Following an enthusiastic Twitter exchange about the joys of ‘imaginary ancientness’ in music, Stef found out that she shared a creative affinity with the Northumbrian piping legend, Kathryn Tickell, whose work is not only steeped in inherited tradition, but also deeply influenced by the ancient historical heritage of the North East, embracing palaeolithic bone flutes and Roman mythology (as well as trad tunes and ballads)! Since 2021, Stef has had the honour of performing with Kathryn Tickell and the Darkening (along with Amy Thatcher, Kieran Szifris, Joe Truswell, and Josie Duncan), and the KT Trio (with Amy and Kathryn), at venues including Manchester Folk Festival, St George’s (Bristol), and the Howard Assembly Rooms (Leeds). Stef contributes vocals, made-up ancient vocables, sistrum, and lyres to the set, and her song ‘Caelestis’ – based on a Roman inscription from Hadrian’s Wall – features on the band’s album, Cloud Horizons (2023).