As we come to the end of the year, we are reflecting on all the stories we have published over the past 12 months and it has certainly been a year of ups and downs.
It’s been a tough year financially, with the increased cost of living still affecting the vulnerable in Hull and forcing businesses to close down. We’ve also had a change of government in the wake of the General Election.
This year was also when the Legacy funeral homes investigation began, prompting nationwide calls for increased regulation. Our court reporter has also been kept busy with several high profile murder trials.
But there are also stories of spectacular events, the birth of animals and the beautiful Northern Lights that captured your attention. Below are some of our most-read stories of the year from January up until June.
January 2024
Piece of Amy Johnson’s lost plane discovered
Hull aviatrix Amy Johnson vanished in 1941 and was believed to have died when her plane crashed into the Thames Estuary in Kent. Her body was never found but a fragment of the plane – thought to be the only surviving piece – was discovered and went up for auction.
Kent Battle of Britain Museum paid £3,673.60 (hammer £2,800) for a fragment from the parachute exit door that Amy would have used to leap from the plane before it crashed.
Man accused of murdering Claudia Kambanza
A young woman called Claudia Kambanza tragically lost her life after she was stabbed in Hinderwell Street in February. The 22-year-old was described as “bubbly and warm-hearted” in a tribute by her family.
A man was charged with murder and the case is expected to be heard in March 2025.
February 2024
Man jailed for killing much-loved granddad
A man was jailed after his ill-fated decision to overtake in fog resulted in the death of a much loved partner, father, and granddad. David Sixsmith, 64, died after his motorcycle was struck while he was riding home on the B1249 between Langtoft and Driffield.
Driver Stephen Clark, 28, made the “obviously dangerous manoeuvre” because he was in a hurry, Hull Crown Court was told. Clark was jailed for four years and eight months.
After the verdict, David’s widow made a poignant tribute to her husband and described the constant pain of his loss.
Hull’s historic Spurn Lightship moves to Marina
The iconic lightship, which is undergoing a major restoration programme, made a short journey to a permanent berth close to Murdoch Connection, to take pride of place in Hull Marina once more.
(Image: Hull City Council/Neil Holmes)
March 2024
Humberside Police investigate Legacy funeral homes
In a complicated case that cast a dark shadow over Hull, Humberside Police removed ashes and 35 bodies from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors. The force said it was investigating after it received a call about “concern for the care of the deceased”.
So far, nobody has been charged in connection with the incident but, in September, Humberside Police said it was in talks with the Crown Prosecution Service.
East Yorkshire woman’s abuse of husband shocks the nation
A harrowing Channel 5 documentary about the abuse an East Yorkshire man suffered at the hands of his wife shocked people across Britain. My Wife, My Abuser: The Secret Footage showed nanny cam footage of Sheree Spencer holding a carving knife while verbally abusing her husband Richard.
Humberside Police detectives played the footage to Spencer without sound and she was caught in a lie when she pretended she had been carrying the knife because he had threatened to kill her and she wanted him to “just do it”. She was jailed for four years.
Hull’s Tower Of Light spectacular
Volunteers carried flaming torches on Hull’s waterfront before a spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky. The Marina came alive with fire and music as the Tower Of Light event shone a beacon on the city’s maritime heritage.
The spectacular Tower of Light performance at Hull Marina, on Thursday March 15 2024.
(Image: Donna Clifford)
April 2024
Drypool Bridge emergency closure
Back in April, the emergency closure of Drypool Bridge caused traffic problems for many commuters across Hull. Inspections found the steel within the concrete columns holding up the fixed east span of the bridge were under severe stress.
Thankfully, the bridge was reopened after inspections concluded that the bridge is safe to use while major repairs are planned which could take several months.
May 2024
Liberal Democrats win Hull City Council election
The Liberal Democrats remained in control of Hull City Council following the declaration of local election results in May. The party lost a net total of two seats, while the Labour opposition made a net gain of two seats.
Northern Lights shine over Hull
Also this month, people across Hull and East Yorkshire were treated to the magnificence of the Northern Lights. The rare treat was photographed by dozens of residents who managed to capture the beauty of the aurora borealis.
Superheros come to Hull
Superheroes descended upon Hull’s streets, boosting footfall and providing a half-term holiday lift for city centre businesses in May. Characters like Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman drew thousands to the spectacular event.
Superheroes entertaining crowds in Queen Victoria Square.
(Image: HullBID)
June 2024
Hull woman loses leg after blister complication
A woman from Hull suffered an extreme complication to an infected blister when she developed sepsis and had to have her leg removed to save her life. Charlie Beardshall-Moore, of Newland Avenue, said she was in a wheelchair and suffering from depression after losing her independence.
“I have worked all my life,” she said. “I want to be able to go back to work and not be off on the sick.”
Penguin chick arrives at Sewerby Hall – grandchild of the famous Rosie
And to end on a positive note, June saw the announcement of a delightful penguin chick born at Sewerby Hall & Gardens. It is the grandchild of the late Rosie, who was one of the world’s oldest Humbolt penguins.