VHS recorder in Abingdon charity shop - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

paulsherwin · 4th Mar 2022, 7:50 pm

There's currently a very late model VHS machine for sale in a charity shop in central Abingdon, Bath Street just off the High Street (near the chip shop and Wetherspoons.) I wasn't paying attention at the time and can't remember the brand or price, but it wasn't expensive. They seem to get a lot of electronics there, particularly DVD players, clock radios and docks for old iPhones. They had several old LCD tellies today which were £20-£30 with remotes. Prices are generally very low for electronics with most items under £10. Friendly staff. It's always worth a quick peep in there if you find yourself in Abingdon.

I bought a first generation Google Home Mini smart speaker for about a fiver from there a while ago.

Craig Sawyers · 6th Mar 2022, 12:54 am

I live very near Abingdon, and somehow that shop has escaped me. Clearly it is not going to escape any longer!

Thanks for the heads up Paul

Craig

paulsherwin · 6th Mar 2022, 11:05 am

I can't remember the name of the charity - it's not one of the majors. The shop is easy to find though.

In addition to the electrical stuff, they also have cheap books and DVDs, and a huge range of crockery and glassware.

OldTechFan96 · 6th Mar 2022, 12:07 pm

I was under the impression that charity shops stopped taking electrical items? Maybe some did?

paulsherwin · 6th Mar 2022, 12:29 pm

It's an individual decision. Some choose to decline all electrical items because they think the liability issues make it more trouble than it's worth. Others have a suitably qualified volunteer perform a PAT test before items go on sale.

There was a bit of a panic when the consequential liability rules were brought in decades ago. These were intended to protect the public from dodgy dealers selling dangerous old electric fires and cookers, but had the unintended consequence of frightening the life out of the charity shop sector. I'm not aware of a single case of a charity being prosecuted or sued under this legislation.

Paul Stenning · 6th Mar 2022, 2:45 pm

The big Cancer Research superstore here in Cardiff accept and sell electricals, and usually have a decent range of items (mostly modern though, I have never seen any VHS machines or other older items there). It is all PAT tested but not usually tested for proper operation etc.

4th Mar 2022, 7:50 pm	#1
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,943	VHS recorder in Abingdon charity shop There's currently a very late model VHS machine for sale in a charity shop in central Abingdon, Bath Street just off the High Street (near the chip shop and Wetherspoons.) I wasn't paying attention at the time and can't remember the brand or price, but it wasn't expensive. They seem to get a lot of electronics there, particularly DVD players, clock radios and docks for old iPhones. They had several old LCD tellies today which were £20-£30 with remotes. Prices are generally very low for electronics with most items under £10. Friendly staff. It's always worth a quick peep in there if you find yourself in Abingdon. I bought a first generation Google Home Mini smart speaker for about a fiver from there a while ago.

6th Mar 2022, 12:54 am	#2
Craig Sawyers Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 4,982	Re: VHS recorder in Abingdon charity shop I live very near Abingdon, and somehow that shop has escaped me. Clearly it is not going to escape any longer! Thanks for the heads up Paul Craig __________________ Doomed for a certain term to walk the night

6th Mar 2022, 11:05 am	#3
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,943	Re: VHS recorder in Abingdon charity shop I can't remember the name of the charity - it's not one of the majors. The shop is easy to find though. In addition to the electrical stuff, they also have cheap books and DVDs, and a huge range of crockery and glassware. Attached Thumbnails

6th Mar 2022, 12:07 pm	#4
OldTechFan96 Octode Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 1,178	Re: VHS recorder in Abingdon charity shop I was under the impression that charity shops stopped taking electrical items? Maybe some did?

6th Mar 2022, 12:29 pm	#5
paulsherwin Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 27,943	Re: VHS recorder in Abingdon charity shop It's an individual decision. Some choose to decline all electrical items because they think the liability issues make it more trouble than it's worth. Others have a suitably qualified volunteer perform a PAT test before items go on sale. There was a bit of a panic when the consequential liability rules were brought in decades ago. These were intended to protect the public from dodgy dealers selling dangerous old electric fires and cookers, but had the unintended consequence of frightening the life out of the charity shop sector. I'm not aware of a single case of a charity being prosecuted or sued under this legislation.

6th Mar 2022, 2:45 pm	#6
Paul Stenning Administrator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cardiff Posts: 9,071	Re: VHS recorder in Abingdon charity shop The big Cancer Research superstore here in Cardiff accept and sell electricals, and usually have a decent range of items (mostly modern though, I have never seen any VHS machines or other older items there). It is all PAT tested but not usually tested for proper operation etc. __________________ Paul Stenning Forum Admin/Owner and BVWS Webmaster