THE 21st Eastern Green Scout Group held its' annual Spring fund raising event on the local green in Sutton Avenue today.

When I arrived at 11 a.m it was well underway, and if the weather was anything to go by they were in for a good turnout.

I spoke to the organiser and he told me that the funds raised all go towards the equipment at their headquarters in Kenthurst Close.

The group is always looking forward to welcoming new members and you can reach him on 07801 033 585, or at the H.Q in Kenthurst Close.

A FORMER teacher who says writing helped him recover from work-related stress will be signing copies of his new children's novel in Coventry.

Ian Mallon, aged 48, spent just three months writing his third book, called Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which tells a story of best friends in their final year of primary school. He decided to pursue writing as a full-time job after 13 years of teaching.

The father-of-two, who lives with wife Kim in Hartington Crescent, Earlsdon, will be signing the books in Borders, Arena Retail Park, on Saturday between 11am and 2pm. The novel is published by Cov Books.

Under the banner "Home and Away", the Scireborne Tavern, Alspath Lane, Eastern Green, is calling for people to give school supplies and arts and crafts materials.

Half of the goods will stay in the UK going to children's charity, Kids Out. The charity runs a Toy Box Scheme providing essential items to children across the UK when they are re-housed in a refuge after fleeing abuse, violence or neglect.

The other half will be taken to four Save the Children schools and orphanages in the poorest parts of Romania.

Romania is one of Europe's poorest countries where 44 per cent of people live in poverty.

If you can to contribute in any way, we would be very grateful, but we particularly need fruit and veg, good quality bric-a-brac, tombola prizes, plants and gardening equipment, and cakes for our tea tent and cake stall.

Most important of all, turn up on the day to support us and enjoy a fabulous day out.

And don't forget it's our Coventry Sunflower Walk on Sunday. If you haven't registered, just turn up on the day.

Wanted - shop volunteers. We are currently recruiting for our Myton shops. For details, ask at one of our shops, call Pinky on 01926 838836 or e-mail pinky.sidhu@mytonhospice.org

CHILDREN were transformed into mini firefighters with a special visit to their school.

A crew from Radford Road Fire Station dropped in to Davenport Lodge Pre-Preparatory School, Earlsdon, to talk to six and seven-year-olds about their jobs.

They also explained the dangers of fire and how children should respond in an emergency before letting them try out the hose and explore the fire engine.

Earlier this year the children were visited by officers from West Midlands Police.

NEWLY retired Coventry fireman Nobby Clarke has revealed a burning ambition - to spark some heated debates in the House of Commons.

Nobby, who's just left the service after 30 years and is one of the city's best known firemen, plans to stand for Parliament at the next general election.

WHEN Clive and Betty Marshall got married 60 years ago they couldn't afford to buy a house.

But they were determined to find a home of their own and eventually came up a solution that was just the ticket.

They bought an old double-decker bus for £75 - and transformed it into their first home.

Joseph Frederick, 18, Daniel Shirley, 19 and Paul Craigo, 20, of the Nexus College in Albany Road, Earlsdon, Coventry, will set out on May 2 to get to as many foreign countries as possible without paying for their travel.

The event is part of Rag Week at the Christian music college. They'll be collecting sponsors to raise money for the Nexus Trust which runs the college.

Joseph said: "We will have only our bargaining skills, our personal contacts and the kindness of strangers to help us. We will have no money to spend on food or accommodation."

To sponsor the trio, visit the website www.justgiving.co.uk/josephfrederick.

Lorraine Thompson is opening her doors at Hedz hairdressers to a charity event after her teenager daughter Rebecca was struck down with the disease in 2007 and spent six days on life support.

Dr J O'Brien died tragically last month (in a car crash).

As his patients for 30 years, we would like to pay tribute to the man and the excellent service he provided as our GP.

The 74-year-old has now had 29 poems published in a range of anthologies and is determined to keep writing to reach the 30 milestone.

In his latest poem Peter, of Bickford Grange Lane, Allesley, uses the historic figure of Lady Godiva to comment about some of the problems in today's society.

MORE than 60 years ago Joyce Green was working from dawn to dusk in the fields of Norfolk as she did her bit for the war effort.

Now the 83-year-old has been recognised for her hard work with the Women's Land Army with a medal and certificate sent by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Joyce, who is a resident at the Allesley Hall Nursing Home in Coventry, said she was delighted the Land Girls were finally being recognised by the Government.

GRANDAD goalie Alan Dowall loves showing cocky youngsters he's still the daddy on the pitch.

At the age of 70, he's playing top flight indoor soccer three times a week, thwarting shots and crosses from opponents more than half his age.

But his story is even more remarkable because he was born with a dislocated hip and spent three years with his leg in plaster as a toddler, wearing leg irons and built-up shoes until the age of ten.

Like many others I too was disappointed at the overly heavy handed approach to the carrying of banners on the Stand Up to Hatred Walk in Coventry.

I took a poster size banner, produced by the Quakers, that said "PEACE" in English, Arabic and Hebrew - deliberately chosen as being particularly appropriate both to the event and to this particular time.

Speculation mounted she had been bullied back for fear of losing her job - and in the end her efforts proved fruitless as she was sacked last week.

But was it right or even healthy to go back so soon? While most mums are coping with post birth pain and a newborn's constant needs, she returned to matters of state looking radiantly sophisticated.

Karen Hambridge asked a local mum what she thought...