Longford (inc. The Red Hills)

Longford lad, on the right hand side about a dozen houses from the park, there was a little pathway led down to the rear of the houses, then travelled in both directions giving access to backyard entrance, but short gardens, but what was behind the path, can't remember it being a field? I remember in the days I went to my uncles, they never used the front room, only on special occasions, never did see it, like the Sunday suit in those days. My uncle was an 'overseer' at Keresley Pit I believe.

Morgana me duck, how about a few pictures? I can't get down for a while and I'm getting homesick.

Walrus, who says I'm a duck, hey Coventry Canal I'm more of an old swan on the Coventry Canal, Longford Coventry Canal Or maybe a walk through Longford Park, Coventry, will cure your home sickness.

Smashing pictures, Morgana! Longford Park looks like a haven of peace. The old cut will always be in my heart - I fell in enough times. Thank you.

Thank you, Walrus. Which part of the cut did you fall in, Sutton Stop, Hawkesbury Junction or Longford by The Engine up that way? As you lived in Proffitt Ave did you ever drink in the Weavers and know Bill Barr, dad of Seamus Barr, John Barr, Timmy Barr or Dave Greer?

I'm afraid I don't know any of those folks, Morgana, but I bet some of my family do. I went into the navy in 1963 and really only came back home now and again. I actually had my first pint, a pint of mild, in the Weavers in 1965. I was 17, home on leave. It was early doors and I even remember putting a record on the juke box, it was " Times they are a changin'" by Bob Dylan. Funny how some memories stick but I can't remember my car registration number. My pals and I also went to the Fleece in Armfield Street, early doors also, then up to Longford Snooker Hall. We also loved the New Inn opposite the Ritz when the bands were on in the back room. I sometimes drive through the area just to have a look at the old place but I don't have a feeling of belonging any more. We've all moved on. The Fleece and the New Inn are long gone and I'd love to go in the Weavers again but you can't relive the past. Really happy days.

No Walrus, we cannot bring back the past but no harm in keeping those memories by driving past now and then. Yes I recall the Fleece, Armfield Road is where Dave Greer lived he would now be in his middle 50s. The Barrs lived in Hedle Grove. So they all would of gone to Courthouse Green School along with Pete and Baz, Pete and Baz s mum and dad were deaf and dumb, if your family might know any of them. John Barr is my brother in law. No the Weavers isn't the same since, I am sure his name was Charlie the landlord left. He went to run the pub opposite side the Swanswell park a newish built pub. My sister said he commited suicide all because a barrel of beer went missing, a great loss, he was a lovely bloke.

Hi TracyO. I went to Windmill Road School [Longford Park] from about 1949 to 1959. There was a girl called Jill Arkinstall in our class, I have a class photo of about 1954 with Jill in. I am endeavouring to upload it on the "Windmill Road School" piece. I now live in Devon and am in touch with some of our old class mates from Windmill Road School, but we are still trying to contact more.

True story, and the best way I can put it I worked with a guy from Nuneaton, thought he could never be beaten He's smart, he's smart, or he thought so Looked down on his colleagues dumbwitted and slow he's got the brains he's got the brawn, a pretty wife to keep him warm Got top job very good pay, works at night sleeps in day Colleague whispered in his ear, go home go home you really shouldn't be here I've just passed your house, there's flowers in the window put there by spouse Smart boy, your dumb as two planks I do fear Flowers in window Coast's all clear.

Non Local, hi. Last night on the radio I heard the tune, 'Lazy afternoon', typical thirties tune. Got me thinking. There was a Tiger Moth aeroplane landed in the field behind the Engine pub, mid-thirties time. Nearly everyone local went to see it, quite an occasion. I doubt if anyone had seen an aeroplane close up before, lots of excitement, hard to put it in its place of that time to today. Also heard no one had a wireless before 1932, surprised me. What a path I've trod, from so little to so much, electronic wise. Now I'm wondering when we first had the little wind up His Masters Voice gramophone?

I can remember Tommy Thay and where the Thay family lived in St Thomas Rd, but that is just about all. He was a few years older than me. I can also remember the name Jill Arkinstall, but I don't know in what connection. Probably from Windmill Road school. It seems like it was in a previous life and a lot of beer has gone under the bridge since then.

Kaga, I am afraid you have confused me, because I am have trouble trying to remember what you describe. I can recall the "entries" between the houses and these led to access to the back of the houses and the gardens as shown in this view (it also shows the Edens Yard cottages). It does not look as if much has changed over the years (except the old Windmill Rd school buildings used to be closer to Windmill Rd than the new building) And yes the front rooms were something special reserved for Sundays and special occasions. I can recall the name Baldwin. I can remember my grandmother talking about Mrs Baldwin, but I am afraid that is all.

Hi John, would be great to see your photo, I'm sure Jill would love to see it too!

Hi TracyO. After a few difficulties I think that I may have uploaded my Windmill Road school class photograph. Jill Arkinstall is in the photo can you recognise her? I have recognised some in the photo but I am ashamed to say that I cannot put a name to all faces even though I recognise them well, mind you it has been fifty to sixty years ago and my memory is not as sharp as it was, so it would be helpful if you or others can put names to faces. Good luck, John

johnwright, does Barry Blythe or Janet Blythe ring a bell to you?