BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260401T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260401T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054410 CREATED:20260302T003106Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045515Z UID:71009-1775070000-1775073600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-1-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260408T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260408T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054410 CREATED:20260302T003212Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045434Z UID:71011-1775674800-1775678400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Stillness in Motion: Living Spiritually in a Fast-Paced World DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-8-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2-Stillness-in-motion-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260410T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260410T203000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054410 CREATED:20260223T060045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045403Z UID:70828-1775847600-1775853000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-10-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260411T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260411T203000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054410 CREATED:20260224T002907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045326Z UID:70851-1775934000-1775939400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-11-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T153000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054410 CREATED:20260224T003215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045248Z UID:70853-1776002400-1776007800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-12-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T150000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260412T170000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054410 CREATED:20251203T013015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045211Z UID:69291-1776006000-1776013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Brian Chapman & Friends: A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/trio-piano-quartets/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Classical Music,Live Music,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-brian-champman-final.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054410 CREATED:20260303T223948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045131Z UID:71084-1776189600-1776195000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Gerardine Christou: The story of Peg Rankin DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-gerardine-christou/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T183000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260316T052458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033540Z UID:71316-1776274200-1776277800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Henry Lawson in Ballarat revisited DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-henry-lawson-in-ballarat-revisited/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-henry-lawson-ballarat-revisited.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260302T012118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045101Z UID:71022-1776279600-1776283200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-15-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260415T203000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260224T003422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T045021Z UID:70855-1776279600-1776285000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-15-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260416T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260416T203000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260224T003558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044945Z UID:70857-1776366000-1776371400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-16-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260417T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260417T203000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260224T003714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044911Z UID:70859-1776452400-1776457800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-17-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260418T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260418T203000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260224T003813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044832Z UID:70861-1776538800-1776544200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-18-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260419T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260419T153000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260224T003924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044750Z UID:70863-1776607200-1776612600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Dog Logs\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-dog-logs-19-april/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sq-promo-dog-log-222.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260421T193000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260225T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044657Z UID:70896-1776794400-1776799800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Fiona Lowe DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/fiona-lowe/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sp-promo-talks-fiona-lowe.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T160000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260413T033307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T062449Z UID:72085-1776866400-1776873600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:SHARC Roadshow 2026 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/sharc-roadshow-2026/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:SHARC ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-sharc.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T183000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260316T055851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T032833Z UID:71323-1776879000-1776882600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Ballarat Avenue of Honour DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-ballarat-avenue-of-honour/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ballarat-avenue-of-honour.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260422T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260302T012427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044616Z UID:71025-1776884400-1776888000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-22-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260423T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260423T210000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260129T035010Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044530Z UID:70398-1776972600-1776978000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Only The Animals DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-film-society-only-the-animals/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/only-the-animals-sq-promo-v4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260310T000249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044311Z UID:71128-1777057200-1777060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-24-apr-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T220000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20250923T052206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044330Z UID:67565-1777064400-1777068000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-24-apr-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260428T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261124T150000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20250527T054132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T060715Z UID:65238-1777384800-1795532400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Each Tuesday DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-26/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Ballarat Winter Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/building-tours-sq-promo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T183000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260313T041015Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044107Z UID:71275-1777483800-1777487400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - Nostalgic memories of Stawell & Ballarat - 1950s and 1960s DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-3/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-nostalgia-final-v2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260429T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260302T012824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043901Z UID:71027-1777489200-1777492800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-29-apr/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260430T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260303T233837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T014040Z UID:71100-1777573800-1777579200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anna Johnston DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/in-conversation-with-anna-johnston/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-anna-johnston-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260503T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260503T160000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260203T004930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T073317Z UID:70518-1777813200-1777824000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Artistanbul: Create your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/create-your-own-turkish-mosaic-lamp-may/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-art-instanbul.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260504T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260504T210000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260119T033718Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T013906Z UID:70102-1777921200-1777928400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Pub Cinemas Presents: 'In The Shadow of the Gallows' | NOW CANCELLED DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/pub-cinemas-presents-in-the-shadow-of-the-gallows-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-shadow-of-the-gallows.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T183000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260323T001805Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043353Z UID:71453-1778088600-1778092200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Focus on Ballarat - What We Watched Before Cinema: ‘Entertainments’ at the Mechanics’ Hall\, 1863–1919 DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-focus-on-ballarat-4/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/square-promo-2025-ellen.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260506T200000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260302T012938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043305Z UID:71029-1778094000-1778097600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-6-may/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Love-Changes-BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260508T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260508T213000 DTSTAMP:20260424T054411 CREATED:20260310T034440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043207Z UID:71174-1778268600-1778275800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/one-tease-rules-them-all/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Sq-promo-one.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ethereal Realm Events Co.":MAILTO:etherealrealm.eventsco@gmail.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR