HATHERLEIGH people are being invited to contribute to a book on what life has been like for them living through the Covid-19 lockdown in the town.

The book will be a tribute to ‘man of Hatherleigh’ Dennis Bater, who died aged 79 on Easter Monday (April 13) of coronavirus. Dennis was a keen recorder of the history of the town, with a big following for his regular posts of historical photographs on Facebook.

Donna Lewis is collating the book of people’s thoughts, poems, diary entries, photos and drawings and is looking for contributions from people of all ages. She is particularly looking for more from those aged over 70.

‘I want to get as much variety as possible for something like this, which is going to be a historical record,’ she said. ‘I have had quite a few, but we still need a few more.

‘Of course there is going to be a big section on Dennis in there. It is definitely something that he would have done. He would have been knocking on everyone’s doors and standing there until they gave him something to put in the book!

‘Hatherleigh is a close community. When Dennis passed away and the funeral cortege passed through town, everyone was standing on their doorsteps to pay their respects. We have had several people pass away and this has happened every time. I thought we have to record this.’

She said contributions including photos of people marking the 75th anniversary of VE-Day in lockdown. People who had lived through the Second World War had told her that the coronavirus crisis had been harder. ‘They say that at least they could hug people.’

The book will be available to buy, with 50p from each copy going to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, a charity close to Dennis’ heart. ‘We are hoping to have a bit of an open day when this is over and print out a couple of proofs so people can come and place their orders,’ said Donna. ‘Kingswood Homes are going to bury one in the time capsule at the new housing development and we are also going to give some to the primary school.’ Local county councillor James McInnes has supported the costs from his locality fund, although there is still £1,500 to find. To help contact Donna on [email protected] or call 07889 684619.