A PROFESSIONAL Historian is celebrating after the launch of his new book got off to a 'cheerful start'.

Milnthorpe’s celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum jubilee got off to a cheerful start with the launch of Roger Bingham’s latest book  ‘Milnthorpe for the Platinum Jubilee’. 

On Friday, May 27 in bright and sunny weather, 130 people attended an evening party held at Roger’s home The Smithy, Ackenthwaite when over 200 books were sold in aid of the fund to extend the community facilities at  Milnthorpe Parish Church.

READ MORE: Historian releases book looking back at a Cumbrian village throughout the Queen's reign

At the start of the event, Roger presented a book to John and Eryl Ricketts respectively Church Warden and  Mothers Union Leader and to Val and Jim Robson Churchwarden and Church treasurer to whom the book is dedicated.   Excellent refreshments were provided by members of the congregation and the funds were further boosted by a raffle presided over by Jen Scrogham.

Since then sales have been brisk both locally and from further afield including from abroad, mainly from Milnthorpian exiles.

‘ Memories of Milnthorpe’  will be on general sale at an all-day event in Milnthorpe Parish Church, in the centre of the village, on Friday 3rd June from 10am to 4 pm.

If the initial print run sells out  Roger is considering bringing out a supplementary edition for around Christmas if the encouraging demand continues.