I had emailed David Burns of Radio Humberside recently after he had drawn attention to a house which was the birthplace of J.Arthur Rank, the film-maker ; it had been in a dilapidated state for some time and is now to be restored as social housing. This had led to a discussion about Hull’s historical figures and their lack of recognition. My email had outlined my plan to create a sculpture trail in Hull’s East Park ,which would feature the folk-heroes of the city and hopefully provide positive inspiration for future generations.
I was invited, along with my pal Neil Edge, to briefly describe what the project entailed on air. Neil is in the process of writing a book on the subject of notable Hull people, and was an invaluable help in drafting a shortlist of suitable names for the sculptures.
The plan is to carve a series of panels into a number of docked trees in the park, each depicting a clue relating to one of the Hull characters. I’m aiming to involve the schools in the vicinity and make it a real community project, but all this depends on funding of course.
Barbara Buttrick, “The Mighty Atom”
After a shaky start I think we managed to get our ideas across ~ the name “Battling” Barbara Buttrick seemed to capture Burnsy’s imagination, and Neil told the tale of “The Hero of the Humber”, John Ellerthorpe, who swam like a dolphin and saved 39 people from drowning.
John Ellerthorpe: born in Rawcliffe, but the “Hero of the Humber”
Initial meetings with the Arts Development Office and East Park have gone very well, and things look promising. Watch this space!!!