WHATEVER the future holds for Morwellham Quay, whose prospects still remain uncertain after the business went into administration last September, there is no argument that this part of the Tamar Valley is still blessed with attractions — both natural and man made.

Tamar — the Journal of the Friends of Morwellham — edited by Esmond Harris — is indeed a friend of the area, as are those contributors to this publication.

In journal number 31 there are a series of interesting, and well researched articles, relating to the area ranging from recent archaelogical excavations at Morwellham to personal accounts of an apprenticeship of a railway engine fitter from Callington.

One section, of five pages, lists all those publications — great and small — which are related to influencing the past and present of the area, a useful guide to those who may wish to delve a little deeper.

Some of its appeal is the way it offers a diversity of subject matter in short, but well written, articles.

For example, there is a section on the archaeological excavations at Morwellham from 2002-2008 by archaeologist Robert Waterhouse, before jumping to the Bere Alston boyhood memories of Michael Fitton between 1951-1958.

Continuing its series on stories of the Tamar ferries, another section by Jean Sharman recalls 'ancient crossings, Saturday dances and football matches.'

There is much history and tales to be gleaned about the ferries that perhaps some, even those who live by such crossings, may not even know about.

Added to this are some quality photographs, mono and colour, to illustrate their topic.

Printed by PDS Print of Plymouth the ISBN is 978 0 9556261 2 8.

JOHN HUTCHINS