Tich’s Tale
as recorded by
Derek Rowland
The illustrated recollections of a countryman and poacher
This is the tale of the humorous escapades and adventures of George ‘Tich’ Dolman, countryman, poacher and gardener, in and around the Essex villages of Havering-atte-Bower and Stapleford Abbots, barely 15 miles from the centre of London. By way of complete contrast, Tich also recalls some of the horrors he suffered during the Second World War. Along the way he gives us a valuable insight into a very different way of life lived before and just after the War, illustrated with many interesting photos and the author’s wonderful drawings.
Derek Rowland was born in Havering-atte-Bower in 1936. His father and grandfather were both village blacksmiths at Havering, while his mother had come from Suffolk to work in service at The Grange in Havering. One of five children, Derek was educated at Havering Church of England Primary School and later at The Royal Liberty School, Gidea Park. Before his retirement he worked as an architect and has a particular interest in old buildings. Among his other interests are drawing and painting, history, books, and cricket; he is an active member of the church, as well as singing in the choir and bell-ringing, and was a school governor for many years. He has lived on the village green at Havering all his life, the last forty years at the forge, and so has witnessed a great many changes within the village community. Married to Jennifer, they have enjoyed sharing their home with their Labrador dogs.
ISBN: 978-1-906302-06-1
PRICE: £14.50 (plus P & P £3.00 UK, £4.00 EU, £6.50 RoW)
Blenheim Press Ltd
Codicote Innovation Centre, St Albans Road, Codicote, Herts SG4 8WH
Phone: 01438 820281
