The Changing Face of Richmond, Petersham & Ham is a stroll through the author's recollections of a time now passed. Included here are a commentary on this historic area, together with the photographs he took thirty to forty years ago, juxtaposed with images of how the places look today. If the Teddington, Hampton and Twickenham area was where he lived during this period, Richmond was the place he gravitated to and most enjoyed for the entertainment, history, cafes, restaurants, book and music shops, as well as the tranquillity of contemplating the view from the top of Richmond Hill. This picture captions and commentary are longer in this book than is usual for most volumes of this sort, giving a mixture of personal observation, detailed local history and fascinating stories. From the changes made to the Richmond riverfront and shopping streets, to the comparatively unchanged area of The Green and the Hill and the more subtle changes and alterations, losses and improvements to buildings in the still rural villages of Petersham and Ham, this is sure to evoke memories for readers who know and love the area.

About thirty years ago Garth Groombridge recorded the changing scene in Teddington, Twickenham and the Hamptons - focusing particularly on buildings that were due for demolition. He uses his photographs to travel back in time - to a period when these Thames-side communities were a lot more 'villagey' than they are today. Many residents will enjoy this trip down memory lane, whilst those who have arrived in the area more recently will be fascinated by this wonderful collection of photographs, which show clearly how much Teddington, Twickenham and the Hamptons have changed in the last few years.