The Millennium has prompted many communities to mark the occasion by publishing books on their history. Such projects can draw out interesting old photographs and provide an opportunity to reflect on the past. Calver - a booklet for the Millennium has been put together by Julia Beswick a lifelong resident and Eric Wilkes OBE DL, a local doctor for 17 years. The 60 page, modestly titled booklet, reproduces some fascinating old photographs of this old Derbyshire village and its inhabitants, followed by information on its main features, roads and houses in the form of a walk around the village. The history of each location is woven into the text providing fascinating snippets into the past life of residents. Sadly dates for the pictures and a simple map of the village are missing. A visit to Calver with this publication in hand is recommended and should encourage others to embark on similar projects. Copies are available in the village at Calver Bridge News.

If a single picture is worth a thousand words, then the book Britain in Old Photographs - Dronfield is a veritable encyclopaedia containing 130 pages of photographs of Dronfield, Holmesfield and Barlow. Each picture has a deep caption identifying the location and some of the history behind the places and people featured. Pulled together by Roger Redfern and published by Sutton Publishing price œ 9.99 this is one of a widely successful series covering a large number of districts throughout the country. If you already know the area it is sure to bring back memories and if you are new to it, then it provides a tantalising glimpse at what life and places were once like.

Details of the full series can be obtained by phoning 01453 731114 or E-mail sales@sutton-publishing.co.uk

A Railwayman's Grave

My engine now is cold and still,
No water does my boiler fill;
My coal affords its flame no more,
My days of usefulness are o'er;
My wheels deny their noted speed,
No more my guiding hand they need;
My whistle, too, has lost its tone,
Its shrill and thrilling sounds are gone.

My valves are all thrown open wide,
My flanges now refuse to guide;My clacks also, though once so strong, Refuse to aid the busy throng; No more I feel each urging breath,
My steam is now condensed in death;
Life's railway o'er, each station's passed,
In death I'm stopped, and rest at last.

Farewell, dear friends, and cease to weep,
In Christ I'm safe, in him I sleep.

Summer means holidays and days trips, with plenty to do in Yorkshire both inland and along the coast. One of the most popular locations is York, and a new Dalesman pocket guide to walks through the city is just what you need to discover its secrets. Starting with a brief history, the city is then explored via 4 walks, each clearly illustrated with maps and details of the main sites. Each walk is relatively short, 60 to 90 minutes will do, but a walk through York is a walk through the history of England and you may find yourself spending much longer. Opening times are provided for all the attractions to help planning.

The Dalesman City Guide to York, along with companion publications on Harrogate, Whitby and Scarborough, are available price £1.99 each from all major bookshops. Pocket a copy.

For walkers in the county another Sigma publication is also a must. Best Shropshire Walks price £6.95 details 36 walks throughout the county, from short strolls to classic rambles. Walking is undoubtedly the best way to see the countryside, and Shropshire has plenty of it. To aid planning, each route is clearly detailed with length, estimated time, how to get there and map. Wayside curiosities add interest to the scenery and the need for refreshment is not forgotten.

Both books are available at all good bookshops or for a full list of publications phone 01625 531035 or visit www.sigmapress.co.uk

Channel Island Walks, published by Cicerone Press, is packed with all the detail you need. After an introduction to geography and history, 22 walks on Jersey along with 20 on Guernsey and 5 on the smaller islands are set out. None are exceptionally demanding, typically 3 to 7 miles, but longer coastal routes are also provided. Maps, pictures and information on points of interest illustrate each walk There really is room to stretch your legs without retracing your steps.

Channel Island Walks is widely available or phone the publisher on 015395 62069.

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