A SOMERSET postman has published his fifth book in 18 months.

Dave Chapple, a trades union agitator for 46 years, said Bridgwater 1983 to 2004: A Working Class, Left-wing Rebellious Town is a tribute to his adopted town.

He wrote the book and published it via his Somerset Socialist Library imprint.

It is a detailed and at times critical look at 21 years of radical socialist organising, through trades unions, the Labour Party, Labour councillors, May Day marches and rallies, the Somerset Community Defence Campaign and its journal the Somerset Clarion, the Eastover Community Association, fighting unemployment, opposing both Gulf wars, anti-war, anti-racist and anti-nuclear campaigns, defending the NHS and its ambulance and maternity services, even seeing off an invasion by Ulster Unionists and fascist hangers on.

The book poses the question: "What is the relationship between leaders and led, between a dozen radical Bridgwater community organisers, nearly all left-wing, and the wider, mostly working-class Bridgwater community?"

In the end, did Bridgwater's socialists make a real difference? Was the serious national decline in working-class confidence after the NUM strike taken for granted by most historians, slowed down or even arrested in this historically-radical Somerset town?

The book is a local case-study in late 20th century left-wing politics, and a labour of love to Dave's adopted town.

Funded by a grant from Dave's trade union the CWU, it features vintage photographs and documents in black and white and colour, and is beautifully designed by former print shop steward Nigel Costley, now Secretary of the South West TUC.

The 114-page softback book costs £10 plus £2 postage and packing, and is available from Bridgwater Arts Centre; Adrian's Record Shop at Cornhill Market; or from Dave at 1 Blake Place, Bridgwater TA6 5AU, e-mail davidchapple2020@gmail.com or phone 07707869144.

For bulk orders from trades unions and other history, political and/or community groups, he is offering books for the price of four or 10 books for the price of eight.