Book recalls life, times of former mayor

SIGNING: Gavin McLachlan, who served on the district council when Mr Francis was mayor, gets his old 'boss' to sign a copy of the book. PHOTOS/GERALD FORD

Anecdotes and humour were successfully mingled with a serious look at the life and times of former Masterton mayor Bob Francis at a book launch held at the Copthorne Resort Solway Park on Sunday.

More than 300 invited guests turned out to wine, dine and buy copies of the book authored by Wairarapa Times-Age sports editor Gary Caffell, titled Bob Francis: A Story of My Town.

The book is not being marketed solely as a biography of the man who served 21 years as Masterton's mayor but details many of the trials, tribulations and good times he, and his town faced during those years, while also giving an insight into many other aspects of the former mayor's life.

The guests were introduced to a panel of speakers by Hedley's Bookshop owner David Hedley, who has been heavily involved with the project.

Mr Caffell spoke of the long days and nights that had been spent sitting round the kitchen table with Mr Francis - a friend of 40 years - planning the book's content.

Rick Long, another lifelong friend, regaled guests with tales about Mr Francis he said you would not find in the book and the actual official launch fell to former Wairarapa MP and deputy prime minister Wyatt Creech.

Mr Creech and Mr Francis had not known each other until Mr Creech entered Parliament but soon after becoming acquainted they formed a close, and lasting friendship, despite being at opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Yesterday Mr Caffell and Mr Francis were at Hedley's Bookshop signing copies of the book, which retails for $40.