A radio presenter is keeping alive the memory of one of Mansfield’s most famous old shops -— and raising money for a mental health charity at the same time.

Ian Watkins, managing editor at Mansfield 103.2, has launched an online merchandise store featuring T-shirts remembering the Syd Booth’s record store.

Ian, who over the last couple of years has interviewed many people who used to work at the former Granada cinema, said the Syd Booth’s stores held many fond memories for so many people.

Proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to Mind.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on people’s mental health and that’s on top of the statistic that one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.

“I want to raise a few pennies for an organisation that really helps people who are struggling,” said Ian. 

“So if you buy anything you’ll be doing a little something to help Mind help those people who are struggling.”

Syd Booths was originally on Rosemary Street, before moving to Queen Street and later the Four Seasons Shopping Centre.

There was also an outlet at the Idlewells Precinct in Sutton 

As well as selling records, and then later cassettes and eight-track cartridges, the shop also sold record players and hi-fi equipment.

Ian added: “Sadly, I’m a little too young to remember it myself but many people have great memories of buying music from there.

“I thought it would be cool to make a T-shirt to celebrate the shop. We used an old record bag design from the 70s and it’s come out really well.”

To buy a Syd Booth’s T-Shirt and other merchandise go to watkoshop.co.uk