Coventry Telegraph - CV6tag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2008-02-08://662009-11-04T12:25:14ZMovable Type Enterprise 4.21-enJo Vitols: Memoriestag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1784512009-11-04T12:18:39Z2009-11-04T12:25:14Z Reading a letter in the daily Mirror yesterday from a lady who wrote about the time her daughter took an orange into school in1944 to share with others because it was such a rare thing to have or even...Danielle Hicks
Reading a letter in the daily Mirror yesterday from a lady who wrote about the time her daughter took an orange into school in1944 to share with others because it was such a rare thing to have or even to see.
Made me think of the time when I was young, this would be around about the same time in the 1940's.
I attended a children's Christmas party in Bruton, Somerset. Given by the British Legion for the soldier's children.
There was the usual game of pass the parcel, with each child hoping they would be the one to remove the last piece of paper to reveal what was inside the parcel.
Eventually it revealed a tangerine, how our eyes lit up at the sight of it as none of us had ever seen anything like it before.
I well remember being quite envious of the boy who had won it and can remember his name to this day. It was "GODFREY CURL " Another privilege he had was to hold the paper basket as we all had another chance to win something else in another parcel... What an honour.
How times have changed. There seems nothing to excite us any more; the shops are full of everything, one is spoilt for choice, In fact spoilt in every way.
As it seems no one knows how to make their own fun any more. ]]>
The killjoys, do gooders and now the Politically Correct have ruined it all. As one has to watch what they do and say and we aren't allowed to do the simplest of things, not even conkers, in case we hurt ourselves.
What fun I had growing up in the country, we had a super life running wild and playing at make believe, we were knights in shining armour, sword fighting with the brass stair rods, we made our own bows and arrows, went fishing with rods and nets we had made ourselves, and did bare back riding on the horses in the fields and tight rope walking or were just clowns larking around playing at circus's.
We even made our own shoes out of cardboard and knitting wool. We had picnics beside the lake and went swimming in it too even though there must have been eighteen feet of mud in the middle of it.
We climbed the highest trees and rode the branches of blown down old trees as if the were horses in a race, we went haymaking and played with the hay whilst it was drying.
I guess we helped the farmer by constantly turning it over. And we helped with the harvest by stacking the wheat and also helped with the potato picking in the fields, often supping the workers scrumpy that was hidden under a bush for when there was a thirst.
We would watch the old steamrollers come up the roads as they repaired them. What a wonderful sight this was, we would often sit and talk in the sun and pop the tarmac bubbles as the sun caused them to blister and we would make mud pies.
We saw snakes, rats, mice, stoats, weasels, badgers and foxes, also lizards and newts,
we went birds nesting, although now not acceptable. Which is a good thing. We would also collect snails and ladybirds and such like and chase the butterflies.
We gathered nuts and blackberries in the woods and picked mushrooms and wild flowers. We had a den in the old oak tree, which was hollow and our old dog Toby would come everywhere with us.
What wonderful carefree days these were Things will never be the same again. I am so glad that I grew up when I did.
Jo Vitols: Ken Jermy, Whitmore Park Primary school Crossing Warden, Retirestag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1732832009-10-28T12:49:22Z2009-10-28T13:12:12Z Thursday 22nd October saw Ken Jermy the children's school crossing warden at Whitmore Park Primary school Retire from his post. Ken had been working as a lollypop man outside the school in Halford Lane for the past two years...Danielle Hicks
Thursday 22nd October saw Ken Jermy the children's school crossing warden at Whitmore Park Primary school Retire from his post.
Ken had been working as a lollypop man outside the school in Halford Lane for the past two years but found he had to retire through ill health.
The school children presented him with an album with other gifts of chocolates and cards
When Ken left school in 1958 he worked for British Railways until 1972.
He then left and became a worker at The Royal Mail. where he stayed for a further thirty three years.
The position now needs to be filled, especially now with the dark nights upon us.
So if there is anyone out there who would like to be considered for the position they should contact the road safety team on 024-76 832024
I have to tell you that my own husband worked as a road safety officer at the Burnaby Road junction for ten years, perhaps some may remember him.
I will now go on to tell you of how I was invited to attend The Harvest Festival Service last Wednesday morning at St Augustine's Church in Radford.
The children played a big part in the service reading out passages from the bible and the church was full of the harvest festival.
It was a lovely way to start the day and I have to say that the children delivered in a clear and knowing fashion as well as all turning up smart in their school uniforms.
So well done all of you, you were a pride to your school.]]>
Jo Vitols: The Little cinematag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1721912009-10-20T10:11:42Z2009-10-20T10:21:51Z In her latest blog, Jo Vitols writes about watching "Coventry Market The Musical". I always like to be fair and give praise where it is due and so when I heard that Coventry had won gold for their production...Danielle Hicks
In her latest blog, Jo Vitols writes about watching "Coventry Market The Musical".
I always like to be fair and give praise where it is due and so when I heard that Coventry had won gold for their production of "Coventry Market The Musical" I decided to go down and see it for myself at the little cinema that is placed in the wall in Coventry Market.
I have to say it was well worth the visit as the show was a real delight to watch.
There was only one other person who decided to sit it through the show with me.
Her name was Jean, others glanced in but went on their way, however I would encourage anyone who has the time to stop by and have a gander as they would find it well worth their while .
There are only four seats available to sit, but the ones there are really comfortable arm chair style ones.
So roll up, roll up, you Coventry folk, come and see the show it was a real joy to see all the local community getting involved in the production and of course the production team themselves who put it all together.
So well done everyone. ]]>
My only regret was that I was not included as this was something that I know I would have enjoyed doing, but sadly I wasn't available the day that they had the auditions in the market.
I am not saying that I have a great voice but I do sing all the time as I go about my daily life, so who knows what doors may have been opened for me.
Now I will end by asking.. Why are there still no rubbish bins available at the New Belgrade Theatre and green?
I see many people standing at the bus stops not knowing what to do with their cartons etc.
Most do take them home with them but surely it would be better if a few bin could be included here.
If the weather is nice people like to sit on the grass, yet there is no bin to put their waste in should they take a lunch break there.
It was June when the site was opened so there has been time to do something about this . ]]>
General Gossip from Jubilee Crescenttag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1705752009-10-07T14:10:09Z2009-10-08T10:47:54Z By Jo Vitols This week I will just tell you a few things of what I have been involved in or what has been happening down my way. Firstly I will tell you that I attended the christening of...Danielle Hicks
By Jo Vitols
This week I will just tell you a few things of what I have been involved in or what has been happening down my way.
Firstly I will tell you that I attended the christening of my great niece Annie May on Sunday 27th of September at The Lady of assumption Church Tile Hill.
She shared her christening day with a little friend Isabelle.
The service was given by a Vietnam priest and I have to say it was the most wonderful of services.
Afterwards there was a gathering to celebrate the occasion at The Lime Tree Club.
Down my way, in Jubilee Crescent we saw the opening of our new post office. It is very smart I have to say and everyone in the area is pleased to get their Post Office back.
Apparently the post box is to be moved to the new site which is on the other sade of the road next door to where Woolworth's once stood.]]>
Which of course is now Neweys.
Some people may not have noticed but The Lucky Strike Shop that only opened a short time ago has given over part of the shop to soft furnishing and a bedding department.
This opened up on Monday.
This still leaves two vacant shops in Jubilee Crescent, which of course was the Old Post Office and the old pound shop is the other one.
No doubt with Christmas around the corner we may look to see some new businesses coming our way too. So watch this space.
Now I have to tell you that it took some neighbour to do what the council should be doing in Beake Avenue for as some of you may recall I have been constantly going on about the state of our grass verges.
Well for the want of a better place to put his surplus soil he decide the best course of action was to fill in the various holes that had been collecting on our stretch of the green.
However this problem really needs to be looked at and acted upon as it really does bring the area down. As I have said before people who destroy should be made to pay.
But one can talk until they are blue in the face because I know at the end of the day I am wasting my breath in keep bringing it up, but I know I am not alone as many are cheesed off about this sort of thing happening all over Coventry.
When are the Council going to get a grip of things. It is no good having grand ideas for a new City Centre when everything else gets left undone.
Let us all make our voices heard.....]]>
The Old housetag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1693002009-09-30T10:59:09Z2009-09-30T11:44:42ZBy Jo Vitols I was flattered when I was first asked by John west from The Coventry Telegraph if I would write a regular blog for them on their new site. Some of you may remember that my first blog...Danielle Hicks
I was flattered when I was first asked by John west from The Coventry Telegraph if I would write a regular blog for them on their new site.
Some of you may remember that my first blog was about a neglected house in Poultney Road Radford that had been left empty for almost twenty years.
So I questioned why this should be so.
I actually over reached myself whilst taking a photograph so that I could illustrate my story and ended up in hospital having to undergo emergency surgery because I shattered my elbow.
Later I took up the story with our chief executive Marin Reeves who personally came out to see me about my concerns for the area.]]>
Now I don't know if this had any bearing but I have to report that the trees and all garden growth has been cleared and taken away.
There has been a lot of movement there so things are moving at last.
Whether this is through Mr Reeves intervention I don't know but I did notice that a rubbish bin was put on the old Dunlop gates at long last which was another matter I brought to his attention as all the rubbish was being pushed through the railings there for the want of a bin.
Sadly the bin that had been burnt down well over six years ago in the Holbrooks park was not replaced.
Which beats me as it is only a few yards away and considering that we are all being given new blue top wheelie bins at the tax payers expense bringing the total to three now, it seems a sad state of affairs that there is no money left over for a simple bin in the park.
I would have thought that we had enough bins already to fill our pavements.
Still who am I to say... From little acorns big oak trees grow so we must watch this space to see what other improvements are made. ]]>
Foleshill pizza boys tried to deliver £15k of herointag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1686292009-09-25T10:36:59Z2009-09-25T10:40:57ZBy Emma Stone Crime Reporter TWO PIZZA delivery boys from Coventry have been jailed for their roles in a plot to smuggle more than £15,000 worth of heroin into the country. Brothers Rohaib and Zoaheb Iqbal, of Ransom Road, Foleshill,...Jane Stirland
By Emma Stone
Crime Reporter
TWO PIZZA delivery boys from Coventry have been jailed for their roles in a plot to smuggle more than £15,000 worth of heroin into the country.
Brothers Rohaib and Zoaheb Iqbal, of Ransom Road, Foleshill, pleaded guilty to their part in the bid, which involved hiding 239 grammes of the class A drug in a make-up set brought into Manchester Airport by a family travelling from Pakistan.
The Coventry men were snared by customs officers after they made contact with the family to collect the illicit package.
Rohaib, aged 24, and Zoaheb Iqbal, aged 23, were jailed for four, and three and half years respectively at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.
The pair had earlier pleaded guilty to being knowingly concerned in the importation of heroin.
The case began when customs officers stopped a family-of-five who had travelled from Islamabad in Pakistan last year.
The passengers said they were transporting a make-up box for a relative back in Pakistan.
Subsequently the parcel tested positive for heroin. The two adults in the group were arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.
In April last year, the family contacted Greater Manchester Police after Rohaib and Zoaheb contacted them to collect the parcel.
The police visited an address in Burnage and arrested the men in the house for the possession of offensive weapons, possession of controlled drugs and possession of controlled drugs with the intent to supply.
A search also uncovered a cricket bat and golf club, together with two packages of herbal cannabis.
Yesterday, his Honour Judge Hammond said he was sentencing the pair "in respect of their significant role" in the forwarding of the drugs into the country.
He added: "Although not actively responsible for the importation you were dealing in drugs, I recognise that Rohaib, in particular, was assisting this other person and appears dominated by him.
"But equally you both came to Manchester to collect the drugs on that person's behalf - a significant supply of drugs.
"I accept someone else is responsible for the importation, probably a more sophisticated drug dealer, but you equally both came to collect the drugs.
"The trip to Manchester was an indication of the high value of the drugs and you came knowing it was of more value than a few wraps of cannabis or cocaine".
Colin Brown, UK Border Agency assistant director at Manchester Airport, added: "Air passengers are constantly warned not to carry goods for other people.
"This case is a clear example of why those warnings should be heeded."
Jo Vitols: Rob and Clair marry at last!tag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1682982009-09-23T11:07:37Z2009-09-23T11:49:51Z In her latest blog, Jo Vitols writes about the day her son Rob married long-term girlfriend Clair - after what she describes as an "eternity of planning and rushing around."...Jane Stirland In her latest blog, Jo Vitols writes about the day her son Rob married long-term girlfriend Clair - after what she describes as an "eternity of planning and rushing around."
]]>
Having got engaged once they then broke it off, but eventually decided that they couldn't live without each other so we were able at last to shout 'Hip Hip Hooray' and hang out the flags.
The wedding, which took in the civil ceremony, reception and evening buffet with light entertainment, was held at The Royal Court Hotel on the Tamworth Road, Coventry.
There were eighty guests to the wedding reception with about ninety at the evening function.
The guest singer was Simon Partridge and Mariah, Clair's daughter sang the song Hero for the happy pair.
She has a wonderful voice for her age yet she is only nine years old. She also gave them a toast at the reception.
Clair had eight bridesmaids with the chief bridesmaid being Clair Quinny.
The bride was given away by her father Finbar O'Regan.
Rob's best man was Paul Birta and he had four others friends as his ushers, one was Clair's brother Sean.
Steven Wilcox gave a reading at the ceremony.
he menu of the day was pate du maison...followed by roasted leg of lamb and fresh vegetables ... Baileys cheesecake... freshly brewed coffee or tea with chocolate mints.
Jo....................
]]>
The way we weretag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1658452009-09-09T10:56:03Z2009-09-09T10:59:12Z MEMORIES of school days at Keresley Newland High School in Coventry were shared at a 1960s themed reunion - with one ex pupil jetting in from Australia for the event. Nearly 100 former school pupils and teachers who attended...Danielle Hicks
MEMORIES of school days at Keresley Newland High School in Coventry were shared at a 1960s themed reunion - with one ex pupil jetting in from Australia for the event.
Nearly 100 former school pupils and teachers who attended the school between 1958 - 1963 reminisced about the school, which once stood off Grove Lane, at the nostalgic event at The Hare and Hounds Pub, in Keresley.
Although demolished in the early 1980s to make way for new homes in the area, the event proved the school lived on in the recollections of former pupils.
The party, which also raised funds for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support, was organised by ex-pupil Brian Oldfield, a 62-year-old entrepreneur, who grew up in Nunts Park Avenue, Holbrooks, but now lives in Nottingham.
Brian, who paid for the function room hire, food and entertainment himself, said: "I decided to get this together because I've got to that stage in life when lots of my friends have died.
"I keep asking people 'How's such and such?' Only to hear they're dead, so I wanted to see all my surviving school friends together and see what they're up to and how they're doing.]]>
"It's been over 40 years since I last saw a lot of them but I still remember the faces."
Alison Wood, aged 63, even flew from her home in Australia to meet her old school mates at the party, which included a rock and roll disco and buffet.
She said: "My best memories of being at the school were of playing netball in the fog and running on the playing field. It's really great to see everyone again."
The reunion was attended by former teachers, including former woodwork teacher Peter Stretton, who went along clutching some old black and white school photos.
It was a special occasion for the 79-year-old, of Bulkington, who admitted he remembered hardly any of the faces, although he could remember some names.
He said: "Everyone remembers me because there was just one Mr Stretton, but to me these could be one of hundreds of pupils I've taught at the school during the seven years I was there.
"I thought I'd come to see what sort of turnout there would be and it's wonderful."
Each former pupil paid £5 to enter the function which was donated to the charity Macmillan Cancer Support.
It raised £385 for the charity which was accepted by Sarah Darby, Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising manager.
She said: "I'm so touched by the fact that the organisers have thought of Macmillan Cancer Support and that, although so many of their friends have died, so many of them have come together to celebrate the lives that they have got.
"We at Macmillan are thrilled by the money raised which will help those affected by cancer."
Radford Choir in plea for new voicestag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1653342009-09-07T12:19:14Z2009-09-07T12:22:01Z A colourful Coventry choir is appealing for more singers to join them. The Kaleidoscope Singers has performed at residential homes, hospitals and community halls for more than 20 years. The 17-strong choir, who each wear distinctive colours, started life...Danielle Hicks
A colourful Coventry choir is appealing for more singers to join them.
The Kaleidoscope Singers has performed at residential homes, hospitals and community halls for more than 20 years.
The 17-strong choir, who each wear distinctive colours, started life during the economic downturn of the early 80s under a Coventry City Council initiative to provide activities for the unemployed and those housebound with young children.
Coundon Court School and Community College provided a music teacher as well as sixth-formers to look after pre-school children but once individual schools had to operate their own budgets it proved no longer viable to provide the activity for free and in 1993 the choir reformed as the Kaleidoscope Singers, meeting each Wednesday at Radford and Holbrook Methodist Church in Beake Avenue, Radford, from 2-3pm.
Choir leader Tricia Harker said: "We would love to welcome those of any age or gender who are free on Wednesday afternoons and enjoy singing. A playgroup operates at the church group at the same time."
Call Tricia on 024 7633 6246.]]>
New yellow Lines outside my hometag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1644742009-09-03T12:06:13Z2009-09-03T12:14:30Z By Jo Vitols Yesterday Coventry City workmen came and put down double yellow lines in the road opposite my house and also down the full stretch of the road by the avenue of trees by the land where the...Danielle Hicks
By Jo Vitols
Yesterday Coventry City workmen came and put down double yellow lines in the road opposite my house and also down the full stretch of the road by the avenue of trees by the land where the old Dunlop once stood.
Before the road was re surfaced many years ago I seem to remember that there was once double yellow lines here on the corner of Berwyn Avenue but it seems it has taken all this time to re-do them.
I am sure the many drivers who use this road will be very pleased as it was always a nightmare getting out into the road from these houses and it is such a busy road.
Most have to reverse into the road from this side.
The road was constantly blocked on this corner and it created a complete blind spot for drivers who had to back half way into Beake Avenue before they could see what traffic was coming down the road.
It may well be that the authorities are getting ready to install the new Premier bus lanes so we must wait and see what happens next.
Of course it might well mean that building is at long last going to go forward too at the old Dunlop ground as plans were afoot for new houses to be built here and some work units with possible work for one hundred workers some time ago.
However this was shelved a couple of years back probably due to the fall in the house market and credit crunch but it seems plans are in progress again as I have received a letter from the council asking house dwellers to put forward any objections they may have to the plans.
My own feelings on this is that it will be a good thing.
Anything is better than the eye sore this once splendid site has become .
It has stood empty for about twenty years, two of which became just open land after the factory was pulled down.
The trees are so over grown and rubbish has been pushed through the pailings and has been allowed to collect there for years. It brings the whole area down.
I also see that work has started in the empty drink shop down in Jubilee Crescent which is to be turned into the new Post Office.
So it seems progress is being made in our area. Not before time as very little has been done to enhance this area in a very long time .
Hopefully the grass verges will soon be reclaimed and offenders who constantly churn up the grass will be made accountable for the upkeep of it instead of expecting the rate payers to always have to pay for the maintenance.
I am having a busy couple of weeks as my son is getting married on Sunday at The Royal Court Hotel and I have twelve guests sleeping over so i am in for a hectic time.
This will be the wedding of the year but you will be the first to hear all about it.
So for now. Ta Ta. ]]>
Young people learning to be football coachestag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1635332009-08-27T10:31:47Z2009-08-27T10:33:02ZYOUNG people from the Foleshill, Hillfields, Longford and Radford areas of Coventry are this week on a course learning to be football coaches. The group of 18 are doing the Football Association level one certificate in coaching football. The course...Danielle Hicks
YOUNG people from the Foleshill, Hillfields, Longford and Radford areas of Coventry are this week on a course learning to be football coaches.
The group of 18 are doing the Football Association level one certificate in coaching football.
The course is part of Coventry City Council's sporting futures programme and is being held at the Daimler Green Sports Centre in Highley Drive, Radford.
Coventry sporting future officer Abdal Razak said: "These young people are now gaining a nationally recognised qualification that can help their personal development and increase their knowledge of coaching sports."
Longford mum's sprint to help autismtag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1633432009-08-26T11:05:06Z2009-08-26T11:06:58Z A COVENTRY mum is flying over to America to run the New York Marathon to raise money for children with autism after her own son was diagnosed with the condition. Kirstie Elliot, aged 32, from Glenmore Drive, Longford, said...Danielle Hicks
A COVENTRY mum is flying over to America to run the New York Marathon to raise money for children with autism after her own son was diagnosed with the condition.
Kirstie Elliot, aged 32, from Glenmore Drive, Longford, said she was determined to raise money for the National Autistic Society after the charity helped her with her
nine-year-old son, Billy.
She will now fly over to compete with around 100,000 other runners hoping to cross the finish line at Central Park on November 1.
Kirstie praised the work done by the charity in helping her family, which includes Billy's 6-year-old brother, Jay, to deal with the condition.]]>
She said: "You can't tell someone has got autism a lot of the time, they are just seen as naughty children.
"Billy was having lots of problems at school in reception. A couple of years later the school realised he wasn't just naughty there was something more."
"I use their website on a daily basis and the National Autistic Society has helped me so much since he was diagnosed."
Kirstie will have flights and accommodation paid for by Sports Tours
International after winning a competition in a national newspaper.
She is now training five nights a week to build up to the race that passes through the streets of New York's five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.
Brendan Fox, Sports Tours International's head of operations, said: "We are delighted to give Kirstie the opportunity to fulfill her dream of competing in a full marathon - and there's nowhere better to do it than in New York."
Music helping cancer charitytag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1625102009-08-20T10:05:39Z2009-08-20T10:06:46ZA COVENTRY pub is hosting a mini music festival on Saturday to raise finds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Eight local bands will play at The Nugget, in Coundon Road, with music described as "indie, chilled-out acoustic and Brit Pop". Pub...Danielle Hicks
A COVENTRY pub is hosting a mini music festival on Saturday to raise finds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Eight local bands will play at The Nugget, in Coundon Road, with music described as "indie, chilled-out acoustic and Brit Pop".
Pub manager Philip Burford said: "We have some really talented local bands playing for us so it would be fantastic to show them plenty of support. The music festival will also help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, who help improve the lives of people in the local area affected by cancer."
The event starts at 4pm and bands include Marble Skyes, The Tones and The Giveaway.
Youngsters enjoy shelter challengetag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1622542009-08-19T10:41:50Z2009-08-19T10:43:23ZCHILDREN learnt skills from jam making to how to print a T-shirt at a two-week summer school at Barrs Hill School in Coventry. The free event was part of the extended school programme at the school in Radford. Full service...Danielle Hicks
CHILDREN learnt skills from jam making to how to print a T-shirt at a two-week summer school at Barrs Hill School in Coventry.
The free event was part of the extended school programme at the school in Radford.
Full service extended school manager Wendy Medlicott said: "The bushcraft and survival skills workshop was particularly popular.
"The children became progressively more enthusiastic despite the wet miserable weather they had to contend with. They thoroughly enjoyed learning how to build a virtually waterproof shelter out of wood and leaves and making plum, apple and blackberry jam."
Happy 100th to Coundon balti pie creatortag:cv6.coventrytelegraph.net,2009://66.1622502009-08-19T10:37:36Z2009-08-19T10:41:09Z THE founder of the Leamington-based company which invented the Chicken Balti Pie has reached the grand old age of 100. Ron Baldwin started Shire Foods 39 years ago and received his card from the Queen on Saturday as friends...Danielle Hicks
THE founder of the Leamington-based company which invented the Chicken Balti Pie has reached the grand old age of 100.
Ron Baldwin started Shire Foods 39 years ago and received his card from the Queen on Saturday as friends and family gathered to mark his landmark birthday at Allambie Nursing Home, in Coundon Road.
Ron, who had two children, four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, was responsible for creating the football fan's favourite that is now the best-selling half-time snack in stadiums across the country.
Asked what it's like to be 100, Ron said: "Oh it's alright. I really enjoyed it.
"The grandchildren came over and it's nice getting a card from the queen."]]>
Ron founded Shire Foods in 1970 with a business partner and eight staff making pasties and pies from a cabin in Warwick and with just a single delivery van.
The company has now upgraded to its purpose built bakery in Tachbrook Road selling 25 million pies, pasties and sausage rolls each year.
Ron, who now suffers from Alzheimer's, was also an engineer making Beaufort guns in Gosford Street during the Second World War
A spokesman for Shire Foods said: "Congratulations to Ron on reaching such a great milestone. Around 60 football and rugby grounds now sell Shire Foods' famous pies. Chicken Balti Pie fans can now be found throughout Britain.
"It's a great local story and we are proud that Ron was such a major part in it."
Reading a letter in the daily Mirror yesterday from a lady who wrote about the time her daughter took an orange into school in1944 to share with others because it was such a rare thing to have or even to see.
Made me think of the time when I was young, this would be around about the same time in the 1940's.
I attended a children's Christmas party in Bruton, Somerset. Given by the British Legion for the soldier's children.
There was the usual game of pass the parcel, with each child hoping they would be the one to remove the last piece of paper to reveal what was inside the parcel.
Eventually it revealed a tangerine, how our eyes lit up at the sight of it as none of us had ever seen anything like it before.
I well remember being quite envious of the boy who had won it and can remember his name to this day. It was "GODFREY CURL " Another privilege he had was to hold the paper basket as we all had another chance to win something else in another parcel... What an honour.
How times have changed. There seems nothing to excite us any more; the shops are full of everything, one is spoilt for choice, In fact spoilt in every way.
As it seems no one knows how to make their own fun any more. ]]>
The killjoys, do gooders and now the Politically Correct have ruined it all. As one has to watch what they do and say and we aren't allowed to do the simplest of things, not even conkers, in case we hurt ourselves.
What fun I had growing up in the country, we had a super life running wild and playing at make believe, we were knights in shining armour, sword fighting with the brass stair rods, we made our own bows and arrows, went fishing with rods and nets we had made ourselves, and did bare back riding on the horses in the fields and tight rope walking or were just clowns larking around playing at circus's.
We even made our own shoes out of cardboard and knitting wool. We had picnics beside the lake and went swimming in it too even though there must have been eighteen feet of mud in the middle of it.
We climbed the highest trees and rode the branches of blown down old trees as if the were horses in a race, we went haymaking and played with the hay whilst it was drying.
I guess we helped the farmer by constantly turning it over. And we helped with the harvest by stacking the wheat and also helped with the potato picking in the fields, often supping the workers scrumpy that was hidden under a bush for when there was a thirst.
We would watch the old steamrollers come up the roads as they repaired them. What a wonderful sight this was, we would often sit and talk in the sun and pop the tarmac bubbles as the sun caused them to blister and we would make mud pies.
We saw snakes, rats, mice, stoats, weasels, badgers and foxes, also lizards and newts,
we went birds nesting, although now not acceptable. Which is a good thing. We would also collect snails and ladybirds and such like and chase the butterflies.
We gathered nuts and blackberries in the woods and picked mushrooms and wild flowers. We had a den in the old oak tree, which was hollow and our old dog Toby would come everywhere with us.
What wonderful carefree days these were Things will never be the same again. I am so glad that I grew up when I did.
Thursday 22nd October saw Ken Jermy the children's school crossing warden at Whitmore Park Primary school Retire from his post.
Ken had been working as a lollypop man outside the school in Halford Lane for the past two years but found he had to retire through ill health.
The school children presented him with an album with other gifts of chocolates and cards
When Ken left school in 1958 he worked for British Railways until 1972.
He then left and became a worker at The Royal Mail. where he stayed for a further thirty three years.
In her latest blog, Jo Vitols writes about watching "Coventry Market The Musical".
I always like to be fair and give praise where it is due and so when I heard that Coventry had won gold for their production of "Coventry Market The Musical" I decided to go down and see it for myself at the little cinema that is placed in the wall in Coventry Market.
I have to say it was well worth the visit as the show was a real delight to watch.
There was only one other person who decided to sit it through the show with me.
Her name was Jean, others glanced in but went on their way, however I would encourage anyone who has the time to stop by and have a gander as they would find it well worth their while .
There are only four seats available to sit, but the ones there are really comfortable arm chair style ones.
So roll up, roll up, you Coventry folk, come and see the show it was a real joy to see all the local community getting involved in the production and of course the production team themselves who put it all together.
So well done everyone. ]]>
My only regret was that I was not included as this was something that I know I would have enjoyed doing, but sadly I wasn't available the day that they had the auditions in the market.
I am not saying that I have a great voice but I do sing all the time as I go about my daily life, so who knows what doors may have been opened for me.
Now I will end by asking.. Why are there still no rubbish bins available at the New Belgrade Theatre and green?
I see many people standing at the bus stops not knowing what to do with their cartons etc.
Most do take them home with them but surely it would be better if a few bin could be included here.
If the weather is nice people like to sit on the grass, yet there is no bin to put their waste in should they take a lunch break there.
It was June when the site was opened so there has been time to do something about this . ]]>
Which of course is now Neweys.
Some people may not have noticed but The Lucky Strike Shop that only opened a short time ago has given over part of the shop to soft furnishing and a bedding department.
This opened up on Monday.
This still leaves two vacant shops in Jubilee Crescent, which of course was the Old Post Office and the old pound shop is the other one.
No doubt with Christmas around the corner we may look to see some new businesses coming our way too. So watch this space.
Now I have to tell you that it took some neighbour to do what the council should be doing in Beake Avenue for as some of you may recall I have been constantly going on about the state of our grass verges.
Well for the want of a better place to put his surplus soil he decide the best course of action was to fill in the various holes that had been collecting on our stretch of the green.
Now I don't know if this had any bearing but I have to report that the trees and all garden growth has been cleared and taken away.
There has been a lot of movement there so things are moving at last.
Whether this is through Mr Reeves intervention I don't know but I did notice that a rubbish bin was put on the old Dunlop gates at long last which was another matter I brought to his attention as all the rubbish was being pushed through the railings there for the want of a bin.
Sadly the bin that had been burnt down well over six years ago in the Holbrooks park was not replaced.
Which beats me as it is only a few yards away and considering that we are all being given new blue top wheelie bins at the tax payers expense bringing the total to three now, it seems a sad state of affairs that there is no money left over for a simple bin in the park.
I would have thought that we had enough bins already to fill our pavements.
Still who am I to say... From little acorns big oak trees grow so we must watch this space to see what other improvements are made. ]]>
Having got engaged once they then broke it off, but eventually decided that they couldn't live without each other so we were able at last to shout 'Hip Hip Hooray' and hang out the flags.
The wedding, which took in the civil ceremony, reception and evening buffet with light entertainment, was held at The Royal Court Hotel on the Tamworth Road, Coventry.
There were eighty guests to the wedding reception with about ninety at the evening function.
The guest singer was Simon Partridge and Mariah, Clair's daughter sang the song Hero for the happy pair.
She has a wonderful voice for her age yet she is only nine years old. She also gave them a toast at the reception.
Clair had eight bridesmaids with the chief bridesmaid being Clair Quinny.
The bride was given away by her father Finbar O'Regan.
Rob's best man was Paul Birta and he had four others friends as his ushers, one was Clair's brother Sean.
Steven Wilcox gave a reading at the ceremony.
he menu of the day was pate du maison...followed by roasted leg of lamb and fresh vegetables ... Baileys cheesecake... freshly brewed coffee or tea with chocolate mints.
Jo....................
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MEMORIES of school days at Keresley Newland High School in Coventry were shared at a 1960s themed reunion - with one ex pupil jetting in from Australia for the event.
Nearly 100 former school pupils and teachers who attended the school between 1958 - 1963 reminisced about the school, which once stood off Grove Lane, at the nostalgic event at The Hare and Hounds Pub, in Keresley.
Although demolished in the early 1980s to make way for new homes in the area, the event proved the school lived on in the recollections of former pupils.
The party, which also raised funds for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support, was organised by ex-pupil Brian Oldfield, a 62-year-old entrepreneur, who grew up in Nunts Park Avenue, Holbrooks, but now lives in Nottingham.
Brian, who paid for the function room hire, food and entertainment himself, said: "I decided to get this together because I've got to that stage in life when lots of my friends have died.
"I keep asking people 'How's such and such?' Only to hear they're dead, so I wanted to see all my surviving school friends together and see what they're up to and how they're doing.]]>
"It's been over 40 years since I last saw a lot of them but I still remember the faces."
Alison Wood, aged 63, even flew from her home in Australia to meet her old school mates at the party, which included a rock and roll disco and buffet.
She said: "My best memories of being at the school were of playing netball in the fog and running on the playing field. It's really great to see everyone again."
The reunion was attended by former teachers, including former woodwork teacher Peter Stretton, who went along clutching some old black and white school photos.
It was a special occasion for the 79-year-old, of Bulkington, who admitted he remembered hardly any of the faces, although he could remember some names.
He said: "Everyone remembers me because there was just one Mr Stretton, but to me these could be one of hundreds of pupils I've taught at the school during the seven years I was there.
"I thought I'd come to see what sort of turnout there would be and it's wonderful."
Each former pupil paid £5 to enter the function which was donated to the charity Macmillan Cancer Support.
It raised £385 for the charity which was accepted by Sarah Darby, Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising manager.
She said: "I'm so touched by the fact that the organisers have thought of Macmillan Cancer Support and that, although so many of their friends have died, so many of them have come together to celebrate the lives that they have got.
"We at Macmillan are thrilled by the money raised which will help those affected by cancer."
A colourful Coventry choir is appealing for more singers to join them.
The Kaleidoscope Singers has performed at residential homes, hospitals and community halls for more than 20 years.
The 17-strong choir, who each wear distinctive colours, started life during the economic downturn of the early 80s under a Coventry City Council initiative to provide activities for the unemployed and those housebound with young children.
Coundon Court School and Community College provided a music teacher as well as sixth-formers to look after pre-school children but once individual schools had to operate their own budgets it proved no longer viable to provide the activity for free and in 1993 the choir reformed as the Kaleidoscope Singers, meeting each Wednesday at Radford and Holbrook Methodist Church in Beake Avenue, Radford, from 2-3pm.
Choir leader Tricia Harker said: "We would love to welcome those of any age or gender who are free on Wednesday afternoons and enjoy singing. A playgroup operates at the church group at the same time."
Call Tricia on 024 7633 6246.]]>
A COVENTRY mum is flying over to America to run the New York Marathon to raise money for children with autism after her own son was diagnosed with the condition.
Kirstie Elliot, aged 32, from Glenmore Drive, Longford, said she was determined to raise money for the National Autistic Society after the charity helped her with her
nine-year-old son, Billy.
She will now fly over to compete with around 100,000 other runners hoping to cross the finish line at Central Park on November 1.
Kirstie praised the work done by the charity in helping her family, which includes Billy's 6-year-old brother, Jay, to deal with the condition.]]>
She said: "You can't tell someone has got autism a lot of the time, they are just seen as naughty children.
"Billy was having lots of problems at school in reception. A couple of years later the school realised he wasn't just naughty there was something more."
"I use their website on a daily basis and the National Autistic Society has helped me so much since he was diagnosed."
Kirstie will have flights and accommodation paid for by Sports Tours
International after winning a competition in a national newspaper.
She is now training five nights a week to build up to the race that passes through the streets of New York's five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan.
Brendan Fox, Sports Tours International's head of operations, said: "We are delighted to give Kirstie the opportunity to fulfill her dream of competing in a full marathon - and there's nowhere better to do it than in New York."
THE founder of the Leamington-based company which invented the Chicken Balti Pie has reached the grand old age of 100.
Ron Baldwin started Shire Foods 39 years ago and received his card from the Queen on Saturday as friends and family gathered to mark his landmark birthday at Allambie Nursing Home, in Coundon Road.
Ron, who had two children, four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, was responsible for creating the football fan's favourite that is now the best-selling half-time snack in stadiums across the country.
Asked what it's like to be 100, Ron said: "Oh it's alright. I really enjoyed it.
"The grandchildren came over and it's nice getting a card from the queen."]]>
Ron founded Shire Foods in 1970 with a business partner and eight staff making pasties and pies from a cabin in Warwick and with just a single delivery van.
The company has now upgraded to its purpose built bakery in Tachbrook Road selling 25 million pies, pasties and sausage rolls each year.
Ron, who now suffers from Alzheimer's, was also an engineer making Beaufort guns in Gosford Street during the Second World War
A spokesman for Shire Foods said: "Congratulations to Ron on reaching such a great milestone. Around 60 football and rugby grounds now sell Shire Foods' famous pies. Chicken Balti Pie fans can now be found throughout Britain.
"It's a great local story and we are proud that Ron was such a major part in it."