On Saturday I went along to the official book launch of Emma Mansfield’s The Little Book of Surfing in Waterstones, Truro. I met her on the marketing course and she is also the author of the beautiful Little Book of Cornwall (amongst others).
It was a genuinely lovely event, with a bit of bubbly and some cake too! Check out the incredible cake made by Warrens Bakery.
Her friend, Sally Parkin, from The Original Surfboard Company, was promoting her new book too. She recently acquired the rights to Surf Riding Made Easy, a 1950s book, and has published it in a beautiful print. Sally also brought along some of the surfboards which she makes.
Emma had some rather high-profile guests in tow, including lifeguard, John, and Gwyn Haslock, Britain’s first female stand-up surfer, who just happens to be Cornish. She brought her board too and shared plenty of stories with attendees. She really is an inspiration.
It was great seeing so many people walking around reading the book and coming up to ask for a signed copy.
The family behind the newly published I love You Natty: A Sibling’s Uplifting Introduction to Down’s Syndrome popped along too and got chatting about their publication. It’s a gorgeous, heart-warming book and an interesting take on what it’s like to grow up with a sibling with Down’s syndrome. It’s amazing the kind of people you can meet in one day. It’s true what they say, everyone has a story to tell.
As for the Little Book of Surfing, you don’t have to be Cornish, a surfer or a beach bum to find something to enjoy here. It’s another lovely book (the name of Emma’s company is Lovely Little Books – rather apt) full of intriguing facts and outstanding photography. Her books are always informative without being dull; a great addition to any coffee table. Plus £1 from each sale goes to support the essential work of the RNLI, so you’re saving lives by buying a copy.