Events

16 October 2025 [5:30-7:30PM]

Upstairs @ TQ BeerWorks, 1A Abbey Crescent, Torquay

Calling all you readers in Torbay who are looking for dedicated time each month to read amongst friends. Grab whatever you’re reading, however you’re reading it and join us upstairs at TQ BeerWorks for a bit of friendly, bookish chitchat and silent reading.

How it works:

+ 5:30pm – arrive, get settled, chitchat
+ 6:00pm – the silent reading hour
+ 7:00pm – more chitchat about what we read
+ 7:30pm – wrap up

All readers welcome, no purchase necessary. And no need to register in advance – just pop in. See you there & happy reading!

17 October 2025 [4:00-5:30PM]

First Draft Books, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

FULLY BOOKED // Join the waitlist

Join authors Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre to celebrate the launch of the seventh book in their exciting series, Adventuremice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth! In collaboration with First Draft Books and Pom Stitch Tassel

Craft your own pom-pom version of Pedro, the youngest of the Adventuremice characters, in a workshop led by Emma Rendell from Pom Stitch Tassel.

At First Draft Books, learn how to draw the not-quite-terrifying Hamstersaurus Rex, nibble treats, and get your copy of the book specially signed, doodled and dedicated by the authors!

Please note: all children must be accompanied by an adult during this event.

Places are limited, so reserve your free ticket here to guarantee a seat. And why not pre-order a copy of the book to be signed & dedicated while you’re at it. See you there!

20 October 2025 [7:00-8:30PM]

In the Shop, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

JOIN THE CLUB // £5. Please reserve your spot in advance.

Curious Readers Club is getting spooky (in name only) with Ananda Lima’s sparkling short story collection, Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil. Exploring the modern immigrant experience through slightly surreal, often funny, and occasionally bittersweet stories, Lima builds a unique world that straddles Brazil & the US.

We will dig into all the big ideas and small moments that made us feel the feelings. Ananda will join us virtually from New York to answer our questions. Plus, when you register for this event, your £5 will go towards the price of the book (out now in paperback, £15.99).

What to expect:

+ 7:00pm – Settle in with a drink & a biscuit

+ 7:15pm – Book club chat commences

+ 8:00pm – Q&A with Ananda Lima

+ 8:30pm – The end

The Curious Readers Club is a book club for, you guessed it, curious readers. Books are selected by Leslie at First Draft Books with an eye towards unique, thought-provoking debut titles. Always in paperback. Always discussion-worthy. Join us!

28 October 2025 [1:00-2:00PM]

Riverside Community Centre, Station Road, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AW

SAVE YOUR SEAT // £2 per person (children & adults)

Join Claire Barker for an enchanting half-term event at Bovey Tracey Library, in collaboration with First Draft Books.

In her new book, Hettie Nettle’s Handbook for Hedgewitches, Hettie empowers children to become guardians of the Wild Wood in this magical guide to being a hedgewitch. Month-by-month she reveals the hidden magical world that surrounds us but only children can see.

Claire will read from her book and lead us through an activity to create our own “wishing sticks.” All materials will be provided. Suitable for ages 5+; all children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Copies of Hettie Nettle’s Handbook for Hedgewitches will be available to purchase (hardback, £14.99) and be signed on the day.

Tickets are £2 per person (children & adults). All proceeds will go to support the work of Bovey Tracey Library. Thanks for your support & we hope you enjoy the event.

6 November 2025 [6:45-8:15pm]

In the Shop, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

BOOK YOUR SPOT // Tickets are £6 per person

Cook & Food Writer Georgie Mullen (of Georgie Eats) is whipping up something delightful for us to try together in Bovey Tracey. Join us for a delicious evening of seasonal food, good company and a glimpse into the wonderful world of cookbook creation.

On the evening, Georgie will chat with us about her life in food. We will taste a selection of canapés inspired by dishes in her new cookbook, What To Cook & When To Cook It, paired with drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic options available). And you’ll get a chance to pick her brain about all things seasonal cooking. You can also pick up a signed & dedicated copy of Georgie’s beautiful cookbook (£26 RRP), which will be 20% off on the evening for ticket-holders.

Tickets are £6 per person and include food & drink. Space is limited. Please indicate any food allergies during registration.

12 November 2025 [6:30-8:30 PM]

The Cromwell Arms, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

The Writing Social is a monthly gathering to work on whatever you’re working on among fellow writers. All abilities welcome – just bring yourself and whatever you’re currently writing on whatever form you prefer (laptops, notebooks, phones, post-its, etc).

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month to write silently together. Here’s how it runs.

6:30PM – Doors open, get settled, say hello
6:45PM – Silent Writing Block #1 Begins
7:30PM – Break, chat about the work; option to head off
7:45PM – Silent Writing Block #2 Begins
8:30PM – Social Ends

It’s a great mix of people at all points in their writing journey. At recent Writing Socials, people were editing articles, starting new stories, and refining novel drafts. So bring whatever you’re working on – or hoping to start – and let’s write together.

This event is free.

14 November 2025 [4:00-5:00PM]

In the Shop, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

Save Your Seat here // Free with ticket

Celebrate Madeline Dyer’s new Dartmoor-inspired mystery for middle grade readers. The delightfully prolific Chudleigh-based author Madeline Dyer is back with her first book for young readers. She’s infused it with all of the dark magic and mystery that you’d expect from the Lamba Literary Award finalist of the Untamed and Roseheart Ballet YA series.

Madeline will introduce us to Cally Harper’s Dartmoor – full of legends and witches. Then, she will lead us through a local legend creative writing session. All materials will be provided. She will also hang around after the session to answer any questions and sign copies of her newest book, which will be available through First Draft Books.

This is a free but ticketed event. Recommended for ages 8+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

19 November 2025 [5:30-7:30PM]

The Cromwell Arms, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

Calling all you readers in Bovey Tracey who are looking for dedicated time each month to read amongst friends. Grab whatever you’re reading, however you’re reading it and join us in the Cromwell Arms for a bit of friendly, bookish chitchat and silent reading.

How it works:

+ 5:30pm – arrive, get settled, chitchat
+ 6:00pm – the silent reading hour
+ 7:00pm – more chitchat about what we read
+ 7:30pm – wrap up

All readers welcome, no purchase necessary! No need to register – just pop in. See you there & happy reading!

4 February 2026 [7:00-9:00 PM]

Moretonhampstead Community Club, 17 Court Street, TQ13 8NE

SOLD OUT // To join the waitlist, email Leslie at [email protected].

Tickets: £20 per person

Good food, good books, good company. The perfect trio! The Van du Pain and First Draft Books invite you to join us at From Page to Plate’s first literary supper club of 2026.

How does it work?

–> We cook up a delicious two-course meal inspired by a great book. And it’s BOYB – we’ll have water but you can bring anything else you might enjoy.

–> We provide prompts throughout the evening to support an engaging conversation about the boo

–> You enjoy a wonderful evening of delicious food and rich discussion at your table.

Our next literary supper club will be inspired by Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon, a funny & raucous story about the healing power of art in dark times. Set in Ancient Sicily among ancient Greek soldiers, expect a meal that fuses Italian and Greek cuisine.

You can request a copy of the book through your order form today or pop into one of our shops (54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey OR Zero Waste Moreton) later. You can also pick up the audiobook here, purchase the e-book here or order online for home delivery here – all of which support our independent bookshop.

Dietary restrictions will be accommodated where possible and with advance notice. Feel free to reach out to Leslie with any questions.

Bon appétit and happy reading!