The first sunshine in Pearson Park, Hull UK, February 2008

IT ALWAYS SMELLS IN HULL!

Damn! What is that smell? I seem to say that to myself every day!!

I read the other day that HULL (UK), had a “very interesting smell, depending on the weather”!

I would not go so far as to say it was interesting, more like DISGUSTING!

Number one culprit are the Leather Tanneries.



Hides and skins seem to give off a lingering stench, particularly bad in the mornings around the Wincolmlee area of the city!

Cocoa Mills you would imagine, would smell yummy like chocolate! Unfortunately not, the burnt acrid whiff floats over Hull regularly and would put you off chocolate for life!



Linseed Oil extraction plants based in the East of the city, near the river, give off a very pungent smell blown across the city on windy days.

Hull used to be a fishing port, but no longer, instead, at high tide the smell of salty cold water fills your lungs - not sure if that is a nice smell or not - it’s a matter of opinion. Low tide smells pretty foul too!




I am horrified to find and smell this on the pavement..



....and this gross mound on the road!!



I later spotted the culprit!




Finally, a smell we are all greeted with every day we visit the town shopping. A sewerage smell emulating from the poor drainage system under the shops positioned at the top of Whitefriargate. The fumes are particularly noxious and nauseating.

So do you live in a smelly city?, I know do!!

What is Poi Spinning?

WELCOME TO MY BLOG POST

A short insight into a hobby I have, enjoy!

I had no idea what "Poi Spinning" was until August last year when my eldest daughter, Sally returned from a music festival with a pair in hand.

The definition given, is a beautiful, highly visual performance art in which you create mesmerising patterns of circles around your body, accompanied by much "ooing" and "aaahing" from anyone standing watching you close by. The circles are created by trails of fabrics or fire, attached to the 'Poi' which you spin in stunning complex patterns as you dance.

Poi spinning originated in New Zealand, performed by the Maori people to increase upper body strength but now it is practised all over the world and by many different cultures.

Poi spinning is not only fun and visually entertaining but it can also offer you the following benefits:-

Improved left and right brain function.

Greater spatial awareness.

Helps prevents and manage high blood pressure.

Boosts energy levels.

Helps manage stress.

Releases tension and frustration.

Improves the ability to fall asleep quickly and sleep well.

Improves self-image and boosts confidence.

Counters anxiety and depression and increases enthusiasm and optimism.

Increases muscle strength, giving greater capacity for other physical activities.

Provides a way to share a fun activity with family and friends.

Good for the heart.

Its great fun!

My enthusiasm for this sport was addictive so felt it would be a great idea to start a group for interested Poisters, to practice together on a regular basis.

This was the founding of "Poi Practise in Hull". For networking, I started a Facebook group to encourage new members, post pictures and videos and have a bit of fun.

In the Summer, when the weather is good (ie dry), we meet in the local park, take our Poi, music and impress the Sunday park goers! Gradually other people with circus skills have joined us practising staff spinning, diablo and juggling balls. All visually very impressive.

Poi Spinners will tell you that most moves they perform are self-taught and each move achieved is a milestone and truly satisfying.The natural progression from Poi Spinning is Fire Spinning. Twirling fire holds a great thrill but you need to be very comfortable with the moves and VERY respectful of the dangers of Fire Spinning.

I have not been brave enough to reach that stage yet but by the end of 2008 I will have taken part in Fire Spinning!

There appears to be no age boundaries, for this beautiful art. Raphael (3) has his own set of Poi (especially adapted for the length of his arms) which he can swing expertly over his head and round his body. I am 46 and Poi with my 2 daughters and their friends in the garden, in the park or even abroad on the beach. Well I hope I have given you a little insight into my hobby and why I find it so appealing. Perhaps you might go take a look to find out more on this fascinating sport.