For the latest "Cuppa With", We caught up with writer Keli Tomlin, whose first book entitled Walk the Wheel is launching this week with an event at The Craft Barn.

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Tell us about your business or creative venture / project

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I’m a writer and creator based in Padfield about to launch my first solo publication, Walk The Wheel: tales of the turning seasons. Each story marks a festival on the Wheel of the Year, including the Solstices and Equinoxes. Shaped by folk traditions and fairy tales, but with a fresh approach that defies gender-roles and stereotypes, it’s the perfect read for families, children, storytellers and nature lovers. The book is beautifully illustrated by Michelle Shore and has been published independently.

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I’m holding two launch events to celebrate the project and to exhibit Michelle’s beautiful work at The Craft Barn, in Hadfield on 31st  March; including a family friendly event with crafts and storytime. I have learned so much about my resilience as a writer, a creator and a human during this process and am excited to bring this book into the world.

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How do you feel about Glossop’s creative and cultural offering?

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Glossop has always made it feel possible to get involved and be part of its creative offering which is a real gift for someone like me, who wants to get involved but is easily intimidated. I love how many amazing groups, classes and workshops are happening all the time and that most of these are being run by local crafts people and creators. It is a real testament to the diversity and enthusiasm of our community. It’s been wonderful to see these small pockets of passion pulled together over recent years in larger events like the Winter Story Trail and the Hadfield Arts Shows. I hope Glossop starts to be recognised as a place to find passionate people and talented creatives.

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How does the town’s heritage and culture reflect within your business or creative service?

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All my writing – fiction and non-fiction – is inspired by this place where I live. I am an animist, I believe all things have a spirit even not-human beings, and so the hills of this valley, the trees in Manor Park, the bubbling brook running through town, all speak to me and inspire me to write and keep writing. Being able to access green and growing places so easily keeps my creativity flowing. I am also finding connections with local businesses and creatives are encouraging me to think more collaboratively for future work.

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What would you like to see in Glossop (and its surrounding villages) that will help to bolster the town’s cultural and creative community?  

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Funding is always the big ask, and I really do think it’s vital that there be financial investment in our local creators and crafts people, otherwise these skills get lost in the need to pay bills.

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Continued support for big local events such as the Victorian Market Weekend and arts trails is important, but we must not forget the smaller venues and groups that are working hard to bring world-class creativity to our town and villages. Providing financial support for them, perhaps subsidised advertisement, and ensuring that everyone who can contribute is brought to the table when new ventures are being planned.

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This is not a place or a time to be forming cliques, but to engage everyone and to value experience as a gift.

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What are your three favourite venues/ventures and services in the town?

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The Craft Barn in Hadfield is an amazing location with the community at its heart. Its owner Julia provides space for wonderful workshops, for all ages, and hosts world-class art exhibitions, as well as engaging the community in exhibiting their own work multiple times a year.

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About Thyme is a wonderful café on the High Street with a real family vibe. The food is delicious and affordable, and I have always felt welcome when I’ve popped in for lunch or just tea and cake.

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Underwood Tattoos is a small, bespoke tattoo studio on George Street, that offers impeccable custom work for anyone looking for some ink. Mim and Rob are the best kind of geek, generous with their time and incredibly talented. They create a calm and accepting space and make tattooing an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

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