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Pages of famous Fylde book turning again
LIKE the sails themselves, the pages of a famous Fylde book on windmills are turning once again – around the world this time.
Windmill Land, penned by Gazette writer Allen Clarke, was first published almost a century ago.
Now that first edition is back in circulation, embracing the latest technology as an ebook.
At one time there were more than 40 windmills, watermills and peg mills on the Fylde, and in Over Wyre.
Allen Clarke coined the nickname Windmill Land for this part of the English countryside and was inspired to write a book of that name back in 1916.
One of the original mills, Little Marton Windmill, on Preston New Road, was even dedicated to Clarke, who died in 1935, because of his famous book.
Now his granddaughter Shirley Matthews, who has worked tirelessly towards the mill's first official opening which coincided with the recent Heritage Weekend, has also achieved her dream of having the classic book brought to a new worldwide audience.
Shirley said: "Windmill Land is now an ebook, for everyone to read online, anywhere in the world.
"My grandfather would be thrilled that the pages of his beloved Windmill Land have once again been uncovered and turned and he has, at last, his voice back."
Windmill Land is more than just a dusty chronological charting of windmill history, for it depicts the vibrant surrounding rustic scenery, the characters he met and kept alive within the pages of his book along with the folklores, legends and traditions of the old halls, when all of his windmill land was dotted with the tall white windmill towers and red-winged sails set in the cornfields alongside the blacksmiths and chapels.
Shirley said: "He exudes the humorous descriptive lives of his characters and invites the reader to wander with him through the lanes and into the villages.
"He talks to you as a friend, baring his soul to the reader so much so you cannot leave his book without becoming his friend."
The many illustrations, poems and insights into the old rustic England, depict the author's enthusiasm for the district and a book that has been known by others who have read it.
- Visit www.windmillsworldwide.com to sample the book for free.
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Weather for Blackpool
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South east
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