Being born there in 1946, I remember largely from the 1950's-60's and worked Triumph's Radford factory but, for me, the city has subsequently lost its heart, focus and direction. Even poor old Lady Godiva was shuffled off from centre-stage in the middle of Broadgate to a non-descript location, where people walk past and ignore the historical significance. It's almost as if she's an embarrassment... I suppose in a way that's symptomatic of Coventry, being a place where the 'planners' rushed to complete the job that the Luftwaffe started in November 1940. Such a shame - and what a completely wasted opportunity. I migrated in 1972 and each time I return on a visit, the city seems to have deteriorated further.
Armstrong Siddeley, Daimler, Jaguar, JLR, Standard Motors, Triumph, Alvis, Allard, Chrysler,, Coventry Climax, Excelsior, Francis Barnett, Hillman, Humber, Lanchester, Lea Francis, Maudslay, Massey Ferguson, Riley, Morris Motors, Singer, Sunbeam, SS Cars, the list goes on......and on......That's when the UK was an auto industry City. Now...I'm not sure what its claim to fame is. Left there in the early 80's as the industry was being closed down by the Unions.....and Thatcherism which wanted to make the UK into a non-industrial, service oriented country. Look where that got you !!
Those industries were long outdated and improductive by the 70s, Thatcher didnt kill the industry, she was just the nail in the coffin. Most Western countries have abandoned manufactured industries and have develop high-tech, creative economies, the UK is a great example.
Daddy used to work at Armstrong Siddeley then Rolls Royce as an Aeronautical Engineer. Look at it now, no more factories in Coventry and all because of those strikes they used to have.
My grandad worked at AP Lockheed. I don't know exactly what he did there though. I'll have to ask my nan. I just remember going with her to take his lunch or meet up after work.
At one time, a major hub of engineering and manufacturing. All long gone.
In the days when we were so proud of our City.
Still am
".... do you remember the good old days before the ghost town?
We danced and sang and the music played
in our new boom town...."
Being born there in 1946, I remember largely from the 1950's-60's and worked Triumph's Radford factory but, for me, the city has subsequently lost its heart, focus and direction. Even poor old Lady Godiva was shuffled off from centre-stage in the middle of Broadgate to a non-descript location, where people walk past and ignore the historical significance. It's almost as if she's an embarrassment... I suppose in a way that's symptomatic of Coventry, being a place where the 'planners' rushed to complete the job that the Luftwaffe started in November 1940. Such a shame - and what a completely wasted opportunity. I migrated in 1972 and each time I return on a visit, the city seems to have deteriorated further.
Agreed, it's horrible and soulless now. 'The city of culture', as some call it (or as I call it, the city of gang culture).
I agree with your comments.
The naked statue probably offended some woke people.
@@EgoChip Offended? Then it's high time they woke up!
Wow.... Coventry building cars
There were, at one time, more car companies in Coventry than in the rest of the country put together.
Jaguar cars
Armstrong Siddeley, Daimler, Jaguar, JLR, Standard Motors, Triumph, Alvis, Allard, Chrysler,, Coventry Climax, Excelsior, Francis Barnett, Hillman, Humber, Lanchester, Lea Francis, Maudslay, Massey Ferguson, Riley, Morris Motors, Singer, Sunbeam, SS Cars, the list goes on......and on......That's when the UK was an auto industry City. Now...I'm not sure what its claim to fame is. Left there in the early 80's as the industry was being closed down by the Unions.....and Thatcherism which wanted to make the UK into a non-industrial, service oriented country. Look where that got you !!
Those industries were long outdated and improductive by the 70s, Thatcher didnt kill the industry, she was just the nail in the coffin. Most Western countries have abandoned manufactured industries and have develop high-tech, creative economies, the UK is a great example.
@@egastap Plus Rolls Royce, GEC, Bicycles etc
You did not have to worry about stabbings and drug taking. We used to go into the City on a Saturday morning to the cinema. Happy days
I was born here in 1955. I loved the city, but I’m afraid it’s just a mess now. I moved away in 1999….
Dodged a bullet there mate
it is 2023
Daddy used to work at Armstrong Siddeley then Rolls Royce as an Aeronautical Engineer. Look at it now, no more factories in Coventry and all because of those strikes they used to have.
My grandad worked at AP Lockheed. I don't know exactly what he did there though. I'll have to ask my nan. I just remember going with her to take his lunch or meet up after work.
This is when Coventry was a proud snd indigenous city. Then we git immigration.
Coventry, and the UK as a whole, has always had immigrants. Don't be so ignorant.