St John's Wood Church Hosts Grand Book and Record Fair for Christian Aid Week 2026
St John's Wood Church is set to host its annual grand book and record fair as a key part of Christian Aid Week 2026. This beloved event, which has become a staple in the community, aims to raise funds for global poverty relief efforts through the sale of donated items.
A Tradition of Hope and Generosity
Co-organiser Martin Aldred shared insights into the fair's origins and impact. "Every year, during this appeal, people across Britain and Ireland have seven days to make a difference and support their global neighbours, in a celebration of hope for a fairer world," he said. "In 1982, as part of Christian Aid Week, David Dunbar and I thought it would be a good idea to supplement the normal fundraising with a book fair."
The inaugural event saw over a thousand books donated, including new, second-hand, and rare editions. Its popularity with the public and local booksellers quickly turned it into an annual tradition, contributing up to £2,500 each year to charitable causes.
Rare Finds and Expanded Offerings
One of the highlights of the fair is the hunt for rare items. Aldred recalled a notable donation from author Frederick Forsyth: "It was his novel The Fourth Protocol, and it came in a box of A4 sheets with amendments in red ink for the American edition. We sold it for £100."
Over the years, the fair has expanded to include CDs, DVDs, and the increasingly popular vinyl records. Donations of books and records are welcomed and can be brought to the church on any weekday between 10am and 5pm. For further details, contact Martin at macl01050@gmail.com.
Event Details and Travel Information
The sale will take place at St John's Wood Church, located on Lord's Roundabout, from Saturday, May 2 to Monday, May 4, 2026. Hours are 11am to 5pm, with reduced hours from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.
Travel options include the nearest Tube station, St John's Wood Station, and buses 13, 113, and 274, making it easily accessible for attendees.
Supporting Global Communities
Funds raised from the fair will help Christian Aid and its partners support communities in finding practical and sustainable ways out of poverty. This year's appeal, running from May 10 to 16, focuses on work in Nairobi, Kenya, where intense poverty forces families to struggle daily to feed their children.
With secure jobs scarce and most people earning less than a dollar a day to cover essentials like school costs, rent, and water, many face days without enough food. Through tools, seeds, and specialist training from Christian Aid's partner, Beacon of Hope, families are learning to grow fresh vegetables in small urban spaces, providing a steady supply for cooking or selling.
To learn more about such projects, visit caid.org.uk, and to get involved with Christian Aid Week, visit caweek.org.
