Turton Tower Tails

Author Yvonne Weatherhead M.B.E. Illustrations Rod Weatherhead

Turton Tower Tails is a story poem about dog walking, to make you smile. Since the arrival of Bella, Border Collie, Yvonne and Rod perform a daily walk at a place called Turton Tower.

Turton Tower, in rain or shine, is a happy place. The gardeners come regularly and work hard on the kitchen garden and keep all the other gardens and woods tidy. They have recently ‘moved in’ the bees, butterflies dance and squirrels dexterously climb, much to the interest of all the dogs. Birds sing melodiously and the café is very welcoming and serves delicious snacks. It is a place to sit, people watch, gaze and chill, surrounded by beautiful woodland.

People walking their dogs are hilarious, dogs chase, scamper and play. They challenge their owners, dip in the waterfall, twist leads around them and greet uniquely their four- legged friends.

Bella always greets other dogs in true sheepdog style, wriggling on her belly!

This poem, follows Bella’s daily journey, with a map to follow, however this walk is very good also for mindfulness, for Yvonne and Rod. To breathe in the fresh air, to listen to bird song and hear the toot of a train. To gaze at the views over Chapeltown or simply train watch from the bridge, it is so very relaxing. The wooded area walks are stunning, if you are lucky, you may sneak glimpse a deer. The sound of the waterfall is enchanting, sunlight splinters through the trees and shadows dance.

This book is dedicated to all the wonderful patients, volunteers, donors and employees that Rod and Yvonne have met since their involvement with Bolton Hospice.

Bolton Hospice has a great shortfall of funds to keep their services running to the capacity needed for all its patients, who have life- limiting illnesses.

It is a very welcoming place, with wonderful staff and a safe haven for patients who come to seek advice, have treatment or be part of the well- being hub, where Yvonne and Rod volunteer. If you can spare £6, buy Turton Tower Tails on Just Giving and help towards rebuilding Bolton Hospice’s facilities.

Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts.

May a rainbow shine over you all.

Yvonne xx