Cornerstone Café and Bookshop in Grove has been awarded Bookshop of the Year 2023 at the national trade conference for all Suppliers, Publishers and Authors in the Christian trade in the UK.
The bookshop stocks a large selection of bibles and other Christian books including a children’s section and a selection of cards.
Manger Sarah Shewring said: “Cornerstone was nominated by a supplier representative in recognition of all the extra initiatives we have tried in order to stay relevant and serve our community in current economic climate.
“I was of course taken completely by surprise but am delighted.
"We are very much a team made up of staff and volunteers, supported by our local trustees and this award is a tribute to all of them.”
READ MORE: Oxford MP declares Botley Interchange traffic chaos 'simply cannot go on'
The café and bookshop, in Savile Way, was set up 28 years ago by four of the churches in Grove and is now run almost entirely by volunteers.
Various groups meet at the shop such as the Stroke Group, craft group, with the venue also running games afternoons.
Once a week the Community Fridge supplies local residents with surplus food from local supermarkets, with the shop also serving as a collection point for the Wantage and Grove Foodbank and children’s clothes bank.
Ms Shewring added: “It really does feel amazing to win this award.
"There aren’t a lot of Christian booksellers remaining and the internet is always a competitor so it’s important we retain a presence on the high street.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here