Brian and I went into the town on a very cold night in January last year, a little late, to see The Christmas Lights in the town – really beautiful. This reminded me of the JEPHSON GARDENS ILLUMINATIONS back in 1952/53.  They were spectacular – almost every flower bed and  statue, tree and fence was adorned with thousands of coloured bulbs depicting famous legends, pictures and stories – they were amazing!

There were fireworks, and 2 giant marquees; one with tasty food; the other with music and dancing for older people, but my friend Vita and I sneaked under the canvas in our school blazers, and then really enjoyed the dancing until we were told to leave immediately!! We ran out as fast as we could, Vita grabbing my arm, but my hand was in my blazer pocket and next minute the pocket was torn off!  Horror of horrors – the blazer was brand new!  Mum was quite cross – but such fabulous memories.

My sister tells me that as she walked through the Jephson Gardens recently memories flooded back to her too. She recalled the fountains in the pond with floodlights on them, which continually changed colour like a watery rainbow. Mum, Dad and us 3 girls agreed just how magical it was after darkness had fallen!

Wendy Green

The photo is of the illuminated fountains in Jephson Gardens, 1952. A report on this event, with more photos can be see at https://leamingtonhistory.co.uk/the-lights-of-leamington/