Page 16 - November-December Together

TOGETHER NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2021
Churches Bookshop Isle of Man
RETAILER FOCUS Celebrates Fifty Years

Andrew and Georgia Wedgwood-Mayne are optimistic for the future.

Churches Bookshop opened as ‘The Council
of Churches Book Room’ on 3 July 1971 –
the passion project of a small group within
Churches Together in the Isle of Man. At the
time, one local minister confidently predicted
the project wouldn’t last a year. Fifty years later,
and with many of the original team still involved,
the bookshop is celebrating half a century of
serving the Christian community on the Isle of
Man and is looking forward to a bright future.
It was a real blessing to have Ruth Cowin, the
shop’s first manager and one of the founding
members, attending along with the rest of the
Cowin family who have been vital to both the Current Managers Andrew and Georgia Wedgwood
opening and continuing success of the shop. Mayne (Left) with some of the congregation
Memories were shared of the early days, when
the shop traded out of a fold-out trailer at fairs publishers and booksellers, to the present day
and events around the island, and of the first where we are blessed to have a range of voices
premises in what amounted to a corridor. enriching and broadening our perspective
Of course, as well as looking backwards, there of what it is to be Christian booksellers. One
was the chance to look forward. Current shop cannot help but wonder what progress we will
managers Andrew and Georgia Wedgwood- make in the next fifty years.
Mayne took the chance to outline ‘Vision 50’ – a Secondly, the importance of continuity was
new vision statement and outline for the future clear. Even as the current managers have been
of the bookshop. It was timely given the recent working to modernise and make the shop fit
move of the shop into temporary premises, with for the future, the connection with the vision
the committee in the midst of deciding between and drive of those like Ruth who started it all
different proposals for the long-term future. has remained vital. We are blessed to be part
of a tradition dating back as long as books
So, what were the highlights from this chance to have been mass-produced, from the Gutenburg
look back on fifty years? Shop Chairman and Member of the
Bible onwards. Even Churches Bookshop’s House of Keys Andrew Smith shares
Firstly, it was surprising to modern ears to hear fifty years is a blink of an eye compared to his reflections
from the founders that a major stumbling block organisations like SPCK, which dates back to
to having the project approved was that the 1698. The industry may look different now, but the positions we have been called to and to be
manager was to be a woman. While unthinkable ultimately the mission is the same as that of our ready for when that season comes to an end
nowadays, it is a reminder of how our industry forefathers. Remembering the legacy we are and we are called to let go and allow the next
has moved forward, from a time when there part of is both overwhelming and reassuring. generation to take over.
was little diversity among the ranks of authors, Thirdly, and continuing from the previous
point, is the understanding that God places us And finally, we were reminded of God’s
goodness through difficult circumstances – from
all in positions for a season, and that letting economic crisis to global pandemic we have
go when the time comes is just as important seen God’s provision, and in reflecting on the
as answering the call in the first place. last fifty years we have found new excitement
Five generations of managers attended the for the next fifty years. To quote Rev Geoffrey
thanksgiving service, each of whom were called Clayton from the 20th anniversary service thirty
to take on the responsibility in their time. But years ago:
what was most striking was the grace with
which each generation let go of the ministry ‘It is good to review the last two decades and
when their season came to an end. Even as new to give thanks for what God has led so many
generations move away from old ideas, there is of us to do. Now we should look to the future,
a sense that each trusts the next to follow God’s learning from the past without dwelling unduly
call in their time. The continuation of the mission on nostalgic thoughts, but pressing forward to
First Manager Ruth Cowin with husband is more important that any one person and their continue the Lord’s work in His vineyard through
Noel at the thanksgiving service ideas, and perhaps it is a lesson for those of us His bookshop. May God bless this work and all
currently in the trade to not hold too tightly to who take part in it.’
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