Fly the flag for freedom

Hull businesses are being asked to support the fight against modern slavery by flying a 'flag for freedom' outside their premises.
As the city gears up to commemorate 200 years since the abolition of the British slave trade, it's hoped that more and more businesses - including shops, offices and factories - will fly the flag or banner.
The flag and banner show the Wilberforce logo, which is the letter "W" made up of the words 'pride,' 'freedom,' 'belief' and 'change.' (see front cover)
There are an estimated 27 million slaves in the world today, including women and children trafficked for prostitution, and children kidnapped and brutalised to be used as soldiers.
To continue the fight against modern-day slavery, the council is also asking people to sign the petition at www.wilberforce2007.com *
For more information or to obtain a flag or banner, contact Laura Cobbe or Anna Clappison by January 19 on 300300.

Education welcome

Have you recently moved to Hull, and want to know more about education for children, young people and adults in the city? If so, the Welcome to Hull Education Event, on January 27, will be for you.
It will give advice for asylum seekers, refugees, and people recently moved here from all parts of the UK.
There will be speakers from primary and secondary schools, further and higher education, and stalls with information on libraries, the Hull Youth Council, and other learning and support services.
The event, at Endeavour High School, Beverley Road, is free to attend, and runs from 9am to 2pm. Lunch is provided.
To book a place, please call Katie Fussey on 01482 331622.

Upgrade for our city's crematorium

The refurbishment of Chanterlands Avenue Crematorium starts from January 8 and will last for 26 weeks.
It will include an expansion of the large chapel and waiting area, which will be fitted with a public address system.
A quiet room will be built for families to meet bereavement officers, while new lighting will be provided for the entrance and exit roads.
Angela Dunn, head of community care services for Hull City Council, said that building work would not take place during services to ensure families were not disturbed.

Businesses benefit from website

A new website is making life easier for local companies that wish to apply for tender opportunities at Hull City Council.
It's free to register your company on the website, at http://scms.alito.co.uk *, where it can be viewed by up to 20 other councils in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
The website also shows tender opportunities for those other councils.
"Previously there was a lot of confusion for local suppliers and contractors to get onto the council's "approved lists" and the process often involved completing numerous questionnaires," says Teresa Belcher, corporate procurement manager.
"The website will also help us to reach small local suppliers who we have sometimes struggled to reach in the past."

Who wants to be an entrepreneur?

More than 450 children and young people learned business skills during National Enterprise Week, held at the KC Stadium.
The week, organised by Hull Youth Enterprise Partnership, included workshops and presentations to help the youngsters develop entrepreneurial ideas.

Back-seat drivers: visitors at the over-50s event were shown the ropes by Humberside firefighters

50 is the new 40

Hull's first-ever 'celebrating age event' for the over-50s took place at Ings Resource Centre , on Savoy Road, east Hull.
Almost 100 people attended the event, which featured stalls and information on a wide range of activities, including keep fit, quitting smoking, crime prevention, local history and benefits advice.
Similar events are now being planned for other areas of Hull.
"By the time people reach 50 they might be looking for new ways to pass the time, from joining new groups and learning new skills to devoting more time to health and travel," said Netta Northage, neighbourhood manager for Hull's East Area Team.
For more information, call 300300

Call for runners

Last year's Humber Bridge Half Marathon

People of all ages, shapes and sizes are being urged to lose the extra pounds put on over Christmas and start training for this year's Humber Bridge Half Marathon.
A record number of runners – that's more than 1,500 people - are expected for this year's race, on June 24, which coincides with the Wilberforce 2007 commemorations.
The annual race, which starts in Hessle, attracts runners from across the country and overseas.
It raises money for St Andrew's Children's Hospice, Grimsby, which cares for children with life-limiting illnesses from the Humber region.
A family fun run of 2.25 miles will also take place on the day. For more information, and an entry form, contact Hull 343043 or visit www.humber-half.org.uk *
www.wilberforce.2007.com *