THE STORY OF PICKERING BY JOHN RUSHTON

A new book from The Blackthorn Press.It has been many years since a history of Pickering has been written and who better to do it than John Rushton who is the acknowledged expert on the town's history. This new book, although authoritative and full of local detail is written and presented in full colour throughout so that it will appeal to young people, tourists or anyone wanting a good introduction to Pickering's long and fascinating history.

          John Rushton was in the Royal Navy from the age of sixteen to nineteen. For several years he worked in factories. As a young adult, he studied at University College and the London School of Economics. His part time work included barrel organ singing, time and motion study and carrying a sandwich board. He came to Ryedale as tutor organiser for the Workers’ Educational Association in 1959 and  developed local studies in several towns and villages in north-east Yorkshire. His annual local history exhibitions at Pickering led to the formation of the Beck Isle Museum. For many years he was well known for his appearances at Pickering Carnivals in outrageous costumes. He ran a newspaper column, wrote village pantomimes  and the Pickering pageants. John has lectured in recent years for the WEA and Hull University. He was awarded the MBE in 2005 for "service to the community". He has just retired after several years as President of the “Scarborough Archaeological and Historical Society”. John is an active supporter of the enthusiasts who have formed the new Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre.

Alan Avery