Welcome to the April issue of TheLink. We have arrived at the fourth month of the year and the end of the tax year... already!
But along with the never-ending shock at the rapidity of time passing, the beauty of Spring is all around us, flowers are blooming and the weather is gradually improving ( ), just in time for all the Easter egg hunts!
After our many years editing The Link, we see the community seemingly coming out of its winter hibernation and planning events - April is still a little quiet, but May is looking to be an
THE LINK
exciting month, kicked-off with Teddy Bear Parachuting... but more about that next month.
Without wishing to sound like a stuck record, we continue to receive donations to our annual appeal and have already raised 72% of last year’s final figure, which is great in straightened times like these.
THANK YOU again everyone who has contributed - as well as keeping the magazine going, your messages and support let us know that we’re getting it right. The appeal will remain open until the end of December. Helen&LesleyEldridge
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 May issue is: TUESDAY, 22 APRIL (NOTE change of day for Easter weekend)
Advertisements :
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 TheLink :
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
Cover Image: "Every flower must grow through dirt." - Laurie Jean Sennott
FROM THE PARISH
This month Lay Reader, Audrey Rowberry writes ...
Jesus is the Reason for the Season
Easter seems to be upon us earlier every year, if the availability of Easter eggs in the supermarkets is anything to go by; a local store had them in stock during December even before their half-priced chocolate Advent calendars had been sold! It’s not only the shops that are confusing the seasons. The weather is so unpredictable at the moment, ranging from very cold lows to un-seasonally warm highs for the time of year. However, there is one place where the seasons never get confused and that is in the church calendar. Easter is the bedrock of Christian faith and is the most important period in the church year; it is the season that gives meaning to all seasons. On Easter Sunday we will celebrate and rejoice the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the many celebrations at church will include the traditional Easter egg hunt where the children can search for chocolate eggs ‘laid’ in the most unusual places.
I believe that children are the life and hope of any community and it is always a highlight in my year to see our village school children perform their Easter play in church. Let’s hope those children who go on the hunt are successful in finding their Easter eggs.
We can be assured of one thing though:
Jesus is the Reason for the Season
www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
MAIN CHURCH CONTACT
For Church matters and/or inquiries e : admin@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
READERS
Audrey Rowberry t : 851498
Christine Haines
READER and CHURCHWARDEN
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
e : churchwarden2@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
e : secretary@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
CHURCH SERVICES / EVENTS FOR APRIL
Sunday, 6 April
08:45 Holy Communion (BCP)
10:00 All Age Worship
Sunday, 13 April Palm Sunday
10:00 Holy Communion
Wednesday, 16 April
10:30 Midweek Holy Communion
Thursday, 17 April Maundy Thursday
19:30 Agapé and Stripping of the Altar
Friday, 18 April Good Friday
14:00 Hour at the Cross
Saturday, 19 April
19:30 Easter Eve Service of Light
Sunday, 20 April Easter Sunday
10:00 Holy Communion
Wednesday, 23 April
19:30 Parochial Church Council [PCC] Meeting
Sunday, 27 April
10:00 All Age Worship
From the Parish Registers
Tuesday, 18 March
Thanksgiving Service for the Life of Joan Edna Stevens following her funeral at Canley Crematorium earlier the same day
Contact : Janet Jackson e : mu@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
New Patron and new Worldwide President
Mothers’ Union has a new royal patron –
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh
The Society has had the privilege of enjoying royal patronage since its foundation in 1876, and Her Royal Highness will continue this tradition. As patron, The Duchess has committed to helping strengthen families and communities to deal with issues that impact them.
On the announcement, our Worldwide President Elect, Kathleen Snow, said: "We are honoured that Her Royal Highness has chosen to join us as patron."
"The Duchess will bring strength and inspiration for the work we all do. We are especially grateful for Her Royal Highness’s experience and commitment to championing the most marginalised, particularly those who are impacted by violence and abuse in conflict. As a woman-led movement, we also greatly welcome The Duchess’s commitment to promoting the development of women into leadership. We are thankful and blessed to be able to call Her Royal Highness our Royal Patron, especially aswe approach our 150th Anniversary nextyear."
MU elects first Canadian Worldwide President
In its triennial elections, the Mothers’ Union elected its first Worldwide President from Canada. Kathleen Snow follows Sheran Harper from Guyana, who was the first Worldwide President to come from outside of the UK.
On her election, Kathleen said:
As I prepared for my new role, the words ‘stronger together’ came to mind. I am inspired when I think of our global programmes which are making a difference in so many lives, such as the Literacy Programme, the Savings and Credit Programme or the Parenting Programme. I am inspired when I hear of members’ projects, service and faith and how we are making an impact in our communities, as wework together.”
“My vision going forward is that we build on our strengths and are courageous in reaching out to others inviting them to ‘Join us and Join in’, our theme for 2025-2027.”
Tuesday, 22 April
Prayer for Earth Day
Father, on Earth Day, may we be unafraid to protect the earth and the life that inhabits it.
Father, show us how we can better love and serve the world you created.
Thursday, 3 April, 2:15pm, Holy Trinity Church, Coventry
Visit of Kathleen Snow to Coventry Diocese
An opportunity to meet and welcome MU Worldwide President, Kathleen Snow, Worldwide Trustee, Comfort Fearon and Canterbury Provincial President, Julia Jamieson, along with Mothers’ Union members from the West Midland’s Cluster and friends.
www.coventrycathedral.org.uk
Mary Robins
Ukraine Anniversary
On Monday, 24 February there was a procession in Coventry to the Cathedral ruins for a vigil to mark the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) organised the event, and the music was provided by the choir of the Ukrainian Youth Association.
t : 512643
Cross of Nails Around the World
At the Sunday morning service on 9 February, the Dean blessed crosses of nails in preparation for the admission of two churches in New Zealand to the Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN). They are Knox Church and Otago Peninsula Anglican Church, both in Dunedin.
On 13 February the Dean was in Germany to attend the commemorative events that mark the bombing of Dresden. Coventry and Dresden share a history of destruction by bombing – Coventry in 1940 and Dresden in 1945. The links between the cities are strong with four churches in Dresden now holding Coventry Crosses of Nails and, at a civic level, Coventry and Dresden are twinned.
On the anniversary night the bells ring out over Dresden and people hold up lights to make a circle of light around the city. The Frauenkirche in the heart of the city collapsed as a result of the heat of the firestorm created by the bombing but has been rebuilt with contributions from many European nations and is the focus of the commemorations. Dean Witcombe preached at The Frauenkirche and presented a meditation.
Cathedral Matters Continued...
J S BACH’S ST MATTHEW PASSION
Friday, 4 April, 6:30pm – 9:45pm, The New Cathedral
J S Bach’s musical setting of the Easter story performed by 100 young choristers, from Trinity Boys Choir and Kieler Knabenchor, aged 10-18, offering a rare opportunity to experience the work as Bach originally intended, written as it was for the young voices of his choir in Leipzig.
Tickets – adults £25, concessions £10, via the Coventry Cathedral website.
WOOD: ST MARK PASSION
Friday, 18 April, 6:00pm, The New Cathedral
The Coventry Cathedral Chorus presents Charles Wood’s St Mark Passion, a “little known musical gem”, which includes the Passion narrative. Directed by Luke Fitzgerald with tenor Evangelist Joseph Benagee. The performance will conclude with Finzi’s beautiful ‘Welcome Sweet and Sacred Feast’.
Concert will last approximately 1 hour, tickets from tickets@coventrycathedralchorus.com or ring Jill Pacey 01676 532436.
LET’S PLAY! EASTER HOLIDAYS
Thursday, 24 April, 10:30am – 12 noon.
Play together this Easter holiday in the New Cathedral. Lots of indoor games and crafts suitable for families of all ages and sizes. Stay for the morning or just drop in.
FREE for all.
If you have any questions go to: events@coventrycathedral.org.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, 5 March 2025, at Leek Wootton Village Hall. Discussion included the following:
LONG-SERVICE: PAUL ELDRIDGE
Before the meeting began the Chair, Richard Coates, made a presentation to Cllr Paul Eldridge in recognition of 40 years on the PC. (See article on page 15)
NEW COUNCILLOR: ELISA HARROLD
The Parish Council has had two vacancies since the elections in 2023 and was pleased when a local resident applied to join the Council.
Elisa Harrold is a resident at The Pavilions (just outside the civil parish boundary, but election rules state that Councillors may live up to 3 miles outside of the parish). In her application Elisa said, “I want to become a Parish Councillor because I believe in proactive, community-led change. My background in problem-solving, design, and strategic thinking, combined with my commitment to environmental sustainability and education, makes me well-placed to contribute meaningfully to the Parish.”
Elisa was co-opted by the Parish Council at the March meeting and is already settling into the PC’s work.
COUNCILLOR RESIGNATION: DAVID ELSY
Cllr David Elsy’s resignation was accepted by the Chair on the morning of the March meeting. See Notice of Vacancy on page 12.
David was co-opted to the Council in October 2020 and has held roles with the Environment and Highways groups and Finance Committee, but his main interest has been representing Hill Wootton. The Chair says, “Thanks so much for all you have done for the PC, particularly your sage counsel on finance and planning. I have enjoyed your company and we will miss your sense of humour. Hill Wootton is losing a stout activist and defender.” There remain two vacancies on the Parish Council.
SOUTH WARWICKSHIRE LOCAL PLAN
The Community Meeting on 26 February was reviewed and the Chair thanked Cllr Kirkwood for his excellent explanation of the Local Plan process and handling of questions.
Responses to the Preferred Options Consultation were due on 7 March and the Council confirmed its responses: Objection to SG04, SG07 and all HELAA sites within the Parish based on green belt land being required to prevent the urbanisation/conurbation of Warwick to Kenilworth. It was also agreed to object to SG06 in Old Milverton & Blackdown on the same grounds but citing urbanisation
of Kenilworth to Leamington routes.
The Parish Council’s responses can be read in full in the DRAFT Minutes of the meeting at https://leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk/
DEVELOPMENT AT WOODCOTE (POLICE HQ)
Cllrs Coates and Kirkwood attended a Leek Wootton Focus Group meeting on 2 March to discuss the planning application by Police HQ (W/25/0038). The PC has submitted an objection based on light pollution, the impact of traffic on Woodcote Lane (between North Lodge and East Lodge) due to the new one-way system on site, and questioned the baseline data used for estimating traffic movements. The PC has also taken up with the Planning Department at WDC the issue of consultation letters not being sent to neighbours and is awaiting a response.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Annual Parish Assembly takes place on 26 March (after this magazine goes to press).
The PC has been in discussion with the Churchwardens about celebrating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day and will be contributing towards that event. The PC has therefore decided not to stage a Parish Summer Fête in 2025. However, the PC is in discussion with the school about possibly opening the school summer fête event to the general public and we hope to be able to report further on that in the next couple of months.
Community Live! 2025 will take place at Leek Wootton Village Hall on Saturday, 6 September.
COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE
The PC:
• continues to ask WCC Highways to cut back overgrown ivy on Warwick Road near the old school and find a solution to keeping it cut back in future, but unfortunately the wall is an ‘orphaned’ piece of land and identifying and approaching the owner has proven difficult.
• continues to work with County Cllr Redford to secure a grit bin for Woodloes Lane and agreement that it will be refilled as required.
• has been informed that, following the PC’s pavement survey submission, WCC Highways has inspected Quarry Close and some pavement resurfacing is to be carried out, including the addition of drop curbs near its junction with Woodcote Lane.
• is shortly to enter into its second year with the current grounds maintenance contractor, Thomas Fox Landscaping. It has been pleased with the work undertaken in 2024, which now includes trimming hedges and leaf clearing in Autumn as well as general grass cutting in the children’s playground, Village Hall and recreation ground.
• undertook a working party in the children’s playground on 20 March to remove overhanging branches from the trees. Further working parties will be required to tidy/replenish the car park markings.
• plans to reinstall its old noticeboard inside the bus stop to provide an open access information point.
• thanked the Churchyard working party, which resourcefully used the chippings from the pollarding of some of the lime trees to fill potholes on the footpath W179a between the Tink-a-Tank and the golf course.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be at 7:30pm on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, at Leek Wootton Village Hall.
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, in the Parish Directory and the Bulletin.
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)
t : 854347
e : CllrEldridge@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Elisa Harrold
e : CllrHarrold@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Jonathan Kingston t : 851181
e : CllrKingston@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Jim Kirkwood t : 852444
e : CllrKirkwood@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
Joy Morgan m : 07971 446354
e : CllrMorgan@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
VACANCY
VACANCY
Helen Eldridge (Clerk to the Parish Council) 1 Anchor Cottages, Warwick Road m : 07464 017573
Highways (LEAD) Village Hall Community Forum Finance & Risk Cttee Planning Cttee
Community Development Emergency Planning All Saints’ Academy
YOUR LETTERS
If you would like to write to us, please email the Editorial Team at : link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
‘Thank You’ from Jim and Nicola
I’m writing this on ‘deadline day’ (nothing has changed there with retirement!), in the peace and has been shaking – making thinking straight a rather difficult task. It’s nearly eight weeks since our final Sunday service at Leek Wootton, and it has been an action-packed time with packing up, clearing out, squeezing in, giving away and throwing away – and now we have five months of building work, living without heating and hot water and with limited cooking facilities. We apologise that ‘hospitality’ is still a little way in the distance, but we hope to be properly settled by mid-September and will then be able to welcome visitors as we would like.
We were both so grateful for the love and generosity shown to us as we came to the end of our sixteen years serving the people of the parish. The gifts and the money were wonderful to receive. The picture is on the wall just inside the front door even met the artist on one of my many visits to the ’ shop at the Cherry Orchard Tip!] The apple tree is in a temporary home, waiting, like us, for the building work to be completed so that it can be safely put in the intended spot. The wine is carefully stored in the attic waiting for a time of celebration when all is sorted. The money is earmarked for the purchase of two sheds – one already in existence – and the other waiting for its home to be prepared. They are already named: the smaller shed in the front garden at the top of the
hill is the ‘Hill Wootton Shed’, and the larger shed to be on the lower ground at the back will be the ‘Leek Wootton Shed
The edible gifts from the school are being gradually enjoyed, but made to last, the teddy sits on my desk and has already had various adventures during the move. In addition, the many cards are hanging in the lounge, the Pingu T-shirt is awaiting a suitable moment (and temperature) to be displayed to the world and the tokens and other gifts received are awaiting the opportunity for being put to good use when things settle down a bit. Thank you for them all.
Our love and prayers are with you - especially at this time with Graham Stevens and Cathy Cooke. We grieve the loss of our two dear friends Joan and Bob and it was good to be able to be with you to honour them at the services over the past weeks.
Our next planned visit to the church will be for the Teddy Bear Parachuting on Sunday, 4 May, when my new teddy, ’Leeky’, making his first parachute jump under the watchful care of the now highly-experienced jumper, ‘Ernest’, but shortly before that we look forward to seeing many of you on Thursday, 1 May at the Village Hall when you come to vote in the County Council elections. After many years as Presiding Officer, Bob Lane has also retired, and I have been promoted remaining as Poll Clerk to keep me in order. Please don’t forget to bring your
m hoping for a high turnout at the polls – and the parachuting. We’ll see you
Jim & Nicola
Speaking of gifts, we have one for the first reader who would like to accept it!
One of the ‘casualties’ of our downsizing is our 100 bottle wine rack (EMPTY!). It measures 1 metre square and 25cm deep
Would anyone like it? You can collect, or we’ll deliver in the local area.
Please email jim@perryman.org.uk or phone/text/ WhatsApp 0744 948 0539
Recognition of long service for Cllr Paul Eldridge
Before the Parish Council meeting on 5 March, the Chair, Richard Coates, made a presentation to Cllr Paul Eldridge. He said, “I want to start with something that Chairmen certainly don’t have to do very often, and that is to congratulate someone who has given this Parish Council remarkable service over the years it is pretty remarkable and original that we have got Paul sitting here on my right who has, man and boy, been a part of Leek Wootton & Guy’s Cliffe Parish Council for 40 years.”
Cllr Eldridge was originally co-opted to Leek Wootton Parish Council (shortly before it was merged with Guy’s Cliffe Parish Council) on 16 January 1985 and is currently the second longest serving Parish Councillor after local farmer Ernest Pate Cattell, who served for 43 years and 3 months (1899-1943). During the last 40 years Paul has served as Chairman for 11 years, on and off, and also a Vice Chairman for 11 years, a role he occupies today. He has now served alongside 37 Councillors, including Cllr Harrold who was co-opted on the same evening, and 5 Clerks, who include his own wife and daughter.
As something of the ‘elder statesman’, Paul’ Parish and past decisions has proven very useful to other Councillors. Issues of note that he has worked on include: the development of The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club, when he and his wife, Lesley, walked the proposed public footpaths once the excavators had been through; the threatened closure of Leek Wootton School; the old Village Hall building being condemned; proposals by the Police to build a glass and steel HQ building; applications to convert buildings at The Warwickshire into business premises; for a period he served as the PC nominated School Governor, and; was involved in efforts to prevent Coventry Airport from being developed into a second ‘International Airport miles from Birmingham International – flightpaths cross over this parish.
The Chair closed by presenting Cllr Eldridge with a bottle of champagne saying, “Paul, you’re a bloke who doesn like fuss, but I’m afraid you are going to have to accept this little gift from us tonight, just to say thank you and may you serve many more.”
Cllr Eldridge responded, “Thank you. I’ve only been here this long because of laziness; I’ve never bothered to resign!”
Useful new banking hub opens in Kenilworth
LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, has opened the hub at Kenilworth Library on Friday, 14 March.
Banking hubs are a shared banking space, similar to a traditional branch, but available to everyone, irrespective of their banking provider. The hub consists of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.
In addition, there are private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.
Banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days. These will include: Bank of Ireland UK, Barclays, Danske Bank, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, Santander, TSB and Virgin Money.
For more information about the new hub including opening times visit https://www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/kenilworth-warwickshire/
Easter Fun
WORD SEARCH PUZZLE
The words appear UP, DOWN, BACKWARDS and DIAGONALLY.
Find and circle each word BASKET BUNNY CHICK COLOUR DASH DECORATE DESIGN DOZEN DUCKS DYE EGGS FAMILY FLOWERS FRIENDS FUN GRASS HUNT KIDS PEEPS RABBIT SPRING
TRADITION TULIPS
RIDDLE ME THIS
1. What does the Easter bunny do after taking a shower?
2. How do you find all the loot at Easter?
3. Why shouldn’t you tickle an Easter egg?
4. What kind of music does the Easter bunny like?
5. Why are rabbits good at maths?
6. What do you get when you cross a rabbit and shellfish?
Friday, 16 May @ 09:00 until 13:00 - Leek Wootton Village Hall
Donations on the day
A date not to be missed in the CRUK Leek Wootton calendar, and in the community, is Jean and Jim’s Big Breakfast event. Chat with friends and neighbours over a fabulous breakfast with refreshments, in support of this great charity.
Afternoon Tea with Music
Friday, 18 July @ 15:00 until 17:00 - Leek Wootton Village Hall
Further details to follow
Add a little sophistication to a Friday afternoon, join friends, family and neighbours for a glass of fizz, refreshments, sandwiches, cakes and music. Raise a glass and help support 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 (see right). Any funds raised via this route will go straight to CRUK but will be attributed to the fundraising efforts of the Leek Wootton CRUK committee. It does mean, that should you be unable to attend an event, there is a route to donate, should
www.christianaid.org.uk
Cheese & Wine
Saturday, 17 May
ADVANCE NOTICE:
After last year’s successful Cheese and Wine evening at the Village Hall we are planning another tasting of wines from countries which need our support, including a Ukrainian wine.
The event will be held at the Village Hall on Saturday, 17 May, 7:30pm9:30pm.
Tickets will be £20.00pp and may be purchased via TicketTailor using this link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/leekwoottonchristianaid/, or ring/text Jonathan Cox 07443 866 314, or email: jonathan.cox12@outlook.com.
www.macmillan.org.uk
MACMILLAN
Chairman : Ros Commander t : 511373
Kenilworth & Leek Wootton Macmillan Fundraising Committee would like to thank everyone who supported our fundraising Ladies’ Fashion Show and Lunch on Wednesday, 19 March.
As always, Jane from Justina in Wellesbourne and her elegant professional models put on a dazzling show of this season’s new fashions, an excellent lunch was provided by The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club, and our guests were generous in their purchase of raffle tickets. We are indebted to a number of local businesses and philanthropic individuals who donated excellent prizes for our raffle, not least Justina which on the day donated an additional 3 prizes, with a total value of £250, in memory of our late Treasurer, our beloved Joan
We are delighted to report that over £3,000 has been raised by this event – an incredible achievement by the Fundraising Committee (pictured here).
Our next event will be our annual Big Coffee Morning on Friday, 3 October 2025 in Leek Wootton Village Hall –please put the date in your diary now and look out for details about tickets in the summer.
LEEK WOOTTON
GARDENING CLUB
Secretary : Steph Jones e : lwhsociety@gmail.com
#NoMowMay
The ‘No Mow May’ campaign, initiated by Plantlife will be launching shortly. It is estimated that the UK has lost 97% of its rich flower meadows since the 1930’s. However, with 20 million gardens in the UK, letting grass grow would offer food and shelter for pollinating insects. If left between 4-6 weeks you may see clover, dandelion and buttercups, which are all perfect feeding plants for hoverflies & bees.
If persuading your partner to relax the mowing regime is a challenge, suggesting a small patch to allow growing can be effective. A lawn length between 2.5-5cm may still produce daisies and birds foot trefoil (a yellow flower from the pea family), which support over 130 insects. Ideally a lawn made up with different grass lengths will have the biggest biodiversity benefit. The Plantlife website has more information about ‘No Mow May’ and handy signs to download, so we don’t judge those long lawns as being untidy! The RHS & Wildlife trust are also combining, to alert us about the decline in hoverflies by 44%. Therefore, it is important to attract them to your garden by incorporating appropriate flowers, such as marigolds, poppies, and cosmos, and maintaining longer lawns.
POTATOES
Have you ever thought about growing potatoes? They can be grown easily in a large pot or container. Early seed potatoes yield better crops. Place them in an egg box on a windowsill to encourage sprouting. This will give you a head start.
Put 10–15 cm of compost into a 20L pot with good drainage holes and place four seed potatoes in the bottom with the shoots facing up. Cover with more compost halfway up the pot and water well.
When the green shoots start to appear, cover with more compost and keep repeating until the shoots reach the top of the container. They like a sunny spot and lots of water and remember to feed with an organic liquid feed every couple of weeks. You should get a good crop and there is nothing quite like the taste of home-grown potatoes.
PHOTOGRAPHIC CATEGORIES
The photographic categories for the Annual Show & Fête on 16 August will be: ‘Blue’ and ‘Front Door Within Three Miles’
LEEK WOOTTON HEDGEHOGS
Contact: Sally Ellis
Hogs who have been hibernating overwinter have started to wake up in the warmer weather. It may still feel cool to us, but for them it’s perfect. They will be very hungry, but unfortunately their natural food sources may not be so readily available and so you can help them by putting out some supplementary food and water.
Proprietary hedgehog food (Brambles, Spikes and Mr Johnsons are the recommended ones) or some kitten biscuits are ideal. As I have mentioned many times, please no peanuts, sunflower seeds, fresh meat, cooked meat, fruit or veg and definitely no mealworms or calci-worms please. Water is all they need to drink.
There are many other ways you can support the hogs in your area: Link your gardens - they can roam 1-2km a night in search of food. Make a hedgehog highway if you have fencing, a gap or hole of about 4 x 4 inches will be perfect.
Make your pond safe – hogs are good swimmers, but they tire easily and can’t climb out of steep sided ponds or pools. Use a pile of bricks or stones under the surface of the water, or create a simple ramp, cover with some chicken wire to give them some grip.
Create a wildlife corner – it’s somewhere where their natural food such as beetles will thrive and also provide some natural cover for them. A shady spot is always the best spot.
Stop using chemicals! The sale of slug pellets containing metaldehyde was banned in 2022, but sadly people still have a stock in their sheds and garages. PLEASE do not use chemical-based slug pellets. They are not just eaten by hogs and can affect the natural ecosystem of the garden and lead to a chain reaction of poisoning through the food chain. Other chemicals in lawn treatments can have a detrimental effect on the worm population, one of the hogs’ favourite foods. Please think twice before using chemicals.
Check before you strim! We have had many hogs in over the last year with injuries caused by strimmers. Some of them were horrific and the hogs had to be put to sleep. A hog, hidden in a patch of long grass, will not run away from the sound of a strimmer, it will freeze. Please check the area where you are going to strim using a stick and gently passing it through the area to see if you
come across any ‘obstructions’. If you find a hog, ideally leave it where it is and avoid strimming that area. If you have to move it, please use gloves to handle it. You can call me for advice.
Make a hedgehog home. They love a natural place to nest, although they may choose to use a man-made house too, and please make sure this has a removable lid and enough space inside. A good reference point is ‘can you fit 2 large loaves of bread inside the sleeping area?’.
A log pile with a gap/space at the bottom and an entrance hole is also great. A pile of dried leaves in the garden nearby will provide potential bedding options. If you do put a man-made hog house in the garden, please use straw as a bedding material. Hay is too absorbent and goes mouldy very quickly, as is newspaper. There is no need to line the hog house with anything.
Always place the house in a sheltered and shady spot in the garden. Hedgehogs don’t like heat!
Think about litter and waste. When you recycle, please cut any loose circular plastic rings that come from the necks of plastic bottles, they can get caught around the necks and bodies of small animals. If you leave plastic bags of any waste on the ground without being tied up, please check them before disposing of them, hogs love to find a dark warm place to make a nest!
On a final note, the breeding season is upon us. The hogs will be very active in the coming weeks and months and babies may be born in the next 6 weeks! If you see an active hog out in the day it is likely to be a mum needing to find extra food or bedding. ‘Active’ is the key description. You shouldn’t need to be worried about her. The ones you need to be concerned about are the ones who are sluggish, not moving with any purpose and sunbathing - hogs don’t sunbathe!
As always, I am here should you have any concerns.
ADVERTISING
Sally
Category 1 Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00
Category 2 Mon-Fri 18:00-23:00
Category 3
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 Wootton Village 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
LEEK WOOTTON WI
President : Lesley Kirkwood m : 07855 518315 e : gestureswithspoons@googlemail.com
I don't think that any of us can believe that we are now going into the fourth month of 2025! However, the lengthening days have allowed us to get out and about even more than usual.
A walk around Meriden, a visit to the Spa Centre to see Ben Fogle and a jaunt to go shopping at Melbicks Garden Centre were all on our agenda in March. Philip Yorke (https://www.philipyorke.org/biography) was the speaker at our March meeting, and his talk entitled ‘Dog Eat Dog proved to be fascinating and incredibly informative (with a touch of scandal).
Covering his work as an investigative journalist over the last 40odd years we heard about the highs and lows of working in Fleet Street with the major proprietors and editors of the time - Rupert Murdoch, Robert Maxwell and the formidable Marge Proops. His talk also covered some of the memorable characters and scandals of the time - Derek Hatton, Alan Sugar, Terry Venables, Brian Clough, the IRA, the trade unions and questionable football transfers. Certainly, he was sued thirteen times but never lost; a true badge of honour!
NEXT MEETING
Looking forward, our speaker in April, Ian Scott-Hunter, will tell us about his ‘Experiences as a Royal Footman’. Also in the pipeline, we are arranging a number of garden visits as well as our annual summer outing, which this year will be to Bletchley Park in July.
So once again, if you are interested in joining us, just get in touch - you will be assured a very warm welcome.
LesleyKirkwood
ADVERTISING
KENILWORTH PROBUS I CLUB
Chairman : Brian Wilson
e : probusleekwootton@gmail.com
The Kenilworth Probus I met on 18 March at Leek Wootton Sports Club. After some brief Club business, the members had a talk by Jonathan Ratcliff entitled ‘A Blind Spot in Leadership; How My Trauma Might Help You Overcome It’. Jonathan is a Business Consultant providing lectures and courses to communities and senior business executives.
He started by asking what business improvements the audience would look for from their employees if they were still Senior Executives and, after various suggestions were put forth, all of relevance, he pointed out that the one improvement absent was Health.
Jonathan then explained that a few years ago he had a health check and the trainee doctor who was undertaking it considered his blood sample was not what it should be and referred it for further tests. This resulted in him being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer. He went on to learn that there were 25,000 sufferers in the country and that 5,000 cases are identified each year. This he interpreted as meaning that he probably had a five-year life ahead of him.
After the initial shock, he reviewed his life, decided to start on his ‘bucket list’ of things to do and to take his story out to his clients and community, advocating Health Checks because that was what had brought his problem to light and without which who knows what his future might have been. He also advised that his health insurance provider had so far expended £250,000 on his treatment, which was ongoing as there is no cure, merely control of the symptoms. There followed an interesting question and answer session with arguments being made pro the NHS as opposed to private treatments and vice versa.
Later in the week a small party paid a visit to Sherbourne Recycling Ltd where members were told about the state-of-the-art facility for sorting our recyclable waste. The facility, which is jointly owned by WDC and seven other local authorities, cost £65m, and has been operational for just on 12 months. It was a most interesting and educational visit, and much was learnt about what should be sent for recycling and what should not!
Kenilworth Probus I Club welcomes retired, or semiretired, PROfessional and BUSiness men. They meet once a month to hear talks on a wide range of topics and enjoy a good chinwag over a drink at the bar (possibly followed by lunch at The Anchor, to continue discussions), and occasionally visit places of interest, including local factories, etc.
If you would like to come along to a meeting and/or find out more, please scan the QR code or send an email to probusleekwootton@gmail.com.
Contact : Harry Wilson
m : 07973 661218
This is a quiet country lane by the Police HQ in Leek Wootton (with a 7.5ton weight limit) considered safe for pedestrians by the Highways Department. Your observations are appreciated
What is a Wildlife Priority Habitat?
species on the Woodcote estate.
The areas in green are habitats which are deemed to be of national/international importance. Their protection and conservation is therefore regarded as a priority within the Biodiversity Action Plan of the UK. This is home to numerous
www.stoneleighladieschoir.org.uk
Quiz Night with Fish & Chips
The choir’s popular Quiz Night with Fish and Chip Supper is scheduled for Friday, 11 April at Stoneleigh Village Hall.
For many years the quiz has been organised by John Claridge, ably assisted by his wife, Gerda. However, they have decided to ‘hang up their quiz sheets’ so this will be their last quiz before they retire. Years of experience have taught John how to keep a sometimes-feisty event under control and still make it lots of fun. So, on the 11th John will start the evening off promptly at 7:00pm with teams of 6 (max) competing against each other. Supper will be served about 8 - 8.30pm. Please bring your own drinks.
Tickets for this event are £10.00 and available from any choir member or our secretary on sharronmced@g.mail.com or from Pat on 07817 899097.
The choir always promises a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join us. We meet from 1:30 to 3:00pm on Thursday afternoons (term time only). For more information, please contact us – details above.
PatWightman
ADVERTISING
Could you volunteer and help prepare young people with skills for life?
We are Scouts and everyone is welcome here. Every week, we help almost half a million people in the UK aged 4-25 develop skills for life. Are you ready to join the adventure?
In the Kenilworth District we have 450 young people as members. However, as Kenilworth grows so does our waiting list and the need for more adult volunteers and leaders increases to enable us to reduce this list and allow more young people to gain those vital skills for life.
Volunteering can be a brilliant way to boost your mental wellbeing. It’s a great feeling knowing you’re helping young people, and you might even learn a lot about yourself along the way.
Scouts can make you feel good in other ways too. We’ll guide you to an opportunity where you’ll:
• Make friends and meet people
• Try new things and challenge yourself
• Get outdoors and get stuck in
• Positively impact your community
• Create vital opportunities for young people
• Make memories that'll last a lifetime
If you can only offer occasional help, that’s okay. Whether you’d like to be an activity planner, tea maker or craft creator, we appreciate any time you can spare.
Please visit www.scouts.org.uk to get an overview of Scouting or visit the Kenilworth Scouts website to find out more about us and to look at specific vacancies – www.kenilworthscouts.org.uk
If you are interested or just want to have an informal chat, please contact me by emailing douglas.faulconbridge@kenilworthscouts.org.uk
Douglas Faulconbridge Kenilworth Scouts Team Member
We are urgently looking for a District Treasurer as the current incumbent is finishing at the next AGM in October
www.historygroup.leekwoottonandguyscliffe.org.uk
LEEK WOOTTON HISTORY GROUP
Chairman : Paul Eldridge t : 854347
Have you heard about the 16th Century painting hiding in plain sight?
In the summer of 2024 art historian and consultant for Sotheby’s, Dr Adam Busiakiewicz spotted a painting of Henry VIII in a photograph on X (formerly Twitter), hanging in the corner of a House at Old Shire Hall in Warwick.
Dr Busiakiewicz subsequently identified the painting as a lost work which was once part of a famous set of twenty-two portraits commissioned in the 1590s by the tapestry maker Ralph Sheldon for his home, Weston Hall, Long Compton. The painting bears a distinctive arched top, which was a special feature of the Sheldon set, and is housed in a frame identical to other surviving examples. The famous set of paintings was dispersed at auction in
In addition to the exciting discovery of a Tudor painting of Henry VIII, new research by Warwick historian, Aaron Manning has uncovered many details of a previously unknown state visit by Henry VIII to Warwick during the
With a fundraising campaign now in place, it is hoped to be able to display the portrait at the Market Hall Museum in Warwick, for all to see.
Contributions to the fundraising may be made by contacting Market Hall Museum at museum@warwickshire.gov.uk, by phone 01926 412501, or by visiting Market Hall Museum in person.
… or seen the newly restored sails on a local historic monument?
Chesterton Windmill, on a hilltop overlooking the village of Chesterton, near the Roman Fosse Way and about five miles south-east of Warwick, has been there for nearly 400 years, but its sails were removed in 2021 after cracks appeared in the wood.
In 2024 a specialist conservation company began work on building new sails and in March a team spent five days installing them – a glorious sight.
Chesterton Windmill is both Grade I listed and a
Scheduled Ancient Monument and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the West Midlands, with more than 15,000 images on Instagram!
Contact : Cllr Joy Morgan CllrMorgan@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk
The recent closure of the UK’s busiest airport - Heathrow - has once more highlighted the far-reaching effects of power outage. On this occasion, this was due to a fire at an electricity substation, the cause of which is under investigation (at the time of writing, it is unclear whether the cause was accidental or the result of sabotage or even terrorism). The event has also started conversation about whether there were sufficient contingency plans in place – what level of preparedness the airport had to mitigate the effects of a sudden power outage and to bring about speedy recovery and a return to normal service levels. It is this preparedness that we mean when we talk about resilience.
Our daily lives depend so much on power. Not only do we need power for lighting and electrical heating but gas boilers and hobs, heat pumps and your home internet won’t work without power. Your mobile phone might stop working if your local mast is in the affected area and mains water supply to your home could also be disrupted. You might need a constant energy supply for a medical appliance, or you may now drive an electric car.
Have you ever given any thought to how your family would cope if you were suddenly to lose all power to your home for an extended period of time? What contingency plans do you have in place? If you have elderly or infirm neighbours, how would they cope? How could we, as a community, work together in such a crisis?
And power outage is often the result of something bigger – climate change is increasing the likelihood of floods, storms, snow, and fires caused by extreme heat, all of which can cause power outages, and the risk of cyber-attacks and sabotage is a growing concern. In short, there are numerous reasons for us to take preparedness seriously. So many times, people say “I’ve read about these things but I never expected it to happen here”. But adverse events can happen anywhere, any time.
Leek Wootton and Guys Cliffe Parish Council has signed up to a national community resilience programme that equips people and communities with the knowledge and confidence to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a range of emergencies. We are now looking for members of our community to help us move this forward. Are you willing to help?
There are four ways in which you can help:
We are looking to re-vitalise the network of ‘street champions’ that was set up during the Covid pandemic. We need at least one contact in each street (more depending on the number of houses) who is willing: a) to act as a point of contact to help disseminate emergency information; and b) to help identify and support those households in their street who might struggle in an emergency. Whether or not you
were a Street Champion during Covid, if you are willing to help now, do please let us know.
We need a small group of volunteers who are willing to come together in an emergency to deliver a coordinated response to the community and to support the emergency services. Training will be provided, and the volunteer group will learn to work together to utilise existing skills, knowledge and resources to help deal with and mitigate for the impact of emergencies. Could you be a member of this group?
Do you have a four-wheel vehicle that could be put to use in adverse weather conditions, or access to a vehicle that could help move storm debris, if needed? If you would be willing to put your vehicle to use in an emergency, we would like to hear from you.
Will you sign up to be a ‘Prepared Household’? If so, we can provide details on how you can prepare your home and family for an emergency.
If you are willing and able to help in any of these ways, please contact Cllr Joy Morgan at CllrMorgan@leekwoottonandguyscliffeparish.gov.uk or on 01926 857245 or 07971 446354. Our next step will be to bring interested parties together for a community meeting at the Village Hall. The date and time of this will be arranged to enable maximum participation so do please indicate your availability for a meeting (preferred days of the week and morning/ afternoon/ evening availability) when you contact Cllr Morgan.
There was much community support during the Covid pandemic (are we prepared for another pandemic?) - we hope we can resurrect and build on that support with this new community initiative.
ADVERTISING
19-day closure of the A46
Local residents should be aware that there will be a full closure of the A46 between Coventry and the Leamington/ Kenilworth (Thickthorn) junction from 8:00pm on Friday, 11 April until 6:00am on Thursday, 1 May.
A fully signposted diversion route will be in place as well as special access arrangements for the villages of Stoneleigh and Ashow.
WARWICK DISTRICT COUNCIL
Ward : Cubbington & Leek Wootton
Cllr Josh Payne [LibDem] e : Josh.Payne@warwickdc.gov.uk
Cllr Pam Redford [Con] e : Pam.Redford@warwickdc.gov.uk
County Council Elections: Thursday, 1 May
Here are some key dates to be aware of ahead of the May elections:
• Register to vote by 11:59pm, Friday 11 April
• Apply for a postal vote by 5pm, Monday 14 April
• Apply for a proxy vote by 5pm, Wednesday 23 April
• Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by 5pm, Wednesday 23 April
ADVERTISING
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
OUT & ABOUT IN LEEK WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE
See main articles for further details
Wednesday, 2 April
Parish Council Meeting
19:30 at the Village Hall
Saturday, 5 April
Scouts Car Wash Fundraiser
10:00-15:00 at St Francis of Assisi Church, Kenilworth
Sunday, 6 April
Regency 10K
10:00-13:00 at Newbold Comyn
Wednesday, 9 April
Mobile Library Visit
14:50 in The Hamlet (near The Meadows)
Tuesday, 15 April
Kenilworth Probus I Club
See page 31
Leek Wootton WI
19:45 at the Village Hall
Friday, 18 April
Good Friday
LWSC: Pie Night
178:30-20:30 at the Sports Club
Sunday, 20 April
Easter Sunday
Holy Communion & Easter Egg Hunt
10:00 at All Saints’ Church
ANSWERS
Easter Egg Hunt [£5 per child]
11:00-12:00 at Guy’s Cliffe Walled Garden www.guyscliffewalledgarden.org.uk
Wednesday, 23 April
St George’s Day
PCC Meeting
19:30 at All Saints’ Church
Every Monday Bridge
10:00 at the Sports Club
Young at Heart 14:00 at the Sports Club
Every Friday
LWSC: Friday Night Fitness
18:00-19:00 at the Sports Club
- FUTURE PLANNINGThursday, 1 May
County Council Elections See page 43
Sunday, 4 May
Teddybear Parachuting & Church Teas 14:30-17:00 at All Saints’ Church
EUROPE: 1. UK / Belgium / Denmark / Netherlands / Norway / Spain / Sweden | 2. Principalities: i) Andorra ii) Lichtenstein iii) Monaco / Grand Duchy: Luxembourg / Theocracy: Vatican City | 3. Largest: Ukraine / Smallest: Vatican City | 4. Richest: Luxembourg / Poorest: Moldova | 5. 2018: originally Czech Republic is now Czechia / 2019: originally Macedonia is now North Macedonia / 2020: originally Holland is now Netherlands | 6. Country: Germany / Capital city: London | 7. River: Danube / Mountain: Mont Blanc / Freshwater Lake: Vänern (Sweden) | 8. Copenhagen (Denmark), situated on Zealand Island, not Jutland (the mainland) | 9. San Marino | 10. Germany / France / Italy / Netherlands / Belgium / Luxembourg | 11. Switzerland | 12. Hibernia (not part of the Empire) = Ireland / Cambria = Wales / Caledonia = Scotland / Lucitania = Portugal / Dacia = Romania / Gallia (or Gaul) = France / Raetia (Helvetia) = Switzerland / Moesia = Bulgaria / Noricum = Austria / Melitae = Malta
It might crack up | 4. Hip hop | 5. They multiply fast | 6. The Oyster Bunny | 7. They don’t want to get ‘beaten up’ | 8. By hare mail
From page 16 & 17 RIDDLE ME THIS: 1. Uses a hare dryer | 2. Eggs marks the spot |
MARCH IN PICTURES
Please submit your photos to link@leekwoottonchurch.co.uk
