Sent to Coventry

Saturday, 07 February 2009 11:57

A solo jaunt for the captain yesterday saw me catching a bus from the Black Horse at Exhall, on Longford Road, into Coventry city centre. The bus stop was further than I expected from the Journey Planner map - I really ought to look at the scale as well as the time - or think how far a 15 minute walk is likely to be!

One of my tasks was to find somewhere where Fi could get one of the regular blood tests that she needs. I had found a GP practice on the map, using the Canalplan AC Gazetteer and the NHS website search, but it wasn't exactly obvious, being in a building signed as a BUPA clinic, as well as being shared with the Coventry Refugee centre. However, the receptionist was very helpful. She explained that they don't have vulturesphlebotomists, but if we went to the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital in Stoney Stanton Road, they have a walk-in Phlebotomy department.

Again, it was further than I thought to get there, as the Canal Basin is but a stone's throw (not literally I hope) from the doctor's. (After my visit there, I did find the hospital, and again they were most helpful - so that is all arranged).
Everything I had read about the Coventry Canal Basin was upbeat, describing how it had been redeveloped, and what a wonderful destination it is. However, the number of vacant properties belies that advertisement. It clearly is much better than it was, but I was surprised to find there are so few mooring spots - 7 as far as I could tell. One side has mooring rings, but no exit on foot, unless you are connected to one of the offices along that stretch, that would accommodate at least 2 more boats. There is a padlocked swing bridge (not unlockable by a BW key) which if opened would add 2 more moorings. Does Coventry want visitors or not?
At least there is a good facilities block, which makes the presence of 2 water points beyond Bridge 1 (the smallest on the system apparently - note to self: remember that: we may need to take the chimney down) surprising - they could have provided 3 more moorings. Then, opposite them, there is a sign that says "24 hour moorings", behind the various saplings growing out of the canalside. If I've time I'll be contacting BW West Midlands with a few suggestions!

Coventry is a mixed-up city. There are horrible office blocks, the usual quota of cranes for any city these days, lovely Tudor-style cottagey buildings, a variety of styles of shopping centres, and the Cathedral.

That really is the quintessential image of the City - more so than the statue of Lady Godiva, with Tennyson's inspired lines below. The old and the new. I've been there before, but the whole thing mesmerised me once again. Sir Basil Spence's design, Sir Jacob Epstein's sculpture, Sunderland's huge tapestry, the boulder font framed by its glorious window, the Deo Gloria Trust's Beatitudes textiles, the old cathedral's ruins - I could go on .... but that will be another blog.

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