A PAPERBACK LAUNCH WITH A DIFFERENCE! WHERE ARE THE FELLOWS WHO CUT THE HAY?
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Sunday 29th March 2026
2pm - 4.30pm
Castle Community Room, Church Street, Framlingham IP13 9BQ
Tickets £5.00 per person or £15.00: Includes a signed copy of 'Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay'
The hardback edition of Robert Ashton’s book Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay was published 2024, longlisted for a Wainwright Prize and shortlisted for the New Angle Prize. Now a paperback edition is being published in March 2026 by Wilton Square Books.
The book builds on those written by oral historian George Ewart Evans, and explores how old ways are returning today. As well as meeting grandchildren of those Evans interviewed more than 70 years ago, the book introduces people bringing back old ways, often with a contemporary twist.
‘What I found had been lost over the past 70 years, was the sense of community that meant people felt they belonged, and supported each other,’ explained Robert Ashton. But as he found, that sense of belonging is returning, with for example community owned shops and pubs rebuilding community spirit. '
ATTENDING THE EVENT YOU WILL:
See the 1980 film 'A Writer’s Suffolk' which was written and narrated by George Ewart Evans
See the 1955 film 'Here’s a Health to the Barley-Mow' which was filmed at Blaxhall Ship
Hear author Robert Ashton in conversation with Nick Corke, CEO of Hour Community talking about the book, and the importance of community.
Have an opportunity to chat with people whose grandparents were interviewed by George Ewart Evans in the 1950s.
Have the opportunity to buy and have signed, a copy of Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay
Framlingham has a strong sense of community, helped by local charity Hour Community, which connects willing volunteers with people needing a hand in and around the town. We will be donating 25% of the income from books sold on the day to this valuable local charity. www.hourcommunity.co.uk
TIMETABLE
14:00
Arrive – Settle down
14:15
Introduction – Robert Ashton & Jim Cecil
14:20
Short Film – A Writer’s Suffolk written and narrated by George Ewart Evans in 1980
14:50
Short Film – Here’s a Health to the Barley Mow, featuring Blaxhall Ship in 1955
15:10
Where are the Fellows who Cut the Hay - a conversation with author Robert Ashton
15:40
Q&A
16:00
Book Signing
16:30
End