IN SEARCH OF THE MISSING
by Juliet Fossey
ISBN: 9781917365055
Published by Caldew Press in 2025
Poet and artist Juliet Fossey presents poems and artwork inspired by the members of the Franklin Expedition of 1845, lost on their mission to find the Northwest Passage. The collection focuses on the Franklin Relics - the everyday objects left behind by the crew in the frozen landscape.
The 72-page book is beautifully illustrated and is ethically produced and printed in the UK with environmental consideration.
R.R.P £15.00
SPEAKEASY MAGAZINE
Issue No.5
ISBN: 9781739667498
Published by Caldew Press in 2025
An anthology of work from poets, writers, artists who share work at the SpeakEasy open mic nights in Carlisle. The collection covers the return of the evenings to The Source, socially distanced gatherings online during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 20th anniversary celebrations of 2024.
Over 60 contributors present poems, stories, flash fiction, artwork, songs, video links, and tributes to much missed friends and talented poets. The book is 194 pages, includes dozens of colour images, is a celebration of all things SpeakEasy in 'the bumper-est edition so far'.
Includes a foreword by John Hegley.
R.R.P £12.00
THEY SAY I AM A POET
by Philip Hewitson
ISBN: 9781917365048
Published by Caldew Press in 2025
The poems in this collection come from the imagination, sometimes they are funny or poignant, often with tongue in cheek or an attempt to paint with words. Written between 2016-2018, they seemed to provoke a response, when read aloud at open mic events. I am reminded of when they were written, wonder what I was trying to say in that moment, and think there might be something in those words after all.
Phil is a writer, poet, illustrator and filmmaker, born and raised in Carlisle. He makes films for Tolivar Productions, hosts SpeakEasy spoken-word open mic, chairs Brampton Poets' meetings and publishes books through Caldew Press.
R.R.P £5.00
A YEAR IN THE CATHEDRAL
by David Simmons
ISBN: 9781739667467
Published by Caldew Press in 2025
David Simmons documents a year in the life of Carlisle Cathedral, distilling each service into haiku, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Several illustrations are included and screenshots from the online services appear with kind permission of The Chapter of Carlisle Cathedral.
The 300-page book also documents his Carlisle in Haiku form project and his reflections on belief, faith and a post-pandemic world.
R.R.P £15.00
AUBADE
A reflection on a life well lived
by Geoff Smith
ISBN: 9781917365031
Published by Caldew Press in 2025
After losing both a partner J. and a son W. within the space of a year, Aubade is a highly personal reflection on the many layers of grief and the pain of loss.
In this intimate collection of prose poems Geoff Smith shares his thoughts on the death of those we love and reflects on the current assisted dying legislation currently being debated by Parliament.
You can find more content at Geoff’s blog: www.myreversingmirror.blogspot.com
R.R.P £7.50
NO BORDERS
A Brampton Poets' Anthology
ISBN: 9781917365017
Published by Caldew Press in 2024
This anthology, Brampton Poets' sixth, is comprised of work with no particular theme but there are parallels between pieces; much of it thought-provoking, sparking images in the mind, conjuring a time or place. 'No Borders' showcases quality poems from the talented poets who share their work, and the work of others, each month with the group at the Brampton Community Centre.
The collection includes pictures and artwork which accompany work by 19 poets across 160 pages.
Cover photograph is of the aurora borealis that occurred over Brampton on the evening of 10th May 2024 by John S. Langley, poet and Brampton Poets group member.
R.R.P £8.00
A PEASE MYERS PASTORAL
by Liz Haynes
ISBN: 9781739667443
Published by Caldew Press in 2024
'A Pease Myers Pastoral' is a collection of powerful poems that reflect life on a farm in County Durham, that capture the rawness and dark side of farming as well as the beauty of nature, landscape and wildlife. The 72-page book also includes over two dozen colour photographs of the stunning countryside, and is available now.
Praise for the collection has already come from some notable names in contemporary poetry; ”Liz Haynes has written a fierce meditation on the ways a landscape is physically worked and worked into words. This is a gripping debut." - Jacob Polley.
R.R.P £10.00
ROBBIE AND THE AGENTS OF CORLIOL
by Michael Manley
ISBN: 9781917365024 / 9781917365000
Published by Caldew Press in 2024
Robbie discovers the cathedral comes to life at night, he stumbles into a whole new world and gets caught up in adventures with talking mice and a gang of nefarious cats who are set on discovering the power of the starlight ceiling!
The book is aimed at readers aged 6-12, but anyone of any age will enjoy Robbie’s adventures and may recognise many places in and around Carlisle that feature in the story. You can purchase your copy from Carlisle Cathedral gift shop.
Paperback R.R.P £7.99 Hardback R.R.P £12.99
RED KITES AND HAIKU
Poetry of war and pandemic by Geoff Smith
ISBN: 9781739667481
Published by Caldew Press in 2024
Poet and author Geoff Smith shares a number of poems provoked by the invasion of Ukraine beginning in 2022 and work produced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Geoff is a retired Anglican Priest who is now a writer. He was poet in residence at Carlisle Cathedral. His poems 'combine wit and tenderness in a very individual and memorable way - they have a delightfully tongue-in-cheek, rueful quality about them but a seriousness too which is often profound and moving.' - Dick Davis.
R.R.P £8.00
77 Days In My Head
A mental health journey by Citizen F
ISBN: 9781739667474
Published by Caldew Press in 2024
Citizen F's 2020 Covid-19 lockdown journal '77 Days In My Head' is a diary and social commentary with poems, photos, paranoia, nightmares and conspiracy.
Discover how the experience affected this Cumbrian man and his family living in West Cumbria during very unusual times...
R.R.P £14.00
Back and Forth
Poems by Tony Hendry
ISBN: 9781739667429
Published by Caldew Press in 2024
'Back and Forth' is not only a fine collection of beautiful poems, but this volume also presents many other works by Tony Hendry collated together for the first time in celebration of a talented writer, much missed by all who knew him.
The collection contains 90 poems over 150 pages, with illustrations by Hunt Emerson, returning to collaborate after the success of Tony's 2019 collection 'Fresh Air'.
R.R.P £10.00
Beyond Borders
by Brampton Poets
ISBN: 9781739667436
Published by Caldew Press in 2023
A collection of 100 poems produced by Brampton Poets inspired by the local landscape and the local people who live on or near Hadrian's Wall. Many pieces were inspired by the Wall.Three.Words project that marked the 1,900th anniversary of Hadrian's Wall in 2022. These poems look at the concept of borders and beyond...
The collection includes over 50 pictures which accompany work by 19 poets across 160 pages.
R.R.P £7.00
Peace for Ukraine, Now!
by Dr Richard Cook
ISBN: 9781739667412
Published by Caldew Press in 2023
Dr Richard Cook shares poems written since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, including a number of pieces provoked by the conflict.
Richard shares 54 poems in his often quirky style which cover a variety of subjects from musings on everyday life, pondering collective nouns, and trying to answer mysteries of the universe.
R.R.P £8.00
Living is Easy with Eyes Closed
by Fliss Watts
ISBN: 9781739667405
Published by Caldew Press in 2022
An essay on art, economics and environmental crisis, originally developed in a series of art exhibitions in Cumbria.
Fliss Watts uses her artwork to explore how art can, and perhaps should, engage with the issue. She questions the separation of the human from nature, discusses the idea of unending economic growth, and asks if we can imagine alternatives to the environmental crisis into which we have sleepwalked.
R.R.P £6.50
Into the Wild by Nick Robinson
ISBN: 9781916388192
Published by Caldew Press in 2022
This poetry collection is inspired by the glory of nature from many forays into wild locations. Nick Robinson has captured many bewildering concepts focusing largely on the Lake District and surrounding area, including: the idea ofthe sublime, fauna in nature and human perception of the wild.
Through a series of gently crafted poems, and illustrations, Nick shares his personal affection for the landscape of Northern England in a collection also dedicated to a wonderful and much missed mother.
R.R.P £5.00
Dance for those who'd rather not / What's it like for you?
by Crysse Morrison & Hazel Stewart
ISBN: 9781916388185
Published by Caldew Press in 2022
Crysse Morrison and Hazel Stewart share their musings as Live and Lippy.
They share a passion for exploring the limit of words to connect with experience and a love of liquorice. Actually no, not liquorice, liquor. And Lorca, of course.
This publication combines two collections in one, Dance for those who'd rather not / What's it like for you?, and features artwork by Mel Day.
R.R.P £7.50
SpeakEasy Magazine – Freiraum: Phase 2
ISBN: 9781916388154
Published by Caldew Press in 2022
A collection of stories, ideas and dreams in poetry, prose, songs, art, photos, film and life – following on from the Goethe-Insitut's Freiraum project in 2018 in which SpeakEasy explored the themes of Isolation, Over-coming Isolation, and Freedom. Phase 2 revisits these themes and also examines Art and Creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
R.R.P £10.00
A Scarcity of Biscuit by John Hegley
ISBN: 9781916388178
Published by Caldew Press in 2021
John Hegley weaves a colourful collection of musings, drawings and dialogues around the poems, letters and loved ones of John Keats. If you are a lover of Keats’ poetry, or are newer to the poet and want to explore his work, this collection allows the reader to share in the author's enthusiasm and passion for one of Britain's best loved literary figures.
R.R.P £8.00
GRID: An Outside Inside Journey Through Cumbria by Mark Griffiths
ISBN: 9781916388147
Published by Caldew Press in 2021
GRID is a collection of site-specific poems, songs, prose and images concerning Cumbria and the Lake District. It is the artist’s meditations on his life-long relationship with this part of North-West England, and it offers a thoughtful companion for all who feel a strong sense of place and fraternity with the landscape.
R.R.P £8.00
Lockdown Town by Philip Hewitson
ISBN: 9781916388161
Published by Caldew Press in 2021
A collection of funny and angry poems written during, and as a response to, the COVID-19 pandemic. Various topics come under scrutiny including; the handling of the crisis by the UK Government; the slightly strange and often surreal experience of living in lockdowns; other news and events during these unusual times; and the hopes that a vaccine might lead us tentatively towards a return to ‘normal’.
RRP £5.00
Carlisle in Haiku Form: First Impressions by David Simmons
ISBN: 9781916388130
Published by Caldew Press in 2021
Poet, David Simmons, shares his affection for the Great Border City, and the surrounding area, in 'Carlisle in Haiku Form'. Seventeen illustrations accompany over a hundred handcrafted haiku which make up the collection providing a unique take on the city and its history. From Roman cricketers and Cracker Packers to Olympic hopefuls and Lady Gaga, there's a bespoke Carlisle haiku connection!
R.R.P £8.00
To order your copy contact Carlisle in Haiku Form on Facebook
Visible Music by Martyn Halsall
ISBN: 9781916388116
Published by Caldew Press in 2020
From diagnosis, through treatment to remission, poet Martyn Halsall shares reflections on life with cancer. In dialogue with religious faith, and reactions to medical care, these are set against the backdrop of Cumbria, and the Scottish islands.
R.R.P £8.00
Write Up Our Street!
Published by Caldew Press in 2020
An anthology from Carlisle Writers' Group, showcasing poetry, fiction and memoir writing. The group continues to successfully encourage new writing in Carlisle.
Write Up Our Street! takes you on a journey, from their street to fairyland, through your imagination, under water and across the sea, over the fields and far away, to the confines of a garden. Travel with them via poetry, short story and memoir.
"Each poem, each story stands up on its own... Enjoy." M. W. Craven
R.R.P £10.00
Poetry for a Purpose
Published by Caldew Press in 2020
A Cumbrian Ecollection, showcasing work about climate change, eco-anxiety, environmental and natural concerns, and hope. Climate emergency, extinction rebellion, sustainability and environmental disasters seem to be a uniting and driving force among, particularly, younger people and giving voice to concerns is a healthy way to examine our fears and educate others. Boundaries, barriers and horizons - we can also be hopeful, and look beyond the constraints we encounter.
R.R.P £10.00
SpeakEasy Magazine Issue No. 4
Published by Caldew Press in 2020
An anthology of words and images collated
from many of the regular contributors to the SpeakEasy open mic nights. This issue was edited by Jean Hill and James Scott Riddick and the pieces are woven together through a narrative arc and also reflect on the time SpeakEasy had been hosted by Becca Roberts at Foxes Cafe Lounge in Carlisle.
This edition also feature QR codes to films of the first and last SpeakEasys held at the cafe.
R.R.P £10.00
FRESH AIR by Tony Hendry
Published by Caldew Press in 2019
'Fresh Air' is a collection of poetry inspired by being outside in the landscape of Cumbria written by Tony Hendry. Not only do the works chronicle outdoor pursuits in the Lake District and other areas of natural beauty including the banks of the River Caldew, but they also explore the more complex aspects of humankind. And the creatures who inhabit the landscape? They are busy staying alive.
R.R.P £5.00
Mind Trees of the Urban Forest
Published by Caldew Press in 2019
This anthology uses trees, and the path through the forest, to explore our connection to our own psyche, and that of those around us. Our mental health and spiritual connection to others becomes a forest: roots put down; protective canopy unfurled.The Mind Trees we nurture reflect the way a forest works – our dendrites forming new synaptic branches, and heal, as we coppice forth from injury or upset. This anthology is a community project, because making connections encourages good mental health.
R.R.P £6.00
SOLWAY SONGS by Annie Foster
Published by Caldew Press in 2019
A collection of poetry chronicling the journey, both personal and physical, inspired by the beautiful and changing Solway Coast by Carlisle-based author Annie Foster.
R.R.P. £5.00
SpeakEasy Magazine Issue No. 3
Published by Caldew Press in 2019
Words and Poetry and Stories from SpeakEasy. Issue 3 is a tribute to our friend Nick Pemberton, the creator of SpeakEasy, champion of the Arts, writer, poet and all round wizard of all things.
This issue was edited by Jane Moss-Luffrum and Kelly Davis.
R.R.P £6.00
SpeakEasy Magazine: Freiraum
Published by Caldew Press in 2018
Poets and writers from the monthly ‘SpeakEasy’ spoken word event in Carlisle, collaborated with other local writers and artists, presented a live event to showcase Carlisle’s ‘Sphere of Freedom’. Writers, poets, musicians, performers, artists, film makers, photographers and others contributed to an evening centred around four themes - Isolation, Overcoming Isolation, Freedom, and European Identity.ArtBOX in Thessaloniki and the Goethe Institut were our partners for Live link-ups, and cross-European literary hi-jinks.
R.R.P £7.50
