Owners change again

A Umina bookshop is again under new ownership after a short period.

The new proprietors of Beach Books are Richard and Jennifer Bartlett who. purchased the business from former local resident, Michael Walls.

Richard and Jennifer moved to the area two years ago from the Northern Beaches of Sydney

During their first week of trading, they have been pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the locals and at the high level of interest in books in Umina.

"We have already met lots of lovely people and many people have come in to welcome us and to generally discuss books, ask about our range, and purchase particularly children's' books," Jennifer said.

"We are in the process of broadening the range, buying lots of new books and reducing the prices of all existing stock," said Richard.

Between them, they have had many years' experience in retail both in a major department store and in small business.

They plan to have prices that are more than competitive with their larger competitors while at the same time providing the level of service that only a small business can offer.

"In the near future we plan to change the name to Books 'n Things and will add additional items to our range," Richard said.

The Bartletts have wasted no time in becoming involved with the community.

Not long after their move to the Peninsula they responded to an article in Peninsula News calling for volunteer mentors and subsequently attended courses to become mentors to help school children who are thinking of leaving school early.

"These are not troubled children" Jennifer said, "but children who want to leave school to commence a career that may not require year 12 or higher education," she said.

"We assist the careers advisor by helping children to see what is involved in career paths that they may choose and where possible, find them a work experience placement to give them some hands on experience.

"It has been most enjoyable and satisfying," Richard said.

Cec Bucello, June 25