Northamptonshire Reviews. Barbara Hornby (Reviews Editor) The Local History Magazine No. 73 May/June 1999

Aspects of Helmdon No. 2 by Helmdon Branch WEA, 1998, pb, 146x210mm, 108pp.illus.maps, £3.50 incl p&p from WEA, Helmdon Branch, The Old Bakehouse, Church Street, Helmdon, Northants NN13 5QJ.

As you will see from the article by Audrey Harwood in this issue, the WEA is alive and well and holding courses all over the country (see also our review of Barton Remembered in Issue 72). When Helmdon No. 2. appeared, we had not seen No.1 but we were so impressed with the contents that we asked Mrs Harwood to send us a copy of No.1. This is now out of print but it included articles on the foundation of oral history; the Old Bakehouse and its bakers; the railways of Helmdon; the level crossing and one man's contribution to it history; lacemaking in the village; and Helmdon from the census records. This is a really rich collection of carefully researched and clearly presented articles.

Aspects of Helmdon No.2 upholds the standards of MNp/1 and contains articles on the pubs of Helmdon, a very complete and fascinating look at the owners and the various goings on in the pubs; 'that territory of the dead' which refers to Helmdon churchyard; Helmdon enclosures, with copious maps and correspondence; and reminiscenses of three residents about World War 11.

As with so many publications by local history societies, these two books are of interest not just to residents of the locality but to anyone interested in local history and how it is researched, written up and sold. They must also be an inspiration for any local history group or collection of enthusiasts to contact their nearest WEA and organise a course as soon as possible.

Barbara Hornby (Reviews Editor)The Local History MagazineNo. 73 May/June 1999