Books
The Joy of Kev
By Kevin Fitzpatrick
“Strangely funny – like a monkey on a bike.” – Dave Spikey
Described by no-one as the great new philospher of our time, BBC local radio news journalist Kevin Fitzpatrick – aka ‘Kev’ – has become world famous (in Oldham) for sharing life’s most essential skills. Now, for the first time ever, this star columnist of the Oldham Evening Chronicle has brought out a book of tips for a happy and successful existence (biscuits not included). Hardback, 128 pages. No lavatory should be without one.
****AS SEEN IN THE OLDHAM EVENING CHRONICLE **** Described by no-one as the great new philospher of our time, BBC local radio news journalist Kevin Fitzpatrick – aka ‘Kev’ – has become world famous (in Oldham) for sharing life’s most essential skills. Not so much a lifestyle guru as a philanthropic self-help legend (again, probably only in Oldham), the man his mum calls Kev does not live in a cave and nor does he have a long silver beard. What he does have is a lifetime of invaluable experience in just about every subject under the sun – and it is hard-won experience that he is happy to pass on. Now, for the first time ever, this star columnist of the Oldham Evening Chronicle is bringing out a book. Stand aside, Ben Goldacre! Watch your back, Malcolm Gladwell! Stop dreaming, Sigmund Freud! You’re sheer hype, Shere Hite! Here comes Kev, the new smart arse in town. Open your mind to the Joy of Kev and your biscuit dipping skills, buffet grazing abilities and dancing prowess will never be the same…
Yorkshire Football – A History
By Cameron Fleming
Yorkshire Football: A History is the story of club football, but told from a distinctly white rose viewpoint. It captures intriguing, surprising and tragic events, and is filled with inspiring characters from the origins of the code to the present day. The triumphs and tribulations of every professional team from the old three Ridings are featured – from Hull to Barnsley, Bradford City and Doncaster, via Leeds to Rotherham and all points beyond. Paperback, 320 pages.
Yorkshire Football: A History is the story of club football, but from a distinctly white rose viewpoint. It captures intriguing, surprising and tragic events, and is filled with inspired characters from all the teams in the county, from the origins of the code through to its current metamorphosis. Club football was born in Sheffield in 1857 and sparred with rugby for supremacy elsewhere in Yorkshire before flourishing. As such, the white rose county has often been at the heart of the sport’s development; its clubs and administrators helping to mould and shape the most popular game. Far more than a mere chronicle of records set, trophies won, promotions gained or relegations endured, the book offers an enduring impression of how Yorkshire football has trailblazed its way through the last 150 or so years. The triumphs and tribulations of every professional team from the old three Ridings are featured – from Hull to Barnsley, Bradford City and Doncaster, via Leeds to Rotherham and all points beyond. Surveying the history of the game from the vantage points of Moors, Dales and Wolds of England’s largest – and proudest – county offers a unique perspective.
Out of the Blue
By David Watson
“A lifetime of policing the streets. But that was only the beginning…”
For years, PC David Watson was a policeman of the old school. He patrolled the towns and cities of England’s north by car and on foot, where a fight against crime lurked around every corner. Until, one day, disaster struck – albeit from an unexpected direction. Out of the Blue is the story of an inspirational fightback and more. Paperback, 228 pages.
A lifetime of policing the streets, but that was only the beginning… For years, PC David Watson was a policeman of the old school. He patrolled the towns and cities of England’s north by car and on foot, where a fight against crime lurked around every corner. Until, one day, disaster struck – albeit from an unexpected direction. A near fatal encounter in the Scottish Highlands left the Yorkshire bobby inches away from death and with just about every bone in his body shattered. Indeed, had it not been for a miracle intervention, his story would have already been over. As it was, and initially from his hospital bed, he embarked on a physical and psychological battle for survival. He rebuilt a life that had once been so active, step by painful step. Out of the Blue is the inspirational story of that fightback and more. It gives an inside take on British policing at the sharp end – the dangers, the frustrations, the thrills and the humour. And it shows how overwhelming odds can be beaten by hope, courage, determination, medical skill and family support..
An Audience of Curious People – The Story of the Proscenium Players
By John Fisher
With a foreword by Barry Cryer OBE
Founded in 1948, the Leeds-based Proscenium Players were the first Jewish Amateur Stage Group, regularly winning rave reviews for their varied artistic programme. Now, at long last, John Fisher, the organisation’s official chronicler, has charted their history in a book rich with photographs, bill postings, programmes and testimonials. Paperback, 160 pages.
Founded in 1948, the Leeds-based Proscenium Players were the first Jewish Amateur Stage Group, regularly winning rave reviews for their varied artistic programme. Now, at long last, John Fisher, a leading light in the Pross’ productions and the organisation’s official chronicler, has charted their history in a book rich with photographs, bill postings, programmes and testimonials. It is a sparkling tale that will be of interest to locals and theatre historians alike. And one added bonus is that the book’s foreword is written by a very well known former Proscenium Player indeed – Leeds’ very own British comedy legend, Barry Cryer OBE. Bring up the curtain on An Audience of Curious People; a warmly-written book about theatre like no other.
Dare to Dream – On life, football & cosmetic surgery
By John Ryan
With a foreword by Kevin Keegan
“An amazing journey…” – Sir Alex Ferguson
From the making of Melinda Messenger to the dramatic rescue of England’s most over-achieving football club Doncaster Rovers, entrepreneur, pioneer and self-made millionaire John Ryan continues to live his dream. This is an autobiography that carries a special health warning: it may make you fall back in love with football – and life! Paperback, 416 pages.
From the making of Melinda Messenger to the dramatic rescue of England’s most over-achieving football club Doncaster Rovers, entrepreneur, pioneer and self-made millionaire John Ryan continues to live his dream. Raised on a modest council estate, Ryan was a driving force in the transformation of cosmetic surgery from controversial luxury to one of Britain’s fastest-expanding industries. As such, he helped to put smiles on thousands of female faces and has seen more breasts than the editor of The Sun. And, remarkably, he did it all in order to fulfil a promise to become the most successful chairman in the history of a football club that had, at best, long been the butt of jokes and, at worst, on the verge of extinction. In typically amusing and endearingly honest style, John Ryan reveals how seeing beyond hugely difficult circumstances has been key to almost unprecedented success in two very different fields; along with creating his own personal paradise. Laced with genuine, heart-warming tributes from some of the biggest names in the beautiful game, Ryan pulls no punches with his forthright views on a sport in which the gulf between players and fans grows almost daily. His message will resonate with the thoughts of huge numbers of supporters throughout the land who worry where the game is leading. Dare to Dream carries a special health warning: it may make you fall back in love with football – and life!