New author launches book in Leeds

On Thursday February 26th, the Leeds branch hosted their second Network Night. This time, they were very pleased to have as guest of honour their Managing Director Jeremy Piercy, who was present to read extracts from his newly published book “Coffins, Cats and Fairtrade Sex Toys”.

The evening started early at 5pm, with members of the public being invited to come in and have a cup of fairtrade coffee kindly supplied by Starbucks. Jeremy was on hand to sign copies of his book, and customers could take a seat with the author in an informal setting to look through his book and chat about anything they wished regarding his book or fair trade in general.

                                         

Debbie Fletcher Leeds branch manager introduces the evening                 Jeremy reads extracts from his book        

     

At 6.30, invited guests from many groups from around the city started to arrive, amongst them, representatives from the Leeds City Council fairtrade steering group, Oxfam, Christian Aid, TIDAL, People and Planet, Stop Climate Chaos and students from Leeds university Global Ethics department as well as Adam Kirkham the owner of Quickbrownfox who published Jeremy`s book. Once the introductions and formalities of the night were out of the way, Jeremy took the stand to chat about his life experiences, as well as his life in fair trade. He read many humorous as well as thought provoking extracts from his book.

                                        

Guests get the chance to buy Jeremy`s book                                          Debbie Fletcher chats to Andy brown of Leeds TIDAL

The very popular drumming troupe Fairplay were again, providing entertainment for the evening much to the delight of the attendees of the previous Network Night. As usual, the head of the troupe, Marion, enlisted volunteers to join in with the percussion as well as some dancing!

                                         

Fairplay get the guests up and dancing!                                                  Debbie takes a five minute break for a cup of coffee!

The book was well received, and as well as local campaigners and fairtrade businesses buying the book to give to their members and employees, many ex members came along to catch up with Jeremy and buy the book to relive the memories!

Jeremy signs a book for Karis Dalton an employee of the Leeds branch between 1995-1999

Andy Brown with Ian Adderley, leader of Leeds City Council Fairtrade Steering Group

The next Network Night is already in the process of being organised!! The date is set for Wednesday July 15th, so please put it in your diary, as it is sure to be a well attended event and we are hoping for yet another guest to be leading the evening, so watch this space!

If you weren’t able to attend this book signing but would like another opportunity to meet Jeremy Piercy and get a copy of his book signed he will be at Borders on Briggate on Sunday March 15th between 12-1pm.