Ruth Creasey
Born in Hull and have always lived in and around Hull, except for four years spent living in London as a student. Graduated from University in 1987 with a BA Honours degree in Theology; qualified with a PGCE as a Primary School teacher in 1988.
From 1988 – 2015, taught in numerous primary schools across Hull, firstly as a full time class teacher then as a part time specialist teacher of English as an Additional Language. During this latter time, also set up and ran a successful home tuition business for 4 years.
In 2015, was asked by The Fishermen’s Mission to research, coordinate and produce an exhibition about Hull’s Fishing History and the work of The Fishermen’s Mission, to be displayed in various venues during the Year of Culture 2017 and beyond.
Was invited to join the STAND Committee as a Trustee in February 2017, subsequently being elected Secretary in June 2017. In June 2023 was elected as Chair of STAND and Secretary.
I work alongside my STAND colleagues to uphold the memory of Hull’s Lost Trawlermen, to promote Hull’s Fishing Heritage across the city and to highlight the work of STAND through, for example, fundraising and awareness events and talks/presentations to schools and local groups in the community.
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David Bennett Bsc. Hons, MRICS (Retired):
After graduating in 1983 with an Honours degree in Urban Land Economics, have worked mainly in the public sector until taking early retirement in 2016.
Was elected as a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in 1986.
Whilst working for Kingston upon Hull City Council, helped to develop, manage and arrange planned maintenance of the Council’s extensive property portfolio in Hull and adjoining area.
During my time with Hull City Council, was involved in working with STAND to progress development of a Memorial to the Lost Trawlermen of Hull. That involvement has continued on a voluntary basis following retirement which led to election as a Trustee on the STAND Committee in 2015. In June 2023 was elected STAND Treasurer.
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Vic Wheeldon :
Born 1945 in Waterloo Street, Hull, moving to Bilton Grange estate in 1951. Attended Hopewell Road Infant and Junior Schools then Maybury Road Senior School. Passed entrance exam for Boulevard Nautical School in 1958.
Left school in 1961, joining the fishing industry as Deckie Learner, having being influenced by my father and elder brother who were both fishermen.
Gained Mates certificate in 1967 and served with Thomas Hamlings until 1968 before moving to Hellyer Bros. Gained Skippers certificate in 1971 and promoted to Skipper in 1973.
Left the fishing industry in 1975, joining the Merchant Navy as First Mate in small cargo ships; was promoted to Captain in 1976 after gaining my Master’s Certificate.
Moved into the offshore supply industry in 1985 and retired in 2010.
Joined the STAND Committee as a Trustee – was elected Vice Chairman and then Membership Secretary until June 2023. In June 2023 was elected as Fishing Heritage Advisor to STAND and Membership Secretary.
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Steve Benson:
Born down Flinton Street, Hessle Road. Both of my grandads were Bosuns; the rest of my family either went to sea or worked as Bobbers.
Went to Westbourne Street School then onto Sydney Smith Secondary School.
Started work at Curry’s then moved to Rosen’s and, from there, went to work at Brigham & Cowan for two years.
Joined the Civil Service where I stayed for 10 years then moved to Hessle and went self-employed for 15 years.
Took up employment at a local school as a site manager until taking early retirement in December 2015 but do casual work. I now work for Hortons Funeral Directors and Jones Funeral Directors.
Joined the STAND Committee as a Trustee and also played a key role as a volunteer tour guide on the Arctic Corsair since 2013. Was the Arctic Corsair Liaison Officer for STAND. In June 2023 was elected as Fishing Heritage Advisor to STAND.
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