Books Afloat in Weymouth to close due to owner's health

John Ritchie of Books Afloat in Park Street, Weymouth is calling it a day after 40 years.

John has been forced to close the store due to health related issues and says he will miss working in the shop and wanted to thank his loyal customers for their many years of support.

It's one of the few independent book shops in the area and has been described as an 'institution'.

Books Afloat on Park Street in Weymouth (Image: Andy Jones) He said: "I can't thank them enough to be honest. The support over the years I am so grateful for.

"There has been more enthusiasm and thanks than ever before but it is my mobility that's the issue as I have had to give up my car."

Not only does the shop stock hundreds of second hand books - including transport books and publications of local interest - but there is plenty of maritime memorabilia, something that has been close to John's heart having served in the Merchant Navy and sold ship radar and telephones after that. 

Ships bells that John sells from the store (Image: Andy Jones) But despite the closure, John was keen to stress that the businesses itself was doing well.

He added: "It's quite an institution and suddenly the shop has been doing very well but it's purely for health reasons I am closing. 

"I am 81 and I wanted to go out on a high note, not a low one."

Model soldiers on sale in the shop (Image: Andy Jones) Moving forward John now needs to find a place for all his books and will be going through the process of what to do next once the shop closes for the final time at 4pm on Wednesday. 

When asked what comes next for the shop - and if it will be taken over by a new owner - he said: "I don't know at the moment. My son in law is an estate agent and coming over on Friday.

"I'd love to sell it off for someone to take it on but it is not easy to find someone."

John has a collection of thousands of books in his shop (Image: Andy Jones)

John also said that once his time at the shop comes to an end, he has plenty of projects to keep him busy at his home on Portland, including a model ship he is restoring.

He added: "I am in the middle of restoring a big ship and there are lots of other projects I have at home so I won't get bored but I will miss it."