Music shop in plea to find new owners to carry on the business
‘MR AND MRS WINDBLOWER’ ARE SET TO RETIRE
ONE of Nottingham’s most wellknown shops has issued a plea for someone to carry on the business after its owners announced their retirement.
Windblowers Music Shop opened in 1983 in Derby Road and offers a full range of musical instruments, sheet music and accessories.
The shop’s owners hope to find a musical entrepreneur who would like to take on the shop.
It is situated next to Raglan Road Irish bar at the top of Derby Road towards Canning Circus.
As well as lockdown, the shop has stayed open through difficult times such as the miners’ strike.
The store became known for its excellent selection of instruments and also the exceptional customer service.
The owners, David Oldershaw and his wife Margret Frogson, are proud of their achievements with the shop.
Margaret was awarded the Lady Hilary Groves prize and also an MBE for services to music in the East Midlands.
“We are so proud of what we have achieved with Windblowers. It has become part of the vibrant Nottingham music scene. After 40 years, though, it is time to hand over the baton, so new owners must be found to take over and grow the business going forward,” said Mr Oldershaw.
Margret said: “It has been a labour of love.
“We have so many customers, now good friends, who we have met through the business.
“It has been a most wonderful experience but we need to find time to enjoy our retirement.”
The heritage of this family busi- ness as well as one of the city’s most respected music institutions, will now be forced to close if they do not find a new owner to take over.
The owners are asking “if you if you are a musician with a flair for retailing, or an entrepreneur with a love of music” to “please get in touch”. The shop has supported many of the city’s musical groups over the years. The couple have become known as “Mr and Mrs Windblower” to locals who appreciate the support and involvement they have had with the musical community.
Kate Brown, leader of Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Blackwood, said: “Windblowers is an intrinsic part of Nottingham’s dynamic music scene. It is unthinkable that it should have to close. It would be sorely missed if it were no longer there as a hub of musical activity and inspiration.”
The team offers an in-house workshop where they can share their expertise in musical instrument repair and restoration.
A recent project involved the rebuilding of a specialist Bassett clarinet originally made in Paris in 1888. The instrument has now made its way to a New York-based professional jazz musician.
Windblowers also gained recognition from the Music Industries Association and staff were presented with the Classic FM Educational Initiative Award for their support of local schools and music groups Nottingham Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Nottingham Wind Ensemble, Nottingham Young Musician of the Year, Equinox Saxophone Ensemble, and more recently Blackwood Clarinet Choir.
Windblowers is an intrinsic part of Nottingham’s dynamic music scene
Kate Brown