Local author releases second book with proceeds going to cat charity

In 2017, West Bridgford Local News reported on local author, poet, clock fixer and cat owner – John Pankhurst, who had self-published a book entitled “Cats’ Tales from Millwood”. It chronicled the lives and personalities of a number of rescue cats with all profits going to West Bridgford’s Millwood Cat Rescue, from where the cats had originated.

Following the popularity of his first book, John released a second book “More Cats with Extra Tales” in 2019.

Books reviewed

Being a huge cat lover (and owner) myself, I couldn’t turn down the possibility of taking a closer look and reviewing these two thoroughly cat orientated books. The first thing that really appealed to me is that the books have been put together by West Bridgford residents. From the author to the artwork, the cats to the printers (Print Quarter in West Bridgford), the locals have all banded together to help John create two delightful books suitable to individuals of all ages

“Cats’ Tales from Millwood” recounts poems assisted by photographs and artwork based predominantly on the personality of 12 cats, 9 of whom then lived with the author. A favourite of mine has to be the poem of ‘How Fat Cat got his name’. Sat alongside photos of Fat Cat seemingly too large for his cat flap, an extract from the poem reads:

…All seemed well but then in winter

A cat stays warm and hibernates

Not trouble, bored, ate double dinner

And then at supper cleared the plates

And a large cat got much larger

Expanded sideways and around

Him, it doesn’t seem to bother

Runs and jumps and leaps abound

John’s newest book titled, “More Cats with Extra Tales,” recounts a variety of poems covering multiple subjects. Many cat poems are still featured with updates on his feline residents, but this time there are also poems on John himself, clocks and West Bridgford events such as the Lady Bay Arts Festival and Lady Bay Open Gardens.

This book also includes some excellent illustrations from “Frid “the resident Lady Bay cartoonist. Each poem is a remarkable insight into his writing talents and passion for creativity and the personalities of his feline friends, there is also a great deal of explanatory text as to the circumstances surrounding the poems. John has lovingly put together these delightfully fun poetry books for all readers to enjoy, in collaboration with the local community and simultaneously raising money for a local cat charity, what’s not to like?

Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of “Cats’ Tales From Millwood” or “More Cats with Extra Tales”, you can do so by emailing [email protected] when John will send you further details of the books and a couple of sample poems. The books cost £8.99 each + p&p,

The Books will also be available to purchase, (and you might then meet the cats or even get a poetry reading) at the Lady Bay Arts Trail on 16^th & 17^th May 2020 visit www.ladybayarts.org.uk for details, and the Lady Bay Open Garden on 4^th & 5^th July 2020, visit  www.ladybay.co.uk/open-gardens.html for details.