‘We can promise a generous helping of brandy snaps and a really good turn on the dodgems’
Lord McCobb gives his maiden speech in the House of Lords(Image: Submitted)
Hull Fair got a very special mention in the House of Lords in new peer Lord McCobb’s maiden speech on Thursday – the first time the fair has ever been mentioned in parliament. Lord McCobb invited his peers to come and give the dodgems a go and to sample the Fair’s famous brandy snaps.
He described Hull Fair as one of the oldest events of its kind, dating back to a royal charter granted by Edward I in 1279, and one of the largest travelling funfairs in Europe. The House of Lords Library told Lord McCobb it can find no record of Hull Fair ever being mentioned in Parliament before. The Fair is under way this week for the 732nd time with closing day taking place on Saturday.
Lord McCobb said: “Hull Fair has been brightening up autumn in Hull for over seven centuries, and somehow it took until yesterday for it to get a mention in Parliament. I’m delighted to have put that right. I hope my new colleagues in the House of Lords will take me up on this invitation, whether this weekend or in a future year. We can promise a generous helping of brandy snaps and a really good turn on the dodgems.”
An invitation to Hull Fair was part of a wider celebration of Hull and East Yorkshire in Lord McCobb’s speech. Lord McCobb spoke about growing up locally, his father’s work at Hull University and his 24 years as a local councillor for the Beverley Road and Newland Avenue areas of Hull.
He highlighted the significant role the city has played in Britain’s past, and the beauty of the East Yorkshire coastline. He also reiterated his commitment to see the Government deliver on its commitment to improve rail connections between Hull, Sheffield and Leeds.
He said: “Hull and East Yorkshire have too often been overlooked by governments of all stripes and by the national media. This is a part of Britain with a rich history, a warm and witty people and a great deal to be proud of.
“In 2017, when Hull was UK City of Culture, we showed what the city can do when it is given the chance. I want Hull and the East Riding to be on the map for all the right reasons, and I will keep making that case in the House of Lords.”
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