Charity bookshop closes after making £25,000

A charity bookshop's volunteers say its closure will not be the last chapter of their fundraising story. Hemel Hempstead Lions Club made a staggering £25,000 for the community at its second-hand bookstore in the Marlowes Shopping Centre.

The popular scheme has left the unit it was loaning from the mall for free after a retail company took it on.

Maria Azcona from the Lions Club said, "We would like to thank all those who visited, bought and donated books to the shop.

"Unfortunately, this has had to close. It managed to raise £25,000 in eight months, which has nearly all been spent now and has helped many, many worthy local causes."

She added: "The management centre in the Marlowes have been phenomenal in their support. Without the generosity of the staff and management this would not have been possible."

Lions volunteers gave up their time to man the shop six days a week, selling second-hand titles in all conditions from 10p to £5.

Takings paid for family charity HomeStart to send two of its members on holiday, and for a wheelchair for the Royal British Legion.

Age Concern, Hope for Children, the Heather Club and Dacorum Talking Newspaper have also benefited from book sales.

Mrs Azcona said, "It has been wonderful experience for us Lions and all those who helped to man, stock and sort the shop. We hope to be back at some point in the future."

If you would like to know more about the Lions Club, call 01582 833219 or 07949 700969.