Yes, yes, yes. I couldn’t agree more with the call for Philip Larkin to be given more recognition in Coventry’s City of Culture celebrations (Coventry Observer, September 20).
Larkin is a giant of English literature, a true poet of the people in the modern sense, and undoubtedly the greatest literary talent to emerge from post-war Coventry.
But it would be interesting to know how many city dwellers have actually read a poem of Larkin’s, or even heard of him in some cases. I once went into a local bookshop and asked for a copy of Philip Larkin’s Collected Poems. The assistant replied: “Who’s it by?”.
After years of neglect it’s time to give the poet his due and we can’t call ourselves a City of Culture until this has been demonstrated. Among events that could be organised, here are a few suggestions:
An exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, showing memorabilia connected with Larkin, including original manuscripts and first editions of his works, if possible.
Poetry readings encouraging public participation.
A jazz session featuring works associated with Larkins’s favourite performers, such as Sidney Bechet.
A talk by former Poet Laureate Andrew Motion, who has just published a revised edition of his acclaimed Larkin biography.
Frank Jones
Berwick Close
Mount Nod
Coventry
We have in Coventry two universities which contribute much to city life. I am very pleased that Coventry University has been named as University of the Year for Student Experience in the latest Times and Sunday Times league table, with undergraduate applications rising by 8 per cent for courses starting now.
At Warwick University, the range of student apprenticeships is expanding and new students began moving into campus accommodation over the weekend of 22/23 September. A ‘Welcome Week’ induction programme for all new students is being run before academic classes begin on Monday October 1.
This is all very good news, but some people newly arrived in the UK may be unfamiliar with our road rules, including driving on the left-hand side of the road.
Both universities, I understand, take this very seriously, and brief students on the possible dangers. But I hope that any resident travelling nearby will also be careful, especially over the next few weeks.
Councillor Marcus Lapsa
(Conservative) Westwood Ward
Coventry City Council.
Cllrs Marcus Lapsa, David Skinner and myself would like to thank residents for attending the Westwood Ward Forum on September 18.
As residents should be aware, the council-led ward forums ceased towards the end of last year as part of a cost-saving exercise by Coventry’s Labour run council.
Because the Westwood ward forums were always well attended and supported, it was decided by us that we would continue to run them independently.
The 18th was our second forum. We are very grateful to Westwood Academy for hosting, Guy Ringer from White Watch, Helen May from Warwick University, representatives from the Tile Hill residents group, the Cotes and Trees community group, Westwood Heath Residents Association and Canley stakeholders, as well as ward residents for their attendance and continued support.
Forums give you an opportunity to have your say on local issues that are important to you. So please, if you live in Westwood, pop along to our next one. This will be held in March 2019.
At each meeting the conversation is topical and diverse, you can raise any issue as long as it relates to our ward. It is an informal meeting, where matters discussed can range from traffic speeds in residential roads to local resident initiatives.
To take part in the conversation, go to the Westwood Ward Facebook page where you will find meeting dates and items covered.
Councillor Tim Mayer
Conservative Westwood Ward
Coventry City Council
