LOVERS of the printed word opened another chapter at Tweeddale Peace Group’s annual book sale – and helped raise £7,500.

The annual two-day sale last Saturday and Sunday of donated second-hand books raises money for world-wide peace and justice charities. 

Group spokesperson Pat Goodacre said: “The steady stream of visitors, to the magnificently refurbished Burgh Hall, enjoyed not only the huge selection of books on sale and the fun of filling a bag for a fiver on Sunday, but also live music, freshly made soup, scones and coffee from the café.

“The book sale is the culmination of unstinting hard work during the year. 

“A small band of volunteers meet regularly on Fridays to receive, sort into categories, box and store an annual total of around 30,000 books.

“These weigh an estimated 10 tonnes and are generously donated by Peeblians.”

The day before the event around 40 more recruits, including pupils from Peebles High School, bringing a “welcome influx of energy and enthusiasm”, worked steadily unpacking boxes and assembling the sale. 

The rest of the books wait in boxes to be put out the next day.

Ms Goodacre said: “It’s a massive undertaking, but all is surprisingly calm and peaceful despite the effort involved.

“Maybe it’s down to experience. The book sale has been running now for nearly 40 years, since it was first started by Peter Norris in 1986.”

Peace Group volunteer Andy Davey had a moment of serendipity on Saturday, when an Edinburgh bookseller told him: “I always look out for a book titled: ‘The Care and Conservation of Georgian Houses’ which I can put in the window for £75 and sell the same day!”

Mr Davey, an architect, was staggered as he is one of the five authors who collaborated on the book, published in 1978, for Edinburgh’s New Town and which ran to four editions.

The sale attracts visitors from far and wide and many are regulars, including those who travel miles and stay all weekend.

Others are first timers like Julian and Audrey, visiting from Brittany with their two children, who say they have fallen in love with the event – and the town.

Audrey said: “Peebles is so beautiful. We will be back with our family next year.”

If you would like to help at next year’s sale or donate books, email Pat at: patgoodacre@gmail.com.