Author Archives: bookvolunteer

About bookvolunteer

I'm passionate about books, about Oxfam and about making the world a better place. When I'm not filling the shelves in Oxfam Wilmslow, I might be found reading the books I've bought in the beautiful surroundings of North Pembrokeshire.

A new beginning – Wilmslow’s best sellers

Posted on November 25, 2015 by bookvolunteer

Recent book customers at Oxfam Wilmslow may have noticed brightly coloured postit notes on the end papers of our books on the shelves. We have been removing these at the cash desk, counting them and recording the figures. As a result, we … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, History | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The End. What I have learned from writing 400 posts on this blog.

Posted on July 20, 2013 by bookvolunteer

My intention in starting to write this blog was to let readers know that Oxfam Wilmslow (or perhaps Oxfam in general) was interested in books. We weren’t interested only in the revenue from sales, but enjoyed researching them, loved reading … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

What are you looking for when you are tempted into a charity bookshop?

Posted on July 17, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Occasionally, I am looking for something specific: an author, a title or a subject. But often I’m hoping to be surprised by a curiosity …  something that becomes an impulse-buy. Today’s suggestion is a little something that might be difficult … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Cheshire, Crafts, History, Ireland, Religion | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

100 years of Fashion Illustration, featuring designs by Grayson Perry

Posted on July 15, 2013 by bookvolunteer

I went to the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy last week and basked in the colours of Grayson Perry’s ‘The Vanity of Small Differences’. Grayson Perry has now joined  Danny Dorling and ‘The Gentle Author’ of ‘Spitalfields Life’  as … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Fashion | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin.

Posted on July 12, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Today’s story comes from a big battered volume. It must have been a lifetime’s labour of love and was published in 1880 by J P Earwaker. The work was dedicated to his father, James Earwaker of Brocklands, Alderley Edge. “Alderley … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Cheshire, History, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

To Harrods for Satin Pantaloons

Posted on July 9, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Every November, when I was a child, my parents had anxious communication with cousins in a remote Pembrokeshire village. We needed to know what to buy my great aunt for Christmas. Every Christmas the answer was the same and it … Continue reading →

Posted in Fashion, History, Wales | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Isn’t there something delightful about a Pax Ting?

Posted on July 2, 2013 by bookvolunteer

This thin little book does a good PR job for the Guides. I was astonished and impressed to see that the first Girl Guide World camp was held in Hungary in July/August 1939. With the imminent threat of war there … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Germany, History, Politics, Sociology | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

What does Rolls Royce mean to you?

Posted on June 25, 2013 by bookvolunteer

I hadn’t given this question much thought until we had the Wilmslow motor show here last summer. It was a successful event: a sunny day, thousands of people, pubs, bars and cafes full and, of course, some great motoring attractions. … Continue reading →

Posted in Engines and Machines, History, Manchester, Motors, Transport, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Will you buy these books to remember a passing era or because they are cheaper than wallpaper?

Posted on June 17, 2013 by bookvolunteer

This pile of  books is testament to the printing trade: a trade that has changed beyond recognition in recent years. The volumes are beautifully produced by the best professionals and are a reminder of how things used to be done. … Continue reading →

Posted in Crafts, Engines and Machines, History | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Can you tell if these books were written by a man or a woman?

Posted on June 13, 2013 by bookvolunteer

Joan Butler , as we read on the inside flap, was “Author of ‘Team Work’, ‘Unnatural Hazards’, ‘Mixed Pickle’, ‘Trouble Brewing’ etc., etc.”. What exactly does that ‘etc etc’ mean? Having read these two novels, I’ve come to the conclusion that … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment