Crediton Community Bookshop
The Book Shop has been on Crediton High Street since 1983 and has become an integral part of the town. When word got out that the original owner wanted to retire, a group of local people formed a committee to take over the business and create Crediton Community Bookshop (CCB), thereby securing a bookshop in the town for the future.
Bookselling has changed enormously in the last 10 years making it difficult to operate a conventional business but dynamic community bookshops are springing up in other parts of the country and showing a way forward.
The vision is to make the Crediton Community Bookshop a hub for all kinds of bookish activity including events, reading groups and writing groups, to interact with customers through social media, to showcase local literary talent and, above all, to provide friendly, knowledgeable service in person.
After two presentations to the public and the analysis of ?? hundred questionnaires the committee has concluded that there is sufficient public support to go ahead with the venture. A well thought out business plan shows that the enterprise is viable and the CCB has been registered with the Financial Services Authority as a “not-for-private-profit” Industrial and Provident Society.
The Crediton Community Bookshop has now reached the fund raising stage. A share issue launch will be held from 4pm to 8pm on November 17th at the Boniface Centre where prominent local writers, Babette Cole, Ian Mortimer and Matt Harvey will give readings and the public can find out all about the project. It will be the first opportunity to purchase shares, at £25 each.
Ken Mckechnie, chair of the CCB committee said: “This is an exciting community project to secure a future for the bookshop. Being a shareholder will give you a vote in the running and organisation of the shop. Do not miss this chance of being a co-owner of our own Crediton Community Bookshop!”
Contact: Ken Mckechnie, Chairman of CCC committee - email k.mckechnie@redgate.acquiss.com
