“It’s upsetting, but we just can’t take them with us,” I said to Mr Word Loft when tidying out the loft because we are moving to a smaller place, and he agreed. Among heaps of paraphernalia, causing the rafters to creak under the weight, was a trunk of LPs, and two carry cases of singles, including picture discs.
Lifetimes portrayed by our music choice stared back at us when we opened the lids. The contents sent us on a wonderful nostalgic jaunt back over decades, mostly happy, but occasionally sad. Of our lives together, and separately beforehand. Some albums were duplicates. Two by Kate Bush, and Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds had been in both our collections before we met. Although, on the whole, our taste in music is quite different. His being Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Status Quo, and mine Tamla, soul and general pop.
We played them up until a few years ago on a turntable (which will also have to go), but these days it is much simpler to holler at ‘Alexa’, who usually provides what takes our mood.
Knowing vinyl is in vogue again, we researched titles online. What a quandary it sent us in. Prices range from a couple of pounds to tens and hundreds. We uploaded a small selection online, which was a faff, arduous and as yet, fruitless.
The records are just a fraction of what we have hoarded, and we were quite shocked to realise – that they and other items, such as paintings, ornaments and books are now classed as collectors’ items or even antiques. That’s when we decided an antique and collectors’ fair might be the best way forward. So the next day, I booked a space at a monthly event held in Lostwithiel, Cornwall.
It coincided with Remembrance Sunday. As well as buying and admiring other stall holders’ wares, it was a privilege to be in their company at 11 o’clock, our heads bowed in silence, followed by the reading of a poignant poem.
Unloading the car and setting up didn’t take long early that morning, and soon we were busy. The table was colourful with a large long-forgotten Victorian planter unearthed in our garden shed. Wade pottery animals took up a corner. Author-signed books and stamp presentation packs would be popular, or so we thought. But right from the beginning, the records caused a stir, from dealers, ordinary punters, or folk reminiscing as they passed by.
All in all, it was a successful day, and it was heartwarming chatting about the music we love, and selling it on to others for their enjoyment too.
Until next time,
Sue. X