Later, as a secondary school teacher of English I read "Kes" with a succession of classes and showed them the film version too. Almost magically, "Kes" had the ability to capture the hearts of the roughest and most disinterested kids. They really engaged with Billy Casper's story - how a skinny lad of low academic ability from a council estate trained a young kestrel. It was inspirational.
And I met Barry Hines once at the Sheffield Trades and Labour Club. We talked for several minutes about the book and whether or not everybody has a hidden talent. He was softly spoken and charming. It was very much a two-way conversation.
Later still, in the 1990s, he was living in Sheffield and my wife became his practice nurse. He had a few ongoing health issues to deal with. And even later than that he began to show signs of Alzheimer's and spent the last decade of his life in a care home in the mining village of Hoyland where he had been born and raised. Tragically, he had lost the ability to read years before his death in 2016.
Hoyland is a few miles north east of Sheffield and today I drove up there for a walk, parking Butch close to the rather isolated churchyard where Barry Hines and his wife are buried. Then I walked over the M1 motorway into Hoyland where I located a house that Barry Hines lived in during the 1970s. Across from there is a metal sculpture that depicts Billy Casper with his kestrel but it is not as good as the statue I photographed in Barnsley town centre earlier this year.
I also passed the ruins of Tankersley Manor where Barry Hines's brother Richard gathered his own pet kestrel and trained it - just like Billy Casper. By the way, eighty year old Richard Hines lives fifty yards away from this house and though I have often said "hello" to him, we have never had a proper conversation.
I have found that contacting authors and telling them how much you enjoyed their work always lights a fire of gratitude. Of course, it's too late for Barry Hines but perhaps his brother would like to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteIf he agrees to talk to me he will soon be sorely regretful! I can bore the pants off a boulder.
DeleteThank you for sharing your pilgrimage with us, Neil.
ReplyDeleteI have heard only good things about the book and the film (isn't there a newer version, too?), but so far have shied away from reading it because I am a 100 % sure it will make me cry.
Hoyland is where a friend of mine comes from. She married Steve's best friend from school who I'm still in touch with, and they now live in his house in Wath-upon-Dearne where Steve was born. Before they were married, Steve and I once visited her in Hoyland, but I can only remember that hers was a small terraced brick house with a bay window - nothing about Hoyland as such.
What if it does make you cry? What's wrong with that? Even after all these years Steve remains deep in your heart and he would surely have identified greatly with Billy Casper - the unlikely hero of "Kes". Reading the novel might feel a bit like getting in touch with Steve again.
DeleteI don't think I read the book, but I loved the film when I saw it many years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt had authenticity running through it like a stick of Blackpool rock.
DeleteBy now I hope you have plucked up the courage to talk to Richard and ask your questions. I hope I never lose the ability to read.
ReplyDeleteI need to bump into him first but last night I did message him.
DeleteYou should pluck uup your courage and speak to him. Before it's too late and you regret not doing so.
ReplyDeleteBut as you know, I am painfully shy JayCee - unlike your gregarious husband .
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ReplyDeleteDid a read about the Kestrel story in media? Did I see a film or read a book? No, I know about the Kestrel from YP's blog.
Do speak to his brother. If ignores you or is non engaging, that could make for a more interesting blog post.
You learn more about England from "Kes" than you do from "Pride and Prejudice", "Great Expectations" or even "Wuthering Heights".
DeleteAnd yes, what Catalyst said. I have done so through publishers and I've always received a reply.
ReplyDeleteI found a way of messaging Richard Hines but I don't know for sure that the facility is still active. He has not got back to me yet.
DeleteDo take the advice and try to contact Richard. I am sure he would be happy to talk to you.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the film and remember it being a sensation when it was released, but not read the book.
It must be hard being the brother of a famous sibling.
DeleteI have never read the book because I hate sad stories about animals and birds. I wonder did Barry Hine make his fortune from the book, He has a very expressive face by the way, and should you ever meet his brother it would be lovely to have a bio of him.
ReplyDeleteIt gave him a comfortable living that's for sure and it paved the way to a position at The University of Sheffield. He was also very much "into" film making. He was a coal miner's son made good.
DeleteOne of my favourite books.
ReplyDeleteIs it true that the book inspired you to train a wood pigeon?
DeleteSounds like a great walk for you.
ReplyDeleteI think perhaps that book is far more read in your neck of the woods than it is over here. I know I've heard of it but other than that- nothing.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for doing your pilgrimage.
It is somehow tragic that such an inspiring author lost the ability to read himself in later life. Well done you for making that pilgrimage
ReplyDeleteIt must have been interesting (to say the least) to visit the grave of a writer whose work you taught, and who has obviously meant something to you. You should definitely chat up Richard next time you see him out and about.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do manage to speak to Richard Hines.
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