In Conversation with Nicola Chester

Join us for a special fundraising evening at the Old Library with local author Nicola Chester talking about her latest book, nature and writing memoirs, all in aid of the Corn Exchange Future Fund.

Nicola is an award-winning author, writer and (ex) librarian who describes herself as an ‘imperfect community activist.’ She is the RSPB’s first and longest-running female columnist, a columnist on rural affairs for BBC Countryfile Magazine and a Guardian Country Diarist. Nicola has spoken at Hay Festival, Oxford Literary Festival and on the CPRE's Future Rural campaign. She was also part of the Radical Rural at The Museum of English Rural Life.

She is an Ambassador for Kennet Valley Wetland Reserve, Hungerford and Writer in Residence, at Kintbury Chase and Eco Centre.

Her most recent book, Ghosts of the Farm: Two Women’s Journeys Through Time, Land and Community, was Highly Commended for the Wainwright Prize, shortlisted for the Richard Jefferies Award and A Book of the Year 2025 for The Spectator. Her previous book On Gallows Down: Place, Protest and Belonging (2021) won the Richard Jefferies Award and was also Highly Commended for the Wainwright Prize.

All proceeds will go to the Corn Exchange Future Fund.