Coventry on film

Yes, Rosemary, but it’s only a six minute clip of the film within one of the car factories.

Hi Neil, great clip. Whose window was that parrot in?

Adams China & Glass shop is opposite. Blossom trees were in the Precinct then. Are they still there now?

The first part is of Armstrong Siddeley at Parkside working on the 'Sapphire' engine which was the power source for the Hawker Hunter, Javelin & Victor.

I've just watched the 45 min. film Johnie Walker says he has the video. #48 in this topic. It is so very comprehensive. I loved it and it made me just proud to be a Coventrian (though in exile). Everyone on the Forum ought to look at it. Amazing! Don't miss. It's a treat in store! Happy Viewing!

Yesterday I watched a programme I had recorded on Dec 18th called 'Footage Detectives' on the Talking Pictures TV Channel. In it was colour film of what appeared to be a rally of veteran and vintage cars and current vehicles of the time, including two land speed cars on trailers. I suspect it was taken late 1950's but not sure. What I am sure about is that it was taken in Coventry as the cavalcade appeared to be leaving Pool Meadow on the 'non-bus' side of the central cafe, which was instantly recognisable with the writing on the roof and the Midland Red booking office at the end of the same building. Furthermore, towards the end, the parapet of the city gate near Lady Herbert's Garden is visible. Interestingly, as they leave, one can see the buildings which would have later been demolished to make way for the Fairfax Street swimming baths & De Vere Hotel. I understand the programme is available to view at TPTVENCORE.CO.UK. The Presenters do not have any idea where the film was taken, they normally say otherwise. There is a freephone no. for the channel - 0808 178 8212. (This link to https://www.tptvencore.co.uk will take you directly to the Coventry clip, Episode 57, at 25 mins 21 secs - runs for 6 minutes.)

That's wonderful, Wearethemods, I'd never have discovered that footage for myself. In fact I've not come across that site before! How amazing to see the now long gone buildings that survived the war, like the Art School & Trinity Schools, Triumph works, and the frontage of the swimming baths in Priory Street looming behind the café - although not a lot of swimming would've been going on behind it by then! I hope you don't mind that I've appended your post with a direct link to where the Coventry footage begins? They also appear to have a Facebook page, so perhaps they can be contacted that way, too. Well done, Wearethemods, for finding and recognising that footage - I think you ought to contact them and claim the rightful credit for doing so!

That's fantastic, Rob, I wouldn't have a clue how to do it (the link I mean!). I hadn't even thought of contacting them but will do next week.

Excellent! A quick flash of the Swanswell gatehouse too. Thanks

Morning all. I recorded, then watched yesterday, another short film on the 'Talking Pictures' TV Channel which was an IWM Production - 'Heart of Britain', made in 1941. This particular film may have been mentioned before, not sure, but it shows views of the Council House, areas around the cathedral and Jordan Well clearances after the blitz, very similar to the photos that Rob had a discussion about yesterday on the Earl Street thread. The scenes were new to me, I think.

Hello all. I have just watched yesterday's edition of 'The Footage Detectives' on Talking Pictures TV. I had sent them an e-mail the week following their original transmission and my initial post on the Forum in December pertaining to the Cavalcade of Cars in Coventry for which I received an acknowledgement of thanks. However my message did not get read out (as is the norm) when old film is identified, because two other viewers (brothers Peter & David Card) wrote in because one brother actually owns two of the veteran vehicles in the procession, which they have clarified as the Car Jubilee cavalcade from Coventry to Birmingham on September 21st 1946. I had wrongly presumed late 1950's. At least there was interest on the HCF.

You wouldn't ordinarily think 1990 was that long ago but it's amazing to see what's changed/gone now watching this great little video I spotted - Broad Lane/A45 crossroads! The leftovers of Stanley Terrace in Spon End The Coop on Croft Road Park Court tax offices on the Ring Road at Junction 6 The petrol station on Holyhead Road by the Northumberland Road junction The New Star Pub on Jardine Crescent The Matrix and Standard Triumph on the A45

Another one from the previous poster on YT. Great to see Ford Street before Sky Blue Way went in - the old junction with Paynes Lanes and the White Lion!

More great stuff from John Mills on YT - 1986. I'm amazed the old Goods Yard Offices were still there then....