Hull's Pioneering Spirit Is Recognised By Rich Mills

A balmy summer's evening, and hundreds of specially invited guests make their way to the new KC Stadium. A guest as part of the Hull Asylum Seekers Support Group contingent, I witnessed an evening of award giving and hearty backslapping. This was the now annual Community Pioneer Awards, which seeks to recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations across the city who have, in the eyes of the judges, been examples to the rest of us as self-sacrificing, community spirited pioneers. (There's that word again!) When I think of pioneers and the pioneering spirit, I think of the Old West, and venturing into the unknown. Which I suppose could be applied to the work of some people in certain areas of this city. But the less said about the bad in this city, and more about the good! As this is what the whole evening was really about   A bit a spit and polish on the damaged ego of this fair city of ours.

The event arranged by CityImage, meant that I finally managed to lay my hands on one of those little 'cog' badges, you often see city the movers and shakers in the city pinned to their lapels. I maybe a born and bred 'ully cynic, but I tried to feel justly proud of my city and the achievements of these people, but I just couldn't do it. The whole proceedings were too contrived and deathly boring! The booze didn't flow as promised and the food was crap. As usual with many things in this city, the attempt was good, but the result was naff.

We sat on a table with employees of CityImage   What a boring bunch of losers they were. After all they had organised this bloody event, the least they could have done is smile during the whole dire affair. But not even they could be bothered, and looked rigid with boredom as the evening wore on. Being placed up-stairs, and having to watch the whole event via video-link meant we knew there was no chance of our organisation winning   We where in the losers room! But we did have an excellent view out over the stadium, that those in the dark winners pit downstairs were not privy to. So bonus to us!

What I will say about the evening, and the one time I clapped the recipient of an award was that of John Buttrick, the man behind the Children's University scheme. He won the top title of Hull's Community Pioneer 2003. I've met John before, and I've mentored for the Children's University. It is a wonderful scheme, and the benefit that the children who take part get out of it is amazing to see. I've been following the story of their funding problems, and take this opportunity to say to whoever may come across this article and is in a position to help the Children's University in any way, please give them your support. Whether it be as a funder or sponsor, mentor or simply supportive letter writer, take a few minutes out of your day and do something worthwhile. You never know where it may lead   It could be you next year up for a Community Pioneer Award.

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