A FACEBOOK group devoted to a town’s history has published its second book.

Malmesbury Now and Then was started five years ago as somewhere for people living in the town and those who had links with it to share its history.

Its first book was a huge success and now the second, Malmesbury Reflections, written by local historian Charles Vernon has hit the shelves two months early.

“We’d expected to release the book in November however, due to Covid19 our printers haven’t been busy and the books arrived two months early. It’s all very exciting and real now.” said group founder Alison Cross-Jones.

"For the second year running, books are flying off to every corner of the globe and right around the UK. We’ve again had so many pre-orders it’s covered all printing costs. We’re now on target to raise a lot more money for the Malmesbury Civic Trust and the Athelstan Museum.”

The group has already raised £7,500 for the charities.

Charles said: “After the success of last year’s book I wasn’t sure there’d be an appetite for another book but I’ve been proved wrong again. The way everyone embraces and shares the town’s history is wonderful and I’m thankful and feel humbled by the lovely comments I’ve received.”

The book features a host of photographs from the town's past and present, from the busy cattle market 50 years ago to the introduction of social distancing on the high street during the Covid pandemic.

“I’ve enjoyed compiling the book and in the process have learnt a lot more about Malmesbury. The job was made much easier by the help received from so many people during lockdown. As a result the books contains numerous images not previously published," said Charles. "The way everyone has embraced this book is astounding.”

Paul Smith a member of the editorial team said: “I’m delighted with this second book. I actually think people will like it better than the first! It’s been a pleasure working with Charles and Alison again. I’m delighted the book will again be supporting the Malmesbury Civic Trust and the Athelstan Museum and the way many people have contributed their own images.”

Sharon Nolan, Chairman of Athelstan Museum added:

“After the huge success of the first Malmesbury Now and Then book which was so well received, we are very much looking forward to Malmesbury Reflections. On behalf of Athelstan Museum Malmesbury I would like to thank Charles Vernon and Alison Cross Jones for their exhaustive work in collating all the images, and for their continued support of the museum which will benefit from sales. It will be a fascinating and comprehensive photographic record of the town now, and for the future."

Email malmesburynowandthen@gmail.com to order the book.

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