E AST G RINSTEAD B OOKSHOP

East Grinstead Bookshop is a familiar 'face' in the High Street. We at ingénu/e are particularly fond as the Bookshop stocks copies of this magazine, as well as providing a vital service for local independent authors, the opportunity to promote and sell their books right outside the shop. We asked the Bookshop to tell us more about themselves.

At the end of 2022 there were just over one thousand Independent Booksellers in the UK and Ireland, according to the Booksellers Association. Some are specialists selling only children’s books, or art books, or travel books, but most have a wide range of stock, perhaps a selection of second-hand or antiquarian, cards, jigsaws and ‘things which book lovers might also love’. Plenty of us offer really good tea and cakes because a good book with a cup of tea or coffee and a smidgin of something yummy is what good living is all about.

In The East Grinstead Bookshop we offer all these things. However, like many 'Indies', we are more than what we sell. We try to sit at the heart of the community offering friendship and companionship to all who come in. Some customers come every week for a cuppa and natter. Tourists arrive wanting local information and local books. Some come looking for distraction before a worrisome hospital appointment, whether that means being lost in our nooks and crannies, or just lost in a good book. We work with our local schools, hotels and charities; have book clubs, writing courses and events.

It is the events that really make a difference to many Independents. They reward existing customers, bring new ones and sit at the heart of a Bookish Community. Last week I interviewed Adam Nicolson for his new book 'How to Be', and the week before www.eastgrinsteadbookshop.co.uk

Alison Weir talked about 'Henry VIII, The Heart and the Crown'. Over the next few months we have Isabella Tree, Mary Colwell and Groombridge based Sarah Jane Butler – you will recognise the Kent/ Sussex landscape in her wonderful novel Starling.

East Grinstead has the advantage of being 'between the Downs' making us part of the artistic communities of both the North and South Downs. The Bookshop celebrates this with a Resident Photographer, Poppy Berry (www.poppyberry.com) and an Artist in Residence, Harriet Brigdale (http:// brigdale.com). Our long, inspirational corridor filled with books on art, photography, architecture, sculpture, ceramics, fashion, jewellery, artisan craft, textiles and beautiful sketchbooks is rarely empty.

As prices continue to soar in the wrong direction you’ll find that curling up with a good book is very cost effective entertainment – particularly if you share the book, and your thoughts on it, with friends! So, next time you’re seeking inspiration or occupation, come and find us, either in person or on-line, we’d love to see you!

For just £14.95/year you can have your own copy delivered to your door each quarter. To subscribe just email subscribe@ingenuemagazine.co.uk More