Friday 27th April 07 - Protesters Rally To Save Hull Screen By Jane Foster

Around 50 - 60 protesters turned up at Hull Screen last Friday to protest against the proposals to reduce the screenings to a 3 day week. Many suspect these proposals are the start of plans to close down Hull Screen altogether. Already it has been moved to the University of Lincoln's George Street campus which is far from ideal, and which I understand has not been altogether welcomed at this new venue. Look North were due to arrive at the protest to cover the event but unfortunately failed to turn up, with no explanation.

As a user of Hull Screen, my own personal view is that it should widen its range of films as it can be a little too elitist and 'arty'. There are plenty of intelligent, offbeat films they could be showing for a discerning audience who prefer a less commercial programme and atmosphere. Also Hull Screen could review its marketing and advertising strategy. Despite the usual complaint of falling audience numbers, last year most of the seats were filled for the screening of Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth'. This particular film had been well publicised around the city, which I think played a part in the success of the film at Hull Screen. Hull Screen's website could also be improved and made more interesting and user-friendly. www.hullscreen.co.uk

News, Petitions - Sign The Petition Against Short Measures Of Draft Beer By Andrew Cormie
	I'm concerned about short measure of draft beer in pubs and restaurants. I have started a petition at petitions.pm.gov.uk/Beer-measures and CAMRA has another at www.takeittothetop.co.uk If a pint to brim glass of 82 mm top internal diameter has 5 mm of froth between the beer surface and the top of the glass, the froth is 4.64% of the pint. Read more...

News, Environment - Saturday 21st April 07 - Protestors Over-Plant GM Trial Site with Organic Potatoes Photographs by Yvonne Kinghorn and Annie Kingsworth
	Last Saturday, 21st April, over 150 people took direct action against GM crops by planting potatoes in a field near Hull. The field is due to be the trial site for GM potatoes. Thousands of potatoes were buried in order to prevent the contamination of the British countryside by genetically modified crops. It is hoped that the donation of safe spuds will Read more...

News, Charity - Martin Hall Hiking To Help By Michelle Dee
	Nineteen year old Martin Hall from Hull is to climb Mt Snowdon this June to raise money for Cancer Research. The very active Martin (ex Kelvin Hall and Wyke College student) is now studying English and Film Studies at Hull University and in his spare time likes to get out in the country and walk for miles. Martin has set himself the challenge of climbing Read more...

News, Funding - Renewable Energy Grants
	Registered charities and the public sector are being invited to apply for government grants of up to £1m to install renewable energy technology. Under phase 2 of the Department of Trade and Industry's low carbon building programme, organisations can use the funds to install solar cells and wind turbines. For more information, please visit Read more...

News, Community - Making Connections Guide
	Does your group work with families? Do you develop and offer learning opportunities for families? If so, the Making Connections guide could offer invaluable help. 'Making Connections: A guide for voluntary and community sector organisations working with families' is a new resource which supports and celebrates the work of Voluntary and Community organisations Read more...

News, Media - b.TWEEN 07 Wants Your Short Films - Deadline: Monday 23rd April 07
	Just-b are looking for short films that explore the way interactive media (web, mobile etc) is changing our world (maximum 10 mins.) Selected shorts will be shown on the b.TWEEN big screen on Friday 15th June 07 as part of b.TWEEN Interactive Media Forum. b.TWEEN 07 will be hosted by National Media Museum, Bradford on the 14th-15th June 2007. Read more...

News, Competitions - Made IT Happen - Deadline: 13th July 07
	Made IT Happen is a new competition for primary schoolchildren aged between 9 and 11 across the UK. t is looking for ICT projects which are pupil-led and have had a positive impact on school, local community, UK, or internationally. The prize is £1000 for the winning school from each of the English Regions, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Read more...

News, Finance - Hull And East Yorkshire Credit Union
	Hull and East Yorkshire Credit Union provides easy ways to save, access to low-cost loans and many other services to helps members manage their money wisely. Anyone who lives or works in Hull or the East Riding can apply to join. Unlike a bank, its sole purpose it to help you make your money go further, not make large profits out of you. How does it work? You save a regular amount Read more...

News, Funding - NCVO Sustainable Funding Project
	The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is running a sustainable funding project to encourage groups to explore a whole range of funding and financing options to develop a sustainable mix. There are online resources through their website where you can learn more. You can also subscribe to their monthly email newsletter, attend events Read more...

News - Hull Volunteering Strategy
	With volunteering high on the national agenda and being part of the focus of the Local Compact for Hull and Hull's Local Area Agreement, on 10th November 2006, Volunteer Centre Hull held a consultation event in the Guildhall attended by 70 people from volunteer involving organisations across the city. Thus began the process of developing a citywide Read more...

News, Community - New Psychotherapy and Counselling service offers talking therapies to people with mental health difficulties By Sian Alexander
	Mental Health ought to be as easy to talk about as physical ailments. But while aches and pains are commonly discussed, talk of psychological problems can be met with awkwardness and misunderstanding. For those with mental health problems, it can sometimes be hard to find someone to talk to about it. A new centre in East Hull hopes to fill Read more...

News, Arts - Pavilion Commissions Programme 2007
	Pavilion are now seeking proposals from emerging UK-based photographers for the Pavilion Commissions Programme 2007. Pavilion's exhibition partner for the project is Photofusion. For more information see www.pavilion.org.uk. This information was provided courtesy of Ad-Venture Creative Industries Network. Read more...

News, Courses - Voluntary and Family Learning Sector Foundation Degrees
	Coming Soon! New Foundation Degrees for the Voluntary and Family Learning Sectors. Voluntary, community and family learning groups have been working in partnership with Hull College to develop two new qualifications: Foundation Degree in Family Learning Foundation Degree in Community and Voluntary Sector These foundation degrees are aimed at people Read more...

News, Education - Changes To The Learning Shop
	As you may be aware, Changes, The Learning Shop will cease to trade from 31st March 2007. They delivered information, advice and guidance on learning and work to adults from their base in the Central Library and out and about in the community. The office in the Central Library will remain open and will be called Future Pathways from 1st April 2007. Read more...

News, Groups - Volunteers Wanted For Canine Partners
	Canine Partners are looking for more volunteers. They train puppies to become helping dogs for the disabled, and they are trying to spread the word about just how good these dogs are and how they can change someone's life for the better. These dogs can do the basics as well as fetch washing or drying out of your machine, helping you get undressed, can get shopping off Read more...

News, Media - Hull Film Poised To Evolve With Appointment Of New Director
	Hull Film, organisers of the Hull International Short Film Festival, is poised to evolve over the coming months with the appointment of a new Director. Laurence Boyce, who has been involved with Hull Film since its inaugural event in 2000, will take over from previous director Esther Johnson in April. Laurence has been involved with film for almost 10 years. Read more...

News, Funding - Lottery Funding For Bicentennial Of The Abolition Of The Slave Trade
	25th March 2007 marks the Bicentenary of the parliamentary abolition of the slave trade in Britain. This historic event will be remembered through a range of commemorative activities taking place this year across the UK. The National Lottery through the Awards for All programme and its joint partners - the Big Lottery Fund, Arts Council England Read more...

News - Creative focus on Hull as Photographer Applies Art By Julian Woodford
	John Blackburn is bidding to put Hull in the big league for photography after gaining entry into an exclusive group. The experienced image-maker believes his membership of the London-based Association of Photographers will strengthen the city's position in commercial and advertising markets. Mr Blackburn says: "Joining the Read more...

News, Funding - Grant In Aid Funding Deadline Friday 30th March 07.
	Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that it has £2 million per annum available over the next three financial years to fund Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) projects that assist it to meet its aim of enabling hard-to-reach individuals and businesses to get the right entitlements and pay the right amount of tax. The key customer Read more...

News, Politics - Hull Community Party Nominations - Deadline: Wednesday 28th March 07
	The Council Elections will be held in May and 19 Wards across the city will be electing one Councillor. Could that be you? You may have been working in the Community or Voluntary Sector for some time or you may be a Community Volunteer who has an interest in eradicating deprivation in Hull, either in the wider community or for one particular group or Area. Read more...

News, Arts - Questionnaire For Future Of Animation In Yorkshire And The Humber - Closing Date: Friday 6th April 07
	Do you work in animation in Yorkshire and the Humber? Would you like to influence the future development of animation? Your views are needed for an important piece of research about animation in the region. Regional screen agency, Screen Yorkshire and the National Media Museum in Bradford (formerly the National Museum of Photography, Read more...

News, Community - Share Your Views For Your Chance to Win!
	Would you like the chance to have your say on learning issues in Hull? How about the opportunity to win £200 in shopping vouchers? The Learners' Forum at Volcom is carrying out some research into people's views on learning. We'd like to hear from as many people from across Hull as possible - and that means you and the people your Read more...

News, - William Rodriguez, Feb 15th By Martin Deane Photographs by Roland Standaert
	It was a fitting date. The day, four years ago, when Britain held the biggest ever demonstration in its history - and for peace. And that is the intent of William Rodriguez, traveling the world, fighting for justice for the 9/11 families and survivors and, by telling his story, furthering the cause of true peace - built on truth. Read more...

News, Funding - Hull Youth Opportunity And Capital Funds Funding
	Are you aged 13-19? Or do you know anyone in that age group? If so, you have a last minute chance to apply for funding! The Youth Opportunity Fund is funding for activities and things to do - you can apply for between £100 and £5000. Read more...

News, Community - A Great Win For Goodwin In The BURA Awards
	The BURA Charitable Trust today announced the winners of its Awards for Community Inspired Regeneration 2006, and Hull's own Goodwin Development Trust has been selected as overall winner in category A, 'schemes with full-time paid employees'. Sponsored by Communities and Local Government, these awards are a celebration of communities that have Read more...

News, Funding - Petition To Stop Threat To Lottery Funding
	The 2012 Olympics are currently £900m over budget. To cover this shortfall the Big Lottery Fund (Lottery) are likely to be asked to contribute another £300m. This will directly impact on the money the Lottery would have been using to support groups in the voluntary and community sector. Whilst it may not directly impact on your day to day sustainability, it Read more...