Famous Coventrians

Another good shout, Adrian - crikey, there are so many people involved in the motor car industry who qualify as "Famous Coventrians" (born or adopted), it just shows how important Coventry was Just looked at the 1911 census - his father was landlord of The Hope & Anchor, Whitefriars Lane, his mother and sister "assisted in the business" and Leonard (14) was "at school" Also viewed the 1901 census where the family of four is listed at City Baths, Priory Street, and father (William) is shown as Superintendent of Public Baths and wife Emma as Matron of Public Baths OK! 1891 - William was a carpenter, living with Emma at 4 Hayfield Terrace, Stoney Stanton Road

Thank Cliff. Both Morris and Austin considered him to be the top man, and who would argue with them.

I have added 2 more names to the Earned Coventry Status. Sir William Lyons (Jaguar) and Edward Loades (Abbey Panels).

I would like to add the name Robin Parkinson (actor) to the list of famous Coventry-born people. This is his potted biography - ROBIN PARKINSON was born in Coventry, trained in Birmingham and then worked with various companies throughout the country, memorable roles being James Tyrone in LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, Lord Nelson in John Arden's THE HERO RISES UP at the Edinburgh Festival, and Hatch in THE SEA by Edward Bond. West End shows include: CLOSE THE COALHOUSE DOOR, STOP IT WHOEVER YOU ARE and SHUT YOUR EYES AND THINK OF ENGLAND. He played Monsieur Leclerc in the last three TV series of 'ALLO 'ALLO and with the stage show spent three seasons in the West End and made two tours to Australia. He also toured the Middle and Far East with the Ray Cooney farce OUT OF ORDER. Robin has worked extensively on television in both comedy and drama, co-starring in the series GIRLS ABOUT TOWN, THE MANY WIVES OF PATRICK and SOUTH OF THE BORDER. Other television includes: RISING DAMP, THE TWO RONNIES, HI DI HI, BLESS THIS HOUSE, THE YOUNG ONES, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE LIKELY LADS, BRITTAS EMPIRE, OUTSIDE EDGE, GOOD BEHAVIOUR and WEATHER IN THE STREETS. He was the narrator for the children's TV series BUTTON MOON. Films include: BILLY LIAR, THE FAMILY WAY, CATCH ME A SPY, TWISTED NERVE and recently two horror films THE ASYLUM and GREENFINGERS. Robin was last at Sonning playing the Captain in OUTSIDE EDGE.

I have added John Blakemore to the list. I'm quite surprised he wasn't already there, as he was recently discussed on the forum.

I've completed a house-keeping exercise on the "Famous Coventrians" lists, so for those who haven't visited recently, do have a look ! Also, a number of additions have been made : Keren Barratt ; Sheila Carey/Taylor ; Alan Rotherham ; Cyril Bean ; John Camkin ; Jerry Dammers ; Dave Nellist ; Simon Phipps all of whom have helped to keep Coventry on the map in one way or another Please keep your suggestions for additions coming - they are appreciated

You have done an excellent job of it too Cliff. That's an awful lot of editing, and research .

Thanks, Adrian It's only right and proper that, following all the care and devotion which our leader Sir Rob put in to create the website and the forum, we should do our bestest to support him and maintain and expand the content therein, at the same level of quality - so it's no chore, it's a pleasure - and educational too

Like Adrian said, fantastic job Cliff. The result of your effort has far surpassed anything I originally envisaged, and your diligence and kindness make me very proud indeed. Thank you.

I FIRST MET ROBIN PARKINSON WHEN HE WORKED BEHIND THE COUNTER AT HALDENBYS, PLUMBERS MERCHANTS IN COPE ST

Back in the early 50's my "now" wife was one half of a double female dancing act called the TWO ROSES. Robin and his male partner did a costume swap with the two Roses for one show, because they wanted to do the CAN-CAN. Billy Breen aka Larry Grayson was another who went on to make a huge name for himself.

My only, and very early, encounter with Robin Parkinson was that we were both in a production called 'Touch Wood' with the St George's Players (Coundon) in the Autumn of 1956, before he moved on to Birmingham Rep to begin his professional career.

Does anyone remember the old man - he must have been in his eighties when I knew him in the late 1960s - who regularly used to jog a few laps at the Butts with Godiva Harriers on Sunday mornings? I can't for the life of me remember his name, but I remember his face as if it were yesterday, and he was occasionally featured as a "celebrity" sports fan in the Coventry Telegraph. He was a boxing fan as well as following the Harriers, and was a really lovely guy. I don't know what, if any, sporting achievements he had as a younger man - I would be fascinated if anyone can discover anything about him. Whereas these days it is not uncommon to see older people jogging around in shorts and t-shirts (I knew a guy who competed in the Australian Orienteering Championships on his 100th birthday - and won his age-group!!), it was quite unheard of back in the 1960s. He deserves a spot in the Famous Coventrians pages, although he was probably only "famous" to the sporting communities.

I don't know if you are thinking of George Gould, he used to go out with the runners on cross country runs to be the whipper-in in his later years. I believe he was a Harrier for many years.

By George, you're right - the name rings a bell! Thanks Argon. Does anyone know any more about him?