FOR those who wish to immerse themselves in nostalgia — whether or not they have local connections — then Tavistock Memories is a must; it is also essential reading for those who wish to study the social history of a Devonshire market town in the late thirties, forties and early fifties.

Trevor James was born in Tavistock in 1934 and left to go out into the world, joining the merchant navy, in 1951. The 17 years between these dates are covered in fascinating fashion, the way of life led by local people during one of the most fraught, dangerous eras of British history, describes vividly, frankly often movingly.

He tells of his school days, firstly at the primary school in Dolvin Road (now St Rumon's), then, having passed his 11-plus exam, at Tavistock Grammar School, the buildings now occupied by Tavistock Primary School.

He writes perceptively of the teachers, many of them household names to a generation of local boys and girls — of their idiosyncrasies and qualities (or lack of them) and his experiences in those austere times.

Well covered are the transport services enjoyed by the town, notably the two railway links, and stations, the main line Southern, and branch line Great Western, and tells of 'The Convict Express,' and overworked engine pulling a couple of carriages up the incline from Yelverton to Princetown, carrying prisoners to Dartmoor.

Indeed, there is a splendid reproduction of a painting of this lonely journey, one of some sixty evocative illustrations throughout the book.

The commercial life of the town also comes under the author's scrutiny. He writes of shops still in business such as Crebers and Palmers and of well-remembered names such as Sweets, Bakers and Friend's Butchers. He includs many other businesses, including the Tavistock Times in Taylor Square, with The Gazette being sited in what is now known as Kingdon House.

Vividly, often poignantly, he illustrates that effect locally of the mighty conflict which shaped life during the 40s — the second world war; of men going off to fight, of the privations suffered by those left behind, the shortages of virtually every commodity and the rationing.

He recalls the coming of the 'Yanks', whose headquarters were at Abbotsfield Hall, now a residential nursing home, and of visits to Tavistock by such legends as General Dwight Eisenhower and Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery. Movingly, he describes the menacing glow in the night sky to the south over Plymouth, the port 'blitzed' with firebombs by the mighty Luftwaffe.

It is difficult within the inevitable confines of review to convey the comprehensive scope of local life covered by Trevor James; as a reference work, a local history and personal memoir, it excels. Impeccably crafted, and written with erudite lucidity,' Tavistock Memories' is, indeed memorable.

'Tavistock Memories' by Trevor James, is published by Amberley Publishing (ISBN 978-1-84868-740-0) priced at £12.99.

l Trevor will be signing copies of his book at Bookstop in Tavistock on Saturday, June 26, from 10.30am.