Comment: I still have this bag. The soul imports in the 1970s were so good. I loved and spent most of my spare time here, I was introduced to Wattstax, Bowie, Motown. It was a great meeting place, and you felt so good when you ordered an album and walked out with it under your arm, dying to get home to listen. My greatest memories are in music.
(29 August 2013)
Comment: If this is the Osborne's that was in Parsons Street, Banbury then I have very fond memories! Saturday afternoons [in the] 1970s listening to the latest vinyl on huge headphones in the little booths! You could spend ages in here before staff realised you weren't buying, just killing time. David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Rollers, Dooleys, Sweet, Slade, Suzi Q - I could go on and on. Happy days!
(19 March 2013)
Name: Anonymous Lady
Comment: Went out with a lad who worked upstairs, his name was Chris. I worked in Dillions up the road and we would go for a drink in The Flying Horse after work. Loved Osborne's, [the] 1970s [was the] best era ever. Oh to be young again.
(2020)
Name: Mick Compton
Comment: OMG what a shop this was in the 1970s - it had a fantastic smell of, well, records! The picture of the bag from a previous user brought back so many memories - rock on!
(2021)
... and this notice on page 13 in the 26th October 1972: “OSBORNE'S MUSIC CENTRE has moved to 4 PARSONS ST, BANBURY (opposite former premises).”
... and this advert on page 12 of the same edition: “OSBORNE’S MUSIC CENTRE, 4 PARSONS STREET, BANBURY. Upon the opening of their new record shop. Designed and constructed by EMI RECORDS SHOP PLANNING & FITTING DIVISION, 1-3, Uxbridge Road, Hayes, Middx. 01-561-8722 Ex. 277.”
... plus this piece in the 2nd November 1972 edition: “THE OPPOSITE SHOPS. Osborne’s Music Centre now comprises two shops directly opposite each other in Parson’s Street. The Organ Centre is in the shop which was formerly the Music Centre prior to its move to larger premises opposite. The shop now re-opens to cater for the rapidly increasing interest in organs.”
... and finally this in the 17th May 1979 edition:
“Music shop closes - Osborne's Music Centre, in Parsons Street, Banbury, closed down yesterday (Wednesday). As stock was cleared from the shop, a spokesman for Buckell and Ballard estate agents, Banbury, said that their commercial department was handling all enqiries concerning the premises. He declined to comment further on the closure. Mr Roger Osborne was not available for comment either at the shop or at his home.”