I found an article in the ‘Accrington Observer & Times’ dated 28th August 1998:
“In groove with Custard Cube - Londoner Jim Bowes, as age 40 approached, found himself setting up shop in our own fair town rather than Camden High Street. Jim revealed: “I was just divorced and had lost everything. I had to sell something to survive so I sold a few records from a cardboard box.” From those humble beginnings a handful of years ago his Accrington Market stall is now home to 25,000 records, tapes and CDs. Don’t expect to pick up bargains at giveaway prices, as Jim knows the value of his stock and the golden oldies and rarities he stocks don’t come that cheaply. But for any pop fan or indeed any fan of whatever kind of music, it’s a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of long-discarded forgotten delights. Surprisingly Jim, or Custard Cube as he is known to everyone, wasn’t as obsessive about music as a young man as you might imagine. But he listens to practically everything he acquires and considers himself almost an adviser/confidante to his regular customers. “I try to bring some quality control into this. It’s not just a matter of buying everything and flogging it on. That record you bought, your first one ever that you threw away or sold or it got too scratched to play, I’ll find it for you if l can. I’m here to help people relive their happiest days. And if I can make a wage at the same time, great.”
“In groove with Custard Cube - Londoner Jim Bowes, as age 40 approached, found himself setting up shop in our own fair town rather than Camden High Street. Jim revealed: “I was just divorced and had lost everything. I had to sell something to survive so I sold a few records from a cardboard box.” From those humble beginnings a handful of years ago his Accrington Market stall is now home to 25,000 records, tapes and CDs. Don’t expect to pick up bargains at giveaway prices, as Jim knows the value of his stock and the golden oldies and rarities he stocks don’t come that cheaply. But for any pop fan or indeed any fan of whatever kind of music, it’s a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of long-discarded forgotten delights. Surprisingly Jim, or Custard Cube as he is known to everyone, wasn’t as obsessive about music as a young man as you might imagine. But he listens to practically everything he acquires and considers himself almost an adviser/confidante to his regular customers. “I try to bring some quality control into this. It’s not just a matter of buying everything and flogging it on. That record you bought, your first one ever that you threw away or sold or it got too scratched to play, I’ll find it for you if l can. I’m here to help people relive their happiest days. And if I can make a wage at the same time, great.”