Talk recalls York’s historic Pickering’s bookshop days

WITH the internationally renowned Hay Festival happening about now, it’s timely that there are major developments taking place on the literary front in York.

The Press has kept readers up to date with the progress of Topping & Co and Lucius Books, exciting and significant enhancements to the book scene in York.

York has long been strong on bookshops, not just over the decades but over the centuries. Some readers may remember the characterful Pickering & Co, Booksellers, picturesquely situated at the junction of Shambles and Little Shambles, which had its origins in Victorian times.

To jog or rekindle bookworms’ memories, a presentation on Pickering & Co, Booksellers of the Shambles (and Goodramgate) is planned for Friday June 5 at 10.30am. The venue is Dringhouses Church Community Hall (St Edward the Confessor) on Tadcaster Road.

The event is run under the auspices of Dringhouses Memories, a group which meets from time to time in the church hall for an informal look at local history. At their meeting on Friday, June 5 they will be recalling some experiences from three decades of Pickerings bookshop in Shambles.

Many York people had part time jobs in the bookshop and former staff who might be interested would be very welcome. It’s informal and there’s no charge. The church has a small car park and several local buses stop close by.

Dorothy Reed,

Dorothy Reed (former Director of Pickering & Co),

Middlethorpe Drive,

York

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Put effort elsewhere

IT is not often I agree with Christian Vassie but he and Nigel Cummings are correct in stating history cannot be changed and altering plaques isn’t something that should be undertaken.

The energy and effort put into futile efforts to erase links with the former Duke of York would be better spent addressing other issues in this city.

Matthew Laverack,

Lord Mayors Walk,

York