Hello everyone!!
I hope you’re all well and enjoying soaking up the amazing sunshine we are currently having. Firstly, my apologies to you all, I’ve neglected you. I’m bogged down with exam marking but I promise to take time now to catch up and read all your wonderful posts. Secondly, I want to share a little treat with you today before my June post for the Read The Year Challenge. So whilst I had a spare twenty minutes to sit in the park (look how postcard perfect it is!) I want to show you this little wonder.
Last week, every house in Hull received a copy of the magical Land of Green Ginger book. This book follows the huge success the city has had as City of Culture in 2017. Inside this amazing little book are the stories of the city, a bonfire in Longhill and an enchanted golden nose in Bransholme. The writer, Katie Fuller, has expressed her love of the project and its impact on the city.
“The project was for everyone; it was designed to surprise, delight, intrigue and remind everyone of the joy of unleashing a childlike imagination.”
The Land of Green Ginger was a flagship project which contained a number of events homed under one narrative, coming together at the end of the year for Land of Green Ginger Unleashed parade. This book is the seventh and final Act of Wanton Wonder and it’s a pure gift to the people of Hull. This book keeps the magic alive for future generations. Katy Riddell’s illustrations are so beautiful too!
What’s it all about?
This book contains a number of poems about different events in Hull. It starts with the prologue explaining about the Acts of Wanton Wonder and what the book is about. The magic is in the ordinary people, the sounds of the city and the delights it holds for us.
Act One: 7 Alleys
To some, the 7 Alleys are a place of fun, games and laughter. However, to others they are spooky. This poem centres around Scary Mary and children playing Knock Off Ginger. However, one boy, Richard, had to knock the door but he fell over! Disaster! He lands at the door of the most feared lady around. Nervousness follows. Yet, he meets Scary Mary and she wants to hear tales of the alleys. He explores and adventures with his friends who mock him about the baby fairy tales he’s believing. Nevertheless, he continues to believe and experience them from the previous events. He reports back the following day. (Not So) Scary Mary wants to go! We see her energised and excited; young again.
“The ground beneath them moves, Vibrating with beat of hooves.
A whinny, bells, the violin;
Smoke and sparks and it begins.”
Act Two: The Gold Nose Of Green Ginger
This poem centres around the arrival of the Gold Nose in Bransholme (found 50 years before as the first homes were being built.) Chelsea, a shop owner who deals with gold, didn’t have a clue as to what all the fuss was about and was rather curious. However, as interest in the Gold Nose increased, trade for her decreased. Following the belief that those who came into contact with the nose would be blessed with good luck, she wished hard for a baby of her own. However, she was a little bit underwhelmed at the appearance of such a special nose…
“But Chelsea would always remember that day.
For standing alone there with the Gold Nose,
The hope in her belly ignited and rose.”
Act Three: The Longhill Burn
This is probably my favourite part of this book. It’s just so so lovely! This poem celebrates the Longhill Burn which involved singing, dancing and excitement. Jimmy Johnson didn’t feel quite right; he knew something was missing. That one person is Laura. He takes a walk and bumped into the Firesmiths. Here he learns that they have been asked to build a fire. Not just any old fire though, a fire beyond anyone’s belief for Eastmount Playing Fields. The Firesmiths ask everyone to write down what gives you hope on a card ready for the fire, to free them into the world. His joy: Laura returns!
“All their hopes are crammed within,
And burning them till black and curled,
Will send them out into the world.”
Act Four: Re-Rediffusion’s Voice Park
Agnes, the main character of this poem, is wandering around Walton market, looking for supplies when she is approached by a man collecting voices. Agnes can make herself disappear and believes she has nothing of any value to say. He gives her a card in the hope she changes her mind, with details of a future event in the city. The Voice Park. She heads to Pickering Park on the bus having completely forgotten that chat some months ago when she feels a pull towards those who have the same cards as her. The noises, the lights, they’re all calling her. She finds the man from before who gives her a potion to help her speak, to give her a voice of power. Three months later she is transformed and she is now confident and a Hull Volunteer, helping others live the city.
“Then all of a sudden, to her great surprise,
She feels like her body’s been magnetised;
The pull is insistent, and she’s not alone”
Act Five: Micropolis
Dave was a watchman at the Springhead site where workers there deal with the constant stream of rubbish discarded by everyone in the city. One thing that causes him constant irritation is the flashing light. One evening he heard a sudden crash! What he sees is this incredible little city with its own shops and schools. Hours go by but Dave doesn’t leave: he’s entranced. He rushes back to tell everyone what he has seen. Crowds form to see it which is completely unexpected for him. Thankfully, they all love it too!
“Perhaps, he thinks, the time has come
To be a happier watchman.”
Act Six: Land of Green Ginger Unleashed
This final poem tells the story of how something is brewing in the city. People can hear horse hooves; something is approaching! Crates that brought this very book to the people of Hull are being described. People surround them, overtaken with curiosity. All of a sudden, the crates burst open and the tales of the city are for all to share. Giants, horses, Gold Noses, magic and song. Everyone is together, old and young. Life will not be the same again.
“And nevermore will life be dull.
Forevermore for those from Hull
These wanton, wondrous Acts will linger:
Memories of Land of Green Ginger.”
Overview:
This was a complete surprise in the post and what a magical little gift it is. I’ll treasure it forever. What a way to celebrate City of Culture. Life here has changed. Now, I realise many of you won’t get to see this. However, if you ever do get chance to read it or read about it, DO IT. Information Here!
Yet, the messages from this book are universal. The everyday, the ordinary, the people we meet make our lives extraordinary. You have all made a huge impact on my life.
Big love to you all xxx
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