See Leamington in a different light with these photographic ‘sketches’ - and raise money for the NHS in the process

Leamington historian Allan Jennings has been inspired to put together a book of colour photographic ‘sketches’ as a way of raising money for the Intensive Care Unit at Warwick Hospital.

Having written history books in the past, he wanted to do something a bit different as a way of saying thank you to the NHS.

So he has complied the book, titled Colour 'Sketches' of Royal Leamington Spa and the Local Area.

Allan said: “In my own small way, I am trying to show my support for the NHS with this book, all profits will be donated to the Intensive Care Unit at Warwick Hospital.

"The coronavirus pandemic this year has changed so many lives. Who would have thought back in 2019 that we would ever experience such an event.

“The National Health Service is 72 years old this year and the staff have had their most difficult year in all of that time.

"They put their lives on the line to help the rest of the population and some of them have paid the ultimate price.

"Thousands of former employees heard the call and resumed work at their local hospitals.

"Everyone worked long hours, in some cases double shifts, day after day.

"Many were called upon to help in intensive care units where a significant number of patients were being ventilated - and then when they finished work for the day, or night, they struggled to buy groceries from the supermarket because the shelves had been stripped bare.”

“I could have written another local history book, or even put together a book of ‘normal’ photographs - but I wanted to do something different and I ended up putting together a book which provides very different images of the local area to what you normally see.”

“We are very fortunate to live in a lovely town and a picturesque part of the country and so I thought that I would try to reflect some of our buildings and views, whether historic, architecturally interesting, new or old.

The vast majority of the 111 images relate to Leamington and the local area, but I have added a few from places such as Warwick, Kenilworth and Stratford Upon Avon - after all many of us have spent time enjoying all three this year rather than holidaying abroad.”

“I would like to thank both Waterstones bookshop in Warwick Street and Warwick Printing at Sydenham for their generous financial donation towards the publication of this book.”

Until Waterstones is open properly, the book can still be bought from Waterstones by ‘Click and Collect’. The best way to do it is to telephone the shop direct on 01926 883804 in order to reserve a copy.

They will take payment and the book can then be collected from the Warwick Street branch. A bell has been installed in order to notify staff.

“As well as being a good way to show support for the NHS, it will also make an excellent Christmas present,” added Allan.

“I hope that you enjoy the book, stay safe and remember that every buyer of the book will be making a donation towards the Intensive Care Unit at Warwick Hospital. Thank you!”