Turning the Page: Reflections from the October Books Team on 2024

Dear 2024, 

You have been a year of contrasts—moments of inspiration interwoven with challenges that tested our resilience and attitudes.

This has been a year of contrasts for me, with some really inspiring moments contrasted with some really tough ones. The start of the year was a bit of a blur of preparation for going on sabbatical…but knowing that Jack was taking on the role was such a relief. I knew I could head away and the shop would be held safely. My sabbatical was joyous, doing some travelling and exploring, making new friends and connections and revisiting favourite places. On my return, I loved going to see Amelia at The Open Mic night, she is a great host and I felt so proud that she’s an October Books team member. The Lemn Sissay event was a highlight for me and I have really enjoyed hosting music in the shop. More of this please.     - Clare

An interesting year. I have such love for the whole team and am very proud of all that we have achieved this year. However, my yearning for a holiday… like my desire to walk into the sea and be gone forever… my endlessly seasawing spirit-level, finally perfected in that horizon… - Jack

This year I have hardly seen anything other than these four walls, this has had its upsides and downsides. I am reverent about the state of the world but happy to be in such a good place (october books) within the dissolution. I have grown exponentially in both my personal life and in my work. Our open mic night has reached more people than I could have dreamed, I've had such a wonderful time performing and hosting for everyone. I was lucky to join Matt West for ArtfulScribe’s writing as a spiritual practice which has been something really wonderful to be a  part of. Going back to the summertime, it was so wonderful when Jack and I attended the Harper Collins summer party in London. This year has been long, fulfilling and totally all encompassing. Jack and I will hopefully be on holiday soon.  - Amelia 

A highlight was the school visits we had. We planned the sessions with Ellie Crawshaw-Prince, Lead Practitioner for six schools in the Southampton area.  Groups of children learnt how to order books, the role of publishers - they designed their own publishing logo together with saying what they would specialise in, and how to open and close the shop.  We left chocolate gold coins in our bank safe which created much wonder and delight when a nominated child opened the safe.  Ellie has also set up Southampton Primary Reading Alliance to encourage improving literacy and the love of books within primary schools and beyond. We were so happy to host their inaugural meeting. - Suzanne

2023 was a difficult year for me from a personal standpoint, so I started 2024 full of hope. This was justified, as I learned so much more about October Books, how we work and what we do. The biggest learning curve for me was stock taking, which has been done three times this year, with me leading on the final two. I have been so proud to redesign the shop space with Jack and Amelia, and to pilot the shelf hire scheme which is now doing so well, bringing revenue to the shop and solidifying ties with local artists and artisans. Everything feels so vibrant and fresh. This year I have also got to know the OB community a lot better and can put a lot of names to faces, which makes work seem very friendly. - Jacqueline 

This was a challenging year for the shop financially, and as I see the bank balance regularly I am at the sharp end.  But we’ve made it through - sales are usually at their highest in December and this year is no exception.  Away from OB, I celebrated my twentieth wedding anniversary and became the first member of the team to hire the community space, for the launch of my latest CD.  And it’s great to see live music events in the shop taking off - I have only been able to get to one so far so I hope to see them continue. - Jaquie 

This year has been full of changes for me. From church volunteering to film publicity and bookshop promotions, there’s been a lot of learning along the way to say the least. I’m hopeful that October Books will reach new audiences, members and customers in the new year. I want more people to recognise this shop for what it is: a place where you can find community and other strange and fun things. I am inspired each week by the dedication and creativity from the team even when things really are grey, exhausting and frustrating. Here’s to a more hopeful 2025! - Naomi

Thank you, 2024, for the growth, challenges, and triumphs. We dare to ask for less challenge and more blessing in 2025?

With love, 
The October Books Team