International Launch of A THORN IN THEIR SIDE

The extraordinary story of a 27-year pursuit of the truth about how and why former British Navy Commander Robert Green's aunt Hilda Murrell, a noted English rose grower turned anti-nuclear campaigner, was found brutally murdered in 1984 outside her home town of Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The book will be given its international launch by nationally respected writer Fiona Farrell, in the PC Browne Room, Horticultural Hall, South Hagley Park, Christchurch on Friday 14 October 2011 5.30-7.30pm.

Ian and Diane Grant, the book's publishing consultants, will speak about how they had to work in deepest secrecy in collusion with the printer. The author and his collaborator Dr Kate Dewes will speak of their harassment and intimidation as they pursued the truth over decades, and showcase examples of a slashed tyre and interference with their mail. The launch will be attended by a Government Minister and other politicians, QCs and lawyers, police, Maori and community leaders.

The police theory that a lone, panicking burglar robbed and abducted Hilda in her own car for petty cash erupted into a sensational political conspiracy around Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's plans for nuclear energy, and the controversial sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano in the 1982 Falklands War.

The police took until 2005 to secure the conviction of Andrew George as Hilda's unlikely murderer - in 1984 a 16-year-old foster home truant who could not drive. Former Royal Navy Commander Robert Green has uncovered explosive new evidence, not presented at George's trial, which should have acquitted him.

As the current British government presses to replace nuclear power plants and weapons despite the nuclear catastrophe in Japan, this deeply disturbing saga about a distinguished British woman and law-abiding patriot and her devoted, tenacious nephew is powerfully topical.

Top British defence QC Michael Mansfield writes in his Foreword: This is a tale of mystery and intrigue which touches all our lives. Carefully researched and lovingly told, you cannot remain unmoved. The questions come thick and fast. Echoes of the death of Dr David Kelly. It is a story which uncovers the life-threatening risks that have to be endured by a few for the many who "dare not speak".

"The former Royal Naval commander in charge of nuclear weapons , and his prominent Kiwi peace campaigner wife, blow the lid off this and many other British security scandals in an explosive tell-all book printed up in complete secrecy at the dead of night by their Masterton publisher.it is a gripping read. Something to rival le Carre or Fleming." THE PRESS - Saturday 8th October 2011

For more details: http://www.hildamurrell.org

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