Books
Editor's Note: We are fortunate to have so many talented authors amongst our membership. I am delighted to bring to readers' attention the following three recently published books by K.A.S. members.
A BRIDGE OVER THE STREAM, EAST PECKHAM, 1894 - 1994. by Margaret Lawrence. 36 pages of text with 80 photographs, old and new, recording one hundred years of village life. The book was written to celebrate the centenary of East Peckham Parish Council, which has dedicated the profits to East Peckham School.
Based on both probable sources - Vestry Records, Parish Council Minutes, Census Returns - and improbable sources - the memories of a man born the same month that Parish Councils were inaugurated who lived to celebrate his centenary, through children's eyewitness accounts of the 1987 hurricane.
Photographic reproduction is professional and is supported by children's delightful light graphics. Price: £5 (plus p&p 67p.) from village shops or the author, Mrs. M. Lawrence.
PLAXTOL, WITHIN LIVING MEMORY, A collection of Memories by Village People, Edited by Molly Lewis. Produced by the Plaxtol Local History Group, this 72-page book draws on the experiences and memories of a cross-section of Plaxtol residents. Price: £3.95, copies may be obtained from Mrs. Vanessa Albertini.
GEORGIAN TONBRIDGE, A new book on the History of Tonbridge. Published by the Tonbridge Historical Society, Georgian Tonbridge is a compilation of six essays presenting the results of research into particular aspects of the town or surrounding area in this important period, together with an in-depth introduction by the editor, Dr. C. W. Chalklin. Price: £6 (this covers p&p), it is available from David Hardy (Cheque payable to 'Tonbridge Historical Society).
THE DIARIES OF WILLIAM BENGE (1837 - 1847) Researched by David R. Oliver. The contents of this handsome book are based on the original diary owned by our member, Mr. W. Lapthorne, who made it available for study and publication. As a work of local history, it is unique in its rare contemporary prints, some of which have never been in print before. Limited to 500 copies, this hardback book contains many illustrations and an invaluable record of early Victorian Broadstairs. Copies may be obtained, Price £10 plus £1 p&p from: Mr. D. R. Oliver.
THE IRON INDUSTRY IN THE WEALD. The Merton Priory Press will be republishing in April a revised second edition of this book by David Crossley and Henry Cleere. When first published in 1985, it cost £47.50. The new edition, also in hardback and with more pages, will be £24.95. Further inquiries should be made from Philip Riden, Merton Priory Press Ltd. 7 Nant Fawr Road, Cardiff CF2 6JQ.