Annie Walter will open The Bookshop in Alderney this summer. (0988845)

ANNIE WALTER’S decision to open a bookshop has provided a much-needed business boost to the island.

Annie, 52, is planning to open The Bookshop in Queen Elizabeth II Street this summer – just months after Alderney Bookshop, which was run by islander Paul Davis, closed down.

The idea of such a business has always appealed to Annie, who lived in the island for several years as a child before moving back in 2003.

‘Running a bookshop is something I’ve always wanted to do,’ she said. ‘I’m very interested in books – I’ve got lots of them. Having my own bookshop has always been at the back of my mind and now I have the opportunity to do it. I’m very enthusiastic about the whole idea of running it.’

Annie, who is the wife of former States member Colonel Peter Walter, thinks the island needs a bookshop.

‘I decided to open mainly because Paul had to close his shop. I think it is a great shame that Alderney would otherwise be without a bookshop,’ she said.

‘We’ve had a number of businesses closing for different reasons recently, so I’m going to try to reverse the trend.

‘I feel Alderney needs a bookshop and many people have told me they’re very pleased I’m opening up.’

Annie, who previously worked as a solicitor in England for more than 20 years, wants her shop to cater for islanders as well as tourists.

‘I want to set up a shop selling mainly new books and some second-hand ones for people in the island who would not otherwise be able to purchase them.

‘I’ve bought some of Paul’s stock and I’m in contact with a wholesaler in England. I’ll sell a range of children’s books, adult fiction and non-fiction, along the lines of what Paul did. I’m also planning to have an electronic book ordering system which will allow people to buy a book I don’t have in stock.’

Annie realises that the business can’t take on the internet giants.

‘I cannot compete with Amazon – or the internet in general – but I’ve spoken to quite a few people who cannot or will not use the internet. There are also many people who want to walk into a shop, see a friendly face and look at the books.’

Annie, whose stepfather was a popular local, will combine her bookshop duties with running Picaterre Farm, where she lives.

‘My mum was Jane Griffiths and my stepfather was Harry Griffiths, who was a well-known character in the island in the 50s and 60s. My family first got to know Alderney when my grandparents moved here in the 50s. I lived here when I was little for a few years and went to the school when it was at the museum,’ she said.

‘Since moving back I’ve been kept busy on the farm. We grow a lot of fruit and vegetables and have hens, eggs and sheep. The farm keeps me very busy but I’m going to run the bookshop as well. I’m planning to open every morning and afternoon, including Saturdays. It’s a busy period for the farm at the moment, so when the colder weather kicks in, the shop will really get going.’