SIX people who have shown dedication and passion to support the city of Coventry and its residents are to be honoured with The Coventry Award of Merit.
Pauline Black, Professor Stuart Croft, Sybil Hanson, Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Mark Robins and Jon Sharp will be the latest names to join just 46 others who have received the honour since it was launched by Coventry City Council in the 1960s.
The award honours personal behaviour that reflects the highest ideals of citizenship, improves the good name of Coventry and inspires its residents.
Pauline Black OBE DL is an icon of British music who was a major part of the 2-Tone and Ska music revolution in the 1970s that became synonymous with Coventry and helped spread a message of racial equality.
She has performed for over 50 years with The Selecter and is a pioneer for Black performers and in particular Black women in music. She is a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands and combines her music career with supporting many local community projects.
She said: “I have always tried to place Coventry and its wonderful community of people at the centre of my life and It is an absolute honour to be nominated for such a prestigious award.”
Professor Stuart Croft.
Professor Stuart Croft is the Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick and has been a key part of city life since 2007.
He has dedicated his whole life to supporting, promoting, and delivering higher education and academia, and has been instrumental in bringing inclusive economic growth to Coventry.
He has overseen the university’s work to be a part of city life and a good neighbour, and has helped build links with local communities, charities and residents.
Professor Croft said: “Coventry is a city built on collaboration, resilience, and ambition, and I am deeply honoured to receive the Coventry Award of Merit.
“At Warwick, we take great pride in our role as part of this city – working together with local communities, businesses, and organisations to drive positive change.
“I share this recognition with everyone at the University who has helped to make a difference in Coventry, and I look forward to continuing that work.”
Sybil Hanson has spent over 50 years making a significant contribution to education in Coventry, including 25 years at Blue Coat CE School.
In her retirement, Sybil has served on the Board of Directors for the Inspire Education Trust, the Diocesan Board of Education, and the Schools Forum.
At the age of 85, she continues to play a role in education in Coventry. Her contribution is highly valued by the many organisations with which she works.
Councillor Abdul Salam Khan began his career in local government in 2007 and has been a member of the city’s Cabinet for 15 years and Deputy Leader of the Council since 2015.
He demonstrates a profound commitment to inclusivity and respect and believes the strength of the city lies in its diversity.
He represents the city around the world as he helps lead Coventry’s work as a city of peace and reconciliation, telling its story and inspiring others towards friendship.
Mark Robins took over as manager of Coventry City Football Club in 2017 when the club, along with its fanbase, was at an all-time low.
He took a club that was at one of its lowest points in its history and restored its pride. He not only made it a better team, he helped re-establish the club as a true part of the city.
He took players and staff into the community, built links with local groups, supported work in diversity and equality, and instilled a real sense of togetherness and pride in the city.
Jon Sharp at the Butts Park Arena. Picture by John Coles.
Coventry Rugby Executive Chair Jon Sharp is a true Coventrian who was born in Hillfields and developed his love for rugby while a student at Bablake Grammar School.
After building a successful career in the aero industry, John returned home to take over at Coventry Rugby Club as it was on the verge of bankruptcy.
The club is now in its best place for a generation and Jon has built strong community links with schools and local clubs, and launched “Project 500’, which has helped over 6,000 children enjoy activities and hot meals.
Jon said he was thrilled to be honoured by his home city and to join such an elite group of award winners.
He added: “As a ‘Coventry kid,’ I am very proud of my city and to receive its highest award is a great honour. Thanks to everyone who has supported me.”
The new recipients join previous winners including athlete David Moorcroft, head of Jaguar Sir John Egan, poet Phillip Larkin, Sir Basil Spence who designed Coventry Cathedral, and Sir Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine.
They will officially receive their awards at a ceremony later this year – only the ninth ever held, and the first since 2019.
Coventry City Council Leader Coun George Duggins said: “The Award of Merit is not awarded often, it is not an annual presentation, but only given when people have shown outstanding commitment to our city and those who live here.
“The six people we are honouring are wonderful examples of that dedication and I am delighted that they are being recognised. They have not only excelled in their own chosen fields, they have taken their pride in Coventry and love for their city and used their skills to give something back.
“The nominations for these latest winners show the great amount of outstanding and selfless work they have carried out. They all come from different backgrounds and have different talents, but they all have something in common – their desire to help others and make Coventry a better place.
“Thank you to them all for everything they have done for our city. They are great Coventrians, and very worthy recipients of this great honour.”
Visit www.coventry.gov.uk/civic-recognition-awards/coventry-award-merit for more information about the Coventry Award of Merit and previous winners.
