Just Imagine if, in these difficult times, there were to open a specialist children’s bookshop complete with events space for reading groups, writing courses, author events and much more. Imagine if this place was created by a passionate champion of children’s literature and run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.
Thanks to the vision of Nikki Gamble on Saturday 15th January it happened in Chelmsford! And I was lucky to be invited to the Grand Opening. Husband and I arrived late in the afternoon just in time to witness a re enactment of the opening ceremony by Dr Who author Steve Cole and the brilliant Sarah McIntyre. Marcus Sedgwick was there looking suitably brooding and gothic.
I was delighted to grab a copy of ‘When Titus Took the Train’ written by fellow Buzzaboutbooks.com author Anne Cottringer and illustrated by Sarah. I had heard it before read out in one of our sessions and it was wonderful to see it in book form and to admire Sarah’s illustrations.
Whilst husband was busy talking post apocalyptic novels I chatted with Mike Dodsworth about the power of dance and story and shallow creature that I am I tried really hard not to scan the shelves for copies of my books…..
Check out the Just Imagine Facebook page for details of regular events , contact nikki@writeaway.org.uk or visit the centre at 64-68 New London Rd, Chelmsford, UK
5 comments:
Oh...it sounds like an absolute must visit sort of place. I hope they do well - with library closures threatening these sort of places will be even more precious!
Definitely delightful and hopeful enterprise! Hope all the parents, teachers and carers around the Chelmsford area (and beyond) make use of such a valuable resource.
It sounds like a dream place and the people who live in and around Chelmsford are very lucky. I hope they show their appreciation.
I'd love somewhere like that round the corner...
Fantastic - I hope it continues to thrive! Where I live we are also lucky to have a great independent bookshop which runs author events, a writing group, etc. So good for the community.
Neezes
(http://wordingtheimage.blogspot.com/)
Lovely to hear about such a happy occasion. Eviva!
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