Christina Gabbitas

Thanks @yorkpress @Haydnpress for highlighting my work with the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) More early education ‘face to face’ intervention is needed in ALL primary and secondary schools. Since working on my commissioned projects, it’s evident that any child anywhere can be a victim of exploitation.@ChildrensComm @annelongfield

In character ready for my Believe in Magic story to take centre stage with Westholme School @KingGeorgesHall We have 900 children watching this morning.

My vision is finally coming to life! I wasn’t going to let leaky roofs or burst pipes stop me. Real Indie Bookshop @RIndieBookshop opens in Harrogate on 12th November, from 8am to 9pm. Come and say hello to help celebrate the opening of my new independent bookshop. Everyone’s welcome! Pianist Ciaran Gilligan will be playing from 5-9.00pm (normal opening hours 8-6.00pm)

I’m excited to announce @RIndieBookshop Pay It Forward scheme!🤗📖 Businesses and individuals can buy a book or a gift voucher to give young readers a book or choice of their own. I will work with Harrogate primary and secondary schools to reach children and young people who would benefit most.

Nearly there with @RIndieBookshop Countdown to opening 12th November! I'm excited to announce that the fabulously talented Ciaran Gilligan will be adding pizzazz to our opening! We are also excited to be welcoming a number of indie and traditionally published authors who will be dropping in throughout the day to sign books! I will update you with the list soon!

Great progress day @KingGeorgesHall discussing the set and arrangements for my Believe in Magic story (and song). We are sold out for the daytime production taking place on 10th Nov. Places are available for the evening, here’s the link. bwdvenues.com/whats-on/belie…

A real full-circle moment!😁 WHSmith in York and Beverley were among the stores that hosted my first book signings back in 2012. Now I’ve bought shelving and furniture from those former stores at a steal for my new @RIndieBookshop. The shelves that helped start my journey will soon support other indie writers.

Renovating my house and bookshop, finding the headspace to write, and somehow pulling together a last minute literature festival, all at the same time, has been quite a feat. There have been long days, endless decisions and more than a few moments when I’ve wondered how I’m managing to juggle it all. But I am, and now dinner with a fabulous view. Have a lovely eve wherever you are.🤗

Had a brilliant day with the amazing team at Westholme School, who are bringing my story and song ‘Believe in Magic’ to the stage! @KingGeorgesHall, 10th November. Here’s the link to book: bwdvenues.com/whats-on/belie… Originally commissioned during the pandemic, my story celebrates Blackburn and its history. Thanks to Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Phil Riley for attending today and supporting the project.

Another visit to the @RIndieBookshop today, and another armful of books! The opening has been slightly delayed, but excited to officially open doors on 12th November. It's been wonderful receiving so many books from indie writers and publishers. I'm proud to be creating a bookshop where independents sit alongside popular and bestselling titles. Lots still happening behind the scenes, hence the hard hat and high vis!😂

So very sad that we have lost the truly remarkable Dame Esther Rantzen. I met Esther in 2016 to celebrate 30 years of #Childline. We chatted about her motivation behind setting up the charity and was interested, and supportive of my Share Some Secrets book project that encourages children to understand the difference between good and troublesome secrets. The book is still being utilised and helps to raise funds for the charity. This year celebrates 40 years of @nspcc_official Childline. It's inspirational people like Dame Esther Rantzen that keeps me motivated to help more. Thank you Esther for setting up Childline. Rest In Peace. 🌻

So sad and sorry to hear that Dame Esther Rantzen has died. A true icon and tireless campaigner who set up Childline forty years ago will be greatly missed by many. 🙁💚 BBC Article: bbc.co.uk/news/live/cq2dwn5z…

A win this morning when contacting @HarperCollinsUK I spoke to a human within 2 mins! Yay! I’m sourcing titles for my new independent bookshop. Opening 12th November in Harrogate.📚✨Follow @RIndieBookshop for further updates and Email: [email protected]