WDC have a FREE Family Fun Day and Open Weekend: It's the One Year Countdown to the Olympics 2012

Warwick District Council are hosting an Open Weekend Saturday 23 July and Sunday 24 July 2012. Loads of FREE activities going on. See WDC Leisure

Activites include: Bouncy castle, face painting, parachute games, krafty kids Olympic torch making, sports games, refreshments... and more

Abbey Fields: Splosh Session Saturday and Sunday 2-3pm

Kenilworth Carnival starts at 1pm on Saturday 2 July 2011 The Definitive Guide

2011's Guide

This printed booklet is available from Kenilworth Library, The Baker's Dozen and Kenilworth Books, but for some unexplained reason nowhere on the web (until now). Find out about the Procession, Grand Draw Prizes and VIPs.

This is the 79th Kenilworth Carnival which starts at a new time of 1pm from Kenilworth Castle (Brays Car Park). This Procession Route for 2011 is: Brays Car Park, Castle Hill, high Street, Bridge Street, Waverley Road, St Johns Street, Randall Road, Kenilworth Clock, War4wick Road and Forrest Road.

Events at Abbey Fields start at 2pm The Crew, 2.20pm Shimmy Dancers, 2.40pm Tang Soo Do, 3pm Tommy Connelly Irish Dancers, 3.20pm The Crew, 4pm Kings Norton Marching Band and 4.30pm Carnival Grand Draw.

The Paddock in Castle Road - Could the Ponies be back?

It was nearly two years ago that saw passers by enjoying the ponies in The Paddock in Castle Road. But, since August 2009, the area has been empty. Biodiversity has flourished - but the ponies could be back after the hay cut in August.

Warwick DC confirmed today that negotiations are in an early stage that could see grazing return to this popular site at the far end of Abbey Fields. In the meantime, for those who missed it, are two newspaper clippings (background reading), two aerial maps, the paddock as it looks today and plenty of photos of the ponies that once were.

Recycling On The Go in Kenilworth and Warwick District - it's those big black bins

WDC Recycling On The Go

New to Kenilworth and Warwick District are some big black bins which are all about Recycling On The Go. There are seven units in Kenilworth at: Abbey End, Talisman Square, Abbey Hill/Abbey Fields, Albion Street Shopping Precinct, Leyes Lane, Whitmoor Road and Oaks Road Precinct. Warwick District has 27 Units.

WDC explain, The new recycling units will have 5 sections; 2 for general litter and 3 for recycling and will be placed across Leamington, Kenilworth and Warwick in areas of high foot fall, including many school routes. 

Abbey Fields Outdoor Swimming Pool is Open Weekends, Holidays and when the Sun Shines

Abbey Fields Outdoor Pool

There should be a badge to say, I survived the swim in Abbey Fields Outdoor Pool. If you don't know what I'm talking about - you obviously haven't tried it.

Even on a hot day, it's like having your head on fire. All you have to do is step into the chilling waters, swim up and down for a while, then dive under the water, it feels like your head is...well on fire. Try it and see. 

The Outdoor Pool is open weekends, school holidays and when the sun shines. WDC Website has detailed times and prices. NOTE: from my own experience, if the weather is warm and sunny, an extra member of staff open the outdoor pool. Abbey Fields do not publish full weekday outdoor pool times as any rain equals pool closure (there are valid reasons for that i.e. lightening striking water).

HS2 Roadshow is now OPEN in Abbey Fields, Kenilworth 8-8pm 13 & 14 June 2011

The HS2 Roadshow Exhibition opened this morning in Abbey Fields, Kenilworth. I have been allowed these photographs.

If you are not sure what's in store, see the images and then attend any time over the next two days to find out as much as you can. From my own experience, the staff and engineers on hand will tell you the facts, show you the plans and be as helpful as they can.

For those people from Burton Green, there is a large artists impression of how the village will look with the line in place (see images below).

HS2 Roadshow marquee comes to Abbey Fields - here's the first look

At 6pm today (Sat 11 June 2011), a 20 x 12 metre marquee was standing ready for the HS2 Roadshow information stands to arrive. As expected, the marquee is located close to the St Nicolas Church/Tennis end of Abbey Fields.

The exhibition will open to the public on Mon 13 and Tues 14 June from 8am -8pm.

Abbey Fields Robbery - Appeal For Witnesses

Appeal For Witnesses To Robbery In Abbey Fields, Kenilworth

Police in Kenilworth are appealing for witnesses to a robbery which took place on the Abbey Fields near to the Swimming Pool at shortly before 7.30pm on Sunday 9 January. A 48 year old man was walking across Abbey Fields when he was approached by four males who came from the direction of the swings towards the front of the swimming baths and surrounded him.

All four, described as two white males and two of Asian appearance and aged in their mid teens, had their hoods pulled up, hiding their faces. The man fell to the floor as the teenage males assaulted him, before stealing his wallet and his mobile phone.

(Incident 357 Sunday 9 January) Anyone who witnessed the robbery, or who saw anything suspicious in the locality of the Swimming Pool in Abbey Fields on Sunday night between 7pm – 7.30pm is asked to contact Police Staff Investigator Len Dickinson at Leamington CID on 01926 451111 x 4172, or they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where the information can be given anonymously.

Support Jenni Birch - Sponsorship needed for Charity Work in Borneo

Jenni Birch heads to Borneo soon 

We all have one week until Sunday 16th January to raise awareness (and sponsorship) for Jennifer Birch who will be volunteering for charity projects based  in Borneo. What's in Kenilworth are delighted to be supporting Jenni and charting her progress.

Next Sunday, 16 January at 9.30am from Abbey Fields, Jenni will start a 20 mile cycle ride to raise sponsorship for the trip. Depending on how many people spot Jenni along the way to offer support and sponsorship will determine if she gets back to Abbey Fields at about 3pm. To sponsor Jenni now, email: jennibirch@talktalk.net The full route will be published here.