AFTER years of extensive work a new book, providing a 'snapshot' of a West Devon community's development, is all set to be launched. In 2004, Petrockstowe local history group decide that they wanted to do something more than just talk about memories and decided they would embark on a project to produce a book of Petrockstowe. Very little has been written about Petrockstowe previously, but now, after three years of hard work, 'Petrockstowe Past and Present' has been produced. The book will be launched on Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30 at the Baxter Hall in Petrockstowe. The project was expensive and only made possible thanks to a successful application for a Lottery Heritage Fund grant. The book is not intended as a historical record but offers, within its 280-plus pages, a snapshot of Petrockstowe at various stages in the community's development. The book contains memories, anecdotes and humour as well as photographs and the story of the village from its early formation. The production of the book has seen the history group involve the Petrockstowe community at all stages, ranging from illustrations to the provision of photographs. The book will be available at a discounted price throughout the two day launch. There will also be an electronic archive of pictures available on CD. The launch will include a selection of different displays and refreshments will be available.
