29/08/2026
Barnard Castle Farmers Market Welcomes Barn Owl Bookstall
September’s BCFM will feature an unusual bookstall , one run by the author and, surprisingly, the book’s star – Sparky the barn owl!
The book, Sparky – My Barn Owl Story, is the work of local author Tracey Iceton. Part memoir-part novel, it tells of how Tracey adopted Sparky, a captive-bred barn owl, and follows them on their journey together as they learn each others’ ways. The book also includes imagined scenes from Sparky’s life before she and Tracey met and offers Sparky’s ‘owl-eye- view of her life lived with humans.
Tracey explains, “I was volunteering at an animal centre that Sparky happened to be brought in to. Wanting to enrich her quality of life, I sought advice from a local bird of prey expert and began flying Sparky at the centre. After a while I realised the centre couldn’t provide for Sparky properly and, for her welbeing, I adopted her. Thankfully I had the support of the bird of prey expert as these animals need specialist care.”
Nearly four years later Sparky is thriving and the subject of Tracey’s latest book (her fifth full length publication) which was released in May. Keen to share their story with people Tracey and Sparky are excited to be attending BCFM on 5th September. Signed copies of the book will be available and, at 11 o’clock Tracey will give a brieft talk about barn owls following by a feeding demo with chance for shoppers to snap some photos of Sparky enjoying brunch barn owl style!
For more information about the book visit www.traceyiceton.co.uk
