Celebrate 50 years of Kes

Barry Hines who wrote the book of the film Kes
7th April 1970 — Barry Hines who wrote the book of the film Kes 7th April 1970

The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership. (DVLP), has put free copies of the book A Kestrel of A Knave across the region to celebrate 50 years since it was first released.

The book, written by Barry Hines, inspired the much-loved film Kes.

Copies of the novel were left in venues across Hoyland, Barnsley, earlier this week, including Casper’s Fish and Chip Shop, and the DVLP have asked people to record the book’s journey by using a code at the back to ensure the story of Kes lives on.

People who pick up the book this week are encouraged to tweet @discoverdearne using the hashtag #Kes50 each time the book changes hands.

The book drop also marks the launch of Kes 50, a project by South Yorkshire artists Patrick Murphy and Anton Want which has been funded by the DVLP, The University of Sheffield and The Civic Theatre.

Sally Gawthorpe, community officer at the DVLP, said: “We’re hoping to inspire people to pass on the book to their friends and family so the story lives on and is remembered for generations to come.

“It is a great way to kick-start our Kes 50 celebrations in the same South Yorkshire community which inspired Hines’ rich and descriptive writing.”

For more information, visit www.Kes50.co.uk.