Hull is a city of poetry. There are the poets who came to Hull such as Philip Larkin, Andrew Motion and Douglas Dunn – and those born in the city like Andrew Marvell, Stevie Smith and Maurice Rutherford.

The least well known is Rutherford. Born in Albert Avenue in 1922, he spent his working life in Hull’s ship-repair industry, all the time writing poetry that was funny, self-deprecating, moving and, above all, readable. Maurice died last year at the grand age of 103.

On Saturday night at Hull Truck his long and literate life was celebrated. The Shakespearian (and Hessle Road born) actor Barrie Rutter presided over a cast that included Maurice’s daughter, the artist Jeannie Clarke, her folk singing husband, Phil Curry and an array of musical and literary talent – plus me. I read two of Maurice’s poems from the anthology ‘And Saturday is Christmas’.

The collection is still in print along with other Maurice Rutherford books for those who wish to experience the brilliance of a great Hull poet.