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The Carlisle Book Club for rebellious conversations.

Not your average business book club. Join us.

Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Join the Cumbrian book club with a difference. Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet near Carlisle for great chats over coffee and scones.

Book Club is relaxed, friendly and fun - but we do get to the deep and meaningful stuff. We gather not just to read, but to rebel against conventional thinking, to connect meaningfully with one another, and to grow together as leaders who are grounded, innovative, and joyfully rebellious.

A little more information.

What books do you read?

We read a mix of non-fiction and fiction that spark big thinking. Themes include personal growth, vulnerability, mindfulness, leadership, joy, and work-life integration. The books are chosen to stretch us, open us up, and help us reflect. For example, we've read Ekhart Toll's 'The Power of Now', Brene Brown's 'Daring Greatly', Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist', and Matt Haigh's 'The Midnight Library'.

 

Each month, we each have the chance to suggest new books that might help shake things up, and vote on which we're going to read.


What to expect

  • A small group of friendly people, sat having a chat with scones and coffee

  • Gentle conversation about the book, what you learned and how it might impact your life and leadership

  • A few prompts and questions from me, to help you make the most of the discussion

  • Chance to get to know each other, and discuss the stuff that matters.

Where do you meet?

We meet at Kirklinton Hall and Gardens, a coffee shop 10 minutes North of Carlisle (map). They do good coffee and great scones. The idea of meeting somewhere a little away from it all is so that it can feel like a mini retreat for the body and mind once a month. It's about stepping away from the desk and your routine.
 

Why join?

Our mission is to create a space where ideas are explored deeply and authentically, where each member feels supported in their journey of self-discovery. Through thoughtful discussion and the collective wisdom of our group, members will gain fresh perspectives that not only enrich their personal lives but also drive meaningful change in their organisations.

 

We’re not afraid to ask the tough questions, to venture into uncharted territories of thought, and to push the boundaries of traditional leadership. We gather not just to read, but to rebel against conventional thinking, to connect meaningfully with one another, and to grow together as leaders who are grounded, innovative, and joyfully rebellious.

Who’s it for?

The book club is for anyone! It's a collection of humans who are looking for like-hearted people to gather with, and a chance to chat about life, the world, the important stuff. It's a business book club really, but the Reflective Rebels way - which means it's for anyone who's looking for more from life. More human connection. More joy. It's for you.

How much does it cost?

It's free to try for your first meeting, then membership is £20 per month after that including coffee and scones.

You’re not just paying to talk about a book, you’re investing in a space for reflection, connection, and meaningful personal growth. This isn’t your average networking or business event. It’s time out of the daily crap to reconnect with what matters, challenge your thinking, and leave with fresh insight and energy you can take back into life and work.

 

I also offer 20% off most book selections through my partnership with local bookshop Bookends. So you can support a local bookshop while saving on your reading.

  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 13 Nov
    Hidden River Cafe
    13 Nov 2025, 10:00 – 12:00
    Hidden River Cafe, Hidden River Cafe, Longtown, Carlisle CA6 5TU, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 11 Dec
    Hidden River Cafe
    11 Dec 2025, 10:00 – 12:00
    Hidden River Cafe, Hidden River Cafe, Longtown, Carlisle CA6 5TU, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 08 Jan
    Hidden River Cafe
    08 Jan 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Hidden River Cafe, Hidden River Cafe, Longtown, Carlisle CA6 5TU, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 12 Feb
    Hidden River Cafe
    12 Feb 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Hidden River Cafe, Hidden River Cafe, Longtown, Carlisle CA6 5TU, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 12 Mar
    12 Mar 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 09 Apr
    09 Apr 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 14 May
    14 May 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 11 Jun
    11 Jun 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 09 Jul
    09 Jul 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 13 Aug
    13 Aug 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 10 Sept
    10 Sept 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 08 Oct
    08 Oct 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 12 Nov
    12 Nov 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 10 Dec
    10 Dec 2026, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 14 Jan
    14 Jan 2027, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 11 Feb
    11 Feb 2027, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 11 Mar
    11 Mar 2027, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.
  • Multiple Dates
    Thu 08 Apr
    08 Apr 2027, 10:00 – 12:00
    Kirklinton, Kirklinton, Hall, Carlisle CA6 6BB, UK
    Looking for a space for great conversations about life, work and leadership? Each month we read a book that challenges the way we think, and meet for great chats, over coffee and scones.

Try your first meeting for free.

Simply book on to an upcoming Book Club meeting below to try it out for free.

Don't forget to give yourself at least two to three weeks to read the book!

Any questions please contact: ben@reflectiverebels.co.uk

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