Village theatre hosts book launch (From Northwich Guardian)

Davenham village theatre will host the launch of 'Lost In The Snow'

3:00pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in News

AN afternoon of art and story-telling will take place at Davenham’s village theatre to mark the launch of an illustrated children’s book.

‘Lost In The Snow’ is the first in a planned series of story-book adventures by Northwich author Michael R. Beddard and illustrator Rebecca Yoxall, and was actually inspired by a backstage encounter at the very same building.

Mike, who lives just outside Davenham, said: “The venue couldn’t be more perfect because I got the basic idea for the story while I was in this self-same theatre helping the Players with sound and lighting for a production and discovered that I was sharing the control with a surprise visitor - a field mouse.”

Staged by Davenham and Sandiway Players, the afternoon will celebrate the publication of the book, with both author and illustrator present to sign copies.

Among those reading excerpts from the book will be veteran local author, Don Anderson, Mike’s former teacher who he says played a big part in encouraging his interests in theatre and writing.

In addition, Rudheath resident Rebecca will look after an art-making corner, sharing drawing tips with adults and children while helping children prepare their entries for a drawing competition.

Although it was initially created as a read-aloud or read-alone book for children, ‘Lost In The Snow’ is also proving popular with adults, with work on the next in the series, ‘The Parcel’, already in progress.

Like ‘Lost In The Snow’, the new book is set in the fictional village of Beauty Bank but Mike confesses it’s based on the local area.

“I’m Cheshire born and bred and anyone who knows the county will recognise that Beauty Bank has a lot in common with places I’ve known all my life, “ said Mike.

“Davenham is a major influence but I also borrow from buildings and scenery in many other local places.”

The launch takes place on September 22, with the art exhibition and cafe bar open from 10.30am, while the art activities will get underway at 1.30pm. The book reading will follow at 2.30pm.

‘Lost In The Snow’ is on sale at The Bead Trail, Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, or can be ordered online from talesfrombeautybank.etsy.com