BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.4//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260606T213000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031235 CREATED:20260511T011117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T035755Z UID:72909-1780767000-1780781400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver 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/queer-blak-deadly-with-steven-oliver/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Burlesque,Comedy,Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-queer.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T120000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260607T150000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031235 CREATED:20260514T020854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T045643Z UID:72943-1780833600-1780844400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop 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/moco-5-senses-of-drag-workshop/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Pride,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-moco.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260610T200000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031235 CREATED:20260509T053553Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012250Z UID:72871-1781118000-1781121600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-10-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031235 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:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015517Z 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/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032649Z 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/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260616T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270112T150000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20250527T054132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T003601Z UID:65238-1781618400-1799766000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Each Tuesday DESCRIPTION:In Conversation with Gail Holmes \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n June 4\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n6:00 pm\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n7:30 pm\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$11.78 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In The Margins \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vivid\, wise and moving - Suzanne Leal. \n \n A Sheer Delight - Sally Colin-James. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gail Holmes | Photo Kristian Gehradte\n \n \n \n In The Margins is an extraordinary debut. A chronicle of a woman who lived and wrote in the margins of time. Inspired by the real life of Frances Wolfreston – an intellectually curious pastor’s wife in 17th century puritanical England – this superbly researched book narrates therestricted lives of women during this turbulent era. The social and moral confines that Frances challenges put her at great risk. A risk that our present day is indebted to because Frances\, an avid book collector\, preserved the only known copies of Shakespeare’s earliest works\, among many other treasures in her vast collection. Gail Holmes brings Frances Wolfreston alive on the page\, and allows the reader to finally applaud her deeds. Critics have extolled praise on this book released in September 2024. Bestselling author of The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho\, Pip Williams said ‘Gail Holmes has written a beautiful\, compelling and emotionally rich story about a woman who wrote herself into the margins of books at a time when women were voiceless. An extraordinary debut. I loved it.’ Readings Melbourne In The Margins a ‘love letter to literature\, language\, and to the women who have\, quietly\, allowed for the proliferation of it’. And  Books+Publishing said ‘The significance of this novel goes beyond Holmes’s beautiful narrative voice and illuminates a hero known to us solely because the real Frances Wolfreston signed her name in each of her books.’ \n \n \n In the Margins | Gail Holmes\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the author \n \n Gail Holmes grew up in Scotland\, the only girl and youngest of seven children. She graduated from University of Strathclyde with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration\, joined an international energy company in London\, and worked there for twenty plus years as a commercial manager. Gail married\, had five children\, and her writing journey ignited when she was a working mum in Shanghai\, China. Unable to get to sleep one night\, Gail started writing short stories about living in Shanghai. As her writing flourished she attended short courses at the City College of Literature in London. Gail moved to Australia in 2013 and graduated in 2021 from Melbourne University’s Master ofCreative Writing\, Publishing and Editing programme. In The Margins is her first novel. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n $11.78 per person includes booking fee & gst\, also includes light refreshment. All proceeds go to the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute to support the staging of our author events. Book on-line or contact Rosemary at the Libary via email library@ballaratmi.org.au or phone (03) 5331 3042 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-26/ LOCATION:Library Ground Floor\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/building-tours-sq-promo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T193000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260506T023026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043433Z UID:72763-1781719200-1781724600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Anthea Hodgson 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-anthea-hodgson/ 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/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-anthea-hodgson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260617T200000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260509T053624Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012458Z UID:72873-1781722800-1781726400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-17-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260621T180000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260514T032237Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T041434Z UID:72955-1782052200-1782064800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin 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/royal-south-street-society-pianoforte-schedule-celebrating-chopin-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-chopin.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260623T193000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 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:20260624T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260624T200000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260509T053656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T012745Z UID:72875-1782327600-1782331200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration 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-from-aniety-to-action-tools-to-reclaim-your-life-24-june/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6-Focus_Concentration_BMI-Square.png ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260627T193000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260514T032920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T034853Z UID:72959-1782585000-1782588600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge 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/royal-south-street-society-vocal-championship-challenge/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sq-promos3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260629T210000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260514T033415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T040925Z UID:72963-1782761400-1782766800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Royal South Street Society | The Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final 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/royal-south-street-society-the-herald-sun-aria-semi-final/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Live Music,Royal South Street Society,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arias.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T193000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260506T041811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T010257Z UID:72778-1782928800-1782934200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sherryl 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/in-conversation-with-sherryl-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/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-sherryl-clark.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260701T200000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260509T054129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054226Z UID:72881-1782932400-1782936000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T200000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260703T211500 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260505T235334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042336Z UID:72745-1783108800-1783113300@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos 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/joscho-stephan-trio-gypsy-jazz-virtuosos/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-joscho-final.png ORGANIZER;CN="Concerts Australia":MAILTO:michael@concertsaustralia.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260704T110000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260413T230016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T042623Z 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/sq-promo-events-whistle-and-trick.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260705T210000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260521T034118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T040050Z UID:73067-1783279800-1783285200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Alexandr Misko: International Guitar Sensation Live at BMI 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/alexandr-misko-international-guitar-sensation-live-at-bmi/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-alexandr-misko.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260708T200000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260509T054308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054612Z UID:72884-1783537200-1783540800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-8-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260710T125000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20250930T001641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050116Z 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:20260620T031236 CREATED:20251001T031523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T051020Z UID:67817-1783710000-1783716600@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-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:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260212T045959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T013835Z 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:20260711T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260711T205000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260430T044744Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T050650Z UID:72672-1783796400-1783803000@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-bullwinkel-and-the-nurses-of-the-vyner-brooke-a-theatre-180-production/ 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:20260714T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260714T213000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260427T070837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260504T055234Z UID:72579-1784057400-1784064600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Grigoryan Brothers - A Boy Called Sailboat 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/grigoryan-brothers-a-boy-called-sailboat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-a-boy-called-steamboat-v4.png.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T193000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260313T024204Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T072228Z 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-FINAL.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260715T200000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260509T054421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T055023Z UID:72886-1784142000-1784145600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-15-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260716T210000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 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:20260720T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260720T193000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260420T042351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T043115Z UID:72345-1784570400-1784575800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Petronella McGovern 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/petronella-mcgovern/ 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-petronella-mcgovern-v3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260722T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260722T200000 DTSTAMP:20260620T031236 CREATED:20260509T054745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260509T054800Z UID:72889-1784746800-1784750400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | A Full Heart: Gratitude and Contentment in Daily Life 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-a-full-heart-gratitude-and-contentment-in-daily-life-22-july/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5-Gratitude_GP_Class_BMI-Square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR