I OFTEN think that the West Marsh ward is a microcosm of the old Humberside county.
That was divided by a river, the Humber, while we are split into two thanks to the free-flowing River Freshney.
This natural division is not made easier by the poor level of public transport non-existent at weekends, bank holidays or in the evenings.
Consequently, people stick to their own side of the river when it comes to accessing local facilities.
As a result, no single community centre can claim to speak for the entire West Marsh.
Instead, the hub of the ward is the Freshney itself and the Duke Of York Gardens (or The Bully) through which it flows.
That's why the community day on Saturday, May 21 is so important.
Organised since last year by the Friends Of The Freshney, it seeks to involve as many different groups as wish to show their community spirit.
It isn't primarily designed to raise money, though obviously costs like insurance have to be covered.
Rather, its purpose is to bring people together to help promote the positive side of the West Marsh and what goes on there.
Having said that, those who join in the fun by either selling prize draw tickets in advance or having a stall will be able to keep a good percentage of any money raised for their own particular organisation.
Already we have the promise of support from various agencies, including the police, the fire service and children's services.
Weather permitting, that bug bear of outdoor events in Britain, it's all coming together to be another fun-filled day.
It isn't too late to get involved, either to just help on the day or to have your own stall.
So ring 01472 353700 if you want to join in with one of the highlights of the West Marsh's annual calendar.