Mayor Nick Wilkins and Margaret Rushton at the launch of the book, photo Allan Jennings
The Global Leamington book launch on 19th January 2023 was attended by Mayor Nick Wilkins, representatives from Royal Leamington Spa Town Council and over 60 volunteer contributors to the book. Many communities were represented including the Caribbean, Italian, Czech and Slovak, Polish, Irish, Sikh, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Shree Krishna Mandir. The Global Leamington project was supported by the Royal Leamington Spa Town Council’s Community Grant, and matched funding by members of the public.
Global Leamington, the latest publication from the Leamington History Group, takes a fresh view of the history of the town. It looks beyond the familiar stories of the development of the Spa to highlight international connections and the emergence of the multi-cultural community the characterizes the town today. Edited by Stella Bolitho, Michael Jeffs and Ben Richardson, the book contains a varied collection of
Some of the team from WCG, photo Allan Jennings
58 articles reflecting different periods of the town’s history which were shaped by the people and ideas which came into the town, and those that left to travel across the globe.
In researching these stories, the Leamington History Group have engaged with partners, schools, organisations, and individuals across the community, focusing particularly on working with young people, through the University of Warwick, Royal Leamington Spa College (part of WCG) L3 Visual Communication students, Trinity Catholic and CampionSchools.
Part of the front cover
We have also worked in partnership with the Royal Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum and the Arts Trail Gallery – including the stunning cover design concept and artwork by Alan A. Art. which shows many popular aspects of Leamington’s past in relation to the globe, whilst reaching out to the future. (Please contact the Arts Trail for further details about prints).
This is an essential read if you want to learn something new about Leamington Spa’s history!
The book is organised in eight chapters, each taking a different perspective on the town’s history. Opening the book, Cosmopolitan Leamington explores how Leamington developed as a centre for tourism, drawing international visitors to the Spa and a range of other attractions.
Colonial Linkages develops stories that formed the core of the ‘Commonwealth Trail’ created by LHG to contribute to celebrations of the Commonwealth Games. Cultural Diversity and New Lives in Leamington tell the stories of groups and individuals from Europe, the Caribbean and Asia who have made their homes in Leamington, adding to the richness of life in the town.
Henry Tandey VC
Some ways in which people from Leamington have made an impact across the world are explored in Charity Connections and Emigration Stories. War and Peace celebrates both the military contributions of Leamingtonians and initiatives within the town which aim to promote international peace. The final chapter, Made in Leamington, describes the diversity of products which have originated in the town, from an innovative kitchen stove to a creative style of dance and performance.
Books are currently available for £10 each for members and £15 each for non-members.
Order from the Leamington History Group at
secretary@leamingtonhistory.co.uk or
on 07587 022366, or
message through Leamington History Group Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/skybluebaz96
If you are interested in our local history, please join us. Membership is only £10 per year. We have monthly talks and there are opportunities to get involved in research projects, books, and films about our town.
For more information about membership, please contact secretary@leamingtonhistory.co.uk
Information about our meetings is at http://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/forthcoming-meetings/
Other information about the Group can be found on this website.
“Capturing new aspects of Leamington’s diverse history and its global connections has turned this project into a true and inclusive community venture.”
“Leamington History Group has unearthed new knowledge and interpretations about the town’s past, whilst re-evaluating its significant historical and touristic merits in its own right.”
“Exploring Leamington’s story through a global lens, and how this shaped our town,
was challenging. It has created a community project involving young people,
senior citizens, local history societies, local businesses, community
and religious organisations across town.”
CORRECTIONS.
Unfortunately some errors have come to light which we regret and apologise for.
- Page 10. Name of “Royal Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum” corrected.
- Page 86. The heading near the bottom of the page is adapted from a poem by Dave, British Rapper.
- Page 97. Dates for Mohammed Salim Chowdry amended to 1946-2022.
- Page 137. Caption to photo; replace Kartar Singh Aulak with Kartar Singh Aujla.
- Page 154. First line, replace Church with Vicarage.
- Page 155, Article about Sharon Bugg. The author was Kay Bugg and the photo should be dated 1994, not 1974.
- Page 161, Article about Education Saves Lives. The base was in Morrell Street, not Morton Street. Amended date of the move to Althorpe Street to 2012.
- Pages 213 to 215 and page 228, Motionhouse. Amended captions and credits for photos.
- Chapter 3. Title and page headers corrected to “Cultural Diversity”; the title in the contents list was correct.
