Sharing favourite reads and a love of books in St Marychurch
Books can transport us to new worlds, spark our imagination and bring comfort through beloved classics. This World Book Day, members of Rowcroft’s retail team and volunteers are sharing some of the stories they love – and celebrating the treasures found in our charity shops.
Favourite books that stay with us
For Susan Hinchcliffe, a volunteer at the St Marychurch shop, crime fiction is a firm favourite.
“Crime fiction is by far my favourite genre,” says Susan. “I love Anne Cleeves and have met her twice when she was giving talks at Torre Abbey. I’m currently reading the latest John Grisham – his newest foray into a ‘whodunnit’.”
Donna Mitchel, a Donations Assistant at Rowcroft, enjoys returning to a much-loved classic.
“I’ve loved the Peanuts books for as long as I can remember – Nobody’s Perfect, Charlie Brown still feels like an old friend,” says Donna. “The strips are only a few pages each, but they’re so tender and quietly wise. Linus clinging to his security blanket, Snoopy breaking into one of his ridiculous, joyful dances — it’s all so simple and human. Whenever I dip back into it, I feel lighter.”
Books we love to recommend
“If someone is new to reading, I’d recommend they start with a biography or autobiography of someone they like or admire,” says Susan.
“One book I’d always recommend is Escape from the Antarctic by Ernest Shackleton,” says Donna. “You can read it in an afternoon, but it stays with you much longer. It always leaves me feeling very small and deeply aware of how vast and indifferent the world can be.”
“A book I’d love to pass on to the next generation is The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction by Ursula K. Le Guin. It’s tiny enough to slip into a pocket but full of ideas that can quietly change how you see everything. It’s thoughtful and full of hope, and I would love to gift a copy to everyone I know.”
A community hub for book lovers
At our St Marychurch shop, books are particularly close to the hearts of the team. With shelves filled with local history and well-loved novels, it has become something of a hub for book lovers in the community. Staff and volunteers have created a welcoming space for readers – complete with an arts section supporting local arts groups and a children’s book nook.
“I specialise in local books, which sell extremely well in our St Marychurch shop,” says Susan. “I also curate a specialist military and naval history section. We have many regular customers who visit specifically to browse it.”
Celebrating World Book Day at Rowcroft’s charity shops
“Our shops have a fantastic range of books for readers of all ages, as well as some lovely children’s fancy dress outfits – perfect for bringing stories to life on World Book Day,” says St Marychurch shop manager Trish Cossey.
“We’re so grateful for every donation we receive. Books and other good-quality items can be donated in store or through our professional house clearance service, which helps our local community clear their homes while raising funds for the hospice.”
From local history to children’s classics, Rowcroft’s charity shops are full of stories waiting to be discovered – and every purchase helps support Rowcroft’s care for people living with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon.
How you can help
We’re always in need of quality donations to help raise vital funds for our work. If you’re clearing out your shelves, please consider donating to Rowcroft. To find out more about our house clearance service, or to request a free, no obligation quote, please visit: rowcrofthospice.org.uk/house-clearance.
More blogs from Rowcroft:
- Ella’s – the boutique that gives back
- Partnerships at the heart of Rowcroft’s care
- Every Moment Matters: Behind the scenes of our hero film