Gerard and Louise of Richardson's to release Whitehaven picture book

The book will be titled Nostalgia and will look back at the bygone years of the local area, specifically Whitehaven and Cleator Moor. 

Louise came up with the name as she says that is what she and Gerard experience 'every day in the shop'. 

She said that people come into the store every day to talk about the old models, train sets, and photos that are dotted around.

Many of the old photos show what Whitehaven used to be like decades ago and rekindle fond memories for many people. 

A parade in Whitehaven (Image: The Beacon)

Miss Savage said: "It’s a trip back through time and a really lovely one at that. Most of Whitehaven and Cleator Moor have been photographed repeatedly so it’s difficult to find a new angle, but that's also been part of the fun.

"It’s been great to have the guidance of Ivor Nicholas and the help of Alan Gillon from the Beacon Museum as well.

"There are also some lovely photos from the 80s by another old friend Ronnie Calvin, the former chairman of Cumbria County Council.

"Ronnie liked snapping changing moments in Whitehaven town centre and some of his photos covering the passing of shops like Birkett’s and Lambs that featured in Gerard's first book 14 years ago are still referenced by people today.

"Some of the photos like the ones covering the 1931 Haig pit disaster are still emotional today for any family who had experiences of the pits, but others, like the photos covering the expansion of Dixon's Department store, are just glorious.

R H Donaldson butchers that used to be in Whitehaven (Image: Ronnie Calvin)

"Gerard loves photos with old cars or trains to position the image in time or totally frivolous ones that make you laugh, whereas I love the old shop fronts.

"We hope everyone enjoys the book which we are hoping will be out just in time for Christmas."

The book will be available for people to buy in-store in December, and more details will be posted on Richardson's social media pages.