SPOTLIGHT ON KEN PORTER'S NEW BOOK - LAINDON & SURROUNDING DISTRICT

 

Ken Porter

With so many writers using this third lockdown to take an unexpected opportunity of writing the book they have been thinking about for many years, it has been a pleasure to read the latest book by Essex author Ken Porter in this his tenth publication. His topics are very similar to my own; research and love of local history and he has been aided by his superb private collection of wonderful photographs of Essex, in particular Langdon Hills, Lee Chapel, Dunton, and Little Burstead, but above all - Laindon.  

Ken's new book is called POEMS AND A BRIEF HISTORY OF LAINDON & SURROUNDING DISTRICT.  For anyone who comes from this part of Essex, there are some wonderful stories and verse relating to the earliest days of some of the families who lived there -  in some cases going back over 150 years.  Unfortunately, much of this area is now unrecognisable; such a lot of our beautiful countryside is now under concrete, but there are photographs and lovely stories and snippets which will bring nostalgic pleasure to those who lived before and through the tremendous changes that were wrought in this undulating rural pocket of Essex. 

I like Ken's research into the origin of Laindon and Langdon  Hills. The two areas regarded as neighbourhoods within the district of Basildon; the people of Laindon and Langdon Hills still see themselves as living in separate parishes. In his book, Ken endeavours to explain the difference between the sister parishes and origin of their names. Both are mentioned in the Domesday Book.  

With more than sixty poems from some of Essex's well known poets, alongside numerous authors' tales, Ken's 175-page book, will certainly bring back memories to many and perhaps encourage our younger generation to appreciate their green and pleasant land. 

To obtain a signed copy of Poems and a Brief History of Laindon & Surrounding District  published by Littoral Press ISBN 978-1-912412-25-9 £13.99  Order  through Kenneth.f.porter@gmail.com 07968 313614