Raised in the Midlands, but settled near Machynlleth, Mike Parker is the perfect guide to the line on the map between England and Wales.

In his new book, All the Wide Border, he explores the very idea of what a frontier is – in all its ragged, jagged and muti-layered complexities.

Hear from Mike about his personal journey through the places, among the people and across the centuries of the divide between England and Wales, as he uncovers the furzy borderland that is the March and gives us all pause for thought about identity and belonging.

Mike Parker is the bestselling author of On the Red Hill, as well other books including Map Addict, The Wild Rover, and, in 2023, All the Wide Border. He was also the co-author of the first five editions of the Rough Guide to Wales.  He has written and presented several series of travelogues for ITV Wales, has worked on numerous other TV and radio programmes, and occasionally performs as a stand-up comedian and actor.  Born and bred in the Midlands, Mike now lives near Machynlleth, identifying as Cymro o ddewis – a Welshman by choice.

Julia Forster is Co-Director of The Literary Consultancy’s Being A Writer and is a coach specialising in working with authors. She is the author of two books – most recently a novel, What a Way to Go (Atlantic Books). She lives just outside Machynlleth in mid-Wales from where she will shortly open a writer retreat and is currently working on her first collection of poetry. www.julia-forster.com