SOMERSET author Terrance Trump has published a book about his old school in North Devon.

The title of the book, Pursue Excellence, was the motto of Barnstaple Boys Secondary School from 1947 until its closure in 1972.

Terrence, of Hatch Beauchamp, who went to the school from 1963-68, said: “The book evolved three years ago while I was living in Switzerland when I was researching my family history.

“It tells the story of the school from its inception on the day that hostilities started in 1939 to the closure in 1972.

“Everyone that attended the school is listed in the book in some form or another which amounts to over 15,000 pupils. The book uses terms that we do not use nowadays, such as ‘dull or backward children’ instead of ‘boys with learning difficulties’.”

Terrence used information from the school log and registers as well as cuttings from newspapers and the school magazine for his sources.

During the history of the school five boys died of drowning in the local rivers, while an ex-schoolboy was killed fighting in Palestine.

Terrance added: “The book is not just a record of school events but also a source for local history, family history and building occupancy.”

The book is self-published and it is available from local sources in Barnstaple or by clicking on the Related Link below.