I REMEMBER WHEN…

From the age of nine, Carl Burge was either digging up Victorian bottle tops or rummaging through jumble sales for early finds. His passion included collecting coins, bottles, stamps & Dinky Toys. Electric train sets were all the rage in the 70’s, but he preferred steam locomotives. After leaving full-time education in May 1985 he went on to Technical College to study ‘Vehicle Body Repair, ‘Engines & Chassis Components & Communication Skills – passing with Distinctions.
He started employment as a trainee Paint-Sprayer/Panel Beater & later went on to restore classic cars & architectural bygones in his spare time. At twenty-one he bought his first home. Common 1A was renamed ‘Peppermint Twist’, something reminiscent of a theme club for contained within its walls was an abundance of collectables ranging from Bakelite telephones to a Wurlitzer jukebox!

The opportunity arose in April 2001 to open a small shop in the grounds of a working Windmill in Denver, Norfolk. A stunning retreat, rich in history & ideal location to sell off some of his collection. Juggling 9 – 5 employment & managing his new business evenings, weekends & bank holidays meant something eventually was going to have to change.

In 2005 he left the motor trade to follow his heart, taking with him 20 years experience & a stronger than ever desire to preserve or restore our glorious historical past.