MEMORIES of Whitchurch from the 1890s to the latter part of the twentieth century are the subject of a new book ?Whitchurch of Yesteryear? by author Phil Maker.

The softback 32-page book has a wealth of photographic records of the parish, with accompanying text explaining more about each picture and giving some of the history.

There are pictures of choirs from St Andrew?s Church from 1981 and 1922 ? the latter on a charabanc outing ? and a rather imposing team of the church?s bellringers from 1916. Definitely more informal were the group of hand bell ringers from around 1966, when the hand bells were ?used to summon the congregation to worship, as at that time the church bells were being repaired?.

Group photographs of various local organisations will find those with local contacts eagerly searching for familiar faces. Were you at the tennis club party in 1950, with the Whitchurch Players and Dancers in the 1970s and 80s, or the local guides in the 1920s and 30s? If so, memories can be relived. Former school pupils may also find themselves embarrassed by being featured in class photographs.

A number of the older pictures leave you wondering in amazement at the hats and fashion of the time! One in particular shows a group of ladies posing outside the old school on election day in the 1930s, with a Mrs Symons in a Bath chair.

Buildings old and new, the days of the train, notable events and wartime reminiscences ? all are available for the price of £2.99. The publishers are Obelisk Publications of 2 Church Hill, Pinhoe, Exeter and the book ? which is part of a series which includes Dartmoor of Yesteryear, Chagford of Yesteryear and Okehampton of Yesteryear ? is available from local bookshops or direct from the publishers.

ANN PARSONS