ANYONE in need of a dose of hilarity in these difficult times is highly recommended to get hold of a copy of a new book which has just been published locally, writes Christine Williams.

‘Bendy Brenda (and others)’ is the title of a collection of petitions read to Holsworthy’s Court Leet by the Sealer and Searcher of Leather.

The author is coy about revealing his name, although he concedes that his initials are JMR, but will be easily recognisable to anyone who has attended the Court Leet over the years.

The introduction briefly refers to the highlights of some of the petitions since the 1970s and is followed by the full text of 13 petitions beginning in 1991 with the sad disappearance of an inflatable companion named Bendy Brenda, from whom the book draws its title.

It continues with a tongue-in-cheek look at life in Holsworthy and beyond, and it deals with such burning topics as ‘Beating the Bound’, ‘Naked Truth’, ‘Nice Place to Live’, ‘Wishing Well’ and ‘Cash Free Parking’ — subjects which will be familiar to regular attendees at the Court Leet, but who will undoubtedly enjoy reading them again.

The collection also contains a 1977 poem in rhyming couplets entitled ‘All in a Row’, which names 60 Pretty Maids of Holsworthy and there is a 2005 update entitled ‘More Maids’.

The book is now on sale at Peter, Peter & Wrights Solicitors in Fore Street, Holsworthy and the author promises that any net proceeds will go to ‘a charitable fund to provide sticky buns every seven years for those completing the ‘Beating of the Bounds’ of the Manor of Holsworthy’.