Coventry Telegraph - CV6tag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2008-02-08://662009-07-03T11:01:55ZMovable Type Enterprise 4.21-enTears of joy for Coundon pupils at contesttag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1537392009-07-03T10:45:28Z2009-07-03T11:01:55Z PUPILS from Sherbourne Fields are blazing a trail by becoming the first disabled cheerleading group to perform at a national competition. And the 15 girls and five boys - aged between five and 19 - had a standing ovation...Danielle Hicks
PUPILS from Sherbourne Fields are blazing a trail by becoming the first disabled cheerleading group to perform at a national competition.
And the 15 girls and five boys - aged between five and 19 - had a standing ovation when they gave their display at the national cheerleading championships held in Manchester on Saturday.
It's the first time the pupils from the special school in Rowington Close, Coundon, Coventry, have given a performance, and it was also the first time disabled cheerleaders have featured at the competition, attended by hundreds of people from all over the country.
The youngsters were presented with a trophy and medals and certificates to take home.
They were such a success organisers are hoping in the future to include a category for disabled cheerleaders in the contest.
Nursery nurse and cheerleading coach Keelie Hill said: "I'm so proud of them. We had a standing ovation and lots of people in the audience had tears in their eyes."]]>
Safety win for Coundon youngsterstag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1537352009-07-03T10:45:28Z2009-07-03T10:48:55Z SIX Coundon youngsters shot their rivals down in flames to win the Coventry Schools' Fire Safety Quiz. The team from Coundon Primary, in Forfield Road, went head to head with six other schools in the final at Radford Fire...Danielle Hicks
SIX Coundon youngsters shot their rivals down in flames to win the Coventry Schools' Fire Safety Quiz.
The team from Coundon Primary, in Forfield Road, went head to head with six other schools in the final at Radford Fire Station on Tuesday night.
Contestants had to answer questions on major aspects of fire safety, first aid and road awareness, including planning escape routes at home and the danger of playing with matches and lighters.
In the end it went to a nail-biting tie-breaker against Eastern Green Primary.
Winning team member Charlie Lines, aged 10, of Coundon, said: "It was tense at the end, we were all quite nervous, so we couldn't believe it when we won."
Coundon Primary will now represent Coventry in the regional final in Birmingham on July 14.]]>
Former mayors back Radford Global Caretag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1536132009-07-02T11:33:59Z2009-07-02T11:41:07ZTWO former Coventry mayors have backed an appeal by a city charity to help children in Sri Lanka suffering in the aftermath of the country's civil war. The Bishop of Warwick has also given his support to the appeal by...Danielle Hicks
TWO former Coventry mayors have backed an appeal by a city charity to help children in Sri Lanka suffering in the aftermath of the country's civil war.
The Bishop of Warwick has also given his support to the appeal by Radford-based Global Care.
As reported previously in the Coventry Telegraph the charity is sending out much needed funds to provide temporary shelter and toilets for 296 orphaned children living behind barbed wire in a camp for displaced people. They also want to provide care packs, costing about £20 to put together and deliver, containing personal items including school equipment, basic clothing, a water bottle, towel, comb, soap, toothbrush and paste, a hat and a torch.
Former mayor Coun Ram Lakha, who was Lord Mayor in 2005-6, is encouraging as many people as possible to support the appeal.
He has had first-hand experience of Global Care's work in southern Sri Lanka after visiting the charity's beach slum project in his first year as mayor to see how money raised in Coventry for people affected by the 2004 tsunami had been spent.
"I am very pleased Global Care has launched this appeal. If it's a child needing help, they will help - not because the child is Tamil or Sinhalese, but because it's a child in need."
Dave Batten, who was Lord Mayor between 2007-8, is also backing the appeal, which will help children currently living in dirty and overcrowded tents.
He said: "As we are all aware we are living in difficult times, but our recession pales into insignificance compared to the plight of young Tamil orphaned children."
Donations can be made online at www.globalcare.org.uk or by phone at 02476 601800.
Longford Pupils are learning the three 'arrrs'tag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1536112009-07-02T11:33:59Z2009-07-02T11:38:44Z SHIVER me timbers - children from Longford Park Primary School have been getting into character as a ship full of pirates. They spent the week taking part in pirate-themed activities culminating in a day of fun on Friday. Headteacher...Danielle Hicks
SHIVER me timbers - children from Longford Park Primary School have been getting into character as a ship full of pirates.
They spent the week taking part in pirate-themed activities culminating in a day of fun on Friday.
Headteacher Ray Wilson said the event was part of an arts week at the school and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
As well as creating their own pirate ships the pupils had drama and dance lessons and tried out some drumming.]]>
Pet cat killed by pellet in Coundontag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1531472009-06-30T11:23:52Z2009-06-30T11:43:35ZA SEVEN-YEAR-OLD cat has died after being shot through the chest with a pellet gun. Murphy suffered serious internal injuries and died on Sunday morning following the attack. Owner Bridie West, 69, of Evenlode Crescent, Coundon, said she was very...Danielle Hicks
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD cat has died after being shot through the chest with a pellet gun.
Murphy suffered serious internal injuries and died on Sunday morning following the attack.
Owner Bridie West, 69, of Evenlode Crescent, Coundon, said she was very upset by the cat's death after looking after it since it was a kitten.
She had let the cat out on Saturday evening and when she went to let it back in on Sunday she saw it lying motionless in the garden.
"She was more of a house cat really but she did used to go out sometimes. It was so hot on Saturday she wanted to stay out," Bridie said. "I saw her lying in the garden. She was barely alive. I picked her up and tried to open her mouth but she died. I took her to the emergency vet and they found the pellet inside her. It had gone through her major organs.
"I can understand if a cat is run over by a car but for someone to do something as disgraceful as this beggars belief."
Over recent months there have been a spate of reports to the Coventry Telegraph of attacks on pet cats although Murphy is the first to be killed.
Bridie has reported the incident to the police who believe the cat was attacked in the early morning. Anyone with any information should contact West Midlands Police on 0845 113 5000.
Open day attracts hundredstag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1531412009-06-30T11:23:52Z2009-06-30T11:25:33Z A FIRE safety open day at a Coventry station attracted hundreds of people. Firefighters at Radford Road fire station performed demonstrations, including staging a road traffic accident, along with a reconstruction of a burning house and a drill by...Danielle Hicks
A FIRE safety open day at a Coventry station attracted hundreds of people.
Firefighters at Radford Road fire station performed demonstrations, including staging a road traffic accident, along with a reconstruction of a burning house and a drill by members of Young Firefighters.
The aim of the event was to promote the importance of health and safety so young people and adults could be aware of dangers in the future.]]>
More than 400 people attended the event, which had a healthy eating theme, and was the first open day at the station for about ten years.
Representatives from about 25 organisations such as health development groups and stop smoking were also present to promote healthy lifestyles. Firefighters now hope to make it an annual event.
Steve Shoker, Radford Road fire station community worker, said: "I think everyone who went along got a lot out of the day and found out about services they probably didn't even realise existed. Although most of our work involves dealing with emergencies, we want to reach out to the public to help prevent them in the first place."
Five generations of girl power for Radford familytag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1530142009-06-29T11:54:37Z2009-06-29T11:58:51Z A COVENTRY clan are celebrating the latest link in their all-girl line-up. Isabelle Clare's recent arrival means the family now boasts FIVE generations of girls. And the new baby carries on a family naming tradition that dates all the...Danielle Hicks
A COVENTRY clan are celebrating the latest link in their all-girl line-up.
Isabelle Clare's recent arrival means the family now boasts FIVE generations of girls.
And the new baby carries on a family naming tradition that dates all the way back to 1750.
Isabelle is the daughter of Elizabeth Wightman, 19, of Radford.
She's the first grandchild of Joanne Wightman, 46, also of Radford.
She's also the first great-grandchild for Patricia Wightman, 66, originally of Coventry but now of Kenilworth.
And she was cradled by great-great grandmother Doris Manning, 89, of Coundon.]]>
Great-grandmum Patricia has been researching the family history and discovered that the use of the name Clare or Sinclair as a second name goes back to the middle of the 18th century after John Carroll married Isabella Sinclair, the daughter of a respected family in Northern Ireland.
New gran Joanne is the exception. Her dad refused to continue the tradition because he once had a pet duck called Clare.
Elizabeth wants to work in education, but for now she's enjoying life as a parent since her baby was born on May 1.
"It's amazing. Everyone is saying I've taken to it really well, which is brilliant. I can't imagine my life without her," she said.
Her mum Joanne, who was with Elizabeth when she gave birth, said: "I haven't really got used to being a grandmother yet but I like it.
"It was amazing watching Isabelle being born and I feel so special to have been there."
A Keresley School is shut after bug strikestag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1530112009-06-29T11:47:09Z2009-06-29T11:48:38ZA COVENTRY primary school is closed today for a thorough clean after a number of reception children and staff became ill with sickness and diarrhoea. Whitmore Park School, in Halford Lane, Keresley, will be shut today but is due to...Danielle Hicks
A COVENTRY primary school is closed today for a thorough clean after a number of reception children and staff became ill with sickness and diarrhoea.
Whitmore Park School, in Halford Lane, Keresley, will be shut today but is due to reopen tomorrow.
It has acted on advice from environmental health officers after a number of pupils and staff reported a stomach complaint.
Workers have been at the school over the weekend conducting a thorough clean of the school, including equipment and play areas.
Parents are advised that local radio stations and the city council website will update them in the unlikely event of the school being closed for longer.
Staff have also urged parents to keep their children home if they report feeling unwell, adding they must be symptom free for 48 hours before returning to school.
Bollywood good hour of fun in Foleshilltag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1528082009-06-26T13:14:58Z2009-06-26T13:22:06Z AN hour-long Bollywood dance-a-thon session will amaze audiences in Coventry tonight. The event, run by the city-based creative arts organisation Gener-8, will use a combination of Bollywood and bhangra music to promote community arts and healthy exercise in Coventry....Danielle Hicks
AN hour-long Bollywood dance-a-thon session will amaze audiences in Coventry tonight.
The event, run by the city-based creative arts organisation Gener-8, will use a combination of Bollywood and bhangra music to promote community arts and healthy exercise in Coventry.
Dancers of all abilities are invited to show off their moves at St Paul's Church in Foleshill Road non-stop from 7pm to 8pm, although the pace will vary throughout the hour.
The session is perfect for beginners and anyone who has never attended a session like this before.
Ravi Sandhu, organiser, said: "We are holding a open dance-a-thon every three months and I hope this will encourage those who are otherwise shy to join to come and give it a go.]]>
"I am sure they will enjoy it, and might even start coming to our sessions on a weekly basis.
"Importantly, the dance-a-thon is a chance for people to come and try Bollywood and bhangra dancing for themselves".
Following the dance-a-thon, from 8pm to 8.15 the Gener-8 dance team will perform two Bollywood dance pieces which will hopefully inspire members of the audience to perform at the next dance-a-thon and future shows.
Anyone who would like to take part must be over eight years of age and is asked to contribute £2 to cover the running costs of the event.
Participants can be of any culture or background but must wear sports gear and a good pair of trainers.
For more information visit www.gener-8.net, phone Ravi Sandhu on 07920 463 805, or email ravi@gener-8.net
Help Myton make fete a big successtag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1528052009-06-26T13:14:58Z2009-06-26T13:15:46ZWE are busy preparing for Myton's summer fete which will take place on Sunday, July 12. 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...Danielle Hicks
WE are busy preparing for Myton's summer fete which will take place on Sunday, July 12.
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
We have an opportunity for people with three to four hours to spare every month to help us make a difference to the lives of people with progressive life-limiting illness in Coventry. We need people to collect weekly subscriptions from our lottery players in: Ansty, Ash Green, Barnacle, Bell Green, Binley, Chapelfields, Coundon, Copsewood, Earlsdon, Exhall, Keresley, Shilton, Walsgrave, Whitmore Park, Wood End, Wyken Croft, Bedworth. Commission is paid. Call 01926 838810 for details.
Forthcoming Events
* July 12 - Fete in the grounds of Warwick Hospice. Jester Jingles will host a jester academy where all ages can learn plate spinning and juggling. Admission for adults 50p, under-12s free. Fete runs from 12.30-4.30pm.
* August 23 - Coventry Big Fun Run. Myton is registered as an official charity for this event, visit www.bigfunrun.com
* September 19 - Warwick Moonlight Walk. Eight-mile walk starting and finishing at Warwick Castle, commencing at 10pm. For details, visit www.mytonhospice.org or ring 01926 838809.
To speak to a member of the Coventry Myton Appeal fundraising team, call Claire McDowell or Nigel Adams on 01926 838830 or 024 7641 1177.
Donations can be made by sending cheques, payable to 'Coventry Myton Hospice Appeal' to Myton Hospice, Myton Road, Warwick CV34 6PX, or deposited at one of our shops, or online at: http://www.justgiving.com/mytonhospice
Top tips for arty pupils of Holbrook Primary Schooltag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1526312009-06-25T11:46:10Z2009-06-25T11:50:37Z CREATIVE kids were guided by a professional artist when they spent the day painting woodland scenes. Louise Cattrell visited pupils at Holbrook Primary School, in Gateside Road, Coventry, as part of a national art prize won last year by...Danielle Hicks
CREATIVE kids were guided by a professional artist when they spent the day painting woodland scenes.
Louise Cattrell visited pupils at Holbrook Primary School, in Gateside Road, Coventry, as part of a national art prize won last year by nine-year-old student Haider Nawaz.
Iwona Glowacz, the school's art co-ordinator, said: "She was very impressed with the quality of work, particularly a water colour daisy.
"We have a lot of artistic talent at this school."]]>
Charity group play it for daffstag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1518552009-06-23T12:30:02Z2009-06-23T12:49:11Z TICKETS are selling fast for a swanky charity ball to help raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The Great Daffodil Ball has been organised by Bloomin' Wonders, a local support group that raises cash on behalf of the...Danielle Hicks
TICKETS are selling fast for a swanky charity ball to help raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The Great Daffodil Ball has been organised by Bloomin' Wonders, a local support group that raises cash on behalf of the charity. It is hoped the ball will rake in at least £5,000 on the night.
Gary Russell, owner of The Black Tie, in Whitaker Road, in Allesley Park, will be sponsoring the ball which is set to take place in the Panorama Suite of Warwick University on Saturday.]]>
His business specialises in high quality formal wear for rent or sale.
"We will be making a donation for every dinner suit we sell or hire out for the ball," he said. "It would be wonderful if others will support the evening and follow suit, if you will pardon the pun."
Tickets are available at £35 per head which include a three course meal. Visit www.bloominmarvels.org.uk, or contact Sarah Morris on 024 7645 9333.
Five due in court after mass brawltag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1518492009-06-23T12:30:02Z2009-06-23T12:34:50ZFIVE Coventry men are to appear in court after a mass brawl in a city street which left two teenagers in hospital. The men, aged between 17 and 20, have all been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent...Danielle Hicks
FIVE Coventry men are to appear in court after a mass brawl in a city street which left two teenagers in hospital.
The men, aged between 17 and 20, have all been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the clash in the Longford area of Coventry on December 14 last year.
The disorder - believed to be between two opposing groups - is thought to have begun in Longford Park before spilling out onto the Longford Road, near to its junction with Blackburn Road, at about 5pm.
The two injured men, aged 17 and 18, were treated at University Hospital, Walsgrave.
West Midlands Police said the brawl had involved a "large group of people".
The five men are due to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court today for an initial hearing.
The incident, which involved members of Sikh and Muslim communities, led representatives from Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police to meet community leaders to discuss the importance of maintaining good community relations.
Detectives based at Stoney Stanton Road police station investigated the disorder and appealed through the Telegraph for witnesses.
Speaking after the charges were made, Chief Supt Jim Titley, commander of Stoney Stanton Road police station, thanked the Longford community for its co-operation during the police investigation.
He said: "We would like to reassure the residents of Coventry that incidents like this are rare.
"The matter was thoroughly investigated by a team of detectives at Stoney Stanton Road police station. We would like to thank the community for their support with the investigation and, most importantly, for helping to maintain harmony in Coventry following the incident."
My Nan lives on in picturetag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1515872009-06-22T10:37:36Z2009-06-22T10:41:13Z A PORTRAIT of a 90-year-old woman from Coventry painted by her great-grandson has been selected by the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts a month after she died. Jake Bevan, aged 17, a Coundon Court School pupil, was one of...Danielle Hicks
A PORTRAIT of a 90-year-old woman from Coventry painted by her great-grandson has been selected by the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts a month after she died.
Jake Bevan, aged 17, a Coundon Court School pupil, was one of 49 successful applicants chosen from more than 1,000 entries submitted to the Academy's student art competition.
The 90-year-old subject, Eunice Moore, had never seen the finished painting and died before news of her great-grandson's success was announced.
The second year A-level student's work is now available to view online.
Jake, who has enrolled on a foundation year to study fine art at Coventry University, said: "Art was always something I wanted to do but I wasn't really sure of my ability, so having my painting selected has given me more confidence.
"Hopefully it will open more doors when it comes to getting into the university.]]>
"It's a fitting memorial to my great-nan."
The student had created the piece of work as part of a series of portraits for his studies illustrating the theme of old and new.
Mum Vikki said: "Eunice would have been extremely proud."
Jaz Heer, Coundon Court School head of visual art, said: "Jake is an extremely talented painter. To have his painting selected is a really big achievement."
Coundon Court School is to host an exhibition of students' work at a free open evening on Wednesday from 6.30pm-8pm. Some of the works will be for sale. For details contact Jaz Heer on 024 7633 5121.
To view Jake's painting, visit http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/education
Foleshill family pay tribute to Terry Tolandtag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1513742009-06-19T11:03:06Z2009-06-19T11:04:13Z THE FAMILY of a Coventry grandad who was killed while riding one of his beloved motorbikes has hailed him as "funny, easy-going and friendly." Terry Toland, who was from the Foleshill area, died at the scene after his Suzuki...Danielle Hicks
THE FAMILY of a Coventry grandad who was killed while riding one of his beloved motorbikes has hailed him as "funny, easy-going and friendly."
Terry Toland, who was from the Foleshill area, died at the scene after his Suzuki machine was in collision with a white Citroen Xsara car at the junction of Withybrook Road and Coventry Road, outside Wolvey, near Bulkington.
The 58-year-old, who has four children, three stepchildren and several grandchildren, was on his way home from work on Friday, June 12, at 4pm, when he suffered fatal injuries.
He was a van driver for Cobley Transport, in Leicestershire.
Terry's devastated family issued the following statement through Warwickshire Police yesterday: "Terry sadly died at the scene in a tragic accident on his way home from work.]]>
"He was a keen car and motorbike enthusiast who spent hours cleaning and maintaining his vehicles.
"He was a funny, easy-going and friendly man who enjoyed his life, and lived it to the full.
"Most of his early life he spent in Manchester but he moved to Coventry 10 years ago to live a happy life with his wife Irene.
"He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family: his loving wife Irene, his four children, Paul, Stephen, Diane and John, and also his stepchildren Graham, Chris and Darren, and all his many grandchildren."
His funeral will be held next Tuesday.
PC Graeme Hurry would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash or who saw the car or bike in the moments leading up to the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call him on 01926 415415.
PUPILS from Sherbourne Fields are blazing a trail by becoming the first disabled cheerleading group to perform at a national competition.
And the 15 girls and five boys - aged between five and 19 - had a standing ovation when they gave their display at the national cheerleading championships held in Manchester on Saturday.
It's the first time the pupils from the special school in Rowington Close, Coundon, Coventry, have given a performance, and it was also the first time disabled cheerleaders have featured at the competition, attended by hundreds of people from all over the country.
The youngsters were presented with a trophy and medals and certificates to take home.
They were such a success organisers are hoping in the future to include a category for disabled cheerleaders in the contest.
Nursery nurse and cheerleading coach Keelie Hill said: "I'm so proud of them. We had a standing ovation and lots of people in the audience had tears in their eyes."]]>
SIX Coundon youngsters shot their rivals down in flames to win the Coventry Schools' Fire Safety Quiz.
The team from Coundon Primary, in Forfield Road, went head to head with six other schools in the final at Radford Fire Station on Tuesday night.
Contestants had to answer questions on major aspects of fire safety, first aid and road awareness, including planning escape routes at home and the danger of playing with matches and lighters.
In the end it went to a nail-biting tie-breaker against Eastern Green Primary.
Winning team member Charlie Lines, aged 10, of Coundon, said: "It was tense at the end, we were all quite nervous, so we couldn't believe it when we won."
Coundon Primary will now represent Coventry in the regional final in Birmingham on July 14.]]>
SHIVER me timbers - children from Longford Park Primary School have been getting into character as a ship full of pirates.
They spent the week taking part in pirate-themed activities culminating in a day of fun on Friday.
Headteacher Ray Wilson said the event was part of an arts week at the school and the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
As well as creating their own pirate ships the pupils had drama and dance lessons and tried out some drumming.]]>
A FIRE safety open day at a Coventry station attracted hundreds of people.
Firefighters at Radford Road fire station performed demonstrations, including staging a road traffic accident, along with a reconstruction of a burning house and a drill by members of Young Firefighters.
The aim of the event was to promote the importance of health and safety so young people and adults could be aware of dangers in the future.]]>
More than 400 people attended the event, which had a healthy eating theme, and was the first open day at the station for about ten years.
Representatives from about 25 organisations such as health development groups and stop smoking were also present to promote healthy lifestyles. Firefighters now hope to make it an annual event.
Steve Shoker, Radford Road fire station community worker, said: "I think everyone who went along got a lot out of the day and found out about services they probably didn't even realise existed. Although most of our work involves dealing with emergencies, we want to reach out to the public to help prevent them in the first place."
A COVENTRY clan are celebrating the latest link in their all-girl line-up.
Isabelle Clare's recent arrival means the family now boasts FIVE generations of girls.
And the new baby carries on a family naming tradition that dates all the way back to 1750.
Isabelle is the daughter of Elizabeth Wightman, 19, of Radford.
She's the first grandchild of Joanne Wightman, 46, also of Radford.
She's also the first great-grandchild for Patricia Wightman, 66, originally of Coventry but now of Kenilworth.
And she was cradled by great-great grandmother Doris Manning, 89, of Coundon.]]>
Great-grandmum Patricia has been researching the family history and discovered that the use of the name Clare or Sinclair as a second name goes back to the middle of the 18th century after John Carroll married Isabella Sinclair, the daughter of a respected family in Northern Ireland.
New gran Joanne is the exception. Her dad refused to continue the tradition because he once had a pet duck called Clare.
Elizabeth wants to work in education, but for now she's enjoying life as a parent since her baby was born on May 1.
"It's amazing. Everyone is saying I've taken to it really well, which is brilliant. I can't imagine my life without her," she said.
Her mum Joanne, who was with Elizabeth when she gave birth, said: "I haven't really got used to being a grandmother yet but I like it.
"It was amazing watching Isabelle being born and I feel so special to have been there."
AN hour-long Bollywood dance-a-thon session will amaze audiences in Coventry tonight.
The event, run by the city-based creative arts organisation Gener-8, will use a combination of Bollywood and bhangra music to promote community arts and healthy exercise in Coventry.
Dancers of all abilities are invited to show off their moves at St Paul's Church in Foleshill Road non-stop from 7pm to 8pm, although the pace will vary throughout the hour.
The session is perfect for beginners and anyone who has never attended a session like this before.
Ravi Sandhu, organiser, said: "We are holding a open dance-a-thon every three months and I hope this will encourage those who are otherwise shy to join to come and give it a go.]]>
"I am sure they will enjoy it, and might even start coming to our sessions on a weekly basis.
"Importantly, the dance-a-thon is a chance for people to come and try Bollywood and bhangra dancing for themselves".
Following the dance-a-thon, from 8pm to 8.15 the Gener-8 dance team will perform two Bollywood dance pieces which will hopefully inspire members of the audience to perform at the next dance-a-thon and future shows.
Anyone who would like to take part must be over eight years of age and is asked to contribute £2 to cover the running costs of the event.
Participants can be of any culture or background but must wear sports gear and a good pair of trainers.
For more information visit www.gener-8.net, phone Ravi Sandhu on 07920 463 805, or email ravi@gener-8.net
CREATIVE kids were guided by a professional artist when they spent the day painting woodland scenes.
Louise Cattrell visited pupils at Holbrook Primary School, in Gateside Road, Coventry, as part of a national art prize won last year by nine-year-old student Haider Nawaz.
Iwona Glowacz, the school's art co-ordinator, said: "She was very impressed with the quality of work, particularly a water colour daisy.
"We have a lot of artistic talent at this school."]]>
TICKETS are selling fast for a swanky charity ball to help raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The Great Daffodil Ball has been organised by Bloomin' Wonders, a local support group that raises cash on behalf of the charity. It is hoped the ball will rake in at least £5,000 on the night.
Gary Russell, owner of The Black Tie, in Whitaker Road, in Allesley Park, will be sponsoring the ball which is set to take place in the Panorama Suite of Warwick University on Saturday.]]>
His business specialises in high quality formal wear for rent or sale.
"We will be making a donation for every dinner suit we sell or hire out for the ball," he said. "It would be wonderful if others will support the evening and follow suit, if you will pardon the pun."
Tickets are available at £35 per head which include a three course meal. Visit www.bloominmarvels.org.uk, or contact Sarah Morris on 024 7645 9333.
A PORTRAIT of a 90-year-old woman from Coventry painted by her great-grandson has been selected by the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts a month after she died.
Jake Bevan, aged 17, a Coundon Court School pupil, was one of 49 successful applicants chosen from more than 1,000 entries submitted to the Academy's student art competition.
The 90-year-old subject, Eunice Moore, had never seen the finished painting and died before news of her great-grandson's success was announced.
The second year A-level student's work is now available to view online.
Jake, who has enrolled on a foundation year to study fine art at Coventry University, said: "Art was always something I wanted to do but I wasn't really sure of my ability, so having my painting selected has given me more confidence.
"Hopefully it will open more doors when it comes to getting into the university.]]>
"It's a fitting memorial to my great-nan."
The student had created the piece of work as part of a series of portraits for his studies illustrating the theme of old and new.
Mum Vikki said: "Eunice would have been extremely proud."
Jaz Heer, Coundon Court School head of visual art, said: "Jake is an extremely talented painter. To have his painting selected is a really big achievement."
Coundon Court School is to host an exhibition of students' work at a free open evening on Wednesday from 6.30pm-8pm. Some of the works will be for sale. For details contact Jaz Heer on 024 7633 5121.
To view Jake's painting, visit http://www.royalacademy.org.uk/education
THE FAMILY of a Coventry grandad who was killed while riding one of his beloved motorbikes has hailed him as "funny, easy-going and friendly."
Terry Toland, who was from the Foleshill area, died at the scene after his Suzuki machine was in collision with a white Citroen Xsara car at the junction of Withybrook Road and Coventry Road, outside Wolvey, near Bulkington.
The 58-year-old, who has four children, three stepchildren and several grandchildren, was on his way home from work on Friday, June 12, at 4pm, when he suffered fatal injuries.
He was a van driver for Cobley Transport, in Leicestershire.
Terry's devastated family issued the following statement through Warwickshire Police yesterday: "Terry sadly died at the scene in a tragic accident on his way home from work.]]>
"He was a keen car and motorbike enthusiast who spent hours cleaning and maintaining his vehicles.
"He was a funny, easy-going and friendly man who enjoyed his life, and lived it to the full.
"Most of his early life he spent in Manchester but he moved to Coventry 10 years ago to live a happy life with his wife Irene.
"He will be deeply missed by his many friends and family: his loving wife Irene, his four children, Paul, Stephen, Diane and John, and also his stepchildren Graham, Chris and Darren, and all his many grandchildren."
His funeral will be held next Tuesday.
PC Graeme Hurry would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash or who saw the car or bike in the moments leading up to the accident. Anyone with information is asked to call him on 01926 415415.