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us also visited the local jumble sales. That first day was a huge success and the public flocked to search for bargains and to offer their unwanted items for sale. We were off to a good start.
Pass It On was formerly owned by Fishers Garage. Following the recent sale of Fishers Garage, Pass It On it was transferred to Ray and Mags Fisher. Our initial premises were rented from King and Barnes, the local brewery. For fifteen years our team of friendly staff worked through thousands of goods, selling them on commission for the public. When in 1991 King and Barnes decided to redevelop part of their site and restore the old house to its original appearance, we had to move on.
Many years ago Lyons the local butcher had rented this shop and had a wonderful marble slab in the shop window on which to display his meat. We had retained this, covering it with fabric for our window displays. We were delighted that during the redevelopment of the old house, King and Barnes used part of this marble for one of the fireplaces. Unfortunately King and Barns has been sold and the site is closed.
Our next home was 53 East Street, part of the interesting old red brick building on the corner of Barttelot Road, opposite the former Brewers site. These were larger premises and we could expand into the furniture market, gradually increasing the size of the articles we could accept for sale.
We were forced to move again in 1995. After the initial fear or being homeless, we were delighted to find vacant premises at 30 East Street, nearer to the town centre. For many years this had been the home of a photographic shop. With the increasing demand for old and modern secondhand furniture, we discontinued our clothes department and have expanded our furniture section.
We believe the general public has a greater appreciation of secondhand and antique articles than it did when we started. Recent television programmes have heightened everyone's awareness of yesterday's treasures.
Working in Pass It On needs a good sense of humour and loads of stamina. A lot of effort is involved each day unpacking, moving, pricing and selling our stock - as well as the many collections and deliveries which we undertake. A sense of humour and a lot of stamina are essential staff requirements. Some of our staff have been with us almost from the beginning and we are so grateful for their support and hard work over the years. We try to meet the challenges, enjoy the camaraderie and have a very happy working environment.
Many funny things have taken place from time to time. One springs to mind: a customer saw a distinctive ornament in our window. With great excitement he bought it to match an existing one belonging to his landlady, only to find that she disliked her original and had brought it in for us to sell - which is the one the gentleman then purchased. One customer pops in once a year when her peacocks have their annual molt - and we are asked to sell a quantity of peacock feathers. In our time we have handled almost every article to be found in a home or garden. Our general policy is - if there is a market for it and we can get it through the door - we'll try and sell it for you.
We love the variety of goods offered for sale as this makes Pass It On a lovely place for customers to enjoy a quite browse. So often a customer will come in looking for a particular item such as a jigsaw, and end up buying a chest of drawers or something similar!
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