People Power

I have an idea. We are a respectable bunch of Coventry History buffs with a track record. I missed out on the Draper's Hall excavation tour and I see that they're exploring the old parts of the kitchen at St Mary's Hall, in the new year. I'd also like to spend longer at the Swanswell gatehouse. Couldn't we use our reputation and numbers to wangle a few special visits to things? If we asked pretty please and waved a bit of money? Individually we don't really stand a chance but a small group? What do you think?

I'm all for it Helen. In fact I've tried to flag the fact that we are here as this collective bunch to the Council before whilst talking things like Tram 32 but to no avail. I've always imagined we could be a good useful resource to The Herbert as well - I know some of whom are here under the CovArchives forum name. Will discuss further tonight with Rob.

What a wonderful and innovative idea Helen, I'm all for that! See you later Neil.....

So who would be interested (with enough warning to plan a visit to the city) and what would we like to try and visit? I'd particularly like a tour round the off access parts of St Mary's Hall. Specifically the whole kitchen area (with or without excavation), the office area over the east wing and the stairs at the end of it. Plus a full wander outside. So what would be on your wish list?

I'd love to see anything really that has not been accessible or opened up to the public for a while - anything I have not seen before TBH. My wife worked waitressing at St Mary's kitchens in the 80's whilst she was studying - it's an eternal joke about her talents whenever we talk about it as she often dropped the roast chickens only for the '3-second' rule to kick-in and for them to be put back on the dinner plates without anyone noticing! My list though would include - 1) Whitefriars - have been before but a more detailed / private visit 2) Cov Archives 3) The Earl Street pub cellars 4) Drapers Hall cellar / air-raid shelter 5) Any hidden bits of the Cathedral / undercrofts etc.

Good list. Though if you can work out what they've got, you can look at most things in the Archives now. Though finding stuff is like playing Battle Ships. I too would like to see the Earl Street cellar and Whitefriars. I'd like to see the cellar under the bank but that's asking a bit too much. As it is I worry that they'll think I'm casing the joint, given the amount I know about it. I'd like to locate the well in Jordan Well. I'd like to see more of the Bablake School. I missed the cellars at the Lychgate Cottages. I would like to see if there are cellars under the Slug and Lettuce.