Over the past twelve months, Andrew Bolt has raised £7,200 for Water Aid through his book "A Walk in the Past". It was launched in Harrogate in November 2007 and since then has been bought by over 700 customers from all parts of the United Kingdom. Two copies went international with one sale going to Russia and another to America.

 

His book takes the form of a guided historical walk around Scar House Reservoir in Upper Nidderdale, one of the most scenic reservoirs in the Yorkshire Dales. It tells the story about the men and families who constructed it between the 1890's and 1930's and gives recommended stopping points from which to view particular features. The book contains drawings and photographs from that era that demonstrates the harsh working conditions for the men and the unique village built to house their families during the construction period.

 

The book was jointly published by Yorkshire Water and Laing O'Rourke and the money raised was presented to Nicola Hart, an ambassador to Water Aid and Yorkshire Water Manager, following which she highlighted how the money would be allocated to the charity. In some of the poorest parts of India Nicola had seen some of the progress made by Water Aid and she spoke of the plight in India for the provision of toilet facilities. In one of the villages 250 people had to share just one toilet. With the intervention of Water Aid this number of bottoms (as she put it) has been reduced to just 49 people sharing. Nicola finished by praising Andrew for his efforts over the year.

 

The book is available direct from the author at a price of £9.99 + £2.00 postage and packing. Please make your cheque for £11.99 payable to 'Andrew Bolt' and post to: Laing O'Rourke, Unit 706, Thorp Arch Trading Estate, Wetherby, LS23 7BJ. £8 from each book sold goes to Water Aid.