People have been sharing their memories and fond tributes following the news that one of Tenby’s most treasured bookshops has closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the whole community.
Local legend Albie Smosarski retired, bringing his much-loved shop, Cofion Books at 1 Bridge Street, Tenby, to a close after four extraordinary decades. Albie announced: “Thank you all for your kindness and support over 45 years. It’s time for me to retire.”
The news has caused an outpouring of affection, personal memories, and not a little soul-searching about what this means for the character of Tenby itself.
Readers filled Facebook with memories that spanned four decades. Many described the closing as a true local loss and paid homage to Mr Smosarski’s unique ability to find whatever was needed from his mountains of books.
Mark Wilson-Dunn said: "Brilliant place. No system or indexing but ask him for a particular rare book and he would walk up to a random pile and pull it out of the middle. Sad loss.”
Readers repeatedly spoke of the remarkable way Albie immediately navigated the 'beautiful chaos' of Cofion books.
Maff Morgan said: “Albie is one of the nicest gentlemen I've ever met. If I asked him to locate a James Bond or Doctor Who paperback in his labyrinth.... he knew exactly where to dig! Such a shame it’s closing but all the very best to him.”
Packed within Tenby’s Town Walls off Tudor Square, Cofion entered the lives of both locals and tourists who visited for a bemusing, gentle browse.
From rare books to antique postcards, curious trinkets in the shop window to moments caught tumbling through wobbling towers of literature.
Readers remembered Albie as a local character and a true gent.
Joss Mullinger commented: “I loved that shop, I visited several times when on holiday in the area in the early 2000s, and subsequently met Albie again at the giant postcard fair ‘The Festival of Cards’ near Bridgwater. Nice friendly chap with an amazing stock of books!!”
Within dense stacks was a finding system all Albie’s all his own; as John Patrick Williams reflected: "Went in there many times and never failed to come out with something—generally postcards of Titanic which my daughter used to collect—wishing Albie a very happy retirement— shop will be sadly missed".
Alun Pari Huws added: "Visited nine years ago, loved the shop and could have spent all day there. I found a book I wanted - it’s behind me in the bookcase as I type this. Albie was a real gentleman.”
Sharman Oldham remembered Cofion as “an extraordinary place and a noted local landmark!"
Locals declare it is truly "the end of an era."
Readers are wondering where Albie's enormous mountain of books has found a new home. If you know the answer, let us know at bho@westerntelegraph.co.uk.
Share