Famous Coventrians

Some of you might already have noticed a new feature via a button on the left menu? Well, it stems from JohnnieWalker's recent idea by email - he's compiled a list based upon the names so far mentioned here, and although I don't yet have his list I've made a start and built the framework upon which we can fill in those names. Any logged in member may add or edit names, so let's see how complete we can make it. Cheers, Rob

A bit before my time, Hey!

Sorry Philip, I just thought it might be your area of expertise!

I started 2011 with no real interest of organ building/playing but got involved with researching two different and unconnected families. One of these, the Topps, was from Bedworth and the other, the Coke-Jephcotts from Coventry. By a very strange coincidence a member from each family was living in Ultica, New York State in the 1920s. Did they know each other as their fathers who were both church organists certainly would have.

It's working very well, Rob! One of these days, I'll view the source code and work out how you do all these things! How much do you charge for lessons?

I was surprised to see Norman Dewis, Jaguar's 'legendary' Chief Test Driver still going strong at 91. I knew Norman well, and had enormous respect for him and his ability as a driver; whatever the speed, I never felt the slightest unease as a passenger when he was driving. And as a person, I admired his honesty and integrity. He always had a wealth of stories relating to his long career at Jaguar, and still enthrals and entertains people with them when he is a guest speaker. I spoke with him by telephone just a few years ago -he was about 87 then - and he sounded as sprightly as ever. I guess a few other forum participants will remember him, too, and have some anecdotes to relate; I think Norman definitely should be a candidate for "Famous Coventrians"! I hope we will be able to raise a glass to him when he reaches 100!

I think the latest version is looking superb Rob! Really good, well done

I was once in a Jaguar XJC, testing for roof flex, with Norman when the rear window fell out. He just shrugged and said "Was that the roof or the window flexing, d'you think?" and drove on. That was my only encounter with him during my time at Jaguar, and I wish I had got to know him properly. He was a great laugh, a SUPERB driver, and a very nice man. Definitely qualifies.

Hear, hear!

Another sportsman from Coventry Fred Gardner played for Warwickshire and once for England also a footballer.

Added to the "Famous Coventrians", although he only played for "An England XI" and not for England (who perhaps could have done with him and Norman Horner today!)

I stand corrected Midland Red, You are right it was "An England XI" certainly should have been England.

Hi there, I noticed on the Famous Coventrians list you have put Jonathan Gould. Do you think that Keith Houchen also deserves a place on the Earned Coventrians list as he scored that spectacular header in the 1987 FA Cup win for us?

Quite right, sir, and immediately dealt with In fact, there's a case for a simple entry for the whole of the FA Cup Final squad!

Hi there again, I just wanted to say a big big thank you to Midland Red for what he did for me to put Keith Houchen on the list. Thank you again Steve