The 13 things an outsider like me will never understand about this great city
AS A NEWCOMER TO HULL, REPORTER NATHAN STANDLEY SHARES HIS INSIGHTS INTO ITS QUIRKY TRAITS
THERE are some things that a person who is not from somewhere will never get about that place which simply come naturally to those that are from there. As someone who had almost nothing to do with Hull until partway through last year, I feel I am in a unique position to question all the quirky traits to the city that natives may not even notice.
And in such strange and uncertain times, it is certainly important to take stock, look around and take pride in the characteristics that make Hull such a vibrant mesh of close-knit communities.
In this way, though we are currently confined mostly within the walls of our own homes, we will be able to pull together at a time when some may feel more isolated than ever.
From the people and the food to the proud traditions and history, here are some of the things that still baffle me about the city.
1. The accent
I actually really enjoy the Hull accent.
Though in some cases the Hull diallect really does fit the remit of “not understanding” something about the city, I could listen to someone tell me they “dern’t knerr” the answer to my question all day long.
For those as in the dark as I am, here is a handy guide of translations to some of the Hull colloquialisms I’ve come across so far:
“Tenfoots” (or snickets) = an alleyway (traditionally ten feet wide)
“Maftin” = a bit warm
“Silin’ down” = raining heavily “Cocklin’ over” = to fall, specifically rolling an ankle in the process
2. The food
I’m sure there’s still plenty left for me to learn when it comes to the food of Hull.
It was a dark cold night out at the marvel that is Hull Fair in October that I was first introduced to the twin delicacies of patties and chip spice.
You will struggle to hear any complaints from me when served up with a deep-fried ball of breadcrumbed potato and stuffing.
But chip spice is something I’ll never tire of either.
Though the paprika tinges give hints of Mexican origin, it is a proud Hull institution and one that should never be questioned.
3. Hull Fair
Having mentioned Hull Fair, I may as well go all out and say it, too, is something that really baffled me when I was first introduced to it last year.
Mere weeks after starting work in the city, I was faced with this army of fair workers setting up camp in a ginormous car park to put together what is probably the biggest fair I have ever seen.
It made for a fantastic night out, a full-blown attack on the senses made up of blaring music pounding out of the waltzers and coloured flashing lights at every turn.
And then, almost as soon as it had arrived, it was gone, and everyone continued as normal as if it was entirely normal. Love it.
4. The traffic
In these times of “WFH” (working from home), it seems strange to say that I actually miss the miles-long tailbacks heading into Hull on the A63 every morning.
I just miss the regular landmarks passing by and spotting the sights I see every day that represent comfortable familiarity.
The funny little scuba model outside Eight Acre Lake, the Humber first coming into view, passing under the bridge - and then crawling past Hessle towards St Andrews Quay.
It will be a happy day when that journey can be made again.
5. The real characters
Hull is one of the friendliest cities I have ever been to.
And in Hull, like in every city, there are tales of people’s favourite cult heroes.
I was delighted to hear the stories of “Hiya John” and “Tony Werewolf”.
John Hastie, better known as Hiya John, was a familiar face around Bransholme and Sutton Park for a number of years.
Unfortunately, John’s brother confirmed that he passed away several years ago, but left hundreds of people in the area with fond memories of chatting with him.
Elsewhere, Tony Mellors, aka Tony Werewolf, has become an icon of Hull folklore remembered by generations of visitors to East Park for his hairy legs and trademark howl.
6. The Humber Bridge
Though the bridge isn’t in Hull itself, it is a sight that I will always associate with the city – passing under it at least twice every day.
It is now a sight that always makes me smile when I’m on my way back into Hull.
In 2017 the Humber Bridge was given grade one listed status by