Fascinating story brings 700 years’ history to readers

SEVEN hundred years of history have been summed up in an “entertaining” story in a new book about Harbury church.

Amateur historian Neville Ellis, who, now in his 80s, has been a farmer in Harbury for much of his life and a long-standing bell-ringer at All Saints’ church. He spent years putting together a history of the building - which dates to 1270 - but ill health has prevented him from being able to write the book he intended to publish.

So fellow villager John Stringer, a professional writer of children’s educational books, has written it for him - and now, All Saints’ Church, Harbury: The Story of a Warwickshire Village Church, will be launched at the village’s Christmas fayre next Saturday.

Mr Stringer, who co-manages the church’s parish room, said: “Once I got started, I found it all so fascinating.

“I have told the story in what I hope is an entertaining way. There have been some amazing things happening at the church.”

Using a combination of Mr Ellis’ findings and his own research, Mr Stringer has picked out people and instances of note - including details of Victorian minister William Wight, who chose Harbury to transform into a ‘model village’ where there was to be no drinking or smoking.

The book, priced £5.99, launches at Harbury Christmas fayre on December 1 and will be for sale at Harbury community library and its adjoining internet cafe, Biblio’s, as well as from Mr Stringer on 613214.