In this blog series, we talk to people about their connections to Hull and what the city means to them. In this post Pat Broderick tells us about moving to Hull as a ‘Westie’ and never wanting to leave…

Thanks for chatting to us! First things first – tell us a bit more about you.

I was born, some considerable time ago, in Goole which was then in the West Riding of Yorkshire.  I was educated at a local primary school and then attended Goole Grammar School until the age of 18.  At that point I moved to Sheffield to undertake a teacher training course, but quickly realised that this career was not going to be for me, so after the first year I withdrew from the course and returned home.

Okay, what’s your relationship to Hull?

After withdrawing from my course in Sheffield, I had to decide what to do, having absolutely no idea of what I wanted to do in the future.   I decided to apply for a one year Secretarial course, run by the Hull College of Commerce, as it sounded interesting, was not too long and would give me some useful skills.  So the confirmed “Westie” (West Riding of Yorkshire person) moved across the river to the East.  On completion of the course I was lucky enough to get a job as a secretary at the University of Hull.   My intention was to stay a couple of years, gain some experience and then move back to the West Riding, Leeds or Sheffield, or even to London.    So some 50+ years later I am still here!  There is something about this city that grabbed me and I never really wanted to leave.  I met my partner here and we settled down quite happily.   He unfortunately died a few years ago, but I have a wonderful supportive family of brothers, children and grandchildren, as well as many good friends

I stayed working at the University until retirement at which point I looked for something else to do and volunteered with City of Culture in 2017.   What an experience that was – so many opportunities to see and do things which I would otherwise never have experienced.  As a result, I have continued as a volunteer since then and now enjoy working with Hull and East Yorkshire Volunteers as well as working with other organisations on projects initially started during City of Culture year.

Can you tell us about a place in the city that’s special or memorable to you?

A very difficult questions as there are so many places in this city that I find fascinating – the old town and its cobbled streets, the marina area as I love the sea and boats, Victoria Square for the wonderful architecture around it.  But I think my special place is Hull Minister.  I love the atmosphere of the building, its amazing history as a church overlooking this city for over a thousand years, its architecture and its location in Trinity Square surrounded my other amazing buildings, such as Trinity House. I find it fascinating that well known figures such as William Wilberforce were baptised in this church, and that so many famous names are also to be found on the walls of the building.

What’s one thing we absolutely need to include in a history of Hull?

The history of the fishing industry in Hull – and the history of Hull and its people during the blitz (sorry I know that’s two!).

Finally, what’s your favourite thing about the city?

Hull has a quality about it which is very hard to define.  Its location at the end of the railway line and the M62/A63 has meant Hull and its people have always been independent, and have looked outwards to Europe and the rest of the world and to links that were made through trade and fishing.   So for me the maritime history of Hull is one of my favourite things as it helped shape the city in so many ways.

Thanks so much – it’s been a pleasure chatting to you and learning more about your relationship to our city!