Chief reporter Jack Tolson takes a look back at the Chronicle archives of twenty years ago.
GREAT ESCAPE HERO MEETS PUBLISHERS
GREAT Escape hero Jimmy James met the publishers of his book ‘Moonless Night’ in Barnsley last week.
He’s one of the six survivors of the Second World War triumph, during which men escaped the notorious Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
In the 1960s a film was based on their exploits.
Publishers Pen and Sword, part of the Chronicle group, have now published a book based on his experiences.
Jimmy, 90, who lives in Shropshire, is often described as the most prolific escaper of the Second World War.
After he was shot down with his Wellington Bomber crew in early 1940, the young pilot went on to become a legendary tunneller and escapee.
He was the first to dig an escape route in German captivity, and he went onto build a further 13 tunnels, escaping twice.
He said: “I”m meeting the Queen on July 10 and I suppose I have been a bit of a celebrity.
“Last year was the 60th anniversary since the Great Escape and we managed to get a lot of media attention.”
Pen and Sword director Charles Hewitt added: “Jimmy’s an absolute dream and is so enthusiastic for a man of his age.
“He has some fantastic memories and it’s great to hear of his experience.”
KOOKIE GIRLZ HOPE FOR A BIT OF FAME
THREE Barnsley girls are hoping to take the pop world by storm - by standing up for being different.
Libbi Herbert, Nicky Brear and Leanne Clarke are the ‘Kookie Girlz’ - named after their first song which aims to tackle bullying.
And it has real meaning because Libbi and Nicky suffered at the hands of playground bullies.
Ex-Kingstone pupil Nicky, 21, said: “The song is about it being ok to be different.
“Kids at school all have their own little groups but that makes people stand out.
“The words are great and they speak to everyone.”
CINEMA BOUGHT BY REGENERATION SPECIALIST FIRM
THE Odeon cinema has been bought by regeneration specialists Richardson Cordwell.
The West Midlands-based firm specialises in high profile leisure, entertainment and retail products.
But it is not known what ideas it has for the 50-year-old Eldon Street cinema, which was sold by Odeon because it was not making enough money.
Directors are currently out of the country and further information is not expected to be released until next month.
A spokesman said: “I can confirm that we have been successful in our bid to buy the Odeon but I cannot make any further comment at this stage.”
Barnsley Council is taking a keen interest in the future of the site.
