A born and bred Ipswich writer with a passion for his home town has written a book celebrating one of the county’s most treasured parks.

East Anglian Daily Times: Writer of the new Christchurch Park souvenir book, David Miller Picture: LIZ CUTTINGWriter of the new Christchurch Park souvenir book, David Miller Picture: LIZ CUTTING

David Miller, chairman of the Friends of Christchurch Park, will be launching his new title ‘Christchurch Park & Ipswich Arboretum: Souvenir & Guide’ at a special gathering on October 13.

The guide, described by Ipswich Society reviewer Neil Salmon as “a very personal and unique book”, delves into the wonders of Ipswich’s Christchurch Park, featuring a range of photographs, postcards and artwork.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sunny weather in Christchurch Park Picture: ARCHANTSunny weather in Christchurch Park Picture: ARCHANT

Mr Miller, who was born inside the grounds of the park, grew up in the arboretum where his father Tony was head gardener for a quarter of a century.

He has overseen many projects to improve the grounds, including the restoration of the Armillary Sphere Sundial, and has planted over 300 specimen trees in the grounds worth over £60,000, many of which were sponsored by members of the public.

East Anglian Daily Times: Cowds gathered in Christchurch Park for the Radio One Roadshow in 1976 Picture: OWEN HINES/ARCHANTCowds gathered in Christchurch Park for the Radio One Roadshow in 1976 Picture: OWEN HINES/ARCHANT

His first book, ‘Ipswich Arboretum: A History and Celebration’, was published in 2014.

He said: “It is 29 years since Ipswich Borough Council published their excellent ‘Christchurch Mansion & Park Ipswich – An Illustrated Souvenir’ so I thought it was about time I wrote an up-to-date memento.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sunny weather in Christchurch Park Picture: ARCHANTSunny weather in Christchurch Park Picture: ARCHANT

“It is also 125 years since the architect and artist John Shewell Corder, fearing for the future of the mansion, wrote and illustrated ‘Christchurch or Withepole House – A Brief Memorial’.

“I hope that the guide I have written will serve a slightly different purpose by looking across the whole 83-acre park and arboretum and showcasing a number of interesting features and subjects for the visitor, which of course includes Christchurch Mansion, but also many other attractions some of which were not present in 1989 and even 2015.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Sunny weather in Christchurch Park Picture: ARCHANTSunny weather in Christchurch Park Picture: ARCHANT

The book launch will take place at the Reg Driver Visitor Centre in Christchurch Park from 12pm to 1pm on Saturday, October 13. All proceeds from the sales will go to the Friends of Christchurch Park.

The book has been supported by Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd., which has a number of historic links with the park.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dudley cools off in the fountain in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNDudley cools off in the fountain in Christchurch Park Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Alan Prickett, managing director, said: “I am very pleased to support David’s latest book.

“Ransomes Jacobsen’s long history began in 1789 when Robert Ransome set up an iron-foundry business with just £200 opposite St. Mary-at-the-Quay Church, before moving soon after to a disused maltings in St. Margaret’s Ditches (now Old Foundry Road), just a minute or two’s walk from Christchurch Park, which was then owned by William Fonnereau (1732-1817), son of Claudius Fonnereau.

East Anglian Daily Times: Children enjoying themselves on a fairground ride in Christchurch Park Picture: MATT CLARKEChildren enjoying themselves on a fairground ride in Christchurch Park Picture: MATT CLARKE (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

“Over the last few years Ransomes have taken a great interest in David’s work in the arboretum and park, and have been delighted to support it. I congratulate him on his latest book and hope that its success will further assist the excellent work of the Friends of Christchurch Park.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds of people came to see the filming of Saturday Superstore at Christchurch Park in 1984 Picture: PAUL NIXONCrowds of people came to see the filming of Saturday Superstore at Christchurch Park in 1984 Picture: PAUL NIXON (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Christchurch Park pond in the sun Picture: MEGAN ALDOUSChristchurch Park pond in the sun Picture: MEGAN ALDOUS (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Morris dancers performing at Christchurch Park in 1978 Picture: PAUL NIXON/ARCHANTMorris dancers performing at Christchurch Park in 1978 Picture: PAUL NIXON/ARCHANT

East Anglian Daily Times: Some of the rides on offer at the Co-op fete at Christchurch Park in 1978 Picture: PAUL NIXON / ARCHANTSome of the rides on offer at the Co-op fete at Christchurch Park in 1978 Picture: PAUL NIXON / ARCHANT

East Anglian Daily Times: A fresh sprinkling of snow covers Christchurch Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNA fresh sprinkling of snow covers Christchurch Park. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)