LOOKING FOR WORK? Or looking for workers? Whichever side of the fence you’re on, please feel free to make use of this site’s Jobs page to post your requirements, now reinstated in the navigation bar at the top of every post and page. As with all things UKCBD, it’s a free service, though donations are always appreciated to help keep the show on the road. Three new Christian book trade opportunities have been brought to my attention this month >> keep reading…
Posted in Announcements
Tagged Darton Longman & Todd, Jobs, Storehouse Watford, Vacancies
Take a Step for Fairtrade
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT, February 27th – March 11th 2012, is upon us once again, and this year the Fairtrade Foundation is calling everyone to ‘take a step’ for fairtrade: what steps will you be taking, or have you taken? What are you doing to help your customers take a step?
If you already stock fairtrade products in your shop, excellent: let me know, please, and if your UKCBD entry isn’t already flagged ‘Fairtrade stockist’ then I’ll update it accordingly. Why not take another step for fairtrade this Fairtrade Fortnight by reviewing your stock and adding some new products to your range? Personally I wholeheartedly recommend Divine Chocolate, available on a wholesale basis from PremCrest — where you’ll discover a huge range of ethically and fairly traded products that goes well beyond chocolate — and Traidcraft’s Geobars.
If you don’t stock fairtrade products, then please take this opportunity to rethink your stock policy and do so: every step we take towards a fairer world is surely a step closer to the world Jesus envisaged when he taught his disciples to pray, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven — and if the Christian trade isn’t leading the way in this, what hope is there for the wider trade? Even if it’s just a box of Geobars on the counter, it’s a step in the right direction. Again, please let me know about it and I’ll flag your UKCBD entry accordingly.
Please feel free to post links, photos and reports of your fairtrade displays and activities on the UKCBD facebook page and I’ll aim to post a roundup here towards the end of the fortnight.
Last but not least: when you’ve taken your step, head on over to step.fairtrade.org.uk and add your step; and remember — fairtrade is for life, not just a fortnight!
Looking Back: Some steps already taken (most recent first)
Posted in Musings...
Tagged Divine Chocolate, Fair Trade, FairTrade, Fairtrade Fortnight, Geobar, PremCrest, Take a Step, Traidcraft
The Fight: The battle over a man's past. The fight for a boy's future.
IF YOU LIKE BOXING, you’re gonna love The Fight, the debut novel from Luke Wordley; and I daresay even if you loathe boxing, you’ll love that this story pulls no punches in its gritty realism where human life and faith collide. Because this is a story whose author is unafraid to tell it like it is, where there’s no pretence that following Jesus makes your problems disappear.
A single parent family where the mother has lost her way in drink; a teenager torn apart by his anger at life’s injustice; and a man whose faith both sustains and challenges him as a boxing coach: they’re three of the thoroughly down to earth scenarios/characters you’ll meet, amongst others. I’m not sure what a “typical” Christian novel is, but The Fight breaks any stereotypes you might expect: not so much about finding faith as fighting for it in a world where God seems a million miles away. Kudos to CLC Wholesale for getting behind it and drawing it to my attention: full bibliographic details below.
As I prepare this post, I’ve just finished the book: superbly written, it could just be this year’s most exciting find for the Christian trade, and though it’s early days to make a claim like that, I’m going to risk sticking my neck out and say it anyway. One moment you’ll be laughing at the absurdity of the situations the characters find themselves in, the next you’ll be weeping at the atrocity. I was hooked within the first few pages, couldn’t wait to continue whenever I was interrupted, and have only one complaint: it ends too soon — sequel, please, Luke! I’m tempted to tell you more, but that would be unfair on Luke after grilling him about the book, so without further ado…
Luke, what inspired you to write The Fight?
Luke Wordley
Ever since I became a Christian at nineteen years of age I have been frustrated that there is not more Christian fiction available for men. While I think Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury are brilliant, their books are just not something my Christian male friends (and non-Christian friends) would consider reading.
So I set out to write a different type of book — one that would appeal to Christian men and men on the fringes of church as well as women.
OK, give us a quick snapshot of the story without giving the game away…
Set in East London during the early 1990s, ‘The Fight’ centres around Sam, a disturbed teenager driven by anger following a family tragedy. One day a street fight leads him to a boxing club, and to Jerry, an ex-boxer and Christian who has dedicated his life to helping boys from tough backgrounds. But as Jerry reaches out to Sam, an extraordinary talent emerges – a talent that re-opens the wounds of Jerry’s own life. A desperate struggle ensues to save Sam from his rage, before Jerry’s reawakened ambition tears them both apart.
Is it biographical in any way?
No it isn’t. Sam, my main character, was brought up on a farm in Essex as I was myself. But apart from that, it is not biographical. Sam has a pretty tough time in the story – certainly I wouldn’t want to go through what he does.
Elements of the journey of the other main character, Jerry (who reaches out to help Sam) are familiar to me, but are probably common to many of us as Christians — reconciling personal ambition and material gain with our faith. I guess I have tried to develop real characters to whom a lot of us can relate. For me, when fictional characters are too heroic and steadfast in their faith they lose their realism and appeal; and most importantly, their ability to inspire.
You’re selling the book on a “Buy One, Give One Free” basis. What’s that about?
Last year I sent a draft of ‘The Fight’ to a friend of mine at The Message Trust – a fantastic mission organisation working with young people in Manchester and the North-West. He loved the book and thought it would really speak to some of the young people they are trying to reach through their prison and youth ministry. So the idea was born that sales of the book could fund more copies going to prison and youth ministry around the UK. The book was only launched last month and already over 100 books have gone to prisons in the North-West through The Message and to Feltham Young Offenders Institute in London. I hope many more can be sent in the coming months. By visiting the website, purchasers can see where their ‘free’ book has been given.
So what are your hopes for ‘The Fight’?
First and foremost, I hope it inspires men and teenagers in their walk with God. Although it has a strong Christian message running through it, it is very accessible and non-threatening to men on the fringes of church. I’m hoping they will buy it, or their wives and mothers will buy it for them! That’s not to say it isn’t a book for women to enjoy too. Despite some masculine themes I have had fantastic feedback from female readers.
So I’m hoping this is going to be a versatile book for Christian booksellers and one which they can recommend to all their customers. The first Christian Bookshop to stock it (Cornerstone in Taunton) found it sold to a whole range of people and it went on to be their best-selling book last month.
Finally, if the Christian book trade gets behind this book initiative, I believe we can practically support prison ministry throughout the UK. God is doing some amazing things in UK prisons, with many coming to faith. I’m delighted to be working with great organisations like The Message Trust, Caring for Ex-Offenders, Prison Alpha and Prison Fellowship to get this book into the hands of young men exploring the Christian faith.
The Fight
Bibliographic Details
The Fight:
The battle over a man’s past. The fight for a boy’s future.
Luke Wordley
ISBN 9780956924506
Downton Press, 2011 (320pp)
£8.99
Trade distribution by CLC Wholesale:
download the trade info sheet (pdf, 328kb)
CLC Wholesale
Discover More…
World Book Day 2012
WORLD BOOK DAY is less than one week away, Thursday 1st March: are you ready? Back in my days at the LST Bookshop I have to confess that I never paid much attention to it: academic theology and children’s book promotions didn’t tend to gel too well; but for Christian bookshops out there in the back streets, high streets and marketplaces, it’s surely an opportunity not to be missed to draw in young readers and their parents — especially now, where yours might be the only show in town!
So what will kids be able to buy with their £1 book tokens from your shop? There’s an excellent range of Christian children’s books available for only £1 if you know where to look and who to ask. Here are some of them, courtesy of Alban Books, CLC Wholesale and TMD:
From Alban Books, a superb special offer selection from the Eerdmans Young Readers Series, available to retailers at 65p, firm sale, on condition that they retail at only £1:
To take up this offer, contact Alison Wilson at Alban Books (alison.wilson at albanbooks.com)
Alban Books Special Offers for World Book Day 2012
CLC Wholesale: Suggestions for World Book Day 2012
On behalf of CLC Wholesale, Amanda Lutes has kindly highlighted the Lion Children’s My very first Bible stories series, excerpted from their My Very First Bible, all retailing at £1.00.
Then she worked through CLC Wholesale’s 70% discount clearance list to pull out a selection of Youth and Youth Ministry titles that might be suitable for topping up your children’s selection — but stock levels change quickly so availability cannot be guaranteed: first come, first served!
TMD World Book Day 2012 Selection (pdf, 1.9mb)
Last but not least, TMD have highlighted 5 titles from their children’s & young people’s list that retail for £1.00/99p, available at 40% trade discount, three from the Legends of Faith series (Eikon Bible Art) and two others, from Scripture Union and Authentic Lifestyle: full details on their World Book Day flyer (pdf, 1.9mb) and on the TMD blog, £1 Books – Ideal for World Book Day.
Orders may be placed online via TMD’s dedicated World Book Day 2012 page.
Acknowledgements
This post emerges from a discussion held in the Christian Authors, Booksellers and Publishers group on facebook, started by Andrew Lacey of GLO Bookshop, Motherwell: my thanks to Andrew for starting a fascinating conversation and to all concerned at Alban Books, CLC Wholesale and TMD for their helpful responses.
CONGRATULATIONS to Richard Greatrex as the next step forward for his recently announced bespoke bookstall service to churches begins to take shape in Bath in partnership with agreatread.co.uk, bringing the two worlds of online bookselling and local shopping together.
From a report issued earlier today in the Bath Chronicle:
Bath Chronicle, 16/02/2011: New chapter for a Christian bookshop
The first of a new series of Christian microbookshops is to be set up in Bath.
The sales at a city centre church will fill a gap left by the sudden closure of the Wesley Owen store in St James’s Parade.
It is being launched by the Rev Richard Greatrex – who managed the store – and online bookseller David Wavre.
The microshop will carry Mr Wavre’s A Great Read brand and will be followed by more in churches in Bristol, Radstock and Frome.
The pair are in the final stages of negotiations over the location of the mini-bookshop.
Mr Wavre said: “Each shop or stall will have a range of top titles, perennial favourites and newly-published books available as well as the monthly comprehensive A Great Read magazines, detailing hand-picked newly-published and established titles.”
Posted in Christian Bookshops, News, People News
Tagged A Great Read, Bath, Bath Chronicle, Bookstall, Church Bookstalls, David Wavre, Good News, Microshops, Richard Greatrex
January 2012: Christians Save Bookshop!
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone at Unity Christian Bookshop, Petersfield, on the success of last year’s appeal for funds to prevent the shop’s closure. The successful outcome, securing the shop’s future for another year, was reported last month via the PACT (Petersfield Area Churches Together) website:
January 2012: Christians Save Bookshop!
A big thank you from the manager, trustees and volunteers at the bookshop in Folly Lane, Petersfield.
[T]he Lord has blessed us indeed! Our campaign raised sufficient funds to cover the shortfall of £5,000 and enough to kick start the shop going into the New Year. So the Unity Bookshop will remain trading. Our Christian friends from far and wide have stepped forward with their financial support and prayers, without which this would have been a very different story.
The news of this successful outcome was warmly received at the PACT Annual General Meeting at St. Peter’s Church last week.
The report concludes with an invitation for readers to visit the shop — but if you live too far away to visit in person, not to worry: you can discover Unity Christian Bookshop on facebook.
Posted in Christian Bookshops, Independent Booksellers, News
Tagged Good News, Petersfield, Unity Bookshop
E-Round, Feb 2012: St Albans Diocesan Resource Centre 'to close in the light of increased competition from online booksellers'
THE DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS has announced that its bookshop at the Diocesan Resource Centre at Holywell Lodge, the Diocesan Headquarters, is to close down, leaving only a limited library service in its place once shop stock has been sold off. Following the recent closure of the St Albans branch of Quench, this leaves the St Albans Abbey Bookshop and Gift Shop as the City’s sole surviving Christian retail outlet.
Citing the now ubiquitous complaint of “increased competition from online booksellers” as the reason for the closure, the announcement was made last week in February’s issue of E-Round, the Diocesan newsletter, and goes on to pay tribute to Ron Upton, the bookshop manager:
Diocesan Resources Centre
The Diocese of St Albans’ Resource Centre at Holywell Lodge is to close in the light of increased competition from online booksellers but will continue to offer for loan a variety of teaching materials and equipment used by churches and schools across the Diocese. Remaining stock will be offered at reduced prices.David Nye, Chair of the St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance, thanked the departing Resource Centre Manager, Ron Upton: “Ron is known to dozens and dozens of people across the Diocese for his knowledge of the book and magazine trade, his devoted ministry as a Reader and his friendliness. He has contributed an enormous amount. He goes with many prayers for the future.”
Susan Pope, Diocesan Secretary, added, “I pay Ron warm tribute for what he has given over the last ten years. He will be much missed by colleagues at Holywell Lodge and beyond.”
“To survive, shops have got to find a way forward…”
Echoing concerns about online competition, Peter Southern of Ichthus Christian Books, Northwich, has issued a wake-up call to the local community via the letters page of his local paper, the Northwich Guardian, Plea to support Northwich’s shops as they face threat from the internet:
Why use up petrol, and time to make a journey to a shop that may not have the item required in stock when you can sit comfortably at home, browse a site that has every book or item in its store and that can send it within 48 hours? Plus the internet site is open 24 hours whereas a shop is only open 9am-5pm a mere eight hours.
To survive, shops have got to find a way forward, to make it a more viable proposition. Now Kindle has arrived, and once more customers are using the internet to acquire the books they want rather than visiting a bookshop. It’s a very difficult problem that shops have got to solve, and at present we at Ichthus are searching for answers. One thing we do know is that locals need to use the shops they have left or the high street will become a thing of the past.
Answers, please, not on a postcard but in a tweet, status update or comment below…
David Chant writes:
Planet BB
Following on from the success of Planet BB: The Boys’ Brigade Around the world, a second volume will be published this year. All of the 950 copies of volume one were sold out within a year, making £500+ for Global Fellowship, and over £4,000 for the Christian Children’s Centre, Nansana, Uganda. The orphanage has used this money to pay rent, put on 2 Christmas parties, set up a poultry project and buy food.
Volume 2 will feature many countries not included in the first book, including Malta, Jamaica, China, The Philippines, Bermuda, Macau, South Africa, and many more.
There will also be other features including a fascinating account of a Queen’s Man who did his Gold D of E award in Ecuador, the BB Band music website, Firm Foundations, and more.
This edition will also feature a Subscribers page, listing the name & Company of everyone who subscribes to the book before publication.
By pre-ordering volume 2 (and having your name listed), you will help to ensure the book’s publication, which in turn will help to fund other BB projects around the world.
There is no need to pay now. You will be contacted when the date of publication and the price are announced.
If you would like to participate in this latest venture, please see the Planet BB facebook page for contact details and get in touch.
Yours in fellowship
David Chant
2nd Sutton Coldfield
Previous Posts (most recent first)
Bookseller Poll: The future of Christian book retail is...
FOLLOWING ON from last week’s report of Wesley Owen’s likely closure of most of its stores, the Bookseller is conducting a poll on the future of Christian book retail: which of these will it be?
To take part, head on over to thebookseller.com: scroll down the page when you get there and you’ll find the poll at the bottom of the right-hand column.
As for me, I’d say market places and bookstall services are pretty good contenders too: as Steve Mitchell said to me recently, “there are plenty of creative committed people out there, rightly doing they are called to do” — part of his conversation with the Bookseller that was edited out, following the part I cited in my last post.
Steve, I salute you: if I were a bookseller being made redundant, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have to deal with — may the Lord grant you and your colleagues the grace, wisdom and mutual respect you need through these difficult times.
SOMETIMES, IN RUNNING UKCBD/THIS BLOG, I want to make like Elijah: to simply run away, hide in a cave and wait for the inevitable. Unlike Elijah, however, I’m not being pursued by an angry Queen who wants to chop me into pieces: on the whole the Christian book/retail trade remains a very positive area to work in; and whilst the unrelenting tide of bookshop closures may feel like a tsunami overwhelming us, I don’t think God has finished with this trade yet. Refining and redefining, certainly; but finished? Far from it — and what I see happening here is far from whistling in the dark.
Allow me to offer some facts and figures:
The UKCBD database currently holds 801 records. Of those, 209 are flagged ‘Omit’, for various reasons: some are incomplete and have never made it to the live site, others are archived as businesses have relocated; only 79 (just under 10%) are specifically flagged ‘Ceased Trading’ — and only 26 have been flagged ‘Ceased Trading’ within the last 12 months. That’s not the full picture: I’m aware of a number of shops that have ceased trading (Chelmsford Christian Bookshop and Quench, St Albans are two examples) but I haven’t updated their entries yet, simply due to the constraints of time and other commitments.
On the opposite side of the coin, however, during that same period 23 new records have been added. Looking back over the last quarter alone, these include:
Some of these are brand new, launched within the last few months; some are relocated or ‘resurrected’ businesses, taking over existing premises from collapsed ventures; others are well established but had somehow slipped under the radar and never made their way into my listings; and some, quite clearly, are not ‘Christian bookshops’ as we’ve come to know them: they are all, however, part of the current Christian retailing reality, the reality that is now being refined and redefined.
Again, this isn’t the full picture: it’s rare for more than a couple of weeks to go by without someone contacting me to provide details of a shop or business that isn’t in the directory. As I prepare this post, I have records pending for several shops that I’ve only recently found out about:
On average, then, for every shop that has disappeared over the last year, another has popped up: some towns, such as Nottingham, are now without a Christian bookshop; others, such as Rotherham, have gained one; and elsewhere, more flexible ventures such as Richard Greatrex’s Windflower Books and Jenny Hickman’s Midlands Christian Books have emerged. The UKCBD database is growing, not shrinking.
Some of the chains — SPCK, Wesley Owen, Living Oasis — are broken beyond repair; others — CLC and FM Bookshops — are still in business, some branches struggling, some thriving, the strong supporting the weak. The collapse of Living Oasis and the failure of Koorong to make a go of Wesley Owen here in the UK perhaps tells us more about the shortcomings of their particular business models than it does about the trade in general.
Steve Mitchell is right in what he affirms when he says:
… it is a brave man to bet against the online business which is so rapidly growing… the charity or independent model is now the best option to maintain physical Christian stores.
But he is wrong in what he denies: because there are plenty of brave men — and women! — out there: not “betting against the online business” but integrating the online with their business models.
The future of Christian bookselling in the UK depends not upon pitting the online against the physical but upon bringing the two together. It’s a secret that lives at the very heart of our faith: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female” — and to that I add, there is no longer physical or virtual — “for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
We who are Christ’s disciples should know these things better than anyone else. Throwing people overboard in the storm is not the way of Christ. Lopping off limbs when the head says to the foot, “I don’t need you anymore,” is not the way of Christ. The only time we see Christ breaking things up is when the temple of mammon attempts to supplant the temple of God — and, coming full circle now, the remnant of Israel that God promises Elijah he will save consists of “all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
The way of Christ is the Cross: is to face impossible odds, to take the pain, to bleed and die, and then — only then — rise to new life. There are no short cuts to resurrection.
To those now feeling like limbs lopped off; to those pursuing the vision of that “well-run and nimble independent sector” that Eddie Olliffe speaks of; to those following the way of Christ regardless of personal cost: I salute you.
