Life in Leam

Tim Bishop
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Royal Leamington Spa in Warwickshire has a constantly evolving social, gastro, cultural and leisure scene. New bars, cafes, restaurants, shops and events can make this a tricky little town to keep up with. In this podcast, your host Tim Bishop serves up some bite-size glimpses into his personal selection of what’s new, what’s upcoming or what’s just plain curious in his adopted hometown - laced with first-hand input from some of the characters behind the town’s unique personality. All episodes © Copyright 2025-6 Tim Bishop. All rights reserved.

  1. The Spicy Librarian

    6D AGO

    The Spicy Librarian

    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.

    14 min
  2. Stoneleigh Arms Launch Event

    FEB 11

    Stoneleigh Arms Launch Event

    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/

    4 min
  3. Leamington at War

    JAN 26

    Leamington at War

    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

    12 min
  4. Helping Hands

    12/22/2025

    Helping Hands

    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/

    11 min
  5. Christmas Tree Festival

    11/28/2025

    Christmas Tree Festival

    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/

    15 min
  6. Leamington Christmas Markets

    11/25/2025

    Leamington Christmas Markets

    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

    9 min
  7. Remembrance

    11/11/2025

    Remembrance

    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/

    14 min
  8. Pumpkin Path & Christmas Lantern Workshops

    10/28/2025

    Pumpkin Path & Christmas Lantern Workshops

    If you want to turn your Hallowe'en into a prize bonanza, then the Pumpkin Path is for you.  Visit the businesses around town, collect the clues and post in the special post-box by 2nd November to be included in the prize draw.  AND THEN get along to the lantern workshops running 1,9,16,23,30 November to make your lantern for the parade on 7th December.  Alison Shaw of BID Leamington shares all the spooky/festive details. https://royal-leamington-spa.co.uk/

    9 min
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About

Royal Leamington Spa in Warwickshire has a constantly evolving social, gastro, cultural and leisure scene. New bars, cafes, restaurants, shops and events can make this a tricky little town to keep up with. In this podcast, your host Tim Bishop serves up some bite-size glimpses into his personal selection of what’s new, what’s upcoming or what’s just plain curious in his adopted hometown - laced with first-hand input from some of the characters behind the town’s unique personality. All episodes © Copyright 2025-6 Tim Bishop. All rights reserved.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Bishop
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Life in Leam

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