Banstead Village

‘Banstead War Memorial: 100 Years’ published

Lewis N Wood is not only Banstead History's webmaster, but also author of two important books about the Banstead War Memorial.

The first – ‘These Men of Banstead’ published in 2010 – is an absorbing, meticulously researched account of the lives of the local men who lost their lives at war and whose names are inscribed on the memorial. Now comes a very welcome follow-up – ‘Banstead War Memorial: 100 Years’.

This lovely book recounts the long (and interestingly mobile!) life of the memorial, from the first public meeting in 1919 right through to the covid pandemic of today. The research that Lewis has put into the project is quite remarkable, and the result is a beautifully written, conversational narrative with copious photographs, some of which have never been published before.

Throughout the 125 pages, what really shines through in Lewis’s highly readable prose is the genuine and rightful pride Banstead people have for their memorial. It’s also packed with “I didn’t know that!” facts, not least how letters were carved into the memorial’s Portland stone panels.

So... all in all, not only is this an absorbing story superbly told, but it also becomes another important record of the town we love so well. As a professional writer all my life, let me express my admiration and warmest congratulations to Lewis on his outstanding labour of love. Don’t miss it!

♦ 'Banstead War Memorial: 100 Years' by Lewis N Wood, published by the Banstead History Research Group, £12.99
ISBN: 978-1-913024-05-5

PD