A BOOK about how Hatherleigh got through the coronavirus pandemic — in memory of much-loved community figure Dennis Bater — is now proudly complete.

Donna Lewis, who has poured heart and soul into the project for 18 months, is now taking orders for When Hatherleigh Stood Still, which includes poems, written accounts and photographs from young and old alike of life in the town during the pandemic.

Donna, who wears many hats in the community, spearheaded this memorial project for ‘man of Hatherleigh’ Dennis Bater, who died aged 79 on Easter Monday, April 13 2020 of coronavirus.

Donna said: ‘Dennis was a massive figure in Hatherleigh, an ex-mayor who ran the history society and was involved with the foot and mouth crisis. He did so much for everyone so it was a massive loss for Hatherleigh when he died and I wanted to do something in his memory.’

She said that at first she had the idea of involving the children at the primary school, visiting them to get them involved producing artwork.

‘Then I was sat at home and decided that it had got to be bigger than that, we’ve got to get everyone involved in this. So I opened it up to the whole community which is what Dennis would have done; he would have been knocking on doors and getting contributions. He used to post every day on the history society Facebook page. I found that I needed to do it, in his name and for everyone else in Hatherleigh. It was a terrible time and at least this means that something nice has come out of it.’

With illustrations by local artist Christina Knights and design by Tamsin Carter of Pynto Design, also Hatherleigh based, and contributions from businesses and individuals, it has been a true Hatherleigh project.

Donna said: ‘We asked people for their memories of lockdown, how it was for them, whether bad, good or everything in between and including the important things, weddings and funerals We had quite a few people who passed away during the lockdowns in Hatherleigh. We couldn’t go to funerals, so what we did was stand on our doorsteps and line the streets to pay our respects when the cars went through the town. As a mark of respect, it was perfect and continues to this day.’

More lighthearted moments include Donna’s picture of sheep sculptures wearing face masks. There is also a section dedicated to Dennis, with tributes from people in the community. ‘It shows how much people thought of him’ said Donna.

To order a copy, contact Donna on 07889 684619 by November 7. Ninety-five pence from each copy goes to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, Dennis’s favourite charity.