Rebranded book by museum takes you on a walk down Sleaford’s streets

Another Walk Down Memory Lane – Southwards From The Market Place will be out on sale from late November priced at £7.95.

It is based on the archives of lifetime Sleaford resident and local historian Jeanne Furnival who, while in her 80’s in 2013, recorded her memories from her personal archive in a series of books called Walks Down Memory Lane, using the town’s main streets to trigger her memories.

The first one of her books (which has been very popular) was called ‘Into Sleaford From the East’ - a walk down Eastgate - and this second one covers a walk from the Market Place southwards to the railway crossing.

Doreen Bamford from Sleaford Museum explains: “She compiled a whole series of books from her photograph album and newspaper cuttings (hers and those which friends donated to her) to represent her memories of Sleaford - she has linked her memories of people and events, stories, etc from her lifetime in Sleaford to the businesses and buildings on each street.

“The books were essentially single A4 copies which she had photocopied when people wanted them. They were given to local friends who were keen to read them.

"The museum has been given single copies by Jeanne’s daughter which people can borrow, but we thought that there might be a market for the books in a more accessible format - pop it into your pocket and read Jeanne's memories of the road as you walk along, see the changes that have happened in the intervening years, have your very own walk down memory lane, etc.”

Jeanne’s books have been put into a modern format, retaining her charming prose and original images.

Doreen said: “I have copied the text of the books and used the original pictures, images, maps, improved as much as I’ve been able to, along with some additional ones from the museum archive (thanks to Heather Jenvey, the former archivist) to create both of the books.

“Jacqui Cleaver our museum curator, has been involved in the cover design and liaised with the printing firm to complete the publishing. This one is at the printers now and we are expecting copies by November 27-28, hopefully in time for the Christmas Market day."

Doreen added: “People who had bought the first book came into the museum asking if there were more - there has been a lot of interest in this second book, especially as it focuses on Southgate. As people have got to know that I was working on this second one, there have been lots of questions about when it will be ready, so we hope that it also sells well - a good local book for a Christmas present/stocking filler!”

Walk with Jeanne as she leads you through the town as she knew it in her lifetime. - Sleaford Museum will be holding its next talk on Tuesday November 25, entitled Talks, Teas & Teasers, hosted by Mark Bamford.

It will be held at St Denys Church Room, off the Market Place in Sleaford starting at 2pm until 4pm. Admission is £5 for non-members and £3 for members.

There will be a raffle, refreshments and donations towards museum upkeep are welcome.