New chapter for the Novel Hovel (From Gazette Series)

New chapter for the Novel Hovel

A NEW second-hand bookshop will be opening in Wotton-under-Edge tomorrow.

This contradiction in terms is further complicated by the fact Wotton was actually home to the same shop eight years ago - the Novel Hovel, in Market Street.

Proprietor Phillip Russell-Jones is joined by his wife, Lin, in reviving the shop, which closed a few years after it moved to High Street.

The original Novel Hovel sign was revealed after the newer Tolsey Christmas Shop sign was removed.

The Tolsey Shop had used its annexe, Tolsey Too, for Christmas items one year, and since then expanded its gifts, cards and novelties business into both shops.

Recently owner Lesley Hewish decided to sell the Tolsey Shop, but now she has reversed that decision.

Mrs Hewish said: "It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind and, anyway' I thought I'd miss being part of Wotton-under-Edge."

She added: "I think this is going to be a good year for Wotton."

Customers will be able to walk through from the Tolsey Shop to the Novel Hovel.

Lin Russell-Jones said: "Hopefully, this will be beneficial for both shops and for the town.

"Original beams and a lovely fireplace add to the atmosphere in the bookshop. People will be able to browse through the books on a wide selection of subjects, mostly non-fiction.

"Our fiction department can be found in the Break and Cotswold Care charity shops!"

The Novel Hovel is re-opening at 9.30am tomorrow.