The headline (Cuts-hit Poetry Book Society to close, 3 June) and some passages in your online article about the Poetry Book Society gave completely the wrong impression of the PBS’s situation.
The Poetry Book Society, now owned by Inpress, is very much alive and will be powering up rather than winding down its activities. The corporate entity formerly known as the Poetry Book Society, on the other hand, has gone into liquidation. The former directors wished to preserve the continuity of the service to its members, the poets and publishers whom it has supported since 1953, so before the company closed they worked very hard with the directors of Inpress to find a new home for the name – the Poetry Book Society – the goodwill, the format and most importantly the continuing interests of the membership.
Arts Council England, in London and in the north of England, has been very supportive of the transaction. I can assure your readers that the Poetry Books Society has not closed. It has moved house to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and we look forward to its vibrant future.
Ian Grant
Chairman, Inpress Ltd
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