Tipton Life Interviews - Steve Bartley

"I was born inRichards Road, Princes End" says Steve, "I emigrated to Bradley at an early age and finally settled in Coseley." He confesses to being a keen supporter of Wolves (the football team not the animal!) attending games since the age of 8 and being a season ticket holder for many years.

"I was a keen runner and was a member of Tipton Harriers for many years but dodgy knees have now put pay to pounding the roads", says Steve. "I also played Sunday League football up to the age of 44 at which point it started to take 4 days to recover and 3 days to get ready for the next game!"

Steve's other passion is mountains. "To celebrate my 50th birthday I spent three weeks in theHimalayas, trekking to Everest base camp and climbing 5,700 metres to the summit of Kala Patar. Nowadays I can still be found inNorth Waleson less arduous climbs." I wonder if he's ever climbed Sedgley Bonk???

"I love the history, culture and humour of the Black Country" says Steve. "I write humorous short stories and poetry inspired by a sense of place and belonging to the Black Country. My stories are mostly fictional but the inspiration comes from real people, real places and real events. If anyone wants a sample of my writing they can visit my website www.stevebartley.co.uk, where amongst other bits and pieces they can find 'When Elvis Came to Tipton'."

Steve's first collection of short stories 'The Ascent of Sedgley Beacon, The Bilston Moon Landing Hoax and Other Stuff' was originally put together for family and friends but, by word of mouth, it reached a much wider audience. "I followed up on the success of my first book with 'Don't Spook the BonkOss' which has also been very well received.

I also write poetry based on a Black Country theme, some in dialect, some not. My first collection of poetry titled 'It's Poetry Aye It' has gone down a storm with Black Country folk and ex-pats!"

"My Poem 'The Way I Spayke' from my book 'Poetry Aye It' about being proud of the Black Country received over 500 likes in just over 2 hours when put on the Black Country T Shirts site, it was also used by Sandwell Libraries at the bottom of emails and it has also been used on local radio station BBC WM."

Steve says his regularly receives emails from as far afield asAustralia,Americaand Cradley Heath about his work and regularly has his stories published in the Black Country Bugle. "I've also appeared on local radio to talk about my books. I performed at and hosted an evening of Black Country Talent at the Station Hotel,Dudley, helping to raise £1,800 for Compton Hospice. I enjoy performing my short stories and poetry to local groups and charity fund raisers. I don't charge but most groups do make a contribution which I pass on to charity. I recently 'did my stuff' at a Tipton Civic Society meeting and had a bostin night with some great passionate Tiptonians."

Steve has written 3 books of short stories and poetry, articles for newspapers and I used to write a Sunday League fanzine but when he was at school he hated English lessons mainly because of a sadistic teacher who for some reason decided he would try to make Steve's life difficult in his classes. "I still hate bullies to this day," says Steve. "I wish I knew where he was now as I would send him three complimentary books!"

"Someone once said to me you remind me of a cross between Black Country Poet Harry Harrison and Punk Poet John Cooper Clarke," says Steve. "This made me very happy as I am a massive fan of John Cooper Clarke and I admire Harry Harrison for keeping the dialect alive."

For over thirty years, Steve worked as a leisure centre manager and spent part of his career at what is now know at the Tipton Sports Academy. "I've met many top class athletes, footballers, tennis players, the odd TV star from Gladiators, The Gadget show and quite a few TV reporters over the years", recalls Steve. "I've also met a few politicians such as Betty Boothroyd and John Prescott. My favourite encounter with a politician was Tony Banks, who was Minister for Sport at the time; he was really down to earth and had a great sense of humour."

"The nicest sportsman I have met is Peter Shilton. He was hired for one hour to open the grandstand atTiptonSportsAcademybut he stayed for around three hours signing autographs and letting local kids take penalties at him."

Steve recalls a funny incident whilst working at the Academy. "A few years back Olympic and Commonwealth athlete Allan Rushmer worked alongside me at the Academy which is the home of Tipton Harriers. One day I was talking to Allan who was out on the football pitch when I noticed a young lad around 100 yards away sneaking into the tool store where Allan had hung up his coat. The lad had taken the keys out of Allan's pocket and when he noticed us watching he took flight. Allan and I gave chase and caught him. We took him back to the building and called the police. A little while later a policeman arrived. He looked at the lad and said "How stupid can you be, if you are going to pinch something and make a run for it don't try it at Tipton Harriers!"".

As someone who was born in Tipton and spent most of his working life in Tipton, Steve admires the way that Tiptonians shrug off the negative remarks that are often made about the area and their ability to laugh at themselves. "I love the fact that they can take the mickey out of themselves and the area they live in but are also proud of where they come from and will defend it against any criticism from outsiders."

Our thanks to Steve for taking part in this interview and giving us another slice of life in Tipton.