Step into the learning centre at Coventry’s Parcelforce Depot and you’re in for a bit of a shock. Rather than the standard array of computers and books to borrow (although they’re there too), you find yourself confronted by a large piece of black and white artwork celebrating Two-Tone, a musical genre originating in Coventry that changed the world.

Two-Tone is a genre of British popular music of the late 1970s and early 1980s that fused traditional Jamaican ska music with elements of punk rock and new wave music. Its name derives from 2 Tone Records, a record label founded in 1979 by Jerry Dammers of The Specials and references a desire to transcend and defuse racial tensions in Thatcher-era Britain: many two-tone groups, such as The Specials, The Selecter, and The Beat featured a mix of black, white, and multiracial people.

The artwork and information board accompanying it is the latest in a long line of creative masterpieces by Dean Quibell, the CWU’s lead ULR at the site. Dean says:

I decided to theme the current board on Two-Tone as it’s local, a celebration of Coventry’s impacted on the British music scene and also the political message of unity which it was all about. We’re a multiracial society and workforce and I wanted to spread that message of equality and diversity.

Dean was originally Lead ULR from 2017 until 2019 and then he took up the post again in January 2022. Dean explains:

When I first became the Lead ULR, I wanted to engage with the workforce and get the CWU learning centre (The Ark) noticed. It was at the time of the general elections, so my first board was ‘Why should I vote? A history of the right to vote.

Since then, it has continued with boards on the Suffragettes to celebrate the 100-year anniversary, First World War Poets, Cycling, Mental Health Awareness and Foodbanks. The next planned focuses on Domestic Violence.

The boards and displays Dean create go down well with members and start conversations about the topics. Furthermore, the management appreciate them too. Graham Bradley, National Hub Lead Manager HM3 told us:

I find the boards informative; I think they support the company’s values (like your recent Two-Tone supports diversity and inclusion), I think the topics used to spread your messages are creative and therefore catch my attention better. Thank you for your work in this area, it is appreciated.

Here at the TUC, we’d like to echo that sentiment. Steve Croke, Chair of the TUC Midlands ULR Forum says: 

Dean is an inspiration! His boards are incredible!