Sir Joseph Banks – Rooted in Lincolnshire
This book provides an overview of the impact Sir Joseph Banks had on Lincolnshire through a series of history trails, the author, Jean Shaftoe Burton, leads the reader to follow in his footsteps. It offers glimpses on how he dealt with day to day problems and the opportunities afforded to a man of world renown. It has simple to follow maps and is beautifully illustrated. The book is now on sale at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre, Bridge Street, Horncastle and you can buy a copy (£15-00)
Society publishes first book
Seventy invited guests gathered at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre in Bridge Street Horncastle on Friday 22nd June to celebrate the launch of the Society’s first book “Sir Joseph Banks Rooted in Lincolnshire” written by founder member and past chairman Jean Burton. 
The launch was overseen by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Tony Worth and his wife Jenny but the actual launch speech was given by the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire John Burke who promptly passed on the task to his wife Rosie. Rosie Burke in a lively address proved to have a considerable knowledge of the Banks’ connection with Lincolnshire and the important part that Sir Joseph Banks played in the histories of the Great Britain and Australasia.
The remainder of the guest list was headed by Councillor Doreen Stephenson Leader of East Lindsey and one of her predecessors Councillor Fiona Martin accompanied by her husband Graham. Councillor Steve Newton attended both as a District Councillor and as the printer of the book.
Welcoming the guests the Chairman Dr Cheryle Berry proudly pointed out that the Society was still only five years old and to enter the world of publishing was an important step. The Society was she pointed out the only such group in his own country devoted to the promotion of the memory of Sir Joseph and as the visitors’ book proves is attracting visitors from around the World. Dr Berry revealed that in conjunction with the Collection in Lincoln the Society is planning a major exhibition on Banks starting in Lincoln and then going on tour in the UK.
Responding Jean Burton explained that when doing the research for the book that she became aware that there was a nucleus of people interested in Sir Joseph and that a society could be viable. Jean continued to thank the many people who had helped her in the production including Neil Chambers Director of the Banks’ Archive Project, the Society Life President David Robinson OBE and Jan Hill who brought together the team of talented illustrators.
Sir Joseph Banks Rooted in Lincolnshire has been printed in Horncastle and funded by the Lincoln Record Society and the Community Champions Fund managed by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation. The beautifully illustrated book consists of a series of Banks related trails throughout Lincolnshire interspersed with a mass of information and history about the truly great explorer, botanist, long serving President of the Royal Society and his contemporaries. “Sir Joseph Banks Rooted in Lincolnshire” is available to buy at the Joseph Banks Centre in Horncastle or through good book suppliers.
