Coventry Carnivals / Godiva Processions

Here`s another one from the 50`s/60`s.

I bet it did, Kaga, at least we know it wasn't Dreamtime as she liked mens white shirts along with her lovely earrings

Lovely photo Greg

I believe in the fifties the Telegraph printed a weekly? magazine, on the front of one was a picture of the young lady who wanted to be the next Lady Godiva? Believe it caused controversy?

That would be the Coventry Standard Kaga, it had a more conservative editorial stance than the Evening Telegraph.

Dutchman, are you sure, I thought the Standard was a main paper, the one I meant was I believe a small supplement, don't think it lasted long, every chance I could be wrong, been a long time ago. Regards Kaga.

Iliffe printed a number of national magazine titles in addition to their newspaper business (all based in Coventry) so it's quite possible you're right Kaga.

Thanks Dutchman, The lady in question I believe was of a well known family name in Coventry, Probably why all the fuss. Regards Kaga.

1911 Lady Godiva, Alfred Lord Tennyson riding through the streets. Not sure where this was filmed in a studio

The Procession. On Coventry streets I cast my eye Of crowds of people, the parade moved by Clean and fresh, and well dressed Graffiti was never seen, not accustomed to this sight I looked again, No, not a yobbo was in sight Just proud people of another day My city, my people, of yesterday, I'm proud to say.

For the Festival of Britain in 1951 there was an enormous procession around the city starting and finishing in Memorial Park. Near the front was going to be Lady Godiva on her horse and for months beforehand there were furious arguments in the Evening Telegraph as to who was to be Lady Godiva as she was going to have to be wearing nothing - chilly at the best of times. In the end it was not a local girl but an actress from London. I was in the procession in a historic vehicle - Lord Lonsdales shooting brake - entered by Rootes. Then up in Memorial Park for the start I was about 5ft away - just in case the horse kicked out - from Lady G when she got on her horse only to see that she was wearing a sort of flesh coloured bikini.

Came across this old photo, my family waiting to take part in the 1933 Coventry Carnival Father made a boat to fit over old twin pram with bits of bike frame and plywood from old tea chests the railings were matchsticks and cotton, the two small ones went in pram, dad pushed it and we three walked, I'm middle bottom. Mother made the sailor suits and kept in the background with lemonade and plasters. Boat may have gone to start on lorry, Memorial Park I believe, we were about to get lift to the park.