Bringing history to life

Hull's historic law courts (pictured) in The Guildhall will be turned into a classroom, thanks to a donation of £174,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The courts and cells, built in 1908, ceased being used in 2003 when the new magistrates' court opened near the King Billy statue.
But they have retained their original features – and will be an environment where pupils will learn about citizenship and the criminal justice system.
The grant will also enable part of the Hands on History Museum, in Trinity Square, to be developed, and will open up educational opportunities at nearby Holy Trinity Church.
The bid was developed by a partnership of Hull Museums, Holy Trinity Church, schools in the city and Hull CVS Volunteer Centre.
Hull Museums attracted more than 32,000 children in 2007, up 31 per cent on 2006.

Fostering fortnight

Last year's 'Fost Fest' in Queen's Gardens. Photo: Mike Williams

If you have ever thought about becoming a foster parent you can find out more during Foster Care Fortnight.
There will be a number of events and activities in the city between May 2 and 25, including a drop-in event at Ferens Art Gallery on May 24, between 10am and 4pm, when the Hull Fostering team and foster carers will be on hand to answer questions.
Also, an information evening takes place at The Village Hotel on May 20. And Fost Fest, a fun family day out, takes place in Queen's Gardens on May 24.
To become a foster carer you need to be over 21 and have a spare bedroom in your house. For more information, or to book a place on the information evening, call Hull Fostering on 612800, email fostering@hullcc.gov.uk or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk (and search under 'fostering').

Badge of honour

Former Lord Mayor Cllr Brenda Petch with guests at the presentation in the Guildhall

They served on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now their home city has honoured them.
120 soldiers from the Armed Forces and the Territorial Army received medals from the Lord Mayor of Hull Councillor Brenda Petch.
Included were two Iraq Operation Medals, a Volunteer Reserves Service Medal and a Territorial Decoration medal.
"It's good to honour the efforts of the soldiers in this way," Cllr Brenda Petch said. "They put their lives on the line for others and deserve recognition.
"The families of soldiers from Hull should not be forgotten, as they too play an important part in supporting the soldiers.
"And a big thank you also has to be said to employers in the region who support the efforts of their Territorial Army staff."

L to r: Tony Fieldsend of Stagecoach, Jason Read of Hull City Council, pass holders Val Higgins and Nelson Hewitt' and Bob Rackley of East Yorkshire Motor Services

Ticket to ride

Hull residents aged over 60 have received free bus passes to enable free travel on local buses anywhere in the UK.
The passes, sent out by Hull City Council in the post, are part of a new national scheme being introduced by the Government.
People with certain disabilities, including visual or hearing impairment, and those with severe learning disabilities, are also entitled to the new bus passes.
If you are entitled and have not received one, please contact the passenger transport team on 300300.

Safe and well

Healthy living is all a matter of child's play – as Hull City Council crèches have shown.
Childcare teams based at Costello Stadium, Ennerdale Leisure Centre, and Woodford Leisure Centre promote healthy living in the crèche, home, and out and about.
They earned 'Focus on Safety' platinum awards from the Hull and East Riding Community NHS for running sessions which included fire safety in the home, healthy eating picnics, 'stranger danger' and road safety awareness.
The platinum award is the highest available and follows the previously earned gold, silver and bronze awards.
To keep the platinum status, each team will be assessed every two years and will continue to promote healthy living for children across the city.
For more information call 300300.

Ballet fans, where for art thou?

One of the most popular works in The Royal Ballet repertory will be beamed live to Hull Big Screen from the Royal Opera House on June 1 at 2.30pm.
The council will be putting out chairs in Queen Victoria Square, so you can enjoy the family-friendly event in comfort. Ballet fans are also being urged to bring a picnic.
Hull Trains is backing the event, which will bring the magic of the profound love between Romeo and Juliet – plus the master choreography of the Royal Ballet - to the heart of Hull's city centre.
To find out more about what's showing on The Big Screen call 300300 or visit www.hullcc.gov.uk

Race for Life

Race for Life organisers are calling on volunteers to join this year's Special Action Squad.
SAS volunteers, will marshal the course, hand out medals at the finish and carry out other essential tasks.
"Without our SAS volunteers the race simply would not happen," said event manager Sarah Madden of Cancer Research UK.
About 6,000 Hull women will take part in the 5 kilometre race on June 1 at Costello Stadium, west Hull.
It will be one of 262 races taking place this summer around the UK.
It is the UK's largest women-only fundraising event, where women come together to walk, jog or run a race to raise money for beating cancer.
For more information, and to enrol as an SAS volunteer visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 2275.

Wired for sound

Jane Batty, audience development officer for cultural services, views an African mask at Wilberforce House

Children and adults can learn more from a visit to Wilberforce House Museum – thanks to a new personal audio tour.
Featuring the voice of an actor playing the role of William Wilberforce, the tours can be downloaded free from the council's website and saved on MP3 players, and some mobile phones.
There is a tour for adults and one for children aged eight upwards. The audio tours are about 45 minutes long and recreate the unique atmosphere of life in the anti-slavery campaigner's home during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Listeners are guided through each room and can pause the tour at any time to view the fascinating exhibits at their own pace.
To download the audio tour files visit www.hullcc.gov.uk and follow the link to museums and galleries then Wilberforce House.

Have your say about mineral plans

You can now have a say on the development of the mineral industry in Hull and the East Riding.
The industry includes recycling operations along the River Hull as well as the use of wharfs and docks in the import and export of minerals.
The development plan for the industry, which includes ways it can have a positive effect on economies, communities and the environment, is now available for you to give your views on.
Known as the 'Joint Minerals Development Plan Issues and Options Report,' it can be viewed and commented on at the websites www.hullcc.gov.uk & www.eastriding.gov.uk. It is also available, with feedback forms, at Hull City Council's customer service centres, libraries, and at Kingston House and The Guildhall receptions. This consultation period ends on June 16.