Pop-up book café in Newark raises hundreds for women's charity and food bank

A book café event, where visitors could browse and buy books before sitting down to enjoy them with a cup of tea, has been held to raise funds for Newark Women's Aid and Newark Foodbank.

During the course of the event — ran by the women's branch of Newark Labour Party — over one hundred people attended, helping to raise a total of £610. Donations were split equally, with £305 being sent to either charity.

The book café was hailed as a great success by organiser Rosemary Holland, who said: "We were lucky with the weather, which encouraged people to stay and enjoy a cuppa under the apple trees, reading the books they had purchased, and chatting with friends and neighbours."

"It was a true community event, and many people are already asking when we will be putting on another-possibly this Autumn."

Hundreds of paperback and hardback books were up for sale, as well as a variety of CDs and DVDs. Cakes and jigsaw puzzles were also sold alongside a 'name the carrot' competition where the winner took home a giant, cuddly carrot.

The 'name the carrot' competition was won by Mrs Penny Smith with Pepper Carrot.

The fundraiser causes were chosen in response to the cost-of-living crisis currently affecting many families and it is hoped the money taken at the event will also help to provide greater access to support and advice for women and children experiencing domestic violence.