Book corner dedicated to sorely missed David Hardy

The former English teacher and dedicated charity volunteer died on January 7 at the age of 74 after suffering from a bout of Norovirus.

Since his death hundreds of tributes flooded in from former pupils, friends, colleagues and those whose lives he touched in his lifetime.

And to make sure his memory lives on, volunteers in the Headway charity shop on The Square have dedicated the extensive book collection which David built up over two year, to his memory.

A plaque is now in place to remind all shoppers and volunteers of the commitment and dedication from the hardworking literature lover to help residents access a whole range of books.

David’s renowned book section is alphabetised, fully sectioned and includes a children’s area with chair and cuddly toy for families to enjoy together.

He worked in the shop organising the books right up until his final days when he was taken ill.

Malcolm Boote, shop manager, said reading was the one love of David - a former English teacher at Kenilworth Grammar School - and that it was only fitting to keep it running in his name.

“It is just an ideal way for us to remember him,” he said.

“All the hard work and time David dedicated to Headway it is a fitting tribute.

“David put so much effort and time into the shop and into the books and people here, he couldn’t do enough.

“He set this up from nothing and it is incredible the impact it has had, it really draws people in and you don’t see this sort of thing in every charity shop.

“People would come in looking for a title and he went out of his way searching the shops all over to find it for them, he really couldn’t do enough for anyone and that is what we want people to remember.”

Born in Mansfield in 1938, David came to Kenilworth over 50 years ago. He went on to teach English at Kenilworth Grammar School until he took early retirement in 1989 and dedicated the next 25 years to full time volunteer work.

Any book donations to help the section thrive in David’s memory are welcome.