Warwickshire Youth Service will submit 12,746 Petition Signatures!

Dear Supporter: Thank you, for your support. It’s been a mad few weeks, but this is only the start of our campaign to save Warwickshire County Council’s Youth Service. I have just closed the online petition at www.petition.co.uk however the e-petition on the Warwickshire County Council will remain open until Tuesday 1st February 2011.

There were 545 pages of paper petitions received. There were 531 comments left on the online petition.The number of signatures achieved since mid-November is broken down below: Online petition www.petition.co.uk  =   1473  Online petition www.warwickshire.gov.uk  =    998

545 paper petitions  =   8830  Total signatures received Unite Petition      =    11,301

This total does not include those petitions that were independently arranged i.e. Shipston, Lillington & Campion, Rugby Youth Service or Rugby Liberal Democrats.  These may be able to be aggregated into our total. Total signatures received independent petitions   =    1445

So therefore the grand total of signatures to be submitted to Warwickshire County Council at 12pm, Monday 31st January 2011 on the steps of Shire Hall will be: 12,746

These figures are subject to the confirmation of the County Council’s Democratic Services Manager.

The County Council meets on Tuesday 15th February from 10am at Shire Hall in Warwick to debate their budget proposals and based on the overwhelming support that this petition has generated I do hope on behalf of all those who supported the petition that they have a full debate about this outrageous proposal to “Cease the Youth Service”

There is also an indoor rally in Solihull on Saturday 12th February to support the work of youth Services nationwide further details from http://chooseyouth.org

Thank you again for your support, Chris Spreadbury

Vice Chair, CYWU/Unite Warwickshire Branch

The Priory Theatre in Rosemary Hill

Priory Theatre
Rosemary Hill CV8 1BN
01926 855301 ‎ www.priorytheatre.co.uk
Twitter @PrioryTheatre Recent Tweets 30 Jan: Second set of Iron auditions, Godspell rehearsal and the final weekend before Moonlight and Magnolias. The theatre couldn't be busier today! and 25 Jan: Priory Theatre - Moonlight & Magnolias 02-12 Feb 2011 http://eepurl.com/coBbX

Wilkinson's send in The Crane 30 Jan 2011

If you are wondering what's in the sky over Kenilworth today - it's The Wilkinson Crane. Recruitment for the new store ended yesterday, wiK are waiting for an update to see if applications for Jobs are still open. For any kids (or adults) who want to know all about Cranes, visit Dewsbury and Proud. Update: It seems the crane was gone as soon as it came.

One World Week 2011 at The University of Warwick

From the organisers: One World Week (OWW 29 Jan - 5 Feb 2011) is the "World's Largest Student Run International Event" and is hosted annually at the University of Warwick. It's an entirely student-run, non-profit initiative that aims to stimulate personal development and inspire a view based on acceptance and appreciation of the World's mosaic of cultures. It encourages awareness of and positive action on issues which affect our One World and aims to bring together all spheres of student life while showcasing the best talents of Warwick SU's Cultural, Performing, and Sporting Societies.

OWW 2011 is comprised of 4 Elements (Forum, Festival, Sports and Nights), and will see Campus come alive through a series of debates and discussions, parades and performances, a whole host of sporting tournaments and events as well as Cultural exhibitions and Workshops. Please explore the website for the the 16th annual One World Week for more information and we look forward to welcoming you to the events shortly. Conor Rooney & Chris Sury, One World Week 2011 Coordinators

Royal Mail met the Public last night – what happened?

Royal Mail at Barrow Road

At 7.30pm on Thursday 27th January 2011, there were about thirty people in the St Francis of Assisi Church Hall in Warwick Road. Sat at a table were David Wright (DW) and Richard Hall (RH) from the Royal Mail and Jeremy Wright MP (JW). In the audience, were local councillors, employees of the Royal Mail and some Kenilworth residents. The meeting started with an introduction by Jeremy Wright and then David Wright introduced himself by saying he was responsible for the eleven delivery offices and all the CV postcodes (which includes the collection and delivery of mail).

Kenilworth School Newsletter 28 January 2011

Kenilworth School Newsletter

From Mr Abbott:  As I write this, we are approaching the Year 9 Parents’ Evening and this is a good opportunity for all students and parents to receive key information about their sons/daughters successes across all areas and have appropriate advice and guidance about their next stages. The career talks from visiting speakers have gone extremely well and we hope to build on this contact with professionals from a range of careers over the years. The Year 9 Parents’ Evening, the recent curriculum choice evening and the options assemblies will support the process of Year 9 options for Key Stage 4. We will be hosting a Business Breakfast meeting early next month and this event will bring together many of the professionals from outside of secondary education who have worked with our pupils. As a Trust school, we have a good partnership with the University of Warwick and with Thomas Vale Construction.

Wilkinson Kenilworth has Jobs - see the advert

Updated, 27 Jan 9.42am: Wilkinsons and the Job Centre are at The Grand Hotel in Warwick Road for the next three days. I was at the event earlier today which seemed very busy - entrance is on the corner of Warwick and Waverley Road.

This advert for Wilkinson Jobs appeared in The Times (free local newspaper) today 20 Jan 2011. Come along and find out more at The Grand Hotel Kenilworth on Thurs 27, Fri 28 and Sat 29 January 9.00 to 4.00pm (95-7 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HP)

Employment Opportunities are listed in nine categories with application forms available from the  Job Centre, Brandon House, Holly Walk, Leamington Spa CV32 4JE (at time of writing, wiK could not locate an online application form from the Job Centre or any Wilkinson website - wiK will keep you posted, when we know, you will too).

New Store Opens on or around 19 April 2011

Warwickshire Youth Service reaches 5,000 Signatures!

This news just in at 6.20pm on Wed 26 Jan 2011

Absolutely fabulous news the total now stands at 2310 signatures online with 2703 signatures received on paper. A Grand Total of 5,013. We have reached and exceeded the target, but there is still 3-4 days left to sign the petition. I know of between 1500-2000 signatures are still to be handed in. If you have any that I am not aware of please email me chris.spreadbury@ntlworld.com to arrange collection. 

I will announce at midnight on Sunday the total signatures on the online petition at petition.co.uk and the total signatures on paper, however the e-petition on the Warwickshire County Council Website will remain open until Tuesday 1st February. What a great achievement! (from Chris Spreadbury)

SIGN NOW The Petition needs 5,000 signatures by 31 January 2011 SIGN NOW

See all The Warwickshire Youth Service and Kenilworth Youth Centre Pages at wiK

Royal Mail bosses to face the music - Public Meeting on 27th January

A Royal Mail Public Meeting chaired by Jeremy Wright will be held at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall in Warwick Road in Kenilworth, starting at 7.30pm on Thursday January 27th. Full text from Jeremy Wright's website reads:

Royal Mail bosses to face the music - Public Meeting on 27th January

Chesford Grange Hotel in Leamington Road

Chesford Grange Hotel
Leamington Road CV8 2LD
01926 859331 ‎
Quality Hotels - Chesford Grange Website
Floor Plans (helpful area of their website)
Kenilworth is a four minute drive away for shops and essentials

Chesford Grange Conferences and Events

Warwickshire Wedding Fair 13 February 2011 (12.00 - 4pm)

Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Ramada Warwick Hotel and Ravi in Kenilworth Road

Ramada Warwick Hotel and Conference Centre
Kenilworth Road
Chesford Bridge, CV8 2LN
Reservations: 01926 858331
www.ramadawarwick.co.uk
Kavi Indian Restaurant

1st Letting in Warwick Road

1st Letting and Sales
157 Warwick Road, CV8 1HY
01926 859154 ‎
www.1stlettingandsales.co.uk
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Th-e-den Hair Nails Beauty in Leek Wootton

Th-e-den Hair Nails Beauty
1a Home Farm
Leek Wootton CV35 7PU
01926 863779
www.th-e-denhairnailsbeauty.co.uk
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Crown Watch in Kenilworth

From the group: Crown Watch is an established Neighbourhood Watch in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. It looks after some 120 homes situated at the eastern end of Whitemoor Road, the northern end of Windy Arbour and all of Tulip Tree Avenue. kenilworthnwatch.wordpress.com

The Community Warden Scheme in Warwick Road

Community Warden Scheme
Warwick Corner
42 Warwick Road
CV8 1HE
01926 866602
www.communitywardenscheme.co.uk
Twitter @COMMUNITYWARDEN
Part and Full Time JOBS Now Available
Sales Vacancies, Flexible Hourse

The Community Warden Scheme will be launched on Tuesday, 1 February 2011 with eight wardens in Kenilworth patrolling both residential and business areas.  The CWS was featured in a BBC Midlands Today report (29 Oct 2010) which contains statements from the Warwickshire Police. At the time of the press reports, the CWS was in an early stage of development There will be some planned events, in the next few weeks, where the Kenilworth people can meet and get to know the wardens.

From the owner: Our Warden Service is launching in Kenilworth in Feb 2011. Providing members with a 24 hour foot patrol and a fast response service in dealing with anti-social behaviour. Wardens will be carrying out highly visible foot patrols carrying CCTV on the streets and recreational areas of Kenilworth, acting as a visual deterrent against anti-social behaviour. The Community Warden Scheme MUST NOT be confused with the Police. Members are still encouraged to call 999 in the event of an emergency.

The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club in Leek Wootton

The Warwickshire Golf and Country Club
Leek Wootton CV35 7QT
01926 409409 ‎
www.theclubcompany.com

Golf Bookings 01926 622570
Function Rooms Capacties and Specifications
Fitness Gym, Pool and Kids
Vacancies at The Warwickshire

Young People Speak out to Save Their Youth Club in Kenilworth

Kenilworth Youth Club Members

Young people from Kenilworth took to the streets today in Abbey End and Talisman Square (Saturday 22 January) driving the campaign to save their youth club and collect signatures for a petition to Save their Youth Club. SIGN NOW - The Petition will end in five days time when all signatures will be collected and then submitted it to Warwickshire County Council on Monday 31 January at 12 noon.

On four evenings a week, the young people of Kenilworth head to the Youth Club in Abbey End.  They come to be with their friends in a safe place and discuss important issues to them with adults who offer them respect.  They also come to be involved in activities that help them make the right choices as they journey through adolescence.  And this week they came to plan how they can further express their dismay at the County Council’s proposal to end all funding to Youth Work across the county!

Mirie-Marie (aged 15), said she attends the club regularly to be with her friends.  She has also come to the centre to complete important school work and without this valuable resource she will have fewer places to turn to for guidance and support.  She and her friends were in Kenilworth on Saturday 22 January collecting signatures for a petition opposing the proposed cuts and have made posters to raise awareness locally.

Harry (15) agrees, 'If the youth club closed people would end up hanging around the streets and might end up committing crimes.  It’s crazy and will cost the community far more than what it would to keep the youth club open.'  Harry talks from experience - when he got into trouble with the police it was to the youth club he turned to for help. 

SIGN OUR PETITION The County Council’s proposal to end funding youth services will mean than clubs like this will not run.  They will be no funding for the professional staff team who mean so much to the young people.  The respect shown to the youth workers is evident throughout each evening and all young people talk about them with enthusiasm. 

Chloe, (14) said, 'The youth workers have helped me to change bad habits and learn more respectable behaviour.'  Rhys (16) agrees, 'We trust the youth workers.  They are open-minded and don’t judge us.  They are very important people.  They help us to feel positive about ourselves - they just help us!'

It is interesting to note that so much of what the young people say about their experience relates to the coalition’s Government’s new agenda of the The Big Society.  Ashley (18), has been coming to the youth club as a voluntary sports leader.  This experience has given him the opportunity to give something back to the community and will undoubtedly help him in his application to university.  Here is a resource where young people can truly experience the benefits of community cohesion.  Stephen (19), tells us that the young people have written to local councillors and invited them to the youth club on Wednesday 26 January, 'If they come to the club and have a personal experience of what it means to us it will mean more to them than just hearing about it from other people.' Read more about the Kenilworth Youth Centre

Kenilworth School Newsletter 21 January 2011

This week's Kenilworth school Newsletter is now available

The league tables were published last week and I am delighted to say that based on the GCSE results last year, Kenilworth School was the highest achieving comprehensive school in Warwickshire. As you may be aware, 78% of pupils received the benchmark five or more A* to C at GCSE, almost 20% above the county total. At A level, our students also performed well and we are listed as the third highest achieving state school based on average A level scores. I would like to take this opportunity once again to congratulate everyone and to encourage those who have exams in the near future and encourage them to believe in their ability.

Warwickshire Police HQ in Leek Wootton to be Sold

Warwickshire Police Headquarters have been in Leek Wootton since 1949. BBC News run a report today (20 Jan) confirming, that the Leek Wootton Police HQ will be sold to make savings (£20m are needed). I wonder how much it is worth? It seems the force HQ is moving south as Kenilworth housed the HQ in 1884 (with a brief stop to Warwick), Leek Wootton (from 1949) and now it's Leamington bound when Woodcote, (the Police HQ House) closes. 

Kenilworth Youth Centre on BBC Breakfast Radio - Listen Again Now

The Youth Centre was featured on live BBC Radio this morning, fourteen year old Sam and centre manager Andy Norman take part in an interview. To listen again, follow this link, BBC Radio iplayer and select the show for 20 January (which will load automatically). Then slide the audio bar to these times 1.42.15 (hrs:mins:secs) to start. At 1.43.00 Sam, 1.46.00 Andy Norman with feature ending at 1.52.00...SIGN THE PETITION NOW...

Petrol Prices in Kenilworth - how high can they go?

BBC One Show 18 Jan 2011

19 Jan update, Fuel prices were featured on the BBC One Show last night (video report starts at 2mins into the show). It said, 128p is the average unleaded price (with 63% tax) making 80p going to the taxman with prices set to rise even higher.

18 Jan, Petrol Prices are at an all time high - is it time for those mass protests again?  Both Shell and Jet in Kenilworth are the same price of 126.9p Unleaded and 130.9p Diesel (18 Jan). All at a time when Shell in Warwick Road are applying for 24hr opening. At time of writing, there are around 30 comments objecting to the proposal (and a few in favour). It is understood that the shop will be closed and all sales are through the serving hatch. In the meantime, KWN article and two visualisations:

Wilkinson in Station Road

NEW STORE OPENING on or around Tuesday 19 April 2011
Wilkinson, Station Road, CV8 1JD
www.wilkinsonplus.com  www.wilko.co.uk

Work started a few days ago to refit the new Wilkinson Store in Station Road. Wilkinson were unable to provide any information about this new store on 22 December 2010, but another email has been sent for an update. In the meantime, the building today is just an empty shell, so it will be a few months before opening. Will update when I know. UPDATE: wiK has been told by Wilkinson to see the Job Centre for any recruitment for this store - no specific dates or vacancies details were given by Wilkinson.

The Anchor Inn in Leek Wootton

The Anchor Inn
Warwick Rd, Leek Wootton
Warwick CV35 7QX
01926 853355 ‎
www.anchorinnwarwickshire.co.uk
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Broad Lane Leisure in Warwick Road

Broad Lane Leisure
Warwick Road, Leek Wootton
Warwick CV35 7RD
01926 858880
broadlane.co.uk (located 1 mile from Kenilworth)
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Avondale Bed and Breakfast in Moseley Road

Avondale Bed and Breakfast
18 Moseley Road CV8 2AQ
01926 859072 ‎
avondalebandb.co.uk
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Hilltop Bed and Breakfast in Holmewood Close

Hilltop Bed and Breakfast
5 Holmewood Close CV8 2JE
01926 856224 ‎mob 07947 871552
Dogs Welcome Too! Crufts 2011
www.hilltopbandbkenilworth.co.uk
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Castle Laurels Guest House in Castle Road

Castle Laurels Guest House
22 Castle Road CV8 1NG
01926 856179 ‎
www.castlelaurels.co.uk

Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Successful Kenilworth Youth Projects Under Threat

www.radioabbey.com

Since becoming established in its new home in Abbey End the Kenilworth Youth and Community Centre has, under the direction of its youth leader Andy Norman, become well known for the innovative ways in which it has engaged young people.

SIGN the Petition to Save the Youth Centre SIGN NOW

Listen to Radio Abbey

For example two years ago Radio Abbey was established as a way that young people aged 14 – 19 could learn the numerous skills associated with preparing and broadcasting radio programmes whilst at the same time providing a service to other local teenagers via a broadband radio station. During the short period the radio station has been operating one of the station’s presenters has moved onto university and continued to present on the university radio station whilst another has secured work experience at a local commercial station.

More recently the Abbey Cinema has been established to reintroduce the Saturday cinema that many of the older generation will remember. In its six months of operation the cinema has built up to a point where audiences of 60 plus are a regular event.

Abbey Cinema 22 Jan

Both these projects along with other activities for the youth of Kenilworth are now under threat as proposals are before the County Council to withdraw all Youth Service funding over the course of the next three years with the implication that Youth services in Kenilworth would close along with all the others across the county.

Andy Norman Kenilworth’s Youth Leader said ‘We have worked very hard to overcome young people’s concerns that there is nothing for them to do in their spare time by putting on an ever increasing variety of activities. It would be a great shame if all this ended and the young people were forced back onto the streets to make their own entertainment’

The Management Committee of the Youth and Community centre are urging local residents to help preserve the services on offer to young people at the centre by signing the petition opposing the County Council proposals to cease funding the Youth service.  The petition is available on line and in the reception areas of all the Kenilworth Schools, the Youth and Community Centre and at various shops and businesses throughout the town.

For more information contact Andy Norman on 07920 071110 or 01926 855205 or e mail andynorman@warwickshire.gov.uk

Enderley in Queens Road

Enderley
20 Queens Road CV8 1JQ
01926 855388 ‎
enderleyguesthouse.co.uk

Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Hollyhurst Guest House in Priory Road

Hollyhurst Guest House
47 Priory Road CV8 1LL
01926 853882
www.hollyhurstguesthouse.co.uk

Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Ferndale House in Priory Road

Ferndale House
45 Priory Road CV8 1LL
01926 853214
Ferndale House Website

Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

The Cooperative in The Square

The co-operative good with food  
18-24 The Square, Kenilworth CV8 1EB
01926 859473 ‎(formerly Somerfields)
Mon to Sat 8.00-8.00pm
Sun 10.00-4.00pm
Local Store Website

Kenilworth Wines in Talisman Square

Kenilworth Wines
14 Talisman Square CV8 1JB
01926 858332 ‎
www.kenilworthwines.co.uk
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Royal Mail Post Boxes - do you use them?

Monday 17 January 2011 - It seems there are still delays with Sunday deliveries in Stratford and Warwick, but does that mean Kenilworth is up to date?

On Friday 7 January, it was announced that Royal Mail managers in Warwickshire to work weekend which ran in tandem with BBC's Midlands Today showing the reporter standing outside the sorting office in Stratford upon Avon. Now, I've seen two Royal Mail delivery workers to every one wheeled trolley for the past five days. So, if the news that Mail delay in south Warwickshire 'resolved within days' is true, then what are we do do next? 

So much has been said about getting a letter or a packet delivered to us, but what of how we send our mail? Take a look at this slideshow and tell us if you know where these Post Boxes are and more importantly - do you use any of them? Do all 72 need to be there? I am told by the Royal Mail at Barrow Road that each box has a barcode inside, so when it is emptied, they know to the second when it was last visited. But, I understand that some boxes may only get two letters dropped in them in a day. And as one lady told me, 'I only send letters from Post Offices or the main box in the town. I never use these other boxes - some of them are so small you cannot even get a large letter in them.' See the first article in this series with all 72 Kenilworth Post Boxes.

Empty Unit in Abbey End

This Unit is still empty in Abbey End. It is located between The Post Office and The Almanac. No agents letting boards are visible at the property as (14 Jan 2011) although there was talk of a proposal for a hot food take away six months ago. If you have any news please let us know.

Every Business has it's own page (even the empty ones) - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Kenilworth Police Station in Smalley Place

Kenilworth Police Station
Smalley Place CV8 1QG
01926 851111
Police Station Webpage
Safer Neighbourhood Team (01926 684404)
Warwick Police Online News Twitter @WarwickshirePA
Warwickshire Police Authority

Working Together: From 28 Febrauary 2011, Warwickshire Police front office services will be moving to Warwickshire Direct, Kenilworth. Working in partnership will enable us to offer improved services to the local community. Kenilworth Library reopens on 7 February 2011 with the new police Front Desk Services. 

Foxes in Kenilworth - Are they a Problem?

In June 2010, a fox entered a house in London and attacked two children while they slept (BBC News). Following that, experts said a cull would be needed to keep down Britain's out of control fox population. Further stories hit the media around the same time such as the woman who was sleeping and thought her cat was nibbling her ear - it wasn't. 

What is interesting, in my view, is how local Councils do not have to remove foxes. Warwick DC have produced a document called Urban Foxes outlining where a fox may live, why the council does not control them (it's difficult, expensive and rarely successful apparently) and what you can do about them yourself.

So what about Kenilworth? I live off Warwick Road - I've seen up to three foxes together wandering down the centre of the road, inspecting every house and being pretty relaxed about it. In six weeks time, the weather will turn and the occasional back door maybe left open. So is there a problem with foxes in Kenilworth? Kenilworth Pest Control and Search UK are the two experts in town - they don't seem to have many calls about foxes (as yet), but as I was told - it may help if people stopped feeding them.

Nuts in Park Road

Nuts Gents Hair Stylist
4 Park Road
CV8 2GF
01926 511208
‎Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Syscomm in Park Road

Syscomm Limited
Syscomm House
2 Park Road CV8 2GF
01926 856000 ‎
www.syscomm.co.uk
Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Lawton Hairdressing in Park Road

Lawton Hairdressing
4 Park Road CV8 2GF
01926 856222 ‎

Every Business has it's own page - so if you know something about this one email wiK

Kenilworth School Newsletter 14 January 2011

Read the full Kenilworth School Newsletter 19 Jan 2011

I would like to congratulate our Year 11 students who have sat their GCSE English Language and a small number of them have already taken their GCSE Mathematics early. They have achieved excellent results and I hope that this will motivate them to carry on working hard and to achieve their full potential in the summer term. Our GCSE examination results in 2010 were our best ever and this was due largely to the hard work of the students, supported by dedicated and committed teachers in lessons and in booster classes. I see no reason why our current Year 11 students cannot perform just as well, if not better, as many of them are showing great signs of considerable potential.

Woodland Stores in Common Lane

Premier Express
Woodland Stores
44-46 Common Lane
CV8 2EQ
Premier Local Website
Offers and Deals