Garstang war book to help poppy appeal

Anthony Coppin, Peter Burrell, Paul Smith, Dave Brewin and Garstang mayor, Coun Alan Cornthwaite.

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

The proceeds from the sale of the book over the past year, along with a donation from Garstang Historical Society, 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.

Mr Smith said: “The book has proved popular with both members of the public who have bought it, and with pupils of the Garstang area primary schools who have been given copies as a gift to mark the current centenary of the war years.

“We are delighted with the sales figures and equally pleased to hand over all the money raised so far to the local poppy appeal.”

Also attending the presentation were Garstang town mayor Coun Alan Cornthwaite, representing the town council which was one of the early financial sponsors of the “Garstang’s Great War Heroes” project, and Garstang Historical Society chairman, Peter Burrell.

Copies of “Garstang’s Great War Heroes” continue to be available for sale (price £8) at Market Place News, Garstang, Garstang Tourism office, Garstang Arts Centre and KwikKutz barbers.

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 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.”

More information about the book can be obtained from Anthony Coppin on 01995 605824. Parents of Garstang Academy pupils new to the area who have not yet received a copy for their children, should contact the same number.