We had more, and better, books than ever before; the weather was good throughout; our helpers were fantastic; and our takings more than doubled last year’s – we took just about spot-on £400! Books were saved from the tip, and lots of people came away with cheap food for thought. Some came away with chutneys and cake too. This year our sale featured the “World’s Smallest Bookshop” – a spinner with poetry books in the front porch - as well as the usual shelves, boxes and other displays.

Of course there were quiet periods when we enjoyed sitting in front of our house having a bit of a read. There were also busy times when people filled boxes with books they wanted. We’re happy because we’ve raised enough to give £200 (in memory of Keith Leonard, whose personal book collection was among our stock) to the Stroke Association; and £200 to Nottingham & Notts Refugee Forum’s anti-destitution work, so that asylum seekers with no other means of support can get a bit of food and small change, to help them to survive.

We must thank lots of people, without whose help the sale would not have happened. Thanks to Geoff for lugging heavy boxes around and helping us throughout; to Adam, Dave, Azad, Meirion, Ranjan, Paul & Pip for lifting, packing and carrying; to Margaret for baking and donating cakes; to Lesley for making and donating chutneys and pickles; to Chris of the Stroke Association for balloons and encouragement; to everyone who helped with publicity and encouraged others to come along; to all, especially Anna, who donated books to sell; and of course to everyone who came along, browsed, and bought. The £400 we made for charity is excellent, but most of all we were happy with the wonderful goodwill we encountered.

We hope to see you - with your book bags at the ready - early autumn 2010.

 http://www.nottsrefugeeforum.org.uk
 http://www.stroke.org.uk/