Member Article

C’est Magnifique! Thomas takes a unique look at the French

One of Yorkshire’s more colourful businessmen has written a unique book about the contrasting cultures of England and France.

Thomas Black, the former Joint Chairman of the Keighley-based Peter Black Holdings, a major supplier of a wide range of products and services to the leading UK retailers, has just published the very individual Vive La Difference: Lu et Approuvé.

Thomas divides his time between Ilkley in West Yorkshire and the Tarn in South West France and his personal and amusing thoughts on France and the French, written in his own inimitable style, are a refreshing antidote to the current fevered and antagonistic Brexit debate.

He explains, light-heartedly: “Some wit once said that there is a book in everyone. Have I proved him wrong? I sincerely hope not. I have thoroughly enjoyed writing this book, which is an affectionate, if at times outspoken, look at the very idiosyncratic French way of life.

“There are many adjectives which could describe Vive La Difference - Laconic, original, creative, funny, cynical, chauvinistic, poignant, self-deprecating, sensitive, biased, outspoken and politically incorrect. We trust you agree that these are the good points.

“Seriously, though, I hope very much that my book strikes a chord with everyone who enjoys life in either Yorkshire or France. I’ve been lucky enough to absorb both cultures and to appreciate what both have to offer. I really hope – and believe - I convey this enthusiasm and love of life in my book,” said Thomas.

Huge care has been taken in the production and presentation of Vive La Difference, which includes individual sprigs of lavender and heather attached to the front cover as well as an envelope containing a fascinating array of French memorabilia, including an old coin. Its full title, featuring Lu et Approuvé, is a reference to the French expression which, translated, means Read and Approved.

In a highly unusual and entertaining move, there are pertinent, hand-written comments in the margins from Thomas’s son Ben and his friend Graham Gilbert.

“The book is certainly unconventional with the photos in the envelope, the tear stains, the botanical flourish on the front and the not-always-kind comments in the margins from Ben and Graham. It’s thinking out of the box – and all the better for that. I don’t think anyone has created anything quite like it. Ever,” said Thomas.

The book is also a totally Yorkshire production, designed by Primary Colour Graphic Design of Baildon; proof read by Highlight Type Bureau of Guiseley; printed by Fretwell Print and Direct Mail of Keighley; and bound by Smith Settle Printing and Bookbinding of Yeadon.

Thomas explained: “I am proud to come from Yorkshire and I am delighted that my book was book was written and produced in the county – even though much of it is about France!”

Thomas Black has already achieved massive Internet fame as an anti-litter campaigner and all profits from Vive la Difference! will go to funding more anti-litter initiatives in Yorkshire.

In 2014 he made the film Don’t Drop Litter or Else!, which has received 200,000 hits on YouTube. Last year, he followed this up with another hard-hitting film called Cleaning Up The Lay-Bys, using George Formby’s iconic When I’m Cleaning Windows as inspiration. Both are still proving very popular on YouTube.

Thomas follows his brother Gordon into print. Gordon’s candid business self-help book From Bags to Blenders was well received when it was published in the autumn of 2016.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .