We Are Aware Writers and Book Club Members talk to Tim Ewins: The North Somerset-based organisation (providing mental health support) book group has been at the heart of their programmes from the outset, introducing or reviving interest in the pleasures of reading. Writer Tim Ewins (‘We are Animals’ 2020 and ‘Tiny Pieces of Enid’ released 2023) talks about his work, encouraging questions and participation. Would you like to join them?
10.30am – 11.30am Waverley Room, Clevedon Library FREE
Jonathan Camp presents…Frida Kahlo Self-portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird: Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) painted many self-portraits and works inspired by nature and this one combines both themes. Jonathan is a popular local art historian who runs a series of talks on major artists and their work. Jonathan brings Kahlo’s work to life in the context of her life and times.
11am – 12.30pm Theatre Shop £10
The Art of Calligraphy: Brian Pearse talks about the history and styles of calligraphy in Western and Islamic tradition, and those of other faiths, followed by an explanation of the calligraphers’ tools and how they work, with opportunity for participants to copy their own names. Brian is passionate about promoting calligraphy in our digital age, so that this art form does not die out. Advance booking with chosen name required.
10am – 11.30am YMCA Coffee Room. £5
A Ton of Books: Philip Arnold + members of the Community Bookshop Co-op Book Club, discuss book clubs in general, and the choices to be made when setting up and running a group. In 2022 the Book Club reached two major milestones – its tenth anniversary and its 100th book. This is their June session, giving everyone an opportunity to contribute to the discussion on Hawthorn and Child by Keith Ridgeway, a murder mystery story.
12pm – 1.30pm Waverley Room, Clevedon Library FREE
Stepping Out and Speaking Up: Walking, Nature, Identity and Lane: Anita Sethi in conversation with Petra Mansour about her book ‘I Belong Here: A Journey Along the Backbone of Britain’, its themes including the climate crisis, walking, protest and identity. Described as “punchier and more political than most nature writing, this book is a thing of beauty” (The Sunday Times), it won a ‘Books Are My Bag’ Readers Award. Anita regularly contributes to anthologies, mainstream press and TV.
3pm – 4pm. Theatre Shop. £10
Have your say on power and protest: What is your view on non-violent protest? It has been in the news a lot lately, with debate about the government’s new legislation giving police far-reaching powers to stop and search protestors they suspect of ‘causing disruption’. We want you to join the discussion. One of our speakers, Juley Howard, joined the Women’s Peace Camp at Greenham Common in December 1983, aged just 16. Her book ‘Righteous Anger: One Woman’s Action for Peace (1983-1993) ‘reflects life at the Camp and other direct actions.
4.30pm – 6pm. Oak Room at the Curzon. FREE
Tristan and Iseult – Performance Storytelling: Katy Calkwell tells the great love story spanning the lands and seas of Cornwall, Ireland and Brittany. Hear afresh music drifting across the water; the tenderness of a healing touch; the intimacy of an apple orchard; the thrill of clutching at your lover’s hand and fleeing to wild secret places. ‘Mesmeric storytelling … a wonderful story, beautifully told.’ Katy Cawkwell has been storytelling for 25 years, at international festivals from India to Iceland, from the Barbican to a burial chamber. 7.30pm- 10pm. Theatre Shop. £10
PLUS – Live Music from The Mandolinists and Stoke Gifford Recorder Players and Friends in Queens’s Square 12.45pm – 2.45pm.