THE eagerly-awaited Reflections of Bedale will be launched tomorrow in Bedale Hall. The launch of the book will be at 2pm but the hall will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Representatives of various organisations and a range of family and local history societies will be taking part. Bedale Scouts and Guides will provide refreshments.

Everyone is welcome.

The book explores, with the aid of many photographs, the people of Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar – their communities, shops, schools and sporting endeavours, all lavishly illustrated.

The writings of Robert Hird in Bedale in the early years of the 19th century, together with census returns and a range of other sources, have been used to create an image of the town as it evolved from the late 18th century into the community we see today.

Reflections of Bedale has been five years in preparation.

Edited by Mike Scanlan, the book includes contributions from a great many people in Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar, who have provided information and personal recollections.

Local paintings and postcard collections, together with many family photographs, have been drawn on to create a portrait of the town across the past 200 years. Many of the photographs are rare.

Bedale has proved a rich storehouse of old photographs.

Indeed, some were still coming to light as the book was being prepared for printing and binding, but a skilful editor found ways to include them.

Bedale Brass Band will play in the hall from 10am to 10.30am, 11.30am to noon, and from 1.30pm to 2pm.

“Reflections of Bedale is all about the Bedale community, and Bedale Brass Band is very much a community band,” said band chairman Graeme Maw.

“We are delighted to have been asked to play for the launch of this book, which includes a feature about the band.”

The book will be on sale tomorrow at Bedale Hall from noon and thereafter at Maynews in the Market Place.

Copies can be ordered by email at bedalebook@hotmail.

co.uk or by post from Reflections of Bedale, 20 Firby Road, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2AS: price £20 (plus £4.41 UK postage and packing).

Martin Coombs