MEMBERS of the public gathered to celebrate 50 years of a bookshop situated in the heart of a community.

On Saturday last week, 250 people were at the Spirella Ballroom in Letchworth GC to mark the golden anniversary of David’s Bookshop in Eastcheap in the town.

Celebrations started with a debate on the subject of Progress Over The Last 50 Years.

Among the guests were social historian Jane Robinson, former programme director of the Hansard Scholars Programme from University of London Andrew Cook and award-winning columnist and author Peter Hitchens.

Following the debate, the party was in full swing with live music from Pink Champagne.

Founded in 1963 by the Armitage family, David’s Bookshop has managed to combine a love of books, music and ideas with a flair for organising community events and festivals.

Owner of the shop, Paul Wallace, said: “It was a fantastic evening and we had an overwhelming amount of support from customers and the local people.”

Speaking about some of the changes he has seen in the 18 years he has been at the shop, Mr Wallace added: “We have had the introduction of E-books, the internet and also changes in the way people buy music.

“We have been very lucky that we have a real mix of products in the store, which really does help us.

“Letchworth has real community spirit, and by being here we have been able to establish ourselves, which has given us a real recognition factor.”