My name is Barry Hoper and I have been chosen from a cast of ONE to take over the Second-hand Bookshop following Keith Simpson's retirement. I am fully aware that I have an extremely hard act to follow; Keith not only has wide experience of the second-hand-book trade but he has also retired from his 'Day Job'. You may well be disappointed to learn that I enjoy neither of those aforementioned attributes; however, I do promise that I will do my utmost to earn valuable income for our Society and continue to provide a site attraction which the Second-hand Bookshop undoubtedly is.

As most of you will be aware, Keith's clearance sale was so successful that I was greeted with an almost empty shop! The large stock of railway books and some of the general books now on the shelves have been provided on a sale or return basis by Neville Bridger, a life member of the Society who some members will know from those early days. Unfortunately, Neville does not now enjoy full health so he is unable to visit the Centre. Nevertheless, I am grateful for his help and support but even more thankful for the 33% profit the Society takes on the sale of his books. Notwithstanding Neville's support, I intend to build up our own stock of books, particularly general books, and to this end I implore all members who have books and paperbacks for disposal to get in touch with me either at the shop or at home on xxxx-xxxxxx. I am prepared to purchase books if necessary but donations are of course most welcome. My final plea is for any members who are willing to work the odd day in the shop; Isabel Hedley has already volunteered her labour, so if you also fancy a challenge why not join the team.

Finally, members who are regularly on site will notice that the shop also has items of Railwayana on sale; these trinkets are purchased out of my own pocket and prove very popular with the 'window shoppers' even if the cash buyers are a bit thin on the ground. Anyway, if any members have items of railwayana which they wish to dispose of, I will happily sell them for you in the shop - you can then spend your takings on some second-hand books! Come in and browse.

Notes:
The text in this Quainton Railway Society publication was written in 1993 and so does not reflect events in the 20+ years since publication. The text and photographs are repeated verbatim from the original publication, with only a few minor grammar changes but some clarifying notes are added if deemed necessary. The photos from the original publication are provided as scans in this internet version of this long out of print publication.

Reference:
From the New Manager of the Book Shop - Barry Hoper - Quainton News No. 73 - September 1993