AS it celebrated its 30th anniversary organisers of a Peebles book sale have paid tribute to its founder, Peter Norris, who died last year.

Set up in 1987, the Tweeddale Peace Group Book Sale is woven into the fabric of Tweed Green, and despite the absence of Peter, the 16-strong team worked hard to carry on his legacy.

Held in the Peebles Burgh Hall on Saturday and Sunday, March 11 and 12, the community book sale raised money for charities that work to end conflicts around the world or work to ‘mop up’ after conflicts.

The money is donated to various charities such as, Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors without Borders and Medical Aid of Palestinians, plus campaigning groups, the Scottish CND and Campaign Against the Arms Trade.

Hundreds of books were on display throughout the event, which opened at 10am on Saturday to a queue of local folk in the courtyard. An hour later at 11am, the Traquair Community Choir sang four songs to welcome visitors.

On Sunday, the bright weather encouraged many people onto the street and into the Burgh Hall to buy a selection of the many books on sale.

Upon closing at 4pm, volunteers quietly appeared and started to pack up the remaining books. Bookdonors arrived with vans and donated their Sunday fee as a tribute to Peter.

The hall was cleared and swept in just under an hour thanks to the volunteers. 

Liz Findlay told the Peeblesshire News: “Of course we remembered Peter and missed his calm, humorous presence but it was so good to have Juliet (Binkie) with us.There are many people to thank for the success of the 2017 Community Book Sales.

"First the faithful band of sorters who carried on and committed each Friday to keeping the Sorting Room open and dealing with thousands of books that came in during the winter. Douglas Whittie supplied endless boxes, and to the Peeblesshire News for helping with publicity by printing regular letters and news items.

"We thank everyone who was involved and who supported us to continue Peter’s legacy of quietly working for justice and peace here in Tweeddale.”

During the first Tweeddale Peace Group book sale in 1987, around £250 was raised and well over 1,000 people came during the initial weekend to buy books.

The Sorting Room will reopen on Friday, April 7 and books, CDs and DVDs can continue to be left on Fridays from 11am to 4pm.

Phone 01896 830 970 or email l.findlay@hotmail.co.uk for more information about Tweeddale Peace Group or the Community Book Sale.