THE KATES HILL PRESS, DUDLEY, ENGLAND

PREVIOUS NEWS 2007

22/12/07: From the In The Pipeline Page

BARRY MORRIS

THE BOOK CELLAR
Barry's collection of short stories.  This project is ready to role with an ISBN assigned.  We are in the process of finding printers.  update Oct 2007, contract agreed with Lightning Source, proof copy received.  Run ordered.

BILLY SPAKEMON

TUMMY JONES - ODEBURY MON
Billy's third volume of dialect poems, songs  and stories.  Tyesetting almost complete.  Update, draft sent to author for corrections, Oct 2007

LOUISE MARY STOKES

THE FORTS OF KIMMY SUE ANNE
The collected works of Louise's character, chav poet Kimmy Sue Anne.  Appearing in print soon.  Body of poems now typeset.

21/12/07:  LAMP SHOW A STORMER
The Xmas show at the Lamp tonight warmed the audience on a cold cold night.  Carol Ward opened procedings with some seasonal poems which had the crowd roaring.  Emma Rollason then came on as Dolly Allen to make them roar some more.  Louise Stokes closed the first of 3 halves as the chav poet Kimmy Sue Anne,  well safe innit. The seond half was given over to the ABs.  Billed as Walsall's finest... and rudest, they lived up to their reputation, airing some old favourites like Donna Kebab, and some new seasonal material. John Summerton opened the third half with a brilliant resurrection of the 80s quiz show Catch Phrase.  Greg Stokes followed with Doctor, and Brendan Hawthorne closed the show with a mix of poems and songs.  The night closed with a rendition of Slade's Merry Christmas Everybody.  It was great to be back at the Lamp and there'll be more shows in the new year.  Proceeds from the night's raffle will be forwarded to Brian Dakin for Breast Cancer charities.  £50 was raised.  Many thanks for your generosity. 

19/12/07:  SUE DAKIN
It is with great regret that we have to announce the death in the early hours of this morning of Sue Dakin, wife of Brian Dakin, Billy Spakemeon.  Sue had been battling breast cancer since 1995.  Her bravery and zest for life in the face of adversity were truly remarkable and inspiring.  Our thoughts are with Brian and his family and our condolences go out to them.
SUSAN DAKIN (1953 - 2007) RIP

18/12/07:  GREG STOKES READS AT BARLOW
Greg Stokes read Cheap & Cheerful for the first time at the Purple Patch Christmas party tonight.  Louise Stokes read from her novel Faerie Dust.

14/12/07:  NEW TITLES NOW AVAILABLE
Tummy Jones - Odebry Mon, by Billy Spakemon,  The Forts Of Kimmy Sue Anne, and Conversations With The Family Of The Groteque, both by Louise Stokes, all £3.00 (plus 50p p&p) are now available.  See the New Titles Page for further details.

07/12/07:  BOOKS TO PRINTERS
The proofs of Billy Spakemon's Tummy Odebry Mon, and Louise Stokes's Forts of Kimmy Sue Anne, and Conversations with the Family of the Grotesque were sent to the printers today.

01/12/07:  SLIDE LAUNCH
Brendan Hawthorne's latest collection of poems, Slide, was launched at St Luke's Church Hall, Wednesbury tonight.  In a show of 3 halves, Brendan was joined by Geoff Stevens, Alex Barzdo, Keith Melbourne, and Greg Stokes to provide a top night's entertainment. 

30/11/07: From the In The Pipeline Page

SAMUEL SMILES - THE BLACK COUNTRY CHAPTERS
Samuel Smiles wrote many biographies of the great industrialists.  From his Industrial Biographies (1863) the chapters on Andrew Yarranton and Dud Dudley.  Originals acquired.  To be scanned. Update Jan 2007, scanned and ready for typesetting. Update Sept 2007.  Typeset, near completion.

30/11/07:  INDUSTRIAL BIOGRAPHY - THE BLACK COUNTRY CHAPTERS NOW AVAILABLE
The third in the Black Country Classics series, Industrial Biography - The Black Chapters, is now available.  The original book by Samuel Smiles was published in 1863.  The chapters on Dud Dudley and Andrew Yarranton are reproduced.  Price £3.00 (plus 50p p&p).  See the New Titles Page for further details.

29/11/07:  DOCTOR NOW AVAILABLE
Greg Stokes' CD Doctor is now available, priced £4.00 (plus 70p p&p).  See the New Titles Pages for further details.

28/11/07:  SORRY, NO MORE UNSOLICITED MSS
The Kates Hill Press can no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts.  Unbeknown to us, our details have appeared on such sites as firstwriter.com and have elicited a huge increase in submissions from all over the world despite the information stating clearly that we are a regional small press.  In the past we have tried to look at everything that is sent to us, even if it is some time before we respond.  We feel we have to make this move to stem the tide of submissions.

26/11/07:  GREG STOKES TO READ AT SLIDE LAUNCH
Greg Stokes will be reading Doctor at the launch of Brendan Hawthorne's new collection of poems Slide, on Saturday evening.  The launch is to take place at St Lukes Church Hall Wednesbury.  Contact Brendan on the Poetry Wednesbury website (links page) for further details.

23/11/07:  PROJECT UPDATE
A number of projects are nearing fruition now.  Tommy Jones - Odebury Mon by Billy Spakemon, corrections done; The Forts of Kimmy Sue Anne by Louise Stokes, corrections done.  All Shook Up by Carol Hathorne, first draft typeset.  A Pocketful of Memories - Roseville by Raymond Smout, first draft typeset.  The Black Country Classic Allan Chace and other Poems by John cornfield Junior has been retypeset ready for submission to Lightning Source.  The full length books Faerie Dust by Louise Stokes, Taken Over by John Summerton, and The Kingston Agenda by S.G. Grey have all bee n typeset.  The CD Doctor by Greg Stokes is also ready to go into production.

17/11/07:  IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR
Louise Stokes has developed a whole dysfunctional family of characters to go with her chav poet Kimmy Sue Anne and she has brought all the material together in a collection, Conversations With the Family Grotesque.  The Kates Hill Press intend to publish this alongside The Forts of Kimmy Sue Anne.  This will be the first time we have brought two titles out concurrently by the same author.

16/11/07:  INDUSTRIAL BIOGRAPHY READY TO ROLL
The first draft copy of the Black Country Classic, Industrial Biography - The Black Country Chapter by Samuel Smiles was run off today.  The two chapters from his 1863 book cover the lives of Dud Dudley and Andrew Yarranton.  The booklet is priced £3.00 (50p p&p) and will be available shortly.  See the New Titles page for further details.

09/11/07:  GREG STOKES READS AT EXHIBITION LAUNCH
Greg Stokes read at the launch of the Black Country Visions Art Exhibition at Wednesbury Art Gallery today.  The exhibition is of works by Black Country artists including Rob Perry, Brian Fletcher, Paul Hipkiss, Lynne Jeffery, Arthur Lockwood, Austin Moseley, Jo Naden, Peter Shread and Malcolm Sier.  The launch included a full programme of entertainment and locsl fayre on offer downstairs - grey pays.  The entertainment started at 12.00 with two local musicians dressed the part.  Alfie followed with a 45 minute set of his poems and comic observations.  Billy Spakemon wand Greg shared the next 45 minutes but with Billy having to scoot back to work sharpish after four poems, Greg was able to read Doctor and The Grant both of which have an art theme.  The entertainment concluded with a talk by Steve Bott on local history.  It's a great exhibition, do get along to Wednesbury Art Gallery and see it.  There was a good turn out for the launch and the  

24/10/07:  BOOK CELLAR NOW AVAILABLE
Barry Morris's short story collection is now available, price £8.00 (80p p&p).  See New titles page for details.

20/10/07: From the Live Literature Gig Guide

FOREST OF DEAN 4th CULTURAL EXCHANGE

SATURDAY 29th September 2007 AT WESTBURY ON SEVERN VILLAGE HALL
Again performers from the Black Country will share the stage with their Forest of Dean Counterparts.  The show forms part of Westbury's Harvest Festival celebrations  Taking part will be:-

From the Forest:  Dave Harvey, David Price, Dick Bryce, Keith Morgan

From the BC:  Greg Stokes, Brendan Hawthorne, Louise Stokes, Emma (Dolly Allen) Rollason

Contact Greg Stokes re tickets; 01384 255973

18/10/07:  TICKETS FOR XMAS SHOW NOW AVILABLE
Tickets for the Kates Hill Press Xmas show at the Lamp Tavern on Friday 21st december are now available, £5.00.  Contact Greg Stokes on 01384 255973.

18/10/07: PROOF COPY OF BOOK CELLAR RECEIVED
The Kates Hill Press received the proof copy of Barry Morris's The Book Cellar this afternoon, and as all was ok, we are, at long last, to order a run of this title.  It will retail at £8.00 (80p p&p) 

10/10/07: CAROL MIDWOOD WINS WEAKEST LINK
Kates Hill Press author Carol Midwood was on tonight's Weakest Link show, emerging as winner!

06/10/07: ECHOES OF FIANO VAFORTORE M/S RECEIVED
After 3 years work putting this project together, Billy Spakemon delivered the manuscript of his book about an Italian man's journey to the the Black Country, Echoes of Fiano Vafortore, to the Kates Hill Press this evening.  Watch this site for details of this project as it unfolds.  Earlier in the week, the draft copy of Billy's latest book Tummy Jones - Odebry Mon was sent out to him for corrections.  

29/09/07: GREAT ENTERTAINMENT IN THE FOREST OF DEAN
The occasion was the annual Westbury on Severn harvest supper.  The village hall was packed with an audience of 120, and for the evening's post prandial entertainment they were treated to the fourth cultural exchange between the Forest of Dean and the Black Country.  Forester Dave Harvey had opened the night with a short set prior to the meal.  After the speaches Greg Stokes introduced the Black Country contingent then read his own Doctor.  Emma Rollason came on next with her Dolly Allen tribute, followed by Louise Stokes in the guise of chav poet Kimmy Su Ann.  Maggie Clutterbuck came on to give some reflections of what living in the Forest means, followed by a poem. Brendan Hawthorne closed the Black Country contribution with a set of poems and a song.  Dave Harvey closed the night. Rather than try to describe each individual performance, suffice it to say that everyone was on top form, all the material went down a storm, and were the punters entertained?  Most Royally!  

28/09/07:  BOOK CELLAR READY TO ROLL
Files for Barry Morris's collection of short stories, The Book Cellar, were uploaded to Lightning Source prior to production this afternoon.  This is the first Kates Hill Press project with Lightning Source and sees a return to our publishing perfect bound paperbacks.

26/09/07:  DOCTOR RECORDED
Greg Stokes's story Doctor was recorded at Poetry Wednesbury tonight.  Brendan Hawthorne and Louise Stokes shared the parts with Greg.  The Reduced War of the Worlds was also recorded for  the same CD.  It is hoped the CD will be ready for Christmas. Watch this site for details.

19/09/07: THE FORTS OF KIMMY SU ANN
Kates Hill Press author Louise Stokes's character, the chav poet Kimmy Su Ann is becoming immensely popular on the Birmingham circuit.  Well, Kimmy Su Ann will soon be in print with a collection of her works, The Forts of Kimmy Su Ann to be published by the Kates Hill Press.  She has asked that a picture of Dudley Castle appear on the front but was quick to point out "it is not those kind of forts that I is finkin. Innit." atch this site for details.

11/09/07: GREG, BILLY AND LOUISE AT BARLOW
A wonderfully varied evening at the Barlow tonight.  Geoff Stevens started procedings followed by Greg Stokes reading material from Invisible for the first time.  There were readings from John Stevenson, Brian, Richard Clay and Brendan Hawthorne.  Louise Stokes recited one of her poemes from memory.  Dave Reeves opened the second half with a great song with accordion accompaniment and a poem with harmonica accompaniment.  Billy Spakemon then read an excerpt from Echos of Foyan which he tells me is finished now.  Alex Barzdo did his brilliant anti lager poem accompanied by his quirky organ and Nigel Self closed the night.   

06/09/07: DOCTOR CD, RECORDING DATE CONFIRMED
The popular Greg Stokes story, Doctor, is to be recorded onto CD by Poetry Wednesbury.  It is to be a collaborative project with Greg Stokes, Brendan Hawthorne, and Louise Stokes sharing the parts.  It will be recorded in Wednesbury on 26th September.

05/09/07: LOUISE STOKES NOVEL AGREED
The Kates Hill Press has agreed to publish Louise Stokes's novel Faerie Dust.  Details will appear on this website as they emerge.

01/09/07: FIVE MINUTES LOVE - THE FOURTH PART
Carol Hathorne has written a fourth part to her autobiography Five Minutes Love.  It is entitled All Shook Up and covers her early years at work.  It will  eventually be published in booklet form.

28/08/07: RESIDENCY FOR LOUISE
Kates Hill Press author Louise Stokes has been offered a residency at QEPH.  Her work will centre on the changes faced by staff and patients in the transition from the old site to the new. 

19/08/07:  FOREST LINE UP SHAPING UP
The line up for the forthcoming exchange with the Forest of Dean is taking shape with top poets Brendan Hawthorne and  Geoff Stevens, actress and poet Louise Stokes with her new chav family of characters, Emma  Rollason as Dolly Allen, and storyteller Greg Stokes all set to make  the trip.

17/08/07:  AND ONE WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT
Raymond Smout, author of the successful Pocketful of Memories - Coseley has submitted a second title, A Pocketful of Memories - Roseville.  This covers his experiences of the war years and the 1950s in that area of Coseley.  

17/08/07:  INTERNET INTEREST
Unbeknown to us, details of the Kates Hill Press have been emailed out to their members by Firstwriters.com.  While the recognition is in broad terms welcomed, it has resulted in a large number of submissions from as far afield as India, Japan, and the States.  Though much of the material has been to a very high standard indeed, sadly, as yet, we  remain a regional small press and as such would remind prospective authors that we only accept material with a west midlands theme or by a west midlands author.

03/08/07:  A WITNESS FOR PEACE - BOOK OF THE MONTH
Greg Stokes' A Witness For Peace has been chosen as the Weoley Castle Churches Book Club book of the month for September.

28/07/07:  CULTURAL NIGHT IN WALES
It was an abysmal night, rain lashing down fiercely.  Nothing new in the summer of storms, 2007, and despite the torrential rain something very British was going on.  Goerge Orwell used to wax lyrical about the ability of British working people to organise and to entertain themselves and here was as fine an example as you cold hope to see.  Beneath gazebos decked in the flags of Wales, the Summerhill caravan park about a mile out of Amroth in Pembrokeshire, was holding its annual bbq. Organised by Alan and Sandra it is an event of some years standing now.  The form is that once the food has been cooked and consumed, the night is given over to entertainment with a very local flavour. Ken, a man of great energy, great wit and a great voice took charge of procedings.  First he introduced Taff, an incredible baritone who sang a song in Welsh before dueting with Ken "we'll keep a welcome."  Bobbie, who had won a talent show run by Donald Ogilvie in the early sixties showed she had not lost her talent with an Ivor Novello number.  Then Dan gave us "The Sloop John B" and the full version of "American Pie."  Despite the rain, a great night's entertainment and over £300 raised for local charities.  Big respect to Alan and Sandra, Ken and everyone else involved.  If ever you guys want a gig at The Lamp, just get in touch.

26/07/07:  FOREST OF DEAN DATE CONIRMED
Saturday 29th September has been set as the date for the Cultural Exchange with the Forest of Dean.  Details of line up, venue, and tickets will appear on this web site.

19/07/07:  NEW TITLE UPDATES
A number of projects are progressing.  The John Cornfield Black Country Classic is 90% ready for production.  The Samuel Smiles Classic has had the preliminary typesetting done as has Billy Spakemon's Tummy Jones - Odebury Mon.  Steve Grey's Kingston Agenda has been completely scanned now.  All the stories for Greg Stokes's American Toilet Tissue and Schroedinger's Pussy have now been typed.  

15/07/07:  LATE SEPTEMBER FOR CULTURAL EXCHANGE
The weekend of 29/30th September has been mooted for the cultural exchange show with the Forest of Dean.

06/07/07:  FIVE MINUTES LOVE TO BE PUBLISHED BY ISIS
Carol Hathorne's Five Minutes Love, first published by the Kates Hill Press in comb bound last year, has been accepted by large format publishers Isis. This will make the work available to the visually impaired community.  It is the first Kates Hill Press title to be taken on by a mainstream publisher.

26/06/07:  GREG STOKES ON LENNY'S BRITAIN
Greg Stokes appeared on this evening's episode of Lenny's Britain.  The show examined Britons at play.  Greg was filmed at the Vine in West Bromwich and at the Hawthorns, with Lenny, Al Perry and Mac Cooper last Novemeber.

21/06/07:  KATES HILL PRESS TO PUT ON XMAS SHOW AT THE LAMP
The Lamp Tavern tonight conformed that the Kates Hill Press will put on the Xmas show there on Friday 21st December.  Details will be released as they unfold.

20/06/07:  ALL NIGHT CAFE CABARET
Brendan Hawthorn, Geoff Stevens, Carol Ward, Lyndon Evetts, Louise Stokes and Greg Stokes met at the White Rose in Bilston tonight to discuss ways in which the positive creative spirit generated by the Alternative Black Country Revue could be carried forward.  The upshot was that a new show will be developed around Brendan and Geoff's All Night Cafe as performed at Walsall Art Gallery.  Details of the All Night Cafe Cabaret will appear on the website as they emerge. 

12/06/07:  LENNY'S BRITAIN STARTS
The first installment of Lenny's Britain, 'Family Matters' was screened on BBC One at 9.00 tonight.  First rate, make sure you don't miss the rest.

08/06/07:  JOHN SUMMERTON NOVEL AGREED
The Kates Hill Press has agreed to publish John Summerton's novel Taken Over.  Details will be released on this website as they emerge.

07/06/7:  LENNY'S BRITAIN DATES ANNOUNCED
Lenny Henry's documentary exploring the roots of British humour, Lenny's Britain, is to be broadcast from 12th June on BBC One at 9.00 pm.  Family Matters starts the ball rolling.  The Labour of Laughs exploring humour at work will be shown on 19th June.  Something For The Weekend looking at humour in leisure time will go out on 26th June - this one will have clips including Greg Stokes.  Mind The Gap looking at humour in the community will close the series on 3rd July.

29/05/07: KATES HILL PRESS SIGN UP WITH LIGHTNING SOURCE
The Kates Hill Press has signed up with print on demand printers Lightning Source.  This will enable us to produce shorter runs of perfect bound paperbacks than was previously possible and if successful will see an end to our comb bound titles.  Barry Morris's The Book Cellar is to be the pilot project.

28/05/07:  LOUISE STOKES WEBSITE
Kates Hill Press author Louise Stokes now has her own website. http://www.louiseland.co.uk/

28/05/07:  THE BIG DAY OUT
 There's an old song, not often heard, "we went down to Wembley one bright summer's day..." The next line dates it, "... with a band of supporters so happy and gay," prior to gay having any, well gay, connotations.  "And when it was over and it was all done, we defeated the Everton by one goal to none."  1968, May 18th.  Here we were 10 days further into summer and Dave Grove had certainly done the business putting the trip together.  Breakfast in the Plough at Wollaston,  minibus down to Wembley,  parking at the Green Man pub in Wembley where there was to be a BBQ.  But this was no bright summer day.  Fair play to Gordon on driving detail, it just lashed down, like a monsoon, you had to swim to get to the bogs at Oxford.  We made the Green Man by 11.20, too cold for any barby but ok for a few sherberts.  The stadium was just down the hill, a magnificent sight, with the new Wembley Arch.  Grovey suggested an iconic, and longer walk up Wembley Way.  'Too Christin cold!' was the general consensus.  Cutting up to the ground a silver van pulls onto the pavement sharpish, three guys pour out pronto. Ay ay, a local firm out for a bit of fun? No, a bunch of wide boys selling cans of beer out the back of the van to passing Baggies.  Don't you just love these public service people.  There was a clock on one of the buildings, air temperature 5 degrees! With an 8 degree chill factor of a biting wind, that made it frigging freezing.  The stadium was surrounded by tracts of derelict land.  They were having another shot at Scott of the Antarctic on one.  On to the stadium, you have to say awesome if in totally the wrong place.  Tension and excitement as both sets of fans filled their bits while the corporate sections remained empty.  We could have filled it between us, Baggies and Rams.  We can't shift the stadium now it's built, but that needs addressing.  On to the game.  Never got out the blocks, a few of the prima donna stars failed to show, and Derby were resolute, scoring the one goal, and that's what counts.  No complaints, they finished 8 points clear of us in the league.  The Rams celebrated.  We didn't.  And by Christ, it seemed a long way back! 

16/05/07:  WEMBERLEY!
West Bromwich Albion booked a place in the play off final at the new Wembley Stadium following their 1-0 win over local rivals Wolves at the Hawthorns this evening.  The scramble for tickets starts now.

12/05/07 FROM THE EVENTS PAGE

ALTERNATIVE BLACK COUNTRY REVUE DATES

Local Poets - Storytellers - Musicians

Saturday 21st April - Walsall Art Gallery 10.00am - 4.00pm (Free)
Friday 27th April - Newhampton Theatre, Wolverhampton 7.00 - 11.00pm (£5.00)
Saturday 28th April - Walsall Art Gallery 10.00am - 4.00pm (Free)
Thursday 3rd May - Netherton Arts Centre, 7.00 - 11.00 pm  (£5.00)
Friday 4th May - Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 7.00 - 11.00pm (£10.00)
Saturday 12th May - Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 7.00 - 11.00 (£10.00)

Performers Include: Brendan Hawthorne, Geoff Stevens, Paul McDonald, Louise Stokes, Emma Pursehouse, Emma Rollason (the new Dolly Allen), John Summerton, Carol Ward, Alex Barzdo, Keith Melbourne, Greg Stokes

To Book Tickets, phone 01384 255973

11/05/05:  RAY'S BOOK TO REPRINT
The first run of Raymond Smout's Pocketful of Memories - Coseley has sold out. The proofs were sent off for a reprint today.

04/05/07: REVUE AT THE JOINT STOCK
The Joint Stock Theatre in Temple Row is a cavernous pub created in what was once a bank. Upstairs is theatre, small but the real McCoy, with two dressings rooms including mirrors with lights, and a green room complete with microwave, kettle and ironing board.  Out front with tables seating in the order of 60, it's one great venue.  The night kicked off with Geoff Stevens lamenting the passing of the Black Country man of old,  Emma Pursehouse did here marvelously comic and well observed reminders routine in which layers of clothes reminding her of the next poem are removed.  Brendan Hawthorne unleashed a tremendous piece in which he was an MC at a club where it never worked out quite right.  Louise Stokes performed as her chav poet Kimmy Sue Ann, and in fact walked in through the pub full of barristers and bankers in costume to raise many an eyebrow and avert many a gaze.  Again exceedingly well observed and brilliantly performed.  Greg Stokes closed the spoken word half of the show with the first part of Revenge of the Seth.   In the second half the ABs performed for the first time on the tour, a storming performance of their ribald songs including the one about 4X4 drivers which has catalysed so much.  Ed Square closed the night.  Now Ed is not what you would call politically incorrect, he's more politically go and stand outside the head's study now boy!  One or two political songs crept into his wonderfully irreverent set tonight, including one about the party there'll be when Thatcher departs.  "She's still a popular woman," he observed wryly amidst raucous applause.  Another great night.

03/05/07:  REVUE IN NETHERTON
The Alternative Black Country Revue performed at Netherton Arts Centre tonight.  Spoken word performers only tonight and these included Louise Stokes, Emma Rollason as Dolly Allen, Emma Pursehouse, Carol Ward, Brendan Hawthorne, Geoff Stevens, Louis Campbell, and Greg Stokes.  Again they were all on top form to provide another great night of entertainment.

02/05/07:  CAROL MIDWOOD WINS WEAKEST LINK
Kates Hill Press author of The Bawdy Bloody Black Country and Edna & Arthur, won an episode of the Weakest Link, recorded today.  Many congratulations to Carol for not only taking on Robbo, but also coming away with the loot.  Carol is not sure when the show will be broadcast, but we will keep you informed via this website. 

28/04/07:  IN THE GALLERY
The Alternative Black Country Revue swung back into Walsall Art Gallery today.  Geoff Stevens and Brendan Hawthorne, assisted by Louise Stokes, performed their All Night Cafe in the gallery cafe.  Other performances were confined to the foyer and the Garman Ryan Gallery.  Alex Barzdo, Emma Pursehouse, Paul McDonald, Carol Ward Louis Campbell and Greg Stokes also performed.

27/04/07:  TOP NIGHT AT THE NEWHAMPTON
Poets; Geoff Stevens, Carol Ward, Emma Pursehouse, Louise Stokes, Louis Campbell and Brendan Hawthorne; storytellers Paul McDonald and Greg Stokes;  and musicians George Freeland, Ed Square, and Chris Burton were all on top form to provide an incredible night's entertainment.

21/04/07: EMMA BOOK IN THE OFFING?
At the Gallery today, Greg Stokes discussed the possibility of publishing a collection of Emma Purshouse's poetry some time next year.

21/04/07:  REVUE KICKS OFF IN WALSALL
The Alternative Black Country Review got off to a great start today at Walsall Art Gallery.  A host of poets, and storytellers performed throughout the gallery - in thelibray, in the activity rooms, in the Garman Ryan Gallery Space, and in the lobby - all day.  Brendan Hawthorne, Geoff Stevens, Paul McDonald, Louise Stokes, Emma Pursehouse, Emma Rollason (the new Dolly Allen), John Summerton, Carol Ward, Alex Barzdo, Keith Melbourne, Louis Campbell and Greg Stokes all took part.  Musicians Ed Square, and George Freeland performed in the lobby. 

08/04/07: ALTERNATIVE BLACK COUNTRY REVUE DATES
Local Poets - Storytellers - Musicians 
Saturday 21st April - Walsall Art Gallery 10.00am - 4.00pm (Free)
Friday 27th April - Newhampton Theatre, Wolverhampton 7.00 - 11.00pm (£5.00)
Saturday 28th April - Walsall Art Gallery 10.00am - 4.00pm (Free)
Thursday 3rd May - Netherton Arts Centre, 7.00 - 11.00 pm  (£5.00)
Friday 4th May - Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 7.00 - 11.00pm (£10.00)
Saturday 12th May - Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 7.00 - 11.00 (£10.00)
Performers Include: 
To Book Tickets, phone 01384 255973

08/04/07:  TOSSIE PATRICK, RAYMOND SMOUT & GREG STOKES ON CARL CHINN SHOW
Greg Stokes was interviewed on this afternoon's Carl Chinn Show.  He spoke about the formation of the Kates Hill Press out of the tragedy of his father's murder, previous titles and the 6 new books.  Raymond Smout, author of A Pocketful of Memories - Coseley, was then interviewed via telephone from Portsmouth, speaking with great passion about Black Country heritage and of Coseley.  That paved the way for Tossie Patrick to talk about her new book Tales With A Twist.  She also read a couple of her poems from her previous book, Memories and Thoughts. 

07/04/07:  LOUISE STOKES ON JANICE LONG SHOW
Louise Stokes appeared on the Janice Long Show on BBC Radio WM this morning.  In a powerful interview she spoke about bullying in the workplace and her book Marooned.

05/04/07: MIDWOOD v ROBINSON - ON YOUR SCREENS SOON
Kates Hill Press author of Edna & Arthur, and The Bawdy Bloody Black Country, Carol Midwood is to appear on The Weakest Link.  The show is to be recorded on 2nd May.  Watch this site for details of when it will be broadcast.

05/04/07: LAMP LAUNCH
The launch of the 6 new Kates Hill Press titles took place at the Lamp Tavern in Dudley tonight.  The layout of the room was changed for the event, with a podium for readers positioned midway down the one side.  The enabled them to perform with a PA.  The stage became The Shap and the authors sat at table on the other side to sign the books that were bought. Both arrangements worked a treat.  Greg Stokes introduced the night.  Then Carol Midwood, Tossie Patrick, Louise Stokes, Raymond Smout, and Carol Ward read from their new books.  A highly entertaining and successful night for the Kates Hill Press.

04/04/07:  LOUISE STOKES FOR JANICE LONG SHOW
Louise Stokes is to be interviewed on the Janice Long Show on BBC Radio WM 95.6FM this Saturday morning, 07/04/07 at 10.15.  She will talk about her book Marooned and the issues around bullying at work.

04/04/07:  MELBOURNE AND BARZDO JOIN REVUE TROUPE
It was confirmed today that poets Keith Melbourne and Alex Barzdo are joining the Alternative Black Country Revue team.

03/04/07:  GALLERY MEETING RE REVUE
Greg Stokes and Lyndon Evetts met Ioannis Iannou at Walsall Art Gallery today to firm up arrangements for the forthcoming Alterative Black Country Revue dates at the site.  Storytellers and poets confirmed as taking part are; Brendan Hawthorne, Geoff Stevens, John Summerton,  Emma Pursehouse, Emma Rollason (Dolly Allen), Carol Ward, Louise Stokes, Paul McDonald, Greg Stokes.

24/03/07:  DOLLY ALLEN LIVES
The first show put on solely by the Kates Hill Press took place at the Lamp Tavern, Dudley tonight. It was of course the third of the cultural exchange shows with performers from the Forest of Dean and we had sterling performances from poet/performer Dave Harvey and raconteur David Price from the Forest, with Billy Spakemon, Greg Stokes and the inimitable 'uncle' Des representing the BC giving equally good measure.  But, there was a young woman in the audience, nervous but resolute, who stole the show. Emma Rollason of the immensely talented Fizzogg Theatre group has been working up a routine of material by the late great Black Country Night Out Comedienne Dolly Allen.  Emma unveiled her efforts tonight and went down a storm.  Dolly Allen had delighted BC audiences for decades.  Emma could be delighting them for many years to come. Yes, Dolly Allen Lives!  And you saw it first with the Kates Hill Press.

24/03/07:  THIRD BILLY SPAKEMON VOLUME AGREED
A third volume of poetry, stories and song from Billy Spakemon has been agreed by the Kates Hill Press tonight. It will be published alongside two Black Country Classics and two Greg Stokes titles later in the year.

22/03/07:  APPEAL FOR INFORMATION
Sandra Wright has asked for information about her grandmother Nellie Mosedale, who died at the age of 37 in 1932.  She lived at 19 Bunns Lane, Kates Hill, Dudley and was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Mosedale of Charlotte Street, Dudley.  Any one with any information, please contact the Kates Hill Press.  kateshillpress@blueyonder.co.uk

14/03/07:  TOSSIE, RAY AND GREG FOR CARL CHINN SHOW
Tossie Patrick, Raymond Smout, and Greg Stokes are to feature in the Carl Chinn Show on BBC Radio WM (95.6 m FM) on Sunday 8th April between 1.00 and 2.30pm.  They will be talking about the new Kates Hill Press titles.

10/03/07 FROM THE IN THE PIPELINE PAGE

CAROL MIDWOOD

THE BAWDY BLOODY BLACK COUNTRY
Carol Midwood's reworking into short story form of Jon Raven's songs.  All stories completed.  Editing and typesetting scheduled for autumn 2006. Update Jan 2007, corrections back from author, ready for final version.

TOSSIE PATRICK

WAR MEMORIES
A ms of Tossies war memories has been received.  The material has been accepted on initial sight, the exact nature of final publication has yet to be decided. 

RAYMOND SMOUT

COSELEY (THE UNOFFICIAL HISTORY)
Raymond Smout is a native of Coseley who has spent the last 30 years in Hampshire.  His Unofficial History includes both a history of the area and reminiscences of the town he left behind.  Manuscript read and accepted for publication.  Digital version received. Ready for typesetting.  Update Jan 2007, draft to author for corrections..

LOUISE STOKES

MAROONED
A study through poetry of horrendous bullying in the NHS.  Louise is a member of the Fizzogg Theatre group and writes much of their material.  Knowledge of Louise's other work and a cursory look at this render publication highly likely. Update Jan 2007, agreed for publication, corrections back form author, ready for final draft.

CAROL WARD
HAPPINESS IS...
A collection of poems from Wolverhampton poet Carol Ward.  Poems read and accepted.  Material received on disc.  To be typeset. Update Jan 2007, corrections back from author, ready for final draft.

10/03/07:  DOLLY ALLEN TRIBUTE JOINS FOREST OF DEAN LINE UP
Emma Rollason who works with the immensely talented Fizzogg Theatre Group has been working up a routine of material as performed by old Black Country Night favourite Dolly Allen who's comedy act was unique and unforgetable.  Emma brings this routine to the stage for the first time at the Black Country/Forest of Dean Cultural Exchange on Saturday 24th March.

09/03/07:  NEW TITLES NOW AVAILABLE
The 6 new Kates Hill Press titles were collected from the printers this morning and are therefore now available.

01/03/07:   LAUNCH DATE SET - THURSDAY 5th APRIL
The launch date has been set for the 6 titles.  Carol Midwood's Bawdy Bloody Black Country, Carol Ward's Happiness Is..., Raymond Smout's A Pocketful of Memories - Coseley, Louise Mary Stokes' Marooned, Tossie Parick's Tales With A Twist, and A Pocketful of Memories - War Memories, will be launched at the Lamp Tavern, 116 High Street, Dudley, on Thursday 5th April 2007, 8.00pm start, all welcome.

01/03/07:  NEW TITLES UPDATE
The proofs of all six new titles were delivered to the University of Wolverhampton's Print Services Unit this morning.  It is hoped that they will be ready by the end of next week.

27/02/07: REVIEW - DATE CHANGE
The Alternative Black Country Review gig set for the Netherton Arts Centre on 10th May has been moved forward by a week.  It will now take place on Thursday 3rd May.

24/02/07:  2 YEARS LIVE LITERATURE AT THE LAMP
Tonights show at the Lamp marked 2 years of live spoken word performance at the venue.  The line up echoed that first night with Brendan Hawthorne, Paul McDonald, Billy Spakemon and Greg Stokes all taking part. Billy compared, interspersing the acts with poems,  which worked really well I thought.  Brendan Hawthorne was on sparkling form with some excellent new material.  Paul McDonald read from Surviving Sting in the highly accomplished manner we've grown accustomed to.  A surprise addition to the show was top local artist, Rob Perry's mother who's poems recalled times past who stole the show on the quiet. Greg Stokes closed the half with the Dudley window cleaners in New York scene from Pack of Saftness - the piece he'd read on opening night.  Stourbridge singer/songwriter Ralph Moore opened the second half with some of his brilliant songs.  Then there was more from Brendan, Billy and Paul, who read the nurse Frigata scene from Kiss Me Softly Amy Turtle as he had done on the first night. Greg Stokes closed proceedings with My Uncle Louie, a fantacised 'mafia solution' to a psychopath problem.  Louie will be back in a new tale we are reliably informed. 

24/02/07:  ALTERNATIVE BLACK COUNTRY REVIEW - TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets are now available for the Alternative Black Country Review show to be hled at The Newhampton Theatre, Wolverhampton on Friday 27th April.  appearing will be, The ABs, Ed Square, Sue Hulse, Brendan Hawthorne and Geoff Stevens, Emma Pursehouse, Louise Stokes and Greg Stokes. Tickets are £5.00.  Contact Greg Stokes on 01384 255973

24/02/07:  NEW 'NEW TITLES' WEB PAGE
A new web page has been generated to showcase all our new titles in one place.  The information will also appear in the respective subject areas. A new 'Live Shows' will appear shortly to promote the Kates Hill Press's expansion into this arena.

23/02/07:  NEW TITLES UPDATE
The draft of A Pocketful of Memories - War Memories was completed this week.  Tossie Patrick's Tales with a Twist is with her for corrections.  Corrections are complete on all the other titles, Marooned, by Louise Mary Stokes, Happiness Is..., by Carol Ward, The Bawdy Bloody Black Country, by Carol Midwood, and A Pocketful of Memories - Coseley (An Unofficial History) by Raymond Smout.  ISBN information has been sent to Bowkers today and the Print Services Unit at Wolverhampton University have been approached re production.  A new 'New Titles' page is planned for this site.

22/02/07:  ALTERNATIVE BLACK COUNTRY REVIEW
A further date has been added to the Alternative Black Country Review programme.  Thursday 10th May at Netherton Arts Centre.

16/02/07:  FOREST OF DEAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Greg Stokes was at the Blues Club at the Lamp tonight to learn how to use their PA in readiness for the Forest of Dean Cultural Exchange next month.  The show is to take place at the Lamp on Saturday 24th March 2007, tickets £5.00 available from The Kates Hill Press.  This will be the first show to be staged under the Kates Hill Press banner.

13/02/07:  EDNA MITCHELL RECORDED
Edna Mitchell's story of the evacuees in the Staffordshire village of Wilnecote was recorded today.  It is the last piece to go into the Pocketful of Memories - War memories book.

10/02/07:  COMEDY MAP OF BRITAIN
The Wales and Birmingham episode of The Comedy Map of Britain was broadcast tonight.  Greg Stokes featured in the opening clip, and in effect, as the New Faces portion of the Birmingham material was at the end, the closing one.  He commented on the impact of Lenny Henry's first TV appearance on the British public.

07/02/07:  NEW TITLES UPDATE
Tossie Patrick's Tales With A Twist is now typeset. A Pocketful of Memories -War Memories is typeset with the exception of Edna Mitchell's Evacuee's which will be recorded next week.

02/02/07:  ALTERNATIVE BLACK COUNTRY REVIEW DATES
The dates for the Alternative Black Country Review are now confirmed as:-
Saturday 21st April - Walsall Art Gallery
Friday 27th April - Newhampton Theatre, Wolverhampton
Saturday 28th April - Walsall Art Gallery
Friday 4th May - Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham
Saturday 12th May - Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

26/01/07: GRAND OLD TIME IN BLACKPOOL

Greg Stokes recorded it thus in his newsletter.  "Mac and Sue, Al Perry, Johnny Green and myself scooted off to Blackpool on Friday 26th Jan for the Blackpool leg of Lenny Henry's Where You From tour.  This was the last one to be filmed by the BBC as part of the forthcoming Lenny's Britain series.

 We checked into my cousin Philip's guest house in north Blackpool just after 2.00. What a run down tacky burg Blackpool looks in daylight. Quick cup of cha, bags in rooms, then a brisk walk down the prom prom prom - too cold for brass bands so it was DIY West Brom West Brom.  Fish and chips just had to be done - too cold for the prom prom prom so the West Brom found a sit down joint back of the Golden Mile.

 What else has to be done at Blackpool... Yates Wine Lodge.  So that's where we went for a post prandial pint.. or two.  We had to be at the Grand Theatre by 6.00 to be miked up.  There food and a bar upstairs we were told.  We haven't got to do free beer have we?  We supposed so.  Outside the lights were coming on and the night time Blackpool was coming to life, kind of pretty and wonderfully exciting.

 At 7.15 it was down into the theatre itself, beautifully restored from sh.. brown bingo hall with all the reliefs and gilt back to the former glory.  The ornate iron work outside was something else too.

 In the show itself Len was on great form, interacting at parts with the people he'd filmed the leisure episode with, this included Al, Mac and myself.

 After the show we went back to the hotel and chilled for a spell before going on to Flamingoes night club.  Nick from the Beeb had organised a trip to see the Sugarbabes there.  What was scary was I knew  most of their songs and welcome relief they were too from the ruddy row assailing our hears the rest of the night.  Even Len lambasts the noise in the blog on his website.  Techno he said it was, I'll take his word.  Techno notice.

 In a day of 'I suppose we'll have to's' someone said we've gorra have kebab when we came out.  Mmm.. I suppose we'll have to.  4.15 I got to bed.  I'm too old for that caper.

Up at 8.30 for a full English and a drive back down to the BC."

24/01/07:  GREG STOKES DOWNSIZES RKS INVOLVEMENT
Following a meeting of Roosterkatespake this evening Greg Stokes advised that he will be reducing his involvement with RKS.  The organisation will remain, administered by Brian Dakin and Laurence Hipkiss who will continue to put on shows at the Lamp.  These are likely to be free admission but not open mike.  It is likely that Greg Stokes will appear as a performer from time to time.  The cultural exchange show with the Forest of Dean will be run by the Kates Hill Press.

24/01/07:  NEW TITLES UPDATE
The draft copy of Raymond Smouts' Pocketful of Memories - Coseley (An Unofficial History) was sent to the author for corrections this afternoon.  Drafts of four of the six titles to be released together have now been completed.

19/01/07: THE ALTERNATIVE BLACK COUNTRY REVIEW
Greg Stokes bumped into Lyndon Evetts of the ABs at the Comedian in Tipton back in December.  Lyndon said he we thinking of putting some shows on. There is now some meat on the bones.  He is calling the project the Alternative Black Country Review.  Thus far he has The Newhampton Theatre in Wolverhapton 20th April, and Walsall Art Gallery on Sat 21st April and Sat 28th April with a couple more dates to come. The latter are all day events. 

15/01/07: WHERE YOU FROM
Lenny Henry's Where You From Tour  opened at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton tonight.  The BBC were there filming for the Lenny's Britain show.  Part of the ausience comprisied people involved in filming at various locations in Dudley back in October.  As the Hawthorns filming was part of the Leisure episode, Greg Stokes et al will be at the Blackpool show on 26th January.  As for the show itself, this is one seriously funny bit of comedy and you are earnestly advised to get to this show when it's near you.  It's back at the Grand on 19th March and at the Hippodrome, Birmingham 8th, 9th and 10th March.

14/01/07: CAROL HATHORNE ON CARL CHINN SHOW
Carol Hathorne was on the Carl Chinn Show on BBC Radio WM this afternoon taalking about her book Five Minutes Love describing her childhood and youth in Tipton's Lost City.  Greg Stokes briefly gave an update on forthcoming Kates Hill Press.

04/01/07:  FURTHER FILMING ON LENNY'S BRITAIN
Lenny Henry's 'Where You From' tour opens at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton on 15th January. Some of the shows are to be filmed as part of the forthcoming Lenny's Britain TV series.  Greg Stokes, Mac Cooper and Al Perry  have been asked along to one of the shows as a follow from the filming at The Hawthorns in November.