This web site is dedicated to the many friends I have known over the years who have contributed to my knowledge and understanding of the area I live in and with whom I shared many happy experiences and convivial discussions. None of us thought ourselves as local (or family) historians, genealogists, railway enthusiasts, heritage enthusiasts or any of the other weasel words that seems to infect local research today. We came together because we shared mutual interests. We spent years in each other's company, in the pub, at various events, trips out, discussing, remembering, mulling over, networking, casually, happily teasing out details from obscure archives wherever we found them. This web site is their work not mine. All I have done is make it universally available for people to research in the future. I am sure that these wonderful friends who gave me access to their collections will be pleased that so many people are now enjoying their archives and to those who have expressed their thanks for having all this nostalgic material at their fingertips I thank you for taking an interest. It is always good to hear from you.  Peter Lee  

Geoff Edmands (1912-1982)

Geoff Edmands bought this motorbike for some of his photographic missions around the Warwickshire countryside. It was a 1950 Merlin 125cc. job. They made them in two colours Arden Green and Black seen here. Geoff took the photo in February 1957. Francis Barnett, the manufacturer was a famous Coventry company known amongst enthusiasts as "Fanny B's". There are 13 examples of this model of bike still in existence today according to the Vintage Motorcycle Club, but this one did not make it into preservation. Note the passenger seat which looks to be a very precarious perch. Francis Barnett as a Marque disappeared in 1961 but the maker still has a keen following amongst enthusiasts. (Geoff Edmands)

Local photographers and cousins Reg Bull and Geoff Edmands at South Farm on the Arbury Estate 5th June 1955. With Geoff's car.

Maurice Billington (1930-2003)

Alan Cook right, and the late Will Kane. I have said before that the best local history was researched in the pub because all these old chums dripped local history. The pub is the Fox at Attleborough Green. Our Shangri-La. The hand on the left hand side belongs to Ian Burgoyne whose father Tom has contributed much to our researches. Through these pub conversations we found out that Ian was descended from Charles II from the wrong side of the bed sheets twice removed. We now call him Lord Burgoyne and he is seen here directing his imaginary army in battle. (Peter Lee)

Reg. and Cyril Bull. Reg. was one of the greatest recorders of the local scene, and he was often accompanied on his various missions around the district by his cousin Geoff Edmands. There are many photos where Reg takes a picture and Geoff the same view just a few feet apart. Reg is the one with camera in hand. This picture was taken by Geoff Edmands on Sunday 4th November 1962 with Cyril's fairly new (registed May 1961) Sunbeam Rapier.

Fred Phillips was a great local historian, based in Bedworth his knowledge of the Bedworth and Nuneaton area was legendary. Fred and a few other local historians in our group operated the Sunday grapevine. This usually started with a query from one of us in the morning and having passed around we usually resolved the answer in the afternoon. The Sunday grapevine is no more they are nearly all passed on. I will be featuring more of Fred's great work shortly, (John Burton)