Villages’ struggles through the war penned in book

Richard Standing, of Sea Road, has produced East Preston & Kingston in the Great War, 1914-1918 to mark the conflict’s centenary.

Mr Standing’s book looks at the social history of East Preston and Kingston during the four years of the war.

He writes about how the fight dramatically altered village life, from the change in schools, roles of the villages’ women and food production to the rationing in place.

The book also looks at local casualties of each year’s battles and includes photographs of a number of soldiers recorded on the villages’ war memorials.

Simon Cross, clerk to East Preston Parish Council – which funded Mr Standing’s work – said: “We are very grateful to Mr Standing for his considerable co-operation and patience in getting this book from conception to publication.

“All profits from the book will be donated to Help for Heroes to help the latest generation of servicemen and women who are working hard to maintain peace around the world.”

The 131-page book costs £5 and is available at the parish council office, in Sea Road, or by calling 01903 770050 or emailing [email protected]