| CATCHING UP... |
| Harry Potter! |
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| Thank you to everyone who helped make our Harry Potter celebrations at Enginuity such a success: in spite of the rain,
rain, and rain! |
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| Barbara Kingsolver |
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| The highlight of my bookselling career so far was meeting Barbara Kingsolver this summer.
I was lucky to attend James Naughtie's Radio 4 Bookclub, where a bunch of Kingsolver fans met with Barbara and Jim to discuss the
Poisonwood Bible. Then I went, by special invitation, to Faber's Summer Party where I felt very overwhelmed by the hundreds of literati
present (and I was the only bookseller!) but did manage to chat to Barbara's agent and editor (very useful for future visits) and to
spend lots of time with Barbara, her husband, and her two daughters.
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Next day, I caught the train to Devon and went to the Dartington
Ways with Words festival - which was wonderful and I can certainly recommend it - where I heard Barbara speak about her latest book
(I only cried a little bit!) and after which I presented her with the specially made book we had put together as a gift for her.
She was a delight to meet and I will be writing this up in more detail on my blog as soon as I can - this side of Christmas,
I hope!
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| Reading for Pleasure |
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| The children's reading group met for an impromptu session in the bookshop during the school holidays, with children from Wenlock,
Morville, Wyke and Shrewsbury. We played Snatch - an excellent word game, think Scrabble with attitude! - wrote a collaborative story,
read the Wrestling Princess by Judy Corbalis, and enjoyed a picnic lunch around the table. It was great fun and the three hours passed
all too quickly. |
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The Classics reading group met for a War and Peace picnic (also indoors due to the rain) at Judy White's lovely home in Ironbridge.
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| Events |
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| Judy King's photographic exhibition was well attended and a lovely evening; thank you everyone for coming, and Paul Francis'
Tea and Talk featuring his latest work, Echoes from Nag's Head Yard was enjoyed by all. |
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| AND STILL TO COME... |
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| Reading for Pleasure |
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| We start back on Wednesday 12th September at 2pm with a discussion of The Fortnight in September by RC Sherrif
(published by Persephone Books). This session will be repeated on Wednesday evening, 26th September at 7pm. |
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| The children's groups will also restart in September; Group 1 September 14th; October 12th; November 9th and December 14th.
Group 2 September 21st, October 19th; November 16th and December 14th. Meetings are from 4.30 - 5.30pm and the price
has gone up this term to £2 per session. Please note both groups will meet on December 14th for an extended Christmas meeting;
4.30 - 6pm. |
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| Literary Evening |
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Our next literary evening is with Ina Taylor, author of Victorian Sisters, who will be talking about the art of biographical
writing, with special reference to George Eliot. This will be held on Friday September 28th at 7:30pm. £7.50. Please contact the bookshop
for further details. |
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| Wellington Literary Festival |
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On Tuesday October 2nd Germaine Greer is speaking about her latest book "Shakespeare's Wife" at the Memorial Hall,
Wrekin College. Wenlock Books is providing the bookstall. |
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| On Thursday 11th October I will be interviewing Manda Scott, author of the Boudica series, at 7pm in the Hayward
Arts Centre, New College; discussion will range from the necessary disciplines of research to the wider explorations of battle
re-enactments and life in a rebuilt round house. |
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| On Wednesday 17th October I will be leading a reading group discussion of Manda Scott's Boudica: Dreaming
the Eagle at The Old Orleton, Wellington. Coffee and biscuits available |
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| All the above events are free; tickets are available from Wellington Town Council 01952 567697 or New College
01952 641892. Programmes for this excellent local festival are available from Perce Muscutt's new bookshop in Wellington (Number 8 Books,
Crown Street 01952 256424) or Wenlock Books. |
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| We are repeating our very successful Reader's Trip to Venice in October half term, and there will be details
coming soon about our Reader's Retreat next February: I know it seems a long way off, but I do love planning things! |
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| Deaf Africa Fund |
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| Just in case you are starting to think about Christmas (!) you might like to think about giving bricks or cement as
Christmas presents this year! It's very easy to do, and unlike some of the larger charities who do this "virtual present giving"
, you really will know exactly where your money is going. Details in the shop already if you're interested. Please support this small
but very important charity. |
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| and the environment... |
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| We are trying hard to minimise our use of bags, both paper and plastic. To this end, each time a customer needs a plastic
carrier bag we will make a charge of 10p, which we will then put in our charity box for Deaf Africa. We will still give paper bags
for free, and we have cloth bags which are free with purchases of over £40, or they can be bought for £3.00.
Best solution? Bring your own bag! |
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| Thanks for everything, |
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