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:20260509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260509T213000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260310T043604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043048Z UID:71186-1778355000-1778362200@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-2/ 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260511T193000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260316T013945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T043011Z UID:71295-1778522400-1778527800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Victoria Purman 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/victoria-purman/ 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-victoria-purman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260303T011741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041831Z UID:71063-1778697000-1778702400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Kerri Rogan 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-kerri-rogan/ 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/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-v3.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260513T200000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260302T013053Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T041747Z UID:71031-1778698800-1778702400@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-13-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:20260514T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260514T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260129T041334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T035403Z UID:70407-1778787000-1778792400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Black Dog 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-black-dog/ 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/black-dog-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T083000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260516T180000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260128T044603Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035919Z UID:70338-1778920200-1778954400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Victorian Occult Conference 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/victorian-occult-conference/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Conference ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sq-promo-vic-occult.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T200000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260310T001332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035527Z UID:71137-1779217200-1779220800@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-19-may-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:20260519T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260414T044444Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T054257Z UID:72157-1779219000-1779222600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults | Special Preview 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/lantern-vaults-preview/ LOCATION:The Basement\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T220000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260310T002124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044437Z UID:71139-1779224400-1779228000@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-18-may-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:20260521T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260418T053218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260425T062535Z UID:72320-1779357600-1779638400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults 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/lantern-vaults/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260521T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T121500 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260421T025952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T040605Z UID:72387-1779363000-1779624900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Heritage Festival - Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 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-heritage-festival-tours/ LOCATION:Meet in the Foyer\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-day-tours.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260522T203000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260318T041021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T065647Z UID:71379-1779476400-1779481800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Advenure 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/panic-in-the-sky/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Ufo-picture-only-for-ATDW-Tales-from-Rat-City-David-Waldron.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260527T200000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260313T002934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035212Z UID:71249-1779906600-1779912000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Amanda Hampson 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/amanda-hampson/ 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-amanda-hampson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260129T043042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035120Z UID:70415-1781206200-1781211600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Monster 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-monster/ 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/monster-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035038Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@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-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035008Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@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-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES: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:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260313T005434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034824Z UID:71257-1782237600-1782243000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mark Smith 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/mark-smith-2/ 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-mark-smith.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260413T230016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T004508Z UID:72002-1783159200-1783162800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Whistle and Trick 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/whistle-and-trick/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WT-Portrait-promo-copy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034727Z UID:67766-1783681200-1783687800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 production | SOLD OUT 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/21-hearts/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T205000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034644Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 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/21-hearts-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T125000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034613Z UID:70689-1783767600-1783774200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke\, a THEATRE 180 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/21-hearts-vivian-bulllwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production-saturday/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-21-hearts.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034457Z UID:71265-1784138400-1784143800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Benita Bensch 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/benita-bensch/ 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-benita-bensch-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260129T044738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034341Z UID:70423-1784230200-1784235600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Journey Home 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-journey-home/ 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/journey-home-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260723T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260223T045111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034312Z UID:70806-1784833200-1784840400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-23-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260223T053244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034253Z UID:70815-1784919600-1784926800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-24-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T160000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260223T053557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034233Z UID:70819-1784988000-1784995200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-25-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260725T210000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260223T053430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034212Z UID:70817-1785006000-1785013200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-25-july-2/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260726T160000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260223T053749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034148Z UID:70821-1785074400-1785081600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:God of Carnage\, 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/god-of-carnage-26-july/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/God-of-Carnage-BMI-Square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260729T193000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20260416T050939Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T012750Z UID:72260-1785348000-1785353400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Phillipa Nefri Clark 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/phillipa-nefri-clark/ 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/2026/04/sp-promo-talks-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260428T153042 CREATED:20251205T035734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034032Z UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared 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/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR