Shine a light on the City Hosts, Alfie and Scooby-Doo

Regan’s interview with Alfie and Scooby-Doo on 12 December 2021, as part of the Shine a light on the City Hosts blog series.

What are your names?

Alfie (A): My name is Alfie and this is Scooby-Doo. We are both City Hosts for the Coventry City of Culture Trust.

Are you local to Coventry?

A: I currently live in Nuneaton, but I will move back to Coventry probably next year.

Do you do any other volunteer work?

A: I also work for Warwickshire Search and Rescue as a support member, but looking to get operational next year.

How did Alfie and Scooby-Doo become a city hosts?

A: I kind of found it on Facebook. I thought I’m a Cov kid through and through, so why not.

Would you like to tell us how Scooby-Doo got involved?

A: Scooby-Doo is a new member of the city host team. He recently joined us. Usually, he is running lots of charity races, up and down the country. Scooby-doo has been to Portsmouth, Manchester, Newcastle, he’s even run around the centre of London. I think he’s also met the Queen without telling me.

So, then I started bringing him on city host shifts, thinking if he runs for the charity then he could also volunteer. I started bringing him on shifts, and all of a sudden everyone just fell in love with him. Every time, it’s like ‘Alfie, when is Scooby coming on shift? Alfie, when are you coming on shift? Is Scooby coming on shift with you?’

Then, Scooby got his own Official City Host ID badge and he absolutely loved it. After that happened, he was awarded City Host of the month twice in a row! I didn’t even get nominated, I wish I did.

What do you enjoy about being a city host?

A: I get to meet so many different people, and Scooby-Doo gets a lot of publicity as well and he loves making new friends.

What’s been your favourite city of culture event, so far?

A: It probably has to be Glides at Coventry Cathedral, because the security guards always make me giggle. They are always causing mischief. It’s great to see people enjoying themselves and falling over, which can be interesting to watch from the observation area.

Have you encouraged anyone else to become a city host?

A: I’ve encouraged one of my fellow Search and Rescue members to become a city host herself. She’s only on her second shift so far, but she’s doing pretty well.

As a city host,  what sort questions do you get asked regularly?

A: The normal one I get is where’s the nearest toilet, or what event is happening here, or can I go in and have a look? These are the general ones I normally get.

Have you been asked anything unusual or been told any interesting stories?

A: I’ve had some people tell share local knowledge. I’ve been told so many different fascinating stories, but not many that I can probably share on here.

I’ve met the Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Scooby is a massive fan of them. And even Lady Godiva loves Scooby-Doo.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience?

A: I would say this experience and being a city host volunteer has definitely helped with my Autism. It’s made me come out of my shell a lot more, and also given me the confidence to go on to volunteer at the Commonwealth Games next year, hopefully.

Would you like to volunteer in Coventry?

Volunteer Action Coventry has an online database offering a wide range of volunteer roles. Or you could visit one of their drop-in sessions on Trinity street to chat about current volunteering opportunities, activities and projects available.