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Dolly and Ted by Valerie Fleet

'The man who defined my very soul'.

We are not told if Valerie Fleet is the ‘Dolly’ that uses a diary, detailing at first hand events, personalities, friendships, and all the enchanting kaleidoscope which goes to made up the youngster’s life then. Through entries in a child's diary, the adult 'Dolly' records her vivid impressions of a beloved and eccentric uncle in the years between 1968 and 1972.

We read of Uncle Ted, the lock keeper guarding the River Weaver / Manchester Ship Canal lock, with whom Dolly spends much of her childhood days. So much are Uncle Ted, Aunt Sal and the cat Mahmoud part of her life that the characters and events of those days enable the author to help us recall our own childhood memories.

Dolly's life is an adventure, dangerous at times, as she is carried down river; sad too, as her cat becomes part of the living-dying process; exciting, as she is introduced to her first cigarette, much to her aunt's anger; and challenging, as she passes for the Grammar School in those long-gone 11+ days.

The Author of Dolly and Ted - Valerie Fleet:

I hope that Dolly's sense of mischief and adventure has remained with me throughout my adulthood. I love to take on new challenges and pursue a variety of hobbies, from fencing to fire eating. My love of being around boats continues and indeed I met my husband on a sailing holiday. "Uncle Ted" would have approved! We all need strong role models who are both wise and fun. Being a primary school teacher gives me the challenge to aspire to the former and definitely the opportunity to share again the exuberance of childhood.

Dolly and Ted The story is autobiographical and recounts the summer holidays I spent as a child with my uncle, Ernest Taylor, who was the lock keeper at Weston Marsh Lock from 1956 – 1972. There are 14 photographs in the book; the recent ones were taken by Colin Edmondson, a historian for the River Weaver Navigation Society.

Dolly and Ted is available from the following: Amazon , IWAShop , WHSmith and Waterstones

Dolly and Ted

SIZE: A5 (200X130)
ISBN: 978184386452 3
IMPRINT:VANGUARD PRESS
CAT: AUTOBIOGRAPHY / SOCIAL HISTORY

AUGUST 2008

PRICE: £7.99 / €9.99
EXTENT: 108 PP.
FORMAT: PAPERBACK
RIGHTS: VANGUARD PRESS
TERRITORY: WORLD

Pegasus Elliot Mackenzie Publishers Ltd., Cambridge, UK.