Memories (Amberley Publishing)

For this, the third book in a series on the area of Walworth, we let the people, old and new, speak first-hand about SE17. A few of those you will hear from have long since left Walworth physically, but it is a place they still hold dear to their hearts. Authors Mark Baxter and Darren Lock have collated quotes and, along with the use of social media, have managed to find many who have a tale to tell. Funny, sad, reflective, joyous – many moods are captured in these photographs, many of which have never been printed before. Walworth's strong sense of community is evident in the rich memories recounted in this volume. We hope the following pages also bring back memories for some of you as you read it. SE17 Forever!

Yeovil Memories covers a wide range of stories, from a tragic drowning in the River Yeo in 1856, the hardships of the savage winter of 1861 and that of two families who lost their cottages in a fire in February 1906, the lucky escape of a Westland test pilot as his aircraft broke up in mid-air in August 1934, and the top of the music charts of August 1952, to pop concerts in the Liberal Hall in 1965. Jack Sweet seeks to jog the collective memory of Yeovil's past, reliving memories, good, bad and occasionally downright awful (at least for those who had the misfortune to experience one and remain to tell the tale). Perhaps the Californian poet Clarency Urmy (1858-1923) summed it up; 'Old Songs are best - how sweet to hear. The strains of home and memory dear! Old books are best - how tale and rhyme Float with us down the stream of time!'

Trevor James recounts his experiences as a boy in a quiet market town in Devon. His education was basic but sound at a time when punishments for misbehaviour were swift and certain. He describes his schooldays; memories of life during wartime when the surrounding areas were occupied by the 29th Infantry Division of the American Army whose soldiers later suffered massive loss of life on Omaha beach on D Day; Tavistock Goose Fair before and after the war; aspects of everyday life as it was all those years ago when children did as they were told without argument; where boys and girls made their own amusements and treats were rare; when Sundays were sacred and bereft of any form of play or entertainment. Austerity and rationing were no hardship - they didn't know any different. More significantly it is all true.

Burton upon Trent Memories offers a nostalgic look back at the town's past through a selection of postcards, photographs, receipts and adverts from the author's own collection. Burton upon Trent, which straddles the River Trent in the east of Staffordshire, is the largest town in the National Forest. 'Burton', as it is known locally, grew up around Burton upon Trent Abbey, which was a major religious centre for Staffordshire in medieval times. In later years, the River Trent Navigation was extended to Burton and, by the early modern period, it had emerged as a bustling market town. Burton has a wealth of fine buildings, including the Town Hall, St Margaret's church and St Paul's, many of which were donated by Michael Bass, who became Lord Burton in the nineteenth century. As its brewing industry assumed importance in the early nineteenth century, the town really started to expand. In its heyday, Burton boasted a dozen or so breweries and was regarded as the international brewing capital of the world. Author Terry Garner invites the reader to step back in time and explore Burton upon Trent's rich and fascinating history.

Colchester Memories is an evocative collection of reminiscences recording life in Colchester during the early to mid-twentieth century. The memories have been transcribed from recorded interviews and appear here in the contributors' own words. Various aspects of life are featured, from childhood memories and schooldays to family life, work, transport, wartime and leisure. Some of the earliest memories describe the town in the late Victorian period and the Edwardian age that followed. Recollections include travelling in horse-drawn carriages and trams, and living in an age before the invention of television and other trappings of modern life. The book will certainly appeal to those who know Colchester and will offer a nostalgic glance back to how life was lived in the past. It will prove to be an intriguing and valuable source of information for years to come.

Southampton is now part of a huge metropolitan area running along the south coast in Hampshire. The city has seen massive changes over the years and although its history goes back many centuries, it saw particularly rapid growth in Victorian times with the development of the docks and related shipbuilding industries. Significant areas of the city were destroyed in the Second World War. The subsequent rebuilding of Southampton, followed by more recent regeneration, has changed much of the city, but its history is still in evidence. Today Southampton is a busy metropolis, and alongside the people who live and work in the city, it draws visitors from around the world. In Southampton Memories: People and Placesthe authors have delved into their remarkable collection of photographs from their Facebook site of the same name to present a fascinating selection of images of the city since the nineteenth century. The photographs portray the many changes that have taken place in the city centre, the docks and the suburbs; in local transport, including the loss of the trams; the experiences of Southampton during wartime; industries and other workplaces; schools, colleges and hospitals; pubs, shops, hotels and restaurants; churches and memorials; recreation and leisure; and many more facets of the city. It is a unique record of how much Southampton and its people have changed over the years. This wonderful collection of historical photographs will be of interest to all those who live locally or know it well.

Northampton Memories brings together the recollections of people from various parts of the town and from a range of different age groups. It includes memories of home and family life, the local shops and market, experiences of wartime rationing, memories of local businesses, education, parks and play areas, of travelling to and fro on the local transport services, memories of the old dance halls and events, and of how the town itself has changed throughout the years. Join Christine Jones and the town's residents as they take a trip down memory lane.

Many people's memories are locked away until a door to them is opened. As life progresses is it not a pleasure to share with others the joy or sorrow of recollections? Bury St Edmunds Memories is a key that helps to unlock so many of those portals. Following on from 'Bury St Edmunds Through Time' and 'Secret Bury St Edmunds', this is a book to stimulate conversation with friends and family about the good and the bad times. These are stories that will have you saying 'I remember that', 'I remember him' and 'really was that so long ago?' However if you are not a Bury person it will shine a light on some of the dimly lit past and show you what a rich and varied town we live in. Poignant and pithy, funny but truthful, these are reminiscences of over seventy people from all walks of life that have contributed not only their experiences but some of their photographs as well.

Countless members of this valued community have been questioned, and everyone from the butcher at Taylors to the Parish Councillor have added their piece to the rich tapestry of Minchinhampton's heritage. The stories featured are as varied as the people who live in the village, from a humorous tale of one resident almost bumping into a cow on his way to work on Minchinhampton Common, to the wonderful theatrical productions of the 1970s, which attracted people from miles around. This book will be of interest to anyone who knows and loves this very special corner of the Cotswolds.