The experience was shared by many former residents. Gerald Ford, a resident for decades, described feeling “very sad” when the community was broken up while Clemoline Bunt, the village’s last resident, said it was “awful sad to leave” after spending most of her life there.
Ford’s 240-page book also traces stories linked to villagers who travelled to America and Australia in search of new opportunities.
Having lived with multiple sclerosis for 45 years, Ford said completing the project had been a challenge but one he was proud of.
“I wish I’d never started it, but now I’ve done it, I’m so pleased,” he said.
Copies of the book are available from the Merlin Centre in Hewas Water, near St Austell.
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