Vintage Vinyl

A regular look at record shops from the past

As an anything-music-obsessed teenager living in rural Lincolnshire, my “sanctuary” was this small, aptly-named independent record shop at the top end of Lincoln, off a side street and popular with other like-minded enthusiasts. I first became aware of its presence during one of our family Saturday shopping trips when I chanced upon it by accident. Its premises were small, cosy and strangely darker inside than any of the other high street stores. My friends often mentioned the odour of patchouli oil but I can honestly say that that didn’t register with me. The owners, Steve and Bev, were always friendly, laidback, helpful but never pushy.

In 1976 I bought the likes of Queen, Neil Young, Joe Cocker and ELO but only a year later a new wave of punk imploded onto The Fens and Sanctuary revelled in this latest DIY movement. They stocked most of everything going. I bought first albums by The Damned, Pistols, Stranglers, Clash, Ramones, Slits and even Tyla Gang together with numerous new singles.

When I started my year’s Foundation at Lincoln Art College, I passed this oasis of vinyl and tapes every day, looking in through the window when it was closed and bunking off in my free periods to thumb the wellstocked racks of new and used albums and 45s. I would often trade my unwanted LPS for something else.

One time I remember the owner catching my eye, diving beneath the counter and presenting me with a gift, one of 10 Virgin had sent him, saying: “As you bought their LP, here’s a copy of the free single that should have come with Never Mind The Bollocks.”

I’ve never forgotten how generous that seemed to me – of course, we’re talking about the Submission 7”.

I moved away soon after and am grateful to Sanctuary for adding to my collection at a time when music was exciting. It’s sadly long gone but affectionally remembered by those who were lucky enough to visit in its heyday. Simon Mullins

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 rc.content@metropolis.co.uk