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Village Books a Place in a century of history
Philip Leese with his newly published work on the History of Butt Lane from 1900 to the present day |
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The first book ever written about a North Staffordshire village is set to go on
sale on September 12. The book chronicles a century of history in Butt Lane, near Newcastle, from 1900 to 2000. It has been produced as a result of a local history class organised by Newcastle College and features the memories of 12 Butt Lane pensioners. The book, written by historian Philip Leese, features 70 illustrations, including photographs and postcards from years gone by. The village carnival, the smithy and the old cinema will also all come under the spotlight, as well as the village's link to the textile industry and the English Electric estate. The book also mentions Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell who was born in Butt Lane in 1895. Mr Leese, who comes from Butt Lane but now lives in Kidsgrove, said: "Reginald Mitchell was born in Butt Lane but his family left when he was still very young. He is probably the only famous person we have in Butt Lane but unfortunately he didn't last very long. ‘'The book is a mixture of social history with the 12 old people remembering how different life is now compared with how it was then. It is the only book about Butt Lane to be published in 2,000 years and the initial indications are that it is going to be successful. "A total of 240 are being printed but I have already got 50 orders so we are probably going to sell out and have a reprint.'' The book, which will help raise money for charity, is being published by the United Norwest Co-op and will be on sale in Butt Lane on September 12. Published in The Sentinel - Friday 8th September 2000 - Article Rob Cotterill - Photo Dave Trumble |
