St Michael's Cathedral, designed by Basil Spence, was consecrated, in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, on May 25, 1962, just 55 years ago. It was built by John Laing and is a Grade I listed building. Benjamin Britten's War Requiem was given its premiere during the celebrations. Interesting film footage of the Cathedral 55 years ago can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbeE4m6Z214&sns=em
enjoyed the various attractions and displays put on by a number of organisations. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Civic Amenities Act and the creation of conservation areas. Appropriately the event was held in the Lady Herbert’s Garden and the Burges Conservation Area Conducted tours of the Old Grammar School were hugely popular with the City’s Conservation Officer, Chris Patrick explaining the features and history of the ancient building. The Deep Fat Fryer, Paul Curtis, led tours of the city walls and Anna Squires from Cllr John Blundell clearly enjoying the event Warwickshire Wildlife Trust led guided walks to look at urban wildlife. Two of On the hottest day of the year in June, the groups were particularly excited to crowds turned up at the Old Grammar see the city’s resident Peregrine Falcons. School to help us celebrate Civic Day. No less than three exhibitions were in Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor John Blundell, came along to ceremonially cut the main hall for people to study; the Civic Day cake, thoughtfully provided an exhibition of the area in historic by the Little Vintage Cake Company and times, an exhibition about the River Sherbourne and an exhibition of the he stayed to talk to visitors and clearly plans for the regeneration of the Burges and the day-lighting of the River Sherbourne near Palmer Lane. Blue Badge Guide Roger Bailey lead tours of this historic area, including the hidden River Sherbourne, that turned out to be something of a surprise for some people. Youngsters were well catered for with colouring-in sheets created by our vice chairman Paul Maddocks and a workshop on quill pen making run by the Council’s Parks Officer. Over fifty people took advantage of the The cutting of the Civic Day cake
July 2017 opportunity to ring the old school bell and their kind donations helped to support the cost of the event. Coventry Society member and local historian Peter Walters came along to sign his books and we also sold books on behalf of the Coventry Family History Society and the Freeman’s Guild. The Coventry Ambassadors had a stall to recruit volunteers and Ludic Rooms undertook a consultation on behalf of the City of Culture bid. There was also a display of artwork by children from Whitley Academy. This year’s event was part of Coventry’s Positive Images Festival, and was just one of many other events around the city. The event centred on the Old Grammar School was clearly a winner with the hundreds that came along. We are proud to have played our part in Civic Voice’s national celebration of civic pride. John Payne
Chris Patrick with a party of visitors
Meet at 6:30 outside the West Door of the Church of St. Paul's in St Paul's Square Instructions from New Street Station: Out of foyer into Stephenson Street; cross this road to tram stop. Alight at St Pauls Stop, exit via walkway onto Constitution Hill and turn left and after about 50m turn left into Northwood Street. You will now go over the railway line. Over bridge turn immediately left into Livery Street and head down hill approximately 100m until you reach Cox Street on right hand side of street. Turn right into Cox Street and proceed along until you reach St Paul's Square.