Breathing life, into the dry facts of town's past

LOCAL history is a fascinating subject, and Dover is well served by a range of books which chart the progress of the town since earliest times to modern day.

Recent books by local characters, such as Joe Harman, Jack Hewitt and Lillian Kay, have all helped record some of the events and developments that have taken place in the area.

Watching that progress over the past 50 years or so has been journalist Terry Sutton, who has written thousands probably millions - of words in his life-time of reporting.

Now, he too has written a book, in conjunction with retired senior Customs and Excise manager Derek Leach, who has been responsible for a series of local history books in recent years.

Our Town, Dover 1945-2000 catalogues past events and brings to life - occasionally bringing back to life - some of the characters that have lived and worked in the area.

Plain historical fact is one thing, but being able to share an insight into what went on behind those facts, and the people involved in making them happen, is a vital contribution to the town.

Last Wednesday, Mr Leach and Mr Sutton launched the book at The Churchill Hotel, and Mr Leach revealed that the book had its origin from a chance remark by Trish Godfrey, who manages the local studies section of Dover Library.

She revealed that the library receives many requests for information about Dover since 1945.

There are various bits and pieces in different books and files, but there is not a single book where the story of Dover during this period is covered comprehensively," said Mr Leach.

Mr Leach said he thought a good starting point for researching the book would be Terry Sutton, and the book began to take shape.

"Nobody can pretend that 1945 to 2000 was the greatest period in Dover's history and in many ways it is a disappointing and depressing era."

"But there were some dramatic developments, such as the expansion of the port, the building and impact of the Channel Tunnel, the discovery of the Roman Painted House and the Bronze Age Boat," said Mr Leach.

"There was the traumatic closure of the Kent Coalfield, and the tragedies, particularly the loss of the Herald of Free Enterprise, the decline of our shopping centre and the failure 50 years after the Second World War to redevelop the bomb-damaged area of St James."

The book's 23 chapters range from local government to law and order, from port development to archaeology, from roads and rail to shops and industry, and from music and drama to sport and Channel swimming. Controversies over education and some of the unsolved crimes are also recalled as well as developments in health, welfare and the churches.

Characters who have enlivened the town scene, some of whom were controversial, are also highlighted.

Terry decided to write about those characters who had died, because there would be no fear of libel, leaving me to write about the living ones, so I've been very nice to them," said Mr Leach.

Former town clerk and coroner James A Johnson is among those featured, along with Tory rebel Ray Norley, flamboyant Freddie Overton and film-maker Ray Warner.

Photographs show buildings long since disappeared and recall visits by the famous and infamous.

Mr Sutton said he would like to see a copy of the book in every school in Dover area.

"I hope it will instil a little more pride among future generations in the town," he said.

The book, which costs £12, is available from local bookshops.