16-12-2012, 01:49 PM
Yes, it’s a shame that such places have all but disappeared. I can only think of Birkett’s, and Bardwell’s in Sheffield, though that isn’t what it used to be. It’s not so much that the supply has dried up but the demand – few people are interested any more.
John started the business in the late 1940s selling WD stuff bought by the pallet load and for years he was familiar sight a radio rallies. I was quite surprised to see that he had a table at the NVCF this year, given his age. Really, it’s become his hobby rather than a business. He used to have pilot’s licence but ill health forced him to give that up. Very interesting guy to talk to if he takes to you.
Back in the 70s, he had literally thousands of Mullard RF, IF and AF modules for a pound a piece. He thought he'd never see the back of them - he sold little kits to convert the modules to make an air-band receiver. At one time in the heydays of the 60s and 70s, he had about eight shops on either side of the Strait - a steep narrow hill, leading appropriately to 'Steep Hill'. We occasionally have a day in Lincoln, and enjoy walking up The Strait and Steep Hill – probably one of the most interesting streets there is in any old Roman town if you like book shops, art galleries etc. (Lincoln Castle is at the top, and the Cathedral). I always check that Birkett’s is going to be open, and book a table at Brown’s famous yummy pie shop on Steep Hill for lunch. Game bird pie with orange Madeira & thyme cream sauce - local wild rabbit pie with creamed leek & elderflower etc. What’s not to like about that unless you’re a veggie, in which case: Oven baked stuffed avocado wrapped in filo pastry served on red pepper coulis. (No wonder the rabbit is wild – I’d be livid if I were a rabbit and ended up on the menu!)
http://www.brownspieshop.co.uk/lunch_menu.htm
(You've got a PM Gary)
John started the business in the late 1940s selling WD stuff bought by the pallet load and for years he was familiar sight a radio rallies. I was quite surprised to see that he had a table at the NVCF this year, given his age. Really, it’s become his hobby rather than a business. He used to have pilot’s licence but ill health forced him to give that up. Very interesting guy to talk to if he takes to you.
Back in the 70s, he had literally thousands of Mullard RF, IF and AF modules for a pound a piece. He thought he'd never see the back of them - he sold little kits to convert the modules to make an air-band receiver. At one time in the heydays of the 60s and 70s, he had about eight shops on either side of the Strait - a steep narrow hill, leading appropriately to 'Steep Hill'. We occasionally have a day in Lincoln, and enjoy walking up The Strait and Steep Hill – probably one of the most interesting streets there is in any old Roman town if you like book shops, art galleries etc. (Lincoln Castle is at the top, and the Cathedral). I always check that Birkett’s is going to be open, and book a table at Brown’s famous yummy pie shop on Steep Hill for lunch. Game bird pie with orange Madeira & thyme cream sauce - local wild rabbit pie with creamed leek & elderflower etc. What’s not to like about that unless you’re a veggie, in which case: Oven baked stuffed avocado wrapped in filo pastry served on red pepper coulis. (No wonder the rabbit is wild – I’d be livid if I were a rabbit and ended up on the menu!)
http://www.brownspieshop.co.uk/lunch_menu.htm
(You've got a PM Gary)
Regards, David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club Member 1339.
'I'm in my own little world, but I'm happy, and they know me here'