On Wednesday 2 April, poet, therapist and community advocate, Julie Leoni will be launching an already award-winning debut poetry collection, Farmotherlands.
The event promises to be a heartwarming celebration of farming, community, nature, and the powerful connection between humans and the land, as Julie will be joined at the Holroyd Community Theatre by an incredible lineup of local voices, including Ian and Stef from Treflach Farm, Casha and Barbara from Babbinswood Farm, and Tom Adams, known locally as Tom the Apple Man. Together, they will share their experiences of sustainable farming, community building, and the profound impact of living in tune with the seasons. The evening will also feature live music from Vera Van Heeringen and Jock Tyldesley, who will perform their unique blend of Cajun and Appalachian folk tunes.
Farmotherlands (Hedgehog Press) is Julie Leoni’s much-anticipated debut collection, already making waves in the literary world. The book has won several prestigious accolades, including:
- Winner of The Bournemouth Poetry Prize 2024
- Finalist in the London Independent Story and Poetry Prize
- Finalist in the Cinnamon Press Best New Voices 2024 competition
- Shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize and the Mslexia Poetry Prize
- Longlisted for the Canterbury Poetry Prize
The collection is deeply rooted in Julie’s childhood on her family’s farms and her time spent wandering the Welsh Marches. Through lyrical, heartfelt poetry, Farmotherlands explores themes of love, loss, the passage of time, and the enduring cycles of nature. Julie’s poems invite readers to reconnect with the natural world, to reflect on our own impermanence, and to consider how we can be better stewards of the land.
What Others Are Saying About Farmotherlands
- “Inventive, vibrant, and tender” – Dr. Shanta Everington, Author and Creative Writing Researcher
- “At once autobiographically rooted in place, and acutely aware of the ecological crisis wrought by modernity, these poems challenge the reader as much as they celebrate rural life.” – Sarah Law, Editor of the Amethyst Review, Poet
- “These compassionate poems sing of love for the land, and fierce respect for all flora and fauna.” – Clare Best, Poet and Memoirist
With over 30 years of experience in therapeutic and mindfulness-based practices, Julie has helped countless individuals navigate life’s transitions – from the menopause and parenthood to grief and career changes. Her poetry reflects her passion for these themes, as well as her commitment to social issues like climate change and gender equality.
Julie’s personal journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. A lover of yoga, travel, and community-building, she has travelled to and worked in places around the world, from India, Nepal and Thailand to Israel, Spain, Greece and Kenya. These experiences have shaped her unique perspective on life, nature, and human connection. As a feminist, she is particularly passionate about empowering women through her work, helping them find their voices and navigate life’s challenges.
Julie’s work is informed by her love for storytelling and the deep wisdom she finds in nature. Her recent collaborations have included workshops and family retreats, where she combines her therapeutic skills with her love for community and holistic living. In addition to Farmotherlands, Julie has written articles, blogs, and other books that explore personal and societal transformation.
Tickets for the launch event on Wednesday 2 April at the Holroyd Community Theatre are priced at £18, which includes a signed copy of Farmotherlands and are available from the Booka Bookshop website. Please note that purchases from the farms, musicians, or bar are not included in the ticket price.
