Booka bookshop - Three events to book this October

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Message from Booka Bookshop

THREE EVENTS TO BOOK THIS OCTOBER - Victoria Hislop, Joanne Harris, John Boyne

Booka Bookshop Presents...one week, three incredible authors Join us for an afternoon with beloved bestselling author Victoria Hislop as she returns to Oswestry to talk about her epic new novel The Wine-Dark Sea. Greece, 1946. In the power vacuum remaining after the Second World War, a brutal civil war erupts between rival left- and right-wing factions. The conflict spirals as the country pays a bitter price in human lives and fighting soon erupts in the mountains, turning villages into battlefields and pulling ordinary women and children into the fray. When the government soldiers come to Kalopetra, Fotini is nursing her newborn second child. She urges her daughter, Iliana, to hide with the older children as she and the other women are herded into trucks. Weeks later, soldiers return for the children . . . but they are not to be reunited with their mothers, a wholly different fate awaits them. Fotini finds herself transported to a prison on the island of Chios, where she befriends Markella, whose little son, Nikos, is wise beyond his years. After months of imprisonment, when Fotini and Markella find themselves separated from one another – and from Nikos – Fotini vows to hunt not only for her own child but for Markella’s too. The Wine-Dark Sea tells of families flung apart across continents and of a strong, determined mother who resolves not to let war destroy hers. Victoria Hislop is at the height of her storytelling powers in this compelling and thought-provoking new novel, which offers insight into a little-known chapter of Greek history. Victoria’s highly anticipated new novel will delight those fans who cherish The Island and The Figurine. We look forward to welcomg Victoria back to Oswestry this Autumn to celebrate the publication of The Wine-Dark Sea. Join us for an evening with international bestselling author Joanne Harris as she talks about her latest book, Sleepers in the Snow, a beautiful, moving ghost story perfect for those winter nights which lie ahead.. Out on the moor, in the snow, a house stands beneath a pylon. It is a house full of memories, and full of old things. And, in the dark, when the pylon sings in the wind, it is a house full of ghosts and fading memories . . . The house, Kirkhill, has a new occupant – just moved in, fresh from a bitter divorce and looking for a fresh start. The moor is the perfect place for it: isolated, beautiful in the changing seasons, peaceful, and with just enough of the previous owners belongings that it’s a perfectly self-contained and cosy home. Only as the nights start to draw in, and the weather takes a turn, so does the house. The cosy isolation becomes menacing, animals begin acting strangely, and it seems someone could be watching the house . . . and the diaries of the previous owners begin to reveal a terrible tragedy which befell Kirkhill – one which its new occupant may be unable to escape . . . We look forward to welcoming Joanne back to Oswestry this Autumn for this event which is being at the new Grove Performing Arts Centre, Oswestry School. Join us for an evening with critically acclaimed and bestselling novelist John Boyne as he talks about his new novel The Weight of Angels and one of the great what-if stories of modern literature. The life Oscar Wilde never had - reimagined by John Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, in his most ambitious and emotionally powerful novel yet. ‘Can one rash decision prove the difference between a life well lived and a life destroyed?’ When the Marquis of Queensbury left his calling card at the Albemarle Club in February 1895, it bore only his name and five words: ‘For Oscar Wilde, posing Somdomite’. The most feted playwright of his day famously sued for libel, which led to his arrest, criminal prosecution and ultimately prison. From then on, his gilded existence spiralled into public disgrace, humiliation and an early death. But what if he had simply ignored the insult? What direction might his life have taken? This is the premise of John Boyne’s extraordinary new novel, The Weight of Angels. Rather than dying in penury in Paris at the age of forty-six, what if he had lived to bear witness to the momentous events and cataclysmic changes of the first part of the twentieth century, and even influence some of them? What if the second half of his life were as celebrated, dramatic, tumultuous and exhilarating as the first? In imagining the life that Oscar Wilde never had, John Boyne has written one of the great what-if stories of modern literature, giving the great Anglo-Irish poet and playwright a fresh new voice and the opportunity to take an entirely different path.   In a career spanning more than 30 years, he has published 15 novels for adults, 6 novellas, 6 novels for younger readers, a short story collection, and a picture book. His most famous book, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was a New York Times No.1 Bestseller, and adapted for film, theatre, opera, and ballet, selling more than 11 million copies worldwide. It is used in schools on every continent to introduce young readers to their study of the Holocaust. Among his many international bestsellers are The Heart’s Invisible Furies, A Ladder to the Sky, and All the Broken Places. Between 2023 and 2025, John published his acclaimed novella sequence, Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, which was subsequently collected into one volume, The Elements. The Weight of Angels is his 16th novel. Further Information 01691 662244 | hello@bookabookshop.co.uk | Message via social media

Holroyd Theatre - Autumn to Christmas events

Dear Blogger

Message from Holroyd Theatre, Moreton Hall - So much to enjoy almost on our doorstep

An Evening with Donna Ashworth | Wednesday 21st October | 7pm Join us for an evening of life affirming poetry with Sunday Times bestselling poet Donna Ashworth as she introduces her exciting new collection The Art of Being Easily Pleased.  What if joy wasn’t something you chased, but something you tuned in to? This beautiful, unique and exciting new collection from Donna Ashworth will help you rediscover delight in the everyday and choose positivity, peace and presence, even in chaos. An Evening with Keith Brymer-Jones | Monday 26th October | 7pm Join us for an evening with Keith Brymer Jones, the star of Channel 4’s Great Pottery Throwdown and Our Welsh Chapel Dream, as he shares stories and talks about his new book Firing Earth, a passionate, accessible, entertaining and very personal exploration of what pottery has given to him and the world. An Evening with Mary Portas | Monday 16th November | 7pm Join us for an evening with retail legend, brand expert and champion of the high street, Mary Portas. I Shop, Therefore I Am is the story of how Mary Portas transformed Harvey Nichols from a dying department store to an era-defining fashion destination. With her trademark wit and candour, Mary takes us behind the shop window – to the heady glamour and excess of the nineties, to the risks she took and the stunts she pulled, to the people who kept the show on the road and the tough lessons that have shaped her career. It is a story of grit, resilience and vision against all odds. Part memoir, part manifesto for business as a creative act, I Shop, Therefore I Am is the story of how she did it. We’re delighted to welcome Mary to Oswestry to tell us all about it! Festive Wreath Making | Thursday 26th November | 6:30pm Get into the festive spirit with us on Thursday 26th November at 6.30pm for our much-loved Annual Wreath Making Workshop. We’re thrilled to welcome back Katie from Peony and Tonic, who will guide you through creating your very own large luxury wreath, packed with beautiful fresh foliage and finished with a luxury bow of your choice. Your £55 ticket includes all materials, plus a glass of mulled wine and mince pies to keep the Christmas cheer flowing! The class runs for around two hours, and all you need to bring is a pair of scissors and your festive spirit! Spaces fill up quickly every year. Don’t miss out on this fun, creative evening at The Holroyd Community Theatre. Puccini's Madama Butterfly | Sunday 6th December | 7pm It takes a heart of stone not to be moved by the great tragedy of this story, which is so enriched by the composition. You will have heard the humming chorus and the “Un bel di”. Like many of its class, this opera can be expressed in a few sentences which allows you to sit back and enjoy the drama. Iolo Williams | Monday 7th December | 7.30pm Welsh naturalist, TV presenter, and Feed the Birds supporter, Iolo Williams, will be giving an informative and entertaining talk on the wildlife of his homeland with all proceeds going to the Feed the Birds befriending  Silent Night Raging Eve | Monday 14th December | 7:30pm Perfect woman, perfect host. You’re invited to Eve’s Christmas Eve’s Eve party. In this dark comedy, you’ll follow Eve’s desperate attempt to throw the perfect Christmas party, despite a family that seems impossible to please. As the night unravels, expect singing, dancing, monopoly and a revolver. Silent Night, Raging Eve explores the all-too-familiar pressures of the festive season and the casual cruelty of obligatory family gatherings, all in a way that is maddeningly hilarious. Arthur Christmas - Film Screening | Tuesday 22nd December | 3:00pm Discover the magic behind Christmas with Arthur Christmas, a heart-warming festive adventure filled with laughter, excitement, and holiday cheer. This enchanting family favourite reveals the incredible operation that makes Santa’s worldwide gift deliveries possible—but when one child’s present is accidentally overlooked, it falls to Santa’s youngest son, Arthur, to save Christmas. Packed with spectacular animation, witty humour, memorable characters, and a touching story about family, generosity, and believing in the impossible, Arthur Christmas is the perfect festive treat for audiences of all ages. Children will love the adventure, while adults will appreciate its warmth, charm, and heartfelt message about the true spirit of Christmas. Rating U Buggy Walk | Every Wednesday (term time only) | 10.00am Whether you have a buggy, a baby in a carrier or even a bump - why not join us for a gentle and scenic buggy-friendly walk? Afterwards grab a hot drink, cake and a chance to chat to the other parents whilst the children enjoy some play time.  Face2Face | Every Wednesday (term time) | 6.00pm - 8.00pm Face2Face Performing Arts Academy enriches, develops and promotes the love of creativity and expression to young performers between the ages of 9 and 18. Expert teaching in dancing, singing and acting is delivered weekly whilst building individual confidence and having fun!   Dance for Parkinsons| Every Monday (term time) | 1pm - 2.30pm Dance for Parkinson's classes are fun and informal. People walk out of classes transformed: feeling taller, more confident, more stable, balanaced and able to speak more clearly. Most noticeable are the smiles radiating inside and out. Come and join us! Sessions include hot drinks and cake!   Find Out More... To  keep up to date with our latest events and promotions please don't forget to follow us on social media. We'd love to hear your thoughts! We hope that you have enjoyed visiting our venue. As we are still relatively new, your feedback is of great importance to us.  If you have the time, please leave us a review on Google and if you haven't already, please like and follow our social media. All of this helps us to reach more people and in turn share all of the wonderful things we are doing. Hiring the Venue ... Every event is bespoke and we are flexible and creative to deliver your needs. We will work with you to share your aim and deliver your perfect event. Please contact us for availability and hire costs. Volunteer Volunteers are vital members of The Holroyd Community Theatre team who share our love of theatre, performance and the arts and generously give their time to support our front of house and serve our customers. As the face of the theatre, we rely on volunteers to provide outstanding customer service and to put the community at the heart of everything we do. What’s more, volunteers have the opportunity to see all our productions, and meet and socialise with lots of like-minded people! We ask that volunteers attend at least once every two weeks. If you think you’ve got the time and are eager to be part of our dedicated team please express your interest by contacting us.   A Theatre for Everybody As a cultural flagship for North Shropshire and the Welsh Borders, The Holroyd Community Theatre aims to be a vibrant community space for everyone, presenting quality affordable live theatre, together with events and opportunities to be involved in the arts. The theatre aims to provide a platform for our whole community to engage with the arts; developing a sense of togetherness through social occasions, participation and utilisation of the spaces available. We are a theatre of and for the community, committed to equality, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility. We aim to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing the arts. In addition to the community initiatives, the theatre is committed to providing an outstanding programme of commercial events. The Holroyd Community Theatre, at Moreton Hall School, exists to Engage, Educate and Enrich.