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STEWART BLENCOWE
BOOKS

 

News & Jottings

Readers of this column over the last few years will be quite conversant with the direction of the railway hobby and the supporting dealer network. Since the end of the Covid pandemic the situation has sadly become worse. Now the railwayana auctions, which benefitted hugely by unintentionally providing an associated social scene, has turned its back on its loyal supporters just to follow the money. There are one or two exceptions to this – and more power to their elbow. At the same time collector’s fairs have been decimated with the one or two that do survive seeing a steady decline in customers. Let’s hope they can keep going but with an ageing clientele and the rising costs of setting such events up, it will be tough.

Therefore I have made the decision to retire by the end of 2023. Its fifty years since I began selling railwayana and books in aid of saving Erlestoke Manor from the cutters torch at Barry and what a great hobby its turned out to be. While sales in the Antique Centre in Gloucester continue to be buoyant far fewer collections are being offered to dealers. For some strange reason sellers prefer to suffer the rip-off commissions of the auction companies rather than talk to their local dealer. It would be good if someone wanted to carry on the facility in Gloucester – its a great opportunity. (See home page)

It is probable that I will continue to sell high-end and rare railway books via ABE but in the meantime there is a large quantity of photographs, book and models to dispose of. Some items will continue to be advertised via this site in the meantime but best of all, the unit in the Antique Centre will remain open and I know many will take advantage of that.

Thanks to all my past customers, many of whom have become friends, and happy hunting in the future.
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