Comments
Name: John Pickles
Comment: Wow. Clarke’s Music Shop. Spent many an hour browsing through their records in the 1970s and looking forward to seeing the new charts in the window every Tuesday. Heartbreaking to see it as a burned-out shell now.
Name: Peter Thatcher
Comment: As a point of interest, Clarke’s left a legacy to the people of Leverington and Gorefield - as part of the Feoffees a grant is provided for musical education.
Name: Madfox
Comment: Clarkes in my hometown in Lincolnshire. My aunt worked there, which I found a bit embarrassing when I was in the shop. My first 45rpm purchase of my own choice was Itchycoo Park by The Small Faces. My mum gave me the money, I can't remember how much but I believe it was 1968. I do remember singles being 7s 6d but have no idea when that was.
One time I went in to collect a record I'd ordered, I think I was about 11 or 12, and it hadn't arrived, but my aunt helpfully said, "Oh, your dad's order is in." It was Try To Remember by Nana Mouskouri. I didn't want to be carrying that uncool record around, but I didn't have any choice because here was my aunt handing it to me in a brown paper bag with 'Clarkes' printed in black on the front. Obviously, I ran into the local bully boys on the way home and they had a field day. I don't think "wanker" was common currency in those days, but whatever the 1970 equivalent was echoed in my ears all the way to my front door.
“CLARKE'S MUSIC SERVICES, SPALDING Have a vacancy for a young LADY ASSISTANT with previous business experience. Apply in the first instance to Mrs. Drakes at 16 Broad Street, Spalding.”
... and this in the 'Fenland Citizen' dated 18th November 1981:
“CLARKES MUSIC SERVICES, 5 MARKET PLACE, WISBECH. Tel.: WISBECH 3363. EVERYTHING MUSICAL JUST FOR YOU: ORGANS, RECORDS, STEREO TOO!! A SMALL DEPOSIT, WE'LL PUT IT AWAY, FOR SMILING FACES ON CHRISTMAS DAY. THE ONLY COMPLETE MUSIC SHOP IN THE AREA.”
... and this in the 25th January 1984 edition:
“CLOSING DOWN SALE - EVERYTHING MUST GO - 30% DISCOUNTS (In many instances you buy at below cost). Do not be disappointed. Come along early. CLARKES MUSIC SERVICES, 5 MARKET PLACE, WISBECH. Tel.: 583363.”
“CLARKE'S MUSICAL SERVICES, COMMENCING TO-DAY (FRIDAY), A GREAT CLEARANCE SALE of the late H. H. PENISTAN'S STOCK OF NEW and USED PIANOS, ORGANS, PLAYER PIANOS, RADIO, RADIOGRAMS, ACCORDEONS and INSTRUMENTS OF ALL KINDS AT UNHEARD-OF PRICES!! 16, BROAD STREET, SPALDING.”