Maritime history expert to launch fresh series of talks

Mr Credland, former keeper of maritime history at Hull's Maritime Museum, has written several books on whaling; maritime art, artists and crafts; shipping, including a history of Hull's Wilson Line; and fishing in the Humber.

He retired two years ago after a 35-year career, but was made an MBE in this year's New Year's Honours List for services to maritime history.

The event is the first of the relaunched Thursday Night Live sessions at the library, which will host a variety of speakers on the second Thursday of every month.

On November 11, Mike Covell will discuss the case of Jack the Ripper and its links to Hull.

Mr Covell is a "Ripperologist" and historian, whose work has featured in Ripperologist magazine, and he has lectured

across the UK on the subject

of local history and Jack the Ripper.

Hull-born writer Russ Litten will discuss his career and the art of writing in the last event of the year on December 9.

The 42-year-old, whose

debut novel, Scream if You Want To Go Faster, will be published in January, is a former lyricist and advertising copywriter who has also written scripts for the film director Guy Ritchie.

His novel is being published by Britain's biggest selling book publisher Random House, and is set around Hull Fair with the 2007 floods as a backdrop.

All the speakers will hold question and answer sessions with the audience following their talks.

Librarian Hattie Johnson said the talks would resume in the new year and the idea was to keep the programme as varied as possible.

She said: "We aim to produce a varied and interesting programme of speakers over the next year, with something to appeal to everyone.

"The talks will last about an hour with some time for questions at the end."

The talks will take place in the reference library in Albion Street from 7.30pm and there will be a charge 2 to cover expenses and refreshments.

Tickets are available from the library or can be booked by calling (01482) 210000.