During the Covid-19 enforced lockdown, which came into force in March of this year, Hook History Society decided to produce a series of articles that could be emailed to the 50 to 60 enthusiastic supporters, who had signed up for regular newsletters.

Said the society chairman, Richard Howells: “The plan was to write two or three articles about local history to help retain contact with our supporters, but rather like Topsy in Uncle Tom’s Cabin it grow’d and grow’d and we ended up with 21 articles.”

Five articles were contributed by supporters, but the majority - 16 in all - were written by Richard Howells, a journalist by profession and latterly head of economic development and tourism with Preseli Pembrokeshire District Council.

Mr. Howells commented: “The range of topics is really wide ranging and in retrospect one realises that there are more tales from the area’s most interesting past which should not be lost and should really be recorded for the benefit of future generations.... never know there could be a sequel!”

At the conclusion of the e-mailed exercise there was a demand for the various stories to be produced in book form and with the aid of financial backing from organisations and a few generous individuals this has been achieved.

The introduction to the book has been written by leading historian, Dr. Simon Hancock, who wrote: ‘What an astonishing range and variety of subjects are covered in this very fine book. Here we have tales of anthracite mining, which at its peak employed over 200 men while the sad deaths due to accidents remind us that taking out this black gold was never free from cost. With stories of architecture, customs, dialect and local heroes as well as the natural environment this book has something for everyone. The people of the village have a reputation for tenacity, and this was amply demonstrated in the Hook road saga which eventually became a reality on February 9, 1922. Hook History Society and Richard Howells in particular have used the lockdown period to good and positive effect.”

Copies of the book are available for purchase at £5 each and they are available in Hook village shop.

Contact can be made via the Society web pages at: [email protected]