John Russell RIP

[Midland Red]

Sorry to read of the passing of John Russell aka Covkid

RIP John

[dutchman]

John was a local history researcher and owner of the historical resource website http://www.covkid.org.uk

His death is a great loss to the community and to his family of course.

[PoundShopPeter]

I was on local radio once with John and saw him 'in action' with the 1605 group at St Mary's. Am glad I got to meet him and find out more about the Baginton Fields Hostel site where I used to play as a kid but knew nothing of its history. He also did great work for Willenhall on the historical front.

R.I.P.

[dutchman]

Community champion John Russell remembered in Coventry's Willenhall



A PLAQUE has been unveiled and a rose planted in Willenhall, Coventry, in memory of popular community champion John Russell.

John Russell worked tirelessly for the Willenhall area and was the chairman of the Local History Group.

He passed away last June aged 62.

Before he died, the proud Englishman had started planning an event at the Hagard Community centre to mark St George’s Day and applied for funding from Whitefriars Housing, under its Pride In Our Street fund.

After John’s death, from a lung condition, the history group he founded decided to go ahead with the event in his memory. Children and families enjoyed an afternoon of activities and performances at the centre in Remembrance Road, including displays by Willenhall Boxing Club and Morris Dancers, as well as Scottish dancing.

A special Mummers’ Play was also performed.

John’s widow, Margaret, unveiled a new plaque along with Coventry’s Lady Godiva, Pru Porretta.

A memorial “Russell Rose” was also planted in memory of John.

Margaret said: “It was absolutely wonderful. It was a very emotional day but I couldn’t fault it. They did a wonderful job. They’ve put up a lovely plaque for John and we planted a rose in the garden of the centre.

“It was all rubble before John decided to do something about it. He had it all dug up and went around all the nurseries begging for flowers and plants.

“He got lots of people in to help. Planting a rose in his memory is a beautiful way to honour him.

“St George’s Day was always a very important event for John.”

Anne Turner, area services manager for Whitefriars, said: “John Russell, founder of the Willenhall History Group, submitted a bid for a grant from our Pride In Our Street fund last year for a St George’s Day spectacular.

“The event was a very poignant and special way to celebrate John’s contribution to the community.

“John was a very active member of a number of Whitefriars Housing customer groups and we are delighted to be able to support the Willenhall History Group in our appreciation of John’s time and energy.”

John was an active member of the community and regularly organised events such as the Willenhall Festival and the annual St George’s Day celebrations.

He also volunteered to give talks for Sowe Valley Primary School and was director of Willenhall Education, Employment and Training Centre.

His slogan was “Willenhall And Proud” and he was also a dedicated family man who loved spending time with his two children and grandchild.

[dutchman]

Coventry widow distraught after husband John Russell's memorial plaque stolen



A COVENTRY widow has been left distraught after cruel metal thieves stole a memorial plaque dedicated to her late husband.

Margaret Russell described the offenders who ripped the family tribute from a bench in Coventry as ‘‘low-life’’.

She was married to John Russell – a community stalwart in the Willenhall area of Coventry – who died last year at the age of 62.

The commemorative plaque was put up on a memorial bench in Sowe Common.

John was founder and chairman of Willenhall History Group and regularly organised events such as the Willenhall Festival and the annual St George’s Day celebrations.

He also volunteered to give talks for Sowe Valley Primary School, was director of Willenhall Education, Employment and Training Centre and campaigned for Sowe Valley Footpath.

The bench was donated by Coventry City Council and placed at Sowe Common, John’s favourite place, in recognition of his tireless community work.

His family paid £60 for the plaque which was inscribed with the words: “John Russell...loved by many and sadly missed”.

Their son Steven discovered the plaque had been taken when he visited the site, off Shilton Lane in Hawkesbury, on Monday.

Margaret, aged 63, who lives in Willenhall, said: “When my son phoned to say what had happened I was absolutely devastated.

“I cried all day. The whole family has been upset by it.

“Steve was upset because he wanted the bench there.

“It was where his dad took him on his first fishing trip and taught him how to drive.

“I don’t how anyone could do anything like this.

“John did so much for people and he worked so hard.

“Whoever did this is low-life. They’ve robbed from the dead and robbed a family of memories.”

The canalside area where the wooden bench was installed was John’s favourite fishing spot.

Some of John’s ashes were scattered around the bench and in the canal.

Margaret says visiting the bench had been a huge comfort to her since John died of a lung condition last June.

She said: “It’s nearly a year since he died and I still haven’t come to terms with John’s death.

“I still keep expecting him to walk through the door.

“The bench is here because this was his favourite place.

“It’s so peaceful and quiet. He was always fishing here.

“Whenever he was feeling low I knew where to find him.

“Now this has happened, I wish I could get the bench moved but the problem is it is concreted in.”

She reported the incident to police. She says it’s believed the plaque was probably targeted by thieves who wanted it for its value as metal.