shelter

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London reading events, north or south of the river, take your pick!

We have not one but two Stories for Homes 2 events this week, both based in London. On Thursday we’re being welcomed by the famous Big Green Bookshop in Wood Green. On Friday we have a pay-at-the-door event at the community run Ivy House in Nunhead, with music from the Sing Eazy choir as well as readings from Stories for Homes authors. All proceeds, as ever, go to Shelter. Details for both events can be found here.

Don’t forget our fabulous auction – most items close tomorrow (Thursday 18th January). We’d love to top £500 in funds raised for Shelter so do please have a look at our eBay page here. There is something for everyone, from signed books and CDs to the original painting created for the Stories for Homes 2 cover and a signed print by Viz artists Barney Farmer and Lee Healey.

 

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Almost a year on…

It’s almost a year – to the day – since Stories for Homes was published. To mark this momentous occasion, we are celebrating with snippets of the stories and a virtual blast on the 13th December. Fancy joining us?

The thing is, y’see, the need for support from Shelter is as great as ever. This Christmas, tens of thousands of children will again be homeless. Not sleeping rough homeless, but not-having-a-place-of-their-own-to-call-home homeless.

Like Nigel and his children…

“I thought being homeless was being on the street with your sleeping bag until I contacted Shelter, because then I got the idea that it wasn’t living in your own house – that’s homeless.”

You can watch the rest of Nigel’s story here: Nigel’s story

Did you watch? Has it redefined your image of homelessness? It did mine. What are we going to do about it?

Well if, over the next few days, you enjoy the snippets of the stories and poems we post, please share the message far and wide. Consider purchasing a copy of the book (digital or paperback available) as a present for a book-lover, because all the royalties go direct to Shelter – not a penny goes to any of the authors or editors because they gave their time and their words for free, moved by the plight of so many who aren’t able to call anywhere their home.

Let’s keep the issue in focus and help a few more folk get what they so desperately need.

Thank you.

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Andover does us proud!

A fabulous total of £479 was raised for Shelter at the ‘A Roof over your Head’ event in Andover last week.

Huge thanks to John Taylor, one of the SfH authors, who arranged a fabulous evening of music and words.

Around sixty people gathered to enjoy the event at St Michael’s, some travelling as many as 30 miles to be in attendance.

None of the musicians, singers, the conductor, church venue or church refreshment team charged for their services; all were committed to raise money for Shelter and raise awareness about homelessness.

That’s support.

John Taylor “I’m not IN a home, like they tell me. This IS my home.”

The Andover Museum Loft Singers

Nicola Judd reading

Nicky’s reading of Tracey Iceton’s ‘Home Tomorrow’ brought an intense silence, which Katherine & Suzanne picked up beautifully, playing Dvorak. Suzanne’s choices of music fitted the stories beautifully and the singers contributed to the shifting moods as well.

Katherine Coates, violin and Suzanne Coates, cello

Nicola and John, looking very pleased, as well they should…

Thanks to John Taylor and Tahira Martin for the photos…

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Words and Music event at the Ivy House Pub

Monday, 27th January, there’s a chance to support the Stories for Homes Project by coming along to the Ivy House Pub, Nunhead for an evening of live music and readings.

It seems rather appropriate that the Ivy House, London’s first co-operatively owned pub, with a growing reputation for real ale, craft beers, music and other live events, should be hosting an event for a co-operatively produced book. And it’s even more appropriate when you consider that a good proportion of the evening’s entertainment will be provided by SfH authors, some of whom are musicians too! 

There will also be a guest appearance by Trombone poetry: World music wordplay, free verse fanfares, binge thinking and bad news blues by Paul Taylor. His globe-trotting musical journeys are distilled into a trunkful of engaging poetry, bounced along in a solo set of classic standards, original pieces, and spontaneous compositions.

Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. £3 entry on the door, or buy a copy of Stories for Homes instead via our live Amazon link! The Ivy House is a great pub with lots of real ales and a value-for-money menu – see the link for more details. 

Hope you can join us! Feel free to print out some flyers…

Book launch – Friday 13th December

Book launch – Friday 13th December

Come along to the Bookseller Crow in Crystal Palace this Friday as we launch the Stories for Homes paperback in style. Meet some of the authors, get yourself a signed copy if that’s your thing, and help raise awareness of Shelter and the amazing work this charity does to tackle homelessness in the UK. (Amazing artwork by David Vallade)

https://www.facebook.com/booksellercrow