Vote In The Coventry Walk Of Fame

Last updated : 25 February 2009 By Walk Of Fame Committee

Voting is now under way to find more names to be added to Coventry's popular Walk of Fame.

Organisers have announced a shortlist of 18 names from which the public will choose the final 10, by voting for their top three choices.

People can cast their vote in a number of ways, either by completing a form in their local newspaper or by registering their vote on Coventry City Council's website at www.coventry.gov.uk and on media websites.

The closing date for votes is Sunday, March 1 (midnight).

The final 10 names will then be inscribed on bronze plaques to be set into the floor of Priory Place in the city centre and unveiled in May.

Peter Walters, Head of Economic Development for CV One, who chairs the Walk of Fame group, said,

"We're absolutely delighted with the public's response to our call for nominations and we think this is a strong shortlist. Our message to everyone now is vote, vote, vote and I would make the point that even if your favourite doesn't reach the final ten this time, there may be other opportunities in the future."

Pete Chambers, the Coventry music writer who came up with the idea of a Walk of Fame said,

"Last year's Walk of Fame proved that Coventry has no lack of luminaries worthy of a star. I'm happy to say that this year it's more of the same, with another list of people guaranteed to inspire heated debate, just the way we like it."


· For further information, contact Peter Walters, Chair of the Walk of Fame group, on 024 7660 7046 or Carl Bainbridge, Marketing and Communications Manager for Coventry City Council, on 024 7683 2466.

Coventry's Walk of Fame celebrates people who have brought the city recognition at national and international level. Recipients of this accolade don't necessarily have to be Coventry born but must have a strong connection with the city.

WALK OF FAME BIOGS 2009.

Neil Back - Rugby World Cup winner with England in 2003.

Siegfried Bettmann - Founder of the Triumph Company and Mayor of Coventry.

Tom Cartwright - Cricketers' cricketer who played for Warwickshire and England in the 1950s and 1960s.

Coventry City 1987 FA Cup winners - The team responsible for Coventry's proudest sporting moment.

Delia Derbyshire - Electronic music pioneer responsible for the Dr Who theme.

Marlon Devonish - Olympic sprinter who won gold at Athens in the 4X100 metres relay.

Nigel Hawthorne - Theatrical knight whose career ranged from Yes Minister to Shakespeare.

Alfred Herbert - Machine tool tycoon and city benefactor.

Vince Hill - Singer who became one of the sixties' best known crooners.

Frederick Lanchester - Motoring pioneer who gave his name to what is now Coventry University.

Philip Larkin - Writer regarded as one of the greatest English poets of the 20th century.

Tom Mann - Trade union pioneer who helped found the Engineering Union.

Hazel O'Connor - Singer and actress who emerged in the post-punk years with a string of hits.

Clive Owen - Actor and Hollywood star.

The Selecter - Pioneers alongside The Specials in 2-Tone music.

Ellen Terry - The greatest actress of the Victorian age.

John Thornton - Mediaeval glass painter who designed York Minster's Great East window.

Billie Whitelaw - Award-winning stage and screen actress who first made her name in the plays of Samuel Beckett.