News

Norwich-based children’s adventure book launched

Thursday, 15th May 2008

A new children's time-travelling adventure story set in and around Norwich and its magnificent Norman Cathedral is being launched on 20^th May.

The 3 Serpents of the North Door sees Tom and Emma Buxton embark on a thrilling journey through time, meeting a host of weird and wonderful characters along the way.  The children must attempt to piece together clues that will ultimately unlock the North Door and send them home safely, avoiding the treacherous and cunning serpents. The 3 Serpents is a gripping adventure story that will take children into the past and will make them enter the Cathedral with eager enthusiasm and trepidation.

The book is aimed at 7-12 year olds but will be enjoyed by young and old alike. It has been written by Saul Penfold, Head of Education at Norwich Cathedral, with illustrations by Jim Kavanagh and a foreword by Emma Bridgewater.

The book is priced at £5.99 and on sale from the Cathedral's shop, online at www.cathedral.org.uk/acatalog/ and www.amazon.co.uk; and from Jarrold, Borders, Waterstone's and other good bookshops in Norwich towards the end of May 2008.

There will be a public launch event on Saturday, 24^th May at Norwich Cathedral, from 10am to 3pm with free entry. The day will include:

• A costumed time travelling event where you can meet characters from the book, hear the stories and relive their adventures
• Medieval monks, herbalists, soldiers and storytellers
• Craft activities
• Historic food and fun in the Cathedral Restaurant
• And much more

Telephone 01603 218320 or email education@cathedral.org.uk for details.

Saul Penfold said: "The 3 Serpents of the North Door is an exciting way to engage children and families with a whole host of colourful characters and stories at Norwich Cathedral. It is a real pleasure to work with children in this great building and to share the joy, creativity and imagination they bring. I hope the book reflects this and provides an opportunity for them to explore and discover the heritage of their city."

The Cathedral is part of Norwich 12, the UK's finest collection of individually outstanding heritage buildings spanning the last millennium. The 3 Serpents has been made possible thanks to funding from the Treasury's Invest to Save Budget, which was secured for Norwich 12 by Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART).

The 3 Serpents of the North Door is the first book in the ‘City of Light' series, designed to excite and engage children and families with the fabulous history and heritage of Norwich. Saul hopes to write a follow up book which will be set in and around many of the other Norwich 12 buildings for publication next year.

Norwich 12 consists of: Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral, The Great Hospital, St Andrew's and Blackfriars' Hall, The Guildhall, Dragon Hall, The Assembly House, St James Mill, St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Surrey House, City Hall and The Forum.

Michael Loveday, Chief Executive of Norwich HEART said: "The 3 Serpents is an exciting adventure story that will have wide appeal. It brings to life the fascinating history of Norwich Cathedral and the city and proves that learning about history and heritage can be both stimulating and fun."

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Notes to editors

For more information please contact Christina Lundberg, Communications Manager at Norwich HEART on 01603 599570 or email christinalundberg@heritagecity.org

About Norwich HEART

Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is a private, charitable trust set up to act as an umbrella organisation for all of the heritage on offer in Norwich and to be a best practice exemplar internationally for heritage as a social and economic regeneration vehicle.

About Norwich 12

Norwich 12 is the UK's finest collection of individually outstanding heritage buildings spanning the Norman, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras. Charting an extraordinary journey through the history of one of England's great cities, Norwich 12 offers a unique visitor experience which embraces the legacy of these iconic buildings, the pivotal roles they continue to play today and the remarkable cityscape which weaves them together.

Norwich 12 is an initiative by Norwich HEART, which has secured £1 million from the Treasury's Invest to Save budget for the project.

The project was developed under the working title of The Great and Good and launched as Norwich 12 in March 2008.