Welcome to

Roll Back the Years

From its first issue in April 1980, Roll Back the Years has brought back to life, in photographs and short easy-to-read stories, the colourful past of the central King Country.

The magazine started as an eight page monthly, progressed to 12 pages per month and in later years to 24 pages once every two months until the final issue was published in October 1987. Over this period a total of 860 pages and over 1240 historic photos were published.

Roll Back the Years was published under the imprint of C&S Publications, a name that originated from the C&S Collection, a collection of historic photos initiated by Ron Cooke and Colin Seccombe, a pair of enthusiasts who started collecting and copying old photographs of the district in 1970.

Around 600 photos had been passively collected by the time the first issue of Roll Back the Years was published and as each issue appeared readers responded with images and information from their own sources with the result that the district now has a vast archival library to call on.

The publication of Roll Back the Years has also encouraged other local people to write their family and district histories. Ron Cooke has edited or assisted with most of these publications and through his expert and skilful use of photographs and short stories, has struck a balance that other districts have long envied.

THE GOOD NEWS
The original 860 pages of "Roll Back the Years" is being republished by the Taumarunui & Districts Historical Society Inc in a series of six volumes over the next three years. Go to Buy Online and place your order now!

KEEP IN TOUCH
If you are interested in purchasing future copies or becoming a member of the Society go to "Contact Us" and send an email. All enquiries promptly responded to with all feedback on how to improve our site gratefully received.