SEPTEMBER 2021

All Saints’ Church Parish Magazine

LEEK WOOTTON LINK | Guy’s Cliffe | Hill Wootton | Chesford | Goodrest | Wedgnock | North & Middle Woodloes LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 the wider community (see the back EDITORIAL cover for some suggestions). Welcome to the September issue of Details of Community Live (this The Link. parish’s own event focussing on re- It is good to feel that life is returning to establishing its strong network of clubs some sort of ‘normal’ for us all, but and societies), are fully explained on personally, we are missing the the enclosed flyer. We hope the event tremendous sense of community that is successful, that people are able to was engendered at the height of the find their ‘niches' and we look forward pandemic, particularly during the first to receiving up-dates and news from Lockdown. everyone to share with our readers. However, many have managed a holiday this year and all manner of Helen & Lesley Eldridge activities are up and running again in The Editorial Team

All Saints’ Church WHO’S WHO? www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk VICAR Jim Perryman t : 850610 | m : 0744 948 0539 The Vicarage, 4 Hill Wootton Road e : [email protected] READER Audrey Rowberry t : 851498 e : [email protected] READER and CHURCHWARDEN Nigel Stallard t : 850548 e : [email protected] CHURCHWARDEN Jonathan Kingston t : 851181 e : [email protected] PCC SECRETARY Chris de Wolf e : [email protected] PCC TREASURER Iain Wilton m : 07771 664185 e : [email protected] PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER Lesley Allen t : 07963 815773 e : [email protected] FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE LINK, INCLUDING SUBMITTING MATERIAL, ADVERTISING OR APPLYING TO RECEIVE BY EMAIL, SEE BACK PAGES

Cover Image: Frog by Charlie Yeomanson Winner of the LW&D Horticultural Society Photographic Competition 2021 (see page 19)

2 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 FROM THE VICARAGE

THE TIMES, THEY ARE A’CHANGIN’ – Part 1 I’m writing this in late July, as I plan to be away for much of August. By the time we reach the start of September, we will probably be getting used to normality – or whatever that will be by then. Just thinking about ‘normal’ took me back to the Douglas Adams stories of the ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ where, after a series of highly improbable events, comes the announcement “We will be restoring normality just as soon as we are sure what is normal anyway.” And a little later, “We have normality. I repeat, we have normality. Anything you still can’t cope with is therefore your own problem.” (If you’re desperate for a bit of nostalgia and the days when ‘special effects’ looked like something Blue Peter had made earlier out of toilet roll cores and sticky-backed plastic, you can find the relevant episode from the 1981 TV series at www.dailymotion.com/video/x5xwroa - the purists will go for the earlier radio series: Series 1, episode 2! When we look at life around the world, we certainly haven’t yet reached ‘normality’ and it is doubtful that what used to be considered normal will ever return, but living in a constant state of abnormality and uncertainty is highly destructive to people’s mental wellbeing. Life is different now. Things we once took for granted are now recognised as highly valuable – and things we once valued have been shown to be worthless. As Dylan said (Bob, that is, rather than Thomas or the rabbit from Magic Roundabout) “The times, they are a’changin”. As we begin to rediscover some sense of stability, we are needing to work out what really matters. Just turning the clock back and pretending the last 18 months have been a bad dream won’t suffice. Whether in the home, at work, at school, in the church or wherever - times have changed. Rediscovering ‘cultural norms’ will be very hard: should we shake hands with all and sundry, or give social kisses, or will people be generally more distant with just a smile or a nod. I hope the elbow offering and the embarrassed knuckle-glancing ‘fist pump’ will rapidly become history! What will work look like? The charity I work for part-time is based in Coventry. All the staff were local, travelling to be in the same small office. During ‘lockdown’ we have employed someone who lives in Belfast. She’s never actually met any of the rest of us face-to-face and certainly won’t be commuting to Coventry. When we need to employ someone else, as we will in the next few months, where will they be? We’ll be more interested in which time-zone they live in than which town! Office work, at least, will probably never return to what it was – nor many meetings: why get lots of people travelling from different places when you can meet via Zoom. Less time wasted, less travel-related pollution and considerably less cost. Why 3 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 didn’t we do that before? As we start to dare to look ahead again, it’s fairly certain that powerful forces will seek to mould the new normality to suit their agendas. We all need to be careful. It’s time to start thinking about what is truly important to us, before these other forces just push us into an uncomfortable place. When Bob Dylan wrote his song in 1963, the ‘Swinging Sixties’ were only gently rocking. Within five years, the times had drastically changed and many got left behind or trampled on in the rush – pretty much like Dylan had prophesied with his powerful words of warning. And I don’t think that the church will be exempt from this pressure. What ‘shape’ does All Saints’, Leek Wootton need to be in order to best serve God and this community into the future years? If we don’t think through these questions – and I mean the whole community, not just those those attend services, then we, and similar villages, might find that there is no local church in the future. I’d love to hear people’s opinions on what they have come to value about the church and any thoughts about how we could better serve the community moving forward. I’m 65 later this year – I won’t be vicar here forever, but I’d like to think that, together, we can restore a ‘normality’ that sees a thriving church serving a thriving community into the changing times of the future. Jim Perryman

DAILY COMMUNITY PRAYER FOCUS: Each weekday, and each weekend, we pray specifically for those who live or work in a different street or area of our parishes. We invite everyone to join in this – perhaps thinking about those you know in a particular place, or just picturing the place in your thoughts – and in a moment of quiet, just ask that peace and blessing may come to the homes and workplaces there. Prayer doesn’t need long words or strange language, just an open heart and a brief stillness of mind. The cycle of prayer for the coming days will be displayed on the front page of the church website. Please make this one of your home pages, or bookmark it, so that you can easily find out who to think about, and when you are being specifically prayed for. You are always invited to submit personal prayer requests to [email protected] where some of the church leaders will pray for your concerns in strict confidence. To enter into conversation about a concern, please contact the vicar or one of the readers or churchwardens directly – see contact details inside the front cover.

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www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH THE TIMES, THEY ARE A’CHANGIN’ – Part 2 CHURCH SERVICES / EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER As mentioned in the last edition of Link, we are trialling a new pattern of church services with new service times. Many services, and the Mosaic group, will be ‘hybrid’ with a live stream, enabling the housebound, the holidaymaker, or anyone else who doesn’t manage to attend in person, to still be part of the congregation. Sunday, 5 September 8:45am Holy Communion (said – BCP) 10:00am Morning Worship with Baptism – Livestreamed on Zoom 2:30pm Teddy Bear Parachuting (to 4:30pm) 3:00pm Church Summer Teas (to 5:00pm) Sunday, 12 September 10:00am Holy Communion + MOSAIC – Livestreamed on Zoom Wednesday, 15 September 10:30am Midweek Holy Communion Sunday, 19 September 10:00am Holy Communion + MOSAIC – Livestreamed on Zoom Sunday, 26 September HARVEST FESTIVAL 10:00am HARVEST FESTIVAL Parade Service – Livestreamed on Zoom Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 8:50am ONLINE Morning Worship: Prayer, Bible reading, time to reflect on the reading and a song of worship related to the theme, plus a chance to chat at the end. Monday and Wednesday, 8:45pm – 9:00pm ONLINE Compline: A short time of peaceful reflection to end the working day. TO JOIN US ON ZOOM: www.tiny.cc/lwzoom all lower case or use the Zoom Cloud Meeting App Meeting ID 645 991 3128 with Passcode 110720. TO JOIN US IN CHURCH: Come along, but please bring a face covering and abide by all the instructions regarding seating and movement which are given on arrival. Our local restrictions will be regularly reassessed, but we are not yet ready to dispense with all COVID-protective measures. TO CATCH UP LATER: Go to www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk and follow the menu link to ‘Recent Services’. 5 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021

Come and join the fun!

Bible Stories, crafts, songs, games and more! Starting Sunday, 12 September at 10:00am at All Saints’ Church and anywhere else! Since April 2020, our Mosaic group has been a mosaic of screens. From Sunday, 12 September, we will be back in church, but also still on Zoom for any who prefer to join that way. We will meet during the 10:00am service and the group will be suitable for children aged 3-11, and parents/ grandparents are welcome too. The concept of Mosaic is that we are a group made up from different shapes and sizes of pieces. To join online, please email [email protected] for joining details and so that I can send you the relevant resources. To join in church, please come along at 10:00am and after a hymn and prayer we will go upstairs to our group. It would be helpful for planning, but not essential, to let me know you are coming. We will be meeting about twice a month in the autumn term – September dates are the 12th and 19th, followed by Harvest Festival on the 26th.

6 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 www.mothersunioncoventry.com LEEK WOOTTON MU Contact : Janet Jackson t : 258264 SEPTEMBER WALK If you’d like to join our next walk from the church, please ask Janet for day and timing. For the Summer of Hope Appeal our walks included litter picks to raise funds for AFIA (Away From It All). This local fund, managed within the diocese by MU members, enables short breaks or days out for families or individuals who need a break from the stresses of daily life; See picture of Carolyn litter picking [right] and thank you to those who sponsored us. DEANERY PRAYERS On the third Tuesday, 21 September we will pause to pray for family life and our communities, and this month the area we remember specifically is Berkswell. MOTHERS’ UNION ANNUAL GATHERING 2021 The Mothers’ Union Annual Gathering will be a virtual event on Saturday, 25 September from 11:00am to 2:30pm, and will be an opportunity for all members and friends to hear more about the work of MU in Britain & Ireland and beyond. This year’s gathering was due to take place in Belfast, but we are now invited to a livestream on YouTube at www.mothersunion.org and on FaceBook. This past year more than ever we’ve A Harvest Time Prayer had to hope in the Lord to renew, strengthen and enable Mothers’ Union God of all creation, members to continue with much we thank you for your many good gifts, needed support for their communities. for fresh air, pure water, and earth’s There will be news from members on bountiful resources. how they have been rebuilding hope Help us to nurture your world with love, and confidence, and there will be to care and to share, updates from our Worldwide President, to use only what we need Sheran Harper and CEO, Bev Jullien. whilst respecting and appreciating There will also be a time of worship led all living things. by our Central Chaplain, The Rt Rev d Empower us to work with love Emma Ineson. as we aim to live responsibly It is hoped that this year as well as for the wellbeing of creation individuals gathering, some could meet for this and future generations. for the livestream, so if anyone would This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen like to bring a packed lunch and gather Jacqui Armstrong, Province of All-Ireland at Janet’s do get in touch. From ‘Dear Lord.’ A new collection of prayers and poems from Mothers’ Union members across the world 7 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 www.coventrycathedral.org.uk COVENTRY CATHEDRAL MATTERS Parish Partner : Mary Robins t : 512643 With Coventry as the City of Culture in full swing there are numerous events all around the city. Many of the performances and exhibitions will be taking place in the Cathedral at certain during September and the following months. Below I mention a few of these events, complete list the Cathedral website (www.coventrycathedral.org.uk) . STORIES OF CHANGE: HOPE, FAITH AND LOVE Saturday, 4 September 10:00am – Sunday, 3 October 3:30pm The Methodist Modern Art collection of over 50 works will be on show in churches throughout Coventry this autumn. he carefully selected works will provide a unique moment of speaking to people in differing ways, as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. FAITH | ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Friday, 10 September 9:00am – Sunday, 12 September 6:00pm A 24-hour invitation to find out what keeps each of us going in tough times. Co-produced by Coventry City of Culture Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company ACTION RAYZ PRESENTS NEVER LOOK AWAY Thursday, 16 September – 10:15pm A free screening of the film Never Look Away, which was nominated for two Academy Awards. FRONTIER SAPIENS FILM FESTIVAL Friday, 24 September 7:30pm – 10:15pm An evening of short, thought provoking films, screened in the Cathedral Ruins. Tickets £13/£14 - see www.frontiersapiens.com. Coming up: COVENTRY CATHEDRAL CHORUS Saturday, 13 November 7:00pm – 9:00pm Verdi: Requiem - Part of City of Coventry Festival’. Conductor: Paul Leddington Wright | Orchestra: Pro ORGAN RECITALS Lunchtime Organ Recitals starting at 12.30pm, with a retiring collection: Monday, 6 September David Henning, St Martin Episcopal Church Monday, 13 September David Greenway, 2019 Oundle prize winner Monday, 20 September James Lancelot, Canon Organist Emeritus Monday, 27 September Oliver Hancock, Collegiate Church of St. Mary

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www.warwickdistrict.foodbank.org.uk At our Harvest Festival services on Sunday, 26 September, we will be seeking donations to support the foodbank as a sign of our thankfulness for all we enjoy and also to show our care and concern for those less fortunate. The working of the Foodbank has been seriously disrupted through the pandemic, and the donation level is likely to have been seriously affected, but the needs are as great – if not greater – than ever. Please be generous in your support through bringing suitable gifts of non-perishable food to our service at 10:00am. If you won’t be at the service, then please bring your contribution to the church and leave it around the baptismal font (directly opposite the main entrance) during the preceding week. Diary of a Church Mouse by John Betjeman Here among long-discarded cassocks, To be baptized, invade the choir. Damp stools, and half-split open hassocks, A large and most unfriendly rat Here where the vicar never looks Comes in to see what we are at. I nibble through old service books. He says he thinks there is no God Lean and alone I spend my days And yet he comes ... it's rather odd. Behind this Church of baize. This year he stole a sheaf of wheat I share my dark forgotten room (It screened our special preacher's seat), With two oil-lamps and half a broom. And prosperous mice from fields away The cleaner never bothers me, Come in to hear our organ play, So here I eat my frugal tea. And under cover of its notes My bread is sawdust mixed with straw; Ate through the altar's sheaf of oats. My jam is polish for the floor. A Low Church mouse, who thinks that I Christmas and Easter may be feasts Am too papistical, and High, For congregations and for priests, Yet somehow doesn't think it wrong And so may Whitsun. All the same, To munch through Harvest Evensong, They do not fill my meagre frame. While I, who starve the whole year through, For me the only feast at all Must share my food with rodents who Is Autumn's Harvest Festival, Except at this time of the year When I can satisfy my want Not once inside the church appear. With ears of corn around the font. Within the human world I know I climb the eagle's brazen head Such goings-on could not be so, To burrow through a loaf of bread. For human beings only do I scramble up the pulpit stair What their religion tells them to. And gnaw the marrows hanging there. They read the Bible every day It is enjoyable to taste And always, night and morning, pray, These items ere they go to waste, And just like me, the good church mouse, But how annoying when one finds Worship each week in God's own house, That other mice with pagan minds But all the same it's strange to me Come into church my food to share How very full the church can be Who have no proper business there. With people I don't see at all Two field mice who have no desire Except at Harvest Festival. 9 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 www.leekwootton.org.uk LEEK WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE PARISH COUNCIL Clerk to the Parish Council : Helen Eldridge t : 853841 e : [email protected] The Parish Council met on Tuesday, 6 July 2021, at Leek Wootton Village Hall. Discussion included the following: COMMUNITY LIVE - 4:00-6:00PM on 11 SEPTEMBER at THE VILLAGE HALL Cllr Steph Allison has led the Council’s Community Engagement group in establishing the first Community Live event. Many local groups catering for all ages and interests will be attending, giving residents an idea of what is currently available and the opportunity to meet and sign-up for activities. And if you cannot find an existing group for your specific interest, you can sign up to the ‘Club Hub’ and find like-minded people to meet with. You can find out more about the event on the flyer enclosed with this copy of The Link. We hope you will come along - there will also be tea and cake and it’s the only opportunity for such an event this year in Leek Wootton & Guy’s Cliffe! FLY-TIPPING On 24 July a resident reported an incident of fly-tipping on public footpath W174 (Leek Wootton to Hill Wootton) near the railway line. This involved approximately 50 bin bags full of raw chicken, many of which had split open. This was immediately reported to the Police who informed WDC Environmental Health and the community WhatsApp and NextDoor groups were informed to alert dog-walkers to the hazard that could make animals sick before clearance could be arranged. Incidents of fly-tipping on public land can be reported to District Council directly using the Fly-Tipping Report Form at www.warwickdc.gov.uk/reportflytipping. Alternatively, please contact the Clerk, who will report it for you. COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH [CSW] CSW is a national initiative where active members of local communities join together to monitor speeds of vehicles in their local area with support from the Police. As lockdown eases, the CSW group on Warwick Road in Leek Wootton is looking forward to its training. Once this has been completed, the group will be able to monitor traffic to gather data to support anecdotal observations. Vehicles found to be exceeding the speed limit are referred to Police and receive a letter with the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speeds.

10 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 Speeding is an emotive subject for many in the community, as evidenced by the letters in this issue of The Link. Whilst we experience a lot of /Warwick through-traffic on Warwick Road, speeding is not just about non-residents; there are several ‘rat-runs’ and resident drivers are asked to be considerate and always observe speed limits when travelling through the parish. If you are interested in joining the CSW or involving other parts of the parish, please contact [email protected] providing your email. (Please note, your information will be shared with the leader of the CSW Group for the purpose of CSW communications only.) LEEK WOOTTON WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND CAR PARK The Parish Council has facilitated a second meeting of the interested parties; Leek Wootton War Memorial Recreation Ground Trustees, Leek Wootton Village Hall, Leek Wootton Sports Club and the Parish Council. These meetings have been very helpful in organising future maintenance of the shared space. With reference to the tendering process, Council and funders’ regulations require a minimum of three quotes and we have not been successful in securing these to-date. The contract is currently being advertised, with a closing date of the end of August, after which we hope to have sufficient tenders to proceed. COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE The Council has had work carried out to reduce the laurel in the playground, which was too high and wide for easy maintenance. Councillors also carried out some general maintenance in preparation for the annual RoSPA Safety Inspection, expected to be carried out in September. The Council has also been instrumental in getting the paving slab retaining wall in Woodcote Lane repaired and secured, as well as the overgrown ivy near the Old School and Police-owned hedges/trees on the Tink-a-Tank cut back. A seasonal reminder: Now that the nesting season is over, residents are reminded that they are responsible for maintenance of hedges and trees that border public footpaths or the public highway. Please ensure that these are maintained to allow the public to pass safely. Thank you. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Parish Council will be at 7:30pm on Tuesday, 7 September 2021, at Leek Wootton Village Hall. Minutes of all Parish Council meetings, when signed, are published on the website at www.leekwootton.org.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. 11 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 ANNOUNCEMENTS Mary Harmer Known by many as Molly, Mary Harmer of Hill Wootton died on 26 July. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, 8 September at 11:00am at All Saints’ Church, Leek Wootton. Sandra Melling Sandra died at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, 7 August. The funeral is to be held on Wednesday, 25 August in Church at 1:30pm.

From the Parish Registers

Thursday, 24 June 2021 The Marriage of Nicholas James Williams and Rebecca Elisabeth Cullen

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12 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 OBITUARIES We publish here brief obituaries for members of the community who have died recently. We send condolences to their relatives, and to all who have recently been bereaved. Searchlight Battery across Rouncil Lane. As many who lived through it, Peter vividly remembered the merciless bombing of Coventry, as well as the noise and reverberation of the guns just outside his bedroom window! The farm supplied the NAAFI of Bannerhill Peter Sidney Lloyd Camp, which also provided a social 1924-2021 diversion for Peter and his friends. When the guns were moved away Peter Lloyd was born in Coventry and from Goodrest, it was used as a POW arrived at Goodrest Farm with his Camp, and several of the German parents, older brother and younger soldiers worked on the farm. In time, sister in 1938 when his father acquired Peter befriended one or two and could the tenancy for a mixed farm. He had even recall being allowed to go a large milk round in Coventry and swimming with them in the outdoor Peter had to help with the milking pool in Kenilworth. before he went to school, and when Peter’s brother went to run Fernhill the war began, he witnessed many of Farm, a little further along Rouncil the events that affected the Lane, and he recalled Fernhill Wood community. His application to join the being cleared for the war effort and the Air Force was rejected since he was living at home and deemed to be in a land being added to Fernhill Farm to reserved occupation; he was a enhance production. He did, of member of the Home Guard with its course, also remember a stray bomb headquarters at . taking off the top of that farmhouse. Peter was not interested in farming in Peter talked of mobile Ack-Ack guns the long term, and he trained as a being deployed near to Guy’s Cliffe mill and in 1941 the first of his father’s butcher. fields was requisitioned for the However, various other schemes, creation of the gun site at Goodrest, such as owning an ice cream business and the associated Army camp known in Majorca and a fish and chip shop as the Bannerhill Camp. Vast back in Leamington, changed the quantities of concrete were employed course of his life and then, for about to create the Command Post and 6 40 years, up until retirement, he pits for the guns, and the then secret organised all that went into the big technology of radar was installed. shows/festivals that were held at the Additional Nissen Huts were installed RASE site on and on the opposite side of the drive to the took his organisational skills with The farm for the ATS who manned the Dairy Show to the NEC and a similar Command Post and there was a show at Malvern. His funeral was held at All Saints’, Harbury on 1 July 2021.

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14 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 YOUR LETTERS If you would like to write to us, please email the Editorial Team at : [email protected] Road safety concerns continue... A further letter received regarding traffic on the Warwick Road, together with a follow up from the resident who wrote in the last issue: We read with interest the account of traffic on the Warwick Road in the July/ August LINK. We moved to Leek Wootton in September 2016 from Berkshire, and after a while realised how heavy and fast the traffic was on the Warwick Road heading both south and north before and beyond the roundabout that leads to The Warwickshire Golf & Country Club and to the hotel. We decided to take the issue up with local Councillors and WCC Highways through emails and letters. So far we have raised the issue of speed, traffic and safety signs, and Police vehicles, seventeen times. The response from the Locality Officer WCC was “Can someone respond to the complainant”. The Dft Traffic Advisory Leaflet 1/04 – Village Speed Limits (2004), sets out a policy on achieving lower speed limits in villages; the criteria is if there is property on one or both sides of the road, speed should be taken into consideration. Unfortunately, we exit directly on to a 50mph highway and need to enter our drive at 5mph, which is very risky for us. Our understanding is that Government policy states a 30mph speed limit should be the norm through villages. As we reside on the south side of the roundabout we are in the 50mph zone at the point where the speed limit commences and ends. There are clearly 30/50 signs on both sides of the road, but the speed limit has not been applied correctly. The village nameplate sign as prescribed in diagram 2402.1 of TSRGD 2002 and the 30mph speed limit roundel may be mounted together, which can be seen in other villages throughout Warwickshire. Also, a 30mph roundel should be visible to drivers and placed no less than 600 metres before the boundary nameplate. Which is helpful to drivers who can see housing at the same time as the signs and slow down, There is an opportunity for updated guidance, and speed limit signage. The existing sign is not lawfully placed, it is too close to the roundabout and well inside the boundary nameplate. The traffic authorities should remove the sign and install it in compliance with the Regulations. We have stated to County Highways that there is a potential hazard for residents, for the school, and for those that use the recreational facilities at the Warwickshire Golf & Country Club who are some of the main speeding offenders. There should also be a crossing for the public, school, and The Warwickshire attendees.

15 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 We have also brought to the attention of County Highways the unlit and overgrown footpath to the south of the roundabout. Section 84 of the RTRA 1984 should be considered in making a 30mph limit instead of the 50mph stretch of the Warwick Road. County Highways may be held responsible for the dangers of fast-moving traffic if nothing is done. Anyone who drives at an unacceptable speed may be at risk of a collision due to the failure of the 600-metre requirement. There are over 2,000 traffic movements each day so we shall look forward to the ‘Community Speed Watch’ 2021/2022 and its outcome. Name and address supplied During heavy rain, it seems that some drivers are sensible and drive quite slowly along the Warwick Road, some even reach as low as 30mph or even slower! This is very good for people and property. However, most drivers seem to thunder past at the usual 30mph plus and spray floods of water over property and pedestrians. It’s just nonthinkers again. It would be great if people would actually use their heads when driving. Additionally, there seems to be a certain type of person who doesn’t like it when the driver in front of them gives indication with more than enough notice, that they intend to pull into their own driveway or pull over to the side of the road perfectly correctly and lawfully with horns and shouting for no reason. This seems to have increased since the estate by the Cricket/ Bridge Club was built. How about some decent consideration for others as a general thought before and during driving? Name supplied Copies of these letters have been sent to the Parish Council. The Parish Council has written about the new Community Speed Watch initiative (see page 10) ADVERTISING

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Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership (WRSP) is asking the public for their views on how the county’s roads can be made safer by taking part in a public consultation on a new Warwickshire road safety ‘Strategy to 2030’. The public consultation starts today 18 August and can be viewed here www.warksroadsafety.org Key partners, including , Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire and Highways England are developing the strategy together with external consultant Agilysis and now need the public’s input. The proposed Partnership vision is: ‘Using an evidence based Safe System approach, we will strive to eliminate fatal and serious casualties, thereby creating a safe road environment which will encourage active and sustainable travel.’ The partnership is proposing a new ‘Safe System’ approach where the whole system is designed to help protect people on our roads. This definition from ‘Towards Zero Foundation, 2020’ explains what a Safe System is. To help build a safe road system that is forgiving of mistakes, investment needs to be made in the creation of Safe Roads, Safe Speeds, Safe Vehicles, Safe People and Post Collision Care to put layers of protection around people to keep them safe from death and serious injuries on the road. All parts of the road system must be strengthened in combination to multiply the protective effects and if one part of the system fails, the other parts will still protect people. It’s also important to remember that whilst the strategy paints the broad picture, due to the length of time it covers, the detail will need to be flexible to take into consideration factors such as shifts towards cycling and walking, and away from public transport as well as the financial environment. To take part in the public consultation please click here www.warksroadsafety.org The consultation closes on 15 September and the final WRSP ‘Strategy to 2030’ will be published in October 2021.

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18 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 LEEK WOOTTON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Secretary : Steph Jones e : [email protected]

WATERPERRY GARDENS – Saturday, 4 September There are still some places available on the trip to Waterperry Gardens near Wheatley in Oxfordshire on Saturday, 4 September. Leaving Leek Wootton at 10:00am, we will go directly to the gardens to arrive at around 11:00am. Coffee can be bought from the tea rooms on site. The gardens were home to a horticultural college between 1932 and 1971, where the emphasis was on food production rather than spectacular ornamental gardens. Over the past twenty years, the gardens have developed and grown with many new projects undertaken. You will now find a Formal Garden, the Mary Rose Garden, a Waterlily Canal, and a long colour border. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Steph Jones on 855370 or email [email protected] and details will be sent out to you. The cost is £27.00 pp to include coach travel and entry to the gardens. PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 2021 In July, we asked for photos to be sent in for a competition, with the subjects of Seasons and Wildlife, for which the winner would receive the Banksian Medal that would normally be awarded at the Annual Horticultural Show. We had a great response and some delightful photos, which made it difficult for the Committee to judge. Right are the runners up. The Committee unanimously agreed on the ‘Frog’ as the winner and the photographer is Charlie Yeomanson.

19 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 The Link Quiz By Norman Rogers (answers on page 39) Warwickshire Watering Holes Name the pub from the information provided and/or its location 1. This pub is one of two situated in Barford. It's named after an early agricultural trade unionist who later became an M.P. He died in 1919 aged 92. It now incorporates a very good Indian restaurant. 2. This old pub was once run by two eccentric sisters who were fussy about who they served. Featuring stone floors and small rooms, it was once a cottage and until recently served real ales direct from the cask. It still serves only the best real ales. It's situated in a lane, which is incorporated in its name, just off the 5 ways roundabout near Hatton. 3. Built in 1451, this Grade 2 listed pub is the oldest in Coventry. Situated in old Spon Street, it features a tiny snug and a priest hole near the hearth. 4. Situated on the banks of the Stratford Canal in the tiny village of Lowsonford, this pub is famous for its homemade pies which are still on the menu today. In the 50s, 60s and 70s these pies, (named after the pub), were the best around and could be bought at shops and cafes all around the area. 5. Stone built in the early 16th Century, this tiny pub was once Southam's mint. Not happy with the national currency, they made their own coins that were used locally. King Charles used it to mint coins to pay his troops in the Civil War. Its former use is a giveaway for its name. 6. This Tudor village pub has been a favourite of mine for many years. Situated in the lovely village of Barston near Knowle, it's recently been given a tasteful facelift with an outdoor restaurant area. Not to be confused with the more upmarket ‘Malt Shovel’ gastropub in the same village. 7. Formerly called ‘The Plough’, this pub was renamed after an iconic First World War song, written by Harry Williams who lived at the pub in the early 20th Century. Situated just south of Balsall Common, it now specialises in very good Italian food. 8. This pub is known for its great food. It was frequented by William Shakespeare, who met Ben Jonson there for a drink, but got soaked in the rain on his way back home to Stratford and contracted fatal pneumonia! Exposed beams, flagstone floors and oak furniture make it a special place to dine. The village boasts a beautiful Maypole. 9. Another 16th Century pub long renowned for its food is situated in the lovely village of , close by the . A lovely, thatched pub with a secluded garden. 10. This pub is on the site of a 12th Century mill originally owned by the Augustinian monks from St. Mary's Abbey in Kenilworth. It's set on the mill stream and weir on the Avon and still retains the old waterwheel and mill workings underneath the building. The nearest alternative to our very own ’Anchor’, the best pub in Warwickshire!!! 20 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 KENILWORTH PROBUS CLUB Chairman : Paul Eldridge Hon Secretary : Mike Cheeseman t : 852976

The morning of Tuesday, 17 August saw the first meeting of the Kenilworth Probus Club at the Sports Club since meetings were cancelled in March 2020 due to Covid-19. It was a welcome return with some twenty members in attendance, although the first part of the meeting was less than exciting being the AGMs for 2019/20 and 2020/2021 as both had fallen within the period of closure. However, to make the meeting more appealing, the second half was a talk by the retiring Chairman, Roger Cragg, on the Dale Dyke Dam Collapse of 1846. The dam was built by the Sheffield Waterworks Company to create a reservoir to supply an improved water stock to the town. On 11 March 1864, when it was newly completed, a westerly wind was blowing along the length of the reservoir toward the dam with such force that it caused it to burst, and a tidal wave was released that drove down the valley destroying everything in its path, and killing some 250 persons, with many more injured. It remains the highest death toll from such a disaster to this day. Following the talk and questions and answers, members were invited to partake of a glass of wine supplied by the Club to conclude the morning.

21 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021

Church Teas

Sunday, 5 September 3:00pm-5:00pm Come along and enjoy a drink and some homemade cakes AND Teddy Bear Parachuting from 2:30-4:30pm Current COVID restrictions will apply

Plein Air Event Sunday, 5 September in Warwickshire Open Studios [WOS] are delighted to bring to you a completely new event on Sunday, 5 September 2021. The Plein Air art event will be open to 2D & 3D artists of all abilities to get creative in the stunning ribbon of parks at the heart of Leamington Spa. We are inviting visual artists (not just WOS members) at all points along their creative journey – whether well established, just finding your feet or trying out a new art form – to take the time to engage with your surroundings and produce a piece in response. Members of the public will be welcome to wander around, see the art in action and chat to the artists. There will also be a pop up exhibition in The Glasshouse at the end of the day, a month long exhibition of the work in the LSA Gallery and all the pieces will be photographed for a virtual gallery on the WOS website. We do hope you'll join us for what promises to be an inspiring day of visual art!

22 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 https://bringbackguyscliffe.org f bringbackguyscliffe BRING BACK GUY’S CLIFFE Dedicated to helping the restoration work at Guy's Cliffe Contact : [email protected] Guy of Warwick Day Sunday, 8 August Guy of Warwick Day, organised by the Guy of Warwick Society, was held at

Guy’s Cliffe on Sunday, 8 August, after the cancellation of the 2020 event.

The Bring Back Guy’s Cliffe Facebook page posted, “What a day!! Stalls, fab food, licenced bar, guided tours and lots of laughter provided by The Slaughterhouse Players. “Great audience participation and a really great day ... even the weather held, with an appearance from the sun (albeit brief!).”

Meanwhile the BBGC (Photo Image:supplied) www.warwickcourier.co.uk volunteers have continued their hard work over the The Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Richard Edgington, accompanied by the Town summer to restore the Crier and Chris Willsmore, Chairman of the Guy of Warwick Society, grounds. flanked by 'The Dun Cow', taking part in a costumed procession at the start of Guy of Warwick Day at Guy’s Cliffe

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23 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021

Kenilworth Eco Fayre Saturday, 2 October 10:00am-2:00pm St John’s Church, Kenilworth

Contact: [email protected] Or see www.facebook.com/KWEcoFayre

24 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021

LEEK WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE ENVIRONMENT GROUP Contact : Joy Maisey e : [email protected]

Our Bee Friendly Garden Winner! Helen Eldridge and I recently greatly enjoyed meeting, and presenting the prize to, the winner of The Bee Friendly Garden Competition. She has modestly requested to remain anonymous. She has a great interest not only in bees, but in all kinds of visiting birds and wildlife which she encourages to come to her beautiful garden. The front garden is a practical and attractive example of what can be done to bring together the need to provide more hard standing for car parking and, at the same time, create an easily maintained space, with an abundance of bee friendly planting in contained flower beds. Here is the winning entry: “Whilst our back and side gardens include a number of plants that are attractive to bees and butterflies, e.g., honeysuckle and buddleia, snowdrops and alliums, when we had our front garden landscaped in 2016, we purposely chose a low maintenance garden with a simple white and purple colour scheme with plants that would attract bees. There is a limited variety of plants but each in abundance. The bees particularly like Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’, Perovskia ‘Little Spire’, Lavender ‘Hidcote’, Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Stardust’ and Stacchys byzantia ‘Big Ears’. The bees were slower to arrive this year, but we have counted 5 different varieties of bees at one time - and this is before all the plants are in bloom. Flowering in succession, as our plants do, means there is a constant source of nectar throughout the whole summer. And being a low maintenance garden, we don’t have to disturb the bees!” Joy Maisey

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26 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 www.historygroup.leekwoottonandguyscliffe.org.uk LEEK WOOTTON HISTORY GROUP Chairman : Paul Eldridge t : 854347

This month’s story of an accident in the parish is actually one of at least three at the same spot! The spot is the bay window on The Anchor and the version for which we have images is the one that happened in February 1940. Contemporary newspaper reports tell us that tradesmen had just finished decorating and painting the bar, the landlady had been cleaning the window and hanging new curtains, and the landlord had just given a customer standing at the bar his change, when the bay window was demolished with a terrific crash. It would appear that, in avoiding a car travelling north, which was passing a stationary vehicle outside the pub, the driver of a long-distance lorry swerved on to the pavement, over the steps to the front door, and pushed the bay window clean off the wall!

In September 1954 it was 6:00am when the landlord and his wife, who were sleeping in the bedroom immediately above the bar (with their young son in an adjoining room), were awoken when a heavy long- distance lorry ran into the bay window. It was reported that villagers ran into the street in night attire! There was reputed to have been a similar crash circa 1948 and it is not really known how many times that bay window has met with unintended demolition. Until 1974 and the opening of the Warwick and Kenilworth bypass, Warwick Road was the A46 trunk road. 27 ADVERTISING

28 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 www.guyscliffewalledgarden.org.uk GUY’S CLIFFE WALLED GARDEN TRUST e : [email protected] Access & parking via Hintons Nursery, Coventry Road, Warwick “After a slow start this year the fern bed is back in business! Booking through Eventbrite for visits is proving popular and easy so why not come along and see the progress being made this year. All of our produce is currently being donated to Helping Hands and the Night Shelter in Leamington so although we don't charge for admission all donations are gratefully received!” (Facebook, 23 June)

“A big thank you to all our visitors on our National Garden Scheme Day. We had around 140 visitors and the event raised over £500 for the NGS and local charities.” (Facebook, 2 August)

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30 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021

10-19 September 2021 If, like the rest of us, you are looking to get out of the house more this September, some of the in-person HOD events nearby this year include: • KENILWORTH ALLOTMENTS Manor Road, Kenilworth An opportunity to visit Odibourne, one of the 3 allotment sites managed by the Kenilworth Allotment Tenants’ Association. • FOUNDRY WOOD 66 Princes Drive, Leamington Spa Discover the community woodland that has been created on the site of the Ford Foundry and former railway sidings, with footpaths, pond and outdoor classroom. • LEAMINGTON SOCIETY HISTORY WALKS Discover the history of the buildings and characters in Leamington Spa, take a tour of the multi-award-winning , or discover the associations of famous writers with Leamington Spa. • PRINCETHORPE COLLEGE Leamington Road, Princethorpe Built in 1832, St Mary's Priory was one of the first Catholic buildings in England after the reformation. Come for a tour of the magnificent building and learn all about its history, including the amazing women that made it the place it is today • COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION TOUR Stratford-Upon-Avon Cemetery, 32 Evesham Road, Stratford-upon-Avon Come along to find out more about the history and work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission whilst exploring the graves we care for in Stratford Upon Avon Cemetery. There are also virtual events including: • BEHIND THE SCAFFOLDING AT LADBROKE CHURCH Two talks allow you to discover more about the stonework repairs in 2020 and recent stained glass repairs at Ladbroke Church. To find out more about these, including times and booking requirements, as well as in-person events around the whole country, visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

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32 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021

New York, 14 Sep 2021 - days after 9/11 terrorist attack, fires still burn amidst the rubble of the World Trade Center (U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class, Jim Watson) 20 Years on – a worldwide atrocity never to be forgotten The September 11 attacks, most often referred to as 9/11, were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Wahhabi terrorist group Al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, 11 September 2001. We feel sure that anyone alive on that day will never forget the horrific images that played into our homes as the attacks took place, nor the resulting toll of death and injuries. The destruction and its aftermath led to a global economic recession. 9/11 remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States.

World Trade Centre Tribute in Light

11 September 2010 Image:https://commons.wikimedia.org 33 ADVERTISING

34 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 http://lwsc.co.uk f @LeekWoottonSportsClub LEEK WOOTTON SPORTS CLUB President : Graeme Couchman t : 07916 282465 Secretary : Sue Whitehouse t : 07767 848055 Leek Wootton Sports Club is pleased to announce it is fully open and would like to thank all members for their support during the pandemic and hope to see you all back in the Club very soon. Bingo has resumed and our second and third dates will be Wednesday, 1 September and Wednesday, 15 September respectively. All are welcome. Our opening hours are as follows: Monday - Closed Tuesday - Closed Wednesday - Closed (except for Bingo nights) Thursday - 7:30 / 11:00pm Friday - 5:30 / 11:00pm Saturday - 4:00 / 9:00pm (unless there is a function) Sunday - 1:00 / 10:00pm The Committee looks forward to you supporting the Club again and a date for an AGM is to be advised. ADVERTISING

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36 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 https://leekwootton.play-cricket.com/ t @LeekWoottonCC LEEK WOOTTON CRICKET CLUB Chairman : David Allison t : 07880 783635 e : [email protected] July and August brought mixed weather and an outbreak of Covid that meant the First team lost a fixture when Kineton had to cry off with no less than 11 players testing positive. The team now stands in 7th place in the League table, a good effort considering they have not had a strike bowler all season. However, Yash Sharma, left arm fast, has been available recently and announced himself by taking 4-44 in his first game to beat Shipston-on-Stour. Other highlights have been Sandeep Murthy's 78 v Shipston and an amazing 72 in only 41 balls by ‘Sav’ Malcolm our South African batsman v Exhall and Wixford. This amazing innings contained eight 4s and five 6s, two of the sixes being the biggest hits seen at the ground according to the watching veterans. One went over a row of enormous pine trees and out of the ground, the first time that had happened! Skipper Stu Budd has scored consistent runs and is approaching the magic 500 run mark for the League season. He was selected to represent the against the Warwickshire League as batsman/wicket keeper. Our League won a tremendous game chasing down 303 in the last over. The Second team is in a healthy 4th place in Division 4. Skipper Kash Choudary has been in great form despite dislocating a shoulder in early July. The highlight was an opening partnership of 146 between Kash with 122 and veteran Lee Farndon with 68 against Fladbury. Ian Somerville continued his good form with 84 against and Matt Holt has shown a return to form with three fifties to his name. The Junior section continues to thrive: 40/50 kids of both sexes turn up for professional coaching every Friday evening under the watchful eye of Ian Cox. Our annual 6 a-side competition will have taken place on Sunday, 22

August, always a fun day out and the Club has a 3-day tour of Devon and Somerset, based in a hotel in Weston-Super-Mare, in early September to look forward to.

Googly Image:Facebook(@LeekWoottonSportsClub) 37 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 BUS TIMETABLE LEEK WOOTTON Timetable from 06 Mar 2021: Route 16 (Kenilworth to Hatton Park via Warwick) Route X16 (Kenilworth to Stratford College via Warwick) Towards Kenilworth (Mon-Sat) 0837 1027 1227 1427 1705(SCH & HOL) Towards Warwick (Mon-Sat) 0732(SCH & HOL) 0915 1115 1315 1507 COVID-19 MEASURES: Remember, you must wear a face covering throughout your journey, unless you’re exempt. This timetable is valid at the time of download. However,this may be affected by alteration at short notice. To read service updates or to re-check your journey go to www.stagecoachbus.com. 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: [email protected], 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 OCTOBER issue is: FRIDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER Advertisements for The Link or for www.leekwoottonchurch.co.uk: The magazine accepts advertising on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. For more information about advertising rates, please contact [email protected] or call Jim Perryman on 01926 850610 Advert submissions are due: 1 WEEK IN ADVANCE OF THE MAIN SUBMISSION DEADLINE Other ways to read The Link If you would like to be added to either the email or postal distribution lists, please contact [email protected] Back issues of The Link from 2017 to August are available to view online at: https://express.yudu.com/library/82141/LeekWootton-amp-GuysCliffe-s-Library YUDU Express is being retired from 31 August 2021, but free-to- access publications will remain live for the foreseeable future. The Editorial Team will keep readers posted of any change to online availability of the magazine in due course.

38 LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021 OUT & ABOUT IN LEEK WOOTTON & GUY’S CLIFFE See main articles for further details EVENTS MAY BE CANCELLED AT SHORT NOTICE—PLEASE CHECK LATEST LISTINGS

1 September—1 December Saturday, 11 September Swim for Myton Community Live! www.mytonhospice.org/our-events 16:00-18:00 at the Village Hall Friday, 3 September 11-12 September BACK TO SCHOOL Leamington Food & Drink (Thursday, 2 September is a Festival Teacher Training Day) www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/whats-on 3-5 September Sunday, 12 September Alice in Wonderland Kenilworth ½ Marathon www.kenilworthhalfmarathon.co.uk at www.stoneleighabbey.org/whats-on/alice-in-wonderland 17-19 September Godiva Festival Kenilworth Arts Festival www.kenilworthartsfestival.co.uk www.godivafestival.com Saturday, 4 September Sunday, 19 September Eco Fest 2021 International Talk Like a Pirate Day www.warwickdc.gov.uk/ecofest Regency 10K 4-5 September www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/whats-on/ regency-10k-run Warwick Thai Festival www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/warwick/events- Gravity Car Show 2021 at tickets Stoneleigh Sunday, 5 September www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gravity-car-show-2021- tickets-163644897293 TEDDYBEAR Saturday, 25 September PARACHUTING 14:30-16:30 at All Saints’ Church Coventry Cathedral Abseil Church Teas 2021 www.mytonhospice.org/our-events 15:00 at All Saints’ Church Plein Air Event Sunday, 26 September www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/whats-on/plein-art HARVEST FESTIVAL Tuesday, 7 September Cars at the Spa Parish Council Meeting Classic Car Show 19:00 at the Village Hall www.royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/whats-on/cars-at-the-spa 10-19 September Heritage Open Days 2021 www.heritageopendays.org.uk QUIZ ANSWERS

From page 20

at Guy's Cliffe Guy's at ’ Mill Saxon The ‘ 10. | ’ Stag The ‘ 9. | Avon on

at Welford Welford at ’ Bell The ‘ 8. | ”) Tipperary to Way Long a It's (“ ’ Tipperary The ‘ 7.

| ’ Head Bull's The ‘ 6. | ’ Mint Olde The ‘ 5. | ’ Lys de Fleur The ‘ 4.

| ’ Windmill Old The ‘ 3. | ’ Altered is Case The ‘ 2. | ’ Arch Joseph The ‘ 1.

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LEEK WOOTTON LINK | SEPTEMBER 2021

JULY & AUGUST IN PICTURES… Please submit your photos to [email protected] ➔ Recognition of NHS Social Care

& Frontline Workers’ Day, 5 July Image:Facebook@Bringbackguyscliffe

 The BBC Breakfast Team visits UHCW on ‘Non-Freedom Day’, 21 June

 Leek Wootton Guides meeting by Zoom, learn that you can can make butter by shaking whipping cream in time to Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’, 6 July

 16 members of Warwickshire Rural Crime Team qualify as ‘Heritage Crime Officers’

➔ Warwick Police educate  An atrocious fly-tipping drivers on appropriate incident occurred on the distance when passing footpath between LW & HW cyclists with some 50 bags of frozen chicken causing an  Familiar face of Football environmental health hazard, coach Paul 24 July appears on TV again in ‘Escape to the Country’ (Series 21, Ep 1), 15 August

 A garden visitor

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