Family plans history event to boost pride

A family business will use Mere Green's history to show the area can recover from a failed plan for development.

Framecraft Picture Framing and Art Gallery, in Belwell Lane, also hopes the idea could raise awareness of struggling shops and bring in funds for charity.

It wants residents to bring memorabilia and photographs of Mere Green throughout the ages to an open event on Thursday, December 3.

The business, established by Cheryl and Peter Farrell, was taken over by their daughter Lucy, aged 24, six years ago.

Cheryl, who is helping Lucy to organise the event, said: "We are keen to raise the awareness of the plight of local businesses in Mere Green that have been affected by the devastation wrought by the failed Spring development.

"We would also like to remind the local community that Mere Green was once and can be again a pleasant leafy suburb.

"It is a shame to see all the shops boarded up. People have left businesses when they needn't have done.

"But there are still lots of family businesses trying to survive."

Lucy and Cheryl want to discover more about the history of Mere Green, the houses, the families and businesses such as Powers and The Four Oaks Spray Company. The event will also raise money for SADS UK, which helps those with Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome. The charity became important to Lucy after her father suffered a severe heart attack in August 2007 and Cheryl handed over the business to care for Peter. 'Project Mere Green – The rise, fall and regeneration of a leafy suburb' will run from 2pm to 9pm.

For details call Framecraft, at the back of 9 Belwell Lane and opposite Waitrose, on 0121 3085598.