Glad to see support for new concert hall
AS one of many who have called for a city centre concert hall for years, I was pleased to read the about Councillor Ed Ruane‘s apparent lone council voice on this (Feb 5) and the support he got from your readers on (Feb 6).
It reminded me that about 20 years ago, as we approached the millennium, the city council ignored the conclusion of its own public consultation exercise that Coventry needed a civic hall – instead demolishing the former ‘showplace of the Midlands’.
Despite much talk about regeneration of the centre and many calls for a multi-purpose conference/concert hall, successive council leaders, chief executives, directors of development and cabinet members for culture have shown no such inclination even to investigate the possibilities. This despite the top performers appearing at the Coventry Theatre being the most regular feature on your Remember When page.
Following a recent one, R A Berry (Feb 1) pointed out the theatre was renamed Apollo Theatre in 1981 (after a major update) which was followed by a special reopening event attended by a member of the Royal family.
Can anyone remember who was the royal and confirm if it was The Three Degrees who appeared? Barry Greener Green Lane
Fond memories of pals at Matrix Hall
RE: The Matrix Hall. When I was an apprentice at Coventry Gauge and Tool during the late 40s and early 50s, the canteen was situated in the main works. When the Matrix Hall was built, its main function was the works canteen as well as the venue for concerts and dances. I well remember a number of us apprentices racing down the road to bag a seat in a prime position near the stage on the first day the canteen was moved to the Matrix.
I recall Colin Simpson, myself, Peter Honeybone and Derek Lee formed a card school. Peter taught us the rudiments of bridge. Derek Lee in later years emigrated to USA as did ‘Happy Coates’ and Michael ‘Sam’ Degnin.
Your picture sparked many happy memories of my late wife, Mary née Pickford (who also worked at the Gauge) and I enjoying many dances there, where we alternated between the Rialto, GEC, the Sphinx Club and Massey-Ferguson (but thereby other stories could be told by your readers). Allan Robbins Leamington