LEEK
Leek Wootton | Guy’s Cliffe | Hill Wootton | Chesford | Goodrest | Wedgnock | North & Middle Woodloes
EDITORIAL
Welcome to the bumper December/ January issue of The Link. Christmas is coming and we have all sorts of events in and around the parish here. Then this New Year is 25 yearsquarter of a century - since the Millenium ... do you remember where you were and how you celebrated? Sadly, this January we will be saying goodbye to Jim, our vicar for the last 16 years, as he retires. It was Jim who, in 2010 took a chance
on what we believed we could do with the magazine and, as well as contributing regularly, over the years has been our advertising manager, proof -reader, some-time printer and very occasional final decision-maker what will we do without him? [You can expect to see a ‘help wanted’ ad in February!] Thank you, Jim, and happy retirement! And to everyone, a very merry Christmas and happy New Year ...see you in 2025!
Helen & Lesley Eldridge
The Editorial Team
WHO?
VICAR
Jim Perryman t : 850610 | m : 0744 948 0539
The Vicarage, 4 Hill Wootton Road e : vicar@leekwoottonchurch co.uk
READERS
Audrey Rowberry
Christine Haines
READER and CHURCHWARDEN
t : 851498
e : reader1@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
e : reader2@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
Nigel Stallard t : 850548
e : churchwarden1@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
CHURCHWARDEN
Jonathan Kingston t : 851181
PCC SECRETARY
Chris de Wolf
PCC TREASURER
Lesley Eldridge
PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
e : churchwarden2@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
e : secretary@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
e : treasurer@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
Lesley Allen t : 07963 815773
e : pso@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE LINK, INCLUDING SUBMITTING MATERIAL, ADVERTISING OR APPLYING TO RECEIVE BY EMAIL, SEE BACK PAGES
FROM THE VICARAGE
The gift of love
So, as we approach Advent, Christmas and 2025, we come to my final ‘From the Vicarage’ after just over 16 years as Vicar in Leek Wootton. And what better way to finish than to point us all, once again, to the great gift of love which is so freely offered to each and every one of us by the very source of love. The coming of Jesus into the world, which for various reasons we celebrate around the world on either 25 December or 6 January, is truly the most significant fact of history – even if it has been ‘decorated’ with a number of traditions which go beyond the basic facts outlined in the Bible. A virgin mother, a willing ‘foster father’, a humble birth, accompanied by heavenly manifestations of angels and a star which drew Bethlehem shepherds and ‘Magi from the east’, a violent ‘king’ desperate to wipe out this perceived threat to his reign, exile into safety and eventual return to Nazareth - those are the facts of the biblical narrative. The donkey and cattle, the innkeeper, the page boys and camels, while they may have all been there, are more to do with finding extra roles for the Nativity plays. And when it comes to some of the Christmas Carols snow, three ships sailing into land-locked Bethlehem, the ‘non-crying’ baby with light radiating from his face, I don’t think they actually help to communicate the reality!
But it is that reality which I strive to communicate. The coming of Jesus into the world – the fulness of God embodied in a vulnerable baby – truly matters to us all, and it is so sad when other peripheral issues, or past bad experiences of people who would claim to be followers of Christ, divert us from the deep love of God for everyone which this ‘Christmas Gift’ reveals.
Of course, the grace and mercy and love of God revealed by the incarnation –the coming of God in human flesh – at Christmas cannot be detached from the culmination of that human life some thirty years later with his willing death on the cross. He was born to identify with sinful humanity, he died to destroy sin and death’s power over us so that, if we put our faith in him, we can share his eternal life as he shared our temporal life.
The Gospel message is so simple – yet it is so hard to submit ourselves to it. This Christmas, whether you celebrate it in December, January, or both, I hope and pray that you will celebrate the reality of the gift rather than simply all the wrapping paper that the world has enveloped it in to largely obscure it.
The gift is love – the deepest, purest, strongest love you could ever begin to imagine. And that love was embodied in Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, Emmanuel - God with us. If I have done nothing else over the past sixteen years here, I hope that I have managed to share something of that precious gift and you will give me the privilege of having the chance to do so again over these next two months as I approach my retirement at the end of January.
Jim Perryman
www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
CHURCH SERVICES / EVENTS FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY
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 TO JOIN US FOR WEDNESDAY EVENING COMPLINE ON ZOOM DURING DECEMBER, use the link: www.cv35.uk/lwzoom, OR use the Zoom Cloud Meeting App with Meeting ID 645 991 3128. The Passcode is 110720.
Sunday, 1 December ADVENT 1
8:45am Holy Communion (CW)
10:00am Advent Celebration + Baptism
Wednesday, 4 December
8:45pm Compline – online via Zoom
Sunday, 8 December ADVENT 2
10:00am Holy Communion + MOSAIC
Wednesday, 11 December
8:45pm Compline – online via Zoom
Sunday, 15 December
ADVENT 3
NO MORNING SERVICE
4:00pm Family Carol Service
Wednesday, 18 December
10:30am Midweek Holy Communion
8:45pm Compline – online via Zoom
Sunday, 22 December
10:00am Holy Communion + MOSAIC
6:30pm Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
Tuesday, 24 December CHRISTMAS EVE
4:00pm Crib Service and Children’s Nativity 11:30pm Midnight Communion
Wednesday, 25 December CHRISTMAS DAY
9:00am Christmas Day Holy Communion (BCP)
10:30am Christmas Celebration
ADVENT 4
Sunday, 29 December
10:00am Holy Communion
Sunday, 5 January EPIPHANY
8:45am Holy Communion (CW)
10:00am All Age Epiphany Celebration
Sunday, 12 January
10:00am Holy Communion + MOSAIC
Wednesday, 15 January
10:30am Midweek Holy Communion
7:30pm PCC Meeting
Sunday, 19 January
10:00am All Age Worship
6:30pm CTKD (Churches Together in Kenilworth & District) United Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at St Nicholas Church, Kenilworth
Sunday, 26 January
10:00am All Age Holy Communion followed by reception at the Sports Club to bid farewell to Jim & Nicola
Sunday, 2 February
NO MORNING SERVICES due to Warwick Half-Marathon road closures 4:00pm CHRISTINGLE
*CTKD is the abbreviation for Churches Together in Kenilworth and District, which is the grouping of Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, and United Reformed churches in the town of Kenilworth and the villages of Ashow, Leek Wootton and Stoneleigh.
Sunday, 2 February at 4:00pm
CHRISTINGLE SERVICE
On the festival of ‘Candlemas’, come and celebrate Jesus, the light of the world, and the love and goodness he brings to the world. AND raise funds for the work of the Children’ Society. Collection Candles available at all December and January services.
www.coventrycathedral.org.uk
COVENTRY CATHEDRAL MATTERS
Mary Robins
THE BAPTISTERY WINDOW - ‘This blaze of light’
t : 512643
Last month I reported that the damage to this window had been repaired by John Reyntiens, the son of Patrick Reyntiens the glassmaker who created the window from thousands of differently-sized pieces of glass. It was the artist John Piper who was asked to design the stained glass in the 198 small areas of window.
Have you seen it? On entering the Cathedral it was designed to be “the first important incident” that draws your attention. When the sun is shining through the many colours, a beautiful sight, the light falls on the font and towards the Chapel of Unity - the two key purposes of Coventry Cathedral ‘spiritual growth through baptism and the nurturing of peace’.
The Baptistery window has no title, but John Piper said “This blaze of light, symbolising the Holy Spirit, remained the motive of the whole design”.
BISHOP SOPHIE JELLEY
At the beginning of November we were told that there was to be an important announcement during the Reading of the Litany of Reconciliation at the Cathedral one Monday lunchtime. (The Litany is read every day at noon). The news was that a new Bishop of Coventry has been appointed, and that Bishop Sophie Jelley will start her new appointment next year in the spring.
CANDLES GALORE!
G4 CHRISTMAS
Friday, 6 December - 7:30-9:30pm
Four beautifully- blended voices and impeccable showmanship. Singing traditional carols, and classics to popular favourites.
Tickets: £24.50 - £69.50
A CHRISTMASTIDE CELEBRATION FOR COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE
CHILDREN’S CHARITY -
Saturday, 7 December at 4:30pm
With the Coventry Cathedral Chorus, the Brass Band of Central England (formerly Jaguar Land Rover Band), the Coventry Cathedral Boy Choristers and Coventry
All Saints Primary School. Christmas tunes and carols for everyone.
Tickets: £15; students/under 18s £7.50; Family ticket £40
CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES BY CANDLELIGHT
Thursday, 12 December - 7:30-9:30pm
Performed by London Concertates, music from the most loved Christmas movies. Christmas jumpers welcome!
Tickets from £22.38
Doors open at 6.45p.m.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH BY CANDLELIGHT -
Monday, 16 December - 7:00-10:00pm
Coventry Cathedral Chorus performs this wonderful work by candlelight in the new Cathedral. The story of the birth, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Tickets online at the Cathedral website
EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT
Tuesday, 17 December - 7:30-9:30pm
Ex Cathedra perform a sequence of Christmas favourites, interspersed with a selection of readings exploring the magic, mystery and humour of the season.
Ticket £5 - £39
BRITTEN’S CEREMONY OF CAROLS
Thursday, 19 December - 5:30- 6:00pm
The Cathedral Choristers and harpist
Cecily Beer perform Britten’s Christmas gem of Christmas texts and memorable tunes. Tickets £5 - £10
THE SNOWMAN AT COVENTRY CATHEDRAL
Three showings of this snowy film on Saturday, 21 DecemberFirst showing - 12:15pm Second showing - 2:00pm Third showing - 4:00pm
Duration 40 minutes. Unreserved seating.
Tickets: Adult £12, Child £6, under-3s free Events@coventrycathedral.org
ADVERTISING
Contact : Janet Jackson
Advent Carol Service
Monday, 2 December at 11:00am
Holy Trinity Church, Coventry
Wave of Prayer
3–5 December
Throughout the year prayers at midday go around the world. The focus for these days is on our Coventry Diocese and our Diocesan Mothers Union partners overseas:
Akot, South Sudan
SW Tanganyika, Tanzania
Aba and Irele-Ese, Nigeria
Cuttack, Orissa, India
Kapsabet, Kenya
e : mu@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
A Prayer for Advent
Advent… the joy of discovery, that moment when hope and expectation were gloriously met by the illumination of one bright star.
We cannot imagine what words were spoken by visitors or if first impressions left them confused.
Messiah, Saviour, King….born in the barest of palaces….yet they saw and fell down on their knees in adoration.
Lord, they saw you and knew who they had met.
As we meet around the crib, candle or Advent wreath, draw us into that stable in our imagination.
In the quiet moments of prayer this Christmas, that brief oasis from the bustle of the world,
Bring alive to us the smell of the hay, the sound of the animals and the cry of a baby.
Draw us closer to our Saviour, Messiah and King as we bring not gold, myrrh or frankincense,
But the gift of our lives, the only offering we can bring.
Knitting Scarves for children
The Clothing Coventry charity would welcome these and if you’d like to knit, the pattern is as follows: Using double-knitting wool and size 8 needles, cast-on 40 stitches and plain knit 1 metre. Bring finished scarves to Baby & Toddlers on Thursdays 10:00-11:30am; on 5 or 12 Dec or from 16 Jan. Thank you
2025 Subscriptions
The Mothers Union is a global Christian movement working with people of all faiths and none to develop communities, strengthen families and advocate for change. If you would like to support by paying 2025 subscriptions do find out more by contacting Karen at Karen.Morris@Coventry.Anglican.org or Janet. Thank you
John Birch sourced by Sandy Rice
Rosie, Anne and Jane visiting Kapsabet last year
REVEREND JIM is RETIRING
Our vicar Reverend Jim Perryman is retiring after 16 years of ministry here in Leek Wootton. Come and give Jim a rousing send off at his final service at All Saint’s on Sunday, 26 January at 10:00am.
After the service, please join us at 12:00 noon at the Sports and Social Club for a drink, nibbles and maybe challenge Jim to a game of pool.
The PCC would like to wish Jim, Nicola and their family every blessing for the future.
Jonathan Kingston, Churchwarden
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
Playground (LEAD)
Recreation Ground Finance & Risk Cttee Planning Cttee
Planning (LEAD) Guy’s Cliffe
Emergency Planning Finance & Risk Cttee Planning Cttee
Environment (LEAD) Hill Wootton Highways Finance & Risk Cttee Planning Cttee
Community Development Environment All Saints’ Church
Highways (LEAD) Village Hall Community Forum Finance & Risk Cttee Planning Cttee
Community Development Emergency Planning All Saints’ Academy VACANCY
Helen Eldridge (Clerk to the Parish Council)
1 Anchor Cottages, Warwick Road m : 07464 017573
e : clerk@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
www.leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
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, 6 November 2024, at Leek Wootton Village Hall. Discussion included the following:
DEVELOPMENT AT WOODCOTE (POLICE HQ)
Much like last month, there is little to report on the CALA development. The PC has not received any further information about the current planning application. We are once again waiting to see.
Meanwhile road closures in Woodcote Lane at the end of November are due to Severn Trent carrying out investigations into the local sewage system and how it will be extended to support houses in the new development.
The PC agreed to write in support of Leek Wootton Focus Group with reference to the lack of response to its questions to County Highways and the Planning Department.
ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY
An annual meeting for the community must be held once every year, between the 1 March and 1 June. The PC set the date for the 2025 Annual Parish Assembly on 26 March.
Further information will follow in the February issue of The Link.
20mph ZONE OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL
County Cllr Redford reported that County Highways Officers would be carrying out site visits in early November to consider the extent and placement of Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) for the school 20mph zone, which will be in the immediate vicinity of the school. Cllr Redford, who secured funding for the scheme, expects to receive an update which should give a possible start date, by the end of November and the PC will review this at its meeting in January.
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE & EMERGENCY PLANNING
Cllr Morgan, who has taken on ‘interests’ of Community Engagement and Emergency Planning, has registered with Communities Prepared as a Coordinator and is researching and preparing a DRAFT Community Resilience Plan for the PC to consider adopting.
Read report on page 40.
COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE
The Parish Council Community Grant Fund awarded the Village Hall a grant in April to purchase solar powered motion activated lights to improve use of the pedestrian footpath at night. The PC felt this was a good use of public money, investing in health and safety for the community, because (apart from one
street light) the lighting in the car park is only usable once the Village Hall is in use, but the recreation ground is a public open space and widely used and traversed by people on foot. The PC was disappointed when a report was received that three of the lights have been vandalised.
Pavement surveys have been carried out by Councillors. These will be compiled for the PC’s records and some of the most severe issues for repair will be raised with County Highways for repair.
NEXT MEETING
The Parish Council does not meet in December. The next meeting will be at 7:30pm on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, at Leek Wootton Village Hall.
The Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Minutes of all Parish Council meetings, when signed, are published on the website at www.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 and in the Bulletin.
Did you know about the Kenilworth Mobile Library that visits Leek Wootton?
Kenilworth Mobile Library C Route
The library will be available between 14:50 & 15:20 on these Wednesdays:
• 11 December 2024
• 15 January 2025
• 12 February 2025
• 12 March 2025
• 9 April 2025
• 7 May 2025
• 4 June 2025
• 2 July 2025
• 30 July 2025
• 27 August 2025
• 24 September 2025
• 22 October 2025
• 19 November 2025
• 17 December 2025
Stops at The Hamlet, between Tidmarsh Road and The Meadows
For all enquiries or to renew books, please phone 01926 851031 or renew online at warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries
Warwickshire Libraries
ANNOUNCEMENTS
John Harlow
We were sorry to receive news of the recent death of John Harlow and send condolences to his family and friends.
Barry Kimberley
Sadly, Barry Kimberley died on the 23 November. This was a couple of days after his wife, Jenny, was telling us about how they met and that they had been able to celebrate their Diamond (60th) wedding anniversary in October. Our sincere condolences to Jenny, Maria, Ian and all their family and friends.
YOUR LETTERS
If you would like to write to us, please email the Editorial Team at : link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
Thank you
Thank you for our Golden Wedding Announcement on page 12 [November issue]. We had a lovely family afternoon tea, renewed our vows at St Francis and then had a good few sunny days in Rome with family, friends and a papal audience. We are grateful to all.
Merry Christmas
Christmas again so would you please wish our friends in Leek Wootton a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Dennis
& Iris Eassom
Image by nensuria on Freepik
Jim & Jill Barr
Sean @ Anchor
On Budget Day, 30 October, Sean Rouse anchored himself to Leek Wootton when he finalised his purchase of The Anchor Inn, having originally taken on the leasehold in June 2018 and built the business up to what it is today.
Sean took a brief moment out of his busy day because he wanted to say, “thank you to everyone who has supported the pub in the last 6½ years. It is down to you that I have been able to purchase it! I’m so happy to be a part of such a lovely village.”
Sean has shown his support for the community with his work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting charity events. When he isn’t slaving in the kitchen, he has extended the garden and is currently turning his attention to necessary repairs and decoration of the building itself.
Whilst Christmas Day dinner is fully booked, Sean and the team look forward to seeing people over the Christmas period, especially at the Carols on Christmas Eve.
Thank you again, without you there would be no business!”
Sean & Alice supporting NSPCC, 2021
Quiz of theYear 2024
An extra quiz for the bumper issue, based on events in 2024… (answers on page 45)
1. This year was a Leap Year. Were 1900 and 2000 Leap Years?
2. What is Whamaggedon?
3. Alan Bates hit the headlines in January. He shares his name with a famous actor, but why is he well known?
4. HRH Duke of Edinburgh met a special resident at St Helena in January who had also met his grandparents. Who is he?
5. A young actor, fresh out of drama school, was told by Arthur Lowe, “don’t worry if there’s not a lot of lines. They’ll come. In the meantime get yourself a funny costume and stand near me”. Who was the actor who passed away this year and starred in this classic sitcom?
6. Why did a family photo taken for Mothering Sunday lead to a lot of media speculation?
7. Why did North Korean television object to Alan Titchmarsh and his trousers?
8. How did a black cat called Matins get into trouble on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey
9. Where was the Carnation Revolution fifty years ago?
10. What product manufacturer (a byword in usefulness) announced in 2024 they would introduce the first bladeless version?
11. Which Oxford Don applied unsuccessfully to be a code breaker in the 1940s? there was a note by his name “keen”
12. Where is the Elephant and Bear Line?
13. What is Election purdah?
14. What was Gamblegate?
15. 17 July was National Emoji Day. One of the most popular is known as ROTFL. What does that mean?
16. In this year’s Olympics the Philippines gold medallist Carlos Yulo got an unusual reward as well as the medal. What was it?
17. In August a north Italian city advertised for people to learn an ancient skill. The job requirements include being 18 or over, having a high school-level education, knowing how to swim, and possessing a medical certificate that proves “a healthy and robust constitution”. What job was this for?
18. What music celebrated its 200th anniversary? Liked by many, and Karl Marx thought it “a solemn mass of earthly joy”?
19. Why might you be looking forward to not looking back in anger?
20. What types of special judges were cancelled after 147 years’ service and replaced electronically?
David Pickup from Parish Pump
THE LINK QUIZ
(answers on page 45)
Collectors Corner
By Norman Rogers
The following are collectors of what objects? Guess them from the clues.
1. Numismatist. The gold ones are rare and valuable.
2. Philatelist. The black one is the oldest.
3. Bibliophile. Kindle may eventually lead to their demise.
4. Phillumenist. This is a striking hobby.
5. Arctophile. I never had one of these as a child, but most did.
6. Oologist. The collecting of these has been illegal since 1954.
7. Palaeontologist. This is an old hobby.
8. Tyrosemiophillist. I collected these when I was a kid. I had to write to the makers, mainly in France, Holland, Switzerland and Italy to obtain them. Very bright and colourful design, often featuring milk maids.
9. Cartopholist. Not seen these days, us kids got them from our dads to play with in the playground, or just put them in the albums obtained from the makers. There always seemed that one or two were harder to find to make up a full set.
10. Oenophile. The older vintages are supposed to be the best.
11. Planganologist. Most baby girls had one or more of these.
12. Deltiologist. Some of these from the seaside were risque.
13. Horologist. The most expensive of these, a Patek Phillippe, sold at auction in 2022 for $31.19 million.
14. Tegestologist. Some pubs have these stuck all over the walls and even the ceiling.
15. Discophile. Self explanatory!
16. Philographer. Some celebrities get sick and tired of these but others can be obliging.
17. Memomagnetist. You stick these onto a kitchen appliance.
18. Lepidopterist. The serious conservationist collector would use a net to catch these beautiful things.
19. Conchologist. Its handy to live by the sea to collect these.
20. Vexillologist. You need a big pole to see these at best their best.
Solution in February isssue
Sudoku medium
CHRISTMAS is coming – BUT NO MINCE PIES!
We are, I am sure, all looking forward to celebrating Christmas this year with our friends and families. How fortunate we all are.
There are, though, many people locally who are not so fortunate, so I am asking you to bring to Church from Friday, 6 to Sunday, 15 December, Christmas gifts of food which can then be donated to the Kenilworth food bank. So please, when you are out doing your weekend shop, put a few extra items in: long life fruit juice, sponge puddings, small jars of coffee, pasta, tinned fruit etc. Bring them up to Church, and leave them by the font, and I will ensure they get to the food bank the following week.
Our small contributions can make a difference in other people’s lives, thank you
Jonathan Kingston
www.macmillan.org.uk
MACMILLAN
Chairman : Ros Commander t : 511373
We are delighted to be able to tell you that we raised over £1000 at our Macmillan Bridge at Kenilworth Bridge Club. We had a lovely day with lunch provided by the committee who worked very hard - a big thank you to them and thank you to everybody who supported us
A very happy Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year to you all.
Ros Commander and the committee for Macmillan Cancer Support Leek Wootton and Kenilworth
www.nspcc.org.uk
NSPCC
KENILWORTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE
Chairman : Mary Robins t : 512643
NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 / ChildLine: 0800 1111
KENILWORTH DISTRICT NSPCC would like to thank all those who bought tickets and came along to our evening of music and dancing at the Kenilworth Sports & Social Club in October. (And apologies for those we had to turn down as it was fully booked). Thanks to the generous musical group 'SPLINTER' who entertained all evening.
The total raised was nearly £1200. Enough for 300 calls to CHILDLINE. Thank you to everyone.
Mary Robins, Kenilworth Committee
https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/leek-wootton-local-committee
LEEK WOOTTON
Secretary : Diane Wilson
m : 07950 736272
THANKYOU - £944.10 Raised at our AfternoonTea
with Music
We received so many lovely comments from those who attended, saying how much they enjoyed themselves and what a wonderful time was had by all at our Afternoon Tea with Music event on Friday, 25 October 2024.
Thank you to everyone, who attended and donated, for your continued support of Cancer Research UK.
Leek Wootton CRUK
Fundraising Page and QR Code
To further support all the events we do, CRUK has provided us with our own fundraising page and QR code. Any funds raised, via this route, will go straight to CRUK, but will be attributed to the fundraising efforts of Leek Wootton CRUK. It does mean, that should you be unable to attend any future events, it provides you with a route to donate, should you so wish.
Please note this Fundraising Page is not for ordering tickets for any future events.
All Saints’ Church Christmas Cards
We are offering three new designs of Christmas cards this year, and have limited stocks of one past design available too.
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.
DESIGN 4 Posada begins DESIGN 5 ➔ Christmas Tree
DESIGN 2 East Window
DESIGN 6 Lockdown DIY Christmas
SPECIAL SERVICES FOR CHRISTMAS
This December, please join us for a whole variety of ways to celebrate together being guided to God’s great gift of Jesus Christ.
FAMILY CAROL SERVICE
Sunday 15 December at 4:00pm
This is the Carol Service where we welcome many of the children from All Saints Academy to sing some of their Christmas songs, joining with the Ashow & Leek Wootton Handbells, Church Christmas Choir – and most of all, YOURSELVES.
NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS SERVICE
Sunday 22 December at 6:30pm
The Church Christmas Choir and the Handbell ringers will get a second chance to lead us in Christmas Worship at this Carol Service that follows the wellknown ‘Nine Lessons and Carols’ pattern.
BLESSING OF THE CRIB
CHRISTMAS EVE - Tuesday, 24 December at 4:00pm
Our Mary and Joseph crib figures arrive, from their annual ‘Posada’ journey around various homes in the area, to join the shepherds and wise men gathering in our Crib to welcome the baby Jesus. Children are invited to come to the service dressed as shepherds, kings, angels or animals to take part in the Nativity scene which we build up as we travel through the Christmas Story.
MIDNIGHT COMMUNION
CHRISTMAS EVE - Tuesday, 24 December at 11:30pm
The ‘first communion of Christmas’ begins in the still of the night as we gather to remember and celebrate together that Holy Night in Bethlehem.
CHRISTMAS MORNING COMMUNION
CHRISTMAS DAY - Wednesday, 25 December at 9:00am
For those who prefer to sleep at midnight, there is another opportunity to take our Christmas Communion at the morning service, which will follow the ancient liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
CHRISTMAS DAY - Wednesday, 25 December at 10:30am
Let the party begin! Dress up ‘Christmassy’ and come to enjoy some fun as we worship Jesus in a more informal way; giving thanks for God’s greatest present to us – as well as showing off some of the presents already received this Christmas Day.
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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 Activity Times
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
Annie Murray e: anniedanceuk@aol.com t: 01926 864554
Hazel Turner e: leekwoottonbrownies@hotmail.com m: 07970 908073
Hazel Turner e: leekwoottonguides@hotmail.com m: 07970 908073
Lesley Kirkwood w: https://warwickshirewi.org.uk/wi/leek-wootton m: 07855 518315
Sally Seddon e: sally@bump2babyreality.co.uk m: 07960 323874
Kenny Art Group
Leek Wootton & Guy’s Cliffe Parish Council
Leek Wootton Village Hall Toddler & Baby Group
Maria Textile Design
Leek Wootton Village Hall Committee
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
Coordinator : Cllr David Elsy e : environment@leekwootton.org.uk
and Parish Birdwatch
It's easy to be part of Big Garden Birdwatch. choose an hour between 24-26 January and count the birds you see in your garden
Only count birds that land. Then tell us what you saw and where.
Contact the Parish Environment Group on the above email and go onto the RSPB website to log
500 Bluebells Planted!
Well done to David, Eve, Jane, Steph, Anthony and Teresa for planting 500 bluebell bulbs in Avon Wood during November.
KENILWORTH PROBUS I CLUB
Chairman : Brian Wilson
e : probusleekwootton@gmail.com
Despite the snowy weather, some 20 hardy members braved the elements and listened to a fascinating talk by Martin Gower on the press barons. After a short history of who these people were, including Maxwell, Murdoch and the Barclay brothers, Martin focused on two particular barons, Alfred Harmsworth and Roy Thomson, both being masterful visionaries within their craft.
Alfred Harmsworth began in the magazine world where he realised the newly-literate British public wanted to be entertained as well as informed, and so in the early 20th century he introduced them to magazines like Answers, Comic Cuts and Woman's World. Together with his brother Harold who handled the business-side they forged a newspaper empire based around the Daily Mail, which today is called the DMG (Daily Mail Group) and is still owned by the 4th generation Harmsworth family.
Roy Thomson, a Canadian, horrified the newspaper establishment when he bought The Scotsman in 1952. 5 years later he established Scottish Television and bought The Times and Sunday Times in 1968, as well as a host of regional newspapers. He was a brilliant entrepreneur and astute businessman always known as 'Uncle Roy'. To be 'Thomson trained' was the highest accolade employees could have on their CVs. He eventually sold The Times and Sunday Times to Rupert Murdoch in 1981 but the family still own Thomson Reuters which operates out of Canada today. As always with Martin, there were amusing and entertaining stories and anecdotes about many of the characters he has come across in his newspaper life. A most enjoyable morning.
ChristmasTree Recycling
Volunteers will collect & recycle your real Christmas tree in return for a donation to The Myton Hospices & Pass The Smile for Ben (childhood cancer charity at CCLG).
Collection dates: 10, 11, 12 Jan 2025. This is our 6th year collecting.
Following issues experienced last year, we have been assured that they are covering every CV postcode!
Go to https://just-helping.org.uk/register-tree to book your collection
STONELEIGH LADIES CHOIR
Stoneleigh Ladies Choir was formed in 2013 by twelve enthusiastic ladies from the village. Since then the membership has grown to 35 to 40 ladies from all over Warwickshire and Coventry. The idea is to enjoy ourselves in the company of like -minded women, so we meet in the village hall on Thursday afternoons to sing under the leadership of our musical director, Seb Farrall, who makes it a fun afternoon.
An important part of the choir’s calendar is the charity concert. This year it’s in aid of Tastelife, a UK wide charity which originated in Kenilworth to help and support people with eating disorders. The choir will sing a selection of seasonal music on Thursday, 12 December at 1.30 in Stoneleigh Village Hall. Tickets are £10 and include refreshments.
Term restarts on 9 January and the choir guarantees a warm welcome to anyone who would like to join us. This would be a good time to start as we begin a new programme of music. We meet at Stoneleigh Village Hall every Thursday afternoon in term time (except the last Thursday of the month when we meet at Baginton Village Hall) from 1.30 to 3pm so no turning out on dark nights. There is no need to read music and there are no auditions.
For more information about the choir or concert tickets, please contact our Secretary on sharronmced@gmail.com or see our website on www.stoneleighladieschoir.org.uk
Pat Wightman
WARWICKSHIRE SINGERS
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
https://warwickshirewi.org.uk/wi/leek-wootton
LEEK WOOTTON WI
President : Lesley Kirkwood
m : 07855 518315
e : gestureswithspoons@googlemail.com
This month the ladies of the WI embraced their creative crafting skills having been inspired by our November speaker, Barbara Shepherd.
Armed with oasis, pins, bags of foliage, roses and the obligatory baubles and sparkly lights we made an early start on our Christmas table decorations.
Looking forward to December and the New Year we will be enjoying striding out on a walk at Draycote, visiting the cinema, getting together to discuss our book of the month and our annual Christmas party . If you would like to learn more about the organisation and come along to a meeting please get in touch .
Lesley Kirkwood
LEEK WOOTTON HEDGEHOGS
Contact: Sally Ellis
m : 07771 996952
’m writing this it’s a freezing cold evening. All the rescue hogs are tucked up in their hutches and cages and their nest boxes are filled with bedding, however there is only one who has decided to hibernate! I suspect he will wake up in a day or two as the temperature is due to rise again for a while. It’s a confusing time for them with the highs and lows of our weather.
Hibernation is thought to be triggered by a prolonged fall in temperatures, but it is also driven by reduced daytime hours and less food. They react to the environment around them, not to our calendar or expectations. They may hibernate for a few days, a few weeks or a few months. They can wake at any point and go in search of food and then go back in to hibernation which is why it is important to keep on putting food and water out to supplement our spikey friends throughout the winter. Dealing with frozen water bowls is a problem and I can’t say that I have found a reliable solution to this. However, we usually say don’t put a water dish in a feeding station, but sometimes having one in there may stop it freezing.
When in hibernation a hog will drop its heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature very low. They will be tightly curled and will weave themselves into a tight nest of leaves and other bedding materials called a hibernaculum.
Some may find their way into a shed or garage. If you find one in such a place and you can guarantee them free access if they wake then leave them be, If you can’t, then the best thing to do is relocate them to a sturdy hedgehog house filled with as much of the nesting material that surround them and top up with barley straw – not hay as it absorbs too much moisture. Please place the hog box in a sheltered area of your garden, under a shrub with the door facing away from any open area and prevailing wind. Please do not relocate it to a completely different garden or area. There have been posts on social media and some newspaper articles about using cardboard boxes, this is completely inappropriate as the cardboard will get soaked with moisture and obviously if it rains.
Other misinformation circulating has included pictures of a hog lying on its side saying it is hibernating and to put it somewhere in the undergrowth – this is so very wrong. A hog will not hibernate in the open, it will not be lying on its side, it will be
in its hibernaculum and tightly curled. Any hog found out in the open, if alive, will be sick and in need of help and you can contact me or any of the Warwickshire Hedgehog Rescue team (our numbers are on our website). Hogs don’t tend to die curled up in a ball, it you want to check it is alive you can gently touch a few prickles and you may effect as the hog reacts to the touch. Thank you to all of those who have supported the rescue over the year. I have one request to end the year - I use cereal boxes to line the nest (wine!) boxes at my rescue (as they are in cages and hutches) to help prolong the life of the box. I’m running low on them, so if anyone can save a few for me rather than putting them into the recycling bin I would be extremely grateful. You can drop them off at any time and leave them in the red recycling box by the front door at 7 Hill Wootton Rd. If I get inundated with them I will leave a note on the box to that effect as it will be February before
Happy Christmas to you all and have a peaceful New Year – Sally & the all the hogs x
ADVERTISING
www.historygroup.leekwoottonandguyscliffe.org.uk
LEEK WOOTTON HISTORY GROUP
Chairman : Paul Eldridge t : 854347
Local History 16th Century-Style
The Royal Shakespeare Company is staging Christopher Marlow’s Edward II between 21 February and 5 April 2025. This is a story with a very local connection, because «SPOILER ALERT» King Edward II’s favourite, Piers Gaveston met his grisly end, being beheaded on Blacklow Hill, to the south of Leek Wootton.
The RSC promo reads, “When Edward II insists on ruling with the man he loves by his side, the Palace refuses. The establishment conspires to restore the natural order, plunging the country into a civil war and threatening the very existence of the monarchy.”
Find out more at ww.rsc.org.uk/edward-ii
Leamington Spa:‘University Town’
How did Leamington become a 'university town', and what impact has this had on Leamington over the past 60 years? Leamington History Group explores these questions in the fifth in its series of videos.
View on the Leamington History Group youtube channel www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Lg64GR1Mo or website https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk
From the archive:
Mary Murdoch shared the photo below with the History Group; the Leek Wootton Sports Club Children s Christmas Party on 17 December 2005, with Father Christmas the focus of attention (see his knee in the bottom left!)
Image: Mary Murdoch
LEEK WOOTTON GARDENING CLUB
Secretary : Steph Jones e : lwhsociety@gmail.com
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to you all Many thanks for your support over the last year
All in the month of December
1750 years ago, on 25 Dec 274 the Roman Emperor Aurelian founded the cult of Sol Invictus as an official religion. He erected a temple and declared 25 December a national holiday, to be known as the Feast of the Unconquered Sun. In 336, after the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, 25 December began to be celebrated by the church in Rome as thebirthdayof God’s Son.
125 years ago, on 16 Dec 1899 Noel Coward, British playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, was born. His plays include Hay Fever, Private Lives, and BlitheSpirit.
80 years ago, from 16 Dec 1944 to 16 Jan 1945 the Battle of the Bulge (Belgium) took place. German forces launched a surprise assault on the Allies in the Ardennes Forest – their last major counter-offensive operation ofthewar.
50 years ago,on 5Dec1974 the last episode of the TV comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus wasbroadcastintheUK.
40 years ago, on 31 Dec 1984 the Bank of England stopped producing onepoundnotes.
20 years ago, on 26 Dec 2004 the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (also called the Boxing Day Tsunami) took place. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, killing more than 230,000 people in 14 countries.
From Parish Pump
25 years ago, on 31 Dec 1999 the London Eye – the world’s tallest Ferris wheel at the time – was officially opened on the banks of the River Thames. It opened to passengers in March2000.
If you want to see a show in the local area, here are a few to choose from:
A fun-filled Christmas cracker!
7 December - 5 January
Royal Spa Centre
Newbold Terrace, Leamington Spa CV32 4HN www.warwickdc.gov.uk/royalspacentre
An unforgettable adventure! 18 December - 5 January
Priory Theatre
5 Rosemary Hill, Kenilworth CV8 1BN www.priorytheatre.co.uk
Laughter, magic and family fun! 20 December - 4 January
Talisman Theatre & Arts Centre
Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1EG https://talismantheatre.co.uk/whats-on/ jack-and-the-beanstalk
7 December - 19 January
RSC Swan Theatre Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6BB www.rsc.org.uk
9-12 January
Warwick Arts Centre Theatre University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
https://leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk/community-resilience
WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
Contact : Cllr Joy Morgan CllrMorgan@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
The Parish Council is currently considering its approach to community resilience and emergency planning. In the first of a series, here is some information which may be helpful to residents as winter approaches
The recent loss of water in the parish, followed most recently by a surprisingly early snowfall, has perhaps given some of us a jolt to think about whether we are properly prepared as households and as a community to deal with weather and unforeseen events. There is, perhaps, a tendency for us to feel, as a community in the land-locked Midlands and close to urban conurbations, that we won’t be hit by a loss of power or water, but as extreme weather events are on the increase around the world, we might need to think more seriously about our vulnerability. In Autumn and Winter 2023/24, many more areas in the Warwick District Council area flooded than previously, with some areas flooding that had never flooded before.
COLD WEATHER, SNOW AND ICE
Although many people enjoy the winter season, during periods of cold weather some people are at higher risk of illness if they become too cold, or can seriously hurt themselves if they slip and fall.
Severely cold weather can also cause disruption to road and rail transport. Car accidents also become more likely when road surfaces are icy and people are not used to driving in these conditions.
WHO IS MOST AS RISK?
Cold weather can affect anyone, but some people may face a higher risk being impacted by cold. Some of the groups who may be most at risk are:
• Older adults
• People with long-term health conditions, such as cardiovascular or respiratory disease, or a mental health condition
• Pregnant people
• Babies and young children
• People with learning disabilities
• People at risk of falls
• People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
• People who are housebound or have low mobility
• People experiencing homelessness or people sleeping rough
PREPARING FOR COLD WEATHER OR IF COLD WEATHER IS FORECAST
• The Met Office’s WeatherReady pages at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/ weather/warnings-and-advice/weatherready provide regularly updated
seasonal advice, and weather updates can be found at https:// www.metoffice.gov.uk/
• Read about the symptoms of hypothermia and understand the actions to take if you or someone else has them. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and needs to be treated in hospital.
• Plan ahead and check that you have enough medication and food in case it is harder than usual to leave the house. You could think about who might be able to help pick up food and medication on your behalf if you were unable to leave the house – let them know you might need them.
DRIVERS: Prepare your vehicle for driving in cold weather. The RAC provides advice on preparing your vehicle for winter conditions at https://www.rac.co.uk/ drive/advice/how-to/top-10-ways-to-detect-a-breakdown/ and on how to drive in snow at https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/driving-in-snow/
Consider packing a few essential items in your car’s boot to make sure you are ready in case of getting stuck in cold and wintry weather. The RAC provides a checklist at https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/winter-driving/winterbreakdown-kit-checklist/
CYCLISTS: The Met Office provides helpful advice on how to cycle in winter at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/ travel/cycling-in-winter
DID YOU KNOW?
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support, including when there’s an interruption to your electricity, gas or water supply.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join. It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs. It helps them tailor their services to support households who need extra help with everyday energy matters like bills, and also in the unlikely event of a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.
You are eligible for free PSR services if you meet any of the following criteria:
• Are of pensionable age
• Use medical equipment reliant on electricity or water
• Are deaf or hard of hearing
• Have a disability
• Have a chronic illness
• Are blind or partially sighted
• Have loss or impairment of smell
• Have anxiety, depression or any mental health condition
• Temporarily need extra support
• Live with children under five
• Need documents translated into another format or language
Register now at https://www.thepsr.co.uk/
Emergency Contact: In a power cut, you can call 105
Cllr Joy Morgan
A longer version of this article is available on the Parish Council website at: https://leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk/community-resilience
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
QUIZ OF THE YEAR ANSWERS
From page 16
1. The year 2000 was a leap year, but 1900 was not. Every 4 years is a leap year | 2. Whamageddon is a game played during the 24 days before Christmas in which players try to go from 1 December to the end of Christmas Eve (24 December) without hearing "Last Christmas" by Wham! | 3. Sir Alan Bates has been very active in trying to address the Post Office scandal | 4. A giant tortoise | 5. Ian Lavender, who played Pike in Dad’s Army | 6. The photo taken by HRH Princess of Wales had been not very successfully altered | 7. He was wearing American style jeans | 8. The cat fell asleep on the Coronation throne | 9. Portugal | 10. Swiss Army knife | 11. JRR Tolkein. The word “keen” may have been a misspelling of his surname | 12. From Nuneaton to Royal Leamington Spa | 13. The rule that civil servants and others will normally observe discretion about making new announcements or decisions that could influence voters | 14. The allegations that some politicians took bets on when the general election would be when they had insider information | 15. Rolling on the floor laughing | 16. A lifetime of free colonoscopies | 17. Gondolier | 18. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony | 19. The news that the group Oasis are performing again | 20. Line judges at Wimbledon
From page 17
Labels | 5. Teddy Bears | 6. Birds Eggs | 7. Fossils | 8. Cheeses Labels | 9. Cigarette Cards | 10. Wine | 11. Dolls | 12. Postcards | 13. Wrist Watches | 14. Beer Mats | 15. Vinyl Records | 16. Autographs | 17. Fridge Magnets | 18. Butterflies and Moths | 19. Sea Shells | 20. Flags. COLLECTORS’ CORNER QUIZ
|
ANSWERS
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 5pm, 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 FEBRUARY 2025 issue is: FRIDAY, 24 JANUARY
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
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 issues are available to view at: https://issuu.com/leekwoottonlink
OUT & ABOUT IN LEEK WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE
See main articles for further details
- Every Monday -
Young 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
Sunday, 1 December
Does anyone have light?
Leek Wootton Gardening Club: Christmas Wreath Making
10:30 and 13:00 at the Village Hall
Leamington Lantern Parade
From 16:15 - Parade starts at 17:00 at Pump Room Gardens
Kenilworth Warwick Road
Christmas Lights Switch On https://kenilworth-tc.gov.uk
Thursday, 5 December
Armonico Consort & Baroque Players: Handel’s Messiah
19:30 at St Mary’s Warwick Book tickets at https://warwickdc.ticketsolve.com
Friday, 6 December
All Saints’ Academy PTFA
Christmas Fayre see page 14
Saturday, 7 December
Christmas Market
10:00-16:00 at Abbey End, Kenilworth
Christmas Craft Fair
10:00-16:30 at Court House, Warwick
Abbey Scout Group
Christmas Fayre see page 18
7-8 December
For CHRISTMAS SERVICES see page 23
Sunday, 8 December
Myton Hospice: Santa Dash www.mytonhospice.org/our-events
Thursday, 12 December
Stoneleigh Ladies’ Choir see page 30
Saturday, 14 December
Carols at the Castle 17:15 at Kenilworth Castle
Tuesday, 17 December
WFYFC Christmas Tractor Run 2024
16:30-19:30 sign up for updates at www.facebook.com/ events/538977951922162/
17 & 21 December
Armonico Consort: Carols by Candlelight at St Mary’s Warwick
Book tickets at https://warwickdc.ticketsolve.com
Tuesday, 24 December
Christmas Eve
Carols at the Anchor 20:00 at The Anchor Inn
Wednesday, 25 December
Christmas Day
Father Christmas at Kenilworth Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on
7-8 and 14-15 December
Christmas Exhibition see page 20
Thursday, 26 December
Boxing Day
Tuesday, 31 December
New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, 1 January
New Year’s Day
Wednesday, 8 January
Parish Council Meeting
19:30 at the Village Hall 10-12 January
Christmas Tree Collection https://just-helping.org.uk/register-tree
Tuesday, 14 January
Kenilworth Probus I Club see page 29
Leek Wootton WI see page 31
Wednesday, 15 January
PCC Meeting
19:30 at All Saints’ Church
Sunday, 26 January
Farewell to Jim & Nicola see page 10
Please submit your photos to link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
➔ Poppy display at the Lord Leycester
Guides & Brownies at the Act of Remembrance 10 Nov
Jim places a poppy cross on Dvr. Hobbins’ Commonwealth War Grave, 10 Nov
Jo Elsy is presented with The outstanding service to the Scout
The churchyard group has a new helper, “Isabelle aged 2¾!!! Gorgeous and worked hard!! Where’s the other Leek Wootton little
Fireworks at The Warwickshire, 1 Nov
Winter arrives in style at The Warwickshire, 19 Nov
Woodcote under wraps