Pictured is the Parkes Community Choir singing in the bookshop, “Inkwood and Ivy”, on Saturday morning for Harmony Day. The conductor is Kerrie Peden and the Pianist is Pam Parkin.
To celebrate Harmony Day on Saturday 21 March, Parkes Community Choir brought their voices to the welcoming space of Inkwood and Ivy Books and Curiosities, singing their hearts out in a morning of fun and music. Songs included rounds from around the world, partner songs and some pop favourites. Customers enjoyed the unexpected concert and passersby were invited in to listen.
Inkwood and Ivy Books and Curiosities is a new shop in Parkes which opened on 8 December 2025. It is run by Deb Jones who moved from Cobar to start the business.
“We have many exciting and community engaging plans for our shop and already have a book club meeting here. Thursday evenings offer a quiet reading time between 7-9 pm and we are running junk journalling classes on Fridays.”
“Our future plans involve book readings, author talks and book launches with events on some Saturday mornings especially in the lead up to Anzac Day. You can check out our Facebook page or pop into the shop for a chat and find out what’s coming up.
We are open to supporting local and independent writers and are happy to promote their work” said Deb.
The shop offers an immersive shopping experience with not only an extensive range of books and gifts but a unique atmosphere and opportunities to relax. A lovely, old piano is waiting to be played at any time by anyone. A guitar waits to be strummed, a jigsaw puzzle challenges you to fit in some pieces and a chess set is ready for a game.
The many couches and chairs scattered around are irresistible for settling in with a good book or your knitting.
The fostering of harmony in our community and our world is important, so, read, sing with and talk to each other and create harmony.