Posts by Cliff

Dominic opened by welcoming a full and attentive audience, sharing highlights from the rich programme of events coming up in the weeks ahead, before introducing Ysella Sims, whose warmth and curiosity created a relaxed, free‑flowing conversation with Jon Woolcott. After a brief introduction, Jon began by reading from early in The Tattooed Hills, gently drawing us into his world of chalk figures and the landscapes that hold them. His journeys across southern and central England form the backbone of the … Read more

May Eve felt beautifully chosen for Zakia Sewell’s visit to The Bookery. The shop once again full for another wonderful evening of storytelling. Dominic opened the evening by wishing everyone a happy May Eve, a fitting threshold moment before an exploration of folklore, myth, seasonal customs and belonging. We were so delighted to host Zakia, especially in the middle of her hectic schedule as she currently hosts the BBC Radio 6 Music breakfast show at weekends, and explained that the … Read more

It was another wonderfully full Bookery evening, with the added pleasure of spotting many new faces in the crowd — first‑time visitors joining regulars, all drawn by a shared curiosity about the land beneath our feet and the people who quietly care for it. Dominic welcomed everyone and introduced Paul Lamb and Professor Richard Brazier, before handing over to Richard, who immediately set a relaxed, playful tone with a run of quick‑fire questions that had the audience smiling and Paul … Read more

It was another full house at The Bookery, with Dominic delighted to welcome both familiar faces and a wonderful number of first‑time visitors, all keen to hear one of our original Patrons, Patrick Gale, in conversation with our very own Alison Sweatman. Alison’s pleasure at chairing the evening was immediately evident, setting a relaxed and generous tone. Alison opened by inviting Patrick to talk about the relationship between Love Lane and his previous novel A Place Called Winter, which Patrick … Read more

From the moment the doors opened, the shop was fizzing — full house, all women, all ready for danger, suspense and a good dose of adrenaline. Dominic barely finished welcoming everyone before the room was leaning forward, eager for the action to begin. He introduced Chris, aka C. M. Ewan and our brilliant chair for the night, crime writer and friend of The Bookery Tina Orr Munro, and we were off. Tina kicked things straight into gear, asking Chris to … Read more

It was another one of those evenings that reminds us why we love what we do. Dominic opened the event by welcoming everyone, thanking our wonderful customers for their support, and offering an especially warm hello to those joining a Bookery author event for the first time. So many people booked tickets that we had to make a late shift to the Boniface Centre — a very happy problem to have — and the atmosphere as everyone settled in felt … Read more

Sadly, we report the death of Sandra Charlton. Sandi was a great supporter of The Bookery from its beginnings, as a shareholder, a local author whose beautiful books of Devon wildflowers were highly regarded, and latterly as a benefactor, donating 12 of her the original watercolour paintings reproduced in Flowers of a Mid-Devon Hedgerow which are now on display in the bookshop. We will always be grateful for Sandi’s contribution to The Bookery and she will be much missed. There … Read more

Last week’s event at The Bookery blossomed into a warm and joyful celebration, even if it began with an unexpected twist. The evening had been planned as a double act featuring two beloved South West authors, Veronica Henry and Liz Fenwick, in honour of World Book Day, the launch of Flora’s Day, and Veronica’s twenty-fifth novel. The shop was filled with that unmistakable Bookery excitement as readers settled in, ready for an uplifting night of stories and conversation. Unfortunately, we … Read more

We knew the evening would be special the moment the room began to fill, but welcoming Tim Weaver for the first event of his tour for The Lost Women felt particularly electric. We were proud to be the first bookshop to be a hosting an event celebrating the launch of the fifteenth David Raker novel, a milestone that speaks not only to a bestselling series but to the enduring pull of a character who continues to evolve, deepen and surprise. … Read more