Hull Maritime Foundation

David is a professor of cultural and historical geography. A leading academic, historian, writer and broadcaster. He's worked in the city since 1998 and has researched how Hull's histories inform our heritage, contemporary change, and the city's distinctive sense of place. David was an editor of Hull: Culture, History, Place - the University’s history of the city produced for UK City of Culture, 2017; he was also central to the best-selling Historic Map of Hull project (2017).

His current research explores Hull's roles in the series of marine energy transitions from eighteenth- and nineteenth-century whaling, through twentieth century offshore oil and gas, to our growing wind turbine sector.

Matthew joined the Board in April 2023 and works at Freightline and sees his key skills as stakeholder management, strategic analysis, communications and management.

"I am a trustee as it improves my skills, introduces me to new and interesting people, provides some assistance to a really good cause, and is fun.

"I am incredibly fortunate to be involved in the maritime industry. Growing up, I did not live near the sea nor did I know anybody who worked at sea. But at the end of my schooling, I got a glimpse of how people who work at sea influence the world and was immediately hooked. I want all people to see what I saw. How knowing what is happening in the big blue yonder, can help make sense of some of the things that are happening in the world. The Hull Maritime Foundation is doing this. Like nautical navigation, it is plotting where the city has been, to know where it is going. Really looking forward to the next couple years, bringing more people on the journey, and finding the next destination."

Nick joined the Foundation in November 2024 and is the Managing Director of Rix Shipping.

"Having grown up in the local area and attended Trinity House School, I have always been aware of the unique maritime heritage that we have here. It later inspired me to join the merchant navy which has given me unique experiences and opportunities as well as a career in shipping ashore.

"Becoming a Trustee of HMF is an opportunity to help inspire the next generation to take up an interest in our maritime heritage and showcase our history, culture and famous local welcome to visitors from around the country and hopefully the world!"

Susan joined the HMF trustees in 2019 and led the recent recruitment of new trustees to the Board. She is the Director of the Burton Constable Foundation and lives in the East Riding.

Rosslyn joined the Board in April 2022.

Ros brings over 40 years experience working within and across the public, private, and third sectors for a wide variety of organisations, from local authorities and economic development consultancies to national environmental charities. Her particular interest is in the contribution of the creative industries, heritage and green space to wellbeing and quality of life, sustainable growth and social and economic resilience. She has used her planning and development expertise at a senior level to support initiatives as varied as the London Olympics, national heritage, area regeneration and environmental education in schools. Ros has been an HMF Trustee for over two years and continues to be energised, excited and incredibly impressed by the team’s achievements and its far reaching vision for the Hull of the future.

She volunteers at Board level with a number of charities and is a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and an Academician at the Academy of Urbanism

Jonathan joined the Board of Trustees in April 2022.

He is now retired after a long and successful career in outdoor advertising. He lives locally, having relocated to the region after retiring and is a keen advocate for the city.

“Having been born and raised in Liverpool, I have always had a great affection for living near the sea. Additionally, I tend to always support the underdog. And they don’t come much more underdog than Hull.

"Promoting Hull and its unique maritime heritage has proved very rewarding and I look forward to continuing in this role right up to and including the opening of Hull’s Maritime Museum in 2026.”

Rebecca joined the Foundation in November 2024.

Rebecca was born and raised in Withernsea and felt a sense of connection and curiosity about the seas from a young age.

With a love for history, and a specific interest in pre-history, Rebecca has always held an appreciation for keeping our history alive and frequented our wonderful (and free!) museums quarter in Hull.

Now living and working in Hull, Rebecca’s interest shifted to the ancient and modern maritime history of Hull & the East Riding. With experience in community engagement, partnership building, fundraising and a degree in Psychology – Rebecca hopes to engage with supporters on projects and looks forward to developing and sharing her growing understanding of Hull’s rich history.

John joined the Foundation in November 2024.

"I’m originally from Beverley and inherited a pride and an interest in Hull’s fishing history through my Grandad who worked at the shipyard in Beverley where many of Hull’s trawlers were built. Over the years I learned about the Hessle Road community, the hardships that the trawlermen faced at sea, and the struggles their families had at home, three-day millionaires, electric blue suits and flat toed shoes, along with the impact of the cod wars and the impact they had on Hull as a city.

"I’ve been involved in charity fundraising for most of my career, working in a number of national and well-known organisations, and am looking forward to working with the trustees and staff to raise the profile of the foundation, the profile of Hull as a place to visit and spend time, and help to raise funds to deliver more fantastic projects around this great city and the East Riding."

Why I want to be involved.

"I‘ve lived in Northampton for over 20 years, and visit the East Riding and Hull regularly, I’m always struck by how much Hull is a hidden gem, the marina, Humber Street, the old town, the grandeur of the buildings and just how much happened in Hull, the history and the people, the friendly welcome, great views and the majesty of the Humber.

"The city of culture year seems to me to have had a powerful and lasting impact on Hull – the city has a confidence and a pride like never before. I believe we can share this, spread the word, and help to change the image of the city and the region by building on this legacy. A visitor to Hull might be mildly surprised at the architecture, the places to visit and the absolutely fantastic night out – so let’s get together and tell everyone!"