Autumn 2021 / Issue 204
THE GUILDSMAN The Official Magazine of The City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild
Spectacular costume at Lady Godiva’s Daye What’s Inside?
OFFICERS / ELECTED COURT MEMBERS 2021/2022 HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO Companion of the Guild PRESIDENT The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor John McNicholas Matt Johnson MASTER Rev. Claire McArthur CHAPLAIN P.M. John Wilkinson CLERK Ron Robinson DEPUTY MASTER Tony Cunningham SENIOR WARDEN P.M. Michael Rawson RENTER WARDEN Mathew Holland CHARITY WARDEN P.M. Raj Bansal JUNIOR WARDEN P.M. Peter Wilford CHAMBERLAIN P.M. Rod King ENTERPRISE WARDEN Vacant CHRONICLER/ PR. WARDEN P.M. Michael Rawson [Acting] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY P.M. David Bullman SEARCHER P.M. Anthony Archer ALMONER P.M. Carole Wilson IMMEDIATE PAST MASTER P.P. - Past President
P.M. - Past Master
COURT OF ELECTED ASSISTANTS P.M. Derek Austin P.P. John Gazey Martin Grant
P.M. Colin Harris P.M. Raj Bansal P.M. Steven Morson P.M. Keith Talbot Martin Griffin Peter Doonan
P.M. Charlie Platts P.M. Brian Jackson Clive Nelson
CONTENTS President’s Message Master’s Report Clerk’s Report President’s Dinner Positive Images Festival Membership Secretary Lady Godiva’s Daye Obituaries Coventry - Motor City Guild Merchandise
04 05 07 09 10 11 13 14 18 20
Skittles Report Christmas Dinner Metropolis Exhibition HMS Diamond Dates for your diary FEW Market Characters Honorary Freemen Benefit of a Will Past Masters Address to Note
A Big Thank You to all our advertisers - please support them Guildsman Editor - Peter Wilford
21 21 22 23 23 24 25 27 29 30 31
President’s Message I have served in many roles on the Council, including Chair of the Personnel and Administration Committee, on the Environment Committee, and as Lead Member for Transportation. I am also proud to have represented Coventry on the Birmingham Airport Board and was Chair of the West Midlands Transport Authority developing Transport Policy for the West Midlands. Currently I represent the Council on outside bodies including the Canal and River Trust and the Coventry Canal Advisory Board. I am married to June and we have two children, Anna and Tom and three dogs, Georgie, Missie and Griff. As I am a passionate supporter of nature and wildlife issues in my year as Lord Mayor I will be supporting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, along with other interests of mine, Historic Coventry and Coventry’s 5 ½ mile Canal.
Dear Freemen I am honoured to be President of The City of Coventry Freemen's Guild for the year 2021/2022, and to commend this edition of The Guildsman. The Guild is a part of our city’s famous heritage, it is also still a vital part of our city, helping and inspiring others.
After the challenges of COVID, I am also looking forward to helping our city and its people recover from lockdown and restrictions, enjoy our year as UK City of Culture and build for the exciting future that awaits us.
As UK City of Culture 2021, we will be celebrating our city’s past and the organisations that have helped to make it the wonderful place it is today, and I will be delighted as President to tell people about our Freemen and the role they have played over the centuries.
I look forward to working with The City of Coventry Freemen's Guild in the year ahead and helping where I can.
Coventry’s industry brought me to this great city. I chose to live in Coventry and worked at the Browns Lane car plant from 1978 and spent over 25 years working at Jaguar Cars. I was first elected to the Council as a Councillor for Lower Stoke Ward in 1986 and I have the privilege of representing the people of Lower Stoke continuously since then.
Councillor John McNicholas Lord Mayor of the City of Coventry President of the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild. 4
Master’s Report Leicester and Chester enjoyed an informal meal and chat. On the 25th September 2021, at the Annual Banquet, I was installed as Master. Due to the ongoing renovations at St Mary’s Guildhall the event was held in the Court House at the beautiful Coombe Abbey Hotel. The evening was an impressive occasion attended by the Lord Mayor and President of the Guild Councillor John McNicholas, the Lady Mayoress Dr June McNicholas, and Guild Chaplain Reverend Claire McArthur, Rector of Stoke St Michael’s Church. . The Lord Mayor had arranged for the Master’s Chair to be in situ for the banquet and gave the Retiring Master, Mrs Carole Wilson and myself the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the evening from its seat! A huge thank you to the Lord Mayor for arranging this. My guest speaker for the evening was Brigadier Graeme Fraser MBE ADC Royal Marines, Naval Regional Commander for Wales and Western England. Thank you also to the Banquet Committee who have worked tirelessly to ensure the event was a success.
Hello fellow Freemen and welcome to the Autumn edition of the Guildsman. I consider it a great honour to have been elected as Master of the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild. I feel fortunate to be Master during the year of the Guild’s 75th Anniversary and Coventry’s year of being the City of Culture too. My thanks to the retiring Master Mrs Carole Wilson for her hard work during her term of office. Due to the ongoing pandemic the annual banquet was rescheduled from the usual date in May to September. This meant that I was Master Designate for the first five months of my year and needless to say, there have not been many events within the City or further afield where I have been able to represent the Guild.
Also in attendance at the banquet was the Master of the Freemen of the City of London Guild, Mrs Ann-Marie Jefferys who presented me with my Oath of a Master certificate and two books on the history of the London Freemen’s Guild. I would like to thank all our guests for attending and making the evening truly memorable.
The pre-banquet get together was held on Friday 24th September at Coombe Abbey Hotel, this was a relaxed evening in beautiful surroundings with Guild members and our supportive Guilds from
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Master’s Report - cont. The following day the Lord Mayor led us on the traditional robed procession from the Council House to Holy Trinity Church for our annual Freemen’s Sunday church service. During the service it was my honour to install the Rev. Claire McArthur as Guild Chaplain for the coming year. Not only is Rev. Claire the Guild’s first female chaplain but also the daughter of Past Master Keith Talbot, making it even more poignant. Prior to the Banquet weekend as Master Designate I have attended events sporadically or virtually. The first of these was on 25th May when Yvonne and I attended the virtual Service of Remembrance to mark the 39th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Coventry during the Falklands Conflict and honouring those who lost their lives. This moving service was led by Chris Howe MBE, Chairman of HMS Coventry D118 Association and The Reverend Martin Kirkbride. Following the traditional Sailors Poem ‘Up Spirits Lads!’ we all gave the customary toast by raising a tot of rum. On 14th June I had the pleasure of representing the Guild, along with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colonel George Marsh and Lord Mayor Cllr John McNicholas, at the poignant unveiling of four new rose beds and a plaque at the War Memorial Park. These are dedicated to all those loved and lost during the Covid pandemic with ‘each rose is a fragrant reminder of their lives’. The thought behind the rose beds was Pru Porretta and the Godiva Trust, each rose bed is shaped into the suits from a pack of cards; hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades each are which are symbolic to life.
26th June was Armed Forces Day, I attended the service held at Holy Trinity Church. We gave thanks to the service men and women in the British Armed Forces, as well as celebrating the contribution of the whole Armed Forces community. Sadly, this year there was no march past through Broadgate and numbers were restricted within the church. On 1st July it was with great sadness that my wife Yvonne and I along with many Court members and friends attended the funeral of Past Master Brian Jackson’s Lady, Ms Jenny Penfold. Jenny will be very sorely missed by us all. On 16th July we installed our new Guild President at a socially distanced dinner held at Coombe Abbey Hotel. The Lord Mayor Councillor John McNicholas took over from retiring President Councillor Ann Lucas. Unfortunately, Cllr Lucas was unable to attend the evening and a Guild plaque was presented to her during a meeting in the Council House with retiring Master, Mrs Carole Wilson. Thanks to Deputy Master Ron Robinson for organising our first dinner since before lockdown. It was a beautiful summer evening and fabulous to be back amongst Court members enjoying good conversation, great company and delicious food. Our Annual Skittles evening took place on 13th August at Barnacle Village Hall. The evening was well organised by Past Master Tony Archer, a great evening with good food, games and company.
Master’s Report - cont. 2 The Guild AGM was held on Wednesday 1st September in the Council House.. Friday 17th September Yvonne and I were delighted to attend Lady Godiva Day. Along with Lady Godiva, the Godiva Sisters and other Court members we joined dignitaries for the colourful musical procession from the Lady Godiva Statue in Broadgate to Priory Gardens. This event formed part of the Heritage Open Days. As Master I have the privilege of nominating a charity to be the Guild’s major recipient during term. My charity for the coming year is Warwickshire and Solihull Blood Bikes. WSBB are a team of approximately 80 volunteer riders and drivers who provide a weekday out of hours services and 24/7 weekend and Bank Holiday cover supporting the NHS in
Clerk’s Report – Autumn 2021 Well, it finally happened, the lockdown was eased on Monday 19th July, at least for the most part. We could finally arrange a Guild event with every chance of it going ahead. So, we did, we arranged our Presidents Dinner for Friday 16th July. I am pleased to say that it was a very successful evening with 32 guests attending as we installed the Lord Mayor Cllr John McNicholas as the Guild President for his year in office. The dinner was held in the Cloisters at Coombe Abbey which provided an excellent setting for the occasion. The food was very good as was the service.
transporting essential Blood and similar Supplies, that can safely be carried on a motorcycle to hospitals throughout the Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull area. The WSBB also replenish the blood supply for the air ambulance. I certainly hope we can contribute to this well deserved locally run charity during my time in office. I hope this has given an insight into Guild events and both Yvonne and I are looking forward to representing the Freemen’s Guild and at events up and down the country. We hope to see you at future Guild events.
Matt Johnson Master of the Guild
The Lord Mayor is extremely interested in apprenticeships and the Freedom so we hope that it will soon be possible for the Lord Mayors Freedom Admission Courts to commence again. In August the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress on completion of their Civic duties, joined us at Barnacle Village Hall for the annual Skittles Night. Once again this turned out to be a great night and we were pleased to welcome the challengers from the Leicester Gild of Freemen. Due to the effects of lockdown we were unable to hold our AGM in April again this year but once we were able
to start planning for the future we set the date for the AGM and Annual Banquet. The 2021 AGM was held in the Diamond Room at the Council House on Wednesday 1st September and I am pleased to report that the attendance was very similar to a normal year, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came along. The banquet date was set for Saturday 25th September and the invites were sent out. As is usual, we held a Friday night get together to allow us to socialise with our friends from other guilds who we have not seen in a while and with the members of our own guild. The venue was the Stuart Room at Coombe Abbey which proved to be an excellent room full of interest and history. 25th,
On Saturday we held our Banquet where 85 guests were treated to the theatre which is a feature of the Coventry Guild Banquet. The evening began with reception drinks in the Court Bar and Centre Court. On being called for dinner we moved to the High Court which was laid out splendidly with a long top table of 12 and 8 round tables. The scene was breath taking with the tables adorned with metre high candelabra as the centrepiece.
As the Toastmaster welcomed everyone to the banquet a hooded monk drifted slowly into the room and soon became the focus of all attention. He gave us a potted history of the Abbey from its early days through the gunpowder plot to the present day. It was certainly different! After a fine meal, the Principal Guest Brigadier Jock Fraser MBE ADC RM proposed the Toast to the City of Coventry, to which the Lord Mayor Cllr John McNicholas responded and the Master of the Freemen of the City of London Guild Mrs Ann-Marie Jefferys LLM proposed a Toast the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild coupled with the Master Matthew Scott Johnson. To which the Master responded. On Sunday 26th September we held the Freemen’s Sunday Service in Holy Trinity Church where we installed the Rev’d Claire McArthur as Guild Chaplain. We now seem to have caught up with life once again, so onwards to Christmas!
John Wilkinson Hon. Clerk
Guild’s New President In the first formal event of 2021 the Guild held the President’s Dinner at the elegant Coombe Abbey Hotel on Friday 16th July.
After Dinner the Lord Mayor proposed the Loyal Toast. His after dinner speech highlighted Coventry’s history and heritage and emphasised the benefits that being City of Culture 2021 brings to the city. Mr Matt Johnson, the Master Designate welcomed the Lord Mayor as President and presented him with a Guild tie, and to his wife a Guild silk scarf and badge.
The dinner was held to invite the new Lord Mayor, Councillor John McNicholas to be the Guild President for during his year in office. He will be ably supported by his wife, Lady Mayoress Dr June McNicholas. The meal was very well presented and received a good response. Although the evening had a restricted attendance, it was a great success. The staff at Coombe did us proud with the decorating of the room.
The Master Designate presented a tribute in the form of a cheque to our Past Master Mr Brian Jackson in honour of his consort Jenny Penfold, who unfortunately passed away a short while ago. Upon receiving the cheque Brian declared it would be sent to Jenny's chosen charity. When the official part of the evening was concluded those present enjoyed the comfort of Coombe Abbey. Deputy Master Designate - Mr Ronald Robinson.
Positive Images Festival Winner of Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2016, and Community Cohesion Award 2013 & 2018
Saturday 4th September
For the fourth year the Guild participated in this excellent Festival. This year the Guild held a stand in Broadgate during the Festival’s 27th year.
L-R Matt Holland, June McNicholas, Peter Doonan, Lord Mayor, Peter Wilford and David Bullman
We were visited by our President The Lord Mayor Cllr John McNicholas and the Lady Mayoress Dr June McNicholas We had a very successful day with approx. 120 visitors to the stand. It was great to promote to a variety of people; by selling the Guild’s two colouring books we raised a further £120 for local charities.
Pictured - Ron Robinson, Peter Wilford and Matt Holland
Positive Images Festival is Coventry’s only city wide annual diversity festival that promotes community cohesion and celebrates cultural diversity.
Membership Secretary Report You will be aware that in the 2021 Spring edition of the Guildsman, the Court had agreed to recommend an increase in the annual membership subscription. At the AGM, which was held on 1st September 2021, this recommendation was agreed unanimously by all members entitled to vote. The last time subscriptions were increased was some nine years ago in 2013. Therefore, from 1st January 2022 the annual membership fee will be as follows: · Over 67 - £11.00 · Under 67 - £18.00 Methods of Payment. Standing Order. For those who prefer to pay by Standing Order, there is a form on the following page which can be used for the purposes of adjusting your annual subscription to the Guild and submitting to your bank. BACS. You can also pay directly into the Guild’s bank account and use the BACS system of payment which many of our members have now chosen to use. Bank details below. Direct Debit. A Direct Debit mandate will be available by November and anyone wishing to use this method of payment would you please contact me directly at the address included in this publication (Addresses to Note). Cheque. Alternatively, you may wish to continue to pay by cheque. Listed below is the relevant membership banking information. · · · · · · · ·
Subscription due 1�� January 2022. Fee for over 67, £11.00. Fee for under 67, £18.00. NatWest Bank. Account No. 81182813. Sort Code 56-00-45. Please mark your payment with your full name. You can pay your new annual subscription prior to the 1st January 2022 if you wish to do so.
It is worth noting, that The City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild operates and is managed by a dedicated group of volunteers. As a result, the Guild continues to strive to play a key role in the life of Coventry. This is achieved through its active engagement in Civic activities, the promotion of apprenticeships through its annual Apprentice of the Year Awards, its partnership with local businesses, Universities, Colleges and Schools. Last and by no means least, are the efforts the Guild make to raise funds to support local charitable organisations. None of this would be achieved without your valuable commitment and contribution to The City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild. Many thanks for your continued support. Michael Rawson Membership Warden (Acting) and Renter Warden September 2021
The City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild STANDING ORDER MANDATE This instruction cancels any previous Standing Order. Pay The City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild Bank. NatWest Account. Current Account Sort Code. 56-00-45 Account No. 8118 2813 Date Due. 1st January until further notice. Amount. £ ............. Full Name. ................................................................................ Address. ……………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………. Bank. ......................................................................................... Bank Sort Code. ...............................................… Bank Account No. ……...................................… Signature. .........................................….…….…. Date. …………...............................….………… PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR BANK FOR ACTION.
If this mandate is being paid from a Building Society Account, or is being paid by someone else, please make sure your full name is always quoted, otherwise it may not be possible to credit your membership account. September 2021
Lady Godiva’s Daye This year, as part of Heritage Open Days, the Freemen’s Guild supported Lady Godiva’s Daye on 17 September. The 30 Godiva Sisters there were representing their different faiths, cultures and communities and dressed in their traditional gowns, began the colourful procession in Broadgate. They led the special guests of the Deputy Lieutenant of West Midlands, Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Coventry, Army Officer Major John Lam, Police Inspector Simon Finney, Leaders of religious faiths and several other charitable organisations and finished in the Priory Gardens. Each Sister carried a banner which highlighted a special woman from the Sister’s country. The morning included dances from several local junior schools. The day celebrates the life and work of Lady Godiva - Countess of Mercia who died on 10 September 1067.
Pictured from L-R Master Matt Johnson, PM David Bullman, Matt Holland, Peter Doonan, PM Peter Wilford, Clive Nelson, PM Carole Wilson
Procession of some of the 30 Sisters in their Colourful traditional gowns
Membership OBITUARIES AUTUMN 2021 We regret to announce the deaths of the following Guild Members. Our deep condolences are sent to their families.
H J Ganley - Fareham G B Spence - Coventry W G Lovell - Leamington G H Webb - Coventry L B Rutter - Coventry P T Morris - Bedworth A Mileham - Trowbridge
A Frazier - Coventry M Haywood - Coventry R Pierson - Coventry B N Moore - Bedworth V J Cotton – Bedworth R Hulley - Coventry
Obituary
CHRIS COOKE 1941 – 2020
Chris was born in Swindon, but shortly after, the family moved to Coventry and settled in Coundon. He attended South Bank Road Primary School and after passing his 11-Plus he attended King Henry VIII Grammar School in 1952. After five years at the school Chris started his apprenticeship at Dunlop embracing vocational training and qualifying in Production Engineering with distinction. He was Dunlop’s apprentice of the year in 1962. Post Dunlop Chris joined the Technical Sales division at Tucker Fasteners, followed by various posts at Parker Kalon, and Black & Decker Group.
Chris was a Freeman of Coventry, and a member of the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild; and was a regular attendee of their Senior Freemen’s Evening event. He was also a founder member of the Coventry Outward Bound Association. Chris was well known to many people in Coventry through his community activities. He was an active member of Coventry & Warwickshire’s branch of Tools for Self Reliance charity. He thoroughly enjoyed collecting, refurbishing and selling tools to raise funds to place 2,000 young Africans a year into employment opportunities. He ran a Scouts’ group in Fillongley for a period. In the last few years he had become an enthusiastic member of a local ukulele band called the Ukaholics. As if he hadn’t already got a busy life he was a volunteer at the Albany Theatre. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Obituary
Sylvia Grassby (15/3/34 - 11/3/21) Many happy memories come flooding back to me as I gaze at the photos of Sylvia and myself taken at the many events run by the Guild during my years of involvement as a Court member. I served for many years as Searcher on the Guild Court and part of the duties at that time was to be responsible for the membership records. Sylvia gladly took on those duties on my behalf and for all of my time as Searcher, Sylvia maintained those membership records on what I believe was the Guild’s first computer. Sylvia, together with the wives of other Court members, was a great supporter of all the many Guild events which we organised including Little Wallop as part of the Carnival at the Memorial Park and the Gala Day at Coundon Park. These events brought much pleasure to the citizens of Coventry. Our involvement with the Guild culminated in us being installed as Master and Master’s Lady of the Guild at the Annual Banquet in May 1987. This event coincided with that great event of Coventry City FC winning the FA Cup and we were proud to have the Guild’s Loving Cups decorated with Sky Blue ribbons. Freemen’s Sunday then coincided with the FA Cup being paraded through the City and our own parade from Holy Trinity Church to the Council House was particularly well attended. As we were in the Council House we were able to mix with the players and management after the parade. Certainly a weekend to be remembered ! Sylvia is greatly missed by myself and family and by all those who knew her.
John B Grassby (Past Master 1987/88)
Obituary
Jennifer Penfold 1947- 2021 It is with much sadness that we report the loss of Jenny Penfold the partner of Past Master Brian Jackson. Her memorial service was held at Canley Crematorium on 1st July. Jenny was born in Rugby in 1947, being the first child of Vic and Sylvia. She was educated at the Harris Church of England High School and she was enrolled as a member of the Children’s Union and later became a Prefect. Moving on to East Warwickshire College, she successfully passed a full-time secretarial course before starting her first job at Barclays Bank. Towards the end of the 60’s Jenny met Brian and eventually moved to Coventry to be with him, after accepting a post at Warwick University as secretary to the Professor of Industrial Relations. Jenny remained at the university until her retirement, where she also worked in the economics department and was acknowledged for her help in producing four published books by Professors Clegg, Bain, Marginson and Harrison. In her spare time Jenny was a coordinator for Neighbourhood Watch and was also an exam invigilator at Woodlands School.
Her leisure time was taken up with courses in Nordic walking, and training in St John’s Ambulance and Emergency Life Support. She enjoyed gardening and line dancing, nature and animals, and she kept budgerigars. Over the years Jenny accompanied Brian to many Guild events and greatly enjoyed her time as Master’s Lady. Always fit and healthy, it was a great shock when she was diagnosed with cancer about ten years ago. Following operations and chemotherapy, she was then in remission but had to take many medications. Jenny lived her life bravely and stoically as sadly the cancer returned. Despite her ongoing problems, she formed many good relationships with ladies in local support groups who had similar illnesses, and was well liked by Guild members. Neighbours would often see Jenny tending the garden up until recently when she lost her appetite and her strength. Though relatively pain free, she developed breathing difficulties and was admitted to hospital. Sadly, her underlying problems were too great, and she passed away peacefully only two days after admission. Fondly remembered by all who knew her, Jenny was much loved and will be sadly missed. Past Master Brian Jackson - 2018/19
Obituary
Esme Bradbury 4 April 1927 – 24 May 2021
Esme was the wife of Past Master John Bradbury (1926-2009). Born in Sparkbrook, Birmingham she moved to Coventry, aged 6, where her father found work as a tinsmith at ‘the Humber’. Esme soon encountered a neighbour, John Bradbury, and family legend has it that she ran him over on her fairy cycle. It’s thought that he eventually forgave her! After leaving school, Esme went to Commercial College and undertook various secretarial jobs. In her early 20’s she took the then unusual decision to leave her home town and train as a nurse at Westminster hospital, London. She was proud to begin work there on the First Day of the NHS. Returning to Coventry after her training, she and John began their courtship and married in 1952, first living in Westwood Heath before moving to Eastern Green. Son Robert arrived, followed by daughter Barbara.
After a few years at home, Esme returned to work eventually joining John at Massey Ferguson where she worked as a PA. In later years she worked at Warwick University and Holy Trinity Church. Esme was passionate about the City of Coventry; she had vivid childhood memories of the blitz and was always interested in the history of the city. This interest was greatly enhanced by her husband’s involvement in the Freemen’s Guild. She was happy to assist behind the scenes, whether using her secretarial skills or welcoming new members to the Guild. She enjoyed and valued the many friendships she and John made and continued to attend the annual Past Masters’ lunches even after moving to Lancaster in 2016. Esme was always pragmatic about life and its challenges. When diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago she suggested moving to a Care Home, settling happily there and despite her deteriorating physical and cognitive skills was a much loved resident. Robert Bradbury
Coventry Motor City By Graham Robson Reproduced from Classics Monthly Spring 2021 - www.ClassicsWorld.co.uk
It is now more than 60 years since I first set foot in Coventry. I promise to list them only once, but in 1957 there were ten private car marques in the city - Alvis, Armstrong-Siddeley, Daimler, Hillman, Humber, Jaguar, Singer, Standard, Sunbeam and Triumph. Oh yes, and Ferguson tractors, a BMC engines plant, the Carbodies bodyshell plant which made London taxis, plus the BMC/Morris Bodies, whichLand-Rover and Rover were just over the horizon in Solihull Nowadays they have all gone, and all the historic factories have been flattened, replaced by housing or modern light engineering facilities. Jaguar-Land-Rover still has a design and development operation in Coventry, but the cars themselves are assembled many miles away. Coventry, in fact, seems to have changed
completely, but it always struggled to modernise in period partly because of restrictive government policies. For example, in the 1960s Standard-Triumph and Rootes both wanted to expand, but both were denied permission. New Rootes factories ended up being built in Scotland, and Standard-Triumph expanded to Speke near Liverpool in both cases with disastrous commercial results. Yet way back in the late 19th Century, Coventry had been the home of the pedal cycle industry, encouraged the fledgling motorcycle industry to join in, and when the first four-wheeled machines took to the roads, it was almost inevitable that they came from Coventry too. Now for the statistics, in 1920 more than 100 British companies had cars to sell, with an incredible 59 of them being based in Coventry! The nohopers soon fell by the wayside, but the Second World War saw vast new 'shadow’ armaments factories erected, so tens of thousands of Bristol aero engines, hundreds of De Havilland Mosquito aircraft and fleets of armoured cars were produced in the city. For the next 40 years Coventry was still the
motor industry's boom town, even though Rover moved to Solihull, Riley to live alongside MG at Abingdon, Lea-Francis collapsed, and Lanchester died a graceful death. None of the big companies had its own proving ground, but the industry's own test site at MIRA, near Nuneaton, was just ten miles away. Yet the 1960s was the decade in which pure, basic economics began to affect the city. Jaguar's Sir William Lyons moved to expand by buying up Daimler and Coventry- Climax, while Standard-Triumph sold their tractor interests to Massey Harris of Canada, but soon had to be rescued by the truck- makers Leyland, who also absorbed Alvis and Rover. There was more to come though, for Armstrong-Siddeley decided to stop making
their own cars, although they did embrace sports car production and engine design on behalf of the Rootes Group. At about the same time, the British government forced Rootes to build its new factory near Glasgow. Enter, in an expansive strategic move, Chrysler of the USA, who soon took a controlling stake in Rootes and renamed it Chrysler UK. Even Jaguar changed hands, when Sir William Lyons, who was looking to retire, sold out to the Birmingham-based BMC empire. –---------------------------------------------------Graham was Competitions Secretary at Standard-Triumph from 1962-65, running the company’s motor sport programme. He then turned to journalism, and since has published over 160 books as well as countless magazines.
Enjoy some nostalgia!! https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000w6sp/classic-british-carsmade-in-coventry
Guild Merchandise
48 pages with annotated illustrations - £5.00 each
24 pages with a 4 page double pull-out tapestry - £5.00 each
Cheques made payable to: City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild Add £2.50 P&P per order (UK only) ask for overseas rates Contact The Searcher Mr D Bullman Tel: 024 7646 1183 david.bullman500@gmail.com 37 Wellesbourne Road, Mount Nod, Coventry, CV5 7HN
Neck Ties Blue, Grey Maroon
£15.00 each
Blazer Badge -
£18 each
Ladies Scarf £9.50 each Lapel Badges Bronze Gold plated
£3.50 ea £15.00 ea
Christmas and Birthday presents? The Guild’s two colouring books would make great fun and educational gifts for the young at heart and children in your life. At the same time you will help support Coventry charities.
Guild Raffle Tickets More tickets are available from the Charity Warden Mathew Holland
Skittles Evening
selling raffle tickets and conducting the draw, which made an amazing £80.50p.
After the last 18 months of inactivity due to Covid it was a great pleasure to welcome so many members and guests to our Annual Skittles evening on Friday 13th August.
The Master designate Mr Matt Johnson thanked everyone for attending, then presented the prizes to the winning team and the Inter-Guild trophy to the highest scorer David from Leicester Guild.
Among them were 10 from City of Leicester Guild; and our own Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Coventry who joined us socially - and with a little encouragement took part in some of the activities.
The evening was rounded off with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Master’s Lady designate Yvonne, on the occasion of her forthcoming “special” birthday. The cake was divided up and everyone had a piece. My sincere thanks to everyone who attended, and all agreed My thanks to Carol of Barnacle Village it was good to be able to meet up again Hall for efficiently running the games, post Covid. and to the Bar staff. The hot supper was delivered at 8.30 and enjoyed by all. We look forward to a re-match with the Leicester Guild in February 2022. My thanks to Deputy Master designate Mr Ron Robinson and his wife Sue for
Guild Christmas Dinner - Friday 10 December The Guild’s Christmas Dinner will be held in the historic and fabulous Coombe Abbey. A drinks reception awaits you at 6:30pm followed by the Dinner commencing at 7:00pm in the prestigious Court House. Dress code is 'Black Tie' and Jewels to be worn.
Menu and pricing are not available but you can pre-register your interest by contacting the Deputy Master, Ron Robinson, Tel: 0121 705 7416 or email ronk.robinson@yahoo.co.uk. Please provide your name, address, telephone, e-mail, and the number in your party. A formal invite will then be sent to you once menu and costs are known. We look forward to seeing you on this prestigious night.
Metropolis Exhibition Opened A new exhibition in the Metropolis building on Coventry’s medieval and modernist ambitions was opened by the Lord Mayor Cllr John McNicholas on Monday 19th of July 2021. Metropolis is situated between the Council House and the Herbert Museum in Earl Street.
Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Dr Geoff Willcocks, Dipl. -Ing. Arch Sabine Coady Schäbitz and Dr. Mark Webb
This fascinating exhibition combines the medieval and the modern in five themes: Movement, Enterprise, Culture, Resilience and the Future. These themes bring to light Coventry’s distinct contribution to the history of the built environment in Britain from industrial premises including workshops, top-shops and factories to major religious buildings containing some of the finest decorative art in the country. Connected to these stories are the cycles of boom and bust that Coventry has endured over the centuries. It has enjoyed periods as a thriving medieval hub full of
art, ambitious architecture, and industry and suffered great destruction wrought by the Dissolution of the Monasteries that destroyed some of the city’s most impressive religious buildings. Similarly, in more recent times, the devastation of WWII allowed city planners like Donald Gibson to re-imagine the townscape and at the same time show Coventry as the model for other British cities to follow. Importantly, a central theme of the exhibition links Coventry as the City of Culture in 2021-2022 to a long history of pageantry, drama and artistry stretching back hundreds of years. The exhibition is illustrated with predominantly graphic material, including archival and contemporary photography and illustration from sources like the Culture Coventry Trust and Coventry Archive, and the RIBA Collection. It also features a replica St George and the Dragon statuette from the Herbert art Gallery and Museum, alongside a replica stained glass panel from the medieval cathedral. This exhibition is the result of a collaborative partnership between Coventry University, Historic Coventry Trust, Medieval Coventry and Coventry City of Culture Trust. It has been funded by the Great Places Scheme, which was supported by Arts Council England and National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Diamond has by now passed through the Suez Canal well on her way to deliver support to the Carrier Groups Deployment. During transit Diamonds crew took part in rowing the the Suez Canal for charity. The challenge was to row while the ship was transiting the Canal. They did 1 kilometre stints. The Charity..... the The Royal Marines Charity of course. So well done all who took part.
HMS Diamond The Royal Navy’s ship affiliated to Coventry. CSG21- HMS DIAMOND SETS SAIL TO REJOIN STRIKE GROUP AFTER REPAIRS At last some good news, not much detail but at least its good news for Diamond ending what must have been a most frustrating time for all. In July Diamond experienced some technical issues and detached from the Group for " maintenance, inspection and any necessary repairs" With her repairs completed she set sail at the end of August.
When she catches up with CSG212 and joins HMS Defender, her sister Type 45 she will no doubt join in with the US Strike Group Force for the first time of F35 exercises. This involves Fighter jets from both Groups testing joint integration techniques, tactics and procedures which include mid-air refuelling. Diamond will no doubt "Shine through" as she always does. P M Bob Crane
Dates for your Diary 2021 - 2022 Date
Event
Time
9 Oct
Chester Banquet Weekend
7 Dec
City of Oxford Annual Dinner
10 Dec
Christmas Dinner
Location
Contact JW
TBC
6.30 / 7.00pm
Kirtlington, Nr Oxford
JW
Court Hse Coombe Abbey RR
2022 Feb 15
Ladies Night
Apr May 7
TBC
7.00 pm
TBC
RR
Annual General Meeting
7.00 pm
Council Chamber
JW
Banquet
6.30 pm
St Mary’s Guildhall
For more details of an event please contact the organiser below : RB - Raj Bansal ; RR - Ron Robinson; JW - John Wilkinson;
News from the FREEMEN OF ENGLAND & WALES [FEW] With the refurbishment of the St Marys Guildhall slipping from the original target date of December 2020 to December 2021, and the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the planned September AGM of the association in Coventry was cancelled in early March. The Coventry venue was to celebrate the 75th anniversary of our Guild, and also the Coventry City of Culture year. The AGM was last held in Coventry in 1995 at the then De Vere Hotel, whilst Keith Talbot was Coventry Guild Master. Again due to the pandemic, the cancelled 4th April Coventry FEW Spring Court meeting was held by a ‘Zoom’ virtual meeting on 26th June. There were a lot of apologies, as elderly computers like my Windows ‘Vista’ system will not support the Zoom platform without upgrading. To reduce future costs of attending FEW Court and AGM’s, it is possible a ‘hybrid’ meeting could be used, where those not attending in person could participate via Zoom, similar to the current parliamentary system. It is likely that the 2022 AGM will be in Grimsby. Turning now to news from other associations in the FEW South Midlands Area: Gild of Leicester Freemen With the pandemic lockdown, the Common Hall [=AGM] was held on Zoom – with Officers resplendent in robes! Master Brian Mudford stood down and was replaced by Jeff Lewitt, with Malc Ballard as his Deputy. It is hoped to hold the Gild’s Carol Service on the 20th December at St Andrews church, and the 2022 banquet weekend is provisionally proposed for 4-5th July.
Guild of Northampton Freemen With the Governments inspired demise of the Northampton Borough Council, Freeman Brian Sargeant became the last Mayor of the Borough. In March he invested eight new Freemen over Zoom some internationally! The replacement Northampton Town Council took effect on 1st April, and assurances are awaited that the legal position, customs and boundaries relevant to the Freemen will be carried forward. Provisional Freemen's plans include a 'get-together' in the autumn, and resumption of the annual Charity Weekend event in 2022. Alcester, Henley-in-Arden, and Warwick Courts Leet Again, little of ceremonial activity due to the pandemic. With no further virus mutations and lockdowns it is hoped to hold the traditional Autumn Court meetings. With the July Beer festival cancelled, Warwick hope to run the Court Leet Assizes of food and ale, with pomp and ceremony, on 14th August, with the Classic Car Show in the Market Place the next day. For more details of the FEW Association see their website www.freemenfew.org.uk or contact Derek Austin (see contacts page)
Market Characters byJohn Ashby Part One (Part Two in next issue) In the “good old days,” as my grandfather would refer to the time between the mid nineteenth and mid twentieth centuries, the city was much smaller than it is today. This was the period before mass refrigeration and when food shopping was mostly carried out at the Friday and Saturday markets ‘up the town’ in the Broadgate /Cross Cheaping area besides in the Market Hall itself. There was also the Smithfield Market in Hales Street. Vendors, especially those in the street market, would open until late at night trying to sell goods that would not remain fresh over the week-end. As Saturday night wore on prices came down. Some stalls, with their flickering candles and lamps on both sides of the uneven pavements, ran from Smithford Street to Ironmonger Row. They were of all shapes and sizes; many were roughly made and were merely a couple of planks balanced across trestles or fruit boxes. Having a canvas cover in most cases made little difference as there were so many holes in the fabric that scant protection was afforded. Nonetheless, they were especially popular if a sudden storm broke out and people would crowd under them for shelter. On many occasions the poorly constructed stalls would collapse. Shoppers enjoyed a lively time when the market was in full swing. There were many vendors of miscellaneous goods, all shouting their respective wares – pills, ‘taters, blacking, turkey, cheese, Epsom salts, balsams and plasters. All this was augmented with a ballad singer competing against the general pandemonium. The competitive gusto required took away any
vocal artistry he may have had, and, to use another of my grandfather’s old sayings, “ His voice was like a navvy’s boot on a wet morning.” It was not uncommon to find a greengrocer setting up next to a match vendor with a woman selling poultry next to him and a book-stall on her other side. On the subject of books, T.H. Adams wrote In the Coventry Graphic, “There were book stalls offering such gems as the Management of Horses placed next to an equally interesting volume on the Management of Women.” Three volumes were devoted to the End of the World, however, as they forecast the event would take place in 1799 and the time of Adams’ article was over one hundred years later, they were of little value. “Alongside a book on marriage there was another devoted to the ‘road to ruin.’ In the stall-holder’s own words he was offering “that splendid tale on Allygibra’ for tuppence – all complete.” There were second-hand furniture dealers, people selling linnets in cages, quack doctors and auctioneers offering a variety of goods and chattels. Throughout those years there were many popular and colourful characters and they provided endless interest and entertainment for Coventry citizens. For these articles I will concentrate on only a few of these individuals. There was a family named Moore who sold fish and who may well have been antecedents of the later ‘Fishy Moore’s’ family. Fish merchants would often sell pickled salmon and a man by the nickname of ‘Punker’ from Much Park Street was another wellknown trader with his cry of, “Salmon, prime salmon, Newcastle pickled salmon.” Another fish seller, who also sold oranges, was ‘Fishy Nell’ or “Nell Stuart,” the
Market Characters (cont) latter because she claimed to be a descendant from Scottish kings. ‘Cock Robin,’ was a vegetable seller who spent much of his time in the Talbot Inn. His deep voiced cry was, “Green Peas.” A cross-eyed individual, ‘Peep Up,’ whose name derived from the occasion when he was in a loft and witnessed a robbery, sold radishes. Martha Green and her husband sold fruit. Martha always wore a brown dress and a coal-scuttle bonnet with a poke over her eye. In all weathers the pair could be seen standing near the entrance to the Women’s Butter Market. Mr. Green’s frequent absences from the stall, usually to act as a porter to other traders, prompted the ever present mischievous boys to upset the stall. It was a regular occurrence to see large quantities of fruit rolling about the street but it appears not a very regular occurrence for Mr. and Mrs. Green to hand out ‘thick-ears.’ The Chelsea Bun Man was also popular at this time. It was alleged that he had cut off one of his thumbs to secure a discharge from military service. As he moved around the market area, with his cake basket strapped to his side, he would sing and recite verse which described the superb and enticing quality of his confectionery. He was especially popular with the children and his cry of, “Chelsea Buns! Hot Chelsea Buns,” always had a Pied Piper effect upon them. ‘Jim the Penman’ from Birmingham was another who enjoyed popularity and, because of the high quality of the goods he offered this netted much business from the market-goers. He was an eccentric and would contort his face and twist and jerk his body as he uttered, “Dash your buttons, won’t that pen suit you, then try this, dash your buttons.” There was one character who vied for the title ‘King of the Stocks.’ His nickname was ‘Storkey’ Daffern and he was a simple soul. One of his amusing escapades, to the disgust of
the marketeers, but to the amusement of the crowd, was to plague the stall-holders by stealing the candles off their stalls and eating them. ‘Bingey Ben’ a boot-lace seller, was a melancholy character who had one arm that reached his knee whereas the other was but a hand adjoining his elbow. Naturally the poor man’s life was greatly saddened by this freak of nature. ‘Old For’um’ was a small but very upright woman with a masculine voice. The nickname was earned for her vocalisation when selling her wares, “Two pound a penny for’um, Wyken pippins nine pence a gallon for’um, Yarmouth bloaters, as mild as butter, two a penny for’um” In the early years of the twentieth century George ‘Tripey’ Hayes arrived in Coventry from Manchester and soon after his name became synonymous with the sale of tripe in Coventry market. Allegedly, a one stage there was fierce competition, and almost a ‘tripe war,’ between another tripe dealer, Lowe’s, and Hayes.’ Lowe’s faithful often went as far as suggesting that ‘Tripey’ bleached his tripe. Hayes Tripe Co. Ltd. remained in business until only a few years ago whereas Lowe’s business closed many years ago. Cheap cheese was on offer at one stall and free samples were often available, “Taste before you buy! Let your mouth be your judge and your pocket your guide.” There were occasions when a citizen would take advantage of the stall-holder’s generosity and one such time a woman who had tasted it claimed that the cheese was “very ‘ot.” “Ot,” retorted the stall-holder, “ I should think it is ‘ot, put a quarter of a pound in your mouth to taste and then she says it’s ‘ot.’” Finally, last but not least, was ‘Old David’ who sold laces and almanacs. He walked round the stalls shouting in a manner unique to him, “Old Moore’s Almanacs” – with special emphasis on the ‘nacs’ – “one a penny, one a penny”.
Honorary Freemen of Coventry June 1914 - Andrew Carnegie Donor of the Earlsdon, Foleshill and Stoke Branch Libraries, Coventry. September 1924 - Colonel Sir William Fitzthomas Wyley, D.L. the eminent services he has rendered to the City of Coventry during his long public life. November 1927 - Alderman Alfred Henry Drinkwater, J.P. his long public services to the City of Coventry. June 1933 - Sir Alfred Herbert his generosity, as exemplified particularly in the presentation to the City of the Alfred Herbert Recreation Ground and of Lady Herbert's Garden, and also in recognition of his eminent services in connection with the modern industrial development of Coventry. December 1936 - Baron Nuffield his generous help to the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital and to other good causes, and of his distinguished place in the modern industrial life of Coventry and the Nation. December 1936 - Hugh Richard Farren, O.B.E., J.P. his many years of devoted public service to the City of Coventry. October 1946 - Frederick Smith, B.A., F.G.S. the eminent service to the City as Town Clerk and Clerk of the Peace, and his devotion to public duties during a period of unprecedented municipal development November 1962 - Alfred Robert Grindlay, C.B.E., J.P. (Alderman) A City Council member for nearly 39 years his eminent and devoted services to the City during a period of unprecedented municipal development
Honorary Freemen of Coventry cont. November 1962 - George Edward Hodgkinson, O.B.E., (Alderman) A member of the City Council for nearly 35 years, in recognition of his eminent and devoted services to the City during a period of unprecedented municipal development May 1969 - Baron Iliffe of Yattendon the eminent service he has rendered and of his many benefactions to his native City. April 1982 - Councillor Arthur James Waugh (Snr) M.B.E. his eminent and devoted services to the City and his significant contribution to public life in Coventry over a period of thirty-five years. November 1999 - The Right Honourable Dr. Marjorie (Mo) Mowlam, M.P. In recognition of her significant contribution to the peace settlement in Ireland. September 2015- -Mr. Ratan Naval Tata G.B.E September 2015 - Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya K.T., C.B.E. the investment of Tata Steel into Jaguar Land Rover which has enhanced and protected the car manufacturing in the region, supported by the
Warwick Manufacturing Group. 2014 - HMS Diamond 2021 - University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire
The importance of: Having a current valid Will in force Why make a Will? Making a Will is one of the most important documents you will ever make. It tells the ‘Executors’ of your estate when you die who you want your property, assets etc, to go to, and in what proportions. It provides you with the ability to choose, and can be updated and changed easily. No Will = No choices In the absence of a Will, the prescriptive ‘Laws of Intestacy’ dictate what happens. There are no choices, they are totally inflexible. Intestacy can leave loved ones and dependants in precarious situations, with much anguish and in some cases, even homelessness. Getting the right advice Advice about your Will, and the right solutions for your situation and estate, are vitally important. Self-written Wills are often incorrect or inadequate which can cause disastrous consequences. You should seek professional help and advice from a Professional Will Writer or Solicitor. Your Will should meet your needs and aims, and be as tax-efficient as possible. Even if you already have one in place, it is vital it is reviewed and updated regularly. Don’t delay- make sure it’s right If you want to make sure your estate goes where you desire it to, and make all the best provisions for your loved ones, act now and make the call. Stonehouse Legal Services are professional specialists based in the Midlands, and members of the Institute of Professional Willwriters.
The importance of: ‘Lasting Powers of Attorney’ (LPAs) Why do you need them? Launched in 2007, LPAs are now the most vital and low-cost way you can protect your situation, if you happen to lose your capacity to make decisions (even temporarily) for any reason whatsoever. LPAs mean that you (the donor) are giving your chosen Attorneys the legal power to be able to help you and/or act in your place if needed. They cover two main areas and have legal jurisdiction in England and Wales: Property and Financial covers: · All of your property affairs · All your Financial affairs Health and Welfare covers: · All health needs including medication · All welfare including care & nutrition You will need professional advice and help to make sure applications are done correctly, in the right sequence, and with the appropriate powers given. No LPAs = very serious risks If you lose your mental capacity to make decisions without LPAs in place, nobody has the legal power to manage your affairs. This could mean a very costly and lengthy application to the Court of Protection (by your loved ones) with no guarantee of success. It could mean huge risks to your finances, and nobody legally able to help you should you need care. Getting the right advice You should seek professional help and advice from a Professional Will Writer or Solicitor, as the choices you make on your LPAs are very important. They must have the right powers. For a free consultation and further help. Tel: 07553-789-665 Email: stonehouselegal@gmail.com
The City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and advertisers who support us throughout the year with our events and publications.
Past Masters of the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild 1946/48 1948/50 1950/52 1952/54 1954/56 1956/58 1958/59 1959/60 1960/61 1961/62 1962/63 1963/64 1964/65 1965/66 1966/67 1967/68 1968/69 1969/70 1970/71 1971/72 1972/73 1973/74 1974/75* 1975/76 1976/77*
A Turner JP 1977/78 F Lee JP 1978/79 T E Friswell 1979/80 H Weston MBE 1980/81* S Penn 1981/82 C A Aneley OBE 1982/83 L W Jones 1983/84 G E Mayes 1984/85 W R Marple 1985/86 F L Yates 1986/87* A Cooper 1987/88* J Haddon 1988/89 R G Washbourne1989/90* N R Davies 1990/91 H W Riddington 1991/92 F White 1992/93 J C Wall MBE 1993/94 P A Willis 1994/95* J A Lord 1995/96 K B Turner 1996/97* A S Taylor 1997/98 K J Squires 1998/99 T D McDonnell 99/2000* V B J Barrell 2000/01* R F Taylor 2001/02
* ex-officio status
C F Sidwell J Daffern H J McCranor R J R Crane R G Holl MBE H Borley H Bradbury R F Fawkes E A Jackson D Mason J B Grassby J P Satchwell D F Evans A H Cross R G Tomlinson E J Bolton R A King P Johnson K Talbot N R Fawkes D E Bullman R G Holl MBE K T Golby D E Kemble R Stradling
2002/03 2003/04* 2004/05 2005/06* 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10* 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21
S E M Hall D Bush M J Rawson G W Wilkinson A C Sanders J B Wilkinson D J M Hall J Parry D Austin R Bansal C Platts S Basu C Harris P R Wilford S J Morson A A Archer B Jackson C Wilson, Mrs C Wilson, Mrs
Addresses to Note Correspondence & Formal Matters: The Clerk John Wilkinson 115 Old Church Road, Little Heath, Coventry, CV6 7EB Tel: 024 7668 8246 Email: johnbw@btinternet.com Membership Secretary - Acting Michael Rawson Smithy Cottage 2 Wall Hill Road Allesley Coventry, CV5 9EN Email: dianamick01@aol.com Deputy Master Ron Robinson 74, Grosvenor Road Solihull, B91 3PZ Tel: 0121 705 7416 Email: ronk.robinson@yahoo.co.uk Fund Raising: The Charity Warden Matt Holland 42c St Lukes Road, Holbrooks, Coventry CV6 4JB Tel: 07845 821809 Email: mhollandcoventry@gmail.com Guild Evenings: The Senior Warden Tony Cunningham 115 Sir Henry Parkes Road, Canley, Coventry CV5 6BL Tel: 07368 101788 Email: cunninghamt68@gmail.com
Treasurer & Finance: The Renter Warden Michael Rawson Smithy Cottage 2 Wall Hill Road, Allesley Coventry, CV5 9EN Tel: 024 7626 2759 Email: dianamick01@aol.com For Help in Sickness: The Almoner Anthony Archer 68 Malthouse Lane, Kenilworth CV8 1AD Email: anthon.aa@hotmail.com Tel: 01926 851439 Managing the Guild’s Artefacts: Searcher David Bullman 37 Wellesbourne Road, Mount Nod, Coventry, CV5 7HN Tel: 024 7646 1183 Freemen of England and Wales: Derek Austin 1 Yarrow Close, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 0TU Tel: 01788 547145 Email: 4derekaustin@mypostoffice.co.uk Social Events: The Junior Warden Raj Bansal The Old Vicarage 6 Davenport Road, Earlsdon Coventry CV5 6PY Tel: 07733 885166 Email: Guildsman Editor: The Chamberlain Peter Wilford 4 Sewall Highway, Wyken, Coventry, CV2 3NL Tel: 07810 777 128 Email: peter.wilford8@talktalk.net
Enterprise Warden Rod King 54 Ashington Grove, Whitley, Coventry CV3 4DE, Tel: 024 7630 3065: Email: rodkingster@gmail.com Coventry Freemen’s Charity: Mr. D. Evans F.C.A. Azets Accountants, 3Mc Middlemarch Business Park, Siskin Drive, Coventry, CV3 4FJ Tel: 024 7625 8621 Email: hello@Azets.co.uk
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