Bygone radio traders - Page 28 - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Vintage_RC · 5th Feb 2021, 4:10 pm

Thanks for the replies regarding Southern Surplus, it was a long time ago and I was just getting into all things electrical but it sounds as if I remembered their name correctly. I could easily have got their precise location wrong. I was a regular at Watts radio but that would have been late 1950's and early 1960's. I did make the odd visit later than that and after they closed one of the staff opened a shop near Hampton Court bridge.

CambridgeWorks · 13th Feb 2021, 12:31 pm

Whilst replying to a Grundig tk5 thread just now, it reminded me of a supplier we had call at our tv shop.
I think his name was G. Liebich?
He had what was a bit like a horse box/ furniture removal lorry. Entrance was by rear steps. He had surplus components as well as new iirc.
He supplied our Mullard mustard capacitors.
I remembef buying some ht electrolytics, branded "Pitrie".
Strange how you remember some names.
Anyone else remember him? We were based in Peterborough and he visited fortnightly i think.
Rob

G6Tanuki · 13th Feb 2021, 2:01 pm

In the 70s and 80s there was a place called either A.H. Supplies or A.H. Surplus in Sheffield - rhey used to advertise in Practical Wireless and I bought quite a bit of 'stuff' from them [19-set headset/mic assemblies, a couple of really-nicely-made ex-military BFO modules, a RACAL crystal-tester, some DC power-units etc].

I wonder what became of them?

[they were, as far as I know, entirely unconnected with A.H. Thacker of Cheslyn Hay staffs, but someone may know different].

stevehertz · 13th Feb 2021, 4:38 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by G6Tanuki

In the 70s and 80s there was a place called either A.H. Supplies or A.H. Surplus in Sheffield - rhey used to advertise in Practical Wireless and I bought quite a bit of 'stuff' from them [19-set headset/mic assemblies, a couple of really-nicely-made ex-military BFO modules, a RACAL crystal-tester, some DC power-units etc].

I wonder what became of them?

[they were, as far as I know, entirely unconnected with A.H. Thacker of Cheslyn Hay staffs, but someone may know different].

A. H. Thacker was always known - at least locally - as just 'Thackers'. As you say, I'm sure there's no connection, just a coincidence of the first two initials.

Mach One · 8th Mar 2021, 2:59 pm

This might mean something to somebody:

My daughter sent me the attached picture. She lives in Hornchurch, Essex, and thought that I might like to see the old shop front that the picture shows. I don't know Hornchurch and certainly have no information on the trader in the picture but - oh to be able to go back and have a look inside!

The Geographical coding on the picture says, "North Street, Heath Park, Hornchurch."

Junk Box Nick · 8th Mar 2021, 3:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevehertz

Quote:

Originally Posted by G6Tanuki

In the 70s and 80s there was a place called either A.H. Supplies or A.H. Surplus in Sheffield - rhey used to advertise in Practical Wireless and I bought quite a bit of 'stuff' from them [19-set headset/mic assemblies, a couple of really-nicely-made ex-military BFO modules, a RACAL crystal-tester, some DC power-units etc].

I wonder what became of them?

[they were, as far as I know, entirely unconnected with A.H. Thacker of Cheslyn Hay staffs, but someone may know different].

A. H. Thacker was always known - at least locally - as just 'Thackers'. As you say, I'm sure there's no connection, just a coincidence of the first two initials.

What a rabbit warren of stuff Thackers was! I still remember my first trip – got my father to take me – just realised this would be bang on fifty years ago now. Yesterday I was effecting a quick repair to a neighbour’s fence that had fallen over and I used a length of old rope to tie up a post. I remembered it as the remains of a rigging kit that came with an ex-army sectional mast I bought at Thacker’s on that very trip.

Nickthedentist · 8th Mar 2021, 5:04 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach One

This might mean something to somebody:

My daughter sent me the attached picture. She lives in Hornchurch, Essex, and thought that I might like to see the old shop front that the picture shows. I don't know Hornchurch and certainly have no information on the trader in the picture but - oh to be able to go back and have a look inside!

The Geographical coding on the picture says, "North Street, Heath Park, Hornchurch."

Have a look at this found from a quick Google!!

https://scontent-lhr8-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f3&oe=606B3512

Mach One · 9th Mar 2021, 2:11 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickthedentist

Have a look at this found from a quick Google!!

https://scontent-lhr8-2.xx.fbcdn.net...f3&oe=606B3512

Now I'm feeling rather stupid: My daughter says she found it and some other interesting pictures on the "same website as that photo" - but I didn't find it at all with any reasonable search terms that I used? May I ask what you used?

Junk Box Nick · 9th Mar 2021, 2:26 pm

I’m amused by seeing that the only shop with shutters is the Fruiterer’s.

Cleary a bunch of bananas was more highly prized by the local smash and grab artists than a new telly or a box of fags.

(Yes, I remember fruit and veg shops often had an open area!

)

Superhet Si · 6th Apr 2021, 5:38 pm

I remember Watts Radio in Kingston. Bought my Antex iron there. And you had to pass the coffee shop on the way there. Oh the smell of ground Coffee!

Station X · 7th Apr 2021, 11:13 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superhet Si

I remember Watts Radio in Kingston. Bought my Antex iron there. And you had to pass the coffee shop on the way there. Oh the smell of ground Coffee!

Which Kingston is that? There are several in the UK.

Restoration73 · 7th Apr 2021, 11:58 am

Well it did run adverts in Practical Wireless in the 1950's and 60's - Kingston Upon Thames

One of the employees decided to set up his own independent shop selling hi-fi which was
called Surbiton Park Radio which also ran adverts in PW. It closed in 1995.

Jez1234 · 7th Apr 2021, 3:50 pm

Bond and Mason of Church Road, Stockton on Tees was my local Aladdin's cave and component supplier when I was a teenager (long time ago!). They were extant until maybe mid 1990's IIRC. I seem to recall that the shop became a double glazing supplier... but even that recollection is now going back maybe 20 years or more!

AndyMor · 7th Apr 2021, 11:19 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by G6Tanuki

In the 70s and 80s there was a place called either A.H. Supplies or A.H. Surplus in Sheffield - rhey used to advertise in Practical Wireless and I bought quite a bit of 'stuff' from them [19-set headset/mic assemblies, a couple of really-nicely-made ex-military BFO modules, a RACAL crystal-tester, some DC power-units etc].

I wonder what became of them?

[they were, as far as I know, entirely unconnected with A.H. Thacker of Cheslyn Hay staffs, but someone may know different].

Indeed, I remember AH Supplies , I was a teenager at school , keen on radio and valve electronics , an interest I got from my dad. I bought some good things from them , with pocket money from mending tv’s in a local shop. I remember a Marconi TF144G ( huge heavy and beautifully made sig gen that I recall worked quite well) and a huge 19 inch rack regulated HT psu. A few quid each I think. I sold them when I left home☹️

Vintage_RC · 8th Apr 2021, 8:45 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Station X

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superhet Si

I remember Watts Radio in Kingston. Bought my Antex iron there. And you had to pass the coffee shop on the way there. Oh the smell of ground Coffee!

Which Kingston is that? There are several in the UK.

The aroma from the Coffee Shop tells me it is Kingston Upon Thames.

Station X · 8th Apr 2021, 12:32 pm

Confusion arose because post #551 was originally in a thread about a radio shop in Peterborough. There is a Kingston in Cambridgeshire, but it's nowhere near Peterborough.

snowman_al · 8th Apr 2021, 12:41 pm

Glad this thread is still going. I've been clearing some old documentation and found items from here.

Anyone remember ''Centre Electronics'', 345 Stockfield Road , Yardley in Birmingham.
A real Aladdin's cave and many a lunch hour spent there in the 90s when I worked at the NEC. Just cannot remember the guy's name, might have been Howard?

Alan

Reelman · 8th Apr 2021, 3:24 pm

Only went to Centre Electronics a couple of times but picked up a couple of the 38 set junction boxes which are very rare. Seem to remember it as a house converted into a shop, you just wandered around the various small rooms.
Sad to think that we will never see their like again..... where is that time machine!
Peter

G6Tanuki · 8th Apr 2021, 7:07 pm

Out of interest, my Bush VHF81 has a gold label on the back saying:

"Serviced by F. Woolgar (Medway) Ltd
170A High Street
Gillingham
Kent ME7 1AJ"

and the date 24/7/75

Looking at the address using Google Street View suggests it is the "Southern Belle" pub, but also shows a reference that it is a private house having last been sold in 2006.

Anyone know anything about this company?

Dave757 · 9th Apr 2021, 2:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowman_al

Glad this thread is still going. I've been clearing some old documentation and found items from here.

Anyone remember ''Centre Electronics'', 345 Stockfield Road , Yardley in Birmingham.
A real Aladdin's cave and many a lunch hour spent there in the 90s when I worked at the NEC. Just cannot remember the guy's name, might have been Howard?

Alan

Hi Alan,

His name is Howard Turner, and he still lives locally to where his shop was.
A very old friend of mine, and I was one of his regulars. I don't live in Birmingham now,
but I recently had a long telephone conversation with him,
and he still has one or two radios! It only seems like yesterday that the
shop closed, but it must be the best part of 20 years. How time flies!

Kind regards
Dave G0ELJ

5th Feb 2021, 4:10 pm	#541
Vintage_RC Heptode Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Twickenham, London, UK. Posts: 538	Re: Bygone radio traders Thanks for the replies regarding Southern Surplus, it was a long time ago and I was just getting into all things electrical but it sounds as if I remembered their name correctly. I could easily have got their precise location wrong. I was a regular at Watts radio but that would have been late 1950's and early 1960's. I did make the odd visit later than that and after they closed one of the staff opened a shop near Hampton Court bridge. __________________ Alan G6PUB, BVWS

13th Feb 2021, 12:31 pm	#542
CambridgeWorks Nonode Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Spalding, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK. Posts: 2,858	Re: Bygone radio traders Whilst replying to a Grundig tk5 thread just now, it reminded me of a supplier we had call at our tv shop. I think his name was G. Liebich? He had what was a bit like a horse box/ furniture removal lorry. Entrance was by rear steps. He had surplus components as well as new iirc. He supplied our Mullard mustard capacitors. I remembef buying some ht electrolytics, branded "Pitrie". Strange how you remember some names. Anyone else remember him? We were based in Peterborough and he visited fortnightly i think. Rob __________________ Apprehension creeping like a tube train up your spine - Cymbaline. Film More soundtrack - Pink Floyd

13th Feb 2021, 2:01 pm	#543
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 13,998	Re: Bygone radio traders In the 70s and 80s there was a place called either A.H. Supplies or A.H. Surplus in Sheffield - rhey used to advertise in Practical Wireless and I bought quite a bit of 'stuff' from them [19-set headset/mic assemblies, a couple of really-nicely-made ex-military BFO modules, a RACAL crystal-tester, some DC power-units etc]. I wonder what became of them? [they were, as far as I know, entirely unconnected with A.H. Thacker of Cheslyn Hay staffs, but someone may know different].

8th Mar 2021, 2:59 pm	#545
Mach One Heptode Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 611	Re: Bygone radio traders This might mean something to somebody: My daughter sent me the attached picture. She lives in Hornchurch, Essex, and thought that I might like to see the old shop front that the picture shows. I don't know Hornchurch and certainly have no information on the trader in the picture but - oh to be able to go back and have a look inside! The Geographical coding on the picture says, "North Street, Heath Park, Hornchurch." Attached Thumbnails

9th Mar 2021, 2:26 pm	#549
Junk Box Nick Octode Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: West Midlands, UK. Posts: 1,571	Re: Bygone radio traders I’m amused by seeing that the only shop with shutters is the Fruiterer’s. Cleary a bunch of bananas was more highly prized by the local smash and grab artists than a new telly or a box of fags. (Yes, I remember fruit and veg shops often had an open area! )

6th Apr 2021, 5:38 pm	#550
Superhet Si Pentode Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Crawley Down, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 151	Re: TV Radio repair shop in Peterborough circa 70's I remember Watts Radio in Kingston. Bought my Antex iron there. And you had to pass the coffee shop on the way there. Oh the smell of ground Coffee! __________________ My Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/simonspiers

7th Apr 2021, 11:58 am	#552
Restoration73 Nonode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Surbiton, SW London, UK. Posts: 2,801	Re: TV Radio repair shop in Peterborough circa 70's Well it did run adverts in Practical Wireless in the 1950's and 60's - Kingston Upon Thames One of the employees decided to set up his own independent shop selling hi-fi which was called Surbiton Park Radio which also ran adverts in PW. It closed in 1995.

7th Apr 2021, 3:50 pm	#553
Jez1234 Banned Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Morpeth, Northumberland, UK. Posts: 936	Re: Bygone radio traders Bond and Mason of Church Road, Stockton on Tees was my local Aladdin's cave and component supplier when I was a teenager (long time ago!). They were extant until maybe mid 1990's IIRC. I seem to recall that the shop became a double glazing supplier... but even that recollection is now going back maybe 20 years or more!

8th Apr 2021, 12:32 pm	#556
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,288	Re: Bygone radio traders Confusion arose because post #551 was originally in a thread about a radio shop in Peterborough. There is a Kingston in Cambridgeshire, but it's nowhere near Peterborough. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

8th Apr 2021, 12:41 pm	#557
snowman_al Octode Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Llandeilo, West Wales, UK. Posts: 1,092	Re: Bygone radio traders Glad this thread is still going. I've been clearing some old documentation and found items from here. Anyone remember ''Centre Electronics'', 345 Stockfield Road , Yardley in Birmingham. A real Aladdin's cave and many a lunch hour spent there in the 90s when I worked at the NEC. Just cannot remember the guy's name, might have been Howard? Alan __________________ Never Leave Well Enough Alone...

8th Apr 2021, 3:24 pm	#558
Reelman Octode Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,723	Re: Bygone radio traders Only went to Centre Electronics a couple of times but picked up a couple of the 38 set junction boxes which are very rare. Seem to remember it as a house converted into a shop, you just wandered around the various small rooms. Sad to think that we will never see their like again..... where is that time machine! Peter

8th Apr 2021, 7:07 pm	#559
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 13,998	Re: Bygone radio traders Out of interest, my Bush VHF81 has a gold label on the back saying: "Serviced by F. Woolgar (Medway) Ltd 170A High Street Gillingham Kent ME7 1AJ" and the date 24/7/75 Looking at the address using Google Street View suggests it is the "Southern Belle" pub, but also shows a reference that it is a private house having last been sold in 2006. Anyone know anything about this company?