Press release: 5 June 2023
The Black Country GIANT free book launch,
11am in Bear Bookshop, 588 Bearwood Road, B66 4BW Midsummer’s Day, Sat 24 June 2023
Adrian Johnson, the storyteller from Smethwick, will launch his new book, The Black Country GIANT, on Midsummer’s Day at the independent Bear Bookshop at 588 Bearwood Road B664BW
The Black Country GIANT is a 62-page adventure story suitable for readers aged 7+ about the bravest, tallest young hero from West Bromwich who laughs and learns from Mister William Shakespeare, meets Sir Walter Raleigh and steps up to save his mum (and King James I) from a most terrible fate.
Adrian said:
“Twelve years ago, I walked into Smethwick’s library archive on my own and left with my tallest new friend called Walter Parsons.”
Walter Parsons comes from West Bromwich and is renowned to have been the porter and trusted guardian of King James I back in 1605 - a turbulent time of alleged witchcraft and violent gun powder plots against Parliament.
Adrian added:
“I have been telling the Black Country GIANT story at schools, libraries, museums and festivals for many years, so it now feels right to share the extended book version of the story from which the shorter, oral piece comes from. It naturally still includes yoyos, songs and riddles that everyone enjoys in the live shows.”
The free book launch event will feature stories, riddles, strawberries, sparkling drinks, and some superb summertime songs from members of the Thimblemill Library Choir.
The book launch day price is £4.99
Ends
Further details from:
Adrian Johnson at
[email protected]
Copyright released images of book cover and writer Adrian Johnson (below)
January and February 2023 Sandwell Cosy Communities Tour dates
Spirit of Jumping Joseph Darby -
160th Anniversary gathering in Netherton, Dudley
11.00am to 12.30, Friday 6th August, 2021
Join local Netherton teacher and jumptastic Joseph Darby enthusiast and research writer, Adrian Johnson, on Friday 6th August, 2021 in Netherton at the site of Joseph Darby's commemorative statue - opposite 87 Halesowen Road, DY2 9PY and Old Swan Inn.
In a free, short walk and talk (suitable for those aged 6 to 76+ years of age) between the statue and nearby Netherton Park, starting at 11am, Adrian will recall and share stories of Netherton's World Champion Stand Jump athlete and Victorian era showman who will be exactly 160 years young on 6th August, 2021.
Marvel at the amazing leaps of imagination and faith Joseph Darby made across the UK and around the world beating all comers, including Yankee Mustang Jack from Buffalo Bill Cody's travelling Wild West Show and all comers that fancied their chances - and lost!
Jump in and join the just for fun finale with all comers that are invited to become honorary Youth (up to 16yrs) and Adult Netherton World Stand Jump Champion for the day - if they can outjump Adrian and anyone else that choses to compete - at a socially distanced, jump for joy and Joseph Darby at around 12 noon in Netherton park, near the Rose Garden on the Northfield Road entrance side of the park.
The event is free to attend and all comers are requested to observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face cover when standing near to anyone not in their social and family group. Contact Adrian Johnson via the contact form page (elsewhere on this site) to register and take part in the 'just for fun' story walk and stand jump.
The organiser reserves the right to accept no more than the first 20 people that express an interest to join in the day at 11am (and finishing at 12.30).
The Deputy Mayor of Dudley will also be in attendance and a fun day of stories, amazing leaps of faith and imagination in the spirit of Joseph Darby will be taken once more, with pride in the Black Country and Netherton's amazing Jumping Joseph Darby.
In a free, short walk and talk (suitable for those aged 6 to 76+ years of age) between the statue and nearby Netherton Park, starting at 11am, Adrian will recall and share stories of Netherton's World Champion Stand Jump athlete and Victorian era showman who will be exactly 160 years young on 6th August, 2021.
Marvel at the amazing leaps of imagination and faith Joseph Darby made across the UK and around the world beating all comers, including Yankee Mustang Jack from Buffalo Bill Cody's travelling Wild West Show and all comers that fancied their chances - and lost!
Jump in and join the just for fun finale with all comers that are invited to become honorary Youth (up to 16yrs) and Adult Netherton World Stand Jump Champion for the day - if they can outjump Adrian and anyone else that choses to compete - at a socially distanced, jump for joy and Joseph Darby at around 12 noon in Netherton park, near the Rose Garden on the Northfield Road entrance side of the park.
The event is free to attend and all comers are requested to observe appropriate social distancing and wear a face cover when standing near to anyone not in their social and family group. Contact Adrian Johnson via the contact form page (elsewhere on this site) to register and take part in the 'just for fun' story walk and stand jump.
The organiser reserves the right to accept no more than the first 20 people that express an interest to join in the day at 11am (and finishing at 12.30).
The Deputy Mayor of Dudley will also be in attendance and a fun day of stories, amazing leaps of faith and imagination in the spirit of Joseph Darby will be taken once more, with pride in the Black Country and Netherton's amazing Jumping Joseph Darby.