The Leamington Christmas Tree Festival makes a dazzling return.

by Stephanie Kerr | Nov 23, 2023 | News

This December All Saints’ Church in Leamington will be transformed into a magical and dazzling Christmas wonderland from Saturday 9 to Sunday 17 December. The festival will open with a ‘relaxed session’ from 12 to 3pm for those with autism or SENS.

Whittle Productions, the local creative community events company, with Charles Craft from the church piloted the event last year. They welcomed over 3,000 visitors to enjoy these uniquely decorated Christmas trees whilst also supporting the on-site Ukrainian Tisto café and raising funds for the Ups of Downs Charity.

Carole Sleight and David Clargo from Whittle Productions say, ‘We want to create a sparkly festive event in a spectacular location and at the same time promote a wonderful cross section of not-for-profit organisations and local businesses.’

The 5-foot potted trees are supplied by Smith’s Nurseries in Baginton and when you sponsor one its yours to keep or gift on. The trees cost £40 for a charity or not for profit and £60 for a business. The Enchanted Tea Rooms in Leamington will again be sponsoring a large memory tree, where visitors can dedicate a message to a loved one and hang it on this special tree.

The festival is supported by BID Leamington and Councillor Sidney Syson, Leamington Town Council also awarded the festival a community grant for the creation of 5 bespoke trees which will be made with a local school, care homes and community groups. There will be prizes for the most sparkly, upcycled and one with the best back story. The judges BBC Presenter Mary Rhodes, Father Christopher from All Saints’ Church and The Chair of Warwick District Council, Cllr. Sidney Syson will have a busy time selecting from the stunning creations.

This year the festival will be fundraising for local charity Helping Hands who have sponsored 2 trees to represent their Esther project which supports women in our community who are facing challenges such as domestic abuse or homelessness and Elijah’s Rest, a support group for vulnerable men. Lianne Kirkman, Director of Helping hands says ‘We are delighted to be taking part as it’s an opportunity to meet and engage with people and talk about the work we do at Helping Hands supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community. ‘

If you’d like to sponsor a tree then email leamtreefest@gmail.com) entry to the festival is £2, under 18’s entry is free. All are invited to come and experience the magic!

GIVE BACK WITH A CHRISTMAS TABLE AT BISTROT PIERRE

by Stephanie Kerr | Nov 16, 2023 | News

Christmas is coming early to Leamington Spa, as Bistrot Pierre once again teams-up with local charity Warwick Proud Elderly Welfare Services to donate meals to residents who may be in need this festive season.

Leamington Spa diners celebrating with friends and family by eating out this Christmas, will also be contributing towards a free restaurant meal for a resident in their community.

For every Sunday Christmas party booking of six people or more in December, Bistrot Pierre, will gift a free Menu Pierre three-course meal to a Leamington Spa resident, redeemable throughout January 2024. This initiative comes after a year that has seen an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis, and an increase in those relying on charity support[1]. According to independent think tank The Resolution Foundation, studies have found that a further 1.3 million people have been pushed into poverty during 2023[2], in addition to increased social isolation.

The Christmas initiative by French restaurant Bistrot Pierre, first introduced last year, will donate dinners to well-deserving Leamington Spa residents, nominated by local charity Warwick Proud Elderly Welfare Services, providing a place for the community to gather and celebrate the festive season together.

The Warwick Proud Elderly Welfare Services community outreach has been chosen for its support of older residents in limited situations, who are often unable to leave their homes. The community service work tirelessly with nursing and hospice staff as well as residents, who often give their time on a voluntary basis.

“We have worked within our community for nearly 30 years, supporting those whose circumstances often mean they are often isolated”, says Andi Horbury from the Warwick Proud Elderly Welfare Services. “We felt so welcomed by the Bistrot Pierre team last year and are grateful to be partnering again this year. The day helped bring people together and made our volunteers and older residents feel noticed.

“We wish to thank all those who give their time for the support of our vulnerable residents, from nursing and hospice staff to anyone who has volunteered with us.”

“We are delighted to be welcoming back our community charity partners this Christmas”, says Bistrot Pierre’s CEO Nick White. “Community is at the heart of what we do and as families continue to struggle with the cost-of-living this Christmas, we want to open our doors and welcome those most in need to enjoy a well-deserved and much-needed treat on us.

“We hope customers will want to get involved and make a difference to the lives of vulnerable residents in Leamington Spa. We are still taking bookings for our Christmas period, so we’re encouraging customers to try and be as generous as possible and enjoy a little bit of festive fun with us, which will also help those residents most in need in the area.

“It goes without saying, that we want to say thank you to Warwick Proud Elderly Welfare Services for all the incredible work they do for the Leamington Spa community. And most importantly, we hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!”

For further information about Bistrot Pierre and to book a table this Christmas, please visit: www.bistrotpierre.co.uk. For more information about the Warwick Proud Elderly Welfare Service please visit www.facebook.com/WarwickProudWelfare/

[1] www.charitylink.net/blog/cost-of-living-crisis-impact-uk-charities#:~:text=86%25%20of%20charitable%20organisations%20are,increased%20demand%20for%20their%20services

[2] www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/inflation-nation/#:~:text=As%20a%20result%2C%20a%20further,projected%20to%20recovery%20swiftly%20from.

Leamington Lantern Parade Workshops Begin!

by Stephanie Kerr | Oct 23, 2023 | News

Families are being invited to get creative ahead of a much-loved Leamington event which lights up the town to welcome in the festive season.

Leamington’s 13^th annual Lantern Parade is set to be held on December 3 and will see hundreds of residents and visitors parade homemade paper lanterns through the town in a dazzling display.

This year’s event has an optional ‘Magical Creatures’ theme, and six free lantern frame-making workshops are being held where people can get inspiration and craft their creations.

The workshops, starting this weekend, will be held from 11am to 3pm on October 29, November 1, November 5, November 11, November 19 and November 25 in the former Top Man unit in the Lower Mall of Royal Priors Shopping Centre.

Workshops will be run on a first-come, first-served basis, and participants should allow one to two hours to make a frame, which can then be finished off at home.

The Lantern Parade is inspired by ‘The Lights of Leamington’ event, which lit up Jephson Gardens from 1951 to 1961.

It is organised by BID Leamington with the support of local businesses, and this year Whittle Productions, a local Community Interest Company (CIC), will also be supporting the delivery of the event.

The lantern frame-making workshops are being sponsored by Art Friends Warwickshire, a not-for-profit organisation which supports the development of artistic skills in the town.

Stephanie Kerr, Executive Director of BID Leamington, said: “The Lantern Parade is a beautiful event that families look forward to every year.

“We absolutely love seeing the creations that are made and we know we are going to see something special this year.

“We are delighted to be hosting the workshops in the Royal Priors Shopping Centre ahead of this year’s event in December, which will not only feature our spectacular parade, but will also welcome some new entertainment.

“As always, we wish to thank our supporters – the local businesses, sponsors, artists and volunteers who make this possible.”

Carole Sleight, of Whittle Productions, added: “We are excited to welcome everyone to six exciting ‘Magical Creatures’ lantern-making workshops and can’t wait to see what creatures emerge from these artist-led making sessions.”

For those making their creations at home, lantern-making packs can also be purchased from the BID Leamington offices in Park Street from Monday to Friday.

For more information, including how to build a lantern, visit www.leamingtonlanternparade.co.uk

Image Caption: Preparing for lantern making from left to right: Carole Sleight, of Whittle Productions; Stephanie Kerr, of BID Leamington; Ali Mckellar, of Sambassadors of Groove; Nicci Selby, one of the workshop facilitators; David Howells, of Art Friends Warwickshire and artist Diana Fallowes.

GOLD! Leamington in Bloom Award

by Stephanie Kerr | Oct 19, 2023 | News

Royal Leamington Spa Town Council and the Leamington in Bloom Group are delighted to announce that the town has been awarded a Gold award in the regional Heart of England in Bloom competition, ‘Small City’ category.

The awards event was held at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Thursday 5th October, where the Mayor of Leamington Spa, Cllr Alan Boad, was present and collected the award.

The Heart of England judges visited several locations of the town on 4th July.  In a change from recent years, where the focus has been on formal floral displays, the Judges were shown around various community green spaces, including Foundry Wood, Dale Street Methodist Church ‘Good News’ Garden and Wych Elm Wood.  The Friends of Leamington Station put on a beautiful display as did the id-verde and WDC teams at the ever-popular Jephson Gardens.  The much-admired floral trains in both of those locations, with colours chosen to celebrate the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, were outstanding as usual.

Mayor Alan Boad said:  “This is excellent news for our beautiful town and I congratulate and thank those who work so hard all year round to make Leamington Spa colourful and welcoming.  I also applaud the growth of community gardening which plays an every-increasing part in the physical and emotional well-being of our residents. My thanks go to the Leamington in Bloom Committee who work to make our entry into this competition possible, the groups that took part, the commitment of the Town Council and the hard work of the Green Spaces Team at the District Council who helped to achieve the Gold award this year

Aluminium wanted! for exciting sculpture event at the Pump Room Gardens

by Stephanie Kerr | Oct 12, 2023 | News

Local visual arts organisation Pangaea Sculptors’ Centre is turning aluminium into sculpture and needs your donations. They are reaching out to the community and asking you to separate out your recycled aluminium and donate it to their art project.

Please deliver to Leamington Town Centre between 13th and 26th October:
1) 35c Park Court, Park St., CV32 4QN (look out for wheelie bin in Park Court, opposite Pierre Bistro)
2) Foundry Wood, Princes Drive (donation bin next to the Railway Wagon at the entrance, 10 – 4 pm).

For larger donations please email admin@pangaeasculptoracentre.com and they can collect.

Pangaea is looking to collect 75kg of aluminium in total. Please give it a clean and strip off any non-metal parts. Collect with your children – a great way to get them engaged with sustainability and recycling.

How can you tell what metal is aluminium?

Aluminium is generally dull in colour, matt and with a slight texture (as opposed to stainless steel, for example, which is relatively shiny). It is soft and so will scratch easily with a key. It is resistant to corrosion and rust and it is non-magnetic so the easiest way to test for aluminium at home is with a magnet. Examples of aluminium include drinks cans, food tins, some curtain rails, railings, lamp bases, ends of lighting tubes, metal edging strips on construction boards.

Join us to see your metal transformed into sculpture. Meltdown: From Trash to Treasure is a free, drop-in event taking place on 4 November, 1-5 pm at the Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 5AA.

This event is produced by Pangaea Sculptors’ Centre and supported by Warwick District Council, BID Leamington and Foundry Wood.

Pangaea Sculptors’ Centre is a not-for-profit that promotes and enriches wider public engagement with sculpture through educational, critical and cultural programming. Pangaea believes in the transformative power of art. It is committed to broadening access and participation by taking sculpture out of the gallery and into public space, offering news ways for it to be experienced and enjoyed that better connect to people’s lives.

For further information please contact:Lucy TomlinsDirector, Pangaea Sculptors’ CentreLucy@pangaeasculptorscentre.com+44 (0) 7814019384www.pangaeasculptorscente.com | @pangaeacentre

Please Welcome Balm – A Beautiful New Store & Offer

by Stephanie Kerr | Oct 6, 2023 | News

A new beauty and wellness brand with a focus on natural and sustainable products has launched in the heart of Leamington.

Balm Leamington has officially opened its doors in Regent Street after successfully trading as a franchise of Neal’s Yard Remedies for the last 16 years.

Joint owners Wendy Ashworth and Matt Crooks made the decision to go independent to expand and improve the store’s offering to customers.

It has undergone a complete transformation and features a wide selection of natural and organic skincare and wellness products and offers a number of free in-store services include skincare consultations, wellness consultations, aromatherapy blending, gift service and makeovers.

As well as continuing to offer the complete range of Neal’s Yard products, Balm now offers brand new products including natural make up, sustainable palm-free soaps, natural suncreams, luxury hand rolled incense and a range of organic teas.

Balm therapy rooms also provide a wide range of treatments, with a team of 14 therapists offering everything from facials and massage to talking therapies, all in support of health and wellbeing.

Wendy said: “At the heart of our business is the remarkable healing and restorative power of plants and we have transformed the shop to create a look and feel in keeping with our brand ethos.

“It is an experiential place where people can come and try products, feel nurtured and get advice.  We are passionate about helping people find the best natural solutions for their needs and pride ourselves on the fantastic level of service we offer.”

Stephanie Kerr, Executive Director of BID Leamington, said: “We are delighted to welcome Balm to our high street.

“The team have been a trusted source of health and wellbeing advice, products and services for many years and this transition only improves this offer.

“It is fantastic that Leamington is a town which can support independent shops and eateries to thrive.

“We have a number of other new openings as well, so we urge our community to rediscover and support our town centre in the coming months.”

During October, the store will be offering an opening month treat, with customers receiving a £12 gift with purchases over £10.

Find Balm at 106 Regent Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4NR.
Or visit them online at www.balmleamington.com or on Instagram: @balmleamington

International Danish lifestyle brand, Søstrene Grene, is coming to Royal Leamington Spa!

by Stephanie Kerr | Aug 29, 2023 | News

Danish homeware retailer, Søstrene Grene, with 275+ stores worldwide, has announced its first opening in Warwickshire, with the exciting concept coming soon to Royal Leamington Spa.

Danish homewares store, Søstrene Grene, is set to open at Royal Priors Shopping Centre in Leamington Spa later this year, as the brand continues its rapid expansion throughout the UK. The official opening date is due to be announced very soon.

The brand’s signature labyrinth store layout and Scandinavian inspired aesthetics will be joining Waterstones, Pandora and Hobbs at Whitehead Court in Royal Priors. Offering a curated collection of Nordic inspired designs in a variety of homewares, including soft furnishings, kitchen products, furniture, gifts, hobby crafts, seasonal decorations and children’s toys including “mini home” products.

The ever-expanding retail chain sets out to enrich everyday life by sharing the Danish notion of ‘hygge’ – a special state of contentment, warmth and belonging that comes from seeking comfort and gratitude in present moments. Whilst the trademark labyrinth layout allows customers to explore the store amongst subdued lighting and the sounds of classical music to enhance the relaxing atmosphere.

Mikkel Grene, CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, comments: “We are thrilled to be opening very soon in Royal Leamington Spa. We can’t wait to introduce the local community and beyond to the wonderful world of Søstrene Grene, as well as the Danish concept of ‘hygge’.”

Les Watkins, Deputy Centre Manager at Royal Priors said: “Sostrene Grene are going to be a fantastic new addition to Royal Priors and Leamington Spa, with such a variety of product ranges for the home. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming customers to the new store opening.”

The new store will follow a whole host of successful recent openings across the south of England, including Cheltenham, Wandsworth and High Wycombe. UK Joint Venture Partners, Norma Jacob and Richard Power, who run Søstrene Grene stores across Northern Ireland, Southern England and Scotland, are looking forward to their next opening.

Norma Jacob comments: “Søstrene Grene is currently undergoing an exciting expansion across the UK and we couldn’t be happier to have a location in the beautiful county of Warwickshire. The store will be a great addition to Royal Priors, enhancing the already impressive retail offering.”

Richard Power adds: “We are really looking forward to our next opening in Royal Leamington Spa. It has been a truly remarkable year of openings so far, and we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow throughout the UK across 2023 and beyond.”

To find out more about Søstrene Grene visit: sostrenegrene.com or follow them on Instagram: @sostrenegrene

Motionhouse set to perform ‘WILD’ at EcoFest

by Stephanie Kerr | Aug 15, 2023 | News

Leamington-based internationally renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse will be thrilling visitors at this year’s EcoFest with two performances of their hugely popular outdoor production, WILD.

With its gravity-defying dance-circus, WILD explores humanity’s growing disconnect with the natural world and our impact on the environment. Showcasing the powerful physicality distinctive to this trailblazing local company, this daring show has been a major hit with audiences in the UK and across Europe since its premiere in 2019.

WILD creates an urban forest in the everyday of the city. Celebrating nature and the environment, performers move through a forest of tall poles, which forms the striking set for WILD. The performers move animal-like through the dangerous world of the forest floor, taking refuge high in the canopy, exploring how in our modern lives, the wild can still shape human behaviour.

The production will be performed twice at EcoFest, which takes place at the Pump Room Gardens from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 2 September 2023. Visitors to the event will be able to see WILD performed at 1pm and 4pm, and is completely free to watch and is suitable for all ages.

Councillor Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Arts and Economy said: “We’re so lucky to have such an incredible company like Motionhouse based right here at the Town Hall in Leamington Spa.

“Their performances excite audiences all over the world and really make them think about the message they’re conveying. WILD is a fantastic fit for EcoFest, and I look forward to watching the performances. I would like to extend our thanks to Motionhouse and to BID Leamington, for enabling this to happen.”

Motionhouse’s appearance at EcoFest has been made possible thanks to funding from BID Leamington. Executive Director Stephanie Kerr said: “Executive Director, Stephanie Kerr said “We are very proud to have world class dance-circus company Motionhouse based in the heart of our town centre, developing their incredible work. So it is wonderful to see their work showcased to our local community at Ecofest on the 2nd of September. The performance of ‘WILD’, which celebrates nature and the environment in an urban forest of tall poles which dancers move through in spectacular harmony, also provides a wonderful expression of the ideas fostered by Ecofest. We can’t wait to see this performance!”

Louise Richards, Co-founder and Executive Director of Motionhouse said: “We’re very excited to be able to share WILD with our local community at EcoFest. WILD is a truly thrilling show that is perfect for the whole family, so we do hope lots of people from the local area will be able to join us for one of the performances. We’re proud to be celebrating 35 years in Leamington Spa this year, so that makes it even more special. This brilliant town has enabled us to build the company into the success that it is, enabling us to make work locally to tour globally.”