Isnt it funny where google brings you?

I am Stuart Smith, Billy Barker was my Great Grandfather, (Jed Scruton who wrote above 2 years ago is my Uncle)

I have the original Manchester Evening News page with his picture and a small article about him, if there is any further interest on this topic I will scan it and load it up to my server and post a subsequent link here.

His jumping feats were well documented also on Granada Reports on one occasion I am told. I know the Openshaw canal locks stories, as well as the jumping into a box of eggs and out again and also snuffing out a lit candle that was in the mouth of a man lying on the floor.

I was never fortunate enough to meet him as he died before I was born but my Grandmother (Mother of Jed above) regaled me with his tales often as a child.

So Bouncing Billy Barker was not an urban myth.