Page 40 - Phonebox July 2013

NAewport Pagnell at War
new book about Newport Pagnell during the Second World War is being published this month (July). The book includes stories of daily
life in Newport Pagnell during 1939-1945 when the town was full of Land Army girls, Prisoners of War and evacuees. Author Julie Wilson said: “I spoke to 25 senior residents of the town to discover their experiences during this traumatic time in history. I heard tales of great courage, resourcefulness and sadness.” The book includes an interview with 94-year- old Amos Umney who narrowly escaped death when serving as a Desert Rat in Egypt. It also tells the story of 95-year-old Rose Martin who came to the town as a Land Army girl, fell in love and has remained in Newport Pagnell ever since.
Newport Pagnell at War is priced at £7.50 and is available in Newport Pagnell at the Post Of ce and Cambourne Travel in the High Street and Maggie & Josie’s Bookshop in Union Street. It can also be ordered online at www.victoriaweb.co.uk
Exhibition of images of Newport Pagnell from 1870-1930
Fascinating scenes from bygone Newport Pagnell will be on display in the town at an exhibition this month. Photographs from The Michael Pratt Collection can be seen on Friday 5 July and Saturday 6 July at The United Reformed Church Hall in the High Street. The images date from 1870 through to 1930 and show Newport Pagnell in the days of horse drawn carriages and top hats. Although many street scenes are familiar, the photographs also show many of the town’s lost buildings. Images include ice skating on Bury Field around 1912, a fun fair on Market Hill in 1905 and oods in Caldecote Street in 1908.
The images have been collected and enlarged by renowned local photographer Michael Pratt.
During the event local author Julie Wilson will be launching her new book Newport Pagnell at War, which includes memories of the town during the Second World War.
Members of Newport Pagnell Historical Society will also have a stand at the exhibition and refreshments will be served.
The exhibition is open from 1-5pm on Friday 5 July and from 10am-4pm on Saturday 6 July at the United Reformed Church Hall in the High Street, through the gates opposite Nationwide Building Society. Admission is free.
40 Phonebox Magazine