The following is Corinne’s story:
“I was born and schooled in Glasgow, Scotland, then studied at the University of Glasgow for a BSc degree. A short period in teaching was followed by a move into the world of pharmaceuticals.
In 1984, I moved into the AIDS field in London working with the BBC, Department of Health, and serving on the European AIDS committee for the World Health Organisation. Then I established the education and training division for a Christian AIDS organization.
In 1990, I visited South Africa for a short sabbatical and fell in love with the country. In Johannesburg I established a churches’ AIDS programme which was inter-denominational and multi-racial, running training courses and workshops in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
In the mid ‘90s I was able to move on into the world of books. It was while working in Sandton Square in Johannesburg that an ex-customer rang me and asked if I would like to open a bookshop in Hermanus. Having visited the place on holiday I had always imagined living there when I was retired and quite grey. Those days came sooner than anticipated.
Springing into life in June 2001, “Bookmark” has slowly established itself in the village. “Bookmark” has become a destination for many, and invites customers to relax and browse at their leisure. I have found Hermanus to be very warm and welcoming. There is a sense of freedom here, people are allowed to be themselves and the mix of interests and experiences is vast.
Being a Scot, books have been an integral part of my life, and to combine that with my great love of the sea and people, my life is indeed very blessed.
Other interests? I am a dedicated Grand Prix fan – dare I say, NOT Ferrari! Another favourite past-time is photography, although this has been neglected of late. I support two teams in sport, Scotland… and any team playing against England (not to be taken too seriously by those south of the border!).
To do something I love in a place as near to heaven as one could find is unusual. To combine this with people who enrich my life daily is rare. Thank you to all those whose paths have crossed mine”.
Nowadays Bookmark can be found at 172 Main Road.
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Article extracted from SJ du Toit – Whale Capital Chronicles III, Page 59.
Should you wish to use any of her stories please contact SJ du Toit directly.