Woodmansterne, in Words and Pictures, by Edward James Bond
Published by the Banstead History Research Group in 2014, 62 pages. A4 size paperback (N7375X1)
This book documents local people's memories and perspectives of life in the village of Woodmansterne, situated on the North Downs in the county of Surrey.
From the introduction: Modern visitors to Woodmansterne whether they arrive from Croydon or Banstead, Carshalton or Chip stead will pass green fields before arriving at the village green. Having climbed the hill into the village one could stop and consider, busy lives permitting, the historic importance of travelling and indeed living on high ground maybe question the roots and identities of our village.
Whilst this book does not explain those historical roots it does go some way to giving an identity to our community. It explains why residents of Woodmansterne, once involved in village life find it hard to move away. There are those lovely green fields overlooking to the north and east the urban sprawl of Greater London, to the west the suburban towns of Banstead and Epsom and to the south more village communities all striving to keep their individual identities. Once that special identity is compromised it can never return and only by steady evolution can old-fashioned community values be maintained alongside modern requirements for leisure and technological amenities.
This book comprises local people's memories and perspectives of village life, where that life is still valued and this is an attempt to ensure that it is nurtured by current and future Woodmanstonians. This is not an update of D. W. Busfield's excellent two volume history of the village written 25 years ago but more a social view of ordinary residents all sharing a passion for what they do and more importantly where they do it...
The condition of the booklet is generally very good. The covers have one or two minor scuffs and blemishes, but the spine is intact and all pages are clean, intact, unblemished and tightly bound.