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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

October 7 Robb Robinson, ‘Hull, Yorkshire’s Maritime City: the inland waterways dimension’. Part of Cottingham Local History Society Talks Programme for 2026-2027 Civic Hall, Cottingham, 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. Admission fee £2 for members, £4 for visitors.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Terrier Tuesday. Two photos of our Bella who passed away last year aged seventeen.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Saw anti whaling ship Bandero, being held in Reykjavik yesterday. Operated by conservationist action group, the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, it was boarded by the Icelandic Coast Guard after allegedly entering Iceland's 12-mile territorial waters, apparently heading for Icelandic whaling vessel.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The latest bi-monthly lunch of City of Hull AC old athletes in the Duke of Cumberland, Cottingham. A good time was had by all. Interesting to think that our club - formerly known as Hull Harriers - held its second ever event, a paper chase, from the Duke of Cumberland back in autumn 1882.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Photographs from opening of the excellent 'Reuben Chappell, Master of Masts' exhibition at Goole Museum. Dr Alex Ombler, one of my old students, curated the exhibition. Really worth a visit if you like a combination of art and all things maritime. Excellent documentary to watch there as well.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Dave Ainsworth, Robb Robinson, John Devaney and Pete Blowers, on the way to our marshalling positions near Ferriby Foreshore for the last City of Hull AC Champagne League Race of the 2026 season.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

Sad state of Poplar Farm. Known to many people from across UK and beyond who pass by when travelling along National Cycle Highway One between Cottingham and Beverley, East Yorkshire. Working farm until sold a few years ago; part of historic fabric of area. Place seems unprotected and vandalised.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Talking of heatwaves, it is somewhat sobering to think this photograph was taken in the hot summer of 1976 when working at Capper Pass in Melton unloading railway wagons full of tin ore, probably from the Wheal Jane Mine in Cornwall. Had a beard back in those days. It was certainly warm that summer.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Akershus Fortress in Oslo. Construction started early 1290s. So much of Norway's history within its walls.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creating-a...

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Along the Cleveland Way between Staithes and Runswick Bay a couple of days ago.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Low tide down on the beach at South Landing, Flamborough yesterday looking at the remains of the medieval pier.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

And in and amongst the undergrowth along a section of Danes Dyke.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

On the Cleveland Way between Saltburn and Staithes.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Fun and games at opening race of 2026 Champagne League season. Marshalling with Pete Blowers and John Devaney in fields beyond Hotham. Great to see Steve Rennie who has been running in this race series since it started in 1970s and still in first 30% of runners when he passed us.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Outside the Levan Bar in Peckham yesterday. Launch of new album by the Orielles. Our Lou, Ben, Chef Helen and the Orielles. Food and music were excellent. All round great time.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Yesterday's views of the Second World War Bent Rigg Radar Station (1941) and also of the Beast Cliff on the path between Ravenscar and Hayburn Wyke on the North Yorkshire coast.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Down where the River Hull meets the Humber estuary, near The Deep yesterday afternoon.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Privileged to be presenting the prestigious Mike Stammers Memorial Lecture for Centre for Port and Maritime History at the Museum of Liverpool on the 6th May 2026. Looking at forgotten but vital role of fishermen and fishing communities all around the coasts of the British Isles in the Great War.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

Lunch in Ambiente, Hull with other former Trustees and officials of Viola Trust after our final meeting. l - r. Myself, Dominic Ward, Norman Court, Phil Ascough, Paul Escreet, Andrew Marr, Prof David Drewry, Admiral Nick Lambert. PS paid for ourselves. Interactive Viola now with Hull Maritime.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Charlotte Carrivik Band at East Riding Theatre yesterday afternoon. Excellent.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Villefranche-sur-Mer, once HQ for US Sixth Fleet. A few years ago a large anchor recovered offshore was unveiled as a monument to the historic ties and friendship between US Navy sailors and local people. Made by W.L. Byers anchor manufacturers of Sunderland - their anchors used extensively in WW2.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

From Edwardian North Sea trawler then Great War U-boat hunter to sub-Antarctic exploration vessel and witness to the Falklands War. Read the remarkable story of the people whose lives and livelihoods were tied up with this remarkable maritime survivor.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Hull and the Greenland controversy. In 1605 Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway, appointed Hull sailor James Hall as pilot on Greenland expedition to locate Viking colonies founded by Erik the Red c1000 AD. Contact had been lost c1500. Made three voyages for King Christian to Greenland. His map

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Fishing News article on how we worked with Glasgow School of Art to create a virtual Viola. The ship, which is still around, now beached at Grytviken, South Georgia, had an epic career and whilst on Admiralty service had many engagements with enemy U-boats and was directly involved in two sinkings.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Sad news. Death of Brian Cooke, epic runner and effervescent character. One of those who really established northern road running in 1950s. Formerly a Hull Harrier then Haltemprice Road Runners. Won many events including the SLH 30 Mile Road Race in 2hrs 52. Ran for England; represented Yorkshire.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Find out more about the remarkable career of the Viola - and the men and women whose lives and livelihoods were tied up with this vessel - here

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Read more in my book 'Far Horizons: from Hull to the Ends of the Earth'.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

This year marks 200th anniversary of 'Dendrologia Britannica, or trees and shrubs that will live in the open air of Britain, throughout the year' by Peter William Watson of Thwaite Street, Cottingham. Copy of beautifully illustrated book in Hull History Centre. Epitome of 19th cent. green Georgian.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

Forgive my rubbish photography but very distinctive dawn rainbow behind our back garden this morning.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Really sad today. Baxter, who belonged to my brother and sister in law, collapsed and died last night. Part of an unforgettable trio with their spaniel Monty and our Bella. All got on so well, all have gone in the last couple of years. End of an era. The three musketeers gave us all so much. XXX

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

He had been a member of the Triple Alliance and NTWF and in the early tranche of working men who became JPs. Loved music halls and the like. George William McKee and his Hull Seamen's Union executive once set a challenge for Harry Houdini.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Family maritime centenary- 30/11/1925. My great grandfather, George William McKee,Humber Secretary, National Sailors and Firemen's Union presented with this clock by trawler section on retirement.Had been secretary of Hull Seamen's Union until amalgamation. Didn't see eye to eye with Havelock Wilson

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Virtual Viola, created for Trust by Glasgow School of Art launched at Hull Trinity House, courtesy of Elder Brethren. Presentation donated to Hull City Council; also for use by South Georgia Museum. Mike Ross, leader HCC, Alison Neil CEO SGHT,patron Alan Johnson there.Event streamed to Stanley.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

A reunion yesterday afternoon with Mark, Dave, Andy, our Bruce and Paul in the George down the Land of Green Ginger in Hull where we used to rendezvous on Friday evenings in the early 1990s.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Read about the creation of the Virtual Viola

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Read about the men and women whose lives and livelihoods were tied up with this little vessel built in 1906 and still around, now beached on the remote sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. A true twentieth century story of the sea in peace and war which covers the long Atlantic Ocean.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Read about the men and women whose lives and livelihoods were tied up with this little vessel built in 1906 and still around. A true twentieth century story of the sea in peace and war which covers the long Atlantic Ocean.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

I am giving the opening/keynote lecture at The 2025 Scottish Maritime History Conference in Glasgow next week. 'Virtual Viola: electronically salvaging the career of the world’s oldest steam trawler'.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Orsino was sister ship of HM Trawler Viola (members of the Hellyer Fishing Fleet all named after Shakespearean characters). Viola was then on anti-submarine duties off Shetland and is still around to this day lying at Grytviken, South Georgia. Later involved in sinking two U-boats. Read more here.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

A night at the spectacular Oslo Opera House. A glorious fusion of music and modern architecture. Rusalka by Dvorak.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

Sailing along the Aurlandsfjorden this morning.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

An outing by Hull Harriers (now City of Hull Athletic Club) in the early years of the twentieth century.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Hull Heritage Open Days 2025 brochure now out.Have contributed two articles, one on Hull & E R Green Georgians. Apt that we have a tri-centenary and a bicentenary relating to remarkable locals with superb green credentials in year the green of Queens Gardens gradually being revealed. !st pages here

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

A spot of filming with Phil Ascough and Dave Lee on the top of Two Humber Quays Building, Hull with the Old Town, Marina and Humber estuary as backdrop.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

The cap of Skidby Windmill is now on the ground. I really hope it will not be long before cap and a set of sails are back on this wonderful building. Seems ages since it was last working.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

National Cycle Route is over 1200 miles long. They have closed a section near Beverley at the height of summer for "improvement.'. Thing is, obvious alternative cycle routes here are closed due to other 'improvements'. The alternative suggested is to share the narrow, twisty Dunswell Lane with cars.

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Want a summer read with a maritime theme? Then try Viola (Lodestar Books). A true twentieth century story of men and women whose lives and livelihoods were linked to to one little ship, built in 1906 and still around. A story of war and peace and the long Atlantic Ocean,

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Robb Robinson @robb51.bsky.social · 25/05/2025

Fimber Halt today. Yorkshire Wolds Railway celebrating ten years. What a great little line, well worth a visit.

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