This sequel to “A Different World — Ashwell before 1939” records what it was like to live in a period first of war, then in the peace that followed, one of ever increasing change. It presents in words and pictures the way of life of a village community.
During the Second World War, Ashwell suffered little physical damage, but while many of its young people went off to war, some never to return, those left behind played their part — they worked in war factories or on the land, they welcomed evacuees into their homes, served in the Home Guard, Royal Observer Corps, Cadets, as Air Raid Wardens or fire fighters. This book evokes the memories, some tragic, many humorous, but all vividly interesting, of those who lived through those abnormal times.
Peace brought all sorts of challenges and changes; full employment meant better living standards; many more people had cars; new homes were needed; many more commuted to local towns for work, while farming needed less labour; more recreation facilities were needed; medical services were greatly improved; the number of shops halved but Ashwell fortunately kept a strong nucleus. In spite of some decline, church and chapel continued to be a vigorous element in village life.

As the seventies progressed, new housing brought new people and new vigour into the village.

So the book has an exciting story to tell of a village steeped in tradition able to take change in its stride without losing its character. Older generations harmonised with the new-corners, though not always easily.
This book includes 150 photographs of people past and present, of shops and buildings, of activities and events making this a fascinating and spellbinding story of village life in war and peace.

ALBERT SHELDRICK
Author of “A Different World — Ashwell before 1939”, Albert Sheidrick was born in Ashwell’s High Street on February 2nd 1911, attended the village Infants’ School from 1915—17, and the Merchant Taylors’ Boys School from 1917-1925.

From the age of 14, he worked for two Ashwell building companies until he retired in 1976, except for army service in the Second World War.

With fellow schoolboy, the late John Bray, he was co-founder of Ashwell Museum in 1927, the first of its kind in the country. He has an unrivalled knowledge of Ashwell and its people, and he has written many articles on the subject.

Happily married since their Christmas Day wedding in 1938, Albert and his wife Win have two daughters and three grandchildren. Although they have lived in Letchworth since 1983, they retain their links with Ashwell through relatives and friends and Albert is a Trustee of Ashwell Museum.

NORMAN GURNEY
At the age of 4, Norman Gurney came to Ashwell with his family, attended Ashwell Primary School and later Hitchin Grammar.

After his National Service ended in 1949 and a few months working in Hertford as Assistant Liberal Agent, he married in 1950 and lived in Luton for the next 25 years.

He graduated in History at London University and founded a printing and publishing company, known as Inprint of Luton.

With his wife and two children, he moved back to Ashwell in 1975 and after selling Inprint in 1987, has concentrated since 1990 on his publishing company Cortney Publications. His interests include gardening, music and politics.