Community Award for the Booksellers of Thompson

Each year the Rotary Club awards two trophies to champions of the community, one for an individual, and one for a group. We are delighted that the Group Award for 2025 goes to Caroline Archer and Keith Mace who for 10 years have organised a huge Book Sale, with all proceeds going to charity.

For 3 years the Book Sale was held in Griston Church, but it outgrew the space available and moved to Thompson Village Hall, where it has been held for the past 7 years.Hundreds of books are donated from various sources every year, enabling the Book Sale to be held 3 times a year.

The Book Sale raises money for Griston Church, Thompson Church and Thompson Community Hall. To date some £30,000 has been raised. It is now a great social event, with many volunteers, selling a huge number of books of all types and sizes. In fact not only are books sold at the event, but also many cakes (the cheese scones are legendary) and plants.

After 10 years at the helm, Caroline and Keith are stepping down this year, but it is hoped that the Book Sales will continue for many years  to come. In presenting the Trophy, President Andrew Barwood said the Thompson Book Sales was a well established event that local people look out for each year, and for which great thanks is due to Caroline and Keith and their hardworking team of volunteers.