Hub Marketing Reflections: The Coventry Collection

It is around this time of year that the Hub Marketing Board would normally descend on Coventry for our annual autumn dash around Godiva's fair city. Sadly the 2020 edition has had to be cancelled due to the second national lockdown but you know the drill by now - when new trips aren't possible we dip back into the archives instead. Here then with the help of some previously unseen quiffage is a rundown of recollections from Coventry trips past...

- The Original Quiff -

Our very first Coventry caper took place during September 2012 and comprised a madcap tour of Brownshill Green and Willenhall bus termini along with a partial attempt at the 'Craven Run' pub sequence in Chapelfields. The Biggin Hall made an impression as a Binley Road example of 1920s Brewers Tudor style, whereas the New Haven in Cheylesmore was seriously spartan by comparison. Perhaps most importantly, the concept of the Ron West tribute quiff was born - the inaugural design was simply a folded-up Metro newspaper, seen above as modelled by our illustrious Chairman in the Hastings. 

- Two-Tone Quiff -

The quiff is Mr D9's affectionate homage to Ron West, a former bus driver who also hosted a Rock and Roll show on local radio. The 2013 creation was a black cardboard effort intended to clip behind one ear although it kept falling off, hence the Secretary holds it in place when enjoying a cuppa at the 2 Tone Cafe. It was actually a morning for drinking tea, our keenness for greasy spoon experiences meaning we did three such establishments in quick succession. Cats were a key theme too - especially those sitting on dustbin lids - while the standout pubs included two flat-roofers at Ernesford Grange (Bear & Staff, New Tiger Moth) plus the round-fronted Foresters in Hillfields.

- Children in Need Quiff -

To November 2014 when the purplish quiff ensemble was accompanied by Pudsey ears in preparation for Children in Need. After a couple of previous near misses, the Secretary finally got his bearings correct for finding the Rose & Woodbine among the backstreets of Stoke Heath; Riley Square's closet captured the Chairman's attention in Bell Green while the Coventry Cross coughed up some contraband salmon when giving us a 'Dive of the Century' contender. Elsewhere, the Boat at Walsgrave and the Bird in Hand at Aldermans Green made for good pub discoveries although Mr WME's favourite find was the Bricklayers Arms on Cromwell Street, a backstreet boozer beloved by the Irish community. 

- Perfectly Coiffed at Sandy Lane Garage -

The 2015 episode began with a homage to Ron West's old stomping ground of Sandy Lane bus depot, hence Mr D9 parading his paper towel creation outside what is now an industrial estate. An overcast hike along the Coventry Canal was rewarded with a cracking breakfast at Little Heath before Tile Hill took the afternoon honours, the Black Prince being an estate pub with a proud Sky Blues allegiance. Mount Nod and the Maudslay might mischievously have been subjected to spells of WME witchcraft while there were dubious dominoes afoot in the Nursery Tavern. We eventually landed up back in Birmingham for a Halloween helping of Hockley, staging our only visit to the Gunmakers Arms (a Lozells haunt that has sadly since closed) and finishing with some friendly feline attention from Willow in the White House. 

- Closed Closet Inspection with the 2016 Quiff -

The Chairman's quiff constructions have become increasingly intricate over the years, a fine example being the fully laminated headpiece he crafted in 2016. Said specimen was on hand to document a closed closet at Jubilee Crescent although D9's spirits were soon lifted by being able to sample the Pilot, a vast Grade II-listed Radford roadhouse. This was also a day when we solemnly remembered Coventry's automotive heritage by stopping off at Stoke Aldermoor to see how the Peugeot plant had been transformed into housing. Poppy Ale in the Humber Hotel and Guinness in the Grapes (an Irish mainstay that's been under threat of late) preceded a Coundon curtain call and a Town Crier nightcap - we do like to cram a lot in!

- Bequiffed WME at War Memorial Park -

It's fair to say that sightings of the Secretary embracing the quiff phenomenon are relatively rare, so the above snap taken at War Memorial Park is certainly a collector's item. Fashioned from scrunched-up paper and gaffer tape, this was a weighty number that rustled in the breeze. 2017's jaunt took us to Finham, Fenside - scene of a memorable three dart finish for WME Whirlwind - and Earlsdon, plus the Chairman was able to demonstrate his Bendibus driving prowess. Standout watering holes included Byatts Brewery Tap at Lythalls Lane and a Burnt Post brekkie but star billing was stolen by the Ansells Mild in the Cheylesmore Social. 

- Tinkling the Ivories at the Nugget -

Next up naturally is 2018 which saw a somewhat understated beige affair accompanying Mr D9's best Bobby Crush impressions in Coundon Green. Canley and Cannon Park had provided a productive morning, spotting Elmer elephants before seeking out the Sovereign, while the Brooklands and the Old Shepherd (with its psychedelic sheep art) joined the Nugget on our afternoon agenda. The 16A bus was treated to some steering shenanigans along the Keresley Road, and who could forget our impromptu 'Gone Gone Gone' Johnny Mathis karaoke session inspired by seeing a proliferation of Henry's estate agent sale boards. 

- A Ragged Bit of D9 Driving -

Our most recent Coventry escapade came in November 2019 when the quiff was a full-on fabric concoction complete with raggedy sideburns - the Chairman's finest masterpiece yet? Having perused the busy stalls of Coventry Market to begin with, we ventured out to Binley and Willenhall in search of further flat-roofed fun courtesy of the Standard Bearer and the Glade. Fargo Village gave us gorilla art followed by the Twisted Barrel brewery tap, leaving Holbrooks and Lockhurst Lane to supply our early evening entertainment. Hopefully normal service will be resumed in 2021 and Coventry will once again christen another entry from the D9 quiff catalogue - cheers!