Saturday October 4th 2008, 10:00 for 10:15, Clapham Terrace Primary School, Clapham Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV31 1HZ

Home Insulation: Keeping warm and saving money

In this time of rising energy costs, David Jullien of WEEAC (Warwickshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre) is going to speak on the ways in which houses lose heat and what to do about it. He will provide vital information about grants available for installing home insulation, and there will be a chance to see samples of different insulating material. The hour-long talk will be followed by a question and answer session.

Sponsored by Action21 Renewable Energy Club and Leamington Spa Transition Town Steering Group.

There is no charge for attendance; however, donations at the door are welcome to cover the cost of the room hire.

For more information or to reserve a place, contact Action 21 on (01926) 456067.

Why group therapy?
Many people feel that they have to manage difficult situations and problems all by themselves; that having mental health problems and turning to others for help is a sign of weakness or failure. Some feel shame, embarrassment or humiliation at the thought of asking for, or needing help; while for others, the idea of being in a group seems too frightening, and so can choose to suffer in misery and silence.

It doesn't have to be this way...

Positive Reflections offers group therapy. It’s inexpensive compared with individual therapy, and it can help you to untie your psychological and emotional knots and see things from a new perspective. Group members learn they’re not alone in the world, that there are many others who have similar problems, thoughts and feelings.

Group therapy is supportive and safe. The therapist puts in place certain boundaries, such as confidentiality, and comments on the group process in a non-judgemental way; enabling members to deal safely with feelings and issues raised.

The group can be a powerful source of strength and support, especially in times of difficulty or crisis. Feedback to and from others can be a catalyst for understanding and change. Group therapy also provides a space for reflection - you can notice and change unhelpful patterns that have developed over the years; patterns which sometimes make life hard to cope with. As you gain confidence within the confidential and safe setting of the therapy group, your mental and emotional well-being can begin to improve, and daily life can become fuller and more enriched.

If you are interested in becoming part of a group, please contact me through the website below:

http://www.positivereflections.co.uk/contact.htm

Summer League 2007

The LDPL invites you to join the continuing and growing success of our Thursday Night - Pool League.

The Summer League will commence in April 2007.

Entries are now being accepted from all licensed premises in the Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth areas.

For further information and an entry form please visit our website www.warwickshirepool.com or www.leamington-spa-pool.co.uk

Or contact one of the following:
Chairman: Franc Woodcock 07799 268719
Secretary: Lee Taylor 07894 067724
Treasurer: Nigel Oliver 07738 975660
Competitions:Steve Short 07940 431566

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR A NEW SPONSOR
If you would be interested in sponsoring the league please contact Nigel Oliver on the number above.

18 Plus is a nationwide social and activities organisation for young adults aged 18 - 35. It offers its members the chance to meet new people, make new friends and enjoy a wide range of weekday and weekend activities on a local, Area and National basis. There are around 50 groups throughout the UK which hold regular weekly meetings and are run by their members for their members.

18 Plus is interested in opening a new group in Leamington Spa, are you looking to improving your social life with like minded people? Would you like to develop new skills and experience the best in cultural, social and recreational activities?

If so, contact:-
LeamingtonSpa18plus@yahoo.co.uk

Leamington Spa 18 Plus group will be
a member of the National Federation of 18 Plus Groups
Church Street Chambers. 8 - 10 Church Street Newent. Glos. GL18 11PP
Tel: 01531 821210
http://www.18Plus.org.uk

Hope to hear from you soon!

Iain Parkes
Leamington Spa 18 Plus Development Secretary
18 Plus - get active with us!

This is a music night at the Bear and Ragged Staff every first three saturdays of each month. Its an auditioned jam session aimed at making new music. The night is co-ordinated and should prove to be very interesting to be part of. Although the name suggests jazz infact all musics are welcome to provide an influence. Also aimed at acoustic instruments without the need for amplification for a natural feel. The Bear and Ragged Staff,Warwick Road,Kenilworth. Starts 8.00 for the audition 9.00 For the jam session.

Hello. Im interested in started an wisdom group. This would be a group that would meet on a regular basis to share ideas, thoughts and experiance on all aspects of life. This is all in the aim to become wiser, contented, and with greater understanding for the ever changing world around us.
If you are interested in creating this group with me Then please contact me at Daxil25@hotmail.com

The Council of Disabled People (CDP) is a Charity organisation that exists to promote and realise the interests of Disabled people regardless of class, colour, race, sexuality, gender and/or age. By Disabled people we intend anyone who has a physical and/or sensory impairment, labelled as learning disabled, mental health users and survivors, people with HIV positive status and other hidden impairments and/or conditions. The Council of Disabled (CDP) encourages the inclusion of Disabled people in the general community and it also provides services directly to Disabled people. CDP is a Disability rights provider.
Visit our website at: www.cdp.org.uk, or telephone the information line on: 01926 889349.

How much do you know about Europe? Come along to our quiz, try some good food and wine, and discover some Euromyths. Saturday 15th May, 7:30pm at the Octagon in Leamington. Entry by ticket only at £8 a head from Marion on 887590.

Join our Folk music evening at 7.30pm on Saturday 6th December at the W.C.C. Staff Club Northgate House, Northgate Street, Warwick (near Police Station). All proceeds in aid of D.A.W.N. (Dementia Alzheimer’s Warwickshire Network). Entrance and buffet—£7.50(under 14s—£4.00), music only—£4.00. Tickets from Sandra 01926 613685

Come along to our sale on 30th November at 10:30am - we're raising funds for local campaigning. Details on the What's On page at www.local-liberal-democrats.info

23rd November 2003 7.30pm at Dale Street Methodist Church is a remarkable opportunity to hear speaker Ramzi Kysia, of Voices in the Wilderness, describe his first hand experiences of living alongside the ordinary people of Iraq. An Arab-American Kysia speaks with considerable knowledge and first-hand experience in the region in the context of his own American-Lebanese background and Muslim faith. Since its founding in 1996, Voices in the Wilderness has campaigned to end economic and military warfare against ordinary, vulnerable Iraqi civilians, especially children. Leamington Stop the War Coalition are delighted to be able to host the only meeting at which Kysia will speak in the West Midlands and invite anyone to this meeting who wishes to be informed, challenged or inspired (perhaps all three!!).

For information about St Mary's Allotments visit their website at www.stmarysallotments.org.uk

My partner and I are starting a boardgame club - where people from Leamington and Warwick meet up to play boardgames (like Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Cranium, Risk etc). The first evening on Monday 3rd November at the Baroque Bar (Chandos St) - starting at 7.30pm. It's 50p per person. If you are interesting in coming along then let me know at dm@zounds.fsnet.co.uk

We're a fund-raising, community service and social club for 18-30 year olds - and we're always looking for new members!

See www.lwrotaract.org.uk for the the latest Rotaract club events.

The Rotaract Club of Leamington and Warwick - email us at contactus@lwrotaract.org.uk

he organisers of Leamington Peace Festival have responded to the Iraq war by holding an Emergency Peace Festival. The one day event will be held on Saturday 12 April from 3pm till 10.30 at the Sikh Community Centre 1, Mill St, Leamington Spa.

Leamington Stop the War Coalition has added its support for the event which, while not a campaigning day, will give local people a chance to come together and reflect on how war and aggression affects our lives.

"They destroy, but we work towards a better world" said organiser Dave Steele, "many people in Leamington are involved constantly in projects working towards a world where we can live in harmony with each other and the planet. This event will bring some of us together".

The afternoon will kick off with Childrens Entertainment at 3pm and there will also be a Caf? along with Campaigning and Peace Stalls. Musical entertainment will start at 6pm featuring Mas?Ouda Bellydancers from Southam, Malcolm Evans, Amaranth, Satsangi, Wish & DJ's Stretch & Spoonfed. There will peace talks between acts. Admission will be free. The organisers expect to cover their expenses by collecting donations on the door with any surplus going to The Stop the War Coalition.

"This is not a replacement for the main summer Peace Festival which will take place this year on 14th and 15th June in Leamington?s Pump Room Gardens" said Dave, "we just felt it right that we should respond immediately to current events"

More information from the Leamington Peace Info Line: 0845 330 4014 or visit www.peacefestival.org.uk
You can also pick up flyers from Gaia at 7 Regent Place, Leamington.

Contact Dave by email: pr@PeaceFestival.org.uk

One of the places I have maintained a connection to through all the years I've been living in this country is Bath Place Community Venture, located behind Comet. As a fourteen year old, I used to go to gigs there, seeing the likes of Chumbawumba (who played there in 1989) and a whole host of incredible local talent (recently I could mention Le Cod Afrique and Solar Rhythm).

Much more than just gigs, they also have a cheap cafe running every weekday lunchtime, and a host of other stuff - like a free yearly celebration of International Women's Day (this year, March 8th, event on March 9th).

Sadly, despite being an active community centre and a registered charity, it doesn't receive the support it deserves - the proprietor of the Moo bar, for example, refusing to put a poster up for the event. My conclusion - there's a lot to do in Leamington that costs nothing, or next to nothing, but the commercial character of the bar and club owners (e.g. Moo, Sugar) means that you really have to have your ear to the ground to get to know about these events.

Our local action group is involved with campaigns and urgent actions in support of Amnesty International UK. We are an active group, meeting monthly in Leamington. Our web site details news and events, plus details of how to get involved! Click on www.warks-amnesty.org.uk

Our Leamington, Our Festival is the title of a special/extended display to be held this summer in the Art Gallery & Museum at the Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa.

Festival organisers are appealing to the public to share their memories and mementoes of the Peace Festival. The display starts at the Art Gallery & Museum on 17th May and will run until August, This year's Peace Festival will be held in Pump Room Gardens, Leamington on Saturday and Sunday 14-15 June.

The display entitled Our Leamington, Our Festival will comprise a living collection of hopes and memories of Leamington people for whom the Festival has a special place in their lives.

Festival organisers are grateful to Nicky Tibbitts, Social History Curator at the Museum at the Royal Pump Rooms, for her help and encouragement in hosting and mounting the display.

"We want you to share your festival stories with us", said Ellie Clewlow, who is helping to co-ordinate the project for the Leamington Peace Festival, "you can help us make this, our 25th Festival, extra special by offering your old peace festival photos or anything we can display that you feel symbolizes and captures the festival spirit".

To get involved simply visit the Festival web-site at www.peacefestival.org.uk or pick up a questionnaire at the Pump Rooms/Library or at Gaia at 7 Regent Place, Leamington.

Contact Ellie by email: OurFestival@PeaceFestival.org.uk

www.wayc.org.uk
The Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs is holding its third Charity Fun Run on Sunday June 16th at Draycote Water, Dunchurch. This year, the run is being held in partnership with Marie Curie Cancer Care, and all participants will be encouraged to raise money to help support Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses in Coventry and Warwickshire. The route is 5 miles around the reservoir, and can be run, walked or any other method desired!

The run is being held with the kind permission of Severn Trent Water, and there are lots of free family activities going on that day in the Country Park, such as circus skills, face painting and henna tattooing. So give your dad a treat on Father?s Day, and come and enjoy a family day out!? If you would be interested in helping or taking part in the run, please call Cath Fletcher on 01926 450156. Entrance fees are £5.00, which includes a barbecue at the end. Participants will be encouraged to raise sponsorship for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Call Cath Fletcher on 01926 450156 or email cath.fletcher@wayc.org.uk for an entry form and sponsorship form.

Lions are a group of people who believe that those who live within a community are best suited to understanding and meeting the needs of that community. A collection of men and women from all walks of life who get together and try and meet some of those needs in the best ways they know how. And by doing so enjoy some of the best fellowship possible. Lions Clubs in Leamington Spa are looking for new people with a community spirit to join them. How about YOU?

For more information, email Paul Teclaff at pault@bcs.org.uk or visit our website www.lions105m.org.uk .

Hashing is a world wide running/social club..or more often referred to as "a drinking club with a running problem". Many serious runners take part, but it is essentially a fun run.

In 1938 a jolly, rotund, Australian accountant named Albert Stephen Gispert arrived in Kuala Lumpur. He used to meet with friends in the evening to eat at the Selangor Club Chambers (nicknamed the Hash House because of the mediocre cuisine). Between them Gispert "G", and his friends "Torch" Bennet, Cecil Lee, "Horse" Thompson and a few others, started a running club that was named the Hash House Harriers. This took the form of a "Hare and Hounds" event, the hares preparing a trail which the hounds attempted to follow.

The War intervened and the friends were separated and sent off to various parts of the world to fight, where they carried the idea of Hashing with them. Gispert sadly did not survive the war. However, by now the idea had spread throughout the world, some may say rather like a nasty disease! With their own particular brand of humour and bonhomie, there are now 1600 clubs in 180 countries.

Spa H3 are a very friendly family hash, running alternate Sundays (family day) and Thursday evenings (adults only). Some of our members run seriously and many have completed the London Marathon, whereas others just like the non-competitive chance to stay a little fitter. The runs are generally cross-country. We meet at a pub and run back to the pub for the odd drink or two.

There is also plenty of after run socialising, though again there is no pressure to do so. A good sense of humour goes a long way as some people view hashers as quite mad!! You can hash absolutely anywhere in the world and the hash network can be invaluable for people visiting a country for the first time or for working abroad and finding a ready made friendly social circle.

I personally hashed with the Botany Bay H3 whilst visiting Australia last year and it was great fun. In short a really fun way to keep fit.

For more information email Gilly Darbey (Hash Handle...Geronimo) gillysing@madasafish.com

Mentoring Services

The Connexions/Coventry and Warwickshire Guidance Service has successfully run a VOLUNTEER MENTOR SERVICE for a number of years. We are currently looking to recruit more Volunteer Mentors to support young people and adults through many transitions in their lives. We are looking for a good listener who is willing to provide impartial confidential support to individuals who are currently unemployed.

With your support they may engage in employment, education and training opportunities available locally.

You may help individuals gain confidence and support them with life skills, problem solving and many other areas.

work with individuals throughout Coventry and Warwickshire aged 18 to 50. We offer FREE quality training, out of pocket expenses and an opportunity for you to gain valuable experience in supporting individuals. We promise you will gain more than you expected from this experience and learn a lot from working alongside like-minded people. All you have to do is complete an application form, provide references, attend the training and commit to two hours minimum volunteering every month for a minimum of six months. We welcome applications from EVERYONE and would welcome applications from men and women of all ethnic and religious backgrounds. If you have a few hours to spare per month and are genuinely interested in supporting people PLEASE CONTACT US!

SALLY OR ROGER ON
024 7683 7014 or 024 7622 9686

Community Arts Workshop is a non for profit organisatio set up to provide affordable, accessable arts production faclities for the residents of Leamington. We are currently in the Community Gallery on Avenue Road, CV31 3PP, 01926 888 333. Please get in touch for more information. Email community_arts_workshop@hotmail.com

Church on the rock meets at the CPAS building in Tachbrook Road.

CHATBACK was set up in 1986 by the present Director, Tom Holloway, to provide an electronic mail (email) facility for up to 100 schools in the UK and abroad. Most are special schools, all cater for children who have some mental or physical difficulty with communicating. It now has electronic links with children in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, USA, and even a special school in Novosibirsk in Siberia.

Warwick Phoenix Players meet every Thursday at Northgate Hall, Barrack Street, Warwick at 8.00pm. There are opportunities to get involved in various aspects, from acting or directing, designing or working backstage to helping front of house. Whatever your age and whether or not you have previous experience in the theatre, the Warwick Phoenix Players want to hear from you. Please call Ian Warwick on 01926 496746 or come along on a Thursday evening.

Our next production will be Hans Christian Andersen?s children?s play The Snow Queen, on 8th, 9th, 14th, 15th and 16th March. For further information and tickets, please call Ian on the above number.

Imperial Cancer Research Charity Race Night. Bet on the horses and the pig race!!!!! Fantastic prizes in the raffle and quiz. FRIDAY 22ND MARCH 2002 AT THE LILLINGTON CLUB, LIME AVENUE. TICKETS COST £5 PER PERSON AND INCLUDE GOOD FOOD. Please call Donna on 01926 338212 for tickets or email sthwaites@totalise.co.uk

CHARITY EVENING AT THE SHALIMAR RESTAURANT ON THE 14TH MARCH 2002 7.30PM. IN AID OF IMPERIAL CANCER RESEARCH. 3 COURSE MIAL, TOM JONES STYLE SINGER, CHARITY AUCTION. PRIZES INCLUDE FORMULAR CAR RACING, KICK BOXING LESSONS, STRETCH LIMO, SALSA LESSONS, WEEKEND BREAK, PAINTBALLING, HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE............£20 PER TICKET PLEASE CALL 07811 184302

www.warwick-district.org.uk contains web sites for a number of local organisations including Advocacy Alliance, Sikh Centre, Council of Disabled People, LETS, Council for Voluntary Service, The Westbury Centre, Leamington Elders, Senior Peoples Forum and Regenisis.