Gumbrell, Jean — Down Your Street in Saffron Walden: Part One

Jean Gumbrell, Saffron Walden, Essex, 1989. First Edition, Blue Cloth, Illustrated by: Photo's.. Near Fine/Very Good. 9780951454206 Signed by Author. gilt titles spine; illustrated by numerous b/w. photo's.; the first of three volumes eventually published by the author; signed inscription on the title page reads: "To Gordon who suggested the series and thereby changed my life! With love & Best Wishes Jean"; also, loosely inserted, is a letter from the author to 'Gordon' regretting that he was unable to attend the book's launch at which he would have been the guest of honour; "here is an opportunity for readers of Jean Gumbrell's weekly series Down Your Street to renew their acquaintance with some of the townspeople she has interviewed during the past five years. She visited old and new streets where a newcomer may live next door to the latest member of a family whose name has been familiar here for generations. Her warm and genuine interest in people has usually, after some initial shyness, brought a ready response with nostalgic experience of earlier days here, or perhaps fascinating glimpses of a faraway world. All neighbourliness strengthens the identity of an old community which is being tested by the doubling of its population since the 1950s, a nearby motorway, the Third London Airport, and the hi-tech industry that has opened-up rural East Anglia. However, Walden has faced other such challenges. Forty years ago it responded generously to the needs of 2,000 London evacuees, and hundreds of American airmen will remember its friendly centre. So with a wisely controlled expansion, this great diversity of its citizens will surely enrich our lives. For the newcomer, this book is a good introduction to Jean Gumbrell's Walden."; the price-intact, protected D/J. has light edge-wear & a few small closed tears; 224 pages. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Multiple copies available this title. Illustrator: Photo's.. Quantity Available: 3. Category: Genealogy & Local History; Topography Great Britain; Essex; East Anglia; England; Genealogy & Local History. Signed by Author. ISBN: 095145420X. ISBN/EAN: 9780951454206. Inventory No: TOP00122.