A GLANCE into a bygone era of home made entertainment, paraffin lamps and a social life based round the church and village pub is captured in a Hanbury couple's new book.

Glimpses of Himbleton, Huddington, Earls Common and Shell is the result of nine months of painstaking research by Bernard and Olive Poultney.

The couple's first, and highly successful venture into print was The Lost World of Hanbury, which they co-wrote with Bromsgrove historian Dr Alan Richards.

But for their new book they have gone it alone.

Bernard says the idea for a book featuring the three villages in the Droitwich area, based on photos, newspaper cuttings and memorabilia, came from a Himbleton resident.

Birmingham-born Olive, a former secretary who typed the manuscript on a typewriter, says she has no plans to go modern by using a computer.

"We both enjoyed working on the book and have made many new friend as a result," she said.

Bernard believes it is important that the social history of English villages is recorded for future generations to study and enjoy before the old villagers, many of whom rarely went beyond the parish boundary, die out.

The book contains many photographs mainly supplied by villagers themselves.

It comes in two editions. The hardback collectors' edition at £30 commemorates Himbleton Cricket Clubs' centenary and £5 from every sale will be given to the club.

The paperback is £20 with part of the profits going to the church fund.

The book is on sale at Ottakar's, High Street, Bromsgrove, M and D Books High Street Droitwich Spa, the Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Hanbury or from the authors on 01527 821427.