Events
Author events are a big part of what we do and I’m delighted to say that we have already had a number of very popular author events (see archive) with lots more being planned for 2010. If you would like to be added to an email update list for information about events, please email your contact details to info@mainstreetbooks.co.uk.
EVENTS PROGRAMME 2010
STORYTELLING
11-11.30am Every Saturday
2-2.30pm Wednesdays (first Wed of every month in term time)
THURSDAY 15th July, 7-8.30pm - Stuart Kelly will be in conversation with Andrew Crumey talking about his new book, SCOTT-LAND, the Man Who Invented Scotland. This launch event will take place at Abbotsford House, Melrose. Tickets can be purchased direct from Abbotsford, events@scottsabbotsford.co.uk or call Beverley Rutherford 01896 752043. The Mainstreet Trading Company will be supplying books for sale on the night.
BOOKS, BORDERS & BIKES at Traquair House 14-15th August - We are delighted to announce that The Mainstreet Trading Company will be running the bookshop at this exciting new literary festival. Whether you arrive by car, by foot or by bike, Books, Borders & Bikes promises to be a unique event where landscape, identity and literature intertwine as you discover the beguiling tales of writers and thinkers from small nations around the world. For more information and to purchase tickets, please pick up a leaflet at The Mainstreet Trading Company or contact Traquair direct on 01896 830323 or www.traquair.co.uk. Bike hire can be arranged locally through Alpine Bikes, tel: 01896 830880.
RECENT EVENTS AT THE SHOP:
FRIDAY 18th June - MICHAEL MORPURGO gave the most wonderful event to launch his new book, Not Bad for a Bad Lad, at The Mainstreet Trading Company. He had a packed house of adults and children listening with rapt attention as he talked about his writing and in particular some of the true stories that had inspired his work.
WEDNESDAY 2nd June - Tom Carver gave a fascinating and moving talk about his father, Richard Carver. "In November 1942, two nights after the Battle of El Alamein, a young British army officer was captured by German forces. As the Nazis deliberated about what to do with him and his peers, Richard Carver had particular reason to be afraid: unknown to anyone else, he was the stepson of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, who had just inflicted the first serious land defeat on the Third Reich..."
Tom's book is called Where the Hell Have You Been - it's highly recommended for a good read.
THURSDAY 8th APRIL - In Shooting Leave, renowned historian John Ure tells the thrilling stories behind the phantom worlds of Kipling’s Kim, of John Buchan heroes and of Flashman villains. The officers who volunteered for these adventures were an elite band who needed ingenuity as well as courage, robust physique as well as intelligence, patience and daring. Some, however, were also arrogant imperialists; some were almost missionary-like in their Christian zeal. But one factor remained common: they were expendable.
‘Extremely entertaining ... but behind all the Indiana Jones excitements of what deserves to be a surprise bestseller there lurk some serious lessons.’
ROBERT HARRIS, The Sunday Times
THURSDAY 4th March - WORLD BOOK DAY with Alexander McCall Smith. Over 130 children joined bestselling author, Alexander McCall Smith to celebrate the publication of his new novel for children, Precious and the Puggies. The book has been translated into Scots by James Robertson who was reading at the event – and had the audience on their feet practising their accents.
Launching his new No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency title, The Double Comfort Safari Club, in the evening, McCall Smith gave a very entertaining talk to a packed room, much of the audience was having as much trouble as the author in keeping a straight face, it was helpless giggles all round. We were treated to updates on the movements of his many and varied characters including one well known Pimlico terrier called Freddie de la Hay. The inspiration for this name came from a fan letter to the author written by Wilfred de la Hey.
WEDNESDAY 2nd DECEMBER - MARY CONTINI gave a charming talk about her family and the history of Valvona and Crolla, while tempting her audience with mouth-watering discussions about the relative merits of particular olive oils. Her new cookery book, VALVONA AND CROLLA, A Year at an Italian Table is out now and it comes highly recommended. The event was a joint venture with our friends at The Borders Book Festival. As he interviewed Mary, Alistair Moffatt managed to work out his menu for dinner on Saturday!
THURSDAY 12th NOVEMBER - Clarissa Dickson Wright gave a hilarious talk about her new memoir, RIFLING THROUGH MY DRAWERS. Not a PC word to be heard all evening, it was a treat for all who made it to our first event in The Sugarhouse Gallery (the barn behind the shop). Bill and Thomas spent most of the day making it look beautiful and to our huge relief we managed to fit everyone into the space
FRIDAY 2nd OCTOBER - Launch of DEATH OF AN OCEAN - a Geological Borders Ballad by Euan Clarkson and Brian Upton
6th to 9th OCTOBER - CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
Tuesday/Wednesday 6/7th October – Johnny O’Brien
Thursday 8th October – Charlie James
See Event Archive for more information about these events.