Simon Holmes
‘As the proud new owner of the Archway Bookshop, I am realising a long-held dream. I have loved books all my life but never thought I would have the opportunity to run my own bookshop. I have lived just a few miles away in Colyton for the past 25 years and am making a big jump to bookselling from a career as a senior social worker with a specialism in child safeguarding. As a newbie to this business, I am delighted to have Jane, Liz and Rosemary beside me. My own book tastes are wide ranging — from crime to biographies.’
Tim Pritchard
‘As the previous owner of the Archway, it is a delight for me to be back here (usually on Mondays to Wednesdays) to support Simon and catch up with so many old friends. My love of books goes back to childhood when I was even known to read while sitting in a tree! I ran the shop for six years having previously managed Serendip in Lyme Regis for several years.’
Liz Stonex
‘You will usually find me at Archway on Fridays but I sometimes cover lunchtimes on other days. I first worked in an antiquarian bookshop in Bath, and then briefly in one opposite the British Museum in London. Between then, late 60s, and starting working part time in Archway Bookshop in 2005, I ran a landscape and garden design business. I have always read a lot, novels, thrillers, non-fiction, and back to the classics – Dickens, Victorian, 20th century. I love working at the Archway — meeting people, and recommending books that they might enjoy. With two spaniels and an aged terrier at home, it is great that Simon is continuing the Archway tradition of bringing a dog to work.’
Carol Glennon Jennings
‘I was born in Somerset and have returned to the West Country after living for many years in Hertfordshire. I previously worked as a Literacy Tutor with adults with special needs and it was both a joy and a privilege to introduce them to the joys of reading and to show how embracing literacy skills could enrich their lives.
‘My favourite authors are Anne Tyler, Kate Atkinson and Hillary Mantel, especially her historical novels, and I also love the magical realism of writers such as Isabella Allende and Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
‘I have loved reading for as long as I can remember; I love discovering new authors and sharing those discoveries. I have been a customer of Archway Bookshop since moving to Axminster, whose ethos and sense of community I have always admired, and I am delighted to now join the team.’
