A KEY volunteer who helped run a much-loved Droitwich community bookshop is on the lookout for a new home for it after the venture’s current arrangement came to an end.
Planet Droitwich, which was based in the St Andrew’s Square Shopping Centre, had operated from the unit for about three years on a ‘concessionary deal’ which meant the keys could be handed back to the landlord at any time.
Run by the Global Educational Trust, the shop collected and handed out books to customers for nothing, provided a space for visitors to sit and read and even supplied books to HM Prison Hewell and special needs schools.
Dorothy Humphries, a retired antique dealer, was among 12 volunteers working at the bookshop and has spoken of her sadness at the closure of the bookshop.
“It has touched the lives of so many in the past three years.
“We were so overwhelmed by the nice comments from the customers we looked after who all said it was an enjoyable experience every time they came in.
“It was a unique space – people said they went out with a book feeling happy, you can’t do better than that in a day.”
With the help of Droitwich residents, the 82-year-old is hoping a new premises will be found for such a ‘valuable addition to the town.’
She added: “What Droitwich people have been asking me is for something more permanent, something we can rely on.
“It is difficult as the arrangement we had meant the landlord could ask for the keys at any time and we had already been through the process before.”
Making an impassioned plea for help from residents in finding Planet Droitwich a new home she added: “I don’t know if and when we will get a new premises but we will keep trying.
“The people of Droitwich need to make their voices heard.”
Anyone with any ideas on a new premises can contact us at The Standard on 01527 588657 and we will pass the details on to Dorothy.
