The next thrilling trolley derby is just around the corner and with perfect timing Palmerston North Detective Laurie Howell's children's book about the event has now been published.
Laurie organised last year's Blue Light Trolley Derby in Palmerston North and was so taken by the event that he got creative and captured the excitement of the day in pages of rhyme and photos.
The Great Manawatu Trolley Derby, which had local school children riveted during Book Week last year, has now been printed, with Bruce McKenzie Booksellers in George Street, Palmerston North agreeing to sell it. Laurie is not looking to make a penny from the book and is donating all net profit to St John and the Square Trust Rescue Helicopter. That's $10 to charity for every $15 book sold.
"I got so much support when I was organising the derby from local groups and businesses," said Laurie. "My aim was to just see the book published and help recognise the event and the hard work that people put into it. It is only fitting that the money is given back to some of the emergency service volunteers who help make the day such a success."
The next Trolley Derby, which sees homemade trolleys race down a serious gradient and culminates in an emergency services challenge, is on Sunday, 25 April starting at 10am at Pork Chop Hill on Cliff Road. Anyone interested in buying a copy of the book and who can't get to Bruce McKenzie Booksellers, should email Laurie at laurie.howell@police.govt.nz.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.