Brian Hales’s book is an invaluable resource for anyone who is researching their family history, or studying rural life in Post-War Britain.
Of particular note is the story of Captain Alfred Edward Bowen (Skip), a parachutist with the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, who carried out numerous test jumps using the newly invented quick-release parachute, Calthrop’s Guardian Angel 150, and made a record low-altitude parachute jump off London’s Tower Bridge in 1917.
Other highlights include:
- Robert Wynne, the butcher, and the Fox Supper;
- Brian Jones and the mysterious French machinery;
- Peppi, the beer-drinking donkey;
- The Revd Jennifer Pollock, the first lady parson of Eardisley.
The book features a number of specially commissioned cartoon illustrations. Click here to view the cartoon gallery.
Eardisley capers
As well as describing everyday rural life, from hay making to the school car service, the book also contains first-hand accounts of some rather unusual local customs - the Eardisley Hedgehog Hunt, and the Eardisley Stampede.
Eardisley today
And Brian also brings a flavour of Eardisley in the 21st Century, featuring a sponsored parachute jump in 2002, and recording the local school-children watching the Transit of Venus on 8 June 2004.
| Catherine Galloway (left) and Roger Prout (centre) organised the Transit of Venus event. (Right: Brian Hales). |  Photo by Nancy James |
An author’s life...
|
 |
|
[back to top] |
 |
Melanie Thompson
Feedback
We welcome comments from visitors to the website, and from people who
have enjoyed the book.
Please send feedback to: feedback@eardisley-book.co.uk .