Author: Peter Tripp

We just wanted to let you know that we’ve taken the decision to cancel the trip to Southend this summer. We know everyone will be disappointed, but at this stage it seems the safest thing to do. We will ensure everyone who booked and paid receives a full refund. We hope to plan an alternative day trip later in the year. Take care and stay safe.

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Here is a crime prevention guide from Herts Police to keep your business safe and secure whilst it is closed.

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Due to the current situation with the Coronavirus and the Government recommendation to avoid “non-essential” socialising, the Meriden Residents Association committee have taken the decision to cancel both our coffee mornings (Wednesday and Fridays) until further notice.

In line with the UK Government’s latest public health advice we have decided to cancel the litter pick.

We want to wish all our residents well during these difficult times and thank you for your continued support.

Please join us on Tuesday 10th March for our next open meeting. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments and the meeting will start at 7.30pm.

A raffle will take place for Meriden Residents who attend the meeting with a prize being a £25 intu gift card.

We are delighted that the Co-op has selected the Meriden Residents Association as one of their local causes for a second year.

In order for you to help us again, you need to either phone the Co-op or go online to select us again – selecting us before is not automatically carried forward to this year, you need to do it again!

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This means by purchasing a Co-op membership card (£1), and by nominating us (Meriden Residents Association) as your chosen local cause, every time as a Co-op member you purchase selected own-branded products and services, 1% of what you spend can now help the Meriden Residents Association (MRA) raise funds for forthcoming coach trips. Also the great news is 5% goes to you.

If you have not got a Co-op card, please purchase one from the Co-op and then phone or go online. Phone: 0800 023 4708 Online: https://www.coop.co.uk/membership to nominate us.

The money we received last year really helped to subsidise our annual coach trip to Southend. Thank you to all those who purchased a Co-op membership card and phoned the Co-op or went online to select the MRA as your chosen cause.

We had a great MRA Christmas party for the children on Saturday December 7th 2019 as well as tea and cakes for the adults. All our residents were invited to join us, from the very young to our senior residents.

We had 48 volunteers (including the committee) over the course of the day, setting up, running an activity or clearing away; some of those stayed all day which meant they were with us for nearly ten hours!

The day included Santa’s grotto and children’s art and crafts…

We also had lots of games for the children to enjoy…

Plus face painting, magic mirror and balloon making…

During the fun we also had a children’s tombola and a family raffle.

Along side the children’s Christmas party, we also had mince pies, cakes and tea for the adults.

We want to say a massive thank you to Mulalley who were our main sponsor. Thank you to Watford Football Club Community Sports and Education Trust for letting us use the Community Centre for free.

We would also like to thank ASDA for once again donating cakes for our children’s party and to the Co-op for donating mince pies for the afternoon tea and cakes. To Liz for baking and donating so many homemade cakes and for organising the adults’ tea and cake afternoon.

A big thank you to all those that have not been mentioned by name but you are very valued for who you are and all the work that you did.

The Co-op has selected the Meriden Residents Association as one of their causes for the second year.

The money we received really helped to subsidise our annual coach trip to Southend this year. Thank you to all those who purchased a Co-op membership card and phoned the Co-op or went online to select the MRA as your chosen cause.

However ! In order for you to help us again this year, you need to either phone the Co-op or go online to select us again – selecting us before is not automatically carried forward to this year, you need to do it again!

If you haven’t got a card already, please purchase one from the Co-op for £1 and phone or go online.

Phone: 0800 023 4708
Online: https://www.coop.co.uk/membership

You could be entitled to free or discounted home energy improvements. The Hertfordshire Warmer Homes Scheme could help if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.

The ice, snow and frost in the winter months bring lots of challenges, but for many there are very real concerns about the costs of heating their homes.

Help is available for households with incomes of less than £20,000 (or applications from those on selected benefits) needing assistance to keep their home warm.

The Herts Warmer Homes scheme run in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council can provide help with home insulation or emergency heaters as well as a range of advice.

Anyone concerned about themselves or perhaps someone they know who could do with support should contact HertsHelp on 0300 123 4044 or info@hertshelp.net.

Find out more: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/…/Hertfordshire-Warmer-Homes-schem

On Friday 27th September, The Badger and the Meriden Residents Association (MRA) hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning at The Badger.

Over £700 was raised! Thank you to all of you who gave generously by donating money and bringing along the most delicious cakes.

We had so many cakes, they were still be eaten in the evening by The Badger’s regulars!

It was such a great venue to hold this event in, and our thanks go to Sue Barwell, who worked so hard to make this event a great success.

Thanks too to Stacey, Kelly and many others who rallied around to help. Hoping we can join together for another event in the future.