Horrabridge’s past caught in splendid pictorial form

AS is well known, first impressions are exceedingly important to any observer when making early judgment on a person or product.

A first glance at 'Old Horrabridge,' creates more than just a favourable impression; it makes one wish to pick it up, feel the exquisite quality and experience the pleasure of handling a book which promises all that is best in factual, historical publications. Delve deeper, peruse the clear, sharp photographs (many dating back to the 19th century), read Jill Fitzsimmon's brief, but vivid description — under each one — of the place, the time and that which was happening, and the reader will know that he or she holds in their hands a local book which, whether one is a resident or from further afield, a scholar, someone with interest in the locality or just a person who appreciates excellence, this fine creation is something they will wish to possess.

Jill Fitzsimmons is a Horrabridge 'maid,' born and bred, and has lived in the village all of her life, while previous generations of her family have also dwelt in this fascinating and important old village on the banks of the Walkham. Indeed, many will remember her father, Reg Maddock, who was chairman for many years of the parish council and also one of the Horrabridge representatives on West Devon Borough Council; and he is relevant to this book in that as 'a hoarder' (to use his daughter's word) of old photographs, he clearly left a rich, ecletic, visual record of the village and its people. Others, also, have contributed photos and archive material, something the author acknowledges at the end of the publication, included amongst the list of names (many well known in the Horrabridge area) being her husband Jinks.

However, whilst the provision of such material is clearly most important to the creation of this book, it is the way Jill Fitzsimmons has used it which elevates its excellence. The pithy, evocative words she employs compliments perfectly the pictorial record of 'Old Horrabridge' which gazes out at us with such clarity - and size, many photos filling entire pages, something which gives them extra allure. Also, the author, who probably had difficult decisions to make regarding selection of material, has chosen well, in that a comprehensive period of village history is displayed before us, showing diverse aspects of life in Horrabridge, of the folk who lived there and the places, so many of them very recognisable to present day eyes.

Also in the news