This all came from an idea from Coventry Music Historian Pete Chambers who put together a steering committee to ensure this happened.
Pete Chambers in the foreground with the inductees
The Coventry public were asked to vote for their nominations of people either born in or lived in Coventry or associated with it1 and the following ten were announced as the first winners.
From the world of music was Music Mogul Pete Waterman and The Specials, represented by Horace Panter and Roddy Radiation. Politics saw Mo Mowlam and founder of the Australian Federation Sir Henry Parkes represented.
Coventry is world famous for the motor trade and Sir William Lyons, founder of Jaguar Cars, Jet Engine inventor Sir Frank Whittle and bicycle fore runner James Starley all were awarded.
Then we have sport. Coventrian and former athlete Dave Moorcroft was a delighted winner as was Alzeimers suffer Jimmy Hill who was unable to attend the event after just coming out of hospital after a gall stone operation. Coventry City Marketing Manager Raj Atwal (pictured below),who was also on the steering committee,received the award on behalf of the former City manager.
Lady Godiva, who is a legend in herself, was represented by Pru Porretta
Today's event was well attended by the media and citzens of Coventry alike.
An anthem for the ceremony was written by "Go For It" writers Steve and Heather Taylor and beautifully sung by Deb Hall, (copies available from Borders in Cov or via www.timelesssongs.co.uk proceeded and ended the ceremony whilst CV One's Pete Walters, City Council Leader Ken Taylor deputising for the new Lord Mayor, Pete Chambers and Pete Waterman all gave speeches.
For those of you around the world, we have filmed the event and you can see it here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZnNnyvZaSE
Ten plaques are set in the walkway of Priory Place with room for many more who will be voted upon and honoured over the coming years.
We caught up with former Stoke Heath resident Pete Waterman who said about the honour: "This is bizarre. "I can't quite take it all in and I'm absolutely delighted to have won."
Former Athlete and boss of UK Athletics Dave Moorcroft is a Sky Blues fan and he admitted remembering Jimmy Hill's team of the 60's and said that it would be lovely if City could do as well as some of the other sporting teams in the city like the Ice Hockey. Dave,who will be commentating on the Beijing Olympics for a Canadian Broadcaster, like everyone felt that Coventry has a lot going for it.