Rain Didn't Stop Voices In Play By Rich Mills

I awoke this morning to a miserable day. Quite depressing after all the glorious sun we've had lately. More so because today was to be a large out-door event organised by community activists Voices In Play. It's A Community Knockout, supposed to be held at Princess Elizabeth Playing Fields was to be a key event for young people and the larger community of North Hull and Orchard Park over the half-term break.

Resourceful as ever, the event was shifted at the last minute to the Thorpes Resource Centre based in Homethorpe on Orchard Park. There the event took place, if a somewhat reduced version of what was originally planned. Teams of community workers and young people played a variety of games, including large scale musical chairs, obstacle races, penalty shoot-outs, and tug of war.

With a free BBQ all day, and more food than even the hungriest of participants could stuff down their throats the day went swimmingly, despite the almost non-stop rain. The day ended with prize giving. Medals all round, and trophies for the winning teams. All of them being winners, everyone got something. I got a medal; the first I've ever been presented with in my life.

I wore it proudly on the way home, as did the young people we took along to the event, and my co-worker. We all sat on the bus heading back to the Copshop, tired but happy, after a fun day. Thank you Voices In Play!

Once again my heart has been warmed by the community pulling together at a time of need. The unsung work of the volunteers and residents of North Hull and Orchard Park which I have witnessed in my time as a Youth Inclusion Worker on the Community Copshop, is to be commended. In fact I cannot sing their praises too highly. The community spirit they display is something I thought long dead in this selfish and individualistic world we all seem to live in.

Those of us who bemoan our neighbours and shout obscenities at the kids playing football in the street should take note. In the last few months the strength of community I have seen has knocked my once deep rooted cynical side. Often I would decry the state of our society, and particularly the way in which this city is flushing itself down the toilet.

Now I can't say that anymore, as the people of North Hull and Orchard Park have proved me wrong. They have shown me that there is hope, and that there are people putting themselves out there for others. I feel very proud to have been part of it, and to have been warmly welcomed by everyone I have met and worked with.

So I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone involved for letting me into their community and treating me as a friend.

News Music - Titanic Exhibition In Hull By Sarah Tomlinson
	I was doing the usual I can't afford anything shop around on Saturday when I spotted something a little bit different. On the boards at the Maritime Museum I spotted an advertisement for a Titanic Exhibition. Admittedly a fan of Read more...

News - Workshops At The Thorpes By Rich Mills
	During the Easter break we are running workshops for the young people in the area. From break dancing, DJ skills, film-making, music production, and many other arts and crafts activities. One aspect of the activities was to produce a digital record of Easter at the Thorpes community resource centre. Another was Read more...

Going Down - Review - Bhangra Bollywood night at Stratten Hall 17th April 04 By Jane Foster
	This night was organised by Mrs Kamlesh Singh, from the Lakh Kushia shop on Newland Avenue. Lakh Kushia specialises in all things Eastern, and was set up to attract people from all sections of the local community. This was the second of these nights to take place - the first one being a Read more...

Going Down - An EveningWith The Dark Poet - Bill Hicks Anniversary Tribute At the Adelphi By Rich Mills
	It seems strange to be doing a review of Bill Hicks ten years after his death from pancreatic cancer. On 26th of February 1994, the world became a darker place. However, a legacy of words that has resonated across the years, shows that the man who described himself as a dark poet was a shining light. A genius with a razor sharp wit, who never compromised, and only spoke the truth! Read more...

Going Down - Hit And Run Poetry By Rich Mills
	Well the Renegades have been at it again. Sunday night, as the rest of the world took in the news of Saddam's capture, the Renegade Writers stormed the Jaz Bar in Lowgate, Hull. Now feelings would be mixed, I'm sure, as to whether they went down a storm or like a lead balloon. One thing is for certain - the quiet Sunday audience were not prepared for the Renegades onslaught. Read more...

Going Down - Got to pick a Poet or Two by Mo.
	Last night I accompanied Jane from the Renegade writers to Nellies Pub in Beverley to what turned out to be a terrific night of competitive poetry readings. Ten years ago I'd be ribbed and teased. My mates would have said "you're going soft" to have spent the evening in front of a roaring fire listening to poetry in one of the oldest pubs in England. . Read more...

News - WEDDING DRESSES AT WILBERFORCE HOUSE
	From Hull City Council Press Office An exhibition of wedding dresses from the last two centuries is to be held at Wilberforce House Museum, Hull until 30th May 2004. The Big Day features a selection of stunning wedding dresses dating back to 1800, offering a fascinating insight into the changes Read more...

Places to Visit - Dinostar - THIS IS HISTORY By Daniel Laney
	In the last two months Hull has welcomed a new addition to its ever growing tourist trade. Dinostar, which opened on Easter Sunday of this year, should hopefully be welcomed with open arms by families and budding historians alike and with it being a quick Read more...

Fashion - Revolver: When Mod meets Modification By Daniel Laney
	The new vintage clothing shop set to make a big impact in Hull city centre. Trinity Market, Hull (Opposite Trinity Church. Mon - Sat 9am-5pm) When the terms Retro or Vintage are linked with clothes, thoughts of over priced charity shop fabrics and the smell of musty damp cupboards rapidly come to mind. However, with Read more...