BOOK REVIEW
JOHN HURST was for many years the much loved and
respected editor of the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald, and his delightful book
invites the reader to share with him his deep love and knowledge of the area which under
the government reorganisation of 1974 became known as Eden District.
I was intrigued at once in the first chapter by his description of how the name was
chosen. When one considers the names that some districts are saddled with, the name Eden,
suggested by Mrs. Sowerby from the village of Winton, was an inspiration, simple and
evocative, reminding us of the lovely river which runs right through the district.
Come Back To Eden will appeal to those who live in this corner
of England and equally to visitors to the area, but perhaps especially to its sons and
daughters who have moved away.
It is packed with anecdotes of the rural and farming life. Eden is the
most sparsely populated district in England and as such remains more truly rural than much
of its citizens can comprehend. There are descriptions of the auction marts, the
agricultural shows which are still such important events in the life of our towns and
villages, and records examples of the humour and wisdom of some of the many characters in
the farming community.
Come Back To Eden recalls the war years, the history of Lowther Castle and the Earls of
Lonsdale, and there is a chapter devoted to John Hurst's special passion, cricket. He
begins this chapter by telling us that a former MP for Penrith did not consider Cumberland
a favourable county for cricket, because of, among other things, its uneven terrain. He
quotes him: To give you and idea of the difficulties . . . I would mention that on one
occasion a covey of partridges rose from between the wickets . . .
I am sure that however long you have lived in Eden you will find something here that is
new to you, as well as bringing back memories of people and events that you have known and
loved. And for those of you who have only just discovered us, John Hurst's book will give
you the best introduction you can have to our Garden of Eden.
Reviewed by
Nancy Walker
Chairman of Eden District Council
June, 2000
Come Back To Eden: Lakeland's Northern Neighbour by
John Hurst is published in paperback at £7.95 by SIGMA LEISURE, WILMSLOW,
CHESHIRE
Available from the Herald, 14 King St. Penrith Cumbria CA11 7AH and local bookshops
For posted copies, please add 70p post and packing