A GROUP of Forest of Dean historians with a mission to shine a light on local culture and heritage are turning their attention to the village of Pillowell.

The finishing touches are being put to ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles’ the name of the latest production from an informal cooperative, Yorkley a and e.

Headed up by David Adams and Chris Nancollis, both of Yorkley, and Claire Hamm, of Pilllowell, the group welcomes new writers to work and research Forest projects with a long-term view of publishing their findings to a wider audience.

The mission, says Mr Adams, is to shine a light on little known Forest of Dean culture.

Work so far has included Severnside to Circassia, telling the story of the Rev William Wickenden, of Etloe, A Disorderly Settlement, telling the history of Yorkley, A Native Forester, about the work and life of poet Richard Morse, and The Nightmare Trail, highlighting scenes from the life of F W Harvey.

Before it is too late, says Mr Adams, it is important to tackle many other Forest communities.

Pillowell, now subject to a preservation order, is a typical former Forest mining community but, like others, one that has undergone huge changes.

“There are no shops, no businesses and no pubs. But there is continuity through the chapel, the band and the school and it is important to capture all aspects of the village as it is and was while local characters are still there to tell the stories,” he said.

Mr Adams has other projects underway including Hidden Histories, a history of the Forest with a slant on exploring and investigating little known aspects of life in the Dean.

He says: “The trend these days is towards large books. We work in reverse and achieve our aim to bring to light little-known Forest culture and history by accurately researching and publishing small scale books.”