A North East author will bring her barn owl companion to a special half-term event where families can hear their extraordinary true story and watch the bird fly.
Tracey Iceton will appear at Preston Park Museum in Stockton on Saturday, October 24 with Sparky, her nine-year-old hand-reared barn owl, for a reading, talk and book signing, followed by a flying display, weather permitting.
The event centres on Ms Iceton’s latest book, Sparky – My Barn Owl Story, which recounts her life with Sparky after they met at an animal centre in March 2022.
Sparky the barn owl and Tracey Iceton (Image: Tracy Iceton)
Ms Iceton said: "I’m delighted to have the chance to bring Sparky along to Preston Park as part of the little book tour we’ve been doing this year to share her story with other owl lovers.
"I’m looking forward to being able to introduce people to Sparky and let them get up close to a bird rarely seen in the wild."
Their bond began while Ms Iceton volunteered at the animal centre and started flying Sparky to improve the owl’s quality of life.
She later adopted Sparky, and they have been together ever since.
Sparky my barn owl story by Tracey Iceton (Image: Tracey Iceton)
Ms Iceton said: "And Preston Park, well known for its beautiful woodland and parkland grounds, is perfect habitat for Sparky’s wild owl cousins so it’s a particularly appropriate venue for a barn owl event.
"Unfortunately I don’t think we’ll be lucky enough to glimpse any of them on the day but hopefully bird lovers and book lovers alike will enjoy sharing the event with Sparky!"
Ms Iceton’s fifth book blends memoir and fiction, exploring their life together while imagining Sparky’s past.
Although written for adults, the book is also suitable for mature young adult readers.
The event is recommended for children aged 9 and over.
Guests are urged to remain quiet during the talk and reading so they do not startle Sparky.
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Tickets cost £5 per person, plus museum admission, and must be booked in advance through the Preston Park Museum website.
The event will take place in the museum’s historic Music Room, giving guests a memorable setting for the talk and a rare close encounter with a barn owl.
For details and tickets, visit www.traceyiceton.co.uk.