Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Life in Leam

Since setting up The Central School of Massage in 2009, Kathryn Ellis has helped over 1,000 people to learn massage skills, gain qualifications or build businesses offering holistic and sports therapies.  Her enthusiasm for the power of these treatment methods and the opportunity they bring for people to develop income is unabated as she explains her methods, which help people to transform from novice to professional practitioner in just a few months. 

If you enjoy working with people and have an interest in learning a new skills, and potentially starting a business then this episode is for you..

https://www.centralschoolmassage.com/

What's it like to sleep on the streets? Lucky for most of us we don't have the experience to be able to answer that question. 

And yet, to really comprehend, even for one night, what it is to be homeless there's no substitute for actually sleeping out, and that's why local charity Helping Hands Community Project organises its annual BIG Sleep Out at All Saints' Church, now in its 11th year.

For this episode, two of its service users Colin and Antonio share their personal perspectives on their own homeless experiences and charity workers Sophie, Jacqui and Kev explain the power of the event and how Helping Hands helps homeless people in Leamington and Warwickshire to rebuild their lives.

https://helpinghandscharity.org.uk/ 

Back again after a brilliant first campaign in October 2025, Cancer Research UK is again turning the town centre pink on 3-11 October.  You can wear a splash of pink, visit the participating businesses, take part in the entertainments, make a donation or join other revellers at one of their  parties.

Deborah and Ann from the organising team explain all the juicy details, how you can get still get involved as a business and how to join in all the action when you’re in town.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRUKLeamington

Email: crukleamingtonandwarwick@gmail.com

Leamington is becoming a little bit of Poland for the weekend of 25-27 September.  The brainchild of Helen Beecroft of Leamington Music and Dawid Kozlowski of the Polish Centre, the festival features five concerts, two world-premieres, an illustrated talk, a visit from the Polish Ambassador and even some Polish food to try.  Who wouldn’t be a little bit excited by that prospect! 

Helen and David share the mic to highlight what makes this a very special first for Leamington and warmly invite you to come along and share in the celebrations.

https://www.leamingtonmusic.org/focus-on-poland-festival-weekend/

There's rather more to the Rage Rooms than you might first think, as I discovered when I met founder Lucy Bee and her operations manager Fi.

Yes of course you can book-in for a smash-and-go session, a team-build, birthday (or even divorce) party. But there is also a serious therapeutic method behind the madness.  Lucy explains that as a trained therapist specialising in anger and conflict, she wanted to create a safe space to help people process and gain release from their rage.

So whether you're just looking for a bit of a stress-buster, a party with a difference, or have some heavier things to deal with, the Rage Rooms might have the perfect answer for you.

https://ragerooms-leamingtonspa.co.uk/ 

The Leamington Food & Drink Festival is back for 2026, running on 12th and 13th September in Pump Room Gardens.  And no-one knows this landmark event in Leamington’s calendar like Alison Shaw, who has been its organiser for the last 16 years!

Who better then to explain the cuisines, the drinks, the activities, the music and how to get the very best out of this delicious weekend without busting a gut!

Like only a true master-chef can, she condenses the best of the entire weekend into this mouthwatering 10 minute reduction. Lick your lips and have a listen!

https://leamingtonfoodfestival.co.uk/information/

Fancy sampling some of Leamington’s brilliant independent restaurants while raising money for two great causes?

A Taste of Leamington is a one-night dine-around experience that takes you on a culinary tour of the town, with proceeds supporting Parkinson’s UK and Warwickshire Search and Rescue.

In this episode, Linda John from Leamington Rotary Club explains how the evening works, how to book, and gives us a tantalising hint of some of the restaurants taking part.

We also meet Tom and Tess from Warwickshire Search and Rescue, who reveal what goes on behind the scenes of this volunteer-led organisation, how they help people across Warwickshire, and why fundraising like this makes such a difference.

📅 Tuesday 15 September 2026 🎟️ Ticket sales close at 4pm on 10 September

Leamington Rotary: https://leamingtonrotary.co.uk/

Warwickshire Search & Rescue: https://warksar.org.uk/

Parkinson’s UK: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/

Ticket Booking Link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/royalleamingtonsparotaryclub/2213203

Photo: Aubrey Allen

The area goes by several names: Victoria Business Centre, Neilston St, or just “under the arches”.  But what everyone agrees is that this collection of bars, breweries, music stages, eateries and the space that they share is one of the most interesting and enjoyable parts of Leamington for an evening out, or to while-away a lazy weekend.

And from time to time, this adored collection of local micro-businesses pool their efforts to host a street party second to none, which boasts food, drink, music and atmosphere and that south-town magic that draws both the regulars and a host of newcomers to this unique and vibrant part of town.

“Off the Rails” is scheduled once again for this Sunday 30th August, 1pm-10pm and to give us their personal heads-up on what’s occurring, four of the arch-entrepreneurs behind it share their plans for this 11th incarnation of this Leamington institution.

Settle down and tune into Carl from Southbound Café-Bar, Ben from Windmill Hill Brewery, James from Lucky Shiba Sake Bar and Nathan from Brubl as they give us their personal tour.  Also participating but beyond the reach of the Life in Leam mic are Cam’s Kitchen, Ginger Elephant, Hive and Warwickshire Gin Co.  OtR11 will be a day to remember.  Enjoy (responsibly)!

With a parade down the Parade (of course), and an all-day event in Pump Room Gardens, this Saturday 22nd August Leamington once again hosts the Warwickshire Pride Festival. Dan Browne, Chair of Warwickshire Pride shares the plans for this party with a purpose - with stalls, food, drink, music and events for all the family (including its canine members).

https://warwickshirepride.co.uk/ 

If you enjoy a potter in the garden and also a bit of friendly company - or know someone who does - then meet Rachel Goldsmith who recently discovered her love of gardening and now leads the Warwickshire Social Gardening Project.  It's a free community initiative that benefits those who take part and also improves life for us all with its beautiful planted spaces in and around town.

With regular meet-ups - whether you’re a gardener or just a spirited natterer, you’ll find an opportunity to get involved.

https://www.socialgardeningproject.org.uk/

How do you start a new chapter for one of Leamington's most respected and successful choirs?

Since becoming Musical Director in 2024, Jim Bate has been doing exactly that. Fresh from university, he's already introducing exciting new programming, fresh collaborations and ambitious performances, including this October's much-anticipated presentation of Nathaniel Dett's powerful yet rarely performed oratorio, The Ordering of Moses.

In this episode of Life in Leam, I sat down with Jim and choir member Sahra Evans to discover what makes the Royal Leamington Spa Bach Choir such a rewarding community to be part of, what it's really like to sing under Jim's direction, and why their September Open Rehearsals are the perfect opportunity to come along, give it a try and see if the choir is for you.

Whether you're an experienced singer or simply curious about joining a choir, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of one of Leamington's renowned musical organisations.

https://www.rlsbc.org/ 

Growing organic fruit and veg for nearly 20 years, Canalside Community Food is a thriving Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme sitting just on the edge of town, near Radford Semele.  Scheme members enjoy a weekly share of the harvest as well as social and volunteering opportunities throughout the year. 

I visited the farm to chat with general administrator Ali Jeffery about how it all works, what produce they grow, her personal favourites and what openings there are for new people to join and enjoy the benefits of the scheme.

 https://www.canalsidecommunityfood.org.uk/

The fabulous Art in the Park festival returns to Leamington Spa on 1st and 2nd August 2026.  With over 250 artists in attendance, 35 workshops, 3 music stages, 20+ food and drink vendors, live performances and a parade, this promises to be another spectacular weekend and a highlight of the Warwickshire calendar.

Who better to give an insider's guide to this year's festival than the Festival Director herself, Kate Livingston, so I stole her away from the preparations for a few minutes to give us her take on what's planned, how to make the best of it, and how to volunteer to be part of this extraordinary event.

https://www.artinpark.co.uk/ 

Iyengar Yoga is renowned as being one of the most accessible forms of yoga. It uses a range of props such as blocks, ropes, chairs and bolsters to support the participant and so complete novices and even people with stiffness or injury can experience the benefits without risking strain.

Leamington now has its own Iyengar studio on Clemens Street and the bottom of town.  A Community Interest Company (CIC) started by two trained instructors Di Harris and Lynne Myall, this custom facility provides a calm and tranquil space equipped with all the necessary props to enable pretty much anyone to participate.  Their classes run every day of the week, both daytimes and evenings.

https://warwickshireiyengaryoga.co.uk/

If you’re curious to explore Leamington Spa and learn about some of the people and events that shaped the modern town, then the free guided walks offered by the Leamington History Group are exactly what you need.

Each year, new walks are added, including some specifically for children this year!  Paula Fletcher leads the overall walks programme and shares some of the facts she finds most fascinating, and how you sign-up for one of the many walks on offer.

https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/events/

What lies behind the white columns and portico of the beautiful building on Spencer Street opposite Leamington Assembly?  It turns out what originally was a church has been remodelled in to a beautiful co-working and event space as part of the cultural and creative quarter development.

I crept into the crypt and met Simon Reeve, The Fold's Managing Director to learn about what goes on there, both for Fold members and us public.

https://www.thefoldleamington.co.uk/ 

Just 10 mins drive from Leamington is a scene of such serenity, fragrance and beauty that you'll think you're in a dream.  Ian and Pippa Jamie first planted lavender here in 2019, and for a few weeks each summer it transforms the landscape visually, aromatically, and audibly as the myriad of bees, butterflies and other insects feast on its fragrant nectar.

During this magical time, they open the farm to the public so that we too can share in the joys of lavender and embrace the unique sensory experience it offers.

I sat with Ian in their Lavender Café and he told me the remarkable story of how they came to grow lavender, the various events, talks and visits they host during the summer, and their high hopes for a first grape harvest!

https://www.warwickshirelavender.com/ 

If you’re a classic car fan, then Pump Room Gardens in Leamington hosts a must-see event every summer, Cars at the Spa.  Now in its 7th year, it showcases around 300 cars from the early 20th century right up to modern day classics.  Free to attend, and also featuring live music, food and drink, it’s a perfect day out.  It also raises money for good causes.

Simon Evans and Linda John of organisers Royal Leamington Spa Rotary Club cruised-by to explain how this popular event started, what to expect, and even how to display your own classic car.

This year’s outing is on Sunday 21st June - a father’s day treat, 10.30am - 4pm.

https://carsatthespa.co.uk/

13-14th June 2026 sees the full return of the legendary Leamington Peace Festival.  A feature of Leamington summers since 1978, until sadly interrupted by the pandemic. It's back in its full glory thanks to an organising team guided by original founder members and powered by a new generation of volunteer enthusiasts.

I met with two of this super-team, Jennie Devine and Leila Clare to get the insiders' guide to what the Peace Festival is all about, the packed line-up of stalls, speakers, performers and activities, the unique "peace talks" at the core of the programme and opportunities to volunteer at this extraordinary event.

https://leamingtonpeacefestival.org/ 

Comedy improv is alive and well in Leamington the shape of Leamprov, a group that performs monthly in town (also at the Edinburgh Fringe) and hosts weekly improv workshops for the curious.  I went to one of their shows, and then sat down with Jet and Kate from the troupe to understand why they do it, how they do it, why people watch it and how you can get involved.

https://www.meetup.com/leamprov/

https://www.facebook.com/LeamingtonSpaImprov/

The folk music scene in Leamington has just taken a leap forward with the revival of the Heart of England Folk Club and its free “Foak at the Oak” performances which run every fourth Tuesday evening at Oak House on Upper Holly Walk.

Organisers Campbell Perry and Ruth Noble (who together perform as folk duo Harper’s Dove) tell how they were inspired to restart the club after some decades’ hiatus and the diversity of music that they’re keen to incorporate.

https://www.facebook.com/NewHoEFolk

newhoefolk@gmail.com

Once a month, 40-50 people gather at Temperance to share views on a topic that they choose at the start of the meeting.  Attendance is free and is open to all, and the emphasis is on learning through hearing diverse views. Chaired by Paolo Turrini, the Temperance Philosophy Club is celebrating over 20 meetings now.

Many people just go to listen, some expect to just listen but soon feel able to speak too.  What's certain is that views from a broad mix of people - aged 19-90 will be heard with respect and curiosity.

https://www.temperance.bar/music-events/

Once again, Pump Room Gardens will be awash with music, sequins, flags and fans as this year’s Eurovision Festival lands this Saturday 16th May.  A day-long extravaganza of kitsch starting at 11am.  Aaron Probert-Walker from CJ’s Events shares all the fabulous details and his hopes for a record-breaking attendance this year.

https://www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/events/eurovision-festival-16th-may-2026

https://www.eurovision-leam.co.uk/

Two of Leamington’s most loved live-music venues, Temperance and Southbound Café Bar are joining forces to host Leamington’s first ever South Town Blues Festival which runs 8-10 May.  Showcasing a mix of local and national talent, the festival will feature over 25 acts, with some performances ticketed and some free to walk in.

Southbound founder Carl Harris, and Temperance’s new co-owner Emma Colburn share the story of this long-anticipated event, the line-up and how you can join in the fun!

https://southboundcafebar.uk/whats-on/

https://www.temperance.bar/

Leamington-based community choir Sing it Loud was co-founded by Seb Farrall and Rosie Sayers in 2014. The devastating news of Seb’s death in a cycling accident on 30th March 2025 - his 32nd birthday - stunned the members of Sing it Loud where he was Musical Director, as it did the many other choirs, orchestras and music groups that he had established and nurtured in the Coventry and Warwickshire area.  Seb had devoted himself to spreading the joy of community music-making with an unshakeable belief in the musical potential of everyone.

A year on, the choir is joining forces with Seb’s other orchestras, choirs and ensembles for a very special one-off concert on 3rd May 2026 at Warwick Arts Centre, to celebrate Seb and to raise money for The Music Man Project - an award-winning charity which provides music education for people with learning disabilities.

I went to a rehearsal and met Rosie, Fran Farrall (Seb’s wife), and event producer Jo Thomas to learn about the choir, Seb himself, and what the concert means to them and the many people touched by Seb’s talent, love and enthusiasm.

Tickets are still available to take part in this extraordinary occasion.

https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/qGT-seb-farrall-a-celebration/

https://www.singitloud.co.uk/

https://themusicmanproject.com/

Co-located in Bedford Street with the Library of Things, The Leamington Eco Hub is a brilliant resource if you’re interested in local environmental or ecology projects - and it also offers facilities such as meeting spaces if you have a project of your own!

I met Directors Sam and Judith to find out what’s going on locally (a lot it turns out) and how you can get plugged-in.

https://leamington-eco-hub.co.uk/

Email: leamecohub@posteo.uk

Whether you’re an established musician, just starting out and wanting to try your first instrument or just love listening to live or recorded music, chances are Presto Music has something for you. 

I met Nichola Robey who started managing their Leamington store in 2025.  She’s passionate about helping customers find their best vibe, and has a talented musical team to draw on. 

Offering live recitals, instrument rental and repair, class and practice rooms and a world-class streaming and download service, if you have an ounce of music in your soul, then this episode is for you.

https://www.prestomusic.com/

Many of the best conversations and connections happen over good food. That simple truth combined with a passion for fresh food cooked from first principles inspired Raj Darji to quit the corporate life and start Scratch Cook Social in 2023.

Based in Leamington, he now provides restaurant-quality food for private and public gatherings, either through the venues’ own kitchens or from his own food truck. His goal is to surprise, delight and foster connection.

I encountered Raj’s brilliant cooking at the first Mazon Interiors dinner party - his inventive dishes inspired by his North Indian heritage exactly achieved those goals.  And so I was fascinated to talk with him about his life, his food, and how you can get a taste of Scratch Cook for yourself.

Website: http://www.scratchcook.social/

Mazon Dinner Parties: https://www.mazoninteriors.co.uk/scratch-cook-dinner-party/

Wander around Leamington and there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter one of the extraordinary murals that adorn many of our buildings.  Together they are curated as the Leamington Mural Festival, a year-round celebration of this vibrant street art.

I met festival curator Tim Robottom - who is also a professional street artist himself - and wasted no time in tapping his expertise on the process of creating street art, his recommendations on the best art to explore, how to get involved in this urban cultural phenomenon and, of course, his take on Banksy.

Tim also leads walking tours of the festival collection on the first Sunday of every month from April to October.

Tour tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leamington-history-group-walks-brink-street-art-walk-of-leamington-tickets-1983948627752/

Info: https://merciamurals.org/leamingtonmuralfestival/

If you need special tools for a DIY project, are planning an event and need some extra catering equipment, are looking for some new hobbies to try out or are just keen to avoid buying and storing things that you only need occasionally – then the Library of Things is worth a look. 

Founded by Maurice Herson, the library which is co-located with the Eco Hub in Bedford Street has a growing and diverse inventory of items for hire, and also has potential opportunities for volunteers who would like to get involved.

Website: https://leamlot.myturn.com/library/

Email: libraryofthings@makeleamington.co.uk

Anyone with a taste for quality artisanal chocolate will probably know Cenu Cacao in Regent Street; the passion project of Rosemary Ndukuba, who turned her own love of chocolate into a Leamington treasure. In this episode she explains how she got started, which movie is a constant source of inspiration for her, her own favourite chocolates and how her recently opened café in Lillington is heralding a new chapter of parties, workshops and wellbeing.

https://cenucacao.co.uk/ 

Tucked behind a discreet doorway on Bedford Street is a luxurious beauty and wellbeing centre with more than 25 years of expertise and ten tranquil treatment rooms. I stepped inside for my very first facial treatment before sitting down with Managing Director Gurdip Chatha and founder Amy Selby-Hammond. We talked about how beauty therapies have evolved over the years, why more men are now discovering the benefits, and the best place to start if you’re completely new to the world of beauty and wellbeing treatments.

https://www.esquebeauty.com/ 

Whether you fancy a different sort of competition with your friends, want to develop a latent talent or just need to feed your inner Viking, then a spot of axe-throwing might be just what you need.  Enter AJ Janney who started his axe throwing venture in late 2025 and is welcoming would-be throwers from age 8 and up.  In this episode he explains the joys of axing a bullseye, how he helps novices safely hit the targets and what sort of people can't resist burying that hatchet!

https://axethrow-leamingtonspa.co.uk/ 

Since 2022 a group of Leamington-based volunteers has been fundraising to procure, equip and send ambulances to Ukraine – originally through the Polish Centre and later through a specially formed Community Interest Company, Belveder.  In this episode, Dawid Kozlowski explains how this remarkable initiative got started, what’s involved in sending ambulances and other supplies to Ukraine, and how to support or get involved.

Donate: https://gofund.me/04e576fc4

Drop offs at: Harbury Lane Army Surplus

Contact: info@belveder.co.uk

An intriguing arrival in Leamington town centre is The Spicy Librarian, a bookstore specialising in all flavours of romantic fiction, where in addition to buying and browsing, you can also get a coffee, cake, cocktails, wine or beer to complement your reading experience. I met D, the Spicy Librarian herself and best-selling dark romance fiction author J Rose to understand the inspiration behind this elegant and welcoming space, and why the adult-only hybrid cafe/bookshop concept works so well for both romance readers and writers.

https://thespicylibrarian.co.uk/

© Copyright 2026 Tim Bishop. All rights reserved.

I recently recorded an inspiring conversation with Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham of Lighthaus Arts soon after they had moved into their brand-new Stoneleigh Arms arts hub on Clemens Street. Their mission is to break down the barriers to being an artist, and engaging with art.

Last weekend on 7th February they held their official launch event and of course I was there with a microphone to capture the response from the many artists, arts lovers and other supporters who attended.  Here is a super-distilled 4-minute glimpse into what they had to say. Having listened, how could you possibly resist paying a visit!

https://stoneleigharms.com/ 

Recently opened on Park Street in Leamington. Bricks’n’Pieces is known mostly as a LEGO shop.  But as Keith Hanna explains it’s so much more.  In addition to buying LEGO and other STEM* games and puzzles, you can pull up a chair, borrow one of over 50 LEGO sets and build it right there and then - from skyscrapers to spacecraft and even flowers.  And you can also grab a hot drink or juice and a slab of cake to keep you fuelled.

With a capacity of 50 people, Bricks’n’Pieces has become a happy hangout for any one of any age who loves the challenge of a puzzle, or enjoys the thrill of constructing something fabulous.  Families, kids, singles, couples, groups - Keith and his team welcome all.   *STEM - Science Technology Engineering Maths

https://bricksnpieces.co.uk/

African drumming on djembe and other instruments is a very accessible and powerful way of learning a musical skill, while also relieving stress, boosting mood and connecting with other people. 

Leamington is fortunate to have an African drumming expert in residence in the person of Vieux Bakayoko who is restarting his open drumming workshops every Tuesday evening at the Band Factory in Leamington.  Here he explains a little about them, and how you can join in and share in the many benefits.

https://www.facebook.com/p/Bakayoko-Music-Company-100063973623443/

bakayokomusic@gmail.com

The Leamington History Group is known for its extensive archives, the historic walks around town and various talks about its history.  It also commissions films which graphically bring to life particular periods or events in Leamington’s development. 

The latest in this series is Leamington at War, a 30min documentary about World War Two and how the town was both impacted by the war and contributed to the war effort.  Crammed with facts, recollections, reconstructions and expert interviews, the film helps us to relate modern-day Leamington Spa with the dramatic events of over 80 years ago.

Producer Janet Ainley and Filmmaker Mark Ellis talk us through the process of creating this intense and thought-provoking piece of cinematography, and how schools colleges and individuals can view it for free.

https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/leamington-at-war-video/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bHUrSu8eio

Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham formed Lighthaus Arts CIC with a dream of improving the accessibility of arts in Leamington, and when the Stoneleigh Arms became available as part of the Leamington Creative Quarter development, they jumped at the opportunity to establish a permanent accessible centre for art and artists.

Finally, at the turn of the year they got the keys and have since transformed the space into an award-winning gallery and event venue combined with upper floors of artist studios and workshop facilities.

I went to talk to them about this extraordinary venture, their plans for 2026 and how you can get involved either as artist, art-lover or volunteer.

https://stoneleigharms.com/

A smart new travel agency has just made its Leamington debut on Regent Street. It seems that many of us are getting fed-up with endless scrolling and would prefer to talk to a person face-to-face about our travel ideas.  Rachel and Emma-Louise are the face-to-faces in question and they talk me through the range of travel they provide, from day trips to major tailor-made itineraries and share a few of their own favourite destinations. 

https://www.clubvoyages.uk/ 

Recently arrived on Park Street is the Mazon Interiors showroom and studio.  Visualised as a townhouse, this beautifully honed two-storey space showcases both modern design and luxurious materials.  In this episode, Joanne Layzell talks us through the elements of the showroom, the types of project that Mazon relishes and how the space is already becoming a hub for the best creatives and artisans from the Leamington property marketplace.

https://www.mazoninteriors.co.uk/

Based in Leamington, Helping Hands is a charity rooted in compassion, standing alongside people facing homelessness, poverty, and hardship. I had the privilege of meeting Jacqui Grove from the charity, as well as Emma, one of the many individuals they support. Hearing their stories brought to life the many ways Helping Hands helps people through moments of crisis—offering not just practical support, but hope, dignity, and a path forward. It also highlighted how vital their work is, and how we can all play a part in supporting it.

https://helpinghandscharity.org.uk/

Now in its 6th year, the Warwick Castle Light Trail is a magical way of getting into the Christmas spirit.  Fully accessible and with a different theme each year, it’s something the whole family can enjoy time and again. I had the privilege of being guided through the trail by its creator, Dave Harding who also then recorded this insight into some of the highlights and the story behind its creation.

https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore-1/events/christmas-at-the-castle/light-trail/ 

Dave Blick knew that he liked gin, but didn’t know how to make it until a chance encounter with his future gin mentor in Tenby.  Soon after, the Warwickshire Gin Company was born and now resides in a railway arch at Leamington’s Victoria Business Centre. Here Dave not only distils his gins, rums and vodka but hosts regular tastings that have already welcomed over 10,000 visitors!  Hear his remarkable journey from ginexperienced novice to gintrepreneur.  

https://warwickshiregincompany.co.uk/ 

The Leamington Spa Christmas Tree Festival returns to All Saints Church from Sunday 30th November to Sunday 7th December.  Join organisers Carole Sleight and David Clargo as they explain what's in store for visitors, meet one of the tree sponsors, and hear from Flourish, the local charity that will benefit from the raffle proceeds. Admission is just £2, under 16's free.

https://www.whittleproductions.co.uk/2025-leam-tree-fest

https://www.youcanflourish.co.uk/

Every Sunday in November* and December, Leamington’s Parade gives itself over to the Christmas Markets with the nearly 100 stalls drawing festive shoppers from the town and miles around. Featuring arts, crafts, local produce, food and drink, whether you’re searching for a unique gift, festive decorations, or just some tasty bites to eat there or take home, you won’t be disappointed.  Aaron from organisers CJs Events together with three of the traders, Anthony, Becci and Sabia give us a flavour of what’s on offer and what else is up and coming for the festive season. 

https://www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk/

* except Remembrance Sunday

Sculpt is not just a Reformer Pilates studio. It’s Jess & Mark Griffin’s vision of a wellbeing destination in the heart of Leamington Spa. A calming and luxurious space complete with relaxing lounge area as well as the latest Reformer equipment, and variety of wellness events for its members.  They explain the benefits for a wide variety of lifestyles and life stages, and share something of their journey to setting up this sanctuary in the centre of town.  https://www.sculpt-swc.com/ 

In this episode, I’m joined by Martin Harrison BEM from the Leamington History Group as we reflect on Leamington’s wartime associations.  In addition to suffering wartime damage, Leamington has been home to the Free Czech Army as well as British Regiments and has associations with no less than five Victoria Cross recipients.  Martin shares his fascinating research and personal insight.

https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/

Occupying a large but unobtrusive building on Princes Drive adjoining Foundry Woods and a discreet shopfront in town, Vitsœ goes almost unnoticed.  But behind the mild-mannered façade, a small but passionate team is configuring a modular shelving system, shipping it to 90 countries and fully expecting it to out-last its owners. 

Director Mark Adams explains why Dieter Rams' timeless designs have remained in demand for over six decades and how the team at Vitsœ has built a business based on longevity of the product, sustainability of the supply chain and enduring loyalty of the customers.  https://www.vitsoe.com/gb