TRADERS are being urged to get behind this year’s Hessle Road pram race.

Since the event was reintroduced in 2009, organisers have said not all shops and businesses have got into the spirit of the event.

 

FAST ‘N’ FURIOUS: Participants in last year’s Hessle Road Pram Race. Picture: Jack Harland
But now the Hessle Road Pram Race Trust is pushing to ensure as many retailers and traders as possible get involved.

Safety equipment company Arco has pledged £9,000 to ensure the event can be staged in the summer.

Irene Todd, of the company, has helped organise this year’s event.

She said: “Hessle Road is an integral part of Hull’s history.

“During these challenging times support for this area is critical to help maintain its unique retail outlets and community spirit.

“In order to do this groups supporting Hessle Road need to work together. Co-operation will offer us strength of numbers as we work towards the main goal – a better place to live and work.

“We have been trying to get people on board and finding out what traders want to make the pram race better.”

The trust is now looking to work with the newly formed Hessle Road Traders’ Association.

Mrs Todd said: “Recently, we attended a meeting of the association to offer support.

“Hopefully, this will be the start of a reciprocal arrangement with members of the association attending trust meetings. We look forward to working together in the future.”

Businesses have given their backing to this year’s race.

Manager of B&M at St Andrew’s Retail Park and traders’ association member, Ryan Gray, said: “More people are looking to get behind the pram race this year. The race is great for the area and pulls everyone together.

“It also brings people in who may not come to Hessle Road very often and lets them know what’s on offer here.

“We are supporting the event and have a team in both the pram race and the tug of war.

“Traders need to get behind this as it brings the community together.”

The historic race, originally called the Fish Dock Pram Race in the 1920s and 1930s, came about when the wives of the Hull trawlermen at sea would rush down West Dock Avenue to the trawler owner’s offices to draw their husband’s wages.

In recent years, the event was revived as a way to promote businesses while celebrating Hull’s history.

Last year, 3,000 spectators lined the street to watch 17 pram-pushing teams race to the finish line. Money raised supports local charities including the Network Young People’s Centre.

This year’s event will be on July 14, with “Go for Gold” Olympic-themed activities.

The route will begin at the Boulevard and finish at Rayner’s pub. There will be a carnival at Massey Playing Fields.

THE organisers of the Hessle Road pram race are celebrating after attracting a main sponsor for next year’s event.

Safety equipment company Arco has pledged £9,000 to ensure the traditional event can be staged in the summer.

Last summer’s pram race

There were fears this year’s event might have been scrapped due to lack of funding and the course had to be shortened to save money.

But with the backing of Arco, the cash will be available to pay for the barriers, marshals and the electrics.

Organiser Kim Hepple said: “It’s great that we have this money so far in advance of the event.

“We will continue to raise funds for the charities, but we know the full event is covered.

“It is a relief not to have to worry about funding, which means we can focus on the event itself.

“The event is growing in popularity again and this means we can have an even better one next year.

“Arco does a lot of good work in the community.”

Joint managing director of Arco, Nick Hildyard, is delighted to be backing the pram race.

He said: “The Hessle Road Pram Race has raised a fantastic amount of money for the local area in previous years, helping a wide range of local businesses and groups.

“Arco is proud to be the main sponsors of this historic event in the year that sees Great Britain hosting the Olympics, and to be supporting the economic regeneration of the local area.”

The historic race, originally called the Fish Dock Pram Race in the 1920s and 1930s, came about when the wives of the Hull trawlermen at sea would rush down West Dock Avenue to the trawler owner’s offices to draw their husband’s wages.

In recent years, the event was revived as a way to promote businesses while celebrating Hull’s vibrant history.

Last year, 3,000 spectators lined the street to watch 17 pram-pushing teams race to the finish line. The funds raised supported many local charities including the Network Young People’s Centre. Next Year’s event, being held on July 14, will encourage participants to “Go for Gold” in Olympic-themed activities.

The route will begin at the Boulevard and finish at Rayner’s pub.

There will be a carnival at Massey Playing Fields and organisers are appealing for groups such as cheerleaders and marching bands to take part in the procession on the day.

Anyone interested should call Kim Hepple on 07876 440484.