LOWESTOFT historian and local author John Holmes has just released his latest publication looking back on his own childhood and with contributions from his many friends.

LOWESTOFT historian and local author John Holmes has just released his latest publication looking back on his own childhood and with contributions from his many friends.

A Few Local Memories is a collection of stories and anecdotes from the Lowestoft area and is full of photographs giving a welcome glimpse into the past.

It is the everyday tales that are full of interest and show that in some aspects there has been very little change over the years while others have altered beyond all recognition.

'Those of us born before or just after the second world war will know that in spite of no bathrooms, outside toilets and limited choices as far as food, etc, was concerned we led a simple, but happy lifestyle, and enjoyed a great sense of community spirit prior to the early 1970s.

'In those days, now gone, most of us enjoyed a five-day working week, plenty of time at weekends to be with our family and friends, and a visit to see a friend or neighbour for a cup of tea and a chat,' said Mr Holmes.

'During our teenage years we had the benefit of around eight dance venues on Saturday nights, five cinemas, two theatres and, of course, the local public houses.

'There was virtually full employment and we were quite happy walking, cycling or bussing to work,' he said.

Among the contributions to this fascinating book is one written by the late Trevor Westgate, a former chief reporter with The Journal, who was a keen supporter of local life and its history.

Mr Westgate gives a wonderfully warm account of what it was like to be involved in the school's cadet force as well as reporting on other people's experiences of life in a uniform.

Among the many tales of family life are contributions from the Green family who have made a great contribution to Lowestoft life.

The family members were successful in a number of businesses over several generations and earlier this year Spencer Green retired from the tailors store in the High Street established by his father Lawrence.

A brief history of the police force in Lowestoft is another piece that shows how policing changed from 1873 to 1973.

The book is for sale at �4 with proceeds being donated to local charities and worthy causes.

The Palliative Care Unit, at the James Paget University Hospital, in Gorleston, is one of the primary beneficiaries.

An added bonus for anyone purchasing this book is that they are entitled to a 25pc discount for Mr Holmes previous publication Yesterday In and Around Lowestoft.

The books are available at Waterstones, London Road North, Lowestoft; Spar Shop, Pakefield; and Knight Vision, Pakefield.