Life of village during Great War is relived

A Blidworth couple have written a book documenting the social history of the village during the First World War.

Blidworth and the First World War tells how life in the Parish of Blidworth changed during the first thirty years of the 20th century.

The book tells stories of every day life through the eyes of villagers such as Sam Clarke, a bootmaker whose diaries were drawn upon for a wealth of detail.

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Co-author John Smallwood (68), of Main Street, said: “There are so many stories when you start looking into the past. It is fascinating.

“Different people will find different things of interest in the book. Some may like the social aspects, while others will want to know about the men who went off to fight and did not come back.

“The book took about two years to research and write - it was a real labour of love and we hope people will enjoy it.”

The book costs £10 and will be launched with a signing at Blidworth Library on 4th August between 9.30am-12.30pm.

Other library signing dates include:

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- 7th August at Ravenshead between 9.30am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 6pm

- 8th August at Rainworth between 1pm and 5pm

- 9th August at Farnsfield between 9am and 1pm

- 16th August at Kirkby between 9am and 1pm

John and Dale will also be signing at Blidworth Welfare for the Food and Craft Fair on 24th August from 12pm until 5pm.

The book can be ordered by emailing dalesmallwood@ntlworld.com

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