AWARD winning Yorkshire author and campaigner, one of the creators of the Dales Way long distance footpath, will be presenting a sometimes light-hearted, sometimes provocative evening of stories, images and poems linked to the publication of his widely praised latest book The Lost Chronicles of York (Ings poetry).

Loosely based on a conjectured, but long lost, early medieval manuscript known as the York Chronicles, Colin Speakman uses the medium of verse to explore themes which, explored from a Northern and Yorkshire perspective, give insight into what makes the landscape and culture of Yorkshire so special.

Colin said: “These days I find poetry the best medium to express sometimes strong, sometimes contradictory insights into some of the events and stories that have shaped the world we live in now. The past is something we never escape from, and which is always there to influence and shape our present – and our future.”

A mixture of stories, poems and facts, richly illustrated with a range of images, some recent, some historic, will give a personal insight into aspects of Yorkshire history past and present. The presentation will also be assisted by his wife Fleur.

Colin also promises some recent favourites, including a ballad about a railway accident on the Settle-Carlisle line, a lament for the loss of Wharfedale’s most famous oak tree and a tribute to a vanishing species – Yorkshire’s red telephone boxes.

The event will take place at Ilkley Manor House on Friday, July 28th at 7.30pm. Tickets are just £5 at the door but as space is limited they can be purchased in advance from The Lost Chronicles of York - Ilkley Manor House (no booking fee).

Colin’s book can be ordered from the Grove Bookshop Ilkley and Bookshop on Square Otley, or direct from Gritstone Cooperative at The Lost Chronicles of York by Colin Speakman – Gritstone Publishing Cooperative (gritstonecoop.co.uk)