COVBible

🩵 Seven Coventry volunteers have spent months crocheting more than 1,000 poppies, and the finished display is absolutely beautiful! If you're passing through Binley, you might want to stop and take a look at what the lovely people at John White Community Centre have been creating. Members of the Hookey Crochet Club have been working since January to produce an incredible display of handmade poppies ahead of Remembrance Sunday. And there's a wonderful story behind it. The idea came from 86-year-old Mary Hollins, the centre's chairwoman, who wanted to do something special to celebrate 20 years since the community centre opened. Mary only learned to crochet in her eighties, having joined the club three years ago! Alongside six other members, she's helped create more than 1,000 poppies, with each one taking between 10 and 30 minutes to make. The display features traditional red poppies remembering those who lost their lives in conflict, alongside purple poppies commemorating animals killed or injured during wartime. The group is run by Natalie Trudgill, who has helped teach members their crocheting skills. And after months of hard work, their beautiful creation is now on display for the whole community to enjoy. 📍 John White Community Centre, Grange Avenue, Binley, Coventry, CV3 2ED. 🩵 The poppies will remain outside until the end of November, so there's plenty of time to visit. What a wonderful achievement by Mary, Natalie and everyone involved! Can we show these seven Coventry volunteers some love for all their hard work? 🩵 And we'd love to see photographs of other Remembrance displays around Coventry. If your school, church or community group has created something special, please share it with us!

🚒🩵 Coventry firefighters have been praised after tackling a serious house fire in Holbrooks, as questions continue over plans that could reduce overnight fire engine cover at Foleshill Fire Station. Emergency crews were called to a property on Foxglove Close at around 4pm on Sunday 1 November, after a fire broke out in the kitchen. Firefighters from Foleshill attended the scene and remained there into the night, dealing with the blaze and making the property safe. Thankfully, everyone inside managed to escape without injury. However, the house suffered severe damage, and electricity supplies had to be disconnected. Firefighters were also due to return on Monday morning to check for any remaining hotspots. The incident comes at a time when the future of overnight fire cover in Coventry is being debated. West Midlands Fire Service is considering changes that could see Foleshill Fire Station go from having two fire engines available overnight to just one. The Fire Brigades Union has warned that reducing overnight cover could leave communities waiting longer for emergency assistance. The proposals form part of a wider review affecting up to 14 fire stations across the West Midlands, with more than 3,000 people having signed a petition opposing the changes. However, West Midlands Fire Service has stressed that nothing has been decided. The service says the proposals are initial ideas being considered with staff and that any changes would be subject to further scrutiny and public consultation. The review is intended to examine how resources are distributed, including whether additional firefighters and equipment could be deployed at busier times. For now, Foleshill Fire Station continues operating as normal. 🩵 We're incredibly grateful to the firefighters who responded to Sunday's incident, and relieved that everyone escaped safely. But what do Coventry residents think about the possibility of reducing overnight fire engine cover?

🚗🩵 Residents in Henley Green are demanding action over speeding after a 74-year-old Coventry grandmother was struck by a motorbike outside her own home. But despite a petition calling for traffic-calming measures, Coventry City Council has decided the roads do not currently qualify as a priority for improvements. Christine, 74, was walking her dog on Winston Avenue on 27 June when she was hit by a motorbike carrying two people. Her daughter, Lorette Turner, says her mother suffered injuries to her head and back, with bruising, swelling and numbness in her foot. Months later, she is still recovering. Residents have been campaigning for safety improvements on Winston Avenue and neighbouring Monkswood Crescent, with concerns about speeding vehicles and the safety of pedestrians. A petition signed by 53 people called for traffic-calming measures, including options such as speed humps. However, the council rejected the request for priority works, saying the roads did not meet its criteria based on recorded collisions and traffic speeds. The council says surveys found most motorists were travelling within the 30mph limit and that recorded collision numbers were low compared with other roads across Coventry. It says the area will continue to be monitored. But residents argue the decision overlooks the dangers they experience regularly. Henley Green councillor Mel Gregory, who launched the petition, says she intends to appeal. There are also concerns about children travelling to nearby schools and people using the local leisure centre. Residents have pointed to other collisions in the area, including an incident in 2022 when an eight-year-old girl was critically injured on Monkswood Crescent.

🚴🩵 Did you know Coventry has its own cycle speedway club? And this winter, residents are being invited to discover a rather unusual form of racing! Cycle speedway is a fast-paced sport where riders compete against each other on specially designed bicycles with no brakes. The races take place around a small circuit, with each race typically lasting around a minute. It might sound a little intimidating, but the sport is all about developing technique, confidence and bike-handling skills. Now Coventry Cycle Speedway is preparing to hold indoor sessions at Sidney Stringer School throughout November and December. And you don't need to own a specialist racing bike to get involved, as the club says bikes can be loaned to participants. 🚴 Indoor Cycle Speedway 📍 Sidney Stringer School, Coventry, CV1 5LY. 📅 Saturday 7 November 📅 Saturday 14 November 📅 Saturday 21 November 📅 Saturday 28 November 📅 Saturday 5 December 📅 Saturday 12 December Anyone interested in taking part should contact the organisers for session times, availability and any costs. 📧 [email protected]

🩵 Remember Woodlands School in Coventry? After nearly a decade since its closure, the old school is being given a completely new lease of life! And it could eventually become one of the largest specialist schools of its kind in Britain. The former boys' school on Broad Lane in Eastern Green has undergone a multimillion-pound transformation to become the new home of Woodfield School. Woodfield supports children with social, emotional and mental health needs, including young people who have struggled in mainstream education. Until now, its pupils have been spread across different locations in Coventry, with some learning in buildings originally designed for a residential boys' school in the 1970s. Some classrooms even had old bathtubs in the corners, while other rooms still contained features from the building's days as a boarding school! But that's now changing. The redevelopment of the former Woodlands site includes refurbished classrooms, specialist teaching facilities, new outdoor play areas and a forest school. The aim is to bring primary and secondary pupils together in one location while creating more places for children who need specialist support. Headteacher Nico De Groot hopes the school will eventually accommodate nearly 300 pupils over the next five years, potentially making it one of the largest schools specialising in social, emotional and mental health needs in the country. And there's another interesting connection to Coventry's recent history. After Woodlands closed as a boys' secondary school in 2016, the site was used as a filming location for the BBC television drama Phoenix Rise. Now the buildings are preparing to welcome a new generation of Coventry pupils. The school is due to resume after half-term tomorrow, Tuesday 3 November, although the exact arrangements for the move should be confirmed directly with Woodfield. 🩵 Did you go to Woodlands School, or do you remember the old buildings on Broad Lane? We'd love to hear your memories!

🚗🩵 More road closures are coming to parts of Coventry this November as work continues on the city's expanding cycleway network. And residents around London Road and Humber Road could face several weeks of disruption. Coventry City Council has confirmed that the Sunbury Road junction with London Road is scheduled to close from Monday 9 November for approximately two weeks. The closure will allow contractors to install a raised crossing, improve drainage and complete new kerb lines. Drivers will be directed along a signed diversion via Stonehouse Lane. But there's another closure planned immediately afterwards. Once the Sunbury Road work is completed, contractors are expected to move to Stonehouse Lane, where another closure is provisionally scheduled to begin on Monday 23 November. That work is also expected to last approximately two weeks. Meanwhile, separate cycleway construction along Humber Road has resulted in the closure of Hugh Road at its junction with Humber Road. That closure began on Friday 31 October and could remain in place for up to four weeks. The council says a diversion via Hollis Road will be available. The works form part of wider plans to improve walking and cycling connections between Coventry city centre, Willenhall and Tollbar End. The council says the improvements will eventually provide safer crossings, upgraded pavements and better routes for cyclists. However, residents and businesses travelling through the affected areas are advised to check the latest traffic arrangements before setting off. 🩵 Are you affected by the ongoing roadworks around London Road or Humber Road?

🎆🩵 Coventry, who's ready for Bonfire Night? There are some brilliant fireworks displays happening across Coventry and the surrounding area this week, including a completely FREE event and several smaller displays organised by local rugby clubs and Scout groups! We've rounded up some of the best options, with dates, prices and locations to help you plan your evening. 🎇 Thursday 5 November: Free fireworks at The Old Crown If you're looking for somewhere to watch fireworks without paying for admission, The Old Crown is hosting a free display. 📍 466 Aldermans Green Road, CV2 1NP. ⏰ Fireworks at 7.30pm. 🎟️ FREE entry. The pub recommends booking a table in advance if you're planning to eat. 🎇 Friday 6 November: Broadstreet Rugby Club Broadstreet Rugby Club is hosting a family evening featuring fireworks, fairground rides, a live DJ, food and refreshments. 📍 Rugby Road, Binley Woods, CV3 2AY. ⏰ Gates open at 5pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. 🎟️ Adults £8, under-16s £4.50, family tickets £18. 🚗 Parking costs £8 per vehicle and must be booked in advance. 🎇 Saturday 7 November: Coventry Rugby Fireworks Night One of Coventry's biggest organised displays returns to Coventry Rugby Club. This year's event includes a Beyoncé tribute performance, food stalls, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. 📍 Nick Newbold Stadium, Butts Road, CV1 3GE. ⏰ Doors open at 3.30pm, fireworks at 7.30pm. 🎟️ Adults £10, children £5, family tickets £25. 🎇 Saturday 7 November: Keresley Rugby Club For families looking for a smaller neighbourhood display, Keresley Rugby Club is hosting its annual fireworks night. There'll be hot food, refreshments and stalls selling toys and sweets. 📍 Burrow Hill Lane, CV7 8BE. ⏰ Gates open at 5pm, fireworks at 7pm. 🎟️ Adults £5, under-16s £2, family tickets £15. Tickets can be purchased on the gate using cash or card. 🎇 Saturday 7 November: Coventrians Rugby Club Coventrians RFC is combining its annual Bonfire Night celebration with Halloween-themed entertainment! Expect a bonfire, fireworks, fairground rides, food stalls and music, with the evening continuing after the display. 📍 The Black Pad, off Yelverton Road, CV6 4AF. ⏰ Event starts at 5pm. 🎟️ Tickets are available through the organisers. Check current prices before attending. 🎇 Sunday 8 November: 48th Coventry Sea Scouts And the celebrations don't end on Saturday! 48th Coventry Sea Scouts are organising a community fireworks evening in Wyken, with food, games and stalls. 📍 Rear of 58 Browning Road, CV2 5HS. ⏰ Doors open at 5.30pm. 🎟️ Adults £5, children £3, family tickets £15. There's no on-site parking, and organisers have asked visitors not to bring sparklers. 🩵 Which Coventry fireworks display will you be going to this year? And do you know of any smaller community displays, particularly those raising money for local charities or Scout groups, that we've missed? Tell us in the comments so we can help spread the word!

🏒🩵 Fancy challenging a professional Coventry Blaze ice hockey player to a game of crazy golf, darts or even beer pong? Well, now's your chance! The Coventry Blaze Blue Army has announced a special evening where supporters can meet their favourite players and compete against them at Boom Battle Bar in Coventry city centre! And you don't have to be an ice hockey expert to get involved. Fans will be able to challenge Carson at crazy golf, Ryan at reality darts, Artem at American pool, Brynley at beer pong or Sisu at shuffleboard. But there's a twist. You can actually challenge ANY Blaze player to ANY of the games throughout the evening! It's a chance to meet the team away from the ice, have a laugh and see whether the players are quite as competitive when they're holding a pool cue instead of a hockey stick. 🏒 Battle with the Blaze Players 📅 Wednesday 18 November 2026 ⏰ From 7pm 📍 Boom Battle Bar, Unit 10, Cathedral Lanes, Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 1LL. 🎟️ £12 for Blaze Blue Army members. 🎟️ £15 for non-members. 🔞 Strictly over-18s only. Places can be booked by contacting the Blaze Blue Army through the club's official announcement. Payment can be arranged by bank transfer or in cash at the FanHub during a Blaze game. And if you've never watched Coventry Blaze before, they're our city's professional ice hockey team, competing in Britain's top division!

🏠🩵 Coventry has opened a new 18-bed accommodation unit to help people sleeping rough get off the streets. And the city has received £815,000 in government funding to help tackle homelessness ahead of Christmas. The new accommodation isn't simply intended to provide somewhere to sleep. It also includes additional support to help people address the difficulties that can make escaping homelessness so challenging. Coventry City Council says its outreach workers are out on the streets five mornings a week, regularly finding between five and 20 people sleeping rough on any given morning. The council says around a third of those encountered are only found once, highlighting how difficult it can be to maintain contact with people who need help. The new accommodation forms part of a wider effort to offer people sleeping rough a route into housing and support before Christmas. There has also been some encouraging news about temporary accommodation across Coventry. Council figures show that the number of households in temporary accommodation fell from 1,189 in November 2025 to 882 in October 2026. That's a reduction of 307 households, although hundreds of Coventry families and individuals still need somewhere more permanent to live. The council also says it helped prevent or relieve homelessness for 1,255 households during 2025/26. But with colder weather approaching, the need for support remains. 🩵 If you're worried about someone sleeping rough in Coventry, help is available. The council's homelessness team can be contacted on 024 7683 4025 during weekday opening hours. For homelessness emergencies outside those hours, call 024 7683 2222. What more do you think Coventry should be doing to tackle homelessness?

🩵 Did you know there are completely FREE baby groups happening across Coventry today, and you don't even need to book? If you're a new parent, looking for something to do with your little one or hoping to meet other mums and dads, this might be just what you need! Coventry's Family Hubs run regular Baby and Me sessions where parents and carers can enjoy activities with their babies, learn about child development and meet other local families. And the best part? They're completely free! 👶 Here's where you can go today, Tuesday 3 November: 🩵 Harmony Family Hub, Hillfields 📍 Clifton Street, Coventry, CV1 5GR. ⏰ 9.30am–11am. 🩵 Aspire Family Hub, city centre 📍 Humber Avenue, Coventry, CV1 2SF. ⏰ 10am–11.30am. 🩵 Families for All Family Hub, Foleshill 📍 454 Foleshill Road, Coventry, CV6 5LB. ⏰ 1.15pm–2.45pm. All three sessions are suitable for babies up to two years old, and you can simply turn up on the day. They're a lovely opportunity to get out of the house, enjoy some activities with your baby and meet other Coventry parents. And there's more good news! Coventry is also preparing to celebrate National Baby Week from 14–20 November, with activities including baby massage, first aid, buggy fitness, wellbeing walks and play sessions. The celebrations begin with a FREE family event at The Salvation Army on Saturday 14 November, from 11am until 2pm. 🩵 Can we help spread the word to Coventry's new parents?

🦖🩵 Calling all Coventry fans of The Traitors! Fancy spending an evening lying, plotting and trying to work out who you can trust... underneath a giant dinosaur?! Well, Coventry's Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is hosting something rather unusual this December! The museum is transforming its galleries into an immersive mystery experience inspired by the hit television show The Traitors. And you'll be playing right beneath the enormous skeleton of Dippy the Diplodocus! The event, called Shadows of Suspicion, will see participants investigating clues, forming alliances, questioning motives and attempting to uncover who might be hiding a secret agenda. But there's a catch. Everyone around you could be telling the truth, or they could be lying through their teeth! Unlike watching a murder mystery unfold on stage, visitors become part of the action, making decisions and attempting to outwit the other players. The experience is being organised by Dark History UK, with twists, deception and plenty of opportunities to turn on your fellow contestants. And we can't think of many stranger places to play a game of betrayal than underneath a 26-metre dinosaur skeleton! 🦖 Shadows of Suspicion 📅 Saturday 19 December 2026 ⏰ 6pm–10.30pm 📍 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP. 🎟️ Tickets cost £59 per person. 🔞 Strictly for ages 18 and over. Places are limited, with tickets available through the museum's official website. 🩵 Would you survive a real-life game of The Traitors?

🩵 Coventry's independent businesses are taking over part of Cannon Park Shopping Centre again this weekend! The popular Indie Market is returning to Canley on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November, giving shoppers the opportunity to discover local traders, makers and small businesses. Organised by All Communities Matter, the monthly market brings together a mixture of independent businesses, arts and crafts, food stalls, hobbyists and charities. It's a chance to pick up something a little different while supporting people who run their own businesses here in Coventry. And with Christmas approaching, it could be a good opportunity to start looking for presents from local makers rather than buying everything from the big retailers. 🛍️ Cannon Park Indie Market 📅 Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November ⏰ 9am–5pm on both days 📍 Cannon Park Shopping Centre, Lynchgate Road, Coventry, CV4 7EH 🎟️ Free to browse. The market takes place on the first Friday and Saturday of each month. 🩵 We'd love to give Coventry's independent traders a bit more recognition.

🎨🩵 Looking for something free to do with the children in Coventry this weekend? There's a lovely little family afternoon happening in Cheylesmore on Saturday, with crafts, games, activities and refreshments, and it won't cost you a penny! Quinton Park Baptist Church is hosting its monthly Adventurers Family Fun afternoon, welcoming families from across the local community. Children can get involved in arts and crafts, play games and enjoy an afternoon of activities, with snacks and drinks provided. It's designed to be a relaxed, welcoming event where families can spend time together and meet other people from the neighbourhood. And there's no need to book in advance. 🎨 Adventurers Family Fun 📅 Saturday 7 November ⏰ 2pm–4pm 📍 Quinton Park Baptist Church, Quinton Park, Cheylesmore, Coventry, CV3 5PZ 🎟️ Completely free. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children must be accompanied by an adult. The group also has another session planned for Saturday 5 December. 🩵 With the cost of family days out adding up, it's good to see community groups providing free activities for local children.

🎆🩵 Looking for somewhere to watch the fireworks in Coventry this Bonfire Night without spending a fortune? There's a completely FREE fireworks display taking place in Alderman's Green this Thursday! The Old Crown on Aldermans Green Road is hosting a Bonfire Night celebration, with a fireworks display scheduled for 7.30pm. And unlike some of the larger displays around Coventry, there's no admission charge. 🎆 Free Bonfire Night fireworks 📅 Thursday 5 November 2026 ⏰ Fireworks at 7.30pm 📍 The Old Crown, 466 Aldermans Green Road, Coventry, CV2 1NP 🎟️ Free admission. The pub is also taking table reservations for anyone planning to eat before the display. 📞 024 7636 2438 It's a useful option for families looking for a local fireworks event without having to pay for several tickets. As always with outdoor events, it's worth checking with the venue before travelling in case arrangements change. 🩵 Where do you usually go to watch the fireworks in Coventry? Are there any smaller community displays happening in your neighbourhood that deserve a mention?

⚽🩵 Coventry City are OUT of the Premier League relegation zone after a huge 3–1 victory over Sunderland at the CBS Arena! After a difficult few weeks, Frank Lampard's side produced one of their strongest performances of the season on Saturday to secure three valuable points. Tatsuhiro Sakamoto opened the scoring after 17 minutes with his first Premier League goal, before Taiwo Awoniyi doubled the advantage with his first league goal for Coventry. Jack Rudoni made it 3–0 shortly after half-time, putting the Sky Blues firmly in control. Sunderland pulled one back through an Enzo Le Fée penalty, but Coventry held on comfortably enough to secure their third league victory of the campaign. The result moves City up to 16th in the Premier League, two points clear of the relegation places after nine games. It's still early days, and there's a long season ahead, but Saturday showed what this Coventry side can do when everything comes together. 🩵 Nine games played. Three wins. Nine points. Do you think Coventry City will stay in the Premier League this season? And which player has impressed you most so far?

🩵 Did you know Coventry and the Irish city of Cork have been officially twinned since 1958? And this Thursday, that 68-year friendship is being celebrated with a special poetry evening in Coventry city centre! Two poets from Cork are travelling to Coventry as part of an international exchange that has been running for 18 years. Seamus Harrington and Brendan Duffin will perform at Fire&Dust, Coventry's regular spoken-word and poetry night. The event will also feature an open mic, giving local poets and writers the opportunity to share their own work. Earlier this year, two Coventry poets, Dangermouse# and Maxi Di Poet, travelled to Cork to perform at events in Ireland. Now Coventry is returning the welcome. The exchange was established in 2008 to encourage friendship, cultural understanding and creative connections between the two cities. And you don't need to be a poet to attend! Anyone who enjoys live performances, storytelling or simply discovering something different is welcome. 🎤 Fire&Dust: Coventry-Cork Poetry Exchange 📅 Thursday 5 November 2026 ⏰ Doors at 7.30pm, performances from 8pm. 📍 Priory Visitor Centre, 6 Priory Row, Coventry, CV1 5EX 🎟️ Free entry, with optional donations. Open-mic slots are available, although spaces are limited. 🩵 Coventry has a brilliant independent creative community, and events like this deserve more recognition.

🦕🩵 Did you know Coventry is home to one of the most famous dinosaurs in the world? And if you haven't been to see Dippy yet, there's still time! The enormous 26-metre-long Diplodocus skeleton has been welcoming visitors to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum since February 2023. Originally due to leave Coventry after three years, Dippy has proved so popular that the Natural History Museum agreed to extend the exhibition for another year. The dinosaur will now remain in Coventry until 19 February 2027. Dippy isn't a real fossil skeleton but a full-size plaster cast made up of 292 bones. The original cast was first unveiled at London's Natural History Museum in 1905, where it became one of the institution's most famous attractions. It later travelled around Britain before arriving in Coventry. And Dippy has certainly been popular here! The Herbert estimates that around half a million people visited the museum during the first three years of the dinosaur's stay. Researchers have also estimated that Dippy generated approximately £2.1 million for Coventry's visitor economy during the first two years. 🦕 Visit Dippy at the Herbert 📍 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry, CV1 5QP 📅 On display until 19 February 2027 ⏰ Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4pm; Sunday, 12pm–4pm 🎟️ Standard adult admission £5.40, or £3.60 with Go CV. 🩵 Admission is free for Go CV+ cardholders and children under five. Have you taken your children or grandchildren to see Dippy?