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.’
Jane Tipper
‘You will usually find me at the Archway on Mondays and Thursdays. The shop has been an important part of my life over the past 13 years. I love books and get great satisfaction from helping our customers to find what they like. We all do everything here but I get particularly involved in dealing with unsold books that need to be returned to suppliers. I read quite widely but like nothing better than books by Jane Gardam – she writes so well about the 40s and 50s. I live in Charmouth and much enjoy walking my dog in the local countryside. I have been very involved over the past few months in introducing Moviola films to Charmouth. It really brings the community together.’
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.’
