Off The Record

A charity shop participates in Record Store Day for the first time, as Steve Burniston reports

As featured in RC 543, Off The Record, Milton Keynes, is a remarkable record shop raising funds for the Willen Hospice charity. It’s outgrown its original premises and moved to a new city centre home. Sandy Bell-ashe told us that “the new shop has a lot more space, allowing an expansion into stocking new products as well as pre-loved. We started with a few new LPS, added instruments and accessories, and our footfall more than quadrupled, with lots of new customers. Next, we invited local acts to perform, and we’ve created a musical community. About a year ago, before we moved, we tried to take part in Record Store Day, but we didn’t know the criteria and we were unable to officially celebrate it. We spent the year trying to ensure that we’d meet the requirements and set up various accounts, joined trade groups, and increased our suppliers of new records. The hard work’s paid off, and we’re the first charity music shop to celebrate Record Store Day. We’re incredibly proud and excited to take part on 20 April and are opening two hours early, at 0800, until 1800. Midsummer Place is opening at 0600 in case people want to queue, and we’re the only eligible shop in Milton Keynes. We’ll be celebrating with live acts throughout the day”.

The shop’s success has seen it acquire many interesting, valuable donated records, one notable rarity sold being Nick Drake’s Five Leaves Left, which made nearly £1,000. They also sell records from 50p, and everyone’s welcome at this standout record shop.

Off The Record are at 67, Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes, MK9 3GB.

Off The Record are at 67, Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes, MK9 3GB.