A NEW record shop has opened in Leominster.

Ad Astra Records welcomed their customers to School Lane last Saturday (August 26).

The shop, which is trading both in-person and online, will stock second-hand records alongside recent releases from established and new artists including limited editions and future rarities.

They also intend to be a hub for the local music scene by hosting music nights with Herefordshire’s promising young bands.

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The shop is run by Derek Barton and Nigel Westwood, who met whilst they were both working for Nationwide. After leaving the company, the pair decided to follow their shared passion for music and focus on making music retail their full-time job, while still operating an equity release and mortgage advice service out of an office at the back of the shop.

“Vinyl records have been growing year on year for the last decade or so,” said Mr Barton.

“I think part of the reason for that growth is because its so good for mindfulness. The ritual of taking a record out and it just being you and the music for an hour or two.”

“We really want to be there for the community by championing local bands and artists, selling their merch and their records. By selling online, we hope we can help Herefordshire musicians reach the wider world.”

“We chose Leominster because it’s an underrated town.” He added.

“It’s up and coming, with plenty of bespoke shops starting to appear and we wanted to add to that. This town is what we’re all about.”

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