Belhaven Hill School – Bramble the Bedlington Raises Money for Dunbar RNLI

10 Dec 2015

After the sell-out success of the book ‘Bramble and the Hare’, Bramble the Bedlington terrier is back for another adventure to raise money for the Dunbar RNLI in the new book, ‘Bramble and Thistle’.

On a showery April afternoon, Bramble and her best friend Thistle learn one or two important lessons with the help of the local Lifeboat team, after Bramble accidentally leads Thistle into trouble on Belhaven beach.

‘Bramble and Thistle’ is written by Laura Graham and beautifully illustrated in watercolour by Jane Rutherford. Both are teachers at Belhaven Hill School, the leading Scottish boarding and day prep school based in Dunbar. Their two dogs, Bramble the Bedlington terrier and Thistle the Border terrier, are the inspiration for this, the second book in the Bramble series. The book has been put together by Edinburgh artist and designer, Mark Haddon.

Endorsed by the RNLI in Poole, Laura and Jane have created a story that not only sweeps children away on Bramble and Thistle’s adventure but also subtly educates about the importance of safety at the seaside and what to do should they ever find themselves in trouble.

Dunbar RNLI coxswain Gary Fairbairn says: “This is a wonderful idea that serves several purposes: most importantly, there is a very strong sea safety message delivered in an understandable and compelling way that will hopefully leave a lasting impression on the book’s young readers.

“Secondly, we expect such a beautifully written and attractive book to raise much needed funds for the RNLI here in Dunbar. Many of the lavish illustrations feature sea areas very familiar to me and the crew, and many local people will feel part of this story. We wish Laura and Jane great success with this book and thank them for their hard work and generosity in supporting their local lifeboat station in this way.”

All proceeds from the sale of the books will be paid to the RNLI’s Dunbar Lifeboat Station.

‘Bramble and Thistle’ is available to buy in a number of East Lothian shops. These include: Dunbar: Tippecanoe Gallery, Flux, The Store, Foxlake Adventures, Knowes Farm Shop and the RNLI Shop; North Berwick: Paper Flower, RNLI and Fingers and Thumbs RNLI. Also at Pure Baby in Chelsea.