We apologise for any issues with the ECHO website over the last few days.
We are still working on a full resolution.
Venezuela
Earlsdon volunteer is calling for aid for his homeland, Venezuela
The ECHO team is fortunate to have the support of Guillermo Bisbal, a dedicated volunteer who is helping to create the ECHO Digital Archive. He also volunteers at Earlsdon Library and works as a librarian at the University of Warwick. Originally from Venezuela, Guillermo is now making an honest plea to the people of Earlsdon to support his homeland, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis following the two earthquakes that hit on 24 June. He is calling for donations to help those in need.
If you would like to help, there are several UK-based charities currently working to provide aid in Venezuela. You can learn more about or donate to organisations such as:
The British Red Cross is providing an emergency medical response, as well as search and rescue and shelter for those affected by the recent earthquakes. Donations to their Disaster Fund support this flexible, rapid response.
You can donate by calling 0300 023 0822 or via the British Red Cross website: Red Cross
UNICEF UK delivers life-saving supplies such as therapeutic food, clean water and medical care to children and families. They also provide emergency supplies and first aid kits.
You can donate by calling 0300 330 5699 or via their website: UNICEF
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) UK assesses medical and humanitarian needs on the ground. Donations support their teams in Venezuela and enable them to provide medical aid in response to emergencies around the world.
Donate via the MSF UK website: MSF
Thank you for sharing this important information to support Guillermo and the people of Venezuela. Let’s demonstrate our community spirit by supporting Guillermo’s
PHONE MAST
Too late for inclusion in the July issue, a planning application has been submitted to erect a phone mast at 11 Clarendon Street.
This was first proposed late last year but at that time no application was made.
The plans (ref: PL/2026/0000993/PAEC) can be seen on the council portal at:
https://planandregulatory.coventry.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=276073
and have an expiry date of 4 August.
Opposition to the plans has been expressed in an Petition, which will be open until 21 August.
https://edemocracy.coventry.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=697&RPID=381511079&HPID=381511079
Ramble Date Change
Announcement from Fred Luckett who organises ‘Fred’s Rambles’ as published every month in ECHO:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the next ramble will be held on Saturday 23 May – meet 12 noon at the Cider House in Napton (not, as stated in the current issue, 16 May).
Cancellation
Phoenix Players performances of ‘Forget me Knot ‘ on 29 and 30 April and 1 May are now cancelled.
Any ticket holders have/will be informed and a full explanation will appear in ECHO’s June edition.
Alternative Vision
Earlsdon resident Nicholas Edwards contacted Coventry City Council’s Planning Enforcement team with his own proposal for how 34-36 Earlsdon Street might be redeveloped.
He told them “I was born on Earlsdon Avenue and live on Styvechale Avenue. I pass by the above site most days when I walk to Earlsdon Street. I want to see the original facade of 36 rebuilt. I really do not like the proposal for the rebuild. Is there a way for me, as a local person, to show what I would like to see there? This shows what I’d like. Is there a way to see if other locals would like something like lit?”
The response from Planning Enforcement was that no such facility was available, but they suggested Nicholas contact ECHO to share his ideas, which we are happy to do.
He told us “I have two degrees in Architecture (a BA and a B Arch from Nottingham University in the 70’s). I’m not an Architect but I have worked closely with several great architects.
The original group of shop buildings is called “Southwick Terrace” and in my view this group of building should be preserved/restored as shown here:”
He adds “The NatWest brutalist plastic facade did not service to the street architecturally, and ignored the integrity of the original building group:”
Have your say on listing of Historic Earlsdon Building
If you have an interest in the Nexus Trust building (historically known as Astoria Cinema) at 71 Albany Road, the Council is asking for views on adding the building to the local list of heritage assets.
Find out more and have your say before the consultation closes on Monday 9 March.
Use the website link: https://coventrycitycouncil.inconsult.uk/astorialocallist/consultationh
or the QR code below.
You can also read more in the March issue of ECHO.
Phoenix Players
Phoenix Players’ production of “Forget me knot “ by David Tristram, which had been rescheduled to 28-30 January, has been postponed again.
Unfortunately early in the New Year, one of the two male leads was injured in a fall.
Meanwhile they are still urgently seeking new members – at least one male, one female – who want to act. Please contact them either via the website (phoenixplayersearlsdon.com) or for immediate info/discussion, call Alan on 07549 168791.
Hopefully next month there will be a positive update on “Forget me knot”.
Hearsall Star
A statement has been made by the Marpe Church re the Hearsall Star.
Marpe Statement
It is concerning that the church is using the threat of not honouring the promise to continue the tradition of the star to advance its arguments with the council over the newer church building.
Equally it is puzzling if their implication is true that heritage considerations are being applied to part of the property not protected by local listing.
Cllr Jayne Innes commented to ECHO: “Whoberley Ward’s Councillors Jayne Innes and Bally Singh continue to stand with Marpe Assembly as they undertake the repairs needed to make their building work for them.
“Our colleague Pervez Akhtar cannot voice an opinion for now, as he sits on Planning Committee, and this would prevent him taking part in any future Planning Committee Meeting on this issue, should one take place.
“When Hearsall Baptist Church announced it was to close, with the sale of the building, the very best outcome was that the building would be bought by another church community. The people of Hearsall and ourselves warmly welcomed the news Marpe Assembly had bought the building.
“I personally am perplexed by the difficulties Marpe Assembly are having in completing their renovations. The congregation has already done an enormous amount of work to the insides of the building, and once again adult baptisms are taking place there.
“I genuinely can’t see why Marpe Assembly shouldn’t be allowed to install UPVC windows – they’re practical, commonplace, come in different finishes and can be painted.
“Currently the building is drafty, with warmth and sound escaping from the existing windows” concludes Jayne.
Delayed Issue
Regrettably the printers have now informed us that the copies will not be available until Tuesday 2nd December. We can only apologise for this delay which is outside ECHO’s control.