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issue 57 I winter I 2016 All smiles for the festive season

INSIDE • On your marks for Half Marathon • Back to the 80’s Ricoh gig • Halt to bus lanes All together at the Albany Theatre

Including: news, comments and updates from organisations across the city working together to improve life in Coventry 2 I citivision I winter 2016 From the top contents welcome to the winter 2016 issue of citivision • A personal message from Cllr George Duggins, Leader, Coventry City Council.

Challenging times ahead As we head into 2017 there are still challenging times ahead and none more so than planning for a balanced budget. We have more savings to make because of cuts by central government, and need to consult with residents before we make any final decisions on changes to services. At the same time we have to continue to work on regenerating the city and that’s p12-13 why in this edition of Citivision we are highlighting some of the developments underway like news culture focus development focus the Water Park and the Railway National government The Albany Theatre is Station masterplan. We are also 4 10 12 With work on are currently experiencing a making progress on plans for City spending cuts improvements kind of renaissance. It’s a to Centre South. continuing to be felt by the Coventry Railway Station theatre that is going places. One off funds can only be used Council as it sets out its and the new city centre for these types of building projects budget proposals for the water park well underway – and not on day to day services - next three years. health focus things are looking up for people heading in to the but it helps to keep money in the 14 A new multi-agency city through business rate growth 5 Coventry City Council city centre. is funding an additional health agreement and job creation. has been signed by £50,000 to stage the We are also funding the Half organisations in Coventry Coventry Half Marathon Marathon and the Godiva Festival and . what’s on next year because we know these in 2017. A round-up of some of events matter to local people. ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ 20 The Coventry the attractions on offer in Elsewhere, I’m hopeful that our 6 is a new mental health Ambassador volunteer and around Coventry this plan to suspend some bus lanes awareness campaign, programme is on the winter. will prove beneficial in easing launched in Coventry. traffic congestion and improving air lookout for new recruits. quality – again an important factor universities focus councillors in attracting new businesses to the 7 Coventry City Council’s city. Business Investment 17 Student Wardens are 22 Need to contact your This edition of Citivision also Team and the Employer helping build bridges councillors? Check includes more about jobs and Hub have helped two between Coventry out our comprehensive training for young people and an young people into jobs with University and city directory. update on events coming to the CFS Aero. residents. city. Plus, there is more on the City of Culture bid, which we will know the outcome of in 2017. contact us In the meantime, I’d like to wish Call the Citivision newsdesk on distribute to every home in contact Darren O’Shaughnessy you all a peaceful Christmas and a 024 7683 1075 or write Coventry. You can also pick up on 024 7683 1075. Coventry Happy New Year. to Newsdesk, Room 27, a copy at libraries and Council City Council is grateful for the The Council House, Earl Street, buildings. Citivision is produced on support from advertisers in this If you need this information Coventry, CV1 5RR, or e-mail paper from sustainable woodland issue of Citivision, but accepts no in another format or language [email protected] and is chlorine free. The milling responsibility for the accuracy of please contact us: Written and produced by process also has Environmental adverts. Tel: 024 7683 1081 the Communications Team, Management Systems in place. All details are correct at time Coventry City Council. Each Once read, please recycle. of going to print (28 November e-mail: communications@ edition of Citivision costs 7p If you would like to advertise 2016). Next issue out March coventry.gov.uk per copy to write, print and in the next issue of Citivision, 2017.

Cover story: Fleur East kicks off festive season. 16-0997-CB winter 2016 I citivision I 3 news Government threat to services

National government “Councils nationwide Cabinet Member for Strategic reductions in the Council’s budget spending cuts are continuing are dealing with similar Finance and Resources, said that for road repairs and resurfacing to be felt by the Council as it savings targets. What we Coventry’s predicament was no programmes; and savings across sets out its budget proposals are facing here in Coventry different to those of councils up its employment support services. for the next three years. is a concerted effort by and down the country. Despite the savings targets, On Tuesday 29 November (the the government to place He said: “Councils nationwide the Council has a number of big day after Citivision went to print) the burden of austerity are dealing with similar savings development schemes underway. senior councillors were planning measures onto local targets. What we are facing here The money for these types of to discuss the Council’s pre- government.” in Coventry is a concerted effort building projects cannot, however, budget report which lists savings by the government to place the be used for day to day council of £21m over the next three early retirement and voluntary burden of austerity measures services because the money is years. redundancy. Since 2010 the onto local government. allocated from specific one off In total, the Council needs to Council has already reduced its “That’s why we are setting out funds. make savings rising to £36m per employee numbers by more than a series of proposals that we need These include work around year. 2,100 staff. to consider. Whitley to assist the Jaguar Land By 2020 the Council will have Proposals in the pre-budget “We have included further Rover development; the Friargate had a 55 per cent reduction in the report also include a reduction in staff reductions; reductions in development; city centre public government grant it has received grounds maintenance in parks and parks and street cleansing; and a realm work; and the new water since 2010 - the equivalent of street cleansing; a reorganisation reorganisation of household waste park leisure centre in the city £120m a year. of household waste collections; collections. A final decision will centre. The proposals will result and savings identified in school be made once we have consulted Details of the budget proposals in further reductions in the transport. local people.” consultation are available at numbers of Council staff through Councillor John Mutton, Other proposals include www.coventry.gov.uk/budget Council recoups £245,000 Award winning Council auditors have clawed Anyone who currently back in the region of £245,000 of receives a discount or exemption author visit incorrect Council Tax exemption for Council Tax and whose A best-selling author will be best-seller. payments since April 2015. circumstances have changed needs coming to Tile Hill Library, on She has sold The news comes at a time to tell the Council as this could Friday 13 January from 2.30pm over 20 million when councils are facing greater affect their entitlement. when she will be talking about her books, and was money constraints, and managing latest book. recently awarded the prestigious People who have a concern their finances is becoming more Josephine Cox is one of the RNA Lifetime Achievement Award that someone may be crucial than ever. UK’s biggest and best-loved and is one of the UK’s most receiving a Council Tax Coventry City Council it is authors, and is consistently a borrowed authors. exemption or Council Tax committed to providing support Support, incorrectly can to people who make genuine report it in confidence Social housing search online claims for Council Tax exemptions, on 024 7683 2569 or The system used to allocate people can apply and but each year dozens of cases are by e-mailing ctfraud@ social housing in the city instantly find out exactly found to be incorrect due to the coventry.gov.uk and how properties are what evidence they need to changes in the circumstances of To report concerns claimants. about Housing Benefit advertised now enables provide, including a photo The Council undertakes a or joint Housing Benefit people to apply for priority which can be uploaded rolling programme of reviews / Council Tax Support banding online. straight away. linked to Council Tax exemptions claims, contact the Coventry Homefinder Once people have and discounts to ensure Department of Work and can be visited at provided all of the required customers are still entitled to Pensions on Freephone www.coventry.gov.uk/ evidence, the application them. 0800 854440. applyprioritybanding where will be processed.

4 I citivision I winter 2016 news

to ultrafast broadband with £2.55m broadband boost ... plus Virgin download speeds of up to 200Mbps for residents, and Coventry is aiming to increase “Investing in broadband has been Media in up to 300Mbps for local businesses the amount of homes that can proven to bring jobs and wealth and home workers. access superfast broadband. to an area. We want to remove Cllr John Mutton, Cabinet Currently just 91.7% of any barriers to success in the 30,000 homes Member for Strategic Finance properties in Coventry have fast digital economy. Of course I’d like Virgin Media has announced and Resources, said: “Having broadband, compared to the to think that the private sector that homes and businesses in the infrastructure that enables Government target of 95%. could have covered this – but as Coventry will be next to benefit residents to access quicker more they can’t, or won’t – we have “Investing in our from an ultrafast broadband and efficient broadband services is stepped in.” infrastructure now puts us entertainment boost this year, as important to the city.” Cllr John Mutton, Coventry in a better position in the part of its £3bn network expansion People to register interest City Council’s Cabinet Member future. It will help Coventry across the UK. at: www.virginmedia.com/ for Strategic Finance and remain competitive and a Virgin Media plans to expand cablemystreet Resources, said: place that people want to its fibre optic network to 30,000 n Cllr John “Investing in our infrastructure live and work in.” local homes and Mutton with Jo now puts us in a better position businesses. Work Dutton, Virgin The £2.55m capital investment in the future. It will help Coventry has already begun Media. will unlock an overall package remain competitive and a place in the area and is of £15m worth of grants across that people want to live and work expected to Coventry and Warwickshire and in.” be completed will enable 8,000 locations – a The project will be completed by the end of mix of business and residential by the established Coventry, 2017. - to connect to Superfast Solihull, Warwickshire Broadband People broadband. Warwickshire Project (CSW Broadband). One- who wish to County Council will also seek to off corporate funding of £150,000 take Virgin match the funds. is set to be invested in order to Media’s Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Coventry project manage the Council’s services City Council’s Cabinet Member investment and work as part of will be for Jobs and Regeneration, said: CSW Broadband. connected Half Marathon backing

Coventry City Council has contract to deliver the event, approved an additional so we have moved quickly to £50,000 to stage the Coventry consider the options to continue Half Marathon in 2017. the Half Marathon next year. The approval would enable the “We hope runners, local event to continue and provides businesses, sponsors and charities, the financial security for the can now plan for the event.” Council to deliver the event next In 2016, Coventry’s Half year. Marathon attracted 4,212 runners This Council decision will also and the associated Schools enable an early commitment to a Challenge event attracted 1,033 suitable spring 2017 date for the children as participants. In 2016, event. the event secured over £80,000 in Councillor Abdul Khan, Deputy charitable fundraising. Leader and Cabinet Member People can register their initial responsible for Events, said: “GO2 interest in the 2017 event at Events have decided to end their www.coventryhalf.com

winter 2016 I citivision I 5 news Recruiting for Ambassadors

The Coventry Ambassador City volunteer programmes in the delivered by EnV (Coventry) excellent communication skills, volunteer programme is on country. C.I.C, the local social enterprise and a can do attitude. the lookout for new recruits Coventry Ambassadors are still managing and sustaining For more details and to apply to join its award-winning keeping the London 2012 legacy the Coventry Ambassadors online please visit www.env. team. alive having volunteered at over Programme. uk.com/coventry-ambassadors/ The Ambassadors first appeared 90 events including Davis Cup EnV are welcoming applications Applicants must be 18 or over to when the city hosted Olympic Tennis and Four Nations Rugby from anyone who is interested be eligible. events as part of the London League. regardless of if they have n Left to right: Babu Koria; Michaela 2012 Olympic Games and it is Each new recruit receives a volunteered before. They are Eyley; Alison Singhateh; Nusrit Shaheen; one of the only remaining Host uniform and induction training looking for people who have David Prescott; Bhavna Mistry Bus lanes suspended Coventry City Council is to to use buses to ease congestion.” suspend a number of bus lanes in There are currently 22 bus the city as part of a six month trial lanes in Coventry, totalling 8km starting in January. in length. In addition, there are The proposal follows a pledge bus priority measures at nine made by the Leader of the signalised junctions. All bus lanes in Council, Cllr George Duggins, Coventry operate 24 hours a day. earlier this year. Councillor Jayne Innes, Cabinet Traffic in Coventry has Member for City Services, said: increased by 20% in the past 15 “We need to ensure we balance years according to a report by the the needs of all road users and Department for Transport. that’s what this trial is all about.” The same report also suggests that Coventry has the fastest The bus lanes that will be rising levels of congestion due to suspended are: population and economic growth. • Ansty Rd outbound at Cllr Duggins said: “As a bus Clifford Bridge Rd passenger I know the importance • Ansty Rd inbound at Burns Rd of public transport, but I also know • Binley Rd how frustrating it can be to be • Foleshill Rd/Old Church stuck in traffic next to an empty Rd (inbound 95m and bus lane. outbound 125m “I’m delighted we want to keep • Holbrook Lane outbound traffic moving. So, we’re going to • London Rd outbound St suspend bus lanes and monitor James Lane whether traffic flow improves. • Tile Hill Gyratory “We will work with bus operators to develop more The bus lanes will be suspended effective means of improving for six months under an bus journey time reliability and Experimental Traffic Regulation hopefully encourage more people Order. 6 I citivision I winter 2016 news Sky’s the limit for job trainees!

Coventry City Council’s Business Investment Team and the Employer Hub have helped two young people into jobs with CFS Aero. CFS Aero were recruiting for a Trainee Engineer position, hoping to find someone with the ability to learn highly technical work, n Left to right: Bogdan Veneciuc - Trainee Engineer, Jon Freeman - Chairman of CFS Aero, Councillor starting with propeller repair and Jim O’Boyle - Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, Glen Smailes - Coventry City Council, to then develop their skills to Employer Hub, Athanasios Georgas - Trainee Engineer. work across all their operations. After posting the position in Both Bogdan and Athanasios the Job Shop, two candidates, are enjoying their new roles. Job search and training help Bogdan Venecuic and Athanasios Bogdan said: “I am doing a job I Coventry Citizens Advice and and employment or self- Georgas, were identified. CFS dreamed of doing from childhood. Groundwork West Midlands have employment. Aero were so impressed with I’ve gone from making paper teamed up to offer individual The team will also give both candidates that they decided planes as a child to working on support with finding employment support with financial worries, to recruit them both. real planes as an adult!” and accessing training or benefit problems and housing Jon Freedman, Chairman of Councillor Jim O’Boyle, education. issues or anything else that may CFS Aero said: “The Employer Cabinet Member for Jobs and Funded by Big Lottery and be holding people back. Hub were actually far more Regeneration said: “It was a real the European Social Fund the The project is targeted at professional in their approach pleasure to visit CFS Aero. The project will cover a range of anyone who is not working than many recruitment agencies company are a great example of ways people can get help with For details call 024 7625 2627 we have used in the past and high tech manufacturing work in money management and financial or e-mail breakthrough@ it is great to see the Council the city and they are providing confidence, help with work coventrycab.org.uk supporting local businesses. The valuable opportunities to two experience, training, education two candidates they sent us were young enthusiastic lads – I wish both first rate.” them every success.” Making a mark at M&S The Prince’s Trust know that most young people have the determination and willingness to find jobs, but often lack the opportunities they need. That’s why partnerships between the Trust and leading organisations such as Marks and Spencer and Jobcentre Plus are invaluable - offering jobless young people workplace experience and giving them the confidence and skills they need to move into employment. 23 year old Natalie Stansfield, n Natalie Stansfield at M&S. from Coventry, was referred to the Trust by Tracey Collinson, for me. I learnt new skills and met Jobcentre Plus in Cofa Court. some lovely people. I would highly Natalie excelled during a four- recommend this Prince’s Trust week employability programme programme.” called Make Your Mark and Make Your Mark is among the secured employment with M&S at programmes available to young the end of the course. people in Coventry. For more Natalie said: “The programme information about The Prince’s was the most amazing experience; Trust visit princes-trust.org.uk or it was a really good opportunity call free 0800 842 842. winter 2016 I citivision I 7 news Credit unions warning Coventry’s two credit unions are Unlike national banks both hoping to expand by providing credit unions offer residents the safer financial services solutions opportunity to open a savings for low income groups who are account with alternative forms of facing obstacles to getting a bank ID such as a benefit letter from account or loans. the Department of Work and Both Coventry and District Pensions (DWP). Credit union, located on Credit unions are also a way Walsgrave Rd, Ball Hill and New of helping customers to improve Central Credit Union, located on their credit score. Navneet n Left to right: Chiara Tornaghi, Alan Markey, Cllr Faye Abbott, Smithford Way, offer a range of Sharma added: “Our loan interest Ian Nutt, Rosie Oglesby and Marielle Dubbeling. services such as savings and loans, rates are capped at 3% per month budget accounts and free life by the Bank of England unlike the insurance - subject to conditions. high interest lenders and there Food for thought Credit Unions are not for are no early repayment penalties.” A conference aimed at Coventry City Council, said: “The profit and help residents avoid Cllr Linda Bigham Cabinet raising awareness and event gives us a great platform using loan sharks with their high Member for Community promoting new ideas around to find solutions to food poverty interest rates, by providing fairer Development is backing the food poverty and creating a and create something that is loans. role of credit unions. She said: sustainable food network has sustainable.” Isabelle Osborne from the “I’d encourage people to find been taking place in the city. Alan Markey, who is Chair of Coventry and District Credit out more about the city’s credit Led by the Feeding Coventry the Coventry Welfare Reform Union says that their union works unions. They offer a vital financial Partnership around sustainable Working Together Group, said: “It closely with the Wood End area alternative for people – and many food policies and food justice, it is really encouraging that so many and other parts of the city to help residents may not be aware of is hoped the event can lead to organisations are coming together. people become more financially them.” finding joint solutions to tackling Food poverty is a real problem in stable. food poverty. Coventry. Many people find it a Isabelle said: “We welcome all For more details contact: Coventry is one of five pilot real challenge to make ends meet residents with different financial www.newcentracu.co.uk or schemes taking place across the and food is often one of the first backgrounds. The main aim is to call 024 7663 3456. country. areas to be compromised.” provide affordable finance. We www.creditunioncoventry.com Councillor Faye Abbott, Cabinet For more details visit want to help people to manage or call 024 7699 8099. Member for Adult Services at www.coventrypartnership.com their finances more effectively.”

8 I citivision I winter 2016 news Tribute for first female Asian councillor The city’s first ever female n Centre Asian councillor has been Cllr Ram honoured by having a Coventry Lakha OBE street named after her. and centre Meto Lakha, sadly passed away in left Honorary February 2012, and as a tribute to Alderman Dave her achievements a leading former Batten with councillor was keen to see her councillors and honoured in some way. friends. Alderman Dave Batten was the Council’s Member for City Development in 2003 when the Council – including Meto - gave its “By creating this tribute it sends to Coventry as an 11 year old in fantastic to witness the street name backing during a 10 hour debate a strong message to women - and 1968. now in place. It is an important to help kickstart the Ricoh Arena particularly Asian women that Current Deputy Leader, Cllr moment in Coventry’s political development. anything can be achieved.” Abdul Khan, was keen to see history.” At that time Meto was suffering Meto had three children now that a street name was created Meto Lakha Close is just off the serious health problems and was aged 38, 37, and 36. She first came in memory of Meto. He said: “It’s A444 next to Gallagher Retail Park. taken to hospital in intensive care immediately after the vote was Help for children and social care and should be services including GPs, made. accessible, comprehensive (in the therapists and hospital services Honorary Alderman Dave Batten with special needs information provided), up-to-date, • Social care: such as short said: “If anyone deserves this honour and transparent. This will include: break services, community/ The Coventry Special it is Meto, I’m absolutely delighted.” support groups and children’s Educational Needs and Disability • Education: such as nurseries, Meto Lakha became the first and adult disability services Asian councillor in May 1992. (SEND) Local Offer brings playgroups, schools and Her husband Cllr Ram Lakha, together information for colleges and support services It also offers the chance to Deputy Cabinet Member for City children and young people with like educational psychologists, feedback and make suggestions Services, said that the street name special educational needs and sensory support and the about what is (or isn’t!) available was a matter of huge pride for disabilities and their families. Local Authority SEN team across Coventry, helping to shape him, and his family. He said: “It is a It outlines all the provision (including statutory assessment the provision in the future. permanent reminder and a fitting expected to be available to processes) For more information, go to honour for a dear wife and mother. families across education, health • Health: children’s and adult www.coventry.gov.uk/localoffer Tackling domestic violence

n Photo: Backing the pledge in support of White Ribbon Day (Centre) Cllr Pervez Ahktar with David Armstrong, Wasps Chief Executive. Wasps Rugby Union Team are Cllr Pervez Ahktar, Chair backing a campaign to tackle the of Coventry Victim Support problem of domestic violence and Harm Reduction Strategic and gender based violence in Partnership, said: “The support of Coventry. Wasps players from such a high The scheme, called White profile male sport is important.” Ribbon Day, highlights how men On average two women are and boys show their opposition to murdered each week in the UK as violence against women and girls. a result of domestic violence. The slogan is “Real men respect For details visit women.” www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/ It has the backing of Coventry or www.safetotalk.org.uk Haven Women’s Aid, Coventry Support services can be contacted Domestic Violence and Abuse by calling: 0800 035 5309 and Services, (CDVASS) and Coventry Coventry Haven Women’s Aid can Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre be contacted on 024 7644 4077 (CRASAC). or at www.coventryhaven.co.uk winter 2016 I citivision I 9 culture focus City’s colourful history n Cathy Renken, designer and Illustrator of the colouring book.

Coventry’s rich history has been illustrated in the Going for gold at the Albany Theatre form of a new colouring book put together The Albany Theatre, near the city centre on the Butts, is currently experiencing a kind of by the City of Coventry renaissance. It’s a theatre that is going places, where its youth development programme Freemen’s Guild. The book features matters so much and it is looking to the future with a large chunk of optimism. highlights of Coventry history, including royal visits, Contact details where you can David Meredith doesn’t like “This is a professional civic leaders and merchants, find out more are at the bottom to make a big deal about his theatre run primarily by as well as other celebrations of the page. role as Chairman and Chief volunteers and one that of Coventry’s fascinating Executive of the Albany works with a range of history and heritage. Theatre Trust. In fact, he only people including people A Christmas Carol The book was the vision stumbled on the role when who are unemployed A first for the theatre of Peter Wilford, past he jokingly says he was, ‘in and with mental health also includes putting on 39 Master of the Guild, who the wrong place at the wrong problems. It sets out to performances of A Christmas said: “I would like to help time’. change people’s lives.” Carol, including 12 for schools, children and local people As a volunteer he is very with two signed performances celebrate the city’s rich definitely looking to the athletes from Coventry to attend and a “dementia friendly” medieval and cultural long term, highlighting the future International Children’s performance for people with history. recently launched Albany Young Games events. Alzheimer’s and their carers, in “There is so much to Producers. He is also keen “The target is £20,000 and association with the Alzheimer’s explore and the beautiful to publicise a gala fundraising we are hoping that former Society for Coventry and illustrations and forgotten event in aid of Coventry’s participants and the wider Warwickshire. facts in this book really International Children’s Games community will support the event. The Albany Theatre has help to bring Coventry’s competitors because he says, it The gala event is by young people never taken on so many medieval history to life.” will be a showcase for the Young for young people.” performances. The stage A significant part of the Producers, and because it will Cllr John Mutton, Chair of adaptation of Charles Dickens’ sale proceeds will go to local highlight the role the theatre Coventry International Children’s A Christmas Carol includes Coventry charities. is playing right across the city’s Games Committee, said: “We are a starring role from Trish The book is available from communities. so grateful for the support of Adudu, BBC Coventry and the Tourist Information He said: “This is a professional the Albany Theatre. We have just Warwickshire Radio – as the Centre, Herbert Museum, theatre run primarily by recently taken part in the 50th Ghost of Christmas Present. Holy Trinity Church, volunteers and one that works Anniversary Games in Taiwan. It Details are available about Cathedral Gift shop, with a range of people including would be fantastic if we hit our the gala evening, A Christmas Coventry Transport people who are unemployed and target.” Carol and the picture house at Museum, Priory Visitor with mental health problems. It Albany Young Producers is open www.albanytheatre.co.uk or by Centre, Ansty Road Post sets out to change people’s lives.” to 16 to 25 year olds who will calling the box office on Office, Coventry Watch “We have a brand new Young have the opportunity to develop 024 7699 8964. Museum (Spon St), Big work and put on events at the Producers programme, and one Comfy Bookshop (Fargo theatre. of their first big events will be n Front Jodie Dickson and right Village, Gosford Street) and Apart from its programme to organise a gala evening on 17 Rebecca Finley from the Young Charterhouse (on London of performances, the theatre February and 19 February in aid Producers and back left Cllr John Road) for £4.99. of raising money to fund young also runs Albany Picture House. Mutton and right David Meredith. 10 I citivision I winter 2016 culture focus The Masterji effect A 94-year-old photographer, significance, not just for Coventry has documented the arrival but the UK, because it’s a window and the lives of South Asian into the lives of people as they immigrants to Coventry arrived here and the images they since the 1950s. wanted to send home. Maganbhai Patel – better “Many of the pictures were known as Masterji – has an taken as portraits or for their archive of around 70 photographs official documentation so you (see example right) that were see a very formal image. It really taken between Masterji’s home documents a very important studio and his established part of the city’s history and its Hillfields studio Master’s Art cultural diversity.” Studio between 1951 and Masterji moved to Coventry the1990s. from Surat in in 1951, with The photographs were little more than a Box Brownie gathered by a local group called camera. the Photo Archive Miners (PAM) He ran a studio from the 1960s who discovered Masterji’s work to the 1990s. It is still there today during their Imagine Hillfields and is run by his son Ravindra City of Culture in 2021. exhibition in 2015. Patel. The Masterji photographs will also be Jason Tilley, of PAM, said: “The The archive features as part of exhibited in Bombay in March 2017. work of Masterji is of huge the Coventry’s bid to become UK For details visit www.photomining.org

Theatre followed by a procession Ira was first through the streets of Coventry to the site of the former theatre black Othello where flowers were laid in his honour. Special guest and 99 year It is a little known fact that old actor Earl Cameron CBE, who the African American actor Ira was the first black actor to take Aldridge was the first black actor up a starring role in a British film, to play Othello in this country. was in attendance (pictured). This extraordinary man also Against Prejudice: Ira Aldridge became the manager of the in Coventry 1828 was presented Coventry Theatre in 1828, before by Warwick University’s the age of 21. These remarkable Multicultural Shakespeare achievements were celebrated Project, the Belgrade Theatre and in November with a unique supported by Coventry UK City performance at the Belgrade of Culture 2021 Bid.

Radio Plus 101.5FM Tim Coleman Radio Station Radio’s right royal award (www.radioplus.org.uk) was Manager, said: “It recognises the recently presented with a Queen’s achievements of our amazing Award for Voluntary Service by volunteers who give up their time The Deputy Lieutenant of the to help run Radio Plus.” West Midlands, Ursula Russell Radio Plus is one of eight local MBE DL. charities, social enterprises and Radio Plus received the award voluntary groups to receive the for its community work with local Queen’s Award for Voluntary churches and organisations across Service this year. It has also been Coventry to signpost listeners awarded to Carriers of Hope, to local services and events. Its Poppy Appeal Group, Coffee Tots, mission is to use the media to Ekta Unity Group, Masjid E Zeenat positively influence people in Ul Islam, Positive Images Festival n Volunteers on Radio Plus with Ursula Russell MBE, DL, Deputy Lieutenant Coventry, based on Christian and the Sikh Union. for the West Midlands in the middle holding the certificate. values.

running until the end of December. Free parking is being offered City centre’s Coventry’s Christmas Village is - including at West Orchards welcoming shoppers and offering Shopping Centre, for late night Yuletide appeal traditional Yuletide fun. City stores shopping on Wednesdays. Car The season of goodwill has have been opening later until 9pm parks will be free for motorists officially arrived in Broadgate on Wednesday evenings and on after 3pm. More than 10,000 which has been filled with cabins Thursday, December 22 and Friday, people came in to the city centre including a special Prosecco Bar December 23. for the lights switch on. winter 2016 I citivision I 11 development focus Making a splash! New city centre developments move a step closer

With work on improvements to Coventry Railway Station and the new city centre water park (pictured above) well underway things are looking up for people heading in to the city centre.

There are more projects in the pipeline, but for now we take a closer look at a few to find out how plans are shaping up. the centre as possible will be Rides, slides and saunas accessible for n Knocking down the old Council The new water park and sports The students from Westwood disabled people. buildings and above right Councillors centre is set to open in early Academy have been working The new centre will have six and Westwood Academy students 2019, with the demolition of two with the Council and the water slides and a bowl with low level view the water park site. Council buildings, Christchurch park designers to make sure the activities, a separate 25m x 4 lane House and Spire House, making new centre will be a place that pool, 120 station gym, a sauna and and see the demolition taking quick progress. everyone can enjoy. The young day spa, a dance/spin studio and place. I was delighted to meet the Councillors recently met people have particularly been squash courts. students who I know have been the water park junior design discussing the types of rides and Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet working really hard. I can’t wait for consultants at the demolition site slides that will be at the centre Member, Public Health and Sport, the water park to open and I know to see how work was progressing. and making sure that as much of said: “It was great to get on site the students are excited too.” 12 I citivision I winter 2016 development focus All aboard for railway station gateway scheme

Built in the 1960s, the railway station was a grade II listed building, but is now looking tired, with limited passenger facilities. Work has started on improvements to the railway station – offering a new gateway into the city centre. Improvements to the station – including a new second entrance, multi-storey car park, new footbridges and canopies, a new bay platform and access tunnel under Warwick Road – will provide better services to match the projected growth in rail use and support city centre developments. The project will be complete by 2021. Cllr David Welsh, Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said work on the railway station would provide and important link to other regeneration n Artist’s that’s taken place. He said: “We expect lots more people impression of to be visiting Coventry for work and leisure and the new railway station is their first impression of our city.” station layout. Revamp for Co-op site

n Artist’s impression. The site of the former Co- upper floors. op department store and the Councillor Jim O’Boyle, adjacent 2 – 12 Corporation Cabinet Member for Jobs and Street, known as the Hawkins Regeneration, said that the Co-op building, will be transformed as was much loved. part of a redevelopment. He added: “The Co-op’s 1950’s The scheme will bring the architectural features are buildings back into use and will strikingly impressive, so I’m really transform the area that fronts pleased that they are retained. on to Corporation Street, while “Successful cities are thriving retaining the former store’s iconic both day and night so the features, including the stone apartments, which will be for sale, columns complete with colourful will add a new dimension to city engravings and covered walkways. living here in Coventry. “ The scheme will include new The redevelopment is funded shops and restaurants and there by private developers, EDG could also be seating under the Property. The refurbishment will covered section. New rental take 12-16 months to complete apartments will be created on the once work begins. winteroctoberwinter 2016/17 2016 I citivision I 13 health focus People first on health A new multi-agency health agreement has been signed by organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire, which is aiming to focus on what’s best for the public, rather than the interests of health organisations. The Health and Wellbeing Boards of Warwickshire and n Cllr Kamran Caan with Cllr Izzi Coventry – whose membership Seccombe, senior councillors and Dementia friends target reached includes the areas’ councils, clinical health agency representatives. commissioning groups, NHS Trusts, Helen McMahon, from St Michael’s Keeley Waldron, Regional voluntary and patient associations, Hospital in Warwick, has become Support Officer – Dementia emergency services and others, Sport at Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwicksire Trust’s Friends, Alzheimer’s Society, has signed up to a new ‘Health and said: “People and communities 1,000th Dementia Friend. commented on the achievement: Wellbeing Alliance Concordat’. are at the heart of everything we The milestone is helping the “We are grateful to Coventry and The agreement is aimed at do and creating a partnership like Trust in becoming a Dementia Warwickshire Partnership NHS creating a health and wellbeing this is going to help shape future Friendly Organisation. Trust for its dedication in creating ‘system’ that is easy to understand. health services.” Helen said: “ The Dementia Dementia Friends.” The agreement will also result in Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Chair Friends session really opened The Alzheimer’s Society initiative the integration of services across of the Warwickshire Health and my eyes to the challenges facing is the biggest ever social action Coventry and Warwickshire over Wellbeing Board and Leader of people with dementia, as well as movement to change perceptions the next five years. Warwickshire County Council, their carers. I would recommend of dementia. Councillor Kamran Caan, said: “This is a momentous step everyone, young and old, to To find out more visit Chair of the Coventry Health for the health and care needs of become a Dementia Friend.” www.dementiafriends.org.uk and Wellbeing Board and Cabinet our people. I am excited to be Member for Public Health and going forward together.” Alcohol Awareness Week Coventry City Council has alcohol related incidents in been joining forces with St John Coventry City Centre and treat Ambulance in a live social media people which will often prevent session to help control the them attending A&E. number of admissions to A&E. Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet The Public Health Team joined Member for Public Health and the staff on shift in the city centre Sport, said: “We want the public during the evening and posted the to understand the recommended experience live. limit and know the risks that n Left to right: Helen McMahon, John Daley, Alzheimer’s Society St John Ambulance attend come with unsafe drinking.” (Warwickshire) with Trust colleagues in the background.

bronchitis and pneumonia. urge people to be ready for Stay well despite the cold Colder weather is not only the colder season and to seek associated with an increase in immediate advice and help from A national campaign has been heart disease, lung illnesses and deaths but also has a significant a pharmacist as soon as they feel launched to help vulnerable stroke), dementia and respiratory impact on the number of people unwell, before their condition gets residents to ‘Stay Well This Winter’. diseases (such as asthma). becoming ill, increasing the winter more serious. The campaign is encouraging Exposure to cold indoor or pressures felt by the health care The campaign also advises people most at risk from cold outdoor temperatures increases services. people to heat their homes to weather, including those with long- blood pressure, thereby increasing Research shows that for every at least 18°C (65°F) and to look term health conditions and the the risk of heart failure, kidney one degree centigrade drop below out for those at increased risk of over 65s, to prepare for the lower disease, stroke or dementia. five degrees in outdoor average illness over the winter months. temperatures. Cold temperatures can also temperatures, there is more than For more information and Around 25,000 more people make blood more likely to clot, a 10 per cent increase in older advice on how to ‘Stay Well This die over the course of each which can lead to heart attacks people consulting their GP for Winter’ visit www.nhs.uk/staywell winter compared to other times and stroke. breathing problems, a 0.8 per cent of the year and there is a range of In addition, cold can also affect increase in emergency hospital conditions worsened by the cold the respiratory system, which admissions and a 3.4 per per cent weather – 80 per cent of these reduces the lungs’ ability to fight increase in deaths. deaths are accounted for by people off infection, explaining why lower The campaign messages, which with circulatory diseases (such as temperatures are linked with include TV, radio and social media, 14 I citivision I winter 2016 health focus Portraits Winter give hope blues help SAD – Seasonal Affective to worried Disorder - affects approximately two million people in the UK. parents Symptoms of SAD include lethargy, low energy levels, sleep A unique series of portraits disturbance, increased anxiety, and has been unveiled at University carbohydrate and sugar cravings. Hospital, Coventry. Many other people suffer from Seventeen children and adults a mild version of SAD, called who were all born prematurely subsyndromal SAD or, more have been pictured whilst holding commonly, ‘winter blues’. a photograph of themselves when The Coventry, Warwickshire they were born. being born, but Noah amazed and Solihull IAPT (Improving It is hoped that the portraits doctors and defied the less than Access to Psychological displayed on the walls outside 5% chance the twins were given of Therapies) service provides a the Neonatal Unit at University survival. range of treatments for Seasonal Hospital, Coventry will give hope His mum Claire said: “He Affective Disorder and other to the parents of hundreds of spent 112 days in the Unit, it n Noah with his portrait and inset forms of depression. They provide premature babies cared for at the was a complete rollercoaster of when he was born premature. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as hospital each year. emotions; some days it felt like well as other treatments. Ten-year-old Noah Higgerson we took two steps forward and born as early as 23 weeks into Individuals aged 16 and over (pictured) is amongst those four steps back. We think these pregnancy it can be a particularly who have a GP based within photographed. When he and his pictures are a fantastic idea.” long road to recovery. They can the Coventry, Warwickshire and twin brother George were born, Neonatal Unit Sister, Jo spend six months on the Unit. Solihull areas can refer themselves just 23 weeks into pregnancy, Bradshaw said: “The idea behind We hope the photographs give to the IAPT service by ringing 024 their heads were the size of tennis the photographs is to give hope hope to worried parents.” 7667 1090. Alternatively, people balls, their skin see-through and to parents who have the shock The exhibition is thanks to can talk to their GP or other their eyelids still fused together. of finding themselves with a University Hospital Voluntary health professional for assistance Sadly, George died five days after premature baby. For babies Services Charity. in accessing the IAPT service. Sharing stories of depression

‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ is a new mental health awareness campaign, launched in Coventry, to encourage men to feel positive about talking about their mental health. Former Coventry City striker Leon McKenzie, is backing the project. As the end of his professional football career approached, Leon experienced a painful journey to the depths of n Leon McKenzie supporting great to have so many people a debilitating depression, which the new mental health Wave Rave join. People can keep active in a led him to an attempt to take his campaign. fun way and you could meet and People from across the city came mingle with new people.” life. However, with support, he has together for the first ever Wave “Hopefully others will see from People of all abilities attended built his own route to recovery. Rave as part of an evening of my story – and others shared as and helped to put the event Now he’s a boxer, working swimming, music and chit chat. part of the campaign – that no together. towards the English Super Wave Rave was created by a matter how bad it feels, you are If you would like to be part of Middleweight title. group which is passionate about not alone. There are services that planning future events, or have “It’s true,” he said. “It really people having access to positive can help you, too.” other ideas for making swimming does take a lot of bravery to swimming experiences, called You can find out more fun, please visit www.tinyurl.com/ speak up. Life can be tough, and ‘Swim and Tonic’. about the campaign on waveravedebrief sometimes it really does take balls Naomi Brook, Lifestyles (@ballstotalk), Facebook to talk. That’s why I am glad to Project Manager for Coventry (ittakesballstotalk), or online at: support this campaign and give my City Council and long-time Swim n Harry, DJ’d on the night. (front). www.ittakesballstotalk.com time.” and Tonic member, said: “It was Plus wave ravers . winter 2016 I citivision I 15 news ‘80s revival gig, Robbie and Peter Kay Music fans will be able to turn the event – which is Tickets for www.gigsandtours.com or call back the clock as Tony Hadley, being compered by the three-hour 0844 811 0051. Paul Young, T’Pau, Nik Kershaw, Smooth FM’s Nigel dance-a-thons www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call Bananarama, Kim Wilde, Go West, Freshman - at are £28.50 each. 0844 826 2826. Jason Donovan and other stars of www.stepback Peter said: “All Tickets are limited to over 18s. the ‘80s take to the stage at the concert.co.uk people have to Ericsson Indoor Arena. The Ricoh Arena do is turn up and The Ricoh Arena is hoping the has staged a wide dance. I’d also concert, on October 14 2017, will variety of concerts like to encourage draw a crowd of up to 10,000 at in its Ericsson Indoor people to get the venue. Arena in the last two themselves Around 1,000 StepBack tickets years. sponsored via have gone on immediate sale for The early bird JustGiving.com tickets are £45 including booking where a special Dance For Life fee from www.stepbackconcert. team page has been set up.” co.uk with only 1,000 released. Tickets are available for Friday General tickets will go on sale on 3 March in the Ericsson Indoor March 1, at £50 plus booking fee. Arena at the Ricoh, visit Robbie Williams has also announced his highly anticipated 2017 European stadium tour with Building bridges to jobs support from Erasure and will play at the Ricoh on Tuesday 13 June. For tickets visit RobbieWilliams.com/tickets Peter Kay is literally dancing for life next year at the Ricoh as he plans to DJ at his dance-a-thon parties with all of the profits going to Cancer Research UK.

n Photo caption (left to right) Phil Manning - BAM Construct UK, Workforce Manager, Julie Venn-Morton – Skills and Growth Manager, Coventry City Council, Abdourahim Njie – Building and Construction Apprentice and Peter Brady – Apprentice Scheme Manager – BAM Construct UK.

The Coventry and its apprenticeship strategy in a bid Warwickshire Construction to help hundreds of young people Shared Apprenticeship prepare for working life. Scheme picked up two “The talent on display at these awards at the Coventry and awards is vital to ensure that Warwickshire Apprenticeship the local economy has the skills Awards 2016, winning the required to meet future needs ‘Partnership Initiative of the and to continue to drive the Year Award’ and The ‘Building development of the region.” and Construction Apprentice The scheme is a partnership of the Year’ award was won by between Coventry City Council, apprentice Abdourahim Njie. BAM Construct UK and local Councillor Kevin Maton was colleges to act as a role model for delighted to collect the scheme apprentices and make it easier for award and said it highlighted the employers as it gives apprentices benefits of public and private a supported route of entry into sector partnership working. employment. He said: “The Coventry and Abdourahim Njie, is a bricklayer Warwickshire Apprenticeship on the Shared Apprenticeship Awards are a great example of Scheme placed with Barratt how local talent can flourish Homes. through apprenticeships. For more details visit www. “The Council has just launched coventry.gov.uk/apprenticescheme

16 I citivision I winter 2016 Here are some of the things you can enjoy in and around Coventry universities focus Students seek Joining the race to city harmony build electric car Student Wardens are helping The wardens are now a build bridges between permanent fixture of the Coventry University university and will extend further and city residents as the into the city. wardens scheme is rolled Student warden, Nicholas out permanently across the Widdowson, said: “We do a lot, community. from talking about rubbish and Coventry University Students’ graffiti to running campaigns to Union has extended its volunteer educate students. It’s a pioneering wardens programme to help scheme but it is growing. students and residents get closer “A lot of people think all together. students are bad, and that isn’t the The scheme is led by case. Hopefully what we do will volunteers who liaise with have a big impact and change that residents in problem areas to perception.” identify and tackle issues such as To sign up, or take part bin collections, rubbish and anti- e-mail Aiden Ramsey on n Students gear up for challenge. social behaviour, as well as pushing [email protected] or campaigns such as collections for call 024 7765 5224. Local budding engineers “Our whole school homeless charity, Cyrenians. from Howes Primary School community is extremely will be working alongside excited about being given researchers from WMG, at the opportunity to take Graduates keep it in the family the , part in this amazing to get a taste of what a project.” n All smiles for mum, Diane career in engineering is and daughter, Azara. really like by building and Professor David racing their own electric Greenwood from WMG vehicles. said: “We are delighted to be working with Howes “The IET Formula Goblin Primary School on this competition is an excellent exciting project to build and initiative which shows race their own electric car. young people some of the “The IET Formula Goblin fun and rewarding ways competition is an excellent that they can engage with initiative which shows young science and engineering people some of the fun and subjects.” rewarding ways that they can engage with science and The Greenpower engineering subjects. Education Trust looks “Howes were selected to address the skills gap as our winner’s based A proud mother and daughter will the bonus was that this way, we that is growing in the on their highly creative graduate side by side after taking could do it together. UK automotive industry and innovative poster on university life with something “We never get sick of each by engaging students in submission showing the most would leave behind – each other, mum is my best friend. It’s engineering at a young age. ways that they think people other. been incredible, I just don‘t know Pupils aged 9 to 11 will will travel in the year 2050.” Azara Queen and her mother, how people do it without their be given their own electric Sioux Cooke, Head Diane have spent three years mum.” kit cars to design, build Teacher of Howes Primary on the same criminology and Diane, 49, is hoping her story and race - guided by their School, said: “Our whole psychology course at Coventry will encourage older people to go teachers and supporting school community is University - studying together, back into education. mentors from WMG and extremely excited about living together and even working She said: “I don’t think it is engineering students from being given the opportunity together in the same part-time strange at all. We’ve both managed Warwick. to take part in this amazing job. to get so much out of it and it The children will then project. The self-proclaimed best gave me the confidence to do compete with their car Engineering is a key friends, who will graduate with something I might not otherwise in a regional Greenpower focus for us as we have just matching 2:2 degrees, show no have done. IET Formula Goblin race, embarked on a three-year signs of parting ways after signing “It‘s a lot of hard work but so scheduled to take place European STEAM (Science, up on the same masters course. worth it, and even better that I towards the end of the Technology, Engineering, Art Azara, aged 26 said: “We both did it with my daughter.” school year in 2017. and Maths) project.” wanted to go to university and winter 2016 I citivision I 17 libraries focus Willenhall Library move Basic computer courses City libraries are encouraging people to join Learn My Way – a series of courses and drop-in sessions for people who want to expand their digital skills for free. Staff can help library visitors navigate www.learnmyway.com Courses are limited so people interested will need to book. Allesley Park Library - Saturdays from 11am - 12noon Phone: 024 7678 5813 or e-mail: [email protected] Bell Green Library - Saturdays 2pm - 4pm Phone: 024 7678 5818 or e-mail: [email protected] Jubilee Crescent Library - Tuesdays from 10am - 12noon Phone: 024 7678 6981 or e-mail:[email protected] Jubilee Crescent Library - Thursdays from 1pm - 3pm Phone: 024 7678 6981 or e-mail: [email protected] Stoke Library - Fridays from 9am - 11am n Cllr Kevin Maton, Cabinet Member for Education Phone: 024 7678 6990 or e-mail: [email protected] and Skills with Claire Fitzroy (right). Willenhall Library has Advice Services, Food Bank and relocated to the Hagard Youth Services. A Luncheon club Digital drop-in sessions Community Space and initial also operates from the Hagard. Want some quick tips, with e-mails, Facebook and shopping online? signs are looking positive for The new venue for the library Check out the sessions below. No booking required. the new venue - just a short follows a consultation to look at Aldermoor Library - Fridays from 9.30am - 11.30am walk from the previous site. ways of achieving £3.8m savings as Phone: 024 7678 8438 or e-mail: [email protected] After working with the local part of Connecting Communities Caludon Library - Fridays from 9.30am - 11.30am community the library space is across libraries, children’s centres, Phone: 024 7678 8300 or e-mail: [email protected] bright and welcoming, with a great nurseries and youth services. Canley Library - Tuesdays from 11am - 12noon selection of books for all ages, ICT The relocation of Willenhalll Phone: 024 7678 6963 or e-mail:[email protected] and information. The library also Library follows talks with Canley Library - Fridays 10am - 11am has access to a far wider range of residents and community groups. Phone: 024 7678 6963 or e-mail: [email protected] advice and help. Results of the Connecting Cheylesmore Library - Saturdays from 10am - 11am Visitors to the library can also Communities programme will be Phone: 024 7678 6966 or e-mail:[email protected] meet with Coventry Independent outlined in early 2017. Coundon Library - Saturdays from 1.30pm - 3.30pm Phone: 024 7678 6969 or e-mail: [email protected] Earlsdon Library - Thursdays from 10am - 11am Phone: 024 7678 6970 or e-mail: [email protected] Finham Library - Saturday from 10.30am - 11.30am Phone: 024 7678 6974 or email: [email protected] Hillfields Library - Thursday from 11am - 12noon Phone: 024 7678 6980 or e-mail: [email protected] Tile Hill Library – Monday and Fridays from 2pm - 3pm Phone: 024 7678 6785 or email: [email protected] Willenhall Library - Fridays from 11am - 12noon Phone: 024 7678 6991 or e-mail: [email protected] Health tips and e books There are plenty of free sessions Thursday 9.30am – 10.30am. to help people to feel healthier Jubilee Library is also at Foleshill and Jubilee Libraries. promoting wellbeing throughout Health Checks by the Be January, including a digital Active Be Healthy Team are held learning session on how to on Mondays 9am – 3pm. On download e books available Monday 9 January, 2pm – 3pm, from Coventry Libraries (on take part in a digital learning Wellbeing) on Monday January 9 session on the NHS Website and from 2pm – 3pm. On Thursday access health information. 20 January 1pm – 2pm come On Monday 16 January 3pm and find out all about health and – 4pm a similar session will help wellbeing books at the library. people get access to library Dates are provisional only health books. A beginners’ and may be subject to change at Conservation Group is also short notice. Contact the library being held every Monday from before you visit. 1.30pm to 2.30pm and every 18 I citivision I winter 2016 news Can you dig it? Yes we can London Road n Joining together for tree Cemetery planting at Coombe. Coventry City Council has secured a development grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery to help create plans for the £2million restoration and improvement Coombe Country Park has Capability Brown was the Cedar of London Road been marking the role played of Lebanon, which is native to Cemetery. by Capability Brown, who the plains of the Savannah, and so The restoration project transformed landscapes all over Coombe Country Park planted will focus on the oldest the country during the 18th three Cedar of Lebanon trees section of the Cemetery Century, including Coombe Abbey in his memory and to finish the (nearest the city centre, in 1771. restoration work on the area. between Deasy Road and His work includes the lake Cllr Harvard, Lord Mayor of the railway line) which is within the park, which took over Coventry, said: “The tree planting of national importance, 10 years to dig out. is a lovely way to finish the work with a Grade I listing by One of the signature trees of on the Old Deer Park.” Historic England. Cllr Jayne Innes, Cabinet The plans are part of a Member for City Services, said: wider project that will create “We want to create the plans a 70 hectare Heritage Park for the restoration of the oldest Remembering the fallen in Coventry, including the part of the cemetery. It’s one of Charterhouse, Charterhouse the city’s most valuable heritage Fields and River Sherbourne. assets.” The proposals will also support Coventry’s bid to become City of Culture in 2021. To stay up to date with what’s happening with the London Road Cemetery restoration plans, including how you can get involved, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/lrc

Army reserve call accommodation paid for. Plus participants earn up to £5,500 Dozens of people joined together “As a city of peace and 159 Regiment, Royal Logistic after completing the 10 weeks. at the Coventry War Memorial reconciliation, it will Corps prides itself on being The Regt has also found time Park to remember and pay always be important to the Midlands’ Logisticians. to send personnel on a variety respects to those who lost their pay our respects and With its headquarters in of adventure training exercises. lives in the two World Wars and remember all those who Canley, Coventry, the local Reserves need to be between other conflicts. have lost their lives in or as Army Reserve has a family feel 18 and 50 and to commit a A parade was followed by a result of wars and armed throughout. proportion of their spare time hymns, readings and the laying of conflict.” The Reserves have recently to the Regiment. wreaths. set up a successful Access to If you would like more The service was led by The successors, the Royal Regiment of Logistics (A2L) course - a 10 information on how to be a Right Reverend Dr Christopher Fusiliers. week package aimed at those part of the local Army Reserves Cocksworth, the Lord Bishop of Coventry’s Lord Mayor, who have spare time in summer then search ‘159 Regiment RLC’. Coventry. Councillor Lindsley Harvard 2017. Alternatively you can The day also marked the 70th (pictured) said: “As a city of peace Candidates taking part will find them on Twitter anniversary of the granting of and reconciliation, it will always be get to obtain a driving licence @159Regiment, call 024 7685 the Freedom of Entry to the important to pay our respects and (if they haven’t one already), a 4911 or e-mail rlc159regt@ Royal Warwickshire Regiment remember all those who have lost guaranteed interview with DHL hotmail.com for further to Coventry in 1946. This year, their lives in or as a result of wars and all food and information. the parade was led by their and armed conflict.”

winter 2016 I citivision I 19 what’s on Warming things up this winter Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in and around Coventry

War Memorial Park n Visit Santa pet bug rock to take home. at the Transport Suitable for families. Meet at Education Room, Museum. 22 – Love your River Visitor centre, booking not Rangers’ activities (1.30pm essential. Please allow 45 – 3pm, free, no booking minutes to complete all required.) Charterhouse Field activities. For more information (off London Rd), meet by call reception 024 7678 6280. the small car park before the bridge. Join the rangers for outdoor fun and games with a Coombe Country Park watery theme and learn more about the River Sherbourne. Meeting point for all events Tel: 024 7683 3372. Suitable for at the Information Desk/ families. These events are open Shop in the Visitor Centre access, all under eights must five minutes before session be supervised. Rangers are not begins. Advance booking and responsible for young people payment essential for all events Fitness trail leaving the event. unless otherwise stated. Please An outdoor fitness trail has been installed in Coventry’s War Memorial 22 – Pet Bug Rocks contact the Visitor Centre on Park. It includes nine pieces of wooden fitness equipment accompanied Coombe Country Park (10am 024 7645 3720. Credit/debit by exercise suggestions. The project was led by the Friends of War – 10.45am or 11am – 11.45am, card payments accepted over Memorial Park and supported by Coventry City Council, individual £3 per child). Get creative the phone. Car parking charges donations and a £16,000 grant from WREN’s FCC Community Action and decorate your very own apply coombe.countrypark@ Fund. More information at www.coventry.gov.uk/wmp pet bug rock to take home. coventry.gov.uk – bookings by Suitable for families. credit/debit cards accepted. DECEMBER Live and Die 22 – Big Birds’ Breakfast Coombe Country Park (1pm- Car parking charges still apply. Santa’s Grotto at Coombe A celebration of The 1.45pm or 2pm-2.45pm), £3 17, 18, 20, 21, 22 & 23 Enemy from 20 January per child). Make your own bird Booking and further 2017 to November 2017 feeders at Coombe to take Tot waddles - Every Friday details available. Sign up at The Coventry Music home. Suitable for three-year- to www.coventry.gov.uk/ Museum. War Memorial Park (10.30am coombenewsletter for the olds and over. 23 – Trunk Trouble -12noon, £3.50 per child). latest information. FEBRUARY Go on a little adventure before War Memorial Park (1.30pm – coming inside for some arts Santa Claus is back at 20 – Love your River 3pm, £3.50 per child, booking and crafts. Dress appropriately Coventry Transport Museum Rangers’ activities (1.30pm – not essential). Come and join for the weather. Suitable for The beloved sleigh ride housed 3pm, free, no booking required). the Education Team for some two to four-year-olds but for over 60 years at the city’s Lake View Park, meet by the arts and crafts fun. Make your younger accompanying siblings Co-op is now a festive fixture bridge across the river. Join very own herd of elephants welcome. Children must be at the museum and a new the rangers for outdoor fun from various materials to take accompanied by an adult. generation of children can and games with a watery home with you. Suitable for enjoy the magic and tradition theme and learn more about families. of a visit to Santa on this the River Sherbourne. Tel: 24 – Animal Allsorts Ranger Volunteer Day extraordinary vintage ride. 024 7683 3372. Suitable for War Memorial Park (1.30pm – Every third Wednesday in Visitors journey to Lapland families. These events are open 3pm, £3.50 per child, booking the calendar month on the magical mechanical access, all under eights must not essential). Come and join ride, meet Santa and receive a be supervised. Rangers are not the Education Team to paint a Various locations – special gift. responsible for young people Plaster of Paris animal (various Good fresh air and healthy Tickets for children leaving the event. sorts available), and make other exercise! Join the Park Service (including sleigh ride, meeting 21 – Big Birds’ Breakfast animal arts and crafts to take Rangers and help look after Santa and gift) are £5, with Coombe Country Park (10am home. Suitable for families. and develop Coventry’s green accompanying adults £1.50. – 10.45am or 11am – 11.45am, spaces. Drinks and biscuits £3 per child). Make your own Adult single tickets are £5 so MARCH supplied, but bring your own everyone can join in the fun. bird feeders at Coombe to take lunch if staying all day. All It is open daily 10am to home. Suitable for three-year- volunteers must register in 4.30pm. The sleigh ride is on olds and over. A wedding fayre will be advance. Come once, come until 23 December. 21 – Pet Bug Rocks held at St Mary’s Guildhall every time or just come For information call 024 Coombe Country Park (1pm and Cheylesmore Manor when it suits you. For further 7623 4270. For more details – 1.45pm or 2pm – 2.45pm, on Sunday 5 March 2017. information tel: 07831 582854. about events visit £3 per child). Get creative Suitable for adults. www.transport-museum.com and decorate your very own 20 I citivision I winter 2016 what’s on

winter 2016 I citivision I 21 your councillors BABLAKE Cllr Allan Andrews Cllr Linda Bigham Tel: 024 7683 1039 or e-mail Tel: 024 7683 1030 or e-mail Cllr Glenn Williams [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 07852 922366 or e-mail Happy to help where I can, will First Friday of month 3.30-4.30pm [email protected] visit you at home or at the Council at Longford Primary Care Centre, House. Please call for appointment. Longford Rd, and 5.30-6.30pm at Scout Follow me on twitter Headquarters, Aldermans Green Rd. Last Friday of month @allanandrews 6-7pm at St Thomas’ Parish Church Hall, Longford Rd. Cllr David Kershaw CBE JP Please book for an appointment. Tel: 024 7671 1107 or 07850 664576 or e-mail FOLESHILL Cllr George Duggins Tel: 024 7683 1003 or e-mail [email protected] Cllr Tariq Khan [email protected] Last Tuesday of month from 10.30am- Tel: 024 7683 1039 or 12noon at The Good Honest Food Second Saturday of month 12-1pm at 07415 534267 or e-mail Bell Green Community Centre, Old Company, Gardenia Drive, Allesley Village. First [email protected] Church Rd and 1.15-2pm at Royal Saturday of month 12noon-1pm at Coronation For an appointment please contact me. Hotel, Old Church Rd. Second Sunday of month Club, Keresley Rd. 11.30am-1pm at Bell Green Club, Roseberry Ave. Cllr Jaswant Birdi Cllr Abdul Salam Khan LOWER STOKE Tel: 024 7683 1034 (day) or Tel: 07931 364268 or e-mail Cllr Catherine Miks 07903 847160 or e-mail [email protected] Tel: 024 7683 1039 or e-mail First Monday of month from 5-6pm, [email protected] [email protected] Allesley Village Hall, Birmingham Rd, For an appointment please contact me. Second Tuesday from 10.30-Noon, Good Honest Food Company, Cllr Balvinder Kaur Gardenia Drive, Allesley Village. Tel: 07957 539615 Cllr John McNicholas BINLEY AND WILLENHALL [email protected] Tel: 024 7683 1039 or 07968 498860 or e-mail Cllr Christine Thomas [email protected] Tel: 07908 228112 or I can visit you in your home and I am 024 7683 1030 or e-mail HENLEY at the Empress buildings, Binley Rd [email protected] Cllr Patricia Seaman on the first and third Saturday of month from 10am. Tel: 07813 528963 or Follow me on twitter @CllrJMcNicholas Cllr Ram P Lakha OBE 024 7683 1030 or e-mail Cllr Rupinder Singh Tel: 024 7683 1030 or e-mail [email protected] Tel: 024 7683 1039 or [email protected] 07960 962642 or e-mail For an appointment or home visit [email protected] please contact me. Cllr Kevin Maton Tel: 07852 450953 or Cllr John Mutton 024 7683 1030 e-mail RADFORD Tel: 024 7683 1030 or e-mail [email protected] Cllr Mal Mutton [email protected] Tel: 024 7630 4497 or For an appointment or advice please 024 7683 1039 or e-mail contact me. Cllr Ed Ruane [email protected] Tel: 07817 218137 or For an appointment please contact me. CHEYLESMORE 024 7683 1030 or e-mail Cllr Roger Bailey [email protected] Cllr Keiran Mulhall Tel: 024 7683 1101 (day) Tel: 024 7683 1039 or e-mail or e-mail [email protected] [email protected] HOLBROOK Every Tuesday at Radford Social Club, For an appointment please contact me. Cllr Joe Clifford 226, Radford Rd, CV6 3BQ, 6.30-7.30pm Tel: 024 7646 5315 or e-mail and the first Sunday of month 11.30am- Cllr Rois Ali [email protected] 12.30pm. Tel: 07908 228109 or Every Wednesday, 6.30-7.30pm at 024 7683 1030 or e-mail Holbrook Community Care Assoc, Cllr Tony Skipper [email protected] Holbrooks Lane. (Deputy Lord Mayor) Follow me on twitter Tel: 024 7683 3048 or e-mail @RoisCheylesmore and Cllr Rachel Lancaster [email protected] facebook Rois4Cheylesmore Tel: 024 7636 0021 or For an appointment please contact me. 024 7683 1039 or e-mail Cllr Richard Brown [email protected] SHERBOURNE Tel: 07563 729215 or For an appointment please contact me. Cllr Seamus Walsh 024 7683 1039 or e-mail Tel: 07956 546983 or [email protected] Cllr Ann Lucas OBE 024 7683 1039 (day) or e-mail Tel: 024 7683 1039 or e-mail [email protected] EARLSDON [email protected] Surgery on first Monday of each Cllr Ken Taylor OBE month 9.30-10.30am at Holbrook Cllr Lynnette Kelly Tel: 024 7667 3717 Health Centre, Wheelwright Lane. Tel: 024 7683 1039 or e-mail [email protected] [email protected] For an appointment please contact me. LONGFORD For an appointment please contact me. Cllr Lindsley Harvard (Lord Mayor) Tel: 024 7683 3048 (day) Cllr Michael Hammon 024 7667 5717 (evening) or e-mail Cllr Damian Gannon Tel: 024 7683 1039 for an [email protected] Tel: 07725 536259 or e-mail appointment or e-mail During the next year I will be undertaking [email protected] [email protected] Civic Duties and will therefore be For an appointment please contact me. suspending my surgeries. If you wish to contact me please call or email using the contact details above.

22 I citivision I winter 2016 your councillors ST MICHAEL’S Cllr Tim Mayer CABINET MEMBERS Tel: 07852 218093 or e-mail Cllr George Duggins, Leader, Cllr David Welsh [email protected] Tel: 07956 307437 or Policy and Leadership 024 7683 1030 or e-mail Cllr Abdul Khan, Deputy Leader, [email protected] Policing and Equalities (Deputy, Cllr Pervez Akhtar) Second and fourth Friday of the WHOBERLEY month,12noon – 1.00pm, Hope Cllr John Mutton, Centre, Sparkbrook Street. Cllrs Akhtar and Innes hold regular surgeries every Strategic Finance and Resources fourth Saturday (except Dec, July and August) from Cllr Ed Ruane, Children and Young People Cllr Jim O’Boyle 12 noon at Allesley Park Library. (Deputy, Cllr Pat Seaman) Tel: 024 7669 4873 or Cllr Pervez Akhtar Cllr Kevin Maton, Education and Skills 024 7683 1030 or e-mail Tel: 07813 529217 or Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Jobs and Regeneration jim.o’[email protected] 024 7683 1030 or e-mail (Deputy, Cllr David Welsh) Second Saturday of month 1.15- [email protected] Cllr Jayne Innes, City Services 1.45pm at Hillfields Library St. Peter’s For an appointment please contact me. (Deputy, Cllr Ram Lakha) Community Centre, Charles St. Fourth Saturday of Cllr Faye Abbott, Adult Services month, 12noon at Transport House, Short St. Cllr Jayne Innes Cllr Kamran Caan, Tel: 024 7647 0411 (home) or Cllr Naeem Akhtar Public Health and Sport (Deputy, Cllr Rois Ali) 024 7683 1030 (office) or e-mail Tel: 07747 003141 or e-mail Cllr Linda Bigham, [email protected] [email protected] Community Development For an appointment or home visit Surgeries first Tuesday of month, 5-6pm (Deputy, Cllr Christine Thomas) outside these times, please contact me. at Hillfields Youth Centre, Yardley St. For an appointment or home visit Cllr Bally Singh COMMITTEES please contact me. Tel: 07779 256898 or e-mail Audit and Procurement UPPER STOKE [email protected] C Cllr Sucha Bains DC Cllr Joe Clifford Surgeries are held every third Ethics Cllr Sucha Bains Saturday 10am-noon at St Mary C Cllr Seamus Walsh Tel: 024 7645 9484 or e-mail Magdalen Centre, Sir Thomas White Licensing and Regulatory Committee [email protected] Rd. For an appointment please C Cllr Tariq Khan DC Cllr Robert Thay Barras Green Social Club, Coventry contact me. Planning St, between 12noon-12.45pm, first and third Saturday of the month. WOODLANDS C Cllr Richard Brown DC Cllr Keiran Mulhall Scrutiny Co-ordination Cllr Peter Male Cllr Kamran Caan C Cllr Rachel Lancaster DC Cllr Rupinder Singh Tel: 07813 528960 or Tel: 024 7683 1030 or e-mail Finance and Corporate Services 024 7683 1039 or e-mail [email protected] (Scrutiny Board 1) C Cllr Lynnette Kelly For an appointment or home visit [email protected] Education and Children’s Services For an appointment please contact me. please contact me. (Scrutiny Board 2) C Cllr Mal Mutton Business, Economy and Enterprise Cllr Gary Ridley (Scrutiny Board 3) C Cllr John McNicholas Cllr Dr Randhir Auluck Tel: 024 7683 1039 or e-mail Tel: 07813 527888 or Communities and Neighbourhoods [email protected] (Scrutiny Board 4) C Cllr Naeem Akhtar 024 7683 1039 or e-mail For an appointment please contact me. [email protected] Health and Social Care Scrutiny Board For an appointment please contact me. (Scrutiny Board 5) – C Cllr Damian Gannon

WAINBODY Cllr Julia Lepoidevin C = Chair DC = Deputy Chair Tel: 024 7683 1039 (day) or Cllr John Blundell 07710 716913 or e-mail COVENTRY MPs Tel: 024 7683 1276 (weekdays) [email protected] Colleen Fletcher MP or 024 7641 9794 (evenings/ For an appointment please contact me. Coventry North East, Call 0207 219 8036 weekends) or e-mail e-mail [email protected] [email protected] WYKEN Jim Cunningham MP Please contact me to make an Coventry South, Call 024 7655 3159 appointment. Cllrs Thay, Abbott and Sweet hold surgeries every third Friday of month, 6.30-7.30pm at Wyken e-mail [email protected] Cllr Gary Crookes Working Men’s Club, Ansty Rd, Wyken. Geoffrey Robinson MP Tel: 024 7683 1276 (day) or 024 Cllr Robert Thay Coventry North West, Call 024 7625 7870 7646 1777 (after 6pm) e-mail Tel: 07875 031851 or e-mail e-mail [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] For an appointment please contact me. For an appointment please contact me. EUROPEAN MPs WEST MIDLANDS REGION CONSERVATIVE Cllr Tim Sawdon Anthea McIntyre, call 01989 769 544 Tel: 024 7683 1039 (day) or 024 Cllr Faye Abbott e-mail [email protected] 7641 5771 (after 6pm) or e-mail Tel: 07944 996294 or Daniel Dalton call 01926 930683 [email protected] 024 7683 1030 or e-mail e-mail [email protected] LABOUR [email protected] Neena Gill, call 0121 622 7298 For an appointment please contact me. WESTWOOD e-mail [email protected] Sion Simon, call 0121 569 1911 Cllr David Skinner Cllr Hazel Sweet e-mail [email protected] Tel: 024 7683 1039 (day) or Tel: 024 7661 6273 or e-mail UKIP 024 7646 8106 (out of hours) [email protected] James Carver, call 01562 216020 or e-mail For an appointment please contact me. e-mail [email protected] [email protected] Bill Etheridge, call 01902 664670 e-mail [email protected] Cllr Marcus Lapsa Jill Seymour call 01952 924040 Tel: 07813 528946 or e-mail [email protected] 024 7683 1039 or e-mail [email protected] POLICE COMMISSIONER For an appointment please contact me. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson 0121 626 6060 For details, visit www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk

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