Book worms support Feed the Minds
Feed the Minds’ book fairs have been running for nearly as long
as the charity itself. When the then Archbishop of York, Donald
Coggan, initiated Feed the Minds in 1964, he saw book fairs as
a relevant way to raise support for Feed the Minds – a charity
focussed on information and learning.
Today, Feed the Minds continues to receive invaluable support
from used book sales all over the country. Connect talks to some of the organisers to find out more…
York
Feed the Minds’ book fairs have become somewhat of an institution in York – 2008 is the 33rd year. York’s annual book fair is now so popular that its chairman, David Laud, and committee members introduced a second fair last year.
David says: “Last year, as well as our major eight-day book fair in October, we introduced a two-day fair in July. We had a great response with visitors eager to stock up on summer reading or find books for the kids to enjoy during the summer holidays. We’re running both fairs again this year.
It’s a complete testament to the dedication of the committee and all our volunteers that we’re able to run two fairs. It’s a year-long commitment collecting, sorting and pricing hundreds of donated books, so that we’re ready for the crowds when the fairs open.
We’re always looking for more volunteers, especially now that we’ve got two fairs to prepare for.”
Having been involved with the book fairs for seven years, David has learnt which books will fly off the shelf. “York is home to the National Railway Museum - and lots of railway enthusiasts - so railway titles sell straight away.
It’s a pleasure watching visitors find their perfect book and makes all the hard work worthwhile – as does being able to send Feed the Minds a cheque for £4,500.”
For more details on the York book fairs, turn over for our events calendar, or call David Laud on 0190 470 4600.
Salisbury
Salisbury hosts three book fairs a year – a major fair in July and two smaller events in March and November.
Organiser David Lilley explains: “We started the smaller fairs six years ago to cope with the sheer volume of books that were being donated. We also have a weekly bookstall to help sell more books.
It’s a full-time job but it means we’re able to raise the maximum amount possible for Feed the Minds. Last year our total was £10,000, and we’re on track for the same this year.”
During nearly 30 years involvement, David has learnt a thing or two about books. “We’ve been lucky enough to establish excellent relationships with local dealers who help us spot and value special books.
They’ve been a great source of donations too, as they’ve invited us to house clearances to pick up spare books. We’ve found many of our most valuable titles in this way.
We once picked up some limited edition books on highland field sports that had been autographed by the then patron, an Earl. We took them to a specialist who valued and bought the books for £235.
Another time we found a first edition of a John le Carré novel, which had been missed because of its post-war economy binding. Our local book dealer informed us that these had been selling for up to £400, although demand wasn’t quite so high anymore. We still got £120.
We’re getting good at spotting first editions now and dealers regularly come to our fairs from further a field as they know they might spot a treasure.”
For more details on the Salisbury book fairs, see our events’ calendar on the back page, or call David Lilley on 0172 232 4315.
Norwich
Feed the Minds’ annual book fair in Norwich is an impressive 38 years old.
Organiser Mrs Waltraud Jarrold has been involved from the start. She explains how the
fair - every July - has moved around the city with the restoration of Norwich’s churches.
“We started in St Michael’s at Pleas in 1971 and two churches later, we’re now at St Andrew’s on St Andrew’s Hill. In between, we’ve held the fair at the Princess Street United Reformed Church and St Gregory’s at Pottergate.
We’re lucky that Norwich has more medieval churches than anywhere else so we’ve had plenty of homes for our fairs!”
Over the years, one thing that has given Waltraud and her team much pleasure is coming across books - such as Christian publications - that can be sent to theological colleges around the world, supporting Feed the Minds’ Overseas Book Service.
“The retiring Pasteur of the German Lutheran Church in Cambridge and East Anglia offered us almost all of his theological collection. It was important to keep the books together, so we waited for the right opportunity to come up. Then we heard that the University of Estonia was looking for the books, so we managed to ship them out there. It was an inspiration to be able to get the right books to the right people.”
Waltraud feels very fortunate to be in Norwich because the book fair has such support from both the civic authority and the local community. “Perhaps because we’ve been going so long, everyone knows us and is very generous about donating books. The book fair is always such an uplifting experience filled with surprises!
I’m so grateful to my team but we always need more volunteers. I’d love to hear from anyone who wants to get involved.”
For full details of the Norwich book fair, turn over for our events calendar, or contact Mrs Jarrold on 0160 345 4799.
If you would like to hold a book fair in support of Feed the Minds in your area, please call our Donor Care Team on 08451 21 21 02.
