Martyn continues his wonderful stories about policing during the 1960s and 1970s. As with his previous volume the book is written from the heart, not so much nostalgia as a genuine feeling for the people, animals, places and history of Sheffield. As before, humour and sadness combine so that every chapter really is a compelling read. Life as a traditional beat bobby is rapidly becoming a fading memory. At a time when front-line policing is under threat nationwide there can be no better time to reflect on the life and times of the old fashioned street policeman whether on foot, on a cycle, motorbike or as an observant passenger in a Hillman Husky. Martyn's reminiscences not only contribute to our local social history but are also relevant to the twentieth-first century policing debate. AUTHOR: Born in 1943, at Darfield, near Barnsley, Martyn's first job at the age of fifteen was as a blacksmith but in his late teens joined Sheffield City Police, working on the streets of Attercliffe and Darnall until 1969. A few interesting years in CID followed but he returned to grassroot policing, serving for another seven years. A long-time resident of Wentworth, Martyn was consulted by author Catherine Bailey when she was compiling her best selling book Black Diamonds. ILLUSTRATIONS: 20 b/w photographs
