Earlsdon

I think that if a local clergyman had coined that saying it would have been, Damnation, Education, Cooperation, Salvation. in that order.

Mary Jane Cooper's (AKA 'Ma Cooper', the landlady of the City Arms) gravestone at London Road Cemetery. "In loving memory of Mary Jane Cooper, who died Aug 4th 1921, aged 91. Bear ye one another's burdens" (see Galatians 6:2).

Considering it doesn't look shattered I hope someone has the decency to stand it back up (even with a little help). It looks as if it's been laying there for a while.

The Council won't let anyone do that. I'm surprised it does not have yellow and black tape wrapped around it and cautioned off - that's what they do with most of them. Derek, is there anything we can do to help this? I'm more than happy to meet you down there again, pal.

Hi Neil, Yes/No. The grave and stonework belong to the family, Bereavement Services administer the cemetery. If? Someone might wish to contact the family about putting it right, but, unless they have some insurance in place that is going to be a lot of money. Nobody else can do anything without the family and Bereavement Services permission, that is it in a nutshell. As an aside, the cause, some years ago a snow-ladened limb broke off the cedar and fell down there. Regards Derek.

Ahh thanks, Derek. I was worried it was vandalism. Cheers

In about 1958 SW Turner OBE sent in a poem, that he had kept for a number of years, to the Coventry Telegraph about Mrs Mary Jane Cooper. The author of the poem is unknown. "Of all the ladies I love best, There's none like "Mrs Cooper", Who's always ready with a jest To suit a Maid or Trooper. To every kind she speaks her mind On everything the world's done, And cares no jot for all the lot Of what folks say in Earlsdon. She may not suit all she does meet, But then SHE says what's true; And truth is not always so sweet To either me or you. Yet SHE is kind, and never blind To good in any other; And many say, in grateful way, To them she's been a "Mother". There's not a Pub that sells good cheer Rivals the "City Arms", For there you get the best of Beer With all its natural charms. And when I leave I know I'll grieve, When I am distant far, To leave behind that very kind Dear Lady known as "Ma"."

I know you've seen it Derek. Bit of a long shot but I have posted on the Love Earlsdon FB page to see if there are any relations of Ma Cooper left in an attempt to get her grave sorted. Worth a try. Garlands - hope you don't mind but I included one of your photos.

Hi All, No problem Neil I've been contacted by the Chairman of the Friends of the London Road Cemetery who told me that 'Ma' Cooper's grave is one of the graves that has been submitted, alongside 39 others, for restoration as part of the heritage lottery fund grant. He also said he had been independently contacting interested parties in an attempt to raise funds towards its restoration. So hopefully the grave should be repaired further down the pipeline. Would be great to see the grave in its former glory.

Great news, Garlands - I've been waiting to hear what that money is to be spent on.

Might be interesting - Walking tour of Earlsdon

I am looking for information regarding the bombing/demolition of the house formerly standing on Grosvenor Road/Westminster Road corner. Is today (14/11/2019) the anniversary of its demise?

Hello and welcome to the Forum. Which particular house are you referring to? Although many have gone since then this image from 1953 shows most of the houses on the junction survived the war? It does appear as if there may have been one on the SW corner though. Was it this one?

Anne, if you have a chance could you do a quick search on any bombings on Grosvenor Road within the newspaper archives please?

Hi Neil, I have had a look but can't come up with much. I don't think they gave much specific detail as to what was bombed at the time. I found a mention in a thank you 17th February 1941 from a Mrs H Wright thanking the rescue squad for their conscientiousness and willingness and courtesy when salvaging her home in Grosvenor Road. Holbrooks furnishers moved to temporary premises there in 1941 and don't appear to have been bombed. Sorry I can't be of much help on this one.