Christian store one of NZ’s best

Heartbeat Christian Store manager Margaret Howson and trustee Grace Bassett both had their hearts skip a beat when their shop was awarded most improved Christian bookstore by the Christian Booksellers Association recently.

The awards are held annually for 38 bookstores nationwide.

Margaret, who has been managing the store for four years, says the win was a complete surprise.

“We didn’t think our little shop in Warkworth would even be considered,” she says.

The store has been open for 30 years but nearly closed last year due to financial difficulties.

“The Christian community pulled together to see this place survive,” Grace says.

“The Rodney Christian Community Charitable Trust was established and donations for materials, money and time came in. The award recognises the effort put into revamping the shop”

The store was renamed and refurbished with new carpet, shelves and paint. Funds from the trust also allowed Margaret to buy new stock.

Pictured: Grace Bassett (left) and Margaret Howson (right) are proud of Warkworth’s win.