“It’s not a job – it’s a way of life”

Thanks to everyone who came to the second memory sharing workshop for the River Full Of Stories book, film and exhibition, at Hull Maritime Museum last weekend. It was another marvellous day. John Dean, Keith Eastwood, Janet Anderson, Edward Moore, Dave Allam and Ann Smith, joined us in conversation with writer Russ Litten and Andy Richardson, sharing stories about life on the River Hull. thanks to everyone for bringing wonderful old photographs, some of which you can see further down the page.

Janet, Keith, John, Dave, Ted, Ann. Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

Keith and John, Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

Phil and Dave. Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

Phil filming. Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

John, Lou, Janet. Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

Andy filming in the Court Room. Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

From tales of bringing up families on the river to poaching, colourful characters and even murder, it was amazing to hear. Janet’s stories and photographs of her family on the river go back many years. One of 10 children, her Mother and Father – Roy Webster – brought up four of them all under school age on a working barge. Keith Eastwood, also from a family of 10 has fascinating memories of life as a Lighterman on the river. Edward (Ted) Moore’s tales of his Grandfather began in the early 20th century and his Father worked on a sloop from from age of 8. Ann Smith’s Grandfather was a Lighterman and his sister brought up 5 children on a barge. Thanks to Dave Allam for coming and lending us a selection of illuminating books. John Dean told of a Riverman’s journey through the ’60s, to the present day; working tugs and the last remaining dry dock on the River Hull.

Thanks to Janet Anderson for these wonderful photos of her family. Janet’s Dad Ray Webster and Grandfather can be seen amongst the Rivermen on a day trip from the Ship Inn. Click on an image to see the full picture and scroll through the gallery…

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Janet’s 5 oldest siblings, brought up on a barge. Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Open Bridges: River Full of Stories Photograph courtesy of Janet Anderson

Thanks to Ted Moore for these amazing postcards of the river tugs and Grandfather Richard Moore on the sloop. Click on an image to see the full picture and scroll through the gallery…

Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories, Photograph courtesy of Edward Moore

Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories, Photograph courtesy of Edward Moore

Clansman Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories, Photograph courtesy of Edward Moore

Active (HMS Southampton in background) Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories, Photograph courtesy of Edward Moore

Aquila Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories, Photograph courtesy of Edward Moore

S T Englishman Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories, Photograph courtesy of Edward Moore

The whole session was filmed by Phil Codd and Andy Hopkin for the River Full of Stories film, and we are still gathering stories and memories for the book, exhibition and website. If you would like to come to The River Full Of Stories public launch on Saturday 22nd September let us know, it would be great to see you, all welcome.

Click here to contact us

The idea for A River Full Of Stories came about when many of the 2000 visitors to the Open Bridges exhibition inside Scale Lane Bridge told us fascinating stories and memories of their lives working on and around the river.  We wanted to capture these memories and stories and share them with future generations. With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, we will produce a film, exhibition, website and book.

Do you have memories about life on and around the River Hull over the years? We have had a great response from a host of people with fascinating memories and stories. We’re coming to end of our story gathering, but it’s not too late to get in touch if you would like to chat to us. Click here to contact us

Rich & Lou Duffy-Howard

Thanks to Saturday’s team, Russ Litten, Hull Maritime Museum, Andy Richardson,  and Andy Hopkin & Phil Codd of Humber Film.

Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

Open Bridges: A River Full of Stories

Open Bridges made history when for the first time all 13 of the bridges over the River Hull in the UK’s City of Culture 2017 raised, swung or closed simultaneously splitting the city of Hull in two at 20:17 hours on 22nd September 2017.  Historic vessels sailed down the river, met by 21st century tugs, to the sound of a new musique concrète work by composer John Stead.

Open Bridges is an independent Hull/East Yorkshire based project.