Our Story

Who was John White?

John White was a Binley man who lived in the area with his wife June and their 4 children. He was a miner in the Binley pit and was a well known character in the community. Whilst John was not educated to a high standard he always supported his neighbours and local people and it did not matter if it was collecting a prescription from the chemist, doing the shopping or paying a bill at the bank, he would always lend a hand.

In his later years he was an employee at the car manufacturer, Peugeot, but his passion was always his beloved community and the people he shared it with.

John always liked to keep busy and when he retired from his job he filled his time by helping out in the community. He was a frequent visitor and helper at St Bartholomew school; whether this was listening to the children reading or sharing his tales of working as a Miner. The children loved to hear his tales.

He also enlisted the help of family and friends to offer their support in school. He helped in the church grounds, cutting hedges and clearing the church drive - again encouraging his friends and neighbours and fellow colleagues to join in. He often spoke about the need for a community centre in the area and voiced his dream for one to be built.

Sadly and suddenly in 2000 John passed away. Such was his profile in the community his funeral was attended by hundreds of local people. The conversation continued about John’s dream of a community centre and soon after, his family came together with local people and formed a committee to try and make this happen.

When did the Community Centre Open?

With Greg Smith from St Bartholomew Church the committee set about canvassing Coventry City Council, the Big Lottery Football Foundation and others to raise the funds, obtain the land and obtain the necessary permissions to build the centre. This was no easy task but 5 years later, in 2006 the doors opened to the John White Community Centre.

The Build

The Centre today?

The centre is managed by a Voluntary Committee. It has 6 employees and a small number of volunteers. It opens 7 days per week. As well as an indoor sports hall, it has other rooms for hire for private parties and functions, a cafe that holds numerous community events throughout the year which are always well supported. The halloween party and christmas pantomime are always a sell out!

The committee and employees look forward to welcoming you and hope to see you soon.