Worthing author Cherrie Taylor is in print with her first children's book, the tale of the dog called Hatch who was the dog discovered on the Mary Rose when it was raised in 1982.

Hatch's Story – Reimagined has been published by Lonicera Books at £10, available directly from Cherrie at [email protected].

“I visited the Mary Rose Museum in May 2025 with my friend and fellow poet Denise Bennett. The visit was an amazing experience and brought the story of the ship to life.

“I was, of course, taken with the story of Hatch. I had planned to write a poem, but the story grew.

“It is the 19th of July 1545 and the Mary Rose, a four-masted sailing ship in the navy of Henry VIII is set to lead the attack on a French galley fleet invasion in The Solent, the stretch of water between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. King Henry is watching from Southsea Castle on the coast at Portsmouth.

“Hatch is the only animal on board. Her duties are to catch rats. Her master is the master carpenter. On the morning of Sunday 19th July her master has been up since early light. He hears Hatch and knows he cannot take her ashore today.

“My story is a reimagining of her life – had she gone ashore on that fateful Sunday 19th July 1545. Writing the story has connected me to her.

“The book will appeal to children aged four to ten years and anyone with a child in their heart!”

Mandy Pannett in her endorsement said: “This is an enchanting what-if story made all the more fascinating by the inclusion of notes on the historical background which will appeal to older children. Those who are younger will enjoy having Hatch’s Story read to them. Illustrations which accompany the story are delightful. The character of Hatch the dog is depicted with tenderness and humour. Cherrie tells a tale of sadness and loss but also of renewal and continuation. ‘All you need is love and a dog’ says the epigraph at the beginning. A perfect summing up of the theme.”

For Cherrie, the coast and seashore are important parts of her life. She was told that some of her first words were written in the sand.

She has enjoyed writing stories and poetry since childhood. In 2012 she studied creative writing with the Open University. She has won prizes for her poetry and short stories.

She has two poetry collections. Stepping on Shadows (Vole 2021) and The Colour of Memory (Lonicerabooks 2024).