Eddie Prescott, Class of 1960, Tells the OJ Community About the Launch of his New Book:
" Having written a total of 12 talks on various campaigns and aspects of the Second World War, which I give to local clubs and societies and also audiences on cruise ships, I was asked if I could write a talk which just covered wartime life in Tonbridge and the immediate locality.
This seemed like a good idea, which I thought potentially would be of interest to local clubs and societies, particularly as I already had quite an amount of information on the subject, including many photographs given to me by Mrs Pam Mills ,the local social historian.
The talk turned out to be very well received, and subsequently a suggestion was made to me that I should write a pamphlet which could be used for reference purposes at the Tonbridge Castle Visitors' Centre.
Eventually, I decided to expand on the idea and write a book which would be highly illustrated, and would include memories and anecdotes from local people who remembered the war.
Finally after visits to the National Archives at Kew , the Kent County Archive Centre at Maidstone , & Tonbridge Library, and also after interviewing a number of local people, the first draft was written which I passed to a number of selected people for comment.
The feedback was all very positive and a local printer, CPG Ltd, agreed to take on the job of preparing the layout and handling the printing of the book.
When the book was finally printed, I then had to find sales outlets, and the first one, based on the fact that all net proceeds were going to The Salvation Army, was of course their charity shop in the High Street. Many other shops and organisations in and around Tonbridge have willingly agreed to sell the book, & so far I am quite encouraged by the reception that it is receiving.
Finally, the whole venture, was something that I had never ever contemplated doing and proved to be both a challenge but also a source of great personal satisfaction. My children and grandchildren enjoy teasing me about being the first author in the family, & also the fact that people actually want me to sign my book! "
The book is highly illustrated and mentions "Judd" or "Juddian" on 10 separate pages and is dedicated to Eddie's stepfather who was an Old Juddian and the Foreword has been done by another Old Juddian, Dr John Ray, Ph.D.,F.R.Hist.S., the well-known & respected local historian:
FOREWORD:
Eddie has decided to give all net proceeds from the sale of the book to The Salvation Army, an organisation which both Eddie and his stepfather, (based on his wartime experiences), particularly respect and admire.
The book is now on sale priced £7.50 in various establishments in and around Tonbridge, these include: The Salvation Army Charity Shop in the High Street, The Visitors' Centre at Tonbridge Castle, the Rose & Crown Hotel, The Calm and Gentle Dental Surgery, Nizels Golf & Leisure Centre in Hildenborough, Brookside Nursery at East Peckham & Hadlow College Garden Centre.
