This local bookshop used to be a hive of activity with bookclubs every day of the week, several writing classes a week of which the one where I learned to hone my writing was one, and locals meeting there for coffee and chat as well as browsing and buying books.

But the world has moved on to e-books, and my e-books will soon join them, so sadly this sight will be repeated around the world many times this year.

Here’s to the local bookshops – they have been wonderful gathering places for communities for hundreds of years!