A NEW book on the history of New Earswick has been published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The 192-page paperback book, created by York graphic design company Red Publications, explores the history and development of education, learning and the community in New Earswick since Joseph Rowntree’s influence on the area in the early 20th century.

The book looks at the Rowntree family and their Quaker principles and how the village has changed in 100 years.

It also explores more recent developments, including the introduction of the children’s centre and refurbishment of New Earswick Primary School and Joseph Rowntree School.

The introduction to the book says: “In the early years of the 21st century, 100 years after its inception, New Earswick is once again at the forefront of educational development. The two new ventures at the heart of this book open up exciting possibilities for the whole of this small community – and may have much learning to offer the wider worlds of education, design and community development.”

Paul Brook, content and publishing manager at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “The book has been four years in the making, involving contributions from a number of local people. The result is a fascinating wealth of pictures, information, comment and analysis.

“It’s a great read for a host of different audiences, including residents of New Earswick and the surrounding area, and people with a more specialist interest in education, community development and social justice, from either a historical or contemporary perspective.”

Andy Douse, a director at Red Publications, said: “The book looks at how some of the ideas that underpinned the creation of New Earswick village have worked in practice, and how they are still relevant today.”

Angela Wilkinson and Enrique De Obaldia, both Year 11 pupils at Joseph Rowntree School, won a competition to design the cover of the book, mixing historical images with contemporary photos to create a scrapbook effect.

The book will be officially launched on September 24, but is now available to download free from jrf.org.uk/publications/education-learning-and-community-new-earswick