A Midsummer Night’s Gathering

The Chapter One Book Bar is back and this time we’re celebrating all things midsummer. In the spirit of the Welsh tradition of Gathering Day where medicinal herbs were collected, we’re collecting and sharing stories as a tonic for the soul. Ever heard the story of Blodeuwedd? Or wondered whether the Tylwth Teg (mischievous fairies) are real? Perhaps you’d like to know more about the healing powers of the Pembrokeshire witches (Gwraig hysbys). If so, join us for an evening of magical storytelling in our bookshop. And being a Book Bar, there will be drinks available. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/YMAG2GGF9BGSA.

All Kinds Of Love Book Bar: February 6th

Following on from our first Wine and Crisp Book Bar, you’re invited to an all-kinds-of Love Book Bar on February 6th, 6 – 8pm.

We’ve five readers of love poetry, some insights into interesting Welsh love practices and love themed drinks and nibbles. Mark Lewis has curated the event, and promises us an evening of romantic and not so romantic love delights. You can book tickets for £5 here.

Here’s a taster of the event, with a sample of the new Poetry Pause podcast, which is recorded in Chapter One’s bookstore, here at the museum.

Wine and Crisp Tasting: Book Bar Launch

Book Bar Launch At Chapter One

With huge pleasure we invite you to a wine and crisp tasting, to launch our Book Bar at Chapter One in the museum. We’ll sample a variety of wines and crisps, carefully curated by local star sommelier, Savvy Tim B, with his aunty in attendance, who’ll attempt to keep order.

In between tastings, you’ll be able to browse and buy books, while you sip your sauvingnon blanc or rioja.

Should you need them, our booksellers will be on hand to give suggestions, and we’ll try and keep them sober, so they remain coherent.

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MWD32TLJ2BSWQ

Tickets are £3, it’s 6pm Thursday Dec 12th, and we’d love you to book in advance, to help our pre-ordering. Much appreciated and iechyd da till then!

Writing Character

Local authors Judith Barrow and Thorne Moore will be revealing some of the tricks of the trade in an informal discussion about their work. They will be talking about how they go about developing characters (both good and bad!), their latest novels and creative writing generally.

The talk will take place at 11.00 on 30th of November and tickets costing £5.00 can be obtained on here or by phoning 01834 860500

Rescuing Lady Sale

Rescuing Lady Sale
In 1842, the British and Indian troops occupying Kabul in Afghanistan were forced to retreat through the mountain passes back to India. Thousands perished in the snows and a number of British women and children were taken prisoner. Amongst them was the redoubtable Lady Florentia Sale. Eventually the captives were released and
amongst the troops who came to their rescue was James Nicholas, who today lies buried in Narberth churchyard. This talk relates the story of the disastrous retreat.

Local historian Terry John will tell us all about this amazing woman  in the latest of his ever-popular talks on 7th November from 2.00 – 4.00pm
Tickets cost £5.00 and are available here or you can ring 01834860500

A Recipe For Christmas: Jo Thomas, author visit

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Jo Thomas, bestselling author, to Chapter One on November 23rd. A Pembrokeshire local, Jo has global readership and she combines dazzling writing with a love of family cooking and fun.

Jo’s written three previous novels set at Christmas, but this is her first one which features a heroine, Clara, who is sent to a chocolate-making class, which turns out to be a chocolate-making bootcamp. When Clara’s new boyfriend asks her to move to to Switzerland, she can’t help but say yes…after all, what could be more perfect than Christmas in the Alps?

Reviews have said:

‘A lovely heartwarming read . . . ideal to get you in the mood for Christmas’
‘A lovely festive read’
‘A wonderful, warm, nostalgic story’
‘I absolutely loved this book . . . read it all in one day!’

We’ll be chatting to Jo about her books, her background and how she gets inspired by living in Pembrokeshire. A great champion of local produce and businesses in her instagram live cooking shows, we’ll also ask her about her favourite local suppliers and recipes. Prepare to be entertained, uplifted and illuminated! ( and there may be chocolate)

Event starts at 2pm, Saturday 23rd November at Chapter One, Narberth Museum. £5 Tickets can be booked here: A Recipe For Christmas or on 01 834 860500.

Inspiring Crankies

Fabulous day today (26 September) with storyteller/author and illustrator Peter Stevenson. Peter told stories from the Mabinogion using a Crankie. The children from Narberth CP School had the chance to create their own Crankie out of matchboxes and tell their own story, based around transformation. It was wonderful to see so much imagination and creativity inspired by stories. And Crankies are just glorious!

The afternoon session saw Peter telling stories to adults and this gave a fascinating insight into the storytelling world. The story of Henry Box Brown told through a Crankie was totally inspiring.

We would love to get Peter back for another session, in the not too distant future. This event was funded by Welsh Government through the Welsh Museums Federation.