New publications about Bottesford people
Books for your bookshelf
By Neil Fortey
Since the publishing some years ago of The Book of Bottesford by Michael Honeybone, new books about the area and its past have been few and far between. Now there are three new books that have been or are about to be available for your bookshelf.
The Witches of Belvoir - 1619
Details of Michael Honeybone's forthcoming book have been on this website for some time (click here). The launch will be on May 5th at St Mary's church.
One of 'The Few'
This book by John Shipman is the story of his father, Wing Commander Ted Shipman's flying career as one of Britains wartime fighter 'aces' and aircrew trainers. Ted is well remembered as a Bottesford resident for many years after his retirement, as an active member of St Mary's congregation and the writer of an excellent booklet describing the history of our parish church. John's publicity leaflet tells us:
Sixty eight years ago brave young men fought in the skies above England in what we now call the Battle of Britain. The battle for skies are described in detail including combat, tactics, dogfights and the eventual kills. The action takes place over Dunkirk, BarnardCastle, Tees-side, Catterick and the South East of England - also known as "hell-fire corner".
Many of the pilots were ordinary young men from humble backgrounds who took to the skies for King and country. Some became national heroes and their stories are famously told in books and films. However the stories of the less well known pilots is seldom told - nevertheless their contribution, exploits and stories should pass into modern history to help future generation to understand what really happened on the ground and in the skies above our treasured and threatened countryside.
Where would we be now if the Battle of Britain had been lost and the invasion by Hitler's army had taken place? Defender and attackers came face to face in the air and some like Shippy and his adversary, Hans Kettling, met for the second time many years later. Their story is told in this unique book.
The book describes how a farmer's boy learnt to fly in his own time and flew Spitfires to defend his country. Shippy's "gentle battle" and contribution to the Battle of Britain and other RAF activities are described in detail.
Signed copies are available from the author. Book is available from good booksellers, the publishers and the author. For more information contact the author by email: j.m.shipman@ntlworld.com
J Shipman
3 Old Mill Close
Langford
Biggleswade
Bedfordshire
SG18 9QY
To order, print off the PDF-format order form (use the link at the bottom of this page) or contact John directly. You will need Adobe Reader to open and print the order form.
The True Story of the Witches of Belvoir Castle
Another new publication is The True Story of the Witches of Belvoir Castle by Jon Elbourne of New South Wales. Jon contacted the Living History Project by email, saying "Hullo in Bottesford, I thought you might be interested in my novella, available from me at -
8 Ferndale St.,
Colo Vale
New South Wales 2575
Australia.
80 pp A5 paperback. $28 Australian posted to UK. Limited first edition signed. Also available on ebay. Regards, Jon."
As Jon indicates, this is a novella, as distinct from Michael Honeybone's scholarly account of the (alleged) witches and their trial. To receive a copy you should contact Jon direct (email to jone@ispdr.net.au ), and arrange to pay by PayPal. Jon adds, If you go to paypal.com.uk and it will tell you how to do it. This is new to me (perhaps I'm betting old), but it can't be very difficult as it is the standard online payment method used by the Ebay community.
Disclaimer
Finally, it is important to add that none of these books are available from us at the Living History project. The information provided here is given in good faith. We do not accept reponsibility for any inaccuracies there may be, or for the content or quality of the books in question.