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A History by Martin Izzard This intriguing gem of a book concerns a special village, Ashton, near Oundle.  The evolution of this Rothschild village, Ashton Wold, the Chequered Skipper Butterfly and Public House are described in detail.  This 150-page book promises to promote a significant amount of local interest, with lots of pleasant memories of country life around the village green and The World Conker Championship, together with many colour and black and white photographs and illustrations.

The idea of a new book first started in Martin Izzard’s mind as he sat talking to Richard Donoyou, a surveyor and bee keeper, over a beer at the Tap and Kitchen Oundle.  Richard Donoyou’s work on the draft Ashton Conservation Area Appraisal & Management Plan, carried out in 2014/15, built upon by DE Landscape & Heritage; combined with Martin Izzard’s knowledge of the butterflies and natural history of this area, this meant that an Ashton book could evolve.

The book describes the Ashton Wold, The Chequered Skipper Public House and the demise and reintroduction of the Chequered Skipper Butterfly back into Northamptonshire, as well as the peace and quiet of the countryside, the magnificent peacocks around the village green and Red Kites flying overhead – a truly idyllic setting.

Signed delivered copies are available, cost £14.99 direct from the author, The Chequered Skipper Public House at Ashton and Oundle Bookshop.  You can contact Martin Izzard, BEM, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone on 01933 355688.  

Ashton and The Chequered Skipper