Chapter closes at Olio Bookshop

Olio Books, in Robertson Street, will officially close its doors on June 16, but the fond memories of life serving the Hastings community will live on for all involved in making the shop a success.

Philip Rees started the business in 1981, after running a book shop in Brighton for a number of years.

Books have always been in his blood, and he has worked hard to give literary lovers in the town the personal service Olio is known for.

Mr Rees is sad to see the business go, but feels now is the time to retire.

He said: "I have loved running Olio Books, and I will miss it when we finally close. We have had some fantastic customers over the years, who made it a real joy to be involved with.

"We pride ourselves on catering for the needs of the individual customer, who have been very loyal to us and often said they wouldn't have gone anywhere else.

"With the rise of big stores and the internet, it has become hard for the smaller bookshops to survive. That is sad, but we have enjoyed our time in this lovely town."

With the help of Olive Rolstone, Marilyn Weeks and wife Denise, Olio has supplied books to schools across the South East, including Varndean in Brighton.

Together with a Rye branch, the team has sold to a number of celebrities down the years, including Paul Merton, Ken Dodd and the McCartneys.

The Reeses hope to spend more time in the garden now, and finally have the opportunity to enjoy their four grandchildren.

The shop is holding a sale next week, and would like the chance to say goodbye to old customers, with correspondence still welcomed at the shop.

Mr Rees says Hastings is a wonderful town and would like to say a big thank you to the people who have made their time so enjoyable.