A River Full of Stories, book launch

It was a special day on Saturday when the culmination of Open Bridges ‘A River Full of Stories’ book was launched at Hull Maritime Museum. It was marvellous that there were so many people there who have contributed stories and photographs to the book. It was a whirlwind for us and went by in a flash, so thank you to everyone who took photographs during the afternoon so we know what went on!

First off, the book will be available to everyone at all libraries and museums in Hull and the East Riding from October 14th. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the book, museum curator Robin Diaper and staff at the museum.

Have a click through the gallery of photographs by  Syd Young, Jan Anderson and David Morris and thanks to Brett Hambling for the drawing. 

A River Full of Stories book launch with Robin Diaper by Syd Young

Lou and Vic Shirtliff by Syd Young

John Dean, Vic Shirtliff and Keith Eastwood by Syd Young

Martin Lewsley, River Full of Stories book designer in the mustard hat by David Morris

Les Drake

Janet Anderson and Keith Eastwood

Rich and Gary Saunt and Alex Davies by Syd Young

Lou and Briony McDonagh and Rich and Alex Davies by Syd Young

Rich and Gary Saunt, Alex Davies and John Medland by David Morris

Rich and John Dean, David Hamilton, Lynette Hocking and Dave Allam by Syd Young

Rich, Andy Burton, Pete Curry, Gary Saunt and John Medland by Syd Young with

Lou and Neville ‘Killer’ Pinder by Syd Young

Jan and Lou

Rich & Lou, Karen Walker and Linda Bragg by Syd Young

A River Full of Stories book launch by Syd Young

John Drury at River Full of Stories book launch by Syd Young with

A River Full of Stories book launch by Brett Hambling

Rich and Alison Bateman by Syd Young

Rich, John Medland and Gary Saunt by Syd Young

Rich and film maker Alex Davies by David Morris

Book cover

Lou and David Hamilton by Syd Young

Rich, Andy Richardson and Roy Whitehead by Syd Young

A River Full of Stories book launch by Syd Young

A River Full of Stories book launch by Syd Young

A River Full of Stories book and dust jacket off

A River Full of Stories book launch by Syd Young

Thank you to everybody who has contributed fascinating memories, stories and photographs, to all our partners and sponsors, and everybody in the River Full of Stories team.

“The River Hull as it was in its heyday is brought to life in a new book that tells first-hand accounts of life on and around the river and is illustrated with over 200 photographs from the 19th century to the present day, many previously unpublished or rarely seen.

The hardback presentation book, A River Full of Stories, is brimming with previously untold memories from river men and women whose lives were intertwined with the river as they worked, lived and played there.

A River Full of Stories celebrates the culture and heritage of the River Hull and is created by the organisers of Open Bridges who have produced copies for all libraries and museums in Hull and the East Riding where it is available from 14^th October.”

The Exhibition and Films

The free exhibition showcasing both the films made for Open Bridges and A River Full of Stories are on display at Hull Maritime Museum until the end of 2019. The museum is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm, and Sunday, 11am – 4pm.

Thanks to a great all Hull team: author Russ Litten and heritage researcher Andy Richardson of Freetownway Productions; film makers Philip Codd, Alex Davies and Humber Film Creative Community; Mike Sison & G.F.Smith; Dave Cosway & everyone at Wyke Printers and graphic designer Martin Lewsley of Atomluft Graphic Design.

And thanks to our sponsors: the National Heritage Lottery Fund; Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City; Kingstown Works Limited (KWL); Hull City Council and the Sir James Reckitt Charity.

Rich & Lou