Adam Cartwright – författare

In 2024 the determinedly independent Lincolnshire brewing firm of Batemans will celebrate its 150th anniversary. Nestling beside the Steeping River in the little town of Wainfleet, Batemans’ Salem Bridge Brewery forms a quintessential English scene – including an ivy-covered old windmill whose image is Batemans’ symbol to this day. A family business throughout all that time, Batemans has grown from small beginnings to become justly famous for their award-winning ‘Good Honest Ales’, which are mainly available in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia. Along the way they have met and overcome many obstacles. This richly illustrated and thoroughly researched book takes you through the full story of Batemans, blending history with recollections to produce a fitting tribute to this unique firm.

Lincolnshire’s rich history of brewing is perhaps no surprise as the county has long been a producer of huge quantities of barley, a key ingredient in beer. Many of the breweries and the families who ran them have intriguing backgrounds, peppered with deceit, tragedy and misfortune. Their stories also contain inspiration, humour and good luck, as well as some great beer along the way. The county’s brewing heritage is brought right up to date with the inclusion of some new craft breweries. Whether you want to know more about the history of your local pint, delve into the breweries of the past or are curious about ultra-modern microbreweries, there’s something for everyone in this book. Adam Cartwright unravels the stories of eight of Lincolnshire’s brewing firms in this thoroughly researched account that features over a hundred fascinating images.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway is a distinctive heritage line which runs for nearly 12 miles through the rolling Norfolk countryside between the market towns of Dereham and Wymondham. Deservedly popular with families as well as enthusiasts, the railway offers a range of enticing days out by rail through a well-balanced blend of steam and diesel services.After passenger services ended in 1969, freight traffic survived for another twenty years. That lifeline meant local people had time to plan a future for the line as a heritage railway, with the support of local councils. However, the way forward was challenging as, at times, rival organisations fought for control. Vandalism and dereliction just added to the problems faced by preservationists. A group of railfans overcame all these hurdles and more to preserve the railway. Today, the ongoing issues of life-expired track and structures contribute to a long to-do list for the army of (mostly) volunteers who keep the trains running. The railway also has 6 miles of track and land to the north of Dereham, ending at the rural County School station, and has plans for services to eventually run a full 18 miles end to end.Richly illustrated and packed with valuable insights, three Mid-Norfolk volunteers tell the inspirational story of the railway’s preservation.