The best selling Orkney book of recent times, and now regarded as a “classic”, is to be followed up with the publication of a second volume.

The author of The Orcadian Book of the 20th Century, Howard Hazell, is now appealing to Orcadians to help provide some of the material which will feature in volume two of the book.

He explained: “The original book, published nearly three years ago, was a chronicle of our times – featuring some of the most memorable news stores of the century.

“Volume two will develop some of the major elements of the first book but it is also intended to portray more of the people’s experience of the county during those years – not necessarily connected with world-shattering events, just the everyday tales of island folk leading their everyday lives.

“Hidden away around the county, often forgotten in attics and store cupboards, are thousands of photograph albums containing an absolute wealth of family memories. I hope that people will grant me the privilege of scanning through these photographic treasures so that they may be shared with a wider audience.

Hopefully, it will contribute to a unique insight into the social and family history of Orkney over 100 years. I am interested not only in the lives of Orcadians in Orkney but also those who left the county to make their way in the world – either in times of peace of war.”

“And, of course, a major part of Orkney’s 20th century history was moulded by thousands of service men and women who found themselves on military duty in these islands. I would be pleased to see any photographs or similar from veterans of that era or their families.”

Howard Hazell, a journalist for nearly 40 years who retired four years ago as news editor of The Orcadian stressed that he is not concerned only with events that made headlines at the time.

He hopes to collect photographs of informal family occasions as well as traditional line-ups of sports teams, school classes, show days, picnic trips and workplace functions and other celebrations.

“I’m simply looking for photographs and other items of interest that portray their time – the sort of memento that all families have; pictures of granddad in his army days, uncle winning the Ba’ or appearing in the Parish Cup final, auntie with her flow show trophy, the first day at school for the children, mum and dad taking their first trip on the St Ola, everyday events which create a montage of Orkney life,” he said.

“Hopefully, we can recall some of the events which caused great excitement at the time – the arrival of the first tractor or the first television set, or the visit of famous entertainers for example. And the book covers the entire period from 1900 to 1999 so the photographs do not have to be steeped in antiquity. I’m just as interested in pictures from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.”

He gave as assurance that all pictures will be returned intact after being copied. Any photographs – clearly identifying the name and address of the owner – can be left with Howard Hazell at 15 Quoybanks Place, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1ES.

Otherwise he can be contacted by telephone on (01856) 873668.

“If people telephone me, I can make arrangements to visit them. That way, I can ensure that I meet as many people as possible when I visit a Particular island or parish,” he said. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for photographs to be transmitted by e-mail.

The Orcadian Book of the 20th Century has found a place not only in thousands of Orkney homes but also around the world. Volume two – scheduled to be in the shops at the end of 2003 – will also be published by The Orcadian.