We do it our way By Starpaw

Okay, something supportive about the city. Hmmmm, ahhh, well, hmm, oh fuck it! I'm nearly all for the regeneration of Hull, brilliant. You know when some parts of your city still have bomb damage that you need to get your arse in gear but there's also something about it that worries me.

There's talk of the new transport exchange (bus station to the likes of you and me) an awful glass and metal construction that's sooooo like, modern! Something like Leeds or Manchester has. The thing is, can anyone remember anything distinctive about Manchester (besides the Canal and Coronation Street). No? Exactly.

The reason I love Hull, yes love, the reason why I can remember facts like it was the second most bombed city during the war, or citing famous people who lived or live here is because it's so innately, well, Hull. Plus if we get a brand spanking new bus station, where are all the 20p scrounging townies going to go? Poor buggers ;) The development of the old "Ready fusion" area can't really be called a step in the right direction can it? 'A Netto and a characterless flat-pack-faceless-corporate Mc Donald's shack hardly add any charm to the area does it? The less said about our new Wilkinson's store the better, I still haven't got over the shock of that yet.

Sure some parts of the city are awful, what city doesn't have these areas? But instead of pointing out the flaws maybe we should all stand up and show something we like about our wonderful fish obsessed city. For one thing we have an excellent music scene thanks to venues like the Adelphi and Morriarties. Sure not many big bands come here but who needs them when you've got great local talent as Fonda 500, The Raywells and The Freaks Union living right on you doorstep? The plethora of amazing and welcoming cafes, now that Hull people are realising that if Paris cafes can have outside tables then hey! maybe Hull can too.

All the fantastic self owned eateries like Peaberry's (Try the Chicken Tang) or Planet Coffee (Try the Minty Mocha). God bless the cheap phone calls thanks to Kingston Comms. People I know outside of Hull still can't grasp the whole 5 and a half pence concept, those who do simply glare and mutter curses at BT under their breath.

Sure, it's a crap name for a stadium but the cheap calls just about gets them of the hook. The Deep (just in case you forgot that this was a fishing city) showing of some fishy eye candy and being educational too, truly brilliant despite its sceptics. So the next time someone dumps on Hull, or stupid planners try to turn us into Leeds just stand up and say "Well actually..." Photographs copyright  ©2003 , and courtesy of www.thisisUll.com.

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