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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260611T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260611T200000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260518T180502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T180502Z
UID:10000053-1781204400-1781208000@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Hawthorn Book Club: June 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next Thursday book club! \nWe meet on the second Thursday of each month for a relaxed and friendly conversation about the current book. \nThe bookshop door will be open from 6.50pm for a 7pm start in our atmospheric upstairs space. \nOur book club meetings are free to attend\, and we offer a 10% discount on each month’s paperback choice. \n  \nThis Month’s Book\nThe Tiger’s Share by Keshava Guha\nBrilliantly rendered … Guha poignantly balances individual lives and threats of political and ecological disaster — Literary Review \nA stylish and engaging tragi-comedy of manners . . . Keshava Guha is an astute and insightful observer of contemporary India — Amitav Ghosh\, author of the Ibis trilogy \nA waspishly witty eye cast on the war between sisters and brothers in polluted\, high-achieving Delhi — Francis Spufford \nThe fiercest wars are fought between siblings. \nTara\, a successful Dehli lawyer\, is everything her younger brother isn’t: dedicated\, independent\, thriving. When their beloved father retires\, he summons them to a meeting. But what he has to say threatens to tear the family apart. \nTara’s friend Lila has it all: a great job\, a lovely home\, a beautiful family. But when Lila’s father dies unexpectedly\, her brother wastes no time in claiming what he thinks is his. \nTogether\, Tara and Lila are forced to confront the challenge that their ambition poses to patriarchal Delhi society. Set against a backdrop of ecological collapse and political unrest\, The Tiger’s Share is both a family and a state-of-the-nation novel unlike anything else in contemporary Indian fiction. \nAn extraordinary new kind of Indian novel in English\, as attuned to life in contemporary New Delhi as to the choices ecological collapse eventually will force upon us all. It’s also the story of two unforgettable families\, told with a controlled emotional precision that only intensifies the power of the novel’s shocking conclusion — Nell Freudenberger\, author of The Newlyweds \nExciting young minds are a joy forever\, and Guha is true superstar … destined for greatness — Amol Rajan \nGuha offers a wide\, chaotic and morally ambiguous portrait of contemporary Delhi society … Its breadth and ambition – with even the most minor characters fleshed out\, each bookshop or park or neighbourhood visited an opportunity for Guha to thicken the text with some historical\, political context – has echoes of Zadie Smith’s early maximalist style — Guardian
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/hawthorn-club-june-2026/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Book Club,Hawthorn Club,Meet at the Book Tree
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ORGANIZER;CN="Pickering Book Tree":MAILTO:shop@pickeringbooktree.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260618T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260618T210000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260422T151700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T123918Z
UID:10000044-1781811000-1781816400@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Midsummer Festival: Wyl Menmuir
DESCRIPTION:The Spirit of Stone\nPickering Book Tree | Doors from 7pm | Tickets FREE\n \nFull of wonder\, hope and fascinating tales of stones and their people — Fiona Robertson\, author of Stone Lands \nFrom the lonely heights of mountains to the womblike depths of caves\, stone has always drawn us in. In The Spirit of Stone\, Wyl Menmuir explores the many ways in which rock and earth form part of our identities\, histories and futures. \nAcross Britain and Ireland – from Mull to the Isles of Scilly – rock is everywhere beneath our feet\, shaping not only our landscapes but also our imaginations and the ways we live together. \nMoving across these lands\, Wyl Menmuir’s essays combine travelogue\, social history and memoir\, bringing together interviews\, folklore and personal encounters with the landscapes themselves. \nFrom sacred monuments to modern sculpture\, this book reveals how stone grounds us\, challenges us and inspires us\, such as: \n\nMountains and caves as places of pilgrimage\, danger\, refuge and wonder.\nAncient pathways and stone circles that leave traces of our ancestors written into the land.\nMarks and monuments\, from Neolithic carvings to contemporary sculpture\, art that endures across centuries.\nEveryday stone\, for example the quarries\, buildings and raw materials that underpin our daily lives.\n\nThe Spirit of Stone follows on from The Draw of the Sea and The Heart of the Woods\, completing a trilogy of explorations into our relationship with place. Where the first two books took readers to the water’s edge and into the forest\, this book journeys into the landscapes of rock\, stone and earth\, reflecting on how they continue to define us. \nResonant with the work of Robert Macfarlane\, Kathleen Jamie and Peter Ross\, yet strikingly original in its breadth and vision\, The Spirit of Stone is a profound meditation on belonging\, endurance and our shared human story written in stone. \nA warm and generous guide to the bedrock of our land\, and the characters who champion it — Ruth Allen\, author of Weathering and Grounded  \n  \nAbout the Author \nWyl Menmuir is an author and creative writing lecturer based in Cornwall. His 2016 debut novel\, The Many\, was nominated for the Man Booker Prize and was an Observer Best Fiction of the year pick. His short fiction has appeared in Best British Short Stories and he has been published by Nightjar Press\, Kneehigh Theatre and the National Trust. \nWyl’s non-fiction books have been awarded the Roger Deakin Award from the Society of Authors\, the Award for Excellence from the OWPG\, a Holyer an Gof Award\, and the 2026 Blue Metropolis Planet Literature Prize\, awarded for a body of work that demonstrates the beauty and fragility of the living world and promotes greater ecological awareness. \nA former journalist\, Wyl has written for Radio 4\, The Guardian and The Observer. He lectures in creative writing at Falmouth University. \n  \nTickets\nFREE from the shop counter or online at ticketsource.com\n  \nDirect link to booking page here\n \nDoors will be open from 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The event will be held in our atmospheric upstairs event space.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/wyl-menmuir/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:In Conversation With,Meet the Author,Memoir,Nature Writing,Non Fiction,Pickering Midsummer Festival,Social History
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260619T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260619T213000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260423T182959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T183821Z
UID:10000047-1781897400-1781904600@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Midsummer Festival: Toni Bunnell
DESCRIPTION:New Songs\, Traditional Sound\nPickering Book Tree | Doors from 7pm | Tickets £5+\n \nJoin us in the Book Tree to hear Toni Bunnell perform original songs\, music and stories\, with all proceeds going to Protect the Wild. \nToni’s self-penned songs in the traditional style speak of social conscience and love of the natural world\, bringing audiences and communities together with her rousing performances. \nDuring the evening Toni will share songs and tunes from her new album\, Between the Moon and Sea\, including two pieces linked to her recent memoir Ferret in a Rucksack\, which is inspired by her rescue ferrets. In between songs Toni will talk about where she gets her ideas from\, some of which evolve into books while others result in songs she’ll sing on the night. \n  \nAbout the Musician\nToni Bunnell is a singer-songwriter who has played on the folk circuit in the UK and Germany for many years. She has recorded nine albums of her songs which she accompanies using the guitar\, bouzouki\, dulcimer and hurdy gurdy\, plus an album of hurdy gurdy tunes. Toni has produced a book of 100 of her songs\, called Across the Years. \nToni’s album\, Tracking the Changes\, received a 4 star review in RNR music magazine: ’These are songs that respect ‘the spirit of people throughout the world’\, songs that remind us to ‘move to the future but remember the past’. Tracking the Changes is a living heritage’ — Andrew Darlington\, RNR\, 2024. \nToni is also the author of fifteen books\, including two books of poems\, one non-fiction on music therapy and two about hedgehogs\, based on her work running a hedgehog rescue since 1990 and her background as a wildlife biologist. Ten works of fiction venture into parallel worlds and the supernatural. \n  \nTickets\nPay what you feel (suggested price £10\, min £5) with all proceeds going to Protect the Wild.\n  \nAvailable from the shop counter (currently cash only) or online at ticketsource.com\n  \nDirect link to booking page here\n \nDoors will be open from 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The event will be held in our atmospheric upstairs event space.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/toni-bunnell/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Folk,Live Music,Meet the Author,Pickering Midsummer Festival
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T183000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260518T184905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T184905Z
UID:10000054-1781974800-1781980200@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Midsummer Festival: Pre-Ceilidh Meet Up
DESCRIPTION:Get to Know Some Other People Going to the Ceilidh\nPickering Book Tree | from 5pm | Tickets FREE\n \nIf you’re attending the Midsummer Ceilidh and would like to get to know some friendly faces before the dancing begins\, join us for this relaxed gathering in Pickering Book Tree. \nThe pre-ceilidh meet up is free to attend\, but please RSVP via the booking page linked below. \nWe’ll mingle in the welcoming atmosphere of the bookshop\, enjoying an informal chat and a drink. There’ll also be the opportunity to browse the books if you’d like to do so. We’ll then walk to the Memorial Hall together as a group to arrive in good time before the music and dancing begins! \nAnyone booked for the ceilidh is welcome to join us\, especially if you’re new to the area\, haven’t been to a ceilidh before or aren’t sure if you know anyone else going to the dance. \nWe hope that this will be a lovely way to feel comfortable and meet each other before the evening fully starts. \n  \nTickets\nFree\, but please RSVP\n  \nAvailable from the shop counter or online at ticketsource.com\n  \nDirect link to booking page here\n \nThe bookshop will be open from 5pm and we’ll leave for the Memorial Hall at around 6.30pm.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/pre-ceilidh-meet-up/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Folk,Live Music,Meet at the Book Tree,Pickering Midsummer Festival
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260621T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260621T210000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260422T154016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260426T183750Z
UID:10000045-1782068400-1782075600@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Midsummer Festival: Old Songs
DESCRIPTION:Stories Told Through Music\, Words and Art\nPickering Book Tree | Doors from 6.30pm | Tickets £15\n \nAs the Summer Solstice twilight nears\, we welcome you to the Book Tree to travel into a selection of Britain’s folktales through a stunning artistic collaboration.  \nOld Songs is based on the book of the same name\, written by Amy and illustrated by Gwen. Natalie will lead the trio in performing beautiful renditions of the traditional ballads featured in the book\, while animated versions of Gwen’s illustrations will be projected onto a screen to accompany the songs. Giving deeper context to the stories\, Amy will share readings and historical insights throughout the evening. \n  \nOld Songs\nAn astonishing collaboration of words and images that immerses readers in a magical folkloric world . . . These remarkable stories dice with the dangers around us and within us\, and they challenge us to emerge triumphant — Juno Magazine \nOld Songs fuses short stories\, histories\, lyrics and illustrations in an enthralling reimagining of traditional folk ballads. Sunday Times Bestselling historian Amy Jeffs and Illustrator Gwen Burns combine forces to create a rich compendium\, singing of travel\, mystery\, magic and the essential urges of humanity. \nFeaturing iterations of fairy tales and sinister descendants of Greek myths and bible stories\, as well as a cast of lesser-known characters with names like Tam Lim\, Child Wynd and Maisery\, Old Songs threads a tapestry of Britain’s landscape\, history and cultures. At the base of hills we can visit to this day\, elf queens kidnap hapless poets and carry them through rivers of blood; and at the foot of a tree whose offspring still stand in the forests of Northumberland\, a girl mimes combing the hairless head of a dragon who was once her brother. \nIn spellbinding tales of brown-skinned girls who danced on their lovers’ graves\, of golden-masted ships captained by the Devil\, of fiddles that cried “Murder!”\, of men kidnapped by fairies and boys married at fourteen\, we find narrative motifs as ancient as humanity itself. \nIn the histories interconnecting the stories\, we find the fantastical rooted in the everyday\, bringing to light the real experiences of great swathes of people to whom such story-songs were not only familiar\, but a way of escaping into the extraordinary and returning gratefully home. Bringing enchantment to familiar landscapes\, ballads were created anew by each singer and passed down from fireside to fireside\, at the knees of childhood nurses\, in manuscripts and in early printed pamphlets. Now\, ten stories are gathered here\, beautifully recreated for modern readers. \nThe stories absorb you instantly . . . A treat for those captivated by the medieval\, grisly and historic — The Northern Echo \n  \nTickets\n£15 from the shop counter (currently cash only) or online at ticketsource.com\n  \nDirect link to booking page here\n \nDoors will be open from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The event will be held in our atmospheric upstairs event space.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/old-songs/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Folk,Live Music,Meet the Author,Meet the Illustrator,Pickering Midsummer Festival,Social History,Storytelling
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260622T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260622T203000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260423T172207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T123815Z
UID:10000046-1782154800-1782160200@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Midsummer Festival: Aidan Meighan
DESCRIPTION:The Folklore of Trees\nPickering Book Tree | Doors from 6.30pm | Tickets FREE\n \nThe Folklore of Trees explores the fascinating stories and intriguing superstitions behind nature’s guardians. Insightfully written and beautifully illustrated by Aidan Meighan\, it’s the perfect reading companion for every lover of the natural — and mythological — world. \nThis book reminds us of the enduring power of stories to connect us to our history\, to nature and hopefully to an ever-greener future. We need to love life\, we need to love trees — Chris Packham\, wildlife TV presenter & campaigner \nUncover the myths\, legends and secrets of the world’s most iconic trees. \nDid you know that laurel is said to protect against snakebites and shield against witchcraft? Or that yews are often planted near graveyards to keep the devil out? Across cultures and centuries\, trees have stood as guardians of life\, inspiring stories that connect us to nature\, spirituality and tradition. \nThe Folklore of Trees brings these tales together in a stunning hardback featuring a foreword by acclaimed naturalist\, Chris Packham. Inside\, you’ll explore 36 legendary species from around the globe\, each paired with an intricate illustration and rich cultural context. \nYou’ll discover: \n\nThe Major Oak\, said to shelter Robin Hood\, and the baobabs of Madagascar\, revered for their longevity.\nSacred trees of Celtic\, Norse\, Greek\, Roman\, Hindu\, Buddhist and Indigenous traditions.\nFascinating myths behind olive branches of peace\, dragon blood trees that bleed red sap and Japanese cherry blossoms symbolising life’s impermanence.\nSeasonal customs\, protective charms and superstitions.\nA compact\, beautifully designed format\, perfect for gifting or personal reflection.\n\nWhether you’re a nature lover\, folklore enthusiast or simply curious about the stories rooted in our landscapes and forests\, this book is your invitation to wander the cultural canopy. \n  \nAbout the Author\nAidan Meighan is an author\, illustrator and arboreal devotee living in Somerset\, with a passion for nature and storytelling. For fifteen years\, Aidan has been passionately drawing trees\, maps and beautiful places from around the world\, working with travel and lifestyle books and magazines\, brands and destinations\, in his distinctive style. \nAidan is an enthusiast for the written word and print\, being instrumental in the production of the Glastonbury Free Press newspaper since its inception in 2013. He is also a keen gardener and back-yard conservationist. \nThe Folklore of Trees is a joyful coming together of Aidan’s passions and interests. \nYou can find Aidan on his website\, www.aidanmeighan.com\, and on Instagram\, @aidan_meighan. \n  \nTickets\nFREE from the shop counter or online at ticketsource.com\n  \nDirect link to booking page here\n \nDoors will be open from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The event will be held in our atmospheric upstairs event space.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/aidan-meighan/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Folklore & Mythology,In Conversation With,Meet the Author,Meet the Illustrator,Nature Writing,Non Fiction,Pickering Midsummer Festival,Social History
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260623T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260623T210000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260520T015402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T020327Z
UID:10000056-1782241200-1782248400@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Midsummer Festival: Beth Burrows
DESCRIPTION:The Living Tradition\nPickering Book Tree | Doors from 7pm | Tickets £8\n  \nAs this year’s Midsummer Festival draws to a close\, join us to learn about the relevance of folk song today and how to be part of keeping the tradition alive. \nBeth Burrows is deeply rooted in traditional folk music and has a long career in a cappella performances of songs from the living tradition at workshops\, folk clubs and festivals across Yorkshire and beyond. \nDuring this welcoming event\, Beth will be accompanied by friend and fellow musician Alison Lawson for what promises to be a wonderful blend of workshop and performance. \nBeth will introduce traditional folk songs passed down from generation to generation\, living and evolving over time as each singer weaves their own musicality into the storytelling. \nShe will discuss her own personal journey in learning and singing these songs\, explaining how they have survived and why they are as relevant today as ever. She will share her wisdom on performing from memory and the importance of meaningful song interpretation\, as well as opening the floor to discuss our own experiences and understanding of the folk tradition. \nThroughout the evening Beth and Alison will lead in song\, performing as a duo as well as encouraging us to sing together. \nAs all who love folk know\, sharing songs which have been sung through the ages is a joyful way to connect with the beating heart of these islands\, and with each other. Folk tradition grounds us in the history of the working people and the natural world\, while also looking forward to keep these timeless songs about human experience alive. \nWhether you are a lover of traditional song or just inquisitive about folk\, why not join us for this special evening of music\, bringing a beautiful conclusion to the inaugural Pickering Midsummer Festival. \n  \nTickets\n£8 from the shop counter (currently cash only) or online at ticketsource.com\n  \nDirect link to booking page here\n \nDoors will be open from 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The event will be held in our atmospheric upstairs event space.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/beth-burrows/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Folk,Folk at the Book Tree,Live Music,Pickering Midsummer Festival
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T220000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260427T221259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T221259Z
UID:10000042-1783107000-1783116000@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen
DESCRIPTION:Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen ignite the stage with a bold\, fiery blend of Celtic tradition and contemporary folk energy. Their music is a thrilling fusion of driving rhythms\, haunting melodies\, and masterful instrumentation\, at once deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. \nWith a dynamic mix of vocals\, fiddles\, guitar\, banjo\, mandolin\, viola\, bouzouki\, and whistles\, they breathe new life into age-old tunes while crafting original songs that feel instantly timeless. Every performance is a vibrant journey through sound. Passionate\, precise\, and irresistibly alive. \nWith over a decade of international touring and recording as core members of the award-winning Cape Breton Celtic supergroup Còig\, Rachel and Darren are now forging a new path with their latest collaborative project\, Home. This bold new venture has already garnered critical acclaim\, winning the 2024 Music Nova Scotia Award for Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year\, and earning nominations from both the Canadian Folk Music Awards and the East Coast Music Awards. \nThe gig will be in our atmospheric upstairs event space\, surrounded by the building’s old oak beams. Drinks will be available to purchase at an informal bar before the show and during the interval. \nDoors will open from 7pm\, and the show will start at 7.30pm. \n  \nAbout the Musicians\nFans will be happy to know that the whole album lives up to the extraordinarily high standards that Darren and Rachel have already set for themselves. They really had nothing left to prove coming into this project\, but they’ve managed to outdo themselves\, nonetheless — Roots Music Canada \nRachel Davis is a masterful fiddler known for her emotive playing and rich\, expressive voice. She won the prestigious Canadian Folk Music Award for Traditional Singer of the Year in 2020. \nDarren McMullen is a versatile and highly respected multi-instrumentalist\, bringing deep musicality and rhythmic drive to the duo’s sound. \nBetween them\, they have performed across Canada\, the US\, UK\, Denmark\, Belgium and Australia\, with multiple East Coast Music Awards and a JUNO nomination to their names. \nSet to release a highly anticipated new album in June 2026\, Rachel and Darren continue to expand their artistry while staying grounded in the Celtic traditions that inspire them. \nThe first single\, River and the Road is a touching folk track that blends evocative lyrics with a haunting melody\, creating a deeply moving experience … Overall\, this album seamlessly blends a variety of musical elements\, creating a captivating tapestry of sound that invites listeners to immerse themselves in its rich textures and explore its compelling narratives — Canadian Beats \n  \nFind Out More\nRead more about Rachel and Darren on their website \nFollow Rachel and Darren on Facebook or Instagram \nExplore Rachel and Darren’s music on YouTube or go straight to the videos for River and the Road and Long House with examples of their live performances here and here.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/rachel-davis-darren-mcmullen/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Folk,Folk at the Book Tree,Live Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rachel-Davis-Darren-McMullen-webp.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260721T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260721T210000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260428T144129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T145817Z
UID:10000043-1784662200-1784667600@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sally Coulthard
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to welcome Sally Coulthard back to Pickering Book Tree to discuss her fascinating new book\, A Brief History of the Coast in 100 Objects\, which offers a wealth of insight into the often surprising objects connected to the coast and the people who live and work there. \nSally has authored more than thirty non-fiction books spanning a wonderful range of interests including nature writing\, social history\, folklore\, and anthropology — always brilliantly researched\, engaging\, and informed by an immersion in the subjects she writes about through her own rural life in her Yorkshire smallholding. \nWe’ll chat with Sally about the book\, her writing\, research and inspiration. There’ll also be a chance to ask your questions and Sally will sign copies of the book at the end of the evening. \nThe shop door will be open from 7pm with complementary drinks available on arrival until the event starts at 7.30pm. \nThe event is free to attend\, but booking is essential. Please contact the shop or use the form below to reserve your seats. \nWe look forward to seeing you there! \n  \nAbout the Book\nA genuine delight\, this richly woven tale of our maritime nation is as crafted as the objects it highlights. I’ve loved every page\, and learnt and laughed along the way — Jules Hudson \nAn immersive history of our coasts and the people who have shaped them \nThe coast means something different to everyone. \nIt’s a place of pleasure and reckless pursuits\, of fishing\, fearless endeavours and a crashing\, rugged beauty. The coast is\, and always has been\, our first line of defence and our springboard to other cultures. \nThrough the lens of 100 carefully selected objects\, this treasure chest of a book delves into the myriad ways our coastlines have shaped\, and been shaped by\, our history\, culture\, and identity. From Roman lighthouses to rosary beads\, knitted jumpers to Viking slave shackles\, each object serves as a portal to a unique story. \nSally Coulthard’s engaging narrative goes far beyond the traditional seaside holiday to illuminate the coast’s role as a first line of defence\, a site of trade\, and a catalyst for cultural exchange. Readers will discover how the coast has influenced our beliefs\, economy\, and even our domestic lives. And\, looking out to sea\, this book will show how Britain’s story is anchored to those of our European neighbours and of faraway lands. \nFrom one of Britain’s finest historians of material culture\, this book vividly captures the enduring magic and significance of our shores. Whether it’s smugglers’ underpants or sailor’s hoaxes\, whale vomit or pickled puffin – it all washes up on the British coast… \nA rich\, perfect jigsaw of 100 genuinely fascinating pieces\, building a deep and wide picture of Britain’s history through its salty edges. Prehistoric harpoons\, slave shackles and a Pepysian fake nose all contribute to this superbly researched\, lively tale of our islands. Enriching\, engaging and a pleasure to read — Jo Bell \n  \nAbout the Author\nBestselling author and columnist Sally Coulthard has spent the last two decades writing about her favourite things – nature\, history\, and craft. Many of her books delve into the traditions of rural life – from artisans to agriculture – the people\, plants\, and creatures who make the countryside tick. \nSally’s work often weaves together different disciplines\, pulling threads from social history\, anthropology\, archaeology\, design\, and nature writing to bring her diverse subjects to life.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/sally-coulthard/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:In Conversation With,Meet the Author,Non Fiction,Social History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sally-Coulthard-webp.webp
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260728T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260728T210000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260511T224041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T224041Z
UID:10000049-1785267000-1785272400@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Naomi Kelsey
DESCRIPTION:We are excited to welcome Naomi Kelsey back to the Book Tree to discuss her atmospheric and intriguing historical fiction novel\, Pale Mistress. \nThose of you who joined us when Naomi visited with her previous novels\, or have read The Burnings and The Darkening Globe\, will know what a fabulous storyteller she is. Her books are infused with historical detail and pack a page-turning punch. Part Shakespearean retelling\, part psychological thriller\, Pale Mistress is no exception! \nAtmospheric\, immersive and engrossing\, Pale Mistress tells the story from the point of view of Bianca\, a character both dismissed and villainised in Othello\, overshadowed by the virtuous Desdemona\, the courageous Emilia\, the tragic Othello and the cunning Iago. \nThis reimagining is set before\, during and after the events of the play have unfolded\, exploring the human cost of love\, envy and ambition. The story of Iago\, one of literature’s most notorious villains\, is woven into Bianca’s as she fights to prove her innocence and save her own life. \nWe will chat with Naomi about the book\, her writing\, research and inspiration. There will be a chance for the audience to ask questions and Naomi will sign copies of the book at the end of the evening. \nThe bookshop door will be open from 7pm and complementary drinks will be available until the event starts at 7.30pm. \nThe event is free to attend\, but booking is essential. Please contact the shop or use the form below to reserve your seats. \nWe hope to see you there! \n  \nAbout the Book\nA bold and beautiful triumph. In prose as rich as Cyprus wine and as sharp as a Venetian blade\, Naomi Kelsey gives voice to the silenced and reshapes tragedy through a woman’s eyes. Lyrical\, haunting\, and breathtakingly tense\, this is historical fiction at its most electrifying — Seth Insua\, author of Human\, Animal \n“Let heaven and men and devils\, let them all\, all\, cry shame against me\, yet I’ll speak…” \nCyprus\, 16th century. Murder\, lies and vengeance has left lovers dead\, promises broken and no one to trust. Only one woman survives\, Bianca. \nThe slain? History knows their names: Emilia\, Desdemona\, Othello. \nBut why do we not know Bianca? Who was the pale mistress? Liar or lied to? Instigator or victim? In telling one woman’s story\, Naomi Kelsey dazzlingly recasts a Shakespearean tragedy as a psychological thriller of jealousy and gaslighting\, ambition and envy\, and the making and breaking of one of Shakespeare’s most notorious villains\, Iago. \nNaomi Kelsey cements her position as one of the foremost writers of historical fiction today… I could not put it down until every secret was exposed — Laura Shepperson\, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Heroines\, on The Darkening Globe \n  \nAbout the Author\nNaomi Kelsey is the winner of two Northern Writer’s Awards and the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Competition. Her fiction has been published in Mslexia magazine and shortlisted for several further awards including the Bridport Prize and the Bristol Prize. \nHer debut novel\, The Burnings\, was published to critical acclaim in 2023 and The Darkening Globe\, an Elizabethan gothic tale\, has captivated readers and booksellers alike.
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/pale-mistress/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Book Club Fiction,Fiction,Historical Fiction,In Conversation With,Meet the Author
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260807T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260807T220000
DTSTAMP:20260610T165256
CREATED:20260512T171228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T171228Z
UID:10000050-1786131000-1786140000@www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk
SUMMARY:Daria Kulesh
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening of glorious\, emotive and distinctive music-making with award-winning storytelling songstress Daria Kulesh. \nDaria’s four highly acclaimed albums to date have established her as one of the finest musicians on the folk scene. To see a Daria Kulesh gig is to experience something memorable and magical. Peter Shaw of Folk Radio UK described her live performance as “mesmerising… (with) breathtaking vocals. A true star”. \nDaria’s most recent album\, MotherLand\, won the 2025 Celtic Music Radio Album of the Year and saw Daria nominated for the FATEA Female Artist of the Year. Dai Jeffries wrote in a 5 Star review for RnR Magazine that “MotherLand finds Daria at the height of her vocal powers and is destined to be one of the albums of 2025”. \nThe gig will be in our atmospheric upstairs event space\, surrounded by the building’s old oak beams. Drinks will be available to purchase at an informal bar before the show and during the interval. \nThe bookshop door will open from 7pm\, and the show will start at 7.30pm. \n  \nAbout the Musician\nA concert in which Daria Kulesh appears is no ordinary gig… The audience were totally enthralled\, you may even say bewitched by the songs and stories — Tony Collins\, Hot Music Live (Read More) \nAn amazing album. It’s probably one of the best anti-war albums I’ve ever heard\, and beautifully produced — Hugh Taylor\, Celtic Music Radio\, on MotherLand \nDaria Kulesh has been described by Mike Harding as “one of the finest voices and one of the most intriguing and interesting songwriters on the present folk scene”. \nHer debut release Eternal Child was described as “phenomenal”\, her second album Long Lost Home has enjoyed rave reviews and multiple awards\, including LCM Album of the Year\, her third offering Earthly Delights was named “one of the year’s finest albums” by Folk Radio UK\, and her latest studio release MotherLand is “near perfect” and “astonishing”\, according to Liverpool Sound and Vision. \nDaria has toured extensively in the UK and Europe\, sharing stories and songs that are deeply personal but feel universal and timeless. Every performance is an “emotional\, compelling and uplifting experience”\, leaving the audiences “completely spellbound”. \nBorn in Russia but based in the UK for the last 15 years\, she fearlessly explores her heritage and turbulent family history in Ingushetia (North Caucasus) with songs that “aren’t just sung\, but lived” (FATEA). \nSensational Russian songstress… A tour-de-force performance… Her voice is incredibly expressive and strikingly pure\, and her songs reach deep into the emotions — Colin Bailey\, Readifolk\, on Daria in concert \nDripping with mystical power and presence… stirring and hypnotic… Daria Kulesh uses her singular voice to present thoughtful\, reflective and sometimes impassioned music that draws on the past\, the troubled present and hopes for the future — Marc Higgins\, Time Past and Time Passing\, on MotherLand \n  \nFind Out More\nRead more about Daria on her website \nFollow Daria on Facebook or Instagram \nExplore Daria’s music on YouTube or Bandcamp
URL:https://www.pickeringbooktree.co.uk/event/daria-kulesh/
LOCATION:Pickering Book Tree\, 43a Market Place\, Pickering\, YO18 7AE
CATEGORIES:Folk,Folk at the Book Tree,Live Music
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