Vintage Vinyl

A regular look at record shops from the past No 5: In The Groove, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

“A dream come true,” is how I explain opening my record shop, In The Groove, at The Parade Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury, back in 2010.

The appeal and resurgence of vinyl attracted all ages and I stocked an ever-changing selection of vintage records and collectable outer sleeves for 45s (Decca, Vertigo, Buddah etc) which were appreciated for their classic designs. These are works of great creativity, and collectors were so enthusiastic about them. I also stocked sheet music and reproduction concert posters, along with 60s and 70s memorabilia, including signed band photographs.

Many local musicians came into the shop but, secretly, I was hoping Robert Plant would pay me a visit, since he lived locally and was known to frequent record shops in the area. Sad to say, I wasn’t granted that wish.

I had a freeto-play Rowe Ami jukebox which evoked feelings and memories for my customers. It had such a brilliant sound. I also had an HMV turntable; when I tried out one single which came in, it turned out to have Ride A White Swan by T.rex on the A-side and When I’m Dead And Gone by Mcguiness Flint on the B-side, a mis-pressing which the T.rex fan-club snapped up.

I had to sell my shop because my mother had cancer and, being an only child, I wanted to be there for her. I believe it’s now a nail bar or something similar. So sad. Jane Bozian

If you know of an unsung music venue or defunct record shop, send 300 to

400 words on the subject – with a venue/ shop pic or scanned memorabilia – to paul.lester@metropolis.co.uk