Hull's flood plight touches nation

Well wishes for Hull residents affected by flooding have been sent from people all over the country.
And that includes pupils from Abel Smith primary school in Greencoats, Hertford, who sent their artwork to Hull City Council leader Carl Minns.
"The pictures are a kind gesture and show how people across the country have been moved by news reports of the flooding in Hull," said Cllr Minns. "It proves that the flooding has been noticed and people do care.
Well wishes also came from as far afield as Peru, from a former Hull resident.

Petition goes global

Sea legs: the ONE HULL Tag Team standing behind yacht skipper Danny Watson. The team, all from the Hull area, earned the right to sail after completing a Clipper selection programme in Gosport, Hampshire

These young people will carry the Wilberforce 2007 petition – which calls for an end to modern day slavery – on a 35,000 mile voyage around the world.
As members of the ONE HULL Tag Team, they will compete in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 07/08 which starts next month.
Sailing one leg of the race each on board the Yorkshire Forward Hull and Humber Clipper, they will ask international dignitaries across five continents to sign the petition.

Visit from Japan

The Deputy Mayor of Takaoka City Council has visited Hull to strengthen the cultural links between Hull and Japan.
Deputy Mayor Takada took a tour of the city centre and visited some of Hull's landmarks.
It is hoped his visit will pave the way for a performance by Gagaku - a prestigious Japanese imperial music and dance group (pictured above) - at Hull City Hall in October.
"It was a productive visit which will help us to bring more Japanese events to Hull," said Tony Ridley, the manager of Hull City Hall.
"We are providing funding for the Gagaku performance and visit as it will be an opportunity for the performers to visit Hull schools to teach pupils about Japanese art and culture."

Pick of the bunch

The revival of Hull's historic Fruit Market has taken a step forward as five property development companies have been short-listed to compete for the work.
The project, led by Hull regeneration company Citybuild, will create a stylish new waterfront quarter which will include shops, offices, restaurants and apartments.
"We have received unprecedented interest in the project and from excellent companies," said John Haymes, director of Citybuild.
"Their challenge is to create a sustainable community whilst respecting the area's heritage."
The detailed proposals from the five companies will go on public display in October.
"I hope the developers submit projects worthy of the Fruit Market and the people of Hull," said Cllr Andy Sloan, who has responsibility for regeneration in the city.

Designs on learning

Rosie Thompson (right) from Ganton School is congratulated by Sue Atkins, Hull City Council's principal manager for inclusion

A Hull pupil's logo design has been picked for an event that gives information on work opportunities and training for young people with learning difficulties.
Rosie Thompson (16) designed her award winning entry during an art lesson at Ganton Special School in west Hull.
Rosie's collage using paper, craft materials and paint was entered in the logo design competition for the Futures event and won first prize.
"It's a very eye-catching image and Rosie was pleased to win," said Pat Glover, head teacher of Ganton Special School.
Futures, which provides information on accessing work, training and education opportunities for school-leavers who have special needs, will be holding an event on Friday November 9 at the KC Stadium.
For more information phone 300300.

BSF consultation extended

The public consultation on the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) proposals is being extended following difficulties caused by Hull's recent floods.
Members of the public now have until September 30 to submit their views on the BSF proposals which will transform learning in the city by rebuilding or remodelling all of Hull's secondary and special schools.
The proposals for each individual school, including the closure of some and expansion of others, have been published in a special consultation booklet entitled 'Building our Future,' which has been sent to every home in the city.
The booklet contains a form on which residents can write feedback and make their views known. Residents who have not received a copy can contact the BSF team on 300300.

Building a better future

In safe hands: construction trainees Liam Audus and Kirsty Turner with Hull City keeper Boaz Myhill

He's best known for great saves on the football pitch, but now Boaz Myhill is keeping young people out of crime.
The Tigers' goalkeeper is backing the 'Building for Success' initiative which keeps young offenders on the straight and narrow by training them for jobs in the building trade.
The scheme is organised by educational charity Rathbone with the support of the Hull Youth Offending Team and youth programme Sport-Wize.
"Around 90 per cent of young people leaving custody face unemployment and to prevent them re-offending we have to give them hope of a career," said Rathbone spokesman Paul Fletcher.
"We are asking building bosses to give young offenders a taste of the workplace and help them turn their lives around."
For more information call 0113 203 1440.

New lease of life

Restoration: Charles Lewis (left) of Citybuild receives an award from Malcolm Sharman of Hull Civic Society after the revamp of Burnett House

One of Hull's most historic buildings has received a civic award in recognition of its spectacular restoration.
Burnett House was in a state of disrepair for many years until Hull regeneration company Citybuild gave it a facelift.
And the quality of the restoration earned the building a 'Good Mark' from architectural lobby group the Hull Civic Society.
"The exterior of Burnett House is almost identical to when it was first opened as a hotel in 1875," said Charles Lewis, the deputy chair of Citybuild.
"Every detail, including the windows and ornate carvings, have been exactly matched to the originals."
The building, owned by Hull City Council, is one of Castle Street's best-known landmarks.

Follow the trail

A well deserved break: the first group of walkers to follow the trail take a rest in Trinity Square

A walking trail through the streets of Hull, linking sites William Wilberforce would have known in his lifetime, is proving a big hit with school groups and tourists.
Since its launch in June, the Walking with Wilberforce Trail has enabled people to learn more about Hull's most famous son, his campaign to abolish slavery, and heritage sites including High Street and Holy Trinity Church.
More than 150 people have been on guided tours of the trail, school parties from Hull schools have been following the route, as have tourists from as far away as St Petersburg in Russia.
"The response has been superb," said trail co-ordinator Alison Lewis. "We couldn't have wished for a better start."

For more information visit www.wilberforcetrail.co.uk