This Week at Emerald Book Club: Read, Create Connect

This Week at Emerald Book Club: Read, Create Connect

by | May 11, 2026 | Emerald Book Club, Events

Join us This Week

Come join this week from Monday May 11th to Sunday May 17th for fabulous reads and activities at the Book Club

🌟 This Week at Emerald Book Club: Read, Create, Connect

Another exciting week has arrived at Emerald Book Club, and we are delighted to welcome readers, writers, creatives, and community members to join us for a full schedule of engaging activities. Whether you enjoy poetry, storytelling, games, reading quietly with others, or learning new vocabulary, there is something for everyone to enjoy this week.

Our weekly sessions are designed to inspire creativity, encourage learning, and build meaningful connections through literature, conversation, and shared experiences.

📅 Weekly Events Schedule

📝 Monday – Poetic Mondays

Start the week with creativity and inspiration. Poetic Mondays are a space to share poetry, discover new voices, write your own verses, or simply listen and reflect. Whether you are an experienced poet or completely new to poetry, you are welcome.

What to expect:

  • Poetry readings
  • Open sharing sessions
  • Creative writing prompts
  • Discussions on poetic expression

💡 Tuesday – Vocabulary Tuesdays

Expand your word power and strengthen your communication skills with our weekly vocabulary sessions.

What to expect:

  • Word of the day activities
  • Fun language games
  • Vocabulary challenges
  • Practical ways to use new words in daily life

Perfect for readers, writers, students, and lifelong learners.

📖 Wednesday – Silent Book Club

Take a pause from the busy world and enjoy peaceful reading time with fellow book lovers. Silent Book Club offers a calm, pressure-free environment where everyone reads independently together.

What to expect:

  • Quiet reading time
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Book discussions after reading
  • Opportunities to discover new books

Bring your favourite book, e-reader, magazine, or journal.

🎨 Thursday – Graphics and Art

Creativity takes centre stage during our Graphics and Art sessions. Explore visual storytelling, design ideas, illustrations, and artistic expression.

What to expect:

  • Art and design discussions
  • Creative inspiration
  • Graphic content ideas
  • Visual storytelling activities

Ideal for artists, designers, content creators, and anyone who enjoys creativity.

🏆 Friday – Celebrate Wins

Every achievement matters. Celebrate Wins is dedicated to positivity, encouragement, and community support.

What to expect:

  • Sharing personal achievements
  • Celebrating milestones
  • Motivational discussions
  • Encouragement from community members

Big or small, every win deserves recognition.

📚 Saturday – Storytelling

Stories connect people across cultures and experiences. Join us for storytelling sessions filled with imagination, humour, wisdom, and creativity.

What to expect:

  • Story sharing
  • Creative storytelling exercises
  • Interactive discussions
  • Inspiration for writers and speakers

Everyone has a story worth telling.

🎲 Sunday – Games

End the week with fun, laughter, and friendly interaction through games and challenges.

What to expect:

  • Word games
  • Literary quizzes
  • Interactive challenges
  • Community bonding activities

A great way to relax and connect with others.

🌱 How to Get Involved

Getting involved is simple:

✅ Join our online community discussions
✅ Participate in live sessions and activities
✅ Share your thoughts, poems, stories, or favourite books
✅ Invite friends and family to join the community
✅ Follow our social media pages for updates and announcements

At Emerald Book Club, every voice matters, and everyone is welcome regardless of experience or background.

💚 Why Join Emerald Book Club?

We are more than just a book club. We are a growing community focused on:

  • Reading and literacy
  • Creativity and self-expression
  • Learning and personal growth
  • Community connection and wellbeing

Whether you want to improve your reading habits, meet like-minded people, develop creative skills, or simply enjoy meaningful conversations, Emerald Book Club is the place for you.

Earlsdon Festival 2026

Earlsdon Festival 2026

by | May 3, 2026 | Coventry

Earlsdon Festival 2026: Coventry Comes Alive This Bank Holiday Monday

If you’re looking for something vibrant, community-driven, and full of local character this Bank Holiday, the Earlsdon Festival 2026 is the place to be. Taking place tomorrow, Monday 4th May 2026, this much-loved annual celebration transforms Earlsdon into one of Coventry’s most exciting cultural hotspots.

A Coventry Tradition Worth Experiencing

Held every year on the May Day Bank Holiday, the Earlsdon Festival has grown into one of Coventry’s biggest and most popular community festivals, attracting thousands of visitors from across the city and beyond. 

Set along Earlsdon Street, the heart of this charming suburb, the festival showcases everything that makes the local community special—from independent businesses to grassroots creativity

Event Details

  • 📅 Date: Monday 4th May 2026
  • ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • 📍 Location: Earlsdon Street, Coventry
  • 💷 Entry: Free

What to Expect

🛍️ Over 60 Stalls & Local Traders

Expect a lively street market featuring gifts, crafts, plants, handmade goods, and local produce. It’s a perfect opportunity to support independent businesses and discover something unique. 

🍔 Food, Drinks & Street Treats

From hot food and refreshments to sweet treats, Earlsdon’s cafes, restaurants, and pop-up vendors will be open and ready to serve.

🎶 Live Entertainment & Performances

The festival atmosphere is brought to life with live music, pop-up performances, and traditional entertainment like Morris dancing, creating a vibrant and festive street scene.

🎭 Community Spaces & Activities

The celebration extends beyond the street, with activities hosted at local venues including:

  • Earlsdon Primary School
  • Earlsdon Library
  • St Barbara’s Church
  • The Criterion Theatre

These spaces offer additional events, exhibitions, and community-led experiences throughout the day.

🌸 May Day Fete at St Barbara’s Church

As part of the wider festival, visitors can also enjoy a traditional fete featuring craft stalls, books by local writers, cakes, and refreshments—a quieter, family-friendly spot to relax.

A Festival Rooted in Community

What makes the Earlsdon Festival stand out isn’t just the activities—it’s the spirit behind it. Organised with the support of volunteers and local organisations, the event is designed to bring people together, celebrate creativity, and strengthen community connections.

With footfall often exceeding 10,000 visitors, it’s a powerful reminder of how local events can energise a neighbourhood and create shared experiences.

Why You Should Attend

  • Discover Coventry’s independent businesses
  • Enjoy free entertainment for all ages
  • Experience a true community atmosphere
  • Celebrate the Bank Holiday in a meaningful way

Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, the Earlsdon Festival offers a perfect mix of culture, creativity, and community spirit.

Check out their Facebook Page

Final Thoughts

With the streets closed to traffic and filled with colour, music, and activity, the Earlsdon Festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of Coventry at its best.

So if you’re nearby this Bank Holiday Monday, make your way to Earlsdon and be part of something special.

Planning to attend? Arrive early, explore widely, and don’t forget to support the local stalls and creators that make this festival truly unique.

Coventry Comes Alive: Celebrating a Historic Return to the Premier League

Coventry Comes Alive: Celebrating a Historic Return to the Premier League

by | Apr 28, 2026 | Coventry, Emerald Book Club

Coventry is getting ready for a moment that will be remembered for generations.

After a remarkable season, Coventry City F.C. have secured promotion back to the Premier League — ending a 25-year absence from the top flight of English football.

To mark this historic achievement, the city will host a massive Bank Holiday celebration on Monday 4th May 2026 — bringing together fans, families, and the wider community in a powerful show of pride, unity, and joy.

🎉 A City-Wide Celebration

In partnership with Coventry City Council, the club is organising “WE ARE BACK: LIVE” — a full day of festivities combining sport, music, and community spirit.

From 1pm to 7pm, Coventry will transform into a sea of sky blue as thousands gather to celebrate this incredible achievement.

🚌 The Open-Top Bus Parade

At the heart of the celebrations is a city-wide open-top bus parade, starting at the Coventry Building Society Arena at 1pm.

The parade will travel through key areas including:

  • Holbrooks
  • Whitmore Park
  • Keresley
  • Coundon
  • Chapelfields

Before finishing at Hearsall Common, bringing the celebrations directly into local communities.

Fans are encouraged to line the streets and be part of this unforgettable moment as players and staff celebrate with the city

we are back live parade
The below roads will be closed 11am and 4pm on 4 May.

  • Holbrook Way - from Jimmy Hill Way to Holbrook Lane
  • Holbrook Lane - from Burnaby Road to Parkgate Road
  • Wheelwright Lane - from Parkgate Road to Hen Lane
  • Parkgate Road - from Wheelwright Lane to Beake Avenue
  • Parkville Highway - from Roland Avenue to Parkgate Road
  • Beake Avenue - from Parkgate Road to Links Road
  • Links Road - from Bruce Road to Beake Avenue
  • Bruce Road - from Beake Avenue to Links Road
  • Wallace Road - from Links Road to Norman Place Road
  • Norman Place Road - from Wallace Road to Hollyfast Road
  • Hollyfast Road - from Eversleigh Road to Westhill Road
  • Westhill Road - from Hollyfast Road to Barker’s Butts Lane
  • Barker’s Butts Lane - from Westhill Road to Thamley Road
  • Moseley Avenue - from Cramper’s Field to Four Pounds Avenue
  • Four Pounds Avenue - from Moseley Avenue to Queensland Avenue
  • Queensland Avenue - from Four Pounds Avenue to Hearsall Common
  • Hearsall Common - from Hearsall Lane to Canley Road
  • Hearsall Lane - from Sovereign Road to Hearsall Common
  • Tile Hill Lane - from Hearsall Common to Broad Lane
  • Canley Road - from Tile Hill Lane to Beechwood Avenue

Closures between 11am and 9pm for the live music event

  • Warwick Road - from Kenilworth Road to Ring Road Queens
  • Kenilworth Road - from Warwick Road to A45 Kenpas Highway
  • Leamington Road - from Warwick Road to Armorial Road
  • Stivichall Croft - from Coat of Arms Bridge Road to Baginton Road
  • Coat of Arms Bridge Road - from Kenilworth Road to Green Lane

Coat of Arms Bridge Road - from Green Lane to Stivichall Croft will also be closed between 8am and 9pm.

🎶 Festival at War Memorial Park

Alongside the parade, a huge festival will take place at
War Memorial Park

Expect:

  • Live music from local artists
  • Food and drink vendors
  • Entertainment for all ages
  • A vibrant community atmosphere

With space for up to 50,000 people, this will be one of the biggest celebrations Coventry has seen in years.

📚 Why This Matters to Emerald Book Club

At Emerald Book Club, we believe in the power of community, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Events like this remind us that:

  • Stories aren’t just found in books — they’re lived in our cities
  • Communities grow stronger when people come together
  • Celebrations like this inspire creativity, connection, and pride

This is more than football — it’s Coventry’s story of resilience, growth, and triumph.

💚 Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a lifelong football fan, a casual supporter, or simply someone who loves community events — this is a day not to miss.

Bring your friends, family, and your love for Coventry.

Let’s celebrate together.

Coventry Book Extravaganza

Coventry Book Extravaganza

by | Nov 5, 2025 | Books, Community Events, Coventry, Events, News

Experience the Coventry Book Extravaganza, where the magic of words in print take centre stage at The Belgrade Theatre this April.

  • Date: Saturday 15th November 2025 | 10.30am - 4pm
  • Location: Belgrade Square, Corporation St, Coventry CV1 1GS
  • Price: FREE

Brought to you by local vintage events company Rosie’s Retro Bazaar and independent publishing house, Fantom. Immerse yourself in the universe of books as they bring together a diverse range of stalls, including:

  • Independent Publishers & Bookshops: Discover unique publications and support local literary ventures.
  • Fresh Talent & Local Authors: Meet up-and-coming writers and explore their latest works.
  • Comic Creators & Illustrators: Delve into the world of graphic storytelling and visual artistry.
  • Literary Societies & Publishing Services: Connect with organisations shaping the literary landscape.
  • Second-Hand & Antiquarian Book Dealers: Hunt for rare finds and literary treasures.
  • Book Crafts: Anything from bookmarks to bookends and book inspired tote bags to repurposed old books. Artistic license to free your imagination!
  • Prints & Paper Ephemera: Vintage printed materials such as posters and maps.
  • Stationery & Accessories: Browse through a selection of writing essentials and literary-themed accessories.
  • Merchandise & Memorabilia.

Whether you're seeking hidden gems, eager to support local talent, or simply looking to indulge your inner bookworm, the Coventry Book Extravaganza promises something special for every book lover. Don't miss out on this captivating literary event—it's a celebration of words, creativity, and community!

Welcome To Emerald Book Club

Welcome To Emerald Book Club

May 27, 2024 |

Welcome to Emerald Book Club! We are a community of book enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the world of literature together. Our club offers a space for readers of all genres to come together, share their love for books, and engage in meaningful discussions Who We...

read more...
His Dark Materials emeraldbookclub.org

His Dark Materials: A Journey Through Parallel Worlds

Jul 29, 2026 | , ,

His Dark Materials is an epic fantasy trilogy by Philip Pullman that has captivated readers worldwide since the mid-1990s. The series consists of three novels: Northern Lights (1995), The Subtle Knife (1997), and The Amber Spyglass (2000). At its heart, the story follows two remarkable children—Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry—as they navigate multiple worlds, uncover dangerous secrets, and become entangled in a cosmic conflict that challenges everything they believe.

read more...
Stories of Peace

Stories of Peace

by | Oct 25, 2025 | Community Events, Coventry, Emerald Book Club, Events, Stories

 🌿 Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park 🌿

 Part of the Coventry Peace Festival 2025

 

🕊️ A Walk for Peace and Connection

What if stories could bring people closer, heal divisions, and inspire hope?
This November, Emerald Book Club invites you to experience just that at Red House Park, Coventry, as part of the Coventry Peace Festival 2025.

 

 

Red house park emeraldbookclub.org

Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park will offer residents a calm, creative, and inclusive space to connect, reflect, and celebrate Coventry’s identity as a City of Peace and Reconciliation.

The event encourages people from diverse backgrounds to come together outdoors, share personal stories, listen to others, and build mutual understanding. Through storytelling and poetry, participants will explore themes of peace, forgiveness, and unity in a way that strengthens empathy and social cohesion.

This activity promotes mental wellbeing by combining gentle movement, nature, and creative expression. It will also help reduce isolation by creating opportunities for conversation, friendship, and intergenerational connection in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

By fostering dialogue and respect through the shared power of words, Stories of Peace will strengthen community spirit and highlight the importance of peace and reconciliation in everyday life.

📖 Discover the Power of Shared Stories

Our event, Stories of Peace, is more than just a walk — it’s a journey through words, voices, and shared experiences.

As we stroll through the park’s peaceful paths, local storytellers and poets will share powerful tales and poems about peace, forgiveness, and unity.
Each stop along the walk will open a window into how storytelling connects us all — across generations, cultures, and communities.

💚 Be Part of Something Meaningful

Imagine spending an afternoon surrounded by nature, listening to stories that warm the heart and spark reflection.

Whether you want to listen, share, or simply be part of a peaceful moment, Stories of Peace is for you.
Together, we’ll celebrate Coventry’s proud legacy as a City of Peace and Reconciliation — and remind ourselves of the beauty found in every voice.

 

🌍 Join Us!

📅 Date: Saturday 8 November 2025
🕐 Time: 1–3 PM
📍 Location: Red House Park, Coventry
💫 Free Event | All Welcome | No Booking Required

Come walk with us.
Listen. Share. Connect.
Let’s tell stories that bring peace to our city — one step and one word at a time.

🔖 About the Coventry Peace Festival

The Coventry Peace Festival celebrates the city’s ongoing role as a City of Peace and Reconciliation, offering creative and community-led events that promote unity, understanding, and hope.

Emerald Book Club is proud to be part of this year’s programme with support from Coventry City Council.

Coventry Peace Festival 2025

Poems About Peace

Making Peace by Denise Levertov

A voice from the dark called out,
             ‘The poets must give us
imagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war.’
                                   But peace, like a poem,
is not there ahead of itself,
can’t be imagined before it is made,
can’t be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.
                                       A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.
                                              A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses . . .
                        A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light—facets
of the forming crystal.

Peace Walk by William Stafford

We wondered what our walk should mean,
taking that un-march quietly;
the sun stared at our signs— “Thou shalt not kill.”
Men by a tavern said, “Those foreigners . . .”
to a woman with a fur, who turned away—
like an elevator going down, their look at us.
Along a curb, their signs lined across,
a picket line stopped and stared
the whole width of the street, at ours: “Unfair.”
Above our heads the sound truck blared—
by the park, under the autumn trees—
it said that love could fill the atmosphere:
Occur, slow the other fallout, unseen,
on islands everywhere—fallout, falling
unheard. We held our poster up to shade our eyes.
At the end we just walked away;
no one was there to tell us where to leave the signs.

Peace by George Herbert

Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave,
Let me once know.
I sought thee in a secret cave,
And ask'd, if Peace were there,
A hollow wind did seem to answer, No:
Go seek elsewhere.

I did; and going did a rainbow note:
Surely, thought I,
This is the lace of Peace's coat:
I will search out the matter.
But while I looked the clouds immediately
Did break and scatter.

Then went I to a garden and did spy
A gallant flower,
The crown-imperial: Sure, said I,
Peace at the root must dwell.
But when I digged, I saw a worm devour
What showed so well.

At length I met a rev'rend good old man;
Whom when for Peace

I did demand, he thus began:
There was a Prince of old
At Salem dwelt, who lived with good increase
Of flock and fold.

He sweetly lived; yet sweetness did not save
His life from foes.
But after death out of his grave
There sprang twelve stalks of wheat;
Which many wond'ring at, got some of those
To plant and set.

It prospered strangely, and did soon disperse
Through all the earth:
For they that taste it do rehearse
That virtue lies therein;
A secret virtue, bringing peace and mirth
By flight of sin.

Take of this grain, which in my garden grows,
And grows for you;
Make bread of it: and that repose
And peace, which ev'ry where
With so much earnestness you do pursue,
Is only there.

Peace Poem by Alan Robertson

 

The Poem for Peace

 

Lay down the poppies let the white doves fly,

We all pray for peace is the new battle cry.

 

Heavy gun fire comes down overhead,

This never should happen as this shall be said.

 

Those guns and bullets that take all our young,

We all cry for peace let this song be sung.

 

Let’s lay down the guns, let’s lay down all arms,

So these noble young men can return to their cities and farms.

 

Peace now and forever is the new battle cry,

Repeating these words until the day I shall die.

 

A . W . Funston - Robertson

16-10-2024

 

Let Peace Prevail In This World by Ravi Sathasivam

When you look for peace
then the peace lies within you
When you search for peace
then it is not hard to find
When you want to keep peace alive
then you allow white doves to fly over you
When you make peace with others
then the whole world live in your heart
When you let peace be in the world
then you live in wonderful world
When you allow peace flow around the world
then your hateness will go and love will flow
When you open the door for peace
then peace welcome to your lives.
Let the peace prevail in our wonderful world

Welcome To Emerald Book Club

Welcome To Emerald Book Club

May 27, 2024 |

Welcome to Emerald Book Club! We are a community of book enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the world of literature together. Our club offers a space for readers of all genres to come together, share their love for books, and engage in meaningful discussions Who We...

read more...
His Dark Materials emeraldbookclub.org

His Dark Materials: A Journey Through Parallel Worlds

Jul 29, 2026 | , ,

His Dark Materials is an epic fantasy trilogy by Philip Pullman that has captivated readers worldwide since the mid-1990s. The series consists of three novels: Northern Lights (1995), The Subtle Knife (1997), and The Amber Spyglass (2000). At its heart, the story follows two remarkable children—Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry—as they navigate multiple worlds, uncover dangerous secrets, and become entangled in a cosmic conflict that challenges everything they believe.

read more...

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