IT must be some sort of record at the Oxfam music and book shop in Tavistock — a generous benefactor has donated a rare collection of more than 4,000 classical recordings. The North Street shop has since been inundated with inquiries from all over the world, from collectors and the media, since a woman from Chipshop called to offer her unique musical collection. The windfall could mean as much as to £20,000 for the charity. Terry Hyde, Oxfam's music specialist for West Devon and Cornwall, said that it had been a hectic time, with 300 LPs already gone, and shop staff 'filling the shelves as fast as they can'. He said: 'There has been lots of interest from all over the country. We have been posting LPs out but people, including dealers, are coming to Tavistock specifically to go through this collection. We would naturally like local people to have the chance to buy the records first.' Media interest has been phenomenal; stories have appeared in the Guardian and there have been calls from television, radio and newspapers as well as specialist magazines not just nationally but worldwide. Terry said a call was taken by a member of staff in January that a woman wanted to donate her collection. He thought it may be a box or two of records — but he was pleasantly shocked when the donations turned out to be enough 'to fill a Ford Transit'. Terry said: 'Her husband died eight or nine years ago and she now felt it the appropriate time for her to donate them to us, and we are very pleased she did. The library of LPs must represent 30 or 40 years' of collecting of one man's life — but when they are sold they may help to save the lives of 500 people.' 'One Tavistock collector whose interest is in early music, particularly Bach and Haydn, is absolutely delighted — and he bought a rare record of 16th century lute music composed by John Dowland.' The collection ranges from 500 year old Gregorian chants to avant garde modern music. 'There's something for everybody,' said Terry, with LPs on sale from £1.99, to £99 for an early pressing of cello music by Rostropovich, conducted by Benjamin Britten. Those interested in buying the records can either go into the North Street shop or can email [email protected]">[email protected] for information and a spreadsheet of the discs available. Jacky Theobald, Oxfam's West Devon retail manager, said funds raised by the donation will go many Oxfam projects in the Third World. The charity's ethos is to 'help people help themselves' and £20, for example, will help irrigate a farmer's field, £49 can help teach seven adults to read, £200 will built a new classroom while £1,700 will fund a whole school. 'If anyone could give us some time as a volunteer we would really appreciate it. ' It's really good to giving a donation but giving the gift of giving your time is one of the most valuable things someone can give,' said Jacky. For information call Jacky on 01822 616273. l Pictured right are Terry Hyde and Jacky Theobald at the Oxfam music shop in Tavistock, showing off some of the huge collection of donated records.
