Our Futures nows: BARNSLEY 2030 – THE PLACE OF POSSIBILITIES LAUNCH EVENT

2 December 2021

Join us for the launch of Our Futures Now. Around 50 individuals from Barnsley Council, partners and local poets have come together to tell stories and inspire people to imagine the future of Barnsley – the place of possibilities. 

Our Futures Now book celebrates the stories that come straight from the heart of real people, many who live and are passionate about Barnsley. Many council workers build on the resilience shown during the pandemic, and some stories talk about the very real and not too distant future. 

A Creative Thinking Micro-Workshop

Solace Summit
17 October 2019
Hilton Birmingham Metropole, The NEC

We’ve got this – the workshop invites you to think about the Nolan principles like an artist would, using creative techniques to explore both your personal approach to ethics and what makes sense in your place. The sessions are designed to stretch thinking and generate ideas on how to engage colleagues and communities in a different creative dialogue. Facilitated by Dawn Reeves and Philine Velhagen.

Town Halls - Buildings, People and Power 

2.30pm
29 October 2019
West Bridgford Library, Nottinghamshire

Town Halls are symbols of democracy, civic pride and power, reflected in a range of architectural styles. So many stories happen inside these amazing buildings, and this illustrated talk explores their past, present and possible futures. Join author Dawn Reeves and Nottinghamshire County Councillor Diana Meale for a discussion featuring Town Halls across Nottinghamshire and beyond. Booking advised £3. 

Town Halls - Buildings, People and Power 

2pm
17 July 2019
Beeston Library, Nottinghamshire

Town Halls are symbols of democracy, civic pride and power, reflected in a range of architectural styles. So many stories happen inside these amazing buildings, and this illustrated talk explores their past, present and possible futures. Join author Dawn Reeves and Nottinghamshire County Councillor Diana Meale for a discussion featuring Town Halls across Nottinghamshire and beyond. Booking advised £3. 

Town Halls - Buildings, People and Power 

2pm
17 September 2019
Mansfield Library, Nottinghamshire

Town Halls are symbols of democracy, civic pride and power, reflected in a range of architectural styles. So many stories happen inside these amazing buildings, and this illustrated talk explores their past, present and possible futures. Join author Dawn Reeves and Nottinghamshire County Councillor Diana Meale for a discussion featuring Town Halls across Nottinghamshire and beyond. Booking advised £3. 

BURNLEY LITERARY FESTIVAL

2pm - 3.30pm
20 September 2019
Burnley Town Hall, Burnley

We’re excited to be at the 4th Annual Burnley Literature Festival. We’re working on Volume 2 which will feature Burnley Town Hall and Dawn Reeves will be talking with architectural historian Tom Ardron.

Town Hall talk for Manchester Civic Society

29 June 2019
Manchester

Town Halls are symbols of democracy, civic pride and power, reflected in a range of architectural styles. So many stories happen inside these amazing buildings, and this illustrated talk explores their past, present and possible futures. Join author Dawn Reeves for a talk on Town Halls across Manchester and beyond.

Town Hall book quiz and storytelling workshops 

6:30pm
2 July 2019
Local Government Association Conference, Bournemouth Conference Centre

Town hall: buildings, people and power – Pride of the past? Fit for the future?

These amazing, beautiful, ugly, impractical and sometimes contested buildings are the civic heart of a place – they are where local democracy lives. Whether your town is iconic, functional or fading gently, come and discuss what the future could look like?   

Join us to celebrate our town halls with this free stunning book of photography and stories and a name that town hall quiz. 

In association with CCLA.

Culture Coventry – Town Hall talk and tour 

4:30pm - 6:30pm
21 June 2019
Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry

Town Halls are symbols of democracy, civic pride and power, reflected in a range of architectural styles. So many stories happen inside these amazing buildings, and this illustrated talk explores their past, present and possible futures. Join author Dawn Reeves, Chris West and Fran Collingham for a talk about the City and it’s Council House, including a guided tour of St Mary’s Hall, Armoury and Council Chamber - all featured in this new book.

£5 on the door includes a free drink and an oportunity to buy the book at a special discount.

Book launch – Getting to the heart of it

4pm - 6pm
6 June 2019
London Borough of Bexley

Join us for the launch of Getting to the heart of it, a book of true stories that charts the journey of Bexley’s children’s services from inadequate to a service that Ofsted has rated as outstanding; an invitation to look behind the scenes and see what life is really like for people involved in the system. The collection is an innovative way to support learning for anyone who wants to make a difference to the lives of children and families.  The stories don’t shy away from the difficult realities of life - sharing hopes and fears as well as challenges. The stories are amazing – warm, serious, funny and wise, illustrating the commitment, hard work, creativity and passion shown in Bexley. They get to the heart of what makes the difference.   

Five Leaves Bookshop in Nottingham was named Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards last year, and we’re excited that Town Hall editor and author Dawn Reeves will be giving an illustrated talk at Five Leaves, looking at the architecture and the politics of the town hall in this age of austerity, with examples from around the country. Diana Gillespie, who wrote about County Hall, will join the discussion.

In association with the East Midlands branch of the Twentieth Century Society. Tickets: £3 on the door, including refreshments. Please let us know you are coming on events@fiveleaves.co.uk.

STOCKPORT TOWN HALL AUTHOR TALK

2 - 3.30pm
23 March 2019
Stockport Town Hall
Edward Street
Stockport

So many stories happen in the amazing, beautiful, ugly, impractical and sometimes contested town halls that are the civic heart of a community. Whether they’re grand Victorian edifices or brash 70s redbrick blocks, they occupy a unique position in the fabric of a place. This book -which features town halls from Manchester, Leeds, London City Hall, Bristol, Colchester, Todmorden, Stockport and more- explores the past, present and possible futures – told by the people who work in them, care about them or understand the importance of significant buildings in towns and cities.

Town Hall author and editor Dawn Reeves will be joined for her Stockport Town Hall talk by special guests.

Space is limited, book your free ticket here.

TOWN HALL Book Launch

6.30 - 8pm
10 December 2018
City Hall
London

Our sponsors CCLA will be hosting the launch of our latest book, Town Hall, with a drinks reception at City Hall. Join us!

TODMORDEN BOOK FESTIVAL 2018

25 November 2018

Todmorden Book Festival celebrates the written word, with book-related events that stimulate, inspire and challenge audiences.

Shared Press writer and Director Dawn Reeves will be launching our latest book, Town Hall at Todmorden’s very first Book Festival. The launch will follow a tour of the Town Hall by volunteers at 2pm, and a talk by Dr Emma Stafford, author of the Todmorden Town Hall guidebook. And there will be refreshments!

CLGdotTV

7pm
20 November 2018

CLGdotTV is a web TV Channel producing and broadcasting programmes about, for and by anyone involved in the provision of local public services. Shared Press’ Dawn Reeves will be speaking about new book Town Hall on CLGdotTV on 20th November. Tune in here.