Bookshop starts its latest chapter

Annabel Williams • Published 9 Mar 2010 09:00 0 Comments

READERS will not be left guessing what may happen to their favourite book and toy shop now that its owners are retiring.

After five-and-a-half-years, Chris and Julia King are leaving WordPlay but customer and Caversham resident Deirdre Smith has taken over.

In a flyer to shoppers, Chris said: "Although we considered a further five years on our lease was too great a commitment, we have been most anxious that WordPlay remain to serve the Caversham community.

"We have greatly appreciated the loyalty and friendship of our customers and wish to thank you all for shopping at WordPlay."

He told The Chronicle: "As I'm in my sixties and have been a retailer for 11 years and Julia's local clinical hypnotherapy practice, Hypnoco.com, is growing considerably, we felt five years was a bit too long.

"We will remain involved for some time to come but I am looking forward to retirement."

Deirdre, who lives in Picton Way with partner Andy and their five-year-old son, Dominic, said: "I have worked in the City as a lawyer in the past but now my son is at school, I thought it was time to be my own boss.

"When I heard Chris and Julia wanted to move on, I was determined that the shop should not close.

"The bookshop is great, it's what anybody wants it to be and we pride ourselves on being competitive too."

The only change so far is that WordPlay now closes at 5pm on weekdays, so Deirdre can pick Dominic up from school.

She added: "I don't have any plans to change anything, I think Chris and Julia have a winning combination.

"I only hope I have their flair for picking the stock! They have been absolutely fantastic about the whole thing and have given me a lot of support."

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 11 Mar 10

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