Spalding antiques dealers will be coming together under one roof

Two antiques dealers will be coming together under one roof in the coming weeks.

Pendragon Antiques will be joined in its premises in Red Lion Street, Spalding, by Ginger Cat Antiques during the early part of this month.

Mark Carroll has been running Ginger Cat Antiques, named after his ginger cat Stilton, for over a year online but wants to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by having a shop in the town centre.

He said: “My grandfather used to have Paul Taylor’s Electrical in Winsover Road for decades and that is why I have always wanted a shop of my own.

“I have always been a big supporter of the High Street and at the moment it seems to be struggling a bit with empty shops popping up so I thought now was the best time to do it.

“I am going to keep the online running but I am also hoping that the shop will also be busy.”

Mr Carroll got into the world of antiques after amassing a large collection of coins and ceramics.

He said: “People are going through a 60s and 70s vibe at the moment. They remember things from their parents homes and their childhood.

“People like light wood furniture, Italian and German ceramics, anything that has a retro feel to it.

“One of the things I enjoy most is talking to people so that is what I am looking forward to doing in the shop.”

Justin Grimshaw, who runs Pendragon Antiques, is looking forward to Mark and Ginger Cat Antiques joining him in the shop.

He said: “We are going to have to put ‘antique centre’ on the front of the building.”

Mr Grimshaw also got into the antiques business as a result of his hobby.

He said: “My hobby is minerology and I did used to teach it many years ago. People would ask me to identify a stone but I ended up collecting a lot of items.”

He started off at Spalding Lifestyles and Antiques three-and-a-half years ago before moving into the Red Lion Street shop last year.

Mr Grimshaw, who also offers high rates for scrap gold, said: “I started off with a small amount of items and ended up with a shop load of antiques, antiquities, First and Second World War memorabilia, coins and medals.

“People will come in and ask for the best price. I will always give them a good bargain as I don’t want to lose the custom.”

Mr Grimshaw has also been able to track down rare items for customers.

He said: “I was asked for a three decanter tantalus. Years ago, they would keep their decanters in this box, which had a lock on, to stop the servants from stealing the drink.

“I managed to get one for this lady. It was a rare one.”

Pearl and Ruby, which had been housed in the Red Lion Street shop, is going to cease trading on November 15 following the impact of the pandemic. Kayleigh Ayre is starting a new venture.