Art is not only a pleasant pastime, it can also record our history more dramatically than any written work.
The recent artwork shown in the Coventry Observer depicts the demolition of my grandfather’s shop to make way for the redevelopment after the war.
A few years ago I saw another painting this time in the Coventry Telegraph book holding a collection of paintings by a local artist, with views of old Coventry (dated 1916). I found a view of Gosford Street with the shop shown in a row of shops (opposite the Colin Campbell).
I have photographs of my grandfather and his father before him standing outside the shop. I wonder when this shop was first built. Ironic that our local history was knocked down to make way for a museum/art gallery after surviving all the bombing.
Maureen Jones
Cheylesmore
What a interesting factual story on the front page of the Observer, regarding one of our city councillors (Councillor gets final warning on conduct, January 25 edition).
It seems very strange how they can say and do what they like yet the rest of us have to do as we are or more like dictated to.
I also can vouch that councillors like Jayne Innes can and has called people disgusting names as I was called a racist by the said councillor.
How strange when I made a formal complaint to the council’s legal officer, nothing was done.
We want an overall look at the rule book as we cannot keep going the way things are going.
It seems there are rules for us, and rules for them. I do not want that kind of regime. Law and order should apply to all of us not the chosen few.
Sandra Camwell
Bennetts Road South
Coventry
As a Coventrian, I am so delighted to hear that the Bayeux Tapestry may have the opportunity of residing in our great City. I left Coventry in the 80s to study metallurgy in the the steel city of Sheffield but after almost 30 years working in the metals industry I decided to return to college to embark on my passion for all things French.
After five years of hard graft and a journey that has taken me from the foothills of Sheffield to the foothills of provence I have completed my transition from the sciences to the arts. Where once I was delving into the thermal conductivity properties of exotic metals, I now delight in learning about the amazing art works of the painter Gericault or deciphering the works of Flaubert or Maupassant.
As a child of Coventry and mature student of French I woud love the opportunity to play an ambassadorial role in bringing the great Tapestry of Bayeux back to the great city of textiles of Coventry.
Paula Acheson
In Westwood Ward, as elsewhere in the city, traffic is rapidly increasing as the population grows and more developments are planned. There have recently been accidents in Tile Hill Lane, Torrington Avenue, Cromwell Lane, Westwood Heath Road and elsewhere and I hear constantly from residents about the volume and speed of traffic.
My own family has over the years been much affected by road events. My father died and I was very unwell after a car in which I was a passenger was totally written off. Many others have also suffered badly.
Roads constructed long ago simply cannot cope with this volume of traffic, and I appeal to everyone, whether driver, cyclist or pedestrian, to be very careful, especially at night. I constantly see speed limits simply ignored, cyclists in dark clothing with no lights on their cycles and cars parked dangerously.
I hope that everyone will remember that we all have only one very precious life. We can all make mistakes and it is better to allow more time for a journey than to risk a tragedy.
Coun David Skinner (Conservative)
Coventry City Council
Growing up is tough at the best of times but it can be even harder for children in care.
They are some of the most vulnerable in society and Barnardo’s urgently needs more people to support them.
Our amazing foster carers dry their tears, encourage them, listen to their problems and teach them life skills.
We provide carers with ongoing support and training to help them when the going gets a little tough, which means they can be reassured there’s always someone there for them.
We also understand that difficult situations do not always happen between 9am and 5pm and that’s why we have a 24-hour hotline for carers to get the advice and support they need if they have a problem.
You’re never alone – there’s always someone to pass on their own experience and advice.
From the moment you enquire about becoming a foster carer, throughout your very first placement and beyond, Barnardo’s is there for you to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We often think of our foster carers as superheroes but the reality is that they’re ordinary people doing extraordinary things – because they’ve taken the decision to open up their families to look after vulnerable children.
If you’re interested in fostering we’re here to help, we’re here to advise and we’re here to listen.
Visit www.barnardos.org.uk/fostering
Hugh Sherriffe
Barnardo’s regional director
