Galawe’en II – Stow and the Gala Valley’s Hallowe’en celebrations, 2025
We are delighted to announce the second Galawe’en! After last year’s successful week-long Hallowe’en series of events, Galawe’en is back! To reserve tickets or ask for further information, please email hello@wedalebooks.scot
We kick off this year’s week-long spooktivities with the legend that is the Wedale Bookshop Pub Quiz. This year, celebrating their first week being open, we are holding the quiz in The Wild Hare Cafe, Stow – and wish them all the very best for the future! The quiz has a spooky theme, of course, with prizes for the best team and best fancy dress! Spaces will be limited, so make sure you reserve your spots. £20 per team of 4 persons max. Sunday 26th October, 7pm at The Wild Hare Cafe.
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED!
Next up, on Monday 27th October, we have the wonderful Mary W. Craig, historian and author, whose Stow Ghost Tour left many in the tour group last year trembling with fear (and vowing never to return to the beech woods ever again)! 7pm, from Stow Town Hall. Spaces are limited so please book! 14+ only. Please wear sensible footwear / clothing.
To reserve tickets or ask for further information, please email hello@wedalebooks.scot
On Wednesday 29th October, join writer, activist and folk-magic practitioner Scott Richardson-Read, also known as the Cailleach’s Herbarium – for a discussion about his book Mill Dust and Dreaming Bread and wider folk belief and folk magic. This should be a fascinating night, so please book as spaces are strictly limited! 7pm, The Wedale Bookshop.
Alex Mullarky is a writer and veterinary nurse who loves creating stories about nature and magic, with two enchanting chapter books for Children, The Sky Beneath the Stone and The Edge of the Silver Sea published. Inspired by Scottish folk tales and folklore, join them for a fascinating discussion on magical creatures from Scottish mythology. Spaces for this event are strictly limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment! 7pm at The Wedale Bookshop. To reserve tickets or ask for further information, please email hello@wedalebooks.scot
Our grand finale for Galawe’en II ends with a bang…or, rather, a band! Forget-me-Not Fairs raise money for UK dementia charities and this special Hoolywe’en Ceilidh is also raising funds for this worthwhile cause. Grab your ghoulish glad rags and dance the night away in spookish style with a fun ceilidh band. Tickets will be available from Stow Post Office in advance, or on the door on the night.
Author event, Thursday 6th November, 7pm: Allan Radcliffe in conversation
We are delighted to welcome Allan Radcliffe back to The Wedale Bookshop for a look at his latest novel, Blurred Faces.
Two men meet on a dating app. It’s supposed to be a casual encounter between strangers. Jordan is only back in Edinburgh to visit his complicated family, and Davie is reeling from a painful breakup.
Yet Davie recognises Jordan as someone he knew long ago, when they were both closeted teenagers at the same school. Back then, Jordan was relentlessly bullied – and Davie was one of the bullies. But Jordan doesn’t remember him at all.
Against the backdrop of a city steeped in memories, Davie and Jordan find themselves drawn together again and again. A fragile intimacy blossoms between them, but can anyone ever be free of their past?
‘I was quietly moved by Allan Radcliffe’s thoughtful, lovely story, steeped in vodka, bog-smell, and aging rain, about these wounded characters who tiptoe toward one another and risk the terrifying possibility of an un-haunted life. I want to believe they can do it.’ — Jeanne Thornton, author of A/S/L and Summer Fun
Thursday 6th November, 7pm at The Wedale Bookshop. Numbers strictly limited, email for details or to make a reservation.
Gaelic Conversation Group –
Buidhean Còmhraidh Ghàidhlig
Meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 7pm
A bheil Gaidhlig agad? An bhfuil Gaeilge agat?
Interested in speaking Scottish Gaelic or Irish? This new free conversation group is being created to support learners at all levels and fluent-speakers to enjoy using and talking about Gaelic. 18+ Email hello@wedalebooks.scot for further details and venue information.
The Wedale Folklore Club
Usually meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month from 7pm at Stow’s Station House Bar & Kitchen.
The Scottish Borders has a rich and stirring history, matched by the often weird and wonderful folklore that surrounds us. We love a story, so have created this free-to-join group inspired by myths, legends and folk-customs. The group meets monthly and is a place to share stories, discover forgotten folklore and strange, fascinating places to visit and revel in the mysterious! Open to all, 18+.
If you love folktales, folklore, myths and legends then this may be the place for you! For further details or to join the group, please email us hello@wedalebooks.scot
Please note, the date or venue may change due at short notice.
poetry circle
Meets monthly on the last Wednesday of the month from 7pm at the bookshop
If you enjoy reading or composing poetry, you may like to join our new monthly gathering at the bookshop on the last Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Free to join, this group is for readers or writers of all abilities who love to write, read, sing, sign or perform poetry! Meets monthly at the Wedale Bookshop. Email hello@wedalebooks.scot for further details or to join as places may be limited. 18+
Authors? Why have your book event in Stow?
Stow of Wedale has excellent transport links (we think we’re the only independent bookshop in the Scottish Borders directly served by a railway station) meaning holding and attending events here that celebrate the written word is ideal. In addition to our bookshop, we have local caterers and facilities that can allow for events hosting from 2 to 176 guests (that’s the capacity of the main space in the Town Hall!). In addition to the town hall, we also have the beautifully refurbished and presented Station House.
The Wedale Book Club.
We have two book groups (one meeting on the 2nd Wednesday and the other on the 3rd Wednesday of every month) hosted in the bookshop. Open to all 18+. 20% off each month’s chosen titles when you buy in-store – contact us or ask next time you pop in!
July’s Book
October’s Book
You can buy books that our Book Groups have been reading from our List on Bookshop.org:
The LGBTQI+ Book Club
We are delighted to host the south’s only dedicated LGBTQI+ bookshop book group (as far as we know!). It’s held in the bookshop each month. Open to 18+. 20% off each month’s chosen titles when you buy in-store – contact us or ask next time you pop in!