Christians Together Bude & Stratton (CTBS)
Saving a Christian Bookshop from closure
The Ark Angel Christian Bookshop in Bude originally opened on a canal narrowboat in May 1985 from which it traded successfully for 9 years until coming ashore into its current location in the retail sector of Bude.
The bookshop has been a popular destination for people from near and far attracting many people holidaying in the beautiful Bude area. However, in common with other bookshops, it has suffered a fall in trade due to on-line sales. Last year the trustees made the difficult and painful decision to close the shop on 16th December 2023.
In advance of the closure date the local CTBS group were approached to see whether there was any chance of keeping the shop open. With the support of leaders from 9 local churches a plan was proposed by which the costs of the shop would be reduced by way of a volunteer workforce and 2 part-time staff.
With excellent local support, our usual holiday trade and much prayer, the first 6 months of 2024 have shown that the bookshop is financially viable – praise God! And more than that, we are able to provide a Christian presence and haven right in the centre of Bude.
Our vision is “To inspire and empower individuals and communities to grow in the Christian faith, by providing access to resources that reflect the love, wisdom, and truth of Christ, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.”
The CTBS motto is “We’re better together than apart” and the Ark Angel Bookshop is proof of the saying! If you don’t have a Christian bookshop near you please come and visit us at 4, Lansdown Mews, Bude EX23 8BH tel 01288 356886 where you will find a warm welcome.
Peter Green (Chair of Trustees)
6th September 2024
