Year 7 and 8 students were delighted to receive a visit from the author, Wanda Whiteley and the illustrator Janette Ames. Wanda has just written The Goldhanger Dog, part of which is set at New Hall. She had students completely engaged in her story of three friends Della, Fitz and the dog Turnspit.

The book details Princess Mary’s daring plot to escape those threatening her ascension to the throne. Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII, lived here at New Hall, when it was Beaulieu Palace, for much of her life. Wanda explained to the students how life at Beaulieu Palace in the 16th century would have been conducted and they all decided it would be a very different place than it is today.

Librarian Mrs Apryl Hammett and Head of English Mr David Madge were delighted to find that Wanda had given them a special mention at the back of the book.