The penultimate issue of 2024… already! And events in and around the community are getting into the swing, ready for Christmas. But November is a mindful month, bringing opportunities to stop and think about those that have gone before us: At the All Souls’ service you can take a little time out to remember those no longer with us; and at Remembrance think of those who sacrificed everything
in times of war. If you prefer to be mindful in your own way, where better to contemplate things than in our beautiful countryside and all are welcome to enjoy the peace and quiet the Church offers, being open every day.
Of course Christmas preparations are beginning: have a clear out at the Table Top Sale (p12 & 22), or book your Christmas Wreath Making workshop (p30), before the ‘party month’… or stress month of December arrives!
Helen & Lesley Eldridge
The Editorial Team
VICAR
Jim Perryman t : 850610 | m : 0744 948 0539
The Vicarage, 4 Hill Wootton Road e : vicar@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
READERS
Audrey Rowberry t : 851498 e : reader1@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
Christine Haines e : reader2@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
READER and CHURCHWARDEN
Nigel Stallard t : 850548 e : churchwarden1@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
CHURCHWARDEN
Jonathan Kingston t : 851181 e : churchwarden2@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
PCC SECRETARY
Chris de Wolf e : secretary@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
PCC TREASURER
Lesley Eldridge e : treasurer@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
Lesley Allen t : 07963 815773 e : pso@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk FOR
FROM THE VICARAGE
Lest we forget!
I am writing this from Switzerland, on one of my work trips with Intercontinental Church Society, and it is the day after the deadline! Yes - I forgot. Fortunately, with the wonders of technology and a polite nudge from the editors, I am able to access all my adverts and other files and sort everything out in a fairly short time on my laptop. Forgetting is annoying (but something that perhaps happens more often as the years pass), but no great harm has been done here other than a small delay in the editors’ planning perhaps.
Sadly, the world seems to find it too easy to forget the devastating effects of war - and just repeats the same destructive lust for power and desire for revenge time and time again, which is always futile and simply piles more suffering and misery on the most vulnerable people who find lives and livelihoods shattered, and death and misery engulfing them and their loved ones.
This is why it remains vital that we REMEMBER. The annual Poppy appeal from the Royal British Legion is a polite nudge each year to each one of us to do something to show the warmongers that they will never succeed - and to show the peacemakers that they have the support of the overwhelming majority of us. In Leek Wootton, the season of remembrance begins with our patronal festival (for both the church and the school) of All Saints’. This is a time to remember the less famous, but equally faithful, men, women and children who, in the name of Jesus - the Prince of Peace - served and frequently suffered in the cause of revealing love, care, justice and reconciliation.
All Souls, which follows, is the time to remember our own ‘saints’ - those loved ones whose lives have ended but who live on in our hearts and minds and, we pray, also live on in eternal peace and joy with God.
The following weekend is Remembrance Sunday when we will remember those of our village and wider parish who laid down their lives in the dreadful times of the two world wars of the last century. In church, we remember them by name and offer a candle in their honour. Our young members of the local Uniformed Groups are active in this - a poignant reminder that most of those who died were not much older than them. Then we parade through the village to gather with other members of the local community at the War Memorial Stone for our Act of Remembrance at 11:00am.
I hope that many more will make a really special effort to join in one or both of these this year as a sign of not only remembering the past, but standing up for peace in today’s troubled and troubling times.
The following Sunday at All Saints’, we will be marking ‘Safeguarding Sunday’ as we seek to ensure that the church is a safe environment for all people, including our youngest and our most vulnerable members. The greatest parallel between this and remembrance is that the one thing we must not do is NOTHING. We remember the horrors of persecution, of bereavement, of warfare and of abuse - not to glorify them, but to do something that, by the grace of God, will help to improve the future and bring peace, love, care, justice and reconciliation. Jim Perryman
ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
CHURCH SERVICES / EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER
We do not now automatically offer the live streaming of Sunday services. However, we are happy to respond to a request from anyone who would wish to ‘tune in’ on a particular Sunday (unless there is active involvement by the school or uniformed groups within the service), provided you give us prior warning, at least the day before.
Email admin@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk or phone the Vicarage
Sunday, 3 November ALL SAINTS’ / ALL SOULS’
8:45am Holy Communion (BCP)
9:30am All Saints’ Breakfast
10:30am All Saints’ Celebration Worship
4:00pm All Souls’ Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving
Wednesday, 6 November
7:00pm Handbells rehearsal in church as we prepare for Christmas
8:45pm Compline Online - Livestreamed on Zoom ONLY
Thursday, 7 November
6:30pm Christmas Choir rehearsal in church
Sunday, 10 November REMEMBRANCE
10:00am Remembrance Sunday Parade Service followed by 10:55am Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial Recreation Ground
Wednesday, 13 November
7:00pm Handbells rehearsal in church
8:45pm Compline Online - Livestreamed on Zoom ONLY
Thursday, 14 November
6:30pm Christmas Choir rehearsal in church
Sunday, 17 November
10:00am Safeguarding Sunday Service
Wednesday, 20 November
10:30am Midweek Holy Communion
7:00pm Handbells rehearsal in church
8:00pm PCC Meeting
Thursday, 21 November
6:30pm Christmas Choir rehearsal in church
Sunday, 24 November
10:00am All Age Holy Communion with MOSAIC
Wednesday, 27 November
7:00pm Handbells rehearsal in church
8:45pm Compline Online - Livestreamed on Zoom ONLY
Thursday, 28 November
6:30pm Christmas Choir rehearsal in church
Sunday, 1 December
8:45am Holy Communion (CW)
10:00am Advent Sunday Celebration - and beginning of the Posada
TO JOIN US FOR WEDNESDAY EVENING COMPLINE ON ZOOM, use the link: www.cv35.uk/lwzoom, OR use the Zoom Cloud Meeting App with Meeting ID 645 991 3128. The Passcode is 110720.
POSADA 2024
Making Room for Mary and Joseph
Help Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem by welcoming them to your house for one night in Advent.
Each year, the Mary and Joseph figures from our Christmas Crib journey around the village and other local homes en route to the Blessing of the Crib service at 4:00pm on Christmas Eve. If you would like to have them come and visit your home this year, then please book at www.cv35.uk/posada or email posada@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk. The journey begins after our Advent Celebration service at 10:00am on Sunday, 1 December.
All we ask is that you treat your ‘guests’ with respect, take a photo (please don’t include children in the photo) and send it in so that we can build a photo slideshow on the website, and commit to contact the next host to arrange the handover.
Host our crib figures this year, and have the blessing of sharing in the Christmas story, as they come to your home.
LEEK WOOTTON MU
Contact : Janet Jackson e: mu@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
QUIET DAY
Monday, 18 November, St John Baptist Church, Berkswell
Coffee served from 10:00am for 10.30am start, to 3.30pm finish
To be led by The Rev Pauline Warner; bring a packed lunch.
MU’S PRISON SUPPORT
Thursday, 21st November, St John’s Church Hall, Kenilworth, 2:00pm
Updates about volunteer roles at Onley by Lynda and Rosie.
TOYS FOR PRISONERS’ CHILDREN
For the Christmas family days at Onley, MU is collecting gifts of new toys and games to enable men to give gifts to their children. Age range: babies - 16 years. The presents must not be wrapped and cannot include magnets, plasticine, playdough, toy guns or toiletries.
Donations may be taken to the Village Hall on Toddler Group mornings: Thursdays, 7, 14, 21 November between 10:00am and 11:30am. Thankyou.
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Monday, 25 November – Tuesday, 10 December
The annual international campaign; runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women until Human Rights Day and MU joins with over 6000 organisations from over 185 countries to raise awareness. MU works in partnership with local domestic abuse organisations and parishes to give practical examples of how we can all be part of the change. Find out more at mothersunion.org/RISEUP
Above: Members and friends at The Anchor celebrating Greta’s birthday with a cake and flowers given by our Diocesan President, Karen
God to enfold me, God to surround me, God in my speaking, God in my thinking.
God in my sleeping, God in my waking, God in my watching, God in my hoping.
God in my life, God in my lips, God in my soul, God in my heart.
God in my sufficing, God in my slumber, God in mine ever-living soul, God in mine eternity.
www.coventrycathedral.org.uk
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL MATTERS
Mary Robins
ROSSINI: PETITE MESSE SOLENELLE
Saturday, 9 November, 7:00pm-9:00pm, Cathedral
t : 512643
Coventry Cathedral Chorus will perform this piece as part of the Peace Festival in the City.*
Tickets will be sold at the door for £25; discounted price of £20 available in advance only. tickets@coventrycathedralchorus.com or 01676 532436.
* The Lord Mayor of Coventry Peace Lecture 2024 will be presented at the Cathedral by Professor Nicola Pratt on Wednesday, 6 November from 7:00pm for 7:30pm.
VIVALDI: FOUR SEASONS BY CANDLELIGHT
Saturday, 30 November, 7:30pm-9:30pm, Cathedral
Vivaldi’s timeless classic, The Four Seasons, along with Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto, featuring The Picadilly Sinfonietto with pianist Warren MailleySmith and violinist Martin Jackson. A regular feature leading up to Christmas at the Cathedral, with a repertoire of the baroque, classical and romantic.
Planning ahead, so that you don’t miss a favourite Christmas event, here are a few to look forward to:
• G4 CHRISTMAS - traditional carols to sacred contemplations, classical classics to popular favourites; all the way to modern festive hits - Friday, 6 December
• A CHRISTMASTIDE CELEBRATION FOR COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE CHILDREN’S CHARITYSaturday, 7 December
• CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES BY CANDLELIGHT - Thursday, 12 December
• HANDEL’S MESSIAH BY CANDLELIGHT - Coventry Cathedral Chorus with Coventry Cathedral Boy Choristers - Monday, 16 December and booking seats fast already -
• THE SNOWMAN AT COVENTRY CATHEDRAL - three performancesSaturday, 21 December - tickets: events@coventrycathedral.org
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TREES?
Reading the Friends of the Cathedral newsletter I learnt from Martin Williams that the 100 young trees that featured in an event in the Old Cathedral in 2021 (Coventry’s year as City of Culture) were planted at different sites around the city.
Unfortunately, the original event was not advertised due to Covid restrictions, but the Cathedral Trees were displayed along with a musical theme of Resilience. Visitors could wander around the trees, with voices of Coventry people speaking of their personal resilience, and they were then invited to pause and write their
personal reflection or prayer on a coloured ribbon and hang it on one of the trees.
After one week the trees were removed and the ribbons were buried with their trees.
BAPTISTERY WINDOW
The good news about the vandalised Baptistery window is that the damaged glass has been removed for repair by John Reyntiens, whose father was one of the original artists that translated John Piper’s designs on to stained glass.
John has his own glass studio and in 2012 created the stained-glass window in the Palace of Westminster gifted to the late Queen on her Diamond Jubilee [left].
Leek Wootton & Guy’s Cliffe Parish Council
www.leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Richard Coates (Chairman)
t : 856223
e : CllrCoates@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Paul Eldridge (Vice-Chairman)
e : CllrEldridge@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
David Elsy
m: 07528 526621
e : CllrElsy@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Jonathan Kingston
t : 851181
e : CllrKingston@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Jim Kirkwood
t : 852444
e : CllrKirkwood@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Joy Morgan
e : CllrMorgan@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Community Development Environment All Saints’ Church
Highways (LEAD) Village Hall Community Forum Finance & Risk Cttee Planning Cttee
Community Development Emergency Planning All Saints’ Academy
LEEK WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk to the Parish Council : Helen Eldridge t : 07646 017573 e : clerk@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
The Parish Council met on Wednesday, 4 October, at Leek Wootton Village Hall. Discussion included the following:
DEVELOPMENT AT WOODCOTE (POLICE HQ)
There is currently nothing to report on this planning application. The PC understands that CALA is taking its criticisms into account and it also notes that WCC Highways submitted a new objection on 22 October. If amendments are required, CALA may need to submit amended plans, which will necessarily prolong the application process, so we are once again waiting to see.
FUTURE PLANNING
The PC has begun formally listing ideas for future projects. This is informed by a number of proposed projects that were included in the Neighbourhood Plan and other issues raised with the PC over recent years. This will be used for reference if and when funds become available, e.g. Community Infrastructure Levy [CIL] (a charge which can be levied by local authorities on new development in its area).
PLAYGROUND SAFETY INSPECTION
The RoSPA Safety Inspection was carried out on 18 September and the report received has been published on the Council website:
• The problem with visibility of the car parking bay markings at LW War Memorial Recreation Ground has been resolved with a combination of small polar white gravel being put in the pockets between the terracotta-coloured resin markings, together with some thermoplastic marker tape. The visibility has been greatly improved, just in time for the first major fall of leaves to https://leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk/2024/09/20/rospa-safety-inspection-report-2024
There were no high-risk issues raised, and the PC will work towards resolving a number of lower risk issues over the next few months.
EVENTS
The PC reviewed Community Live! 2024. Feedback received has been positive all round and the consensus was to continue to build on the success, with the 2025 event booked for Saturday, 6 September. See page 15 for more about the School’s involvement with Community Live! 2024.
The Emergency Life Skills Training sessions have also been well-supported and, if residents would like to see more events like this, please let the PC know. See page 14 for more information.
COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE
cover it all! Many thanks to the Councillors for their hard work. The grounds maintenance contractors will be clearing leaves over the next couple of months.
• A number of occasions of problematic pavement parking were raised, particularly since the Councillors have been looking at the condition of pavements around Leek Wootton. This is a Police enforcement issue, which the Clerk has tried to raise with the Safer Neighbourhoods Team. The response was, “I note that poor parking is an issue in the area. Unfortunately, we cannot get out to each and every report of bad parking. If there is a persistent parking issue then I would advise going to the Warwickshire Police web page and submitting an online report, which will come through to us. Also, a photograph of the offending vehicle is useful, and residents are more than welcome to submit photos to our SNT email address.” (PS 1533 Johnathan Calvert, Warwick SNT, 02/04/2024).
• Flooding has, once again, been an issue recently. The gullies at the A46 Gaveston roundabout underpass and at the skew bridge have jetting orders on them. The PC is continually monitoring and reporting specific issues to WCC Highways, e.g. when gullies are blocked. It is a never-ending cycle, because the gullies get blocked again, especially at this time of year.
• Cllr Kirkwood has been in touch with WCC Highways and Severn Trent Water about the confusing letters that were sent to residents in Waller Close, but not other streets, regarding the closure of Woodcote Lane. Severn Trent, together with a subcontracted company, is acting on instructions from CALA about constructing a new sewerage system for the new houses. The road closure will be for exploratory work for this. WCC Highways has been in touch with Severn Trent to complain about the confusing letters, which gave different dates to those submitted to the Council. The community will be PROPERLY notified by Severn Trent before work is carried out, currently showing as 25-29 November on https:// one.network.
• Once again, a number of concerns were raised about trees, hedges and vegetation obscuring street lighting and footpaths. The PC is approaching WCC Highways again about cutting back the ivy opposite the bus stop/ recreation ground entrance and is trying to establish who has responsibility for a number of lamps on Woodcote Lane where the trees are obscuring them.
During the winter the PC asks everyone to look at the impact their trees, hedges and other plants have on any public highways, including pavements and footpaths. If your boundary is on a pavement or road, you are generally responsible for maintaining the ‘outside’ and keeping the highway passable. PLEASE maintain
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be at 7:30pm on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, at Leek Wootton Village Hall.
Minutes of all Parish Council meetings, when signed, are published on the website at leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk. Any local issues can always be raised at meetings under Public Question Time or by contacting any of the Parish Councillors or the Clerk, details of whom are listed on all noticeboards, the Parish Council website, in the Parish Directory and the Bulletin.
Severn Trent
On the morning after the deadline for this magazine, Hill Wootton and most of Leek Wootton woke to no running water due to a burst water main on Hill Wootton Road.
It happens that only a couple of days before this the Parish Council had written a strongly worded letter to the CEO of Severn Trent about the dire state of our water, especially the ongoing problems that residents of Hill Wootton have been experiencing.
Jeremy Wright MP was copied in, as well as our District Councillors, and Mr Wright’s office responded by writing to Severn Trent, asking to be kept informed.
Whilst this latest event was a new issue (the fifth time Hill Wootton had been without water in two weeks) Severn Trent dealt with it promptly as an emergency, but were also concerned to ensure the impact on the road network was minimised, although flooding on Hill Wootton Road, under the A46, meant there was little option but to close it.
As with other issues the Parish Council raises with our various service providers, it will continue to bring issues to the attention of Seven Trent.
Hill Wootton Road
Home Farm
Warwick Road
Hill Wootton Road
STW activity in Leek Wootton, 26 Oct
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Belated Congratulations...
To Jill and Jim Barr on their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 5 October.
PARISH ACT OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, 10 November, 10:55am at the War Memorial Recreation Ground
We encourage everyone to show their gratitude to the young men of this parish, who laid down their lives and their futures in the two World Wars of the 20th Century, so that we could have both lives and futures enjoying the freedoms which were under such threat. We also remember others who have lost their lives in more recent conflicts.
There will be a parade from All Saints’ to the Memorial Stone, leaving the church around 10:40am, which you will be welcome to join en route if you haven’t been at the earlier service, or you can gather on the slope near to the memorial where the ceremony will take place. It will include the 2-minute silence at 11:00am.
If you plan to come by car, please ensure that you are in the car park by 10:40am, and that you drive with extreme caution if people are already gathering on the slope.
Also, if you are less able to stand for what will be about 20 minutes, please think to bring a chair with you. Following the ceremony, we hope to offer refreshments in the Village Hall.
Friends of All Saints’ Church
Handbag Donations
I am seeking donations of good condition and quality handbags to go on my stall at the Friends’ Table Top Sale on 23 November at the Village Hall.
Please drop-off your donations at 30 Hill Wootton Road (e: link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk)
Also come along on the day; whether you have stuff to sell (£10 per table), are in a buying mood, or even just fancy a cuppa!
For more information see page 22
Ros Commander
Extract from: www.warwickshireworld.com
Chief Constable Debbie Tedds
retires from Warwickshire Police
The Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police, Debbie Tedds [right], has announced her retirement from the force after 35 years of service.
She was appointed Chief Constable in 2021, having first joined Warwickshire Police in March 1989.
Speaking of her decision to stand down, she said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve Warwickshire Police over a wide variety of roles during my policing career. I am also proud to have been the first female Chief Constable in the force’s over 160-year history.
“My tenure as Chief Constable coincided with the rebuilding of Warwickshire Police as a standalone force following the exit of the alliance with West Mercia Police.
"This was an immensely challenging time but having achieved that and with the force headed in the right direction, I believe now is the right time for me personally to step back from the role and pursue other opportunities.”
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “On behalf of the residents of Warwickshire I want to thank Debbie for her long service at her home force.
"She had the unique distinction of serving in every rank on her way to the most senior role, something of which I know she is rightly proud.
“I think history will show her biggest contribution as helping to secure the agreement that enabled Warwickshire Police to exit the alliance on a secure footing, facilitating its transformation into the force it is today.
"I very much appreciated her support at the time in achieving this and I now wish her all the best for her retirement.
“I am keen to ensure strong leadership of the force and have therefore asked Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith to step up on an interim basis, while I put in place arrangements for a full open recruitment process for the next Chief Constable.
“It remains an exciting time for Warwickshire Police and I am confident that officers and staff will continue to provide the best policing services to the public while I seek a permanent successor to Debbie.”
Details of the Chief Constable recruitment process are being finalised and will be announced in the coming weeks.
Restart a Heart
A big ‘thank you and ‘well done’ to the 38 people who participated in CPR training at the Village Hall in October, organised by the Parish Council and provided by Kenilworth HeartSafe. Everyone who attended agreed that this was really useful and that the sessions, which were both informative and fun, gave them confidence that they could perform or help someone else perform CPR and, if necessary, use an automated external defibrillator (AED). It was pleasing to note that a number of parish organisations were represented among participants: Cancer Research, Macmillan Fundraising, WI, Young at Heart and the Village Hall Committee all now have members who have been trained in CPR, which should make events a little safer!
Whilst the training was free, participants were very generous with donations to Kenilworth HeartSafe, contributing £280 to its maintenance fund. HeartSafe is very grateful for this.
WHAT NEXT?
If there is anyone who:
• was unable to attend the scheduled sessions but would still like CPR training, or
• is interested in a full first aid course, please contact me.
CALLING ALL TEENAGERS
Did you know that there are courses on Basic First Aid for Young People aged 11-16 available in Kenilworth? There is also a course on Babysitting Skills for people aged 14+. If you are interested in either course but would prefer to attend in Leek Wootton, please let me know as it may be possible to arrange this.
Joy Morgan CllrMorgan@leekwottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
THE LINK QUIZ
By Norman Rogers (answers on page 43)
ANIMAL CRACKERS QUIZ
By what alternative names are the following animals sometimes known?
18. Urchin (in medieval English) 19. Coney 20. Prairie wolf
Community Live! Quizzers &Young Reporters
Parish Councillor Joy Morgan, Community Live! Organiser Steph Allison and Head Teacher Helen Rose presented certificates on 18 October at the All Saints' CoE Academy achievement assembly to children who participated in the Community Live! quiz and writing challenges. For taking part in the quiz, certificates were presented to Joey, Scarlett and Finn. Groups at the event enjoyed answering their questions.
Three other children, James, Lily and Holly, who also did the quiz, went on to write about the event, and their informative articles were published in the October 2024 edition of The Link. They each received a copy of the magazine, a Junior Reporter certificate and a trophy. This was a collaboration between the school, local community, Parish Council and editors of The Link magazine. The next Community Live! event will be held on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
James May & Oz Clarke in Town
TV presenter and journalist James May performed at a special concert at St Mary's Church in Warwick on 16 October as part of a series of fundraising events in south Warwickshire. James, with fellow star of BBC Two programme Oz & James's Big Wine Adventure, Oz Clarke, had been cycling around the county to help raise money for Armonico Consort, the work it does for those living with dementia and its outreach and education work. Pianist James and singer Oz also visited a number of care homes and gave flashmob performances at some local pubs.
Find out more about the challenge at www.armonico.org.uk/bike2024/
James May with staff member, Kelly, at The Saxon Mill
ADVERTISING
JOIN THE LEEK WOOTTON FOCUS GROUP
Simply email us to receive our monthly newsletter and regular updates. Join us on Facebook: ‘Object to Cala Homes Warwick Police HQ’ Visit our website: lwfocusgroup.co.uk
LEARN AND PLAY BRIDGE AT LEEK WOOTTON SPORTS CLUB
Bridge lessons for beginners and improvers each Monday at 10:00am from 7 October. Bookings: Contact David 07887 855086
Gentle Bridge Group playing on Wednesday mornings, 10:00am – 12 noon (be seated by 9:50am) No partner required. Coffee/Tea provided. Prizes awarded. £2.50 per player. More details: Contact David 07887 855086
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
-Fri
-18:00
-Fri
Committee Room (Maximum 20 Persons)
Parish Users: £7.00 ph
Non-Parish Users: £10.00 ph
Kitchen: £10 payable for the cooker, or £20 for the cooker, dishwasher and heated cabinet
• Hire of the Hall, or the Committee Room, is for that room only
• Please make sure that you take home all belongings
• Please ensure that you take all your rubbish away with you as there is no Council rubbish collection from the Hall
Your help is vital to keep the Hall in its present condition for all users! BOOKING INQUIRIES TO MRS S FEWTRILL (e : lwvh@outlook.com or t: 01926 409641)
Leek WoottonVillage Hall Regular Users
Organisation Contact
Living Your Yoga
Leek Wootton Beavers and Cubs
Leamington Spa & District Twins Club
Line Dancing
Leek Wootton Brownies
Leek Wootton Guides
Leek Wootton Women’s Institute
Bump2babyReality
Lucy Holtom e: info@livingyouryoga.co.uk
Jo Elsy e: mail@jelsy.myzen.co.uk t: 01926 854623
Elizabeth Daniels e: liz.daniels86@gmail.com m: 07872 900312
Barbara Kenny e: skbk267@yahoo.co.uk t: 01926 852413
Helen Eldridge e: clerk@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk m: 07464 017573
Janet Jackson t: 01926 258264 e: toddlers@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
Maria Manuel e: mariathomastextiles@gmail.com t: 01926 853794
Genny Wilson
e: genny@klasinski.co.uk m: 07921 132079
Monday 09:30
Monday 17:30
Tuesday 10:00
Tuesday 13:45
Tuesday 18:00
Tuesday 19:30
Third Tuesday of each month 19:30
Wednesday 10:00
Wednesday 13:30
First Wednesday of each month 19:30
Thursday 10:00 (term-time)
Monthly on a Friday 09:30
Day varies every 3 months 19:00
ALL SOULS’ SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND THANKSGIVING
Sunday, 3 November, 4:00pm
Everyone is invited to this special annual service, where we have the opportunity to remember, and to give thanks for the lives of, our loved ones who have died - whether these are recent bereavements or not.
If you cannot attend, but want someone specific to be remembered by the minister lighting a candle for them and placing their name on the altar, please send an email to jim@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk with the subject line “ALL SOULS” to pass on their name. It would also be possible to livestream the service on Zoom if requested.
The service in church will be a positive expression of faith and hope with thanksgiving - including some well-known hymns, some time of prayer and a short reflection on a passage of Scripture. The heart of the service will be that time of remembrance.
All Souls’ is a time to remembernot with overwhelming sadness at what we have lost, but with gratitude for what we have known.
It is a time to express our continuing love for those who we no longer see in this world.
It is a time to remind ourselves of God’s promises and to renew our Christian Hope of eternal life.
All Saints’ Parish Breakfast
Sunday, 3 November
Please come along on 3 November from 9:30am - 10:15am and join in with our Parish Breakfast. This will be immediately after the 8:45am service and before the slightly delayed 10:00 am service. It will be continental style, with croissants, rolls, coffee, tea, etc. Sorry no full English with black pudding!
There will be a sign-up sheet at the back of Church, or just let me know you are coming.
Jonathan Kingston
All Saints’ Church Christmas Cards
We are offering three new designs of Christmas cards this year, and have limited stocks of two past designs. The price remains the same as before: 10 A6 cards with good envelopes are available for £5. The greeting in both is ‘Wishing you the joy of Christmas’. To order, please:
a) complete the order form at www.cv35.uk/cards;
b) send an email with your requirements, together with name, address and contact phone number to jim@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk;
c) phone, text or leave a phone message with these details on 0744 948 0539.
Please use the form or email if you possibly can. Payment and delivery arrangements will be made when your order is being processed. If postage charges are incurred, these will be added at cost.
ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, LEEK WOOTTON
CHRISTMAS CHOIR
Each year, we form a choir to sing at the Carol Services [Sunday, 15 December, 4:00pm & Sunday, 22 December, 6:30pm]
As well as congregational carols, we sing Christmas music written for choirs
If you would like to be part of this, do let us know with contact details, preferably email and telephone. It is not essential to be able to read music, but you should be prepared to learn a part - Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass.
The commitment is rehearsals in All Saints’ Church, on a Thursday evening, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm for a period of 6 weeks + the two Carol Services
The first rehearsal is on Thursday, 7 November
To join in, or for more information, please contact Graham Stevens music@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
https://warwickshirewi.org.uk/wi/leek-wootton LEEK WOOTTON WI
President : Lesley Kirkwood m : 07855 518315
Looking forward to our last couple of members' meetings of the year, and I am realising that Christmas is coming!
In November we will have a craft meeting where we will learn the intricacies of floral Christmas table decorations, and then December will bring us to our annual Christmas evening, which will include food, wine and silliness. This month our walking group strode out around the pleasant lanes of Long Itchington, and our reading group will meet in November to discuss The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller.
A recent cinema outing to see The Critic starring Ian McKellen proved a great success!
Altogether a busy time for all our members. Again, if you would like to join us, please just get in touch and you will be made most welcome.
Lesley Kirkwood
MACMILLAN
Chairman : Ros Commander
t : 511373
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported Leek Wootton Macmillan Fundraising Committee‘s Coffee Morning on Friday, 11 October. We were delighted that everyone enjoyed and appreciated the number and variety of cakes available, so much so that we sold out at the end of the event!
Alongside coffee, cake and a chat with friends we were entertained by our speaker, Aleks Racic of Mr D’s Olde Sweet Shop in Worcester, who gave a presentation and talk on Sweet Memories: A Brief Tour of Confectionery Through Time. From ancient times to World War II, we learned about the origins of confectionery and how it developed from medicinal tinctures and lozenges to the sugary confections of Victorian times and on to the chocolates and sweets we knew as children and continue to enjoy today. Fond memories were evoked for many as Aleks talked about companies that no longer exist and recipes that have survived and there was much debate afterwards as to whether we remembered sherbet lemons or lemon sherbets! To add to our enjoyment, Aleks brought with him an array of confectionery for sale, enabling us to stock up on Christmas gifts and treats for ourselves, including tins of marmalade biscuits in readiness for the soon-to-bereleased next film about a certain bear from Peru!
This was a sell-out event, and I am delighted to announce that we raised over £800 for Macmillan Cancer Support. I would like to thank committee members for all their hard work, and all our supporters for their generosity.
Ros Commander
KENILWORTH PROBUS I CLUB
Chairman : Brian Wilson
e : probusleekwootton@gmail.com
Since the October Link was published the Club has taken part in the annual Skittles Match and Fish and Chip Supper with the Kenilworth Probus 2 Club. This year the competition was for a new prize, The Brian Williams Memorial Trophy, created in memory of Brian who was a member of Probus 1 for many years and had always organised this annual tournament. Unfortunately for Probus 1 the competition was won by Probus 2, and the trophy was presented to their Social Events Secretary, Peter Jamieson, by Brian widow Linda [left].
Despite our loss a good evening was had by all.
At our monthly meeting at LWSC on 16 October we had a talk by Harry Wilson, parish resident, entitled The Moghul Emperors - The age of reason, murder and madness. This was the story of a golden age of Indian history and a country of 120 million people ruled over by the Moghuls who enjoyed untold wealth whilst much of the population lived in extreme poverty. The most famous remaining example of this untold wealth is the Taj Mahal, commissioned by the 5th Emperor in 1643. There were seven Emperors over the period 1526 to 1720, who raised revenue by military warfare and agricultural taxes, much of which was spent on palaces and other exotic items such as the Peacock Throne. In 1628 the imperial goldsmiths' department was commissioned to construct the throne, which took seven years to complete, with large amounts of solid gold, precious stones, and pearls being used, creating a masterful piece of Mughal artistry that was unsurpassed before or after its creation. The throne was captured from India by the Persians in 1739, and it disappeared from historical records, although the Shah of Persia/Iran’s dynasty was referred to as being ‘The Peacock Throne’. The Moghul Empire finally collapsed in a series of disputes and battles and, because of its unique position with the Moghuls, the British East India Company, which had been invited into India by one of the Emperors and had aided the Moghuls over many decades, was able to take control of the subcontinent until it was dissolved/ taken over by the British government in the 19th Century.
To finish the month of October the Club is to hold an Autumn Lunch at Kenilworth Golf Club on the 27th of the month.
The Club meeting in November will be on the 19th at LWSC with a talk by Martin Gower on The Press Barons.
Kenilworth Probus I Club welcomes retired, or semi-retired, PROfessional and BUSiness men. They meet once a month to hear talks on a wide range of topics and enjoy a good chin-wag over a drink at the bar (possibly followed by lunch together, to continue discussions, at The Anchor), and occasionally visit places of interest including local factories, etc.
If you would like to find out more, please contact probusleekwootton@gmail.com
LEEK WOOTTON GARDENING CLUB
Secretary : Steph Jones e : lwhsociety@gmail.com
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP
Sunday, 1 December @ Leek Wootton Village Hall
The morning session is now sold out but we have a few spaces left in the afternoon (1:00pm-3:00pm). Please email: LWHSociety@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you.
Tips
Now is a good time to buy bare rooted strawberries to plant in pots, letting them settle in over winter.
To start, fill a large pot with drainage material and soil and place the bare rooted strawberries around the front edge making sure the crown of the plant is the same height as the soil. Do the same with a medium pot and fill a small pot completely. Now stack the pots on top of each other, placed toward the back of each pot, making sure the plants are at the front and not squashed. Cut all the foliage off and cover the surface with grit. You should have a good crop of strawberries in the summer.
www.historygroup.leekwoottonandguyscliffe.org.uk
LEEK WOOTTON HISTORY GROUP
Chairman : Paul Eldridge t : 854347
A murder at Dial House Farm
The brutal murder of Sarah Dormer in her home at Dial House Farm on Sunday, 29 August 1819, and the subsequent trial and guilty verdict delivered upon her young maid, Ann Heytrey, have long fascinated local historians. Leamington author, David Eason, has now reinvestigated Ann’s case and written a full account in The Murder of Sarah Dormer and the Trial of Ann Heytrey: Uncovering the Truth. Ann was the last of eighteen women (1739-1820) to be publicly hanged in Warwick.
Today, what was Dial House Farm has been redeveloped into five separate dwellings and only part of two of the properties now lie within our parish boundary, but what David believes to have been a case of gross injustice, is very much a local story. His book is available to buy from Pen & Sword Books (www.pen-andsword.co.uk).
ADVERTISING
The old gaol door, Barrack Street, Warwick
There will be a repeat performance at: All Saints’ Church Church Street Harbury CV33 9EY on MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER at 7.45 PM
Tickets are the same price and are also available at ticketsource.co.uk/warwickshire-singers or on the door, subject to availability
Castle Lake Explorers will have biscuits available for decorating on their stall!
DEFIBRILLATOR
Located on the exterior west wall of the Village Hall, facing the sports field, Leek Wootton War Memorial Recreation Ground. Call 999 for access & instructions
BUS SERVICE
LEEK WOOTTON
IndieGo PLUS demand-responsive transport service operates from 6:00am to 7:30pm Monday to Saturday (no service on most bank holidays).
Book your ride by downloading the free IndieGo PLUS app, available from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Using the app allows you to quickly see your closest meeting point, book and pay for your ride, and track your vehicle in real-time. Rides can also be booked by telephone on 01926 895559. Telephone lines are open from 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Download the app: Search ‘IndieGo PLUS’ on your favourite app store
Call the call centre: 01926 895559
Find out more about the service at: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/indiegoplus
THE LINK
Leek Wootton Link is published ten times a year, monthly (doubles: July/August, December/January) free of charge, although all readers are invited to make an annual donation towards the magazine.
Submitting Articles or Letters for Publication:
Articles and photographs should be submitted by email to: link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk, or they can be hand delivered to 30 Hill Wootton Road. (Please note: the Editorial Team reserves the right to shorten or edit any material that is submitted for publication).
The deadline for editorial submissions for the DECEMBER/JANUARY double issue is: FRIDAY, 22 NOVEMBER
Advertisements for The Link or for www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk:
The magazine accepts advertising on a monthly or annual basis. For more information about advertising rates, please contact link.ads@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk or call Jim Perryman on 01926 850610
Advert submissions are due:
1 WEEK IN ADVANCE OF THE MAIN SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Other ways to read The Link
If you would like to be added to either the email or postal distribution lists, please contact link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk.
The Link is now published on issuu and some back copies are available to view at: https://issuu.com/leekwoottonlink
OUT & ABOUT IN LEEK WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE
See main articles for further details
- Every MondayYoung at Heart
14:00 at the Sports Club
- Every Wednesday -
LWSC: Bridge Group
10:00 at the Sports Club
- Every Friday -
LWSC: Chess Club
17:30 at the Sports Club
LWSC: Bootcamp Fitness
18:00 at the Sports Club
- Every 2nd and last Wednesday -
LWSC: Bingo Night
20:00 at the Sports Club
Friday, 1 November
All Saints’ Day
The Warwickshire: Fireworks Night www.thewarwickshire.com/events/november-2024/fireworks-night
Saturday, 2 November
Kenilworth Round Table
Fireworks Extravaganza
https//Kenilworth-tc.gov.uk/events
Warwick Town Bonfire and Fireworks www.warwicktownbonfire.org.uk
Sunday, 3 November
All Souls’ Service
16:00 at All Saints’ Church
Tuesday, 5 November Bonfire Night
Armonico Consort
Academy Scholars Concert see page 16
Wednesday, 6 November
Parish Council Meeting
19:30 at the Village Hall
Thursday, 7 November & every Thursday
Christmas Choir: 1st Rehearsal
18:30-19:30 at All Saints’ Church
Sunday, 10 November
Remembrance Sunday
Act of Remembrance
10:55 at the Recreation Ground Memorial Stone
Monday, 11 November
Remembrance Day
Sunday, 17 November
Royal Leamington Spa’s Big Lights Switch On 14:00-18:00 on The Parade
Tuesday, 19 November
Kenilworth Probus 1 Club see page 29
Leek Wootton WI
19:45 at the Village Hall
Saturday, 23 November
Friends of All Saints’ Church
Table Top Sale
14:00 at the Village Hall
Thursday, 28 November
Warwick Victorian Evening 15:00-21:00 on Market Place
Friday, 29 November
Kenilworth High Street (Old Town)
Christmas Lights Switch On https://kenilworth-tc.gov.uk
Saturday, 30 November
St Andrew’s Day
Leek Wootton Village Hall
Christmas Party
19:30 at the Village Hall
Sunday, 1 December
Christmas Wreath Making see page 30
Kenilworth Warwick Road
Christmas Lights Switch On https://kenilworth-tc.gov.uk
Sunday, 8 December
Myton Hospice: Santa Dash www.mytonhospice.org/our-events
ANIMAL CRACKERS QUIZ ANSWERS
From page 14
OCTOBER IN PICTURES…
Please submit your photos to link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
Monty the incredibly brave mouse who regularly visits the Co-Editor’s patio to really wind up the dogs! ➔
Rainbow over Adventure Sports, 27 Sep
New kit, new sponsor! Thank you so much to our main kit sponsor Wavin UK. We are truly grateful for your support. The O'Neills Sportswear is looking and the team loves it. Special mention to Le Raj SpiceKenilworth, Bash Khan and 3 Spires Testing Ltd for their continued support and sponsorship, 27 Sep
Fungi, a restoration project and historic finds at Guy’s Cliffe, 17 Oct
➔ We had two Guides make their promise in a blanket fort this evening! Then they turned their soft toys into superheroes to send down a zip wire! (And yes, the Guides were wearing their pyjamas!,) 8 Oct
The Aurora Borealis visible over the parish (see more photos on page 31), 10 Oct
The Brownies did a great job shopping for the food bank tonight, 15 Oct
"Autumn's a preparation for renewal, Yet not entirely shorn Of tardy beauty, last and saddest jewel Bedizening where it may not adorn" The Garden, Vita Sackville-West
