Coventry City of Languages: Launch Event

It was a real pleasure to attend the launch of Coventry City of Languages on Friday 8^th October 2021, which is the first big step towards the vision shared by two teachers who have invested hours of their own time in recruiting  people with influence to their cause.  Thank you, Anna Grainger and Victoria Seaton! You inspire us all!

 They put together an event which involved people representing many sectors and individuals affected by languages:

•  Representatives from various institutes and language products were there to greet guests and show off their wares on outside stalls.  It was especially good to meet Samina Marix Evans, the brains behind the project to ‘free books – free minds’ – the Kittiwake Trust.
•  Children from local primary schools started off the proceedings with some delightful singing.  Bravo!
• The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor John McNicholas gave an excellent address showing his understanding of the importance of languages and his personal commitment to  languages.  How wonderful it would be if all mayors could follow his lead! Great also to see his supportive predecessor, Councillor Ram P Lakha OBE.
• Local MP Zarah Sultana delivered a rousing speech in support of recognising the value of languages and her sincerity was reflected in her willingness to allow us all to bombard her with requests afterwards!
•  Groups of students learning English shared their positive experiences and thanks to their teachers in a way which was really quite moving – especially in this City of Reconciliation. 
•  It was impossible not to sway and clap with the infectious music and dancing of Pit’a Mbongo who studied International Relations at Coventry University.  His most recent single is ‘Ne me quitte pas’and he has put a collection of photos and videos of the event on his Facebook page here.
• Individuals and teachers in the community who had made significant contributions to languages were recognised in an award ceremony, receiving their awards from a variety of people including the ever-genial John Rolfe MBE (British Council) and Taiwo Owatemi MP
• Thanks for your company, Lou Smith!

 Anna and Victoria rounded off the event with an appeal to others to step forward and ensure that the vision of ‘Coventry,  ‘City of Languages’ become a practical, sustainable reality.

 I wish them all well, and thanks them for a truly uplifting experience in a friendly, historic city of culture.

 Here are some pictures I took, including some photos taken as a ‘tourist’ of this historic City.  The tourist information staff were superb – the volunteers in the superb cathedral with its unique entrance very keen to welcome and inform, and as a pedestrian I have never experienced such considerate drivers!  (I actually crossed some roads without needing to as helpful drivers seeing me hovering by the curb drew to a halt to allow me to cross ….!).  Special thanks to the gentleman in a wheelchair who pointed out where he was standing as a 6 year-old on the day George VI visited the site of the bombing in 1940.  I regret that I did not ask him his name.  He s there most days apparently, so do talk to him if you see him.

 https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWTp35V