Bob sets out his stall to raise money
A MACCLESFIELD man has certainly managed to get himself into the good books of East Cheshire Hospice.
By manning his own stall at the town’s monthly Treacle Market, Bob Jenner has raised almost £2,300 in the last year for the hospice – all from donations given by the visiting public.
Bob, who says he has hundreds of books in his own home, describes himself as an ‘amateur book collector’ with a passion for reading dating back more than 60 years.
“I’ve been a lover of and collector of books since I could read, from the age of two,” said Bob.
“Some of the older books are works of art in themselves. I love to think about their history – who bought them, who read them. It fascinates me.”
Bob first started his book stall in December 2011 taking away just £37.52 in donations on that day.
Now the stall is bringing in around £250 for the hospice every last Sunday of the month when the market takes place and he’s raised a total of around £10,000 for the hospice over the years.
“We don’t put prices on books, we simply ask for donations,” he said. “There was one young lad who wanted to buy a collection for his mother for Christmas. He went off and checked prices on eBay and came back to give us £50. He could have given a lot less.
“We find people are usually very generous.”
Bob, and his stall helper Christine Henshaw, usually arrive around 9am to set up the stall, which is based outside PR Jones Jewellers in Chestergate.
The shop supports the venture by storing all the books and tables between the monthly markets.
Bob, whose brother spent his last weeks in a hospice several years ago, says he is honoured to be able to help his local hospice.
He said: “They do an amazing job – not only giving dignity and meaning to people’s last weeks, but also giving incredible support to families too.”
Bob welcomes any donations of books, asking people just to bring their old books along to his stall.
“As a collector, its great fun to buy and sell books but I’ve long since given up any hope of finding a hidden treasure.
“I’m sorry to say most books aren’t worth very much.”