Contact Lisa Milbourn [email protected] gpra Gosford Park Residents’[email protected]@hotmail.co.uk Association [email protected] KEEPING RESIDENTS INFORMED

aa May 2020

The stress goes on – well it does for me. As this is being written the lockdown is continuing and the silence on the streets is surging softly backward, forward, sideways – in fact every which way. Only the sounds of Nature are audible. I can hear the rain and I can even hear the birds singing - and I am deaf in both ears. But round our way I’ve managed to hear the scribble of dunnocks, the melodies of blackbirds, the chirrups of robins and the assorted whistlings and warblings of a lot of others that I can’t identify. But perhaps best of all I’ve heard the screech of a couple of buzzards that circle high above me. I’m reliably informed that a kite is in the vicinity too – but I don’t think I’d recognise one if I saw one. In some ways I shall be sorry when the peace gets shattered by traffic again. I’m getting quite fond of the quiet. I did however, and will continue to, make a noisy contribution to the Community’s Thursday evening thanks to NHS workers. Amidst the applause and the saucepan clashes my wife even managed a pretty hot chorus of ‘We’ll meet Again’ on a kazoo which generally only sees the light of day at Christmas. If you’d heard the rendition you would understand why. But nobody can deny that the applause is amazingly well earned.

It would be nice to bring you good news but there’s precious little about nowadays. Still, I’ll do what I can.

That involves a lot of thanks.

Obviously we all still owe a tremendous debt to NHS Workers and all those in public services or otherwise involved in the nitty gritty business of day to day living. If there were words powerful enough to express the Community’s thanks for everything that you are doing I would use them all. But there aren’t. So all we can all say is ‘Thank You’ from the bottom of our hearts. We hope nobody is going to forget what you are doing.

And here are some personal thank yous.

• The first is to Ann Wilson – a member of both the GPRA and the Stoke Park Residents’ Group. Ann is a Coventry tree warden and is a fierce (sometimes very fierce) defender of local Community green spaces and organiser of supply and labour in her mission of keeping the area a nice place to live. She employs a complex range of skills in persuading people to see things her way and to contribute to her various green projects. These skills include soft voiced persuasion, loud voiced persuasion, logical argument and impassioned pleas. And she gets results. Perhaps the most familiar one, though far from the only one, is the

1

rockery on Gosford Green. Ann has masterminded its rebirth and has put together a formidable work force to help her in that. The delightful results were plain to see in early Spring. And, like so many things, they will be even more delightful as they get older.

Ann has asked me to bring to everybody’s attention another issue about which she feels strongly. I am happy to do so. Here is what she says:

Residents were recently made aware that the Sphinx Club and surrounding land is up for sale and that a prospective purchaser has put in a Pre Application to establish the possibility of building 202 houses on the old golf course. In theory, the club itself is protected for about 20 years. There was an opportunity to comment on the Planning Portal, but when residents started to send in objections, it was removed. It was said to be an informal request at this time, not a formal planning application. However, this is the point at which the Council must decide whether or not this land should be built on. We understand that it was not designated as building land in the Local Plan. We sincerely hope they will say NO, because this could result in up to 400 more cars a day on Binley Road, Stoke Green and Siddeley Avenue and cause added pollution and health problems. Covid 19 is clearly showing us how much we need our open spaces and clean air. This site could be much better used as public parkland

• Are you watching a lot of telly in the lockdown? I am. Most of it escapist stuff. But from time to time I like to see a quality film. But how to find them? Well, you don’t have to. You can let an expert do it for you. So here are my second personal thanks. They go to John Gore, who lives in Stoke Park, really knows his stuff, scours the schedules and publishes a weekly list of the quality movies available on terrestrial channels with a brief account of the story lines and any other interesting info about them. You can find his list on elementary whatson. com. Charlie Barker also publishes it on Facebook. Thanks John and Charlie.

2

• My third personal thanks go to an unlikely but very deserving recipient. I don’t know how I’ve managed it but I am on the mailing list of Councillor David Skinner, a Conservative Councillor for the Westwood Ward of Coventry. I have never voted Conservative in my life and live on the frontline between the Upper and Lower Stoke Wards and between the fiefdoms of the GPRA and the Stoke Park Residents’ Group. However, I get at least two Councillor emails from Councillor Skinner every day – often more – many more – many, many more. Sometimes they relate specifically to Westwood matters but more often they tell me important news about Coventry. I get such things as Police Crime Reports and Warnings, Scam information from Trading Standards and others, Council decisions as they are made about things like refuse collection and road works, useful contact addresses for help with problems, Coronavirus matters and so on. The latest was on air quality issues. I even know why a minivan follows the refuse collection teams around because Councillor Skinner took the trouble to tell me. He has said in the past that he has no wish for a Council Cabinet position because that would mean spending more time in the Council House and less with the people from the community he represents. I don’t know how I got on his mailing list but I am glad I am. Thanks Councillor.

• It is from Councillor Skinner that I learned that the Council’s fortnightly brown bin collection is operational again from April 28th. And that there are no mail collections on Saturdays until further notice. The range of scams that he tells me about is enormous and pretty scary. Too long to print I’m afraid but they range from such straightforward cons as offering to shop for you, taking the money in advance and then disappearing with it, to complex on line deceptions mostly aimed at getting access to financial details or cheating you out of cash. His message is a constant one. Be vigilant at all times and particularly online. The crooks never sleep.

• I am grateful too for the stream of information that I get from some of the Stoke local Councillors about Council matters as they affect our communities. Councillor Miks is particularly helpful in this respect. Here is her latest content.

Unsung heroes Staff members from all around the Council are going above and beyond to ensure that the most vul- nerable continue to get the support they need during these uncertain times.

Support for Coventry businesses If you run a business in the city, the current COVID-19 situation is likely to be very concerning. A wide range of advice and support can be found on Council website, including advice on fraud prevention, details about available grants and much more.

Support for Coventry residents

3

The COVID-19 situation is unlike anything that many of us have ever experienced and is throwing up many challenges for us all. If you or someone you know needs financial support and advice, please direct them to our website. There is also a range of support available on our website for people who are self-isolating or struggling to cope during the COVID-19 emergency However, if you need help in finding the right support, then call 08085 834333.

Local Groups Any local groups who are currently supporting people around this COVID-19 crisis and want to offer additional support should e-mail: [email protected] or any business who wishes to make a financial donation to the hundreds of community ventures taking part across the city can also get in touch at the above email address.

COVID-19 and domestic abuse – don’t suffer in silence Don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you are suffering from domestic abuse. That is the message from West Midlands Police which is urging people not to suffer in silence during the COVID-19. They can be reached by calling 0800 408 1552 or emailing [email protected] but always call 999 in an emergency.

Coventry Foodbank - Donations still needed During this difficult time, Coventry Foodbank are continuing to support people in financial hardship by providing emergency food parcels and toiletries across the city. A network of 10 Emergency Food Hubs have been set up across the city in the past few days to offer vital support to residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Residents who are struggling financially and do not have any existing support from neighbours, family or friends can access the service, by contacting Coventry City Council on 08085 834 333 or visit- ing Emergency Food Network.

Celebrate VE Day Coventry will join a celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day next week – honouring and remembering those who gave so much to end war in Europe. The planned celebration for the city has had to be cancelled because of social distancing guidelines, but people around Coventry are still, being asked to celebrate the historic event’s anniversary. Even though we are in lockdown, there are ways to join in. People can download the ‘Great British Bunting’ pack from the BBC, which can be coloured in and put up in windows. You can decorate it with images of whatever inspires you – from wartime heroes, to the Home Front and pictures of peace.

4

City honours Polish community

The city of Coventry has sent its thanks to the people of Poland as they prepare for a weekend of remembrance and celebration.

This weekend will see Poland mark Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad Day on Saturday (2 May) and Constitution day on Sunday (3 May ) The major events planned have had to be cancelled because of social distancing guidelines, but Polish people in Coventry will still celebrate.

KEEPING BUSY. The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is the perfect place to delve into Coventry’s history and engage with art and culture. And now this is all available to you – online! You can now view the eleventh Coventry Open, an inspiring exhibition showcasing a wide range of talent from the West Midlands and Warwickshire. • Staff from the Belgrade Theatre are still finding unique and entertaining ways to captivate their audiences. Head over to their Facebook page for live story-time performances, reading groups, quiz games and more • #KeepCoventryMoving - Coventry Sport are sharing physical activity ideas, tips and tricks on Facebook and Twitter for all ages and abilities.

National information

What to do if you feel unwell, or live with someone who is unwell Stay at home if you have either: • A high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back • A new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you're staying at home. Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.

Thanks Catherine for this information.

• And while we are on the subject of Councillors, did you know that Upper Stoke has elected a new one? No? Nor did I and I live in the Ward and like to think I am reasonably on the ball on these matters. I am assured that residents were alerted by the Council on social media beforehand that the by-election was taking place on Thursday, March 19th and that voters should bring their own pencils. I never saw any of this. Not surprisingly the turnout was just nine per cent. The by-election was called following the sad death last November of the previous incumbent Councillor Sucha Bains , who had repre- sented the Ward for the Labour party for almost 30 years. 5

Gurdev Singh Hayre, also a Labour Party representative, was elected. Councillor Gurdev Singh will be more than welcome at any future GPRA meetings whenever they may restart. And by the way, the Council Elections scheduled for May are now cancelled.

OUR NEXT GPRA MEETING Is who knows when? Things have been pretty heated at the Humber even without us though!

Firefighters were called to a Coventry pub last night (April 30th) after a blaze started in the chimney. Crews from Coventry and Binley fire stations were sent to tackle the flames after receiving a 999 call at around 6.15pm. Upon arrival, they found a fire within the chimney of The Humber pub, on Humber Road in Gosford Green. The hydraulic platform was used, raising firefight- ers above the property, and from there a hose was used to extinguish the flames. The pub has been checked for hot spots and all is well. So until the next meeting keep on washing your hands, staying at home, supporting the NHS, and saving lives.

I have no knowledge of any future events planned. Not even Councillor Skinner can tell me about any of those!

These are pretty serious times so only one joke.

Times are hard. If you’re dreaming of faraway places this might amuse you too.

If you have anything you would like to be included in a future Newsletter please send it to [email protected] for consideration.

Newsletters and emails If you do not wish to continue receiving Newsletters and emails from the GPRA please inform Lisa at [email protected]

6