Thatcham historian's pride at publication of first book

In his book Dr Nick Young, the chairman of Thatcham Historical Society, examines how Thatcham has changed over the years, as part of a series of books by other authors looking at towns around the UK.
Lifelong Thatcham man, Mr Young, aged 34, finished writing the book, “Thatcham: Then and Now", at the end of last year and it is now being printed ready for its July launch.
He said: "It (the research) has been a bit of a nightmare but worth it.
"The main thing is to make people understand that we still have a lot of history in the town.
"It brings to attention what we have but also what we have lost."
He added: "I think that most people in Thatcham know about the last 100 years in Thatcham but other than that they really don't understand - hopefully it will help that.
"It would be nice as well if it would hit the younger generations - hopefully that will happen because it has got the modern pictures."
The book shows 45 old photographs, each photograph is compared with a photograph of the same location as it is today with text describing the history of that scene and the changes over the years.
Mr Young, who is a website developer, added: "The older generation tend to look at the older pictures first and the younger generation tend to look at the newer pictures."
Many local people and organisations have loaned or even handed over photos and postcards for use, others have provided information on particular aspects of the history.
He said: "One of the things you learn when doing a book is that you think you know things but there's still more to learn.
"There are 45 pages in the book but we had more than 100 images and the research that came with it - when you cut bits out people are always going to say why did you cut that out? But you have to cut something."
Having already helped to compile a history book in the past this is Mr Young's first attempt on his own.
He said: "I can't wait to see it on the bookshelves - especially next to some of the other local authors.
"It's brilliant."