A NEW book which traces the history of war-time life in Brownshill, Bussage, Chalford and France Lynch is set for it grand launch next week.

Put together by a collective of six local authors and historians, the 328 page book profiles men who lost their lives serving in the Great War and paints a vivid picture of life in the parish.

Through the lens of local residents, the book also provides detailed biographies and wartime experiences of 108 servicemen and their families back home.

It covers a wide range of topics such as changing employment for both men and women, school life, the Belgian refugees who lived in the area and how the villages worked to support the servicemen.

There are also tales of those held as prisoners of war and the stories of others who survived and returned home.

The book, called ‘A Parish at War. Brownshill, Bussage, Chalford & France Lynch (1914-19)’, also contains 285 photographic illustrations.

The six authors are Camilla Boon, Heather Collins, Hilary Burgess, Roger Carnt, Peter Drover, and Juliet Stewart.

After three years of research and writing, the book will officially be launched on Friday May 13 at 7.30pm at the Chalford Parish Offices in Gerald Way.

After an introduction from a parish councillor, each of the six authors will have a few minutes to highlight their contributions to the research and production of the book.

Wine, soft drinks and simple refreshments will be available. All are welcome to attend.

During their time penning the book, the authors have also set up a new Chalford Parish Local History Group.

An initial meeting on March 21 attracted interest from over 40 people. Following on from this success a steering group was set up.

The first meeting is on Wednesday May 18 at 7.30 pm at Christ Church in Chalford.

There will be a talk by Professor Jenny Tann on the Woollen Mills.

During this time the group have put on a number of exhibitions and have also helped Thomas Keble School organise their visit to WWI battlefields.

The book will be available to buy from The Chalford Parish Centre, Eastcombe Stores and Chalford Village Shop. Alternatively telephone 01453 731056 to place an order.

Priced at just £10, all money raised after costs will be donated to charity Help for Heroes, which supports thousands of men and women and their families from the Armed Forces.