and against local decisions by local councils who are closer to local people.

As a result of the NPPF, the towns and villages of North Warwickshire are now at the mercy of developers. The council can be overruled if we fight bad developments. It would cost the council tax payer thousands in legal costs. On Tuesday Dan Byles told this newspaper in a disgraceful way that

”

the council is to blame because we have not got a Local Plan in place. Tuesday was April 1st so I thought he might be joking, but he is trying to be serious!

The Local Planning process is proscribed by Parliament. Lots of consultation is required and it takes a long time, but councils must comply with it. For example we had an government inspector examine the Local Plan in January and its now April and we have still not had the response.

Dan Byles supported the NPPF in Parliament, yet runs around community groups saying he opposes every de-

velopment. He voted for developers to build houses where they wanted them, regardless of the views of the council and local people and developers are doing so. Does he really expect people to believe he voted for the NPPF in Parliament but it would not affect us here?

Developers just love the Conservatives these days. No wonder Mr Byles has just declared that another developer has given his Conservative Association a donation of £10,000. His views on housing in North Warwickshire might have more credibility if he handed the money back.

The people of Grendon are angry. I share their righteous anger. The people of Atherstone now face a threat of 660 houses. We as councillors – of all parties - have supported local people but local people have been let down by their MP. These MPs may get their housing boom before the general election, but I just hope that local people will understand what has really happened.

The Coleshill Post

THE decision of the government’s inspector to overrule North Warwickshire Borough Council by allowing 85 new houses in the small North Warwickshire village of Grendon is a threat to every Coleshill Post reader. I very politely ask readers to wake up to what is happening.

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

A COLESHILL Mum has started a campaign for new traffic lights and a crossing on Coventry Road, because it is too dangerous for the hundreds of children who daily cross it to get to school the schools in Packington Lane.

Donna Hebblethwaite who lives in nearby Stonebridge Road said, ”Children need to cross Coventry Road every day and it is very busy in the morning rush hour. We need a crossing urgently.

I don’t want to see someone’s child killed trying to dodge between cars.”

Packington Lane in Coleshill has three schools on it and the new Coleshill Leisure Centre will open later this year. The Lane joins the Coventry Road, which is the busiest road in the town. Parents and children, who need to cross Coventry Road to get to the schools, often have to wait for a gap in the traffic.

Mrs Hebblethwaite contacted Mike O’Brien to ask him to support her cam-

The project has been planned for several years and the planning application was first received in June 2013. There were two months of delays at North Warwickshire Borough Council before the project was finally given a green light in August of last year and works began the next day.

Although there was a temporary halt due to the unprecedentedly bad weather over the winter, works have now started up again and are due to finish in the next 4-6 weeks. The project will put in place embankments that significantly upgrade the current defences from providing protection for a 1 in 50 year flooding

event to 1 in 200 years using 110,000 tonnes of clay.

After seeing the works and meeting Environment Agency staff Dan said, ‘It was great to be able to go out and see the scheme for myself. I have been aware of the concerns of local residents about this scheme for a long time, and have discussed local flooding issues with a number of residents. I now wanted to speak to the people in charge of the project. I can confirm that contrary to some mischievous claims, this project has not had a penny cut from it and every single planned outcome will be met by what has been put forward.’

“Some misunderstandings have been circulated, and sadly what should be a good news story has become controversial. We need to remember that at a time when communities in many parts of the country are calling for their own flood relief schemes, we

LONG serving members of staff joined the Mayor of North Warwickshire, Councillor Dominic Ferro, Deputy Mayor Councillor Ray Sweet and Chief Executive Jerry Hutchinson to mark 40 years since the Borough Council was formed.

1st April 1974 marked the first day of the new Council after local government reorganisation. Four members of staff present at the ‘ruby anniversary’ celebrations joined the Borough Council that year. Norma Tallis and Alan Coll have even longer service as they began their careers with the previous Atherstone Rural District

Council in 1969 and 1971 respectively. Councillor Ray Sweet is the longest serving Borough Councillor and will mark his 40 years in May this year, having previously served with Atherstone Rural District Council.

Councillor Ferro said: “ It’s a great privilege for me to present these certificates to our members of staff who have been with the Borough Council for 40 years or more.

We may be one of the smallest Councils but we have a dedicated team of employees, who have a ‘can do’ attitude and are always prepared to go the extra mile. “ Each member of staff received a certificate to mark the 40 years of the Council signed by both the Mayor and the Chief Executive.

Russell’s

Dan Byles MP visits Whitacre Heath flood defence scheme DAN Byles the MP for North Warwickshire has visited the £2.5 million flood defence scheme in Whitacre Heath to speak to the staff working on site and catch up with progress so far.

40th birthday bash for NWBC

The Coleshill Post

PICTURED: Concerned Coleshill Mum Donna Hebblethwaite, her daughters Demi and Hollie and Mike O’Brien in Coventry Road.

paign and at 8.30 on a school morning took him for a walk along Coventry Road from ‘Springfields’ to St Edwards School in Packington Lane to show him the problems.

Mike O’Brien said, “Coventry Road is a busy road. I walked with Donna Hebblethwaite and her daughters Hollie and Demi from Springfields to the top of Packington Lane. At the junction with Packington Lane we had to wait five or six minutes for a gap in the traffic to get across before walking to St Edwards School. I strongly support the need for traffic lights and a crossing.

“We need safe routes so that children and parents can walk to school and the older children can walk to school by themselves.

I have written to the county council calling for the lights to be installed as a matter of urgency.”

Town Councillor Harry Taylor knows the junction well. He also walked the route with Mrs Hepplethwaite. He said, “I understand the county council has the money for the traffic lights but there have been long delays in doing anything. Apparently they wanted it installed down near Springfields, but that’s too far away. If it’s near Springfields, then the children will also have to cross Packington Lane to get to school. To be safe it needs to be where people actually cross the road, probably by the red Post Box at the junction of Coventry Road and Packington Lane. We need a sense of urgency about this.”

The campaign has an on line petition calling for the new crossing to be installed.

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Making your life stylish Since 1966

have a £2.5 million project under construction which will boost our defences in Nether Whitacre from river flooding.

As we know river flooding and surface flooding are different, and frustratingly are dealt with by different organisations. So this project isn’t the solution to all potential flooding in Nether Whitacre and never would be, however I’m very confident that it is a very good first step.”

“There are no gaps in the project either; the culverts under the railway are higher than the level the water would come to in a 1 in 200 year flood. It wouldn’t make sense for the Environment Agency to spend such a large amount of money on a project

that isn’t going to work. I have asked them directly about this and they have said they wouldn’t have done it if there were gaps in it.”

“The initial plan was to raise the road and some people have suggested installing pumps as well. Unfortunately raising the road proved to be unworkable in practice and the alternative solution put in place provides the same results. The Environment Agency are also looking at spending extra money addressing a separate surface water flooding issue on Coton Road in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, and they plan to discuss these separate proposals with local residents in May.”

@ColeshillPost

Call for new school crossing in Coleshill

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Coleshill firm ‘Wired for Pounds’

The Coleshill Post MAIN PICTURE: The entire group from MCD Rectuitment. INSET: The point of no return.

Officials carry out final safety check.

ON Saturday 12th April a local Coleshill based business MCD Services & Recruitment, faced their fears by organising a group of daredevils and heading down to the longest and fastest zip line in Europe.

Organisers Tim Costello and Penny Sheward put together a team of 19 people who headed to Penrhyn Quarry in Snowdonia, North Wales. The mile long zip line proved a daunting challenge, but the group overcame their fears to raise money for Bike Tours for the Wounded.

Tim said “I have a passion for motorbikes and particularly travelling across Europe on them.

The time had come for me to look for my next challenge when someone told me about Bike Tours for the Wounded (BT4TW). I signed up immediately as the thought of being able to be part of this and to support our soldiers has always been something I

have felt strongly about.”

BT4TW offer respite to wounded, injured and sick (WIS) serving and veteran British Forces personnel who are caught up in cycles of medical procedures, recuperation, recovery, discharge from the service or the daily challenge of disability. BT4TW offer free of charge motorcycle pillion tours to WIS giving them much needed respite and a chance to relax away from their daily lives.

Through sponsored tours their mission is to raise £250,000 for nominated British Forces Charities and in addition, provide a “FREE” Route 66 tour for 52 “Wounded, Injured or Sick (WIS) serviceman and women” in 2014.

To achieve their goals, they needed experienced “Host Riders” with enough of the right motivation, time and money to make this happen.

Tim continued “So I paid my fees and signed up for the trip but now have to raise as much money as we can to help BT4TW with their funding. Between now and May 18th when I fly out to America for the

tour we have various sponsored events happening to try and raise as much money as possible in support of this cause.”

Penny added “The support we received was fantastic; many of us within the group were facing fears of heights and flying through the air at 100mph! However, we put those fears aside to raise money for this amazing cause, we had 2 injured soldiers in our group, one blind and one with major burns as result of injuries received whilst fighting for our country, their strength and courage was unbelievable. It made us all extremely humble.”

Penny concluded “I would like to say a massive thank you to all that took part on the day, Mick Brown, James Berry, Lian Fisher, Max Hare, Danny Hall, Nigel Rose, Chris Jones, Liam Griffiths, Stuart Rafferty, Adam Trigger, Scott Loveridge, Ian Grant, Nick Overton, Jack Overton, Tony Overton, Nick Bott and Stuart Green” The team has managed to raise in excess of £1500 for this wonderful cause. If you would like to donate you can do so by contacting Penny Sheward – penny@mcdrecruitment.com or Tim Costello – tim.costello@mcdservices. com

INSET: Penny Sheward, joint organiser, prepares for the daredevil challenge

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

Vital training for CFR

@ColeshillPost

Coleshill Fire Station

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PICTURES BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The Coleshill Post

COMMUNITY First Responders from Midlands Emergency Response gathered at Coleshill Fire Station on Monday 31st March for some extra training.

The volunteers were invited by Station Commander Christopher Thompson to take part in a practical exercise on the subject of Road Traffic Collisions. The volunteer medical responders were instructed by retained Fire Fighter Dave Good and his crew in a mock RTC scene pictured here. The exercise was treated as a real emergency and to make it even more realistic one member of the CFR team even posed as a casualty trapped inside the vehicle.

MER Chairman, Darren Tranter, said, “Whilst CFRs are not currently officially sent to RTCs, a general awareness of procedures is immensely helpful. The practical training we received from Dave and his crew gave everyone an excellent hands-on insight as to what happens and what is required at an incident.

We now have a good understanding of the basic principles involved. This knowledge will without doubt help us all in the future. Our sincere thanks go to Station Commander

Thompson and his crew for always making us so welcome. We all look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship we have established with the Fire Service for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities”.

The charitable group primarily based in Coleshill but with members throughout Coventry, Warwickshire and Birmingham and Black Country areas attend their own regular meetings and in-house training sessions at Coleshill Fire Station. Darren explained, “Commander Thompson has excellent vision and foresight in recognising the needs of the local community and by working with all emergency services we can guarantee that local and outlying communities will be the real beneficiaries. We value the close working relationship which has developed with Coleshill Fire Station and Midlands Emergency Response very highly indeed”.

MER Community First Responders are trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service and give their service voluntarily for no pay whatsoever. MER meet once a month at Coleshill Fire Station. For more information please make contact via the website: www. mercfr.org

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Fire Safety Advice from Warwickshire Fire Service

The Coleshill Post

Smoking is the biggest house fire killer by far SMOKERS are being warned that they must wake up to the deadly dangers of smoking - especially when tired – as Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service, highlights that a third of all deaths in fires in the home are caused by cigarettes.

Smoking is the single biggest killer in accidental fires in the home, often because of careless behaviour such as smoking in bed or not taking care after drinking alcohol. And when smokers fall asleep with a lit cigarette in hand, their proximity to the resulting fire seriously lowers their chance of escaping in time.

Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service is reminding smokers to ‘Put it Out, Right Out’ whenever they light up; to install smoke alarms on every level of the home; and, to test them on the 1st of every month. Without a working smoke alarm you are at least four times more likely to die in an accidental fire in the home.

These simple steps can help prevent a cigarette fire in the home: Never smoke in bed. Take care when you’re tired – it’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning and set furniture alight Never smoke when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If your lit cigarette starts a fire you could be less able to escape.

Put it out, right out! Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished. Fit a smoke alarm and test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999 Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended – they can easily overbalance as they burn down. Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can’t tip over easily and is made of a material that won’t burn.

Moreno Francioso, Community Fire Safety said: “Every six days, someone dies from a fire caused by cigarettes or smoking materials. Despite a fall in the overall number of fires caused by these products, it’s still the biggest killer in accidental fires in the home across the country.

“Every smoker should wake up to the risks they take every time they light up, and drop the habit of smoking whilst in bed or under the influence of alcohol. The risk of falling asleep before you ‘put it out, right out’ is just too great.

“Just two to three breaths of toxic smoke can render you unconscious, so invest in a working smoke alarm and test it monthly. It can give you the extra time you need to escape if the worst should happen.”

Call 01926 466282 to see if you are eligible for a home fire safety visit and free smoke alarm, or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/firesafetycheck for the online version

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WARWICKSHIRE County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service is inviting residents from the Coleshill area to an open day at the station Wednesday 14th May ay 18:00 to see if they have what it takes to be an on-call firefighter.

Local emergency services form an important part of any community and on-call firefighters are a key element to that.

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part of a team ready to face any emergency. This could range from fires, floods and road traffic collisions to chemical spillages and community fire safety activities.

Many on-call firefighters will already have full or part-time jobs working within their local community, but when the call comes, they have to be ready to go.

Working alongside full-time firefighters, on-call firefighters are fully trained to save lives and protect their community. There is a shortage at the moment of people in Coleshill who are able

to turn out and help in an emergency.

Crew Commander, Dave Good, from the Coleshill area is a retained firefighter and recommends the role of a retained firefighter for anyone looking to serve their local community. He said: “It is an important role and it is a great opportunity to put something back into the community you live in.”

To become an on-call firefighter all you need is to be fit and healthy and live or work within five minutes of the fire station.

Because it cannot be predict when retained crews will be needed, recruits have to be flexible and available at short notice.

On average, retained firefighters will be called out two or three times a week for a couple of hours. They will also be expected to attend weekly drill nights and occasional training courses.

If you are interested in joining the retained crew at Coleshill fire station, the station are holding an open day at the station on Wednesday 14th May at 18:00hrs. If you are interested in attending please call Leeanna Kostka on 01926 852223.

A PUBLIC meeting was held on Tuesday 18th March to discuss future proposals for the Daw Mill colliery site in Arley, North Warwickshire.

Harworth Estates believe that the most appropriate use of the site is to develop industrial and storage uses - utilising the existing road and drainage infrastructure . North Warwickshire Borough Council expect to receive a planning application by May 2014 detailing the exact plans for the former coal mine.

When asked to explain at the meeting what their proposals were, Harworth Estates confirmred they would fit into planning use classes B1 B2 and B8 confirming industrial use which would utilise the large power supply at the site.

Class definitions are: B1 Business - Offices (other than those that fall within A2), research and development of products and processes, light industry appropriate

in a residential area.

B2 General industrial - Use for industrial process other than one falling within class B1 (excluding incineration purposes, chemical treatment or landfill or hazardous waste).

B8 Storage or distribution - This class includes open air storage.

But a local resident who was present at the public meeting, has voiced his concerns over the plans.

He commented: "The proposals put forward are totally innapropriate for this site. The River Bourne runs directly though Daw Mill which feeds Shustoke Reservoir 2 miles down stream. Why put the water quality in the River Bourne under more risk by building an industrial estate here."

A detailed document outlining his objections to the proposals has been submitted to Harworth Estates as requested by them at the public meeting. One major objection refers to the alleged creation of 1500 jobs as unjustified and innapropriate. He feels that the announcement of such a large number of jobs being created

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will over shadow the scale of the environmental threat at hand. Coupled with inadequate infrastructure incapable of coping with the traffic levels associated with a development of this nature.

MP for North Warwickshire Dan Byles said: ""Since the appalling fire at Daw Mill I have been in close contact with the company involved with cleaning up the site and making it safe. That has been the priority so far. Now we need to look ahead to determine what the best use for the site is. We have to remember that this has been an industrial mining site for many decades and it isn't automatically the case that all potential options are open.

Much of the land has been contaminated over the years for example, and will require substantial clean up. It is right that the borough council asked Harworth Estates to present some of the options to the community in an open forum, and I am confident that no decision on the future of the site will be made without further consultation with council and with the local

community."

Former MP Mike O'Brien, who worked closeley with Hams Hall Estate and Birch Coppice commented: “I have been very cautious about what ought to happen on the former Daw Mill Colliery Site.

“The temptation is to say that we did well 15 years ago by agreeing to open Hams Hall and the Birch Coppice site, but they were very different.

Both of them were close to motorway junctions. I campaigned hard to open both of those sites and they have brought thousands of jobs to North Warwickshire. But the Daw Mill Colliery site is not near a motorway junction, the road links are through small villages, along narrow winding roads and involve negotiating junctions that are already very congested at peak times and unsuitable for the biggest lorries.

“When I was the MP I dealt with many complaints from residents in Fillongley, Shustoke and Arley about heavy lorries going back and forth from the site. Many business parks involve large-scale warehousing. Daw

Mill Colliery Site is not well placed for that. It is rail served, but the country roads do not suit the sort of heavy articulated lorries required for largescale warehousing or the kind of industrial use requiring road rather than rail transport.

“That said, people know that the local council no longer has a veto on the use of the site. Government planning laws restrict the ability of local councils to interfere with land owners like Haworth Estates.

“Haworth Estates have consent for colliery use. Obviously that is now out of date, but it would be difficult to prevent some kind of business use on the site. The real question is what kind of business Park it becomes. Haworth Estates will put in their planning application and the local authority must consult closely with local people about what happens. However, in the end the council will have to decide based on national planning laws set by Parliament.”

The Coleshill Post will bring you more information on the plans as soon as they become available.

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Proposals for Daw Mill site cause concerns for residents

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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Back on track: www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

BY RICHARD HARWOOD

RAILWAY enthusiast Graham Smith (Pictured), from Ward End Hardwork and commitment pays off for railway enthusiast Graham Birmingham has single handedly unearthed the platform of the long lost Maxstoke train station.

The Coleshill Post

The station stood on the Hampton line which ran through Coleshill for around 50 years.

The site which now lies within Southfields Farm fell in to disrepair during the late 1950’s and was finally demolished in the early 1960’s.

The route which the track once took is now popular with walkers and still has many of it’s once glorious features including some wonderful bridges.

I have walked the route many times in the past and always wondered exactly where the old station once stood. One afternoon I stumbled upon Graham who was part way through his restoration work.

He told me: “I have always been into the railways, in particular the Hampton line. So when I retired last year I decided to keep myself busy by walking the line with a few tools and where I could, clean up the bridges and some old features.

The main reason was to make for better photographs which I take with my old 32mm Film Camera.

“The old images of Maxstoke station really captured my imagination and after a chance encounter with Southfields

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Farmer John Plumb, he gave me the go ahead to uncover what I could of the old platform.”

“I get a real sense of achievment from what I do. I hope the people of Coleshill will enjoy this little bit of local hisory and look after it for future generations to enjoy.

“I am now going to move further down the line and see what else I can find that needs a little TLC.” Graham began the mamouth task in mid February this year. The daily bus journey posed no deterent and on Sunday’s he even rode his bike to and from his home in Ward End as the busses didn’t run.

With the help of a few locals and the gift of some materials, Graham has achieved something really special. He even taught himself how to lay the bricks on the platfiorm edge.

Graham is a real inspiration, what he has managed to achieve here is what countless others must have considered doing, but never quite had the motivation.

His get up and go has given us all something to enjoy so if you get chance, take a walk or a drive down Maxstoke Lane and marvel at the handy work of a friendly, enthusiastic, dedicated gentleman. On behalf of the town of Coleshill we thank you Graham for your hard work and dedication. Hopefully the next project will bring you just as much pleasure.

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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Birmingham Childrens Hospital fundraising at Lea Marston Hotel

It was The Mayor of North Warwickshire, Cllr Dom Ferro, fundraising night and with all 150 tickets sold, the night turned out to be a great fundraiser and fun for all.

However thanks need to go out to those who supported and help raise money for local good causes. The main sponsors of the event were MARK MILNER LANDSCAPES, INDIAN LOUNGE RESTAURANT AND J SAINSBURY. Thanks need to go to these 3 for their kind support. The raffle was supported by local business including Mumsclub, mums a bit crafty, Blythe Guest House,

Heads, Carters, Sweet Things, BMW and many more throughout North Warwickshire. I had drink donations from Aldi & Ocado and local residents and the Belfry donated a Champagne Tea for two.

Wates construction donated a £50 B&Q & £50 Homebase Voucher and Spanner Autocentres donated 3 free MOT tests.

There were so many kind donations and because of them, the raffle (in aid of JDRF - Juvenile Diabetes) raised £800.

This was a staggering amount and I will confirm what was raised on the door for my charity DOORWAY. The Barry Schmidt band entertained people with a great mix of music and Mr Chef provided great food. In fact the whole night was a great success and I would like to thank everyone who came along and supported the night and in turn supported some great charities.

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The 4 star Lea Marston Hotel, Golf & Spa in Sutton Coldfield have hosted a variety of fundraising activities over the last 12 months all in aid of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Lea Marston Hotel’s staff and customers have donated money throughout the year with charity raffles, family fun days held on bank holiday Monday’s, a Ladies Charity night held in November

plus much more.

Overall the Lea Marston team has raised £2013.00 for this hugely important cause. Thursday 3rd April 2014 saw some members of the team take a visit to the hospital to hand over the cheque to Helen Bell.

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated and supported this cause. For 2014 Lea Marston Hotel will be raising money for McMillan Cancer Support.

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MAIN PICTURE: Revellers enjoying some great food with plenty of beer.

BELOW (L): Coleshill Post Sales Director Michael Moore yodels on stage for the crowd.

BELOW (R): The Barry Schmidt Band.

ON Friday 27th March the doors of Coleshill town hall opened up to dignitaries from Warwickshire and beyond and to residents from Coleshill for a night of Bavarian entertainment.

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From Town Hall to Beer Hall - Bavarian night a success

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“Love Coleshill”

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@Lovecoleshill Love Coleshill www.lovecoleshill.co.uk

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working for the whole B46 Community OPINION: LOVE COLESHILL TREASURER, ROSALIE WHITEHEAD Coleshill is changing so quickly that sometimes it feels that we don’t know the town we live or work in any more.

The challenges we face with the loss of our main car park and the building of housing and commercial developments cannot be ignored. The likely impact of HS2 may be years away but, if it does come, there is no doubt it will have a major impact on those of us who are still alive to see and hear it!

Coleshill will never again be a grand staging post on the Georgian mail coach routes as it was in the 18th Century – nor will it go back to being a sleepy market town surrounded by farms.

We are now a town filled with families and young people and most of our near neighbours are commercial developments such as the Birmingham Business Park and the Hams Hall commercial park. We are struggling to find a place in the 21st century. Families look outside Coleshill for their entertainment – shopping at Touchwood or The Fort, playing at Star City and forgetting the businesses on their doorsteps. The shortage

of parking and the traffic congestion in the Town Centre doesn’t help!

Since we cannot stop this change we have to try to influence it – to make it work for us rather than waste our efforts fighting it. We have to work together, using each other’s skills, knowledge and experience to offer all businesses and residents in the area a reason to love Coleshill.

Since “Love Coleshill” was set up over 2 years ago, membership has grown to over 70 and includes charities and schools as well as local shops and businesses, working closely with other groups in the town and the surrounding B46 area.

We are a non-political group with a clear set of Aims & Objectives that are often misinterpreted.

To set the record straight, they are as follows:• To promote what Love Coleshill and the Coleshill area have to offer to residents, visitors and businesses • To nurture & promote community spirit within Coleshill and its surrounding areas • To organise fund raising & promotional events throughout the year • To assist in marketing members’ independent retail outlets, services & other businesses in the area • To encourage other local businesses to join the Love Coleshill campaign & to become members • To maintain the Love Coleshill website and other

internet-based marketing tools • To keep the High Street alive We have over 1000 Loyalty card holders, taking advantage of special offers from our members. We run events and support those run by others. We are working with the Hub and with Coleshill & District Civic Society to establish a Visitor Centre in the Old Market Hall on Church Hill. We have been working for over a year on a project to improve Chamberlain Walk, guiding Morrisons shoppers through to the High Street. We have consulted with the Town, Borough and County councils on parking and traffic issues. We are working on creating new long stay car parking spaces for those who park their cars all day and so increase space for short stay parking on the High Street and Church Hill.

We are also pushing for extra High Street parking spaces.

Yes our members are local businesses, schools and charities - No we are not a residents’ association.

Because of that we can stay focused on the issues that impact our Aims & Objectives – and we can remain non-political.

We cannot be all things to all people – we want to be the best we can at what we do.

Our new web site www.lovecoleshill.co.uk and our facebook and twitter pages tell viewers about our offers and events. A new project to create short videos for each member, which can be linked to

QR codes that can be scanned by mobile phone, will allow customers and visitors to see what our members do whether they are open or closed.

Using developing technology, there is huge scope to change the way people shop in and use the area. Love Coleshill is sourcing funding to help implement new technology that will help drive interest and involvement in our town.

Coleshill has so much to offer us all – a great new B46 Business networking group, clubs and societies that appeal to all ages and tastes, drama, operatic and musical groups, a new leisure centre being built and a great heritage.

If you are a local business or charity, come and join “Love Coleshill” and help us write the next chapter.

If you live or work in the area, come and look at what Coleshill and its beautiful surroundings offer on your doorstep!

For membership of “Love Coleshill” visit www. lovecoleshill.co.uk/consortium, click on “download a form here” or on the charity button. You must be based in the B46 post code area. Contact Rosalie to set up your membership.

For a “Love Coleshill” loyalty card or to join our mailing list, email info@lovecoleshill.co.uk or contact Love Coleshill Treasurer Rosalie on 01675 430162.

Easter Shop Window Competition THERE were some beautifully decorated shop windows for the Easter Shop Window Competition in Coleshill this year and the winner Jem Lines Clothing and Accessories deserved first place thanks to an original design ‘recycled dress’ made out of newspaper and decorated with flowers and butterflies!

Markets

Following the successful launch of their new look web site www.lovecoleshill.co.uk are continuing to plan events for locals and in an effort to bring people to the town to help the local businesses. The next event, a Summer Market on 7th June, will be held in the town hall and the theme this season is ‘FOOD’ so if you would like a stand please contact Marie Stephenson on 07985 724842.

They are planning a whole weekend of events for the French Market Weekend in September.

The France at Home French Market returns on Sunday 14th September and the French

stallholders are looking forward to returning to Coleshill.

New window stickers

All Consortium members will soon be easily identifiable by the new Love Coleshill Window Stickers (pictured) which will be on show in May. These have been updated to reflect the red heart logo designed by Anya Devaney on the first Love Coleshill Competition in 2011.

Coleshill in bloom

Coleshill in Bloom kindly offered to include Love Coleshill when they handed out small posies of Daffodils on Easter Sunday after Church to the ladies that attended and these

were very well received.

New look web site

The new look Love Coleshill web site (www. lovecoleshill.co.uk) has all of the photos of the competition entrants on the news and events page, and lots of information on the consortium members, details of the new loyalty card offers and a spotlight page to highlight individual consortium members.

Find out how Love Coleshill came to be, and trawl through the archives for a trip down Love Coleshill Memory Lane and get up to speed with events in Coleshill by visiting the Calendar Page.

The dress was the main attraction in the window which also featured eggs, jewellery, bunnies and accessories and it stole the prize against some heavy competition from the other entries. The Photo shows Mark Clark of Commbus.com who is the Chairperson of Love Coleshill and who was entrusted with the task of judging the competition. Mark Said ‘there were some inspiring and original ideas but when I saw Jem Lines I knew it was the winner because it is so unusual.’ All the entrants are members of

the Love Coleshill Consortium: Nice Thoughts, Mary Ann Evans Hospice Shop, Sweet Things, Remember When, Carters Electrical, Penny Johnson Flowers, Books Revisited, Maggies, OJ’s Beads, and Heads.

The Easter theme was beautifully represented and the spring colours, bunnies, chicks and eggs were the main contenders, with Penny Johnson’s lambs causing a stir! Books Revisited presented an amazing collection of all books Easter including books on baking, stories for children and a giant chick! Maggie’s bunny and handbag were nestled in her window looking completely at home and Mary Ann Evans Hospice and Nice Thoughts windows certainly brightened up Chamberlain Walk! OJ’s beads had a lovely banner and pretty Easter Egg Tree and there were beautiful bunnies in Remember When and Heads of Coleshill. Carters had strings of eggs and Sweet Things hung a giant egg lantern.

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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Saturday 7th June 10-4pm

The Coleshill Post

Love Coleshill Market Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill

Fun Day with Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Roundabout and much much more!

Free admission. Raffle prizes, proceeds go to local charities. If you are interested in having a stall please call the Love Coleshill market organiser Rosemarie Day on 07775 066200

Love Coleshill Food Hall

With local produce. All local cuisine, Indian cuisine, Chinese cuisine.

Buzzard’s Valley & local brewery.

Free samples throughout the day

e rmation pleas For more info arie Day on contact Rosem g 0 or by visitin 07775 06620 apy er Th ic Holist the Wellbeing rm. fo n o applicati Centre for an l il sh 5 Love Cole Stalls cost £2 bers. em £30 Non M Members and me.

All very welco Operation Footfall is all about getting greater numbers of people into Warwickshire’s town centres.

With thanks to Warwickshire County Council for providing funding through Operation Footfall for the purpose of promoting Small Business Saturday UK We would like to thank all members and non-members of Love Coleshill who support our events and get involved in any way they can.

PICTURES BY: ADRIANJONESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The Town Hall, Coleshill hosts another Love Coleshill market on Saturday 7th June. After the success of the Christmas market and the market on 8th February, Love Coleshill are using the grant that was funded by Warwickshire County Council to help support small business by providing regular markets throughout the year. Also supporting the Market on the 7th June will be greeting card and craft stalls, fashion, children’s stall, tombola and jewellery to name just a few. New to the Love Coleshill Market will be a food hall where people can enjoy local produce. Food and drink available throughout the day. Locals can look forward to future markets on 11th October and 6th December supporting Small Businesses UK.

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Andrew Hay

A housing Crisis in a Polarised Society

The Coleshill Post

FOR a long time science fiction has had a fascination with creating prophetic visions of a future dystopia. George Orwell

gave us 1984; a society in which the government watched and controlled its citizens’ every move, enforcing its will on the people via the strong arm of a state drunk on its own authority. A few years later Blade Runner presented us with a future in which private corporations amass so much power that they had the capacity to blur the boundaries that delineate life itself. One of the most recent offerings is The Hunger Games, a film that depicts a future in which society is polarised with wealth and poverty stringently separated by the apparatus of a police state. The good thing about sci-fi is that no matter how desperate it makes our potential future look, it doesn’t matter because it’s not real.

We can all sit down, relax and enjoy a bit of mindless escapism, then emerge back into the real world and thank our lucky stars that at least things aren’t that bad.

But, beyond all the flying cars and

flaming outfits, there is something about this latest offering that runs parallel to what is going on outside the cinema. In March Oxfam released a report showing that the richest five families in Britain have more wealth than the poorest 20% of the population. It also emerged that average house prices in London rose by 13.8% whilst house prices in other parts of the country remain stagnant. At the same time as these levels of national disparity were being discussed, economic experts were using national statistics to demonstrate that the UK is experiencing an economic recovery.

In the face of such varying economic conditions, trying to use national statistics to paint a rosy picture of the British economy is a bit like Michelangelo trying to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel using a roller. In the modern world, ‘national economy’ is becoming an increasingly hollow term as bubbles of extreme affluence massively distort statistical data that is subsequently used to whitewash the intricacies of current economic reality.

The truth of the matter is that whilst

there is enough money to build huge empty office blocks in Central London, elsewhere people are struggling to find somewhere affordable to live.

This growing disparity is being exacerbated by the fact that the wild geographical variations inherent to our ‘national economy’ are not reflected in legislation that dictates the minimum wage or welfare subsidy which helps low earners stay afloat. The result is that people are being forced out of their rented homes and pushed into areas where house prices are lower.

It doesn’t matter if they are leaving behind a job, or family, or a support network. It doesn’t matter if children are forced to change schools and leave their friends behind. The logic projected is that we all have to live by our means, but the reality is that we are suffering a homemade housing crisis and, once again, it’s the people at the bottom who are being made to suffer the consequences.

The reason that this housing crisis has developed is simple. Over the last 35 years the government has sold off large sections of its social housing to council tenants at discounted prices and not used the revenue generated to sufficiently replenish stocks.

When the decision was initially made to give council tenants the right to buy, policy makers believed that the private sector would step in and build the houses needed to bridge the in-

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evitable gap in supply, but this never happened. This is because private builders have an interest in maintaining a healthy balance between supply and demand; to build enough houses to meet demand would inevitably bring the price of their product down.

Due to this fact there was no incentive for private builders to meet demand, house prices inevitably went up and the government found itself in a position where it was forced to rent social housing back from the private sector at inflated rates. This meant that the government forfeited rent revenues at the same time as inflating the cost of housing benefit; conditions that persist today.

Now these manmade conditions justify the government’s current stance on housing provision. They say live where you can afford to live, which invariably means that the wealthy are clustered together in cities that have thriving economic conditions, good transport networks, global connections and improved employment opportunities whilst the rest are pushed to the periphery. The benefits cap and the spare room subsidy are two measures being enforced by the current government that reflect the fact that policy is helping to accelerate this process of separation.

Campaigns supported by a media sympathetic to the cause show us that this problem only affects lazy, overweight, single parents and immigrants (preferably Muslim), who can’t be bothered to get up and earn them-

selves a living. Caricatured enemies of the state that we are continually told represent the source of moral decay in our once great country. This caricatured image often omits reference to the elderly, recently bereaved, young people on low wages, children and those seeking to escape abusive households because they do not fit the narrative, but it is all of the above that are affected by the housing crisis and not just those that suit projected and adopted prejudices. By installing ‘others’ as the problem and as perpetrators of their own misery the deeper systemic problems created by our elected leaders avoid scrutiny.

So as wealth becomes concentrated in global cities that host financial institutions versed at the art of economic juggling, the price of property in these desirable locations surges upwards and those who haven’t got enough money to generate traction slide away ensuring that poverty congeals at a safe distance. Prosperous areas cleansed of the poor become polarised against areas where scarce resources and limited employment opportunities provide a legitimate battleground for the desperate. All that this picture needs is a futuristic rail line that can transport the wealthy in and out of this global hub at high speed as a means of accessing housing options beyond the perimeters of the city walls and all of a sudden science-fiction’s latest prophetic offering starts to feel a little bit too close to reality for comfort.

COLESHILL AND DISTRICT CIVIC SOCIETY

THURSDAY 8TH MAY 7.30pm

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

COMPANY of the Curtain, the much-loved Award-Winning theatre group based in Water Orton, has long been home to many of the area’s brightest and most creative people.

Many members have come and left their indistinguishable mark both on and off the stage, with annual seasons of performances showcasing the best talent that Water Orton, Coleshill, Curdworth, the Whitacres and beyond have to offer. Shows, ranging from the dramatic and suspenseful to the downright silly and hilarious, have been performed for the local public, with

ES: The script for "One For The Road" was the first script out of the many that I read when deciding which play I would like to direct. No matter how many other plays I read, I just kept coming back to it! It is a witty script by a writer whose other works I also enjoy, so in the end I decided that if I keep coming back to it time after time, then it must be meant to be! I loved both the characters and the plot, and had a good idea of what I wanted as I read the script. It's also true that many people have heard of Willy Russell for his other works, such as Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine and Blood Brothers, so I thought it would be nice

incredible sets and amazing costume design to help the audience escape into the stories that are told by those treading the boards. This season has been no different, with 3 comedies being offered to entertain the audiences.

And yet, It could not be more different as each of these productions are being directed by first-timers. In October/ November, Katie Ho presented “Passing Strangers” by Eric Chappell and in February, Laura Chinn directed “Nobody’s Perfect” by Simon Williams. Coming in May, Emma Staunton will make her directorial debut with Willy Russell’s “One for the Road” and I was lucky enough to ask Emma a few questions during the busy rehearsals:Coleshill Post: This is your first time directing a production like this. What made you want to direct?

Emma Staunton: I wanted to try a new challenge! It occurred to me one day, “Why have I not tried this yet?”

I've been involved with the Company of the Curtain since I was around 14 years old and have performed on stage many times for them, as well as for other amateur theatre companies, and I decided it would be interesting to try my hand at directing. I love to act, but I also quite like to put a project together, and I figured that directing a show is doing just that. From choosing the play, to casting, deciding on setting and lots of other things, I liked the idea of organising it all!

Post: What can you tell us about the play itself and why did you choose to do it?

for people to see one of his lesser known plays. In the end I decided that I'd only be fooling myself if I decided to do another show, when I quite clearly liked this one so much!

Post: You first performed with the Company in 2005. 9 years later, you're directing your own show. How has the COTC helped you in that decade?

ES: COTC was the place that I realised my initial love for performing. I found something that I loved to do, and thought (although other people may disagree!) that it was something I was fairly good at. I've gained so much confidence over the years as a result of performing, and have also met so many wonderful people, many of whom I have stayed close friends with to this day.

The play itself focuses on a birthday celebration between 2 couples that descends into chaos, while also taking a scathing look at the society of the 1980’s (Then again, which Willy Russell script doesn’t take said look?) and includes a wonderful cast that are sure to bring the house down. The production will premiere on Tuesday 13th May and runs for 5 showings until the 17th. And now, getting tickets has never been easier, thanks to the new online ordering system available on the Company of the Curtain website (http://companyofthecurtain.com and click the “Book Now” button). You can also still order tickets via the COTC ticket hotline (01675 463 095) or via e-mail (tickets@companyofthecurtain.com).

Pictured: (L-R) Tina Williams, Roger Fuller, Helen Lowe, Richard Woodfield.

The Coleshill Post

Exciting times at Company of the Curtain

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Thom on Film Thom Hodkinson

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Harry Taylor

The Lord Plumb Interview: Part 3

The Coleshill Post

We left young Henry Plumb last month having left school at fifteen to join the war effort in running Southfields farm in Coleshill. With the German bombs dropping around him it was, as he said, “a tough, interesting start in life”.

The link between the young farmer Henry Plumb and Henry Plumb, President of the National Farmers Union (NFU), can perhaps be seen in his activities with the Young Farmers.

Plumb had joined Ansley Young Farmers Club aged 10 and then became a founding member of Coleshill Young Farmers Club back in 1943 and its first chairman (Plumb is still an honorary member 71 years later surely making him one of the oldest “Young” Farmers). He became involved with the running of the county clubs whilst also becoming very interested in judging cattle, which became a big part of his life, judging for England and Warwickshire.

The big change in young Henry Plumb’s life however, came with the unexpected death of his father in 1952 at the age of 58. “My Dad’s death changed my life in every sense.

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I was a bit anti NFU as a keen Young Farmer. I thought the NFU was an old man’s game and that they didn’t do very much. But then my Dad died.

It was so sudden and such a shock. I thought the world of him and we were great pals. I loved him dearly.”

It’s clear that the death of Plumb’s father acted as a spur for Plumb to get involved in the local community and even in the NFU and he admits that he did it, initially at least, more for his dad than for him. Plumb says, “I felt duty bound to pick up a lot of the things that he was interested in. For instance, he was one of the founder members of the Rotary in Coleshill so I joined them.” This is where the change occurred in Plumb and the young farmer was set on a course that would take him to the Presidency of

the NFU and beyond.

Whilst travelling with three young colleagues to German border in a ramshackle Morris Minor in 1959, Plumb learned that he had been put forward as the county’s delegate to NFU council. Plumb carried on enjoying himself not feeling that he had much chance against the five other candidates.

But he did and Plumb remembers he grossly underestimated his commitment to the NFU, “I thought it would be two days a month but it became much more than that”. More unexpected victories were to come and the rise of Plumb, with hindsight, seems inevitable as well as unstoppable. In 1964 there were 15 nominations for Vice-President of the NFU and the youngest, Plumb, came out on top at the AGM in London. In 1969 Plumb allowed his name to be put forward

by Warwickshire County NFU branch for the Presidency of the NFU and he got that too, defeating the incumbent Gwilym Williams.

Plumb came to the Presidency at a very difficult time for the farming industry, “we had had three difficult years with poor harvests and farmers were demanding this and demanding that.” There was in fact a militant fac-

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tion within the farming community gaining momentum led by Wallace Day from Devon. They weren’t demanding a bigger slice of the existing cake, but a bigger cake altogether, as Plumb puts it. In this fiery atmosphere Henry Plumb was to lead negotiations with the then Labour government led by Harold Wilson. With Plumb demanding more for his members the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Cledwyn Hughes was distrustful of the NFU President’s motives and irked Henry by telling him so. Negotiations continued though with the Minister feeling restricted by the will of his Civil servants and Henry by his members. Cledwyn Hughes invited Henry to have lunch with him and his wife at his house in his constituency of Anglesey, North Wales, which Plumb accepted (the two men remained close until Hughes’ death in 2001). The two men got on well and would both go to the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, to get terms acceptable to both agreed by number 10.

It was in his meeting with Wilson that Plumb pulled off a bit of a coup for the farmers without really meaning too. He persuaded Wilson to put £5 million pounds on potatoes

(whereby the government would buy any surplus crop) which would be a good soundbite for the NFU and, as the Minister and Civil Servants had predicted there would be no surplus crop that year, would cost the government nothing. Wilson was persuaded, especially as Plumb agreed to “behave responsibly” and tame the militants and the deal was done.

A couple of years later Plumb and Wilson were seated next to each other at a dinner and Wilson turned to Plumb and said “I often think of you, you’re the biggest rogue I ever met.”

It turned out that the UK had a huge potato surplus the harvest following the deal between Plumb and Wilson.

It cost Wilson’s Labour government in the region of £20 million in support buying of surplus potatoes from farmers.

Wilson’s Labour government would fall later in 1970 and Ted Heath’s Conservative government would take charge at the beginning of a turbulent decade for the UK. Next month we’ll be looking at Lord Plumb’s dealings with Heath and later with Jim Callaghan before looking at his election as an MEP.

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Monique Berry

Fashion

The Coleshill Post

Out with the ‘cold’ and in with the new!

Spring has finally sprung - hooray!

With the temperature slowly climbing, the time has come to say goodbye to your winter blues and prep your wardrobe for the new season.

Expect to witness a floral explosion this Spring as the yearly craze of floral prints and 3-D flowers is in full bloom once again. Freshen up your wardrobe and add a splash of colour with the biggest trend this season.

Opt to play it safe with pretty shift dresses or flowery co-ords; or be daring and stand out from the crowd by mixing, matching and layering a variety of colourful floral patterns - don’t be afraid to experiment and clash prints!

Despite brighter mornings and warmer temperature, we still need to bear in mind that with Spring comes varying weather conditions. One moment we’re enjoying the glorious bursts of sunshine, the next we’re being blown away by blustery wintry winds. It may be wise to keep your Winter coat around for a little while longer! If you’d rather invest in a lighter jacket for the warmer months to come, the classic trench coat and versatile moto jacket are two must-have items this Spring. As well as keeping you in style, either jacket is guaranteed to keep you protected as the temperature gradually rises.

Unlike our temperamental

weather, you can shimmer and shine all Spring long by accessorising your everyday outfits with glossy metallic tones. Add a luxurious touch to your casualwear by pairing striking silver or rose gold with soft pastel colours.

Make a bold statement with monochrome this season with contrasting hues of black and white. Whether colour blocking clean cut shades of black and white, wearing hypnotic houndstooth prints, rocking retro polka dots, or keeping it simple with classic stripes; this chic trend never goes out of fashion. Black and white combos are a match made in heaven! ®

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

BY CHELSEA COLLIS

ON Saturday 29th March 2014, I saw the Musical Oliver, written by Charles Dickens and Guy Williams and later adapted by Lionel Bart.

The production was performed by Coleshill Operatic Society at Solihull Arts Complex. I found the show to be a brilliant rendition of the 1968 musical.

The show included many young and budding actors who performed and sang to an excellent standard, throughout what must have been a gruelling schedule. (Excuse the pun!)

Molly Hopkins who played Oliver, had an excellent voice and she was a pleasure to watch on the stage. One of my favourite scenes from the production has to be the ‘Consider Yourself’ musical number, a very energetic side of the production which included lots of singing, dancing and wonderful costumes.

The choreography was well thought out for the stage space and props. Pheobe Webster played the cheeky Artful Dodger, and oozed cockney cheek and charm.

The costumes of the actors and actresses where well put together and very relevant to the time the musical was set in. Lloyd Cast played a most amusing Fagin and he had an excellent raport with Andy Cordwell who played a truly believable evil Bill Sykes. His ability to portray Bill Sykes so well was a fabulous addition to this production, and the genious inclusion of having ‘Harvey’ as Bullseye was a lovely addition to the production. Harvey, being an all-white English Bull Terrier with an animal friendly colouring as an eyepatch.

Allan Recardo was perfect for his role of Mr.Bumble with a truly remarkable voice, and his chemistry with Widow Corney played by Pauline Peach was most amusing.

Last but not least, Nancy! Nancy was played

by Natalie Bracher, who had the perfect voice and appearance for this role, and did resemble Shani Wallace from the original musical.

The musical part of the production was well directed by Kris Chase-Byrne, and although I am unable to mention all cast members, it must be said that everyone played an integral and professional role.

I am aware of the commitment and time that goes into these productions, and that cannot be underestimated. I look forward to being entertained by Coleshill Operatic Society in the near future. Great job team!

The Coleshill Post

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Gardening Phil Page

The Coleshill Post

Six of the best: Plant suggestions for your consideration If you're 'of a certain age' (like me) then the phrase “six of the best� will probably bring back unpleasant memories, but here are six suggestions for plants you might like to try in your garden.

They're certainly not rare but they aren't all that commonly used either.

Pheasant Berry (Leycestera Formosa) is a shrub which was popular in the Victorian garden. It can grow to about 6-8 feet and flowers from mid summer to early autumn. Long branching hollow stems end in dangling white flowers replaced by purple berries. Its quite spectacular and is easy to cut back in winter.

Pachysandra Terminalis is a solution to the problem of finding something that will grow in dry or damp shade.

This is brilliant! Its excellent dense ground cover with dark shiny leaves and small, insignificant white flowers that appear in mid to late spring.

Golden Hop (Humulus aureus). Want

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Heaucheras. There is almost a limitless choice of these summer flowering perennials although most tend to be in shades of red, orange or purple. They look good at the front of a border but prefer semi-shade. A good value plant for most of the year.

Dogwood (cornus alba) . Grow for its red stems to provide winter colour but also for its pale delicate leaves. Looks good when several are planted close together to form a striking clump.

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Old Salts tackle Mother’s Day

The Coleshill Post

NORMALLY Old Salts Rugby Club is closed on Mothers Day, but on Sunday 30 March 2014, the club opened its doors for a Mini and Juniors Mothers Day Meal.

As this was the first time such an event has been held, it was offered to families of the U11s and below. A total of 44 adults and children attended and those spoken to said they had enjoyed it and would definitely come again next year.

Facebook members group together to ‘Keep Coleshill Clean’ ALTHOUGH the churches together original clean up should have been on Saturday 26th April, the poor weather meant it had to be postponed.

However members of the B46 Community Facebook Group had decided to do a Cole End litter pick.

It was unbelievable to see the litter that people had dumped around the bridge and park. There was a large amount of dog mess and two residents even had the nerve to let their dogs go to the toilet next to the path by the bridge, whilst we were clearing

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other parts of the park.

Please let me point out that dog mess is a disgusting blight on our town and it is also dangerous to people's health, especially kids. Please clean up your dogs mess.

Thanks to all those who turned up to help. Check the B46 community Facebook site for other clean up events and the new Keep Coleshill Clean Campaign which has been set up by residents on B46 Community Group.

Visit the B46 Community Facebook site for great information and lively debate on everything within the B46 area.

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puddings was on offer including home-made rhubarb crumble with the rhubarb fresh from local allotments and the meal was topped off with a glass of bubbly for the mums. The young players themselves served their own families and at the end of the meal presented their mothers and grandmothers with a bunch of daffodils.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped to organise the event, the chefs, waiters and all who attended.

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The club house looked lovely with crisp white tablecloths, pink napkins, candles and flowers creating a wonderful atmosphere.

In the kitchen things were a bit different. Usually club mums are there selling cups of tea and bacon sandwiches – well not on 30 March. Mini/junior coaches and dads ditched their rugby boots and put on aprons to prepare a dinner of roast pork, mashed and roasted potatoes, a selection of vegetables and Yorkshire puddings. A choice of

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Your Local Property Pages: The only source for residential & commercial property sales & lettings

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New homes in Coleshill will help secure charity’s future BELLWAY has started work on a development of family homes which will help to secure the future of a charity based in Coleshill.

Arden Heights will incorporate 74 family homes on land which was previously occupied by the Father Hudson’s Society.

The charity’s new offices will be accommodated on the site and a retirement complex of 39 apartments will be built by McCarthy and Stone.

The joint venture will provide financial stability for the society, which is the social care agency for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham. This will enable the charity to retain its headquarters in Coleshill and expand its services across the region, while safeguarding around 250 jobs.

The development will also generate £875,000 for North Warwickshire Borough Council over six years through the New Homes Bonus.

Bellway is building two, four and five-bedroom family homes at Arden Heights and will deliver 22 affordable homes.

The sales office will open in May but some of the homes are now on the market and two have already been sold.

Sales and Marketing Director for Bellway, Stephen Rose, said: “This will be a landmark development for Coleshill. Everyone involved understands the historic significance of the site. All three parties have worked closely together to ensure the new buildings make a positive contribution to the character of the area.

“Arden Heights will create a stunning new frontage along Coventry Road. The four-bedroom homes on this part of the site are already selling well off-plan.

“There is strong demand for more family homes in this area, as well affordable housing for local people.

We are pleased to be addressing these needs while helping to secure the future of Father Hudson’s Society.”

Four-bedroom homes at Arden Heights are currently available from £251,995. For more information visit Bellway’s sales centre at Hazelmead in North Solihull from 10.30am to 5pm daily, with late opening until 7.30pm on Thursdays. Alternatively call Julie on 07805 770720 or see www.bellway.co.uk

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The need for mortgage advice www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

BY PHIL SALINAS

FROM the 26th April 2014 new rules come in to effect introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority to govern the mortgage market. These new rules mainly impact how lenders will assess and process all new mortgage applications.

In February the Financial Services Authority later to become the Financial Conduct Authority announced a complete review of the mortgage market looking at all aspects with the main objective to deliver “a sustainable market for all participants which is flexible for consumers”.

After consultation with interested parties the results were published and the key changes will be that lenders

Post Property

will have to assess applicants affordability not only at the point of applying for a mortgage but also taking in to account any potential changes over the next 5 years which could effect lifestyle, income or expenditure. This could but not be limited to getting married, having children, changing jobs. Advice must also be given where there is spoken or other interactive dialogue during the sale. This means that lenders will no longer have a non advised sales process and require that you apply through an advised sales process.

These new changes mean that now more than ever before the need for professional independent mortgage advice is essential when applying for a mortgage even if you consider that you know what you want. We will see

the time taken to apply for a mortgage increase as well as assessment and therefore the more thorough the investigation of whether a particular mortgage is suitable for you will save time and money. Do you have the time to confirm the individual lending criteria with every lender when looking for a mortgage because from now on you can no longer assume that you can get a mortgage just by having a good credit score and income. Far more emphasis will be placed on sustainability and affordability and how you will be able to afford increases in mortgage payments in the future and every lender will have their own rules as to how they implement this assessment.

I have worked in Financial Services for over 25 years and the last 8 years specialising in providing independent

mortgage advice and have built up a large amount of knowledge as well as personal contacts with the majority of lenders. This means that I am kept well informed of changes lenders introduce and have people who can help support placing mortgage applications successfully. A professional service is important to me and I always try to do whatever I can to make obtaining a mortgage as straightforward as possible. Therefore if you are looking for a new mortgage or have a mortgage deal expiring shortly then please contact on me and I will be happy to help.

Phil Salinas, Coleshill Mortgage Services Ltd 01675 467196/ 07795630520 Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

Coleshill Mortgage Services Limited

01675 467196 0520 07795 63 tconnect.com phil.salinas@b

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

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

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PACKING CONSUMABLES AVAILABLE 2014 PRICE LIST

CARDBOARD BOX & LID x 1 - £2.50- x 10 - £22.50 BUBBLE WRAP 500mm x 100m - £14.00 300mm x 100m - £9.00 HANGING WARDROBES x 1 -£14.00 BROWN TAPE Per roll - £4.95 - x 5 - £22.50 SILVER TAPE Per roll - £5.95 - X 5 - £27.50 PACKING PAPER 100 Sheets - £24.50 BLANKET / DUST SHEET x1 - £3.75 - x 5 - £16.50 WRAPPING PAPER 100 Sheets - £24.50 DRIVER AND VAN Per hour - £35.00 FORKLIFT TRUCK & DRIVER One lift - £4.00 - Per hour - £35.00

TARPAULIN SHEETS – per sheet 1.2m x 1.8m (4’x6’) ..................£5.95 1.8m x 2.75m (6’x9’)................£7.95 2.75m x 3.5m (9’x11’) ............£8.95 3.5m x 3.5m (11’x11’) ............£9.95 3.5m x 4.5m (11’x14’) ........ £10.95 3.5m x 5.5m (11’x17’) ........ £12.95 4.5m x 6m (14’x19’) ............ £16.95 5.5m x 7 m (17’x22’) .......... £22.00 7.0 m x 9.0 m (22’x29’) ...... £36.50 7.0 m x 11. m (22’x35’) ...... £42.95 9.0m x 14.0m (29’x45’) ...... £65.50 12 m x 20 m (39’x65’) ...... £116.00 18 m x 33 m (54’x99’) .... £284.00 ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO VAT

DISCOVERY HOUSE BUSINESS CENTRE

Business start-up offices available £50 per week which includes Free Wi-fi Heating

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Insurance also available Please ask for a free quotation

Additional services on site Parking from £15 per week (car/van/camper van) Caravan parking from £17.50 per week Warehouse facilities Conference room/training room available to rent On site secretarial service

www.coleshillselfstorage.co.uk

Jubilee Estate, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill B46 1JU email: info@coleshillselfstorage.co.uk

01675 464446

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Health&Lifestyle

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Chris Leeson

BY ANDREA APPLEBY ARE you lucky enough to have perfectly behaved munchkins at social occasions?

Does your child say please and thank you, without prompt? Do they sit quietly and correctly in restaurants? Well if you do, count yourself fortunate. I however do not!

My children are curious, boisterous, loud, inquisitive and individual. As parents, our own worse critics tend to be other parents.

Have you ever heard the familiar phrases "look at those naughty children, if they were my children, I would teach them manners.

If they were mine, I'd be frightened to take them out." I've heard all of these, and many more. I'm the parent who walks away from nursery, on a regular basis, head down and redfaced!

I found myself caught in the parent/public judgement trap. Measured my failures as a parent on public and social response of others with regards to my children’s behaviour.

I avoided social situations, was embarrassed because of the stares and sighs of annoyed members of the public, huffing and puffing into their meals.

The reality is, that my children are also members of society. They make appearances in public, they make noise, they start bickering. And I'm not ashamed of them, or my performance as a parent. I work hard at it!

Too many of us bow down to the public pressure. Everything must look perfect on the outside. As long as our audience has a shiny polished view, then "hey, that's what matters" Well no! Life isn't perfect, our children deviate from the plan, we adapt, they adapt.

It's a learning process for parent and child.

Through practice and experience, we get better.

So, many apologies to the numerous huffers and puffers when myself and my family have shared your restaurant space.

Apologies to your ears, having to endure the brutality of shrill screams.

But, it's time to give myself a break, along with all you other parents with little hell raisers. Don't be so harsh on yourself, your probably doing a great job. We teach our children parameters, manners, reasonable public behaviour, they won't always listen, but we continue to teach and reinforce and hopefully one day, we will be sitting in that restaurant with an incident free meal, screams will be replaced with conversation and calm. And when we do hear that familiar scream or tantrum in the far corner, we won't judge so harshly, we will remember, they are children, they are learning.

BSc(Hons) LicAcMBAcC AMB_quarter_page_220414.indd 1

23/04/2014 14:44

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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New Roof UPVC Fascia & Soffit Specialist Flat Roofing Is I your roof over 40 years old? Fed up with & Bays rrepair bills, maybe its time for a new roof.

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- Tile, Slate & Flat Roofing - Hi Performance Torch On Felts - UPVC Fascias, Soffits & Guttering - All Roofing Repairs - Skilled Qaulified Craftsmen - Fully Insured For Your Piece Of Mind

Coleshill Mowing provide a wide range of grounds maintenance services for both domestic and commercial customers.

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TIMETABLE MONDAY

The Coleshill Post

Drop In Service

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

TUESDAY

Drop In Service

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

Fruit and Veg Collection

11AM-1PM - Collect your pre-ordered fruit and veg between these times

WEDNESDAY Drop In Service

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

Coffee Morning

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

THURSDAY

FCH Wellbeing outreach sessions 10AM-12PM - Contact FCH to come to their outreach sessions on 02476 848 128.

FRIDAY

Drop In Service

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

Job Club

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

SATURDAY

Drop In Service

10AM-1PM - Make use of our facilities; including our laptops, printer, scanner and photocopier.

The Freephone and volunteers will be on hand to help.

• Calling for participants for the next Beginners IT course at The Hub • Come and enroll on UK Online at The Hub • Join the Coleshill Conversation and pop into The Hub with your views and ideas on Coleshill • Starting your own business? Talk to The Rural Growth Network at The Hub

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

Coping with Caring Free workshops What is a Carer? A Carer is someone who, without payment, provides help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who would otherwise not manage.

Many people do not recognise themselves as carers seeing only their role as husband, wife, son, daughter, neighbour etc. Therefore, they may be unaware of the help they can get or services which are available to them. Both men and women can be Carers and they can be of any age and background with many combining their caring role with a paid job.

6.5 million people in the UK are carers, but whilst caring is part of life, without the right support the personal costs of caring can be very high.* Being a Carer can be rewarding but it can also affect your life, health, personal relationships, family, employment, leisure and finance.

Carers can fall out of paid work and many rely on low-level benefits, and face severe financial hardship. Carers are contributing so much to their communities by looking after the people they love, yet in return they face ignorance, isolation and little or no support.

Guideposts Carer Support Service in Warwickshire is here to support Carers, enabling them to access the support and services that are available.+ That’s why they are running a number of FREE workshops in Coleshill to offer training, advice and support and make life just that little bit easier for Warwickshire Carers.

The workshop training to carers at The Hub in Coleshill Town Hall ~on Monday mornings from 10.30 – 1.00pm throughout June, the training will include; • M onday 2nd June 2014. Coping Strategies and managing your Daily caring role.

•M onday 9th June 2014. Positive Communication and Looking after yourself.

•M onday 16th June 2014. Bills and Benefits and Wills and Power of Attorney.

• Monday 23rd June 2014. Moving with Confidence and Enabling carers.

•M onday 30th June 2014. Stroke Awareness

Amanda Jerman, Guideposts Carer Support Service Manager says, “People don’t get trained to be carers – they often just find they have become one, and the support and knowledge they really need is often difficult to come by. Finding your way round the system of benefits and financial and legal aspects can be difficult. And getting care and support for yourself as a carer can often be the last thing on your list. We aim to provide information on services and practical help, and we offer confidential and emotional support during difficult times.”

For more information about how Guideposts may be able to support you in your caring role or to book a place on the workshop, please call 02476 385888 or email on carerssupport@ guidepoststrust.org.uk or visit http://www.guidepoststrust.org.uk/ warwickshire/carers-services/ or ring Helen at the Coleshill Hub on 01675 238309.

Hub successful in grant application THE Volunteers at Coleshill Hub are celebrating after being awarded a grant from the Heart of England Community Foundation.

The Hub, located at Coleshill Town Hall provides local people with access to services, training as well as information and support on a wide range of issues.

The grant, from the Surviving Winter fund means a new weekly breakfast club for the over 55’s will begin from June. The club will be run by volunteers and enable

local people to drop in to the Hub for breakfast whilst also finding out about the wide range of services available direct from the Town Hall.

Cllr Adam Farrell, Chairman of Coleshill Hub said “We’re extremely grateful to the Heart of England Community Foundation for awarding us this grant. We’re now able to again expand the services we offer to local people.”

More information on the new breakfast club will be available soon.

Buy your fruit and veg locally: Join the fruit and veg co-op The Coleshill Hub, located on the first floor of Coleshill Town Hall is again calling on Coleshillians to buy local and join their fruit and vegetable co-op.

The Hub is continuing to offer locally produced fruit and veg for local residents to purchase. The scheme, run in partnership with North Warwickshire Borough Council, allows residents to place an order for a large or small bag of fruit and veg by Friday at 12PM and then collect from the Town Hall on a Tuesday between 11AM1PM. The bags cost £4.50 for a large bag and £2.50 for a small. The produce includes potatoes, carrots, onions, two seasonal veg and two seasonal fruit.

If you want to place your order then drop into the hub Monday to Saturday (excluding Thursdays) between 10AM1PM and then collect your fresh locally grown produce the following Tuesday. The idea is that when you collect you then order for the following week.

For more information on the scheme please call the Hub on 01675 238 309.

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

www.coleshillhub.org.uk

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

Have a go at dancing round the May Pole, you will be guided expertly to avoid getting in a tangle. Enjoy the revival of traditional Lichfield Dances from Green Man’s Morris, accompanied by live music, see them at Middleton before they lead the Lichfield Bower Procession. Immerse yourself in more live music traditions

with entertainment from an organ grinder and a strolling minstrel.

Renowned speaker Judy Stevens, celebrated in U3A circles, will be delivering 2 talks to tie in with the May Day themes, May Day Merriment at 12 noon and Our Pagan Heritage at 2pm, both free of charge. Judy never fails to entertain with her humorous style.

Children can enjoy May Day Festival craft sessions and follow the trail of the Green Men hidden in the glade. Visit the working Smithy and help pump the bellows to keep the fire alive, maybe buy a

lucky horse shoe and see what luck it brings.

There are lots of traditional food stalls on offer too, from popcorn, to crepes, from ice cream to jacket potatoes.

A day full of traditional fun for all the family.

The day runs from 11am to 4pm.

Entry for adults is £5, concessions £3.50 and children £1.

All the proceeds from the day go to support the restoration and conservation projects at Middleton Hall, safeguarding seven centuries of local heritage.

Middleton Motors Monthly MIDDLETON Hall Tamworth is looking for a fleet of vehicles that make you go MMM… to assemble in the grounds of the beautiful Grade II listed building on the first Sunday of every month.

Do you own a vehicle that turns heads? It can be old, new, fast, slow, big, small. If you love it – you are in-

vited to join other like-minded vehicle enthusiasts to show it off at the inaugural Middleton Motors Monthly event on Sunday 4th May, from 10am to 1pm. No booking is necessary, just turn up.

For a £2 donation to show your car, or any other vehicle, you get a complimentary hot drink and all proceeds go to support the restoration of Middleton Hall. Those coming to enjoy the show pay £2 to park their car.

Traders and Autojumblers wanting to exhibit should contact Jo Walker on 01827 283095.

Middleton Hall, Middleton, Tamworth, Staffs, B78 2AE. (On the A4091 Belfry to Drayton Manor Road).

The Coleshill Post

STEP back in time this May Bank Holiday Monday at Middleton Hall and enjoy a variety of May Day traditions.

@ColeshillPost

May Day Festival Bank Holiday Monday

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Motoring Colin Trippas

The Coleshill Post

Happy Travels THE weather is with us at long last and with the memories of the rain and flooding we had last winter fading fast, now must be the time to go and explore some great bits of the UK. If you’re out in your car here are a few tips on what you can do to make sure your time is spent enjoying yourself rather than getting stranded with car problems:

Punctures This is the number one thing that can

spoil any journey but if you give yourself five minutes to check things before you go, you may well prevent being stranded on the side of the road thinking “why does it always happen to me”.

If you’re looking to fix a puncture you are going to need to fit a spare wheel aren’t you?

Not necessarily. Recently, many car manufacturers have decided to stop supplying them. So, if you’ve bought a new car in the last few years, check your boot – chances are you’ll find it empty. I’ve done some research on this

the sealant canister to make sure it’s ok (they normally have a life of 3 years and are normally checked on a service) Think about buying a replacement wheel & tyre if you have space in the boot. This is something we have just started to do, especially for customers who are driving to more remote places.

Or, if you haven’t already, join a recovery company!

If you have got a spare wheel, start by checking to see if it is inflated to the correct pressure. Then check to see if your car has locking wheel nuts. These are wheel nuts that prevent your wheels from being stolen (see examples) but you must of course have the socket to go with them. Without it you will be stranded so check in the boot, glove box or inside the car, you just have to have it. At work this is one of the first questions we ask every customer when they come in for some work and I would say at least 50% don’t know what or where it is.

Finally, check for a wheel brace and a jack that works and hasn’t seized up over the winter.

and found out that around 30% of new vehicles now come with a space-saver or full-size spare wheel as standard.

The majority (50%) come with a tyre repair kit, while the remaining 20% have run-flat tyres.

If you haven’t got a spare and the vehicle isn’t equipped with run flat tyres you will find it will have an emergency tyre sealant and compressor/inflator pack. The problem with this system is I have even been caught out by this that if the puncture in the tyre is too myself. I had driven to Scarborough and I found my oil level was low. I’ve large it just won’t seal it.

Check the expiry date on the side of got a Golf GTI and I couldn’t find a pet-

Spare Oil

rol station that had the correct oil and the antiquated stuff they did sell was ridiculously expensive. Modern cars with long service intervals have very specific oils so find out what oil your car should take by looking in your hand book or going online. When you’ve got the specification get down to a large supermarket or have a look online and you will finish up with the correct oil at a fraction of the price!

The obvious I know every web site and article such as this drones on about it but it has to be said, check your under bonnet levels – coolant, oil level, brake & clutch fluid and washer bottle.

Finally, check your tyre pressures and be careful what equipment you use, a lot of the petrol stations have gauges that are left out in the elements from one year to the next and they are rarely checked for accuracy.

That’s it for this month, apart from hoping you have some great trips this summer.

My name is Colin Trippas and if you’ve got any motoring questions or would like to give me some feedback then please give me a ring at work on 0121 770 9377 or go onto my face book page at www.facebook.com/kingshurstautomotive or visit the website at www.kingshurst.net See you next month, Colin.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

WhatsOn Brownies Bingo Night

£2 fee for non-members. Society takes place on the first Thursday of every month.

For more info, contact Jane on Coleshill Civic Society 07940 559282.

Meeting - ‘Our Future In

Company of the Curtain - ‘One For The Road’ by Willy Russell

Entry fee: adults £5 / concessions £3.50 / children £1.

Friday 9th May - 6pm to 7.30pm at Cameo Suite.

Free entry and books are £1 each.

Tuesday 13th May to Thursday 8th May - 7.30pm Saturday 17th May (5 at Old Market Hall, Church showings) - 7.30pm at Curdworth Village Hall.

Hill, Coleshill.

Tickets from £5. Book now: www.

Coleshill’

Middleton Motors Monthly Event

Sunday 4th May - 10am to 1pm at Middleton Hall.

Presented by Kirsteen Wootton, Ben Hobbis companyofthecurtain.com or telephone & Harry Taylor Admission £2.00/Civic Society Members £1.

01675463095.

No booking necessary. £2 donation to show your vehicle. £2 parking fee for spectators.

Five star rating for Ramadan

NEWLY opened Indian restaurant Ramadan has been awarded top marks for hygiene from the Food Standards Agency.

Owner of the exclusive eatery in Curdworth Mr Abdin said: “I am very proud to be awarded the highest rating possible.

Everything we do here is to the very highest standard, from our food to customer service, so it is

The markets are being organised as part of the bid to open a Visitor Centre in the town by the Coleshill Community Partnership who also manage the Coleshill Hub. The markets will take place on The Croft, St Peters Walk and in the Old Market Hall. Those attending can look forward to: A Vintage Tea Party courtesy of ‘Pear Of Peas’ located upstairs in the Old Market Hall. Selling a selection of light lunches, hot and cold drinks, cakes and homemade treats all served on vin-

Saturday 7th June - at Wednesday 14th May - 6pm Coleshill Town Hall. at Coleshill Fire Station.

North Warwickshire’s Best Allotment Competition

Moon & Light Market

Saturday 17th May - 9.30am Monday 30th June and to 3.30pm in Coleshill Town Friday 4th July.

Centre.

Entry forms can be obtained from the Colehaven Trust Coffee Morning

NWAF website: www.nwa.btck.co.uk (Entries must be received by 20th June).

Saturday 31st May - 10am to noon in the Committee Room in Sumner Road.

Market & Food

Save the date: Saturday 17th May Outdoor Market tage china.

A wide selection of stalls to include handmade arts & crafts, farmer’s market stalls, cupcakes & cookies, handmade truffles, jewellery, discounted Body Shop products, cosmetics and skincare, Viking re-enactment & pagan gifts, stained and fused glass gifts, traditional children’s toys, handbags & accessories, ladies fashion, plus lots, lots more! Outdoor catering with a range of food available from different cultures and origins.

A Love Coleshill street, turning St Peters Walk into a place to love our town and discover all things local.

Cllr Adam Farrell, who’s helped to organise the markets said, “We know that our High Street needs support, with parking at a premium since the last council sold the car park, we have to do more to support our local traders. These

Love Coleshill Market

Craft

only right that our hygiene rating meets those standards too.”

The 100 seater restaurant, which specialises in low-fat food, is proving to be a real hit with customers.

Mr Abdin continued: “Our menu is quite unique, every dish we serve is low in fat but at the same time full of flavour, and our beautifully refurbished restaurant makes for a comfortable and luxurious experience.”

A series of outdoor markets aimed at promoting Coleshill High Street to encourage more people to shop local are launching this summer with the first event planned for Saturday 17th May.

Fire Station Recruitment Open Evening

markets will hopefully bring people into the High Street to take a look at the market as well as the shops, pubs and restaurants.

The market aims to complement those being held in the Town Hall by Love Coleshill and through good communication and team work the whole town can come together to support our traders and businesses.”

The first market will take place on Saturday 17th May between 9:30AM and 15:30PM. Anyone interested in a stall should contact Rosalie Whitehead (if a Love Coleshill member) or for general stall enquires should email moonandlightmarkets@hotmail.co.uk A Love Coleshill market is being held a few weeks later in the Town Hall on the 7th June, more information coming soon.

The Coleshill Post

Water Orton Local History May Day Festival Society - ‘A History of Bank Holiday Monday 5th Vauxhall Gardens’ talk by May - 11am to 4pm at Val Preec Middleton Hall.

Thursday 1st May - 7.30pm at the Water Orton library.

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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The Coleshill School

News and events

The Coleshill Post

Students at The Coleshill School get creative with graffiti

Headteacher Question Time

STUDENTS from the Coleshill School have been very busy over the past few weeks working towards their bronze Arts Award qualifications with the Borough Council’s Community Development Team.

The Arts Awards are nationally recognised qualifications, that inspire young people to develop their arts and leadership talents.

The year 9 students have been involved in a number of activities, including a trip to The Mac Arts Centre in Birmingham and The Custard Factory. They had the chance to see various art pieces including street art and wrote and shared reviews on their experiences.

The main part of their project involved the group working with professional graffiti artist Leon Henderson to produce a series of graffiti boards. These will be placed in Cole End Park as part of the Local Nature Reserve project, which was completed late last year.

The students took inspiration from the environment and produced art work with the view to brighten up the underpass within the park.

The final part of the project will see the students pass on the skills they have gained to other students at the school.

BY AMY BOURNE SVC BUSINESS DIRECTOR

ON Wednesday 26th February 2014, we held a Headteacher Question Time session for the members of the Coleshill School Student Voice Community.

London Science Trip

BY MR F BRYAN

SUBJECT LEADER OF CHEMISTRY

The trip began with a very early start on Friday the 14th of March with our year 8 students heading down to London for an action packed Science morning.

We visited The Centre of the Cell, which is an interactive pod, looking at the current work being conducted in the field of Cell Biology. Students had the opportunity to take part in interactive games where they learnt all about cell research including cures for cancer, genetics, reproduction and infectious diseases. They also met an actual Cell Biologists and saw the laboratories they work in.

The afternoon was spent looking around London. Students had the opportunity to see some fantastic sights. Thankfully the weather was excellent as students cruised up the River Thames on a boat looking at many famous sights including Lon-

don’s only Union Jack flag on board HMS Belfast. They then visited the Houses of Parliament and walked through St James’ park to Buckingham Palace.

The evening was spent eating at Planet Hollywood before taking a night flight on the London Eye. The following day was all about the Science. Students spent the morning at the National Science Museum.

Here they got to see some fantastic exhibits, as well as taking part in interactive activities at the museum’s Launchpad exhibition. Another workshop looking at the Physics behind bridges was very informative.

The afternoon was spent looking at Forensic Science and what it actually means to work in this fascinating field. Students had the opportunity to look at some real human bones before they learnt all about the day to day work that a forensic scientist undertakes.

The trip was a real success and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

This was the third time we have done this over the past 12 to 18 months. Student Voice members had the opportunity to submit questions to ask the Headteacher, during the 20 minute session.

The questions were compiled and asked by students from Years 7 to 13, questions ranged from the future direction of the school, Learning and Teaching, the relocation of the leisure centre and the success and partnerships of student voice.

Mr Rhatigan was very impressed by the conduct of the students as was Mrs Holder, his PA, and his visitor on the day, Mrs Pountney from the Arthur Terry Learning Partanership.

Mr Rhatigan commented “Headteacher Question Time keeps me on my toes! It is a credit to the students that they care so much about the school and ask such good questions”. Mr Rhatigan went on to say “From the Question Time event, there are some excellent ideas that we will follow up”.

It was a great success and something that we will definitely continue to be involved with.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

Meeting the Mayor at Coleshill Town Hall

Coleshill Town Mayor Cllr Bill Richards opened the event, welcoming all the attendees into the Town Hall. He commented “I really enjoyed my time today; the B46 group is set to be a catalyst for some positive and exciting networking and it’s great that Coleshill is the focus!”

There were a range of speakers at the event. Emma McKay from North Warwickshire Borough Council was the first to speak, presenting LEADER funding availability from the Rural Growth Network. The funding information was particularly well received by the group.

Peter Fowler of Warwickshire County Council asked Emma “how is the rural area defined?” Emma responded “Coleshill is based in the rural area of Warwickshire and so entitled to funding.”

Richard Hoyland of Central Wheels also asked Emma “what are the criteria guidelines for the funding”; Emma directed the group to their website for full details – www.warwickshire.gov.uk/ruralgrowthnetwork . Emma also added “Networking

groups are a great way of getting funding details out to SME businesses within the area.”

Next, Mike Moore and Richard Harwood from The Coleshill Post talked at length about their future plans and how successful the paper has become since its launch in June last year. Mike said “we are looking at moving the paper into other locations, with Atherstone being our next target area. We’ve had some exciting meetings with Atherstone Council and are hoping to expand soon.”

Richard concluded “we have some very exciting things coming soon, including celebrity articles, case studies on Birmingham universities and will also significantly increase the business focus.”

The Business46 team were incredibly pleased with the success of their sixth event. The morning was interactive, informative and well attended. The group had over 35 businesses in attendance and the organisers were pleased to see lots of new faces.

Anna commented “We have various exciting events lined up this year and with the launch of our subscription packages in June, we will be adding more interactive services to help members network and grow successfully.”

Penny added “we are extremely pleased with the growth of the group and how

many businesses have already gained significant new sales since the group launched in November last year.”

Following on from Lorna Sheldon’s presentation back in February; Lorna will be putting on 2 dates for Training workshops relation to confidence and credibility training on May 13th and 14th. For Busienss46 delegates there is a special discounted rate from £195 to £95 for one day or book both days for just £150! Please get contact Lorna at lorna@ lornasheldon.com to confirm your place.

The next Business46 event will be hosted by Sertec at their Gorsey Lane premises on Wednesday 14th May at 7.45am, price £10 per person (including bacon roll and refreshments). There are limited spaces for this event and bookings will be prioritised. Please email the team now to discuss booking for this event info@business46.co.uk.

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

L TO R: Michael Moore Coleshill Post, Anna Plotnek AP Designs, Penny Sheward MCD Recruitment and Richard Harwood Coleshill Post

The Coleshill Post

ON Wednesday 9th April the Business46 team, consisting of Anna Plotnek of AP Designs, Penny Sheward of MCD Recruitment and Jemma James of TruTac, held their 6th networking event at Coleshill Town Hall.

@ColeshillPost

BUSINESS46

45

Daniel Partington from Shawbury Vintners winner of the business card draw

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www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

EXPERTS ON OUR DOORSTEP

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

We’re a new business to business

networking group for the B46 postcode.

Our monthly, breakfast meetings maximise local expertise and opportunities.

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

OUR NEXT EVENT HOSTED BY SERTEC

PRESENTATION SKILLS WORKSHOP LORNA SHELDON

Gorsey Lane, Coleshill.

14th May, 7.45 - 9.15am, £10.

The Express Holiday Inn, Shenstone.

13th and 14th May with lunch.

DAVE STEGGLES – GROUP COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Learn 8 Essential and Proven Skills for Successful and Effective Communication and Presentation.

Coleshill based Sertec Group is a true local success story. The group has 4 sites in the Midlands plus a Chinese tooling operation. They make car parts, predominately for Jaguar Land-Rover (JLR).

Recent growth means they’re on a constant recruitment drive and have over one thousand staff with a turnover in excess of £135m a year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

01675 434583

info@business46.co.uk

@Business_B46

business46.co.uk

Lorna has coached over 37,000 people including Lloyds, BT, TSB, 3M, EON-UK and many more!

To take advantage of special discounted rates for Business46 attendees please email Lorna on: lorna@lornadsheldon.com

SPONSORED BY:

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

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

Sil-Mid Limited

Our core business has traditionally been within the Aerospace industry which now extends to include Automotive, Rail, Marine, Renewable energy, Engineering, Defence, Electronics, and Oil and Gas exploration.

STARTING at 9.am on Saturday the 10th of May, and co-ordinated through members of the Churches Together in Coleshill, there will be a litter pick in Cole End Park and the removal of rubbish from the River Cole.

As well as local organisations (such as Boys and Girls Brigades and various men’s & women’s groups)

we welcome any residents and children to join us for a show of community spirit as well as a fun, family event. Depending on numbers, we can also litter pick other areas in the town and it is hoped that we can plan further litter picks in Coleshill throughout year.

For further information please email Kevin Swallow at kev@klsblues.co.uk or call Peter Fowler 07710 317782

Centurions march on for Sport Relief Challenge On Saturday 22nd March, eight members of Centurion running club, took up the challenge to visit all pubs/ clubs in Coleshill and the surrounding area, to make a collection for sport relief.

A team of runners set out from Water Orton, running and collecting through Coleshill, whilst another team of cyclists, rode from Coleshill via Whitacre, Furnace End, and Shustoke.

A grand total of £433.42 was

collected. Congratulations to all those involved.

With special thanks to all pubs/ clubs visited. Water Orton - Dog, Digby, Old Salts Rugby Club.

Coleshill- Norton, The Harvester, The Green Man, Bell Inn, The Swan, The Coleshill Social Club, The Coach Hotel, The Coleshill Hotel, The Red Lion, The George and Dragon. Whitacre - The Railway, The Swan, The Dog Inn, The Gate.

Furnace End - The Bull, The Griffin and Shustoke - The Plough

CURDWORTH WI

NEW!

Rhyme Time Every Tuesday!

Coleshill Library

at COLESHILL LIBRARY 2.00-2.30pm Come and enjoy stories, songs and rhymes Everyone welcome!

Chester and Erddig

COLESHILL LIBRARY

Stories and Rhymes for 2-4 year olds EVERY TUESDAY

An outing to

11.00 – 11.30 am S

Songs and Rhymes for 0-2yrs Everyone welcome!

Enjoy a drink afterwards!

Saturday 17th May Songs and Rhymes for 02yrs

[Type a quote from the document or the summary of anSSSSSSS interesting point. You can position the text box anywhere in the document. Use the Drawing Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text box.]

Everyone welcome

Spend the morning in Chester and the afternoon at Erddig, near Wrexham, one of Britain's finest country houses, belonging to the National Trust and dating from the eighteenth century

Songs and Rhymes for 02yrs

Everyone welcome

The coach will depart from The Mount at 8am tickets will cost £16.75 for National Trust members and £27.25 for non-members and are available from Ann (0121 308 0450) For further details call Carol on 01213515579

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CurdworthWI www.curdworthwi.co.uk

The Coleshill Post

Sil-Mid Limited is based in Birmingham, UK and is a specialist distributor of adhesives, lubricants, sealants, silicones, cleaning agents and surface treatments.

@ColeshillPost

Coleshill Community River Cole Clean-up & Litter Pick

BUSINESS46

47

48

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

RGN CASE STUDY:

The Coleshill Post

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

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

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

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

Support from network leads to award for local business

BY LORRAINE JARDIM

I GREW up with a camera firmly attached to my hand, as my dad was a photographer many years ago and he passed that passion on to me.

My portrait photography business Ellie J Photography (established in 2009) was part time, until I was made redundant from my part-time job in Health and Safety in 2011. Despite the difficult financial climate, we decided that I would put all my efforts into building my photography business, as child care for my 8 year old daughter had also fallen through at that point and it made sense for me to be at home for her too.

It was certainly tough to start with, the loss of a regular salary was difficult but I was determined to persevere and pursue my dream. My husband and family were wonderfully supportive.

I adore photography - it is so important to capture memories as families grow and change and I love offering that service to people. I have always loved babies and children and, in addition to my child, family (and pet!) portrait photography, I am now one of the Midlands' leading specialist newborn photographers. I am qualified with both the British Institute of Professional Photography and the Guild of Professional Photogra-

phers. I am a member of the British Association of Newborn Photographers, a specialist organisation promoting safe baby and newborn photography, and have had my article on newborn safety during photography sessions published.

In January I was delighted to find I had been awarded both a Bronze and Silver Bar by the Guild of Professional Photographers for my very first entry into their Image of the Month competition. The Silver Bar in particular is (according to the Guild) "a very rare and much sought after" award.

When I was first approached by the Warwickshire Rural Growth Net-

work (RGN) to take part in their pilot scheme and I jumped at the chance.

I have to say the support and advice I have received from Rita Booth has been outstanding. Rita's advice and the RGN workshops have really given me food for thought and helped develop not only my business but also myself. I have grown in confidence and my drive to succeed in my business has certainly been fuelled and I thank Rita and the RGN for that.

Lorraine Jardim LBIPP QGPP Ellie J Photography www.elliejphotography.co.uk

Place your Ad in the Post Today 01675 467189

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

Nether Whitacre Village Hall

Come along and have a good time the Lindy Hop Dance King plus with your friends. The very well one night only - two specialists. known 1940's singer Kevin Mac will be appearing. Also Chico Bring your own food and drinks.

Dress for the occasion: Prize for the best dressed 1940's man and woman.

Raffle available. Admission - £5 Tickets available from - Whitacre Heath Post Office, J's Hair Salon, NW Village Hall Committee, Coleshill Library

• UK and Continental Coach Holidays • Weekend Breaks • Day Trips • Coach Hire for any occasion • 5 star Luxury Coach Travel

BY COLIN GREEN HAVING seen almost all of my childhood haunts in our corner of Warwickshire disappear in the name progress, I now along with many of the residents of water Orton who care about their village will have to endure the damaging daunting prospect of seeing the remaining greenery go under the the 'concrete'.

It may be classed as progress but how much can a small village like ours take? We began with a railway and may be destroyed by one, namely the H.S 2. I do not think many of the villagers realise the enormity of the project and how much disruption it will cause us.

A few years ago the large area of land to the south of the village was earmarked for a huge residential estate, which would have included almost 1,000 homes plus many amenities and a golf course! The plans seem to have been forgotten, I often wondered why? Now we know the H.S.2 will drive straight

through it! So now I reckon that the scheme will destroy not just 9 homes in the village but over 1,000.

The railway will also ruin the Birmingham and Black Country's wildlife preservation domain, where the old Park Hall Estate nestled in the tame valley.

Much of the area having already being buried under the M6. Gilson, our neighbouring small village will, I believe, disappear under the monster along with what may be left of a very important Roman settlement, plus a moated area to the south which could if properly excavated prove one way or the other whether the redheaded Iceni Queen met the Roman legions right here on our doorstep and also pinpoint the site of 'Coleshill Castle'. Hopefully the authorities concerned will see these sites inspected by professional archaeologists BEFORE the H.S.2 rushes through?And not leave it to a so called rescue dig, and there is no excuse for them saying there is no money to carry out the work, the H.S.2 will pay for it.

A few thousand pounds wont be missed out of the billions that is going to be spent on the scheme.

MERIDIAN TRAVEL of Coleshill

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Forthcoming Holidays and Weekend Breaks: Saturday 10th May - 2 day Lake District Weekend - £89 Saturday 28th June - 9 day Irish Adventure - £729 Monday 21st July - 5 day Paignton - £289 Be one of the first to enjoy travelling in style on board our new luxurious coach supplied and operated by Birmingham International Coaches.

01675 463 784 www.meridiantravelbrochure.co.uk See our website and you could win a £100 Holiday Voucher

The Coleshill Post

Saturday 7th June 2014 - 7.30pm to late

@ColeshillPost

HS2: A 1940's Party Night scheme too far?

49

50

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

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www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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General Handyman

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52

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

Computing John Chapman

The Coleshill Post

John Chapman in Kingsbury I sell refurbished computers and parts I was a national computer engineer

PCs & Laptops repaired £55 plus parts

DUAL PROCESSOR PCS FROM £150 QUAD PROCESSOR PCS FROM £250 07976 709223 01827 875469 john_chapman_in_kingsbury@yahoo.co.uk

Tales from the workshop I always take the trouble to What does it mean if Win- is also probably getting long in the tooth as well. explain a customer’s problem dows isn't supported? and fix, how much, how long, An unsupported version of Win- So what to do ? and finally what i have done to dows will no longer receive software The next bit is a bit complex to exjustify the bill, but a customer updates from Windows Update. plain, but...if your running XP it will These include security updates that be 32 bit, which means less than made me chuckle recently.

I fixed his laptop and returned it to him and found his and his wife happily tucking to their evening meal, me going on about what i had done to it was the last thing he needed, so I simply placed it on the table and waved my goodbyes. He sent me a text message a couple of hours later, The simple text message that said “ super fast and no bloody pop up adverts” said it all really. Which reminded me yet again that people don’t want waffle and pages of tiny detail, they just want it to work again.

Windows XP

Microsoft is making it known that support for windows xp ends on 8th April 2014 – so if you are still using XP you have to make a decision soonish. IT DOES NOT MEAN IT WILL SUDDENLY STOP WORKING.

can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which can steal your personal information. Windows Update also installs the latest software updates to improve the reliability of Windows—new drivers for your hardware and more.

What does it mean to you in real terms ?

Well, it means Microsoft wont send you updates, BUT there are other ways, your motherboard and indeed your entire computer is not made

by Microsoft and so you can still go to the manufacturers of the motherboard, graphic card ect and carry on as before, but it means you have to go looking for them rather than having them delivered and installed

by Microsoft. Of course it also means that eventually the manufacturers will stop supporting things, but let’s remember Windows XP is nearly 13 years old and so your computer

3gb of memory will be in your pc – WHICH MEANS.. even if you put Windows 7 on your trusty old pc – it would groan under the strain of running a bigger program and be slower, and as its likely to be oldish anyway.. so that’s one answer, but long term it isnt the best.

Another answer is to sit tight and hope for the best. Its possible your pc will continue to run quite happily on XP for years to come.

The best answer is to think long and hard about getting a new computer which will, I'm afraid come with Windows 8 if you buy from a retailer because Windows 8 is what is now being bundled with any new PC or laptop.

Which is another completely differant kettle of fish. Yes i know, it is a bit of a nightmare. Another option is to buy a NEWER pc or laptop - what the trade likes to call refurbished , but is often simply a second hand PC with a fresh copy of windows - which

might be anything from windows XP to Windows 8 - my personal recommendation is windows 7 64 bit version. Oh no i hear you cry - whats he talking about now ? think of lines on a motorway or railway track - 64 lines of traffic will be faster than 32 - its as simple as that - so in real terms your pc will be a litle bit faster on 64 bit windows than 32 bit windows - also it can see more memory .. 32 bit windows can only " see" 3gb of memory - even if you had 8gb it would be no better and work no better - so 64 bit is much better for those 2 reasons.

There are always secondhand pc's and laptops around so consider that - and dont worry - any decent seller will copy your data ( your photos and letters ect ) over to your new machine - i know i always do - I build new and refurbished pc and laptops and spend time making sure you get exactly what you want at a price you can afford with all your photos and private stuff intact and put onto your new computer because i know its important to you - with your favourite software and data just where you like them.

Till next time, John Chapman

Coleshill Remembers WW1 DR SARAH JANE VEEVERS

THIS year marks the centenary of the start of WW1 and in Coleshill there is already a lot going on behind the scenes to commemorate the role of local people in the Great War. The central point of this work is the Coleshill World War 1 Commemoration Committee, set up by the Town Council to co-ordinate research and commemorative events in Coleshill.

The Coleshill Remembers project has been underway since autumn 2013. Members of the WW1 Committee and others began researching the 55 names on the War Memorial at St Peter and St Paul’s Church. As the information discovered began to grow, it became obvious that it

should be made available for others to see. A database has been set up at www.st-it.co.uk/ColeshillRemembersWW1.php and new information is being added all the time. For each of the fallen men information is being collected on their family life before the war, their links with Coleshill, details of their military service, relevant newspaper cuttings including letters from the trenches, and where possible locating their relatives. This research has uncovered a cross section of young men from Coleshill who answered the call to serve their King and country. Agricultural labourers, a police constable, bakers, railway workers, and even a bandmaster, all served together during the Great War, and each family has a sad story to tell.

One of the men recorded on the

memorial is Frederick Holtom, who was born in Hampton Lucy, Warwickshire in 1889. He was the eldest son of Joseph and Martha Jane Holtom, and he had eight siblings. Frederick started his career as a bottler at Messrs Kenway Ltd, Moor Street, Birmingham, and then joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in November 1904, giving his age as 17. Private Holtom was serving with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in Ceylon and India in 1911, and arrived in France in August 1914. Sergeant Frederick Holtom was killed in action in France on 9th April 1917. He received the 1914 Star, Victory and British medals and is remembered in the Ste. Catherine British Cemetery, Arras, France. Frederick’s parents and some of his siblings were living in Coleshill at the time of his death,

and both of his parents are buried in Coleshill Cemetery. His brotherin-law, Sidney Stilgoe, also served during WW1. Sidney is recorded on the list of Old Boys of the Coleshill Church School who joined up during the Great War, which is displayed in the Old Market Hall, Coleshill.

The project continues to grow with the inclusion of the Memorial Plaque in St Teresa’s listing another 56 men of the congregation and old boys of the Homes who fell in WW1. A list of the old boys of the Church School who served can be seen in the Old Market Hall, and there is also a memorial plaque in The Coleshill School. There may well be other memorials around the town commemorating both those who served and those who fell in the Great War, perhaps in chapels, community halls, social clubs and even

some workplaces. The Committee would be very glad to hear from anyone who can bring these memorials to light. Please get in touch via the facebook page: www.facebook.com/ pages/Coleshill-Remembers-WWI There are many more stories to tell, and still some to be discovered. I hope to include some of these in future articles as a fitting tribute to the contribution made by the people of Coleshill to WW1.

Dr Sarah Jane Veevers is a Genealogist and Local History Researcher who has been working on the Coleshill Online Roll of Honour for the World War 1 commemoration. She is also an active member of Coleshill Town Band. She can be contacted via her website www.veeversresearch.co.uk or her facebook page www.facebook. com/veeversresearch

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

National Lottery available in both branches

53

The Coleshill Post

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost The Coleshill Post

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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

A M Cooper & Sons Mullensgrove

Farm, Kingsbury Road, Curdworth, B76 0DF, 01675470075 Ann McBride Chiropractic The Health Centre, 58-60 Coventry Road, Coleshill, B46 3EE, 08432899136 Balti Cottage 107 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BP, 01675464122

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

Books Revisited 110 High Street,

Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675464853 Broadlee Printers Unit 1A Trinity Road, Kingsbury Link, Tamworth, B78 2EX, 01827872200 Carter's Electrical 128 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BJ, 01675462277

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

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

Church End Brewery Ltd

Ridge Lane, Atherstone, CV10 0RD, 01827713080 Classic IT Services rear of 77 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AG, 01212850047 Coleshill Churches Together 67 Temple Way, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1UE, 01675463274 Coleshill Community Hub Town Hall, High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BG, 01675238309

Coleshill Cleaning Centre 10

Coventry Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BE, 01675464058 Coleshill Cupcakes 7 High Brink Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1BH, 01675464846

Coleshill Cricket Club

c/oWall House, 112 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL, 01675430162 Coleshill Roofing 17 Digby Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3NL, 01675462344 Coleshill Timber 47-48 Coleshill Industrial Estate, Station Road, Coleshill, B46 1HT, 01675463433

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

Dave Electrics 61 Common

Lane, Washwood Heath, Birmingham, B8 2US, 07814878013

Dreamers Indian Cuisine 146 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BG, 01675467789 Dreamers Of Coleshill Sunnyside, Blackfirs Lane, Bickenhill, B37 7JE, 01675462323 Dennis Walker Insurances 7 Parkfield Road Coleshill, B46 3LD, 01675462682 Drinks4U 1-3 Bridge View, Lower High Street, Coleshill, B46 1BE, 01675620581 DRP Logistics Ltd The Annexe, Chantry House, High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BP, 01675462230 Duncan McNutt Dentistry 58-60 Coventry Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3EE, 01675464231 Evans Derry Solicitors 5 Church Hill, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AD, 01675464400 Gascoignes of Coleshill 100 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675462294

Glitzy Bits

109 High Street Coleshill B46 3BP Harben Barker The Courtyard, 112 High Street, Coleshill, B46 3BL, 01675466344 Hawthornes Hardware 117 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BP, 01675462195 Heads of Coleshill 75 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, 01675466040

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

Nails4Fingers at Heads of Coleshill 75 high Street, Coleshill,

Birmingham, 01675466040 Atherstone Road, Furnace End, Coleshill, Indian Lounge 123 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BT, 01675466966 Jem Lines 124 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BJ, Jenny Wren 88 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675462444 Maggies 113 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675465051 Mary Anne Evans Hospice 59 High Brink Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1BH, 01675463305

Mary Anne Evans Hospice Charity Shop 5/6 Chamberlin

Walk, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 6UT, 01675465767

MP Computer Services 9 Vesey Close, Water Orton, Birmingham, B46 1RB, 01217474537

Meridian Travel Angel Mews,

74 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AH, 01675463784

MPM Insurance Services Ltd

Coleshill House, 1 Station Road, Coleshill, B46 1HT, 01675461600 Minworth Club & Lodge Robinson Way, Minworth B76 9BB Tel: 0121 351 3531 Tel: 07539 086721 Natural World Experience Ltd 24 Forge Road, Shustoke, Coleshill, B46 2AU, 07811403713

Nice Thoughts 3-4 Chamberlain Walk, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BZ, 01675462718 OJ's Beads & handmade Gifts 92 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL,

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

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

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

Perfectly Placed Angel Mews, 74 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AH,

Perfect Harmony

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

Peter King DJ/Presenter Hilltop View, Grimstock Hill, Coleshill, B46 1LE, 01675463554

PWO & Sons 43 Parkfield Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3LD, 01675464878

Ramadan Kingsbury Road, Curdworth, Birmingham, B76 9EE, 01675475573 Rajrani Bengal & Indian Cuisine 102 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675463777

Redcoffeeco The Firs, Coleshill Road, Shustoke, B46 2BD, Red Lion 11 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BB, 01675467470

Remember When 80 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AH, 01675466418

Get Listed

Call 01675 467189

Roofwise 5 Kingsbury Road, Curdworth B76 9EP, 01675 470635, 07803 382166

Rooney Tax Services 4 Howarth Court, Water Orton, Birmingham, B46 1RF, 01217493126

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

Spencer Butchers 8 Coventry Road, Coleshill, Birmingham, 01675462130

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

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

Sweet Things 2 Chamberlain Walk, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 8UT, 01675467737

Tao Tao 83 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AG, 01675462463

T E W Hickton LTD

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

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

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

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

The Swan Inn Station Road,

Whitacre Heath, B46 2JA 01675 462181

The Upper Crust 01675467126 Tudor House Financial Planning 106 High Street, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3BL, 01675462882

Utility Warehouse Authorised Distributor, 16 Southfields Close, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3EQ

Welcome 2 This World, 5 Lyon Court, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3NU,

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

Wild Cherry Events www.wildcherryevents.com

Woodlands School, Packington Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3JE, 01675463590

Yin Yang Centre 34 Penns Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1BA, 01675464369

The Coleshill Post

Alan Forman Piano tuning and repairs. Hoggrills Cottages, Barnswood Lane, Whitacre Heath, B46 2EF, 01675464335, 07712630438

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BUSINESS LISTING

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

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Dear Editor,

The Coleshill Post

We are a group of over 50’s who regularly play badminton at Coleshill Leisure Centre each Monday between 10am and 12 noon and have had this time slot for over 10 years. We are a strong group of 14 players and use badminton to keep fit and healthy.

As the new leisure centre on the Coleshill School site is now being erected we made enquiries at to what would happen when the new centre opened. Unfortunately our worst fears were realised when we were told that priority would be given to Coleshill School on Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm and that this would have consequences for the daytime badminton players.

The new leisure centre is supposed to be for residents, not only of Coleshill, but also the surrounding area and villages and also the school. With these time restrictions it means that we and other groups will be unable to use the centre during the day. We would prefer to use the leisure centre during the day as evenings, particulary in the winter months, and weekends would be difficult for many members of the group. We would hope to negotiate keeping our current time slot.

We think that Coleshill residents should know what is happening with their new leisure centre regarding the unfair restrictions being imposed!!!

The Coleshill Badminton Group.

Dear Editor, I have been told , by councillors and by the manager of Coleshill and Polesworth Leisure Centres, that the new centre being built at Coleshill School is to be used SOLELY by schools between 8.30am and 5pm during term time.

The public will be excluded from the sports hall , and the many day time activities....badminton , football, indoor bowls etc. will have to stop.

I know education funding was obtained for this new centre, but money was also obtained from the sale of the car park and allotments for the Morrisons store.

This centre was to be built to REPLACE the old one, NOT as an extra facility for the schools. They do not use the current Leisure Centre now, even though they have been offered times.

It is not only Coleshill people that use it either, residents from Water Orton , Curdworth, Gilson and the Whitacres use it.

Where are they supposed to go? There are no other facilities in North Warwickshire ! Why should we have to suffer a worse service than we do now?

And why exactly do the schools need it from 8.30am when there are no pupils there? Or up till 5pm when they leave at 3?

What time will it open in the morning?

There must be room for compromise here.

Yours Lynda Davies.

The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

yourcomments...

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed on this page are not that of The Coleshill Post and we take no responsibility for authenticity or potentially offensive content.

Your views count so usethenews and be heard!!

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Send us your comment and you’ll be entered into a public vote. The winner is the entry with the most votes after 3 months. News on prizes will be available next month.

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Why HS2 must not prevail On Monday evening 28th April 2014, the House of Commons voted in favour of HS2.

However, should this High Speed Rail link ever be built, one of Coleshill’s most treasured archaeological sites would be obliterated! The ancient site in question was once the site of Coleshill Old Hall. Please find below a short article that, should you so wish, you may include in the Coleshill Post. I do not require a fee. However, if you could mention my book, I would be extremely grateful. I also have an aerial photograph of the moat, which includes a faint outline of Coleshill Old hall.

The site of Coleshill Old Hall, which was once the ancestral seat of the de Clinton family of Coleshill, is situated next to Birmingham Road (B114). The location of the ancient seat of the de Clinton family of Coleshill still remains. However, the site is currently under threat from the proposed High Speed Rail link otherwise known as HS2. All that remains of the fortified manor house today is the moat which dates to the medieval period and was probably created by the de Clinton family during the first half of the 12th Century.

The site of Coleshill Old Hall may once have

Looking for help on your Family History research?

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

contained a motte and bailey castle of timber construction, the castle being eventually replaced by a fortified manor house. Near the site of Coleshill Old Hall stands Coleshill Hall Farm which is situated on the north side of Birmingham Road, three quarters of a mile south-west of Coleshill Parish Church. Coleshill Hall Farm dates from the 18th Century but on the opposite side of the road there is a 17th Century timber-framed barn together with other farm buildings. The dry moat, once a defensive water-filled earthwork, is located 200m north-east of the house. The de Clinton moat measures 150m across and extends for 90m. The River Cole provided water for the moat and may once have formed the south-west side of the water-filled earthwork. To the naked eye there are no visible structures inside the moat. However, aerial photographs reveal an outline of Coleshill Old Hall.

Considering that the de Clinton moat is now under threat, far more research needs to be devoted to this important archaeological site.

Bernard S. Lavin is author of ‘The Clinton Family: A Concise history c.1056-2001’ Kind regards, Bernard S. Lavin

COLEHAVEN COFFEE MORNING Friends of Colehaven Trust in Sumner Road are holding a coffee morning on Saturday 31st of May between 10am and noon in the Committee Room.

Come along for tea or coffee and cake. We will be selling cakes, plants and bric a brac to raise funds for the benefit of our residents.

Colehaven Cottages were built in the 1930's and apart from modernisation have remained the same since then. Originally built for distressed gentle folks, they are now occupied by Coleshill residents in a warm and friendly community setting.

COFFEE MORNING Every Friday 10-12. Coleshill United Church All welcome. Come along for a friendly chat and a cuppa

It would appear the planners in Coleshill are sleepwalking into a chaos which is inevitable as more buildings are being constructed bringing in extra residents who will no doubt add many more cars to the already impossible parking problems created in Coleshill by the Morrisons site.

The High street/Coventry road is not an easy place to live on, or shop when trying to find a space to park to the detriment of many shop owners who are losing customers, needless to say the school run only adds to this chaos.

When the new sport centre is built at the school lets hope the planners havnt ear marked the old site for more housing whilst a car park is so desperately needed.

Coleshill is a lovely village which is why so many people want to live here, so is it beyond the mind of the planners to forsee what will happen if they don’t get their thinking caps on now, perhaps a one way system could be considered.

Mrs Warman Coleshill I am writing on behalf of Nether Whitacre Parish Council to support Mr. Ross Jones of Over Whitacre House, Nuneaton Road, Over Whitacre in his objection to the development proposals of Daw Mill Colliery.

Our main concern relates to the local road network which we feel is not suitable for HGVs and would not safely cope with any additional traffic.

The crossroads at Furnace End are already dangerous and currently there are regular lengthy tailbacks. The B4098 is already heavily laden with HGVs negotiating the dangerous bends through the Whitacres and we are constantly suffering HGVs using our lanes and village as a shortcut.

We feel Mr. Ross thoroughly deserves our support Regards Bev Woollaston Clerk to Nether Whitacre Parish Council

Local authors to sign books at May market Several local authors will feature at the May Market Day being held in the Parish Hall, Marston Green, on Saturday, May 17 where other attractions will include Maypole and country dancing by schoolchildren .

Some 20 stalls selling a wide variety of goods including cakes and plants will be the main feature of the annual event which is one of St Leonard church’s chief fund-raisers.

The Market Day, from 10am to 3pm, will incorporate dancing on the church lawn by pupils of Marston Green Infants School, a Kids’ Zone with bouncy castle and fun stalls. Admission is £1, children free.

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Jason Lowe

Boxing

The Coleshill Post

The Coleshill Post welcomes our brand new Boxing correspondant Jason Lowe HELLO Boxing fans, I am very pleased that The Coleshill Post has asked me to be involved with these sports pages. I will be bringing you first hand infomation on what’s going on in the Midlands Boxing scene every month.

From live fights in the amatuer and professional ranks, book and dvd releases, interviews with active and former fighters along with world champions and also white collar boxing events.

Everything the fight game has to offer I

will endevour to bring to this page to keep you informed.

I have been the boxing writer for The Harp newspaper which is based in Kings Heath, Birmingham for 7 years along with being involved with (MEBA), The Midlands Ex-Boxers Assosiation and also a Boxing coach, Child Protection worker, Ringside official and long running fight MC at most major events in the Midlands area.

Over the years I have interviewed some of the fight games top names.

From Ali to Joe Calzaghe. Ricky Hat-

ton, Sir Henry Cooper (RIP) Sugar Ray Lenoard, Hitman Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Chris Eubanks, Benn, Collins, Watson, and 8 fighters who faced Ali, are just naming a few.

Not only will I be bringing you whats going on in The Midlands, I will be staying on top of all the big fights here in the UK and British fighters abroard.

I hope you get enjoyment from my boxing page and i look forward to a long life here with you. yours sinceerly JASON LOWE

Mixed bag for Brummies at Midland ABA Finals in Digbeth

BY JAMES HARTE

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BIRMINGHAM had a mixed bag at the Midland ABA finals at St Anne’s in Digbeth, Birmingham on the 12th April with one boxer walking over to the next stage, three winners and two losers.

At 52kg Matt Windle (Warley ABC) got us off to a good start powering forward against the smoother boxing of Liam Etheridge (Pleck ABC). Etheridge had a nice long style and at times managed to keep Windle on the end of his jab, but Windle was nothing if not persistent and was able to land enough of his heavier shots to gain a unanimous decision from the judges.

Aston ABC’s Raza Hamza was in explosive form at 56kg with a first round stoppage over Triumph ABC’s Jagbir Hayer. Hamza is normally relaxed behind his tight guard and long-range skills but the contest was not even a minute old when a lethal left-hook rocked Hayer’s head backwards forcing a standing eight-count. Hayer tried to force his way into the contest, but it wasn’t long before another left hook forced a further count and the contest stopped.

Aaron Lovell (St Francis ABC) looked a potential prospect at 64kg in these championships but was outworked for the midland title by the aggressive Mitchell Stevens (Brooklands ABC). Lovell has a slick style and punches effectively in combinations, but seems to tire down the stretch which was mag-

nified as Stevens, with former pro Darren McDermott in his corner began to patch together his best work attacking head and body to get a split decision.

In front of a frenzied crowd, Josh Stokes (Wodensborough ABC) won the 75kg title with a split decision over Zaheer Asghar (Eastside ABC).

Many insiders had fancied Asghar beforehand, but the Brummie had sustained a cut the week before to his left eye in his semi-final with Nathan Heaney and early on boxed cagily from his southpaw stance and looked asthough the emphasis was being placed on preserving his laceration. It was clear early on though that for aslong as Asghar boxed this way, it was going to suit the taller Stokes who was picking up points behind his jab. Asghar has a dangerous left hand which he hurls like a wrecking ball (a newly developed punch under Eastside it seems) and every time he threw it, Stokes would cling to him while Asghar punched away. The crowd oo’d and ahh’d throughout as both took turns to land clean shots.

There was panic in the last when the cut re-opened and Asghar managed to survive a doctors inspection.

That was where the luck for Asghar ended and he was understandably crestfallen afterwards.

Joel Ducile (Aston ABC) managed to send the Birmingham crowd home happy with a split decision verdict over Noah Burton (Triumph ABC). Burton definitely had the heavier hands throughout the contest but was prone to lazy streaks and Ducile was able to use his longer arms to constantly give

Burton something to think about.

Birmingham City ABC’s Galal Yafai walks over to the next stage at 48kg.

Other results...

At 60kg Jordan Cooke (Triumph ABC) claimed an impressive scalp when he toppled Nasir Rafiq (Queensbury ABC) with a unanimous decision. Cooke has impressed so far in these championships and did so again here as his cleaner work allowed him an early lead against Rafiq which he never forfeited.

At 69kg I thought that Myles Vale (Clearys ABC) was unlucky not to get a decision over Michael “Bulla” Pardoe (Droitwich ABC). Instead it was Pardoe who was deemed the winner by split decision. Vale looked strong and pushed Bulla back to the ropes where he would let punishing looking body-shots go and was consistently the busier fighter. The judges must have preferred Pardoe’s inside work where his shorter arms gave him advantage.

Ottis Treasure (Redditch Community ABC) promised that his boxing would improve the further he goes in this competition and the better opponent he faces and was proved correct here as he boxed splendidly at 81kg to turn back the challenge of Rhys Constable-Williams (Exhall ABC) for a unanimous decision. Constable-Williams is a very competent boxer who is at his best when allowed to let his hands go – but Treasure boxed well behind a stiff jab to neutralise any success his opponent had.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

Boxing

SHARD End lad and the former World Champion Middleweight Wayne ‘MAD DOG’ Elcock brings his amateur boxing show to Birmingham this month and his invited special guest is the one and only former WBA (super) IBF, IBO and the Ring Light Middleweight champion and WBA Welterweight Champion of the World Ricky ‘the Hit Man’ Hatton.

Hagley Road Birmingham B16 9NA

Wayne how has a long standing re-

( 0121 454 8071) will be hosting an

port with all in the boxing world and is

arrangement of amateur boxing from

a motivating positive champion at the

Wayne's very own BOXCLEVER gym

top of his trade.

This exclusive event which is tak-

World Champion and the prestige op-

ing place at The Norfolk Hotel, 267

in Chelmsley Wood along with a 3

So much so he is also the active pres-

course meal and also a chance to hear

ident of The Midlands Ex-Boxers As-

Ricky tell his story from the start to

sociation, which helps all walks of life

finish about his Boxing carrier in the

in the fight game with as much help as

ring.

it can offer.

Massive boxing fans will also be able

Wayne spoke to me and said:

over the country.

He went in with the best out there and never avoided a single person.

Having him come to my show and meet everyone will be fantastic and the show will be great for the young boxers to tell there friends they boxed in front of Ricky.”

Tickets for this event start from £35.00. For more information and the

to get personal photos not just with

“Having Ricky come to Birmingham

Ricky but also with Wayne, who him-

and also to my show, just shows how

chance to meet 2 charismatic World

self is a former British, English and

much he loves the sport.

champion Ambassadors from Boxing,

erator of the night.

He was and still is a great champion and an icon to up coming boxers all

please call 0800 612 3083 OR Ken on 07976842383. BOXFROGUK.COM

MEBA moving with the times Extra allocation on sale soon for Froch vs.

Groves II

(MEBA) The Midlands Ex-Boxers Association formed nearly 20 years ago to help former & active boxers along with boxing personal has made moves to bring it up to the times of 2014 by bringing in some of The Midlands best known names to help boost its great work bigger and higher than it already is.

The association, which raises funds to help all types of issues in the sport is based at Summers house on the Hagley Road near Halesowen, now has a new board to bring to light more the work it is trying to do in the boxing community.

Over the years it has helped boxing clubs pay rent or purchase Boxing equipment to keep it open.

It has also helped members who have fell on hard times or found there loved ones with ill help ease their pain, by

helping with bills or even just a bunch of flowers, a card or transport to get them from hospital to home or in other ways.

Now a new panel has stepped in to help it make more of a statement to the whole of the boxing community.

Wayne Elcock, the former World WBU,WBF International, English and British Middleweight champion is MEBA’s President, while Paul Thomas one the country's most highly respected professional referees in the UK has become its chairman. Pauls wife has become the treasurer while myself and James Harte are joint secretaries. James is also a boxing reporter based in Birmingham and myself and him have joined forces to make things easier.

Also Mick Burke a computer marvel has also been voted to come on board as Web-site administrator.

With more most corners covered we

have all vouched to do are very best for MEBA and its members.

Meeting are every 4 weeks and it gives members a chance to meet up over a coffee or tea. Talk about boxing both here in the Midlands and else where. Swap stories and boxing memorabilia, along with raising money for boxing issues and organising events too.

New members are always welcome and there presence is always welcome. Membership is a must for this association and forms can be sent to waiting pre-members.

Please call 07813186301 between 10am and 6pm if this association is for you or you believe you can make a difference with us too.

President - Wayne Elcock.

Chairman - Paul Thomas.

Treasurer - Maggie Thomas.

Joint Secretary's - Jason Lowe & James Harte Website Administrator - Mick Burke

Further capacity granted for Wembley Stadium blockbuster Matchroom Sport are delighted to announce that a further allocation of tickets will shortly be available for the fight of the century – Carl Froch vs.

George Groves 2 - at Wembley Stadium connected

by EE on May 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in association with Betway.

The first 60,000 tickets for the rematch between the WBA and IBF World Super Middleweight champion Froch and challenger Groves sold-out within the first hour as fight fans grabbed their seats for the showdown.

Now a record 80,000 fans will cram into the national stadium to witness the grudge match between the Brit rivals, and promoter Eddie Hearn is delighted to have secured the extra capacity.

“It’s fantastic that we have managed to ensure even more fans will be in Wembley for this monumental occasion,” said Hearn. “We have worked hard with the council, Wembley and Transport for London and I am delighted that we have come to an agreement to get as many fans as possible into the stadium to create an incredible atmosphere.”

A further announcement on ticket prices and the on-sale date will be made soon. Fans can register for ticket alerts at http://www.matchroomboxing.com/froch_v_groves_2.htm

The Coleshill Post

Wayne Elcock brings in Ricky Hatton for ABA show

@ColeshillPost

Jason Lowe

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

@ColeshillPost

Jason Lowe

Boxing

The Coleshill Post

Mayweather is coming to Birmingham HE is one of the most brash, flash and exciting famous people on the planet. Renowned for his money branding schemes in the boxing world and also for his pros and quos with Manny Pac-Man.

He is the highest paid sportsman in the World and one everybody wants to meet and spend time with.

He is one of the best pound for pound boxers this world has ever seen grace the ring. A former Golden Gloves winner & Bronze medal winner in the 1996 Olympics.

He had 84 amateur fights with only 6 losses. As a professional he has won 8 World titles in 5 divisions. He is also a lineal champion in 3 different Weight classes.

Been the Ring magazine fighter of the year 2 times. First in 1998 & 2007.

Been voted by the Boxing writers Association of America (BWAA) fighter of the year in 2007 and the Best fighter award by (ESPY) for 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Mayweather is unbeaten as a profes-

sional. 45 fights, 45 wins, 26 by KO. Not only is he one of the most exciting to watch since Ali and Tyson, He is at the moment the only one that is being watched.

Now the boxing sensation will be bringing all of this to Birmingham in June as he has agreed to be present for a one off dinner show for some of his loyal fans and I will be interviewing him for The Coleshill Post.

The A list Multi World champion will be here on June 16th to give fight fans a very up close and personal account of his past life and fights to hopefully what he has planned for the next year or two.

Mayweather has been in the lime light for over 10 years now and this will be his first visit to The Midlands and probably his only one at that.

Rumour has it he is here to talk with Amir Khan about possibly fighting him in February or March next year, but that’s just speculation and hopefully he will let me pry when I interview him on the day.

This one off event will and already is causing a massive stir in the boxing

community and will be a huge affair for all types of press.

The event promoter Ken Purchase commented, “Mayweather coming over is a fight fans dream. Getting him to the UK’s 2nd city is fantastic and he will be greeted by fans and admirers of his.”

Over the years (BOXFROG) has showcased some fantastic some of Boxing’s super nights. Ken has had boxing legends such as Mike Tyson, Nigel Benn, Ricky Hatton, George Groves, Joe Calzaghe, Larry Holmes and Evander Holyfield. All these shows have been of top grade, but this one will be the icing on the cake.

The event location at time of pressing is top secret but is in Birmingham.

For full information and all contact and ticket information can be obtained at www.boxfroguk.com or please contact 0800 612 3083 ticket hotline.

Also marked to coming to the Midlands is Manny Pacquio, Frank Bruno, Former World Heavyweight Champion George Forman and also a charity boxing show with Steve Collins v Neville Brown 2.

As Spring rolls on the WOCC aim to cook up another great Summer of Cricket!

HOPEFULLY those never ending downpours we have been experiencing have come to an end and as the dry weather finally arrives the new cricket season is almost upon us once again.

So if you are a player it’s time to get those whites out and for spectators then it’s shades, picnic hamper and shorts at the ready for what will hopefully be a glorious summer.

Inevitably at this time of year, Water Orton Cricket Club [WOCC] have been busily preparing pitch and facilities to the usual excellent standards in order to be ready to do battle this coming cricket season. As you would expect from the leading cricket club in North Warwickshire the WOCC are at the forefront of encouraging and coaching players from around this region, especially the younger

ones, and developing their skills.

Training nights at the WOCC on Friday evenings are more popular than ever but it’s not too late for you to register, just get in touch, the details are set out below.

Players of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join and the WOCC extends a warm welcome not just to those seeking to hone their cricket skills but in the clubhouse, with it’s newly refurbished bar, the social side is well catered for too for players, family and friends alike.

Both young and old are able to mix in the pleasant surroundings at the WOCC and share the joys [and sometimes the sorrows] of that brilliant maiden over, that excellent innings or even that dropped catch [hmm]? As if that is not enough a busy calendar of social events at the clubhouse and throughout the year means the WOCC is not only in the middle of

the village but also very much at the centre of the community!

Generations of experienced cricketers at the WOCC are regularly on hand to help, advise and encourage the newer generation to learn, improve but most importantly of all to enjoy the game that is synonymous with the Great British summer. It goes without saying that the level of coaching young players receive is right up there with that lofted six and enables the WOCC to maintain the high standards that everyone has come to expect from such a high-flying club.

Let’s all hope we see the WOCC cooking us up more special days during 2014 so if you want to get involved in what promises to be another feast of cricket please get in touch with Lee Brookes on 07807719382 or lee_brookes85@ hotmail.com.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

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COLESHILL Cricket Club is celebrating a positive start to the 2014 season having obtained a significant funding award from SITA Trust for improvements to the ageing Memorial Park Centre. The Memorial Park based Club submitted a funding application in October 2013 and have been awarded just under £43,000.

The improvements to the Centre include a completely refurbished roof, new dressing and shower rooms, enhanced security measures and other general improvements to the Centre.

SITA Trust’s award has been further strengthened by Coleshill Town Council and Coleshill Parish Trust Fund, who are both providing significant financial match funding contributions. The Club is also contributing to the project from its own financial resources.

The Club’s bid to SITA Trust was supported by a number of local groups including Chestnut Tree Nursery, Love Coleshill, Town Councillors, the Mayor of North Warwickshire and the Warwickshire Cricket Board.

Chairman David Whitehead stated “This is a major achievement for the Cricket Club and the local community. Several members have worked tirelessly to get the Club to this point and in particular I would like to thank David Pudge and Adam Harrison. The Centre, which was built in the 1960’s, is really not fit for purpose. However, the funds now available herald a new era for the Centre, for the community and for the Cricket Club, as it celebrates its 160th season.”

Club project lead Adam Harrison commented “I pay tribute to SITA

Trust, Coleshill Town Council and to the Coleshill Parish Trust Fund for their generous contributions to this project. This project helps to further support Coleshill Town Council’s ambitions for Memorial Park, to make it a real hub and focal point for the people of Coleshill.

“These renovations to the Centre will help support our adult and expanding youth sections in the future, which we aim to grow annually by providing a modern community facility. The overall sporting experience of our members will be vastly improved and assist in player retention and recruitment in the long term. This project will help to create a lasting sports and community legacy for Coleshill.”

Marek Gordon, CEO and Chairman of SITA Trust added: “We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Trust. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.2 billion” Councillor Harry Taylor of Coleshill Town Council also commented: “It was important for us to support the Coleshill Cricket Club in this venture. Their plans for improving their facilities in the Memorial Park and our financial support show a joint commitment to sport in this town. Following on from our improvement of the play area last year, this is another step in preserving and modernising the Memorial Park for the people of Coleshill” The Club is hoping that the project can begin as soon as possible and will act as a catalyst for gaining additional funding support for other parts of the Centre, with a potential bid to Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund later in 2014.

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24 Hour Service in All Areas About Coleshill Cricket Club Home Arrangements Coleshill Cricket Club is a Community Amateur Sports Club, which promotes athletic and social purPrivate Chapel ofsuits Rest in North Warwickshire. Founded in 1854 the club Clubmark status and plays in the Warwickshire Pre Paid Funeralholds Plans Cricket League.

Low Cost Simple Funerals The club runs three sides on Saturdays in the Warwickshire Cricket League. In 2014, the clubs 1st XI will Monthly PaymentplaySchemes in Division 1, 2nd XI in the Premier and 3rd XI in Modern & ClassicSingle Vehicles Team Div 2 East. The club also play in the Lichfield & District Sunday League Division 3.

Over 100 Years Experience Contact Play Cricket Coleshill.play-cricket.com Facebook.com/ColeshillCricketClub Twitter.com/ColeshillCC

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The Coleshill Post

SITA Trust Grant marks a new era for the Memorial Park Centre and Coleshill CC

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The Coleshill Post - April 2014- Issue 10

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Rugby

The Coleshill Post

Salts exciting win over the League Champions Leek!

BY JULIAN HARRADENCE

For excitement this match with Leek was a real thriller, providing nail-biting tension from kick-off until the final whistle.

The prospect for an exciting match derived from the away match at Leek at the beginning of the season when, in a close encounter, Salts went down by 17 points to 13 with a late deciding try.

The day was a fine sunny Spring day with a breezy north westerly cross wind, the pitch green and in excellent condition for open rugby.

From the kick-off Leek, playing with the slope and wind advantage, were straight into their stride, driving Salts back with a succession of running attacks deep into the homeside's half,

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whilst being driven backwards. Nevertheless, Evans' quick hands frequently salvaged the ball and linked with his backline. On one occasion a blind side pass reached Tom Burrows whose pace threatened another score, but a well timed tackle prevented the try.

On 20 minutes, Salts offended in the lineout, Leek ran a quick tap penalty, passing the ball along their backline for their right wing to touch down in the corner, try! 12 - 10.

In the second quarter, Leek increased the tempo and pressure on the homeside, dominating the set scrums, their powerful back row clearing the ball from loose rucks and feeding their fluent backs. But Salts defence was immense as the tackles extinguished a succession of Leek's attacks.

With the break approaching, Salts won possession from a breakdown in play, scrum half Evans' pass found Burrows at pace on the left, an instinc15th Year tive side step beat the de-

resulting in the opening try, scored on the right wing after only three minutes play, 0 - 5.

Salts responded immediately, from a lineout in their own half, the ball fell into the hands of left wing Luke Turner, his dummied pass and pace took him through a gap in Leek's defence and away to score a well taken try, 5 - 5.

On 12 minutes in Leek's midfield, Salts surprisingly, drove the visitors backwards at a set scrum. Scrum half Evans' quick pass was taken by outside half Beaty, a side step through the defence took him over for an opportune try under the posts, Beaty added a simple conversion, 12 - 5.

Leek's forwards generated forceful surges in the set scrums whilst Salts struggled to secure clean possession

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fensive cover, leaving the winger clear for another fine try - albeit somewhat against the run of play, Beaty added the conversion. At the break, Salt led by 19 points to 10.

After the break, Salts had the advantage of the wind blowing toward the north west corner. The absorbing contest with the League leaders continued. Spectators speculating whether Leek would dramatically reverse their fortunes. But Salts were about to strike again! Luke Turner had switched from wing to blind side flanker. On 50 minutes, Salts won possession in loose play on the visitors' 22, Evans broke with the ball, Turner took his pass, weaving a path left and right through Leek's defence to score a dramatic try, 24 - 10.

Yet again Leek rallied, their forwards dominating possession and launching further attacks with slick, well executed passing by their dangerous backline. Salts were forced to retreat and Carl Kyte was yellow carded for an un-

specified infringement. Inevitably, it seemed Leek pressure would produce a score, indeed, on 60 minutes, the visitors broke from loose play to score a well worked try on the right, the conversion was added, 24 - 17.

With 20 minutes remaining, Leek pressure mounted once more, creating a wave of forward and backline attacks. Salts' stalwart defence were forced to work hard to keep the visitors at bay. Leek's urgency for a match saving score brought its own pressure, causing handling mistakes, enabling Salts to clear their lines with long wind assisted clearance kicks. Leek drove a final ominous rolling maul deep into Salts' 22, the maul collapsed, desperately, Salts were able yet again to clear the ball. This proved to be the final action and the referees' whistle signalled no-side and Salts' dramatic rear-guard effort achieved a notable win by 24 points to 17.

Man of the Match – Luke Turner.

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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S to Jonathan James, Joe Worwood, Aaron Thompson, Lewis Palmer and Darren Gray who were selected to represent Greater Birmingham Rugby in the higher Under 18’s age category.

Unfortunately one of the other members, Marcus White was unable to play due to an injury.

Following recent trials with the Greater Birmingham Squad, the six were invited to play in a tour-

nament that included a South African touring team and it was a proud moment for the Salts boys and their coaches when all six took to the field for this fixture.

All equipped themselves extremely well considering the age gap and made a huge contribution to a 24-12 victory.

This game was followed by a tough game against a strong Sutton Coldfield team which they narrowly lost but included a try from Salts Joe Worwood.

This is a great example of how boys and girls can realise their po-

tential and enjoy this great game in a structured and disciplined environment at Old Saltleians Rugby Club in Water Orton.

Old Salts is a family friendly community club and provides trained coaching staff with age groups ranging from 5-17. With the rugby world cup fast approaching what better time to experience the game and make new friends in the process.

If you require any further information please contact the Mini & Youth section chairman David Reilly 07939385229.

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk

The Coleshill Post - April 2014 - Issue 10

Alan Beckett

History - Part 9

Coleshill Town Match Reports

Kirby Muxloe (Leicestershire) 3 v 1 Coleshill Town It is amazing how often it happens! Coleshill had just won Team of the Month for March after a run of eight consecutive wins and they go and lose the first game in April. Town were 2-0 down after only 12 minutes. Leon Weller pulled a goal back on 80 minutes but Kirby scored a third late on.

Saturday 5th April

Heather St Johns 1 v 0 Coleshill Town Coleshill slipped to a second consecutive defeat to bottom of the table Heather. A poor game in which neither side deserved to win.

Wednesday 9th April

Tipton Town 0 v 0 Coleshill Town Another poor game where the ball was more in the air than the ground. At least it was a point and stopped the run of defeats.

Saturday 12th April

BY ALAN BECKETT I was contacted by John Hoyle from the Coleshill Civic Society to say that a Mrs Baker from Green Lane had an old photo she would like to donate to the football club. I was excited hoping it was one I didn’t have but when I visited Mrs Baker I found out it was a photograph I already had however my copy was in poor condition and this one was in fact a “Post Card” and in very good condition, result, thank you very much Mrs Baker. The picture was taken on the banks of the river Cole looking back up the High Street and shows the Coleshill Town team from 1910. I also have a photograph taken at the same time of the team and all officials connected with the club. This would include: WE.Barber (Secretary), FJG. Wingfield Digby (President), Dr Cant, and Reverend JG. Penn. It was taken at the end of a very successful season in which they won the Coleshill Charity Cup and the Tamworth Nursing Cup. In the Coleshill Charity Cup they beat the holders Wilnecote United 4-3. Coleshill were 3-0 down before goals from captain Jack Nichols, C.Williams twice, and with just four minutes to play C.Watkins scored the winner.

“Mr Nichols was carried shoulder high off the field to the Swan Hotel amidst great excitement. Later Mr Linforth drove several of the players round the town in his motor car with the Coleshill captain seated in the front with the cup and they were greeted with cheers all along the line. About 7 o’clock the Rev Father Hudson kindly sent the band of St Paul’s Home to play selections and excitement was kept going for hours after the match”.

(Coleshill Chronicle) The Coleshill team was: Goal: H.Fitzherbert, Backs: W.G.Palmer and W.Caswell, Half Backs: H.Freeman, J.C.Clare,

and E.Clive, Forwards: H.Malpass, C.Watkins, J.A.Nichols (capt), E.Sly and C.Williams.

The final of the Tamworth Nursing Cup was played on Monday 28th March 1910 at the Castle Ground Tamworth against Baddesley Colliery. Over 200 supporters travelled to Tamworth. The same Coleshill team took to the field. Baddesley took the lead through a penalty but Jack Nichols equalised and E. Clive scored a second. Clive then missed a penalty but Coleshill held on to win 2-1. “The players, with the cup and a large number of supporters, arrived at Forge Mills Railway Station and the Coleshill Brass Band were on the platform playing ‘See the conquering hero comes’.”. (Coleshill Chronicle) This got me thinking that most of these young men would have gone to War just four years later and with the 100th anniversary upon us this year I thought I’d start some

research but also ask the good people of Coleshill for any information they may have.

The captain of the side was Jack Nichols butthere’s a Nicholds as well so I’m not sure if I’ve got the right man! Possibly a Railway Clerk living at the Waterworks, Shustoke!

Next up I went for J.C (Jack) Clare who became captain at a later date. It became obvious that he had not been born Jack but J.C. failed to help but a Charles John Clare born 1889 in Lower High Street Coleshill seemed to fit! Father William, a Cycle Fitter and Mother Annie and a brother William from the 1901 census. By the 1911 census Jack is living in Kendalls Yard Coleshill, is 23 years old and a Bricklayer. He joined the Warwickshire Regiment on 18th May 1918, but was previously in the Royal Engineers. It’s early days in my research but if anyone has any information on the names stated above, please contact me!

Coleshill Town 5 v 0 Loughborough University Town found their shooting boots again and blew away the Students. Matt Brown scored a double, James Williams scored a cracker on his debut after being promoted from the Youth team.

Luke Edwards and Chris Lloyd the other scorers.

Tuesday 15th April

Tividale 3 v 0 Coleshill Town Coleshill travelled to the Champions Tividale and played very well in the first 45 minutes.

Tividale web site said “Coleshill dominated us in the first half like no other team has done this season”. Town were 1-0 down at half time against the run of play but were out played in the second half as Tividale showed that they deserved to be champions.

Saturday 19th April

Coleshill Town 1 v 5 AFC Wulfrunians Town hadn’t been beaten at home since September but they were taken apart by a clinical Black Country side. 3-0 at half time Connor Leek pulled a goal back just after the break but Wulfs scored twice more as Coleshill suffered their biggest defeat of the season.

Monday 21st April

Coventry Sphinx 0 v 6 Coleshill Town Just 48 hours after their biggest defeat Coleshill recorded their biggest win of the season. For Sphinx this was a Bank Holiday fun day and a crowd of 280 turned up but unfortunately their team didn’t. Matt Brown, Ryan Nash and Chris Lloyd all scored two goals and Lloyd missed a penalty as well.

Saturday 26th April

Coleshill Town 3 v 1 Tipton Town Last game of a fabulous season! It took 12 attempts but Coleshill finally beat Tipton! Matt Brown, Dean Rathbone and Chris Lloyd all scored within the first 15 minutes. Tipton pulled a goal back before the break and then saw keeper Paul Hathaway save a penalty but Town held on for a well deserved win.

League Record: Played 42 Won 23 Drawn 9 Lost 10 Goals For 94 Goals Against 47 Points 78 Position 4th.

The Coleshill Post

Tuesday 1st April

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End of a fabulous season!

BY ALAN BECKETT Coleshill ended their record breaking season with a win on Saturday 26th April at home against their bogey side Tipton Town, who they had failed to beat in twelve previous attempts!

Town finished in 4th position in the Midland Alliance, the highest league position in their 129 year history. Manager Paul Casey has revitalised a side that only just avoided relegation last

year into true Championship contenders! Records broken include, most wins 23 (previously 18), fewest defeats 10 (14), most goals scored 94 (77), fewest goals conceded 47 (55),most points 78 (65), most consecutive wins 8 (5), most clean sheets 16 (14) and of course a record breaking run in the FA Vase when Coleshill reached the last 32 of the National competition. Manager Casey is confident that the momentum will be maintained next season and he has already signed up the

players he is keeping for the coming campaign and is on the trail to bring in two or three new faces which will improve the squad! Crowds did increase slightly as word got round the town that the football team was worth watching but the average is still under 100 and for a town the size of Coleshill there is definitely room for improvement!

The new season starts in early August and the “Coleshill Post” will have all Coleshill Town’s fixtures. Why not come along and see for yourself!