IT’S been a busy few months for the new owner of Hunting Raven Books, Frome’s popular independent book shop.
Wayne Winstone, of Winstone Books who also runs bookshops in Sherborne and Sidmouth took over the Frome shop in September last year and now, six months on, the shop is continuing its long-established links with the local community.
Wayne and his staff are collaborating with recently- launched Frome Reads. For two months from the beginning of April through to the beginning of June (tying in with school holidays) ‘Frome Reads – Fantastic Fiction’ will promote the joy of sharing books across generations.
Over a dozen authors of the best fiction from picture books to adult fiction are taking part. Free events are being planned for the shop and local schools.
Alongside Frome Reads – Fantastic Fiction, Hunting Raven Books is hosting a number of evening events including Jane Russ talking about her books The Fox and The Hare, (stunning photography and fascinating facts); best selling author, Tom Fort (A303) talking about his latest book The Village News: The Truth Behind England’s Rural Idyll; and Alison Murdoch discussing her book, Bed 12 (a profound and uplifting insight into how to cope with despair, heartache and the unknown).
Full details of all events are available at Hunting Raven Books and on facebook.
Hunting Raven Books is the third successful independent bookshop in the West Country to be owned by Wayne Winstone; the first in Sherborne, Dorset and the second in Sidmouth, Devon. Last year, Winstone Books were crowned Independent Bookseller of the Year in the British Book Industry Awards.
Wayne took over in Frome from John and Caroline Birkett-Smith who had run the shop since 2000.
Wayne has over 30 years of knowledge and experience of the UK book trade, from unpacking orders during student days at his Welsh university bookshop, through to directorships at Ottakars and Waterstones.
In early October, Wayne managed the re-fitting of the Cheap Street shop, stamping it with the Winstone’s style and brand.
He says, “Hunting Raven has such a great tradition in bookselling and I am thrilled to be working with the experienced team, meeting new customers and carrying on the tradition.
“Winstone’s puts community bookselling at the heart of its proposition and has a particular focus on children’s books and supporting local writers.”
