Scratching Shed Publishing

The absolute local boy made good, Kirkstall-born John Holmes will forever be an icon at his beloved Headingley; his exceptional, distinguished service in a glorious double-testimonial career seeing him become Leeds Rugby League’s longest serving player. Holmes honed his talents on a school playground with his elder brothers, learning and refining his abilities in the ultimate school of hard knocks to become the most durable and, arguably, best ever to don the colours he so cherished. A majestic ball handler, able to unlock any defence, he was a superb cover tackler and, perhaps most importantly, had a supreme rugby intelligence. Not that such influence was planned, his genius was instinctive. In a glorious 21 year career, he won every honour in the game, appearing in 625 matches for the Loiners including 19 finals and was the architect of victory in the majority of them. In 1972 he was integral to the Great Britain side that triumphed in the World Cup. It was a mark of the esteem with which he was held that, at barely a few days notice after his passing at the tragically young age of 57 in late September 2009, over 100 ex-players gathered on the pitch in silent tribute to him. His long awaited story, uniquely told by his brother and nephew, is littered with anecdotes and reminiscences from friends and former team mates and is the definitive guide to the life of one of the code’s true greats.

****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 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.

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..

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.