THE film, ‘Kes’, written in Barnsley, made in Barnsley, is probably the greatest cultural achievement in the history of our borough and that’s not just my opinion.
When Danny Boyle was tasked with creating the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games in 2012, he needed to squeeze thousands of years of British culture into an hour’s public performance. So, as well as the stories of Shakespeare, the Beatles, the NHS, etc – Danny showed a clip of ‘Kes’.
The movie was further promoted in 2023, when the film icon, Christopher Eccleston, told the world that Loach’s masterpiece was “the most important cultural event of my life,” and “the greatest British film ever.”
So, in July 2024, I set about contacting anyone who shares my love for the film, in the hope of creating a tribute book to Ken Loach and ‘Kes’.
I knew the task I’d set myself was daunting and there were a few times when I wondered whether I’d taken on too much.
However, when the disparate tales started to ping into my email account, I was amazed – they were flaming phenomenal! After nine months I’d received 44 unique stories from all over the country and a few from abroad and they made riveting reading.
Most tales almost wrote themselves but when some authors asked: “What shall I write?” I told them, “Anything, as long as it’s about Ken Loach and the film, and it is captivating.”
I was not disappointed. I received the testimony of ‘Kes’ actors, movie-makers, professors, professional writers, teachers, ordinary working people, business owners, a well-respected former politician (yep, there are still some).
And there was even a moving piece by song-writer and rock-star, Fran Healey of Travis, who lays bare his soul for all to see.
Some, like Jimmy Ryder, Gillian Roome and Janet Richardson, have written hilarious anecdotes, and yet other writers focussed on real tear-jerker tales. But my personal favourites are those that describe, powerfully, how the film literally changed their lives.
When it came to financing this project, instead of creating a pot of money through an online fundraiser (admins always take a big cut) I decided to economise by using some of my own savings.
But once expenses are recouped and, hopefully, the balance sheet shows profit, then I vow that every penny made, thereafter, will be presented to Ken Loach to donate to a cause of his choice.
Thanks to Milly Johnson, I’ve been in touch with Ken for a number of years. We’re now best pals. I call him ‘Mr Loach’ and he calls me ‘that slightly balding, rotund fella from Barnsley’.
At 89, his health is not what it used to be. His eyesight is failing and he walks with a stick, so instead of travelling by train from Bath to Barnsley, he has, with the help of his daughter, Hannah, recorded a beautiful video message.
It’s specifically for the eyes and ears of those who attend the book launch and will be shown on the silver screen at Parkway Cinema on Saturday, October 4.
Moreover, there’ll be readings from the new book by their authors, plus the screening of popular clips. After a short break for book-signings and refreshments, THE WHOLE ‘KES’ FILM will then be shown.
Tickets for this epic event cost £20, but that includes a free copy of the book (value: £12).
The tickets are available from Parkway Cinema, online, by phone, or at the Box Office, and it’s a 2:30pm start.
Finally, I need to come clean about an embarrassing error but only if you promise not to breathe a word to anyone.
The famous Yorkshire playwright, John Godber, has crafted a superb tribute and I couldn’t decide where in the book to put it.
Then, in the rush to get the book published (it always takes an age) I completely missed out his masterpiece and finished up rocking alone in a darkened room with a wet towel over my head.
So, if you do come to the Parkway event, John’s story will be supplied separately until I can sneak it into the second edition without anyone noticing.
The book (with a Godber supplement) will also be in local shops and available directly from me, from Monday, October 6. It’s the perfect Christmas present.
