KCOM welcomes future pioneers as it celebrates 120 years of history

The broadband company was marking exactly 120 years to the day of the opening of its first ever exchange in Trippett Street, Hull city centre, by inviting youngsters from eight local Primary Schools, with help from Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University, to join in the fun.

As well as fun, food, games and a visit from Hull City mascot Roary The Tiger, the children also took part in cutting a giant cake shaped like one of KCOM’s iconic cream phone boxes.

Youngsters Arnold Nasara, 8, from Francis Askew Primary School, and Ella Bade, 9, from Adelaide Primary School, joined KCOM long server Brian Purchon, 75, retired exchange operator Sheila Cook, 89, and KCOM CEO Tim Shaw to cut the kiosk cake before joining in some party games and a disco.

Tim Shaw, said: “It’s been brilliant seeing the kids have so much fun here today. It’s made our 120th birthday extra special. It’s been great to celebrate our 120 years of history and heritage by welcoming in children who are the future of our city.

“A lot has changed since we started out as Hull Telephone Department in 1904, but one thing always remains the same - we are always at the heart of the communities we serve.”

Sheila Cook, who started work at the Telephone Department in the ‘Trunk Calls’ department in 1951, aged 16, said: “It’s been lovely to be invited back and to see everyone. I’ve spotted a few familiar faces.”

Sheila, who retired in the 1990s, added: “A lot has changed but It’s been nice to reminisce about old times and to be part of the 120th birthday party.”

Party guest Jenson High, 11, of Woodland Primary School, had an extra special reason to celebrate today as it was his birthday too.

Jenson, who wants to be a footballer when he grows up, said: “It’s been really fun. I enjoyed the party. It was good meeting Roary. I can’t imagine what it’s like to be 120 years old. It’s probably just a lot of sitting around and watching TV.”

All the youngsters who attended today’s event have already been part of the Children’s University’s project to decorate one of KCOM’s classic cream phone boxes with pictures of Hull heroes from history.

Rose James, CEO of Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, said: “It’s great to be part of this day and to give the children the chance to be part of something historic like a 120th anniversary.  This is something they will remember for many years to come.”

Last week, members of KCOM’s leadership team visited Hull Guildhall, where KCOM began life 120 years ago as Hull City Council’s Telephone Department. They were welcomed by Hull City Council leader Mike Ross, the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull Mark Collinson and Hull City Council Chief Executive Matt Jukes.

Councillor Mike Ross, Hull City Council Leader, said: “KCOM is an institution that is part of this city and has been a constant presence in Hull for all these years – first connecting it through the telephone and more latterly with broadband.

“I’d like to congratulate it on reaching its 120th birthday. I hope that, as it reaches this major milestone, it continues to give back to the city in the years to come as it does through its charity and community work.”

Councillor Mark Collinson, the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, said: “It’s great to see a company with its own unique local heritage reaching this landmark birthday. It’s been part of Hull’s distinct culture for so long and people recognise how It’s one of Hull’s unique signifiers that sets it apart from anywhere else.”

Matt Jukes, Hull City Council Chief Executive, said: “A 120-year anniversary is a huge milestone for any organisation, and I think it’s brilliant that KCOM is celebrating this major anniversary and is still based here in its home city of Hull. For long time, KCOM was actually part of the council, so it’s great to be able to celebrate this major achievement with them and be confident that they will continue to move forward playing a big part in the life of our city and the wider region.”