Reviews, articles and musings from a pop culture scholar. Female werewolves, speculative fiction, creative writing, medieval culture... and anywhere else my mind takes me.
Sunday, 1 September 2024
Events in September 2024
Poetry at the Pank (Heritage Open Days event)
Friday 6th September
11.00–1.00pm
Pankhurst Museum
I'll be running a creative writing workshop as part of my role at the Pankhurst Museum
Booking Link
Poetry at the Pank (Heritage Open Days event)
Thursday 12th September
6.00–8.00pm
Pankhurst Museum
I'll be running a creative writing workshop as part of my role at the Pankhurst Museum
Booking Link
Robin Hood Walk in the Woods (Heritage Open Days event)
Saturday 14th September
11.00–12.00pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a fun, creative walk in the woods with a Robin Hood theme
Booking Link
Medieval Romance Walk in the Woods (Heritage Open Days event)
Saturday 14th September
6.00–7.00pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a walk in the woods with tales taken from medieval literature
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 15th September
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
Autumn Equinox Walk and Talk
Wednesday 18th September
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle, social walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link
Autumn Equinox Poetry in the Park
Wednesday 18th September
2.00–5.00pm
Castlerea House
I'll be running a seasonal poetry and storytelling workshop session in the park for residents at Castlerea care home
Private Event
Autumn Equinox Walk in the Park
Saturday 21st September
11.00–12noon
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'll be leading a gentle, social walk in the park to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link
Hannah's Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special
Saturday 21st September
2.00–4.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf / North Manchester FM
I'll be hosting a special seasonal edition of my regular radio show on North Manchester FM, including Autumn Equinox-themed flash fiction
Submission Link
Autumn Equinox Walk in the Woods
Saturday 21st September
5.30–6.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle, social walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link
Park Write - Autumn Writing
Saturday 28th September
2.00–5.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'll be running a creative writing workshop in the park with a seasonal writing theme
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Monday, 29 July 2024
Events in August 2024
Walk in the Woods with Woodland Friends
Wednesday 7th August
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle walk in the woods with a fun woodland craft activity
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 18th August
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
Walk in the Woods - My Bailey's Wood Journey
Wednesday 21st August
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle walk in the woods with a fun woodland art activity
Booking Link
Park Write - Place Writing
Saturday 24th August
2.00–5.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'll be running a creative writing workshop in the park with a place writing theme
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Sunday, 30 June 2024
Events in July 2024
Park Write - Nature Writing
Saturday 20th July
2.00–5.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'll be running a creative writing workshop in the park with a nature writing theme
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 21st July
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 Lammas Special
Saturday 27th July
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 Summer Solstice-themed flash fiction
Submission Link
Late Summer Walk in the Park
Monday 29th July
6.00–7.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'll be leading a sociable walk in the park to enjoy nature and the changing seasons
Booking Link
Lammas Walk in the Woods
Tuesday 30th July
6.30–7.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a sociable walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link
Lammas Stories
Wednesday 31st July
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, 2 June 2024
Events in June 2024
Summer Solstice Walk and Talk in the Woods
Wednesday 19th June
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle, sociable walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link
Summer Solstice Poetry in the Park
Wednesday 19th June
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
Summer Solstice Walk in the Woods
Wednesday 19th June
6.30–7.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a sociable walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link
Summer Solstice Walk in the Park
Saturday 22nd June
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 Midsummer Special
Saturday 22nd June
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 Summer Solstice-themed flash fiction
Submission Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 30th June
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
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Sunday, 5 May 2024
Events in May 2024
Beltane Walk in the Woods
Friday 3rd May
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
Late Spring Walk in the Park
Saturday 4th May
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
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 12th May
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
Woodland Fairy Walk
Wednesday 29th May
11.00-12noon
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a creative walk in Bailey's Wood, hunting for fairies (suitable for all ages)
Booking Link
Dark Fairy Folklore in the Woods
Wednesday 29th May
6.00-7.00pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a woodland walk with dark and creepy tales of fairy folklore (suitable for ages 12+)
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
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.
Saturday, 3 February 2024
Events in February 2024
A Ghastly Find at Cheetham
Saturday 17th February
10.00-11.00am and 7.00-8.00pm
Romancing the Gothic
I'll be giving a talk on bodysnatching, the history of anatomy, museums and the Manchester Mummy
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 18th February
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
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
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.
Thursday, 30 November 2023
Events in December 2023
Bailey's Wood Festive Winter Walk and Talk
Wednesday 6th December
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle, social walk in the woods with a festive theme
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 10th December
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
Winter Solstice Walk in the Woods
Friday 22nd December
2.30–3.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a sociable walk in the woods to enjoy the changing seasons
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Saturday, 30 September 2023
Events in October 2023
Why Isn't Failsworth in Manchester?
Tuesday 3rd October
2.00-3.00pm
Failsworth Townswomen's Guild
I'm giving a local history talk on the history of Failsworth and incorporation
Members Event
Park Write - Spooky Season
Saturday 14th October
2.00-5.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'm hosting a spooky creative writing workshop in Crumpsall Park, using the park as inspiration for creativity
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 15th October
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
Bailey's Wood Ghost Stories Walk and Talk
Wednesday 18th October
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle, social walk in the woods, telling some ghost stories along the way
Booking Link
Bailey's Wood Halloween Story Walk
Monday 23rd October
2.00-3.00pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a spooky, creative walk in the woods, suitable for all ages
Booking Link
Crumpsall Park Halloween Story Walk
Wednesday 25th October
11.00-12noon
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'll be leading a spooky, creative walk around the park, suitable for all ages
Booking Link
Green Quarter's Eccentric Past: A Weird History Walking Tour
Wednesday 25th October
7.00-8.00pm
GRUB MCR
I'll be leading a weird history walk from Angel Meadow to Red Bank, sharing stories of the area's dark and peculiar past
Booking Link
A Nightmare on Nelson Street
Thursday 26th October
6.30-8.00pm
Pankhurst Centre
I'll be leading a weird history walk along Nelson Street, before returning to the Pankhurst Centre for cocoa and tales of the spookiest suffragettes
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Thursday, 31 August 2023
Events in September 2023
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 17th September
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
Booth Hall Before the Hospital
Monday 18th September
2.00-4.00pm
NHS Retirement Fellowship (South Manchester Branch)
I'm giving a local history talk on the history of Booth Hall (the house, not the hospital) in Manchester
Members Event
Autumn Equinox Walk in the Woods
Friday 22nd September
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
Park Write - History Writing
Saturday 30th September
2.00-5.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'm hosting a history-themed creative writing workshop in Crumpsall Park, using the park as inspiration for creativity
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Monday, 31 July 2023
Events in August 2023
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 20th August
10.30–5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Park Write - Place Writing
Saturday 26th August
2.00-5.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'm hosting a place-themed creative writing workshop in Crumpsall Park, using the park as inspiration for creativity
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Saturday, 15 July 2023
Events in July 2023
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 9th July
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
Summer Holidays in Blackley's Past
Wednesday 12th July
7.00-8.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'm giving a local history talk on the history of summer holidays, with a focus on Blackley and North Manchester
Booking Link
Suffrage Sonnets
Sunday 16th July
11.30-12.15pm, 2.15-3.00pm
The Pankhurst Centre
I'm running a creative writing workshop as part of the Emmeline's Birthday Party event at the Pankhurst Centre
Booking Link
Park Write - Nature Writing
Saturday 22nd July
2.00-5.00pm
Friends of Crumpsall Park
I'm hosting a nature-themed creative writing workshop in Crumpsall Park, using the park as inspiration for creativity
Booking Link
Lammas Stories
Wednesday 26th July
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.
Tuesday, 30 May 2023
Events in June 2023
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 11th June
10.30–5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Booth Hall Before the Hospital
Monday 12th June
7.30-9.00pm
Cheetham and Crumpsall Heritage Society
I'm giving a local history talk on the history of Booth Hall (the hall, not the hospital), Blackley
Members and Non-Members Event (£3.00 per session)
Summer Solstice Walk in the Woods
Tuesday 20th June
6.30–7.30pm
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 Summer Solstice Walk and Talk
Wednesday 21st June
11.00–12.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a gentle, social walk in the woods with a Summer Solstice theme
Booking Link
Summer Solstice Poetry in the Park
Wednesday 21st June
2.00–5.00pm
Castlerea House
I'm running a seasonal poetry and storytelling workshop session in the park for residents at Castlerea care home
Private Event
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Sunday, 30 April 2023
Events in May 2023
Booth Hall Before the Hospital
Wednesday 10th May
7.00-8.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'm giving a local history talk on the history of Booth Hall (the hall, not the hospital), Blackley
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 21st May
10.30–5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Wednesday, 12 April 2023
Events in April 2023
Easter Poetry and Storytelling
Friday 7th April
2.00-4.00pm
Castlerea House
I'm running a seasonal poetry and storytelling workshop session for residents at Castlerea care home
Private Event
The Medieval Blackley Deer Park and its Afterlife
Wednesday 12th April
7.00-8.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'm giving a local history talk on the history of the medieval deer park at Blackley, including its demise and afterlife
Booking Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 16th April
10.30–5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Beltane Poetry and Storytelling
Friday 28th April
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.
Friday, 24 February 2023
Events in March 2023
Bailey's Wood Spring Equinox Walk and Talk
Wednesday 15th 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
Friday 17th March
2.00–5.00pm
Castlerea House
I'm running a seasonal poetry and storytelling workshop session in the park for residents at Castlerea care home
Private Event
Spring Equinox Walk in the Woods
Monday 20th 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
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 26th March
10.30–5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Tuesday, 31 January 2023
Events in February 2023
Here are the events I'm doing in February this year...
The Manchester Mummy
Tuesday 7th February
2.00-3.30pm
Failsworth Townswomen's Guild
I'm giving a local history talk on Hannah Beswick, also known as the Manchester Mummy
Members Event
Booth Hall Before the Hospital
Wednesday 22nd February
1.00-3.00pm
College of the Third Age
I'm giving a local history talk on Booth Hall (the hall, not the hospital) in Blackley, covering its construction and some of the various people who owned it through to when it was demolished in the early twentieth century to make way for the children's hospital
Members and Non-Members Event (£2.50 per session donation) - More Information
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 26th February
10.30-5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.
Monday, 23 January 2023
Events in January 2023
Here are the events I'm doing in January this year...
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 15th January
10.30-5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Penny Dreadfuls and the Gothic
Wednesday 25th January
7.30-8.30pm
Department of English Literature and Creative Writing, Lancaster University
I'm giving a short presentation and taking part in a panel discussion at an online event to introduce the new academic book Penny Dreadfuls and the Gothic, edited by Nicole Dittmer and Sophie Raine and to talk about my chapter in the book: ‘Your lot is wretched, old man’: Anxieties of Industry, Empire and England in George Reynolds’s Wagner, the Wehr-Wolf
Booking Link
Imbolc Poetry and Storytelling
Friday 27th 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.
Thursday, 24 November 2022
Events in December 2022
Medieval Blackley Deer Park and its Aftermath
Friday 9th December
7.00-8.30pm
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society
I'll be giving a local history talk on the medieval deer park at Blackley, North Manchester, and its post-medieval history
Members and Non-Members Welcome - Information Link
Virtual Writing Retreat
Sunday 11th December
10.30-5.00pm
Hannah's Bookshelf
I'm hosting a online writing retreat for creative writers with writing exercises and structured writing sessions
Members Event
Winter Solstice Walk
Friday 23rd December
2.30-3.30pm
Friends of Bailey's Wood
I'll be leading a woodland walk in Bailey's Wood, North Manchester, to celebrate the Winter Solstice and share stories of the changing seasons
Booking Link
Interested in booking me for an event? Click here to find out more.