A SOUTH Zeal couple have been asked by Halsgrove publishers to put together a history book on Okehampton following the success of their first publication.
Marketing manager for Halsgrove Denise Lyons said the feedback from 'South Tawton and South Zeal — 1,000 years Beneath the Beacon', which is one of a series of community history books by the publishers, had been excellent.
'Lots of people have commented on the quality of the writing and the photographs in the book,' she said. 'It is quite unusual for us to ask somebody to do a second book but the Radfords' work was very professional and they have a long association with Okehampton.'
Roy and Ursula have on file 250,000 words of historical background on Okehampton but they want to bring that to life with personal stories, photographs and memorabilia.
Their book on South Tawton, which took two years to research, contained 300 photographs and many interviews with local characters.
'The bare bones of history are one thing but it is the people who make it,' said Roy. 'Through the lifeblood of Okehampton we can find out what the town has been for the last century and how previous centuries have brought that about.'
Together, the couple have written three books on folklore and have become regular contributors to radio programmes. Being asked to produce another book for the Halsgrove series was a 'surprise and privilege' said Roy.
'We have had a lot of offers of help already which is great because the book is for the town and not for us.'
Roy and Ursula are looking for photographs as well as maps, advertisements and bills, all of which will be scanned and returned as quickly as possible.
Those with memories of Okehampton, especially the elderly who have lived in the town all their lives, are being asked to call the couple on 01837 840547.
The book is expected to be published just before Christmas 2002.