A FORMER Haslemere resident has self-published a book about exploring the UK’s countryside through medieval rural churches.

Sally Rieder, who lived in Hill Road, has self-published Meanders through England and Wales.

She said: “It was such fun in itself – but I was easily distracted by another building, country corner or local legend.

“I was drawn to the simplicity, charms, quirks and, sometimes, curious tales revealed of the many rural churches and chapels which were once the centre of long-vanished hamlets.

“Sometimes there was an occasional medieval dovecote or grand windmill – tucked away down lanes, on hills or in fields.”

Sally went out of her way to visit churches rated by others with a single star, or no star at all. Many of these churches are no longer surrounded by the community for which they were built in Saxon, Norman or early English times.

Sally added: “I have two regrets: failure to examine more closely the oddities of churches – sometimes graveyards – to which I am unlikely to return, and my lack of a digital camera.

“A bonus while pursuing my interest in these little gems of rural life has been meeting people, wandering off subject, and visiting pockets of England I would probably not have otherwise explored.

“I encourage others to visit these rural delights.

“So many are now isolated and neglected but should never be forgotten or allowed to go to ruin. They are such a charming part of English rural history to value and cherish. As is the variety and wonder of our countryside.”

To order a copy of Sally’s book, call 01904 431213.