This wonderful self published book, Steaming Through Life is a memoir of life on board steam engines by Oswestry based writer Paul Evans.

Paul has just published this, his first book – at the age of eighty-nine!

Steaming Through Life is Paul’s fascinating account of his career on the railways during the age of steam engines, following him from humble beginnings in Newtown, Mid Wales to his life in London and subsequently nearer home in Shropshire.

Recommended Self Published Book Printing Service

We were delighted that our book printing service was recommended by fellow self published book author, Dave Andrews.

Author Paul says “I work as a volunteer at Cambrian Heritage Railway and after telling so many stories to my colleagues and visitors there, they suggested I put it into print. We asked at our local Library for someone to help us put it together and they told us about Dave Andrews. He has been a tremendous help to us from start to finish. He was the one who suggested using WPG.

“I cannot thank WPG enough for all their encouragement and help with getting my book to print.
We are exceptionally pleased with the service we received from WPG and all the help we received from Kelly. We fully appreciate the helpful advice from Reece who designed the cover, which brings the book to life. 
We most sincerely would recommend WPG to anyone looking to have any printing work done.
I look forward to working with you all again in the future. Sincere best wishes”

We are exceptionally proud to have our book printing service recommended by Dave Andrews. We have worked with Dave printing his own books, including his latest novel, Each Slow Dusk, a murder mystery based in Oswestry. Over this time, we have developed a great relationship with Dave and really do appreciate this recommendation.

It has been a delight to work with Paul & Jenny to see this wonderful book of memoirs through to fruition, such a wonderful achievement to have published a book 60 years in the making.

A Book of Dreams

Paul’s story is filled with the adventures of a young man making his way in the world. On the one hand it is a heartfelt personal narrative – with tales of companionship and romance too – but it also tells of close shaves, pranks and near disasters. At the same time, Paul’s tale also provides an increasingly rare insight into this golden age of transport – a period which has all but gone.

“My biggest boyhood dream was to work on the magnificent steam horses that we think of as railway engines,’ says Paul. ‘I started aged fourteen as lamp boy at Newtown railway station. But I was fortunate enough to carry on to work on board a variety of steam engines – and I loved it all.’ Paul continues his connection with steam engines today as he is an active member of the Cambrian Heritage Railway in Oswestry.

Book Printed after Sixty Years

“I wrote this book in longhand originally in 1959 and the books were put away safely and colleagues and friends at the Cambrian Heritage Railway insisted that I publish it as this is now important history.

As I had very little idea about computers, I didn’t know how to go about getting it published, so I approached Dave Andrews who is Reader and Writer in Residence at Oswestry library. Dave has been a tremendous help to me and to my wife Jenny who has also done so much to support me. Dave has published a dozen books and has helped lots of writers. Without his knowledge and experience my book would never have got into print.”

Dave says “It was an absolute privilege and pleasure to work as editor/adviser on this lovely book by local writer Paul Evans who was aided by his wife Jenny Evans. As a boy I loved steam engines and went trainspotting all over the place! So it was great to help someone who has worked on board various engines during a golden age in our transport history. Well done Paul for publishing your first book – at the age of 89!”

Though this period in our travel history has long since disappeared, people today continue to be fascinated by steam engines and Paul’s book gives a genuine, first-hand account of life as a railwayman as we travel with him to different parts of the country. It will be a fascinating read for anyone with a passion for steam engines or an interest in the daily life of those who worked on the railways during the Golden Age of steam.

Steaming Through Life is available from various outlets including The Cambrian Heritage Railway shop or direct from Paul at jennyevans1951@gmail.com  Price £8.99. plus P&P

The Printed Book

Steaming Through Life is an A5, perfect-bound book containing 200 pages plus a matt laminated cover for added protection.

Book Signing for New Self Published Author

Paul will be signing books at Hardy’s Bookshop in Welshpool on Saturday, 3rd June from 11-1 pm. Paul is looking forward to meeting avid readers and fellow steam enthusiasts alike.

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