 It was the perfect setting for an event to introduce a new novel set in the Ancient Borough of Christchurch. Historic Place Mill, on Christchurch Quay, played host to the official launch of The Thirteenth Box, a children’s historical novel by local author, Julie Ratcliffe. The adventure story is set in Christchurch in 1780 and what better person to perform the launch than the holder of the town’s most ancient office, Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Mrs Sue Spittle.Those attending included staff from Christchurch secondary schools, Christchurch Library, The Red House Museum, Christchurch Priory and Christchurch Community Partnership plus local historians, writers and tourism staff.The Thirteenth Box is a fast-paced adventure mystery in which three children from different backgrounds meet by chance and become caught up in a fight between rival gangs of smugglers vying for ownership of a mysterious machine. It is set in a historically correct context and in places which can still be visited today.Author, Julie Ratcliffe, said: “I’m getting great feedback from young readers, which is extremely pleasing. I want the book to be attractive to boys as well as girls and also to spark an interest in local history amongst children. The feedback from the schools attending was very positive and I hope to work alongside Christchurch Local History Society in visiting the schools to talk about the book and its historical setting.”The Thirteenth Box is published by High Sails Publications (HSP) and is available at outlets in Christchurch, by order at good bookshops, and through the HSP website: www.highsailspublications.co.ukPhoto: Julie Ratcliffe with Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Mrs Sue Spittle – (Photo by Carly Beeny) Julie Ratcliffe Julie has lived in Burton, Christchurch since 1980 having moved from her native Bolton, Lancashire. Married with three adult sons and one grandson.Julie is an Honours Graduate of the Open University (1988) where she studied British social history and literature between 17th and 19th centuries, including comparative studies with America and Europe.Julie runs her own PR and copywriting business. She was previously PR Officer with Christchurch Borough Council. Prior to this she worked for Dorset Libraries and Bolton Public Libraries. Member of the Society of Women Writers and JournalistsWebsite: www.julieratcliffe.co.uk The Thirteenth Box is published by: High Sails Publications, PO Box 7575, Christchurch BH23 9HJ, ISBN- 978-0-9568572-0-0, Price: £6.99 |
