War hero book boosts appeal

Paul G Smith (local historian and co-author), Dave Brewin (Garstang poppy appeal organiser), and Garstang mayor, Coun Alan Cornthwaite. Photo credit: Christine Smith.

Last autumn local historian Paul G Smith and freelance journalist Anthony Coppin published “Garstang’s Great War Heroes,” a book about the life and times of men from Garstang who served in the conflict, many of them giving their lives for their country.

The proceeds from the sale of the book over the past 12 months have now been presented to Garstang’s poppy appeal organiser, Dave Brewin.

At a cheque presentation ceremony at Garstang Arts Centre, Mr Smith handed over the cheque for £1,400 to Mr Brewin.

Also in attendance were Garstang town mayor Coun Alan Cornthwaite, representing the town council, which was one of the early financial sponsors of the book project, and Garstang Historical Society chairman, Peter Burrell.

Copies of “Garstang’s Great War Heroes” continue to be available for sale at various outlets in Garstang, including the tourist office, near Booths store.

Free copies have been given both last autumn and this autumn to all pupils at Garstang’s three primary schools – Garstang Community Primary, SS Mary and Michael Catholic School, Bonds, and Garstang St Thomas’s CE School.

A spokesman for Garstang Historical Society, whose treasurer Maureen Spiers has managed the finances of the book project, said sales of the books and the offer of free copies to pupils and students from Garstang, Bonds and Bowgreave, would continue until autumn 2018 or until the supply of the print run of books runs out – whichever is the sooner.

n More information about the book can be obtained by ringing 01995 605824.