Famous Coventrians

Hi everyone! Have just realised we have a quite famous author who was born in Coventry - Lee Child! Born in 1954 (as Jim Grant), he spent the first 4 years of his life here before moving to Birmingham. Wikipedia go into quite a bit of detail but essentially he is a thriller writer whose books feature a character called 'Jack Reacher'. I've read and enjoyed them all without realising he was a Coventrian! Regards to you all. Peter A.

Thanks for the heads-up Peter - he has been added to our list (despite his being a Villa supporter!)

I would like to nominate Chris Jury for the 'Famous Coventrians' list. A successful actor, writer, director and producer but probably best known for his role as Eric Catchpole in 'Lovejoy' I believe he also attended KHVIII School. Born 28 September 1956 in Coventry.

Pleased to receive the info - now added

Another name now added to the list of "Famous Coventrians" is that of Ernie Over, the well-known flat-green bowler, a long-time member of Stoke BC and still playing well at Wolvey BC and Coventry Indoor BC

Today's additions are Joe Elliott and Provost Howard

I think you maybe using the word famous a little bit too liberally regarding some of these people.

I would agree that some are better known than others And of course the word "famous" in this context is really meant to apply to Coventry - local people who are famous locally would, in most cases, be unheard of further afield Some of those on our lists I've never heard of, I must admit, but in their area of expertise they are well-known (or famous!) and I have no objection to their being included If you have any suggestions as to who might be added, please let us know At the same time, if you think there are any already on the list undeservedly, there's no harm in identifying them for further discussion

You all missed out on George Singer of the motor car fame. Although he was born in London, he did make Coventry his home, And employed a great many living here. Coundon Court school's " Old House " was his home here. I went there as a young man back in 19** and remember the ghost story of the young boy who fell down the stair well, And the lions head that turned. I have always wondered if the story was true, then was this George Singers son, or part of his family. George became an Alderman in 1893.

Hi Baz, Hi all We havn't completely missed out. I did some History Forum out & about tours, last summer, one of which was entitled Coundon Wedge. You might enjoy reading it as there are some pictures of the house.

I'm afraid we didn't miss him out - he is already on the list of "Earned Coventrian status"

Hi all I have heard that a special edition of the 'Midwife' is planned for our Christmas viewing. I do not have details at present.

What about - Lieutenant Pigeon of Mouldy Old Dough fame. I did hear that they were from Coventry. They recorded the song in the front room of a Coventry semi-detached house. But I dont know where the house was.

Kingsway in Stoke, apparently.

Julianne Regan, the singer with 80s Goth/Folk/Pop band "All About Eve": She doesn't perform live anymore (All About Eve split up a few years back) but still records. All About Eve did four excellent albums in the 1980s and 1990s, and I had the pleasure of seeing them live on a number of occasions, including an acoustic show at Warwick University by the 'reformed' band in the late 1990s.