AN online fundraiser is helping put a history book about Cotherstone into print.
Former Cotherstone resident Paul Rabbitts has launched an online gofundme campaign to raise £4,000 to publish 500 copies of Cotherstone – a village in Teesdale. He is writing the book with his father, David.
Paul was born and raised in Cotherstone but now lives in Leighton Buzzard.
He said: “I was born in Cotherstone, just outside the village boundary on the Brisco Road. My parents David and Morlene still live in Glendale – the house they built in 1963.
“I have written many books over the years on architecture, public parks and local history. For a number of years, I have wanted to write a history of the village.
“Its history is immense. From the Fitzhughs, the remains of Cotherstone castle, our well-known Cotherstone cheese to, most recently, the home of our beloved and late Hannah Hauxwell, lady of the dales.
“Dad and I have now got round to commencing an up-to-date history of the village, which will capture hundreds of years of change, including its natural history, built heritage, days when it was known as “little Sunderland”, the coming and demise of the railway and the popular village as it is today.”
A publisher has already been secured and the aim is to produce a high-quality paperback book in full colour.
He added: “These books are not big sellers, hence the need to raise the funds.”
All future proceeds from the sale of the book will be
donated to Cancer Research UK.
Paul added: “It is our intention to donate a number of books to pupils of Cotherstone Primary School.
“We don’t intend to make anything from this, but we really would love to see the story of our village told.”
He added: “As an incentive, all those who donate will be acknowledged in the book and any donations over £50 will receive a free copy.”
Anyone wishing make a donation should visit www.go
fundme.com/f/cotherstone-
a-village-in-teesdale-our-his
tory.
