Hot off the press from Pete Chambers (Author of Godiva Rocks / The Two Tone Trail / The Beatles - Sent From Coventry and Godiva Rocked to a Backbeat)
As part of the on-going campaign to celebrate Coventry's wonderful history, on-going story and the people who have contributed so much to the city, nominations are now being requested from local people as to who will be the first 10 names to be unveiled next May.
Each of the final 10 people chosen will have their names set into the flooring in Priory Place in the form of Hollywood-style star. The walk of fame idea originally came from Pete Chambers, local music historian and a city ambassador.
Peter Walters, Chair of the Walk of Fame Group, said:
"This is all about celebrating our fantastic city and the many inspirational people who have contributed so much to Coventry's reputation and profile as a world-class city. I, and the group, believe we should do more of this type of celebration because we really have a strong host of potential nominees.
We want as many local people as possible to get involved, vote for their own choice for the Walk of Fame so the final names will be representative of the city's feelings."
To start the ball rolling, an initial list of 25 names has been put forward by the group reflecting different aspects of city life. The 25 names include here are only suggestions, people may want to nominate anyone who they feel fits the criteria.
Councillor Tim Sawdon, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Libraries, added:
"Now we have identified the venue for the plaques, it is exciting to be able to start the ball rolling as to who will make the Walk of Fame. I'm sure we will have a lot of nominations and votes between now and the unveiling, with persuasive arguments on all sides as to why their own choice should be in.
We want as many people as possible to get on board and start sending their nominations in, which they can do in a variety of ways. I look forward to seeing who is put forward."
People can vote in a variety of ways; either by completing and returning the nomination form in their local paper, dropping the form into any city library or registering their nomination via the city council's website at www.coventry.gov.uk
The criteria for the Walk of Fame is:
"Coventry's Walk of Fame will celebrate citizens who have brought the city recognition at national or international level. Recipients don't necessarily have to have been Coventry-born, but must have a strong connection with the city."
Once all nominations are in, the Walk of Fame committee will create a shortlist of 20 names, which will go back out to the public to vote on. From this, the committee will announce the first 10 names to be inducted into Coventry's Walk of Fame.
To get things started a list of 25 names has been compiled by the committee but people can vote for anyone that fits the criteria.
List of Walk of Fame nominees:
Pearl Hyde (city councillor and Lord Mayor)
A prominent city councillor who made a name for herself in the city and beyond during the war as an efficient and inspirational food organiser during the Coventry blitz and its aftermath. Later a high profile and much-loved Lord Mayor.
The Specials (Ska band)
Chart-topping band, who cleverly fused ska and punk to create the iconic Two Tone sound. Giving birth to bands like The Selecter, Madness and The Beat.
Pete Waterman OBE (Producer and Musical Entrepreneur and former DJ)
With Mike Stock and Matt Aitken Pete formed the most successful production/ songwriting partnership of all time, launching the career of superstar Kylie Minogue amongst others.
Dame Ellen Terry GBE (Actress)
Despite her sometime-troubled personal life, Ellen Terry, remains the finest actress of the Victorian era.
Mo Mowlam (Politician and former Coundon Court pupil)
Mo Mowlam famously became Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at the time of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Dick Crossman OBE (Politician and Writer)
He entered Parliament in 1945 as the MP for Coventry East. Becoming Leader of the House in 1966, working his way to Secretary of State for Health and Social Security two years later. Often outspoken, he was a true Working Class Hero.
Jimmy Hill OBE (Footballer/ Manager/ Presenter)
Jimmy has done it all, a player, manager, chairman and commentator. He also reinvented the Sky Blues winning them promotion to Division One.
Tom Mann (Trade Unionist)
Tom was acclaimed as the greatest labour agitator and orator of his time. He was President of the Dockers Union in 1891. He was imprisoned during the National Hunger March in London in 1932.
John Sillett (Footballer/Manager)
The very affable ‘Snoz', a former City player who led the Sky Blues to FA Cup glory in 1987 as team coach.
Sir William Lyons (Father of Jaguar Cars)
It was the incredible vision of William Lyon’s that created not just another automobile, but a true Coventry motoring icon-the magnificent Jaguar motorcar.
Philip Larkin CH CBE (Poet)
Famous for his insightful poetry like “This Be The Verse”, and "Annus Mirabilis". He was awarded the Queen’s Gold Medal for poetry; he would famously refuse the post of Poet Laureate.
George Curtis (Footballer/Manager)
‘Mr Sky Blue’, made 534 full appearances for the city (many as Captain). He was half the management team (along with John Sillett) that would see the FA Cup go to Coventry for the first time.
Dr Cuthbert Bardsley CBE DD (Coventry Bishop)
Cuthbert Killick Norman Bardsley became Bishop of Coventry in 1956. Known as a great orator with the common touch. He was the first Bishop to become a President of a football club (Coventry City Football Club, of course).
David Duckham MBE (Internationl Rugby Union player)
One of Coventry’s finest rugby players. As an England winger, he was affectionately knows as ‘Dai’ to the Welsch supporters, as he apparently, “played like a Welshman”. Hence the title of his autobiography “Dai for England”.
Neil Back MBE (Internationl Rugby Union player)
Neil has been a member of 3 Triple Crowns teams, 2 Grand Slam teams, 2 Six Nations teams, 2 Heineken Cup teams, one Five Nations team, and of course one glorious Rugby World Cup winning team.
Dave Moorcroft OBE (Athlete/ Broadcaster)
Dave won gold for the 1500 meters in 1978 at the Edmonton Commonwealth Games, and gold again in 1982 for the 500 meters at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games. He later became a TV presenter and the Chief Executive of UK Athletics till 2006.
Sir Frank Whittle,OM,KBE,FRS (Inventor of jet propulsion)
This Earlsdon born genius saw the future of flight and created jet propulsion; he was eventually knighted for his pioneering work.
Clive Owen (Actor)
From Kersley to RADA, Shakespeare to Chancer and on to King Arthur and Hollywood. There is no stopping Coventry’s highest profile actor, except when he missed out on the role as 007.
Marlon Devonish MBE (Olympics 4x100m relay gold medallist)
Marlon, along with Jason Gardener, Darren Campbell and Mark Lewis-Francis, set the track alight at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics when they won gold for the 4x100 m relay.
Lady Godiva (Historic figure)
Godiva or Godgifu, Coventry’s number one Lady. It matters little if this Anglo-Saxon noblewoman ever did her famous ride. Either way she has become synonymous with protest and fair play, putting Coventry well and truly on the map.
James Starley (Father of the bicycle industry)
Starley moved to Coventry at the age of 27, and revolutionised the cycle (velocipede) industry. Four years before his death, he also invented the revolutionary ‘differential’.
Panjabi MC (DJ/Producer)
Panjabi MC or Rajinder Rai, a chief pioneer responsible for popularising Asian-based Bhangra music in the UK. His track Mundian To Bach Ke (Beware of Boys), catapulted him to global fame.
Sir Nigel Hawthorne (Actor)
He shot to public attention in 1980 with his BAFTA winning characterisation of the manipulative Sir Humphrey Appleby in TV’s “Yes Minister”. Another BAFTA followed (and Oscar nomination) for his stunning work in the film “The Madness of King George”.
Billie Whitelaw CBE (Actress)
One of the industry's most enduring actresses. Winning BAFTA’s for her roles in films like The Omen, The Krays and Jane Eyre. Billie continues to work, and was recently in the cult flick “Hot Fuzz”.
Sir Henry Parkes (Father of the Australian Federation)
He travelled to Australia via assisted passage, and became a force in publishing, then politics. Becoming premier on five occasions and the man who created the mechanics for a federal government for Australia.
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