RIVER READS was established in 2002 by Sandy Armishaw, ably
assisted by her very patient husband, Keith.
Sandy is a true bibliophile whose passion for collecting and reading
good books meant that there was not enough room at home for an
ever-expanding library, hence the need for a shop - and then a bigger
shop! RIVER READS was relocated to new premises in September
2004. Situated at 21 South Street, in the historically significant North
Devon town of Great Torrington, the shop continues to expand as Sandy
buys good books to cater for most tastes.
A varied stock includes Art, Literature, Cookery, Crafts, Transport,
Equestrian and local History, but her love of books on Nature and the
Countryside is enhanced by the works of Sandy's favourite writer D. J.
Watkins-Pitchford ('BB'). Well-known as an author and illustrator of
children's books, his talents extended to fishing, wildfowling, country
pursuits and nature, having written some 60 books and illustrated many
more. This love of BB's works has led Sandy to produce her first book,
the first in a series of strictly limited editions; a rare title,
written by the Eighth Duke of Northumberland and containing the
illustrations of Denys Watkins-Pitchford, just 200 copies of this book
were produced in 1967 and were not sold to the general public.
Whilst Sandy is engrossed in everyday life in this thriving business,
husband Keith is indulging in one of his great passions - collecting and
displaying Vintage Fishing Tackle, some of which he can just bear to
part with! On certain days of the week, Keith can be found tucked away
in the large back room of the shop, restoring fishing rods and reels to
their former glory. Whilst absorbed in this exacting skill, he is only
too happy to listen to fishing tales, advise on local waters (and
beyond) whilst continuing his research into the history of the local
River Torridge, made famous by Henry Williamson's ' Tarka the Otter' .
Currently gathering information from old fishing records, he may even
find time to write his book! Keith's main interest is of course classic
angling literature by distinguished authors, consequently, this is one
of the shop's specialities and fights for space with Sandy's books by
'BB'!
Sandy and Keith offer a warm welcome to this ever-expanding stock which
is open from Monday to Saturday each week from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m
unless they are away, buying books, fishing, or attending Auctions in
search
of Vintage Fishing Tackle and ephemera for sale or display in the
shop. Notable additions are the fishing rods used by Frederick Halford,
Frank Sawyer and Peter Stone - some of the great names in angling
history. A recent acquisition is Richard Walkers fishing hat!
The shop was featured recently by an angling journalist as being "well
worth a visit" - see for yourselves by visiting
RIVER READS, 21 South Street, Torrington,
Devon EX38 8AA.
Email: Sandy at
SIARiverReads@aol.com,
or Keith at
keitarmshw@aol.com
Telephone (01805) 625888 before travelling.
Privately published, the rare 1967 illustrated edition of:
THE SHADOW ON THE MOOR
By
Alan Ian Percy, Eighth Duke of Northumberland
First published in 1930, this ghostly tale is still being
enjoyed in the 21st Century. Enthusiasts of 'B.B.'s works will be aware
that the 1967 edition is the only one to contain the rarely seen
illustrations of Denys Watkins-Pitchford, and was privately published by
Hugh Percy, 10th Duke of Northumberland, and his friend, Colonel
Lancaster.
Just 200 numbered copies of the book were produced, and these
were not sold to the general public but were given to family and
friends.
Privately published
As a Centenary edition
A CHILD ALONE
The Memoirs of 'BB'
Illustrated by D. J. Watkins-Pitchford
In this book, 'B.B.', "much loved naturalist, artist and author -
recalls his early life at the beginning of the century and, because
illness prevented him from going to school, his lonely childhood at his
Northamptonshire home".