Coventry Telegraph - CV6

Speaking up for the Latvian Community

2011-02-09T15:00:55Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford. In her latest blog Jo shares a song she wrote for her husband, and writes about her views on the difference between her husband's and today's generations.]]> My Latvia Song by Josephine Oriel Vitols Oh Latvia, my Latvia Away across the sea Oh Latvia, My Latvia Is where I long to be. But I have waited oh so long For you ...to be free Of Latvia, My Latvia Then I'm coming home to thee. My Latvia, My Latvia My heart belongs to Latvia Oh to feel your warm embrace Once more before I die Oh Latvia, My Latvia As I didn't say good-bye Oh Latvia, My Latvia You are so far away Oh Latvia, My Latvia But I will come back some day I was only seventeen when I went off to war Oh Latvia, My Latvia And I saw my folks no more Oh Latvia, My Latvia The Land where I was born Oh Latvia, My Latvia The place that I still mourn But England is my country now And my love for her has grown Oh Latvia, My Latvia But you will always be my home Oh Latvia, My Latvia Before my days are done Oh Latvia, My Latvia And before the setting of the sun I will return to you once more And set foot upon the shore So welcome me with arms outstretched And open wide the door Oh Latvia, My Latvia My heart belongs to Latvia Oh to feel your warm embrace Once more before I die Oh Latvia, My Latvia I've just come to say good-bye. Dedicated to "Voldemars" Whose homeland it was.

My trip to Westminster Cathedral

2011-01-19T13:28:31Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford.

In her first blog of the year Jo writes about her trip to London and that by some miracle she might be invited to the Royal wedding.

]]> On Wednesday the 17th of November 2010, I felt honored to be included in the party that attended Westminster Cathedral for Britten's War Requiem from the Coventry Cathedral.

The reason for this was because the choir were invited to perform there and as my Grand
Daughter Mariah Jackson is in the Cathedral choir I asked if I could go along as a chaperon.

I was delighted when my request was granted.

So we set off from the Memorial Park at 1.30pm that day.

At the start of the journey all the girls were given a grey top with the Coventry Cathedral motif on it to wear so that they could be easily identified.

On arrival the choir got to work straight away under the guidance of their musical director Mr Kerry Beaumont.

The piece involved singing in with the regular choir from Westminster Cathedral so had to be just right for the evening performance.

Hence the practice.

After this came the treat of the day as the girls, me included, were taken to McDonald's for a meal.

As you can imagine this went down very well and set them in the right mood for the evening.

On their return to the Cathedral the girls had to change into their robes.

I then went with three others to watch the performance from the front.

Which I have to say was very well attended, a full house in fact.

And I found the Cathedral very awe inspiring.

I am glad to say that there were no slip-ups on the night and everything went as planned.

So Mr Beaumont would have been very pleased with his girls.

Then it was back onto the coach for the journey home, we arrived back at the Memorial park around 12.30am.

Where parents stood anxiously waiting to pick up their young off spring after what seemed a very long day.

I was actually born in London but sadly I have not been in a position to travel a great deal because of work commitments therefore it is only now that I am retired that I am managing to get out and about a bit more to see the sights that have eluded me all these years.

I well remember many years ago when my mother in law came to visit me from Durham and I took her to Coventry Zoo.

On seeing a baby Elephant she clasped my arm and said. "Do you know Jo, I have never seen an elephant!"

Well I feel much the same as she must have felt then, as I find all the youngsters have done and seen far more that I have ever done in my life.

In my own mind I had got it into my head that I was going to Westminster Abbey, as I didn't realise that the Cathedral and the Abbey were two different buildings. How sick is that?

Now I find that my only chance of going to the Abbey would be if I got a Royal invite to Prince William and Kate's wedding.

So watch this space.

Miracles are known to happen.
Jo

The roadworks in Beake Avenue

2010-11-17T15:34:39Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford In her latest blog Jo writes about the state of Coventry's roads and what's being done to fix them. ]]> I see new road markings have been installed by the traffic lights for bicycles. Having ridden in the district for twenty-two years as a carer I had not come across this sign before. What struck me though was how very little manoeuvrable space there was from the kerb to the double yellow lines and the traffic. The lane starts by the entry so it wouldn't do to wobble. May I ask while on the subject of improvements whether at last something can be done to stop the cars from parking on the grass verges as the front of many houses are being left unsightly A grass verge should be a grass verge and not a mud track. I have raised this subject many times before but to little avail. Also what does it take to remove signs that have no more useful purpose such as that lump of concrete which has been kicking around on Jubilee Crescent green for more years than I can remember that used to state Do not to feed the birds. Along with others there that have also lost their usefulness. There are more signs too placed on the grass verges in this area that also mean nothing. Surely a lorry could go around the city and remove these unwanted signs once and for all. It would at least be a step in the right direction as it all makes for a grubby outlook. Well it is time to get off my soapbox until I need to let rip once more. But at least it is nice to see some improvements being made to our district at last. Jo

Bonfire Night in Holbrooks

2010-11-01T15:15:07Z

By Christine Reed I was born and brought up in Holbrooks back then it was a lovely community and everyone knew one another. For years now there has been no community spirit and upon asking local people about Bonfire Night (as we used to call it) I was surprised to hear that they had nothing for the community. I approached the new landlord of the Hub, Paddy and asked if we could get together and provide a family night out. The Hub has agreed to provide fireworks and The Philing Station will be providing the food. We have produced posters and flyers and spoke to Coventry City Council Neighbourhood Wardens for Holbrooks and they very kindly agreed to distribute flyers for us. The event is on Friday 5th November 2010 at The Hub Public House from 6pm - Fireworks 7pm Promt. Food provided by The Philing Station Includes Hot Dogs, Burgers, Jacket potatoes with various fillings, Pork and stuffing.

Cliff Richard reaches 70

2010-11-01T15:00:44Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford As Cliff Richard, forever young, celebrates the big 70, I thought I would share a portrait that I painted of him. You might also be interested to know that when I worked as a correspondent for The Coventry Citizen I was privileged to be asked to write the review for the Cliff Richard Gospel Concert when he appeared at the Coventry Hippodrome on 22nd September 1984.

A day out in Leamington Spa and Warwick.

2010-10-14T17:09:15Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford. In this blog Jo writes about the joy of retirement, meeting old friends and visiting the local area.]]> We had a nice leisurely walk all along the riverside seeing swans with their cygnets and the many greedy ducks that came right up onto the bank doing their best to grab a tasty morsel of bread, which was being thrown to them by some other visitors. We stopped to watch for a while before proceeding on to view the Parish Of All Saints Church. What a beautiful Church this is. More of a Cathedral I would say. What have I been missing all these years? A real treasure on my doorstep. I haven't mentioned the arcade, which we passed through on our way to the gardens but again this was quite exceptional. I was most impressed. And there were so many beautiful flowers on display all around the town to welcome all who visited. We found we had covered quite a lot of ground and as there was time to spare made our way to Warwick. First we went to view Warwick Castle but did not venture inside as there was no time, besides it is quite expensive to do so unless one can pace themselves to take everything in. Still it was good just the same to see the castle from the outside. We then went to see St Mary's church; again I was overwhelmed as it is simply breathtaking inside. What a bonus to see two such splendid churches all in one day. After a stroll round the area it was time to make our way home. However I am so glad that we took time out to go sight seeing and I know it won't be too long before I go again as there was too much for me to take in with just one visit. Jo

The new bus lanes and bus shelters in Coventry are not up to scratch

2010-09-20T15:48:53Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford. In this edition of her blog Jo writes about the local bus shleters and how perhaps the views of the local residents haven't really been heard.]]> Someone in their wisdom thinks this is the best thing to do but passengers are often soaked through to the skin before even getting to their destinations. This must be one of the most open areas on the route yet we are left wanting. Many senior citizens use this stop as do those who live in Burnaby Road who have no bus on their route so have to walk halfway up the road to catch the bus so a shelter with seats here is well over due. Isn't this what we pay our rates for? You will find that on this spot we are in no mans land as we are right on the border of many districts. Perhaps this is why we are often overlooked. I come under Holbrook's when it comes to voting time. Yet across the lights on my side of the road is Radford. On the opposite side of the road to me is the Bablake ward. And higher up the road it becomes Whitmore Park yet we all have a Keresley telephone number. So you can see what I mean when it comes to missing out. I am not alone in my thinking when it comes to bus shelters as I see that Councillor Roger Bailey, Conservative, from the Whoberley ward of Coventry has the same problem his side of town. So if no one listens to me, maybe those in question will listen to him to see that we all get what is needed instead of the privileged few. See his letter in The Coventry Telegraph Thursday 2nd September. 2010, confirming what I am saying. I also think things have been done badly down in Jubilee Crescent as the road has been extended out just on the corner of the green where the old bus stop once stood. Why didn't they just cut the pavement back all along this stretch of the road outside all the shops as the pavement is now wider than the road itself so each time a bus stops here to pick up passengers any traffic following on behind has to wait for the bus to move forward before following through which must cause congestion. Perhaps they could now widen the road on the other side by putting the pedestrian footpath on the other side of the trees on the green, thus widening the road around the green itself. Now down in town we find instead of going into City Pool Meadow to catch our bus we can now catch it at the bottom of The Burgess. Again this is a very open area and in need of a bus shelter, although I find in fact that I can catch the number 13 bus in Broadgate. Which believe it or not has a bus shelter but again it would have been better placed in the Burgess area as one finds they can shelter under the shops canopy in Broadgate. Oh well I suppose this is what is called progress. But it is not what I call progress. Still who am I to question why. Jo

Open weekend at St Luke's Church in Holbrooks

2010-09-09T14:49:39Z

By Fr Matthew Pittam of St Luke's Holbrooks. St Lukes Church Holbrooks are having an open weekend from 10-12th Sep 2010. This will be an event which celebrates the life of the local community and also the church. There will be displays, exhibitions and talks throughout the weekend. The event will also include the following: > Holbrooks History > St Lukes life >Weddings down the ages > Music > Asian weddings > Baptisms > Church vestments (including many rare examples Refreshensts will be held throught the weekend. We are open from 10am-4pm each day. Entry is free.

My holiday in County Durham

2010-08-23T14:57:02Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford Jo's back blogging and as she had such an interesting holiday in County Durham, she wanted to share her experiences. And maybe her blog will give the readers an incentive to visit historical places in Britain during the holidays.]]> The gardens to all the cottages were thriving with vegetables. The soil is mostly peat, which does help. I only wish mine was as good. My garden is all clay! We went to the village and saw the old Co-operative shop fully stocked with all manner of goods that one would need in those days. We visited Barclays Bank and found we were able to go down into the vaults to see where folk kept their valuables etc. We found the Masonic Hall, very interesting and the Dentists, Doctors and solicitors homes. All these were very grand when you consider the times they lived in. We went up stairs to the dentist's surgery where the old dentist chair was on display with all the equipment used for the purpose of examining and extracting ones teeth. Two dental nurses stood by. When I went to take a photograph one moved and I got the shock of my life. However I soon found out that all the people that worked at Beamish dressed as workers of the day. I was surprised that I was able to take as many photographs as I liked without being stopped from doing so as some museums are very strict where this is concerned. The old village school brought back memories for me as it was just like the ones I attended in Somerset and again in Swindon with the little desks with lift up tops that were positioned at a slant to make for better writing. (I can't understand why these were abolished, as they were so much better than the flat tables that are used to day. One could also keep their exercise books to hand and so save all the heavy carrying school children have to do to day. On the blackboard were sums as we used to do them. I found I could still come up with the right answers. There were old cars, buses, trams, and trains running around all day where one could hitch a ride for free having already paid an entrance fee to get in. This was very reasonable I thought as I believe the cost was only ÃÂ£11-00 for senior citizens (I was treated) but according to the brochure one can go back many times throughout the year without further charge. But I do believe it covered for one extra visit only, so don't quote me here. We stopped for a cup of tea and a bacon bap in the old Co-op shop. This was delicious and well worth the money. One of the things that was in the old shop down stairs and marked up for sale was a bicycle made in Coventry, by Singer. (Of course) The price then was ten guineas. There was also an old singer sewing machine. I have taken a photograph for you all to see. We went into the printing shop and saw how printing was done in those days and visited the Wesleyan Methodist Church which has an old cine camera on show that must have been used during the services sometimes. It was a very pretty church. I said a little prayer whilst I was there. We then went to the coalmines and found that we could go down them if we so wished but on this occasion we didn't do so as we were running out of time, still we did follow through to see how the coal was brought to the surface and what it entailed. We even had a ride on the little train there. I could go on all day but I do have to try to keep things short. However I have to tell you that I also took in a trip to Killhope lead mine, and I think you will find that some of the marble used in Coventry Cathedral was extracted from around these parts. Windsor Castle was roofed in Pennine lead in 1365, as was lead for the roof for Clairvaux Abbey in France in 1183. Lead from the North Pennines was almost certainly used as lead shot by both sides, for The Battle of Waterloo. And it is thought that prisoners in Roman times were used to man the mines. So it does have a bit of history. In the eighteenth and nineteenth century the North Pennines around Killhope were the worlds most productive lead fields, Killhope was one of the richest lead mines in Britain and started in 1853 and closed in 1910. So historians take note. Before I finally close there is one more thing that I have to bring to your attention, which is amazing and that is the fossil tree, which stands in Stanhope. This is 250 million years old and was brought here and erected in 1962 by Mr J.G. Beaston . (See photograph of write up.) Now I must call it a day but when next I go to Durham I will endeavour to take in these trips again as there is so much I have yet to see but time caught up with me. I hope you will find my blog interesting. Jo

St Luke's Church coffee morning

2010-08-19T16:26:05Z

Janis Baggott Parish Administrator Saint Luke's Church holds a coffee morning every Friday in their Parish Centre between 9.00 and 11.30 a.m. Real coffee, tea, hot chocolate, toast, cakes and biscuits are served free of charge. Everyone is welcome to drop in and join us.

Holyhead Road URC presents Rocky's Plaice

2010-08-19T16:18:32Z

By Sybil Randle Holyhead Road URC presents Rocky's Plaice. A Holiday Club for 5 - 11 year olds, on the 23rd of August 2010 to the 27th August 2010, from 10am until 12pm (noon). Entry ÃÂ£5. ÃÂ For details please phone (024) 76591333

Jo's holiday to Salou

2010-07-29T15:00:33Z

By Jo Vitols of Radford In her latest blog, Jo recounts her holiday to Salou. Where her and her family enjoy the local sights and delights.]]> It is some time since my last blog but the reason for this is because I went on holiday to sunny Spain with my son and family for two weeks. This is the first real holiday I have had since I lost my husband four years ago. I had been down to Skegness sharing a caravan with them but it is not quite like getting waited on with meals etc. No washing up or preparing of food. So it made a nice change. Besides I wouldn't venture abroad by myself. Another plus was that one could rely on the weather so even though it cost us more to get to our destination we actually spent less when we were there, so it evened things out a bit. We stayed at Dorada Palace, which I found rather splendid. The food and service were good and the staff very pleasant and helpful at all times. There were three pools of various depths, one being a toddler's pool. So parents felt quite safe for their children as they could watch them as they, themselves sunbathed. This wasn't necessarily me, so many days I left them to it and headed off to the shops where I could browse to my hearts content. There were many to look round but all sellers were rather pushy for you to buy. After dining each evening there would be some sort of live entertainment on but more often than not we would head out to the local area for a scout round to see what else was on offer. This usually took in a walk along the beach and a game of bingo, where I was lucky enough to win seventy euros and my son thirty euros. Off we would go then to join in the karaoke sessions as my grand daughter Mariah loves to sing, In fact she is sensational even though I say it myself. And each time she got up to sing one could hear a pin drop. Everyone stopped what they were doing just to listen to her. I can honestly say that she took Spain by a storm and got a standing ovation each time. She could have been winning herself a free breakfast for two each time, which was the prize for the best singer of the night but she only took up the offer once with her mother as our meals were all included at our hotel. One lady who was completely won over by her singing presented her with a red rose. I thought she was getting discovered as so many were eager to talk to her and to take her photograph. I must add that Mariah became a member of Coventry Cathedral choir last September so credit must be given to her musical director Mr Kerry Beaumont for bringing out the best in her. We all tell her that she is going to be the next Katharine Jenkinson. So watch this space. Clair and Rob took the children to the theme park where they had a full day enjoying the rides etc. They had a family photograph taken of themselves dressed up in cowboy gear, which came out really well making this a real holiday souvenir. Next it was decided that we would go to Barcelona zoo. As we were too late to get the coach that day we plumped for the train instead. What a mistake! Fortunately the day was not as hot as it had been on other days but nevertheless the animals still found it so and tended to shelter wherever they could, so taking photographs of them was difficult so after a while we decided it best to head back. What a journey. When the train came everyone climbed on board. I guess we caught the workers going home and they knew what to expect so we got left without a seat and spent the entire journey back to Salou sitting on the train steps. It was a good job Lukas had his pushchair and a kind man gave up his seat for me after a while so I at least had a decent seat for half of the journey home. Never again my son said. And we didn't even get to see much of Barcelona either. Mores the pity. All too soon our holiday came to an end, although we had gone away for two weeks we all felt that because of the differing ages in our group a week would have been sufficient. Still it was nice to do something as a family as everyone always seem to be running round like headless chickens half of the time so it was nice to have a little togetherness at least. Sadly on my return home it was to find that my sister Rita had passed away the previous day so although this was expected, her passing was still a shock to come home to. As she lived out of town I had to make the trip to Milton Keynes for her funeral. And to pay my last respects to her. I will leave it at that and hope to get back to you again on a more regular level now. Jo

Jo Vitols: I am getting to be a Gadabout

2010-06-02T11:40:40Z

Just lately I have been gadding about doing all sorts of things as I get asked to join my friends and family on outings. This makes a nice change as I have spent most of my time doing home repairs, gardening, etc and child minding with hardly any time for myself. Now that I am all up to date with things I can at last afford to have a bit of me time. As I told you last week I have ventured down to the Jaguar Bowling Club to try my hand at bowling. I found that I really enjoyed the sport so now intend to become a member. Friday week I went with a friend to Birmingham to visit the Back-to-Back Houses. As Jane is a life member of the National Trust I was able to go in free as her guest. It also happened to be VE Day, so on that day members of the various forces were in attendance. Flags were flying and teas were being served in 1940's style. Identity passes and ration books were on display for all to see along with the weekly ration allowances to show what life was like in those far off days. What an experience this was. All my memories came flooding back as I saw many things that were used by my family in my growing up years. The out houses contained the old-fashioned loos and washhouses. There was an old copper like the one my mum used when I was young, where one had to light a fire under it just to get hot water for washing and bathing.]]> I forgot to take a photograph of this. Which I could have done. But photographs were not allowed inside the house so I completely forgot to do so when out in the yard again. People used the coal cellars as air raid shelters during the war and the smell of the coke made me recall the time I lived above the doctors surgery in The Stoney Stanton Road where we had to fetch the coke up each evening for the fires to warm the doctor's surgeries the next day. I had to laugh too as one of the chairs in the room had a chair back cover embroidered with a crinoline lady. I still have the one that I embroidered for my mother. Sewing wasn't my best point but I made quite a good attempt at it, I guess this is why I still have it. I must tell you now that I went to the art exhibition that was held at The Holiday Inn. Which formed part of the Kenilworth Festival this weekend. What a wonderful display. There were 250 exhibits. Mainly paintings but some photographs. All were outstanding. I wouldn't have liked to be the judge who had to decide the winning entry. They were all winners in my eyes. My sister in law Mary fell in love with the Odbourne Allotments painting done by artist Maureen Allison. She bought the picture in memory of her mother who had recently died as she had an allotment there for many years. The one that took my eye was the painting the Final Furlong, by Andy Farr. I told my niece about it when I got back home and she went the next day and bought it. I went again myself on the Saturday with my friend Bob, as he wanted to see the paintings when I told him just how good they were. We both couldn't help but wonder how it is possible for a place like Kenilworth to manage to display 250 pain tings yet here in Coventry they can only manage to find space to hang 75 pictures for their exhibition. There is surely something wrong here.

Jo Vitols: Everywhere is coming alive where I live

2010-05-13T12:50:05Z

There seems so much going on around me at present that I don't really know where to start so I will begin with telling you about the shop that has opened in Jubilee Crescent. It is a Myton Hospice Charity Shop, and opened on Thursday. It was well stocked with many interesting things to catch the eye, from clothes to bric a brac and furniture, and was well attended by would be bargain hunters. I met up with manager Bridgette Littler and her Assistant Jenny Anderson and Volunteer worker Brian Todd. Who were all kept very busy This makes five charity shops again in the Crescent as Help the Aged shop closed before Christmas. There appears to be movement on two other shops here as well that were also closed last year, so perhaps there are signs of an upward turn at last after the recession. The roads are very busy outside my house as workmen prepare the new stands and bus shelters for the new bus lanes. The lights at the junction of Beake Avenue and Burnaby road are being manned by the workmen and in fact on Sunday as the main lights have been out of action there have been a few accidents there as cars judge when best to cross the road. Still at the end of the day we should see some improvements as the number thirteen bus has been a bit of a hit and miss at times. ]]> I will end my blog this week by telling you that I decided to go along to the Jaguar Sports and Social Bowls Club last Thursday at four-o-clock as one could try their hand at bowling under the guidance of a coach. All equipment is provided and all age groups over twelve years of age, male and female are made most welcome. This was indeed the case as I found out when my coach Brian with great patience told me the rules of the game and then proceeded to show me how to play. I had a playing partner John, who later joined me and had attended the week before. I found it to be good fun and certainly intend to follow it through with another coaching session this week as apart from it being a new interest for me it is also near to where I live. It will keep me fit and is a way of making new friends too. For enquiries contact Terry on 024-76 452604 or Marian on 024-76-402950. As I believe they are seeking as many new players as possible. To finish with I will tell you that my little Grand Son Lukas was two on Sunday. His parents had a big Spider Man bouncy castle put up in my garden especially for his birthday so his little friends could to enjoy themselves. He also had a Thomas The Tank Engine birthday cake to share around afterwards. The weather kept fine so all celebrations were held in the garden.

Jo Vitols: The National Memorial Arboretum

2010-05-05T14:28:07Z

Last Sunday I had an unexpected invitation to join my two friends Douglas and Mary who had decided to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, which is on the way to Litchfield. So I jumped at the chance of a trip out. The day was really bright and cheerful although there was still that easterly wind about so one needed a coat to keep out the breeze. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but was amazed at the place. There is no admittance fee and one could walk around at will. Everywhere was spotlessly clean and all the monuments and carvings, figures and tributes were exceptional. The Arboretum relies on donations to maintain and run the site. We first attended the service of remembrance in the little Millennium Chapel. The chapel was the only one built in millennium year and received a donation from the lottery fund for this. There was so much to do and see and a second visit is on the cards as there is too much to take in with one visit. I believe there is around one hundred and fifty acres to walk round. ]]> And work is still going on to build and improve the site and to keep it maintained. There are talks about the armed forces, guided walks. There is also a land train ride that takes in a thirty-minute commentary, and mobility scooters are available too at a cost of ÃÂ£5-00. It is great place to go for a family day out as the children have the freedom and space to run yet can also learn all about the various wars and the sacrifices made by those who died in conflict so that others could live. Good food is also obtainable at a reasonable price and military souvenirs can be obtained in the shop. It must have been our lucky day as once a year a classic car show is held there in the grounds and Sunday happened to be that day. It was like a walk down memory lane as we remembered many of the old cars that had been produced along the years. Many had been made here in Coventry. It is so sad really when we think of our lost industry. Still Phoenix will rise again I'm sure.