Citivision June 2013 - Coventry€¦ · contents welcome to the july 2013 issue of citivision whatXs on 20 A round-up of some of the a ttractions on offer in and around Covent ry

issue 43 | july | 2013

c t v s onNews...features...plus more about your city...your neighbourhood...your services

Including: news, comments and updates from organisationsacross the city working together to improve life in Coventry

Coventry

INSIDE

l How glad-iator we

are to see you!

l All aboard for

station development

l Festival fever

draws top names

* Charley Gibbons is

chief executive of the

Citizens’ Advice

Bureau in Coventry

and has agreed to be

the chair of the

Coventry Partnership

for the coming year.

l A personalmessage from

Cllr Ann Lucas,

Leader, Coventry

City Council.

I’m delighted to be writing myfirst column for Citivision asLeader of Coventry CityCouncil; it’s an enormoushonour to be trusted with thisrole and I’m looking forwardto sharing lots of good newsabout the city I love over thecoming months.

There’s a lot to be done aswe work together to makeCoventry great again and, ofcourse, there’s plenty that’salready great about this city -although sometimes we’re notvery good at telling peopleabout it.

But if we really want tomake a difference in the areaswe all know are vital –creating jobs, transforming thecity centre, supporting thelocal economy – then we haveto do things differently, takerisks and be bold.

Against a backdrop of reallytough government spendingcuts and a bleak economicclimate, that’s quite a tallorder.

As a Council we can’t dothis on our own. But look atwhat we have right here onour doorstep – two world-class universities, globalmanufacturers, greatconnections to the rest of thecountry, a fantastic history andheritage…the list is a longone.

Above all, Coventry is full ofpeople with pride and passionin their city who want to seeit become great again. So let’sdo it!

If you need this information in another

format or language please contact us:

Tel: 024 7683 1081Fax: 024 7683 1132

e-mail: [email protected]

From the top

* You can write to Ann at The CouncilHouse, Earl Street, Coventry CV1 5RR, ore-mail her at [email protected]

Cover story: Romans march on the citycentre to promote summer events.

Full story – Page 20

july 2013 | citivision | 03

news

councillors

4 The Council is hoping that a

new policy providing a living

wage will win the backing of

others in the fight to tackle

in-work poverty.

4 A consultation askingresidents about proposals to

change some communityservices is to be launched.

6 Police are asking residents to

make sure their doors and

windows are securely locked

to help prevent burglary.

22 Need to contact yourcouncillor? Check out ourcomprehensive directory.

Call the Citivision newsdesk on024 7683 1075 or write to Newsdesk,Room 27, The Council House,Earl Street, Coventry, CV1 5RR, or e-mail [email protected]

Written and produced by theCommunications Team, CoventryCity Council. Each edition ofCitivision costs 7p per copy to write,

print and distribute to everyhome in Coventry. You can alsopick up a copy at libraries andcouncil buildings. Citivision isproduced on paper fromsustainable woodland and ischlorine free. The milling processalso has EnvironmentalManagement Systems in place.Once read, please recycle.

If you would like to advertise in thenext issue of Citivision, contactDarren O’Shaughnessy on024 7683 1075. Coventry CityCouncil is grateful for the supportfrom advertisers in this issue ofCitivision, but accepts noresponsibility for the accuracy ofadverts. The next issue of Citivision willbe delivered in September.

10 Former X-Factor winnerAmelia Lily (below) is oneof the stars at this year’sGodiva Festival.

festival focus

contents welcome to the july 2013 issue of citivision

what’s on20 A round-up of some of the

attractions on offer in andaround Coventry thissummer.

13/06/2579

‘There are so many partnerssharing resources andworking together inCoventry, and this ishighlighted in this summeredition of Citivision. Forinstance burglary warningsissued by the Police that areshared across organisationscan help with communicatingimportant advice. Similarly,

the Citizens' Advice Bureauhas benefited from runningjoint schemes, includingcampaigning on welfarereform that can helpresidents find their way togetting help to alleviate thepressures caused by reforms.There are lots more examplesthroughout the magazine, andI hope you enjoy the read.’

Harnessing thepride and passion

16 Regular eye checks can savesight and should be part ofeveryone’s healthy livingroutine.

health focus

14 Designers working on therefurbishment of Coventry’sOld Grammar School (above)

want to hear from you aboutyour memories of the Grade Ilisted building.

culture focus

contact us

community focus8 Coventry City’s Sky Blues in

the Community will beoffering a huge range ofsporting activities during theschool summer holidays.

9 Families in Henley andManor Farm are todaythanking 30 chickens (below)

for improving theircommunity and helping scoopa national award.

welfare focus12 A booklet is being produced

for local people affected bywelfare reform which outlinespractical steps that people cantake to help them to copewith the government welfarereforms in the months ahead.

13 Disability Living Allowancefor working age adults hasnow been replaced byPersonal IndependencePayments.

A personal message from Charley Gibbons, chair of the Coventry Partnership...

04 | citivision | july 2013

news

The Council is hoping that a new policy it isproposing to provide a living wage to tacklein-work poverty will be supported by otherorganisations and businesses in the city.

The Council’s new cabinet member for strategicfinance and resources is likely to recommend thescheme, which will benefit up to 800 non-schoolbased council employees.

If agreed, the implementation of the living wagein the Council will take affect from August 1. Thehourly rate of £7.45 which will be awarded is basedon research by the Living Wage Foundation.

The foundation calculates a ‘poverty thresholdwage’ and adds a 15 per cent margin to ensure thatthe person does not fall to the levels of povertywages. Dozens of public and private sectororganisations have joined the Living Wage EmployerGroup and the Council hopes that otherbusinesses in the city will commit to introducing a

Living Wage.The Living Wage initiative was first introduced

after the East London Communities Organisationraised the problem of people on low pay in CanaryWharf who were finding it difficult to cope withthe costs of living, especially when having tosupport a family.

Cllr Damian Gannon, the Council’s CabinetMember for Strategic Finance and Resources, saidit was the right time to introduce the policy.“During these difficult economic times, where thecost of living is rising and we are asking more andmore of all our employees, it is only right that we

do what we can to ensure that all our employeesreceive a wage they can live on. It’s vital that we dowhat we can as a council to achieve a moreprosperous city and greater equality. A living wagewill help improve the quality of life of manyindividuals, and I’d urge other businesses andorganisations to consider supporting the scheme.”

The Living Wage will benefit Council employeesincluding cleaners, library and informationassistants, escorts, playgroup assistants and postalassistants. The scheme will have an impact on staffon Grade1 and some on Grade 2.

Council Leader Ann Lucas added: “Providing aliving wage is fundamental to the wellbeing ofpeople who are working hard on a low salary. Asthe city’s biggest employer it is vital that we take alead.”

The estimated full-year cost of the Living Wage isanticipated to be £0.7m per year.

A citywide consultation askingCoventry’s residents what they thinkabout new proposals to change somecommunity services is to be launchedby the Council’s Community ServicesDirectorate.

The directorate has to save £22.5million over the next three years aspart of the Council’s overallrequirement to save £63 million.

The first year’s savings have beenmet with a number of efficiencies andnegotiations regarding fundingarrangements. However, a number ofproposals have been developed tomeet future savings targets and theCouncil would like to know residents’views and opinions on these.

They include the provision of AdultSocial Care Information and Advice,the availability of Housing RelatedSupport, our internal Home SupportService, Day Opportunities andtransport, and Housing with Careschemes.

It is anticipated the consultation willcommence in the summer. Furtherinformation on what is included in theconsultation and the start dates areavailable on the Council’s website atwww.coventry.gov.uk/abcs.

People will be able to reply to theconsultation survey online at home,or alternatively by visiting a locallibrary where you can access theconsultation electronically on one oftheir many computers, or by pickingup a paper copy.

To view all of Coventry CityCouncil’s consultations, visitwww.coventry.gov.uk/consultations

A newly-formed group has takenup the opportunity to deliverWillenhall’s first NeighbourhoodPlan, as part of a national drive toempower communities,

Willenhall’s planning group hasnow submitted its neighbourhoodarea application to the Councilwhich is the first step beforestarting work on theneighbourhood plan.

A consultation on this area isunderway and all details about howto respond can be found atwww.coventry.gov.uk/cldp

Kate Lee, who manages theWillenhall Neighbourhood Forum,was born in the area and hasworked for the community for 18years. She said that it was aninnovative approach that will giveresidents a real influence onplanning schemes in theneighbourhood.

She explained: “Rather than havethings done to them this will helplocal people to be involved inplanning at all levels in the area. Itcould be about whether a house isbuilt or changes made to a building.

“Enabling people to have agreater stake in the place wherethey live can only have a positiveimpact on that place’s quality oflife.”

All consultation responses willbe reported to the Council’splanning committee before theCouncil formally designate theNeighbourhood Area later thissummer.

Living wage aims to tackle low pay‘It is only right that we do what we can to

ensure that all our employees receive a

wage they can live on. It’s vital that we do

what we can to achieve a more

prosperous city and greater equality...’

It’s your chanceto help shapefuture services

Residents set fora real say on localplanning issues

The Council has announcedplans to move to a newpurpose-built headquarters inthe Friargate development atthe city’s railway station.

The move is part of a radicalplan that will see the totaltransformation of the citycentre, kick-start Coventry’seconomic growth and supportthe creation of more than13,000 jobs in the city over thenext 10-15 years.

Around 7,800 constructionjobs will be created to buildFriargate – 1,000 constructionjobs will be needed for the newCouncil office alone.

The proposals will seeCouncil staff move into thenew building at Friargate,reducing the number ofCouncil offices across the cityfrom 27 separate buildings tojust nine.

The Council House wouldremain as a base for councillorsand council meetings, while anew one-stop shop for

residents would be opened inBroadgate. A new bridge builtacross the Ring Road willcreate an attractive publicboulevard to link into the citycentre and extend theGreyfriars Green parklandsetting to Friargate, bringingthe development and therailway station much closer tothe city.

It will cost £40million tobuild the new office. A further£19million will be needed tomake other building changesacross the city, including thenew centre in Broadgate – lessthan the £63 million needed torepair and refurbish theCouncil’s current buildings. Thebacklog for repairs alone isestimated at £23million.

Council Leader Ann Lucas,said: “This plan is value formoney for Coventry taxpayersand will send the clearestmessage to developers fordecades that the city is openfor business.”

Move to Friargate business quarterheralds springboard to city growth

n A computergenerated

impression ofhow the newFriargate will

look.


news

n Camera,action! Media

students look

to promote the

Council’s

award-winning

apprenticeships

scheme.

Local students have been helpingpromote an apprenticeshipscheme run by the Council whichhas just landed a top award.

The innovative Construction SharedApprenticeship Scheme, delivered inpartnership with Bam Construct UK,City College Coventry, WhitefriarsHousing Group (part of WM HousingGroup) and local constructionemployers, was recently namedApprenticeship Scheme of the Yearaward in a competition run by theNational Federation of Builders (NFB).

The NFB award honoured theCouncil for its commitment toapprentices through the ConstructionShared Apprenticeship Scheme.

And now students studying a BTECin Creative Media Production (Film and

Television) at City College Coventryhave undertaken a commercialcommission to produce a professionalpromotional DVD for the Council’sscheme.

The programme supports localyoung people to develop careers inconstruction and has already supporteddozens on their journey into theindustry, helping them gain experienceof real site work and equipping themwith the skills to help them flourish inthe sector.

The programme supportsyoung people to developcareers in constructionand has alreadysupported dozens on theirjourney into the industry

Cabinet Members CllrLynnette Kelly and CllrRachel Lancaster checkout the completion ofwork to remove thetraffic lights at the LittlePark Street junction bythe police station, which takesthe development of Coventrycity centre. The area has beentransformed and now hasnarrower roads and widerpavements. Four new zebracrossings have been installed -two on New Union Street andtwo on Little Park Street and anumber of new street treeshave been planted.

The work completes thedriving and walking route fromthe police station to therailway station junction. Thewhole section now worksbetter – at Bull Yard, the roadhas been narrowed from fourlanes to two, a new grassedarea has been planted, new on-street parking has been addedand two more sets of trafficlights have been removed.

The improvements to thepedestrian route to the station

includestwo filled-in subways and anew toucan crossing whichnow connects GreyfriarsGreen to the station.

Cllr Lancaster, CabinetMember for Public Services,said: “While our work on roadjunctions doesn’t have quitethe same wow factor asBroadgate and Bull Yard, it is noless impressive. All of thiswork complements the newcity-centre wide 20mph zoneand our aim to create a morecivilised environment. The nextstage is the transformation ofHigh Street – where we will betaking up the stampedpavement and replacing it withsandstone. We will also bereintroducing the kerb toenable us to remove thedozens of bollards that lineboth sides of the street.”

Signal for a better city centre Students turn thefocus on winningtraining scheme

Tutors and foster carersgather for a course inCoventry which offeredextra support as part ofa parenting programmein the city.

Carers already withmany years experienceattended and completedthe national coursecalled KEEP, which helpsfoster carers who lookafter five to 12 year oldsto manage challengingbehaviour and avoiddisruption orbreakdown of aplacement. For detailson fostering, call 0247683 2828 or visitwww.coventry.gov.uk/fostering

Course offers support for foster parents

news


The Director of CoventrySamaritans is reminding localpeople in need to call on thecharity whatever trouble theymay be facing.

Roger Hughes, Samaritansdirector, said: “However badyou feel or whatever life has

done to you, you can ring andtalk to us at any time of theday or night”.

About 90 people contactthe service every day – byphone, email, SMS or by callingin at its office in Moor Street,Earlsdon. All its services are

run entirely by volunteers andare free of charge. “Our visionis that fewer people die bysuicide,” Roger added. “Aboutone in five of the people wespeak to is contemplatingtaking their life. But we arehere for anyone who is

troubled or going through adifficult time, no matter whatthey feel”.

If you want to talk tosomeone, you can callSamaritans on 02476 678 678any time or visitwww.coventrysamaritans.co.uk

Coventry Police are askingresidents to make suretheir doors and windowsare securely locked to helpprevent burglary.

During warmer weatherreports of burglarytraditionally rise as peopleleave windows and doors openor unlocked. Officers areasking residents to be extravigilant this summer andimprove their home security.

Officers are regularlypatrolling across the city aspart of Operation Intrusiveoffering advice to communitiesand also targeting offenders.Plain-clothed police operationsare in place across Coventryto catch burglary offenders inthe act – and the message tooffenders is clear: “Burglars weare watching you.”

Residents may findthemselves unable to claim offtheir insurance because leavingwindows and doors open

makes their insurance policyinvalid.

Please always report anysuspicious people or activity topolice and follow the belowadvice:

n Keep doors and windowslocked if you are out of a roomfor any length of time;

n When spending time in theback garden lock your frontdoor and close all windows atthe front of the house;

n Valuables should not be lefton view and keys should beremoved from door locks. Allother keys, including car keys,should be kept out of sight;

n Lock away all gardenequipment, especially ladders,in your shed or garage.

For further crimeprevention advice visit:www.west-midlands.police.uk,follow Coventry Police onFacebookwww.facebook.com/coventrypolice or on Twitter@coventry_police.

Anyone with anyinformation about burglaries inCoventry is asked to callofficers on 101. Or contact theindependent charityCrimestoppers anonymouslyon 0800 555 111. In anemergency always dial 999.

West Midlands Police now have anumber of social media accountsproviding regular updates aboutpolicing across Coventry.

The social media accounts havebeen a tremendous success storyover the past three years, providinguseful information around roadclosures, critical incidents, positivearrests and sentences, communitywork and crime preventioninformation.

The use of social media byCoventry Police continues to grow,including university officers andneighbourhood policing teams!

Keep in touch where you live:

n Coventry Police (for citywideupdates) - @coventry_police

n Chief Superintendent AndyNicholson - @CovPolCommander

n North East Coventry –@NE_CovPolice

n Coventry University Cop -@CovUniCop

n Warwick University Cop -@WarwickUniCop

n Bablake and Sherbourne -@BablakeSherborn

n Cheylesmore -@cheylesmore_wmp

n Earlsdon - @earlsdon_policen Foleshill - @FoleshillPolicen Henley - @HenleyPolice n Holbrooks - @HolbrooksNPT

n City Centre (St Michael’s) -@St_Michaels_NPT

n Upper Stoke -@UppStoke_Police

n Westwood - @westwood_policen Woodlands and Whoberley -@WoodlandsNHT

You can also visitwww.facebook.com and search forCoventry Police for regular localnews stories.

Samaritans – a listening ear at any time of day or night

Don’t let the burglars catch you out

May the Force be with you – via Twitter and Facebook!

A Beat the Cheats campaign launchedby Coventry Trading Standards andCoventry Citizens’ Advice Bureau isaiming to raise awareness of scams byfraudsters and criminal gangs. Last yearCoventry Trading Standards identifiednearly 350 separate scams which couldhave cost local people more than

£150,000. It also revealed that theMicrosoft PC Virus Scam was thebiggest problem, with fake prize drawscoming in second.

Here’s some tips to help you beatthe cheats and protect your hard-earned cash:£ If it sounds too good to be true,it probably is;£ Don’t send money upfront orhand over cash on the doorstep; £ Protect your identity – don’tgive personal details to peopleyou don’t know;£ Don’t respond to emails orletters you suspect are scams;£ If in doubt seek advice from theCitizens’ Advice ConsumerHelpline on 08454 040506.In addition, scam emails can beforwarded to [email protected] with Beat the Cheat inthe subject line. You can also sendyour scam letters free to Scampaign -Trading Standards, Freepost (CV681),Coventry CV1 1BR, or report anyscams to Action Fraud on 0300 1232040, www.actionfraud.police.ukTo find out more about how toprotect yourself, visitwww.adviceguide.org.uk orwww.coventry.gov.uk and search forTrading Standards.

‘Beat the Cheats’ anti-scam campaign

n Sophie Parkes (left) from the CABand Cllr Alison Gingell, Cabinet Memberfor Health and Adult Services, help getthe campaign underway.

+CRIME UPDATE+


news

Council leader Ann Lucasleads the ground-breakingwork to herald the startof an £8 million extensionat a popular city leisurecentre. Joining her are(from left) Cllr Ed Ruane,Cabinet Member forsports, MalcolmWhitehall, director ofCoventry andWarwickshire Award Trustand Peter Owen,managing director ofcontractor WillmottDixon. Constructionwork has started on theredevelopment to extendthe Centre AT7 in BellGreen Road, CourthouseGreen. The exciting plansinvolve creating a new25m swimming pool, asplash leisure pool andracing slides along with ahealth suite featuring ajacuzzi, sauna and steamroom.

There will also be new-look changing rooms anda revamped receptionarea.

A makeover is having a major animpact on visitors at CoventryCentre Library. The popularchildren’s library has beenupdated with a separate,colourful carpet – popular forstory and rhyme times. A Healthand Wellbeing Zone has beencreated by enlarging the currentBooks on Prescription area andoffering a range of other bookson health. A range of additionalfurnishings has been providedsuch as tables and chairs and theCD, DVD and audio area has alsobeen revamped. A new WorldZone that provides informationon different languages andculture has also been createdwhile wi-fi coverage throughoutthe library has been boosted andwill be free for two hours. Withalmost 1,500 daily visitors thewhole library has been re-carpeted and re-painted for thefirst time since the libraryopened in 1986. For details visitwww.coventry.gov.uk/libraries.

Library works usherin exciting chapter

Work kicks off on major plansto revive popular leisure centre

A major new scheme is underway to savethousands of pounds in heating publicbuildings and to help those in fuel poverty byharnessing energy from waste. The schemewill see the Council House, Herbert ArtGallery and Museum and CoventryCathedral being supplied heat and hot waterfrom the Waste to Energy plant in Whitley.The plan is then to extend the scheme to beable to benefit tenants in social housing. Thework includes some disruption on city roads.

No waste goes to waste

n Cllr David Kershaw (centre), Cabinet Member forEducation, joins other visitors to the library.

community


A gardening event at CanleyCommunity Centre was also anopportunity for people to try sweettreats made from unexpectedingredients, such as courgette cakeand beetroot buns, courtesy ofvolunteers from Canley Food Project.

It’s the latest step in a makeoverfor the land behind the Prior DeramWalk centre, which had beenovergrown and unappealing.

Whitefriars Housing is supportingthe work as part of its Pride in Our

Streets initiative, which funds smallcommunity projects.

The social landlord donated £1,200to landscape the garden and buymaterials including bamboo screens,plants, seating and compost bins.

Improvement work has beencarried out by Canley Futures Ltd,the not-for-profit organisation whichruns Canley Community Centre andCoventry City Council’s localNeighbourhood Action team.

Local groups including the Canley

Food Project – which is made up ofvolunteers who like to grow andcook their own produce – will helptend the revamped garden.

Cllr Richard Sandy, WestwoodWard Councillor, said: “The landbehind the community centre hasgone from being unused and unsightlyto a place where people can relax,enjoy nature and get involved.

" Local people should feel veryproud of what they have achieved.”

The project is the latest in a series

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, CabinetMember for Business,Enterprise and Employment,admires the temporary newpocket park which has justbeen completed in BishopStreet. The park was createdto improve the derelict landon the corner of BishopStreet and Well Street. Thearea is now fully landscapedwith ornamental shrubbery, afootpath and a grassed area.A seating area is also included.

Coventry City’s Sky Blues inthe Community will beoffering a huge range ofsporting activity during theschool summer holidaysacross Coventry. Sky Blues inthe Community is workingalongside Coventry CityCouncil in supporting thePassport to Leisure andLearning scheme- offering a20 per cent reduction topassport holders.

Passport to Leisure andLearning helps to removesome of the cost barriersmany people may face intaking part in high qualitysports activities – we reallyhope to see people with aPassport to Leisure joining usover the summer holidays andbeyond. To find out the times,dates and locations of thevarious holiday activities youcan visit www.ccfc.co.uk orcontact the Sky Blues in theCommunity office (Monday toFriday 9-5pm) on 024 76786349 with questions or tobook your place.

Pop-up park joy

Keep activewith Sky Blues

n Fitness fun with Sky Blues inthe community.

Landscape garden volunteers enjoy reward of beetroot buns and courgette cake

A selection of 100 British treeswill be planted at locations acrossCoventry to enhance thelandscape, provide shade, supportlocal wildlife and enhance airquality.

The project is being delivered byWhitefriars Housing’s estate servicesteam and is backed by its EstateImprovement Group, made up ofcustomers of the not-for-profithousing and regeneration organisation.

One hundred rowan, birch, mapleand wild cherry trees will be plantedon land owned by Whitefriars Housingin Ernesford Grange, Stoke Heath,

Stoke Aldermoor, Wyken, Radford,Canley and Tile Hill.

Ken Lindsay, Whitefriars Housing’sEstate Contract Officer, said: “ Treeshave real benefits for communities,they will support local biodiversity,provide shade and look attractive.We’ve chosen species that are nativeto Britain to attract wildlife and stay inkeeping with other planting.”

Members of Whitefriars Housing’sEstate Improvement Group took partin the first round of planting in Tile Hill.Sheila Bates, aged 72, who lives in TileHill and is chairman of the EstateImprovement Group, said: “It’s fantasticto see more trees being put back intothis area. Tile Hill was once forest so itreflects that history.”

Diane Tolley, 61, from Canley, is vice-chair of the Estate ImprovementGroup. She said: “Everyone likes to seesome greenery, especially when theweather is as grey as it has been.”

100 trees a breath offresh air for the future

‘Trees have real benefits for

communities, they will support

local biodiversity, provide

shade and look attractive...’

Willenhall wood carving story

n Whitefriars residents SheilaBates and Diane Tolley get planting.

Cllr Abdul Khan and local residents admire the dragon’s head now

guarding the entrance to Willenhall Woods. The image was created by

sculptor Graham Jones after tree trunks were felled from a highway verge

in Middle Ride following subsidence. Officers from the Council’s Trees and

Woodlands team at first used the trees at the entrance of the woods to

discourage the access of bikes and vehicles into the woods behind the

children’s play area. The design for the sculpture came from local children,

including the Willenhall Junior Rangers. Cllr Khan, who has environmental

responsibilities at the Council, said: “Recycling trees that would otherwise

have been destroyed is a great practical idea by the local community.”

community


of activities for Canley aimed atreducing litter, -discouraging anti-socialbehaviour and working with localpeople to enjoy the green spacesaround them.

Earlier this month WhitefriarsHousing arranged for a skip to bestationed for a day in Prior Deram Walkand funded bulb planting across Canley.

Local shopkeepers had complainedabout fly-tipping and Whitefriars’ staffand community volunteers helped toclear away rubbish.

n Garden hasroots in

community,(from left)Junita Tan-

Hamblin, SheilaMantin and

Anamika Jainwith EmileeBriggs and

Jessica Briggs,both aged11.

Landscape garden volunteers enjoy reward of beetroot buns and courgette cake

Resident helpers (from left) Nikyla King,Caitlin Richards, aged 21, and Lorna Round havea cracking time with the Henley Greenchickens. Local families in Henley and ManorFarm are today thanking 30 chickens forimproving their community and helping scoop anational award.

Rescued from battery farms, the feathered-friends have turned around the fortunes ofHenley Green Community Centre, reduced anti-social behaviour and given local people a passionfor eggs and animal husbandry. The projectbacked by Whitefriars Housing scooped bestcommunity-led initiative in the Chartered Instituteof Housing’s UK Housing Awards 2013. ComedianSue Perkins presented the award.

Motivated by reports of the ill treatment ofbattery chickens, members of resident groupCraven Connection approached WhitefriarsHousing for assistance to build a chicken coop.Through its Pride In Our Streets funding, thehousing association awarded the group more than£1,300 for materials for the coop as well asmoney for two residents to attend a chickenhusbandry course. As a result of their efforts, 30chickens, four ducks and a turkey now live incomfort at the back of Henley Green CommunityCentre. Up to 45 boxes of eggs are sold to localpeople each week, an estimated 500 people visitweekly and the community has pulled together tocare for them. John Marriott, aged 74, whovolunteers at community centre, said: “The projecthas really turned our community around. Beforewe didn’t have much to be proud about, and nowour chickens are a local talking point.”

It’s a very happy birthdayto the Sowe Valleyvolunteers.

This committed teamof Coventry residents hasbeen quietly improvingthe River Sowe for threeyears in the summer of2013 and has made somewonderful changes to itsappearance and quality inthat time.

It’s the good life andgood living at Henley

Hundreds of bags of rubbish have beenremoved, new bankside plants have gonein and the river is swimming with life.

Otters, bats, kingfishers and many fishspecies including sticklebacks use theriver, all helped by these dedicatedvolunteers.

Over 3,000 volunteer hours have beenspent on the Sowe and it is hoped thiswill long continue thanks to the newFriends of Sowe Valley who will be

running the volunteer days from 2014. * Like tea, coffee, biscuits and banter?

Then why not join the growing SoweValley Volunteers too?

You can find out more atwww.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk or contact LucyHawker at [email protected] orcall 02476 302912. Alternatively, visitFacebook, search ‘Sowe Valley Project’and ‘Like’ us today.

It’s party time for the Sowe Valley volunteers

Angling for visitorsFisheries officer Jake Davoile andenvironment champion Cllr AbdulKhan meet up to proclaim the meritsof one of the UK’s most prolific fishingspots, Coombe Pool. While itsglamourous neighbour, CoombeCountry Park, gets all the attentionfrom visitors, Coombe Pool Fishery hasbeen acclaimed as one of the country’sleading big bream match waters. Thepool now concentrates on providingpleasure and specimen angling forvisitors throughout the summer fromJune 16. Day tickets can be obtainedfrom the Fishery car park machine, or aseason ticket from the visitor centre.For the prospect of a great day’sangling, visit www.fisheries.co.uk/coombe, www.facebook.com/CoombePoolFishery or contact Jake at theStreetscene and Greenspace Division,Coombe Pool Fishery, Coventry.

n SoweValley

Volunteerscelebrate

with abirthday

cake.

festival focus


The Godiva Festival is set to offer a feastof entertainment when it returns to theWar Memorial Park from Friday-Sunday,5-7 July.

And local talent is very much to the fore atthis year’s mammoth event, including a host oftop local bands, comedians, and Coventry starGhostpoet (inset, below), making a triumphantreturn to Godiva.

Organisers have put together a fab line up ofacts for the three-day festival, and have alsobeen sifting through applications from tradersand charitable organisations interested in havingstalls at this year’s event.

Hopes are high ofavoiding last year’scancellation, whenthe festival was oneof dozens of majorevents across thecountry hit byunprecedentedrainfall.

The headline actsand many of theartists performingthis year have now been announced and detailsare being updated as the start of the festivaldraws closer.

Festival goers can check the latest details onwww.godivafestival.com or on Twitter, or visitour Facebook page.

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, who is responsible for theGodiva Festival, said: “I hope that this year’sfestival attracts a real family-friendly audience.We’ve got our fingers crossed for a fineweekend and even if we do face inclementweather we will be better prepared.”

Coventry stars join bignames of pop and rockfor this year’s festival The Friday headline act is the legendary Echo and The

Bunnymen, booked once again by popular demand aftermissing out on playing at the festival last year. OnSaturday, British rock band Maxïmo Park headline themain stage, and Godiva 2013 winds down on Sundayevening with a performance by former X-Factor starAmelia Lily. Further performances across the three dayscome from Urban artists Devlin, Sway and CharlieBrown, while local artists include Coventry legendNeville Staple. There is also a chance to see local boyCharlie Healy with his fellow band membersThe Risk.

Friday: Echo and the Bunnymen

The opening night of Godiva 2013promises to be one to remember as wewelcome one of the most iconic Britishbands ever to headline the main stage.Echo & The Bunnymen make their wayto Coventry once more after missingout last year.

Saturday: Maximo Park

Saturday night features Newcastle-based alternative rock band MaximoPark on the main stage for a headlineset that is guaranteed to get thecrowds rocking.

Sunday: Amelia LilyAmelia Lily burst on to the scenewhen she finished third in theX Factor in 2011. Since then she hasbeen busy taking the charts by storm,twice reaching the top 3 in the singlescharts. Amelia is now hitting thesummer festival scenes promoting herdebut album Be a fighter.

Godiva showcases the very best of the city’s home grown talent

A feature of theGodiva Festival isthe number ofvisitors who travelby public transport,on foot or who cycleto the festival. Park-and-ride south willbe closed from 6pmon Thursday, July 4,and throughout thefestival. So why notleave the car athome and enjoy ahealthier journey toGodiva Festival2013?

Why notwalk it?

Let us entertain you...

n Fun for all the family at Coventry’s Godiva Festival in

the War Memorial Park.

* Godiva Festival is broughtto you by Coventry CityCouncil and supported byJaguar Land Rover, NetworkCoventry and Fargo Village.


festival focus

Godiva showcases the very best of the city’s home grown talent

A firm favourite for the youngervisitors to the festival, the FamilyField, will be home to a whole hostof family entertainment guaranteedto keep both adults and children ofall ages enthralled, entertained andamused.

On offer will be the kids tent, aCommunity Circus, and an inflatablesarea.

The vintage market and the Livesand Times and Greenspace tents willoffer something for a wide range offestival visitors.

A micro acoustic stage with laidback acoustic music from localmusicians will also feature. On the

opening night of the festival, theParadise Tent will host the traditionalcomedy night, with some of the bestup-and-coming comedians on thecircuit guaranteed to raise a laugh.

Live falconry shows and thechance for the kids to learn circusskills with the Coventry CommunityCircus performers as well as an ArtTent are all featuring in the familyfestival.

The Family Field, brought to youby Network Coventry, will also behome to the Charity Village, withlocal, regional and national charitiesall raising much needed funds fortheir various deserving causes.

Dozens of local acts have been featuring in heats forGodiva Unsigned 2013.

Live music venues across the city have been hosting the battleof the bands, giving local unsigned artists the chance to havetheir sounds heard by a brand new audience.

Street wardens will behelping to keep on topof litter throughout thefestival as part of aconcerted effort tokeep the MemorialPark and surroundingstreets litter free.Visitors are also beingwarned that there arepenalty fines which canbe issued for peoplewho fail to dispose ofrubbish properly.

Litter pickersout in force

The Family Field of dreams,for youngsters of every age

It’s a chance for Unsignedstars to make bid for glory

Year on year, Godiva Unsigned hasattracted a growing number ofparticipants, with the promise of thefinalists having a chance to performin the Rhythm Tent on the openingFriday of the festival – and theoverall winners getting thedistinction of being the opening acton the Godiva Main Stage onSaturday.

Godiva Unsigned has been one ofthe biggest and best outlets forCoventry bands and artists.

Previous winners include DarkActors, Shock Parade, IdlePlaythings and Just Morale, all ofwhom have gathered hugefollowings after performing atGodiva.

n What a line-up!Ian McCulloch(left), frontmanwith Echo andthe Bunnymen,will be joined by

Maximo Park(above) and

former X-Factorwinner Amelia

Lily (right) at thisyear’s Godiva

Festival.


welfare focus

A booklet is being produced forlocal people affected by welfarereform which outlines practicalsteps that people can take tohelp them to cope with thegovernment welfare reforms inthe months ahead.

These steps include:

n Getting a benefits check; n Looking at your monthly

budgeting;

n Making sure you have anaccount that your wages andbenefits can be paid into;

n Paying off any arrearsespecially rent and otherpriority debts;

n Setting up direct debits; n Getting online; andn Getting employment if you

are out of work.The booklet provides an at-a-

glance guide to the changes and awhole range of useful contactnumbers for help and advice.

Taking the right steps

n Get a benefits check: Make surethat you are getting all the benefitsthat you are entitled to now.

n Budgeting (monthly financialplanning): How well are you managingyour money – you may be budgeting

weekly and will needto think about howyou will manage withmonthly paymentswhen you move toUniversal Credit orstart to earn amonthly wage.

If you do owemoney to otherpeople get someadvice on how youcan budget to getthese debts paid assoon as possible particularly prioritydebts such as rent, Council Tax andgas and electricity. If you are repayingdebts out of your benefits you maybe able to agree smaller payments

n Setting up a bank account:Having a bank account is importantso that you can have your benefitsand wages paid in and use it to payyour bills. There are different typesof account that are available such ascredit union accounts and basic bankaccounts and there are advisorsavailable who can help you set up anaccount.

n Setting up direct debits: Onceyou have an account, setting up directdebits to pay your bills can be one ofthe best ways to make sure that your

bills are paid on time.This is really importantfor priority bills such asrent and Council Tax.

Once a direct debithas been set up, youcan be confident thatyour bills will be paidevery month.

n Getting online:Being online and beingable to use the internethas never been moreimportant. All Universal

Credit claims will need to be madeonline.

There are lots of free courses,where you can learn how to use theinternet, even if you are a completebeginner. Your local library is a greatstarting point, as all libraries nowoffer up to two hours free internetaccess and should be able to signpostyou to what courses are available inyour area.

Whitefriars and Henley Collegehave developed a course which isdelivered in six locations across thecity. It provides straightforward,practical help in getting online, isopen to everyone (not just socialhousing customers) and is free if youclaim tax credits or benefits. To find

out more call 024 7662 6444 fordetails or visitwww.whitefriarshousing.co.uk.

Where can I find out more?To get more information or help withany of the above, here are someuseful contact numbers and details:

n Advice Services Coventrywww.adviceservicescoventry.org.uk

n Coventry City Council [email protected] 7683 1800

n Coventry BenefitsAdvice [email protected] 7683 2000

n Coventry Citizens’Advice Bureauwww.coventrycab.org.uk024 7622 3284

n Coventry Law Centrewww.covlaw.org.uk024 7622 3053

n Whitefriars Housingwww.whitefriarshousing.co.uk024 7676 7000www.adviceguide.org.uk

You can also contact your localcommunity advice centres whereyou live.

How to keep abreast of reforms


welfare focus

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) forworking age adults has now been replacedby Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

The good news is that you are not affectedby this change if you were 65 before 8 April2013, in which case you will continue to getDLA. Similarly children will stay on DLAuntil they are 16, and will then be assessedfor PIP. From October 17, 2013, people

whose DLA is due to run out after 24February 2014 will start to be re-assessedfor PIP. Also from October 2013 anyonewho reports a change of circumstances, orreached 16, will also be reassessed for PIP.

Anyone who already gets DLA now, willnot be automatically entitled to PIP – asthey will be reassessed under the newtougher rules. Over half of people who get

DLA now will lose all or some of theirbenefit. If you are affected or you knowsomeone who will be, please contact yourlocal advice agencies. There is alsoinformation available online on theirwebsites.

For more details visit www.adviceguide.org.uk or call Citizens Advice on024 7625 3190.

It’s all change for those on Disability Living Allowance

Coventry Citizens’ Advice Bureau isworking in partnership with SevernTrent Water to find and help peoplewho struggle the most with theirwater bills. The groundbreakingproject – The Big DifferenceFund – aims to provide targeted butsubstantial financial assistance toSevern Trent Water customers whohave long standing water debts. Otherfinancial help may also be available inexceptional circumstances, such ashelp with fuel bills, insolvency fees andthe purchase of energy efficientwashing machines, fridges and cookers.The Big Difference Fund began in Maylast year and gives people support inapplying for a Big Difference Fundgrant, specialist advice on debt,benefits and any other issue andsupport with managing money. Theproject has increased annual incomefor clients to the tune of £10,920from benefit checks including WorkingTax Credits, Housing Benefit andCouncil Tax Benefit, and DisabilityLiving Allowance for Care andMobility. Eighty-four per cent of BDFclients stated that they were eitherextremely or very satisfied with theservice they received. To contact TheBig Difference Fund, call 02476252041,email [email protected] text07903115444 or call into Kirby Houseon Little Park Street. If you are havingproblems paying your water bill,contact Severn Trent Water on 0845604 3772 or visit www.stwater.co.uk

Making a BIG difference

A pop-up welfare reformadvice shop has been touringneighbourhoods throughoutthe city. City agenciesincluding the Council,Coventry Law Centre,Citizens’ Advice Bureau andmany others have been joiningtogether to host a pop-upshop in Cathedral Lanes, Riley

Square, Bell Green and theHagard Centre in Willenhall.Experts have been offeringadvice about changes toBenefits and Tax Credits.

The key question visitorsare being asked is...Are youready for the national welfarereform changes? The pop-upshop will also be appearing in

Tile Hill, and back in the cityduring the next few months

CAB manager CharleyGibbons said: “We have anumber of experts availableoffering advice on reducingfuel bills, helping people getonline, on effective ways formanaging tight budgets andlots more.”

Help is on hand at the city’s pop-up shops

arts & culture


Designers working on therefurbishment of Coventry’sOld Grammar School want tohear from you about yourmemories of the Grade Ilisted building.

The aim is to preserve yourstories as part of theredevelopment work on theschool, with the refurbishedbuilding containing a number ofdisplays about its history when itre-opens to the public in 2015.

Since it was built in the 12thcentury as part of a monastery, theOld Grammar School building(below) has survived destructionby Henry VIII, been used as aschool for boys, and during the20th century was an integral partof community life in Coventry,being home to numerous clubsand societies, before eventuallyfalling into disuse in the 1980s.

Designers are now workingwith Grammar School Trusteesand Coventry Transport Museumstaff to piece together this historyand make it available for visitors –

and personal stories from localpeople are set to form a key partof these displays.

Gary Hall, chief executive ofCoventry Transport Museum, said:“We know that this building holdsa very special place in the hearts ofmany Coventrians, and as such weare keen to preserve and recount

the stories of real people whohave enjoyed memorable timeswithin its walls. The intention is tocollect as many stories as possibleon our Coventry Memorieswebsite, and then to use a numberof those to form part of displayswithin the building itself.”

To share your memories, visitwww.coventrymemories.co.uk.Anyone without internet accesscan share their story by writing toGary Hall, Coventry TransportMuseum, Millennium Place, HalesStreet, Coventry CV1 1JD.

Actress Holly Earl has landed aspecial commendation after beingnominated for the prestigious IanCharleson Award for herperformance in the CoventryBelgrade Theatre’s production of The

Father.Holly Earl was nominated for her

portrayal of Bertha in the AugustStrindberg play, which was producedby the Belgrade and played on thetheatre’s MainStage in April 2012.Established in 1991by the Sunday Times

and the NationalTheatre, the IanCharleson Awardsrecognise the bestclassical stageperformances inBritain by actorsaged under 30.

Prior toappearing in The Father, Holly playedLily Arwell alongside current TimeLord Matt Smith in Doctor Who, andthe role of Poppy Champion inChannel 4 drama Skins.

Holly said: “The Father was mystage debut and I am blessed to havestarted my career at the wonderfulBelgrade.”

Holly received her award at a

National Theatre ceremony earlierthis year.

n Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre islooking for 20 aspiring writers totake part in its free Critical Massplaywriting programme specificallyfor writers from Black and MinorityEthnic Communities. Now in itsfourth year, Critical Mass is an 11-week playwriting programme thatwill be running at the Belgrade from

September toDecember forwriters aged 18and above fromBlack andMinority EthnicCommunities.

Theprogramme willgive participantsthe opportunityto write an entireplay and also learn

more about plot development andcharacterisation. People wishing toapply for this year’s Critical Massprogramme may submit up to 10pages of writing intended forperformance on stage. The deadlinefor Critical Mass submissions isFriday, July 19. For more information,go to www.belgrade.co.uk/take-part/black-and-minority-ethnic/

Museum looks formemories of OldGrammar School

n Black writers at a recent CriticalMass readthrough.

n Actress HollyEarl in her stage

debut at

Coventry’s

Belgrade Theatre.

‘We are keen to preserve

and recount the stories of

real people who have

enjoyed memorable times

within its walls...’

Whatever you think of ITV’s latest comedyseries Love and Marriage, you can’t help butnotice the familiar landmarks of Coventry.

The Tiger Aspect production series starringAlison Steadman was filmed in part in

Coventry and involves Coventry writer,Stewart Harcourt. The director is

Coventry film maker and writer DebbieIsitt (Nativity). The cast also includes

Coventry actor Graeme Hawley(Coronation Street's serial killer John Stape).

City centre stage again

business & technology


A new manufacturinginstitute to be created byCoventry University inpartnership with UnipartGroup is to receive partof a £50million fund fromthe government to helpdrive growth and tocement the WestMidlands’ image as aworld-leading area forengineering.

The initiative, which isbeing awarded the moneyfrom the Higher Education

Funding Council for England’sCatalyst Fund, is part of thegovernment’s investment ininnovation projects designedto boost the economy.

The institute aims tocreate over 600 jobs in theregion’s high-value, low-carbon manufacturing sector

by developing a uniqueengineering education andresearch environment whichwill stimulate Unipart’ssupply chain and train askilled new manufacturingworkforce. Unipart’smanufacturing site inCoventry will form the basefor the institute, where newundergraduate, postgraduateand low carbon R&Dprogrammes will create a‘faculty on the factory floor’.

Coventry University’srecently-openedEngineering andComputing Building(pictured below) isalso set to provide ahome to many of theteaching and research

activities of the new institute.Vice-chancellor Professor

Madeleine Atkins ofCoventry University said:“Close-knit collaborationbetween universities andbusinesses is critical inpromoting innovation andsupporting the UK’s

economic recovery, sowe’re delighted to beforging this partnershipwith Unipart.”

Andy Davis, MD ofUnipart Eberspächer,added: “This excitingproject gives us theopportunity to supportCoventry University inthe development ofnew and innovativeways to train theengineers of the future.”

More than 70 businessesattended the RenewableEnergy Technology Allianceevent at CoventryUniversity’s Engineering andComputing building. RETAbrings together a range ofbusinesses from the greentechnology, low-carbon andrenewable sectors. Theevent highlighted theimportance of public andprivate sector collaborative

working in addressing bothfuel poverty and ever-increasing energy prices.The group aims tomaximise businessopportunities. For furtherinformation, contactRachael Delich fromBusiness Investment Team,Coventry City Council on024 7683 1208 or emailher at [email protected]

Kate Tague is to be the firstPrincipal of Coventry’s new WMGAcademy for Young Engineers forstudents aged 14-19, which is set toopen in September next year.

The Principal, who takes upleadership of the innovative newschool this September, said: “Theacademy is an exciting and uniqueopportunity for 14-19 year olds tostudy technical and vocational

qualifications, and developemployment skills and knowledgefor the future. Students at theacademy will gain experience ofworking with the UK’s leadingemployers such as Jaguar LandRover, National Grid and SCC, andwill be able to progress along intowork, apprenticeships oruniversity.”

If your child has a passion forengineering, is going into Year 10 or12 in September 2014 and lives inCoventry, Warwickshire or Solihull,then you can attend the academy’sfirst ‘taster’ event on Saturday, June29, at the University of Warwick.For more information, visitwww.wmgacademy.org.uk

Cutting-edge technologycentre gets major boost

Sky Blues’ U16 team members line upoutside City College Coventry, the side’snew-season sponsors, with Principal PaulTaylor meeting the lads. The college hassigned up to sponsor the academy team

for the 2013/14 season, prompting a tie-inthat will see the players using the fully-

equipped teaching rooms at City Collegeto deliver educational programmes to its

youngsters. As well as the City Collegelogo being emblazoned on the front ofthe U16 playing kits, the partnership isalso presenting an ideal opportunity forCity College to engage further with thewider Coventry community. First teammembers will attend key events at theCollege throughout the year and theCollege’s activities will be promoted

during home games.

Sky’s the limit as collegebacks Sky Blue youngsters

Academy all setfor the engineersof tomorrow

n Pictured (from left)are Keith Budden, E-ON,David Cockroft, Coventry

City Council, AndyMcDarmaid,

Warwickshire CountyCouncil, Jim Allen, (RETA

Chair) and Green EnergyNetworks, David

Faulkner, HomeworksEnnergy Ltd, Andrew

Tonks, SustainableBuilding Futures-Coventry

University, and ScottMurray, Kier Services.

Partners look to tackle energy issues

‘Close-knit collaboration

between universities and

businesses is critical in

promoting innovation and

supporting economic recovery’

City centre stage again

A website launched last year tohighlight accessible venues forshoppers and visitors is beingupdated. DisabledGo Coventry listswhere the most accessible venuescan be found in the city centre andbeyond. The Council and DisabledGoinvited local people to tell them howit could be improved and new venueswill be added to the guide. The site,www.disabledgo.com, enablesdisabled people to make informedchoices based on their requirements.

Disabled access update

health focus


Your two-page guide to what’s new on the healthcare scene around Coventry

Coventry’s Smokefree Alliance is backinga national drive to raise awareness of thedangers from smoking in the home andcar.

The Smokefree Homes and Carscampaign is a partnership approach toraise awareness of what is proven to be a

silent killer.It is estimated that millions of children

in the UK are exposed to second-handsmoke that puts them at increased risk oflung disease, meningitis and cot death.

Second-hand smoke contains harmfulcancer causing toxins and poisons that

are unknowingly damaging children acrossthe country every day.

More than 80 per cent of second-handsmoke is invisible and odourless so nomatter how careful you are children stillbreathe in the harmful poisons

The NHS estimates that up to 5 million

Almost two million peoplein the UK live with sight lossand this number ispredicted to double by 2050.

Sight loss is an increasingproblem. In Coventry thenumber of people estimated tobe living with sight loss isexpected have risen by as muchas 18 per cent from 2011 to2020. Half of sight loss ispreventable.

Regular eye checks by yourlocal optician (optometrist) cansave sight and should be part ofeveryone’s routine as an eye testisn’t just about glasses!

Many of the causes of sightloss are preventable if they arecaught early enough which iswhy regular eye health checksare so important.

The Royal National Instituteof Blind People (RNIB)recommends having an eye testat least once every two yearsand for some people opticiansmay recommend more frequenteye checks. You may not evenhave to pay depending on yourcircumstances.

Other ways we can look afterour eyes include stoppingsmoking and watching ourweight. Evidence shows thatsmoking doubles your chance of

losing your sight and obesitymay put someone more at riskof developing certain eyeconditions.

Cllr Faye Abbott, CoventryCity Council’s Chair of theCabinet member (CommunitySafety and Equalities) Disabilitiesand Equalities Advisory Panel,said: “In Coventry, we arecommitted to reducing thenumber of people with eyediseases which could have beenprevented, and we aim to makeCoventry an example to othercities of how to tacklepreventable sight loss “

The Coventry Visual andHearing Impairment Team is ableto provide rehabilitation,equipment, information, adviceand carer education to enablepeople living in Coventry withsignificant visual and or hearingloss to live independently.People don't have to beregistered to receive a serviceand are able to self refer bycalling 024 7678 5250.The RNIBalso offers practical support,advice and information foranyone with sight difficulties. Ifyou, or someone you know, hasa sight problem you can call theRNIB Helpline on 0303 1239999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk

Coventry’s public health has

team returned to the City

Council from its former Primary

Care Trust home.

The aim of the public health

team is to improve the health

and wellbeing of the population

of Coventry and the move is part

of a national drive to place public

health at the heart of the work

that councils do in the

community.

Coventry is one of just seven

councils across the country that’s

part of the UK Marmot Network

– a new project that is aimed at

tackling health inequalities. The

project was named after a review

that was carried out by Professor

Sir Michael Marmot and his team

at University College London

(UCL).

Becoming a Marmot city

means Coventry will have access

to the international expertise of

the Marmot team who will be

working with the Council to

increase life expectancy in the

city by 2015.

The team will continue to work

closely with other partners such

as the NHS.

Health is the key to wellbeing and reducing city inequalities

Focus on youreye checks toavoid sight loss

You may qualify for a free NHS-fundedsight test if:

n You’ve been diagnosed withdiabetes or glaucoma;

n You’re aged 16, 17 or 18 and arein full-time education;

n You’re aged below 16; n You’re aged 60 or over; n You’re registered as partially

sighted (sight impaired) or blind(severely sight impaired);

n Your mother, father, brother,sister, daughter or son has beendiagnosed with glaucoma andyou are aged 40 or over;

n You’ve been advised by anophthalmologist (eye doctor)that you’re at risk of glaucoma;

n You’re eligible for an NHScomplex lens voucher - youroptometrist (optician) canadvise you about yourentitlement;

n You a prisoner on leave fromprison;

n You receive Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance (notContribution-based), PensionCredit, Income support orIncome-based Employment andSupport Allowance;

n You’re entitled to, or named on,a valid NHS tax creditexemption certificate;

n You’re on a low income andnamed on a valid HC2 (full help)or HC3 (partial help) certificate.

Did you know...?

Children atrisk from thesecond-handsmoke peril

health focus


Women in Coventry arebeing offered free weightmanagement and stopsmoking support to helpimprove their child’s futurehealth and well-being.

A new report by the BritishNutrition Foundation,highlights the importance ofhealthy lifestyles in pregnancy.

The report claims that therisk of developing obesity,asthma, allergies and heartdisease in later life can bedetermined by a mother’s dietand health before and duringpregnancy.

Maintaining a healthy weight,balanced diet and quittingsmoking during pregnancy playa key part in securing a healthylong-term future formothers…and their babies.

Women in Coventry areable to access free NHSsupport and advice duringtheir pregnancy, and beforethey conceive, through

Staff at the Oral Health PromotionTeam, part of the Coventry andWarwickshire Partnership Trust,have been highlighting theimportance of visiting your localdentist and other aspect of oralhealth. Key messages for good oralhealth are brushing for twominutes twice a day with a fluoridetoothpaste, cutting down on howoften you have sugary foods anddrinks, and visiting the dentistregularly – as often as theyrecommend..

Macmillan Cancer Supportand the Council have teamedup for a new way to supportpeople affected by cancer inthe city.

Becky Nelson is the newMacmillan Project Manager forthe Macmillan/CoventryPartnership. Althoughemployed by Macmillan, she ishosted by the Council and ispart of a new way of lookingat tackling the effects ofcancer and helping those livingwith cancer in the community.It is the first time thatMacmillan has linked up with alocal authority in such a wayand the work may bereplicated across the country.

The work could also pavethe way for similar work with

other illnesses and long-termconditions – helping more andmore people across the city toaccess services and get thebest help possible.

Becky said: “I have had afantastic welcome from peopleat the Council and we havealready developed a numberof projects that we’re sure willmake a significant difference toimprove the lives of peopleaffected by cancer. A lot morepeople are surviving cancernowadays and when peopleare going through theirtreatment, or after they’vefinished and been given the all-clear, they still need help andadvice, so we have to makesure that this is there forthem.”

children across the UK are regularlyexposed to second-hand smoke inthe home. They also estimate thecost to the NHS of treating second-hand smoke-related illness in childrenalone is £26 million each year.

Not only does smoking in front of

children directly impact their healththrough second-hand smoke, butchildren of smokers are 90 per centmore likely to become smokersthemselves.

Councillor Joe Clifford, Chair ofCoventry's Smokefree Alliance,

welcomed the new nationalcampaign.

He said: “The best of way ofprotecting yourself and the peopleyou love from toxic tobacco smokeis to quit cigarettes for good.

“However, if you can't give up, then

choose to make your home and carcompletely smokefree.”

To get in touch with your nearestStop Smoking Service call CoventryCity Council on 024 7683 3333 orthe NHS smokefree helpline - 0800022 4332.

A new resource on the different forms ofcontraception, including long-acting reversiblecontraception, is now available for women inCoventry. The resource – Your Perfect

Match…Choosing Contraception That’s Right for

You – was designed with the help of local womenand professionals. Women told researchers thatthere were lots of myths and misinformationabout the different forms of contraception -especially around the Long Acting ReversibleContraception (LARC) methods, includingreliability and side effects. LARC includes thecoil, implant and depo contraceptive injection.One recommendation from the research wasthe development of materials which spell out allthe contraceptive options which fit best for eachindividual. Ram Sidhu, Nurse Manager atQuinton Park Medical Centre in Cheylesmore,set up the LARC service within her surgery tofit the contraceptive implant, which providesthree years’ protection. She along with hercolleagues also offers the administration of thecontraceptive injection and advice on Coils.Ram said: “There are a number of safe andeffective methods of contraception which arelong-lasting, easy to fit/administer and convenientfor the user. Things like the contraceptiveinjection, the implant and coils can be fitted inyour local GP surgeries.”

Dr Jane Moore, Director of Public Health,Coventry City Council, said: “It’s really importantthat people make the right choice forthemselves. Health professionals can discuss theoptions so that patients can make a considereddecision.” To find out more, speak to your GP orpractice nurse or visit the Integrated SexualHealth Service at the City of Coventry HealthCentre. Call 0300 020 0027 or visit www.nhs.ukor www.besavvy.org for more information onlocal services.

n Getting the message across are (from left) PublicHealth Programme Manager Samantha Hewitt with

Ram Sidhu, Nurse Manager, and Sian Blakemore,Receptionist, both Quinton Medical Centre.

Choosing contraceptionthat’s just right for you

Miles of perfect smiles

Support for healthierpregnancies in Coventry

Coventry’s Healthy Lifestylesteam.

Natalie Hutton, Coventry’sHealthy Lifestyles Manager, said:“We understand the long-termbenefits associated withmaintaining a healthy weightand healthy lifestyle for womenand their babies. Our team ofprofessionals offer a range of

free NHS services that cansupport people, includingexpectant mothers, to livehealthily through diet choices,taking regular exercise, giving upsmoking and losing weight.

“We also have a dedicatedteam of trained midwives andadvisors, who provide a freeconfidential stop smoking in

pregnancy service.”Healthy Lifestyle Services,

provided by Coventry andWarwickshire Partnership NHSTrust, are free and delivered incomplete confidence. To findout more, visit www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk, email the team [email protected] or call 0300 200 0011.

City and Macmillan join forces tooffer new help to cancer families

civic focus


The Council has elected itsnew civic leaders for 2013/14.Cllr Gary Crookes is thecity’s new Lord Mayor ofCoventry while Cllr HazelNoonan is the Deputy LordMayor.

Cllr Crookes has served on

the Council since 1995 andrepresents Wainbody Ward.Born in Warrington, he ismarried to Shirley, whobecame Lady Mayoress. Hesaid that after living in thecity for 40 years it was agreat honour to become the

Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor's Charity

for 2013 will be the Heart ofEngland CommunityFoundation to support local,grass root communityprojects in Coventry for thebenefit of Coventry Citizens.

Gary dons civic chain as Coventry’s new first citizen

The City Council has setup its new Cabinet –each post with an area ofresponsibility for Councilservices.

The Cabinet meetsevery month whilstCabinet Members holdindividual meetingsthroughout the year.Both types of meetingare held in public andpeople are welcome toattend.

Pictured left to rightclockwise are CabinetMembers: Cllr DanHowells, Deputy(Education) Cllr DavidKershaw (Education), CllrAlison Gingell (Healthand Adult Services), CllrEd Ruane (Housing andHeritage), Cllr JayneInnes, Deputy (Children

New Cabinet takes shape

and Young People), CllrDamian Gannon (StrategicFinance and Resources), CllrRachel Lancaster (PublicServices), Cllr Abdul Khan

(Energy and Environment),Cllr Kamran Caan, Deputy(Health and Adult Services),Cllr Lynnette Kelly (Business,Enterprise and Employment),

Cllr George Duggins (Childrenand Young People), CouncilLeader Cllr Ann Lucas (Policyand Leadership) and TheDeputy Leader, Cllr Phil

Townshend (CommunitySafety and Equalities).

To get in touch with any ofyour local councillors, see thedetails on page 22.

Families will be able to enjoy awhole host of family activitiesthis summer with trails and‘make and take’ activitiestaking place in the schoolholidays.

The trails will have a weeklytheme allowing families tolearn everything there is toknow about the Cathedral,from the medieval glass todiscovering what animals arein and around the Cathedral.

Trails will be available from10am-4pm and the ‘make andtake’ activity will take placeevery Wednesday between11am-3pm.

n Every Monday: People canenjoy something different

during their lunch hour byattending one of the manyOrgan Concerts everyMonday from 1pm.

With award-winning andinternational organists playinga wide variety of awe-inspiringmusic, the organ recitalsshowcase a wonderful varietyof music in the stunning Naveof Coventry Cathedral.

Admission is free, so theCathedral relies heavily ongifts from sponsors andsupporters. A suggested giftof £3 is requested for eachconcert you attend and thiscan be placed in the retiringcollection.

For more information

regarding dates, concert artistand recital details, visitwww.coventrycathedral.org.uk or drop into theCathedral for a copy of therecital brochure.

Dates for your diaryn July 6 – Saint Michael’sSingers Summer GalaConcert (7.30pm). Programme:Puccini: Messa di Gloria;Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1and Paul Leddington Wright:Te Deum Laudamus (worldpremiere). Tickets availableonline via the Cathedralwebsite, or from CoventryCathedral Box Office on 0247652 1210 or from Saint

Michael’s Singers by email [email protected], or fromJill Pacey on 01676 532436.

n July 13 – Mad Hatter’s TeaParty (7.30pm). Mad HattersTea Party Children’s Charityconcert, featuring The Band ofthe West Midlands FireService and the EmmanuelGospel Choir from Paris.Tickets available fromCoventry Cathedral BoxOffice on 024 7652 1210

A whole summer to be enjoyed by everyone at Coventry Cathedral

*For a full list of what’s on across

Coventry and Warwickshire this

summer, check out pages 22-23

civic focus


Thousands of athletes from localand national businesses will bedescending on Coventry nextmonth as part of a nationalsporting event.

The UK Corporate Games will becoming to Coventry from 4-7 Julyand the festival of sport is expectedto bring between £23 million poundsof revenue to Coventry’s economy.

University of Warwick Campus willhost the sporting event which will bestaged for the 19th time. Companieswill be taking part in up to 22different sports, ranging from tennisto dragon-boating.

The competition is open to all agesand abilities, ranging from absolutebeginner to expert.

A range of UK companies havealready signed up, including household

names such as Asda, Jaguar LandRover and IBM.

The games is also supportingMacmillan Cancer Support, which haspromised to invest or redistributethe money donated into local worksand schemes in and around theCoventry area.

A grand parade of athletes will bestaged in the city centre on Saturday,July 6, at 6.30pm, travelling from thenew cathedral to Broadgate. Formore details, visitwww.corporate-games.com.Did you know?

n The UK Corporate Games isEurope’s largest multisport festival forbusinesses.

n The games was founded in 1988. n Over the years, more than 20,000organisations have taken part.

It’s 100 years since the first stonewas laid to create Coventry’sCouncil House, one of the moststriking buildings in the city.

Work on the building only began acentury ago, with a ceremony onJune 12,1913, for the laying of thefoundation stone.

Work was not completed until1917 and the building was officiallyopened on 11 June 1920 by HRH theDuke of York – later to become KingGeorge VI.

The idea for the new CouncilHouse had first been proposed in1891 by Alderman James Marriottwho said a new building was neededto house Coventry’s increasingCouncil departments.

Original plans were for the entirefrontage on Earl Street to includeshops, with the Council buildingsbehind. Amended plans thenproposed hops on the ground floorwith Council offices above.

Eventually in 1908, the Councilgave new instructions to the GeneralWorks Committee to plan a newbuilding without shops and in 1910 acompetition was launched fordesigns, with the winners beingEdward Garrett and HW Simister ofBirmingham. They wanted to reflectthe grandeur of the city’s medievalpast. The building was designed tocomplement the neighbouring StMary’s Guildhall and St Michael’sChurch.

Unfortunately, the stained glasswindows were destroyed during theSecond World War bombing raidsand replaced with plain glasswindows – although the buildingescaped relatively unscathed.

Our landmarkhome whichsurvived the blitz

City CouncilHouse marks

100-yearmilestone

Sporting staff flythe flag for theirUK companies

Sir John Tenniel’s illustrations in theAlice in Wonderland books are thesubject of the Herbert Museumand Art Gallery’s latest FREEexhibition, which opened on June22.Looking in Wonderland showcases aselection of illustrations by Tennielfor Lewis Carroll’s childhoodmasterpiece.

The illustrations are taken fromAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland

(1865), and Through the Looking-

Glass (1872), and are part of aseason of illustration and fun at thecity venue.

Other activities for children thisseason include Through the Rabbit

Hole: Creative Family Play Space inthe Studio, inspired by the Alice in

Wonderland stories.The Herbert is also playing host

to an exhibition of the works ofone of Britain’s top illustrators,Quentin Blake. Quentin Blake: As

Large as Life opens on July 27 andruns until November 3.

Blake is best known for hisillustrations for Roald Dahl’s books.And from August 24 untilNovember 17, you can unravel thesecrets of the Sikh turban at theHerbert’s Sikh Fortress Turban: A

British Museum Tour exhibition.For more details, go to

www.herbert.org.

Step through the looking glass foran Alice in Wonderland adventure

If you’ve an event you’d like listed, contact the Citivisionnewsdesk, Room 27, The Council House, Earl Street,

Coventry CV1 5RR or [email protected]

Here are some of the things you can enjoy this summer in and around Coventry


JULY

5-7 – Godiva Festival, WarMemorial Park (Friday 6-10.30pm,

Saturday noon-10.30pm, Sunday

noon-7pm). Celebrate the talent ofthe city and enjoy music fromsome of the UK’s best bands atthis free three-day festival. Go towww.godivafestival.com for latestinformation.6 &10 – Improving Water VoleHabitat.Volunteer Day,Brookside Avenue Open Space(10.30am-3.30pm, free). Helpprotect and enhance the habitatof this endangered mammal. Meetat Whitaker Road. Call 024 76833633 for more details. (Also on July

11 & 13 at Longford Nature Park,

meet at Longford Road car park;

17,18 & 20 at Lake View Park, meet

at Lake View Road). 6 – Teddy Bears’ PicnicPainting Session, CoombeCountry Park (1am and 1pm, £7

per painter). Paint your own teddybear with local artist MichelleStamper. Why not purchase apicnic box from the Heron Café?Meet at Heron’s Café. Call 0247668 930 for more details.12 (also 26 & August 9, 23) – TotWaddles, War Memorial Park(10.30am-noon, £3 per tot). Suitablefor 2-4 year olds, meet at visitorcentre. To book, call 024 76786280.14 – Kabbaddi Tournament,Morris Common. Visitwww.kabaddiuk.com/index.php/tournaments for more details.20 (also August 17) – AllesleyPark Walled Garden Market(10.30am-12.30pm, free). Sellingproduce from the garden withsupporting stalls sellingcakes/mustard/books.21 (also August 31) – Open Dayat War Memorial Park TennisClub (10am-noon). To book, call024 7615 0688.21 – Rotary Club of CoventryOne Mile Sponsored Walk,Coombe Country Park. Visitwww.coventryrotary.org formore details.22-28 – War Memorial ParkTennis Club: Try the courtsessions. Coaching sessions for

For a full list, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/events

Lindfield on August 6 & 20. Meet

near play area; Radford Common on

August 7. Meet near play area).30 (also August 6, 8, 20) – Fishingfor Beginners, Coombe CountryPark (10am-12.30pm, £4). Meet atinformation centre.Suitable for 8-12 year olds. Call024 7645 3720 to book.31 – Love Parks Week: WorldRanger Day,War Memorial Park(1.30-3.30pm, free). Find out moreabout the work of your localrangers. Meet at visitor centre.

AUGUST

1 (also August 15 & 29) – Iris MayFalcons, Coombe Country Park(11am-1pm, free).Get up close andpersonal with these fearsomebirds of prey.1 – Kings and Queens, WarMemorial Park (1.30-3.30pm,

£1.60). Become a king or queenfor the day by making all you needto become royalty. Meet at visitorcentre. Drop-in session – no needto book.2 – Moth Night, CoombeCountry Park (7-10pm, £6). Learnall about moths and have a go attrapping them (weather permitting).Wear sturdy footwear and bring atorch. Meet at visitor centre.Suitable forchildren over five. Call024 7645 3720 to book.3 – Donkey Derby andCharities Fair, War MemorialPark (noon-5.30pm, free). Help thelocal Lions group raise money forcharity and enjoy a fun day out.5-9 – Spark in the Park, WarMemorial Park (1.30-4.30pm,free). Christian churches inviteyou to enjoy family fun-filled weekof activities.8 – Fun with Wood, WarMemorial Park (1.30-3.30pm,

£2.70). Painting and decoratingitems out of wood to take home.Meet at visitor centre. Drop-insession – no need to book.13 (also August 27) – Fresh Airand Fun, Caludon Castle Park(1.30-3.30pm, free). Outdoor funwith the Rangers, including gamesand craft activities. Under 8s mustbe supervised and over 8s musthave a completed parent

free. For times, checkwww.warmemorialparktennis.co.uk or [email protected] bookings on 024 76150688 or [email protected] (also August 2, 6-9, 13-16 &

20-27) – A Summer of Fun,Lunt Roman Fort (11am-4pm,

£3.75, concess £3, family ticket £11,

under 4s free). Family activitieswith Roman-themed crafts, coinworkshops and children’s militarydrills. For details, go towww.luntromanfort.org.24 – Pond Dip, Allesley Park(1.30-3.30pm, free). Children mustbe accompanied by an adult. MeetAllesley Park, by pond above playarea. Suitable for 8-12 year olds.Book on 024 7645 3720.25 – Teddy Bears Picnic, WarMemorial Park (1.30-3.30pm,

£1.60). Meet at tennis pavilion.

Drop-in session – no need tobook.27 – Caribbean Festival, WarMemorial Park (free). The annualCaribbean Festival returns for aday filled with music, food,activities and celebration.27 – Love Parks Week: Rock andFossil Fun Day, CoombeCountry Park (time tbc).Warwickshire GeologicalConservation Society family funday. Check website for details.29 – Love Parks Week: GarbageGalleons, Allesley Park (1.30-

3.30pm, free). Make your ownboat using recycled materials. Allunder 8s must be supervised andall over 8s must have a completedparental permission slip. Meet atAllesley Play Area. (Also at Caludon

Castle Park on July 30. Meet play

area; Longford Park on August 1.

Meet Windmill Road entrance;

Primrose Hill Park on August 5;

what’s on

Godiva Festival heralds fun for all

n The Romansare coming to

Lunt RomanFort for a

summer of funcrafts andactivities,

beginning onJuly 24-26.

Roman soldiers were recentlyspotted in the city centre helping tolaunch a summer of events inCoventry. The Roman re-enactmentgroup put on a convincingperformance to bring the sites of

Roman Britain to modern dayshoppers. To see more of what theRomans did for us visit the LuntRoman Fort, Baginton nearCoventry - open 11 am to 4pm. Fordetails visit www.luntromanfort.org

When in Cov, don’t do as the Romans do!


what’s on

Godiva Festival heralds fun for all permission slip. Meet near playarea. Suitable for 8-12 year olds –booking not essential. (Also at

Allesley Park on August 14 & 28.

Meet at play area; Longford Park on

August 15 & 29. Meet at Windmill

Road entrance; Primrose Hill on 21.

Meet at Primrose Hill Park; Radford

Common on August 22. Meet at play

area).15 – Perfect Porcelain, WarMemorial Park (1.30-3.30pm,

£2.70). Decorate some porcelainobjects to take home, then have ago at making your own uniquepiece of pottery out of clay.Meet at visitor centre.21 – Bats for Beginners,Coombe Country Park(7.30-9.30pm, £4). Hunt for thepark’s elusive bats, learn all thedifferent species on the site andhow to identify them. Meet atvisitor centre. To book,call 024 7645 3720.22 – Get Busy withBumblebees, Coombe CountryPark (11am-1pm, £3pp, under 5s

free). Bumblebee day, bumblebeetrail, learn about their lifecycle andmore. Meet at information centre.To book, call 024 7645 3720.22 – Woodland Creatures, WarMemorial Park (1.30-3.30pm,

£1.60). Learn all about thecreatures that live in the woodlandcopses around the park. Meet atvisitor centre. Drop-in session– no need to book.26 (until September 2) – GlobalMarket, Broadgate. See the returnof the wonderfully diverseinternational market of food,plants, handmade gifts and more.Go to www.coventry.gov.uk/broadgate for latest information.26 – British Cycle SpeedwayFinals, Hearsall Common. Fordetails, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclespeedway. 28 – Rainforest Fun, WarMemorial Park (10-11.30am,

1.30-3pm, £5 per child, £2 per

accompanying adult). Get up closeand personal to a variety ofanimals such as snakes, lizards andspiders. Meet at visitors centre.Suitable for 6-14 year olds. Tobook, call 024 7678 6280.28 – Rainforest arts and crafts,War Memorial Park (10.30am-

2.30pm, 1-3.30pm, £1.60). Dropinto the marquee and have a go atmaking rainforest themed arts andcrafts to take home. Meet atmarquee outside the visitorcentre. Drop-in session – no needto book.

Vanessa Oakes will be giving a reading of A Ploughed Heart, a new play aboutGeorge Eliot, at the Ellen Terry Studio Theatre, Coventry University, inSeptember. A post-show talk and complimentary drink will also be on offer.The performance starts at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 26, at theJordan Well venue. The event is free to attend, but tickets must be bookedin advance. Call 024 7688 7496 or E: [email protected]. For moredetails, visit www.desperatelyseekinggeorge.wordpress.com.

Literary date for your diary

Coventry prestigious Warmemorial Park receives 400,000visitors from all over the city andfurther beyond every year.

The park is accessible forwheelchair users and includes anew visitor centre which is open9am-7pm including an educationroom now available to hire.

Disabled parking bays areavailable at Kenilworth Road andLeamington Road car parks.

The public are not routinelypermitted to bring a vehicle on tothe park but where access to theeducation room to attend an eventor a private booking is necessary,blue badge holders can contact thevisitor centre on 024 7678 6280.

Vehicle access on to the War

Memorial park is by priorarrangement only.

The Council cannot guaranteethat we will be able toaccommodate your request andneed 24 hours’ notice.

Easy access to flagship park, butvehicles need prior permission

your council

Cllr Ann Lucas, LeaderPolicy and LeadershipCllr Philip Townshend, Deputy Leader,Community Safety and EqualitiesCllr Damian Gannon,Strategic Finance and ResourcesCllr George Duggins,Children and Young People* (Cllr Jayne Innes, Deputy)Cllr David Kershaw CBE,Education* (Cllr Dan Howells, Deputy) Cllr Lynnette Kelly,Business, Enterprise and EmploymentCllr Rachel Lancaster, Public ServicesCllr Abdul Khan,Energy and EnvironmentCllr Alison Gingell,Health and Adult Services* (Cllr Kamran Caan, Deputy)Cllr Ed Ruane,Housing and Heritage

Cabinet Members

Committees

Coventry MPs

I BABLAKE

Cllrs Galliers and Kershaw hold regularsurgeries: Coronation Club, Keresley Rd 12 noon -1.00pm on the first Saturday of themonth. Allesley Parish Church Hall, 5-6pm onthe second Monday of the month or contactthem directly as below:Cllr David Galliers: 07973 780871or e-mail [email protected] twitter @davidgallierswww.facebook.com/AllesleyCoundonAndKeresleywww.bablakelabour.comCllr David Kershaw CBE: 024 7671 1107or 07850 664576 or [email protected] Andrew Williams: Call 024 7683 1039or e-mail [email protected]

I BINLEY & WILLENHALL

Cllr Dave Chater: For an appointment orhome visit call 024 7667 2619 or 07759 062733 or [email protected] Ram P Lakha OBE: For a home visit orappointment call 024 7683 1039 or [email protected] [email protected] John Mutton: Call 024 7683 1039for an appointment or advice.

I CHEYLESMORE

Cllrs Foster and Noonan hold regularsurgeries: Cheylesmore Community Centre6.30-8pm on last Wednesday of each month(except December) or contact them directlyas below:Cllr Kevin Foster: Call 024 7683 1039 (day)or e-mail [email protected] Hazel Noonan (Deputy Lord Mayor):Call 024 7683 3048 (day) or 024 7650 5109(evenings) or e-mail [email protected] Harjinder Singh Sehmi: Last Fridayof the month at Cheylesmore Social Club,Quinton Park, 6-7pm or call for anappointment on 07507 687268 or 07956 491443 or [email protected]

I EARLSDON

Cllr Allan Andrews: Happy to help where I can.Will visit at home or the Council House. Pleasecall for an appointment on 024 7683 1276 ore-mail [email protected] follow on twitter @allanandrewsCllr Michael Hammon: Call 024 76448585 for an appointment or [email protected] Ken Taylor OBE: Call 024 7667 3717for an appointment.

I FOLESHILL

Cllr Tariq Khan: For an appointment call024 7683 1039 or 07415 534267 or e-mail [email protected] Abdul Salam Khan: Call 024 76831039 (day) or 07903 847160 or [email protected] Malkiat Auluck: Second Tuesday of themonth 6.30-7.30pm at FoleshillCommunity Centre, Foleshill Rd or call024 7663 7965 for an appointment.

I HENLEY

Cllr Lynnette Kelly: Call 024 7671 1682 ore-mail [email protected] Kevin Maton: Call 07941 827229 ore-mail [email protected] Ed Ruane: Call 07817 218137 ore-mail [email protected]. Surgery at4pm on the third Thursday of every month atMoat House Leisure Centre, Winston Ave,Henley Green.

I HOLBROOK

Cllr Joe Clifford: Every Wednesday, 6.30-7.30pm at Holbrook Community Care Assoc,Holbrooks Lane. Call 024 7646 5315 or e-mail [email protected] Cllr Rachel Lancaster: Call 024 7636 0021or e-mail [email protected] an appointment.

Cllr Ann Lucas: Call 024 7683 1103 for anappointment., or e-mail [email protected] Surgery on first Monday ofeach month 9.30-10.30am at HolbrookHealth Centre, Wheelwright Lane.

I LONGFORD

Cllr Linda Bigham: First Friday of everymonth 3.30-4.30pm at LongfordPrimary Care Centre, Longford Rd, and5.30-6.30pm at Scout Headquarters,Aldermans Green Rd. Last Friday ofevery month 6-7pm at St Thomas’ ParishChurch Hall, Longford Rd. Please call 0247636 0898 to make a surgery appointment.Cllr George Duggins: Second Saturday ofevery month 12-1pm at Bell GreenCommunity Centre, Old Church Rd and1.15-2pm at Royal Hotel, Old ChurchRd. Second Sunday of every month11.30am-1pm at Bell Green Club, RoseberryAve or call 024 7683 1003 (day) or [email protected] Lindsley Harvard: First Saturday ofevery month 10.45-11.45am at ScoutHut, Aldermans Green Rd and11.45am-12.45pm at Bell Green CommunityCentre, Old Church Rd. First Sunday ofevery month 11am-12 noon at the ChurchHall, St Thomas’ Parish Church, LongfordRd, and noon-1pm at Bell GreenClub, Roseberry Ave. Call 024 7667 5717, ore-mail [email protected]

I LOWER STOKE

Cllr John McNicholas: If you have aproblem, need help or advice. I can visit youin your home and be contacted on 024 76831039 (day), 024 7650 4037(evenings) or e-mail [email protected] Phil Townshend: Call 024 7683 1034(day) for details of surgeries or [email protected] Catherine Miks: Call 024 7683 1039 or07415 534274 or e-mail [email protected]

I RADFORD

Cllr Mal Mutton: Call 024 7630 4497 or024 7683 1039 for an appointment ore-mail [email protected] Keiran Mulhall: Every Tuesday atRadford Social Club, 226, Radford Rd, CV63BQ from 6.30-7.30pm. Also Radford SocialClub on the first Sunday of the month11.30am-12.30pm. Or call 024 7683 1039 foran appointment.Cllr Tony Skipper: Available to see Radfordresidents at Coventry Coachmakers’ Club,72 Radford Rd, CV1 4BY. To make anappointment or to leave a message, call 024 7683 1039.

I ST MICHAEL’S

Joint surgeries every second Friday of themonth 5-6pm at St Anne and All SaintsCommunity Hall, Acacia Avenue.Cllr David Welsh: First Saturday of eachmonth, 12-1pm at the RedeemedChristian Church of God (former HowitzerClub), Albert St. Third Friday of eachmonth, 3-4pm at the Regeneration Office,121-124 Far Gosford Street. Call 07956 307437 or e-mail [email protected] Naeem Akhtar: Surgeries every firstTuesday of the month, 5-6pm at Hillfields YouthCentre, Yardley St. For an appointmentcall 07747 003141or e-mail [email protected]. Cllr Jim O’Boyle: Second Saturday of eachmonth, 12-1pm at Zeenat Restaurant,Cambridge St, Hillfields, fourth Saturdayof month, noon at Transport House, ShortSt. Call 024 7669 4873 or 024 76831039, or e-mail jim.o’[email protected]

I SHERBOURNE

Cllr Seamus Walsh: Call 07956 546983 or024 7683 1039 (day), or [email protected] Alison Gingell: For an appointment call07541 741617 or [email protected] Damian Gannon: For an appointmentcall 07725 536259 or [email protected]

I UPPER STOKE

Cllr Kamran Caan: For an appointment orhome visit, call or text 07730 111101, ore-mail [email protected] Sucha Bains: Barras Green Social Club,Coventry St, between 12 noon-12.45pmevery Saturday or call 024 7645 9484.Cllr Colleen Fletcher: For an appointmenttext 07939 111992, (will be happy to callyou back) or call 024 7683 1039 or [email protected]

I WAINBODY

Cllr John Blundell: Call 024 7683 1276(weekdays) or 024 7641 9794 (evenings andweekends) or e-mail [email protected] for an appointment; willgladly visit.Cllr Gary Crookes (Lord Mayor): For an appointment call 024 7683 3048(day) or 024 7646 1777 (after 6pm) ore-mail [email protected] Tim Sawdon: Call 024 7683 1039 (day)or 024 7641 5771(after 6pm) or [email protected]

I WESTWOOD

Cllr Maya Ali: Surgeries every thirdThursday of the month, 4.30-5.30pm at theTanyard Community Centre, Tanyard Close,Coventry, CV4 9TS. For an appointment call07949 653 656 or e-mail [email protected] Cllr David Skinner: Call 024 7683 1039(day) or 024 7646 8106 (out of hours) or e-mail [email protected] Richard Sandy: Surgeries held atThe Lime Tree Club, Templar Ave secondSaturday of the month from noon-1pm andevery fourth Saturday of the month from11.30am-12.30pm at Canley Library, PriorDeram Walk. For an appointment call07949 900445 or e-mail [email protected]

I WHOBERLEY

Cllr Dan Howells: If you require help oradvice I can visit you in your home or at atime and place convenient to you. To arrangean appointment call 07540 083974 ore-mail [email protected] Jayne Innes: Surgeries every fourthSaturday of the month except December,July and August from 12 noon at AllesleyPark Library. Also you can ring 02476 405132 or email [email protected] an appointment or home visit outsidethese times.Cllr Bally Singh: Regular Surgeries are heldevery third Saturday of the month 10am-noon at St Mary Magdeline Centre, SirThomas White Rd. Also morning chat everyfirst Friday of the month 8.30-9am at StokeBakery, Allesley Park. Call 07779 256898 foran appointment, or e-mail [email protected]

I WOODLANDS

Cllrs Hetherton and Thomas hold regularsurgeries on the fourth Friday of eachmonth at Tile Hill Library, Jardine Cres from5-7pmCllr Patricia Hetherton: Please call 07985811881 for an appointment or [email protected] Steven Thomas: For an appointmentcall my residents’ hotline 07535 423796 oremail [email protected] Julia Lepoidevin: For an appointment,call 024 7683 1276 (day), 07944 458 751 or e-mail [email protected]

I WYKEN

Cllrs Thay, Abbott and Sweet hold surgeriesevery third Friday 6.30-7.30pm at WykenWorking Men’s Club, Ansty Rd, Wyken.Cllr Robert Thay: For an appointment call07875 031851or [email protected] Faye Abbott: For an appointment call07944 996294 or e-mail [email protected] Hazel Sweet: For an appointmentor home visit call 024 7661 6273 ore-mail [email protected]

Licensing and RegulatoryC Cllr Patricia HethertonDC Cllr Bally SinghPlanningC Cllr Kevin Maton DC David GalliersAudit and ProcurementC Cllr Hazel Sweet DC Cllr Sucha BainsScrutiny Co-ordinationC Cllr Colleen FletcherDC Cllr Joe CliffordFinance and Corporate Services(Scrutiny Board 1)C Cllr Richard SandyEducation and Children’s Services(Scrutiny Board 2)C Cllr Faye AbbottBusiness, Economy and Enterprise(Scrutiny Board 3)C Cllr Tony SkipperPublic Services, Energy andEnvironment (Scrutiny Board 4)C Cllr Tariq KhanHealth and Social Care(Scrutiny Board 5)C Cllr Steven Thomas

C = Chair DC = Deputy Chair

European MPsWest Midlands Region

CONSERVATIVE - Malcolm Harbour, Philip Bradbourn. 285 Kenilworth Road,Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7 7EL.Call 01676 530621 or 01676 530297

LABOUR - Michael Cashman.Terry Duffy House, Thomas Street, West Bromwich B70 6NTCall 0121 569 1923

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS - Phil Bennion. Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton,Tamworth M79 9HN

UKIP - Mike Nattrass.123 New John Street, Birmingham, B6 4LDCall 0121 333 7737

WE DEMAND A REFERENDUM -Nikki Sinclaire.123 New John Street, Birmingham, B6 4LDCall 0121 359 5933

Bob Ainsworth MPCoventry North EastCall 024 7622 6707 e-mail [email protected] Jim Cunningham MP Coventry SouthCall 024 7655 3159e-mail [email protected] Robinson MPCoventry North WestCall 024 7625 7870e-mail [email protected]


Documents

Citivision June 2013 - Coventry€¦ · contents welcome to the july 2013 issue of citivision whatXs on 20 A round-up of some of the a ttractions on offer in and around Covent ry