WORDWISE — HELP US KEEP OUR DOORS OPEN
Many of you will know that Wordwise was founded by Kingsbridge Churches Together in 2003, with the support of all the churches in Kingsbridge at that time.
For many years, with the help of numerous willing volunteers, we were able to employ someone to manage the shop and take care of ordering. However, around a decade ago, as our funds reduced, we could no longer afford to employ anyone. Since then, the responsibility for management, ordering and all the many tasks involved in keeping Wordwise open has fallen increasingly on a small and diminishing number of Trustees and volunteers.
At the same time, we decided to make better use of our premises by creating a café, serving excellent coffee and delicious cakes lovingly made and donated by supporters on a rota basis. The café has become much more than simply somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee. It is used by local people and visitors alike, many of whom are delighted to find a Christian bookshop when so many others have sadly closed.
Perhaps most importantly, Wordwise is a place of welcome, friendship and sanctuary — somewhere people can come, be listened to and feel cared for, particularly when they are facing challenges in their lives.
We know that, as amateurs, we cannot always provide the same level of service as professional retailers. But there is something rather wonderful about the French word amateur, which can be understood as someone who does something because they love it.
And that is what we are.
We are lovers of God’s work, and we desperately want Wordwise to continue to be a Christian presence on Fore Street.
Sadly, we are now seriously struggling. As Trustees, we are finding it increasingly difficult to keep everything going. If we cannot encourage more people to become involved — whether as volunteers or Trustees — we fear that closure may be on the horizon.
We know we are not perfect, but we are doing our very best to balance the work we love with family commitments, as well as the health and age-related challenges that many of us face.
There are other difficulties too. A number of Christian suppliers have closed or merged, and we are not always informed until after an order has been placed. We would love to stock more items that would attract the wider public, but with our limited funds this can be difficult.
We would really welcome your ideas.
If you have suggestions about how Wordwise could develop, improve or better serve the community, please share them with us. We genuinely want to listen.WE NEED YOUR HELP
We have recently lost a much-valued Trustee and, as a result, we are currently without a Treasurer.
This does not involve the day-to-day handling of cash. The role is primarily concerned with things such as:
- Paying invoices
- Maintaining spreadsheets
- Keeping our financial records in order
- Helping the Trustees monitor the financial health of Wordwise
If you have financial or bookkeeping experience — or simply feel you could help — we would be very grateful to hear from you.
COULD YOU HELP?
There are several ways you can support Wordwise:
Become a Trustee
Help us make decisions about the future of Wordwise and ensure that our Christian presence in Kingsbridge can continue.Become a Volunteer
Even a few hours occasionally can make a real difference and help share the workload.Make a Donation
If you are unable to give your time, perhaps you could support us financially, either with a one-off donation or a regular contribution.Every contribution, however large or small, helps.
Wordwise has been part of Kingsbridge for more than 20 years. We would love to see it continue for many more.
If you feel able to help in any way, please come and talk to us.
Thank you for caring about Wordwise and for all the support you have given us over the years.
With grateful thanks,
The Wordwise Trustees