The title ‘Rowledge Remote from Civilisation?’ is taken from an advertisement by the Aldershot and District Traction Company in 1913 announcing the first bus service to Rowledge.
It is the first written history of the village since Flora Westlake’s 1986 ‘The Way We Were’, and the first print run of 100 copies has already sold out and another 100 are being printed.
Whereas ‘The Way We Were’ concentrated on social history, Roy’s book focuses on history and maps as well as odd topics like how many famous people have lived in Rowledge, the great Rowledge shooting, the day Frensham Hill was buried in horse manure, murder in the Alice Holt and much more.
With over 350 illustrations and 80,000 words, it is a substantial book - “the only one I know bigger than the village it describes,” according to the author.
The book is selling for £16.99 and all profits go to the local Rowledge Residents Association which has sponsored the book.
“It’s been a community thing,” Roy added. “The idea for a pictorial history came from Mark Westcott, and many pictures from Colin Honey, war material from Moira Davies and a couple of dozen other folk have contributed.
“The new print run will be available in three weeks and anyone wanting a copy can contact me on 07921 888486.”
Roy is giving another slideshow on October 15 in Rowledge Village Hall from 6.30pm.