Town revealed in poems and pictures

A new book of poems is drawing on the traditions and people of Tipton.

The town's civic society is marking its 20th anniversary with the celebration of local folk which also contains a host of locally-inspired illustrations.

Black Country wordsmith David Bartley has compiled the tome, which is called Tipton This 'n' Tipton That, and features comic poems and "passionate" rhymes, as well as tributes to some of the town's best-loved residents such as long-distance runner Jack Holden.

David, from Stella Road, has become well-known for his performance poetry and often writes in Black Country dialect.

He said: "There are 46 poems that I have been writing and working on over the last few years. It's a real variety.

"Often when I perform people ask me if I've got a book so hopefully it should go down well."

He added: "All my poems rhyme, I think that's important, if they don't then it's just a story.

"Mine have rhythm and rhyme and they roll off the tongue."

The book, which is published by Great Barr-based Peerless Literature Services, also features illustrations by Birmingham-based illustrator Galini Dimitriadou and has been funded by the Tipton and Coseley Building Society.

The Tipton Civic Society is publishing the book for David and all profits will go to local charities.

More than 2,000 copies have been printed and it will be officially launched at the Tipton Conservative Club, in Union Street on Saturday at 7.30pm.

The evening will also mark the 20th anniversary of the Tipton Civic Society.

Tickets for the event cost £7 and are available from Rob Williams on 0121 553 11751.