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Hidden gems in the UK

Hi, Just wandering if UK folks have any hidden gems as far as supplies and inspiration go they'd like to share?

I live near Bygone Times in Lancashire, and I thought I'd share a few pics of what kind of things they have in there. It's a kind of permanent collectors fair with loads of different stalls, and it's open seven days a week. I've been going there since I was a child, and they had the original prototype bat-boat from the first Batman series! Also,as a naughty nipper I pinched a bottle of 30+ year old coke from a display (yes, I threw my guts up).

Nowadays they sell such a diverse range of stuff like pottery, brass, old tools, furniture, plus the odd guitar here and there.

Bygone Times

I go there around three times a month just to pick up weird little boxes etc but now and again, there's some really cool finds. There's usually around ten or so vintage radios, and I haven't seen any priced above £40 so far.

Anyway, here's a couple of pics from my last visit taken on my phone so quality is a bit crap.

A valve tester, I think this was priced at £28

Some vintage radios from a couple of stalls. Pretty much all of the radios are marked up as un-checked, so best assume they're knackered.

Love this box.

Of course, like everywhere else, there's always a load of crap.....

Most of the boxes are holding butter knives or whatever, but most are solid and more than usable.

I think this one was a fiver!

So, has anyone got any cool places, or even web-sites to share?

2 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David L. on November 8, 2012 at 12:50am

Thanks for sharing Rob - I'll have to have a trip out there.

I haven't found anything like Bygone Times but try to get to the Mojo Guitar Fairs when I can.
There are no dates set yet for next year but they have 3 or more fairs in Lancashire per year
http://www.b-visible.co.uk/businesses/72/mojo.html
Usually at Haslingden Sports Hall or Nelson Ace Centre. They have a good atmosphere and they are open to a bit of price haggling especially over the spares and repairs bits.

Regards,
David

Permalink Reply by Rob (Treadstone Guitars) on November 8, 2012 at 7:21am

Cool, I've had a look round their site and the next event is at Haslingden Sports Hall. Think i'll get to that and see about the others too. Cheers!

Permalink Reply by one_rod on November 8, 2012 at 11:49am

Every Thursday in Chesterfield they have a big flea market in the town centre.

In amongst the usual piles of tat and "other peoples treasure" there are some bargains. Old woodworking tools, vintage electronics and interesting books.

Sadly I'm usually at work, but if I ever get the day off I always pay a visit. Take a pocket full of change and always haggle over the price of anything. Just because the guy only wants a quid for that beechwood block plane doesn't mean you can't get it for 75p. ;-)

one_rod.

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on December 21, 2012 at 10:31pm

Hi while we were in Tescos this morning - we were in at 06:00 and it was hell in there >:-(

Anyway I spotted these

2x75mm and 1x6mm for a quid.

Cheers,
Steve

Permalink Reply by Rob (Treadstone Guitars) on December 21, 2012 at 10:49pm

Well spotted that man!

Permalink Reply by Stevesteve on December 21, 2012 at 11:39pm

Doh 2x75mm and 1x60mm not 6mm but then I was still in shock from Xmas shopping.

Back home for a cuppa now!
Cheers,
Steve

Permalink Reply by Sleepy John on December 22, 2012 at 6:03am

Damn...and I only got 2 for 99p on t'interweb!!!

Permalink Reply by Old Fingers Green on December 26, 2012 at 1:32am

I can vouch for these, just used one on a beer can microphone as a Christmas present for my cousin.

F.Y.I the 75mm ones fit perfectly on a standard size food can, might be quite cool used on a can-jo reso build?

Permalink Reply by Hubcap John on December 28, 2012 at 9:45am

hi try here www.junktionantiques.co.uk some great stuff but slightly expensive also i have heard they will be appearing on the new series of Salvage Hunters on the Quest Channel

Regards

Hubcap John

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