A Time to Tell is a small collection of oral histories that reflect on community development work, carried out by people in Hull from the 1970s to 2017.  The memories include stories and thoughts about the evolution of Hull’s community and voluntary sector and community development work. Some of the orators tell us a little of their journey into community work and/or volunteering. Others reflect on and provide a personal critique of their journey and Hull community work. Their opinions and their storytelling show a great belief, passion, pioneering spirit, and determination to support people develop their communities, even when things went wrong, or misfired at times.

The oral histories show how local and national government schemes, plus influence and partnership working with the community/voluntary sector and communities led to a host of Hull projects such as the community centre strategy, community development companies, community regeneration, community engagement work, community health work and refurbishment of community buildings.

Difficulties and tensions are also highlighted as well as that indomitable spirit that is Hull, raising voices to influence what happened in the city and its neighbourhoods, to help improve quality of life for all.

David Burnby

Roslyn Abbott

Carol Osgerby

Liz Shepherd