Actor Stephen Tomkinson spoke to the Chronicle this week about his love of Barnsley and his fond memories of his time filming in Grimethorpe for the hit film Brassed Off.
As the 20th anniversary of the closure of Grimethorpe Colliery looms, Stephen, who lives near Weybridge, Surrey, said he particularly enjoyed meeting people from the area and enjoyed his time in the Grimethorpe Miners' Welfare Institute so much, that both he and Pete Postlethwaite, his fellow cast member, both became members.
He also told of the 'happy marriage' the crew and actors shared with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band who recorded the film's soundtrack.
Stephen is currently starring on television screens as DCI Banks.
See this week's Chronicle for more of Stephen's memories.
© 2013 Barnsley Chronicle Ltd
Me and my daughter were in dci banks a couple of weeks ago! Stephen thompkinson is a lovely bloke... He played with my little girl between shoots!
She played the little girl in the second part of the first story of this season. (Amelia Lambert was the charactor she played!)
Stephen its a pleasure to see you today, Although my family and I left the Barnsley area 40 years ago I still love and miss the place.
My family, friends and neighbours were coal miners who lived in the pit houses on Wombwell Main Row.
Brassed Off portrayed the people and their plights brilliantly.
I remember sat in the thearte in Charlotte, North Carolina watching Brassed Off when a rather posh voice shouted, 'Come on Margaret this film is not for us'I can't relate to it'
.Obviously she did not know that the people of South Yorkshire are the salt of the earth.
A relative of my sister by marrage plays in the prestigous Grimethorpe Brass band.
Best wishes to you and yours.