Shakespeare Hospice Bookshop in Stratford faces repair bill after break-in attempt
SOME people have friends in high places – but it turns out one of Stratford’s best-loved charity shops has friends on the other side of the world.
The team at the Shakespeare Hospice Bookshop were shocked to discover on Saturday morning there had been an attempted break-in overnight. And as the news broke, book- lovers across the world rallied round to help, with a donation from a bookshop in Australia among those triggered by the news.
In the spirit of solidarity, the bookshop in question was Shakespeare’s Bookshop in Blackwood, South Australia – with no other known connection, the similar name clearly resonated across the miles, thanks to social media.
Back in Rother Street, the attackers had wielded a rock in their attempt but didn’t get past the door, which allowed the shop to open as normal.
A member of the team said, shortly after discovering the damage: “Thankfully, the culprits were unable to get into the shop, however they have caused significant damage to the glass on our front door which will need replacing. This is obviously devastating for the shop’s staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make our bookshop a warm and welcoming place for our customers.”
With the hospice being responsible for paying for repairs, spirits have been lifted by a number of ‘very generous donations’.
