Book a Bargain for 2012 By Ray Hurle
In 1966, England won the football world cup but far more important to local history lovers is the fact that the year also heralded the arrival of Gerry Woodcock, as he moved from Yorkshire to Tavistock to take up the post as Head of Tavistock Schools History Department.
He was born in Leicestershire and read history at Cambridge. He later became Head of Sixth Form at the school and retired from this position in 1995. He is currently President of the Tavistock Local History Society and has for many years written and lectured on the fascinating history of Tavistock and surrounding areas. Gerry lives in the town with his wife Norma and they have two children and four grandchildren. Time not spent working on history is divided between family, sitting on the odd committee, listening to jazz and watching cricket. Gerry has completed a total of 28 books, giving
fascinating detail of local people, places and events over the centuries. Shortly to be published is Gerry’s latest book titled “ Homage to St Eustachius’s”, a history of Tavistock Parish Church.
the precinct of the Benedictine Abbey founded in year A.D.974. The book follows its development and additions such as the aptly named Clothworkers Aisle, built in the 15th century. Most important however are the people; 57 vicars, 36 patrons and numerous curates, readers, wardens, musicians, choristers, ringers and other officers and servants of the church come to life under Gerry’s pen and it is to these people that the book is dedicated.
The church was first built in the 13th century on its current site, immediately alongside just £15. Each copy will be signed by Gerry and a special message can be included if you wish. Orders should be sent to the Book Committee Treasurer, John Askham, 9 Limes Lane, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8HL with a cheque for £15 per copy payable to Tavistock PCC Book a/c. Please be sure to include printed details of your name,
“Homage to St Eustchius’s” will be produced to a high standard in hardback, with 95 integrated colour and mono illustrations in 320 pages and it is due to be published at Easter 2012 at the RRP of £25. The bargain comes with the opportunity of ordering your copy before mid-February at an offer price for Diary readers of
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address and telephone number together with details of any special message. Finally, there is a personal message from Gerry who says:- “Homage is the longest book which I have completed and it took three years to find the sources, gather the material and write the book. There have been no full scale histories of the church in the past and the book is therefore written from original sources. I have always been interested in the history of
Gerry Woodcock
communities. It has taken me a little time to summon the courage to tackle the story of one of Tavistock’s great institutions. Its parish church is much loved and cherished by members of the community, whether church goers or not. The book is dedicated to the generations of Tavistock folk who, over the centuries, have seen St Eustachius’s as occupying a central position in their lives. I would hope that people do not see this book as in any way a devotional work. It is true that I have shown, in one way or another, my own admiration and affection for the Anglican Church, but the work is a celebration for the whole community about something which we can all share.” For any further details which you may require, please tele- phone Ray Hurle on 01822 617469.
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