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Love for hometown led to ex reporter’s book

A retired journalist has written a second book about his hometown.

Jim Harland from Blyth, Northumberland, used to report for the Blyth News, and the Newcastle based The Journal and Evening Chronicle.

Last year he released a book chronicling seven decades of life in the town.

Blyth Memories was such a success and led to Jim unearthing so many interesting stories that he decided a single volume wouldn’t do justice to his research.

Now Blyth Memories Part 2 has been officially launched and Jim already has plans for a third volume, and possibly a fourth.

The latest book, which includes 20 chapters and 120 photos, features a host of characters from the town including an MP, a former doctor, and a magistrate.

Said Jim: “The first memories book I published last year was such a success that the shops selling it were being asked if another one was going to be written.

“I realised there was enough material to do a 2011 edition, and also to start on a third book for 2012. I was born and bred in Blyth so for me this is a labour of love. I was a working journalist here when we had the shipyards and the mines and Blyth was really on the map. I thought we were losing too much history and memories with people dying so I decided to do the book.

“I like to think I bring a human touch to the books by using characters and individuals to bring each chapter to life. I have had help from people who also want to retain the memories of Blyth.”

The book highlights the demise of coal mining in the town, the story behind the almost unknown PoW camp at an area called Kitty Brewster during the Second World War.

Also featured are the great fires in the town centre in 1904, the fight to establish a local hospital and how three Blyth men fought in the Spanish Civil War.

It is available by calling 01670 352825.