CCSA History

The Cathedral and Church Shops Association traces its history back to the formation of a sub-group for cathedrals within the pre-existing Church Bookstalls Association. A separate organisation entitled the Cathedral Shops Association was established in the late 1980s.

The growth in membership to include parish churches and other sites was reflected in the expansion of the organisation’s name to the Cathedral and Church Shops Association, which took place in 1995.

The CCSA currently operates with three officers – the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer – who serve elected three-year terms. One officer post comes up for re-election each year. There is provision for election of a Vice-Chairman to serve during the final year of any current Chairman’s term. Having completed the year as Vice-Chairman, the post holder then assumes the role of Chairman for the subsequent three-year term.

The CCSA has appointed a number of life members since its creation. Life members are all former managers of member shops who have served terms as elected officials of the CCSA. Many continue to play an active part in the work of the organisation although no longer running member shops, and may serve as Chairman, Treasurer or Secretary.

The CCSA Administrator manages the many and varied arrangements for the Annual Conference and Trade Fair.