David Venner

The Diarist - Albert Edward Simpkin - was born near Manchester in 1885. After leaving school he worked at Crossley Brothers, manufacturers of marine engines, as an apprentice engineer. Albert joined the Army in December 1914 and saw continuous service on the Western Front until demobilisation in early 1919. He was awarded the Military Medal. Post war he returned to Crossley Brothers and set up their Argentine operation branch.

The Editor - A family history advisor in North Devon, where he also practices rural crafts. He has written two works, The Venners of Somerset and Devon (1980) and Information for a Rural Community (1986 British Library).