Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay? Paperback Book Launch & Film Event – Castle Community Room, Framlingham

The hardback edition of Robert Ashton’s book Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay was published 2024, longlisted for a Wainwright Prize and shortlisted for the New Angle Prize. Now a paperback edition is being published in March 2026 by Wilton Square Books. The book builds on those written by oral historian George Ewart Evans, and explores how old ways are returning today. As well as meeting grandchildren of those Evans interviewed more than 70 years ago, the book introduces people bringing back old ways, often with a contemporary twist.

Attending this event you will:

• See the 1980 film A Writer’s Suffolk which was written and narrated by George Ewart Evans
• See the 1955 film Here’s a Health to the Barley-mow which was filmed at Blaxhall Ship
• Hear author Robert Ashton in conversation with Nick Corke, CEO of Hour Community,  talking about the book
• Have an opportunity to chat with people whose grandparents were interviewed by George Ewart Evans in the 1950s.
• Buy and have signed, a copy of Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay

Tickets
£5.00 per person
£15.00 per person: Includes a signed copy of ‘Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay?
£20 two people and one signed copy of ‘Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay?

Timetable
14:00 – Arrive – Settle down
14:15  – Introduction – Robert Ashton & Jim Cecil
14:20 – Short Film – A Writer’s Suffolk written and narrated by George Ewart Evans in 1980
14:50 – Short Film – Here’s a Health to the Barley Mow, featuring Blaxhall Ship in 1955
15:10 – Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay – a conversation with author Robert Ashton
15:40 – Q&A
16:00 – Book Signing
16:30 – End

Framlingham has a strong sense of community, helped by local charity Hour Community, which connects willing volunteers with people needing a hand in and around the town. We will be donating 25% of the income from books sold on the day to this valuable local charity. www.hourcommunity.co.uk