The River Ver’s history and wildlife take centre stage in a new book about the waterway launched by the Deputy Mayor of St Albans City and District.
The book “The River Ver - A Meander Through Time” has been written by St Albans author, Jacqui Banfield-Taylor.
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Bell, gave her own observations about the river at the book launch on Saturday 18 August at Moor Mill, Smug Oak Lane, Bricket Wood.
Jacqui Banfield-Taylor’s book is based on notes by her late father, local historian and author Ted Banfield, and covers the River Ver’s history, flora and fauna. The book describes the river’s chequered history, from source to confluence and from prehistory to the twenty-first century. It reveals the story of a chalk stream that has shaped not only the local landscape but the lives of many people past and present. The book includes personal memories of people who have lived, worked or played near the river. It describes the importance and rarity of our chalk streams and the diversity of wildlife they support.
The book includes a foreword from Chris Packham, wildlife photographer and television presenter of BBC’s ‘Spring and Autumn Watch’, and over 350 illustrations, both historical and recent.
Cllr Julie Bell, Deputy Mayor of St Albans City and District, said: “A lot of detailed research has been put into this book on the River Ver, by both the author and her father, local historian Ted Banfield. I hope this book will increase people’s appreciation of this beautiful river.”
Jacqui Banfield-Taylor said: “This book about the River Ver is based on the notes my darling dad made before he died, and I have completed it in his memory. It has been a long and very enjoyable journey and a real labour of love. I hope it will encourage readers to take an interest in exploring and caring for our local chalk stream and its surroundings.”
Cllr Julie Bell, Deputy Mayor of St Albans City & District
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819544
Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the press:
Ruth Boyer, Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819316
E-mail: ruth.boyer@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Note:
Signed copies of the book are available direct from the author by contacting riverver@btinternet.com or from the publisher, Halsgrove Publishing, www.halsgrove.com. Tel: +44 (0)1823 653 777
Picture:
Author Jacqui Banfield-Taylor with her book about the River Ver