MODEST PROJECT BECAME A MARATHON

Harvest of memories

in a garden

village

A book launch later this month will commemorate the vibrant Cumbria village of Botcherby and what may be a unique partnership involving the local community group that publishes this blog.

The book is Botcherby A Garden Village, the story of what was small village near Carlisle that has grown and transformed over the years into a vibrant community several times bigger.

The community group, Botcherby Forever has been in existence for several years, its members working for the good of the community. The group is part of Carlisle Tenants` and Residents` Federation.

In the last four years Botcherby Forever has given active support  to local author Pat Hitchon in her research into the history of the village through monthly  group meetings and other activities.

What was expected to be a modest two-year project became a four-year marathon as it caught the imagination of the local community, with many people giving photos, recalling memories and adding other help.

This local help and  the help from Botcherby Forever community group has been vital  to Pat. She has these words of  thanks:‘I could not have completed the book without you, my friends. You have all made it possible for the book to be put together and eventually published. I am very grateful to you all”

The book is published by P3 Publications and has over 250 pages, 1,000 pictures, and is in full colour.  It sells at £15.

Here are some memories recalled in the book:

St. Andrew`s Church

  ... theNursery Gardens, the Magpie Inn, Botcherby Community 
Centre, St Andrew’s Church, the carnivals, the characters, the famous footballers, the shops, St Cuthbert’s school, the Metal Box factory, St Joseph’s Home, the Durranhill Cottage murder, the airfield, the effects of two world wars, the history of the farms, the building of the estate, the ancient houses of Wood Street and very much more.

The launch is  at 2 pm on Saturday  May 20 at Botcherby Community Centre. 

Readers of this blog who would like an invitation to the launch should please let Pat know by emailing her at  pat.hitchon@talktalk.net or they should leave a message on Carlisle 527105.

Those already in touch with Pat will automatically receive invitations .

   Carlisle Tenants` and Residents` Federation publishes this blog. Information about the Federation is available on 01228 522277 or 01228 532803.