The Aardvark Blog

Quiet days are made for Aardvark Books
10/05/2015

After a frankly crazy weekend last week, this weekend feels a little more laid back, with fewer customers, but those who have come in spending more time and enjoying the break. It is as if after the events of last week, the nation has felt the need to draw breath. Needless to say a return to late autumnal weather doesn't help. I confess that I always feel a little depressed having to light the woodburner as I did this morning, once we have passed  the first May Bank Holiday.

But here at Aardvark there is so much to be positive about, and much to look forward to. Having finished filing the VAT at 11.45pm last Thursday, we have done the figures for the first quarter, and what they reveal is our best set of figures for the first quarter ever. A real achievement, and a considerable bounce back after last year's weather hindered results. Since then things have continued very positively and I have high hopes for our best ever half year figures also.

Next weekend Dominic Harbour from Hereford Cathedral will be coming to Aardvark to talk about the Mappa Mundi. His illustrated lecture will be accompanied by original art works inspired by the Mappa Mundi by Stephen Cox, Royal Academician. This is a truly marvellous event and the lecture starts at 11am. Tickets are free, but should be reserved in advance. The Mappa Mundi is a world famous heritage item - perhaps the single most important map on the planet - and what an extraordinary honour it is that it resides in Herefordshire. What a fitting end to Aardvark's fourth large map exhibition.

After the map exhibition closes we then have a brief respite before our next event which is  the May Brocante on Monday 25th of May from 9am-3pm. These events are always popular, and this year I think we will have a record number of stalls. Get here early to ensure a bargain.

To add to the programme I have been busy purchasing new stock and a wealth of new books will therefore be hitting the shelves over the next week.

Finally  - and if the above is not already a feast - the Second Annual Shropshire Hills Art Week begins on Saturday the 30th of May. Last year's inaugural event was a huge success, and this year's exhbition at Aardvark features an incredible 15 artists, sculptors, photographs and crafts people. Again a major coup for the bookshop to bring together such an array of talent, and I must thank the show's organisers Shannon Donovan and Andrew Eastwood.

So catch your breath, but take the opportunity to take out your diary and note down our three fantastic events!