Slough Record Centre

I cried the day they closed. I was there for the in-store party on the day, where wine and nibbles were served; in fact, I bought the very last CD they ever sold! The owner, Ray, and his lovely wife (whose name temporarily escapes me, sorry), were wonderful people.
They had really committed, incredibly knowledgeable staff, Tony and Dave in particular, who really knew their stuff. as an obsessive Rock 'n' Roll collector, I was always extremely excited when anything new, rare or unusual came in, and Dave and Tony would always ring me in advance, thus ensuring I would be first in the queue to get the said item. Ray couldn't do enough for you when you went in, whether to buy or to merely listen to the latest tunes or something more obscure. I useed to collect vinyl like a man possessed and loved it when shaped and coloured 7" singles came out, collecting everything in sight. More latterly, Ray's son and daughter joined the team, both equally as committed as the rest of the team. (Sorry guys, but again your names escape me). I do know that the daughter was a renowned DJ and that the son arranged filming for the day of closure, something I would give my right arm to have a copy of! During the 1970s Rock 'n' Roll revival, when reissues on Charley or new groups began to emerge, the Teds could often be seen in their droves, flicking their way through the racks; great days indeed. Most of what I earned in those days was spent on records, in fact, my very first purchase (with my own money) was Michael Jackson's 'Ben' in the August of 1972 (not quite Rock 'n' Roll but a defining song for me in my musical education). Tony and Dave also used to turn me on to new bands and singers, something I will always be grateful for. (Anyone remember the Rockin' Ricky And The Velvet Collars version of 'Someone Someone', a wonderful, wonderful tune?). I believe Dave retired to Ireland and I once bumped into Tony over in Windsor, both lovely guys and I miss them dearly; I miss them all actually, most of all the shop itself. Slough Record Centre was the best record shop around, I've been to hundreds but none came close. Thank you all, each and every one of you, for being with me, guiding me and enriching me, on my lifelong musical journey - Carl Nyman.

Apologies for providing the wrong name in my earlier review, it was Terry, not Tony! And I now remember Ray's son's name, Simon I believe. I also have photos of the last day if you want them uploaded to this site.

I remember once going into Slough Record Centre and asking if they had a Teddy Pendergrass album on CD and he lifted a couple of vinyls off the desk and there was a TP greatest hits as if it was meant to be. Used to love browsing in this store. Would love to go back in time for a bit. Happiest days of my life. Slough lost its heartbeat when this store closed:(

I am writing this with tears in my eyes. Such lovely comments and memories about our shop Slough Record Centre. We were so sad the day we closed , but by then the internet had changed the way music was being sold. David Moore who was our manager, is well and happy in Northern Ireland, Terry Curtin also well and not too far away. Sadly my husband Ray died a couple of years ago but my children Samantha and Simon live only 3 miles away from me, so see them regularly. Sam is still doing some gigs locally. Simon is working in accounts in Northolt. They loved the shop and were both hoping for a much longer career in music. Ray and I opened the shop in 1964 and closed 2007 but we had 43 years of happiness in the Farnham Road. Thank you to all our loyal and regular customers who supported us during those years, we couldn’t have survived for as long without your loyalty. Thank you all
Ann Cherry, Sam and Simon.

Hi Ann, I was a rep for SRD back when they were a thing. Always loved coming to your store and have fond memories of that time. Good to hear that Sam and Simon are well. Sorry to hear that Ray has sadly passed. Thanks for all the cups of tea (and toast!) best Martin

So very sorry to just now learn that Ray had passed. I first met Ray & Ann in the late 60's while on an overseas trip from Canada and over the next few years while visiting London shopped at the Slough Record Center as well as having met socially with them both on numerous occasions. Back in 2016 after having lost touch for so many years I managed to track them down and my wife and I had a great reunion at their residence. 2 of the most wonderful people I've had the pleasure of knowing in my lifetime. Merry Christmas Ann - Dave & Arlene in Alberta Canada

Best (record) shop ever. Nicest, passionate staff who didn't think they were "cool" in the early 90's. I spent hours on a Saturday checking out the weeks new tracks with headphones on their 1210s. Big shout out SRC. Increase the peace.

I too was a regular at SRC, and remember all the staff. Sorry to hear about Ray. There actually was a Tony who worked there before Terry. The late Tony Hodges, who gave me a start as a DJ working alongside him at various clubs in the 80s.

Paul aka Scratcher