Showing posts with label North Manchester FM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North Manchester FM. Show all posts

Sunday 10 March 2024

Events in March 2024




Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 10th March
10.30–5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting an online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event

Spring Equinox Walk in the Park
Saturday 16th March
11.00–12noon
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'll be leading a sociable walk in the park to enjoy nature and the changing seasons
Booking Link

Hannah's Bookshelf Spring Equinox Special
Saturday 16th March
2.00–4.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf / North Manchester FM
I'm hosting a special seasonal edition of my regular radio show on North Manchester FM, including Spring Equinox-themed flash fiction
Submission Link

Spring Equinox Walk in the Woods
Monday 18th March
5.30–6.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a sociable walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link

Bailey's Wood Spring Equinox Walk and Talk
Wednesday 20th March
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle, social walk in the woods with a Spring Equinox theme
Booking Link

Spring Equinox Poetry in the Park
Wednesday 20th March
1.00–4.00pm
Castlerea House
I'm running a seasonal poetry and storytelling workshop session in the park for residents at Castlerea care home
Private Event

Hannah's Bookshelf Live Poetry Special
Saturday 23rd March
2.00–4.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf / North Manchester FM
I'm hosting my annual live poetry radio show on North Manchester FM, with performances from 12 poets
Submission Link

Easter Stories
Wednesday 27th March
2.00-4.00pm
Castlerea House
I'm running a seasonal poetry and storytelling workshop session for residents at Castlerea care home
Private Event

Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.

Wednesday 6 March 2024

Performers Wanted for Live Poetry Special 2024


Want to perform your poetry on the radio?


The annual Hannah's Bookshelf Live Poetry Special is back!


On Saturday 23rd March, Hannah’s Bookshelf on North Manchester FM will be broadcasting its annual Live Poetry Special. And once again, I’d like to invite poets and spoken word performers to get involved and perform their work on the show.

I’ll be inviting poets into the North Manchester FM studio to perform their work live on the show from the studio in Harpurhey! Whether you’re a veteran performer or new to reading your work, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line via my website, tweet me or message me on Facebook if you’d like to perform or would like more information about how to take part. Slots are limited, and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Performance slots are 6 minutes long.

The Hannah’s Bookshelf Live Poetry Special will be going out on North Manchester FM on Saturday 23rd March at 2-4pm. It will be broadcast on 106.6FM (in the North Manchester area) and online (for the rest of the world).

Monday 12 February 2024

Spring Equinox Stories Wanted for Hannah’s Bookshelf on North Manchester FM


Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this March!


Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (Spring) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 16th March, I’ll be hosting the first Hannah’s Bookshelf Spring Equinox Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 11th March.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Spring Equinox Special at 2pm on Saturday 16th March, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Saturday 3 February 2024

Imbolc: Day 1


It's Imbolc! But, sadly, a bit of a quiet one for us this year, as we've both come down with horrible colds that have completely derailed our plans for the season. I'm gutted, because I really love Imbolc, and we had to cancel a few of our seasonal celebrations last year for various reasons. Here's hoping this isn't a sign of things to come this year. Sigh.

Imbolc Litter-Pick






It was the monthly Friends of Bailey's Wood litter-pick today. Rob wasn't well enough to make it, but I limped on and enjoyed finding some seasonal things in the woods. I'm glad I did, because I found some Scarlet Elf Cups! First time I've ever seen these mushrooms in real life!

Hannah’s Bookshelf Imbolc Special





This afternoon was the Hannah's Bookshelf Imbolc Special on North Manchester FM. I shared some seasonal stories and folklore, and then we had some original seasonal flash fiction submitted by four writers. I also contributed a story this time - 'Two Player Mode', a light-hearted take on the Imbolc season. And there were Imbolc cakes too, which I shared with the volunteers at the community centre where the NMFM studio is based.

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Imbolc Stories Wanted for Hannah’s Bookshelf on North Manchester FM


Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this January!


Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (winter, Imbolc, Candlemas, Groundhog Day) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 27th January, I’ll be hosting the first Hannah’s Bookshelf Imbolc Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 22nd January.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Imbolc Special at 2pm on Saturday 27th January, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Monday 8 January 2024

Events in January 2024



Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 21st January
10.30–5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting an online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event

Hannah's Bookshelf Imbolc Special
Saturday 27th January
2.00–4.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf / North Manchester FM
I'm hosting a special seasonal edition of my regular radio show on North Manchester FM, including Imbolc-themed flash fiction
Submission Link

Imbolc Walk in the Woods
Sunday 28th January
11.30–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a sociable walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link

Imbolc Stories
Wednesday 31st January
2.00-4.00pm
Castlerea House
I'm running a seasonal poetry and storytelling workshop session for residents at Castlerea care home
Private Event

Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.

Sunday 31 December 2023

Countdown to Christmas: Day 23


Today was a very busy day. Lots to do before tomorrow (which is going to be even busier) and then Christmas Day (also Rob's birthday).

Christmas Rainbow




I spent a big chunk of this afternoon shopping in Cheetham Hill. It was pretty hectic at Manchester Fort today, but literally everyone stopped in their tracks when an already impressive sunset gave way to the most incredible rainbow I've ever seen. It was so vivid, you could make out every single colour, and it was massive as well. I celebrated afterwards with a vegan Turkey & Trimmings Toastie and a Hazelnut Mocha at Costa (because I am a sucker for a festive menu).

Hannah’s Bookshelf Christmas Special



This afternoon was the Hannah's Bookshelf Christmas Special on North Manchester FM, when I talked about a selection of festive books that were published this year.

Christmas Pie






We were able to do one of our Christmas traditions that we had to miss last year... Christmas Pie! It's Christmas, but in a pie. I was so tired from all the preparations that I couldn't be bothered cutting pastry leaves for the top, so I just stuck some holly leaves on there (we didn't eat them though). We watched It's a Wonderful Life and then had salted caramel chocolate tarts for pudding.

Advent Tea



Behind Door No. 23 in my Bird and Blend tea calendar... Mince Pie!

Advent Jewellery



And behind Door No. 23 in my Avon jewellery calendar... silver bow earrings!

Wednesday 27 December 2023

Countdown to Christmas: Day 16


And we're still on holiday! Woohoo!

Lizard




Another day in our remote little cottage at The Lizard. I don't think I mentioned this before, but there are cows right outside the cottage.

Hannah’s Bookshelf 3 Minute Santas Special



By the magic of technology (and forward planning, of course), I was on air on North Manchester FM today. It was the annual Hannah's Bookshelf Pre-Christmas Christmas Special this afternoon, with festive flash fiction from this year's 3 Minute Santas writers.

West Country Scandals



I bought this little book, West Country Scandals by James Whinray, at a gift shop last year, but I didn't get chance to read it then. Of course, the real West Country scandal is that I drank Devon Cream Tea (from Bird and Blend) when I was reading it in Cornwall. Shocker!

Zombie Cocktails



I know tiki cocktails might not sound very Christmassy, but look how festive these Zombies look!

Escape from the Movie Studio



We brought a couple of little escape room games to play while we're away. Kicked off tonight with Escape from the Movie Studio and totally nailed it. We are no longer trapped in a movie studio.

The Last Snow



The next book I read on holiday was The Last Snow by Stina Jackson. I teamed it with Ceylon Bop from Tugboat. (The bookmark was a little present I bought for myself when I was Christmas shopping at St Ives Bookseller the other day.)

Advent Tea



Behind Door No. 16 in my Bird and Blend tea calendar... Devon Cream Tea!

Advent Jewellery



And behind Door No. 16 in my Avon jewellery calendar... a gold joy pendant!

Sunday 5 November 2023

31 Days of Halloween: Day 28


Very big day today, with several outfit changes. So much Halloween. So much.

Bailey’s Wood Halloween Litter-Pick





It was the Friends of Bailey's Wood Halloween Fancy Dress Litter-Pick in the woods today. So I went dressed as... Bailey's Wood.

Hannah’s Bookshelf Halloween Special




This afternoon, it was the Hannah's Bookshelf Halloween Special on North Manchester FM, when I played the shortlisted stories for this year's 3 Minute Scares competition (and revealed the winner, of course). As is tradition, I was in fancy dress for the show, and I decided to go monochrome this time.

British Library Weird Fiction Subscription



I've signed up for a monthly British Library Tales of the Weird subscription, and the first one arrived this weekend. It's The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson! (Can't promise my hair will match the cover for every month though!)

Halloween Dinner





Halloween dinner with my parents tonight... autumnal stew and dumplings, followed by apple cake.

31 Halloween Film: Urban Legend



S-S-S-SOMEONE'S IN THE BACK SEAT!!

Friday 20 October 2023

3 Minute Scares is back for its eighth ectoplasmic year!


North Manchester FM’s Halloween creative writing competition is open for submissions for 2023.


North Manchester FM's Hannah Kate wants your scary stories for Halloween! Once again, she’s asking people throughout Greater Manchester to submit their 3-minute stories for her annual creative writing competition. Writers keen to be crowned Greater Manchester’s Spookiest Wordsmith can submit a recording of their mini-tale via Hannah’s website, with the best entries being broadcast on the Halloween edition of Hannah’s Bookshelf on Saturday 28th October.

We’re delighted to announce that the prize for this year’s best entry is a fabulous Halloween book bundle (with a few little surprises). Entries need to be 3 minutes long, meaning a word count of around 350-400 words. The judges will be looking for style and originality, as well as how scary the story is. The deadline for entries is Tuesday 24th October, at midnight.

Last year’s competition was won by Catrìona McLean. North Manchester FM presenter Hannah Kate says: ‘Catrìona was a worthy winner last, with a story that blew me and guest judge Daisy Black away with its creativity and expert use of the short form. I’m really looking forward to seeing what this year brings!’

All writers need to enter the competition is a computer with a microphone… and a good story. Entries can be recorded via Hannah’s website. More information and rules of the competition, including information for people unable to submit a recording, can also be found on the website.

Wednesday 23 August 2023

Autumn Equinox Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM


Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this September!


Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (autumn, harvest) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 23rd September, I'll be hosting the first Hannah's Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording via my website of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 11th September.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – the details of how to submit are on my website.

If you aren't able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I'd like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special at 2pm on Saturday 23rd September, on digital radio and 106.6FM.

Monday 31 July 2023

Lammas: Day 4


It's the fourth day of our Lammas festivities. And I had a couple of nice things planned for today (and only a little bit bread-based!).

Breadmas Calendar Day 4



Behind Bread Wrapper No. 4 today... it's a Pretzel (from Morrison's)!

Bailey’s Wood Litter-Pick




We were out in the Lammas-y woods this morning for the Friends of Bailey's Wood litter-pick. And the rain (almost) held off too!

Hannah’s Bookshelf Lammas Special





I had a blast hosting the first ever Hannah's Bookshelf Lammas Special on North Manchester FM this afternoon, including some amazing seasonal short stories. I can't believe how fast the time went!

Lammas Candle




We lit our Lammas / Lughnasadh candle from Chalice Creations tonight. Lavender, patchouli and lemon to usher in the grain harvest.